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THE 
 
 DISPENSATORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 NITED STATES OF AM 
 
 ERICA. 
 
 BY 
 
 GEORGE B. WOOD, M.D., 
 
 PROFESSOR OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF 
 PENNSYLVANIA, 
 
 PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS OF PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 ONE OF THE PHYSICIANS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL, ETC. ETC. 
 
 AND 
 
 FRANKLIN BACHE, M.D., 
 
 PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY IN JEFFERSON MEDICAL COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA, 
 PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, ETC. ETC. 
 
 d 
 
 TENTH EDITION, 
 CAREFULLY REVISED. 
 
 k> 
 
 
 V 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO, AND CO. 
 1 8 54 . 
 
Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1854, 
 
 By George B. Wood, M. D., and Franklin Bache, M. D., 
 
 in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States in and for the 
 Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 
 T. K. AND P. G. COLLINS, PRINTERS. 
 

 / 
 
 
 O' 
 
 m t '/ 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 TO 
 
 THE FIRST EDITION. 
 
 The objects of a Dispensatory are to present an account of medicinal 
 substances in the state in which they are brought into the shops, and to 
 teach the modes in which they are prepared for use. The importance 
 of these objects, and the general value and even necessity of a work of 
 this nature, will not be disputed. It may, however, be a question, how 
 far the wants of the medical and pharmaceutical community in this 
 country are supplied by the Dispensatories already in circulation ; and 
 whether such a deficiency exists as to justify the offer of a new one to 
 the public attention. The great merits of the works severally entitled 
 “The Edinburgh New Dispensatory,” and “ The London Dispensatory,” 
 the former edited by the late Andrew Duncan, M. D., the latter by 
 Anthony Todd Thomson, M. D., are well known wherever the English 
 language is spoken. Founded, as they both are, upon the excellent 
 basis laid by Lewis, they are nevertheless entitled, from the great addi- 
 tion of valuable materials, and the distinctive character exhibited in the 
 arrangement of these materials, to be considered as original works : 
 wdiile the style in which they have been executed speaks strongly in 
 favour of the skill and industry of their authors. But they were calcu- 
 lated especially for the sphere of Great Britain, and are too deficient 
 in all that relates exclusively to this country, to admit of being received 
 as standards here. In the history of our commerce in drugs, and of 
 the nature, growth, and collection of our indigenous medical plants ; in 
 the chemical operations of our extensive laboratories ; and in the modes 
 of preparing, dispensing, and applying medicines, which have gradually 
 grown into use among us : there is much that is peculiar, a knowledge 
 of which is not to be gained from foreign books, and is yet necessary 
 to the character of an accomplished American pharmaceutist. We 
 have, moreover, a National Pharmacopoeia, which requires an explana- 
 tory commentary, in order that its precepts may be fully appreciated. 
 
iv Preface to the First Edition. 
 
 and advantageously put into practice. On these accounts it is desirable 
 that there should he a Dispensatory of the United States, which, while 
 it embraces whatever is useful in European pharmacy, may accurately 
 represent the art as it exists in this country, and give instruction adapted 
 to our peculiar wants. It appears due to our national character, that 
 such a work should be in good faith an American work, newly prepared 
 in all its parts, and not a mere edition of one of the European Dispen- 
 satories, with here and there additions and alterations, which, though 
 they may be useful in themselves, cannot be made to harmonize with 
 the other materials so as to give to the whole an appearance of unity, 
 and certainly would not justify the assumption of a new and national 
 title for the book. Whether, in the Dispensatories which have been 
 published in the United States, these requisites have been satisfactorily 
 fulfilled, it rests with the public to determine. That valuable treatises 
 on Materia Medica and Pharmacy have been issued in this country, no 
 candid person, acquainted with our medical literature, will be disposed 
 to deny. In offering a new work to the medical and pharmaceutical 
 professions, the authors do not wish to be considered as undervaluing 
 the labours of their predecessors. They simply conceive that the field 
 has not been so fully occupied as to exclude all competition. The 
 pharmacy of continental Europe is ground which has been almost un- 
 touched ; and much information in relation to the natural history, com- 
 merce, and management of our own drugs, has lain ungathered in the 
 possession of individuals, or scattered in separate treatises and periodi- 
 cals not generally known and read. Since the publication of the last 
 edition of our National Pharmacopoeia, no general explanation of its 
 processes has appeared, though required in justice both to that work 
 and to the public. The hope of being able to supply these deficiencies 
 may, perhaps, be considered a sufficient justification for the present 
 undertaking. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeia of the United States has been adopted as the 
 basis of this Dispensatory. It is followed both in its general division 
 of medicines, and in its alphabetical arrangement of them under each 
 division. Precedence is, in every instance, given to the names which 
 it recognises, while the explanations by which it fixes the signification 
 of these names, are inserted in immediate connexion with the titles to 
 which they severally belong. Every article which it designates is more 
 or less fully described ; and all its processes, after being literally copied, 
 are commented on and explained whenever comment and explanation 
 appeared necessary. Nothing, in fine, has been omitted, which, in the 
 estimation of the authors, could serve to illustrate its meaning, or 
 
Preface to the First Edition. 
 
 v 
 
 promote the ends which it was intended to subserve. This course of 
 proceeding appeared to be due to the national character of the Phar- 
 macopoeia, and to the important object of establishing, as far as possible, 
 throughout the United States, uniformity both in the nomenclature and 
 preparation of medicines. In one particular, convenience required that 
 the plan of the Pharmacopoeia should be departed from. The medicines 
 belonging to the department of Materia Medica, instead of being 
 arranged in two divisions, corresponding with the Primary and Se- 
 condary Catalogues of that work, have been treated of indiscriminately 
 in alphabetical succession ; and the place which they respectively hold 
 in the Pharmacopoeia is indicated by the employment of the term 
 Secondary , in connexion with the name of each of the medicines in- 
 cluded in the latter catalogue. 
 
 But, though precedence has thus been given to the Pharmacopoeia 
 of the United States, those of Great Britain have not been neglected. 
 The nomenclature adopted by the different British Colleges, and their 
 formulae for the preparation of medicines, have been so extensively 
 followed throughout the United States, that a work intended to repre- 
 sent the present state of pharmacy in this country would be imperfect 
 without them ; and the fact that the writings of British physicians and 
 surgeons, in which their own officinal terms and preparations are exclu- 
 sively employed and referred to, have an extensive circulation among 
 ns, renders some commentary necessary in order to prevent serious 
 mistakes. The Pharmacopoeias of London, Edinburgh, and Dublin 
 have, therefore, been incorporated, in all their essential parts, into the 
 present work. Their officinal titles are uniformly given, always in 
 subordination to those of the United States Pharmacopoeia, when they 
 express the same object ; but in chief, when, as often happens, no 
 corresponding medicine or preparation is recognised by our national 
 standard. In the latter case, if different names are applied by different 
 British Colleges to the same object, that one is generally preferred 
 which is most in accordance with our own system of nomenclature, and 
 the others are given as synonymes. The medicines directed by the 
 British Colleges are all described, and their processes either copied at 
 length, or so far explained as to be intelligible in all essential par- 
 ticulars. 
 
 Besides the medicinal substances recognised as officinal by the Phar- 
 macopoeias alluded to, some others have been described, which, either 
 from the lingering remains of former reputation, from recent reports in 
 their favour, or from their important relation to medicines in general 
 use, appear to have claims upon the attention of the physician and 
 
vi Preface to the First Edition. 
 
 apothecary. Opportunity has, moreover, been taken to introduce 
 incidentally brief accounts of substances used in other countries or in 
 former times, and occasionally noticed in medical books ; and, that the 
 reader may be able to refer to them when desirous of information, their 
 names have been placed with those of the standard remedies in the 
 Index. 
 
 In the description of each medicine, if derived immediately from the 
 animal, vegetable, or mineral kingdom, the attention of the authors has 
 been directed to its natural history, the place of its growth or produc- 
 tion, the method of collecting and preparing it for market, its com- 
 mercial history, the state in which it reaches us, its sensible properties, 
 its chemical composition and relations, the changes which it undergoes 
 by time and exposure, its accidental or fraudulent adulterations, its 
 medical properties and application, its economical uses, and the phar- 
 maceutical treatment to which it is subjected. If a chemical prepara- 
 tion, the mode and principles of its manufacture are indicated in addition 
 to the other particulars. If a poison, and likely to be accidentally 
 taken, or purposely employed as such, its peculiar toxicological effects, 
 together with the mode of counteracting them, are indicated ; and the 
 best means of detecting its presence by reagents are explained. 
 
 The authors have followed the example of Dr. A. T. Thomson, in 
 giving botanical descriptions of the plants from which the medicines 
 treated of are derived. In relation to all indigenous medicinal plants, 
 and those naturalized or cultivated in this country, the advantages of 
 such descriptions are obvious. The physician may often be placed in 
 situations, in which it may be highly important that he should be able 
 to recognise the vegetable which yields a particular medicine ; and the 
 apothecary is constantly liable to imposition from the collectors of 
 herbs, unless possessed of the means of distinguishing, by infallible 
 marks, the various products presented to him. A knowledge of foreign 
 medicinal plants, though of less importance, will be found useful in 
 various ways, independently of the gratification afforded by the indul- 
 gence of a liberal curiosity in relation to objects so closely connected 
 with our daily pursuits. The introduction of these botanical notices 
 into a Dispensatory appears to be peculiarly appropriate ; as they are 
 to be considered rather as objects for occasional reference than for 
 regular study or continuous perusal, and therefore coincide with the 
 general design of the work, which is to collect into a convenient form 
 for consultation all that is practically important in relation to medicines. 
 The authors have endeavoured to preserve a due proportion between the 
 minuteness of the descriptions, and their value as means of information 
 
Preface to the First Edition. vii 
 
 to the student ; and, in pursuance of this plan, have generally dwelt 
 more at length upon our native plants, than upon those of foreign 
 growth : but, in all instances in which they have deemed any botanical 
 description necessary, they have taken care to include in it the essential 
 scientific character of the genus and species, with a reference to the 
 position of the plant in the artificial and natural systems of classifica- 
 tion ; so that a person acquainted with the elements of botany may be 
 able to recognise it when it comes under his observation. 
 
 In preparing the Dispensatory, the authors have consulted, in addition 
 to many of the older works of authority, the greater number of the 
 treatises and dissertations which have recently appeared upon the 
 various subjects connected with Pharmacy, and especially those of the 
 French writers, who stand at present at the head of this department of 
 medical science. They have also endeavoured to collect such detached 
 facts, scattered through the various scientific, medical, and pharmaceu- 
 tical journals, as they conceived to be important in themselves, and 
 applicable to the subjects under consideration; and have had frequent- 
 recourse to the reports of travellers in relation to the natural and com- 
 mercial history of foreign drugs. The occasional references in the body 
 of the work will indicate the sources from which they have most largely 
 drawn, and the authorities upon which they have most relied. In 
 relation to our own commerce in drugs, and to the operations of our 
 chemical laboratories, they are indebted for information chiefly to the 
 kindness of gentlemen engaged in these branches of business, who have 
 always evinced, in answering their numerous inquiries, a promptitude 
 and politeness which merit their warm thanks, and which they are 
 pleased to have this opportunity of acknowledging.* 
 
 It has not been deemed necessary to follow the example of the British 
 Dispensatories, by inserting into the work a treatise upon Chemistry, 
 under the name of Elements of Pharmacy. Such a treatise must neces- 
 sarily be very meagre and imperfect ; and, as systems of chemistry are 
 in the hands of every physician and apothecary, would uselessly occupy 
 the place of valuable matter of less easy access. 
 
 The authors may, perhaps, be permitted to observe, in relation to 
 themselves, that they have expended much time and labour in the pre- 
 
 * The authors deem it proper to state that they are peculiarly indebted for assistance 
 to Sir. Daniel B. Smith, president of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, to whom, 
 besides much important information in relation to the various branches of the apothe- 
 cary's business, they owe the prefatory remarks on Pharmacy which are placed at the 
 commencement of the second part of the work, and the several articles, in the Materia 
 Medica, upon Leeches, Carbonate of Magnesia, and Sulphate of Magnesia. 
 
viii Preface to the First Edition. 
 
 paration of the work; have sought diligently for facts from every readily 
 accessible source ; have endeavoured, by a comparison of authorities, 
 and a close scrutiny of evidence, to ascertain the truth whenever prac- 
 ticable ; and have exerted themselves to the extent of their abilities to 
 render the Dispensatory worthy of public approbation, both for the 
 quality and quantity of its contents, and the general- accuracy of its 
 statements. They are conscious, nevertheless, that, in so great a mul- 
 tiplicity of details, numerous errors and deficiencies may exist, and that 
 the faults of undue brevity in some cases, and prolixity in others, may 
 not have been entirely avoided ; but they venture to hope that a candid 
 public will make all due allowances ; and they take the liberty to invite 
 from all those who may feel interested in the diffusion of sound phar- 
 maceutical knowledge, the communication of friendly suggestions or 
 criticisms in relation to the objects and execution of the work. 
 
 Philadelphia , January , 1833. 
 
PREFACE TO THE TENTH EDITION. 
 
 In the foregoing preface to the first edition of this work, sufficient 
 has been said of its objects, the plan upon which it was written, and 
 the sources whence the materials composing it were originally derived. 
 A modification of its arrangement was made in the second edition, by 
 the introduction of an Appendix, containing an account of drugs not 
 recognised by the American or British Pharmacopoeias, yet possessing 
 some interest from their former or existing relations to Medicine and 
 Pharmacy. This Appendix has been so much enlarged by the nume- 
 rous additions subsequently made to it, that it might well be considered 
 as a third part of the Dispensatory ; so that the work may be said to 
 consist of three divisions, the first treating exclusively of the medicines 
 included in the Materia Medica catalogues of the Pharmacopoeias, the 
 second of the Preparations, and • the last of substances not strictly 
 officinal. A precision has thus been given to its arrangement which 
 was at first wanting. In the several editions which have followed, it 
 has been the aim of the authors to keep pace with the progress of 
 Materia Medica and Pharmacy, making changes corresponding with 
 those of the officinal codes acknowledged by them as authoritative, and 
 introducing more or less in detail all the new facts, views, and pro- 
 cesses, as they came to public notice. In the last edition, that, namely, 
 of 1851, it was necessary to make a thorough revision of the whole 
 work, and in a considerable degree to rearrange the materials, in con- 
 sequence of the then recent appearance of new and greatly altered 
 editions of our national Pharmacopoeia, and of those of the London and 
 Dublin Colleges. We refer to these changes now, in order to call atten- 
 tion to the new division of weights adopted by the Dublin College, 
 which, though the same in terms as those in general use, differ from 
 them materially in value, and, therefore, required much caution, on the 
 
X 
 
 Preface to the Tenth Edition. 
 
 part of the authors, to guard against serious mistakes. It will be seen, 
 by consulting the formulas of the several Pharmacopoeias, that care has 
 been taken, in all cases in which the result would be affected by a mis- 
 understanding of the denominations of weight employed, to refer within 
 brackets to their proper signification. Thus, the pound and ounce of 
 the Dublin processes are designated as belonging to the avoirdupois 
 weight, and the subdivisions of drachms and scruples to the Lublin 
 weights , the value of which is indicated by a table in the Appendix. 
 The measures now employed by all the British Colleges are the Impe- 
 rial gallon and its subdivisions, differing more or less in value from the 
 similar denominations of the wine measure used in the U. S. Pharma- 
 copoeia ; and it has been necessary, on this point also, to guard against 
 error by a particular reference to the fact, in every formula in which 
 entire accuracy is, essential. 
 
 In regard to the present edition, the authors have only to say that 
 they have exercised no less vigilance than on former occasions, to let 
 nothing escape them which could add to the value of the work, and 
 make it, what it aims to be, a representative of the existing state of 
 Pharmacy, and a safe guide for the student and practitioner. Within 
 the three years which have elapsed since the publication of the last 
 edition, the improvements in Materia Medica and Pharmacy have kept 
 pace with the general progress in other departments of science and art; 
 and it has been necessary to make many additions and modifications in 
 the Dispensatory in accordance with these improvements. The great 
 difficulty of the authors has been to prevent the work from swelling 
 beyond the limits of a single volume, and thus becoming inconvenient 
 for reference. By discarding, however, whatever seemed to them to 
 have become useless through the advance of knowledge or change of 
 opinion, by aiming at the greatest conciseness of expression consistent 
 with clearness in regard both to the old and the new matter, and by 
 care to avoid any waste of space in the method of arranging the mate- 
 rials for the pj'ess, they trust that they have succeeded in accomplishing 
 this object without impairing the usefulness of the work ; but they have, 
 nevertheless, found it necessary somewhat to increase the number of 
 pages, as well as slightly to enlarge the dimensions of the page, by 
 
Preface to the Tenth Edition. 
 
 xi 
 
 which means considerable space has been gained. With these few pre- 
 liminary explanations, they offer the Dispensatory for the tenth time to 
 the public, hoping that it may meet with that approval from the medical 
 and pharmaceutical professions, of which it has always been their aim 
 to render it deserving. 
 
 Philadelphia , July , 1854. 
 
 r 
 
ABBREVIATIONS EMPLOYED IN THE WORK. 
 
 U. S. — “The Pharmacopoeia op the United States op America. By 
 authority of the National Medical Convention, held at Washington, A. D. 
 1850.” 
 
 Lond. — London Pharmacopoeia, A. D. 1851. 
 
 Ed. — Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, A. D. 1841. 
 
 Dub. — Dublin Pharmacopoeia, A. D. 1850. 
 
 Off. Syn. — Officinal Synonymes, or the titles employed by the Pharmaco- 
 poeias with the accompanying explanations, when these titles are not given 
 in chief. 
 
 Sex. Syst. — The Sexual System, or the artificial system of Linnaeus, founded 
 on the sexual organization of plants. 
 
 Nat. Ord. — The Natural Order to which any particular genus of plants 
 belongs. When not otherwise stated, it is to be understood that the natural 
 orders referred to are those recognised by Professor Bindley, of the University 
 of London, in his “ Introduction to the Natural System of Botany.” 
 
 Gen. Ch. — The Generic Character, or scientific description of any particular 
 genus of plants under consideration. 
 
 Off. Prep. — Officinal Preparations; including all the preparations into 
 which any particular medicine directed by the U- S. Pharmacopoeia or the 
 British Colleges enters. When the same preparation has received different 
 names in the different Pharmacopoeias, only one of these names is mentioned, 
 and precedence is always given to that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Sp. Gr. — Specific Gravity. 
 
 Equiv., or Eq. — Chemical Equivalent, or the number representing the 
 smallest quantity in which one body usually combines with others. 
 
 Linn., Linnaeus. — Juss., Jussieu. — De Cand., De Candolle. — Willd. Sp. 
 Plant., Willdenow’s edition of the species plantarum of Linnhius. 
 — Woodv. Med. Bot., Woodville’s Medical Botany, 2d edition. — B., 
 Baumes Hydrometer. 
 
 Fr., Erench. — Germ., German. — Ital, Italian. — Span., Spanish. — Arab., 
 Arabic. 
 
THE 
 
 DISPENSATOEY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNITED STATES, 
 
 PART I. 
 
 MATERIA MEDICA. 
 
 The Materia Medica, in its most comprehensive sense, embraces all those 
 substances which are capable of making sanative impressions on the human 
 system ; but, as the term is employed in this work, it has a more restricted 
 signification. The Pharmacopoeias of the United States and Gi'eat Britain 
 very appropriately arrange medicines in two distinct divisions, one including 
 all those which are furnished immediately by nature, or thrown into com- 
 merce by the manufacturer ; the other, those which are prepared by the 
 apothecary, and are the objects of officinal directions. The former are enu- 
 merated under the title of “ Materia Medica;” the latter, under that of 
 “ Preparations,” or “ Preparations and Compositions.” In Dispensa- 
 tories, which may be considered as commentaries on the Pharmacopoeias, the 
 same arrangement is usually followed ; and the authors of the present work 
 adopt it the more willingly, as, independently of the weight of authority in 
 its favour, it has the recommendation of being the most convenient. By this 
 plan, all the directions which relate to the practical operations of the apothe- 
 cary are collected in one place, and are thus more easily referred to than if 
 mixed indiscriminately with other matters, as they must be by any mode of 
 arrangement which makes no distinction between the original medicinal sub- 
 stances and their preparations. Under the head of Materia Medica, there- 
 fore, in this Dispensatory, we treat of medicines in the state only in which 
 they are produced by nature, or come into the hands of the apothecary. Of 
 these medicines, such as are recognised by our National Pharmacopoeia are 
 most minutely described; but we consider also all that are included in the 
 officinal catalogues of the British Colleges. 
 
 Another point in which we accord with the Pharmacopoeias is the alpha- 
 betical arrangement of the objects of the Materia Medica. As a Dispensatory 
 is intended rather for reference than for regular perusal, it is important that 
 its contents should be so disposed as to facilitate consultation. Medicines, in 
 a work of this kind, are considered as independent objects, to be studied 
 
2 
 
 Materia Medica. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 separately, and without any reference to community of source, or similarity 
 of character. Their scientific classification belongs to works which treat of 
 them rather in their relations than their essential properties ; and different 
 systems have been adopted, according to the set of relations towards which the 
 mind of the author has been especially directed. Thus, the naturalist classi- 
 fies them according to the affinities of the several objects in nature from which 
 they are derived ; the chemist, according to their composition; the practi- 
 tioner of medicine, according to their effects upon the system in a state of 
 health and disease. But none of these classifications is without imperfections ; 
 and a simple alphabetical arrangement is decidedly preferable, in every case 
 in which the medicines are considered solely in their individual capacity. 
 Yet, as it comes within the scope of this work, to treat of their physiological 
 and therapeutical effects, and as the terms by which these effects are expressed 
 are also the titles of classes to which the medicines belong, it will not be 
 amiss to present the reader with the outlines of a system of classification, by 
 consulting which he will be enabled to ascertain the precise meaning we attach 
 to the terms employed to designate the peculiar action of different medicinal 
 substances. 
 
 Remedies are divided into general and local, the former acting on the whole 
 system, the latter on particular parts or organs. 
 
 I. GENERAL REMEDIES include 1. Arterial Stimulants, some- 
 times called Incitants, which, while they raise the actions of the system 
 above the standard of health, exhibit their influence chiefly upon the heart 
 and arteries ; 2. Narcotics, which especially affect the cerebral functions, 
 and are either stimulant or sedative according as they increase or diminish 
 action; 3. Antispasmodics, which, with a general stimulant power, exert a 
 peculiar influence over the nervous system, exhibited in the relaxation of 
 spasm, the calming of nervous irritation, &c., without any special and decided 
 tendency to the brain ; 4. Tonics, which moderately and permanently exalt 
 the energies of all parts of the frame, without necessarily producing any 
 apparent increase of the healthy actions; and 5. Astringents, which have 
 the property of producing contraction in the living tissues with which they 
 may come in contact. 
 
 II. LOCAL REMEDIES may be divided into four sections : a. Those 
 affecting the function of a part, namely, 1. Emetics, which act on the sto- 
 mach, producing vomiting; 2. Cathartics, which act on the bowels, pro- 
 ducing a purgative effect ; 3. Diuretics, which act on the kidneys, producing 
 an increased flow of urine ; 4. Antilithics, which act on the same organs, 
 preventing the formation of calculous matter ; 5. Diaphoretics, which in- 
 crease the cutaneous discharge ; 6. Expectorants, which augment the se- 
 cretion from the pulmonary mucous membrane, or promote the discharge of 
 the secreted matter ; 7. Emmenagogues, which excite the menstrual secre- 
 tion; 8. Sialagogues, which increase .the flow of saliva ; and 9. Errhines, 
 which increase the discharge from the mucous membrane of the nostrils : 
 b. Those affecting the organization of a part, including 1. RUBEFACIENTS, 
 which produce redness and inflammation of the skin ; 2. Epispastics or 
 Vesicatories, which produce a serous discharge beneath the cuticle, forming 
 a blister; and 3. Escharotics or Caustics, which destroy the life of the 
 part upon which they act : c- Those operating by a mechanical agency, con- 
 sisting of 1. Demulcents, which lubricate the surface to which they are 
 applied, and prevent the contact of irritating substances, or mingle with 
 these and diminish their acrimony; and 2. Emollients, which serve as 
 vehicles for the application of warmth and moisture, at the same time ex- 
 cluding the air: d. Those which act on extraneous matters contained u-ithin 
 
PART I. 
 
 Materia Medica. 
 
 3 
 
 the organs, including 1. Anthelmintics, which destroy worms, or expel 
 them from the bowels; and 2. Antacids, which neutralize acid, whether 
 existing in the alimentary canal, or circulating with the blood. 
 
 It is believed that all substances employed as medicines, with the exception 
 of a very few which are so peculiar in their action as scarcely to admit of 
 classification, may be distributed without violence among the above classes. 
 Some substances, however, in addition to the properties of the classes to which 
 they are severally attached, possess others in common, which give them 
 practical value, and authorize their association in distinct groups, not recog- 
 nised in the system of classification, but constantly referred to in medical 
 language. Thus, we have Refrigerants, which, when internally adminis- 
 tered, diminish animal temperature; Alteratives, which change, in some 
 inexplicable and insensible manner, certain morbid actions of the system; and 
 Carminatives, which, by promoting contraction in the muscular coat of the 
 stomach and bowels, cause the expulsion of flatus. It is common, moreover, 
 to attach distinct names to groups of remedies, with reference to certain 
 eflrects which are incident to the properties that serve to arrange them in some 
 more comprehensive class. Thus, Narcotics frequently promote sleep and 
 relieve pain, and, in relation to these properties, are called Soporifics and 
 Anodynes ; and various medicines, which, by diversified modes of action, 
 serve to remove chronic inflammation and enlargements of the glands, or 
 viscera, are called Deobstruents. These terms are occasionally employed 
 in the following pages, and are here explained, in order that the sense in 
 which we use them may be accurately understood. W. 
 
4 
 
 Absinthium. 
 
 past I. 
 
 ABSINTHIUM. U. S., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Wormwood. 
 
 The tops and leaves of Artemisia Absinthium. U S. The herb in flower. 
 Lond. The herb. Ed. 
 
 Absinthe, Fr. ; Gemeiner Wermuth, Germ,.; Assenzio, Ital. ; Artemisio Axenjo, Span. 
 
 Artemisia. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia Superflua. — Nat. Ord. Composite 
 Senecionideae. De Cand. Asteraceae. Lindley. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Receptacle sub-villous, or nearly naked. Seed-down none. 
 Calyx imbricate, with roundish, converging scales. Corollas of the ray none. 
 Willd. 
 
 Several species of Artemisia have enjoyed some reputation as medicines. 
 The leaves of A. Abrotanum, or southernwood, have a fragrant odour, and a 
 warm, bitter, nauseous taste ; and were formerly employed as a tonic, deob- 
 struent, and anthelmintic. Similar virtues have been ascribed to A. San- 
 tonica. A. pontica has been occasionally substituted for common wormwood, 
 but is weaker. A. vulgaris, or mugwort, formerly enjoyed considerable 
 reputation as an emmenagogue, and a few years since came into notice, in 
 consequence of the recommendation of its root in epilepsy by Dr. Burdaeh 
 of Germany. For this purpose, it should be collected in autumn or early in 
 the spring, and the side roots only dried for use. These should be powdered 
 as they are wanted, the ligneous portion being rejected. The dose is about a 
 drachm, to be administered in some warm vehicle in anticipation of the pa- 
 roxysm, and to be repeated once or twice, at intervals of half an hour, till 
 perspiration is produced, the patient being confined to bed. In the intervals, 
 it may be given every second day. This is merely the revival of an old 
 practice in Germany. Dr. Neumeister, of Arneburg, has recently used mug- 
 wort, in connexion with assafetida, successfully in chorea. He adds a pound 
 of the tops to a gallon of water, digests for three days, then strains, adds 
 three ounces of assafetida, and gives a teacupful for a dose. The proportion 
 of assafetida might be reduced to one-third, if well mixed. (See Ed. Month. 
 Journ. of Med. Sci. xiii. 482.) A. vulgaris of this country is thought by 
 Nuttall to be a distinct species, and may not possess similar properties. In 
 China, moxa is said to be prepared from the leaves of Artemisia Chinensis, 
 and A. Indica. The medicine known in Europe by the name of wormseed, 
 is probably the product of different species of Artemisia. (See Wormseed in 
 the Appendix.) The only species which requires particular description here 
 is A. Absinthium. 
 
 Artemisia Absinthium. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 1844; Woodv. Med. Bot. 
 p. 54, t. 22. Wormwood is a perennial plant, with branching, round, and 
 striated or furrowed stems, which rise two or three feet in height, and are 
 panicled at their summit. The lower portion of the stem lives several years, 
 and annually sends up herbaceous shoots, which perish in the winter. The 
 radical leaves are triply pinnatifid, with lanceolate, obtuse, dentate divisions ; 
 those of the stem, doubly or simply pinnatifid, with lanceolate, somewhat 
 acute divisions; the floral leaves are lanceolate; all are hoary. The flowers 
 are of a brownish-yellow colour, hemispherical, pedicelled, nodding, and in 
 erect racemes. The florets of the disk are numerous, those of the ray few. 
 
 This plant is a native of Europe/where it is also cultivated for medical 
 use. It is among our garden herbs, and has been naturalized in the moun- 
 tainous districts of New England. The leaves and flowering summits are the 
 parts employed, the larger parts of the stalk being rejected. They should be 
 
PART I. 
 
 Absinthium. — Acacia. 
 
 5 
 
 gathered in July or August, when the plant is in flower. They preserve 
 their peculiar sensible properties long when dried. 
 
 Wormwood has a strong odour, and an intensely bitter, nauseous taste, 
 which it imparts to water and alcohol. It yields by distillation a volatile oil 
 (oleum absinthii'), usually of a dark-green colour, sometimes yellow or 
 brownish, having a strong odour of the plant, an acrid peculiar taste, and 
 the sp. gr. 0.972. It is sometimes adulterated with alcohol, oil of turpen- 
 tine, &c., which lessen its specific gravity. The other constituents, according 
 to Braconnot, are a very bitter, and an almost insipid azotized matter, an ex- 
 cessively bitter resinous substance, chlorophylle, albumen, starch, saline 
 matters, and lignin. The cold infusion becomes olive-green and turbid on 
 the addition of sesquichloride of iron, indicating the probable existence of a 
 small proportion of tannic acid. ( Pereira. ) Among the saline substances, 
 Braconnot found one consisting of potassa, and an acid which he supposed to 
 be peculiar, and denominated absinthic acicl, but which is said to be identical 
 with the succinic. This acid may be recognised among the products of the 
 dry distillation of wormwood. ( Annal . der Chem. und Pharm., xlviii. 122.) 
 The substance formerly called salt of wormwood ( sal absinthii ) is impure 
 carbonate of potassa, obtained by lixiviating the ashes of the plant. By pre- 
 cipitating an infusion of wormwood with acetate of lead, separating the excess 
 of lead by" sulphuretted hydrogen, evaporating the liquor to dryness, digesting 
 the residue in a mixture of alcohol and ether, and submitting the resulting 
 tincture to slow evaporation, Caventou obtained a very bitter, imperfectly 
 crystalline substance, which he considered as the active principle, and for 
 which the name of absinthin has been proposed. Dr. E. Luck has obtained 
 pure absinthin by a process which may be seen in the Am. Journ. of Pharm., 
 (xxiii. 858.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Wormwood was known to the ancients. 
 It is highly tonic ; and its active principles probably enter the circulation, 
 as it is said to render the flesh and milk of animals fed with it bitter. It 
 formerly enjoyed great reputation in numerous complaints, attended with a 
 debilitated condition of the digestive organs, or of the system generally. 
 Before the introduction of Peruvian bark, it was much used in the treatment 
 of intermittents. It has also been supposed to possess anthelmintic virtues. 
 At present, however, it is little used in regular practice on this side of the 
 Atlantic. A narcotic property has been ascribed to it by some writers, in 
 consequence of its tendency to occasion headache, and, when long continued, 
 to produce disorder of the nervous system. This property is supposed to 
 depend on the volatile oil, and, therefore, to be less obvious in the decoction 
 than in the powder or infusion. In large doses, wormwood irritates the 
 stomach, and excites the circulation. The herb is sometimes applied exter- 
 nally, by way of fomentation, as an antiseptic and discutient. The dose in 
 substance is from one to two scruples ; of the infusion, made by macerating 
 an ounce in a pint of boiling water, from one to two fluidounces. W. 
 
 ACACIA. U. Lond., Dub. 
 
 Gum Arabic. 
 
 The conci’ete juice of Acacia vera and other species of Acacia. U S., Land. 
 The gum of Acacia vera. Dab. 
 
 Off. Syn. GrUMMI ACACLE. Gum of various species of Acacia. Ed. 
 
 Gomme Arabique, Fr. ; Arabisches Gummi, Germ. ; Gemma Arabica, Ital. ; Goma 
 Arab®, Span. ; Samagh Arabee, Arab. 
 
6 
 
 Acacia. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 Acacia. Sex. Syst. Polygamia Moncecia. — Nat. Ord. Leguminosse. Trib. 
 Mimosese. 
 
 This genus is one of those into which the old genus Mimosa of Linnaeus 
 was divided by Willdenow. The name of Acacia was employed by the .an- 
 cient Greeks to designate the gum-tree of Egypt, and has been appropriately 
 applied to the new genus in which that plant is included. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Hermaphrodite. Calyx five-toothed. Corolla five-cleft, or 
 formed of five petals. Stamens 4-100. Pistil one. Legume bivalve. Male. 
 Calyx five-toothed. Corolla five-cleft, or formed of five petals. Stamens 
 4-100. WiUd. 
 
 Several species of Acacia contribute to furnish the gum Arabic of the 
 shops. Among the most important are A- vera and A. Arabica, confounded 
 together by Linnreus under the title of Mimosa Nilotica. 
 
 Acacia vera. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 1805 ; Hayne, Darstel. und Besehreib. 
 &c. x. 34. This is a tree of middling size, with numerous scattered branches, 
 of which the younger are much bent, and covered with a reddish-brown bark. 
 The leaves are alternate and bipinnate, with two pairs of pinnae, of which the 
 lower are usually furnished with ten pairs of leaflets, the upper with eight. 
 The leaflets are very small, oblong-linear, smooth, and supported upon very 
 short footstalks. On the common petiole is a gland between each pair of 
 pinnai. Both the common and partial petiole are smooth. Two sharp spines, 
 from a quarter to half an inch long, of the colour of the smaller branches, 
 and joined together at their base, are found at the insertion of each leaf. 
 The flowers are yellow, inodorous, small, and collected in globular heads sup- 
 ported upon slender peduncles, which rise from the axils of the leaves, in 
 number from two to five together. The fruit is a smooth, flat, two-valved 
 legume, divided by contractions, occurring at regular intervals, into several 
 roundish portions, each containing a single seed. This species flourishes in 
 Upper Egypt and Senegal, and is probably scattered over the whole inter- 
 vening portions of the African continent. 
 
 A. Arabica. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 1805 ; Hayne, Darstel. und Besclireib. x. 
 32; Carson, I/lust, of Med. Bat. i. 31. — Acacia Nilotica, Deli lie, I/lust. Flor. 
 de V Egypt, p. 79. This species, though often little more than a shrub, attains 
 in favourable situations the magnitude of a considerable tree, being sometimes 
 forty feet high, with a trunk a foot or more in diameter. The leaves are 
 alternate and doubly pinnate, having from four to six pairs of pinna;, each of 
 which is furnished with from ten to twenty pairs of minute, smooth, oblong- 
 linear leaflets. The common petiole has a gland between the lowest pair of 
 pinnae, and often also between the uppermost pair. Both the common and 
 partial petioles, as well as the young branches, are downy. The thorns are 
 straight, and disposed as in the former species. The flowers are also arranged 
 as in A. vera, and the fruit is of a similar shape. A. Arabica is perhaps the 
 most widely diffused of the gum-bearing species. It grows in Upper and 
 Lower Egypt, Senegal, and other parts of Africa, flourishes also in Arabia, 
 and is abundant in Hindostan, where its gum is used for food by the natives. 
 
 Besides the two species above described, the following afford considerable 
 quantities of gum: — A. Karroo, of the Cape of Good Hope, formerly consi- 
 dered by some as identical with A. vera ; A. Senegal, a small tree, inhabiting 
 the hottest regions of Africa, and said to form vast forests in Senegambia ; 
 A. gummifera, seen by Broussonet in Morocco near Mogador; A. Ehra - 
 bergiana, a shrub six or eight feet high, named in honour of the German 
 traveller Ehrenberg, who observed it in the deserts of Libya, Xubia, and 
 Dongola ; A. Seyal, growing in the same countries with the last-mentioned 
 species, and also in Upper Egypt and Senegambia; A. Adansonii of the 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acacia. 
 
 7 
 
 Flore de SenSgambie, which is said to contribute a portion of the Senegal 
 gum ; and A. tortilis, which sometimes attains the height of sixty-feet, and 
 inhabits Arabia Felix, Nubia, Dongola, and the Libyan desert. It is highly 
 probable that gum is obtained also from other species not hitherto described, 
 growing in the hot latitudes of Africa. A. decurrens and A. jloribunda are 
 said to yield it in New Holland. Other trees, moreover, not belonging to 
 the genus, afford a similar product, especially Feronia elephantum of Hin- 
 dostan, the gum of which, according to Ainslie, is used for medical purposes 
 by all the practitioners of Lower India. 
 
 The gum-bearing Acacias are all thorny or prickly trees or shrubs, calcu- 
 lated by nature for a dry and sandy soil, and flourishing in deserts where few 
 other trees will grow. We are told that camels, attached to the caravans, 
 derive from them their chief sustenance in many parts of those desolate regions 
 in which Africa abounds. In these situations, they have a stunted growth, 
 and present a bare, withered, and uninviting aspect; but in favourable situa- 
 tions, as on the banks of rivers, they are often luxuriant and beautiful. 
 
 Their bark and unripe fruit contain tannic and gallic acids, and are some- 
 times used in tanning. An extract was formerly obtained from the immature 
 pods of A. Arabica and A. vera, by expression and inspissation. It was 
 known to the ancients by the name of acacise verse succus, and was highly 
 lauded by some of the Greek medical writers ; but is at present little used. 
 It is a solid, heavy, shining, reddish-brown substance, of a sweetish, acidu- 
 lous, styptic taste, and soluble in water. Its virtues are probably those of a 
 mild astringent. On the continent of Europe, a preparation is said to be 
 substituted for it called acacia nostras, obtained by expression and inspis- 
 sation from the unripe fruit of the Prunus spinosa, or wild plum tree. 
 
 The gum of the Acacias exudes spontaneously from the bark, and hardens 
 on exposure ; but incisions are sometimes made in order to facilitate the 
 exudation. This is supposed to be favoured by disease ; and it is stated by 
 Jackson that, in Morocco, the greatest product is obtained in the driest and 
 hottest weather, and from the most sickly trees. An elevated temperature 
 appears to be essential ; for in cooler climates, though the tree may flourish, 
 it yields no gum. According to Ehrenberg, the varieties in the characters 
 of the gum do not depend upon difference in the species of the plant. Thus, 
 from the same tree, it will exude frothy or thick, and clear or dark- 
 coloured, and will assume, upon hardening, different shapes and sizes; so 
 that the pieces, when collected, require to be assorted before being delivered 
 into commerce. 
 
 Commercial History and Varieties. The most common varieties of this 
 drug are the Turkey , the Barbary, the Senegal, and the India Gum ; to 
 which may be added the Cape and the Australian Gum. 
 
 1. Turkey Gum. Gum Arabic was formerly procured, chiefly if not 
 exclusively, from Egypt and the neighbouring countries; and much is still 
 obtained from the same sources. It is collected in Upper Egypt, Nubia, 
 Kordofan, and Darfur, whence it is taken down the Nile to Alexandria. We 
 obtain it in this country through Smyrna, Trieste, Marseilles, or some other 
 entrepot of the Mediterranean commerce. Two varieties have long been 
 noticed, one more or less coloured, the other white, which were formerly dis- 
 tinguished by the titles of gum gedda and gum turic, derived from the ports 
 of the Fed Sea, Jidda and Tor, from which the varieties were erroneously 
 supposed to be respectively exported. The gum from Egypt is commonly 
 known to our druggists by the name of Turkey gum, and is the kind with 
 which apothecaries are usually supplied. Though interspersed with round- 
 ish pieces of various sizes, it consists chiefly of small, irregular fragments, 
 
8 
 
 Acacia. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 commonly whitish, or slightly tinged with yellow or reddish-yellow. It is, 
 on the whole, lighter coloured, more brittle, more readily soluble, and freer 
 from impurities than the other commercial varieties, and contains much of 
 that form of gum Arabic, which is characterized by innumerable minute 
 fissures pervading its substance, and impairing its transparency. 
 
 2. Barbary Gum. Much gum Arabic is obtained from Barbary ; and 
 Mogador, a port of Morocco, is the chief entrepot of 'the trade. It is pro- 
 bably derived, in part at least, from Acacia gummifera. According to 
 Jackson, the natives call the tree which affords it attaleh. They gather it 
 in July and August, when the weather is hot and very dry. Two kinds are 
 brought to Mogador, one from the neighbouring provinces, the other by cara- 
 vans from Timbuctoo. This may account for the fact., that Barbary gum in 
 part resembles the Turkey, in part the Senegal. When first- deposited in the 
 warehouses, it has a faint smell, and makes a crackling noise, occasioned by 
 the rupture of the small masses as they become more dry. Barbary gum is 
 exported in casks, and reaches the United States through English commerce. 
 
 8. Senegal Gum. This variety was introduced into Europe by the 
 Dutch. The French afterwards planted a colony on the western coast of 
 Africa, and took possession of the trade; but since the last great European 
 war, it has been largely shared by the English. St. Louis, at the mouth of 
 the Senegal, and Portendic, considerably further north, are the ports in which 
 the commerce in gum has chiefly centred. Immense forests of Acacia exist 
 at some distance in the interior. These are composed chiefly of two trees, 
 called by the natives verech or nereclc, and nebuel or ncbued, the former yield- 
 ing a white gum, the latter a red. These are probably distinct species, the 
 vereck being, according to M. Rain, A. vera, and the nebuel, A. Senegal. 
 According to Adanson, there are several other species in the neighbourhood 
 which yield gum. The juice begins to exude in November. The dry winds, 
 which prevail after the rainy season, cause the bark to crack ; the juice flows 
 out, and hardens in masses, which are often as largo as a pigeon’s egg, and 
 sometimes, according to M. Rain, as the egg of the ostrich. At this period, 
 the Moors and negroes proceed to the forests in caravans, collect the gum in 
 leather sacks, and convey it to the coast. Senegal gum is imported into the 
 United States chiefly from Bordeaux. It is usually in roundish or oval 
 unbroken pieces, of various sizes, sometimes whitish, but generally yellow- 
 ish, reddish, or brownish-red, larger than those of Turkey gum, less brittle 
 and pulverizable, and breaking with a more conchoidal fracture. The 
 French give the name of Gum Galam ( Gamine de Galam ) to a variety 
 consisting of pieces more irregular in shape, often angular and broken, and 
 mixed with small fragments, so as to resemble Turkey gum. 
 
 4. India Gum. Considerable quantities of gum are imported into this 
 country from India. Ainslie states that it is derived from A. Arabica. Most 
 of it is taken to Bomba-yin Arab vessels from Cape Gardafui and Berbera on 
 the north-eastern coast of Africa, where it is collected, or from the ports of 
 the Red Sea. It is in pieces of various size, colour, and quality, some 
 resembling the broken fragments of Turkey gum, though much less chinky ; 
 others large, roundish and tenacious, like the Senegal. Its taste is sweeter 
 than that of the other varieties. It is usually much contaminated, contain- 
 ing, besides genuine gum Arabic, portions of a different product, having the 
 characteristic properties of Bassora gum. This is distinguished by its inso- 
 lubility in water, with which, however, it unites, swelling up, and forming a 
 soft viscid mass. It owes its properties to the presence of bassorin. The 
 pieces of this gum bear a considerable resemblance to those of the genuine 
 article, and may easily escape detection. Their want of solubility, however, 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acacia. 
 
 9 
 
 is a ready test. Besides this impurity in the India gum, there are often 
 others more readily detected. Among these, we have observed a yellowish- 
 white resinous substance, which has the sensible properties of the turpen- 
 tines. If care be used in assorting this commercial variety, it may be 
 employed for all the purposes of good gum Arabic. India gum is brought 
 into this country, partly from Calcutta or Bombay, and partly by way of 
 England. It usually comes in large cases. We have seen a parcel said to 
 have come directly from the Red Sea, enclosed in large sacks made of a kind 
 of matting, and bearing a close resemblance to the gum from Calcutta, except 
 that it was more impure, and contained numerous large, irregular, very 
 brittle masses, not much less than the fist in size. 
 
 5. Cape Gum. Pereira mentions that gum has recently been imported 
 into Great Britain from the Cape of Good Hope, where it is collected probably 
 from Acacia Karroo, which grows abundantly on the banks of the Gariep 
 and in other parts. Dr. Pappe, of Cape Town, refers it to Acacia horrida 
 of Willdenow. ( Flor . Capens. 8.) It is of a pale-yellow colour, in tears or 
 fragments, and is considered an inferior variety. 
 
 6. Australian Gum. Considerable quantities of gum have been imported 
 into England from South Australia. It is in pieces elongated or globular, 
 rough and even wrinkled upon the surface, and of a violaceous tint, which 
 distinguishes it from other varieties. It is not entirely soluble in water, to 
 which it imparts less viscidity than ordinary gum Arabic. 
 
 General Properties. Gum Arabic is in roundish or amorphous pieces, or 
 irregular fragments of various sizes, more or less transparent, hard, brittle, 
 pulverizable, and breaking with a shining fracture. It is usually white, or 
 yellowish-wdiite ; but frequently presents various shades of red, and is some- 
 times of a deep orange or brownish colour. It is bleached by exposure to the 
 light of the sun. In powder it is always more or less purely white. It is 
 inodorous, has a very feeble, slightly sweetish taste, and when pure dissolves 
 wholly away in the mouth. The sp. gr. varies from 1'31 to 1'48. Gum 
 Arabic consists essentially of a peculiar proximate principle usually called 
 gum, but for which the name of arabin ,* originally proposed by Chevreul, 
 
 * Much confusion lias existed in the use of the word gum, which has been employed 
 to express various concrete vegetable juices, and, at the same time, a peculiar proxi- 
 mate principle of plants. It is now proposed to restrict the term to the former of 
 these applications, and to designate the principle alluded to by a distinct name. The 
 subject of the gums was investigated by M. GuCrin, who repeated and corrected the 
 experiments of former chemists, and threw new light upon the nature of these sub- 
 stances. Several of the facts, mentioned in the text were derived from his memoir, 
 published in the Ann. de Chim. et de Phys.. t. xlix. pi. 248. M. Guerin considers as 
 characteristic of gums, the property of affording mueic acid, when acted, on by nitric 
 acid. He recognises in the different gums three distinct proximate principles ; namely, 
 1. arabin, or the pure gum of chemical writers, which is the essential constituent of gum 
 Arabic; 2. bassorin, which enters largely into the composition of Bassora gum and 
 tragacanth ; and 3. cerasin, which constitutes the portion of cherry gum insoluble in 
 cold water. Of arabin sufficient is said in the text. Bassorin will be treated of under 
 the head of Bassora gum. (See Appendix.) Of cerasin it may be proper to say a few 
 words in this place. The gums which exude from the cherry, apricot, peach, and plum 
 trees, and which the French call gomme du pays, appear to be identical in composition, 
 consisting of a portion soluble in cold water, which is arabin, and a portion insoluble, 
 which was formerly thought to be bassorin, but has been proved by M. Guerin to be 
 different, and is appropriately denominated cerasin. This principle is colourless, semi- 
 transparent, tasteless, inodorous, uncrystallizable, insoluble in alcohol, insoluble in cold 
 water, in which it softens and swells a little, and convertible by the action of boiling 
 water into arabin, with which it appears to be isomeric. In this last property it differs 
 from bassorin, which is not changed by boiling water. M. Guerin suggests that the 
 natural heat of the climate, in tropical countries, produces the same effect upon the 
 
10 
 
 Acacia. 
 
 part I. 
 
 has been adopted. In describing its chemical relations, therefore, we de- 
 scribe those of the principle alluded to. Water, either cold or hot, dissolves 
 it, and forms a viscid solution called mucilage, which, when evaporated, yields 
 the gum unchanged. (See Mucilago Acacias.) It is insoluble in alcohol, 
 ether, and the oils; and alcohol precipitates it from its aqueous solution. 
 Diluted acids dissolve it, but not more freely than water. The concentrated 
 acids decompose it. Triturated with sulphuric acid at ordinary tempera- 
 tures, it is converted into a substance similar to the gummy product which 
 results from the action of the same acid on linen rags and sawdust. Heated 
 with concentrated sulphuric acid, it is decomposed with the evolution of 
 carbon. The diluted acid, when boiled with it, gives rise to the formation 
 of a saccharine substance. Strong nitric acid converts it into mucic acid, 
 and at the same time produces oxalic and malic acids. It combines with 
 several salifiable bases. With the alkalies and earths it forms soluble com- 
 pounds. By the subacetate of lead it is precipitated from its solution, in 
 the form of a white insoluble compound of gum and protoxide of lead ; and 
 a delicate test of its presence in any liquid is thus afforded. It enters into 
 combination with several salts. A solution of borax coagulates it. When 
 added to a solution of silicate of potassa, it precipitates a compound of gum, 
 potassa, and silica, while a compound of gum and potassa remains dissolved. 
 Its solution yields a precipitate with nitrate of mercury, and forms a brown, 
 semi-transparent jelly, with a strong solution of sesquiehloride of iron. In 
 solution it unites with sugar; and the liquid, when evaporated, yields a 
 transparent, solid substance, insusceptible of crystallization. 
 
 Gum Arabic undergoes no change by time, when kept in a dry place. Its 
 aqueous solution, if strong, remaius for a considerable time unaltered, but 
 ultimately becomes sour, from the production of acetic acid. The tendency 
 to become sour is increased by employing hot water to dissolve it. Between 
 300° and 400°, the gum softens, and may be drawn into threads. At a red 
 heat it is decomposed, yielding, among other substances, a minute proportion 
 of ammonia. When burnt, it leaves about three per cent, of ashes, consist- 
 ing, according' to Gubrin, of carbonates of potassa and lime, a little phosphate 
 of lime, chloride of potassium, oxide of iron, alumina, magnesia, and silica. 
 The lime exists in the gum combined with an excess of malic acid, which 
 gives to its solution the property of reddening litmus paper. In consequence 
 of the presence of lime, oxalate of ammonia occasions a precipitate with the 
 solution. Besides pure gum, or arabin, gum Arabic contains a very small 
 proportion of an azotized body, which is thought to occasion a slight opa- 
 lescence in its solution, several saline substances, and 1G or 17 per cent, of 
 uncombined water. ( Guirin .) Pure gum may be obtained by treating the 
 compound of gum and protoxide of lead with sulphuretted hydrogen. Its 
 ultimate constituents are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Its formula has 
 been variously given, C 12 H 10 O 10 ; and C, JI u O n . 
 
 The properties above enumerated belong to gum Arabic generally. There 
 are, however, pharmaceutic varieties with differences which deserve notice. 
 1. Gum that is transparent and readily soluble. This constitutes by far 
 the greater portion of the commercial varieties distinguished by the names 
 of Turkey and Senegal gum. It is characterized by its transparency, ready 
 
 exuded gums as artificial heat, in colder regions, and that consequently the acacia gum 
 consists chiefly of arabin . — Note to the third edition. 
 
 From the observations of Dr. Kiitzing, it would appear that the spontaneously- 
 exuded gum of the plum, cherry, &c. is sometimes at least the product of a diseased 
 cell-action, and contains remains of the celts, probably analogous to the epithelial con- 
 stituent of animal mucus. (See Am. Journ. o/Pharm., xxv. 39 .) — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acacia. 
 
 11 
 
 solubility, and the comparatively slight degree of thickness and viscidity of 
 its solution. Under this head may be included the gomme blanche fendillee 
 of G-uibourt. It is distinguished by the whiteness and deficient transparency 
 of the pieces, attributable to the minute cracks or fissures with which they 
 abound, and which render them very brittle and easily pulverizable. This 
 peculiar structure is generally ascribed to the influence of solar heat aud 
 light; but is conjectured byHayneto arise from the exudation of the juice 
 in the frothy state noticed by Ehrenberg. Though the unbroken pieces are 
 somewhat opaque, each minute fragment is perfectly transparent and homo- 
 geneous. This variety, in consequence of its prompt and entire solubility, 
 is usually preferred for medical use, and for most purposes in pharmacy. 
 2. Gum less transparent and less soluble. Guibourt has proposed for por- 
 tions of this gum the name of gomme pelliculee , from the circumstance that 
 the masses are always apparently covered, on some part of their surface, by 
 a yellowish opaque pellicle. Other portions of it have a mammillary appear- 
 ance on the surface. It is less transparent than the former variety, is less 
 freely and completely dissolved by water, and forms a more viscid solution. 
 It melts with difficulty in the mouth, and adheres tenaciously to the teeth. 
 It is found in all the commercial varieties of gum, but least in that from 
 Egypt. Its peculiarities may be ascribed to variable proportions of bassorin 
 associated with the soluble arabin. Between these two varieties of gum there 
 are insensible gradations, so that it is not always easy to classify specimens. 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. In parcels of gum Arabic there are some- 
 times pieces of a dark colour, opaque, and incorporated with ligneous, earthy, 
 or other impurities. The inferior are often mixed wfith or substituted for 
 the better kinds, especially in powder; and portions of insoluble gum, 
 bdellium, and other concrete juices of unknown origin, are found among 
 the genuine. Flour or starch is sometimes fraudulently added to the pow- 
 der, but is easily detected by the blue colour which it produces with tincture 
 of iodine. In consequence of the impurities, and difference in quality, gum 
 Arabic should generally be assorted for pharmaceutical use. A foreign 
 substance sometimes adheres to its surface, giving it a bitter taste, from 
 which it may be freed by washing in water.* Dextrin broken into small 
 fragments has been mingled with parcels of gum. It may be known by 
 yielding in solution, a reddish-purple colour with solutiou of iodiue. It 
 does not, like gum, produce a yellowish or brownish jelly with solutions of 
 the sesquisalts of iron. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This gum is used in medicine chiefly as a 
 demulcent. By the viscidity of its solution, it serves to cover and sheathe 
 inflamed surfaces ; and, by blending with and diluting irritating matters, 
 blunts their acrimony. Hence, it is advantageously employed in catarrhal 
 affections and irritation of the fauces, by being held in the mouth and 
 allowed slowly to dissolve. Internally administered, it has been found use- 
 ful in inflammations of the gastric and intestinal mucous membrane; and its 
 employment has even been extended to similar affections of the lungs and 
 urinary organs. Whether it is beneficial, in the latter cases, in any other man- 
 ner than by the dilution resulting from its watery vehicle is doubtful. By 
 some physicians it is thought to possess a positively sedative influence over 
 inflamed surfaces to which it may be applied in the state of solution. As an 
 article of diet in febrile cases, and others requiring a very rigid regimen, it 
 
 * M. Picciotto proposes to purify coloured gum by dissolving it in six or eight parts 
 of a strong and pure solution of sulphurous acid, heating the solution, treating it 
 with carbonate of baryta in excess, then filtering, and evaporating at a moderate 
 heat. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., ix. 16 .) — Note to the ninth edition. 
 
12 
 
 Acacia. — Acetum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 is perhaps superior to almost any other substance. If not positively sedative, 
 it is certainly not in the least irritating ; while it is sufficiently nourishing 
 to prevent the injurious action of the organs upon themselves. Its nutritive 
 properties have been denied; but the fact of their existence rests on incon- 
 trovertible evidence. The Moors and negroes live on it almost exclusively 
 during the period of its collection and conveyance to market ; the Bushman 
 Hottentots, in times of scarcity, support themselves upon it for days together; 
 and we are told that the apes of South Africa are very fond of it. Six 
 ounces a day are said to be sufficient to sustain life in a healthy adult. In 
 many cases of disease, its solution may constitute, for a time, the exclusive 
 drink and food of the patient. It is best prepared by dissolving an ounce 
 of the gum in a pint of boiling water, and allowing the solution to cool. An 
 excellent demulcent, called gum pectoral, is made by dissolving equal parts 
 of gum Arabic and sugar in water, and evaporating by means of a water- 
 bath. It is held in the mouth, and allowed slowly to dissolve. In phar- 
 macy, gum Arabic is extensively used for the suspension of insoluble sub- 
 stances in water, and for the formation of pills and troches. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Amygdalae ; Mistura Amygdalae ; Mistura Cretae ; 
 Mistura Glycyrrhizae Composita; Mistura Guaiaci; Mucilago Acaciae ; Pul- 
 vis Cretae Compositus; Pulvis Tragacanthae Comp.; Syrupus Acaciae; 
 Trochisci Acaciae. M . 
 
 ACETUM. TJ. S., Loud. 
 
 Vinegar. 
 
 Impure dilute acetic acid prepared by fermentation. TJ. S. British vine- 
 gar, prepared by fermentation, of the sp. gr. 1'019. Land. 
 
 Off Sjjn. ACETUM BRITANNICUM. British vinegar. Ed. ACETUM 
 GALLICIJM. French vinegar. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Vinaigre, Fr. ; Essig, Germ. ; Aceto, Ital. : Yinagre, Span. 
 
 Vinegar is a sour liqirid, the product of the acetous fermentation. Viewed 
 chemically, it is a very dilute solution of acetic acid, containing foreign mat- 
 ters. (See Acid uni Aceticum.') 
 
 The acetous fermentation maybe induced in all liquors which have under- 
 gone or are susceptible of the vinous fermentation. Thus sugar and water, 
 saccharine vegetable juices, infusion of malt, cider, and wine, may be con- 
 verted into vinegar, if subjected to the action of a ferment, and exposed, with 
 access of air, to a temperature between 75° and 90°. Sea-weeds, covered 
 with water, and heated sufficiently, will undergo the acetous fermentation, 
 and may thus be made a source of vinegar. (Stenkouse, Phil. Mag., 4th 
 series, i. 24.) During the acetous fermentation, a microscopic fungus, called 
 torula aceti, is developed. 
 
 Vinegar is generally made by the German process, by which the time con- 
 sumed in its formation is greatly abridged. A mixture is prepared of one part 
 of alcohol of 80 per cent., four or six parts of water, and one-thousandth of 
 honey or extract of malt, to act as a ferment. This mixture is allowed to 
 trickle through a mass of beech shavings, previously steeped in vinegar, and 
 contained in a deep oaken tub, called a vinegar generator. The tub is fur- 
 nished, near the top, with a wooden diaphragm perforated with numerous 
 small holes, which are loosely filled with packthread about six inches long, 
 prevented from slipping through by a knot at one end. The alcoholic mix- 
 ture, heated to between 75° and 88°, is placed on the diaphragm, and slowly 
 percolates the beech shavings, whereby it becomes minutely divided. It is 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acetum. 
 
 13 
 
 essential to the success of the process that a current of air should pass through 
 the tub. In order to establish this current, eight equidistant holes are pierced 
 near the bottom of the tub, forming a horizontal row, and four glass tubes 
 are inserted vertically in the diaphragm, of sufficient length to project above 
 and below it. The air enters by the holes below, and passes out by the 
 tubes. The contact of the air with the minutely divided liquid rapidly pro- 
 motes the acetification, which consists, essentially, in the oxidation of the 
 alcohol. During the process, the temperature rises to 100° or 104°, and 
 remains nearly stationary while the process is going on favourably. The 
 liquid is drawn off by a discharge pipe near the bottom, and must be passed 
 three or four times through the tub, before the acetification is completed, 
 which generally occupies from twenty-four to thirty-six hours. According 
 to Wimmer, pieces of charcoal, about the size of a walnut, may be substituted 
 for the beech shavings in the process, with the effect of expediting the ace- 
 tification. The charcoal must be deprived of saline matter by diluted 
 muriatic acid, and afterwards washed with water. 
 
 In England, vinegar is at present made from the infusion of malt by the 
 German process, which is said to have originated with Mr. Ham, of Bristol, 
 England, as early as 1822. The fermented wort is made to fall in a shower 
 upon a mass of faggots of birch twigs, occupying the upper part of a large 
 vat, and, after trickling down to the bottom, is pumped up repeatedly to 
 the top, to be again allowed to fall, until the acetification is completed. This 
 mode of oxidizing the alcohol in the fermented wort, has the advantage of 
 rendering insoluble certain glutinous and albuminous principles, which, if 
 not removed, would cause a muddiness in the vinegar, and make it liable to 
 spoil. 
 
 In the United States, vinegar is often prepared from cider. When it is 
 made on a large scale, the cider is placed in barrels with their bung-holes 
 open, which are exposed during the summer to the heat of the sun. The 
 acetification is completed in the course of about two years. The progress of 
 the fermentation, however, must be watched ; and, as soon as perfect vine- 
 gar is formed, it should be racked off into clean barrels. Without this pre- 
 caution, the acetous fermentation would run into the putrefactive, and the 
 whole of the vinegar be spoiled. 
 
 Vinegar may be clarified, without impairing its aroma, by throwing about 
 a tumbler full of boiling milk into from fifty to sixty gallons of the liquid, 
 and stirring the mixture. This operation has the effect, at the same time, of 
 rendering red vinegar pale. 
 
 The series of changes which occur during the acetous fermentation is called 
 acetification. During its progress, there is a disengagement of heat; the 
 liquor absorbs oxygen and becomes turbid; and filaments form, which are 
 observed to move in various directions, until, finally, upon the completion of 
 the fermentation, they are deposited in a mass of a pultaceous consistence. 
 The liquor now becomes transparent, its alcohol has disappeared, and acetic 
 acid has been formed in its place. How then is this change of alcohol into 
 acetic acid effected? Liebig supposes that it takes place in consequence of 
 the formation of a new substance, called aldehyd, into which the alcohol is 
 changed by the loss of a part of its hydrogen. The alcohol, consisting of 
 four eqs. of carbon, six of hydrogen, and two of oxygen, loses two eqs. of 
 hydrogen through the influence of the atmosphere, and becomes aldehyd, 
 composed of four eqs. of carbon, four of hydrogen, and two of oxygen. This, 
 by the absorption of two eqs. of oxygen, becomes four eqs. of carbon, four of 
 hydrogen, and four of oxygen ; that is, hydrated acetic acid. Thus the con- 
 version of alcohol into acetic acid consists in, first, the removal of two eqs. of 
 
14 
 
 Acetum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 hydrogen, and afterwards the addition of two eqs. of oxygen. AMehyd is a 
 colourless, very inflammable, ethereal liquid, having a pungent taste and 
 smell. Its density is 0 79. It absorbs oxygen with avidity, and is thus 
 converted into acetic acid, as just stated. Its name alludes to its relation to 
 alcohol, alcohol de/iyrfrogenated. Its aqueous solution is decomposed by 
 caustic potassa, with formation of aldehyd resin. This is a soft light-brown 
 mass, which, when heated to 212°, gives off a very nauseous soapy smell. 
 
 Properties. Vinegar, when good, is of an agreeable penetrating odour, and 
 pleasant acid taste. The better sorts have a grateful aroma, which is proba- 
 bly due to the presence of an ethereal substance, perhaps acetic ether. The 
 colour of vinegar varies from pale yellow to deep red. When long kept, par- 
 ticularly if exposed to the air, it becomes muddy and ropy, acquires an un- 
 pleasant smell, putrefies, and loses its acidity. 
 
 The essential ingredients of vinegar are acetic acid and water; but besides 
 these it contains various other substances, derived from the particular vinous 
 liquor from which it may have been prepared. Among these may be men- 
 tioned, colouring matter, gum, starch, gluten, sugar, a little alcohol, and fre- 
 quently malic and tartaric acids, with a minute proportion of alkaline and 
 earthy salts. According to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, vinegar should be de- 
 void of free sulphuric acid, as shown by its yielding no precipitate when boiled 
 with a solution of chloride of calcium, and of such a strength that a fluid- 
 ounce would require, for saturation, about thirty-five grains of crystallized 
 bicarbonate of potassa. 
 
 In the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, two kinds of vinegar are officinal, malt 
 vinegar and wine vinegar, under the names of British vinegar and French 
 vinegar. The former is stated to vary in density from 1'006 to 1'019, the 
 latter from P014 to P022. Specific gravity, however, is not an accurate 
 index of the strength of vinegar. 'The London Pharmacopoeia recognises 
 only British vinegar; the Dublin, only the French. 
 
 Malt vinegar (Acetum Britannicum) has a yellowish-red colour. The 
 strongest kind, called proof vinegar, contains from 4‘6 to 5 per cent, of acetic 
 acid. That of British manufacture usually contains sulphuric acid, which 
 the manufacturer is allowed by law to add in a proportion not exceeding one- 
 thousandth part. This addition was at one time thought necessary to pre- 
 serve the vinegar ; but it is now admitted that, if the vinegar is properly 
 manufactured, it does not require to be protected by sulphuric acid. The 
 Edinburgh College does not recognise this impurity, although sanctioned by 
 the British laws, and, therefore, rejects the vinegar if it gives evidence of 
 the presence of free sulphuric acid. On the contrary, the London College 
 admits the vinegar, if, after the addition of ten minims of solution of chloride 
 of barium to a fluidounce of it, and the separation of the precipitate by filtra- 
 tion, it deposits nothing on the further addition of the solution. 
 
 Wine vinegar (Acetum Gallicum) is nearly one-sixth stronger than pure 
 malt vinegar. It is of two sorts, the white and the red, according as it is 
 prepared from white or red wine. White wine vinegar is usually preferred, 
 and that made at Orleans is the best. Red wine vinegar may be deprived 
 of its colour and rendered limpid, by being passed through animal charcoal. 
 According to the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, wine vinegar may be distin- 
 guished from malt vinegar by the addition of ammonia in slight excess, which 
 causes in the former “ a purplish muddiness, and slowly a purplish precipi- 
 tate,” and in the latter, either no effect, or a dirty brownish precipitate. 
 
 Adulterations. The principal foreign substances which vinegar is liable to 
 contain, are sulphuric and sulphurous acids, certain acrid substances, and cop- 
 per and lead, derived from improper vessels used in its manufacture. Muri- 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acetum. — Acidum Aceticuvi. 
 
 15 
 
 atic and nitric acids are but rarely present. Chloride of calcium will detect 
 free sulphuric acid, when boiled with the vinegar, without causing the least 
 precipitate with the minute quantity of sulphates, almost always present in 
 the liquid. (. Boettger .) Chloride of barium is not a suitable test here; as it 
 will cause a precipitate with these sulphates, when no free sulphuric acid is 
 present. Sulphurous acid may he detected and estimated, by first precipi- 
 tating the sulphates and free sulphuric acid by baryta water, nest acting on 
 the vinegar with arsenic acid, which converts sulphurous into sulphuric acid, 
 and finally precipitating the newly formed sulphuric acid by chloride of ba- 
 rium. From the sulphuric acid in the last precipitate, its equivalent of sul- 
 phurous acid is easily calculated. ( Laroqve .) Muriatic acid may be disco- 
 vered by adding to a distilled portion of the suspected vinegar, a solution of 
 nitrate of silver, which will throw down a curdy white precipitate. If nitric 
 acid be. present, an improbable impurity, it may be detected by producing 
 a yellow colour, when the suspected vinegar is boiled with indigo. The acrid 
 substances usually introduced into vinegar are red pepper, long pepper, pelli- 
 tory, grains of paradise, and mustard seed. These may be detected by evapo- 
 rating to an extract, which will have an acrid, biting taste, if any one of these 
 substances be present. By far the most dangerous impurities in vinegar are 
 copper and lead. The former may be detected by a brownish precipitate on 
 the addition of ferrocyanuret of potassium to the concentrated vinegar; the 
 latter, by a blackish precipitate with sulphuretted hydrogen, and a yellow one 
 with iodide of potassium. Pure vinegar is not discoloured by sulphuretted 
 hydrogen. According to Chevallier, wine vinegar, which has been strength- 
 ened with acetic acid from wood, sometimes contains a minute proportion of 
 arsenic. In this case the deleterious metal is probably derived from arsenife- 
 rous sulphuric acid, employed in preparing the acetic acid. 
 
 Medical Properties. Vinegar acts as a refrigerant and diuretic. With this 
 view it is added to diluent drinks in inflammatory fevers. It is sometimes 
 used as a clyster, diluted with twice or thrice its bulk of water. It has been 
 supposed to be a powerful antidote to the narcotic poisons, but this is a mis- 
 take. In the case of opium, the best authorities unite’ in considering it worse 
 than useless ; as it gives activity to the poison rather than neutralizes it. 
 Externally it is employed as a fomentation or lotion in bruises and sprains. 
 Diluted with water, it forms the best means of clearing the eye from small 
 particles of lime. Its vapour is inhaled in certain states of sore throat; and it 
 is diffused through sick rooms under the impression that it destroys unwhole- 
 some effluvia, though, in fact, it has no other effect than to cover unpleasant 
 smells. The dose is from one to four fluidrachms; as a clyster, the quantity 
 used is one to two fluidounces. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acetum Destillatum ; Ceratum Saponis Compositum ; Lini- 
 mentum rEruginis ; Syrupus Aceti ; Tinctura Opii Acetata. B. 
 
 ACIDUM ACETICUM. U. S.., Load. 
 
 Acetic Acid. 
 
 Acetic acid of the sp. gr. P041. U. S-, 1'048. Land. 
 
 Off. Syn. ACIDUM PYROLIGNEUM. Pyroligneous Acid. Diluted 
 acetic acid, obtained by the destructive distillation of wood. Density at least 
 1-034. Ed. ACIDUM ACETICUM E LIGNO VENALE. Acetic Acid 
 of commerce. Purified Pyroligneous Acid. Sp. gr. D044. Dub. 
 
16 
 
 Acidum Aceticum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 ACIDUM ACETICUM GLACIALE. Dub. 
 
 Glacial Acetic Acid. 
 
 The sp. gr. of this acid is 1'065. Dub. 
 
 Off. Syn. ACIDUM ACETICUM. The density is commonly from D063 
 to 1'065, but must not exceed 1'0685. Ed. 
 
 ACIDUM ACETICUM FORTE. Dub. 
 
 Strong Acetic Acid. 
 
 The sp. gr. of this acid is D066. Dub. 
 
 Exclusive of Acidum, Aceticum Dilutum, which will be noticed in the second 
 part of this work, three strengths of acetic acid are now officinal in the U. S. 
 and British Pharmacopoeias, assuming those acids to be identical which ap- 
 proach most nearly to equality in specific gravity. The following table pre- 
 sents a view of the names and densities of the several acids. 
 
 ACETIC ACID. 
 
 U.S. 
 
 Lond. 
 
 Ed. 
 
 Dub. 
 
 Highest off. 
 
 
 
 Acidum Aceti- 
 cum. 
 
 Acidum Aceti- 
 cum Glaciale. 
 
 strength. f 
 
 
 
 Sp. gr. 1 -063 to 
 1-065. 
 
 Sp. gr. 1-065. 
 
 Intermediate | 
 
 
 
 
 Acidum Aceti- 
 cum Forte. 
 Sp. gr. 1-066. 
 
 strength. f 
 
 
 
 
 Lowest i 
 
 strength. [ 
 
 Acidum Aceti- 
 cum. 
 
 Sp. gr. 1 -041. 
 
 Acidum Aceti- 
 cum. 
 
 Sp. gr. 1-048. 
 
 Acidum Pyro- 
 ligneum. 
 
 Sp. gr. 1-034. 
 
 Acidum Aceti- 
 cum e Ligno 
 Venale. 
 
 Sp. gr. 1-044. 
 
 We shall take up the three grades of acid separately, in the order in which 
 they are mentioned in the table. 
 
 Acidum Aceticum Glaciale, sp. gr. 1'065. Dub. Acidum Aceticum, 
 sp. gr. U063-5. Ed. The following are the processes of the Dub. and Ed. 
 Colleges for these acids. 
 
 “ Take of Acetate of Lead, any convenient quantity : place it in an oven 
 at about the temperature of 300°, until it ceases to lose weight, and, having 
 then brought it by trituration to a fine powder, let it be introduced into a 
 flask "or retort, and exposed to an atmosphere of dry muriatic acid gas, until 
 very nearly the whole of it exhibits a damped appearance. The flask or re- 
 tort being now connected in the usual manner with a Liebig’s condenser, let 
 heat be applied by means of a chloride of zinc bath, until the entire of the 
 acetic acid shall have distilled over. 
 
 “ The muriatic acid gas should be slowly disengaged from the materials 
 directed in the formula for Acidum Muriaticum \_Purum, Dub.], using eight 
 ounces of salt for every pound of anhydrous acetate of lead [avoirdupois 
 weight] ; and, to render it quite dry, it should, before being conducted into 
 the vessel containing the sugar of lead, be made to bubble through oil of 
 vitriol, and then pass through a long tube packed with small fragments of 
 fused chloride of calcium.” Dub. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Aceticuvi. 
 
 17 
 
 “ Take of Acetate of Lead any convenient quantity ; heat it gradually in a 
 porcelain basin, by means of a bath of oil or fusible metal (8 tin, 4 lead, 3 
 bismuth), to 320° F. ; and stir till the fused mass concretes again : pulverize 
 this when cold, and heat the powder again to 320°, with frequent stirring, till 
 the particles cease to accrete. Add six ounces of the powder to nine flui- 
 drachms and a half of pure Sulphuric Acid, contained in a glass matrass ; 
 attach a proper tube and refrigeratory, and distil from a fusible metal bath 
 with a heat of 320° to complete dryness. Agitate the distilled liquid with a 
 few grains of Red Oxide of Lead to remove a little sulphurous acid, allow 
 the vessel to rest a few minutes, pour off the clear liquor, and redistil it.” Ed. 
 
 These processes, when carefully conducted, furnish an acid of the maximum 
 strength, consisting of one eq. of dry acid, and one of water. The acetate of 
 lead is first freed from water of crystallization by heat, and then decomposed. 
 The agent of decomposition is dry muriatic acid gas in the Dublin formula, 
 and sulphuric acid in the Edinburgh. When muriatic acid is used, water 
 and chloride of lead are formed, and monohydrated acetic acid distils over ; 
 when sulphuric acid is employed, sulphate of protoxide of lead is formed. 
 As a boiling temperature is not sufficient for decomposing the acetate of lead, 
 a chloride of zinc bath is used in the Dublin process, and one of oil or fusible 
 metal in the Edinburgh. On the other hand, the use of a sand-bath would 
 incur the risk of too high a temperature, which would give rise to a por- 
 tion of acetone. The red oxide of lead, used in the Edinburgh formula, 
 removes the sulphurous acid, by combining with it in such a way as to 
 form sulphate of protoxide of lead, by a transfer of oxygen from the oxide 
 to the acid. 
 
 Acetic acid of maximum strength may likewise be obtained by distilling 
 binacetate of potassa, at a heat between 390° and 570°. One eq. of mono- 
 hydrated acetic acid distils over, and neutral acetate of potassa is left. The 
 binacetate may be formed by distilling the neutral acetate with an excess of 
 watery acetic acid. In this process, the same acetate of potassa serves re- 
 peatedly for conversion into binacetate, and subsequent decomposition. 
 
 Acidum Aceticum Forte, sp. gr. 1'066, Dub. This acid, introduced for 
 the first time into the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850, is prepared according 
 to the following formula. 
 
 “Take of Glacial Acetic Acid six fluidounces; Distilled Water four ounces. 
 Mix.” Dub. 
 
 The only use made by the Dublin College of glacial acetic acid is to form 
 the Acidum Aceticum Forte, as above ; and the latter acid enters into two 
 preparations only, namely, Acetum Cantharidis and Acidum Aceticum Cam- 
 phoratum. The reasons which induced the Dublin and Edinburgh Colleges 
 to introduce glacial acetic acid into their officinal lists are not very obvious. 
 The acid is too strong even for external use. 
 
 Acidum Aceticum, U. S.,Lond. (sp.gr. P041 U. S., 1'048 Lond .) Aci- 
 dum Pyroligneum (sp. gr. 1’034), Ed. Acidum Aceticum e Ligno Venale (sp. 
 gr. 1'044), Dub. This is the acid resulting from the purification of the crude 
 acetic acid, obtained by the destructive, distillation of wood. It is the acid 
 most useful to the apothecary, and which forms the heading of this article. 
 The corresponding acid of the former U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias was 
 placed among the preparations, being obtained from the acetate of soda by 
 the action of sulphuric acid ; but in the new editions of those works, it has 
 been placed in the materia medica list. As this grade of acid has its source 
 in the impure acetic acid, resulting from the destructive distillation of wood, 
 it will be proper to premise some account of the crude acid, called crude py- 
 roligneous acid. 
 
18 
 
 Acidum Aceticum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Wood, when charred, yields many volatile products, among which are an 
 acid liquor, an empyreumatic oil, and tar containing creasote and some other 
 proximate principles. When the carbonization is performed in close vessels, 
 these products, which are lost in the ordinary process of charring, may be 
 collected, and, at the same time, a large amount of charcoal is obtained. 
 
 The carbonization of wood in close vessels, with a view to preserve the 
 condensible products, was first put in practice by Mollerat in France. The 
 apparatus employed at Choisy, near Paris, is thus described by Thenard. It 
 consists of, 1st, a furnace with a movable top ; 2d, a strong sheet-iron cylinder, 
 standing upright, sufficiently capacious to contain a cord of wood, and furnished 
 with a sheet-iron cover; 3d, a sheet-iron tube, proceeding horizontally from the 
 upper and lateral ‘part of the cylinder to the distance of about a foot; 4th, a 
 copper tube connected with the last, which is bent in such a manner as to 
 plunge successively to the bottom of two casks filled with water, and, after 
 rising out of the second, is bent back, and made to terminate in the furnace. 
 At the bottom of each cask, the tube dilates into a ball, from the under part 
 of which another tube proceeds, which, passing water-tight through the cask, 
 terminates above a vessel, intended to receive the condensible products. 
 
 The sheet-iron cylinder, being filled with wood, and closed by luting on its 
 cover with fire clay, is let down into the furnace by the help of a crane. The 
 fire is then applied; and, when the process is completed, the cylinder is re- 
 moved by the same means, to be replaced by another. Paring the carbon- 
 ization, the volatile products are received by the tube; and those which are 
 condensible, being an acid liquor and tar, are condensed by the water in the 
 casks, and collect in the lower bends of the tubes, from which they run into 
 the several recipients; while the incondensible products, being inflammable 
 gases, are discharged into the furnace, where, by their combustion, they assist 
 in maintaining the heat. Eight hundred pounds of wood afford, on an average, 
 thirty-five gallons of acid liquor, weighing about three hundred pounds. 
 
 This is the crude pyroligneous acid, sometimes called pyroligneous vinegar. 
 It is a dark -brown liquid, having a strong smoky smell, and consists of acetic 
 acid, diluted with more or less water, and holding in solution chiefly tar and 
 empyreumatic oil, with pvroxylic spirit, and probably a small proportion of 
 creasote. It is from this crude acid that the U. S. and London acetic acid, 
 corresponding to the acetic acid of commerce, is obtained. The purification 
 is effected as follows. The acid is saturated with cream of lime, whereby 
 acetate of lime is formed in solution, and a good deal of the tarry matter 
 precipitated. The solution of acetate of lime is then mixed with a concen- 
 trated solution of sulphate of soda, and, by double decomposition, acetate of 
 soda is formed in solution, and sulphate of lime precipitated. The solution 
 of the acetate is next to be subjected to evaporation, during which further 
 impurities that separate on the surface are to be skimmed off. The solution, 
 being duly concentrated, is set aside to crystallize ; and the impure salt, thus 
 obtained, after having been partially purified by solution and recrystalliza- 
 iion, is fused in an iron vessel, stirred until it dries, and, the heat being 
 carefully raised, subjected to incipient carbonization, whereby remaining 
 empyreumatic matters are carbonized, with little damage to the salt. The 
 mass is then dissolved in water, and the solution, being strained and recrys- 
 tallized, furnishes pure acetate of soda. (See Sodas Acetas .) Finally, this 
 salt is distilled with from 34 to 35 per cent, of its weight of sulphuric acid, 
 when it yields the acetic acid of commerce, the residue being sulphate of 
 soda, which is reserved for decomposing fresh portions of acetate of lime. 
 The acid has still an empyreumatic flavour, which is removed by filtering it 
 through animal charcoal. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Aceticum. 
 
 19 
 
 Sometimes the acetate of lime is distilled with sulphuric acid directly, 
 without having been previously converted into acetate of soda, by which mode 
 of proceeding a step in the process is saved. But this decomposition is at- 
 tended with many inconveniences, and the acetic acid obtained is apt to be 
 contaminated with sulphuric acid. The same step is saved, but without this 
 risk, by distilling the acetate of lime with hydrochloric acid, as recommended 
 by Christl ; and if the acid be not used in excess, the acetic acid obtained 
 scarcely contains a trace of chlorine. 
 
 The sp. gr. of the different acetic acids increases with their strength up to 
 the density of P0735 (maximum), after which it decreases until it reaches 
 1-063, the density of the strongest acid ( glacial acid'). The following table, 
 condensed from one given by Pereira on the authority of Mohr, exhibits the 
 sp. gr. of acetic acid of different strengths, including the officinal Acidum 
 Aceticum Dilutum. The officinal and commercial acids are noted opposite 
 to their several densities, and the corresponding number in the column on 
 the left gives the per centage of monohydrated acid in each. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 of Ackl. 
 
 Specific Gravity. 
 
 of Acid. 
 
 Specific Gravity. 
 
 100 
 
 1-063 Acetic acid, Ed* 
 
 37 
 
 1-048 Acetic acid, Land. 
 
 99 
 
 97 
 
 1-065 Glacial acetic acid, Dub. 
 1-068 
 
 33 
 
 1 -044 I acid of com- 
 
 \ merce, Dub. 
 
 90 
 
 80 
 
 1-073 
 
 1-0735 Maximum density. 
 
 32 
 
 j f Scotch acid of com- 
 
 \ merce (strongest). 
 
 70 
 
 1-070 
 
 31 
 
 1 -041 Acetic acid, U. S. 
 
 60 
 
 1-067 
 
 30 
 
 1-040 
 
 59 
 
 1-066 Strong acetic acid, Dub. 
 
 25 
 
 1-034 Pyroligneous acid, Ed. 
 
 54 
 
 f Acid corresponding in 
 
 20 
 
 1-027 
 
 1 sp. gr. to the strongest. 
 
 10 
 
 1-015 
 
 52 
 
 1-062 
 
 6 
 
 1-008 Diluted acetic acid, Lond. 
 
 50 
 
 1-060 
 
 5 
 
 1 -006 Diluted acetic acid, Dub. 
 
 40 
 
 1-051 
 
 4 
 
 1-0055 
 
 39 
 
 1-050 I English acid of com- 
 
 3 
 
 1-004 Diluted acetic acid, U. S. 
 
 
 \ merce. 
 
 
 
 Up to the specific gravity P062, the density of acetic acid is a pretty ac- 
 curate index of its strength; but, above that specific gravity, two acids of 
 different strengths may coincide in density. Thus, by the table, it is seen 
 that an acid weighing 1’063 may be either the strongest possible liquid acid, 
 or an acid containing only 54 per cent, of such acid. The ambiguity may 
 be removed by diluting the acid with a portion of water, when, if the density 
 be increased, the given specimen is the stronger acid of the two having the 
 same density. The density of the English and Scotch acetic acid of com- 
 merce is given on the authority of Dr. Christison. 
 
 It is shown by the table that the Dublin “strong acetic acid” is an acid 
 of intermediate strength, containing 59 per cent, of monohydrated acid; while 
 the officinal acid of commerce contains variously from 25 to 37 per cent, of 
 the same acid ; the Edinburgh acid being the weakest, and the London the 
 ’strongest. 
 
 Properties of the Glacial Acid (Acidum Aceticum Glaciale, Pul.). This 
 acid, sometimes called radioed vinegar, is a colourless, volatile, inflammable 
 liquid, possessing a corrosive taste, and an acid, pungent, and refreshing 
 smell. At the temperature of about 40° it becomes a crystalline solid. Its 
 
 * Varies to 1-065. 
 
20 
 
 Acidum Aceticum. 
 
 part I. 
 
 sp. gr. is 1'063. The anomaly of its having first an increasing and then a 
 decreasing density, upon dilution with water, has been already noticed. It 
 possesses the property of dissolving a number of substances, such as volatile 
 oils, camphor, resins and gum-resins, fibrin, albumen, &c. As it attracts 
 humidity from the atmosphere, it should be preserved in well stopped bottles. 
 Its combinations with salifiable bases are called acetates. It consists of one 
 eq. of dry acid 51, and one of water 9=60. The dry acid has been isolated 
 by C. G-erhardt, who finds it to be a limpid liquid, heavier than water, and 
 having a constant boiling point of 279°. (CAem. Gaz., June 15, 1852.) Its 
 formula is C 4 H 3 0 3 . 
 
 Properties of the Acid of Commerce (Acidum Aceticum, V- S-, Loud-). 
 This acid has similar properties to those of the glacial, but milder in degree. 
 It is a colourless, volatile liquid, having a sharp taste and pungent smell. It 
 unites in all proportions with water, and to a certain extent with alcohol. It 
 is incompatible with the alkalies and alkaline earths, both pure and carbon- 
 ated, with metallic oxides, and with most substances acted on by other acids. 
 It is wholly volatilized by heat, and yields no precipitate with chloride of 
 barium or nitrate of silver. Any fixed residue is impurity ; and precipitates 
 by the tests mentioned show the presence of sulphuric and muriatic acids. 
 Sulphohydr#e of ammonia does not discolour it. If sulphuretted hydrogen 
 produces a milkiness, sulphurous acid is present. "When saturated with am- 
 monia, it gives no precipitate with iodide or ferrocyanuret of potassium, 
 which proves the absence of lead and copper. If silver be digested in it, and 
 chlorohydric acid afterwards added, no precipitate will be produced. The 
 negative indication of this test shows the absence of nitric acid. Of the U. 
 S. acid “ 100 grains saturate 60 grains of crystallized bicarbonate of potassa, 
 and contain 36 grains of monohydrated acetic acid.” This statement does 
 not agree with that contained in the foregoing table, which gives 31 as the 
 per centage of monohydrated acid, contained in an acid of the sp. gr. 1041. 
 Taking the results of Mohr, as given in the table, the acids, included under 
 this head, contain the following per centages of monohydrated acid. Ed. 25 ; 
 U. S. 31; Pub. 33 ; and Land. 37. Thus it is seen that, of the acids here 
 classed as the acetic acids of commerce, the Edinburgh is the weakest. It 
 is also somewhat different in properties. The Ed. acid has a pale straw colour, 
 and a strong acetic odour, scarcely empyreumatic, if the acid be well pre- 
 pared. One hundred minims of it neutralize fifty-three grains of carbonate 
 of soda. When acid of this strength is diluted with three parts of water, it 
 forms the wood vinegar of the shops, containing 6’25 per cent, of monohy- 
 drated acid. As tests of its freedom from copper, lead, and sulphuric acid, 
 the Edinburgh College directs that it should be “ unaffected by sulphuretted 
 hydrogen or solution of nitrate of baryta.” This acid is used by the College 
 as a chemical agent in preparing iodide of lead. 
 
 Uses of Crude Pyroligneous Acid. This acid having been incidentally 
 mentioned and described as the source of the acetic acid of commerce, it may 
 be proper in this place to notice its uses. It has been employed as an appli- 
 cation to gangrene and ill-conditioned ulcers. It acts on the principle of an 
 antiseptic and stimulant; the former property being probably chiefly due to 
 the presence of creasote. Several cases in which it was successfully em- 
 ployed are reported in a paper by Dr. T. Y. Simons, of Charleston, S. C. 
 (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., O. S., v. 310.) 
 
 The crude acid is advantageous]}' applied to the preservation of animal 
 food. Mr. William Ramsey (Edin. Phil. Journ., iii. 21) made some inte- 
 resting experiments with it for that purpose. Herrings and other fish, simply 
 dipped in the acid and afterwards dried in the shade, were effectually pre- 
 
PART I. 
 
 Aciduni Aceticum. — Acidum Arseniosum. 
 
 21 
 
 served, and, when eaten, were found very agreeable to the taste. Herrings, 
 slightly cured with salt by being sprinkled with it for six hours, then drained, 
 next immersed in pyroligneous acid for a few seconds, and afterwards dried 
 in the shade for two months, were found by Mr. Ramsey to he of fine quality 
 and flavour. Fresh beef, dipped in the acid in summer for the space of a 
 minute, was perfectly sweet in the following spring. Professor Silliman 
 states that one quart of the acid, added to the common pickle for a barrel 
 of hams, at the time they are laid down, will impart to them the smoked 
 flavour as perfectly as if they had undergone the ordinary process of smoking. 
 
 Medical Properties of Acetic Acid of Commerce (Acidum Aceticum, U S., 
 Loncl.). Acetic acid of about this strength acts as a stimulant and tonic. 
 When diluted sufficiently, it is refrigerant, diaphoretic, and diuretic. Owing 
 to its volatility and pungency, its vapour is frequently applied to the nostrils 
 as an excitant in syncope, asphyxia, and headache. When employed in this 
 manner, it is generally added to a small portion of sulphate of potassa, so as 
 to moisten the salt, and the mixture is put into small glass bottles with 
 ground stoppers. 
 
 Medical Properties of the Glacial Acid. This acid is only used externally, 
 and acts as a rubefacient, vesicant, or caustic, according to the length of time 
 it is applied. Its applica|ion requires caution. It is sometimes employed 
 as a substitute for cantharides, when a speedy blister is desired; as, for ex- 
 ample, in croup, sorethroat, and other cases of internal inflammation. It 
 may he applied by means of blotting paper or cambric moistened with the 
 acid. It is a good corrosive for destroying warts and corns, and is also a 
 valuable remedy in scaldhead. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Acetic Acid of Commerce. Acetum Cantharidis; Acetum 
 Colchici ; Acetum Scilke ; Acidum Aceticum Dilutum ; Extractum Col- 
 chici Aceticum ; Morphias Acetas ; Oxymel ; Plumbi Acetas ; Potassae 
 Acetas ; Sodas Acetas. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Glacicd Acetic Acid, Dub., Ed. Acetum Cantharidis, Ed. ; 
 Acidum Aceticum Camphoratum, Ed. ; Acidum Aceticum Forte ; Mistura 
 Creasoti. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Strong Acetic Acid, Dub. Acetum Cantharidis ; Acidum 
 Aceticum Camphoratum. B. 
 
 ACIDUM AESENIOSUM. U.S., Loncl. 
 
 Arsenious Acid. 
 
 Sublimed arsenious acid in masses. U. S-, Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. ARSENICUM ALBUM. Ed. ARSENICI OXYDUM AL- 
 BUM VENALE. White Oxide of Arsenic of Commerce. Dub. 
 
 White arsenic; Acide arsenieux, Arsenic blanc, Fr. ; Arsenichte Saure, Weisser 
 Arsenik, Germ. ; Arsenik, Dan., Swed., Polish; Acido arsenioso, Arsenico, pal. ; Ar- 
 senico bianco, Span. 
 
 Arsenious acid is prepared chiefly in Bohemia and Saxony, where it is 
 procured on a large scale, as a collateral product, during the smelting of 
 cobalt ores, which are almost invariably accompanied by arsenic. These 
 ores are roasted in reverberatory furnaces, with long horizontal flues. The 
 arsenic is converted by combustion into arsenious acid, which rises' in va- 
 pour, and condense^ on the sides of the flues. In this state it is not pure, 
 and requires a second sublimation, which is performed in cast iron vessels, 
 fitted with conical heads of the same material, having an opening at the sum- 
 mit. The vessels are placed over a furnace, and brought to a red heat, when 
 a portion of the impure arsenious acid is thrown in through the opening, 
 
Aciclum Arseniosum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 99 
 
 which is immediately stopped. This portion being sublimed, a second por- 
 tion is introduced in a similar manner. Finally, the vessels are allowed to 
 cool ; and, upon removing the heads, the purified acid is found attached to 
 them in vitreous layers, at first as transparent as glass, but gradually be- 
 coming, by contact with the air, opaque at their surface. These are broken 
 into fragments of a convenient size, and thrown into commerce. The arse- 
 nious acid which reaches this country is generally packed in casks, contain- 
 ing from two to five hundred pounds, and is shipped principally from the 
 ports of Hamburg and Bremen. 
 
 Properties. Arsenious acid, as it occurs in commerce, is in masses, exhi- 
 biting a vitreous fracture. It is of a milk-white colour exteriorly, but, in- 
 ternally, often perfectly transparent. As first sublimed, the whole mass is 
 transparent ; but it gradually becomes white and opaque, the change pro- 
 ceeding progressively from the surface inwards. This change has not been 
 well explained; but it probably depends upon the absorption of moisture, 
 causing a gradual passage of the acid from the amorphous to the crystalline 
 state. (Pereira.') According to Guibourt, the sp. gr. of the transparent 
 variety is 3'73, of the opaque 3‘69. The experiments, however, of Dr. J. 
 K. Mitchell and Mr. Durand make the density of the former variety from 
 3'208 to 3‘333. As it occurs in the shops for. medical use, it is often in 
 the form of a white powder, almost as fine as flour. In this state it is some- 
 times adulterated with powdered chalk, or sulphate of lime, a fraud which is 
 easily detected by exposing the powder to a heat sufficient to evaporate the 
 arsenious' acid, when these impurities will be left behind. In consequence of 
 the liability of the acid to contain impurities when in powder, it is directed 
 in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia to be kept in masses. When pure, it is com- 
 pletely dissolved by boiling water. It has been erroneously stated to have 
 an acrid taste. Dr. Christison asserts that it possesses hardly any taste; in- 
 asmuch as it produces merely a faint sweetish impression on the palate. In 
 strong, hot solution, it has an austere taste, most nearly resembling that of 
 sulphate of zinc. ( Mitchell and Durand.) It has no smell, even in the state 
 of vapour. The garlicky odour, sometimes attributed to it, belongs only to 
 the vapour of the metal, and, when apparently arising from the acid itself, is, 
 in fact, owing to its reduction. Its point of sublimation, according to Berze- 
 lius, is at an incipient red beat; but, according to Mitchell and Durand, it is 
 lower than that of metallic arsenic, being only 425° of Fabr. When slowly 
 sublimed, it condenses in regular octohedral crystals, exhibiting a sparkling 
 lustre. It consists of one equivalent of arsenic 75, and three of oxygen 
 24=99. 
 
 Arsenious acid is soluble in water. According to Bussy, at the temperature 
 of 55°, a pint of water dissolves 293 grains of the transparent variety, and 
 only about 92 grains of the opaque. Thus the transparent acid, so far from 
 being less, as heretofore supposed, is much more soluble than the opaque 
 variety. The following particulars are given on the same authority. The 
 transparent acid dissolves much more rapidly than the opaque. By prolonged 
 ebullition with water, the opaque variety attains the same solubility as the 
 transparent, and may be supposed to be converted into the latter. Thus, at 
 the boiling temperature, a pint of water dissolves 807 grains of both varieties. 
 The transparent variety, in cold saturated solution, gradually lessens in solu- 
 bility, until it reaches the solubility of the opaque, no doubt in consequence 
 of being changed into the latter. Pulverization lessens the solubility of the 
 transparent variety, without affecting that of the opaque. The mixture of 
 the two varieties of the acid in the same solution serves to explain the ano- 
 malies heretofore observed in its solubility. ( Journ . dc Pharm., Nov. 1847.) 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Arseniosum. 
 
 23 
 
 In relation to some of these results, Bussy has been anticipated by Taylor. 
 (See Loncl. and Ed. Philos. Mag. for Nov. 1837.) 
 
 Medical Properties. Internally, the action of the preparations of arsenic 
 is alterative and febrifuge ; externally, for the most part, violently irritant. 
 They have been considered as peculiarly applicable to the treatment of dis- 
 eases of a periodical character. At the commencement of their exhibition, 
 the dose should be small, and afterwards gradually increased, the operation 
 being carefully watched. When the specific effects of the medicine are pro- 
 duced, it must be immediately laid aside. These are, a general disposition 
 to oedema, especially of the face and eyelids, a feeling of stiffness in these 
 parts, itching of the skin, tenderness of the mouth, loss of appetite, and 
 uneasiness and sickness of the stomach. The peculiar swelling produced is 
 called oedema arsenicalis. Sometimes salivation is produced, and occasion- 
 ally the hair and nails fall off. The principal preparations now in use are 
 the arsenious acid, the substance under consideration, and the solution of 
 arsenite of potassa, or Fowler’s solution. The arseniates of potassa and soda 
 are also occasionally employed. One grain of arseniate of soda, dissolved in 
 a fluidouuce of water, forms the arsenical solution of Pearson. 
 
 It may be questioned whether the different arsenical preparations, when 
 exhibited internally, act precisely in the same way. It is supposed by some 
 that the selection need only be regulated by the convenience of exhibition. 
 The late Dr. Physick held a different opinion; for, with regard to the ar- 
 senious acid and the solution of arsenite of potassa (Fowler’s solution), the 
 result of his experience was that they act differently, and cannot be substi- 
 tuted for each other. Cases of the efficacy cf the metal, in the form of 
 Fowler’s solution, will be noticed under the head of Liquor Potassse Arsen- 
 itis. For a complete list of the diseases in which arsenic has been tried, the 
 reader is referred to Mr. Hill’s paper in the Ed. Med. Journ., vols. v. and vi. 
 
 Some writers have entirely proscribed the use of the arsenical preparations 
 in medicine, and have deprecated their introduction into the Pharmacopoeias 
 as a great evil, on the ground of the facilities afforded, by legalizing the medi- 
 cinal use of the poison, for its employment in poisonous doses by mistake or 
 design. We confess that we do not share these opinions. Arsenic is a virulent 
 poison, and is frequently resorted to for criminal purposes; but, when it is 
 considered how extensively it is used in the arts, it is questionable whether 
 its exclusion from the Materia Medica would materially lessen the facility of 
 obtaining it. On the other hand it may be asked, are poisons more dangerous 
 as medicines than other medicinal substances, if given in their appropriate 
 doses ? We think not; though we admit that dangerous mistakes are more 
 apt to occur from their use. 
 
 Arsenious acid has been exhibited in a great variety of diseases, the prin- 
 cipal of which are scirrhus and cancer, especially cancer of the lip ; anomalous 
 ulcers ; intermittent fever ; chronic rheumatism, particularly that form of 
 it attended with pains in the bones ; diseases of the bones, especially nodes, 
 and firm swellings of the small joints of the hands; frontal neuralgia; and 
 different painful affections of the head, known under the names of hemicrania 
 and periodical headache. In some trials made with it, in 1850, by Andral, 
 in intermittent fever, its ancient reputation in the cure of that disease was 
 fully confirmed. It was usually given by him daily, or every second day, 
 in the large dose of between four and five-tenths of a grain in solution, ad- 
 ministered in wine, about five hours before the occurrence of the fit. Usually, 
 nausea was produced for several hours, and sometimes vomiting. Mr. Henry 
 Hunt, of Dartmouth, England, found it useful in mitigating the pain of 
 ulcerated cancer of the uterus, and in menorrhagia ; also in irritable uterus, 
 
24 
 
 Acidum Arseniosum. 
 
 part I. 
 
 attended with pain and hearing down in the erect posture. He gave it in 
 pill, in the dose of a twentieth of a grain three times a day. In this dose 
 the remedy seldom produces unpleasant feelings, and may he continued for 
 three or four months, for which period it must sometimes he employed, in 
 order to produce the desired effect on the uterus. Arsenious acid has been 
 extolled as a remedy in certain cutaneous affections, particularly lepra. Dr. 
 Pereira says that he has seen it used in a large number of cases of this dis- 
 ease without a single failure. It is thought highly of by some in the treat- 
 ment of lupus, and of ill-looking sores of the face, lips, and tongue, and 
 sometimes effects a cure. 
 
 The external application of arsenic has been principally restricted to can- 
 cer, and anomalous and malignant ulcers, especially of the kind denominated 
 noli me tang ere. Dupuytren was in the habit of using with advantage a 
 powder, composed of one part of arsenious acid and twenty-four parts of calo- 
 mel, as a topical application to herpes exedens, and to the foul ulcers occur- 
 ring in those who have undergone repeated courses of mercury. 
 
 Arsenic is the chief ingredient in nearly all the empirical remedies for the 
 cure of cancer by external application. PlunTcet’s caustic was a remedy of 
 this kind, of great celebrity, and consisted of the Ranunculus acris and 
 Ranunculus Flammula, each an ounce, bruised, and mixed with a drachm of 
 arsenious acid, and five, scruples of sulphur. The whole was beaten into a 
 paste, formed into balls, and dried in the sun. When used, these balls are 
 rubbed up with yolk of egg, and spread on pig’s bladder. The use of the 
 vegetable matter is to destroy the cuticle ; for, unless this is done, the arsenic 
 will not act. Mr. Samuel Cooper thinks that this caustic was never of any 
 permanent benefit in genuine cancer, but has effected perfect cures in some 
 examples of lupus, and malignant ulcers of the lips and roots of the nails. 
 In onychia maligna, Mr. Luke, of London, regards an ointment composed of 
 two grains of arsenious acid and an ounce of spermaceti ointment as almost 
 a specific. (Pereira, Mat. Med.') 
 
 At Paris, an arsenical paste of the following composition is used as an ap- 
 plication to malignant ulcers: — Red sulphuret of mercury 70 parts; dragon’s 
 blood 22 parts; arsenious acid 8 parts. It is applied, made up into a paste 
 with saliva. The pain produced by this composition is very severe, and its 
 application dangerous. The practice of sprinkling unmixed arsenious acid on 
 ulcers is properly reprobated, as fraught with the greatest danger. Mr. S. 
 Cooper characterizes it as a murderous practice. The acid may, however, be 
 used either in solution, or reduced by some mild ointment. A lotion may 
 be formed of eight grains of arsenious acid and the same quantity of carbonate 
 of potassa, dissolved in four fluidounces of distilled water; and a cerate, of 
 half a drachm of arsenious acid and six drachms of simple cerate. The 
 cerate is sometimes formed of half this strength. The lotion is in effect a 
 solution of arsenite of potassa. 
 
 Febure’s remedy for cancer consisted of ten grains of arsenious acid, dis- 
 solved in a pint of distilled water, to which were added an ounce of extract of 
 conium, three fluidounces of solution of subacetate of lead, and a fluidrachm 
 of tincture of opium. With this the cancer was washed every morning. 
 Febure’s formula for internal exhibition was, arsenious acid two grains, rhu- 
 barb half an ounce, syrup of chicory, q. s., distilled water, a pint. Of this 
 mixture, a tablespoonful, which contained about the sixteenth of a grain of 
 the acid, was given every night and morning, with half a fluidrachm of the 
 syrup of poppies. The dose was gradually increased to six tablespoonfuls. 
 
 The average dose of arsenious acid is the tenth of a grain, three times a 
 day, given in the form of pill. It is sometimes combined with opium, which 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Arseniosum. 
 
 25 
 
 enables the stomach to bear the medicine better. A convenient formula is to 
 mix one grain of the acid with ten grains of sugar, and to beat the mixture 
 thoroughly with crumb of bread, so as to form a pilular mass, to be divided 
 into ten pills. The Asiatic pills, so called, consist of arsenious acid and 
 black pepper, in the proportion of 1 part of the former to 80 of the latter. 
 
 Properties of Arsenious Acid as a Poison. Arsenious acid, in an overdose, 
 administered internally, or applied externally, acts with very great energy, 
 and generally destroys life in a short time; but, in some rare cases, no well 
 marked symptoms are developed until eight or nine hours after the ingestion 
 of the poison. The symptoms it produces are an austere taste ; fetid state 
 of the mouth; frequent ptyalism; continual hawking; constriction of the 
 pharynx and oesophagus; the sensation of the teeth being on edge; hickup; 
 nausea; anxiety; frequent sinkings; burning pain at the praecordia ; inflam- 
 mation of the lips, tongue, palate, throat, bronchi, and oesophagus; irritable 
 stomach, so as not to be able to support the blandest drinks ; vomiting of 
 matters, sometimes brown, at other times bloody ; black, horribly fetid 
 stools ; small, frequent, concentrated, and irregular pulse, but occasionally 
 slow and unequal ; palpitations ; syncope ; insatiable thirst ; burning heat 
 over the whole body, or a sensation of icy coldness; difficult respiration; 
 cold sweats; suppression of urine; scanty, red, bloody, and sometimes albu- 
 minous urine ; change in the countenance ; a livid circle round the eyelids ; 
 swelling and itching of the body ; livid spots over the surface, and occasion- 
 ally a miliary eruption ; prostration of strength ; loss of feeling, especially 
 in the feet and hands; deliritfm; convulsions, often accompanied with insup- 
 portable priapism ; falling off of the hair, detachment of the cuticle, &c. 
 Sometimes there exist inflammation and burning pain in the urino-genital 
 organs. It is very rare to observe all these symptoms in the same 
 individual. Sometimes, indeed, they are nearly all wanting, death taking 
 place without any pain or prominent symptom. Occasionally the symptoms 
 have a perfect resemblance to those of Asiatic cholera, in the stage of col- 
 lapse. After death, the morbid appearances are various. In some cases, 
 no vestige of lesion can be discovered. The appearances, however, in the 
 generality of cases, are the following. The mouth, stomach, and intestines 
 are inflamed ; the stomach and duodenum exhibit spots resembling eschars, 
 and perforations of all their coats ; and the villous coat of the former is in 
 a manner destroyed, and reduced to the consistence of a reddish-brown 
 pulp. In cases of recovery, it has been a question how long it takes for the 
 poison to be eliminated from the system. In a case, reported by Dr. D. 
 Maclagan, in which about two drachms of the poison were swallowed, and 
 in which magnesia was used successfully as an antidote, arsenic was detected 
 in the urine by Marsh’s test as late as the twentieth day. (Ed. Monthly 
 Journ. of Med. Sci. for Feb. 1852.) 
 
 In view of the numerous accidents and crimes, caused by the use of arseni- 
 ous acid, its sale should be regulated bylaw in all the States of the Union. 
 In 1851, an act for this purpose was passed by the British Parliament. 
 
 Dr. Christison divides the poisonous effects of arsenious acid into three 
 orders of cases, according to the character and violence of the symptoms. In 
 the first order, the poison produces symptoms of irritation and inflammation 
 along the course of the alimentary canal, and commonly kills in from one to 
 three days. In the second, the signs of inflammation are moderate, or even 
 altogether wanting, and death occurs in five or six hours, at a period too early 
 for inflammation to be always fully developed. In the third order of cases, 
 two stages occur, one in which inflammatory symptoms are developed, as in 
 the first order; the other, marked by symptoms referable to nervous irritation, 
 
Acidum Arseniosum. 
 
 PAKT I. 
 
 26 
 
 such as imperfect palsy of the arms or legs, epilepsy, tetanus, hysterical affec- 
 tions, mania, and coma. It is a general character of this poison to induce 
 inflammation of the stomach in almost all instances, provided death does not 
 take place immediately, whatever be the part to which it is applied. Thus 
 the poison, when applied to a fresh wound, will give rise to the same morbid 
 appearances in the stomach and intestines, as when it is swallowed. In some 
 cases, observed by Drs. Mall and Bailie, the rectum was much inflamed, while 
 the colon and small intestines escaped. 
 
 The precise rank which should be assigned, in the scale of poisons, to 
 arsenious acid when applied externally, is still undetermined. One set of 
 observers contend that its external application is not attended with great 
 danger ; while another party conceives that it acts as a virulent poison. 
 Hunter, Sir Bverard Home, Joeger, Brodie, Dr. Campbell, of Edinburgh, 
 Smith, and Orfila, have all adduced experiments on the inferior animals, which 
 prove that arsenious acid, inserted into a recent wound, causes death after a 
 longer or shorter period. Indeed, some observations go to prove that its 
 poisonous effects are developed by a smaller amount, used in this way, than 
 when taken into the stomach. Nor are there wanting many well authenticated 
 facts of its deleterious effects, externally applied, on the human constitution. 
 Roux reports the case of a young woman under his care, whose death was 
 caused, after agonizing sufferings, by the application of an arsenical paste to 
 a cancerous breast. A case is related of death from the application of an 
 arsenical paste to a soft tumour of the temple ; the poisonous effects on the 
 system at large being the cause of the fatal result. (. Archives Generates, ii. 
 230.) Sir Astley Cooper, in his lectures, bears testimony to the dangerous 
 effects of arsenic, externally applied. On the other hand, some writers assert 
 the safety of the external application of this poison. Mr. Blackadder applied 
 it in large quantities to sores, and never witnessed a single instance in which 
 it acted constitutionally. The late Dr. Randolph, of this city, stated that 
 Dr. Physick frequently and successfully employed arsenic by external appli- 
 cation, without its being productive of the injurious consequences which have 
 been attributed to it. (North Amer. Med. and Surg. Journ., v. 257.) In 
 weighing such conflicting testimony, we are constrained to believe that the 
 circumstances of the different experiments and observations must have been 
 different; and we think that the observations of Blackadder and Harles show 
 in what this difference consists. It seems to depend entirely on the circum- 
 stances of the application, as being favourable or otherwise to absorption. 
 Blackadder attributes his very success to the large quantities of the arsenic 
 which he employs, and which, he contends, kills the -part without being ab- 
 sorbed; and this is probably the fact. Harles’s observations may be explained 
 on the same principle. He contended that the outward application of arsenic 
 is comparatively safe to ulcers, either common or malignant; but is dangerous 
 to parts recently wounded and pouring out blood. Here the difference would 
 seem to consist in the greater liability to absorption in the latter than in the 
 former case. The very dilution caused by the blood may be an efficient pro- 
 moter of absorption; for the experiments of Dr. Campbell show that arsenic- 
 acts with more energy when dissolved in water, than when in the solid state. 
 The case in which Dr. Randolph employed this mineral, by the advice of Dr. 
 Physick, was one of ulcerated scrotum, in which it acted by producing the 
 death of the diseased part, a state evidently unfavourable to absorption. 
 The formula employed was one part of arsenious acid to five of sublimed 
 sulphur. 
 
 Arsenious acid, when it produces the death of a part, does not act, strictly 
 speaking, as an escharotie. According to Liebig and other physiologists, 
 
PART I. 
 
 Aciduvi Arseniosum. 
 
 it destroys the vitality of the organized structure, by entering into combina- 
 tion with it. The true escharotic produces the decomposition of the part to 
 which it is applied, a state incompatible with life. 
 
 Upon the whole, new facts are wanting to clear up this difficult subject. 
 Judging from the lights we possess, the external application of arsenious acid, 
 in case it is absorbed, is attended with very great danger; and the conditions 
 of a part, and of the system at large, favourable or otherwise to absorption, 
 are too little understood, to make it warrantable to use this poison externally 
 without the greatest caution. 
 
 Treatment of Poisoning by Arsenious Acid. Before the antidote, to be 
 mentioned presently, can be obtained, the poison should be dislodged as far 
 as possible by free vomiting, induced by the finger, the feather part of a quill, 
 and the administration of an emetic of sulphate of copper, or sulphate of zinc. 
 The same object is promoted by the use of the stomach-pump. Demulcent 
 drinks should at the same time be freely given, such as milk, white of eggs 
 and water, or flour and water, which serve to encourage the vomiting and 
 envelope the poison. 
 
 The antidote above referred to is the hydrated sesquioxide (peroxide) of 
 iron in the moist or pulpy state. As soon as it is ready, it must be given in 
 doses of a tablespoonful to an adult, of a dessertspoonful to children, every 
 five or ten minutes, until the urgent symptoms are relieved. It is calculated 
 that the quantity taken should be at least twelve times the supposed amount 
 of the poison swallowed ; but, as the antidote is perfectly innocent, it is pru- 
 dent to give it in larger quantities. According to the experiments of E. 
 Riegel, one part of arsenious acid in solution is so fully precipitated by ten 
 of the dry oxide, that, after its action, not a trace of the poison can be de- 
 tected, even by Marsh’s test. ( Ghem. Gaz., Aug. 1, 1847.) Its efficacy is 
 of course greater, the sooner it is administered after the ingestion of the 
 poison ; but, even after delay, its use will prove advantageous, so long as 
 there is reason to believe that a portion of the poison still remains in th< 
 stomach. The antidote acts by producing with the poison, by a transfer o 
 oxygen from the oxide to the acid, an insoluble, and therefore inert, sub- 
 arseniate of protoxide of iron (•2Fe 2 0 3 andAs0 3 =4Fe0,As05). The manner 
 of preparing the antidote will be given under another head. (See Ferri. 
 Oxidum Hydratum, U. S.) It should be kept by all apothecaries ready 
 for use. 
 
 This antidote for arsenious acid was discovered by Drs. Bunsen and Ber- 
 tholcl, of Gottingen, in 1884; and its efficacy has been abundantly confirmed 
 by experiments on inferior animals, and by its successful application to nume- 
 rous cases of poisoning in the human subject. Among others, the. reader is 
 referred to the following: — 1. The case of M. Blondel, in which two drachms 
 of arsenic had been swallowed. (Amer. Journ. of Pharm . , new series, i. 850, 
 from the Journ. de Chim. Mecl.) 2. Two cases treated by Dr. Buzorini. 
 (. French Lancet, Nov. 17, 1835.) 3. A case reported by Mr. John Bob- 
 son, in which more than a drachm and a half of the poison had been swal- 
 lowed, and the antidote was not administered until two hours after the poison 
 had been taken. In the last-mentioned case, about an hour after the ingestion 
 of the poison, the stomach-pump was used, but unsuccessfully, on account of 
 the instrument becoming choked with the remains of food. ( Amer. Journ. of 
 the Med. Sci., xx. 522, from the London Med. Gazette, Nov. 5, 1836.) 4. Case 
 related by Dr. Thomas, of Baltimore, in which twenty grains of the poison 
 had been swallowed. {Amer. Med. Library and Intelligencer, ii. 205.) 5. Case 
 of Dr. Macdonald in the Neie York Journ. of Medicine and Surgery, ii. 205. 
 6. Case reported by Dr. Gerhard. (Med. Exam., iii. 250.) 7. Cases related 
 
28 
 
 Aciduin Arseniosum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 by Drs. Smiley and Wallace, of this city. Eight persons in one family were 
 poisoned, of whom six recovered and two died. In the fatal cases, the patients 
 could not retain the antidote. {Med. Exam., iii. 679.) 
 
 Several valuable observations have been latterly made in relation to the 
 antidotal powers of the different oxides of iron, and the circumstances which 
 influence their efficacy. The forms of oxide experimented with are the anhy- 
 drous sesquioxide (colcothar), the dry hydrated sesquioxide (rust of iron, and 
 the subcarbonate of iron of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, which are both essen- 
 tially hydrated oxides), the hydrated oxide in the state of pulp or magma, 
 and the same oxide kept under a stratum of water. Orfila has shown that 
 colcothar is without effect, because it does not combine with the arsenious 
 acid. Dr. Yon Specz, of Vienna, has proved that rust of iron acts as an 
 antidote to arsenious acid ; but, as it is much less powerful than the pulpy 
 hydrate, it should be used only in the absence of the latter, and until it can 
 be procured. Orfila agrees with Yon Specz as to the degree of efficacy of 
 the rust, and attributes its inferior power to its inability completely to neu- 
 tralize the arsenious acid. According to the French toxicologist, it forms 
 with the acid a subsalt which is poisonous, though much less so than the 
 free arsenious acid. All the best authorities unite in considering the hydrated 
 oxide in the state of pulp or magma to be the best form of the antidote ; 
 but opinions are divided as to the necessity of its being freshly prepared as 
 well as moist, and as to the relative advantage of much or little water, to 
 maintain it in the moist state. An able paper, published by Prof. William 
 Procter, jun., of this city, appears to have settled these disputed points. 
 ( Amer . Journ. of Pharmacy, xiv. 29, April, 1842.) He has proved that 
 the moist oxide gradually decreases in its power of neutralizing arsenious 
 acid, the longer it is kept ; and that this decrease in power is more rapid in 
 the oxide, when mixed with much water, than when in the form of a thick 
 magma. The cause of this diminution of neutralizing power, on the part of 
 the moist oxide by being kept, is explained by the experiments of G-. C. 
 Wittstein. This chemist finds that the hydrated oxide of iron, recently pre- 
 cipitated, dissolves readily in acetic and other vegetable acids in the cold, 
 but becomes nearly insoluble when kept for some time under water. This 
 change in solubility is attributed by Wittstein to two causes, the gradual 
 change of the oxide from the amorphous to the crystalline state, and its par- 
 tial dehydration ; for, after being kept a long time, the oxide loses half its 
 water. From these considerations, Wittstein prefers the more recent oxide 
 as an antidote for arsenic, and recommends that the preparation should be 
 re-made every six months or year, by dissolving the old oxide in muriatic 
 acid, and re-precipitating with ammonia. {Journ. cle Pharm., Fev. 1847, 
 from Buchner’s Report., xliii. 366.) In the latter remarks, Wittstein has 
 only confirmed what had been previously observed by Procter. 
 
 It follows from the above facts and observations, that the forms of sesqui- 
 oxide of iron are efficacious as antidotes to arsenic in the following order, 
 beginning with the one having the least power : — 1, dry hydrated oxide ; 2, 
 hydrated oxide, long kept and mixed with much water; 3, the same, long 
 kept, and in the form of a thick magma; 4, the same just precipitated and 
 still pulpy. The form of antidote which can be obtained first must be used 
 first, although not the best, and may be replaced by a better as soon as it 
 can be procured. The apothecary should, therefore, always keep the oxide 
 in the form of thick magma, and be prepared, at a moment’s warning, to 
 make the antidote. When applied to for it, he must instantly furnish the 
 magma, or, if unprovided with this, the rust or precipitated subcarbonate, 
 and immediately proceed to prepare the antidote, which may be done in ten 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Arseniosum. 
 
 29 
 
 or fifteen minutes, if the proper solutions are always kept ready for effecting 
 the precipitation. (See Ferri Oxidum Ilydratum.) 
 
 The antidote having been faithfully applied, the subsequent treatment 
 consists in the administration of mucilaginous drinks. Should the patient 
 survive long enough for inflammatory symptoms to arise, these must be com- 
 bated on general principles. Accordingly, venesection and leeches may be- 
 come necessary ; and, in the course of the treatment, emollient enemata, 
 antispasmodics, and narcotics will often prove useful in mitigating pain and 
 allaying nervous irritation. Convalescence is generally long and distressing; 
 and hence it is of the greatest importance to attend to the diet, which should 
 consist exclusively of milk, gruel, cream, rice, and similar bland articles. 
 
 Bussy has proposed light magnesia, or the kind which has not been too 
 strongly calcined, as well as recently precipitated gelatinous magnesia, as an 
 antidote for arsenious acid ; and a case is given by him in which it proved 
 efficacious. ( Journ . de Pharm., x. 81.) The dense kind has very little effi- 
 cacy. Dr. Ohristison also saw a case in which this antidote seemed very 
 serviceable. A successful case is also reported by Cadet-de-Gfassicourt 
 [Journ. de Pliarm., Mars, 1848); and another by Dr. E. Bissel, of Norwalk, 
 Conn. [Am. Journ. of Med. Pci. for July, 1848.) For the full precipita- 
 tion of arsenious acid, eighteen times its weight of anhydrous magnesia are re- 
 quired. [E. Riegel . ) Like the sesquioxide of iron, the magnesian antidote 
 is conveniently kept, in a pulpy state, in stoppered bottles under water. M. 
 Sckroff has made some experiments on rabbits, to determine the comparative 
 efficacy, as antidotes, of the sesquioxide and magnesia, and gives the prefer- 
 ence to the latter. For the salts of the acids of arsenic, the subaeetate of the 
 sesquioxide of iron has been suggested as an antidote by Duflos. In poison- 
 ing by these salts, the sesquioxide is said to be without effect. 
 
 Reagents for detecting Arsenious Acid. As arsenic is so frequently em- 
 ployed for criminal purposes, it becomes important to detect its presence in 
 medico-legal investigations. The tests for it may be divided into, 1st, those 
 which indicate indirectly its presence ; and 2d, those which demonstrate its 
 presence incontestably, by bringing it to the metallic state. The former 
 embrace all the liquid reagents, so called ; the latter, the different processes 
 for metallization. 
 
 The most characteristic reagents, according to Dr. Christison, are sul- 
 phuretted hydrogen, ammoniacal nitrate of silver, and ammoniacal sidphate 
 of copper. In the opinion of that writer, the concurrent indications of these 
 three tests are all-sufficient for detecting, in an infallible manner, the pre- 
 sence of arsenious acid ; but we think that, in questions involving life, the 
 metallization of the poison should never be omitted. 
 
 In using sulphuretted hydrogen, the solution must be neutral. An excess 
 of alkali may be neutralized with acetic acid; and an excess of nitric" Or sul- 
 phuric acid by potassa. A slight excess of acetic acid is not hurtful, but 
 rather favours the subsidence of the precipitate, which is the tersulphuret of 
 arsenic. According to Dr. Christison, this test is so exceedingly delicate, 
 that it detects the poison when dissolved in one hundred thousand parts of 
 water. The colour it produces is lemon or sulphur-yellow ; but the presence 
 of vegetable or animal matter commonly gives it a whitish or brownish tint. 
 Some medical jurists recommend the use of sulphuretted hydrogen water; 
 but the gas is far preferable. It can be applied with much convenience by 
 using one of Dr. Hare’s self-regulating gas generators. 
 
 The ammoniacal sulphate of copper is a test of very great delicacy. The 
 precipitate occasioned by it is the arsenite of copper, of an apple-green or 
 
30 
 
 Acidum Arseniosum. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 grass-green colour. Its operation is prevented by muriatic, nitric, sulphuric, 
 acetic, citric, and tartaric acids in excess ; as also by ammonia. 
 
 Of the three tests mentioned, perhaps sulphuretted hydrogen is the most 
 delicate ; and it has the advantage of yielding a precipitate eligible for sub- 
 sequent reduction. But they are all liable to the objection of being obscured 
 in their indications, where the amount of poison is minute, by the presence of 
 organic principles ; a complication constituting the most difficult problem that 
 can be presented to the attention of the medical jurist. As this case includes 
 all others of more easy solution, we shall suppose it to occur, and shall indi- 
 cate the steps which are to be pursued. 
 
 Having obtained general indications of the presence of arsenic, the first 
 step will be to separate the organic matters ; the second, to throw down the 
 arsenic by means of sulphuretted hydrogen ; and the third, to reduce the 
 precipitate obtained to the metallic state. 
 
 The following are the directions given by Dr. Christison for separating the 
 organic principles. Boil the suspected matter with distilled water for half 
 an hour, and filter, first through gauze to separate the coarser particles, and 
 afterwards through paper. To the transparent solution thus obtained, add 
 acetic acid, which will coagulate some animal principles. To ascertain 
 whether the solution has been sufficiently freed from animal matter by this 
 measure, neutralize with ammonia, and test a small portion of it with the 
 ammoniacal nitrate of silver. If this gives a characteristic precipitate, the 
 solution is sufficiently deprived of animal matter; if not, another measure 
 must be adopted to separate it. This consists in first rendering the solution 
 neutral or slightly alkaline, next faintly acidulating with muriatic acid, and 
 then adding an excess of nitrate of silver. This salt precipitates the animal 
 matter in combination with oxide of silver. After this step, the excess of 
 silver is thrown down by a slight excess of chloride of sodium, and the solu- 
 tion filtered. 
 
 The solution having in this manner been disembarrassed of organic matter, 
 the free nitric acid is neutralized by potassa in slight excess, and the solution 
 acidulated with acetic acid. A stream of sulphuretted hydrogen is then 
 passed through it, which will throw down the arsenic as the tersulphuret. 
 If the proportion of arsenic be very small, a yellowishness only will be pro- 
 duced, owing to the precipitate being soluble in an excess of the precipitant. 
 In this case it is necessary to boil, to drive off the excess of sulphuretted 
 hydrogen. The precipitate is then collected and dried. If it be very 
 minute, it must be allowed to subside, and, the clear liquid having been with- 
 drawn, the remainder is to be poured upon a filter. After filtration, the 
 precipitate is washed down to the bottom of the filter, by means of the pipette, 
 an instrument employed for washing scanty precipitates. The filter is then 
 gently pressed between folds of bibulous paper, and the precipitate removed 
 with the point of a knife before it dries, ancl then dried in little masses on a 
 watch-glass. In this manner, Dr. Christison states that it is easy to collect 
 a portion of the tersulphuret so small as the twenty-fifth part of a grain. 
 When the precipitate is small and not easily separated, Devergie recommends 
 to dissolve it in a small quantity of ammonia, to filter the solution, and then 
 evaporate it in a watch-glass, when the tersulphuret will be left. The pre- 
 cipitate is then to be reduced by means of a flux, which this author recom- 
 mends to consist of two parts of ignited carbonate of soda and one of char- 
 coal, as preferable to black flux. The best flux for arsenious acid is freshly 
 ignited charcoal. 
 
 Some years ago, it occurred to Dr. Clarke, of Aberdeen, that arsenic might 
 be separated and detected by taking advantage of the volatility of its chloride. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Arseniosum. 
 
 31 
 
 Following up this idea, Dr. Andrew Fyfe, of Aberdeen, has applied it to the 
 separation of arsenic when mixed with organic matter. For this purpose, 
 he heats the arsenical liquid with sulphuric acid in a flask, to which a bent 
 tube and cooled receiver are adapted. When the mixture is brought to 
 the boiling point, a little dried sea-salt is added, the receiver is connected, 
 and the distillation is continued for some time. Hydrochloric acid is evolved, 
 which, by reacting with the arsenious acid, produces terchloride of arsenic, 
 which distils over free from organic matter. The terchloride of arsenic is 
 then to be precipitated by a stream of sulphuretted hydrogen, to obtain the 
 yellow tersulphuret of arsenic. ( Philos . Mag., 4th series, ii. 487.) 
 
 The general formula for reduction is as follows. The operation is per- 
 formed in a small glass tube. If the matter to be operated on is small, it is 
 introduced to the bottom of the tube, and then a little of the flux is added to 
 cover it, care being taken that the materials are conducted to the place they 
 are to occupy, by means of a small glass funnel with a slender stem, without 
 soiling the empty part of the tube. The heat is applied by means of a spirit 
 lamp, the upper part of the material being first heated with a small flame, 
 and afterwards the lower part with a larger flame. A little water, disengaged 
 at first, should be removed by a roll of filtering paper, before sufficient heat 
 has been applied to sublime the metal. When the dark crust begins to form, 
 the tube should be held quite steady, and in the same part of the flame. 
 This crust is the metallic arsenic, having the surface next the tube resplendent 
 and polished, and the interior surface crystalline. Its characters are quite 
 distinct, even when it does not amount to more than the three-hundredth 
 part of a grain. If any doubt should be felt as to the nature of the crust, it 
 may be driven up and down the tube, so as to convert it into sparkling octo- 
 hedral crystals of arsenious acid, the triangular facets of which may be seen 
 with a magnifying glass. Finally, the crystals may be dissolved in a drop 
 or two of distilled water, and the solution will react characteristically with 
 the liquid tests. 
 
 Another method of testing for arsenic has been proposed by Mr. Marsh. 
 (Edin. New. Phil. Jouvn. for Oct. 1836.) It consists in taking advantage 
 of the power, which nascent hydrogen possesses, of decomposing the acids of 
 arsenic, with the result of forming water and arseniuretted hydrogen. The 
 liquid from the stomach, or obtained from its contents by boiling water, is 
 mixed with some dilute sulphuric acid, and placed in a self-regulating gene- 
 rator of hydrogen, in which a piece of zinc is suspended. The materials are 
 here present for the production of hydrogen; but if the liquid from the sto- 
 mach contain arsenic, the nascent hydrogen will combine with the metal, and 
 the nature of the compound gas formed may be ascertained by burning a jet 
 of it from a fine jet-pipe connected with the generator. The flame will have 
 a characteristic blue colour, and, by holding a porcelain plate over it, a thin 
 film of metallic arsenic will be deposited. Liebig and Mohr bear testimony 
 to the delicacy of this test ; but, to remove every source of fallacy, it is neces- 
 sary to be sure of the purity of the apparatus by a preliminary trial of the 
 hydrogen, before the suspected liquid is added; as zinc and sulphuric acid 
 are both liable to contain a minute proportion of arsenic. The pieces of zinc 
 employed should be changed after every experiment. A modification of 
 Marsh’s apparatus, which is praised by Berzelius for the certainty and dis- 
 tinctness of its results, is figured in the 54th No. of the Chem. Gazette. 
 
 Marsh’s test has been objected to by Mr. L. Thompson, who alleges that 
 antimony forms a compound with hydrogen, very similar to arseniuretted 
 hydrogen, both in the colour of its flame, and in the metallic spot which it 
 deposits during combustion on cold surfaces. Still, the two metals may be 
 
82 
 
 Acidum Arseniosum. — Acidum Citricum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 discriminated by acting on tbe metallic spot with a drop or two of fuming 
 nitric acid, with the aid of heat. Arsenic will thus be converted into soluble 
 arsenic acid, prec-ipitable brick-red by nitrate of silver; antimony, on the 
 other hand, into insoluble antimonic acid. Another way of distinguishing 
 them, is to apply to them a solution of hypochlorite of soda, which instantly 
 dissolves the arsenical spots, without affecting those of antimony. 
 
 Another mode of discriminating between arsenical and antimonial crusts or 
 spots, dependent on the difference of temperature at which the two metals 
 are sublimed, has been recently proposed by Dr. D. Maclagan, of Edinburgh. 
 It consists in subjecting the metallic spot to about the temperature of 500°, 
 by means of a bath of olive oil ; when it will be totally volatilized, if arsenic, 
 but remain unchanged, if antimony. ( Ed . Month. Jowrn ., Nov. 1848.) 
 
 Professor Reinsch has proposed a new method for detecting arsenic in 
 organic liquids, which is praised by Dr. Christison as having the advantage 
 of leaving none of the metal in the subject of analysis, It also has the merit 
 of facility and celerity. It consists in acidulating the suspected liquid with 
 muriatic acid, and boiling in it, for ten minutes, a slip of copper foil, on which 
 the arsenic is deposited as a white alloy; and then separating it in the state 
 of arsenious acid, by subjecting the copper, cut into small chips, to a low red 
 heat in the bottom of a small glass tube. The peculiar crystalline appearance 
 of arsenious acid, mentioned in the last page, is' conclusive of its presence. 
 The form of copper, preferred by Dr. Maclagan, is that of copper wire, No. 
 24, made bright by being rubbed with sand-paper, and rolled into a loose 
 spiral, about an inch long, by being twisted round a small pencil. In this 
 form, the copper is easily removed from the organic mixture, and affords an 
 extensive surface for the deposition of the arsenic. The merit of Reinsch’s 
 test is not that it gives a characteristic deposit on the copper; for bismuth, 
 tin, zinc, and antimony give a similar deposit ; but that the copper collects 
 all the arsenic from the organic liquid, and presents it in a convenient form 
 for applying the liquid and subliming tests. 
 
 It has been shown by MM. Malaguti and Sarzeau that, for the detection 
 of minute quantities of arsenic in the viscera of exhumed bodies, the best 
 method of proceeding is to distil them with aqua regia, made by mixing one 
 part of nitric with three of hydrochloric acid. The animal matter (the liver 
 for example), cut into small pieces, is dried by a gentle heat, and mixed 
 with a quantity of the aqua regia, equal to the weight of the matter before 
 being dried. The mixture is distilled, and the arsenic, if pi'esent, comes 
 over in the form of the volatile terchloride, which may be converted into the 
 tersulphuret in the usual manner. ( Journ . de Pharm., xxiii. 27, Jan. 1853.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Acidum Arseniosum Purum; Arsenicum Purum; Liquor Ar- 
 senici Chloridi ; Liquqr Potassas Arsenitis. B. 
 
 ACIDUM CITRICUM. U. S., Loncl., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Citric Acid. 
 
 Acidum limonis, Lat. ; Acide citrique, Ft. ; Citroneusaure, Germ. ; Acido citrico, 
 Ital., Span. ■ 
 
 Citric acid is the peculiar acid to which limes and lemons owe their sour- 
 ness. It is present also in the juice of other fruits ; such as the cranberry, 
 the red whortleberry, the berry of the bittersweet, the red gooseberry, the 
 currant, the strawberry, the raspberry, the tamarind, and the red elderberry 
 (fruit of Sambucus racemosa rubra). The latter berry contains citric acid 
 so abundantly, that it has been proposed as a source of the acid by M. 
 Thibierge, of Versailles. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidurn Gitricum. 
 
 33 
 
 The acid is extracted from lemon or lime juice by a very simple process, 
 for which we are indebted to Scheele. The boiling juice is first completely 
 saturated with carbonate of lime (chalk or whiting) in fine powder, and the 
 citrate of lime formed is allowed to subside. This is then washed repeatedly 
 with water, and decomposed by diluted sulphuric acid. An insoluble sul- 
 phate of lime is immediately formed, and the disengaged citric acid remains 
 in the supernatant liquor. This is carefully concentrated in leaden boilers, 
 until a pellicle begins to form, when it is transferred to other vessels in order 
 to cool and crystallize. 
 
 Preparation on the Large Scale. The juice is placed in a large vat, 
 closed at the top, and saturated with whiting (carbonate of lime). Carbonic 
 acid gas is evolved, which passes out by an exit-pipe, and may be used in 
 the manufacture of bicarbonate of soda; and citrate of lime precipitates. The 
 supernatant liquor, containing much extractive matter, is drawn off; and the 
 citrate of lime is decomposed by dilute sulphuric acid, liberating the citric 
 acid, and precipitating the lime as a sulphate. The mixture of citric acid 
 and sulphate of lime is run off into a wooden filter back, furnished with a 
 perforated false bottom, and lined throughout with lead, covered with stout 
 twilled flannel. The solution of citric acid passes off through a pipe, leading 
 from the bottom of the back, to suitable reservoirs. The sulphate is washed, 
 until it becomes tasteless, and the washings are run off into the same reser- 
 voirs. The filtered acid solution is then concentrated by evaporation in 
 wooden vessels lined with lead, through which steam is made to pass by 
 means of coiled lead pipes. As citric acid is liable to decomposition, if 
 subjected to too high a temperature, the use of the vacuum pan is highly 
 advantageous in concentrating the solution. When the liquor is sufficiently 
 concentrated, it is transferred to cylindrical sheet-lead vessels, placed in a 
 warm situation, to crystallize. The crystals, as first obtained, are coloured. 
 In order to purify them, they are redissolved in a small quantity of water, 
 with the assistance of heat, and the solution is digested with purified animal 
 charcoal, filtered, and recrystallized. The crystals, after having been washed 
 and drained, are dried on wooden trays, lined with sheet-lead, placed in a 
 room heated by steam. 
 
 The citrate of lime of the above process should be decomposed without 
 delay; for, if kept, it will undergo a true fermentation, with the effect of 
 destroying the citric acid. According to Personne, the products of this 
 fermentation are acetic and butyric acids, while carbonic acid and hydrogen 
 are evolved. 
 
 According to the late Mr. Parkes, a gallon of good juice, if the process be 
 well conducted, will yield eight ounces of white crystals. But the product 
 depends very much on the proportion of citric acid in the juice, which is very 
 variable. The more recent the juice the better the quality. That which is 
 stale will sometimes be quite sour, without containing any citric acid, in con- 
 sequence of its having undergone the acetous fermentation. 
 
 It is desirable to have a slight excess of sulphuric acid; as it rather favours 
 than otherwise the crystallization of the citric acid. It is found necessary, 
 also, to add occasionally a small proportion of sulphuric acid to the citric acid 
 liquor, during the progress of its concentration. 
 
 Citric acid is properly placed in the Materia Medica list of the United 
 States, London, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, as an article purchased from the 
 manufacturing chemist. The Edinburgh College places it among the pre- 
 parations, and makes it by a process of which the following is an outline. 
 Boil eighty fluidounc-es of lemon juice, and allow it to rest, in order that the 
 mucilage and other impurities may subside. Pour off the clear liquor, and, 
 
34 
 
 Acidum Gitricum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 having brought it to the boiling point, add by degrees four and a half ounces 
 of prepared chalk, or as much as may be sufficient to saturate the acid. Col- 
 lect the precipitate, and wash it with hot water until the water passes colour- 
 less. Then subject it to a powerful press, and, having mixed it uniformly 
 with forty fluidounces of distilled water, add officinal diluted sulphuric, acid 
 by degrees, in the proportion of eight fluidounces for every ounce of chalk 
 expended in the saturation, constantly stirring the mixture. Separate now 
 the clear liquor by subsidence or filtration, wash the insoluble matter with 
 cold water, add the washings to the liquor, concentrate it with a gentle heat 
 until crystals form on the surface, and set it aside to cool and crystallize. 
 The crystals are then to be subjected to repeated solution and crystallization 
 until they are colourless. 
 
 If the citrate of lime be exactly decomposed by the sulphuric acid, without 
 the latter being in excess, the citric acid set free will not be contaminated by 
 sulphuric acid. In order to determine whether the acid liquor, remaining 
 after the subsidence of the sulphate of lime, is all citric acid, the Edinburgh 
 College directs that a small filtered portion of it should be tested with nitrate 
 of baryta. If the acid liquor contain only citric acid, the precipitate will be 
 citrate of baryta, and wholly soluble in nitric acid ; but if sulphuric acid be 
 present also, it will be a mixture of citrate and sulphate of baryta, and not 
 wholly soluble in nitric acid, the sulphate not being soluble in that acid. 
 Accordingly, if the precipitate be not wholly soluble in nitric acid, citrate 
 of lime must be/added to the acid liquor until the sulphuric acid is almost 
 entirely removed. 
 
 The preliminary boiling of the lemon juice, directed by the Edinburgh 
 College, is intended to render the mucilage and other impurities insoluble, 
 whereby they are got rid of by subsidence. According to Dr. Christison, 
 the juice may be advantageously clarified by albumen. 
 
 Properties. Citric acid is a white crystallized solid, often in large crystals, 
 having the form of rhomboidal prisms with dihedral summits. It is perma- 
 nent in a dry air, but becomes moist in a damp one. Its sp. gr. is 16. Its 
 taste is strongly acid, and almost caustic. When heated, it dissolves in its 
 water of crystallization, and, at a higher temperature, undergoes decomposi- 
 tion, becoming yellow or brown, and forming a very sour syrupy liquid, which 
 is uncrystallizable. By destructive distillation, it gives rise to water, ernpy- 
 reumatic oil, acetic and carbonic acids, carburetted hydrogen, and a number 
 of pyrogenous acids, among which is the aconitic. A voluminous coal is left. 
 
 Citric acid dissolves in three-fourths of its weight of cold, and half its weight 
 of boiling water. It is also soluble in alcohol. A weak solution of it has an 
 agreeable taste, but cannot be kept, as it undergoes spontaneous decomposi- 
 tion. It is incompatible with alkaline solutions, whether pure or carbonated, 
 converting them into citrates ; also with the earthy and metallic carbonates, 
 most acetates, the alkaline sulphurets, and soaps. It is characterized by 
 its taste, by the shape of its crystals, and by forming an insoluble salt with 
 lime, and a deliquescent one with potassa. If sulphuric acid be present, the 
 precipitate by acetate of lead will not be entirely soluble in nitric acid ; the 
 insoluble portion being sulphate of lead. Sometimes large crystals of tartaric 
 acid are substituted for or mixed with the citric, a fraud which is readily 
 detected by adding a solution of carbonate of potassa to one of the suspected 
 acid; when, if tartaric acid be present, a crystalline precipitate of bitartrate 
 of potassa (cream of tartar) will be formed. Lime or other fixed impurity is 
 detected by incinerating the acid, either alone or with red oxide of mercury, 
 when the fixed matter will be left. According to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
 100 grains of citric acid saturate 150 grains of bicarbonate of potassa. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Citricum. — Acidum Muriaticum. 
 
 35 
 
 Composition. The formula of this acid, considered dry, as it exists in the 
 citrate of silver, is C^HjOu- When crystallized from its solution by cooling, 
 it contains four eqs. of water, three of which are basic. 
 
 Medical Properties. Citric acid is principally employed for making a sub- 
 stitute for lemonade, and in the composition of effervescing draughts. It is 
 used also for preparing the neutral mixture. (See Liquor Potassee Citratis.') 
 When added in the quantity of nine drachms and a half to a pint of distilled 
 water, it forms a solution of the average strength of lemon juice. Of this 
 solution, or of lemon juice, a scruple of bicarbonate of potassa saturates three 
 fluidrachms and a half; a scruple of carbonate of potassa, four fluidrachms; 
 and a scruple of carbonate of ammonia, six fluidrachms. Half a fluidounce 
 of lemon juice, or of an equivalent solution of citric acid, when saturated, is 
 considered a dose. An agreeable substitute for lemonade may be made by 
 dissolving from two to four parts of the acid, mixed with sugar and a little 
 oil of lemons, in nine hundred parts of water; or a scruple of the acid may 
 be dissolved in a pint of water, and sweetened to the taste with sugar which 
 has been rubbed on fresh lemon peel. 
 
 Off. Prep. Ferri Ammonio-citras; Ferri Citras; Liquor Ammonias Citra- 
 tis; Liquor Magnesiae Citratis; Liquor Potassas Citratis; Potassae Citras; 
 Pulveres Effervescentes Citrati; Syrupus Acidi Citrici. B. 
 
 ACIDUM MURIATICUM. U. S. 
 
 Muriatic Acid. 
 
 An aqueous solution of chlorohydric acid gas of the specific gravity 1T6. 
 U.S. 
 
 Off. Syn. ACIDUM HYDROCHLORICUM. Land. ACIDUM MU- 
 RIATICUM PURUM. Ed., Dub. ACIDUM MURIATICUM. Hydro- 
 chloric Acid of Commerce. Ed. ACIDUM MURIATICUM YENALE. 
 Commercial Muriatic Acid. Dub. 
 
 Spirit of sea-salt, Marine acid, Hydrochloric acid, Chlorohydric acid ; Acide liydro- 
 chlorique, Fr. ; Salzsaure, Kochsalzsaure, Germ. ; Acido muriatico, Ital., Span. 
 
 The muriatic acid of pharmacy and the arts is a solution of muriatic acid 
 gas in water. It is sometimes called liquid muriatic acid, but more properly 
 aqueous muriatic acid. The acid is officinal in its pure form in the U. S. 
 and London Pharmacopoeias, and both in its pure and commercial forms in 
 the Edinburgh and Dublin. The sp. gr. of the pure acid is directed to be 
 1T6 in the U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias, 117 in the Edinburgh, and 
 1Y76 in the Dublin. The Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges give processes 
 for the preparation of the pure acid; while, in the United States and London 
 Pharmacopoeias, it is placed exclusively in the list of the Materia Medica, as 
 an article to be procured from the manufacturing chemist. 
 
 Preparation. Muriatic acid is obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on 
 chloride of sodium or common salt. The commercial acid is procured, on a 
 large scale, by distilling the salt with an equal weight of sulphuric acid, some- 
 what diluted with water, from iron stills furnished with earthen heads, into 
 earthenware receivers containing water. When thus obtained, it is contami- 
 nated with iron and other impurities, and is not fit for medicinal purposes. 
 
 Commercial muriatic acid is now procured in large quantities in England, 
 during the decomposition of common salt for the purpose of making sulphate 
 of soda, from w r hich soda-ash and carbonate of soda are afterwards manufac- 
 tured in immense quantities. When the object is to obtain sulphate of soda, 
 the decomposition of the sea salt is performed in semi-cylindrical vessels, the 
 
36 
 
 Acidum Muriaticum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 curved part, next the fire, being made of iron, and the upper or flat surface, 
 of stone. If the acid be saved, it is conveyed by a pipe to a double-necked 
 stoneware receiver, half filled with water, and connected with a row of similar 
 receivers, likewise containing water. 
 
 The acid, when required to be pure, is generally prepared by saturating 
 distilled water with the gas in a Woulfe’s apparatus. A quantity of pure 
 fused* common salt is introduced into a retort or matrass, placed on a sand- 
 bath. The vessel is then furnished with an S tube, and connected with a 
 series of bottles, each two-thirds full of water. A quantity of sulphuric acid 
 is then gradually added, equal in weight to the common salt employed, and 
 diluted with one-third of its weight of water. The materials ought not to 
 occupy more than half the body of the retort. When the extrication of the 
 o-as slackens, heat is to be applied, and gradually increased until the water in 
 the bottles refuses to absorb any more, or until no more gas is found to come 
 over. As soon as the process is completed, boiling water should be added to 
 the contents of the retort or matrass, in order to facilitate the removal of the 
 residue. During the progress of the saturation, the water in the several 
 bottles increases in temperature, which lessens its power of absorption. It 
 is, therefore, expedient, in order to obtain a strong acid, to keep the bottles 
 cool by means of water or ice. The connecting tubes need not plunge deeply 
 into the acid. 
 
 The rationale of the process for obtaining this acid is very simple. Com- 
 mon salt is a compound of chlorine and sodium ; muriatic acid, of chlorine 
 and hydrogen ; and liquid sulphuric acid, of dry sulphuric acid and water. 
 The water is decomposed; its oxygen, combining with the sodium of the 
 common salt, generates soda, which unites with the sulphuric acid to form 
 sulphate of soda; while the hydrogen and chlorine, being both in the nascent 
 state, combine and escape as muriatic acid gas. The residue of the process is 
 consequently sulphate of soda, or Glauber's salt. It is reserved by the Edin- 
 burgh College to be dissolved and crystallized, in order to form the officinal 
 sulphate of soda. (See Sodse Sulphas .) 
 
 In making pure muriatic acid, the Edinburgh College directs equal weights 
 of purified and well dried salt, pure sulphuric acid, and water. The following 
 is the Dublin process, the ounces emplojmd being avoirdupois ounces. Pour 
 upon 48 ounces of dried salt, previously introduced into a globular flask having 
 the capacity of at least a gallon (Imp. measd), 44 fluid ounces (equal to about 
 814 ounces) of sulphuric acid of commerce, diluted with 32 ounces of water, 
 and allowed to cool before being added. Then, applying a gentle heat, con- 
 duct the muriatic acid gas into a bottle, containing 44 ounces of distilled 
 water, by means of a bent tube dipping about half an inch beneath its surface, 
 and continue to distil until 3 pints (Imp. meas.) of product are obtained. 
 Throughout the operation, the temperature of the distilled water must be 
 prevented from rising by the application of cold. 
 
 In the process for muriatic acid, theory calls for a little less than 82 parts 
 of liquid sulphuric acid to 100 of common salt. Thus it appears that the 
 Edinburgh College, directing 100 of acid to 100 of salt, uses a considerable 
 excess of the former, which to this extent may, perhaps, be useful, to insure 
 the complete decomposition of the salt; but the excess of acid, used by the 
 Dublin College, is so great as to create a suspicion that the quantity pre- 
 scribed is a misprint. The quantity of acid, directed by the College, is suf- 
 ficient to decompose twice the quantity of common salt taken. 
 
 * According to Thenard, the fusion of the common salt will very much facilitate the 
 conducting of the process. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Muriaticum. 
 
 37 
 
 The common salt is directed to be purified by the Edinburgh College by 
 dissolving it in boiling water, concentrating the solution, skimming off the 
 crystals as they form on the surface, draining from them the adhering solu- 
 tion, and subsequently washing them slightly with cold water. Dr. Chris- 
 tison states that the object of this treatment is to separate nitrate of soda, 
 which is almost always present in the common salt of commerce. It will 
 also separate nitrate of potassa if it happen to be present. The same College 
 directs pure sulphuric acid, on the ground that the commercial usually con- 
 tains nitrous acid. (See Acidum Sulphuriatm Purum . ) 
 
 Properties of the Pure Acid. Muriatic acid, when pure, is a transparent 
 colourless liquid, of a suffocating odour and corrosive taste. Exposed to the 
 air it emits white fumes, owing to the escape of the acid gas, and its union 
 with the moisture of the atmosphere. When concentrated, it blackens or- 
 ganic substances like sulphuric acid. Its sp.gr. varies with its strength. 
 When as highly concentrated as possible, its density is 1'21. The medicinal 
 acid has the sp.gr. 1T6, and 100 grains of it saturate 132 grains of crys- 
 tallized carbonate of soda. When of this strength, it contains rather more 
 than 33 - 9 per cent, of muriatic acid gas. (Phillips.') It freezes at —60°. 
 When exposed to heat, it continues to give off muriatic acid gas, with the 
 appearance of ebullition, until its sp. gr. falls to 1’094, when it properly 
 boils, and distils over unchanged. 
 
 As it is desirable to know, on many occasions, in chemical and pharmaceu- 
 tical operations, the quantity of strong aqueous acid, of acid gas, and of chlo- 
 rine, contained in samples of acid of different densities, we subjoin a table 
 by Dr. Ure, containing this information. 
 
 Table of the quantity of Aqueous Muriatic Acid of sp. gr. 1'2, of Muriatic 
 Acid Gas, and of Chlorine, in 100 parts of Aqueous Acid of different 
 densities. 
 
 Sp. gr. 
 
 Aqueous ■ 
 Acid of 
 sp.gr. 1-2 
 
 ■Acid Gas. 
 
 ’ " “ ’ 
 
 Chlorine. 1 
 
 Sp. gr. 
 
 Aqueous 
 Acid of 
 sp. gr. 1-2 
 
 Acid Gas. 
 
 Chlorine. 
 
 1-2000 
 
 100 
 
 40-777 
 
 39-675 j 
 
 1-1102 
 
 55 
 
 21-822 
 
 22-426 
 
 11910 
 
 95 
 
 38-738 
 
 37-692 
 
 1-1000 
 
 50 
 
 20-388 
 
 19-837 
 
 11822 
 
 90 
 
 36-700 
 
 35-707 
 
 1-0899 
 
 45 
 
 18-348 
 
 17-854 
 
 1-1721 
 
 85 
 
 34-660 
 
 33-724 
 
 1-0798 
 
 40 
 
 16-310 
 
 15-870 
 
 1-1701 
 
 84 
 
 34-252 
 
 33-328 
 
 1-0697 
 
 35 
 
 14-271 
 
 13-887 
 
 1-1620 
 
 80 
 
 32 621 
 
 31-746 
 
 1-0597 
 
 30 
 
 12-233 
 
 11-903 
 
 1-1599 
 
 79 
 
 32-213 
 
 31-343 
 
 1-0497 
 
 25 
 
 10-194 
 
 9-919 
 
 1-1515 
 
 75 
 
 30-582 
 
 29-757 
 
 1-0397 
 
 20 
 
 8-155 
 
 7-935 
 
 1-1410 
 
 70 
 
 28-544 
 
 27-772 
 
 1 -0298 
 
 15 
 
 6-116 
 
 5-951 
 
 1-1308 
 
 65 
 
 26-504 
 
 25-789 
 
 1-0200 
 
 10 
 
 4-078 
 
 3-968 
 
 1-1206 
 
 60 
 
 24-466 
 
 23-805 
 
 1-0100 
 
 5 
 
 2-039 
 
 1-984 
 
 Muriatic acid is characterized by forming, on the addition of nitrate of 
 silver, a white precipitate (chloride of silver), which is insoluble in nitric acid, 
 but readily soluble in ammonia. It is incompatible with alkalies and most 
 earths, with oxides and their carbonates, and with sulphuret of potassium, 
 tartrate of potassa, tartar emetic, tartrate of iron and potassa, nitrate of silver, 
 and solution of subacetate of lead. 
 
 Adulterations. This acid, when pure, will evaporate without residue in a 
 platinum spoon. If sulphuric acid be present, a solution of chloride of barium 
 will cause a precipitate of sulphate of baryta in the acid, previously diluted 
 
38 
 
 Acidum Muriaticum. 
 
 part I. 
 
 with distilled water. Iron may be detected by saturating the dilute acid with 
 carbonate of soda, and then adding ferrocyanuret of potassium, which will 
 strike a blue colour if that metal be present. Free chlorine may be dis- 
 covered by the acid having the power to dissolve gold-leaf. Any minute 
 portion of the leaf which may be dissolved, is detected by adding a solution 
 of protochloride of tin, which will give rise to a purplish tint. The free chlo- 
 rine is derived from the reaction of nitric or nitrous acid on a small portion 
 of the muriatic acid, which is thus deprived of its hydrogen. Hence it is 
 that, when free chlorine is present, nitrous acid, or some other oxide of nitro- 
 gen is also present as an impurity. The nitric and nitrous acids are derived 
 from nitrates in the common salt, and from nitrous acid in the commercial 
 sulphuric acid, employed in the preparation of the muriatic acid. 
 
 Muriatic Acid of Commerce. This acid has the general properties of the 
 pure aqueous acid. It has a yellow colour, owing to the presence of sesqui- 
 chloride of iron, or of a minute proportion of organic matter, such as cork, 
 wood, &c. It usually contains sulphuric acid, and sometimes free chlorine and 
 nitrous acid. But the most injurious impurity, to those who consume it in 
 the arts, is sulphurous acid. Mr. T. H. Savory analyzed three samples of 
 commercial muriatic acid, each having a sp.gr. of between 1T6 and ITT, 
 and found them to contain from 7 to nearly 11 per cent, of sulphurous acid. 
 To detect this acid, M. Girardin has proposed a very delicate test, namely, 
 the protochloride of tin. The mode of using the test is to take about half an 
 ounce of the acid to be tested, and to add to it two or three drachms of the 
 protochloride. The mixture having been stirred two or three times, as much 
 distilled water as of the protochloride is to be added. If sulphurous acid be 
 present, the muriatic acid becomes turbid and yellow immediately upon the 
 addition of the protochloride ; and, upon the subsequent addition of the water, 
 a slight evolution of sulphuretted hydrogen takes place, perceptible to the 
 smell, and the liquid assumes a brown hue, depositing a powder of the same 
 colour. The manner in which the test acts is as follows. By a transfer of 
 chlorine, the test is converted into bichloride and metallic tin, the latter of 
 which, by reacting with the sulphurous acid, gives rise to a precipitate of the 
 deutoxide and protosulphuret of tin. In case the sulphurous acid forms but 
 one-half of one per cent, of the commercial acid, the precipitate may not be 
 perceptible. Under these circumstances, a solution of sulphate of copper 
 must be added to the liquid previously warmed, when a brown precipitate of 
 sulphuret of copper will be immediately formed. ( Heintz .) M- Lembert has 
 proposed the following, which he considers as a more delicate test of sulphu- 
 rous acid. Saturate the suspected muriatic acid with carbonate of potassa. 
 Then add successively a little weak solution of starch, one or two drops of a 
 solution of iodate of potassa, and sulphuric acid, drop by drop. If sulphu- 
 rous acid be present, it will be set free along with iodic acid, and these, by 
 reacting on each other, will develope iodine, which will cause a blue colour 
 with the starch. 
 
 Another impurity occasionally present in the commercial acid, as shown by 
 Dupasquier, is arsenic. The immediate source of this impurity is the sul- 
 phuric acid used to prepare the muriatic acid. The sulphuric acid derives 
 the arsenic from the sulphur used in its manufacture, and this last from 
 pyrites containing a little of the poisonous metal. The arsenic, when present, 
 is in the form of a chloride, and, from its volatility in this state of combina- 
 tion, is transferred to the muriatic acid, distilled from the commercial acid. 
 This impurity is separated by diluting the acid with an equal volume of 
 water, and passing through it sulphuretted hydrogen, which throws down the 
 arsenic as a sulphuret. Where leaden vessels are used in preparing muriatic 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Muriaticum. 
 
 39 
 
 acid, it is apt to contain chloride of lead, which may he detected by sulphu- 
 retted hydrogen. This impurity, being fixed, may be got rid of by distilling 
 the acid. ( Dr . A. Vogel , Jr.) 
 
 Muriatic acid of commerce is officinal only in the Edinburgh and Dublin 
 Pharmacopoeias. The density of the Edinburgh acid is directed to be at least 
 1'180. Dr. Christison states that it varies in this respect from 1T80 to 
 1'216. Thus the commercial is stronger than the pure acid of the Edinburgh 
 Pharmacopoeia, and consequently more fuming. Mr. Phillips states that he 
 has never found the commercial acid nearly so strong, and suspects that, 
 when of this specific gravity, it must contain a very large admixture of sul- 
 phuric acid. The commercial acid is defined by the Edinburgh College to 
 be always yellow, and commonly to contain a little sulphuric acid, oxide of 
 iron, and chlorine. 
 
 Properties of Muriatic Acid Gas. Muriatic acid gas is a colourless elastic 
 fluid, possessing a pungent odour, and the property of irritating the organs 
 of respiration. It destroys life and extinguishes flame. It reddens litmus 
 powerfully, and has the other properties of a strong acid. Its sp. gr. is 1 '269. 
 Subjected to a pressure of 40 atmospheres, at the temperature of 50°, it is 
 condensed into a transparent liquid, to which alone the name of liquid muri- 
 atic acid properly belongs. It absorbs water with the greatest avidity, and, 
 according to the temperature and pressure, unites with a greater or less quan- 
 tity of that liquid. Water, at the temperature of 69°, takes up 464 times 
 its volume of the gas, increasing one-third in bulk, and about three-fourths in 
 weight. Water thus saturated constitutes the strong aqueous acid already 
 described. 
 
 Composition. Muriatic acid gas consists of one eq. of chlorine 35‘42, and 
 one of hydrogen 1 = 36‘42 ; or of one volume of chlorine and one of hydro- 
 gen, united without condensation. 
 
 Medical Properties. Muriatic acid is tonic, refrigerant, and antiseptic. 
 It is exhibited, largely diluted with water, in low fevers, some forms of syphilis, 
 and to counteract phosphatic deposits' in the urine. Dr. Paris has given it 
 with success in malignant cases of typhus and scarlatina, administered in a 
 strong infusion of quassia. It proves also a good adjunct to gargles in 
 ulcerated sorethroat and scarlatina maligna. The dose for internal exhibi- 
 tion is from ten to twenty minims, in a sufficient quantity of some bland 
 fluid, as barley water or gruel. In the composition of gargles, it may be 
 used in the proportion of from half a fluidrachm to two fluidrachms, mixed 
 with six fluidounces of the vehicle. (See Acidum Muriaticum Dilutum.) 
 
 Toxicological Properties. Muriatic acid, when swallowed, is highly irri- 
 tating and corrosive, but less so than sulphuric and nitric acids. It pro- 
 duces blackness of the lips, fiery redness of the tongue, hiccough, violent 
 efforts to vomit, and agonizing pain in the stomach. There is much thirst, 
 with great restlessness, a dry and burning skin, and a small concentrated 
 pulse. If the acid has been recently swallowed, white vapours of a pungent 
 smell are emitted from the mouth. The best antidote is magnesia, which 
 acts by saturating the acid. Soap is also useful for the same reason. In 
 the course of the treatment, bland and mucilaginous drinks must be freely 
 given. When inflammation supervenes, it must be treated on general 
 principles. 
 
 Pharm. Uses. Muriatic acid is used as a chemical agent in the prepara- 
 tion of Acidum Tartaricum; Antimonii et Potassas Tartras; Antimonii Ox- 
 idum ; Calcis Phosphas Praecipitatum ; Carbo Auimalis Purificatus; Hydrar- 
 gyrum Purum ; Potassae Bicarbonas ; Quinias Sulphas ; Sodas Bicarbonas ; 
 Strychnia; Sulphur Prascipitatum ; Veratria. 
 
40 
 
 Acidum Muriaticum. — Acidum Nitricum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Muriatic Acid. Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum ; Acidum 
 Muriaticum Dilutum ; Acidum Nitromuriaticum ; Barii Chloridum ; Calc-ii 
 Cliloridum ; Ferrum Ammoniatum ; Liquor Arsenici Chloridi ; Liquor Calcii 
 Cbloridi ; Morphias Murias ; Tinctura Ferri Chloridi ; Zinci Chloridum. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Muriatic Acid, of Commerce. Antimonii Terchloridi Liquor; 
 Calcis Murias; Chlorinii Liquor; Ferri Muriatis Tinctura; Zinci Chloridi 
 Liquor. B. 
 
 ACIDUM NITRICUM. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Nitric Acid. 
 
 Nitric acid of the specific gravity 142. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. ACIDUM NITRICUM. Nitric Acid of Commerce, sp.gr. 1'38 
 to 1-39 .Ed.; ACIDUM NITRICUM YENALE. Commercial Nitric Acid. 
 Dub. 
 
 Spirit of nitre ; Aqua fortis ; Aeide nitrique, Acide azotique, Ft. ; Salpetersaure, 
 Germ.; Zalpeterzuur, Sterkwater, Dutch; Skedwatter, Swed. ; Acido nitrico, Ital., 
 Span. 
 
 Nitric acid is now officinal in four forms ; the pure acid of the sp. gr. 15, 
 the pure acid of the sp. gr. 1 ‘42, the commercial acid, and the diluted. The 
 acid of 1'42 and the commercial acid, being placed exclusively in the Materia 
 Medica list, will be noticed here, and the other two, for which formulas are 
 given, will be described under the preparations. (See Acidum Nitricum 
 Purum and Acidum Nitricum Dilutum .) 
 
 The usual process adopted in the laboratory for obtaining this acid, is to 
 add to nitrate of potassa in coarse powder, contained in a retort, an equal 
 weight of strong sulphuric acid, poured in by means of a tube or funnel, so 
 as not to soil the neck. The materials should not occupy more than two- 
 thirds of the capacity of the retort. A receiver being adapted, heat is ap- 
 plied by means of a spirit-lamp, the naked fire, or a sand-bath, moderately at 
 first, but afterwards more strongly when the materials begin to thicken, in 
 order to bring the whole into a state of perfect fusion. Red vapours will at 
 first arise, and afterwards disappear in the progress of the distillation. To- 
 wards its close they will be reproduced, and their reappearance will indicate 
 that the process is completed. 
 
 The proportion of equal weights, as above given, corresponding nearly to 
 one eq. of nitrate of potassa, and two of monohydrated sulphuric acid, is the 
 best for operations on a small scale in the laboratory. This proportion is 
 preferred by Thenard. In operations on a large scale, where an iron vessel 
 is used, a strong heat applied, and water placed in the receivers to condense 
 the acid, less sulphuric acid may be advantageously employed. 
 
 Monohydrated Nitric Arid. Nitrate of Water. This is the strongest 
 liquid nitric acid that can be procured, and may be supposed to be obtained 
 by distilling one eq. of pure and dry nitre, with two eqs. of monohydrated 
 sulphuric acid. One eq. of monohydrated nitric acid distils over, and one 
 eq. of monohydrated bisulphate of potassa remains behind. KO,NO s and 2 
 (H0,S0 3 ) = H0,N0 5 and K0,2S0 3 -f-H0. Acid of this strength is very 
 difficult to get, and requires for its preparation the most elaborate attention 
 to separate the superabundant water. According to Mr. Arthur Smith, of 
 London, acid, dehydrated as far as possible, is perfectly colourless, boils at 
 184°, has the sp. gr. 1'517 at 60°, and nearly approaches, in composition, 
 to a monohydrate. Acid of this strength, even at the boiling temperature, 
 has not the slightest action on tin or iron. (Phil. Mag., Dec. 1847.) Accord- 
 ing to Millon, the true mouohydrate has a sp. gr. as high as 1'521. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Nitricum. 
 
 41 
 
 Nitric Acid ( sp . gr. 1'42). Quadriliy dr cited Nitric Acid. This is the acid, 
 newly adopted in the U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias, in the place of the 
 acid weighing 1'5. Acid of the density 1’5 was not found in any of the 
 shops, and much pains were required to get it of that strength. Besides, acid 
 of the density 1'5 was not necessary for any process of the Pharmacopoeia. 
 Considerations of this kind induced the revisers of our national standard of 
 1850, to lower the strength of officinal nitric acid to 1'42, its purity in other 
 respects remaining the same. To satisfy the tests given in the U. S. Phar- 
 macopoeia, it must be colourless, entirely volatilized by heat, and, when diluted 
 with distilled water, not precipitable by nitrate of silver or chloride of barium. 
 Acid of the density P42 is the most stable of the hydrated compounds of 
 nitric acid, and boils at 250°. When either stronger or weaker than this, it 
 distils over at a lower temperature ; and, by losing more acid than water in 
 the first case, and more water than acid in the second, constantly approaches 
 to the sp.gr. P42, when its boiling point becomes stationary. These facts 
 in relation to quadrihydrated nitric acid were first observed by Dalton, and 
 have since been confirmed by Mr. Arthur Smith, of London. (Phil. Mag., 
 Dec. 1847.) This acid consists of one eq. of dry acid and four of water. 
 (4HO,NO s .) But, as only one of the eqs. of water is basic, the other three 
 being constitutional, the true formula is H0,N0 3 -k3H0. 
 
 Commercial Nitric Acid, Pd., Pub. The Edinburgh commercial acid is 
 stated to have a density varying from 1‘38 to 1'39. It is colourless or nearly 
 so, and, if diluted with distilled water, precipitates but slightly, or not at all, 
 with solution of nitrate of baryta or of nitrate of silver. The Dublin com- 
 mercial acid is not defined, either as to specific gravity or grade of purity. 
 According to M. Lembert, the nitric acid of commerce sometimes contains 
 iodine, probably derived from the native nitrate of soda, in which he found 
 that element. It may be detected by saturating the suspected acid with a 
 carbonated alkali, pouring in a little clear solution of starch, and then adding 
 a few drops of sulphuric acid. If iodine be present, the sulphuric acid will 
 set it free, and the starch solution will become blue. 
 
 Nitric Acid of the Arts. Two strengths of this acid occur in the arts; — 
 double aqua fortis (sp.gr. 1'36), which is half the strength of concentrated 
 nitric acid, and single aqua fortis (sp.gr. 1’22), which is half as strong as the 
 double. Aqua fortis is sometimes obtained by distilling a mixture of nitre 
 and calcined sulphate of iron. By an interchange of ingredients, sulphate of 
 potassa and nitrate of iron are formed, the latter of which, at the distilling 
 heat, readily abandons its nitric acid. The sulphate of potassa is washed out 
 of the residue, and the sesquioxide of iron which is left, is sold, under the 
 name of colcothar, to the polishers of metals. The distillation is performed 
 in large cast-iron retorts, lined on the inside with a thick layer of red oxide 
 of iron, to protect them from the action of the acid. The acid is received in 
 large glass vessels containing water. A considerable portion of the acid is 
 decomposed by the heat into reddish vapours, which subsequently dissolve 
 in the water, and absorb the oxygen which had been disengaged. The acid 
 thus obtained is red and tolerably strong, but is diluted with water before 
 being thrown into commerce. 
 
 In France, nitric acid is manufactured on the large scale from nitre and 
 sulphuric acid in cast-iron cylinders. The cylinders are disposed horizontally 
 across a furnace, and are strewed internally throughout their whole length 
 with nitre. Two circular cast-iron plates, each pierced with a hole, serve to 
 close the ends. At one end, the sulphuric acid is poured in, and, by means 
 of a stoneware tube connected with the other end, the nitric acid is conducted 
 to receivers. The sulphate of potassa is removed after each operation. The 
 iron cylinders are acted upon by the acid; yet, notwithstanding this disad- 
 
42 Acidum Nitricum. part I. 
 
 vantage, the process, when conducted in such vessels, is attended with a 
 great saving of expense. 
 
 In England, nitric acid is generally procured for the purposes of the arts, 
 by distilling the materials in earthenware retorts, or cast-iron pots with 
 earthen heads, connected with a series of glass or stoneware receivers con- 
 taining water. The proportion of sulphuric acid, employed by the manu- 
 facturer, is between one and two equivalents to one of the salt; and hence the 
 product has an orange-red colour, which is removed by heating the acid. 
 
 In the United States, nitric acid is made, on the large scale, in a distillatory 
 apparatus, having the same general arrangement as in France and England. 
 Sometimes a cast-iron cylinder is used as in France, and sometimes a thick 
 cast-iron pot, with an earthenware head. The pot is set in brick-work over 
 a fire-place, and the materials having been placed in it, the head is luted on 
 with a fat lute, and made to communicate with two receivers, either of stone- 
 ware or glass, connected together by means of a tube. Large demijohns of 
 glass answer the purpose of receivers very well. The incondensible products 
 are made to pass by means of a tube into a portion of water. The quantity 
 of sulphuric acid, employed in different establishments, varies from one-half 
 to two-thirds of the weight of the nitre. Nitrate of soda (cubic nitre), 
 imported into the United States from Peru, is used by some manufacturing 
 chemists to obtain nitric acid. One objection to this salt is that it often 
 contains much common salt. Supposing it pure, it yields ten per cent more 
 acid for a given weight than nitrate of potassa; but the residuum, sulphate 
 of soda, is less valuable than sulphate of potassa. The latter salt, under 
 the name of sal enixurn, is sold to the alum makers. 
 
 Mallet, of Paris, has proposed to obtain nitric acid from nitrate of soda, 
 by distilling it with dried boracic acid. In this case, biborate of soda or 
 borax is the residue. 
 
 General Properties of Nitric Acid. Nitric acid, so called from nitre, is a 
 liquid, extremely sour and corrosive. It was discovered by Raymond Lully, 
 in the 18th century, and its constituents, by Cavendish, in 1784. When 
 perfectly pure, it is colourless; but, as usually obtained, it has a straw colour, 
 owing to the presence of nitrous acid. The concentrated acid, when exposed 
 to the air, emits white fumes, possessing a disagreeable odour. By the action 
 of light, it undergoes a slight decomposition, and becomes yellow. It acts 
 powerfully on animal matter, causing its decomposition. On the living fibre 
 it operates as a strong caustic. It stains the skin, and most animal sub- 
 stances of an indelible yellow colour. On vegetable fibre it acts peculiarly, 
 abstracting hydrogen or water, and combining with its remaining elements. 
 When diluted, nitric acid converts most animal and vegetable substances into 
 oxalic, malic, and carbonic acids. The general character of its action is to 
 impart oxygen to other bodies, which it is enabled to do in consequence of 
 the large quantity of this element which it contains in a state of loose com- 
 bination. It acidifies sulphur and phosphorus, and oxidizes all the metals, 
 except chromium, tungsten, columbium, cerium, titanium, osmium, rhodium, 
 gold, platinum, and iridium. In the liquid state, it always contains water, 
 which is essential to its existence in that state. It combines with salifiable 
 bases, and forms nitrates. When it is mixed with muriatic acid, mutual de- 
 composition takes place, and a liquid is formed, capable of dissolving gold, 
 called nitromuriatic acid or aqua regia. (See Acidum Nitromuriaticum .) 
 
 As a nitric acid below the standard strength is necessarily employed in 
 many chemical and pharmaceutical operations, it often becomes important to 
 know the proportion of dry acid, and of acid of the strength of 1 '5, contained 
 in an acid of any given specific gravity. The following table, drawn up 
 from experiments by Dr. Ure, gives information on these points. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Nitricum. 
 
 43 
 
 Table showing the Quantity of Hydrated Nitric Acid (sp. gr. 1'5), and of 
 Dry Nitric Acid, contained in 100 parts of the Acid at Different Densities. 
 
 Sp. Gr. 
 
 Hyd. 
 Acid 
 in 100 
 
 Dry 
 Acid 
 in 100 
 
 Sp.Gr. 
 
 Hyd. 
 Acid 
 in 100 
 
 Dry 
 Acid 
 in 100 
 
 Sp. Gr. 
 
 Hyd. 
 Acid 
 in 100 
 
 Dry 
 Acid 
 in 100 
 
 Sp.Gr. 
 
 Hyd. 
 Acid 
 in 100 
 
 Dry 
 Acid 
 in 100 
 
 1-500 
 
 100 
 
 79-700 
 
 1-4189 
 
 75 
 
 59-775 
 
 1-2947 
 
 50 
 
 39-850 
 
 1-1403 
 
 25 
 
 19-925 
 
 1-498 
 
 99 
 
 78-903 
 
 1-4147 
 
 74 
 
 58-978 
 
 1-2887 
 
 49 
 
 39-053 
 
 1-1345 
 
 24 
 
 19-128 
 
 1-4960 
 
 98 
 
 78-106 
 
 1-4107 
 
 73 
 
 58-181 
 
 1-2826 
 
 48 
 
 38-256 
 
 1-1286 
 
 23 
 
 18-331 
 
 1-4940 
 
 97 
 
 77-309 
 
 1-4065 
 
 72 
 
 57-384 
 
 1-2765 
 
 47 
 
 37-459 
 
 1-1227 
 
 22 
 
 17-534 
 
 1-4910 
 
 96 
 
 76-512 
 
 1 -4023 
 
 71 
 
 56-587 
 
 1-2705 
 
 46 
 
 36-662 
 
 1-1168 
 
 21 
 
 16-737 
 
 1-4880 
 
 95 
 
 75-715 
 
 1-3978 
 
 70 
 
 55-790 
 
 1-2644 
 
 45 
 
 35-865 
 
 1-1109 
 
 20 
 
 15-940 
 
 1-4850 
 
 94 
 
 74-918 
 
 1-3945 
 
 69 
 
 54-993 
 
 1-2583 
 
 44 
 
 35-068 
 
 1-1051 
 
 19 
 
 15-143 
 
 1-4820 
 
 93 
 
 74-121 
 
 1-3882 
 
 68 
 
 54-196 
 
 1-2523 
 
 43 
 
 34-271 
 
 1-0993 
 
 18 
 
 14-346 
 
 1-4790 
 
 92 
 
 73-324 
 
 1-3833 
 
 67 
 
 53-399 
 
 1-2462 
 
 42 
 
 33-474 
 
 1 -0935 
 
 17 
 
 13-549 
 
 1-4760 
 
 91 
 
 72-527 
 
 1-3783 
 
 66 
 
 52-602 
 
 1-2402 
 
 41 
 
 32-677 
 
 1-0878 
 
 16 
 
 12-752 
 
 1-4730 
 
 90 
 
 71-730 
 
 1-3732 
 
 65 
 
 51-805 
 
 1-2341 
 
 40 
 
 31-880 
 
 1-0821 
 
 15 
 
 11-955 
 
 1-4700 
 
 89 
 
 70-933 
 
 1-3681 
 
 64 
 
 51 -068 
 
 1-2277 
 
 39 
 
 31-083 
 
 1-0764 
 
 14 
 
 11-158 
 
 1-4670 
 
 88 
 
 70-136 
 
 1-3630 
 
 63 
 
 50-211 
 
 1-2212 
 
 38 
 
 30-286 
 
 1 -0708 
 
 13 
 
 10-361 
 
 1-4640 
 
 87 
 
 69-339 
 
 1-3579 
 
 62 
 
 49-414 
 
 1-2148 
 
 37 
 
 29-489 
 
 1-0651 
 
 12 
 
 9-564 
 
 1-4600 
 
 86 
 
 68-542 
 
 1-3529 
 
 61 
 
 48-617 
 
 1-2084 
 
 36 
 
 28-692 
 
 1 -0595 
 
 11 
 
 8-767 
 
 1-4570 
 
 85 
 
 67-745 
 
 1-3477 
 
 60 
 
 47-820 
 
 1-2019 
 
 35 
 
 27-895 
 
 1-0540 
 
 10 
 
 7-970 
 
 1-4530 
 
 84 
 
 66-948 
 
 1-3427 
 
 59 
 
 47-023 
 
 1-1958 
 
 34 
 
 27-098 
 
 1-0485 
 
 9 
 
 7-173 
 
 1-4500 
 
 83 
 
 66-155 
 
 1-3377 
 
 58 
 
 46-226 
 
 1-1895 
 
 33 
 
 26-301 
 
 1-0430 
 
 8 
 
 6-376 
 
 1-4460 
 
 82 
 
 65-354 
 
 1-3323 
 
 57 
 
 45-429 
 
 1-1833 
 
 32 
 
 25-504 
 
 1-0375 
 
 7 
 
 5-579 
 
 1-4424 
 
 81 
 
 64-557. 
 
 1 -3270 
 
 56 
 
 44-632 
 
 1-1770 
 
 31 
 
 24-707 
 
 1-0320 
 
 6 
 
 4-782 
 
 1-4385 
 
 80 
 
 63-760] 
 
 1-3216 
 
 55 
 
 43-835 
 
 1-1709 
 
 30 
 
 23-910 
 
 1-0267 
 
 5 
 
 3-985 
 
 1-4346 
 
 79 
 
 62-963 
 
 1-3163 
 
 54 
 
 43-038 
 
 1-1648 
 
 29 
 
 23-113 
 
 1-0212 
 
 4 
 
 '3-188 
 
 1-4306 
 
 78 
 
 62-166] 
 
 1-3110 
 
 53 
 
 42-241 
 
 1-1587 
 
 28 
 
 22-316 
 
 1-0159 
 
 3 
 
 2-391 
 
 1-4269 
 
 77 
 
 61-369 
 
 1-3056 
 
 52 
 
 41-444 
 
 1-1526 
 
 27 
 
 21-519 
 
 1-0106 
 
 2 
 
 1 -594 
 
 1-4228 
 
 76 
 
 60-572 
 
 1-3001 
 
 51 
 
 40-647 
 
 1-1465 
 
 26 
 
 20-722 
 
 1-0053 
 
 1 
 
 0-797 
 
 Tests. Nitric acid, when uncombined, is recognised by its dissolving cop- 
 per with the production of red vapours, and by its forming nitre when 
 saturated with potassa. When in the form of a nitrate, it is detected by its 
 action on gold-leaf, after the addition of muriatic acid, in consequence of the 
 evolution of chlorine; or it may be discovered, according to Dr. O’Shaugh- 
 nessy, by heating the supposed nitrate in a test tube with a drop of sulphuric 
 acid, and then adding a crystal of morphia. If nitric acid be present, it will 
 be set free by the sulphuric acid, and reddened by the morphia. The same 
 effect is produced by brucia ; as also by commercial strychnia, on account of 
 its containing brucia. To prevent all ambiguity, arising from the accidental 
 presence of nitric acid in the sulphuric acid employed, the operator should 
 satisfy himself by a separate experiment, that the latter acid has no power 
 to produce the characteristic colour with morphia. Another test for nitric 
 acid, is to add pure sulphuric acid to the concentrated liquid, suspected to 
 contain it, together with a little concentrated solution of the sulphate of 
 protoxide of iron. The smallest trace of nitric acid affords, when the mix- 
 ture is warmed, a pink-red colour ; and, if it be present in considerable 
 amount, the liquid becomes almost black. 
 
 The most common impurities in nitric acid are sulphuric acid and chlorine ; 
 the former derived from the acid used in the process, the latter from common 
 salt, which is not an unfrequent impurity in nitre. They may be detected 
 by adding a few drops of the solution of chloride of barium and of nitrate of 
 silver to separate portions of the nitric acid, diluted with three or four parts 
 of distilled water. If these reagents should produce a precipitate, the chloride 
 will indicate sulphuric acid, and the nitrate, chlorine. These impurities may 
 
44 
 
 Acidurn Nitricum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 be separated by adding nitrate of silver in slight excess, which will precipi- 
 tate them as sulphate and chloride of silver, and then distilling nearly to 
 dryness in very clean vessels. The sulphuric acid may also be got rid of by 
 distilling from a fresh portion of nitre. The chlorine may be separated, 
 without the use of nitrate of silver, by distilling the commercial acid, and 
 rejecting the first eighth or fourth which comes over, according to the quality 
 of the acid, and reserving that which passes subsequently, which is abso- 
 lutely pure. ( Ch. Barreswil.) These impurities, however, do not in the 
 least affect the medicinal properties of the acid. 
 
 Composition. The composition of the officinal acid of the density 1'42 
 has already been given. It contains about 75 per cent, of nitric acid of the 
 sp.gr. 1*5. The composition of the officinal commercial acid is necessarily 
 variable. The Edinburgh commercial acid contains from 67 to 68 per cent, 
 of nitric acid of the density of 15. The strength of the Dublin commercial 
 acid is left indefinite ; as no sp. gr. is assigned to it. Anhydrous nitric acid 
 consists of one eq. of nitrogen 14, and five eqs. of oxygen 40 = 54; or, in 
 volumes, of one volume of nitrogen and two and a half volumes of oxygen, 
 supposed to be condensed, to form nitric acid vapour, into one volume. In 
 1849, the interesting discovery was made by M. Deville, of Besangon, of the 
 means of isolating anhydrous nitric acid. The method pursued was to pass 
 perfectly dry chlorine over nitrate of silver. The auhydrous acid is in the 
 form of colourless, brilliant, limpid crystals, which melt at 85° and boil at 
 113°. In contact with water, they form a colourless solution with evolution 
 of heat, without the disengagement of gas. ( Journ . de Pharm. et de Chim., 
 March, 1849, p. 207.) 
 
 Medical Properties. Nitric acid is tonic and antiseptic. Largely diluted 
 with water, it forms a good acid drink in febrile diseases, especially typhus. 
 In syphilis, and in the chronic hepatitis of India, it is highly extolled by Dr. 
 Scott, formerly of Bombay. It has occasionally excited ptyalism. It can- 
 not be depended upon as a remedy in syphilis, but, in worn-out constitutions, 
 is often an excellent adjuvant, either to prepare the system for the use of 
 mercury, or to lessen the effects of that metal on the economy. Externally, 
 it has been used with advantage as a lotion to ulcers, of the strength of 
 about twelve minims to the pint of water. This practice originated with Sir 
 Everard Home, and is particularly applicable to those ulcers which are super- 
 ficial and not disposed to cicatrize. In sloughing phagedama, strong nitric 
 acid is one of the best remedies, applied by means of a piece of lint, tied 
 round a small stick. As nitric acid dissolves both uric acid and the phos- 
 phates, it was supposed to be applicable to those cases of gravel in which the 
 uric acid and the phosphates are mixed; but experience has not confirmed 
 its efficacy in such cases. Nevertheless, when the sabulous deposit depends 
 upon certain states of disordered digestion, this acid may prove serviceable 
 by restoring the tone of the stomach. The dose is from five to twenty 
 minims in three fluidounces or more of water, given three or four times 
 a-day. The diluted acid is more convenient for prescribing. (See Acidum 
 Nitricum Dilutum . ) 
 
 Nitric acid, in the state of vapour, is considered useful for destroying con- 
 tagion, and hence is employed for purifying gaols, hospitals, ships, and other 
 infected places. It is prepared for use by the extemporaneous decomposi- 
 tion of nitre by sulphuric acid. Half an ounce of powdered nitre is put into 
 a saucer, which is placed in an earthen dish containing heated sand. On 
 the nitre, two drachms of sulphuric acid are then poured, and the nitric acid 
 fumes are immediately disengaged. The quantities just indicated are con- 
 sidered to be sufficient for disinfecting a cubic space of ten feet. Fumiga- 
 tion in this manner was first introduced by an English physician, Dr. Car- 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Nitricum. — Acidum Sulphuricum. 
 
 45 
 
 michael Smyth, who received from the British Parliament, for its discovery, 
 a reward of five thousand pounds. It may be well doubted whether the 
 nitric acid, as a disinfecter, is at all comparable to chlorine; and, since the 
 introduction of chlorinated lime, and the solution of chlorinated soda as dis- 
 infecting agents, this gas has been brought into so manageable a form, that 
 its use may very well supersede that of every other agent employed with 
 similar intentions. (See Calx Chlorinata and Liquor Sodas Ohlorinatse.') 
 
 Properties as a Poison. Nitric acid, in its concentrated state, is one of 
 the mineral poisons most frequently taken for the purpose of self-destruction. 
 Immediately after swallowing it, there are produced burning heat in the 
 mouth, oesophagus, and stomach, acute pain, disengagement of gas, abundant 
 eructations, nausea, and hiccough. These effects are soon followed by re- 
 peated and excessive vomiting of matter having a peculiar odour and taste, 
 tumefaction of the abdomen with exquisite tenderness, a feeling of coldness 
 on the surface, horripilations, icy coldness of the extremities, small depressed 
 pulse, horrible anxieties, continual tossings and contortions, and extreme 
 thirst. The breath becomes extremely fetid, and the countenance exhibits 
 a complete picture of suffering. The cases are almost always fatal. The 
 best remedies are repeated doses of magnesia as an antidote, mucilaginous 
 drinks in large quantities, olive or almond oil in very large doses, emollient 
 fomentations, and clysters. Until magnesia can be obtained, an immediate 
 resort to a solution of soap in large amount will be proper. 
 
 Pharm. Uses. Nitric acid is used as a chemical agent to prepare Acidum 
 Phosphoricum Dilutum; Antimonii et Potassae Tartras ; Ferri Ferrocyanu- 
 retum ; Ferri Oxidum Hydratum ; Hydrargyri Oxidum Bubrum ; Zinci 
 Chloridum. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Nitric Acid. Acidum Nitricum Dilutum ; Acidum Nitro- 
 muriaticum ; Argenti Nitras ; Argenti Nit-ras Fusus ; Bismuthi Subnitras ; 
 Liquor Ferri Nitratis ; Spiritus vEtheris Nitrici; Unguentum Hydrargyri 
 Nitratis. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Commercial Nitric Acid. Acidum Nitricum Dilutum ; Bis- 
 muthum Album. The commercial acid is used chemically to prepare Fer- 
 rugo, Ed., and Zinci Sulphas, Dub. B. 
 
 ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. U.S.,Lond. 
 Sulphuric Acid. 
 
 Sulphuric Acid of the specific gravity 1'845. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Of. Si/n. ACIDUM SULPHURICUM. Sulphuric Acid of Commerce. 
 Ed.; ACIDUM SULPHURICUM YENALE. Commercial Sulphuric 
 Acid ; Oil of Vitriol. Dub. 
 
 Oil of vitriol ; Acide sulfurique, Fr. ; Vitriolol, Seliwefelsaure, Germ. ; Acido sol- 
 forico, Ital. ; Acido sulfurico, Span. 
 
 Sulphuric acid is placed in the Materia Medica list of all the Pharmaco- 
 poeias noticed in this work, as an acid to be obtained from the wholesale 
 manufacturer. Its officinal sp. gr., as given in the U. S. and London Phar- 
 macopoeias, is 1'845; in the Edinburgh, 1'840 or near it. In the Dublin 
 Pharmacopoeia, no specific gravity is given for the commercial acid. 
 
 Preparation. Sulphuric acid is obtained by burning sulphur, mixed with 
 one-eighth of its weight of nitre, over a stratum of water, contained in a 
 chamber lined with sheet lead. If the sulphur were burned by itself, the 
 product would be sulphurous acid, which contains only two-thirds as much 
 oxygen as sulphuric acid. The object of the nitre is to furnish, by its de- 
 composition, the requisite additional quantity of oxygen. To understand the 
 
46 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Acidum SulpJiuricum. 
 
 process, it is necessary to bear in mind that nitric acid contains five, sulphuric 
 acid three, sulphurous acid two, nitric oxide two, hyponitrous acid three, and 
 nitrous acid four equivalents of oxygen, combined with one eq. of their several 
 radicals. One eq. of sulphur decomposes one eq. of nitric acid of the nitre, 
 and becomes one eq. of sulphuric acid, which combines with the potassa of 
 the nitre to form sulphate of potassa. In the mean time, the nitric acid, by 
 furnishing three eqs. of oxygen to form the sulphuric acid, is converted into 
 one eq. of nitric oxide, which is evolved. This gas, by combining with two 
 eqs. of the oxygen of the air, immediately becomes nitrous acid vapour, 
 which diffuses itself throughout the leaden chamber. While these changes 
 are taking place, the remainder of the sulphur is undergoing combustion, 
 and filling the chamber with sulphurous acid gas. One eq. of nitrous acid 
 gas, and one eq. of sulphurous acid gas, being thus intermingled in the 
 chamber, react on each other, by the aid of moisture, so as to form a crystal- 
 line compound, consisting of one eq. of sulphuric acid and one eq. of hyponi- 
 trous acid, united with a portion of water. This compound falls into the 
 water of the chamber, and instantly undergoes decomposition. The sul- 
 phuric acid dissolves in the water, and the hyponitrous acid, resolved, at the 
 moment of its extrication, into nitrous acid and nitric oxide, escapes with 
 effervescence. The nitrous acid thus set free, and that reproduced by the 
 nitric oxide uniting with the oxygen of the atmosphere, again react with 
 sulphurous acid and humidity, and give rise to a second portion of the crys- 
 talline compound, which undergoes the same changes as the first. In this 
 manner, the nitric oxide performs the part of a carrier of oxygen from the 
 air of the chamber to the sulphurous acid, to convert the latter into sulphuric 
 acid. The residue of the combustion of the sulphur and nitre, consisting of 
 sulphate of potassa, is sold to the alum makers. 
 
 Preparation on the Large Scale. The leaden chambers vary in size, but 
 are generally from thirty to thirty-two feet square, and from sixteen to 
 twenty feet high. The floor is slightly inclined to facilitate the drawing off 
 of the acid, and covered to the depth of several inches with water. There 
 are several modes of burning the mixture of sulphur and nitre, and other- 
 wise conducting the process ; but that pursued in France is as follows. Near 
 one of the sides of the chamber, and about a foot from its bottom, a cast-iron 
 tray is placed over a furnace, resting on the ground, its mouth opening ex- 
 ternally, and its chimney having no communication with the chamber. On 
 this tray the mixture is placed, being introduced by a square opening, which 
 may be shut by means of a sliding door, and the lower side of which is level 
 with the surface of the tray. The door being shut, the fire is gradually 
 raised in the furnace, whereby the sulphur is inflamed, and the products 
 already spoken of are generated. When the combustion is over, the door is 
 raised, and the sulphate of potassa removed. A fresh portion of the mix- 
 ture is then placed on the tray, and the air of the chamber is renewed by 
 opening a door and valve situated at its opposite side. Next, the several 
 openings are closed, and the fire is renewed. These operations are repeated, 
 with fresh portions of the mixture, every three or four hours, until the water 
 at the bottom of the chamber has reached the sp.gr. of about 1'5. It is 
 then drawn off and transferred to leaden boilers, where it is boiled down 
 until it has attained the sp.gr. 1'7. At this density it begins to act on lead, 
 and, therefore, its further concentration must be conducted in large glass or 
 platinum retorts, where it is evaporated as long as water distils over. This 
 water is slightly acid and is thrown back into the chamber. When the acid 
 is fully concentrated, opaque grayish-white vapours arise, the appearance of 
 which indicates the completion of the process. The acid is allowed to cool, 
 and is then transferred to large demijohns of green glass, called carboys, 
 
part I. Acidum Sulphuricum. 47 
 
 which, for greater security, are surrounded with straw or wicker-work, and 
 packed in square boxes, enclosing all the carboy except the neck. 
 
 As, in the manufacture of sulphuric acid, the nitre is the most expensive 
 material, many plans have been resorted to for the purpose of obtaining the 
 necessary nitrous acid at a cheaper rate. One plan is to procure it by treat- 
 ing molasses or starch with common nitric acid. In this case, the manufac- 
 turer obtains oxalic acid as a collateral product, which serves to diminish his 
 expenses. 
 
 In some manufactories of sulphuric acid, nitrate of soda is substituted for 
 nitre. The advantages of the former salt are its greater cheapness, and the 
 circumstance of its containing a larger proportional amount of nitric acid. 
 
 A new method is now practised by some manufacturers for making sul- 
 phuric acid. It consists in filling the leaden chamber with sulphurous acid 
 by the ordinary combustion of sulphur, and afterwards admitting into it 
 nitrous acid and steam. The nitrous acid is generated from a mixture of 
 sulphuric acid with nitrate of potassa or nitrate of soda, placed in an iron 
 pan, over the burning sulphur in the sulphur furnace, where the draught 
 serves to conduct the nitrous acid fumes into the chamber. As, under these 
 circumstances, sulphurous and nitrous acids, and the vapour of water are 
 intermingled in the chamber, it follows that all the conditions necessary for 
 generating the crystalline compound, already alluded to, are present. Of 
 course, the rationale of this new process is the same as that already given. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Bell, of England, obtained a patent in Dec. 1852 for the use 
 of ozonized air,* either produced by electricity or by the slow combustion 
 of phosphorus, in order to cause the union of sulphurous acid with the re- 
 quisite oxygen, without the use of nitre, in the leaden chamber, in manu- 
 facturing sulphuric acid. The specification of his patent is given in the 
 Pharmaceutical Journal for March, 1853. 
 
 What is said above relates to the mode of preparing common sulphuric 
 acid ; but there is another kind known on the continent of Europe by the 
 name of the fuming sulphuric acid of Nordhausen, so called from its proper- 
 ties, and a place in Saxony where it is largely manufactured. This acid is 
 obtained by distilling dried sulphate of iron in large stoneware retorts, heated 
 to redness, and connected with receivers of glass or stoneware. The acid 
 distils over, and sesquioxide of iron is left in the form of co/cothar. 
 
 The process for making sulphuric acid by the combustion of sulphur with 
 nitre was first mentioned by Lemery, and afterwards put in practice by an 
 English physician of the name of Ward. As practised by him the combus- 
 tion was conducted in very large glass vessels. About the year 1746, the 
 great improvement of leaden chambers was introduced by Dr. Itoebuck, an 
 eminent physician of Birmingham, where the first apparatus of this kind 
 was erected. In consequence of this improvement, the acid immediately 
 fell to one-fourth of its former price. 
 
 Properties. Sulphuric acid, or as it is commonly called, oil of vitriol, is a 
 dense, colourless, inodorous liquid, of an oleaginous appearance, and possessing 
 strong corrosive qualities. On the living fibre, it acts as a powerful caustic. 
 In the liquid form, it always contains water, which is essential to its existence 
 in that form. When pure and as highly concentrated as possible, as manu- 
 
 * Ozonized air is air containing Schonbein’s ozone. Ozone is a peculiar form of 
 matter, produced by electrical discharges in the air, by the electrolysis of water, and 
 by the slow combustion of phosphorus, at common temperatures, iu a confined portion 
 of moist air. Its nature is not well made out; but it probably is an allotropic condi- 
 tion of oxygen, in which some of the properties of the latter are exalted, and others 
 newly developed. Among the properties exalted, is the oxidizing property, which is 
 much more active in ozone-oxygen than in ordinary oxygen. 
 
48 Acidum Sulphuricum. part i. 
 
 factured in the leaden chambers, its sp. gr. is 1'845, a fluidounee weighing a 
 small fraction over fourteen drachms. When of this specific gravity, it con- 
 tains about 18 per cent, of water. Whenever its density exceeds this, the 
 presence of sulphate of lead, or of some other impurity is indicated. The 
 commercial acid is seldom of full strength. According to Mr. Phillips, it 
 has generally a sp. gr. of only 1'8433, and contains 22 per cent, of water. 
 The strong acid boils at 620°, and freezes at 15° below zero. When diluted, 
 its boiling point is lowered. When of the sp. gr. 1 '78, it deposits crystals 
 of the bi hydrated acid at about 28°; and hence it is hazardous for manufac- 
 turers to keep an acid of that strength in glass vessels in cold weather, as 
 they are liable to burst. With salifiable bases, it forms a numerous class of 
 salts, called sulphates. It acts powerfully on organic bodies, whether vege- 
 table or animal, depriving them of the elements of water, developing char- 
 coal, and turning them black. A small piece of cork or wood dropped into 
 the acid, will, on this principle, render it of a dark colour. It absorbs water 
 with avidity, and is used as a desiccating agent. It has been ascertained 
 by Professors W. B. and II. E. Kogers to be capable of absorbing 94 per 
 cent, of carbonic acid gas, an interesting fact having an important bearing 
 on analytic operations. When diluted with distilled water, it ought to 
 remain limpid, and, when heated sufficiently in a platinum spoon, the fixed 
 residue should not exceed one part in four hundred of the acid employed. 
 When present in small quantities in solution, it is detected unerringly by 
 chloride of barium, which causes a precipitate of sulphate of baryta. The 
 most usual impurities in it are the sulphates of potassa and lead, the former 
 derived from the residue of the process, the latter from the leaden boilers 
 in which the acid is concentrated. Occasionally nitre is added to render 
 dark samples of acid colourless. This addition will give rise to the impurity 
 of sulphate of potassa. These impurities often amount to three or four per 
 cent. The commercial acid cannot be expected to be absolutely pure; but, 
 when properly manufactured, it ought not to contain more than one-fourth 
 of one per cent, of impurity. The fixed impurities are discoverable by 
 evaporating a portion of the suspected acid, when they will remain. If 
 sulphate of lead be present, the acid will become turbid on dilution with an 
 equal bulk of water. This impurity is not detected by sulphuretted hydro- 
 gen, unless the sulphuric acid be saturated with an alkali. If only a scanty 
 muddiness arises, the acid is of good commercial quality. 
 
 Other impurities occur in the commercial sulphuric acid. Nitrous acid is 
 always present in more or less amount. It may be detected by gently pour- 
 ing a solution of green vitriol over the commercial acid in a tube ; when the 
 solution, at the line of contact, will acquire a deep red colour, due to the 
 sesquioxidation of the iron by the nitrous acid. The commercial acid is not 
 to be rejected on account of the indications of this test, unless it shows the 
 presence of nitrous acid in unusual quantity. For the mode of removing this 
 impurity by means of sugar, see Acidum Sulphuricum Purum. When sul- 
 phate of potassa is fraudulently introduced into the acid to increase its density, 
 it may be detected by saturating the acid with ammonia and heating to red- 
 ness in a crucible; when sulphate of ammonia will be expelled, and sul- 
 phate of potassa left behind. The dangerous impurity of arsenic is sometimes 
 present in sulphuric acid. In consequence of the high price of Sicilian sul- 
 phur in the market some years ago, several of the English manufacturers 
 employed iron pyrites for the purpose of furnishing the necessary sulphurous 
 acid in the manufacture of oil of vitriol. As the pyrites usually contained 
 arsenic, it happened that the sulphurous acid fumes were accompanied by 
 this metal, and thus the sulphuric acid became contaminated. From 22 to 
 
PART I. 
 
 Acidum Sulphuricum. 
 
 49 
 
 35 grains of arsenious acid have been found in 20 fluidounces of oil of vitriol, 
 of English manufacture, by Dr. G-. 0. Rees and Mr. Watson. To detect 
 this impurity, the acid, previously diluted with distilled water, must be 
 examined by Marsh’s test. (See Acidum Arseniosum.) According to Du- 
 pasquier, the arsenic is present in sulphuric acid in the form of arsenic acid, 
 and is not fully precipitated by sulphuretted hydrogen; but it may be com- 
 pletely separated by the sulphuret of potassium, of sodium, or of barium, 
 and preferably by the last. The same chemist states that tin is sometimes 
 present in commercial sulphuric acid, derived from the solderiugs of the leaden 
 chambers. It may be discovered by sulphuretted hydrogen, which produces 
 a precipitate of sulphuret of tin, convertible by nitric acid into the white 
 insoluble deutoxide of tin. If the precipitate should be the mixed sulphurets 
 of arsenic and tin, the former is converted by nitric acid into arsenic acid and 
 dissolved, and the latter into insoluble deutoxide and left. 
 
 As sulphuric acid is often under the standard strength, it becomes important 
 to know how much hydrated sulphuric acid of the standard specific gravity, 
 and of dry acid, is contained in an acid of any given density. The following 
 table, drawn up by Dr. Ure, gives this information. 
 
 Table of the Quantity of Hydrated. Sulphuric Acid of Sp. Gr. 1'8485, and 
 of Dry Acid, in 100 parts of Dilute Acid at Different Densities. 
 
 Sp. Gr. 
 
 Hyd. 
 
 Acid 
 
 Dry 
 
 Acid 
 
 Sp. Gr. 
 
 Hyd. 
 
 Acid 
 
 Dry 
 
 Acid 
 
 Sp. Gr. 
 
 Hyd. 
 
 Acid 
 
 1 Dry 
 Acid 
 
 Sp. Gr. 
 
 Hyd. 
 
 Acid 
 
 Dry 
 
 Acid 
 
 In 1 00 
 
 in 100 
 
 in 1 00 
 
 in 1 00 
 
 in 100 
 
 in 100 
 
 in 100 
 
 in 100 
 
 1 -8485 
 
 100 
 
 81-54 
 
 1-6520 
 
 75 
 
 61-15 
 
 1-3884 
 
 50 
 
 40-77 
 
 1-1792 
 
 25 
 
 20-88 
 
 1-8475 
 
 99 
 
 80-72 
 
 1-6415 
 
 74 
 
 60-34 
 
 1-3788 
 
 49 
 
 39-95 
 
 1-1706 
 
 24 
 
 19-57 
 
 1-8460 
 
 98 
 
 79-90 
 
 1-6321 
 
 73 
 
 59-52 
 
 1-3697 
 
 48 
 
 39-14 
 
 1-1626 
 
 23 
 
 18-75 
 
 1-8439 
 
 97 
 
 79-09 
 
 1-6204 
 
 72 
 
 58-71 
 
 1-3612 
 
 47 
 
 38-32 
 
 1-1549 
 
 22 
 
 17-94 
 
 1-8410 
 
 96 
 
 78-28 
 
 1-6090 
 
 71 
 
 57-89 
 
 1-3530 
 
 46 
 
 37-51 
 
 1-1480 
 
 21 
 
 17-12 
 
 1-8376 
 
 95 
 
 77-46 
 
 1-5975 
 
 70 
 
 57-08 
 
 1-3440 
 
 45 
 
 36-69 
 
 1-1410 
 
 20 
 
 16-31 
 
 1-8336 
 
 94 
 
 76-65 
 
 1-5868 
 
 69 
 
 56-26 
 
 1-3345 
 
 44 
 
 35-88 
 
 1-1330 
 
 19 
 
 15-49 
 
 1-8290 
 
 93 
 
 75-83 
 
 1 -5760 
 
 68 
 
 55-45 
 
 1-3255 
 
 43 
 
 35-06 
 
 1-1246 
 
 18 
 
 14-68 
 
 1-8233 
 
 92 
 
 75-02 
 
 1-5648 
 
 67 
 
 54-63 
 
 1-3165 
 
 42 
 
 34-25 
 
 1-1165 
 
 17 
 
 13-86 
 
 1-8179 
 
 91 
 
 74-20 
 
 1 -5503 
 
 66 
 
 53-82 
 
 1-3080 
 
 41 
 
 33-43 
 
 1-1090 
 
 16 
 
 13-05 
 
 1-8115 
 
 90 
 
 73-39 
 
 1-5390 
 
 65 
 
 53-00 
 
 1-2999 
 
 40 
 
 32-61 
 
 1-1019 
 
 15 
 
 12-23 
 
 1-8043 
 
 89 
 
 72-57 
 
 1-5280 
 
 64 
 
 52-18 
 
 1-2913 
 
 39 
 
 31-80 
 
 1-0953 
 
 14 
 
 11-41 
 
 1-7962 
 
 88 
 
 71-75 
 
 1-5170 
 
 63 
 
 51-37 
 
 1 -2826 
 
 38 
 
 30-98 
 
 1 -0887 
 
 13 
 
 10-60 
 
 1-7870 
 
 87 
 
 70-94 
 
 1-5066 
 
 62 
 
 50-55 
 
 1-2740 
 
 37 
 
 30-17 
 
 1-0809 
 
 12 
 
 9-78 
 
 1-7774 
 
 86 
 
 70-12 
 
 1-4960 
 
 61 
 
 49-74 
 
 1-2654 
 
 36 
 
 29-35 
 
 1-0743 
 
 11 
 
 8-97 
 
 1-7673 
 
 85 
 
 69-31 
 
 1 -4860 
 
 60 
 
 48-92 
 
 1-2572 
 
 35 
 
 28-54 
 
 1 -0682 
 
 10 
 
 8-15 
 
 1-7570 
 
 84 
 
 68-49 
 
 1-4760 
 
 59 
 
 48-11 
 
 1 -2490 
 
 34 
 
 27-72 
 
 1-0614 
 
 9 
 
 7-34 
 
 1-7465 
 
 83 
 
 67-68 
 
 1-4660 
 
 58 
 
 47-29 
 
 1-2409 
 
 33 
 
 20-91 
 
 1-0544 
 
 8 
 
 6-52 
 
 1-7360 
 
 82 
 
 66-86 
 
 1-4560 
 
 57 
 
 46-48 
 
 1-2334 
 
 32 
 
 26-09 
 
 1-0477 
 
 7 
 
 5-71 
 
 1 -7245 
 
 81 
 
 66-05 
 
 1-4460 
 
 56 
 
 45-66 
 
 1-2260 
 
 31 
 
 25-28 
 
 1-0405 
 
 6 
 
 4-89 
 
 1-7120 
 
 80 
 
 65-23 
 
 1-4360 
 
 55 
 
 44-85 
 
 1-2184 
 
 30 
 
 24-46 
 
 1-0386 
 
 5 
 
 4-08 
 
 1-6993 
 
 79 
 
 64-42 
 
 1-4265 
 
 54 
 
 44-03 
 
 1-2108 
 
 29 
 
 23-65 
 
 1-0268 
 
 4 
 
 3-26 
 
 1-6870 
 
 78 
 
 63-60 
 
 1-4170 
 
 53 
 
 43-22 
 
 1-2032 
 
 28 
 
 22-83 
 
 1-0206 
 
 3 
 
 1-636 
 
 1-6750 
 
 77 
 
 62-78 
 
 1-4073 
 
 52 
 
 42-40 
 
 1-1956 
 
 27 
 
 22-01 
 
 1-0140 
 
 2 
 
 1-63 
 
 1-6630 
 
 76 
 
 61-97 
 
 1-3977 
 
 51 
 
 41-58 
 
 1-1876 
 
 26 
 
 21-20 
 
 1-0074 
 
 1 
 
 0-1854 
 
 The only way to obtain pure sulphuric acid is by distillation. Owing to 
 the high boiling point of this acid, the operation is rather precarious, in con- 
 sequence of the danger of the fracture of the retort, from the sudden concus- 
 sions to which the boiling acid gives rise. Dr. Ure recommends that a retort 
 of the capacity of from two to four quarts be used in distilling a pint of acid. 
 
 4 
 
50 Acidum Sulphuricum. part I. 
 
 This is connected, by means of a wide glass tube three or four feet long, with 
 a receiver surrounded with cold water. All the vessels must be perfectly 
 clean, and no luting is employed. The retort is then to be cautiously heated 
 by a small furnace of charcoal. It is useful to put into the retort a few 
 sharp-pointed pieces of glass, or slips of platinum foil, with the view of dimin- 
 ishing the shocks produced by the acid vapour. The distilled product 
 ought not to he collected until a dense grayish-white vapour is generated, 
 the appearance of which is a sign that the pure concentrated acid is coming 
 over. If this vapour should not immediately appear, it shows that the acid 
 subjected to distillation is not of full strength; and the distilled product, 
 until this point is attained, will be an acid water. In the distillation of 
 sulphuric acid, M. Bembert uses fragments of the mineral called quartzite, 
 which act by their asperities in breaking the shocks which the boiling vapour 
 would otherwise occasion. After a time the fragments get worn, and must 
 be changed. ( Journ . de Pharm ., Sept. 1817.) 
 
 The Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges give formulae for purifying the com- 
 mercial acid. (See Acidum Sulphuricum Purum .) The strong acid is not 
 convenient for medicinal use ; and hence a formula for a diluted acid is given 
 in the United States Pharmacopoeia, following the example of the British 
 Colleges. (See Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum .) 
 
 Composition. The hydrated acid of the sp. gr. 1'845 consists of one eq. 
 of dry acid 40, and one eq. of water 9=49 ; and the dry acid, of one eq. of 
 sulphur 16, and three eqs. of oxygen 24=40. The ordinary commercial acid 
 (sp gr. 1'8433) consists, according to Mr. Phillips, of one eq. of dry acid, 
 and one and a quarter eqs. of water. The hydrated acid of Nordhausen has 
 a density as high as 1'89 or 1'9, and consists of two eqs. of dry acid, and one 
 eq. of water. This acid is particularly adapted to the purpose of dissolving 
 indigo for dyeing the Saxon blue. When heated gently in a retort, con- 
 nected with a dry and refrigerated receiver, dry or anhydrous sulphuric acid 
 distils over, and the common protohydrated acid remains behind. The dry 
 acid may also be obtained by the action of dry phosphoric acid on concentrated 
 sulphuric acid according to the method of Ch. Barreswil. The mixture must 
 be made in a refrigerated retort, and afterwards distilled by a gentle heat 
 into a refrigerated receiver. Anhydrous sulphuric acid under 64° is in the 
 form of small colourless crystals, resembling asbestos. It is tenacious, diffi- 
 cult to cut, and may be moulded in the fingers like wax, without acting on 
 them. Exposed to the air, it emits a thick opaque vapour of an acid smell. 
 Above 64° it is a liquid, very nearly of the density of 2. 
 
 Medical Properties. Sulphuric acid is tonic, antiseptic, and refrigerant. 
 Internally it is always administered in a dilute state. For its medical pro- 
 perties in this form, the reader is referred to the title, Acidum Sulphuricum 
 Dilutum. Externally it is sometimes employed as a caustic ; but, from its 
 liquid form, it is very inconvenient for that purpose. It is employed also as 
 an ointment, mixed with lard, in the proportion of a drachm to an ounce, 
 in swellings of the knee-joint and other affections. Charpie, corroded by it, 
 forms a good application to gangrene. W 7 hen mixed with saffron to the con- 
 sistence of a ductile paste, Yelpeau found this acid to form a convenient caus- 
 tic, not liable to spread or to be absorbed, and giving rise to an eschar which 
 is promptly detached. 
 
 Toxicological Properties. The symptoms of poisoning by this acid are the 
 following : — Burning heat in the throat and stomach, extreme fetidness of 
 the breath, nausea and excessive vomitings of black or reddish matter, ex- 
 cruciating pains in the bowels, difficulty of breathing, extreme anguish, a 
 feeling of cold on the skin, great prostration, constant tossing, convulsions, 
 and death. The intellectual faculties remain unimpaired. Frequently the 
 
part i. Acidum Sulphuricum. — Acidum Tartaricum. 51 
 
 uvula, palate, tonsils, and other parts of the fauces are covered with black or 
 white sloughs. The treatment consists in the administration of large quan- 
 tities of magnesia, or, if this be not at hand, of a solution of soap. The 
 safety of the patient depends upon the greatest promptitude in the applica- 
 tion of the antidotes. After the poison has been neutralized, mucilaginous 
 and other bland drinks must be taken in large quantities. After death, ac- 
 cording to Dr. Geoghegan, the acid may be detected in the blood and paren- 
 chymatous viscera, especially in the liver. It is found, not as a sulphate, 
 but combined severally with the colouring matter and tissues. 
 
 Uses in the Arts. Sulphuric acid is more used in the arts than any other 
 acid. It is employed to obtain many of the other acids ; to extract soda from 
 common salt;- to make alum and sulphate of iron, when these salts command 
 a good price, and the acid is cheap ; to dissolve indigo ; to prepare skins for 
 tanning; to prepare phosphorus, chlorinated lime or bleaching salt, sulphate 
 of magnesia, &c. The arts of bleaching and dyeing cause its principal con- 
 sumption. 
 
 Pharm. Uses. Sulphuric acid is used as a chemical agent, in one or more 
 of the Pharmacopoeias commented on in this work, for preparing the following 
 officinals: — Acidum Gallieum; Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum; Acidum 
 Muriaticum Pururn ; Acidum Nitricum Purum ; iEther ; Ammoniae Hydro- 
 sulphuretum ; Antimonii Potassio-Tartras ; Aqua Acidi Carbonici ; Argenti 
 Cyanuretum; Chlorinei Aqua; Collodium ; Ferri Ferrocyanuretum ; Ferri 
 Oxidum Hydratum ; Ferri Oxidum Nigrum ; Hydrargyri Chloridum Cor- 
 rosivum ; Hydrargyri Chloridum Mite ; Liquor Sodae Chlorinatas ; Potassae 
 Bicarbonas; Quinae Sulphas; Sodae Bicarbonas; Sodae Phosphas ; Sodae Vale- 
 rianas ; Spiritus riEtheris Nitrici; Strychnia; Yeratria. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum ; Acidum Sulphuricum Dilu- 
 tum ; Acidum Sulphuricum Purum; Ferri Sulphas ; Ferri Sulphas Granu- 
 latum; Hydrargyri Sulphas; Hydrargyri Sulphas Flavus ; Oleum iEthereum; 
 Potassae Bisulphas ; Potassae Sulphas ; Quiniae Sulphas ; Spiritus riEthereus 
 Oleosus ; Unguentum Sulphuris Compositum; Zinci Sulphas. B. 
 
 ACIDUM TARTARICUM. U. S., Loud., Ed., Dub. 
 Tartaric Acid. 
 
 Acide tartrique, Fr. ; tVeinsteinsaure, Germ.; Acido tartarico, Ital . , Span. 
 
 Tartaric acid is placed among the preparations by the Edinburgh College ; 
 but stands more properly, in the London, Dublin, and United States Phar- 
 macopoeias, in the Materia Medica list, as an article to be purchased from the 
 manufacturing chemist. It is extracted from tartar, a peculiar substance 
 which concretes on the inside of wine-casks, being deposited there during the 
 fermentation of the wine. Tartar, when purified and reduced to powder, is 
 the cream of tartar of the shops, and is found to consist of two equivalents of 
 tartaric acid united to one of potassa. (See Potassae Bitartras.) 
 
 Tartaric acid was first obtained, in a separate state, by Scheele in 1770. 
 The process consists in saturating the excess of acid in the bitartrate of potassa 
 or cream of tartar with carbonate of lime, and decomposing the resulting in- 
 soluble tartrate of lime by sulphuric acid, which precipitates in combination 
 with the lime, and liberates the tartaric acid. The equivalent quantities are 
 one eq. of bitartrate, and one of carbonate of lime. The process, when thus 
 conducted, furnishes the second equivalent, or excess of acid only of the bitar- 
 trate. The other equivalent may be procured by decomposing the neutral 
 tartrate of potassa, remaining in the solution after the precipitation of the 
 tartrate of lime, by chloride of calcium in excess. By double decomposition, 
 
52 
 
 Acidum Tartaricum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 chloride of potassium will he formed in solution, and a second portion of tar- 
 trate of lime will precipitate, which may he decomposed by sulphuric acid in 
 the same manner as the first portion. The process, when thus conducted, 
 will, of course, furnish twice as much tartaric acid, as when the excess of 
 acid only is saturated and set free. 
 
 Preparation on the Large Scale. The process pursued on the large scale 
 is different from that above given. The decompositions are effected in a 
 wooden vessel, closed at the top, called a generator, of the capacity of about 
 2000 gallons, and furnished with an exit-pipe for carbonic acid, and with 
 pipes, entering the sides of the generator, for the admission of steam and of 
 cold water respectively. Into the generator, about one-fourth filled with 
 water, 1500 pounds of washed chalk (carbonate of lime) are introduced, and 
 the whole is heated by a jet of steam, and thoroughly mixed by an agitator, 
 until a uniform mass is obtained. About two tons of tartar are now intro- 
 duced by degrees, and thoroughly mixed. The carbonate of lime is decom- 
 posed, the carbonic acid escapes by the exit-pipe, and the lime unites with 
 the excess of tartaric acid to form tartrate of lime, which precipitates; while 
 the neutral tartrate of potassa remains in solution. The next step is to de- 
 compose the tartrate of potassa, so as to convert its tartaric acid into tartrate 
 of lime. This is effected by the addition of sulphate of lime in the state of 
 paste, which, by double decomposition, forms a fresh portion of tartrate of 
 lime, while sulphate of potassa remains in solution. The solution of sulphate 
 of potassa, when clear, is drawn off into suitable reservoirs, and the remain- 
 ing tartrate of lime is washed with several charges of cold water, the wash- 
 ings being preserved. The tartrate of lime, mixed w r ith sufficient water, is 
 now decomposed by the requisite quantity of sulphuric acid, with the effect 
 of forming sulphate of lime, and liberating the tartaric acid, which remains 
 in solution. The whole is now run off into a wooden back, lined with lead, 
 furnished with a perforated false bottom, and covered throughout with stout 
 twilled flannel. Through this the solution of tartaric acid filters, and the 
 filtered liquor passes through a pipe, leading from the bottom of the back to 
 suitable reservoirs. The sulphate of lime is then washed until it is taste- 
 less, and the whole acid liquid is evaporated, in order to crystallize. The 
 evaporation is effected in wooden vessels, lined with lead, by means of steam 
 circulating in coils of lead-pipe, care being taken that the heat does not ex- 
 ceed 165°. The vacuum-pan is used with advantage in evaporating the acid 
 solution ; as it furnishes the means of concentration at a lower temperature. 
 When the acid liquor has attained the sp. gr. of about 1500°, it is drawn off 
 into sheet-lead, cylindrical, crystallizing vessels, capable of holding 500 
 pounds of the solution. These crystallizers are placed in a warm situation, 
 and, in the course of three or four days, a crop of crystals is produced in 
 each, averaging 200 pounds. These crystals, being somewhat coloured, are 
 purified by redissolving them in hot water. The solution is then digested 
 with purified animal charcoal, filtered, again concentrated, and crystallized. 
 The crystals, having been washed and drained, are finally dried on wooden 
 trays, iined with thin sheet-lead, placed in a room heated by steam. The 
 mother liquors of the first crystallization are again concentrated, and the 
 crystals obtained, purified by animal charcoal as before. When the residu- 
 ary liquors are no longer crystallizable, they are saturated with chalk, and 
 converted into tartrate of lime, to he added to the product of a new opera- 
 tion. In order to obtain fine crystals of tartaric acid, it is necessary to use 
 a slight excess of sulphuric acid in decomposing the tartrate of lime. ( Pliarm . 
 Journ. and Trans., Feb. 1851.) The merit of the above process is the 
 greater economy of sulphate of lime over chloride of calcium for decom- 
 posing the neutral tartrate of potassa. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Aeidum Tartaricum. 
 
 53 
 
 Properties. Tartaric acid is a white crystallized solid, in the form of irre- 
 gular six-sided prisms. Sometimes two opposite sides of the prism become 
 very much enlarged, so as to cause the crystals to present the appearance of 
 tables. As found in the shops, it is in the form of a fine white powder, 
 prepared by pulverizing the crystals. It is unalterable in the air, and pos- 
 sesses a strong acid taste, which becomes agreeable when the acid is suffi- 
 ciently diluted with water. It is soluble in a little less than its weight of 
 cold water, and in half its weight of boiling water. It is also soluble in 
 alcohol. A weak solution undergoes spontaneous decomposition by keeping, 
 becoming covered with a mouldy pellicle. In the form of crystals, it always 
 contains combined water, from which it cannot be separated without the 
 substitution of a base. In uniting with bases, it has a remarkable tendency 
 to form double salts, several of which constitute important medicines. It 
 combines with several of the vegetable organic alkalies, so as to form salts. 
 When subjected to heat it gives rise to three peculiar acids, described in 
 systematic chemical works. It is distinguished from all other acids by 
 forming a crystalline precipitate, consisting of bitartrate of potassa, when 
 added to a neutral salt of that alkali. Its most usual impurity is sulphuric 
 acid, which may be detected by the solution affording, with acetate of lead, 
 a precipitate only partially soluble in nitric acid. It sometimes contains a 
 minute quantity of lime. When incinerated with red oxide of mercury, it 
 leaves no residuum, or a mere trace. 
 
 Tartaric acid is incompatible with salifiable bases and their carbonates; 
 with salts of potassa, with which it produces a crystalline precipitate of 
 bitartrate ; and with the salts of lime and lead, with which it also forms pre- 
 cipitates. It consists, when dry, of four eqs. of carbon 24, two of hydrogen 
 2, and five of oxygen 40=66; and, when crystallized, of one eq. of dry 
 acid 66, and one of water 9 = 75. 
 
 Racemic acid, otherwise called paratartaric or uvic acid, is isomeric with 
 tartaric acid. It exists, naturally, in small proportion, in the juice of grapes, 
 growing in particular localities, and was obtained artificially, in 1858, by M. 
 Pasteur. By combination with certain organic alkalies, M. Pasteur has 
 resolved racemic acid into two acids which form distinct salts with the 
 alkali. The acids in these salts have the power of turning the plane of 
 polarization of polarized light in contrary directions, one to the right, the 
 other to the left, which has caused them to be distinguished as dextro- and 
 laevo-tartaric acids. Ordinary tartaric acid is dextro-tartaric acid, which 
 may be converted into racemic acid, by exposing it, in the form of tartrate 
 of cinchonia, to a heat of 338° for several hours. At the same time, a por- 
 tion of tartaric acid is formed, which has no action on polarized light, and 
 which is, therefore, called inactive tartaric acid. This acid, like racemic 
 acid, is resolvable into dextro- and laevo-tartaric acids. Accordingly, we 
 have four isomeric tartaric acids — dextro-tartaric acid (ordinary tartaric 
 acid); lmvo-tartaric acid; racemic acid, consisting of dextro- and laevo-tartaric 
 acids; and inactive tartaric acid. Racemic acid differs from ordinary tartaric 
 acid in being much less soluble in water, and in its want of action on polarized 
 light. When crystallized it contains one eq. more of water than tartaric 
 acid. The racemates differ from the tartrates in their crystalline form, and 
 in their less solubility in water. 
 
 Medical Properties. Tartaric acid, being cheaper than citric acid, forms, 
 when dissolved in water and sweetened, a good substitute for lemonade. It 
 is much used in medicine to form acid refrigerant drinks and effervescing 
 draughts. It is also employed in making soda powders, a preparation which 
 is officinal in the Edinburgh and Dublin Pharmacopoeias. Tartaric acid is a 
 
54 Acidum Tartaricum. — Aconiti Folia. part I. 
 
 constituent in the gentle aperient called Seidlitz powders. These consist of 
 a mixture of two drachms of tartrate of potassa and soda (Rochelle salt), 
 and two scruples of bicarbonate of soda, put up in a blue paper, and thirty- 
 five grains of tartaric acid contained in a white one. The contents of the 
 blue paper are dissolved in about half a pint of water, to which those of the 
 white paper are added; and the whole is taken in a state of effervescence. 
 In these powders the tartaric acid is in excess, which renders the medicine 
 more pleasant, without interfering with its aperient quality. Tartaric acid, 
 dried by a gentle heat, and then mixed in due proportion with bicarbonate 
 of soda, forms a good effervescing powder, a teaspoonful of which, stirred 
 into a tumbler of water, forms the dose. The mixture must be kept in well- 
 stopped vials. The neutralizing power of tartaric acid is about the same as 
 that of citric acid. Tartaric acid, in an over-dose, acts as a poison. After 
 death, it may be detected in the blood and liver, from which it should be ex- 
 tracted by absolute alcohol, to avoid the error of mistaking the tartrates for it. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pulveres Effervescentes ; Trochisci Acidi Tartarici. B. 
 
 ACONITI FOLIA. TJ.S. 
 
 Aconite Leaves. 
 
 The leaves of Aconitum Napellus. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. ACONITI FOLIUM. Aconitum Napellus. Folium recens et 
 exsiccatum. Lond.; ACONITUM. Leaves of Aconitum Napellus. Ed. 
 
 ACONITI RADIX. US., Lond. 
 
 Aconite Root. 
 
 The root of Aconitum Napellus. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Off. Sylt. ACONITUM. Aconitum Napellus. The root. Dub. 
 
 Aconit, Ft.; Eisenhut, Monchskappe, Germ.; Aconito, Napello, Ital. ; Aconito, 
 Span. 
 
 Aconitum. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Trigynia. — Fat. Ord. Ranunculaceae. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Calyx none. Petals five, the highest arched. Nectaries two, 
 peduncled, recurved. Pods three or five. Willd. 
 
 The plants belonging to this genus are herbaceous, with divided leaves, 
 and violet or yellow flowers, disposed in spikes, racemes, or panicles. In 
 the French Codex three species are recognised as officinal, A. Anthora , A. 
 Cammarum, and A. Napellus. The U. S. and British Pharmacopoeias unite 
 at present in acknowledging only A. Napellus. There has been much dif- 
 ference of opinion as to the plant originally employed by Storck. Formerly 
 thought to be A. Napellus, it was afterwards generally believed to be A. 
 neomontanum of Willdenow, and by De Candolle was determined to be a 
 variety of his A. paniculatum, designated as Storckianum. But, according 
 to Geiger, A. neomontanum is possessed of little acrimony ; and Dr. Christi- 
 son states that A. paniculatum, raised at Edinburgh from seeds sent by De 
 Candolle himself, was quite destitute of that property. Neither of these, 
 therefore, could have been Storck’s plant, which is represented as extraordi- 
 narily acrid. It is, however, of little consequence which was used by Storck ; 
 as many of the species possess similar virtues, and one is frequently sub- 
 stituted for another in the shops. Those are probably the best which are 
 most acrid. Among these certainly is A. Lycoctonum. Dr. Christison 
 found A. Napellus, A. Sinense, A. Tauricum, A. uncinatum, and A. ferox 
 to have intense acrimony; and Geiger states that he has found none equal, 
 
PART I. 
 
 Aconiti Folia. — Aconiti Radix. 
 
 55 
 
 in this respect, to A. Napellus. A. uncinatum is the only species indige- 
 nous in this country. Most of the others are natives of the Alpine regions 
 of Europe and Siberia. Those employed in medicine appear to be indis- 
 criminately called by English writers wolfsbane or monkshood. 
 
 Aconitum Napellus. Linn. FI or. Suec. ed. 1755, p. 168. — A. n ruber - 
 gense. De Candolle, Prodrom. i. 62. — A. variabile neuhergense. Ilayne, 
 Darstel. und Beschreib. &c., xii. 14. This is a perennial herbaceous plant, 
 with a turnip-shaped or fusiform root, seldom exceeding at top the thickness 
 of the finger, three or four inches or more in length, brownish externally, 
 whitish and fleshy within, and sending forth numerous long, thick, fleshy 
 fibres. When the plant is in full growth, there are usually two roots joined 
 together, of which the older is dark-brown and supports the stem, while the 
 younger is of a light yellowish-brown, and is destined to furnish the stem of 
 the following year The stem is erect, round, smooth, leafy, usually simple, 
 and from two to six or even eight feet high. The leaves are alternate, petio- 
 late, divided almost to the base, from two to four inches in diameter, deep 
 green upon their upper surface, light green beneath, somewhat rigid, and 
 more or less smooth and shining on both sides. Those on the lower part of 
 the stem have long footstalks and five or seven divisions ; the upper, short 
 footstalks and three or five divisions. The divisions are wedge-form, with 
 two or three lobes, which extend nearly or quite to the middle. The lobes 
 are cleft or toothed, and the lacinise or teeth are linear or linear-lanceolate 
 and pointed. The flowers are of a dark violet-blue colour, large and beauti- 
 ful, and are borne at the summit of the stem upon a thick, simple, straight, 
 erect, spike-like raceme, beneath which, in the cultivated plant, several 
 smaller racemes arise from the axils of the upper leaves. Though -without 
 calyx, they have two small calycinal stipules, situated on the peduncle within 
 a few lines of the flower. The petals are five, the upper helmet-shaped and 
 beaked, nearly hemispherical, open or closed, the two lateral roundish and 
 internally hairy, the two lower oblong-oval. They enclose two pediceled 
 nectaries, of which the spur is capitate, and the lip bifid and revolute. The 
 fruit consists of three, four, or five podlike capsules. 
 
 The plant is abundant in the mountain forests of France, Switzerland, and 
 Germany. It is also cultivated in the gardens of Europe, and has been in- 
 troduced into this country as an ornamental flower. All parts of it are acrid 
 and poisonous. The leaves and root are used. The leaves should be col- 
 lected when the flowers begin to appear, or shortly before. After the fruit 
 has formed, they are less efficacious. The root is more active. It should 
 be gathered in the autumn after the leaves have fallen, or in the spring 
 before they appear. It is not perfect until after the second year’s growth. 
 ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., x. 171.) The seeds also are very acrid. 
 
 Properties. The fresh leaves have a faint narcotic odour, most sensible 
 when they are rubbed. Their taste is at first bitterish and herbaceous, 
 afterwards burning and acrid, with a feeling of numbness and tingling on 
 the inside of the lips, tongue, and fauces, which is very durable, lasting 
 sometimes many hours. When long chewed, they inflame the tongue. The 
 dried leaves have a similar taste, but the acrid impression commences later. 
 Their sensible properties and medicinal activity are impaired by long keep- 
 ing. They should be of a green colour, and free from mustiness. The root, 
 though sweetish at first, has afterwards the same effect as the leaves upon 
 the mouth and fauces. It shrinks much in drying, and becomes darker, 
 but does not lose its acrimony. Those parcels, whether of leaves or roots, 
 should always be rejected, which are destitute of this property. The analysis 
 of aconite, though attempted by several chemists, has not been satisfactorily 
 accomplished. Bueholz obtained from the fresh herb of A. neomontanum r 
 
56 
 
 Aconiti Folia. — Aconiti Radix. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 resin, wax, gum, albumen, extractive, lignin, malate and citrate of lime and 
 other saline matters, besides 83'33 per cent, of water. During the bruising 
 of the herb, he experienced headache, vertigo, &c., though water distilled 
 from it produced no poisonous effect. It has been rendered probable by 
 Geiger and Hesse, that there are two active principles in aconite, one easily 
 destructible, upon which the acrimony depends, the other less acrid, alka- 
 line, and capable of exerting a powerful narcotic influence. For the latter 
 the name of aconitin or aconitia has been proposed. Hesse obtained it from 
 the dried leaves by a process similar to that employed in procuring atropia. 
 (See Belladonna.) The U. S. Pharmacopoeia gives a process for its pre- 
 paration. (See Aconitia, in the second part of this work.) Peschier dis- 
 covered a peculiar acid in aconite, which he called aconitic acid. Messrs. 
 T. and H. Smith, of Edinburgh, have ascertained the existence of mannite 
 in the root. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., x. 124.) It contains also a fatty 
 matter soluble in alcohol. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Aconite was well known to the ancients as 
 a powerful poison, but was first employed as a medicine by Baron Storck, of 
 Vienna, whose experiments with it were published in the year 1762. In 
 moderate doses, it has been said to excite the circulation, and to increase the 
 perspiratory and urinary discharges ; but these effects are doubtful, and cer- 
 tainly not constant. According to Dr. Fleming, it is a powerful sedative to 
 the nervous system, reducing also the force of the circulation. In moderate 
 doses, it produces warmth in the stomach and sometimes nausea, general 
 warmth of the body, numbness and tingling in the lips and fingers, muscu- 
 lar weakness, diminished force and frequency of the pulse, and diminished 
 frequency of respiration. From larger doses, all these effects are experienced 
 in an increased degree. The stomach is more nauseated ; the numbness and 
 tingling extend over the body ; headache, vertigo, and dimness of vision 
 occur; the patient complains occasionally of severe neuralgic pains; the 
 pulse, respiration, and muscular strength are greatly reduced; and a state 
 of general prostration may be induced, from which the patient may not quite 
 recover in less than two or three days. The effects of remedial doses begin 
 to be felt in twenty or thirty minutes, ate at the height in an hour or two, 
 and continue with little abatement from three to five hours. In poisonous 
 doses, besides the characteristic tingling in the mouth and elsewhere, it 
 occasions burning heat of the oesophagus and stomach, thirst, violent nausea, 
 vomiting, purging, severe gastric and intestinal spasms, headache, dimness 
 of vision with contracted or expanded pupil, numbness or paralysis of the 
 limbs, diminished sensibility in general, stiffness or spasm of the muscles, 
 great prostration of strength, pallid countenance, cold extremities, an ex- 
 tremely feeble pulse, and death in a few hours, sometimes preceded by 
 delirium, stupor, or convulsions. All these effects are not experienced in 
 every case; but there is no one of them which has not been recorded as 
 having occurred in one or more instances. Dissection reveals inflammation 
 of the stomach and bowels, and engorgement of the brain and lungs. Life 
 may usually be saved by a timely and thorough evacuation of the stomach, 
 and the use of stimulant remedies internally and externally; and it is won- 
 derful how rapidly the patient passes from a state of imminent danger to 
 perfect health. Pereira states that, when dogs are opened immediately after 
 death from aconite, no pulsations of the heart are visible. Applied to the 
 skin, aconite occasions a feeling of heat and prickling or tingling followed 
 by numbness, and, if in contact with a wound, produces its peculiar consti- 
 tutional effects. Applied to the eye, it causes contraction of the pupil. In 
 relation to its mode of action, it appears to be locally irritant, and, at the 
 same time, entering the system, to operate powerfully on the brain, spinal 
 
PART I. 
 
 57 
 
 Aconiti Radix. — Adeps. 
 
 marrow, and nerves, directly diminishing their power, and thus producing, 
 to a greater or less extent, paralysis both of sensation and motion. The 
 heart feels also this paralyzjng influence, and hence proceeds the great de- 
 pression of the pulse under the full action of the medicine. 
 
 Aconite has been employed in rheumatism, neuralgia, gout, anginose and 
 catarrhal affections, scrofula, phthisis, metastatic abscess and other cases of 
 purulent infection, secondary syphilis, carcinoma, certain cutaneous diseases, 
 hooping-cough, amaurosis, paralysis, epilepsy, intermittent fever, dropsies, 
 and hypertrophy of the heart. It has long enjoyed, in Germany, a high 
 reputation as a remedy in rheumatism ; and has recently come into great 
 vogue elsewhere in the treatment of that disease, especially in its chronic 
 and neuralgic forms. By some practitioners it is considered as one of the 
 most effectual remedies in neuralgia, in which it is used both internally and 
 as a local application. Dr. Fleming considers it highly useful as an anti- 
 phlogistic remedy, and especially applicable to cases of active cerebral con- 
 gestion or inflammation ; while it is contra-indicated in the headache of 
 anaemia, and in all cases attended with a torpid or paralytic condition of the 
 muscular system. Cazenave has found it very useful in cutaneous eruptions 
 with excessive sensibility of the skin. It may be administered in powder, 
 extract, or tincture. The dose of the powdered leaves is one or two grains, 
 of the extract from half a grain to a grain, of the tincture of the leaves 
 twenty or thirty drops, to be repeated twice or three times a-day, and gradu- 
 ally increased till the effects of the medicine are experienced. The prepa- 
 ration now most employed is probably the strong tincture of the root, a 
 process for which is given in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, under the name of 
 Tinctura Aconiti Radicis. Of this, from five to ten drops may be given 
 three times a-day, and gradually increased till its effects become obvious. 
 It is very important to distinguish between the tincture of the leaves and the 
 strong tincture of the root just referred to.* Few patients will bear at first more 
 than ten minims of the latter. Aconite may be used externally in the form 
 of the saturated tincture of the root, of extract mixed with lard, of a plaster 
 or liniment made with the extract, or of aconitia. (See Extr actum Aconiti , 
 Extractum Aconiti Alcoholicum, and Aconitia.) The tincture may be 
 applied by means of a soft piece of sponge fastened to the end of a stick. 
 
 Off. Prep, of the Leaves. Extractum Aconiti; Extractum Aconiti Alco- 
 holicum ; Tinctura Aconiti Foliorum. 
 
 Off. Prep, of the Root. Aconitia ; Tinctura Aconiti Radicis. W. 
 
 ADEPS. US., Lend. 
 
 Lard. 
 
 The prepared fat of Sus Scrofa, free from saline matter. U. 8. , Land. 
 
 Off. Syn. AXUNGIA. Fat of Sus Scrofa. Ed. ; AXUNGIA. ADEPS 
 SUILLUS. The fat of Sus Scrofa. Dub. 
 
 Axonge, Graisse, Saindoux, Fr. ; Schweineschmalz, Germ.; Grasso di porco, Lardo, 
 Ital. ; Manteca de puerco, Lardo, Span. 
 
 Lard is the prepared fat of the hog. The Dublin College gives a process 
 for its preparation ; but in this country it is purchased by the druggists 
 
 * Physicians should be very careful, when prescribing, to designate by name which 
 of these tinctures they intend, whether that of the root, or that of the leaves ; as 
 serious mistakes may otherwise occur ; and apothecaries should be scrupulous in 
 putting up the preparation of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia when the tincture of the root 
 is prescribed, and not that of Dr. Fleming, which is stronger than the officinal. (Mote 
 to the tenth edition.) 
 
58 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Adeps. 
 
 already prepared. The adipose matter of the omentum and mesentery, and 
 that around the kidneys, are usually employed; though the subcutaneous fat 
 is said to atford lard of a firmer consistence. In the crude state it contains 
 membranes and vessels, and is more or less contaminated with blood, from 
 all which it must be freed before it can be fit for use. For this purpose, the 
 fat, having been deprived as far as possible by the hand of membranous 
 matter, is cut into pieces, washed with water till the liquor ceases to be 
 coloured, and then melted, usually with a small portion of water, in a copper 
 or iron vessel, over a slow fire. The heat is continued till all the moisture 
 is evaporated, which may be known by the transparency of the melted fat, 
 and the absence of crepitation when a small portion of it is thrown into the 
 fire. Care should be taken that the heat is not too great; as otherwise the 
 lard might be partially decomposed, acquire a yellow colour, and become 
 acrid. The process is completed by straining the liquid through linen and 
 pouring it into suitable vessels, in which it concretes upon cooling. 
 
 Lard, as offered for sale, often contains common salt, which renders it unfit 
 for pharmaceutic purposes. To free it from this, it may be melted with 
 twice its weight of boiling water, the mixture well agitated and set aside to 
 cool, and the fat then separated. American lard is said to be adulterated, 
 in England, with water, starch, and a small proportion of alum and quick- 
 lime, which render it whiter, but unfit it for medical use. 
 
 Properties. Lard is white, inodorous, with little taste, of a soft consistence 
 at ordinary temperatures, fusible at about 100° F., insoluble in water, par- 
 tially soluble in alcohol, more so in ether and the volatile oils, dissolved and 
 decomposed by the stronger acids, and converted into soap by reaction with the 
 alkalies. When melted, it readily unites with wax and resins. According 
 to Braconnot, it contains, in 100 parts, 62 of olein or the liquid principle of 
 oils, and 38 of stearin or the concrete principle. But M. Le Canu ascer- 
 tained that the stearin of Braconnot consists of two distinct substances, dif- 
 fering in fusibility^ and solubility. For the least fusible of these he retained 
 the name of stearin, and to the other applied that of margarin, from its re- 
 semblance to the principle of the same name in vegetable oils. Most fats 
 and oils of animal origin are composed of these ingredients, upon the relative 
 proportion of which their consistence respectively depends. The liquid and 
 concrete principles may be obtained separate by the action of boiling alcohol, 
 which, on cooling, deposits the latter, and yields the former upon evaporation. 
 Another method is to compress fat, or oil congealed by cold, between the 
 folds of bibulous paper. The olein is absorbed by the paper, and may be 
 separated by compression under water; the stearin and margarin remain. 
 
 Olein, stearin, and margarin are now generally considered as compounds 
 respectively of oleic, stearic, aud margaric acids with glycerin and water. 
 
 Olein, originally denominated el din, resembles oil in appearance, is colour- 
 less when pure, congeals at 20° F., has little odour and a sweetish taste, is 
 insoluble in water, but soluble in boiling alcohol, and consists of carbon, 
 hydrogen, and oxygen. Its present received formula is one eq. of glycerin 
 C 6 H 7 0 5 + two eqs. of oleic acid C ss IL s O s + two eqs. of water H„0„=C g4 H S7 0 w . 
 (Kane’s Chemistry.') The olein of lard has been introduced extensively into 
 use for burning in lamps. Vast quantities of it are prepared in Cincinnati, 
 Ohio, and much is exported. In France it is said to be largely used for 
 adulterating olive oil. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., x. 132.) 
 
 Stearin is white, conci'ete. of a crystalline appearance like spermaceti, pul- 
 verizable, fusible at about 143°, soluble in alcohol and boiling ether, insolu- 
 ble in cold ether and in water, and composed, like the former principle, of 
 carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Its formula is one eq. of glycerin C 6 H.0 5 
 
PART I. 
 
 59 
 
 Adeps. — Alcohol. 
 
 -ftwo eqs. of stearic acid C 136 H 132 0 10 -f-two eqs. of water H 2 0„==C 142 H 141 0 17 . 
 It may be separated from the concrete matter of lard by treating it with cold 
 ether so long as any thing is dissolved. The stearin is left behind, and the 
 ethereal solution yields margarin by evaporation. 
 
 The margarin of animal fats resembles stearin very closely, differing only 
 in its melting point, which is about 118°, and in being soluble in cold ether. 
 It is said to consist of one eq. of glycerin C 6 H 7 0 5 -ftwo eqs. of margaric 
 acid C 6s II B6 0 6 +one eq. of water HO=C 74 H 74 O w . Dr. Heintz, of Berlin, 
 infers from his experiments that margaric acid is a mixture of stearic and 
 palmitic acids. If this view is correct, margarin must be a mixture of 
 stearin and palmitin, the latter of which is the peculiar fatty principle of 
 palm oil. ( Ohem. Gaz., xi. 43.) Very good candles are now made out of the 
 concrete constituents of lard. 
 
 Exposed to the air, lard absorbs oxygen and becomes rancid. It should, 
 therefore, be kept in well closed vessels, or procured fresh when wanted for 
 use. In the rancid state, it irritates the skin, and sometimes exercises an 
 injurious reaction on substances mixed with it. Thus, the ointment of 
 iodide of potassium, which is white when prepared with fresh lard, is said to 
 be more or less yellow when the lard employed is rancid. Rancidity in lard 
 and other fats is prevented by digesting them with benzoin or poplar buds. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Lard is emollient, and is occasionally em- 
 ployed by itself in frictions, or in connexion with poultices to preserve their 
 soft consistence ; but its chief use is in pharmacy as an ingredient of oint- 
 ments and cerates. It is frequently added to laxative enemata. W. 
 
 ALCOHOL. U.S. 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 Rectified spirit of the specific gravitv 0'885. U S. 
 
 Of Syn. SPIRITUS RECTIFICATUS. Loud., Pd., Dub. 
 
 Spirit of wine ; Alcohol, Esprit de vin, Ft. ; Rectificirter Weingeist, Germ.; Alcoole, 
 Acquavite rettificata, Ital. ; Alcohol, Espiritu rectificado de vino, Span. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeias have recognised several pharmaceutical strengths of 
 the liquid, which, in its anhydrous state, is named by the chemist alcohol or 
 absolute alcohol. The Dublin Pharmacopoeia has admitted four strengths of 
 alcoholic liquid, the Edinburgh three, and the London and United States 
 Pharmacopoeias only two. The following table presents a view of the names 
 and strengths of the alcohol according to these different authorities; assuming 
 those spirits to be identical, the specific gravities of which approach to equality. 
 
 
 U.S. 
 
 Land. 
 
 Ed. 
 
 Dub. 
 
 Highest off. 1 
 
 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 strength. / 
 
 
 
 Sp. gr. 0-794-6. 
 
 Sp. gr. 0-795. 
 
 Second do. j. 
 
 
 
 
 Spiritus Fortior. 
 
 
 
 
 Sp. gr. 0-818. 
 
 Third do. j- 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 Sp. gr. 0-835. 
 
 Spiritus Rectifi- 
 catus. 
 
 Sp. gr. 0-838. 
 
 Spiritus Rectifi- 
 catus. 
 
 Sp. gr. 0-838. 
 
 Spiritus Rectifi- 
 catus. 
 
 Sp. gr. 0-840. 
 
 Lowest do. j. 
 
 Alcohol Dilutum 
 Sp. gr. 0-935. 
 
 Spiritus Tenuior. 
 Sp. gr. 0-920. 
 
 Spiritus Tenuior. 
 Sp. gr. 0-912. 
 
 Spiritus Tenuior. 
 Sp. gr. 0-920. 
 
60 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 By the table it is perceived that the officinal “Alcohol” of the Lnited 
 States Pharmacopoeia is a rectified spirit of the sp. gr. 0'835; while the same 
 name is applied by the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges to absolute alcohol. 
 It is certainly to be regretted that the same name is applied to spirit of such 
 different strengths, as it leads to confusion. < )ur object, however, in this 
 article, is to describe the Alcohol of the United States Pharmacopoeia, corre- 
 sponding to the British Spiritus Rectiftcatus. The Spiritus Fortior of the 
 Dublin College, the Alcohol of the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges, and the 
 Alcohol Dilutum will be considered in their appropriate place in the second 
 part of this work. (See Preparations of Alcohol.) 
 
 Alcohol, in the chemical sense, is a peculiar liquid, generated for the most 
 part in vegetable juices and infusions by a fermentation, called the vinous 
 or alcoholic. The liquids which have undergone it are called vinous liquors, 
 and are of various kinds. Thus, the fermented juice of the grape is called 
 wine ; of the apple, cider ; and the fermented infusion of malt, beer. 
 
 With regard to the nature of the liquids susceptible of the vinous fer- 
 mentation, however various they may be in other respects, one general cha- 
 racter prevails ; that, namely, of containing sugar in some form or other. It 
 is found, further, that, after they have undergone the vinous fermentation, 
 the sugar they contained has either wholly Or in part disappeared, and that 
 the only new products are alcohol, which remains in the liquid, and carbonic 
 acid, which escapes during the process ; and these, when taken together, are 
 found to be equal in weight to the sugar lost. It is hence inferred that 
 sugar is the subject-matter of the changes that occur during the vinous fer- 
 mentation, and that it is resolved into alcohol and carbonic acid. Additional 
 facts in support of this view will be adduced under the head of the compo- 
 sition of absolute alcohol. (See Alcohol, Ed., Dub., under the head of Pre- 
 parations of Alcohol, in the second part of this work.) 
 
 Sugar, however, will not undergo the vinous fermentation by itself; but 
 requires to be dissolved in water, subjected to the influence of a ferment, and 
 kept at a certain temperature. Accordingly, sugar, water, the presence of a 
 ferment, and the maintenance of an adequate temperature, may be deemed 
 the pre-requisites of the vinous fermentation. The water acts by giving 
 fluidity, and the ferment and temperature operate by commencing and main- 
 taining the chemical changes. The precise manner in which the ferment 
 operates in commencing tbe reaction is not known ; but the fermentative 
 change seems to be intimately connected with the multiplication of a micro- 
 scopic vegetable, in the form of diaphanous globules, contained in the fer- 
 ment, and called torula cerevisise. The ferment is generally considered to 
 contain a peculiar nitrogenous principle, having a close analogy to albumen 
 and casein, although it has not as yet been isolated. The proper tempera- 
 ture for conducting the vinous fermentation ranges from 60° to 90°. 
 
 Certain vegetable infusions, as those of potatoes and rice, though consist- 
 ing almost entirely of starch, are, nevertheless, capable of undergoing the 
 vinous fermentation, and form seeming exceptions to the rule, that sugar is 
 the only substance susceptible of this fermentation. The apparent exception 
 is explained by the circumstance, that starch is susceptible of a spontaneous 
 change which converts it into sugar. How this change takes place is not 
 well known, but it is designated by some authors as the saccharine fer- 
 mentation. Thus, Kirchoff proved that, if a mixture of gluten from flour 
 and starch from potatoes be put into hot water, the starch will be converted 
 into sugar. When, therefore, starch is apparently converted into alcohol by 
 fermentation, it is supposed that, during the change, it passes through the 
 intermediate state of sugar. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 61 
 
 Alcohol, being the product of the vinous fermentation, necessarily exists 
 in all vinous liquors, and may he obtained from them by distillation. For- 
 merly it was supposed that these liquors did not contain alcohol, but were 
 merely capable of furnishing it, in consequence of a new arrangement of 
 their ultimate constituents, the result of the heat applied. Brande, how- 
 ever, disproved this idea, by showing that alcohol may be obtained from all 
 vinous liquors without the application of heat, and, therefore, must pre-exist 
 in them. His method of separating it consists in precipitating the acid and 
 colouring matter from each vinous liquor by subacetate of lead, and remov- 
 ing the water by carbonate of potassa. Gay-Lussac and Donovan have proved 
 the same fact. According to the former, litharge, in fine powder, is the best 
 agent for precipitating the colouring matter. 
 
 In vinous liquors, the alcohol is diluted with abundance of water, and 
 associated with colouring matter, volatile oil, extractive, and various acids 
 and salts. In purifying it, we take advantage of its volatility, which enables 
 us to separate it by distillation, combined with some of the principles of the 
 vinous liquor employed, and more or less water. The distilled product of 
 vinous liquors forms the different ardent spirits of commerce. When ob- 
 tained from wine, it is called brandy ; from fermented molasses, rum ; from 
 cider, malted barley, or rye, whisky ; from malted barley and rye-meal with 
 hops, and rectified from juniper berries, Holland gin; from malted barley, 
 rye, or potatoes, and rectified from turpentine, common gin ; and from fer- 
 mented rice, arrack. These spirits are of different strengths, that is, contain 
 different proportions of alcohol, and have various peculiarities by which they 
 are distinguished by the taste. Their strength is accurately judged of by 
 the specific gravity, which is always less in proportion as their concentration 
 is greater. When they have the sp. gr. 0'920 (0 '9 1984, Drinhwatei-), they 
 are designated in commerce by the term proof spirit. If lighter than this, 
 they are said to be above proof; if heavier, below proof; and the per cent- 
 age of water, or of spirit of 0'825, necessary to be added to any sample of 
 spirit to bring it to the standard of proof spirit, indicates the number of 
 degrees the given sample is above or below proof. Thus, if 100 volumes of 
 a spirit require 10 volumes of water to reduce it to proof spirit, it is said to 
 be “ 10 over proof.” On the other hand, if 100 volumes of a spirit require 
 10 volumes of a spirit of 0'825 to raise it to proof, the sample is said to be 
 “ 10 under proof.” 
 
 Proof spirit is still very far from being pure; being a dilute alcohol, con- 
 taining about half its weight of water, together with a peculiar oil and other 
 foreign matters. It may be further purified and strengthened by redistilla- 
 tion, or rectification as it is called. Whisky is the spirit usually employed for 
 this purpose ; and from every hundred gallons, between fifty-seven and fifty- 
 eight may be obtained, of the average strength of rectified spirit (sp. gr. 
 0*835), corresponding to the Alcohol of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, and the 
 Spiritus Rectficatus of the British Colleges. When this is once more cau- 
 tiously distilled, it will be further purified from water, and the sp. gr. attained 
 will be about 0'825, which is the lightest spirit that can be obtained by 
 ordinary distillation, and is the pure spirit of the British system of excise. 
 It still, however, contains eleven per cent, of water. In the mean while, 
 the spirit, by these repeated distillations, becomes more and more freed from 
 the contaminating oil, called grain oil or fusel oil. (See Alcohol Amylicum.) 
 
 Properties. Alcohol, using this term in a generic sense, is a colourless, 
 transparent, volatile liquid, of a penetrating, agreeable odour, and burning 
 taste. It should be wholly free from foreign odour, which, when present, is 
 probably owing to grain or fusel oil. When free from water, it is called 
 
62 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 anhydrous or absolute alcohol. (See Alcohol, Ed., Dub., in the second part 
 of this work.) It is inflammable, and burns without smoke or residue, the 
 products being water and carbonic acid. Its flame is of a bluish colour when 
 strong; but yellowish when weak. It combines in all proportions with 
 water and ether ; and, when diluted with distilled water, preserves its trans- 
 parency. Its density varies with the proportion of water it contains. When 
 of the sp. gr. 0'820, its boiling point is at 176°. Its value depends upon 
 the quantity of absolute alcohol contained in it; and, as this is greater in pro- 
 portion as the sp. gr. is less, it is found convenient to take the density of 
 a sample in estimating its strength. This is done by instruments with bulbs 
 and long stems, called hydrometers, which, by being allowed to float in the 
 spirit, sink deeper into it in proportion as it is lighter. Any given hydro- 
 meter strength corresponds to some particular specific gravity ; and, by refer- 
 ring to tables constructed for the purpose, the per centage of absolute alcohol 
 indicated in each case is at once shown. The following table, constructed by 
 Lowitz and improved by Thomson, is of this kind. We have placed in 
 notes, referring to their respective specific gravities in the table, the names of 
 the different officinal spirits, whereby the per centage of absolute alcohol is 
 indicated which they severally contain. 
 
 Table of the Specific Gravity of different Mixtures by Weight of Absolute 
 Alcohol and Distilled Water, at the Temperature of 60°. 
 
 100 Paris. 
 
 Sp. Gr. 
 at 60 °. 
 
 100 Parts. 
 
 Sp. Gr. 
 at 60 °. 
 
 100 Paris. 
 
 Sp. Gr. 
 at 60 °. 
 
 100 Parts. 
 
 Sp. Gr. 
 at 60 °. 
 
 Ale. 
 
 Wat. 
 
 Ale. 
 
 Wat. 
 
 Ale. 
 
 Wat. 
 
 Ale. 
 
 Wat. 
 
 100 
 
 0 
 
 • 796 * 
 
 76 
 
 24 
 
 ■857 
 
 52 
 
 48 
 
 • 912 ** 
 
 \ 28 
 
 72 
 
 ■962 
 
 99 
 
 1 
 
 ■798 
 
 75 
 
 25 
 
 •860 ! 
 
 51 
 
 49 
 
 •915 
 
 | 2 T - 
 
 73 
 
 •963 
 
 98 
 
 2 
 
 •801 
 
 74 
 
 26 
 
 •863 
 
 50 
 
 50 
 
 •917 
 
 26 
 
 74 
 
 •965 
 
 97 
 
 3 
 
 •804 
 
 73 
 
 27 
 
 •865 
 
 49 
 
 51 
 
 • 920 ft 
 
 25 
 
 75 
 
 •967 
 
 96 
 
 4 
 
 •807 
 
 72 
 
 28 
 
 •867 ! 
 
 48 
 
 52 
 
 •922 
 
 24 
 
 76 
 
 •968 
 
 95 
 
 5 
 
 ■809 
 
 71 
 
 29 
 
 •870 
 
 47 
 
 53 
 
 •924 
 
 23 
 
 77 
 
 ■970 
 
 94 
 
 6 
 
 •812 
 
 70 
 
 30 
 
 •871 
 
 46 
 
 54 
 
 •926 
 
 22 
 
 78 
 
 ■972 
 
 93 
 
 7 
 
 •815 
 
 69 
 
 31 
 
 •874 
 
 45 
 
 55 
 
 •928 
 
 21 
 
 79 
 
 •973 
 
 92 
 
 8 
 
 • 817 f 
 
 68 
 
 32 
 
 •875 
 
 44 
 
 56 
 
 •930 
 
 20 
 
 80 
 
 •974 
 
 91 
 
 9 
 
 •820 
 
 67 
 
 33 
 
 •879 , 
 
 43 
 
 57 
 
 •933 
 
 19 
 
 81 
 
 •975 
 
 90 
 
 10 
 
 •822 
 
 66 
 
 34 
 
 ■880 1 
 
 42 
 
 58 
 
 • 935 ++ 
 
 18 
 
 82 
 
 •977 
 
 89 
 
 11 
 
 • 825 + 
 
 65 
 
 35 
 
 •883 
 
 41 
 
 59 
 
 • 937 ' ' 
 
 17 
 
 83 
 
 •978 
 
 88 
 
 12 
 
 •827 
 
 64 
 
 36 
 
 •886 
 
 40 
 
 60 
 
 •939 
 
 16 
 
 84 
 
 •979 
 
 87 
 
 13 
 
 •830 
 
 63 
 
 37 
 
 •889 
 
 39 
 
 61 
 
 •941 
 
 15 
 
 85 
 
 •981 
 
 86 
 
 14 
 
 ■832 
 
 62 
 
 38 
 
 •891 
 
 38 
 
 62 
 
 •943 
 
 14 
 
 86 
 
 •982 
 
 85 
 
 15 
 
 • 835 ? 
 
 61 
 
 39 
 
 •893 
 
 37 
 
 63 
 
 •945 
 
 13 ' 
 
 87 
 
 •984 
 
 84 
 
 16 
 
 • 838 || 
 
 60 
 
 40 
 
 ■896 
 
 36 
 
 64 
 
 •947 
 
 12 
 
 88 
 
 •986 
 
 83 
 
 17 
 
 • 840 ff 
 
 59 
 
 41 
 
 •898 
 
 35 
 
 65 
 
 •949 
 
 n 
 
 89 
 
 •987 
 
 82 
 
 18 
 
 •843 
 
 58 
 
 42 
 
 •900 
 
 34 
 
 66 
 
 •951 
 
 10 
 
 90 
 
 ■988 
 
 81 
 
 19 
 
 •846 
 
 57 
 
 43 
 
 •903 
 
 33 
 
 67 
 
 •953 
 
 9 
 
 91 
 
 •989 
 
 80 
 
 20 
 
 •848 
 
 56 
 
 44 
 
 •904 
 
 32 
 
 68 
 
 •955 
 
 8 
 
 92 
 
 •990 
 
 79 
 
 21 
 
 •851 
 
 ' 55 
 
 45 
 
 •906 
 
 31 
 
 69 
 
 •957 
 
 7 
 
 93 
 
 .991 
 
 78 
 
 22 
 
 •853 
 
 54 
 
 46 
 
 •908 
 
 30 
 
 70 
 
 •958 
 
 6 
 
 94 
 
 ■992 
 
 77 
 
 23 
 
 1 
 
 ■855 
 
 53 
 
 47 
 
 •910 
 
 29 
 
 71 
 
 •960 
 
 
 
 
 Alcohol is capable of dissolving a great number of substances ; as, for 
 example, sulphur and phosphorus in small quantity, iodine and ammonia 
 
 * Alcohol, Ed., Dub. f Spiritus Fortior, Dub. (nearly). 
 
 t Lightest spirit obtained by ordinary distillation. ? Alcohol, TJ.S. 
 
 || Spiritus E.ectificatus, Land., Ed. Spiritus Rectificatus, Dub. 
 
 ’■'* Spiritus Tenuior, Ed. ff Spiritus Tenuior, Land., Dub. tj Alcohol Dilutum, U. S. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 63 
 
 freely, andpotassa, soda, and lithia in the caustic state, but not as carbonates. 
 Among organic substances, it is a solvent of the organic vegetable alkalies, 
 urea, tannic acid, sugar, mannite, camphor, resins, balsams, volatile oils, and 
 soap. It dissolves the fixed oils sparingly, except castor oil, which is abund- 
 antly soluble. It acts on most acids, forming ethers with some, and effecting 
 the solution of others. All deliquescent salts are soluble in alcohol, except 
 carbonate of potassa ; while the efflorescent salts, and those either insoluble 
 or sparingly soluble in water, are mostly insoluble in it. It dissolves muriate 
 of ammonia, and most of the chlorides that are readily soluble in water; also 
 some nitrates, but none of the metallic sulphates. 
 
 Officinal alcohol, though of standard strength, may still be impregnated 
 with an essential oil, called grain or fusel oil. This is usually removed by 
 digesting the alcohol with charcoal, especially animal charcoal. It may be 
 detected by adding a little of the solution of nitrate of silver to the alcohol, 
 and then exposing it to a bright light. If the oil be present, it will be con- 
 verted into a black powder by the action of the oxide of silver upon it. Of- 
 ficinal alcohol will not withstand this test ; as the best contains a little of the 
 foreign oil. The Edinburgh College tests its rectified spirit, corresponding 
 to the U. S. alcohol, in the following way. Four fluidounces ( Imp . meas.~), 
 treated with twenty-five minims of a solution of one part of nitrate of silver 
 in forty of distilled water, exposed to a bright light for twenty-four hours, 
 and then freed from the black powder which forms by being passed through 
 a filter, purified by weak nitric acid, undergo no farther change when again 
 exposed to light with more of the test. Here a limited degree of contamina- 
 tion by fusel oil is allowed. 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. Alcohol is a very powerful diffusible stimulant. 
 It is the intoxicating ingredient in all spirituous and vinous liquors, including 
 under the latter term, porter, ale, and cider, and every liquid in short which 
 has undergone the vinous fermentation. In a diluted state, and taken in 
 small quantity, it excites the system, renders the pulse full, communicates 
 additional energy to the muscles, and gives temporary exaltation to the mental 
 faculties. In some states of acute disease, characterized by excessive debility, it 
 is a valuable remedy. In chronic diseases, physicians should be cautious in pre- 
 scribing alcoholic remedies, whether alone or in the form of tinctures, for fear 
 of begetting intemperate habits in their patients. Externally, alcohol is some- 
 times applied to produce cold by evaporation ; but, when its evaporation is re- 
 pressed, it acts as a stimulant. A mixture of equal parts of rectified spirit 
 and white of egg is stated by Dr. Christison to be an excellent application 
 to excoriations from pressure, in their early stage, occurring in protracted dis- 
 eases. It is to be applied frequently by a fine brush or feather, and renewed 
 as it dries, until an albuminous coating is formed over the excoriated surface. 
 
 As an article of daily use, alcoholic liquors produce the most deplorable 
 consequences. Besides the moral degradation which they cause, their habit- 
 ual use gives rise to dyspepsia, hypochondriasis, visceral obstructions, dropsy, 
 paralysis, and not unfrequently mania. 
 
 In the arts alcohol is used to form drying varnishes, and in chemistry, as 
 an important analytic agent. Being a powerful antiseptic, it is very useful 
 in preserving anatomical preparations. 
 
 Effects as a Poison. When taken in large quantity, alcohol, in the various 
 forms of ardent spirit, produces a true apoplectic state, and occasionally 
 speedy death. The face becomes livid or pale, the respiration stertorous, 
 and the mouth frothy ; and sense and feeling are more or less completely 
 lost. Where the danger is imminent, an emetic may be administered, or the 
 stomach pump used. The affusion of cold water is often very useful. An 
 
64 
 
 Alcohol. — Aletris. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 enema of two tablespoonfuls of common salt in a pint of warm water is said 
 to dissipate rapidly the more serious symptoms of intoxication. As a counter- 
 poison, acetate of ammonia has been found to act with advantage. After 
 death, abundant evidence is furnished of the absorption of the alcohol. By 
 Dr. Percy it was detected by chemical analysis in the brain, and by others 
 in the ventricles. Dr. Wright has detected it in the urine, after the use of 
 whisky. Mr. R. D. Thomson has proposed the following test for minute 
 quantities of alcohol. Distil one-third of the suspected liquid, and to the 
 distillate add a crystal or two of chromic acid, and stir. If the smallest 
 quantity of alcohol be present, green oxide of chromium, and aldehyd per- 
 ceptible to the smell, will be developed. Instead of chromic acid, a few 
 grains of powdered bichromate of potassa, acted on by a few drops of sul- 
 phuric acid, may be used. 
 
 Pharmaceutic Uses. Alcohol is very extensively employed as a pharma- 
 ceutic agent. Either ia its rectified state or diluted with water, it is used in 
 the preparation of collodion, ethereal oil, morphia, some of the syrups, and 
 all the tinctures, spirits, ethers, and resinous extracts. It is added to the 
 vinegars, some of the medicated waters, and one or more of the decoctions 
 and infusions, to assist in their preservation, and serves as a vehicle or diluent 
 of certain active medicines, as in Spiritus Ammonise, Spiritus Ammoniac 
 Aromaticus, and Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum. It is also employed for 
 vai'ious incidental purposes connected with its solvent power. 
 
 Off. Prep. Alcohol, Ed. ; Alcohol Dilutuin; Spiritus Fortior; Spiritus 
 Tenuior. B. 
 
 ALETRIS. U.S., Secondary. 
 
 Star Qra-ss. 
 
 The root of Aletris farinosa. U. S. 
 
 Aletris. Sex. Syst. Hexandria Monogynia. — Nat. Orel. Liliacese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla tubular, six-cleft, wrinkled, persistent. Stamens inserted 
 into the base of the segments. Style triangular, separable into three. Cap- 
 side opening at the top, three-celled, many seeded. Bigelow. 
 
 Aletris farinosa. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 183; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 
 iii. 92. This is an indigenous perennial plant, the leaves of which spring im- 
 mediately from the root, and spread on the ground in the form of a star. 
 Hence have originated the popular names of star grass, blazing star, and 
 mealy starwort, by which it is known in different parts of the country. The 
 leaves are sessile, lanceolate, entire, pointed, very smooth, longitudinally 
 veined, and of unequal size, the largest being about four inches in length. 
 From the midst of them a flower stem rises, one or two feet in height, nearly 
 naked, with remote scales, which sometimes become leaves. It terminates in 
 a slender scattered spike, the flowers of which stand on very short pedicels, 
 and have minute bractes at the base. The calyx is wanting. The corolla is 
 tubular, oblong, divided at the summit into six spreading segments, of a 
 white colour, and, when old, of a mealy or rugose appearance on the outside. 
 The plant is found in almost all parts of the United States, growing in fields 
 and about the borders of woods, and flowering in June and July. 
 
 Properties. The root, which is the officinal portion, is small, crooked, 
 branched, blackish externally, brown within, and intensely bitter. The bit- 
 terness is extracted by alcohol, and the tincture becomes turbid upon the 
 addition of water. The decoction is moderately bitter ; but much less so 
 than the tincture. It affords no precipitate with the salts of iron. (Bigelow.) 
 
PART I. 
 
 Allium. 
 
 65 
 
 Medical Properties. In small doses the root appears to be simply tonic, 
 and may be employed advantageously for similar purposes with other bitters 
 of the same class. When freely given it is apt to occasion nausea. In 
 very large doses, it is said to be cathartic and emetic, and to produce some 
 narcotic effect. It has been employed, with asserted benefit, in colic, dropsy, 
 and chronic rheumatism. The powder may be administered as a tonic in 
 the dose of ten grains. W. 
 
 ALLIUM. TJ.S.,Ed. 
 
 Garlic. 
 
 The bulb of Allium sativum. U. S., Ed. 
 
 Ail, Fr. ; Knoblauch, Germ. ; Aglio, Ital. ; Ajo, Span. 
 
 Allium. Sex. Syst. Hexandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Liliacese. 
 
 Gen. Gh. Corolla six-parted, spreading. Spathe many-flowered. Umbel 
 crowded. Capsule superior. Willd. 
 
 This is a very extensive genus, including more than sixty species, most of 
 which are European. Of the nine or ten indigenous in this country, none are 
 officinal. Dr. Griffith states that the bulb of A. Canadense has been substi- 
 tuted for the cultivated garlic, and found equally efficient. (Med. Bot., p. 653.) 
 Of the European species several have been used from a very early period, both 
 as food and medicine. A. sativum, or garlic, is the only one at present offi- 
 cinal ; and to this we shall confine our observations in the present place, simply 
 stating that few genera present a greater resemblance in sensible and medical 
 properties, among the various species that compose them, than the present. 
 For an account of A. Cepa, or onion, and A. Porrum, or leek, which have 
 recently been discharged from the British Pharmacopoeias, see the Appendix. 
 
 Allium sativum. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 68; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 749, t. 
 256. This is a perennial plant, and like all its congeners, bulbous. The 
 bulbs are numerous, and enclosed in a common membranous covering, from 
 the base of which the fibres that constitute the proper root descend. The 
 stem is simple, and rises about two feet. The leaves are long, flat, and 
 grass-like, and sheath the lower half of the stem. At the termination of 
 the stem is a cluster of flowers and bulbs mingled together, and enclosed in 
 a pointed spathe, which opens on one side and withers. The flowers are 
 small and white, and make their appearance in July. This species of garlic 
 grows wild in Sicily, Italy, and the south of France; and is cultivated in all 
 civilized countries. 
 
 The part employed, as well for culinary purposes as in medicine, is the 
 bulb. The bulbs are dug up with a portion of the stem attached, and, having 
 been dried in the sun, are tied together in bunches, and thus brought to 
 market. They are said to lose by drying nine parts of their weight out of 
 fifteen, with little diminution of their sensible properties. This species of 
 Allium is commonly called English garlic, to distinguish it from those which 
 grow wild in our fields and meadows. 
 
 Properties. Garlic, as found in the shops, is of a shape somewhat spheri- 
 cal, flattened at the bottom, and drawn towards a point at the summit, where 
 a portion of the stem several inches in length projects. It is covered with a 
 white, dry, membranous envelope, consisting of several delicate laminae, within 
 which the small bulbs are arranged around the stem, having each a distinct 
 coat. These small bulbs, which in common language are called cloves of 
 garlic, are usually five or six in number, of an oblong shape, somewhat 
 curved, and in their interior are whitish, moist, and fleshy. They have a 
 5 
 
66 
 
 Allium. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 disagreeable pungent odour, so peculiar as to have received the name of 
 alliaceous. Their taste is bitter and acrid. The peculiar smell and taste, 
 though strongest in the bulb, are found to a greater or less extent in all p>art3 
 of the plant. They depend on an essential oil, which is very volatile, and 
 may be obtained by distillation, passing over with the first portions of water. 
 As first obtained, the oil is of a dark brownish-yellow colour, heavier than 
 water, and decomposed at its boiling temperature. It may be purified by 
 repeated distillation in a salt-water bath, and is then lighter than water, of 
 a pale yellow colour, and not decomposed by boiling. According to Wertheim, 
 it consists of a peculiar organic radical called allyle (C 6 H S ), combined with 
 one equivalent of sulphur. From one hundred weight of garlic Wertheim 
 obtained from three to four ounces of the impure oil, and about two-thirds 
 as much of the rectified. (Chem. Gaz., iii. 177.) The impure oil has an 
 exceedingly pungent odour, and strong acrid taste ; and, when applied to 
 the skin, produces much irritation, and sometimes even blisters. Besides 
 this oil, fresh garlic, according to Cadet-Gassicourt, contains, in 1406 parts, 
 520 of mucilage, 37 of albumen, 48 of fibrous matter, and 801 of water. 
 Bouillon-Lagrange mentions, among its constituents, sulphur, a saccharine 
 matter, and a small quantity of fecula. The fresh bulbs yield upon pressure 
 nearly a fourth part of juice, which is highly viscid, and so tenacious as to 
 require dilution with water before it can be easily filtered. When dried, it 
 serves as a lute for porcelain. It has the medical properties of the bulbs. 
 Water, alcohol, and vinegar extract the virtues of garlic. Boiling, however, 
 if continued for some time, renders it inert. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The use of garlic, as a medicine and condi- 
 ment, ascends to the highest antiquity. When it is taken internally, the oil 
 is speedily absorbed, and, pervading the system, becomes sensible in the breath 
 and various secretions. Even externally applied, as for example to the soles of 
 the feet, it imparts its peculiar odour to the breath, urine, and perspiration, 
 and, according to some writers, may be tasted in the mouth. Its effects 
 upon the system are those of a general stimulant. It quickens the circula- 
 tion, excites the nervous system, promotes expectoration in debility of the 
 lungs, produces diaphoresis or diuresis according as the patient is kept warm 
 or cool, and acts upon the stomach as a tonic and carminative. It is said 
 also to be emmenagogue. Applied to the skin, it is irritant and rubefacient, 
 and moreover exercises, to a greater or less extent, its peculiar influence upon 
 the system, in consequence of its absorption. Moderately employed, it is 
 beneficial in enfeebled digestion and flatulence; and is habitually used as a 
 condiment by many who have no objection to an offensive breath. It has 
 been given with advantage in chronic catarrh, humoral asthma, and other 
 pectoral affections in which the symptoms of inflammation have been sub- 
 dued, and a feeble condition of the vessels remains. We use it habitually, 
 and with great benefit, in such affections occurring in children, as well as in 
 the nervous and spasmodic coughs to which patients of this class are pecu- 
 liarly liable. Some have recommended it in old atonic dropsies and calculous 
 disorders ; and it has been employed in the treatment of intermittents. It 
 is thought also to be an excellent anthelmintic, especially in cases of asca- 
 rides, in which it is given both by the mouth and the rectum. The juice is 
 said sometimes to check nervous vomiting, in the dose of a few drops. If 
 taken too largely, or in excited states of the system, garlic is apt to occasion 
 gastric irritation, flatulence, hemorrhoids, headache, and fever. As a medi- 
 cine, it is at present more used externally than inwardly. Bruised and 
 applied to the feet, it acts very beneficially, as a revulsive, in disorders of 
 the head ; and is especially useful in the febrile complaints of children, by 
 
PART I. 
 
 Allium. — Aloe. 
 
 67 
 
 quieting restlessness and producing sleep. In the same state, it is used to 
 resolve indolent tumours. Its juice mixed with oil, or the garlic itself, 
 bruised and steeped in spirits, is frequently used as a liniment in infantile 
 convulsions, and other cases of spasmodic or nervous disorder among children. 
 The same application has been made in cases of cutaneous eruption. A 
 clove of garlic, or a few drops of the juice, introduced into the ear, are said 
 to prove efficacious in atonic deafness ; and the bulb, bruised and applied in 
 the shape of a poultice above the pubes, has sometimes restored action to 
 the bladder, in cases of retention of urine, from debility of that organ. 
 In the same shape, it has been recommended as a resolvent in indolent 
 tumours. 
 
 Garlic may be taken in the form of pill ; or the clove may be swallowed 
 either whole, or cut into pieces of a convenient size. Its juice is also fre- 
 quently administered mixed with sugar. The infusion in milk was at one 
 time highly recommended, and the syrup is officinal. The dose in substance 
 is from half a drachm to a drachm, or even two drachms, of the fresh bulb. 
 That of the juice is half a fluidrachm. 
 
 Off. Prep. Syrupus Allii. W. 
 
 ALOE. U.S. 
 
 Aloes. 
 
 The inspissated juice of the leaves of Aloe spicata, Aloe Socotrina, and 
 other species of Aloe. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. ALOE BARBADENSIS. Aloe vulgaris. Folii reseed succus 
 spissatus. ALOE HEPATICA. Aloes species incerta. Folii succus spis- 
 satus. ALOE SOCOTRINA. Aloes species incerta. Folii reseed succus 
 aere induratus. Land. ; ALOE BARBADENSIS. ALOE INDICA. 
 ALOE SOCOTORINA. From undetermined species of Aloe- Ed. ; ALOE 
 HEPATICA. Extract or inspissated juice, from the leaves of one or more 
 undetermined species of Aloe. Dub. 
 
 Sue d.' aloes, Fr. ; Aloe, Germ.., Ital. ; Aloe, Span.; Musebber, Arab. 
 
 Most of the species belonging to the genus Aloe are said to yield a bitter 
 juice, which has all the properties of the officinal aloes. It is impossible, 
 from the various and sometimes conflicting accounts of writers, to determine 
 exactly from which of the species the drug is in all instances actually derived. 
 Aloe spicata, however, is generally acknowledged to be an abundant source of 
 it ; and A. vulgaris and A. Socotrina are usually ranked among the medicinal 
 species. In Lindley’s Flora Medica, A. purpurascens, A. arborescens, A. Com- 
 melyni, and A. multiformis, all natives of the Cape of Good Hope, are enume- 
 rated as yielding aloes; and others are, without doubt, occasionally resorted 
 to. We shall confine ourselves to a description of the three following species, 
 which probably yield most of the aloes of commerce. 
 
 Aloe. Sex. Syst. Hexandria Monogynia. — Eat. Ord. Liliacem. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla erect, mouth spreading, bottom nectariferous. Filaments 
 inserted into the receptacle. Willd. 
 
 Aloe spicata. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 185. This species of aloe was first 
 described by Thunberg. The stem is round, three or four feet high, about 
 four inches in diameter, and leafy at the summit. The leaves are spreading, 
 subverticillate, about two feet long, broad at the base, gradually narrowing to 
 the point, channeled or grooved upon their upper surface, and with remote 
 teeth upon their edges. The flowers are bell-shaped, and spread horizontally 
 in very close spikes. They contain a large quantity of purple honey juice. 
 
68 
 
 Aloe. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Beneath each flower is a broad, ovate, acute braete, of a white colour, with 
 three green streaks, and nearly as long as the corolla. Of the six petals, the 
 three inner are ovate, obtuse, white, with three green lines, and broader than 
 the outer, which otherwise resemble them. The stamens are much longer 
 than the corolla. The spiked aloe is a native of Southern Africa, growing 
 near the Cape of Good Hope, and, like all the other species of this genus, 
 preferring a sandy soil. In some districts of the colony it is found in great 
 abundance, particularly at Zwellendam, near Mossel Bay, where it almost 
 covers the surface of the country. Much of the Cape aloes is said to be de- 
 rived from this species. 
 
 A. Socotrina. Lamarck, Encycl ., i. 85; De Cand. Plantes Grasses, fig. 
 85; Curtis’ Bot. Mag., pi. 472 ; Carson’s I /lust, of Med. Bot. ii. 48, pi. 92. — 
 A. vera. Miller, Diet-, ed. 8, no. 55. The stem of this species is erect, a 
 foot and a half or more in height, woody, and leafless below, where it is very 
 rough from the remains of former leaves. At top it is embraced by green, 
 sword-shaped, ascending leaves, somewhat concave on their upper surface, 
 convex beneath, curved inward at the point, with numerous small white ser- 
 ratures at their edges. The flowers, which are in a cylindrical, simple raceme, 
 are scarlet near the base, pale in the centre, and greenish at the summit, and 
 have unequal stamens, of which three are longer than the corolla. The plant 
 received its name from the island of Socotra, of which it is said to be a native ; 
 and is supposed to be the source of the Socotrine aloes. 
 
 A. vulgaris. Lamarck, Encycl., i. 86; De Cand. Plantes Grasses, fig. 27; 
 Carson’s Illust. of Med. Bot. ii. 46, pi. 90. This species has a very short 
 woody stem, and lanceolate embracing leaves, which are first spreading, then 
 ascending, of a glaucous-green colour, somewhat mottled with darker spots, 
 flat on the upper surface, convex beneath, and armed with hard reddish 
 spines, distant from each other, and perpendicular to the margin. The flower- 
 stem is axillary, of a glaucous-reddish colour, and branched, with a cylindrical- 
 ovate spike of yellow flowers, which are at first erect, then spreading, and 
 finally pendulous, and do not exceed the stamens in length. A. vulgaris is 
 a native of south-eastern Europe and the north of Africa, and is cultivated 
 in Italy, Sicily, Malta, and especially in the West Indies, where it contributes 
 largely to furnish the Barbadoes aloes. 
 
 The proper aloetic juice has generally been thought to exist in longitudinal 
 vessels beneath the epidermis of the leaves, and readily flows out when these 
 are cut transversely ; but, according to M. Edmond Kobiquet, who has made 
 elaborate researches in relation to this drug, these vessels are air-ducts, and 
 the juice flows in the inter-cellular passages between them. The liquid ob- 
 tained by expression from the parenchyma is mucilaginous, and possessed of 
 little medicinal virtue. The quality of the drug depends much upon the 
 mode of preparing it. The finest kind is that obtained by exudation, and 
 subsequent inspissation in the sun. Most of the better sorts, however, are 
 prepared by artificially heating the juice which has spontaneously exuded 
 from the cut leaves. The chief disadvantage of this process is the conversion 
 of a portion of the soluble active principle into an insoluble and comparatively 
 inert substance, through the influence of an elevated temperature. The plan 
 of bruising and expressing the leaves, and boiling down the resulting liquor, 
 yields a much inferior product; as a large portion of it must be derived from 
 the mucilaginous juice of the parenchyma. The worst plan of all is to boil 
 the leaves themselves in water, and evaporate the decoction. The quality 
 of the drug is also affected by the careless or fraudulent mixture of foreign 
 matters with the juice, and the unskilful management of the inspissation. 
 
 Commercial History and Varieties- Four chief varieties of aloes are 
 
PART I. 
 
 Aloe. 
 
 69 
 
 known in commerce, that of the Cape of G-ood Hope, the Socotrine, the 
 hepatic, and the Barbadoes, of which the first two are most used in this 
 country. 
 
 1. Cape Aloes, which is by far the most abundant, is imported from the 
 Cape of Good Hope, either directly, or through the medium of English com- 
 merce. It is collected by the Hottentots and Hutch boors indiscriminately 
 from A. spicata and other species, which grow wild in great abundance. 
 Dr. L. Pappe, of Cape Town, states that the best aloes is derived from Aloe 
 ferox ( Lam .) growing at Swellendam, and a weaker product from A. Afri- 
 cana and A. plicatilis of Miller. ( Flor . Capens. 28.) The process is very 
 simple. According to Hallbeck, a Moravian missionary who resided at the 
 Cape, a hole is made in the ground, in which a sheep skin is spread with the 
 smooth side upward. The leaves are then cut off near the stem, and arranged 
 around the hole, so that the juice which runs out may be received into the 
 skin. The juice flows most freely in hot weather. ( Un. Breth. Mission. In- 
 telligencer, N. Y, vi. 436.) When a sufficient quantity of the liquor has been 
 collected, it is inspissated by artificial heat in iron cauldrons, care being taken 
 to prevent its burning by constant stirring. When sufficiently concentrated, 
 it is poured into boxes or skins, where it concretes upon cooling. The finest 
 kind is collected at the Missionary Institution at Bethelsdorp, and hence 
 called Bethelsdorp aloes. Its superiority is owing exclusively to the greater 
 care observed in conducting the evaporation, and in avoiding the intermixture 
 of earth, stones, and other impurities. ( Dunzterville , in Pereira’s Mat. Med. ) 
 
 Cape aloes has sometimes been confounded with the Socotrine, from which, 
 however, it differs very considerably in appearance. By the German writers 
 it is called shining aloes. When freshly broken, it has a very dark olive or 
 greenish colour approaching to black, presents a smooth bright almost glassy 
 surface, and, if held up to the light, appears translucent at its edges. The 
 small fragments also are semi-transparent, and have a tinge of yellow or red 
 mixed with the deep olive of the opaque mass. The same tinge is sometimes 
 observable in the larger pieces. The powder is of a fine greenish-yellow 
 colour, and, being generally more or less sprinkled over the surface of the 
 pieces as they are kept in the shops, gives them a somewhat yellowish appear- 
 ance. The odour is strong and disagreeable, but not nauseous. It has not 
 the slightest mixture of the aromatic. Cape aloes, when perfectly hard, is 
 very brittle, and readily reduced to powder; but, in very hot weather, it is 
 apt to become somewhat soft and tenacious, and the interior of the pieces is 
 occasionally more or less so even in winter. It is usually imported in casks 
 or boxes. Dr. Pereira says that a variety of aloes is sometimes imported into 
 England from , the Cape, of a reddish-brown colour like hepatic aloes. 
 
 2. Socotrine Aloes. The genuine Socotrine aloes is produced in the 
 Island of Socotra, which lies in the Straits of Babelmandel, about forty 
 leagues to the east of Cape Guardafui ; but we are told by Ainslie that the 
 greater part of what is sold under that name is prepared in the kingdom of 
 Melinda, upon the eastern coast of Africa; and Wellsted states that the aloes 
 of the neighbouring parts of Arabia is the same as that of Socotra. The 
 commerce in this variety of aloes is carried on chiefly by the maritime Arabs, 
 who convey it either to India, or up the Red Sea by the same channel through 
 which it reached Europe before the discovery of the southern passage into 
 the Indian Ocean. Mr. Vaughan states that nearly the whole product of 
 the island is carried to Maculla, on the southern coast of Arabia, and thence 
 transhipped to Bombay. ( Pharm ,. Journ. and Trans., xii. 268.) The 
 species of aloe which yields it is not certainly known ; but is probably the 
 A. Socotrina. According to Wellsted, the plant grows on the sides and 
 
70 
 
 Aloe. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 summits of mountains, from five hundred to three thousand feet above the 
 level of the plains. It is found in all parts of the island, but most abundantly 
 on the western portion, where the surface is thickly covered with it for miles. 
 It appears to thrive best in parched and barren places. Much less of the 
 drug is collected than formerly, and in the year 1833 only two tons were ex- 
 ported. The whole produce was formerly monopolized by the Arabian Sultan 
 of Kisseen; but at present the business of collecting the drug is entirely free 
 to the inhabitants. The leaves are plucked at any period of the year, and 
 are placed in skins into which the juice is allowed to exude. In what way 
 the inspissation is effected we are not informed by Wellsted; but, according 
 to Hermann, it is by exposure to the heat of the sun. The aloes is exported 
 in skins. Its quality differs much according to the care taken in its prepa- 
 ration. ( Wellsted’ s Voyage to the coast of Arabia , and Tour in the Island of 
 Socotra.') A portion ascends the Red Sea, and through Egypt reaches the 
 ports of Smyrna and Malta, whence it is sent to London. Another portion 
 is carried to Bombay, and thence transmitted to various parts of the world. 
 The little that reaches this country either comes by special order from Lon- 
 don, or is brought by our India traders. We have known of two arrivals 
 directly into the United States, said to be from the Island of Socotra, and have 
 in our possession parcels of aloes brought by both. They are identical in 
 character, and correspond with the following description. 
 
 Socotrine aloes is in pieces of a yellowish or reddish-brown colour, wholly 
 different from that of the former variety. Sometimes the colour is very light, 
 especially in the fresh and not fully hardened parcels; sometimes it is a deep 
 brownish-red like that of garnets. It is rendered much darker by exposure 
 to the air ; and the interior of the masses is consequently much lighter 
 coloured than the exterior. Its surface is somewhat glossy, and its fracture 
 smooth and conchoidal, with sharp and semi-transparent edges. The colour 
 of its powder is a bright golden yellow. It has a peculiar, not unpleasant 
 odour, and a taste, which, though bitter and disagreeable, is accompanied with 
 an aromatic flavour. Though hard and pulverulent in cold weather, it is 
 somewhat tenacious in summer, and softens by the heat of the hand. 
 
 Under the name of Socotrine aloes are occasionally to be met with in the 
 market, small parcels beautifully semi-transparent, shining, and of a yellow- 
 ish, reddish, or brownish-red colour. These, however, are very rare, and do 
 not deserve to be considered as a distinct variety. They are probably portions 
 of the juice carefully inspissated in the sun, and may accompany the pack- 
 ages brought from any of the commercial sources of aloes. 
 
 When in mass, as imported from the East, Socotrine aloes is soft and 
 plastic, and of a very light yellowish-brown colour in the interior. It becomes 
 hard and brittle when broken into pieces; and the London dealers hasten the 
 result by exposing it to a very gentle heat, so as to evaporate the moisture. 
 Pereira tells us that impure and dirty pieces of the drug are melted and 
 strained, and that the skins from which the best portions have been removed 
 are washed with water, which is then evaporated. No inconsiderable portion 
 of the Socotrine aloes received from London has probably undergone such 
 processes. 
 
 Occasionally the juice has been imported into London in casks, not 
 thoroughly inspissated. In this state it is of the consistence of molasses, of 
 an orange or yellowish colour, and of a strong fragrant odour. It separates, 
 upon standing, into a transparent liquid, and an opaque, lighter-coloured 
 granular portion which subsides. Pereira found the latter portion to consist 
 of innumerable minute prismatic crystals, and believed it to be identical 
 with or closely analogous to the aloin of the Messrs. Smith. M hen the 
 
PART I. 
 
 Aloe. 
 
 71 
 
 juice is heated, the deposit dissolves, and the whole being evaporated yields 
 a solid, transparent product, having all the properties of fine Socotrine aloes. 
 (. Pliar m . Journ. and Trans., xi. 439.) 
 
 Much of the aloes sold as Socotrine has never seen the Island of Socotra, 
 nor even the Indian seas. It-has been customary to affix this title, as a mark 
 of superior value, to those parcels of the drug, from whatever source they 
 may have been derived, which have been prepared with unusual care, and are 
 supposed to be of the best quality. Thus, both in Spain and the West Indies, 
 the juice which is obtained without expression, and inspissated in the sun 
 without artificial heat, has been called Socotrine aloes ; and is probably little 
 inferior to the genuine drug. 
 
 Socotrine aloes has been very long known under this name, and in former 
 times held the same superiority in the estimation of the profession, which it 
 still to a certain degree retains. 
 
 3. Hepatic Aloes. Much confusion and uncertainty have prevailed in 
 relation to this kind of aloes. The name was originally applied to a product 
 from the East Indies, of a reddish-brown or liver colour, which gave origin 
 to the designation. From a supposed resemblance between this and the aloes 
 from the West Indies, the name was very commonly applied also to the latter 
 variety, and was also extended to portions of the drug collected in Spain and 
 other parts of the south of Europe. But the West India aloes is decidedly 
 different from any now brought from the East, and deserves the rank of a 
 distinct variety, with the name of Barbadoes aloes. In this country, we 
 seldom meet with aloes bearing the name of the hepatic, although much that 
 is sold as Socotrine probably deserves it. In the drug commerce of London, 
 it is still recognised as a distinct variety. It is imported into England chiefly 
 from Bombay; but, according to Ainslie, is not produced in Ilindostan, being 
 taken thither from Yemen in Arabia. It is probably obtained from the same 
 plant or plants which yield the Socotrine, but prepared with less care, or by 
 a somewhat different process.* In relation to the Socotrine and hepatic aloes, 
 we should probably not be far wrong in considering the former as embracing 
 the finest, and the latter the inferior parcels of the same variety ; and it is in 
 fact stated that they sometimes come together, a large mass of the hepatic 
 being crossed by a vein of the Socotrine. They are both embraced by the 
 Edinburgh College under the title of Aloe Indica — an improper designa- 
 tion ; as the aloes produced in India is altogether inferior, and is seldom or 
 never exported from that region. The variety which the Edinburgh College 
 designates as Socotrine aloes, and defines to be “ in thin pieces translucent 
 and garnet-red, almost entirely soluble in spirit of the strength of sherry,” 
 may possibly merit the title ; but certainly the description is not applicable 
 to the drug as usually brought from Socotra. 
 
 Hepatic aloesis reddish-brown, but darker and less glossy than the Socotrine. 
 Its odour is somewhat like that of the Socotrine, but less agreeable, and is 
 wholly different from that of Cape aloes. The taste is nauseous, and intensely 
 bitter. The fracture is not so smooth, nor the edges so sharp and transpa- 
 rent as in either of the first-mentioned varieties. It softens in the hand, and 
 becomes adhesive. The powder is of a dull yellow colour. 
 
 4. Barbadoes Aloes. This is the name by which the aloes produced in 
 
 * Dr. Pereira has concluded, we think somewhat prematurely, from his observa- 
 tions on the juice of aloes before referred to, that the Socotrine is prepared by evapo- 
 ration by artificial heat, to which it owes its transparency ; while the hepatic is 
 opaque, because dried in the sun. If this were the case, Barbadoes aloes, which is 
 wholly opaque, more so even than the hepatic, should have been dried in the sun, 
 instead of being inspissated by heat, as it really is . — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
72 
 
 Aloe. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 the West Indies is now generally designated. The aloes plants are largely 
 cultivated in the poorer soils of Jamaica and Barbadoes, especially of the 
 latter island. The species from which most of the drug is procured is A. 
 vulgaris ; but A. Socotrina, A. purpurascens, and A. arborescens, are also 
 said to be cultivated. The process employed appears to be somewhat differ- 
 ent in different places, or at least as described by different authors. A fine 
 hind was formerly prepared by the spontaneous inspissation of the juice, 
 placed in bladders or shallow vessels, and exposed to the sun. The common 
 Barbadoes aloes, however, is now made, either by boiling the juice to a proper 
 consistence, or by first forming a decoction of the leaves, chopped and sus- 
 pended in water in nets or baskets, and then evaporating the decoction. In 
 either case, when the liquor has attained such a consistence that it will harden 
 on cooling, it is poured into calabashes and allowed to concrete. It is imported 
 into England in gourds weighing from 60 to 70 pounds, or even more. In 
 consequence of the great demand for it in veterinary practice, it commands 
 a high price in Great Britain ; and very little is consumed in the United States. 
 
 The colour of Barbadoes aloes is not uniform. Sometimes it is dark -brown 
 or almost black, sometimes of a reddish-brown or liver colour, and again of 
 some intermediate shade. It has usually a dull fracture, and is almost 
 perfectly opaque, even at the edges, and in thin layers. It is also dis- 
 tinguishable by its odour, which is very disagreeable and even nauseous. 
 The powder is of a dull olive-yellow colour. 
 
 Besides these varieties of aloes, others are mentioned by authors. A very 
 inferior kind, supposed to consist of the dregs of the juice which furnished 
 the better sorts, almost black, quite opaque, hard, of a rough fracture and 
 very fetid odour, and full of various impurities, was formerly sold under the 
 name of caballine, fetid, or horse aloes. It was used exclusively for horses ; 
 but, in consequence of the cheapness of better kinds, has been banished from 
 veterinary practice, and is not now found in the market. Aloes has been 
 imported from Muscat, and a considerable quantity came over in a vessel sent 
 by the Sultan to the United States. Some of a similar origin has been called 
 Mocha aloes in London ; but it is nothing more than an inferior sort of he- 
 patic. Several inferior kinds produced in different parts of Hindostan have 
 been described by Pereira under the name of India aloes ; but they are not 
 brought, unless accidentally, into the markets of Europe or this country. 
 
 General Properties . The odour of aloes is different in the different varie- 
 ties. The taste is in all of them intensely bitter and very tenacious. The 
 colour and other sensible properties have already been sufficiently described. 
 Several distinguished chemists have investigated the nature and composition 
 of aloes. Braconnot found it to consist of a bitter principle, soluble in water, 
 and in alcohol of 38° B., which he considered peculiar and named resino- 
 amer ; and of another substance, in much smaller proportion, inodorous, 
 and nearly tasteless, very soluble in alcohol, and scarcely soluble in boiling 
 water, which he designated by the name of flea-coloured principle. These 
 results were essentially confirmed by the experiments of Trommsdorff, Bouil- 
 lon-Lagrange, and Vogel, who considered the former substance as extractive 
 matter, and the latter as having the chief characters of resin. Besides these 
 principles, Trommsdorff discovered, in a variety of hepatic aloes, a proportion 
 of insoluble matter which he considered as albumen ; and Bouillon-Lagrange 
 and Vogel found that Socotrine aloes yields, by distillation, a small quantity 
 of volatile oil, which they could not obtain from the hepatic. The propor- 
 tions of the ingredients were found to vary greatly in the different varieties 
 of the drug; and the probability is, that scarcely any two specimens would 
 afford precisely the same results. Braconnot found about 73 per cent, of the 
 
PART I. 
 
 Aloe. 
 
 73 
 
 bitter principle, and 26 of the flea-coloured principle. Trommsdorff obtained 
 from Socotrine aloes about 75 parts of extractive, and 25 of resin ; and from 
 the hepatic, 81’25 of extractive, 6'25 of resin, and 12'50 of albumen, in 100 
 parts. The former variety, according to Bouillon-Lagrange and Vogel, con- 
 tains 68 per cent, of extractive and 32 of resin ; the latter 52 of extractive, 
 42 of resin, and 6 of the albuminous matter of Trommsdorff. We are not 
 aware that any analysis has been published of the Cape aloes as a distinct 
 variety. 
 
 Berzelius considers the resin of Trommsdorff and others, to belong to that 
 form of matter which he calls apotheme (see Extracts), and which is nothing 
 more than extractive, altered by the action of the air. It may be obtained 
 separate by treating aloes with water, and digesting the undissolved portion 
 with oxide of lead, which unites with the apotheme forming an insoluble 
 compound, and leaves a portion of unaltered extractive, which had adhered 
 to it, dissolved in the water. The oxide of lead may be separated by nitric 
 acid very much diluted ; and the apotheme remains in the form of a brown 
 powder, insoluble in cold water, very slightly soluble in boiling water, to 
 which it imparts a yellowish-brown colour, soluble in alcohol, ether, and al- 
 kaline solutions, and burning like tinder without flame and without being 
 melted. According to the same author, the bitter extractive which constitutes 
 the remainder of the aloes, may be obtained by treating the watery infusion 
 of the drug with oxide of lead, to separate a portion of apotheme which ad- 
 heres to it, and evaporating the liquor. It is a yellowish, translucent, gum- 
 like substance, fusible by a gentle heat, of a bitter taste, soluble in ordinary 
 alcohol, but insoluble in that fluid when anhydrous, and in ether. 
 
 A more recent analysis of aloes has been made by M. Edmund Kobiquet. 
 A portion of hyacinthine, transparent aloes, considered as genuine Socotrine, 
 was found by him to consist, in 100 parts, of 85 of aloesin, 2 of ulrnate of 
 potassa, 2 of sulphate of lime, 0'25 of gallic acid, 8 of albumen, and traces 
 of carbonate of potassa, carbonate of lime, and phosphate of lime. To get 
 pure aloesin, M. Robiquet exhausted aloes in powder with cold water ; eva- 
 porated the infusion one-half ; added an excess of acetate of lead, which 
 precipitated the gallate, ulrnate, and albuminate of that metal; poured into 
 the clear liquor solution of ammonia ; separated the yellowish-orange coloured 
 precipitate, consisting of oxide of lead combined with aloesin, washed it with 
 boiling water, and then decomposed it by a current of sulphuretted hydrogen 
 with the exclusion of atmospheric air. Sulphuret of lead was deposited, 
 and a colourless liquid floated above it, which, being decanted, and evapo- 
 rated in vacuo, yielded aloesin in slightly yellowish scales, without any sign 
 of crystallization. Thus procured, aloesin is very soluble in water and alco- 
 hol, but slighty soluble in ether, and quite insoluble in the fixed and volatile 
 oils. It is entirely dissipated at a red heat. If exposed to the air, during 
 desiccation, it becomes intensely red, in consequence of the absorption of a 
 minute proportion of oxygen, which, however, scarcely affects its properties in 
 other respects. It possesses in a high degree- the bitter taste and purgative 
 property of aloes, and, might be used as a substitute ; 8 parts of it representing 
 10 parts of Socotrine and 50 of Cape aloes. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e s6r., x. 
 
 m.) m 
 
 Aloin. The bitter substances noticed above, viz., the resino-amer of Bra- 
 connot,the bitter extractive of Berzelius and others, and the aloesin of Robiquet, 
 probably contain the active principle of aloes, but combined with impurities 
 which render it insusceptible of crystallization. Messrs. T. and H. Smith, 
 of Edinburgh, have succeeded in obtaining it quite pure and in crystals, and 
 name it aloin. This has been examined by Mr. Stenhouse, and found, when 
 
74 
 
 Aloe. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 quite free from water, to have a definite composition, represented by the for- 
 mula C 34 H 18 0 14 . There can be no doubt that it is the active principle of 
 aloes; as it has been found to operate invariably as a cathartic in the dose of 
 one or two grains, and occasionally in that of half a grain. 
 
 It is obtained most readily from Barbadoes aloes. The process consists in 
 mixing this, previously powdered, with sand, exhausting it with cold water, 
 evaporating the infusion in vacuo to the consistence of syrup, and allowing 
 the residue to rest in a cool place. In two or three days the concentrated 
 liquid becomes filled with a brownish-yellow granular mass of minute crys- 
 tals, which is impure aloin. This is separated, by pressure between folds of 
 bibulous paper, from a greenish-brown matter that contaminates it, and then 
 repeatedly crystallized from hot water, the temperature of which should 
 not exceed 150°, as aloin is rapidly oxidized at the boiling point. By 
 dissolving it in hot alcohol, and allowing the solution to cool, it is obtained 
 in the shape of minute needle-shaped crystals, arranged in a star-like form. 
 These are pale-yellow ; at first sweetish to the taste, but soon intensely bitter; 
 combustible without residue ; slightly soluble in cold water or alcohol, but 
 readily dissolved by these liquids when moderately heated; soluble also rea- 
 dily in alkaline solutions, which are rendered of an orange-yellow colour, and 
 become rapidly darker, especially when heated, in consequence of the oxida- 
 tion of the aloin, and its conversion into resin. By the action of strong nitric 
 acid it is converted into chrysammic acid. It is neither acid nor alkaline; 
 but with strong solution of subaeetate of lead is precipitated in combination 
 with the oxide of that metal. (See Ed. Monthly Journ. of Med. Sci., xii. 127, 
 Feb. 1851, and Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xi. 458.) There can be no doubt 
 that aloin exists also in Socotrine and Cape aloes ; and the Messrs. Smith, 
 though they at first failed in obtaining it from these varieties, have subse- 
 quently succeeded with the Socotrine. (j Ed. Monthly, xiv. 581.) 
 
 Aloes yields its active matter to cold water, and when good is almost wholly 
 dissolved by boiling water ; but the inert portion, or apotheme of Berzelius, is 
 deposited as the solution cools. It is also soluble in alcohol, rectified or di- 
 luted. Long boiling impairs its purgative properties by oxidizing the aloin 
 and rendering it insoluble. The alkalies, their carbonates, and soap alter in 
 some measure its chemical nature, and render it of easier solution. It is 
 inflammable, swelling up and decrepitating when it burns, and giving out a 
 thick smoke which has the odour of the drug. 
 
 Those substances only are incompatible with aloes which alter or precipitate 
 the soluble matter; as the insoluble portion is without action upon the system. 
 Among these is the infusion of galls, which we have found, probably through its 
 tannic acid, to afford a copious precipitate with an aqueous solution of aloes. 
 It is said that such a solution will keep a long time, even for several months, 
 without exhibiting mouldiness or putrescency, though it becomes ropy. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Aloes was known to the ancients. It is 
 mentioned in the works of Dioscorides and Celsus, the former of whom speaks 
 of two kinds. The varieties are similar in their mode of action. They are 
 all cathartic, operating very slowly but certainly, and having a peculiar 
 affinity for the large intestines. Their action, moreover, appears to be directed 
 rather to the muscular coat than to the exhalant vessels; and the discharges 
 which they produce are, therefore, seldom very thin or watery. Iu a full 
 dose they quicken the circulation, and produce general warmth. When fre- 
 quently repeated, they are apt to irritate the rectum, giving rise, in some 
 instances, to hemorrhoids, and aggravating them when already existing. Aloes 
 has also a decided tendency to the uterine system. Its emmenagogue effect, 
 which is often very considerable, is generally attributed to a sympathetic ex- 
 
PART I. 
 
 Aloe. 
 
 75 
 
 tension of irritation from the rectum to the uterus ; but we can see no reason 
 why the medicine should not act specifically upon this organ ; and its influ- 
 ence in promoting menstruation is by no means confined tp cases in which 
 its action upon the neighbouring intestine is most conspicuous. A peculiarity 
 in the action of this cathartic is, that an increase of the quantity administered, 
 beyond the medium dose, is not attended by a corresponding increase of 
 effect. Its tendency to irritate the rectum may be obviated, in some measure, 
 by combining it with soap or an alkaline carbonate; but it does not follow, 
 as supposed by some, that this modification of its operation is the result of 
 increased solubility ; for aloes given in a liquid state produces the same effect 
 as when taken in pill or powder, except that it acts somewhat more speedily. 
 Besides, when externally applied to a blistered surface, it operates exactly in 
 the same manner as when internally administered; thus proving that its 
 peculiarities are not dependent upon the particular form in which it may be 
 given, but on specific tendencies to particular parts. (Gferhard, N. Am. Med. 
 and Surg. Journ., x. 155.) With its other powers, aloes combines the pro- 
 perty of slightly stimulating the stomach. It is, therefore, in minute doses, 
 an excellent remedy in habitual costiveness, attended with torpor of the di- 
 gestive organs. It has been supposed to stimulate the hepatic secretion ; aud 
 certainly acts sometimes very happily in jaundice, producing bilious stools 
 even after calomel has failed. From its special direction to the rectum, it has 
 been found peculiarly useful in the treatment of ascarides. In amenorrhoea 
 it is perhaps more frequently employed than any other remedy, entering into 
 almost all the numerous empirical preparations which are habitually resorted 
 to by females in that complaint, and enjoying a no less favourable reputation 
 in regular practice. It is, moreover, frequently given in combination with 
 more irritating cathartics, in order to regulate their liability to excessive 
 action. In the treatment of amenorrhoea, it is said to be peculiarly effica- 
 cious when given, in the form of enema, about the period when the menses 
 should appear. Aloes is contra-indicated by the existence of hemorrhoids, 
 and is obviously unsuitable, unless modified by combination, to the treatment 
 of inflammatory diseases. 
 
 The medium dose is 10 grains ; but as a laxative it will often operate in 
 the quantity of 2 or 3 grains; and, when a decided impression is required, 
 the dose may be augmented to 20 grains. In consequence of its excessively 
 bitter and somewhat nauseous taste, it is most conveniently administered in 
 the shape of pill.* 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Aloes Compositum ; Enema Aloes ; Extractum Aloes 
 Aquosum; Ext. Aloes Barbadensis; Ext. Aloes Socotrinae; Ext. Colocynth. 
 Comp.; Pilulm Aloes; Pil. Aloes Comp. ; Pil. Aloes et Assafcetidae; Pil. Aloes 
 et Ferri; Pil. Aloes et Myrrhrn; Pil. Cambogim Comp.; Pil. Colocynth. 
 Comp.; Pil. RheiComp.; Pul vis Aloes Compositus; Pulvis Aloes et Canellas; 
 Tinctura Aloes; Tinct. Aloes et Myrrhte; Tinct. Benzoini Comp.; Tinct. 
 Bhei et Aloes ; Yinum Aloes. W. 
 
 * Dr. Paris enumerates the following empirical preparations, containing aloes as a 
 leading ingredient; Anderson’s pills, consisting of aloes, jalap, and oil of aniseed; 
 Hooper’s pills, of aloes, myrrh, sulphate of iron, canella, and ivory black; Dixon’s 
 antibilious pills, of aloes, scammony, rhubarb, and tartarized antimony ; Speediman’s 
 pills, of aloes, myrrh, rhubarb, extract of chamomile, and ess. oil of chamom. ; Dinner 
 pills, of aloes, mastich, red roses, and syrup of wormwood ; Fotiiergill’s pills, of 
 aloes, scammony, colocynth, and oxide of antimony; Peter’s pills, of aloes, jalap, 
 scammony, gamboge, and calomel ; and Radcliff’s Elixir, of aloes, cinnamon, zedoary, 
 rhubarb, cochineal, syrup of buckthorn, and spirit and water as the solvent ; to which 
 may be added Lee’s Windham pills, consisting of gamboge, aloes, soap, and nitrate of 
 potassa; and Lee’s New London pills, of aloes, scammony, gamboge, calomel, jalap, 
 soap, and syrup of buckthorn. 
 
76 
 
 Altlisese Flores . — Althaese Folia. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 ALTII/E/E FLORES. TJ.S. 
 
 Marshmallow Flowers. 
 
 The flowers of Althaea oflicinalis. U. S. 
 
 ALTII/EiE FOLIA. Ed. 
 
 M a rshm allow Lea ves. 
 
 The leaves of Althaea oflicinalis. Ed. 
 
 ALTILEiE RADIX. TJ.S., Ed. 
 
 Marshmallow Root. 
 
 The root of Althaea officinalis. U. S., Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. ALTH/EA. Althaea officinalis. Radix. Load. 
 
 (iuimauve, Fr. ; Eibisch, Germ. ; Altea, Iial. ; Altea, Malvavisco, Span. 
 
 Althaea. Sex. Syst. Monadelphia Polyandria. — Eat. Ord. Malvaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx double, the exterior six or nine-cleft. Capsules nume- 
 rous, one-seeded. Willd. 
 
 Altlieea officinalis. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 770; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 552, 
 t. 108. Marshmallow is an herbaceous perennial, with a perpendicular 
 branching root, and erect woolly stems, from two to four feet or more in 
 height, branched and leafy towards the summit. The leaves are alternate, 
 petiolate, nearly cordate on the lower part of the stem, oblong-ovate and 
 obscurely three-lobed above, somewhat angular, irregularly serrate, pointed, 
 and covered on both sides with a soft down. The flowers are terminal and 
 axillary, with short peduncles, each bearing one, two, or three flowers. The 
 corolla has five spreading, obcordate petals, of a pale purplish colour. The 
 fruit consists of numerous capsules united in a compact circular form, each 
 containing a single seed. The plant grows throughout Europe, inhabiting 
 salt marshes, the banks of rivers, and other moist places. It is found also 
 in this country on the borders of salt marshes. In some parts of the Conti- 
 nent of Europe, it is largely cultivated for medical use. The whole plant 
 abounds in mucilage. The flowers, leaves, and root are officinal; but the 
 last only is employed to any considerable extent in this country. 
 
 The roots should be collected in autumn from plants at least two years 
 old. They aTe cylindrical, branched, as thick as the finger or thicker, from 
 a foot to a foot and a half long, externally of a yellowish colour which be- 
 comes grayish by drying, within white and fleshy. They are usually pre- 
 pared for the market by removing the epidermis. Our shops are supplied 
 chiefly if not exclusively from Europe. 
 
 Properties. Marshmallow root comes to us in pieces three or four inches 
 or more in length, usually not so thick as the finger, generally round, but 
 sometimes split, white externally and downy from the mode in which the 
 epidermis is removed, light and easily broken with a short somewhat fibrous 
 fracture, of a peculiar faint smell, aud a mild mucilaginous sweetish taste. 
 Those pieces are to be preferred which are plump aud but slightly fibrous. 
 The root contains a large proportion of mucilage, besides starch and saccha- 
 rine matter, which it yields readily to boiling water. The mucilage, without 
 the starch, is extracted by cold water, which thus becomes ropy. A prin- 
 
PART I. 
 
 Althaea; Radix. — Aiumen. 
 
 77 
 
 ciple was discovered in the root by M. Bacon, which he supposed to be 
 peculiar to the marshmallow, but which has been ascertained to be identical 
 with the asparagin of Bobiquet. MM. Boutron-Charlard and Pelouze 
 found it to belong to that class of organic principles, which are convertible 
 by strong acids, and other agencies, into ammonia and peculiar acids, and 
 which are designated by the termination amide. Thus asparagin, which in 
 this view should be called asparamide, is converted into ammonia and as- 
 parmic, or, as it was formerly named, aspartic acid ; and one atom of the 
 resulting asparmate of ammonia is equivalent to one atom of asparamide and 
 one of water. ( Joum . de Pharm., xix. 208.) It is found in various other 
 plants besides the marshmallow, as in the shoots of asparagus, in vetches 
 grown in the dark, in all the varieties of the potato, and in the roots of the 
 comfrey and liquorice plant. According to Professor Piria, asparagin has 
 acid properties. It has no therapeutical value. Marshmallow is said to 
 become somewhat acid by decoction. Those pieces should be rejected which 
 are woody, discoloured, mouldy, of a sour or musty smell, or a sourish taste. 
 
 The roots of other Malvaceae are sometimes substituted for that of marsh- 
 mallow, without disadvantage, as they possess similar properties. Such are 
 those of Althaea, rosea or hollyhock, and Malva Alcea. 
 
 The leaves, which are recognised by the Edinburgh College, are without 
 smell, and of a mucilaginous taste, and are used for the same purposes as 
 the root. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The virtues of marshmallow are exclusively 
 those of a demulcent. The decoction of the root is much used in Europe in 
 irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes. The roots them- 
 selves, boiled and bruised, are sometimes employed as a poultice. The 
 leaves and flowers are applied to similar uses. In France, the powdered 
 root is much used in the preparation of pills and electuaries. Some prefer 
 it to powdered liquorice root in the preparation of the mercurial pill. 
 
 Off. Prep. Mistura Althaeae; Syrupus Althaeae. W. 
 
 ALUMEN. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Alum. 
 
 Sulphate of alumina and potassa. U. S. 
 
 Alun, Fr., Dan., Swed. ; Alaun, Germ. ; Allume, Ital. ; Alumbre, Span. 
 
 The officinal alum is a double salt, consisting of the tersulphate of alumina, 
 united with sulphate of potassa. 
 
 Alum is manufactured occasionally from earths which contain it ready 
 formed, but most generally from minerals which, from the fact of their con- 
 taining most or all of its constituents, are called alum ores. The principal 
 alum ores are the alum stone, which is a native mixture of subsulphate of 
 alumina and sulphate of potassa, found in large quantities at Tolfa and Piom- 
 bino in Italy, and certain natural mixtures of bisulphuret of iron with alumina, 
 silica, and bituminous matter, called aluminous schist or alum-slate. 
 
 It is particularly at the Solfaterra, and other places in the kingdom of 
 Naples, that alum is extracted from earths which contain it ready formed. 
 The ground being of volcanic origin, and having a temperature of about 
 104°, an efflorescence of pure alum is formed upon its surface. This is col- 
 lected and lixiviated, and the solution made to crystallize by slow evaporation 
 in leaden vessels sunk in the ground. 
 
 The alum stone is manufactured into alum by calcination, and subsequent 
 exposure to the air for three months; the mineral being frequently sprinkled 
 
78 
 
 Alumen. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 with water, in order that it maybe brought to the state of a soft mass. This 
 is lixiviated, and the solution obtained crystallized by evaporation. The 
 alum stone may be considered as consisting of alum, united with a certain 
 quantity of hydrate of alumina. This latter, by the calcination, loses its 
 water, and becomes incapable of remaining united with the alum of the 
 mineral, which is consequently set free. Alum of the greatest purity is 
 obtained from this ore. 
 
 Alum-slate, when compact, is first exposed to the air for a month. It is 
 then stratified with wood, which is set on fire. The combustion which ensues 
 is slow and protracted. The sulphur is in part converted into sulphuric acid, 
 which unites with the alumina; and the sulphate of alumina thus formed 
 generates a portion of alum with the potassa derived from the ashes of the 
 wood. The iron, in the mean time, is almost wholly converted into sesqui- 
 oxide, and thus becomes insoluble. The matter is lixiviated, and the solu- 
 tion crystallized into alum by evaporation. The mother-waters, containing 
 sulphate of alumina, are then drawn off, and made to yield a further portion 
 of alum by the addition of sulphate of potassa, or chloride of potassium. 
 
 When the alum-slate is easily disintegrated, it is not subjected to combus- 
 tion, but merely placed in heaps, and occasionally sprinkled with water. The 
 bisulphuret of iron gradually absorbs oxygen, and passes into sulphate of 
 the protoxide, which effloresces on the surface of the heap. Part of the 
 sulphuric acid formed unites with the alumina ; so that, after the chemical 
 changes are completed, the heap contains both the sulphate of iron and the 
 sulphate of alumina. At the end of about a year, the matter is lixiviated, 
 and the solution of the two sulphates obtained is concentrated to the proper 
 degree in leaden boilers. The sulphate of iron crystallizes, while the sul- 
 phate of alumina, being a deliquescent salt, remains in the mother-waters. 
 These are drawn off, and treated with sulphate of potassa in powder, heat 
 being at the same time applied. The whole is then allowed to cool, that 
 the alum may crystallize. The crystals are then separated from the solution, 
 and purified by a second solution and crystallization. They are next added 
 to boiling water to full saturation, and the solution is transferred to a cask, 
 where, on cooling, nearly the whole concretes into a crystalline mass. The 
 cask is then taken to pieces, and the salt, having been broken up, is packed 
 in barrels for the purposes of commerce. 
 
 Alum is sometimes manufactured by the direct combination of its consti- 
 tuents. With this view, clays are selected as free from iron and carbonate 
 of lime as possible, and calcined to sesquioxidize the iron, and render them 
 more easily pulverizable ; after which they are dissolved, by the assistance of 
 heat, in weak sulphuric acid. The sulphate of alumina thus generated, is 
 next crystallized into alum by the addition of sulphate of potassa in the 
 usual manner. Alum is made in this way from the ashes of the Bog- 
 head cannel coal, which occurs near Edinburgh, according to the patent of 
 Messrs. Barlow and Gore. These ashes contain a large proportion of alu- 
 mina, and form the residue of the combustion of the coke, derived from the 
 coal, when used for gas-making. 
 
 Besides the officinal alum, which is sometimes called potassa-alum, there 
 are several varieties of this salt, in which the potassa is replaced by some 
 other base, as, for example, ammonia or soda. Ammoniacal alum, or the 
 sulphate of alumina and ammonia, is sometimes manufactured in France, 
 where it is formed by adding putrid urine to a solution of the sulphate of 
 alumina. In Great Britain it is sometimes made by adding sulphate of 
 ammonia from gas liquor to the sulphate of alumina. Scotch alum, made 
 near Paisley, generally contains both potassa and ammonia. Ammoniacal 
 
PART I. 
 
 Alumen. 
 
 79 
 
 alum resembles so exactly tbe potassa-alum, that it is impossible by simple 
 inspection to distinguish them ; and in composition it is perfectly analogous 
 to the potassa salt. It may, however, be distinguished by subjecting it to a 
 strong calcining heat, after which alumina will be found as tbe sole residue ; 
 or by rubbing it up with potassa or lime and a little water, when the smell 
 of ammonia will be perceived. 
 
 Properties. Alum is a white, slightly efflorescent salt, crystallized in 
 regular octohedrons, and possessing a sweetish, astringent taste. It dissolves 
 in between fourteen and fifteen times its weight of cold, aud three-fourths of 
 its weight of boiling water. Its solution is precipitated by ammonia and 
 potassa and their carbonates, which throw down a gelatinous subsulphate of 
 alumina, of variable composition, dependent upon the proportion of the pre- 
 cipitant employed, (f/i Bley.) Alum is insoluble in alcohol and brandy. 
 Its sp. gr. is 171. It reddens litmus, but changes the blue tinctures of the 
 petals of plants to green. It cannot, therefore, be properly said to contain 
 an excess of acid. When heated a little above 212°, it undergoes the 
 aqueous fusion ; and, if the heat be continued, it loses its water, swells up, 
 becomes a white, opaque, porous mass, and is converted into the officinal 
 preparation, called dried alum. (See Alumen Exsiccatum.') Exposed to a 
 red heat, it gives off oxygen, together with sulphurous and anhydrous sul- 
 phuric acids; aud the residue consists of alumina and sulphate of potassa. 
 When calcined with fiuely divided charcoal, it forms a spontaneously inflam- 
 mable substance, called Homberg' s pyropliorus, which consists of a mixture 
 of sulphuret of potassium, alumina, and charcoal. 
 
 Several varieties of alum are known in commerce. Roclie alum, so called 
 from its having come originally from Roccha in Syria, is a sort which occurs 
 in fragments about the size of an almond, and having a pale rose colour, 
 which is given to it, according to Dr. Pereira, by bole or rose-pink. Roman 
 alum also occurs in small fragments, covered with a rose-coloured efflores- 
 cence, derived from a slight covering of oxide of iron. 
 
 All the alums of commerce contain more or less sulphate of iron, varying 
 from five to seven parts in the thousand. Roman alum is among the purest 
 varieties, and is, therefore, much esteemed. The iron is readily detected by 
 adding to a solution of the suspected alum a few drops of the ferrocyanuret 
 of potassium, which will cause a greenish-blue tint, if iron be present. It 
 may be detected also by precipitating the alumina as a subsulphate with a 
 solution of potassa, and afterwards adding the alkali in excess. This will 
 redissolve the precipitate, with the exception of any iron, which will be left 
 in the state of sesquioxide. The proportion of iron usually present, though 
 small, is an injurious impurity when the salt is used in dyeing. It may, 
 however, be purified, either by dissolving it in the smallest quantity of boiling 
 water, and stirring the solution as it cools, or by repeated solutions and 
 crystallizations. 
 
 Incompatibles. Alum is incompatible with the alkalies and their carbon- 
 ates, lime and lime-water, magnesia and its carbonate, tartrate of potassa, 
 and acetate of lead. 
 
 Composition. Alum was regarded as a sulphate of alumina, until it was 
 proved by Descroizilles, Yauquelin, and Chaptal to contain also sulphate of 
 potassa, sulphate of ammonia, or both these salts. When its second base is 
 potassa, it consists of one equivalent of tersulphate of alumina 171 ‘4, one 
 of sulphate of potassa 87'2, and twenty-four of water 216=474’6. In the 
 ammoniacal alum, the equivalent of sulphate of potassa is replaced by one of 
 sulphate of oxide of ammonium. Alumina is classed by the chemist as an 
 earth, and may be obtained by subjecting ammoniacal alum to a strong cal- 
 
80 
 
 Alumen. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 cining heat. It is essential to the constitution of true alum, as it cannot 
 he replaced by any other base. It consists of two eqs. of a metallic radical 
 called aluminium 27'4, and three of oxygen 24=51'4. It is, therefore, a 
 sesquioxide. 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. Alum, in ordinary doses, is astringent and anti- 
 spasmodic; in large doses, purgative and emetic. It is employed as an 
 astringent in passive hemorrhages, colliquative sweats, diabetes, and chronic 
 dysentery and diarrhoea ; also in gleet and leucorrhoea, in which diseases it 
 is sometimes combined with cubebs. It has been recommended by Kreysig 
 and Dzondi in dilatation of the heart, and in aortic aneurism. Its efficacy 
 as an antispasmodic in hooping-cough has been much insisted on by Dr. 
 Davies, editor of Underwood on Children. As a purgative, it has been 
 employed in colica pictonum. The practice was introduced by Grashuis, a 
 Dutch physician, in 1752, and imitated by Dr. Percival with great success. 
 Its use in this disease has been latterly revived, and its efficacy fully sus- 
 tained, by Kapeler and Gendrin of Paris, and Copland of London. It allays 
 nausea and vomiting, relieves flatulence, mitigates the pain, and opens the 
 bowels with more certainty than any other medicine. Sometimes it is ad- 
 vantageously conjoined with opium and camphor. It is also efficacious in 
 nervous colics. Sir James Murray has found it a very useful remedy in the 
 peculiar affection of the stomach, attended by the frequent vomiting of a 
 large quantity of glairy fluid He gave it in doses of ten or twelve grains 
 three or four times a day, mixed with an equal quantity of cream of tartar 
 to prevent constipation, and a little ginger to obviate flatulence. By Dr. C. 
 D. Meigs, alum has been strongly recommended, after an experience of more 
 than twenty years, as an excellent emetic in pseudo-membranous croup. In 
 these cases it has the merit of acting with certainty and promptness, and 
 without producing that extreme prostration which frequently follows the use 
 of antimonials. {Med. Exam, for 1838, i. 414.) His son, Dr. J. F. Meigs, 
 has also borne testimony to its value as an emetic in this dangerous disease. 
 In a case in which an ounce of opium had been swallowed, Dr. C. D. Meigs 
 found alum a very efficient emetic. After thirty grains of sulphate of zinc had 
 been given without effect, half an ounce of alum was administered, followed by 
 copious vomiting. After a short interval, a second half ounce was given, 
 with the effect of renewing the vomiting; and the result was that the patient 
 entirely recovered. {Trans, of the Col. of Physicians of Pliilad .,A . S., ii. 47.) 
 
 In various anginose affections, alum is found highly useful, applied topic- 
 ally either in powder or solution. When the affection is attended with mem- 
 branous exudation, its efficacy has been particularly insisted on by Breton- 
 neau, applied in solution prepared with vinegar and honey for adults, and in 
 powder, by insufflation, in the cases of children. When used in the latter 
 way, a drachm of finely powdered alum may be placed in one end of a tube, 
 and then blown by means of the breath into the throat of the child. Velpeau, 
 in 1835, extended the observations of Bretonneau, and has used alum suc- 
 cessfully, not only in simple inflammatory sore-throat, but in those forms of 
 angina dependent on small-pox, scarlatina, &e. In these cases, the powdered 
 alum may be applied several times a day to the fauces, by means of the index 
 finger. In relaxation of the uvula, and in the beginning of sore-throat, a 
 solution of alum is one of our best gargles. It forms also a useful astrin- 
 gent wash in certain states of mercurial sore-mouth. In gleet and leucor- 
 rhoea the solution is an approved remedy, either alone or conjoined with sul- 
 phate of zinc. (See Liquor Aluminis Compositus.) It is frequently applied 
 as a local styptic, in epistaxis, by means of a plug soaked in a saturated so- 
 lution, and pressed up the nostril, and in menorrhagia, by the aid of a sponge, 
 
PART I. 
 
 Alumen. — Ammonia. 
 
 81 
 
 soaked in a similar solution, and introduce'd into the vagina. In tlie latter 
 stages of conjunctival inflammation it is often proper, and in the purulent 
 ophthalmia of infants, it forms the most efficacious remedy we possess. In 
 these cases, it is usually applied in the form of the alum cataplasm , made 
 by coagulating the whites of two eggs with a drachm of alum. 
 
 The ordinary dose of alum is from ten to twenty grains, repeated every 
 two or three hours, mixed with syrup or molasses. Sir James Murray ob- 
 jects to its administration in solution, and greatly prefers the form of an 
 impalpable powder, mixed with molasses, as furnishing the means of pre- 
 senting the remedy slowly to the surfaces intended to be acted upon. In 
 hooping-cough the dose is from two to ten grains, according to the age of the 
 child, repeated three times a day. As a purge in colica pictonum, from 
 half a drachm to two drachms may be given every three or four hours. In 
 croup the dose, as an emetic, is a teaspoonful of the powder, mixed with 
 honey, syrup, or molasses, and repeated every ten or fifteen minutes, until 
 free vomiting is induced. An elegant mode of giving alum in solution is 
 in the form of alum whey , made by boiling two drachms of alum with a 
 pint of milk, and then straining to separate the curd. The dose is a wine- 
 glassful, containing about fifteen grains of alum. As a collyrium, the solu- 
 tion is made of various strengths ; as four, six, or eight grains to the fluid- 
 ounce of water. A solution containing from half an ounce to an ounce of 
 alum in a piut of water, and sweetened with honey, forms a convenient gar- 
 gle. Solutions for gleet, leueorrhoea, ulcers, &c., must vary in strength 
 according to the state of the parts to which they are applied. 
 
 Off. Prep. Alumen Exsiccatum ; Liquor Aluminis Compositus ; Pulvis 
 Aluminis Compositus. B. 
 
 AMMONIA. 
 
 Ammonia. 
 
 All the ammoniacal compounds owe their distinctive properties to the pre- 
 sence of a peculiar gaseous substance, composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, 
 called ammonia. This is most easily obtained by the action of lime on 
 muriate of ammonia or sal ammoniac; when the lime unites with the muri- 
 atic acid, so as to form chloride of calcium and water, and expels the ammo- 
 nia. It is transparent and colourless, like common air, but possesses a hot 
 and acrid taste, and an exceedingly pungent smell. It has a powerful alka- 
 line reaction, and, from this property and its gaseous nature, was called the 
 volatile alkali by the earlier chemists. Its sp. gr. is 0'59. It is irrespira- 
 ble, the glottis closing spasmodically when the attempt is made to breathe it. 
 It consists of one eq. of nitrogen 14, and three of hydrogen 3 = 17; or, in 
 volumes, of one volume of nitrogen and three volumes of hydrogen, con- 
 densed into two volumes. Its symbol is NH 3 . 
 
 The salts of ammonia may be divided into hydracid salts and oxacid salts. 
 Thus, when muriatic acid unites with ammonia, we have the hydracid salt 
 called muriate of ammonia, which is usually considered to be a compound of 
 muriatic acid and ammonia, with the symbol NH 3 .HC1. But Berzelius 
 supposes that, in the act of uniting, the hydrogen of the muriatic acid is 
 transferred to the elements of the ammonia, and that the compound thus 
 formed, uniting with the chlorine, gives rise to a salt, represented by NH 4 C1. 
 To this hypothetical compound (NH 4 ) Berzelius gives the name of ammo- 
 nium, and consequently to muriate of ammonia, the appellation of chloride of 
 ammonium. 
 
 6 
 
82 
 
 Ammonia. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Applying tlie same view to the oxacid salts of ammonia, Berzelius con- 
 ceives that they are compounds of oxide of ammonium (NH 4 0) with their 
 several acids. It is found that the true oxacid salts of ammonia always con- 
 tain one eq. of water, which cannot be separated from them without destroy- 
 ing their identity ; and it is supposed that the elements of this eq. of water, 
 united with the elements of one eq. of ammonia, form oxide of ammonium. 
 To apply Berzelius’s view to sulphate of ammonia, this salt is usually con- 
 sidered a monohydrated sulphate of ammonia (NH 3 ,S0 3 ,H0); but he makes 
 it the sulphate of oxide of ammonium, without water (NH 4 0,S0 3 ). 
 
 The atmosphere contains a minute proportion of ammonia, probably in 
 the form of carbonate. 
 
 Ammonia and its compounds act variously on the economy. When un- 
 combined, and merely dissolved in water as a vehicle, its local action is that 
 of a rubefacient, vesicant, or caustic, according to the strength of the solu- 
 tion, and the length of its application. Internally, it acts variously as a 
 stimulant, antispasmodic, antacid, and alexipharmic. In saline combination, 
 its therapeutic effects are much modified ; but these will be most appropriately 
 noticed under the head of each salt. 
 
 The following table contains a list of the principal officinal preparations of 
 ammonia, with their synonymes. 
 
 I. In Aqueous Solution. 
 
 Liquor Ammonias Fortior, U. S. ; Ammonise Liquor Fortior, Lond., 
 Dub.; Ammoniae Aqua Fortior, Ed. — Stronger Solution of 
 Ammonia. 
 
 Linimentum Ammoniae Compositum, Ed. 
 
 Linimentum Camphorae Compositum, Lond., Dub. 
 
 Tinctura Ammoniae Composita, Lond. 
 
 Liquor Ammoniae, TJ. S. Ammoniae Liquor, Lond., Dub. ; Ammoniae 
 Aqua, Ed . — Solution of Ammonia. Water of Ammonia. 
 
 Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum, US.; Hydrargyri Ammonio-Chlo- 
 ridum, Lond., Dub.; Hydrargyri Praecipitatum Album, Ed . — 
 Ammoniated Mercury. White Precipitate. 
 
 Linimentum Ammoniae, U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. — Liniment of 
 Ammonia. Volatile Liniment. 
 
 Linimentum Hydrargyri, Lond. ; Linimentum Hydrargyri Compo- 
 situm, Dub. 
 
 II. In Spirituous Solution. 
 
 Spiritus Ammoniae, U. S., Ed. — Spirit of Ammonia. 
 
 Tinctura Castorei Ammoniata, Ed. 
 
 Tinctura Guaiaei Ammoniata, Ed. 
 
 Tinctura Opii Ammoniata, Ed. 
 
 Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata, Ed. 
 
 Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus, U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub . — Aromatic 
 Spir it of Ammonia. 
 
 Tinctura Colchici Composita, Ijond. 
 
 Tinctura Guaiaei Ammoniata, U.S.; Tinctura Guaiac-i Composita, 
 Lond. 
 
 Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata, U. S.; Tinctura Valerianae Com- 
 posita, Lond. 
 
 Spiritus Ammoniae Fcetidus, Lond., Ed., Dub. — Fetid Spirit of Am- 
 monia. 
 
 III. In Saline Combination. 
 
 Ammoniae Murias, US., Ed., Dub.; Ammoniae Hydrochloras, 
 Lond. — Muriate of Ammonia. Sal Ammoniac. 
 
 Ferrum Ammoniatum, U. S .; Ferri Ammonio-Chloridum, Lond. 
 
PART r. 
 
 88 
 
 Liquor Ammonise Fortior. 
 
 Ammonise Carbonas, U. S., Ed. ; Ammonias Sesqnicarbonas, Land., 
 Dub . — Carbonate of Ammonia. Mild Volatile Alkali. 
 Cuprum Aminoniatum, US., Ed.; Cupri Ammonio-Sulphas, 
 Lond., Dub. 
 
 Liquor Ammonise Sesquicarbonatis, Lond.; Ammoniae Carbon- 
 atis Aqua, Ed. 
 
 Linimentum Ammoniae Sesquicarbonatis, Lond. 
 
 Ammoniae Biearbonas, Dub. 
 
 Liquor Ammoniae Acetatis, U.S., Lond.; Ammoniae Acetatis 
 Aqua, Ed. ; Ammoniae Acetatis Liquor, Dub. — Solution of 
 Acetate of Ammonia. Spirit of Mindererus. 
 
 Liquor Ammoniae Citratis, Lond. — Solution of Citrate of Am- 
 mon ia. 
 
 Ammoniae Hydro-Sulphuretum,* Dub. 
 
 Ferri Ammonio-citras, Lond., Dub. — Ammonio-citrate of Iron. 
 
 The ammonia in the spirit of ammonia of the U. S. and Ed. Pharmaco- 
 poeias is in the caustic state. In the aromatic and fetid spirits of ammonia, 
 the alkali is caustic in the Edinburgh preparations, but carbonated in those 
 of the other Pharmacopoeias. It is seen by the table that the ammoniated 
 tinctures are made in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia with the simple spirit of 
 ammonia; in the U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias with the aromatic spirit. 
 
 B. 
 
 LIQUOR AMMONIA FORTIOR. U. S. 
 
 Stronger Solution of Ammonia. 
 
 An aqueous solution of ammonia of the specific gravity 0'882. U. S. 
 Off.Syn. AMMONIA LIQUOR FORTIOR. Lond., Dub. ; AMMONLE 
 AQUA FORTIOR. Ed. 
 
 This preparation is too strong for internal exhibition, but forms a con- 
 venient ammoniacal solution for reduction, with distilled water, to the 
 strength of ordinary officinal solution of ammonia (Liquor Ammoniae), or 
 for preparing strong rubefacient and vesicating lotions and liniments. (See 
 Linimentum Ammoniae Compositum.') 
 
 The United States and Loudon Pharmacopoeias include this solution in the 
 list of the Materia Medica ; but in the Edinburgh and Dublin Pharmacopoeias 
 a formula is given for its preparation. The Edinburgh formula is as follows : 
 
 “ Take of Muriate of Ammonia, thirteen ounces; Quicklime, thirteen ounces; 
 Water, seven fluidounces and a half ; Distilled Water, twelve flu id ounces. 
 Slake the Lime with the Water, cover it up till it cool, triturate it well and 
 quickly with the Muriate of Ammonia previously in fine powder, and put the 
 mixture into a glass retort, to which is attached a receiver with a safety-tube. 
 Connect with a receiver a bottle also provided with a safety-tube, and con- 
 taining four ounces of the Distilled Water, but capable of holding twice as 
 much. Connect this bottle with another loosely corked, and containing the 
 remaining eight ounces of Distilled Water. The communicating tubes must 
 descend to the bottom of the bottles at the further end from the retort : and 
 the receiver and bottles must be kept cool by snow, ice, or a running stream 
 of very cold water. Apply to the retort a gradually increasing heat till gas 
 ceases to be evolved ; remove the retort, cork up the aperture in the receiver 
 where it was connected with the retort, and apply to the receiver a gentle and 
 gradually increasing heat, to drive over as much of the gas in the liquid con- 
 tained in it, but as little of the water as possible. Should the liquid in the 
 last bottle not have the density of 960, reduce it with some of the Stronger 
 
84 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Liquor Ammonise Fortior. 
 
 Aqua Ammonias in the first bottle, or raise it with Distilled Water so as to 
 form Aqua Ammonise of the prescribed density.” 
 
 In this process the ammonia is disengaged in the usual manner from 
 muriate of ammonia by the action of lime, as explained under the head of 
 Liquor Ammonise. But it is perceived by the details of the process, that 
 the Edinburgh College proposes to obtain both the stronger and ordinary 
 solution of ammonia at one operation. This is done by connecting the retort 
 with two bottles through an intervening empty receiver, and charging the 
 bottles severally with one-third and two-thirds of the prescribed distilled 
 water. The receiver between the retort and the bottles serves to detain im- 
 purities. The water in the first bottle becomes nearly saturated with ammonia, 
 a result which is favoured by the application of cold. After the gas has 
 ceased to be disengaged from the retort, this is removed ; and any ammonia 
 which may have been condensed with water in the receiver, is saved by being 
 driven over with a gentle heat. As the water in the first bottle will not take 
 up all the ammonia disengaged, the balance is allowed to pass into the second 
 bottle, where it impregnates the water to a greater or less extent, forming a 
 weak aqueous ammonia. The aqueous ammonia in the first bottle is the 
 Edinburgh Ammonise Aqua Fortior , and that in the second is converted into 
 Liquor Ammonias of the proper officinal strength, by the addition of aqueous 
 ammonia from the first bottle, if too weak, or of distilled water, if too strong. 
 
 Properties of Aqueous Ammonia o f Maximum Strength. It is a colourless 
 liquid, of a caustic, acrid taste, and very pungent smell. It is strongly alka- 
 line, and immediately changes turmeric, when held over its fumes, to reddish- 
 brown. Cooled down to 40° below zero, it concretes into a gelatinous mass, 
 and at the temperature of 130° enters into ebullition, owing to the rapid dis- 
 engagement of the gas. Its sp. gr. is 0'875 at 50°, when it contains 32'5 
 per cent, of ammonia. 
 
 Properties of the Officinal Stronger Solution of Ammonia. This has similar 
 properties to those above mentioned. Its officinal sp.gr. is 0'882, U. S-, 
 Lond., 0’880, Ed., and 0'900, Pub. When of the density 0'882, it contains 
 about 29 per cent, of ammonia. The liquor auimoniae fortior of the shops is 
 usually deficient in strength, commonly ranging in density from 0’900 to 
 <>•920. Even though of proper officinal strength at first, it generally becomes 
 gradually weaker by the escape of ammonia. To prevent its deteriorating, it 
 should be kept in closely stopped bottles in a cool place. If precipitated by 
 lime-water, it contains carbonic acid. After having been saturated with 
 nitric acid, a precipitate produced by carbonate of ammonia indicates earthy 
 impurity, by nitrate of silver, a chloride, and by chloride of barium, a sulphate. 
 
 Liquor Ammonise Fortior is a convenient preparation for making Liquor 
 Ammonise by due dilution with distilled water; and the Pharmacopoeias 
 have given directions for this purpose. In the U. S. and London Pharma- 
 copoeias, the stronger solution is directed to be diluted with two measures of 
 distilled water; in the Edinburgh, with two and a half measures. By dilu- 
 tion in these proportions, the stronger preparation is reduced to the strength 
 of Liquor Ammoniae, U. S., Lond., Ed. fsp.gr. 0’960). 
 
 When purchasing or making the Stronger Solution of Ammonia, the 
 apothecary should not trust to its being of the officinal strength ; but should 
 ascertain the point by taking its density, either with the specific gravity bottle 
 or the hydrometer. Another method of ascertaining the density, is by the 
 ammonia-meter of Mr. J. J. Griffin, of London, described and figured in the 
 Pharm. Journ. and Trans., x. 413. In reducing it to make Liquor Am- 
 moniae, the same precaution should be used; and, if the mixture should not 
 have the sp. gr. 0'960, it should be brought to that density by the addition 
 either of the stronger solution or of distilled water, as the case may require. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Ammonise Murias. 
 
 85 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This solution is too strong for medical em- 
 ployment in its’unmixed state. Its rubefacient, vesicating, and caustic pro- 
 perties, when duly reduced by admixture with tincture of camphor and spirit 
 of rosemary, will be noticed under the head of Linimentum Ammonise Com- 
 positum. When a solution of ammonia of 25° (sp.gr. 0'905) is mixed with 
 fatty matter in certain proportions, the mixture forms the vesicating ammo- 
 niacal ointment of Dr. Gondret. The amended formula for this ointment is 
 as follows. Take of lard 32 parts, oil of sweet almonds 2 parts. Melt them 
 together by the gentle heat of a candle or lamp, and pour the melted mixture 
 into a bottle with a wide mouth. Then add 17 parts of solution of ammonia, 
 of 25°, and mix, with continued agitation, until the whole is cold. The 
 ointment must be preserved in a bottle with a ground stopper, and kept in a 
 cool place. When well prepared it vesicates in ten minutes. 
 
 Pharm. Uses. The officinal stronger solution of ammonia is used as a 
 chemical agent to prepare two Edinburgh officinals, Ferrngo and Fern Oxi- 
 du/n Nigrum. 
 
 Off. Prep. Linimentum Ammonise Compositum; Linimentum Camphorae 
 Compositum ; Liquor Ammonise ; Spiritus Ammonise Aromaticus, Pub. ; 
 Spiritus Ammoniae Fcetidus, Dub. ; Tinctura Ammonise Composita. B. 
 
 AMMONITE MURIAS. U. S., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Muriate of Ammonia. 
 
 Chlorohydrate of Ammonia. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. AMMONLE HYDROCHLORAS. Land. 
 
 Sal ammoniac. Hydrochlorate of ammonia ; Hydrochlorate d’ammoniaque, Sel ammo- 
 niac, Fr.; Salmiak, Germ.; Sale ammoniaco, Ital.; Sal ammoniaco, Span. 
 
 This salt is placed in the Materia Medica list of all the Pharmacopoeias 
 commented on in this work. It originally came from Egypt, where it was 
 obtained by sublimation from the soot, resulting from the burning of camels’ 
 dung, which is used in that country for fuel. 
 
 Preparation. At present muriate of ammonia is derived from two prin- 
 cipal sources, the ammoniacal liquor, called gas liquor , found in the condens- 
 ing vessels of coal gas-works, and the brown, fetid ammoniacal liquor, known 
 under the name of bone spirit, which is a secondary product, obtained, during 
 the destructive distillation of bones, by the manufacturers of animal charcoal 
 for the use of sugar-refiners. These two liquors are the chief sources of the 
 ammoniacal compounds; for they are both used to procure muriate of ammo- 
 nia, and this salt is employed, directly or indirectly, for obtaining all the other 
 salts of ammonia. Other sources are stale urine, coal soot, guano, peat, and 
 bituminous schist. 
 
 Gas liquor contains carbonate, bydrocyanate, hydrosulphate, and sul- 
 phate of ammonia, but principally the carbonate. It is saturated with 
 sulphuric acid, and the solution obtained, after due evaporation, furnishes 
 brown crystals of sulphate of ammonia. These are then sublimed with 
 chloride of sodium in iron pots, lined with clay and furnished with a leaden 
 dome or head. By the mutual action of the sulphate, chloride, and water, 
 there are formed muriate of ammonia which sublimes into the head, and sul- 
 phate of soda which remains behind. Thus NH 3 ,S0 3 ,H0 and Nad become 
 NH 3 ,HC1 and NaO,S0 3 . Sometimes, instead of the ammonia of the gas 
 liquor being first converted into the sulphate, it is made at once into muriate 
 of ammonia by tbe addition of muriatic acid or chloride of calcium. When 
 chloride of calcium is employed, the chief reaction takes place between car- 
 bonate of ammonia and the chloride, with the result of forming muriate of 
 
86 
 
 Ammonise Murias. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 ammonia in solution, and a precipitate of carbonate of lime. The solution 
 is duly evaporated, whereby brown crystals of muriate of Ammonia are ob- 
 tained. These, after having been dried, are purified by sublimation in an 
 iron subliming pot, coated with a composition of clay, sand, and charcoal, 
 and covered with a dome of lead. These pots are sometimes sufficiently 
 large to hold 500 pounds. “A gentle fire is kept up under the subliming 
 pot for seven or eight days, when the dome having cooled down, and the sal 
 ammoniac somewhat contracted, so as to loosen from the sides, the dome is 
 thrown off from the iron pot, and about two or three hundred Weight of 
 white, semi-transparent sal ammoniac are knocked off in cakes. ” ( Pereira , 
 
 Mat. Med., 3 d. Ed.) 
 
 In the destructive distillation of bones for making animal charcoal, the dis- 
 tilled products are the bone spirit already mentioned, being chiefly an aqueous 
 solution of carbonate of ammonia, and an empyreumatic oil, called animal oil. 
 These products all result from a new arrangement of the ultimate constituents 
 of the animal matter. Thus, hydrogen and oxygen form the water ; carbon 
 and oxygen, the carbonic acid; nitrogen and hydrogen, the ammonia; and 
 carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, the animal oil. 
 
 Muriate of ammonia may be obtained from bone spirit in the manner just 
 described for procuring it from gas liquor. Sometimes, however, the sulphate 
 of ammonia is not made by direct combination, but by digesting the bone spi- 
 rit with ground plaster of Paris (sulphate of lime). By double decomposition, 
 sulphate of ammonia and carbonate of lime are formed. The sulphate of am- 
 monia is then converted into the muriate by sublimation with common salt, 
 in the manner just explained. 
 
 Other processes, besides those given above, have been proposed or practised 
 for obtaining muriate of ammonia. For an account of the manufacture of 
 ammoniacal salts, and for a list of the patents, issued in Great Britain, since 
 1S27, for their preparation in different modes and from various materials, the 
 reader is referred to the Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xii. 29, 63, and 113. 
 
 Commercial History. All the muriate of ammonia consumed in the United 
 States is obtained from abroad. Its commercial varieties are known under 
 the names of the crude and refined. The crude is imported from Calcutta in 
 chests, containing from 350 to 400 pounds. This variety is consumed almost 
 exclusively by coppersmiths and other artisans in brass and copper, being 
 employed for the purpose of keeping the metallic surfaces bright, preparatory 
 to brazing. The refined comes to us exclusively from England, packed in 
 casks containing from 5 to 10 cwt. 
 
 Properties. Muriate of ammonia is a white, translucent, tough, fibrous 
 salt, occurring in commerce in large cakes, about two inches thick, convex on 
 one side and concave on the other. It has a pungent, saline taste, but no 
 smell. Its sp.gr. is 1'45. It dissolves in three parts of cold, and one of 
 boiling water, and cold is produced during its solution. It is less soluble in 
 rectified spirit than in water, and sparingly so in absolute alcohol. This salt 
 is very difficult to powder in the ordinary way. Its pulverization, however, 
 may be effected readily by making a boiling saturated solution of the salt, 
 and stirring it as it cools. The salt may thus be made to granulate, and in 
 this state, after having been drained from the remaining solution and dried, 
 may be readily powdered. Muriate of ammonia, at a red heat, sublimes 
 without decomposition, as its mode of preparation shows. Exposed to a damp 
 atmosphere, it becomes slightly moist. It has the property of increasing the 
 solubility of corrosive sublimate in water. It is decomposed by the strong 
 mineral acids, and by the alkalies and alkaline earths ; the former disen- 
 gaging muriatic acid, the latter ammonia, both sensible to the smell. Muriate 
 of ammonia is the salt usually employed for obtaining gaseous ammonia, 
 
PART I. 
 
 Ammonias Marias. 
 
 87 
 
 ■which is conveniently disengaged by means of lime. Though neutral in 
 composition, it slightly reddens litmus. It is incompatible with acetate of 
 lead and nitrate of silver, producing a precipitate with the former of chloride 
 of lead, with the latter of chloride of silver. 
 
 According to the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, muriate of ammonia is not 
 subject to adulteration. If it be not entirely volatilized by heat and soluble in 
 water, it contains impurity. Still, as ordinarily prepared, it contains iron 
 in the state of protochloride. The metal may be detected by boiling a small 
 portion of a saturated solution of the salt with a drop or two of nitric acid, and 
 then adding ferrocyanuret of potassium, when the characteristic blue colour, 
 occasioned by iron, will be produced. ( Henry Wurtzi) If the salt be entirely 
 volatilized by heat, and yet produce a precipitate with chloride of barium, the 
 presence of sulphate of ammonia is indicated. 
 
 Composition. Muriate of ammonia is composed of one eq. of muriatic acid 
 36‘42, and one of ammonia 17 = 53‘42 ; or, in ultimate constituents, of one 
 eq. of chlorine, one of nitrogen, and four of hydrogen. Viewed as chloride of 
 ammonium, it consists of one eq. of chlorine and one of ammonium (NH 4 C1). 
 
 Medical Properties. Muriate of ammonia acts primarily on the alimentary 
 canal, purging in large doses, but rather constipating in small ones. Its se- 
 condary action is that of a stimulating alterative on the capillary, glandular, 
 and lymphatic systems, and on the mucous, serous, and fibrous tissues, the 
 nutrition of which it is supposed to improve. It has been recommended in 
 catarrhal and rheumatic fevers ; in pleuritis, peritonitis, dysentery, and other 
 inflammations of the serous and mucous membranes, after the first violence 
 of the disease has abated; in chronic inflammation and enlargement of the 
 thoracic and abdominal viscera ; and in amenorrhcea, when dependent on de- 
 ficient action of the uterus. Several cases of pectoral disease, simulating 
 incipient phthisis, are reported to have been cured by this salt in Otto’s Bib- 
 liothek for 1834. According to Dr. Watson, it is a very efficacious remedy 
 in hemicrania. In 1851, Dr. Aran reported his success with this remedy in 
 intermittent fever to the Academy of Medicine, of Paris, having cured eleven 
 out of thirteen cases. M. Fischer, of Dresden, in 1821, recommended this 
 salt in chronic enlargement of the prostate, and since then, several German 
 practitioners have confirmed his statement. The dose is from five to thirty 
 grains, repeated every two or three hours, and given either in powder mixed 
 with powdered gum or sugar, or dissolved in syrup or mucilage. When 
 given in enlarged prostate, the dose is fifteen grains every two hours, gra- 
 dually increased until nearly half an ounce is taken daily. When the dose 
 is greater than the system can bear, it produces disordered digestion, a 
 miliary eruption, profuse sweats, and scorbutic symptoms. It is very little 
 used as an internal remedy in the United States ; but is a good deal employed 
 on the continent of Europe, especially in Germany, where it is deemed a 
 powerful alterative and resolvent. 
 
 Externally, muriate of ammonia is used in solution as a stimulant and 
 resolvent in contusions, indolent tumours, &c. The strength of the solution 
 must be varied according to the intention in view. An ounce of the salt, 
 dissolved in nine fluidounces of water and one of alcohol, forms a solution of 
 convenient strength. When the solution is to be used as a wash for ulcers, 
 or an injection in leucorrlioea, it should not contain more than from one to 
 four drachms of the salt to a pint of water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Ammonias Aqua Fortior ; Ammoniae Carbonas; Ferrum Am- 
 moniatum; Liquor Ammonias ; Liquor Hydrargyri Bichloridi; Spiritus Am- 
 moniae ; Spiritus Ammonias Aromaticus, U. S-, Lond. ; Spiritus Ammoniae 
 Foetidus, Lond. B. 
 
88 
 
 Ammoniacum. 
 
 part I. 
 
 AMMONIACUM. U. S., Loncl, Ed., Dub. 
 Ammoniac. 
 
 The concrete juice of Dorema Ammoniacum. U. S. Gum-resin from the 
 stalk and pedicel. Lond. Gummy-resinous exudation. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Gomme ammoniaque, Fr.; Animoniak, Germ.; Gomma ammoniaco, Ilal.; Gomma 
 amoniaco, Span.; Ushek, Arab.; Semugk belshereen, Persian. 
 
 Much uncertainty long existed as to the ammoniac plant. It was gene- 
 rally believed to be a Ferula, till Willdenow raised, from some seeds mixed 
 with the gum-resin found in the shops, a plant which he ascertained to be a 
 Heracleum, and named II. gummiferum, under the impression that it must 
 be the source of the medicine. On this authority, the plant was adopted by 
 the British Colleges, and recognised in former editions of our national Phar- 
 macopoeia. Willdenow expressly acknowledged that he could not procure 
 from it any gum-resin, but ascribed the result to the influence of climate. 
 The Heracleum, however, did not correspond exactly with the representations 
 given of the ammoniac plant by travellers; and Sprengel ascertained that it 
 was a native of the Pyrenees, and never produced gum. Mr. Jackson, in 
 his account of Morocco, imperfectly described a plant of that country, sup- 
 posed to be a Ferula, from which gum-ammoniac is procured by the natives. 
 This plant was ascertained by Dr. Falconer to be Ferula Tingitana (Royle’s 
 Mat. Med.), and its product is thought to be the ammoniacum of the ancients, 
 which was obtained from Africa; but this is not the drug now used under 
 that name, which comes exclusively from Persia. M. Fontanier, who re- 
 sided many years in Persia, saw the ammoniac plant growing in the province 
 of Pars, and sent a drawing of it with specimens to Paris. From these it 
 was inferred to be a species of Ferula; and Merat and De Lens proposed for 
 it the name originally given to it by Lemery, of F. amnion if era- It was 
 subsequently, however, ascertained, from specimens obtained in Persia by 
 Colonel Wright, and examined by Dr. David Don, that it belonged to a genus 
 allied to Ferula, but essentially different, and named by Mr. Don, Dorema. 
 It is described in the 16th volume of the Linnman Transactions, under the 
 name of Dorema Ammoniacum. This is now acknowledged by all the 
 officinal authorities. The same plant has been described and figured by Jau- 
 bert and Spach in their “ Illustrations of Oriental Plants' ’ (Paris, 1842, t. 
 40, p. 78), by the name of Diserneston gummiferum, under the erroneous 
 impression that it belonged to a previously undescribed genus. 
 
 The ammoniac plant is umbelliferous, and belongs to the class and order 
 Pentandria Digynia of Linnaeus. It grows spontaneously in Farsistan, Irauk, 
 Chorassan, and other Persian provinces. Dr. Grant found it growing abund- 
 antly in Syghan near Bameean, on the northwest slope of the Hindoo Coosh 
 mountains. It attains the height of six or seven feet, and in the spring and 
 early part of summer abounds in a milky juice, which flows out upon the 
 slightest puncture. From the accounts of travellers, it appears that, in the 
 month of May, the plant is pierced in innumerable places by an insect of 
 the beetle kind. The juice, exuding through the punctures, concretes upon 
 the stem, and when quite dry is collected by the natives. M. Fontanier 
 states that the juice exudes spontaneously, and that the harvest is about the 
 middle of June. According to Dr. Grant, the drug is collected in Syghan, 
 like assafetida, from the root of the plant. The gum-resin is sent to Bushire, 
 whence it is transmitted to India, chiefly to Bombay. A small portion is 
 said to be taken to the ports of the Levant, and thence distributed. The 
 name of the drug is thought to have been derived from the temple of Jupiter 
 
PART I. 
 
 Ammoniacum. 
 
 89 
 
 Ammon in the Libyan desert, where the ammoniac of the ancients is said to 
 have been collected; but Mr. Don considers it a corruption of Armeniacum, 
 originating in the circumstance that the gum-resin was formerly imported 
 into Europe through Armenia. 
 
 Properties. Ammoniac comes either in the state of tears, or in aggregate 
 masses, and in both forms is frequently mixed with impurities. That of the 
 tears, however, is preferable, as the purest may be conveniently picked out 
 and kept for use. These are of an irregular shape, usually more or less 
 globular, opaque, yellowish on the outside, whitish within, compact, homo- 
 geneous, brittle when cold, and breaking with a conchoidal shining fracture. 
 The masses are of a darker colour and less uniform structure, appearing, when 
 broken, as if composed of numerous white or whitish tears, embedded in a 
 dirty gray or brownish substance, and frequently mingled with foreign mat- 
 ters, such as seeds, fragments of vegetables, and sand, or other earth. We 
 have seen masses composed of agglutinated tears alone. 
 
 The smell of ammoniac is peculiar, and stronger in the mass than in the 
 tears. The taste is slightly sweetish, bitter, and somewhat acrid. The sp. 
 gr. is 1'207. When heated, the gum-resin softens and becomes adhesive, 
 but does not melt. It burns with a white flame, swelling up, and emitting a 
 smoke of a strong, resinous, slightly alliaceous odour. It is partly soluble in 
 water, alcohol, ether, vinegar, and alkaline solutions. Triturated with water, 
 it forms an opaque milky emulsion, which becomes clear upon standing. 
 The alcoholic solution is transparent, but is rendered milky by the addition 
 of water. Bucholz obtained from 100 parts of ammoniac, 22’4 parts of gum, 
 72 - 0 of resin, 1'6 of bassorin, and 4'0 of water including volatile oil and loss. 
 Braconnot obtained 18'4 per cent, of gum, 70'0 of resin, 4‘4 of a gluten-like 
 substance (bassorin), and 6'0 of water, with 1'2 per cent, of loss. Hagen 
 succeeded in procuring the volatile oil in a separate state by repeated distilla- 
 tion with water. It has a penetrating disagreeable odour, and a taste at first 
 mild, but afterwards bitter and nauseous. The resin of ammoniac is dissolved 
 by alcohol, and the fixed and volatile oils ; but it is divided by ether into two 
 resins, of which one is soluble, the other insoluble in that menstruum. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This gum-resin is stimulant and expectorant, 
 in large doses cathartic, and, like many other stimulants, may be so given as 
 occasionally to prove diaphoretic, diuretic, or emmenagogue. It has been 
 employed in medicine from the highest antiquity, being mentioned in the 
 writings of Hippocrates. The complaints in which it is most frequently used 
 are chronic catarrh, asthma, and other pectoral affections, attended with defi- 
 cient expectoration without acute inflammation, or with a too copious secretion 
 from the bronchial mucous membrane, dependent upon debility of the vessels. 
 It is thought to have been useful in some cases of amenorrhoea, and in chloro- 
 tic and hysterical conditions of the system arising out of that complaint. It 
 has also been prescribed in obstructions or chronic engorgements of the ab- 
 dominal viscera, under the vague notion of its deobstrueut power. Any good 
 which it may do in these affections, is more probably ascribable to its revul- 
 sive action upon the alimentary mucous membrane. Authors speak of its 
 utility in long and obstinate colics dependent on mucous matter lodged in the 
 intestines; but it would be difficult to ascertain in what cases such mucous 
 matter existed, and, even admitting its presence, to decide whether it was a 
 cause or a result of the diseased action. Ammoniac is usually administered 
 in combination with other expectorants, with tonics, or emmenagogues. It is 
 much less used than formerly. Externally applied in the shape of a plaster, 
 it is thought to be useful as a discutient or resolvent in white swellings of the 
 joints, and other indolent tumours. (See Emplastrum Ammoniaci.) It is 
 
90 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Amygdala Amara. — Amygdala I) aids. 
 
 given in substance, in the shape of pill or emulsion. The latter form is pre- 
 ferable. (See Mistura Ammoniaci.') The dose is from ten to thirty grains. 
 
 Off. Prep. Ammoniacum Praeparatum ; Emplastrum Ammoniaci ; Em- 
 plast. Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro; Emplast. Gummosum ; Mistura Ammo- 
 niaci ; Pilulte Ipecacuanhse cum Scilla j Pil. Scillas Composite. A\ r . 
 
 AMYGDALA AMARA. TJ.S.,Ed. 
 
 Bitter Almonds. 
 
 The kernels of the fruit of Amygdalus communis — variety amara. U. S., 
 Ed.. 
 
 Amande a mere, Ft.; Bittere Mandeln, Germ.; Mandorle amare, Ilal.; Almendra 
 amarga, Span. 
 
 AMYGDALA DULCIS. U.S.,Ed. 
 
 Street Almonds. 
 
 The kernels of the fruit of Amygdalus communis — variety dulcis. U. S-, 
 Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. AMYGDALA ( Jordanica ). Amygdalus communis, var. dutch. 
 Semen. Loud. AMYGDALA. Amygdalus communis. Variety Dutch. 
 The kernels of the fruit. Dub. 
 
 Amande douce, Fr.; Siisse Mandeln, Germ.; Mandorle dolci, Ilal.; Almendra dulee, 
 
 Span. 
 
 Amygdalus. Sex. Syst. Icosandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Amygdaleae. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Calyx five-cleft, inferior. Petals five. Drupe with a nut per- 
 forated with pores. Willd. 
 
 Amygdalus communis. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 982 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 
 507, t. 183. The almond tree rises usually from fifteen to twenty feet in 
 height, and divides into numerous spreading branches. The leaves stand 
 upon short footstalks, are about three inches long, and three-quarters of an 
 inch broad, elliptical, pointed at both ends, veined, minutely serrated, with 
 the lower serratures and petioles glandular, and are of a bright green colour. 
 The flowers are large, of a pale red colour varying to white, with very short 
 peduncles, and petals longer than the calyx, and are usually placed in nume- 
 rous pairs upon the branches. The fruit is of the peach kind, with the outer 
 covering thin, tough, dry, and marked with a longitudinal furrow, where it 
 opens when fully ripe. Within this covering is a rough shell, which con- 
 tains the kernel or almond. 
 
 There are several varieties of this species of Amygdalus, differing chiefly 
 in the size and shape of the fruit, the thickness of the shell, aud the taste of 
 the kernel. The two most important are Amygdalus ( communis ) dutch and 
 Amygdalus ( communis ) amara, the former bearing sweet, the latter bitter 
 almonds. Another variety is the fragilh of De Candolle, which y ields the 
 soft-shelled almonds. 
 
 The almond tree is a native of Persia, Syria, and Barbary, and is very 
 extensively cultivated in various parts of the South of Europe. It has been 
 introduced into the United States ; but in the northern and middle sections 
 the fruit does not usually come to perfection. We are supplied with sweet 
 almonds chiefly from Spain and the South of France. They are distinguished 
 into the soft-shelled and hard-shelled, the former of which come from Mar- 
 seilles and Bordeaux, the latter from Malaga. From the latter port they are 
 sometimes brought to us without the shell. In British commerce, the two 
 chief varieties are the Jordan and Valentia almonds, the former imported 
 
part I. Amygdala Amara. — Amygdala Dulcis. 91 
 
 from Malaga, the latter from Yalentia. The former are longer, narrower, 
 more pointed, and more highly esteemed than the latter. The bitter almonds 
 are obtained chiefly from Morocco, and are exported from Mogador. 
 
 Properties. The shape and appeai’ance of almonds are too well known to 
 require description. Each kernel consists of two white cotyledons, enclosed 
 in a thin, yellowish-brown, bitter skin, which is easily separable after immer- 
 sion in boiling water. When deprived of this covering, they are called blanched 
 almonds. On exposure to the air they are apt to become rancid ; but, if 
 thoroughly dried and kept in well closed glass vessels, they may be preserved 
 unaltered for many years. The two varieties require each a separate notice. 
 
 1. Amygdala Dulcis. Sweet Almonds. These, when blanched, are 
 without smell, and have a sweet, very pleasant taste, which has rendered 
 them a favourite article of diet in almost all countries where they are readily 
 attainable. They are, however, generally considered of difficult digestion. 
 By the analysis of M. Boullay, it appears that they contain in 100 parts, 5 
 parts of pellicle, 54 of fixed oil, 24 of albumen, 6 of uncrystallizable sugar, 
 3 of gum, 4 of fibrous matter, 3'5 of water, and 0'5 of acetic acid comprising 
 loss. The albumen is somewhat peculiar, and is called emulsin. It may be 
 obtained separate by treating the emulsion of almonds with ether, allowing 
 the mixture, after frequent agitation, to stand until a clear fluid separates at 
 the bottom of the vessel, drawing this off by a syphon, adding alcohol to it 
 so as to precipitate the emulsin, then washing the precipitate with fresh alco- 
 hol, and drying it under the receiver of an air-pump. In this state it is a 
 white powder, inodorous and tasteless, soluble in water, and insoluble in ether 
 and alcohol. Its solution has an acid reaction, and, if heated to 212°, 
 becomes opaque and milky; and gradually deposits a snow-white precipitate, 
 amounting to about ten per cent, of the emulsin employed, (im. Journ. 
 of Pharm,., xxi. 354, from Liebig's Annalen.) Its distinguishing property 
 is that of producing certain changes, hereafter to be noticed, in amygdalin, 
 which property it loses when its solution is boiled, though not by exposure 
 in the solid state to a heat of 212°. ( Ibid ., 357.) It consists of nitrogen, 
 carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with a minute proportion of sulphur, and is 
 probably identical with the principle for which Bobiquet proposed the name 
 of synaptase. The fixed oil is described under the head of Oleum Amyg- 
 dalae, , to which the reader is referred. Almonds, when rubbed with water, 
 form a milky emulsion, the insoluble matters being suspended by the agency 
 of the albuminous, mucilaginous, and saccharine principles. 
 
 2. Amygdala Amara. Bitter Almonds. These are smaller than the 
 preceding variety. They have the bitter taste of the peach-kernel, and, 
 though when dry inodorous or nearly so, have, when triturated with water, 
 the fragrance of the peach blossom. They contain the same ingredients as 
 sweet almonds, and like them form a milky emulsion with water. It was 
 formerly supposed that they also contained hydrocyanic acid and volatile oil, 
 to which their peculiar taste and smell, and their peculiar operation upon 
 the system were ascribed. It was, however, ascertained by MM. Bobiquet 
 and Boutron that these principles do not pre-exist in the almond, but result 
 from the reaction of water; and Wohler and Liebig proved, what was sus- 
 pected by Bobiquet, that they are formed out of a substance of peculiar 
 properties, denominated amygdalin, which is the characteristic constituent 
 of bitter almonds. This substance, which was discovered by Bobiquet and 
 Boutron, is white, crystallizable, inodorous, of a sweetish bitter taste, unal- 
 terable in the air, freely soluble in water and hot alcohol, very slightly solu- 
 ble in cold alcohol, and insoluble in ether. Its elementary constituents are 
 nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; and it is supposed to be an amide; 
 as, when treated with an alkali, it yields ammonia and a peculiar acid which 
 
PART I. 
 
 92 Amygdala Amara. — Amygdala Dulcis. 
 
 has been named amygdalic acid. Liebig and Wohler recommend the fol- 
 lowing process for procuring it, in which the object of the fermentation is 
 to destroy the sugar with wdiich it is associated. Bitter almonds, previously 
 deprived of their fixed oil by pressure, are to be boiled in successive portions 
 of alcohol till they are exhausted. From the liquors thus obtained, all the 
 alcohol is to be drawn off by distillation ; care being taken, near the end of 
 the process, not to expose the syrupy residue to too great a heat. This 
 residue is then to be diluted with water, mixed with good yeast, and placed 
 in a warm situation. After the fermentation which ensues has ceased, the 
 liquor is to be filtered, evaporated to the consistence of syrup, and mixed 
 with alcohol. The amygdalin is thus precipitated in connexion with a por- 
 tion of gum, from which it may be separated by solution in boiling alcohol, 
 which will deposit it upon cooling. If pure, it will form a perfectly trans- 
 parent solution with water. Any oil which it may contain may be separated 
 by washing it with ether. One pound of almonds yields at least 120 grains 
 of amygdalin. (Annalen der Pharm., xxii. and xxiii. 329.)* 
 
 Amygdalin, when mixed with an emulsion of sweet almonds, gives rise, 
 among other products, to the volatile oil of bitter almonds and hydrocyanic 
 acid — the emulsin of the sweet almonds acting the part of a ferment, by 
 setting on foot a reaction between the amygdalin and water; and the same 
 result is obtained when pure emulsin is added to a solution of amygdalin. It 
 appears then that the volatile oil and hydrocyanic acid, developed in bitter 
 almonds when moistened, result from the mutual reaction of amygdalin, 
 water, and emulsin. Certain substances have the effect of preventing this 
 reaction, as, for example, alcohol and acetic acid. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., 
 xxi. 353.) It is asserted that emulsin procured from other seeds, as those of 
 the poppy, hemp, and mustard, is capable of producing the same reaction 
 between water and amygdalin, though in a less degree than that of the sweet 
 or bitter almonds. (Anna!, der Pharm., xxviii. 290.) Amygdalin appears 
 not to be poisonous when taken pure into the stomach; as there is nothing in 
 the human system capable of acting the part of emulsin. Nevertheless, 
 large quantities given to a dog have produced narcotic effects. 
 
 Bitter almonds yield their fixed oil by pressure; and the volatile oil, 
 impregnated with hydrocyanic acid, may be obtained from the residue by 
 distillation with water. (See Oleum Amygdalae amarae.) 
 
 Confectioners employ bitter almonds for communicating flavour to the 
 syrup of orgeat. (See Syrupus Amygdalae.) The kernel of the peach pos- 
 sesses similar properties, and is frequently used as a substitute. It has been 
 ascertained that bitter almond paste, and other substances which yield the same 
 volatile oil, such as bruised cherry-laurel leaves, peach leaves, &c., have the 
 property of destroying the odour of musk, camphor, most of the volatile oils, 
 creasote, cod-liver oil, the balsams, &c. ; and M. Alahier, a French pharmaceu- 
 tist, has employed them successfully to free mortars and bottles from the odour 
 of assafetida, and other substances of disagreeable smell. All that is necessary 
 is first to remove any oily substance by means of an alkali, and then to apply 
 the paste or bruised leaves. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xviii. 209.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. . Sweet almonds exercise no other influence 
 upon the system than that of a demulcent. The emulsion formed by tritu- 
 rating them with water is a pleasant vehicle for the administration of other 
 medicines, and is itself useful in cases of catarrhal affection. Bitter almonds 
 
 * Amygdalin appears to be extensively diffused in plants, having been noticed not 
 only in the different genera of the Amygdalete, as Amygdalus, Cerasus, and Prunus, 
 but also by Wicke in various Pomace*, as Pyrus malus, Sorbus Aucuparia, Sorbus 
 hybrida, Sorbus torminales, Amelanchier vulgaris, Cotomastcr vulgaris, and Cralxgus 
 Ozycantha. (Ann. der Chem. und Pharm., lxxix. 79.) 
 
part r. Amygdala Amara. — Amygdala Dulcis. — Amylum. 93 
 
 are more energetic, and, though not much in use, might undoubtedly he em- 
 ployed with advantage in cases to which hydrocyanic acid is applicable. An 
 emulsion made with them has been beneficially prescribed in pectoral affec- 
 tions attended with cough, and is said to have cured intermittents. It pro- 
 bably operates by diminishing the excitability of the nervous system. Dr. 
 A. T. Thomson says that he has found it useful as a lotion in acne rosea and 
 impetigo. Bitter almonds are said by Hufeland to have been successfully 
 employed for the expulsion of the ta^ie worm. In some persons they produce 
 urticaria, in the smallest quantities. Largely taken, they have sometimes 
 proved deleterious. 
 
 Wohler and Liebig propose, as a substitute for cherry-laurel water, which 
 owes its effects to the hydrocyanic acid it contains, but is objectionable from 
 its unequal strength, an extemporaneous mixture, consisting of 17 grains of 
 amygdalin, and one fluidounce of an emulsion made with two drachms of 
 sweet almonds, and a sufficient quantity of water. This mixture contains, 
 according to the above named chemists, one grain of anhydrous hydrocyanic 
 acid, and is equivalent to two fluidounces of fresh cherry-laurel water. If 
 found to answer in practice, it will have the advantage of certainty in relation 
 to the dose ; as amygdalin may be kept any length of time unaltered. If the 
 calculation of Wohler and Liebig be correct as to the quantity of acid it con- 
 tains, not more than a fluidrachm should be given as a commencing dose. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Sweet Almonds. Confectio Amygdalae; Mistura Acaciae; 
 Mistura Amygdalae; Mistura Camphorae; Syrupus Amygdalae. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Bitter Almonds. Syrupus Amygdalae. W. 
 
 AMYLUM. U.S., Land., Ed., Duh. 
 
 Starch. 
 
 The fecula of the seeds of Tritieum vulgare. U. S-, Bond., Ed. Starch 
 from the seeds of Tritieum CEstivum. Dub. 
 
 Araidon, Fr. ; Starkmehl, Germ.; Amido, Ital.; Almidon, Span. 
 
 Starch is a proximate vegetable principle contained in most plants, and 
 especially abundant in the various grains; such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, 
 rice, maize, &c. ; in other seeds, as peas, beans, chestnuts, acorns, &c. ; and 
 in numerous tuberous roots, as those of the potato ( Solarium tuberosum'), the 
 sweet potato ( Convolvulus Batatas ), the arrow-root, the cassava plant, and 
 different species of Curcuma. The process for obtaining it consists essentially 
 in reducing the substances in which it exists to a state of minute division, 
 agitating or washing them with cold water, straining or pouring off the liquid, 
 and allowing it to stand till the fine fecula which it holds in suspension has 
 subsided. This, when dried, is starch, more or less pure according to the 
 care taken in conducting the process. The starch of commerce is procured 
 chiefly from wheat, sometimes also from potatoes. Our space will not allow 
 us to enter into details in relation to the particular steps of the operation to 
 which those substances are subjected; and the omission is of less consequence, 
 as starch is never prepared by the apothecary. 
 
 Starch is white, pulverulent, opaque, and, as found in the shops, is usually 
 in columnar masses, having a somewhat crystalline aspect, and producing a 
 peculiar sound when pressed between the fingers. Its specific gravity is 1'53. 
 When exposed to a moist air, it absorbs a considerable quantity of water, 
 which may be driven off by a gentle heat. It is insoluble in alcohol, ether, 
 and cold water; but unites with boiling water, which, on cooling, forms with 
 it a soft semi-transparent paste, or a gelatinous opaline solution, according to 
 the proportion of starch employed. The paste, placed on folds of blotting 
 
94 Amylum. part I. 
 
 paper, renewed as they become wet, abandons its water, contracts, and assumes 
 the appearance of horn. If the proportion of starch be very small, the solu- 
 tion, after slowly depositing a very minute quantity of insoluble matter, con- 
 tinues permanent, and upon being evaporated yields a semi-transparent mass, 
 which is partially soluble in cold water. The starch has, therefore, been 
 modified by the combined agency of water and heat; nor can it be restored to 
 its original condition. Exposed, in the dry state, to a temperature somewhat 
 above 212°, it undergoes, according to C&ventou, a similar modification; and 
 a degree of heat sufficient to roast it slightly converts it into a substance 
 soluble in cold water, called British gum, and applicable to the same purposes 
 as gum in the arts. The same change in regard to solubility is, to a certain 
 extent, produced by mechanical means, as by trituration in a mortar; and 
 that the effect is not the result of heat evolved by friction is evinced by the 
 fact, that it takes place when the starch is triturated with water. 
 
 The views now generally entertained in relation to starch, by which the 
 above mentioned phenomena may be most conveniently explained, are those 
 originally presented by Raspail, and subsequently confirmed and extended by 
 Guibourt, Guerin, and others. According to these views, starch consists of 
 organized granules, which, examined by the microscope, appear to be of various 
 form and size. These granules consist of a thin exterior coating, and of an 
 interior substance, the former wholly insoluble, the latter soluble in water. 
 The former constitutes, according to M. Payen, only 4 or 5 thousandths of the 
 weight of starch. In relation to the interior portion, different opinions have 
 been held. M. Guerin supposed that it consisted of two distinct substances, one 
 soluble in cold water, the other soluble at first in boiling water but becoming 
 insoluble by evaporation. Thus, when one part of starch is boiled for fifteen 
 minutes in one hundred parts of water, and the liquid is allowed to stand, a 
 small portion, consisting of the broken teguments, is gradually deposited. If 
 the solution be now filtered and evaporated, another portion is deposited which 
 cannot afterwards be dissolved. When wholly deprived of this portion, and 
 evaporated to dryness, the solution yields the part soluble in cold water. Ac- 
 cording to MM. Payen and Persoz, the interior portion of the globules consists 
 only of a single substance, which is converted into the two just mentioned by 
 the agency of water ; and Thenard is inclined to the same opinion. An ap- 
 propriate name for the interior soluble portion of starch is amidin, which has 
 been adopted by some chemists. Starch, in its perfect state, is not affected 
 by cold water, because the exterior insoluble teguments prevent the access of 
 the liquid to the interior portion ; but, when the pellicle is broken by the 
 agency of heat, or by mechanical means, the fluid is admitted, and the starch 
 partially dissolved. Another view of the structure of the starch granule, 
 founded on microscopic observation, has been advanced by Schleideu. Ac- 
 cording to this view, it consists of concentric layers, all of which have the 
 same chemical composition ; but the outer layers, having been first formed, 
 have more cohesion than the inner, and are consequently more difficult of solu- 
 bility. The rings observed upon the surface of the granules, in some varieties, 
 are merely the edges of these layers; and the point or hylum about which the 
 rings are concentrically placed, is a minute hole, through which probably the 
 substance of the interior layers was introduced. ( Pharm . Central Blatt, 1844, 
 p. 401.) MM. Payen andGuibourt at present admit that the starch granule 
 is organized throughout, and consists of but a single chemical principle; the 
 differences in solubility being ascribable to the more compact organization of 
 the exterior layer, which enables it to resist the action of water. ( Journ . de 
 Pliarm., 3e s6r., ix. 193.) 
 
 Iodine forms with starch, whether in its original state or in solution, a blue 
 compound; and the tincture of iodine is the most delicate test of its presence 
 
part r. Amylum. 95 
 
 in any mixture. The colour varies somewhat according to the proportions 
 employed. When the two substances are about equal, the compound is of a 
 beautiful indigo-blue; if the iodine is in excess, it is blackish-blue; if the 
 starch, violet-blue. A singular property of the iodide of starch is that its 
 solution becomes colourless if heated to about 200°, and afterwards recovers 
 its blue colour upon cooling. By boiling, the colour is permanently lost. 
 Alkalies unite with starch, forming soluble compounds, which are decomposed 
 by acids, the starch being precipitated. It is thrown down from its solution 
 by lime-water and baryta-water, forming insoluble compounds with these 
 earths. The solution of subacetate of lead precipitates it in combination with 
 the oxide of the metal. Starch may be made to unite with tannin by boiling 
 their solutions together; and a compound results, which, though retained by 
 the water while hot, is deposited when it cools. By long boiling with diluted 
 sulphuric, muriatic, or oxalic acid, it is converted first into dextrine ,* and 
 ultimately into a saccharine substance similar to the sugar of grapes. A 
 similar conversion into dextrine and the sugar of grapes is effected by means 
 of a principle called diastase, discovered by MM. Payen and Persoz in the 
 seeds of barley, oats, and wheat, after germination. (See Hordeum.) Strong 
 muriatic and nitric acids dissolve it ; and the latter, by the aid of heat, con- 
 verts it into oxalic and malic acids. Concentrated sulphuric acid decomposes 
 it. Mixed with hot water, and exposed to a temperature of 70 or 80°, it 
 undergoes fermentation, which results in the formation of several distinct 
 principles, among which are sugar, a gummy substance (perhaps dextrine), 
 and a modification of starch which De Saussure called amuline. 
 
 The tegumentary portion of starch, for which the name of amylin has been 
 proposed, when entirely freed from the interior soluble matter, is wholly in- 
 soluble in water even by prolonged boiling, is insoluble in alcohol, and is 
 said to suffer no change by the action of diastase. The acids, however, act 
 upon it as they do upon starch. It approaches nearer in properties to lignin 
 than to any other principle. 
 
 Starch, as obtained from different substances, is somewhat different in its 
 characters. Wheat starch, when examined with a microscope, is found to 
 consist of granules of various sizes, the smaller being spheroidal, the larger 
 rounded and flattened, with the hylum in the centre of the flattened surface, 
 and surrounded by concentric rings, which often extend to the edge. The 
 granules are mixed with loose integuments, resulting from the process of 
 grinding. This variety of starch has a certain degree of hardness and ad- 
 hesiveness, owing, according to Guibourt, to the escape of a portion of the 
 interior substance of the broken granules, which attracts some moisture from 
 the air, and thus becoming glutinous, acts as a bond between those which 
 remain unbroken. Another opinion attributes this peculiar consistence to 
 the retention of a portion of the gluten of the wheat flour, which causes the 
 granules to cohere. Potato starch is employed in various forms, being pre- 
 pared so as to imitate more costly amylaceous substances, such as arrow-root 
 
 * Dextrine is a substance resembling gum in appearance and properties, but differing 
 from it in not affording mucic acid by the action of nitric acid. It is largely dissolved by 
 water, hot or cold, and forms a mucilaginous solution, from which it is precipitated by 
 alcohol. This fluid has no action on dextrine. Large quantities of dextrine are now 
 manufactured in England, and employed for various purposes in the arts, under the name 
 of artificial gum. It is found in the market in the form ofmucilage, in that of a white bril- 
 liant powder, and in small masses or fragments resembling natural gum. According to 
 M. Emile Thomas, it may be distinguished from gum Arabic by the taste and smell of 
 potato oil which it always possesses. It is made by the action either of acids or of dias- 
 tase on starch. For particulars as to the manufacture, the reader is referred to a paper 
 by M. Thomas, republished in the American Journal of Pharmacy, vol. xix. p. 284. 
 
96 Amylum. — Anethum. part i. 
 
 and sago. In its ordinary state, it is more pulverulent than wheat starch, 
 has a somewhat glistening appearance, and may he distinguished, with the 
 aid of the microscope, by the size of its granules, which are larger than those 
 of any other known fecula, except canna or tons les mens. They are exceed- 
 ingly diversified in size and shape, though their regular form is thought to 
 be ovate. They are characterized by concentric rings or rugae, which are 
 most readily distinguishable in the fresh starch, and are said by Ilaspail to 
 disappear upon desiccation. These surround a minute circular hole or bylum 
 upon the surface of the granule. Iu some instances there are two of these 
 holes, one at each end, or both at the same end. The characters of other 
 kinds of fecula will be given under the heads of the several officinal sub- 
 stances of which they constitute the whole or a part. Starch consists of 
 carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ; its formula, from whatever source it may he 
 derived, being, according to the latest opinions, C 12 H 10 O 10 . 
 
 According to Chevallier, starch is sometimes adulterated with carbonate 
 and sulphate of lime, and the fraud is also practised of saturating it with 
 moisture, of which it will absorb 12 per cent, without any obvious change. 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. Starch is nutritive and demulcent, hut in its 
 ordinary form is seldom administered internally. Powdered and dusted upon 
 the skin, it is sometimes used to absorb irritating secretions, and prevent ex- 
 coriation. Dissolved in hot water and allowed to cool, it is often employed 
 in enemata, either as a vehicle of other substances, or as a demulcent appli- 
 cation in irritated states of the rectum. It may he used as an antidote to 
 iodine taken iu poisonous quantities. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Amyli ; Enema Opii vel Anodynum ; Mucilago 
 Amyli; Pulvis Tragacanthm Compositus ; Trochisci Acaciae. W. 
 
 ANETHUM. Lond., Ed. 
 
 Dill Seeds. 
 
 Fruit of Anethum graveolens. Loud., Ed. 
 
 Anetk a odeur forte, Ft.; Dill, Germ.; Aneto, Ital.; Eneldo, Span. 
 
 Anethum. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Mat. Ord. Umbelliferae 
 or Apiaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Fruit nearly ovate, compressed, striated. Petals involuted, 
 entire. Wittd. 
 
 Anethum yraveolens. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1469; TToodv. Med.. Bot. p. 
 125, t. 48. Dill is an annual plant, three or four feet high, with a long, 
 spindle-shaped root; an erect, striated, jointed, branching stem; and bipin- 
 nate or tripinnate, glaucous leaves, which stand on sheathing footstalks, and 
 have linear and pointed leaflets. The flowers are yellow, and in large, flat, 
 terminal umbels, destitute of involucre. The plant is a native of Spain, Por- 
 tugal, and the South of France ; and is found growing wild in various parts of 
 Africa and Asia. It is cultivated in all the countries of Europe, and has 
 been introduced into our gardens. The seeds, as the fruit is commonly called, 
 are the only part used. They are usually rather more than a line in length, 
 and less than a line in breadth, of an oval shape, thin, concave on one side, 
 convex and striated on the other, of a brown colour, and surrounded by a yel- 
 lowish membranous expansion. Their smell is strong and aromatic, but less 
 agreeable than that of fennel-seed ; their taste, moderately warm and pungent. 
 These properties depend on a volatile oil, which maybe obtained separate by 
 distillation. It is of a pale yellow colour, and of the sp. gr. O'SSl. The 
 bruised seeds impart their virtues to alcohol and to boiling water. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Anetlmm. — Angelica. 
 
 97 
 
 Medical Properties. Dill seeds have the properties common to the aro- 
 matics, but are very seldom used in this country. They may be given in 
 powder or infusion. The dose is from fifteen grains to a drachm. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Anethi; Oleum Anethi. W. 
 
 ANGELICA. U.S. Secondary. 
 
 Angelica. 
 
 “ The root and herb of Angelica atropurpurea.” U. S. 
 
 Angelica. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. TJmbelli ferae 
 or Apiaceae. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Fruit elliptic, compressed, somewhat solid and corticate, ridges 
 three, dorsal acute, intervals grooved, margin alated. Gen. involucre none. 
 ( Sprengel .) Umbel large, many-rayed, spreading; umbeUet dense, subhemi- 
 spheric; involucell about eight-leaved. Calyx five-toothed. Petals inflected. 
 Nutt all. 
 
 Angelica atropurpurea. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1480. This indigenous 
 species of Angelica, sometimes called mastericort, has a perennial purplish 
 root, aud a smooth herbaceous stem, the dark colour of which has given rise 
 to the specific name of the plant. The leaves are ternate, and supported by 
 very large inflated petioles. The partitions of the leaf are nearly quinate, 
 with ovate, acute, deeply serrate, somewhat lobed leaflets, of which the three 
 terminal are confluent. The flowers are greenish-white. 
 
 The purple angelica extends throughout the United States from Canada to 
 Carolina, growing in meadows and marshy woods, and flowering in June and 
 July. It is smaller than A. Archangelica, with a less succulent stem. The 
 whole plant is officinal. It has a strong odour, and a warm aromatic taste. 
 The juice of the recent root is acrid, and is said to be poisonous; but the 
 acrimony is dissipated by drying. 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. The medical virtues of the plant are similar to 
 those of the garden angelica of Europe, for which it has been proposed as a 
 substitute. It is, however, little employed. An infusion is occasionally 
 used in flatulent colic ; and we are told that the stems are sometimes candied 
 by the country people. W. 
 
 ANGELICA. Ed. 
 
 Garden Angelica. 
 
 Root of Angelica Arclrangelica. Ed. 
 
 Augelique, Ft.; Engelwurzel, Germ.; Arcangelica, Ital.; Angelica, Span. 
 
 Angelica. See ANGELICA. U. S. 
 
 Angelica Archangelica. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1428; Woodv. Med. Pot, p. 
 86, t. 35. — Archangelica officinalis. Hoch, De Cand., &c. Garden angelica 
 has a long, thick, fleshy, biennial root, furnished with many fibres, and send- 
 ing up annually a hollow, jointed, round, channelled, smooth, purplish stem, 
 which rises five feet or more in height, and divides into numerous branches. 
 The leaves, which stand upon round fistulous footstalks, are very large, doubly 
 pinnate, with ovate lanceolate, pointed, acutely serrate leaflets, of which the 
 terminal one is three-lobed. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and dis- 
 posed in very large, many-rayed, terminal umbels, composed of numerous 
 dense, hemispherical umbellets. 
 
 This plant is a native of the north of Europe, and is found in the high 
 
98 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Angelica. — Angustura. 
 
 mountainous regions in the southern section of that continent, as in Switzer- 
 land and among the Pyrenees. It is cultivated in various parts of Europe, 
 and may be occasionally met with in the gardens of this country. It flowers 
 during the summer. The whole plant has a fragrant odour and aromatic 
 properties; hut the root and fruit only are officinal. 
 
 1. The root should be dug up in the autumn of the first year, as it is then 
 least liable to become mouldy and worm-eaten. It is spindle-shaped, an 
 inch or more thick at top, and beset with long descending radicles. The 
 fresh root has a yellowish-gray epidermis, a fleshy yellow parenchyma, and 
 when wounded yields a honey-coloured juice, having all the aromatic proper- 
 ties of the plant. The dried root is grayish-brown and much wrinkled exter- 
 nally, whitish and spongy within, and breaks with a starchy fracture, exhi- 
 biting shining resinous points. It is very apt to be attacked by worms, and 
 is said to keep best, in the state of powder, in full and well closed vessels. 
 The smell is strong and fragrant, and the taste at first sweetish, afterwards 
 warm, aromatic, bitterish, and somewhat musky. These properties are ex- 
 tracted by alcohol, and less perfectly by water. The constituents of the root, 
 according to the younger Buchner, are volatile oil, a volatile acid which he 
 calls angelicic acid, a wax-like substance, a crystallizable sub-resin, a brittle 
 amorphous resin, a bitter principle, tannic acid, malic acid, sugar, starch, 
 albumen, pectic acid, fibrin, and various salts. ( Journ . de Pharm., Be sir. 
 ii. 124.) Five hundred parts yield nearly four parts of volatile oil. 
 
 2. The seeds, as the fruit is commonly called, are two or three lines long, 
 oval, obtuse or somewhat notched at the ends, flat and marked with a longi- 
 tudinal furrow on one side, convex with three angular ridges on the other. 
 They are ash-coloured, and have the same smell and taste as the root. They 
 are said to keep well. 
 
 Medical Properties. Angelica is an elegant aromatic tonic, but is little 
 employed in the United States. The Laplanders, in whose country it flou- 
 rishes, are said to esteem it highly as a condiment and medicine. In Europe, 
 the stems are frequently made into a preserve, and used in desserts in order 
 to excite the stomach. The dose of the root or seeds is from thirty grains 
 to a drachm. W. 
 
 ANGUSTURA. U. S. 
 
 Angustura Baric. 
 
 The bark of Galipea officinalis. Hancoclc. U. S. 
 
 Off. Sgn. CUSFA RIA. Galipea Cusparia. Cortex. Lond.; CUSPABIA. 
 Bark of Galipea officinalis. Ed. 
 
 Angusture, Fr. ; Angusturarinde, Germ.; Corteccia dell’ Angustura, Iial.; Corteza 
 de Angostura, Span. 
 
 The subject of Angustura bark, in its botanical relations, has been in- 
 volved in some confusion. The drug was at first supposed to be derived 
 from a species of Magnolia, and was referred by some to Magnolia glauca 
 of this country. Humboldt and Bonpland were the first to throw light upon 
 its true source. When at Angustura, a South American city on the Orinoco, 
 they received specimens of the foliage of the plant from which the bark 
 was obtained ; and afterwards believed that they had found the same plant 
 in a tree growing in the vicinity of Cumana. This latter they had the 
 opportunity of personally inspecting, and were therefore enabled to describe 
 accurately. Unable to attach it to auy known genus, they erected it into a 
 new one, with the title of Cusparia, a name of Indian origin, to which they 
 added the specific appellation of febrifuga. On their authority Cusparia 
 
PART I. 
 
 Angustura. 
 
 99 
 
 febrifuga was generally believed to be the true source of the medicine, and 
 was recognised as such by the London College. A specimen having in the 
 meantime been sent by them to Willdenow, the name of Bonplandia was 
 imposed on the new genus by that celebrated botanist ; and was subsequently 
 adopted by Humboldt and Bonpland themselves, in their great work on equi- 
 noctial plants. Hence the title of Bonplandia trifoliata, by which the tree 
 is described in many works on Materia Medica. De Candolle, however, hav- 
 ing fouud in the description all the characters of the genus Galipea of 
 Aublet, rejected both these titles, and substituted that of Galipea Cuspciria, 
 which has been adopted by the London College. But, after all these com- 
 mutations, it appears from the researches of Dr. Hancock, who resided for 
 several months in the country of the Angustura bark tree, that the plant 
 described by LIumboldt and Bonpland is not that which yields the medicine, 
 but probably another species of the same genus. Among other striking 
 differences between them is that of their size; the tree described by Hum- 
 boldt and Bonpland being not less than sixty or eighty feet in height, while 
 that from which the bark is obtained is never more than twenty feet. 
 Hancock proposes for the latter the title of Galipea officinalis, which has 
 been adopted in the U. S. and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias. 
 
 Galipea. Sex. Syst. Diandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Rutaceae. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Corolla inferior, irregular, four or five cleft, hypocrateriform. 
 Stamens four; two sterile. Loudon’s Eneyc. 
 
 Galipea officinalis. Hancock, Trans. Loud. Medico-Bot. Soc. This is a 
 small tree, irregularly branched, rising to the medium height of twelve or 
 fifteen feet, with an erect stem from three to five inches in diameter, and 
 covered with a smooth gray bark. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, and 
 composed of three leaflets, which are oblong, pointed at each extremity, from 
 six to ten inches in length, from two to four in breadth, and supported upon 
 the common petiole by short leafstalks. They are very smooth and glossy, 
 of a vivid green colour, marked occasionally with small whitish round spots, 
 and, when fresh, of a strong odour resembling that of tobacco. The flowers 
 are numerous, white, arranged in axillary and terminal peduncled racemes, and 
 of a peculiar unpleasant odour. The fruit consists of five bivalve capsules, of 
 which two or three are commonly abortive. The seeds, two of which are con- 
 tained in each capsule, one often abortive, are round, black, and of the size of 
 a pea. The tree grows abundantly on the mountains of Carony, between the 
 7th and 8th degrees of N. Latitude; and is well known in the missions, near 
 the Orinoco, upwards of two hundred miles from the ocean. It flourishes at 
 the height of from six hundred to one thousand feet above the level of the 
 sea. Its elegant wdiite blossoms, which appear in vast profusion in August 
 and September, add greatly to the beauty of the scenery. 
 
 The bark is generally brought from the West Indies packed in casks ; but, 
 according to Mr. Brande, the original package, as it comes from Angustura, 
 consists of the leaves of a species of palm, surrounded by a network of sticks. 
 
 Properties. The pieces are of various lengths, for the most part slightly 
 curved, rarely quilled, sometimes nearly flat, from half a line to aline or more 
 in thickness, pared away towards the edges, covered externally with a light 
 yellowish-gray or whitish wrinkled epidermis, easily scraped by the nail, and 
 internally of a yellowish-fawn colour. They are very fragile, breaking with 
 a short, resinous fracture, and yield, on being pulverized, a pale yellow pow- 
 der; but, when macerated for a short time iu water, they become soft and 
 tenacious, and may be cut into strips with scissors. The smell of Angustura 
 bark is peculiar and disagreeable when fresh, but becomes fainter with age ; 
 the taste is bitter and slightly aromatic, leaving a sense of pungency at the 
 end of the tongue. According to Fischer, it contains volatile oil, bitter 
 
100 Angustura. part i. 
 
 extractive, a hard and bitter resin, a soft resin, a substance analogous to 
 caoutchouc, gum, lignin, and various salts. Ihe volatile oil, which may be 
 obtained by distillation with water, is of a pale yellowish colour, lighter than 
 water, of an acrid taste, and with the odour of the bark. Cusparin is the name 
 given by Saladin to a principle, deposited in tetrahedral crystals, when an 
 infusion of the bark is treated with absolute alcohol, at common tempera- 
 tures, and allowed to evaporate spontaneously. It is neutral, fusible at a 
 gentle heat, by which it loses 23'09 per cent, of its weight, soluble in 200 
 parts of cold and 100 parts of boiling water, soluble in the concentrated acids 
 and in the alkalies, and precipitated by the infusion of galls. (./. de Pliarm., 
 xxii. 662.) The virtues of the bark probably reside in the volatile oil, and 
 bitter principles. They are extracted by water and alcohol. 
 
 I)r. A. T. Thomson states that precipitates are produced with the infusion 
 by the solutions of sulphate of iron, tartrate of antimony and potassa, sulphate 
 of copper, acetate and subacetate of lead, bichloride of mercury, nitrate of 
 silver, and pure potassa; by nitric and sulphuric acids; and by the infusions 
 of galls and yellow cinchona ; but how far these substances are medicinally 
 incompatible with the bark, it would be difficult to determine. 
 
 False Angustura. Under this title, the European writers on Materia 
 Medica describe a bark which was introduced on the continent mixed with 
 true Angustura bark, and possessing poisonous properties, producing in some 
 instances unpleasant effects when prescribed by mistake for that medicine. 
 It is distinguished by its greater thickness, hardness, weight, and compact- 
 ness ; by its resinous fracture ; by the. appearance of its epidermis, which is 
 sometimes covered with a ferruginous efflorescence, sometimes is yellowish- 
 gray, and marked with prominent white spots; by the brownish colour and 
 smoothness of its internal surface, which is not, like that of the genuine 
 bark, separable into laminae ; by the white slightly yellow powder which it 
 yields; by its total want of odour, and its intense tenacious bitterness. 
 When steeped in water, it does not become soft like the true Angustura. 
 Analyzed by Pelletier and Caventou, it was found to contain a peculiar 
 alkaline principle which they called brucia, and upon which its poisonous 
 operation depends. (See A lux Vomica.) In consequence of the presence of 
 this principle, a drop of nitric acid upon the internal surface of the bark 
 produces a deep blood-red spot. The same acid, applied to the external sur- 
 face, renders it emerald-green. In true Angustura bark, a dull red colour 
 is produced by the acid on both surfaces. The false Angustura was at first 
 supposed to be derived from Brucea antidysenterica ; and was afterwards re- 
 ferred to some unknown species of Strychnos, in consequence of containing 
 brucia , which is a characteristic ingredient of that genus of plants. At pre- 
 sent, it is ascribed to Strychnos Nux vomica , the bark of which, according 
 to Dr. O’Shaughnessy, exactly corresponds with the description of Angustura, 
 and like it contains brucia. Little of this bark reaches the United States. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Angustura bark had been long used by the 
 natives of the country where it grows, before it became known elsewhere. 
 From the continent its employment extended to the West Indies, where it 
 acquired considerable reputation. It was first taken to Europe about seventy 
 years since. It is now ranked among the officinal remedies throughout 
 Europe and America ; but it has not sustained its early reputation, and in 
 the United States is not much prescribed. Its operation is that of a stimu- 
 lant tonic. In large doses it also evacuates the stomach and bowels, and is 
 often employed for this purpose in South America. It was at one time con- 
 siderably used as a febrifuge in the place of Peruvian bark; but has not been 
 found generally successful in the intermittents of northern latitudes. It is 
 said to be peculiarly efficacious in bilious diarrhoeas and dysenteries ; and 
 
PART I. 
 
 101 
 
 Angustura. — Anisum. 
 
 las been recommended in dyspepsia, and other diseases in which a tonic treat- 
 ment is demanded. The testimony, however, of practitioners in Europe and 
 the United States, is not strongly in its favour; and it is probably better 
 adapted to tropical diseases than to those of temperate climates. Hancock 
 employed it extensively in the malignant bilious intermittent fevers, dysen- 
 teries, and dropsies of Angustura and Demerara ; and speaks in strong terms 
 of its efficacy in these complaints. He used it in the form of fermented 
 infusion, as recommended by the native practitioners. 
 
 It may be given in powder, infusion, tincture, or extract. The dose in 
 substance is from ten to thirty grains. In larger quantities it is apt to pro- 
 duce nausea. From five to fifteen grains is the dose of the extract, which, 
 however, according to Hr. Hancock, is inferior to the powder or infusion. To 
 obviate nausea, it is frequently combined with aromatics. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Angusturas ; Tinctura Cuspariae. W. 
 
 ANISUM. U. S., Loncl., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Anise. 
 
 The fruit of Pimpinella Anisum. U. S., Bond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Graines d’anis, Fr. ; Anissame, Germ.; Semi d’aniso, Ilal.; Simiente de anis, Span.; 
 Anison, Arab. 
 
 Pimpinella. Sex. Sgst. Pentandria Digynia. — Ndt.Ord. Umbelliferse or 
 Apiaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Fruit ovate oblong. Petals inferior. Stigma nearly globular. 
 mild. 
 
 Pimpinella Anisum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1473 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 135, 
 t. 52. This is an annual plant, about a foot in height, with an erect, smooth, 
 and branching stem. The leaves are petiolate, the lower roundish-cordate, 
 lobed, incised-serrate, the middle pinnate-lobed with cuneate or lanceolate 
 lobes, the upper trifid, undivided, linear. The flowers are white, and in term- 
 inal compound umbels, destitute of involucres. 
 
 The anise plant is a native of Egypt and the Levant, but has been intro- 
 duced into the south of Europe, and is cultivated in various parts of that 
 continent. It is also cultivated occasionally in the gardens of this country. 
 The fruit is abundantly produced in Malta and Spain. The Spanish is smaller 
 than the German or French, and is usually preferred. 
 
 Anise seeds (botanically fruit) are about a line in length, oval, striated, 
 somewhat downy, attached to their footstalks, and of a light greenish-brown 
 colour, with a shade of yellow. Their odour is fragrant, and increased by 
 friction ; their taste warm, sweet, and aromatic. These properties, which 
 depend upon a peculiar volatile oil, are imparted sparingly to boiling water, 
 freely to alcohol. The volatile oil exists in the envelope of the seeds, and is 
 obtained separate by distillation. (See Oleum Anisi ) Their internal sub- 
 stance contains a bland fixed oil. By expression, a greenish oil is obtained, 
 which is a mixture of the two. The seeds are sometimes adulterated with 
 small fragments of argillaceous earth, which resembles them in colour ; and 
 their aromatic qualities are occasionally impaired by a slight fermentation, 
 which they are apt to undergo in the mass, when collected before maturity. 
 
 A case of poisoning is on record from the accidental admixture of the 
 fruits of Oonium maculatum, which bear some resemblance to those of anise, 
 but may be distinguished by their crenate or notched ridges. They are, more- 
 over, broader in proportion to their length, and are generally separated into 
 half-fruits, while those of anise are whole. 
 
 The Star aniseed l, the badiane of the French writers, though analogous in 
 
102 
 
 Anisum. — Anthemis. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 sensible properties to the common aniseed, is derived from a different plant, 
 being the fruit of Itticium anisatum, an evergreen tree growing in China, 
 Japan, and Tartary. The fruit consists of from five to ten brownish ligneous 
 capsules, four or five lines long, united together in the form of a star, each 
 containing a brown shining seed. It is much used in France to flavour liquors ; 
 and the volatile oil, upon which its aromatic properties depend, is imported 
 into this country from the East Indies, and sold as common oil of anise, to 
 which, however, it is thought by some to be much superior. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Anise is a grateful aromatic carminative ; 
 and, like several other fruits of a similar character, is supposed to have the 
 property of increasing the secretion of milk. It has been in use from the 
 earliest times. In Europe it is much employed in flatulent colic, and as a 
 corrigent of griping or unpleasant medicines; but in this country fennel-seed 
 is usually preferred. Anise may be given bruised, or in powder, in the dose 
 of twenty or thirty grains or more. The infusion is less efficient. The vola- 
 tile oil may be substituted for the seeds in substance. Much use is made of 
 this aromatic for imparting flavour to liquors. 
 
 Off. Prep. Oleum Anisi. W. 
 
 ANTHEMIS. U.S., Lond., Ed:, Dub. 
 
 Chamomile. 
 
 The flowers of Anthemis nobilis. U. S., Lond., Dub. The simple flowers. 
 Ed. 
 
 Camomille Romaine, Fr.; Romische Kamille, Germ.; Camomilla Romana, Ital.; 
 Manzanilla Romana, Span. 
 
 Anthemis. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia Superflua. — Mat. Orel. Composite 
 Senecionideas. De Cand. Asteracere. Lindley. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Receptacle chaffy. Seed down none or a membranaceous margin. 
 Calyx hemispherical, nearly equal. Florets of the ray more than five. Willd. 
 
 Several species of Anthemis have been employed in medicine. A. 'nobilis , 
 which is the subject of the present article, is by far the most important. A. 
 Cotula, or May-weed, is also recognised by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. (See 
 Cotulai) A. Pyrethrum, which affords the pellitory root, is among the offi- 
 cinal plants. (See Pyrethrum .) A. arvehsis, a native of this country and of 
 Europe, bears flowers which have an acrid bitter taste, and possess medical 
 properties analogous though much inferior to those of common chamomile. 
 They may be distinguished by their want of smell. L. tincloria is occasion- 
 ally employed as a tonic and vermifuge in Europe. 
 
 Anthemis nobilis. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 2180; Woodv. Med. Dot. p. 47, 
 t. 19. This is an herbaceous plant with a perennial root. The stems are 
 from six inches to a foot long, round, slender, downy, trailing, and divided 
 into branches, which turn upwards at their extremities. The leaves are bipin- 
 nate, the leaflets small, thread-like, somewhat pubescent, acute, and generally 
 divided into three segments. The flowers are solitary, with a yellow convex 
 disk, and white rays. The calyx is common to all the florets, of a hemi- 
 spherical form, and composed of several small imbricated hairy scales. The 
 receptacle is convex, prominent, and furnished with rigid bristle-like palese. 
 The florets of the ray are numerous, narrow, and terminated with three small 
 teeth The whole herb has a peculiar fragrant odour, and a bitter aromatic 
 taste. The flowers only are officinal. 
 
 This plant is a native of Europe, and grows wild in all the temperate 
 parts of that continent. It is also largely cultivated for medicinal purposes. 
 In France, Germany, and Italy, it is generally known by the name of Roman 
 
PART I. 
 
 Anthemis. 
 
 103 
 
 chamomile. By cultivation the yellow disk florets are often converted into 
 the white ray florets. Thus altered, the flowers are said to be double, while 
 those which remain unchanged are called single ; but, as the conversion may 
 be more or less complete, it generally happens that with each of the varieties 
 •there are intermingled some flowers of the other kind, or in different stages 
 of the change. The double flowers are generally preferred ; though, as the 
 sensible properties are found in the greatest degree in the disk, the single are 
 the most powerful. On this account, the latter were formerly exclusively 
 directed by the London College, and still are so by the Edinburgh College. 
 It is rather, however, in aromatic flavour than in bitterness, that the radial 
 florets are surpassed by those of the disk. If not well and quickly dried, the 
 flowers lose their beautiful white colour, and are less efficient. Those which 
 are whitest should be preferred. The seeds yield by expression a fixed oil, 
 which is said to be applied in Europe to various economical uses.* 
 
 Though not a native of America, chamomile grows wild in some parts of 
 this country, and is occasionally cultivated in our gardens for family use, the 
 whole herb being employed. The medicine, as found in our shops, consists 
 chiefly of the double flowers, and is imported from Germany and England. 
 From the former country are also occasionally imported, under the name of 
 chamomile, the flowers of Matricaria Chamomilla, a plant belonging to the 
 same family as Anthemis, and possessing similar properties. (See Matricaria.) 
 
 Properties. Chamomile flowers, as usually found in the shops, are large, 
 almost spherical, of a dull-white colour, a fragrant odour, and a warmish, 
 bitter, aromatic taste. “When fresh, their smell is much stronger, and was 
 fancied by the ancients to resemble that of the apple. Hence the name 
 chamsemelum (^auat. on the ground, and prj'kov an apple) ; and it is some- 
 what singular that the Spanish name manzanilla (a little apple) has a similar 
 signification. The flowers impart their odour and taste to both water and 
 alcohol, the former of which, at the boiling temperature, extracts nearly one- 
 fourth of their weight. They contain a volatile oil, a bitter principle, resin, 
 gum, a small quantity of tannin, and various salts. The first two are probably 
 their active ingredients. (See Oleum Anthemidis.) A volatile acid, in 
 minute proportion, has been obtained from them by Schendler, said greatly 
 to resemble, if it be not identical with valerianic acid. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Chamomile is a mild tonic, in small doses 
 acceptable and corroborant to the stomach, in larger quantities capable of 
 acting as an emetic. In cold infusion it is often advantageously used in 
 cases of enfeebled digestion, whether occurring as an original affection, or 
 consequent upon some acute disease. It is especially applicable to that con- 
 dition of general debility, with languid appetite, which often attends conva- 
 
 * To tliose who may be disposed to cultivate the flowers for the shops, the following 
 statements made by Mr. Jacob Bell, from observations at the flower gardens at Mitcham, 
 in Surrey, England, may not be without interest. The plant is usually propagated by 
 dividing the root, though the seeds are employed when it is desired to introduce new 
 varieties. Each root will serve as the source of thirty or forty plants. They are set in 
 rows a yard apart, at intervals of about eighteen inches. The proper period for plant- 
 ing is March; and the flowers are in perfection in July, but continue to appear 
 throughout the season. Extremely wet or extremely dry weather is injurious to the 
 crop. It is more productive in a rather heavy loam, than either in light sandy soil, or in 
 stiff clay. It requires little manure, but attention to weeding is necessary. Over-manur- 
 ing increases the leaves at the expense of the flowers. When gathered, the flowers are 
 dried upon canvass trays in a drying room, artificially warmed, where they remain about 
 a day. The crop varies from three to ten hundred weight per acre. The single flowers 
 are more productive than the double by weight ; but, as they command a less price, the 
 value of the crop is about the same. ( Pharrn . Journ. and Trans., x. 118 .) — Note to ninth 
 edition. 
 
104 
 
 Anthemis. — Antimonium. 
 
 PART r. 
 
 lescence from idiopathic fevers. As a febrifuge it has also acquired much repu- 
 tation, having been employed withadvantage in intermittents and remittents ; 
 but we have remedies so much more efficient in these affections, that it is now 
 seldom if ever employed. The tepid infusion is very often given to promote 
 the operation of emetic medicines, or to assist the stomach in relieving itself 
 when oppressed by its contents. The flowers are sometimes applied exter- 
 nally, in the form of fomentation, in cases of irritation or inflammation of 
 the abdominal viscera, and as a gentle incitant in flabby, ill-conditioned ul- 
 cers. The dose of the powder as a tonic is from half a drachm to a drachm 
 three or four times a day, or more frequently, according to the end proposed. 
 The infusion is usually preferred. The decoction and extract cannot exert 
 the full influence of the medicine; as the volatile oil, upon which its virtues 
 partly depend, is driven off at the boiling temperature. 
 
 Off Prep. Extractum Anthemidis ; Infusum Anthemidis; Oleum An- 
 themidis. W. 
 
 ANTIMONIUM. 
 
 Antimony. 
 
 Stibium, Lat.; Antimoine, Ft.; Antimon, Spiessglanz, Germ.; Antimonio, Span., 
 Iial. 
 
 Metallic antimony, sometimes called regulus of antimony, is not officinal 
 in the British or United States Pharmacopoeias; but, as it enters into the 
 composition of a number of important pharmaceutical preparations, we have 
 thought it proper to notice it under a distinct head. 
 
 Antimony exists in nature, 1. uncombined; 2. as an oxide; 3. as a tersul- 
 phuret; and 4. as a sulphuretted oxide. It is found principally in France 
 and Germany. 
 
 Extraction. All the antimony of commerce is extracted from the native 
 tersulphuret. The ore is first separated from its gangue by fusion. It is then 
 reduced to powder, and placed on the floor of a reverberatory furnace; where 
 it is subjected to a gentle heat, being constantly stirred about with an iron 
 rake. The heat should not be sufficient to cause fusion. This process of 
 roasting is known to be completed, when the matter is brought to the state 
 of a dull grayish-white powder, called antimony ash. By this treatment 
 the antimony is partly teroxidized, and partly converted into antimonious 
 acid ; while nearly all the sulphur is dissipated in the form of sulphurous 
 acid gas : a portion of tersulphuret, however, remains undecomposed. The 
 matter is then mixed either with tartar, or with charcoal impregnated with a 
 concentrated solution of carbonate of soda, and the mixture heated in cruci- 
 bles, placed in a melting furnace. The charcoal reduces the teroxide of 
 antimony, while the alkali unites with the undecomposed tersulphuret, and 
 forms with it melted scorim, which cover the reduced metal, and diminish 
 its loss by volatilization. 
 
 Antimony is imported into the United States principally from France, 
 packed in casks. A portion is also shipped from Trieste, from Holland, 
 and occasionally from Cadiz. The Spanish antimony is generally in the 
 form of pigs; the French, in circular cakes of about ten inches in diameter, 
 flat on one side and convex on the other; the English, in cones. The 
 French is most esteemed. 
 
 Properties, &c. The time of the discovery of antimony is not known; 
 but Basil Valentine was the first to describe the method of obtaining it, in 
 his work entitled Ourrus Triumphalis Antimonu, published towards the end 
 of the fifteenth century. It is a brittle, brilliant metal, ordinarily of a la- 
 
PART I. 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 105 
 
 mellated texture, of a silver-white colour when pure, but bluish-white as it 
 occurs in commerce. When rubbed between the fingers, it imparts a sensible 
 odour. Its equivalent number is 129, symbol Sb, sp.gr. 6*7, and fusing 
 point 810°, or about a red heat. On cooling after fusion, it assumes an ap- 
 pearance on the surface bearing some resemblance to a fern leaf. When 
 strongly heated, it burns with the emission of white vapours, consisting of ter- 
 oxide, formerly called argentine flowers of antimony. A small portion being 
 fused, and then thrown from a moderate height upon a flat surface, divides 
 into numerous globules, which burn rapidly as they move along. It forms 
 three combinations with oxygen ; one oxide — teroxide of antimony, and two 
 acids — antimonious and antimonic acids. The teroxide contains three, anti- 
 monious acid four, and antimonic acid five eqs. of oxygen, combined with 
 one of the metal. In addition to these, a suboxide is said to exist, which, 
 according to Marchand, has a composition represented by the formula, Sb 3 0 4 . 
 It may be obtained by decomposing a solution of tartar emetic by a Grove's 
 battery. The teroxide will be noticed under the head of Antimonii Oxidum. 
 Antimonic acicl is a lemon-coloured powder, which may be prepared by oxi- 
 dizing the metal by digestion in nitric acid, and then driving off the excess 
 of nitric acid by a heat not exceeding 600°. When exposed to a red heat, 
 it parts with oxygen, and is converted into antimonious acid. This is a white 
 powder, and, though medicinally inert, frequently forms a large proportion 
 of the preparation called antimonial powder. (See Pulvis Antimonialis .) 
 
 Antimony is officinal in the following states of combination: — 
 
 I. Sulphuretted : — 
 
 Antimonii Sulphuretum, U. S., Ed., Dub. ; Antimonii Tersulphu- 
 retum, Lond. 
 
 Antimonii Sulphuretum Praeparatum, Dub. 
 
 Antimonii Sulphuretum Praecipitatum, U. S., Dub. ; Antimonii Oxy- 
 sulphuretum, Lond.; Antimonii Sulphuretum Aureum, Ed. 
 
 II. Oxidized: — 
 
 Teroxide. Antimonii Oxidum, Ed. ; Antimonii Oxydum, Dub. 
 
 Teroxide combined with tartaric acid and potassa. Antimonii et 
 Potassae Tartras, U. S. ; Antimonii Potassio-Tartras, Lond. ; An- 
 timonium Tartarizatum, Ed., Dub. Dissolved in wine. Yinum 
 Antimonii, U. S. ; Yinum Antimonii Potassio-Tartratis, Lond.; 
 Yinum Antimoniale, Ed. Dissolved in dilute alcohol. Antimonii 
 Tartarizati Liquor, Dub. Mixed with lard. Unguentum Anti- 
 monii, U.S.; Ung. Antimonii Potassio-Tartratis, Loncl.; Ung. 
 Antimoniale, Ed.; Ung. Antimonii Tartarizati, Dub. 
 
 Teroxide and antimonious acid, mixed with phosphate of lime. Pulvis 
 Antimonialis, Ed., Dub.; Pulvis Antimonii Compositus, Loiul. 
 III. Combined with Chlorine : — 
 
 Antimonii Terchloridi Liquor, Dub. 
 
 The antimonial preparations are active in proportion to their solubility in 
 the gastric juice, xiccording to Mialhe, all those antimonials which contain 
 the hydrated teroxide, or are easily converted into it, are most active. Hence 
 metallic antimony in fine powder, and tartar emetic act with energy. The 
 teroxide is much more active when prepared in the moist than in the dry 
 way. According to Serullas, all the antimonial preparations, except tartar 
 emetic and butter or terchloride of antimony, contain a minute proportion of 
 arsenic. Tartar emetic is an exception, because, according to this chemist, 
 it separates entirely, in the act of crystallizing, from any minute portion of 
 arsenic in the materials from which it is prepared; the poisonous metal being 
 left behind in the mother-waters of the process. B. 
 
106 
 
 Apocynum Androssemifolium. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 ANTIMONI1 SULPHURETUM. U. S., Ed., Dab. 
 
 Sulphur et of Antimony. 
 
 Native tersulphuret of antimony, purified by fusion. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. ANTIMONII TERSULPHURETUM. Lond. 
 
 Artificial sulphuret of antimony ; Antimoine sulfure, Fr.; Schwefelantimon, Schwe- 
 felspiessglanz, Germ.; Solf'uro d’antimonio, Ilal.; Antimonio crudo, Span. 
 
 Preparation, &c. The sulphuret of antimony of the Pharmacopoeias is 
 obtained from the native sulphuret, technically called antimony ore , by differ- 
 ent processes of purification ; the following being an outline of that generally 
 pursued. The ore is placed in melting pots in a circular reverberatory fur- 
 nace, and these are made to connect, by means of curved earthen tubes, with 
 the receiving pots, situated outside the furnace. This arrangement affords 
 facilities for removing the residue of the operation, and allows of the col- 
 lection of the melted sulphuret, without interrupting the fire, and, conse- 
 quently, without loss of time or fuel. 
 
 Properties , c fie. Sulphuret of antimony is mostly prepared in France and 
 Germany. It is called in commerce, antimony, or crude antimony, and 
 occurs in fused roundish masses, denominated loaves. These are dark-gray 
 externally, and exhibit internally, when broken, a brilliant steel-gray colour, 
 and a striated crystalline texture. Their goodness depends upon their com- 
 pactness and weight, and the largeness and distinctness of the fibres. The 
 quality of the sulphuret cannot well be judged of, except in mass ; hence it 
 ought never to be bought in powder. It is entirely soluble in muriatic acid, 
 by the aid of heat, with the evolution of sulphuretted hydrogen. The muri- 
 atic solution, when added to water, is decomposed with the production of a 
 white powder (oxychloride of antimony'). If the muriatic acid should have 
 dissolved some lead or copper, the filtered solution, after the precipitation of 
 the white powder, will give a dark-coloured precipitate with sulphuretted 
 hydrogen ; but if these metals should be absent, it will yield, with the same 
 test, an orange-coloured precipitate, derived from a small quantity of anti- 
 mony, not throwu down by the water. Arsenic may be detected by the 
 usual tests for that metal. (See Acidum Arseniosmn.') 
 
 Composition. The officinal sulphuret of antimony is a tersulphuret, con- 
 sisting of one eq. of antimony 129, and three of sulphur 48 = 177- 
 
 Sulphuret of antimony requires to be levigated in order to fit it for medi- 
 cinal use. (See Antimonii Sulphuretum Praeparalum.') 
 
 Off. Prep. Antimonii et Potassse Tartras ; Antimonii Oxidum ; Antimonii 
 Sulphuretum Prascipitatum ; Antimonii Sulphuretum Pr£eparatum; Pulvis 
 Antimonialis. B. 
 
 APOCYNUM ANDROSSEMIFOLIUM. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Doffs-bane. 
 
 The root of Apocynum androssemifolium. U. S. 
 
 Apocynum. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Apocynaceas. 
 
 Gen. Cli. Calyx very small, five-cleft, persistent. Corolla campanulate, 
 half five-cleft,, lobes revolute, furnished at the base with five dentoid glands 
 alternating with the stamens. Anthers connivent, sagittate, cohering to the 
 stigma by the middle. Style obsolete. Stigma thick and acute. Follicles 
 long and linear. Seed comose. Nnttall. 
 
 Apocynum androssemifolium. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1259; Bigelow, Am. 
 
part i. Apocynum Cannabinum. 107 
 
 Med. Bot. ii. 148. Dog’s-bane is an indigenous, perennial, herbaceous 
 plant, from three to six feet in height, and abounding in a milky juice, 
 which exudes when the plant is wounded. The stem is erect, smooth, sim- 
 ple below, branched above, usually red on the side exposed to the sun, and 
 covered with a tough fibrous bark. The leaves are opposite, petiolate, ovate, 
 acute, entire, smooth on both sides, and two or three inches long. The flowers 
 are white, tinged with red, and grow in loose, nodding, terminal or axillary 
 cymes. The peduncles have very small acute bractes. The tube of the corolla 
 is longer than the calyx, and its border spreading. The fruit consists of a 
 pair of long, linear, acute follicles, containing numerous imbricated seeds, 
 attached to a central receptacle, and each furnished with a long seed-down. 
 
 The plant flourishes in all parts of the United States from Canada to the 
 Carolinas. It is found along fences and the skirts of woods, and flowers in 
 June and July. The root is the part employed. 
 
 This is large, and, like other parts of the plant, contains a milky juice. 
 Its taste is unpleasant and intensely bitter. Bigelow inferred from his 
 experiments that it contained bitter extractive, a red colouring matter soluble 
 in water and not in alcohol, caoutchouc, and volatile oil. 
 
 Medical Properties. The powder of the recently dried root acts as an 
 emetic in the dose of thirty grains ; and is said to be sometimes employed by 
 practitioners in the country for this purpose. By Dr. Zollickoffer it is con- 
 sidered a useful tonic, in doses of from ten to twenty grains. Dr. Bigelow 
 states that its activity is diminished, and eventually destroyed by keeping. 
 It is among the remedies employed by the Indians in lues venerea. W. 
 
 APOCYNUM CANNABINUM. U. S. Secondary. 
 Indian Hemp. 
 
 The root of Apocynum cannabinum. U. S. 
 
 Apocynum. See APOCYNUM ANDROSiEMIFOLIUM. 
 
 Apocynum cannabinum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1259 ; Knapp, Am. Med. 
 Rev. iii. 197. In general appearance and character, this species bears a close 
 resemblance to the preceding. The stems are herbaceous, erect, branching, 
 of a brown colour, and two or three feet in height; the leaves are opposite, 
 oblong-ovate, acute at both ends, and somewhat downy beneath ; the cymes 
 are paniculate, many-flowered, and pubescent; the corolla is small and green- 
 ish, with a tube not longer than the calyx, and an erect border ; the internal 
 parts of the flower are pinkish or purple. The plant grows in similar situa- 
 tions with A. androsasmifolium, flowers about the same period, and bears a 
 similar fruit. It abounds in a milky juice, and has a tough fibrous bark, 
 which, by maceration, affords a substitute for hemp. From this circumstance 
 its common name was derived. 
 
 The root, which is the officinal part, is horizontal, five or six feet in length, 
 about one-third of an inch thick, dividing near the end into branches which 
 terminate abruptly, of a yellowish-brown colour when young, but dark-chest- 
 nut when old, of a strong odour, and a nauseous, somewhat acrid, perma- 
 nently bitter taste. The internal or ligneous portion is yellowish-white, and 
 less bitter than the exterior or cortical part. The fresh root, when wounded, 
 emits a milky juice, which concretes into a substance resembling caoutchouc. 
 In the dried state, it is brittle and readily pulverized, affording a powder 
 like that of ipecacuanha. Dr. Knapp found it to contain a bitter principle, 
 extractive, tannin, gallic acid, resin, wax, caoutchouc, fecula, lignin, and a 
 peculiar active principle which he proposed to call apocynin. (Am. Med. Re- 
 view, iii. 197.) Dr. G-riscom, by a subsequent analysis, obtained similar 
 
108 Apocynum (Jannabinum. — Aqua. part I. 
 
 results, with the addition of gum. The root yields its virtues to water and 
 alcohol, hut, according to Dr. Griscom, most readily to the former. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. — Indian hemp is powerfully emetic and 
 cathartic, sometimes diuretic, and, like other emetic substances, promotes 
 diaphoresis and expectoration. It produces much nausea, diminishes the fre- 
 quency of the pulse, and appears to induce drowsiness independently of the 
 exhaustion consequent upon vomiting. The disease in which it has been 
 found most beneficial is dropsy. An aggravated case of ascites, under the 
 care of the late Dr. Joseph Parrish, was completely cured by the decoction 
 of the plant, which acted as a powerful hydragogue cathartic. Dr. Knapp 
 also found it useful in a case of dropsy. Other instances of its efficacy in 
 this complaint have been published by Dr. Griscom of New York. (Am. 
 Journ. of Med. Sciences, xii. 55.) From fifteen to thirty grains of the pow- 
 dered root will generally produce copious vomiting and purging. The 
 decoction is a more convenient form for administration. It may be prepared 
 by boiling half an ounce of the dried root in a pint and a half of water to a 
 pint, of which from one to two fluidounces may be given two or three times 
 a day, or more frequently if requisite. The watery extract, in doses of three 
 or four grains three times a day, will generally act on the bowels. W. 
 
 AQUA. U. S., Ed. 
 
 Water. 
 
 Natural water in the purest attainable state. U. S. Spring water. Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. AQUA FONTANA. Spring Water. Dub. 
 
 "T&Ȥ, Or. ; Eau, Ft.; Wasser, Germ.; Aequa, Ital.; Agua, Span. 
 
 Water has always been included, as an officinal, in the United States Phar- 
 macopceia, on account of its great importance as a medical and pharmaceutical 
 agent. It was not admitted into the officinal lists of the British Pharmaco- 
 poeias until the year 1839, when it was first recognised by the Edinburgh 
 College. Since then it has been made officinal by the Dublin College, in its 
 revised Pharmacopoeia of 1850. It is more or less concerned in almost all 
 the changes which take place in inorganic matter, and is essential to the 
 growth and existence of living beings, whether animal or vegetable. In 
 treating of a substance of such diversified agency, our limits will allow only 
 of a sketch of its properties and modifications. We shall speak of it under 
 the several heads of pure xcater, common water, and mineral waters. 
 
 Pure Water. Water, in a pure state, is a transparent liquid, without 
 colour, taste, or smell. Its sp. gr. is assumed to be unity, and forms the 
 term of comparison for that of all solids and liquids. A cubic inch of it, at 
 the temp, of 60°, weighs very nearly 252'5 grains. It is compressible to a 
 small extent, as was proved first by Canton, and afterwards, in an incontest- 
 able manner, by Perkins. Seduced in temp, to 32°, it becomes a solid or 
 ice; and raised to 212°, an elastic fluid called steam. In the state of steam 
 its bulk is increased nearly 1700 fold, and its sp. gr. so far diminished as not 
 to be much more than half that of atmospheric air. At the temp, of 39° its 
 density is at the maximum ; and consequently, setting out from that point, 
 it is increased in bulk by being either heated or cooled. It has the power of 
 dissolving more or less of all the gases, including common air, the constituents 
 of which are always present in natural water. It is uniformly present in the 
 atmosphere, in the form of an invisible vapour, even in the driest weather. 
 
 Water consists of one equivalent of hydrogen 1, and one of oxygen 8=9; 
 or, in volumes, of one volume of hydrogen and half a volume of oxygen, 
 condensed into one volume of aqueous vapour or steam. On these data, it is 
 
PART I. 
 
 109 
 
 Aqua. 
 
 easy to calculate the sp. gr. of steam; for its density will be 0'0689 (sp.gr. 
 of hydrogen) + 0 5512 (half the sp.gr. of oxygen)=0'6201. 
 
 Common Water. From the extensive solvent powers of water, it is ob- 
 vious that, in its natural state, it must be more or less contaminated with 
 foreign matter. This is found to be the case ; and, according to the nature 
 of the strata through which it percolates, it becomes variously impregnated. 
 When the foreign substances present are in so small an amount as not 
 materially to alter its taste and other sensible qualities, it constitutes the 
 different varieties of common water. 
 
 Common water possesses almost innumerable shades of difference, as ob- 
 tained from different localities and sources, but all its varieties may be con- 
 veniently arranged under the two heads of soft and hard. A soft water is 
 one which contains but inconsiderable impurities, and which, when used in 
 washing, forms a lather with soap. By a hard water is understood a variety 
 of water which contains one or more salts of lime, and, therefore, curdles 
 soap, and is unfit for domestic purposes. Tincture of soap is a convenient 
 and useful test for ascertaining the quality of water. In distilled water it 
 produces no effect ; in soft water, ouly a slight opalescence ; and in hard 
 water, a milky appearance. This latter appearance is due to the formation 
 of an insoluble compound between the oily acids of the soap, and the lime 
 of the calcareous salt. 
 
 The most usual foreign substances in common water, besides oxygen and 
 nitrogen, and matters held in a state of mechanical suspension, are carbonic 
 acid, sulphate and carbonate of lime, and chloride of sodium (common salt). 
 Carbonic acid is detected by lime-water, which produces a precipitate before 
 the water is boiled, but not afterwards, as ebullition drives off this acid. 
 The presence of sulphate of lime is shown by precipitates being produced by 
 nitrate of baryta, and, after ebullition, by oxalate of ammonia. The first test 
 shows the presence of sulphuric acid, and the latter indicates lime not held in 
 solution by carbonic acid. Carbonate of lime, when held in solution by an 
 excess of carbonic acid, may be detected by boiling the water, which causes it 
 to precipitate; but, even after ebullition and filtration, the water will retain 
 enough carbonate of lime to give a precipitate with acetate of lead, according 
 to the experiments of Prof. Connell, of St. Andrews. This result arises from 
 the fact that carbonate of lime is to a minute extent soluble in water. Nitrate 
 of silver will produce a precipitate, if any soluble chloride be present; and, 
 ordinarily, the particular one present may be assumed to be common salt. 
 
 It is generally supposed that the oxygen and nitrogen present in natural 
 waters are in the same proportion as in atmospheric air; but for the most part 
 the oxygen is in larger proportion. In atmospheric air, the oxygen amounts 
 to about 20 per cent, in volume ; but the usual gaseous mixture, expelled 
 from fresh water by boiling, contains about 32 per cent, of this gas. 
 
 Common water is also divided into varieties according to its source. Thus 
 we have rain, snow, spring, river, well, lake, and marsh water. 
 
 Rain and snoiv waters are the purest kinds of natural water, being, in 
 effect, produced by a natural distillation. Rain water, to be obtained as pure 
 as possible, must be collected in large vessels in the open fields, at a distance 
 from houses, and some time after the rain has commenced falling; otherwise 
 it will be contaminated with the dust which floats in the atmosphere, and 
 other impurities derived from roofs. The rain water of large cities contains 
 nitrogenized organic matter, as shown by the odour produced by burning the 
 residue, left when the water is evaporated to dryness. 
 
 Rain water ordinarily contains atmospheric air; and, according to Liebig, 
 a little nitric acid, if it descended during a storm. According to an analysis, 
 made by M. Martin, of rain water which fell at Marseilles during a violent 
 
110 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Aqua. 
 
 storm, 1000 parts by weight contained O'OOI parts of chlorine, and 0 -003 
 parts of ammonia. Not a trace of iodine or of nitric acid was discovered. 
 ( Chem . Gaz., Nov. 1853.) Snow water has a peculiar taste, which was 
 formerly supposed to depend on the presence of air more oxygenous than that 
 of the atmosphere; but in point of fact, when newly melted, it contains no 
 air, and this accounts for its vapid taste. Both rain and snow water are 
 sufficiently pure for employment in most chemical operations. 
 
 Spring water (aqua fontana) depends entirely for its quality on the strata 
 through which it flows; being purest when it passes through sand or gravel. 
 It almost always contains a trace of common salt, and generally other impu- 
 rities, which vary according to the locality of the spring. 
 
 River water (aqua fluvialis), generally speaking, is less impregnated with 
 saline matter than spring water, from its being made up in considerable part 
 of rains, and from its volume bearing so large a proportion to the surface of 
 its bed. On the other hand, it is much more apt to have mechanically sus- 
 pended in it certain insoluble matters, of a vegetable and earthy nature, 
 which impair its transparency. 
 
 Well water, like that from springs, is liable to contain various impurities. 
 As a general rule, the purity of the water of a well will be in proportion to 
 its depth, and the constancy with which it is used. Well water in large 
 cities always contains nitrates. {Dr. R. A. Smith.) They arise from the 
 rapid oxidation of nitrogenized organic matter, filtering through the soil. 
 The presence of nitrates in water prevents the formation of auy vegetable 
 matter, which cannot be detected by the microscope, even after it has been 
 long kept. Artesian or overflowing wells, on account of their great depth, 
 generally afford a pure water. 
 
 Lake water cannot be characterized as having any invariable qualities. 
 In most of the lakes in the United States, it is a pure and wholesome water. 
 
 Marsh water is generally stagnant, and contains vegetable remains under- 
 going decomposition. It is an unwholesome water, and ought never to be 
 used for medicinal purposes. 
 
 Common waters are apt to contain organic matter in solution, of the nature 
 of ulmin or gein. In order to ascertain whether its amount exceeds the 
 minute quantity usually present in good water, Dupasquier has proposed 
 chloride of gold as a test. From one to two fluidounces of the water to be 
 tested, is put into a small flask, and a few drops of solution of chloride of 
 gold, free from excess of muriatic acid, are added, so as to give the water a 
 slight yellow tint. The liquid is then boiled. If the water contain the ordi- 
 nary proportion of organic matter, the yellow tint remains unchanged ; but if 
 its quantity be greater than this, the liquid at first becomes brownish, and 
 afterwards violet or bluish, in consequence of the reduction of the gold. 
 
 The term Aqua, in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, may be considered as desig- 
 nating any natural water of good quality. In the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia 
 it means spring water, “so far at least free of saline matter as not to possess 
 the quality of hardness, or contain above a 6000th of solid matter.” A good 
 water may be known by its being limpid and without smell. It answers well 
 for the cooking of vegetables, and does not curdle soap. Upon the addition 
 of nitrate of baryta, nitrate of silver, or oxalate of ammonia, its transparency 
 is but slightly affected ; and, upon being evaporated to drjmess, it leaves but 
 an inconsiderable residue. 
 
 Water should never be kept in leaden cisterns, on account of the risk of 
 its dissolving a small portion of lead. This risk is greater in proportion to 
 the softness and purity of the water; for it is found that the presence of a 
 minute proportion of saline matter, as for example of a chloride or sulphate, 
 protects the water from the slightest metallic impregnation. Mr. R. Phil- 
 
PART I. 
 
 Ill 
 
 Aqua. 
 
 lips, jun., attributes tlie preservative power to sulphate of lime, and not to a 
 chloride, which would give rise to chloride of lead, which is slightly soluble. 
 The protection is afforded by an insoluble film on the surface of the lead, 
 formed by the decomposition of the saline matter. 
 
 The Schuylkill water , introduced into Philadelphia, possesses all the cha- 
 racteristics of a good water, except that it is occasionally turbid after heavy 
 rains. It contains, on an average, in a wine gallon, according to an analysis 
 by Prof. M. H. Boyh, of Philadelphia, 4'42 grains of foreign matter, nearly 
 one-half of which is carbonate of lime. It is perfectly free from lead, even 
 after standing in leaden pipes for thirty-six hours. {Prof. E. N. Horsford.') 
 The Croton water of New York is also a good water. A brackish or hard 
 water ought never to be employed in compounding prescriptions. For some 
 pharmaceutical processes, however, no natural water is sufficiently pure ; and 
 hence the necessity of resorting to distilled water. (See Aqua Destillata .) 
 
 Matters, mechanically suspended in a natural water, may be removed by 
 filtration through sand. On a large scale they may be separated by causing 
 the water to percolate a bed of gravel and sand. Rest, causing subsidence, 
 effects the same purpose, but in a less perfect manner, and requires time. 
 
 Mineral Waters. When natural waters are so far impregnated with 
 foreign substances as to have a decided taste and a peculiar operation on the 
 economy, they are called mineral icaters. These are conveniently arranged 
 under the four heads of carbonated , sulphuretted , chalybeate, and saline. 
 
 1. Carbonated waters are characterized by containing an excess of carbonic 
 acid, which gives them a sparkling appearance, and the power of reddening 
 litmus paper. These waters frequently contain the carbonates of lime, mag- 
 nesia, and iron, which are held in solution by the excess of carbonic acid. 
 The waters of Seltzer, Spa, and Pyrmont in Europe, and of the sweet springs 
 in Virginia, belong to this class. 
 
 2. Sulphuretted waters are such as contain sulphuretted hydrogen, and 
 are distinguished by the peculiar fetid smell of that gas, and by yielding a 
 brown precipitate with the salts of lead or silver. Examples of this kind 
 are the waters of Aix La Chapelle and Harrowgate in Europe, and those of 
 the white, red, and salt sulphur springs in Virginia. 
 
 8. Chalybeate waiters are characterized by a strong inky taste, and by 
 striking a black colour with the infusion of galls, and a blue one with ferro- 
 cyanuret of potassium. The iron is generally in the state of carbonate of the 
 protoxide, held in solution by excess of carbonic acid. By standing, the car- 
 bonic acid is given off, and the protoxide, by absorbing oxygen, is precipitated 
 as a hydrated sesquioxide of an oc-hreous colour. The principal chalybeate 
 waters are those of Tunbridge and Brighton in England, of Wies-baden in 
 Germany, and of Bedford, Pittsburg, and Brandywine in the United States. 
 The sediments of many of the chalybeate springs of Germany have been 
 ascertained by Walchner to contain both arsenic and copper in minute quan- 
 tities. These results have been confirmed by Dr. H. Will, who finds in some 
 of these springs a minute proportion of tin, lead, and antimony, in addition to 
 the arsenic and copper. In three springs Will found the ratio of the sesqui- 
 oxide of iron to the other metals to be, on an average, as 48 to 1. Accord- 
 ing to M. Lassaigne, these arseniferous sediments exert no poisonous action 
 on the inferior animals, a result which he attributes to the antidotal power 
 of the iron. 
 
 4. Saline waters are those, the predominant properties of whic-S depend 
 upon saline impregnation. The salts most usually present are the sulphates 
 and carbonates of soda, lime, and magnesia, and the chlorides’ of sodium, cal- 
 cium, and magnesium. Potassa is occasionally present, and lithia has been 
 detected by Berzelius in the spring of Carlsbad, in Germany. Bromine ex- 
 
112 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Aqua. 
 
 ists in considerable quantity in the saline at Theodorshalle, in Germany, as 
 also in the salt springs of western Pennsylvania. The mineral springs at 
 Saratoga, in the State of New York, contain a small proportion of iodine and 
 bromine. The principal saline waters are those of Seidlitz in Bohemia, 
 Cheltenham and Bath in England, and Ilarrodsburg and Saratoga in the 
 United States. To these may be added, a most important saline water, that 
 of the ocean. 
 
 We subjoin a summary view of the composition of most of the mineral 
 waters enumerated under the foregoing heads. 
 
 1. Carbonated. Seltzer. In a wine pint. Carbonic acid 17 cubic inches. 
 Solid contents ; — carbonate of soda 4 grs.; carbonate of magnesia 5; carbon- 
 ate of lime 3; chloride of sodium 17. Total 29 grs. ( Bergmann .) 
 
 Spa. In a wine pint. Carbonic acid 13 cubic inches. Solid contents ; — 
 carbonate of soda 1*5 grs.; carbonate of magnesia 4*5; carbonate of lime 15; 
 chloride of sodium 0*2; oxide of iron 0'6. Total 8'3 grains. {Bergmann.) 
 
 Pyrmont. In a wine pint. Carbonic acid *26 cubic inches. Solid contents ; — 
 carbonate of magnesia 10 grs. ; carbonate of lime 4 5; sulphate of mag- 
 nesia 5*5; sulphate of lime 8'5; chloride of sodium 1*5; oxide of iron 0*6. 
 Total 30*6 grs. {Bergmann.) 
 
 2. Sulphuretted. A ix la Chapelle. In a wine pint. Sulphuretted hydro- 
 gen 5'5 cubic inches. Solid contents ; — carbonate of soda 12 grs. ; carbonate 
 of lime 4*75; chloride of sodium 5. Total 21'75 grs. {Bergmann.) 
 
 Harrowgate old well. In a wine gallon. Gaseous contents ; — sulphuretted 
 
 hydrogen 14 cubic inches; carbonic acid 4 ’25 ; nitrogen 8; carburetted hy- 
 drogen 4'15. Total 30 '4 cubic inches. Solid contents ; — chloride of sodium 
 752 grs.; chloride of calcium 65 ‘ 75 ; chloride of magnesium 29*2 ; bicarbonate 
 of soda 12*8. Total 859'75 grs. ( English West. Quart. Journ.) 
 
 White sulphur. Gaseous contents in a wine gallon; — sulphuretted hydrogen 
 2'5 cubic inches; carbonic acid 2; oxygen 1‘448 ; nitrogen 3'552. Total 9*5. 
 Solid contents in a pint; — sulphate of magnesia 5'588 grs.; sulphate of lime 
 7 "744 ; carbonate of lime 1*150; chloride of calcium 0*204; chloride of sodium 
 0*180; oxide of iron a trace; loss 0*410. Total 15*276 grs. ( Prof '. William 
 B. Rogers.) 
 
 3. Chalybeate. Tunbridge In a wine gallon. Solid contents ; — chloride 
 of sodium 2*46 grs. ; chloride of calcium 0*39; chloride of magnesium 0*29; 
 sulphate of lime 1*41; carbonate of lime 0*27; oxide of iron 2*22; traces 
 of manganese, vegetable fibre, silica, &c. 0*44; loss 0*13. Total 7*61 grs. 
 ( Scudamore .) 
 
 Brighton. In a wine pint. Carbonic acid 2*5 cubic inches. Solid contents ; — 
 sulphate of iron 1*80 grs.; sulphate of lime 4*09 ; chloride of sodium 1*53; 
 chloride of magnesium 0*75; silica 0*14; loss 0*19. Total 8*5 grs. (Afarcet.) 
 
 Cheltenham {chalybeate). In a wine pint. Gaseous contents ; — carbonic acid 
 2*5 cubic inches. Solid contents ; — carbonate of soda 0*5 grs. ; sulphate of 
 soda 22*7 ; sulphate of magnesia 6 ; sulphate of lime 2*5; chloride of sodium 
 41*3 ; oxide of iron 0*8. Total 73*8 grs. ( Brande and Parlces.) 
 
 Bedford. In a wine pint. Carbonic acid not estimated. Solid contents ; — 
 carbonate of lime 2*120 grs. ; sulphate of lime 11*274 ; sulphate of magnesia 
 3*974 ; sulphates of alumina and sesquioxide of iron 1*280 ; sulphate of soda 
 3*092 ; chloride of sodium 0*343; free sulphuric acid [?] 012 s ; silica and 
 organic matter a trace. Total 22*211 grs. (J. Cheston Morris. Medical 
 Examiner, June, 1852.) 
 
 Rockbridge alum spring. In a wine gallon. Carbouie acid 7*536 grs. 
 Solid contents ; — sulphate of potassa 1*765 grs.; sulphate of lime 3*263 ; 
 sulphate of magnesia 1*763; protoxide of iron 4*863; alumina 17*905; 
 crenate of ammonia 0*700 ; chloride of sodium l'OOS; silica 2*840 ; free sul- 
 
PART I. 
 
 113 
 
 Aqua. 
 
 phuric acid 15'224. Total 49*331. (Dr. Hayes.) Iu tliis analysis a free 
 acid and free bases are made to coexist. 
 
 4. Saline. Seidlitz. In a wine pint. Solid contents ; — carbonate of mag- 
 nesia 2*5 grs. ; carbonate of lime 0*8 ; sulphate of magnesia 180; sulphate of 
 lime 5; chloride of magnesium 4*5. Total 192*8 grs. ( Bergmann .') 
 
 Cheltenham ( pure saline). In a wine pint. Solid contents; — sulphate of 
 soda 15 grs. ; sulphate of magnesia 11; sulphate of lime 4'5 ; chloride of 
 sodium 50. Total 80'5 grs. (Parkes and Brande.) 
 
 Bath. King’s well. Sp.gr. 1 0025 ; temp. 115°. In an Imperial gallon. 
 Solid contents ; — carbonate of lime 8*820 grs.; carbonate of magnesia 0 329; 
 carbonate of iron 1*064 ; sulphate of lime 80 052 ; sulphate of potassa4'G41 ; 
 sulphate of soda 19 '229 ; chloride of sodium 12 '642 ; chloride of magnesium 
 14'581 ; silica 2'982 ; with traces of iodine and oxide of manganese. Total 
 144'34 grs. ( Merck and Galloway, Chem. Gaz. for 1846, p. 496.) 
 
 Balston Spa. Sans Souci spring. In a wine gallon. Solid contents ; — 
 chloride of sodium 143'733 grs. ; bicarbonate of soda 12 66; bicarbonate of 
 magnesia 39'1 ; carbonate of lime 43'407 ; carbonate of iron 5*95; iodide of 
 sodium 1‘3 ; silica 1. Total 247'15 grs. (Steel.) 
 
 Saratoga. Iodine spring. In a wine gallon. Gaseous contents ; — carbonic 
 acid 336 cubic inches ; atmospheric air 4. Total 340 cubic inches. Solid 
 contents ; — chloride of sodium 187 grs.; carbonate of magnesia 75; carbonate 
 of lime 26; carbonate of soda 2; carbonate of iron 1; iodine 3 '5. Total 
 294'5 grs. (Prof. Emmons.) 
 
 Saratoga. Pavilion spring. In a wine gallon. Gaseous contents ; — carbonic 
 acid 359 05 cubic inches ; atmospheric air 5'03. Total 364*08 cubic inches. 
 Solid contents ; — chloride of sodium 187 68 grs. ; carbonate of soda 4'92 ; car- 
 bonate of lime 52'84 ; carbonate of magnesia 56'92 ; carbonate of iron 3*51 ; 
 sulphate of soda 1*48; iodide of sodium 2 '59 ; alumina 0'42 ; silica 116; 
 phosphate of lime 019 ; bromide of potassium a trace. Total 311*71 grs- 
 (Dr. J. R. Chilton.) 
 
 Saratoga. Union spring. In a wine gallon. Gaseous contents ; — carbonic 
 acid 314*16 cubic inches; atmospheric air 4'62. Total 318*78 cubic inches. 
 Solid contents ; — chloride of sodium 243 620 grs.; carbonate of magnesia 
 84'265; carbonate of lime 41'600 ; carbonate of soda 12'800; carbonate of 
 iron 5*452; iodide of sodium, or iodine 3*600 ; silica and alumina 1'570; 
 bromide of potassium a trace. Total 392'907 grs. (Dr. J. R. Chilton.) 
 
 Saratoga. Congress spring. Gaseous contents in 100 cubic inches ; — car- 
 bonic acid 114 cubic inches. Solid contents in a pound Troy; — chloride of 
 ammonium 0 0326 grs. ; chloride of potassium 1'6256 ; chloride of sodium 
 19'6653; iodide of sodium 0*0046 ; bromide of sodium 0T613; carbonate of 
 soda 0*8261 ; carbonate of lime 5*8.531 ; carbonate of magnesia 4*1155; car- 
 bonate of strontia 0*0672 ; carbonate of protoxide of iron 0*0173; carbonate 
 of protoxide of manganese 0*0202 ; sulphate of potassa 0*1379; nitrate of 
 magnesia 0*1004; alumina 0*0069; silica 0T112. Total 32*7452 grs. 
 (Schweitzer.) 
 
 Sea Water. English Channel. In a thousand grains. Water 964*744 grs.; 
 chloride of sodium 27*059; chloride of potassium 0*765; chloride of magne- 
 sium 3*667 ; bromide of magnesium 0*029; sulphate of magnesia 2*296; 
 sulphate of lime 1*407 ; carbonate of lime 0*033. Total 1000*000 grs. 
 (Schweitzer.) The proportion of ehloride of sodium is from 36 to 37 parts 
 in 1000 in the ocean, at a distance from land. Its amount is small in the 
 interior of the Baltic. It is perceived that bromine is present in very minute 
 amount. 100 pounds of sea water yield only 31 grains of this element. Ac- 
 cording to Balard, iodine exists in the water of the Mediterranean ; but it 
 
114 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Aqua. 
 
 has not been detected in the water of the ocean, the bromine being supposed 
 to mask its presence. Besides these ingredients, others are alleged to exist 
 in minute proportion in sea water ; as fluorine by Dr. G-. Wilson ; lead, copper, 
 and silver, by MM. Malaguti, Durocher, and Sarzeau ; and iron and man- 
 ganese by M. Uziglio. These results, except in regard to fluorine, are doubt- 
 ful, and should be confirmed before being admitted. Anterior to Wilson’s 
 researches, Mr. Middleton and Prof. Silliman, Jun. had inferred the exist- 
 ence of fluorine in sea water, from its presence in marine animals. The lead 
 and copper, mentioned above, were found in certain fuci only ; the silver, in 
 the sea water itself. Schweitzer’s analysis gives a small proportion of car- 
 bonate of lime; but Bibra could not detect any. Dr. John Davy’s examina- 
 tions of sea water go to show that carbonate of lime does not exist at a great 
 distance from land, except in very minute proportion ; but becomes quite evi- 
 dent in water, taken at a distance of from fifty to a hundred miles from coasts. 
 
 Sea water, filtered, and charged with five times its volume of carbonic acid, 
 forms, according to Pasquier, a gentle purgative, wbic-h keeps very well, and 
 is not disagreeable to take. The dose is from half a pint to a pint. 
 
 Medical and Dietetic Properties of Water. Water is a remedy of great 
 importance. When taken into the stomach, it acts by its temperature, by 
 its bulk, and by being absorbed. When of the temperature of about 60°, 
 it gives no positive sensation either of heat or cold; between 60° and 45°, 
 it creates a cool sensation; and below 45°, a decidedly cold one. Between 
 60° and 100°, it relaxes the fibres of the stomach, and is apt to produce 
 nausea, particularly if the effect of bulk be added to that of temperature. 
 By its bulk and solvent powers, it often allays irritation by diluting the 
 acrid contents of the stomach and bowels, and favouring their final expul- 
 sion; and by its absorption, it promotes the secretion of urine and cuta- 
 neous transpiration. Indeed, its influence is so great in the latter way, that 
 it may be safely affirmed, that sudorifics and diuretics will not produce their 
 proper effect, unless assisted by copious dilution. 
 
 Water externally applied as a bath, is also an important remedy. It may 
 act by its own specific effect as a liquid, or as a means of modifying the heat 
 of the body. It acts in the latter way differently, according to the particular 
 temperature at which it may be applied. When this is above 97°, it consti- 
 tutes either the vapour or hot bath ; when between 97° and 8 5°, the warm 
 bath ; between 85° and 65°, the tepid bath ; and between 65° and 32°, the 
 cold bath. 
 
 The general action of the vapour bath is to accelerate the circulation, and 
 produce profuse sweating. It acts locally on the skin by softening and re- 
 laxing its texture. In stiffness of the joints, and various diseases of the 
 skin, it has often proved beneficial. 
 
 The hot bath, like the vapour bath, is decidedly stimulant. By its use the 
 pulse becomes full and frequent, the veins turgid, the face flushed, the skin 
 red, and the respiration quickened. If the temperature be high, and the 
 constitution peculiar, its use is not without danger ; .as it is apt to produce a 
 feeling of suffocation, violent throbbing in the temples, and vertigo with 
 tendency to apoplexy. When it acts favourably, it produces profuse per- 
 spiration. 
 
 The warm bath, though below the animal heat, nevertheless produces a 
 sensation of warmth ; as its temperature is above that of the surface. It 
 diminishes the frequency of the pulse, renders the respiration slower, lessens 
 the heat of the body, and relaxes the skin. The warm bath cannot be 
 deemed, strictly speaking, a stimulant. By relieving certain diseased actions 
 and states, accompanied by morbid irritability, it often acts as a soothing 
 
part I. Aqua. — Aralia Nudicaulis. 115 
 
 remedy, producing a disposition to sleep. It is proper in febrile and exan- 
 thematous diseases, in which the pulse is frequent, and the skin preternatur- 
 ally hot and dry, and where the general condition is characterized by restless- 
 ness. It is contra-indicated in diseases of the head and chest. 
 
 The tepid bath is not calculated to have much modifying influence on the 
 heat of the body. Its peculiar effects are to soften and cleanse the skin, and 
 promote insensible perspiration. 
 
 The cold bath acts differently according to its temperature and manner of 
 application, and the condition of the system to which it is applied. When 
 of low temperature and suddenly applied, it acts primarily as a stimulant, by 
 the sudden and rapid manner in which the caloric is abstracted ; next as a 
 tonic, by condensing the living fibres ; and, finally, as a sedative. It is often 
 useful in diseases of relaxation and debility, when practised by affusion or 
 plunging. But it is essential to its efficacy and safety, that the stock of 
 vitality should be sufficient to create, immediately after its use, those general 
 sensations of warmth and invigoration included under the term reaction. It 
 was used with advantage by the late Dr. Currie, of Liverpool, in the form 
 of affusion, in certain febrile diseases, especially typhus and scarlatina. To 
 make it safe, the heat must be steadily above the natural standard, and the 
 patient must be free from all sense of chilliness, and not in a state of profuse 
 perspiration. 
 
 Cold water is frequently applied as a sedative in local inflammations, and 
 as a means of restraining hemorrhage. Its use, however, is inadmissible in 
 inflammations of the chest. 
 
 Pharm. Uses. Water is employed in a vast number of preparations, either 
 as a menstruum, or as a means of promoting chemical action by its solvent 
 power. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Destillata. B. 
 
 ARALIA NUDICAULIS. U.S. Secondartj. 
 
 False Sarsaparilla. 
 
 The root of Aralia nudicaulis. U. S. 
 
 Aralia. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Pentagynia. — Nat. Ord. Araliaceae. 
 
 Gen. Cli. Floivers umbelled. Calyx five-toothed, superior. Petals five. 
 Stigma sessile, subglobose. Berry five-celled, five-seeded. Torrey. 
 
 Aralia nudicaulis. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1521; Rafinesque, Med. Flor. i. 
 53. The false sarsaparilla, wild sarsaparilla, or small spikenard, as this 
 plant is variously called, is an indigenous perennial, with one leaf and one 
 flower-stem, springing together from the root, or from a very short stalk, and 
 seldom rising two feet in height. The leaf, which stands upon a long foot- 
 stalk, is twice ternate, or once and quinate, with oblong-oval, acuminate 
 leaflets, rounded at the base, serrate on the margin, and smooth on both sur- 
 faces. The scape or flower-stem is naked, shorter than the leaf, and termi- 
 nated by three small umbels, each consisting of from twelve to thirty small 
 yellowish or greenish flowers. The fruit consists of small round berries, 
 about as large as those of the common elder. The plant grows throughout 
 the United States, from Canada to the Carolinas, inhabiting shady and rocky 
 woods, and delighting in a rich soil. It flowers in May and June. 
 
 The root, which is the officinal portion, is horizontal, creeping, sometimes 
 several feet in length, about as thick as the little finger, more or less twisted, 
 externally of a yellowish-brown colour, of a fragrant odour, and a warm, aro- 
 matic, sweetish taste. It has not been analyzed. 
 
116 
 
 Aralia Nudicaulis. — Aralia Spinosa. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. False sarsaparilla is a gentle stimulant and 
 diaphoretic, and is thought to have an alterative influence analogous to that 
 of the root from which it derived its name. It is used in domestic practice, 
 and by some practitioners in the country, in rheumatic, syphilitic, and cuta- 
 neous affections, in the same manner and dose as genuine sarsaparilla. A 
 strong decoction has proved useful as a stimulant to old ulcers. 
 
 The root of Aralia racemosa , or American spikenard , though not officinal, 
 is used for the same purposes as A. nudicaulis, which it is said to resemble 
 in medical properties. Dr. Peck strongly recommends the root of Aralia 
 hispida, called in Massachusetts dwarf elder, as a diuretic in dropsy. He 
 uses it in the form of decoction, and finds it pleasanter to the taste and more 
 acceptable to the stomach than most other medicines of the same class. (Am. 
 Journ. of Med. Sci., xix. 117.) W. 
 
 ARALIA SPINOSA. U.S. Secondary. 
 Angelica-tree Baric. 
 
 The bark of Aralia spinosa. U. S. 
 
 Aralia. See ARALIA NUDICAULIS. 
 
 Aralia spinosa. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1520. This is an indigenous arbor- 
 escent shrub, variously called angelica-tree, toothache-tree, and prickly ash. 
 The last name, however, should be dropped; as it belongs properly to Xan- 
 thoxylum fraxineum, and if retained might lead to confusion. The stem is 
 erect, simple, from eight to twelve feet high, armed with numerous prickles, 
 and furnished near the top with very large bipinnate or tripinnate leaves, 
 which are also prickly, and are composed of oval, pointed, slightly serrate 
 leaflets. It terminates in an ample panicle, very much branched, and bear- 
 ing numerous small hemispherical umbels, in each of which are about thirty 
 white flowers. 
 
 This species of Aralia is found most abundantly and of the largest growth 
 in the Southern States, where it is said sometimes to attain a height of from 
 thirty to sixty feet. It grows also in the Western States, and as far north 
 as New York. It is sometimes cultivated in the gardens of the north as 
 a curious or ornamental plant. It flourishes in low, fertile woods, and 
 flowers in August and September. The bark, root, and berries are medi- 
 cinal ; but the first only is directed by the Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 The bark, as in the shops, is usually in small quills or half-quills, from 
 two or three lines to half an inch in diameter, thin, fibrous, grayish exter- 
 nally, and armed with prickles or the remains of them, yellowish within, of 
 an odour somewhat aromatic, and a bitterish taste, which becomes slightly 
 acrid on chewing, and leaves a lasting sense of pungency upon the tongue. 
 It yields its virtues to boiling water. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The virtues of Aralia spinosa are those of 
 a stimulant diaphoretic. According to Elliot, an infusion of the recent bark 
 of the root is emetic and cathartic. The remedy is used in chronic rheu- 
 matism and cutaneous eruptions ; and in some parts of the South has been 
 employed in syphilis. Pursh states that a vinous or spirituous infusion of 
 the berries is remarkable for relieving rheumatic pains ; and a similar tincture 
 is said to be employed in Virginia with advantage in violent colic. The 
 pungency of this tincture has also been found useful in relieving toothache. 
 The bark is most conveniently administered in decoction. V . 
 
PART I. 
 
 Argentum. 
 
 117 
 
 ARGENTUM. U.S., Land., Ed. 
 
 Silver. 
 
 Off. Syn. ARGENTUM PURIFICATUM. Refined Silver. Dub. 
 
 Argent, Fr.; Silber, Germ.; Argento, Ital.; Plata, Span. 
 
 Silver is occasionally found in the metallic state, sometimes crystallized or 
 in the form of vegetations, at other times combined with gold, antimony, 
 arsenic, or mercury ; but more usually it occurs in the state of sulphuret, 
 either pure, or mixed with other sulphurets, as those of copper, lead, and 
 antimony. It is sometimes found as a chloride. 
 
 The most productive mines of silver are found on this continent, being 
 those of Mexico and Peru; the richest in Europe are those of Norway, Hun- 
 gary, and Transylvania. The principal ore which is worked is the sulphuret. 
 The mineral containing silver which is most disseminated, is argentiferous 
 galena, which is a sulphuret of lead, containing a little sulphuret of silver. 
 Argentiferous galena exists in several localities in the United States. A 
 mine of silver was opened about the year 1841, in Davidson County, North 
 Carolina. The ore is an argentiferous carbonate of lead, yielding about one- 
 third of its weight of lead, from which from 100 to 400 ounces of silver are 
 extracted per ton. ( Eckfddt and Du Bois, Manual of Coins.') 
 
 Extraction. Silver is extracted from its ores by two principal processes, 
 amalgamation and cupellation. At Freyberg, in Saxony, the ore, which is 
 principally the sulphuret, is mixed with a tenth of chloride of sodium (common 
 salt), and roasted in a reverberatory furnace. The sulphur becomes acidified, 
 and combines with sodium and oxygen, so as to form sulphate of soda, while 
 the chlorine forms a chloride with the silver. The roasted mass is then re- 
 duced to very fine powder, mixed with half its weight of mercury, one-third 
 of its weight of water, and about a seventeenth of iron in flat pieces, and sub- 
 jected, for sixteen or eighteen hours, to constant agitation in barrels turned 
 by machinery. The chlorine combines with the iron, and remains in solution 
 as chloride of iron, while the silver forms an amalgam with the mercury. The 
 amalgam is then subjected to pressure in leathern bags, through the pores of 
 which the excess of mercury passes, a solid amalgam being left behind. This 
 is then subjected to heat in a distillatory apparatus, by means of which the 
 mercury is separated from the silver, which remains behind in the form of a 
 porous mass. In Peru and Mexico the process is somewhat similar to the 
 above, common salt and mercury being used; but slaked lime and sulphuret 
 of iron are also employed, with an effect which is not very obvious. 
 
 When argentiferous galenas are worked for the silver they contain, they are 
 first reduced, and the argentiferous lead obtained is fused on a large shallow 
 cupel called a test, and exposed to the blast of a bellows, whereby the lead 
 is oxidized, half vitrified, and driven off the test in scales, forming the sub- 
 stance called litharge. Rut, the operation being continued, the whole of the 
 lead is separated, and the silver, not being oxidizable, remains behind as a 
 brilliant fused mass. The time required for the separation is much abridged 
 by the process of Mr. Pattinson, of Newcastle, England. This consists in 
 allowing the melted alloy to cool slowly, and separating the crystals which 
 first form, and which are much richer in silver than the original mass, by 
 means of a perforated ladle. The crystals are then subjected to cupellation, 
 for the separation of the lead which they still contain. 
 
 Properties. Silver is a white metal, very brilliant, tenacious, malleable, 
 and ductile. In malleability and ductility, it is inferior only to gold. It is 
 harder than gold, but softer than copper. Its equivalent number is 108, 
 
118 Argentum. — Armoracia. part I. 
 
 symbol Ag, and sp.gr. about 10‘4. It forms but one well characterized 
 oxide, which is a protoxide. Exposed to a full red heat, it enters into fusion, 
 and exhibits a brilliant appearance. It is not oxidized in the air, but con- 
 tracts a superficial tarnish of sulphuret of silver by the action of sulphuretted 
 hydrogen, which always exists in minute quantity in the atmosphere. It is 
 entirely soluble in diluted nitric acid. If any gold be present, it will re- 
 main undissolved as a dark-coloured powder. From the nitric solution, the 
 whole of the silver may be thrown down by chloride of sodium, as a white 
 precipitate of chloride of silver, characterized by being completely soluble 
 in ammonia. If the remaining solution contain copper or lead, it will be 
 precipitated or discoloured by sulphuretted hydrogen. 
 
 Pharm. Uses. The only officinal preparations of silver are the oxide, ni- 
 trate, and cyanuret. The chloride will be noticed in the Appendix. 
 
 Off. Prep. Argenti Nitras; Argenti Nitras Fusus. B. 
 
 ARMORACIA. U. S., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Horse-radish. 
 
 The fresh root of Cochlearia Armoracia. U.S., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Raifort sauvage, Ft.; Meerrettig, Germ.; Rafano rusticano, Ital.; Rabano rustica- 
 no, Span. 
 
 Cochlearia. Sex. Syst. Tetradynamia Siliculosa. — Nat. Ord. Brassi- 
 caceae or Oruciferse. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Silicula emarginate, turgid, scabrous, with gibbous, obtuse 
 valves. Willd. 
 
 Cochlearia Armoracia. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 451; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 
 400, t. 145. The root of this plant is perennial, sending up numerous very 
 large leaves, from the midst of which a round, smooth, erect, branching stem 
 rises two or three feet in height. The radical leaves are lance-shaped, waved, 
 scolloped on the edges, sometimes pinnatifid, and stand upon strong foot- 
 stalks. Those of the stem are much smaller, without footstalks, sometimes 
 divided at the edges, sometimes almost entire. The flowers are numerous, 
 white, peduncled, and form thick terminal clusters. The calyx has four 
 ovate, deciduous leaves, and the corolla an equal number of obovate petals, 
 twice as long as the calyx, and inserted by narrow claws. The pod is small, 
 elliptical, crowned with the persistent stigma, and divided into two cells, 
 each containing from four to six seeds. 
 
 The horse-radish is a native of western Europe, growing wild on the sides 
 of ditches, and in other moist situations. It is cultivated for culinary pur- 
 poses in most civilized countries, and is said to have become naturalized in 
 some parts of the United States. Its flowers appear in June. 
 
 The root, which is officinal in its fresh state, is long, tapering, whitish ex- 
 ternally, very white within, fleshy, of a strong pungent odour when scraped 
 or bruised, and of a hot, biting, somewhat sweetish taste. Its virtues are 
 imparted to water and alcohol. They depend upon a volatile oil, which is dis- 
 sipated by drying ; the root becoming at first sweetish, and ultimately insipid 
 and quite inert. Its acrimony is also destroyed by boiling. The oil may be 
 obtained by distillation with water. It is colourless or pale yellow, heavier 
 than water, very volatile, excessively pungent, acrid, and corrosive, exciting 
 inflammation and even vesication when applied to the skin. Hubatka con- 
 siders it as identical with the volatile oil of mustard. ( Journ . de Pharm., 
 Be sir., v. 42.) According to Gutret, only 6 parts of it are obtained from 
 10,000 of the root. Besides this principle, the fresh root contains, accord- 
 ing to the same chemist, a bitter resin in minute quantity, sugar, extractive, 
 
PART I. 
 
 Armor acia. — Arnica. 
 
 119 
 
 gum, starch, albumen, acetic acid, acetate and sulphate of lime, water, and 
 lignin. From observations made by F. L. Winckler, it may be inferred that 
 myronic acid' exists in the root combined with potassa, and that it is from the 
 reaction between this acid, myrosine also existing in the root, and water, that 
 the volatile oil is produced, in the same manner as oil of mustard from mus- 
 tard seed. (See -Sin apis .) Horse-radish, when distilled with alcohol, yields 
 none of the oil. (Journ. fur Prakt. Pharm., xviii. 89.) The root may be 
 kept for some time without material injury, by being buried in sand in a 
 cool place. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Horse-radish is highly stimulant, exciting 
 the stomach when swallowed, and promoting the secretions, especially that 
 of urine. Externally applied, it is rubefacient. Its chief use is as a condi- 
 ment to promote appetite and invigorate digestion; but it is also occasionally 
 employed as a medicine, particularly in dropsical complaints attended with 
 an enfeebled condition of the digestive organs, and of the system in general. 
 It has, moreover, been recommended in palsy and chronic rheumatism, 
 both as an internal and external remedy; and in scorbutic affections is highly 
 esteemed. Cullen found advantage in cases of hoarseness from the use of a 
 syrup prepared from an infusion of horse-radish and sugar, and slowly swal- 
 lowed in the quantity of one or two teaspoonfuls, repeated as occasion de- 
 manded. The root may be given in the dose of half a drachm or more, 
 either grated or cut into small pieces. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Armoracias; Spiritus Armoraciae Compositus. W. 
 
 ARNICA. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Leopard’ s-bane. 
 
 The flowers of Arnica montana. U. S. 
 
 Arnique, Fr.; Berg Wo'lverly, Gemeines achtes Fallkraut, Germ.; Arnica montana, 
 Ital., Span. 
 
 Arnica. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia Superflua. — Mat. Ord. Compositae-Sene- 
 cionidese. De Cand. Asteraceae. Lindley. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx with equal leaflets, in a double row. Seed-clown hairy, 
 sessile. Seeds both of the disk and ray furnished with seed-down. Recep- 
 tacle hairy. Hayne. 
 
 Arnica montana. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 2106; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 41, 
 t. 17. This is a perennial, herbaceous plant, having a woody, brownish, 
 horizontal root, ending abruptly, and sending forth numerous slender fibres 
 of the same colour. The stem is about a foot high, cylindrical, striated, 
 hairy, and terminating in one, two, or three peduncles, each bearing a flower. 
 The radical leaves are ovate, entire, ciliated, and obtuse ; those of the stem, 
 which usually consist of two opposite pairs, are lance-shaped. Both are of 
 a bright green colour, and somewhat pubescent on their upper surface. The 
 flowers are very large, and of a fine orange-yellow colour. The calyx is 
 greenish, imbricated, with lanceolate scales. The ray consists of about four- 
 teen ligulate florets, twice as long as the calyx, striated, three-toothed, and 
 hairy at the base; the disk, of tubular florets, with a five-lobed margin. 
 
 This plant is a native of the mountainous districts of Europe and Siberia, 
 and is found, according to Nuttall, in the northern regions of this continent, 
 west of the Mississippi. It has been introduced into England, and might no 
 doubt be cultivated in this country; but it is very little used, and in the U. S. 
 Pharmacopoeia has been placed in the secondary list. The flowers, leaves, 
 and root are employed; but the flowers are usually preferred. 
 
 Properties. The whole plant, when fresh, has a strong, disagreeable odour, 
 which is apt to excite sneezing, and is diminished by desiccation. The taste 
 
120 
 
 Arnica. 
 
 part I. 
 
 is acrid, bitterish, and durable. Water extracts its virtues. Chevallier and 
 Lassaigne discovered in the flowers, gallic acid, gum, albumen, yellow colour- 
 ing matter, an odorous resin, and a bitter principle which they considered 
 identical with cytisin, discovered by them in the seeds of Cytisus Laburnum. 
 This substance is yellow, of a bitter and nauseous taste, deliquescent, readily 
 soluble in water and diluted alcohol, but with difficulty in strong alcohol, and 
 insoluble in ether. In the dose of five grains it is powerfully emetic and 
 cathartic ; and it is supposed to be the active principle of the plant. The 
 flowers also contain a small proportion of a blue volatile oil. Pfaff obtained 
 from the root a volatile oil, an acrid resin, extractive, gum, and lignin. Mr. 
 Wm. Bastick, of London, has separated an organic alkali from the flowers, 
 and names it arnicina. It is solid, slightly bitter, but not acrid, of the 
 odour of castor, slightly soluble in water, and much more soluble in alcohol 
 and ether. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., x. 389.)* 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Leopard’s-bane is a stimulant, directed 
 with peculiar energy to the brain and whole nervous system, as manifested 
 by the headache, spasmodic contractions of the limbs, and difficulty of respi- 
 ration, which result from its use. It acts also as an irritant to the stomach 
 and bowels, often producing an emetic and cathartic effect, and is said by 
 Bergius to be diuretic, diaphoretic, and emmenagogue. It is much used by 
 the Germans, who prescribe the flowers and root with advantage in amaurosis, 
 paralysis, and other nervous affections. It is said to prove serviceable in that 
 disordered condition which succeeds concussion of the brain from falls, blows, 
 &c. ; and from this circumstance has received the title of panacea lapsorum. 
 It has also been recommended in paralytic affections, chronic catarrh of the 
 old, intermittent fever, dysentery, diarrhoea, nephritis, gout, rheumatism, 
 dropsy, chlorosis, and various other complaints, in most of which it seems to 
 have been empirically prescribed. It is peculiarly useful in diseases attended 
 with a debilitated or typhoid state of the system. The powdered flowers and 
 leaves are employed as a sternutatory; and the inhabitants of Savoy and the 
 Vosges are said to substitute them for tobacco. In France the flowers of 
 Arnica are occasionally used, though much less than in Germany. In Eng- 
 land and the United States they are little employed. They are best given 
 in substance or infusion. The dose of the powder is from five to twenty 
 grains frequently repeated. The infusion may be prepared by digesting an 
 ounce in a pint of water, of which from half a fluidounce to a fluidounce 
 may be given every two or three hours. It should always be strained 
 through linen, in order to separate the fine fibres, which might otherwise 
 irritate the throat. The poisonous properties of the plant are said to be 
 best counteracted by the free use of vinegar or other dilute vegetable acid. 
 
 A tincture prepared from the flowers has recently come into use in this 
 country as a domestic remedy in sprains, bruises, &c. It is employed exter- 
 nally. The Prussian and other German Pharmacopoeias direct it to be made 
 by digesting the flowers for four days in diluted alcohol, in the proportion of 
 about two ounces to a pint. {Pharm. Univers., i. 284.) W. 
 
 * Mr. Bastick obtained the alkaloid by the following process. The flowers were 
 macerated with alcohol acidulated with sulphuric acid ; the tincture was filtered, and 
 treated with lime until it evinced an alkaline reaction; the liquid was then filtered, and 
 the filtrate treated with sulphuric acid in slight excess; the acid solution was filtered 
 and concentrated by evaporation ; to the residue a little water was added, the liquid was 
 evaporated until all. the alcohol was driven off, and was then again filtered ; the filtered 
 liquor was saturated with carbonate of potassa, and after filtration was mixed with a 
 considerable excess of carbonate of potassa ; finally, the liquid was agitated with succes- 
 sive portions of ether until this fluid ceased to dissolve anything, and the ethereal solu- 
 tion obtained was left to spontaneous evaporation. Arnicina remained. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Arsenicum. 
 
 121 
 
 ARSENICUM. US. 
 
 Arsenic. 
 
 Off. Syn. ARSENICUM PURUM. Dub. 
 
 Arsenic, Fr.; Arsenik, Germ.; Arsenico, Ital., Span. 
 
 This metal was made officinal in the U. S. and Dublin Pharmacopoeias of 
 1850, for the purpose of being used to form the iodide of arsenic, and the 
 solution of the iodide of arsenic and mercury, two new officinals of those 
 works. It is placed in the Materia Medica of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, but 
 among the preparations in the Dublin, with the following formula. 
 
 “ Take of White Oxide of Arsenic of Commerce two drachms [Dh5. 
 weight]. Place the Oxide at the sealed end of a hard German glass tube, of about 
 half an inch in diameter and eighteen inches long, and, having covered it with 
 about eight inches of dry and coarsely pulverized charcoal, and raised the por- 
 tion of the tube containing the charcoal to a red heat, let a few ignited coals 
 be placed beneath the Oxide, so as to effect its slow sublimation. When 
 this has been accomplished, the metallic arsenic will be found attached to 
 the interior of the tube at its distant or cool extremity. 
 
 “ In conducting this process, the furnace used in the performance of an 
 organic analysis should be employed, and the fuel should be ignited charcoal. 
 It will be proper also to connect the open extremity of the tube with a flue, 
 for the purpose of preventing the possible escape into the apartment of ar- 
 senical vapours ; and, with the view of keeping it from being plugged by 
 the metal, to introduce occasionally into it, as the sublimation proceeds, an 
 iron wire through a cork, fixed (but not air-tight) in its open extremity.” 
 
 In the above process, the white oxide (arsenious acid) is reduced by the 
 agency of ignited charcoal, which attracts the oxygen of the acid, and re- 
 vives the metal. On the large scale, metallic arsenic is generally obtained 
 by heating arsenical pyrites (Fex\s,FeS 2 ) in earthen tubes; when the metal 
 sublimes, and two eqs. of protosulphuret of iron are left as a residue. 
 
 Properties. Arsenic is a brittle, crystalline metal, of a steel-gray colour, 
 and possessing much brilliancy when recently broken or sublimed. Exposed 
 to the air, its surface becomes dull and blackens. Its texture is granular, 
 and sometimes a little scaly. Rubbed on the hands, it communicates a pe- 
 culiar odour; but it is devoid of taste. Its sp.gr. is about 5‘8. When 
 heated to about 356° of Fahr., it sublimes without fusing, giving rise to 
 white vapours having an alliaceous or garlicky odour. Its equivalent num- 
 ber is 75. It forms two combinations with oxygen, both having acid pro- 
 perties, called arsenious and arsenic acids, and three with sulphur, namely, 
 bisulphuret of arsenic or realgar, tersulphuret or orpiment, corresponding 
 in composition with arsenious acid, and quinto-sulphuret, corresponding with 
 arsenic acid. (See Acidum Arsen iosum ; also realgar and orpiment in the 
 Appendix.) Arsenic acid is obtained by boiling arsenious acid with nitromu- 
 riatic acid, and evaporating to dryness. It is a white, crystalline substance, 
 soluble in water. It forms with nitrate of silver, a brick-red precipitate of 
 arseniate of silver. It consists of one eq. of arsenic and five of oxygen (As0 5 ). 
 
 Arsenic is much diffused. Besides being present in a great many mine- 
 rals, it has been detected, in minute proportion, in the earth of grave yards 
 by Orfila; in certain soils and mineral waters by M. Walchner ; and in 
 the ashes of various plants by M. Stein. 
 
 Arsenic is officinal : — 
 
 I. In the metallic state. 
 
 Arsenicum, U. S. ; Arsenicum Purum, Dub. 
 
122 
 
 A rsenicum . — Arum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 II. Combined with oxygen. 
 
 Acidum Arseniosum, U. S-, Lond. ; Arsenicum Album, Ed.; 
 Arsenici Oxydum Album Yenale, Dub. Purified by resublima- 
 iion. Acidum Arseniosum Purum, Dub. 
 
 III. Combined with chlorine. 
 
 Liquor Arsenici Chloridi, Lond. 
 
 IY. Combined with iodine. 
 
 Arsenici Iodidum, U. S. 
 
 V. Combined with iodine and mercury. 
 
 Liquor Arsenici et Hydrargyri Iodidi, U. S Arsenici et Hydrar- 
 gyri Hydriodatis Liquor, Dub. 
 
 YI. In saline combination. 
 
 Liquor Potassas Arsenitis, U. S., Lond.; Liquor Arsenicalis, Ed., 
 Dub. ' B. 
 
 ARUM. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Dragon-root. 
 
 The cormus of Arum triphyllum. U. S. 
 
 Arum. Sex. Syst. Monoecia Polyandria. — Nat. Ord. Araceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Spathe one-leafed, cowled. Spadix naked above, female be- 
 low, stamiueous in the middle. Willd. 
 
 The root or cormus of Arum macubatum is occasionally used as a medicine 
 in Europe, and formerly held a place in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia. Its 
 properties so closely resemble those of our A. triphyllum, that the substitu- 
 tion of the latter in our Pharmacopoeia was obviously proper, independently 
 of the consideration that the root is efficient only in the recent state. 
 
 Arum triphyllum. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 480 ; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. i. 
 52. The dragon-root, Indian turnip, or wake-robin, as this plant is variously 
 called in common language, has a perennial root or cormus, which, early in 
 the spring, sends up a large, ovate, acuminate, variously coloured spathe, 
 convoluted at bottom, flattened and bent over at top like a hood, and sup- 
 ported by an erect, round, green or purplish scape. Within the spathe is 
 a club-shaped spadix, green, purple, black, or variegated, rounded at the 
 end, and contracted near the base, where it is surrounded by the stamens 
 or germs in the dioecious plants, and by both in the monoecious, the female 
 organs being below the male. The spathe and upper portions of the spadix 
 gradually decay, while the germs are converted into a compact bunch of 
 shining, scarlet berries. The leaves, which are usually one or two in num- 
 ber, and stand on long sheathing footstalks, are composed of three ovate 
 acuminate leaflets, paler on their under than their upper surface, and becom- 
 ing glaucous as the plant advances. There are three varieties of this species, 
 distinguished by the colour of the spathe, which in one is green, in another 
 dark purple, and in a third white. The plant is a native of North and South 
 America, and is common in all parts of the United States, growing in damp 
 woods, in swamps, along ditches, and in other moist shady places. All parts 
 of it are highly acrid, but the root only is officinal. 
 
 This is roundish, flattened, an inch or two in diameter, covered with a 
 brown, loose, wrinkled epidermis, and internally white, fleshy, and solid. In 
 the recent state, it has a peculiar odour, and is violently acrid, producing, 
 when chewed, an insupportable burning and biting sensation in the mouth 
 and throat, which continues for a long time, and leaves an unpleasant sore- 
 ness behind. According to Dr. Bigelow, its action does not readily extend 
 through the fcuticle, as the bruised root may lie upon the skin till it becomes 
 
PART I. 
 
 Arum. — Asarum. 
 
 123 
 
 dry, without producing pain or redness. The acrid principle is extremely 
 volatile, and is entirely driven off by heat. It is not imparted to water, al- 
 cohol, ether, or olive oil. The root loses nearly all its acrimony by drying, 
 and in a short time becomes quite inert. It was found by Mr. D. S. Jones 
 to contain, besides the acrid principle, from 10 to 17 per cent, of starch, 
 albumen, gum, sugar, extractive, lignin, and salts of potassa and lime. (Am. 
 Journ. of Pharm., xv. 83.) The starch may be obtained from it as white 
 and delicate as from the potato. In Europe, the dried root of A. maculatum 
 is said sometimes to be employed by the country people, in times of great 
 scarcity, as a substitute for bread ; and an amylaceous substance is prepared 
 from it, in small quantities, in the Isle of Portland on the south coast of 
 England, and called Portland arrow-root, or Portland sago. The Indian 
 turnip may be preserved fresh for a year, if buried in sand. ( Thatcher.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Arum in its recent state is a powerful local 
 irritant, possessing the property of stimulating the secretions, particularly those 
 of the skin and lungs. It has been advantageously given in asthma, pertussis, 
 chronic catarrh, chronic rheumatism, and various affections connected with a 
 cachectic state of the system. As immediately taken from the ground, it is 
 too acrid for use. The recently dried root, which retains a portion of the acri- 
 mony, but not sufficient to prevent its convenient administration, is usually 
 preferred. It may be given in the dose of ten grains, mixed with gum arabic, 
 sugar, and water, in the form of emulsion, repeated two or three times a-day, 
 and gradually increased to half a drachm or more. The powder, made into a 
 paste with honey or syrup, and placed in small quantities upon the tongue, so 
 as to be gradually diffused over the mouth and throat, is said to have proved 
 useful in the aphthous sore-mouth of children. W. 
 
 ASARUM. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Canada Snakeroot. 
 
 The root of Asarum Canadense. U. S. 
 
 Asarum. Sex.Syst. Dodecandria Monogynia. — Nat.Ord. Aristolochiaeeas. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx three or four-cleft, sitting on the germen. Corolla none. 
 Capsule coriaceous, crowned. Willd. 
 
 Asarum Canadense. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 838 ; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 
 i. 149 ; Barton, Med. Bot. ii. 85. This species of Asarum very closely resem- 
 bles A. Europseum or asarabacca, in appearance and botanical character. It 
 has a long, creeping, jointed, fleshy, yellowish root or rhizoma, furnished with 
 radicles of a similar colour. The stem is very short, dividing, before it 
 emerges from the ground, into two long round hairy leafstalks, each of which 
 bears a broad kidney-shaped leaf, pubescent on both surfaces, of a rich shining 
 light green above, veined and pale or bluish beneath. A single flower stands 
 in the fork of the stem, upon a hairy pendulous peduncle. The flower is often 
 concealed by the loose soil or decayed vegetable matter ; so that the leaves 
 with their petioles are the only parts that appear. There is no corolla. The 
 calyx is very woolly, and divided into three broad concave acuminate segments, 
 with the ends reflexed, of a deep brownish-purple colour on the inside, and of 
 a dull purple, inclining to greenish externally. The filaments, which are 
 twelve in number, and of unequal length, stand upon the germ, and rise with 
 a slender point above the anthers attached to them. Near the divisions of the 
 calyx are three filamentous bodies, which may be considered as nectaries. The 
 pistil consists of a somewhat hexagonal germ, and a conical grooved style, 
 surmounted by six revolute stigmas. The capsule is six-celled, coriaceous, 
 and crowned with the adhering calyx. 
 
124 Asclepias Incarnata. — Asclepias Syriacn. part i. 
 
 Canada snakeroot, or wild ginger , is an indigenous plant, inhabiting woods 
 and shady places from Canada to the Carolinas. Its flowering period is from 
 April to July. All parts of the plant have a grateful aromatic odour, which 
 is most powerful in the root. This is the officinal portion. 
 
 As we have seen it in the shops, it is in long, more or less contorted 
 pieces, of a thickness from that of a straw to that of a goose-quill, brownish 
 and wrinkled externally, whitish within, hard and brittle, and frequently 
 furnished with short fibres. Its taste is agreeably aromatic and slightly bitter, 
 said to be intermediate between that of ginger and serpentaria, but in our 
 opinion bearing a closer resemblance to that of cardamom. The taste of the 
 petioles, which usually accompany the root, is more bitter and less aromatic. 
 
 Among its constituents, according to Dr. Bigelow, are a light-coloured, 
 pungent, and fragrant essential oil, a reddish bitter resinous matter, starch, 
 and gum ; in addition to which Mr. Rushton found fatty matter, chlorophylle, 
 and salts of potassa, lime, and iron. Mr. Procter found the resin to be acrid 
 as well as bitter, and without aromatic properties. The root imparts its 
 virtues to alcohol, and less perfectly to water. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Canada snakeroot is an aromatic stimulant 
 tonic, with diaphoretic properties, applicable to similar cases with serpentaria, 
 which it resembles in its effects. It is said to be sometimes used by the coun- 
 try people as a substitute for ginger. From the close botanical analog)’ of the 
 plant with the European Asarum, it might be supposed, like that, to possess 
 emetic and cathartic properties ; but such does not appear to be the case, at 
 least with the dried root. It would form an elegant adjuvant to tonic infu- 
 sions and decoctions. It may be given in powder or tincture. The dose in 
 substance is twenty or thirty grains. W. 
 
 ASCLEPIAS INCARNATA. U.S. Secondary. 
 Flesh-coloured Asclepias. 
 
 The root of Asclepias incarnata. U. S. 
 
 Asclepias. See ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA. 
 
 Asclepias incarnata. Willd. ftp. Plant, i. 1267. This species has an erect 
 downy stem, branched above, two or three feet high, and furnished with oppo- 
 site, nearly sessile, lanceolate, somewhat downy leaves. The flowers are red, 
 sweet-scented, and disposed iu numerous crowded erect umbels, which are 
 generally in pairs. The nectary is entire, with its horn exserted. Iu one 
 variety the flowers are white. 
 
 The plant grows 'in all parts of the United States, preferring a wet soil, 
 and flowering from June to August. Upon being wounded it emits a milky 
 juice. The root is the officinal portion. Its properties are probably similar 
 to those of A Syriaca ; but they have not, so far as we know, been fully 
 tested. Dr. Griffith states that it has been employed by several physicians, 
 who speak of it as a useful emetic and cathartic. ( Journ . of the Phil. Col. of 
 Pharrn., iv. 283.) Dr. Tully, of New Haven, has found it useful in catarrh, 
 asthma, rheumatism, syphilis, and worms. TV . 
 
 ASCLEPIAS SYRIACA. U.S. Secondary. 
 
 Common Silk-weed. 
 
 The root of Asclepias Syriaca. U. S. 
 
 Asclepias. See ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA. 
 
PART I. 
 
 125 
 
 Asclepias Syriaca. — Asclepias Tuber osa. 
 
 A. Syriaca. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1265. The silk-weed has simple stems, 
 from three to five feet high, with opposite, lanceolate-oblong, petiolate leaves, 
 downy on their under surface. The flowers are large, of a pale purple 
 colour, sweet-scented, and arranged in nodding umbels, which are two or 
 three in number. The nectary is bidentate. The pod or follicle is covered 
 with sharp prickles, and contains a large quantity of silky seed-down, which 
 has been sometimes used as a substitute for fur in the manufacture of hats, 
 and for feathers in beds and pillows. 
 
 This species of Asclepias is very common in the United States, growing in 
 sandy fields, on the road sides, and on the banks of streams, from New Eng- 
 land to Virginia. It flowers in July and August. Like the preceding spe- 
 cies, it gives out a white juice when wounded, and has hence received the 
 name of milk-weed , by which it is frequently called. This juice has a faint 
 smell, a sub-acrid taste, and an acid reaction. According to Schultz, 80 parts 
 of it contain 69 of water, 3'5 of a wax-like fatty matter, 5 of caoutchouc, 0'5 
 of gum, 1 of sugar with salts of acetic acid, and 1 of other salts. ( Pharm . 
 Central Blatt, 1844, p. 302.) Dr. C. List has found the chief solid ingre- 
 dient of the juice to be a peculiar crystalline substance, of a resinous character, 
 closely allied to lactucone, and which he proposes to call asclepione. To ob- 
 tain it, the juice is coagulated by heat, filtered so as to separate the liquid 
 portion, and then digested with ether, which dissolves the asclepione, and 
 yields it by evaporation. To purify it, the residue must be treated repeatedly 
 with anhydrous ether, which leaves another substance undissolved. It is 
 white, crystalline, tasteless, inodorous, fusible, insoluble in water and alcohol, 
 soluble in ether, oil of turpentine, and concentrated acetic acid. A strong hot 
 solution of potassa does not affect it. Its constituents are carbon, hydrogen, 
 and oxygen, and its formula C 40 H 34 0 6 . (List, Lieliy’s Annalen, Jan. 1849.) 
 
 Dr. ltichardson, of Massachusetts, found the root possessed of anodyne 
 properties. He gave it with advantage to an asthmatic patient, and in a case 
 of typhus fever attended with catarrh. In both instances it appeared to pro- 
 mote expectoration, and to relieve pain, cough, and dyspnoea. He gave a 
 drachm of the powdered bark of the root, in divided doses, during the day, 
 and employed it also in strong infusion. In a letter to one of the authors 
 dated Jan. 22d, 1850, Dr. A. E. Thomas, of Rocky Spring, Mississippi, stated 
 that he had employed the root in scrofula with great success, and in dyspepsia 
 with advantage. He found it cathartic and alterative, but observed no ano- 
 dyne property. He was induced to try it by having noticed that it was much 
 used by the planters in scrofula and other diseases, and by the recommenda- 
 tion of Dr. McLean, of Kentucky, who had employed it in scrofula for twenty 
 years, with the most satisfactory results.* W. 
 
 ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA. TJ. S. Secondary. 
 Butterfly-weed. 
 
 The root of Asclepias tuberosa. U. S. 
 
 Asclepias. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Asclepiadacese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx small, five parted. Corolla rotate, five parted, mostly 
 reflexed. Staminal crown (or nectary) simple, five-leaved ; leaflets opposite 
 
 * In a letter subsequently received from Dr. McLean himself, this account of the 
 virtues of the asclepias root is confirmed. Dr. McLean has also found it an excellent 
 alterative in hepatic affections ; but he seems to be of the opinion that the root he 
 employed was from a different species of Asclepias, and one not described in this Dis- 
 pensatory. [Note to the tenth edition.) 
 
126 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Asclepias Tuber osa. — Assafoetida. 
 
 the anthers, with a subulate averted process at the base. Stigmas with the 
 five angles (corpuscles) opening by longitudinal chinks. Pollinia five dis- 
 tinct pairs. Torrey. 
 
 Asclepias tuberosa. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1273; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. ii. 
 59 ; Barton, Med. Bot. i. 239. The root of the butterfly-weed ox pleurisy -root 
 is perennial, and gives origin to numerous stems, which are erect, ascending, 
 or procumbent, round, hairy, of a green or reddish colour, branching at the 
 top, and about three feet in height. The leaves are scattered, oblong lanceo- 
 late, very hairy, of a deep rich green colour on their upper surface, paler 
 beneath, and supported usually on short footstalks. They differ, however, 
 somewhat in shape according to the variety of the plant. In the variety with 
 decumbent stems, they are almost linear, and in another variety cordate. The 
 flowers are of a beautiful reddish-orange colour, and disposed in terminal or 
 lateral corymbose umbels. The fruit is an erect lanceolate follicle, with flat 
 ovate seeds connected to a longitudinal receptacle by long silky hairs. 
 
 This plant differs from other species of Asclepias in not emitting a milky 
 juice when wounded. It is indigenous, growing throughout the United States 
 from Massachusetts to Georgia, and, when in full bloom, in the months of 
 June and July, exhibiting a splendid appearance. It is most abundant in the 
 Southern States. The root is the only part used in medicine. 
 
 This is large, irregularly tuberous, branching, often somewhat fusiform, 
 fleshy, externally brown, internally white and striated, and, in the recent 
 state, of a sub-acrid nauseous taste. When dried it is easily pulverized, and 
 its taste is bitter, but not otherwise unpleasant. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The root of Asclepias tuberosa is diapho- 
 retic and expectorant, without being stimulant. In large doses it is often also 
 cathartic. In the Southern States it has long been employed by regular prac- 
 titioners in catarrh, pneumonia, pleurisy, consumption, and other pectoral 
 affections; and appears to be decidedly useful, if applied in the early stages, 
 or, after sufficient depletion, when the complaint is already formed. Its popu- 
 lar name of pleurisy root expresses the estimation in which it is held as a 
 remedy in that disease. It has also been used advantageously in diarrhoea, 
 dysentery, and acute and chronic rheumatism. Dr. Lockwood speaks highly 
 of its efficacy in promoting the eruption in exanthematous fevers. {Buffalo 
 Med. Journ., March, 1848.) Much testimony might be advanced in proof 
 of its possessing very considerable diaphoretic powers. It is said also to be 
 gently tonic, and has been popularly employed in pains of the stomach arising 
 from flatulence and indigestion. 
 
 From twenty grains to a drachm of the root in powder maybe given seve- 
 ral times a day ; but as a diaphoretic it is best administered in decoction or 
 infusion, made in the proportion of an ounce to a quart of water, and given 
 in the dose of a teacupful every two or three hours till it operates. W. 
 
 ASSAFCETIDA. U. S., Loncl., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Asset fetidci. 
 
 The concrete juice of the root of Narthex Assafoetida. U. S. The gum- 
 resin from the sliced root. Bond. The gum-resinous.exudation. Dub. Gummy- 
 resinous exudation of Ferula Assafoetida, and probably Ferula persica. Pd. 
 
 Assafoetida, Ft. ; Stink'asant, Teufelsdreck, Germ. ; Assafetida, Ital. ; Asafetida, 
 Span . ; Ungoozeh, Persian; Hilteet, Arab. 
 
 Narthex. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia.— Mat. Ord. Apiaceae or Um- 
 belliferae. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Assafcetida. 
 
 127 
 
 Gen. Ch. Umbels compound. Involucres none. Calyx obsolete. Fruit 
 thin, compressed at the back, with a dilated border. Ridges three only, dor- 
 sal. Vittse one to each dorsal furrow, and two to the laterals. Albumen 
 thin, flat. Lindley. 
 
 Na.rthex Assafcetida. Falconer, Royle’s Mat. Med. Am. ed., p. 407. — Fe- 
 rula Assafcetida. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1413 ; Kcempfer, Amcenitat. Exotic. 
 535, t. 536. This plant was first described by Kcempfer, who wrote from actual 
 observation. By him and others after him it was considered as belonging to 
 the genus Ferula ; but Dr. Falconer, from a careful examination of the plant 
 in its native site, as well as of specimens cultivated in the Saharunpore Bo- 
 tanic G-arden, came to the conclusion that, though allied to Ferula, it belongs 
 to a distinct genus, which he denominated Narthex, and which is now gene- 
 rally admitted by botanists. The root is perennial, fleshy, tapering, simple 
 or divided, a foot or more in length, about three inches thick at top, where 
 it is invested above the soil with numerous small fibres, dark-gray and trans- 
 versely corrugated on the outside, internally white, and abounding in an 
 excessively fetid, opaque, milky juice. The leaves, which spring from the 
 root, are numerous, large and spreading, nearly two feet long, light-green 
 above, paler beneath, and of a leathery texture. They are three-parted, with 
 bipinnatifid segments, and oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, entire or variously sinu- 
 ate, decurrent lobes, forming a narrow winged channel upon the divisions of 
 the petiole. From the midst of the leaves rises a luxuriant, herbaceous stem, 
 from six to nine feet high, two inches in diameter at the base, simple, erect, 
 round, smooth, striated, solid, and terminating in a large head of compound 
 umbels, with from ten to twenty rays, each surmounted by a roundish par- 
 tial umbel. The flowers are pale yellow, and the fruit oval, thin, flat, folia- 
 ceous, and reddish-brown. The plant is said to differ, both in its leaves and 
 product, according to the situation and soil in which it grows. 
 
 It is a native of Persia, Afghanistan, and other neighbouring regions ; and 
 flourishes abundantly in the mountainous provinces of Laar and Chorassan, 
 where its juice is collected. Burns, in his travels into Bokhara, states that 
 the young plant is eaten with relish by the people, and that sheep crop it 
 greedily. Some suppose, but without proof, that other species of Ferula 
 contribute to the production of the assafetida of commerce; and F. Persica 
 is admitted among its probable sources by the Edinburgh College. This 
 plant grows also in Persia, and has a strong odour of the drug. 
 
 The oldest plants are most productive, and those under four years old are 
 not considered worth cutting. At the season when the leaves begin to fade, 
 the earth is removed from about the top of the root, and the leaves and stem, 
 being twisted off near their base, are thrown with other vegetable matters 
 over the root, in order to protect it from the sun. After some time the 
 summit of the root is cut off transversely, and the juice which exudes having 
 been scraped off, another thin slice is removed, in order to present a fresh 
 surface for exudation. This process is repeated at intervals till the root 
 ceases to afford juice, and perishes. During the whole period of collection, 
 which occupies nearly six weeks, the solar heat is as much as possible ex- 
 cluded. The juice collected from numerous plants is put together, and 
 allowed to harden in the sun. The fruit is said to be sent to India, where 
 it is highly esteemed as a medicine by the native practitioners. 
 
 Assafetida is brought to this country either from India, whither it is con- 
 veyed from Bushire and down the Indus, or by the route of Great Britain. 
 It sometimes comes in mats, but more frequently in cases, the former con- 
 taining eighty or ninety, the latter from two hundred to four hundred pounds. 
 It is sometimes also imported in casks. 
 
128 
 
 Assafoetida. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Properties. — As found in the shops, assafetida is in irregular masses, softish 
 when not long exposed, of a yellowish or reddish-brown colour externally, ex- 
 hibiting when broken an irregular whitish, somewhat shining surface, which 
 soon becomes red on exposure, and ultimately passes into a dull yellowish- 
 brown. This change of colour is characteristic of assafetida, and is ascribed 
 to the influence of air and light upon its resinous ingredient. The masses 
 appear as if composed of distinct portions agglutinated together, sometimes 
 of white, almost pearly tears, embedded in a darker, softer, and more fetid 
 paste. Occasionally the tears are found separate, though very rarely in the 
 commerce of this country. They are roundish, oval, or irregular, and gene- 
 rally flattened, from the size of a pea to that of a large almond, sometimes 
 larger, yellowish or brownish externally and w T hite within, and not unlike 
 ammoniac tears, for which they might be mistaken except for their odour, 
 which, however, is weaker than that of the masses. 
 
 The odour of assafetida is alliaceous, extremely fetid, and tenacious ; the 
 taste, bitter, acrid, and durable. The effect of time and exposure is to ren- 
 der it more hard and brittle, and to diminish the intensity of its smell and 
 taste, particularly the former. Koempfer assures us, that one drachm of 
 the fresh juice diffuses a more powerful odour through a close room than 
 one hundred pounds of the drug as usually kept in the stores. Assafetida 
 softens by heat without melting, and is of difficult pulverization. Its sp. gr. 
 is 1'327. ( Berzelius .) It is inflammable, burning with a clear, lively flame. 
 It yields all its virtues to alcohol, and forms a clear tincture, which becomes 
 milky on the addition of water. Macerated in water it produces a turbid 
 red solution, and triturated wflth that fluid gives a white or pink-coloured 
 milky emulsion of considerable permanence. In 100 parts, Pelletier found 
 65 parts of resin, 19'4d of gum, 11'66 of bassorin, 3'60 of volatile oil, with 
 traces of supermalate of lime. Brandes obtained 4'6 parts of volatile oil, 
 47 '25 of a bitter resin soluble in ether, 1'6 of a tasteless resin insoluble in 
 ether, l'O of extractive, 19 '4 of gum containing traces of potassa and lime 
 united with sulphuric, phosphoric, acetic, and malic acids, 6'4 of bassorin, 
 6'2 of sulphate of lime, 3'5 of carbonate of lime, 0‘4 of oxide of iron and 
 alumina, 0'4 of malate of lime with resin, 6'0 of water, and 4’6 of impuri- 
 ties consisting chiefly of sand and woody fibre. The odour of the gum-resin 
 depends on the volatile oil, which may be procured by distillation with water 
 or alcohol. It is lighter than water, colourless when first distilled, but be- 
 coming yellow with age, of an exceedingly offensive odour, and of a taste at 
 first flat, but afterwards bitter and acrid. It contains, according to Steuhouse, 
 from 15 ’75 to 23 per cent, of sulphur. Hlasiwetz considers it as a mixture 
 in variable proportions of the sulphuret and bisulphuret of a compound 
 radical, consisting of carbon and hydrogen (C^Hi,). It boils at about 280°, 
 but suffers decomposition, yielding sulphuretted hydrogen. When long ex- 
 posed to the air it becomes slightly acid, and acquires a somewhat different 
 odour. (Chem. Gaz., No. 178, p. 108, from Liebig's Amialen.') The volatile 
 oil and the bitter resin are the active principles. 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. Assafetida is probably not often purposely 
 adulterated, but it frequently comes of inferior quality, and mixed with vari- 
 ous impurities, such as sand and stones. Portions which are very soft, dark 
 brown or blackish, with few or no tears, and indisposed to assume a red colour 
 when freshly broken, should be rejected. We have been informed that a 
 case seldom comes without more or less of this inferior assafetida, and of 
 many it forms the larger proportion. It is sold chiefly for horses. Chevai- 
 lier states that a factitious substance, made of garlic juice and white pitch 
 with a little assafetida, has occurred in commerce. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Assafoetida. — Aurantii Cortex. 
 
 129 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The effects of assafetida on the system are 
 those of a moderate stimulant, powerful antispasmodic, efficient expectorant, 
 and feeble laxative. Some consider it also emmenagogue and anthelmintic. 
 Its volatile oil is undoubtedly absorbed; as its peculiar odour may be detected 
 in the breath and the secretions. As an antispasmodic simply, it is employed 
 in the treatment of hysteria, hypochondriasis, convulsions of various kinds, 
 spasm of the stomach and bowels unconnected with inflammation, and in those 
 numerous irregular nervous disorders which accompany derangement of the 
 different organs, or result from mere debility of the nervous system. From 
 the union of expectorant with antispasmodic powers, it is highly useful in 
 spasmodic pectoral affections, such as hooping-cough, asthma, and certain 
 infantile coughs and catarrhs, complicated with nervous disorder, or with a 
 disposition of the system to sink. In catarrhus senilis ; the secondary stages 
 of peripneumonia notlia, croup, measles, and catarrh ; in pulmonary consump- 
 tion ; in fact, iu all cases of disease of the chest in which there is want of 
 due nervous energy, and in which inflammation is absent or has been suf- 
 ficiently subdued, assafetida may be occasionally prescribed with advantage. 
 In the form of enema, it is useful in typhoid diseases with inordinate accu- 
 mulation of air in the bowels, and in other cases of tympanitic abdomen. 
 The same form is most convenient in the hysteric paroxysm, and other kinds 
 of convulsion. In most cases its laxative tendency is advantageous, but 
 sometimes must be counteracted bv opium. It may often be usefully com- 
 bined with purgative medicines in constipation with flatulence. 
 
 It appears to have been known in the East from very early ages, and, not- 
 withstanding its repulsive odour, is at present much used iu India and Persia 
 as a condiment. Persons soon habituate themselves to its smell, which they 
 even learn to associate pleasantly with the agreeable effects experienced from 
 its internal use. Children with hooping-cough sometimes become fond of it. 
 
 The medium dose is ten grains, which may be given in pill or emulsion. 
 (See Mistura Assafcetidsef The tincture is officinal, and is much used. 
 When given by injection, the gum-resin should be triturated with warm water. 
 From half a drachm to two drachms may be administered at once in this way. 
 As assafetida is not apt to affect the brain injuriously, it may be given very 
 freely when not contra-indicated by the existence of inflammatory action. 
 
 Off. Prep. Assafoetida Prmparata ; Emplastrum Assafcetidse ; Enema Assa- 
 foetidae ; Mistura Assafostid® ; Pilul® Aloes et Assafoetid® ; Pilul® Assa- 
 foetid®; Pilulae Galbani Composite; Spiritus Ammonias Foetidus; Tinetura 
 Assafoetidae ; Tinct. Castorei Ammoniata. W. 
 
 AURANTII CORTEX. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Orange Peel. 
 
 The outer rind of the fruit of Citrus vulgaris or Citrus Aurantium. U. S. 
 The outer riud of the fruit of Citrus Bigaradia. Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. AURANTII CORTEX. Rind of the fruit of Citrus vulgaris. 
 AURANTII OLEUM. Volatile oil of the flowers of Citrus vulgaris, and 
 sometimes of Citrus Aurantium. Ed.; CITRUS AURANTIUM. The fruit. 
 AURANTIUM. Citrus Bigaradia. The rind of the fruit. The volatile oil. 
 Pub. 
 
 Ecorce d’ orange, Fr.; Pomeranzenschale, Germ.; Scorze del frutto dell'arancio, Ilal.; 
 Corteza de naranja, Span. 
 
 Citrus. Sex. Syst. Polyadelphia Icosandria. — Nat. Ord. Aurantiace®. 
 
 9 
 
130 
 
 Aurantii Cortex. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-cleft. Petals five, oblong. Anthers twenty, the fila- 
 ments united into different parcels. Berry nine-celled. WiUd. 
 
 This very interesting genus is composed of small evergreen trees, with ovate 
 or oval-lanceolate, and shining leaves, odoriferous flowers, and fruits which 
 usually combine beauty of colour with a fragrant odour and grateful taste. 
 They are all natives of warm climates. Though the species are not numerous, 
 great diversity exists in the character of the fruit; and many varieties, founded 
 upon this circumstance, are noticed by writers. In the splendid work on the 
 natural history of the Citrus by Ilisso and Poiteau, 169 varieties are described 
 under the eight following heads : — 1. sweet oranges, 2. bitter and sour oranges, 
 3. bergamots, 4. limes, 5. shaddocks, 6. lumes, 7. lemons, and 8. citrons. Of 
 these it is difficult to decide which have just claims to the rank of distinct 
 species, and which must be considered merely as varieties. Those employed 
 in medicine may be arranged in two sets, of which the orange, C. Aurantium , 
 and the lemon, C. Medica, are respectively the types, the former characterized 
 by a winged, the latter by a naked or nearly naked petiole. The form and 
 character of the fruit, which are not entirely constant, serve as the basis of 
 the subdivisions. C. Decumana, which yields the shaddock, agrees with C. 
 Aurantium in the form of its petiole. 
 
 Citrus Aurantium. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 1427 ; Woody. Med. Bot. p. 532, 
 t. 188. The orange tree grows to the height of about fifteen feet. Its stem 
 is round, very much branched, and covered with a smooth, shining, greenish- 
 brown bark. In the wild state, and before inoculation, it is often furnished 
 with axillary spines. The leaves are ovate, pointed, entire, smooth, and of 
 a shining pale-green colour. When held between the eye and the light, 
 they exhibit numerous small transparent vesicles, filled with essential oil ; 
 and, when rubbed between the fingers, are highly fragrant. Their footstalks 
 are about an inch long, and have wings or lateral appendages. The flowers, 
 which have a delightful odour, are large, white, and attached by short pe- 
 duncles, singly or in clusters, to the smallest branches. The calyx is saucer- 
 shaped, with pointed teeth. The petals are oblong, concave, white, and beset 
 with numerous small glands. The filaments are united at their base in three 
 or more distinct portions, and support yellow anthers. The germen is round- 
 ish, and bears a cylindrical style, terminated by a globular stigma. The 
 fruit is a spherical berry, often somewhat flattened at its base and apex, 
 rough, of a yellow or orange colour, and divided internally into nine vertical 
 cells, each containing from two to four seeds, surrounded by* a pulpy matter. 
 The rind of the fruit consists of a thin exterior layer, abounding in vesicles 
 filled with a fragrant essential oil, and of an interior one which is thick, 
 white, fungous, insipid, and inodorous. There are two varieties of C. Au- 
 rantium, considered by some as distinct species. They differ chiefly in the 
 fruit, which in one is sweet, in the other sour and bitterish. The first retains 
 the original title, the second is called Citrus vulgaris by De Candolle and Citrus 
 Bigaradia by Ilisso. The Seville orange is the product of the latter. 
 
 This beautiful evergreen, in which the fruit is mingled, in every stage of 
 its growth, with the blossoms and foliage, is one of those productions of the 
 tropics which have been applied to the most numerous purposes both of utility 
 and ornament. A native of China and India, it was introduced into Europe 
 at a very early period, was transplanted to America soon after its first settle- 
 ment, and is now found in every civilized country where the climate is favour- 
 able to its cultivation. In colder countries, it is one of the most cherished 
 ornaments of the hot-house, though in this situation its beauties are not fully 
 developed, and its fruit does not attain perfection. It flourishes in the most 
 southern portions of our own country, especially near St. Augustine in Florida, 
 
PART I. 
 
 Aurantii Cortex. 
 
 131 
 
 where very fine oranges are produced. The tree also grows in the gardens 
 about New Orleans, but is sometimes destroyed by frosty winters. The fruit 
 is brought to us chiefly from the South of Europe and the West Indies. 
 The Havana oranges have the sweetest and most agreeable flavour. 
 
 Various parts of the orange tree are used in medicine. The leaves, which 
 are bitter and aromatic, are employed in some places in the state of infusion 
 as a gently stimulant diaphoretic. The fresh flowers impart to water distilled 
 from them their peculiar fragrance; and the preparation thus obtained is 
 much esteemed in the South of Europe for its antispasmodic virtues. It is 
 recognised as officinal by the London and Edinburgh Colleges. 
 
 Aurantii Flores Aqua. Lond. Aurantii Aqua. Ed. Orange-flower 
 water is not prepared in this part of the United States, though the flowers 
 might be imported for the purpose, if previously incorporated with one-third 
 or one-quarter of their weight of common salt. It is made in Italy and 
 France, and the flowers of the bitter orange are preferred, as yielding the 
 most fragrant product. It is nearly colourless, though usually of a pale 
 yellowish tint. From being kept in copper bottles, it sometimes contains 
 metallic impurity. This is chiefly carbonate of lead, derived from the lead 
 used as a solder in making the bottles. The Edinburgh College, therefore, 
 directs that it should not be affected by sulphuretted hydrogen, which, if 
 either lead or copper were present, would cause a dark precipitate. Much 
 colour, an offensive odour, or mouldiness, indicates impurity derived from the 
 flowers in distillation. Orange-flower water is used exclusively as a perfume. 
 
 An oil is also obtained from the flowers by distillation, which is called 
 neroli in France, and is much used in perfumery, and in the composition of 
 liqueurs. It is an ingredient of the famous Cologne water. That obtained 
 from the flowers of the Seville or bitter orange (U. vulgaris ) is deemed the 
 sweetest. It was introduced into the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, with the 
 title of Aurantii Oleum , to serve for the preparation of orange-flower water. 
 Soubeirau considers this oil rather as a product of the distillation, than as 
 pre-existing in the flowers. The fact may thus be explained, that orange- 
 flower water, made by dissolving even the finest neroli in water, has not the 
 precise odour of that procured by distillation from the flowers. 
 
 The fruit is applied to several purposes. Small unripe oranges, about the 
 size of a cherry or less, previously dried, and rendered smooth by a turning 
 lathe, are sometimes employed to maintain the discharge from issues. They 
 are preferred to peas on account of their agreeable odour, and by some are 
 thought to swell less with the moisture; but this is denied by others, and it 
 is asserted that they require to be renewed at the end of twenty-four hours. 
 These fruits are sometimes kept in the shops under the name of orange ber- 
 ries. They are of a grayish or greenish-brown colour, fragrant odour, and 
 bitter taste, and are said to be used for flavouring cordials. A volatile oil is 
 obtained from them by distillation, known to the French by the name of 
 essence de petit grain, and employed for similar purposes with that of the 
 flowers. The oil, however, which now goes by this name, is said to be dis- 
 tilled chiefly from the leaves, and those of the bitter orange yield the best. 
 The Dublin College recognises the ripe fruit. The juice of the Seville orange 
 is sour and bitterish, and forms with water a refreshing and grateful drink in 
 febrile diseases. It is employed in the same manner as lemon-juice, which 
 it resembles in containing citric acid, though in much smaller proportion. 
 The sweet orange is more pleasant to the taste, and is extensively used as a 
 light refrigerant article of diet in inflammatory diseases, care being taken to 
 reject the membranous portion. The rind of the mature fruit is the only 
 part directed in the U. S Pharmacopoeia. The outer portion is that con- 
 
132 
 
 Aurantii Cortex. — Avense Farina. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 sidered officinal; as the inner is destitute of activity, and by its affinity for 
 moisture renders the peel liable to become mouldy. The best mode of sepa- 
 rating the outer rind, when its desiccation and preservation are desired, is to 
 pare it from the orange iu narrow strips with a sharp knife, as we pare an 
 apple. When the object is to apply the fresh rind to certain pharmaceutic 
 purposes, as to the preparation of the confection of orange peel , it is best 
 separated by a grater. The dried peel, sold in the shops, is usually that 
 of the Seville orange, and is brought chiefly from the Mediterranean. 
 
 Properties. Orange peel has a grateful aromatic odour, and a warm bitter 
 taste, which depend upon the volatile oil contained in its vesicles. The rind 
 of the Seville orange is much more bitter than that of the other variety. 
 Both yield their sensible properties to water and alcohol. The oil may be 
 obtained by expression from the fresh grated rind, or by distillation with 
 water. It is imported into the United States in tinned copper cans. It has 
 properties resembling those of the oil of lemons, but spoils more rapidly on 
 exposure to the air, acquiring a terebinthinate odour. The perfumers use it 
 in the preparation of Cologne water, and for other purposes; and it is also 
 employed by the confectioners. This oil is recognised by the Dublin College. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Orange peel is a mild tonic, carminative, 
 and stomachic, but is seldom used alone. It is chiefly employed to communi- 
 cate a pleasant flavour to other medicines, to correct their nauseating proper- 
 ties, and to assist their stimulant impression upon the stomach. It is a 
 frequent and useful addition to bitter infusions and decoctions, as those of 
 gentian, quassia, columbo, and especially Peruvian bark. It is obviously 
 improper to subject orange peel to long boiling; as the volatile oil, on which 
 its virtues chiefly depend, is thus driven off. The dose in substance is from 
 half a drachm to a drachm three times a day. Large quantities are some- 
 times productive of mischief, especially in children, in whom violent colic 
 and even convulsions are sometimes induced by it. We have known the case 
 of a child, in which death resulted from eating the rind of an orange. 
 
 When orange peel is used simply for its agreeable flavour, the rind of the 
 sweet orange is preferable; as a tonic, that of the Seville orange. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Aurantii Corticis; Infusum Aurantii Compositum; 
 Infusum Gentianas Comp.; Spiritus Armoracias Comp.; Syrupus Aurantii 
 Corticis; Tinctura Aurantii; Tinct. Cinchonas Comp.; Tinct. Gentianas 
 Comp.; Vinum Gentianas. W. 
 
 AVENGE FARINA. US. 
 
 Oatmeal. 
 
 Meal prepared from the seeds of Avena sativa. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. AVENA. Avena sativa. Semen tunicis nudatum. Lond 
 AVENA. Seeds of Avena sativa. Ed.; AVENA SATIVA. The seeds. Dub. 
 
 Fariae d’avoine, Fr.; Hafermehl, Germ.; Farina dell’ avena, I Lai.; Harina de avena, 
 Span. 
 
 Avena. Sex. Syst. Triandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Graminaceas. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx two-valved, many flowered, with a twisted awn on the 
 back. Willd. 
 
 'Avena sativa. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 446. The common oat is so well 
 known that a minute description would be superfluous. It is specifically 
 distinguished by its “loose panicle, its two-seeded glumes, and its smooth 
 seeds, one of which is awned.” It was known to the ancients, and is now 
 cultivated in all civilized countries; but its original locality has not been 
 
PART I. 
 
 Avense Farina. — Azedarach. 
 
 133 
 
 satisfactorily ascertained. It grows wild in Sicily, and is said to have been 
 seen by Anson in the Island of Juan Fernandez, on the coast of Chili. 
 
 This grain, though cultivated chiefly for horses, is very nourishing, and is 
 largely consumed as food by the inhabitants of Scotland, the North of Ire- 
 land, Brittany, and some other countries. The seeds deprived of their husk 
 are called groats, and are directed by the London College ; but are not offi- 
 cinal on this side of the Atlantic. It is only the meal, prepared by grinding 
 the seeds, that is kept in our shops. 
 
 Oatmeal contains, according to Vogel, in 100 parts, 59 of starch, 4’30 of 
 a grayish substance resembling rather coagulated albumen than gluten, 8’25 
 of sugar and a bitter principle, 2‘50 of gum, 2 of fixed oil, and 23'95 of 
 fibrous matter including loss. An elaborate analysis of oats, deprived of the 
 husk, made by Professor J. P. Norton, of Yale College, gave as the average 
 of four varieties of the grain, 65'H per cent, of starch, 2'24 of sugar, 2’23 of 
 gum, 6‘55 of oil, 16'51 of a nitrogenous body analogous to casein, though 
 differing from it in some respects, P42 of albumen, 1'68 of gluten, 2 17 of 
 epidermis, and 2'09 of alkaline salts, with allowance for loss and error. Pro- 
 fessor Norton thinks there may have been some error in the proportion of the 
 nitrogenous compounds, in consequence of the difficulty of separating them 
 from starch ; and concludes, from the quantity of nitrogen obtained by ulti- 
 mate analysis, that these compounds must amount to at least 8 per cent. 
 (Am: Journ. of Sci. and Arts, 2d ser., iii. 330.') Oatmeal has no smell, is 
 very slightly but not unpleasantly bitter, and yields most of its nutritive 
 matter with facility to boiling water. 
 
 Gruel made with oatmeal affords a nutritious, bland, and easily digested 
 aliment, admirably adapted to inflammatory diseases; and, from its somewhat 
 laxative tendency, preferable in certain cases to the purely mucilaginous or 
 amylaceous preparations. It is very often administered after brisk cathartics, 
 in order to render them easier, and at the same time more efficient in their 
 action. It is sometimes also used in the form of enema; and the meal, boiled 
 with water into a thick paste, forms an excellent emollient cataplasm. Oat- 
 meal gruel may be prepared by boiling an ounce of the meal with three pints 
 of water to a quart, straining the decoction, allowing it to stand till it cools, 
 and then pouring off the clear liquor from the sediment. Sugar and lemon- 
 juice may be added to improve its flavour; and raisins are not unfrequently 
 boiled with the meal and water for the same purpose. W. 
 
 AZEDARACH. US. Secondary. 
 
 Azedarach. 
 
 The bark of the root of Melia Azedarach. U. S. 
 
 Meiaa. Seat, Syst. Deeandria Monogynia. — Nat.Ord. Meliaceae. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Calyx, five-toothed. Petals five. Nectary cylindrical, toothed, 
 bearing the anthers in the throat. Drupe with a five-celled nut. Willd. 
 
 Melia Azedarach. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 558; Michaux, N. Am. Sylv. iii. 
 4. This is a beautiful tree, rising thirty or forty feet in height, with a trunk 
 fifteen or twenty inches in diameter. When standing alone, it attains less 
 elevation, and spreads itself out into a capacious summit. Its leaves are 
 large, and doubly pinnate, consisting of smooth, acuminate, denticulate, dark 
 green leaflets, which are disposed in pairs with an odd one at the end. The 
 flowers, which are of a lilac colour and delightfully fragrant, are in beautiful 
 axillary clusters near the extremities of the branches. The fruit is a round 
 drupe, about as large as a cherry, and yellowish when ripe. 
 
134 
 
 Azedarach. — Balsamum P eruvianum. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 This species of Melia is variously called pride of India, pride of China, 
 and common head tree. It is a native of Syria, Persia, and the North of 
 India, and is cultivated as an ornament in various parts of the eastern and 
 western continents. It is abundant in our Southern States, where it adorns 
 the streets of cities, and the environs of dwellings, and in some places has 
 become naturalized. North of Virginia it does not flourish, though small 
 trees may sometimes be seen in sheltered situations. Its flowers appear early 
 in the spring. The fruit is sweetish, and, though said by some to be poison- 
 ous, is eaten by children without inconvenience, and is reputed to be power- 
 fully vermifuge. But the bark of the root is the part chiefly employed. It 
 is preferred iu the recent state, and is, therefore, scarcely to be found in the 
 shops at the North. It has a bitter, nauseous taste, and yields its virtues 
 to boiling water. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This bark is cathartic and emetic, and in 
 large doses is said to produce narcotic effects similar to those of spigelia, 
 especially if gathered at the season when the sap is mounting. It is con- 
 sidered in the Southern States an efiicient anthelmintic, and appears to enjoy, 
 in some places, an equal degree of confidence with the pinkroot. It is thought 
 also to be useful in those infantile remittents which resemble verminose fevers, 
 without being dependent on the presence of worms. The form of decoction 
 is usually preferred. A quart of water is boiled with four ounces of the 
 fresh bark to a pint, of which the dose for a child is a tablespoonful every two 
 or three hours, till it affects the stomach or bowels. Another plan is to give 
 a dose morning and evening for several successive days, and then to admin- 
 ister an active cathartic. W. 
 
 BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM. TJ. S., Lond., Ed. 
 Balsam of Peru. 
 
 The juice of Myrospermum Peruiferum. U. S. Balsam prepared from the 
 bark. Lond. Fluid balsamic exudation. Ed. 
 
 Baume de Perou, Fr. ; Peruvianischer Balsam, Germ.; Balsamo del Peru, Ital.; 
 Balsamo negro, Span. 
 
 Myrospermum. Sex.Syst. Decandria Monogynia. — Xat.Ord. Legurui- 
 nosm. De Cand. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx campanulate, five-toothed, persistent. Petals five, the 
 upper one largest. Stamens ten, free. Ovary stipitate,' oblong, membranous, 
 with from two to six ovules; the style originating near the apex, filiform, 
 lateral. Legume with the stalk naked at the base, broadly winged above, 
 samaroid, indehiscent, oue-celled, one or two seeded, laterally somewhat 
 pointed by the style. Seed covered over with balsamic juice. Cotyledons 
 thick, flat. De Candolle. 
 
 Botanists now agree in uniting the genera Myroxylon and Toluifera of 
 Linnaeus, and Myrospermum of Jacquin, into one, and follow De Candolle in 
 adopting the last mentioned title. In relation to the particular species which 
 yields the balsam now under consideration, there has been much uncertainty. 
 After the death of Linnaeus, specimens of a plant were sent to the younger 
 Linnaeus by Mutis, from New Granada, which was said by this botanist to 
 yield the balsam of Peru. A description of the plant was published iu the 
 Supplementum Plantarum with the name of Myroxylon Peruiferum ; and 
 pharmacologists have generally referred the balsam to it. But considerable 
 doubt has existed as to the identity of the species; nor have these doubts 
 been satisfactorily settled up to the present time. Specimens of a plant were 
 
PART I. 
 
 Balsamum Peruvianum. 
 
 135 
 
 received by Dr. Pereira from Central America, wliich, there is no reason to 
 doubt, is the real source of Peruvian balsam. Upon comparing these with 
 the specimen of Mutis’s plant preserved in the Herbarium of the Linnaean 
 Society, he found a sufficiently close resemblance in the leaves; but unfor- 
 tunately this specimen is not perfect; and a certain conclusion does not seem 
 to be attainable, A species of Myrospermum was described by Ruiz in his 
 Quinologia, as the true Peruvian balsam plant, which he believed to be iden- 
 tical with Myroxylon Peruiferum of Linn., and named accordingly. But 
 this identity is denied by Kunth and De Candolle, who consider Ruiz’s plant 
 to be the Myrospermum pubescens. ( Prod com. ii. 95.) Lambert, in his Illus- 
 trations of the Genus Cinchona, translated the description of Ruiz, and gave 
 a figure of the plant (p. 97); but, according to Dr. Pereira, he drew the figure 
 from Pavon’s specimens contained in the British Museum, which were not 
 those of Ruiz’s plant, and were marked in Pavon’s own hand writing Myrox- 
 ylon balsamiferum. With this figure the real plant corresponds most closely ; 
 and it would appear, therefore, not to be the M. Peruiferum of Ruiz, the 
 M. pubescens of Kunth and De Candolle. In this uncertainty, we shall give 
 a brief account of the plant described and figured by Pereira, with the de- 
 signation of “ Myrospermum of Sonsonate,” leaving its proper botanical place 
 to be determined by further observation. 
 
 The Myrospermum of Sonsonate, for which Dr. Royle proposes the name 
 of Myrospermum Pereira, in honour of the late Dr. Pereira ( Manual of Mat. 
 Med., 2d ed. p. 414), is a handsome tree, with a straight, round, lofty stem, 
 a smooth ash-coloured bark, and spreading branches at the top. The leaves 
 are alternate, petiolate, and unequally pinnate. The leaflets are from five to 
 eleven, shortly petiolate, oblong, oval-oblong, or ovate, about three inches 
 long by somewhat less than an inch and a half in breadth, rounded at the 
 base, and contracting abruptly at top into an emarginate point. When held 
 up to the light, they exhibit, in lines parallel with the primary veins, beau- 
 tiful rounded and linear pellucid spots. The common and partial petioles 
 and midribs are smooth to the naked eye, but, when examined with a mi- 
 croscope, are found to be furnished with short hairs. The fruit, including 
 the winged foot-stalk, varies from two to four inches in length. At its 
 peduncular extremity it is rounded or slightly tapering ; at the top is en- 
 larged, rounded, and swollen, with a small point at the side. The mesocarp, 
 or main investment of the fruit, is fibrous, and contains in distinct receptacles 
 a balsamic juice, which is most abundant in two long receptacles or vittae, 
 one upon each side. 
 
 This tree grows in Central America, in the State of Saint Salvador, upon 
 the Pacific Coast. The balsam is collected from it exclusively by the abo- 
 rigines, within a small district denominated the Balsam Coast, extending 
 from Acajutla to Port Libertad. Incisions are made into the bark, which 
 is slightly burned, so as to cause the juice to flow. Cotton or woollen rags 
 are then inserted into the apertures, and, after saturation, are removed and re- 
 placed by others. When sufficient is collected, the rags are boiled in water 
 in large jars, and the liquid allowed to stand; whereupon the water rises to 
 the top and is poured off, leaving the balsam, which is put into calabashes or 
 bladders. ( Pharm . Journ. ancl Trans., xi. 205.) It is then taken for sale 
 to the neighbouring town of Sonsonate, where it is purified by subsidence and 
 straining, and put into jars for exportation. The annual average produce is 
 said to he about 25,000 pounds. 
 
 A substance called white balsam is procured from the fruit by expression. 
 This has been confounded by some with the balsam of Tolu, but is wholly 
 distinct. It is of a semifluid or soft solid consistence, somewhat granular, 
 
136 
 
 Balsamum P eruvianum. 
 
 part I. 
 
 and, on standing, separates into a white resinous crystalline deposit, and a 
 superior translucent more fluid portion. The smell, though quite distinct 
 from that of the balsams of Tolu and Peru, is not disagreeable. Dr. Sten- 
 liouse has obtained from it a peculiar resinous body, readily crystallizable, 
 and remarkably indifferent in its chemical affinities, which he denominates 
 my roxocarpin. ( Pharm , Journ. and Trans., x. 290.) 
 
 Another substance obtained from the same tree, and much used in Central 
 America, is a tincture of the fruit, made by digesting it in rum. It is called 
 Lalsamito by the inhabitants, and is said to be stimulant, anthelmintic, and 
 diuretic. It is also used as an external application to gangrenous or indolent 
 ulcers, and as a wash to the face to remove freckles. Neither the white 
 balsam nor the balsamito reaches the markets of this country. 
 
 The balsam of Peru was named from its place of exportation ; and it was 
 long thought to be a product of Peru. It is now shipped partly from the 
 Pacific coast, and partly from Balize or other ports on the Atlantic side, whither 
 it is brought across the country. It was Guibourt who first made known the 
 fact of its exclusive production in Central America. As imported it is usually 
 in tin canisters, with a whitish scum upon its surface, and more or less de- 
 posit, which is dissolved with the aid of heat. 
 
 It is said to be adulterated in Europe with castor oil, copaiba, &e. (see 
 Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xii. 549) ; and a factitious substance has been 
 sold in this country for the genuine balsam, prepared by dissolving balsam 
 of Tolu in alcohol. This may be distinguished by taking fire readily, and 
 burning with a blue flame. (A r . Y. Journ. of Pharm., i. 133.) 
 
 Properties. Balsam of Peru is viscid like syrup or honey, of a dark reddish- 
 brown colour, a fragrant odour, and a warm bitterish taste, leaving when 
 swallowed a burning or prickling sensation in the throat. Its sp. gr. is from 
 114 to 1T6. When exposed to flame it takes fire, diffusing a white smoke 
 and a fragrant odour. Containing resin, volatile oil, and either benzoic or 
 cinnamic acid, it is properly considered a balsam, though probably somewhat 
 altered by heat. Alcohol in large proportion entirely dissolves it. Boiling 
 water extracts the acid. From 1000 parts of the balsam, Stolze obtained 
 24 parts of a brown nearly insoluble resinous matter, 207 of resin readily 
 soluble, 690 of oil, 64 of benzoic acid, 6 of extractive matter, and a small 
 proportion of water. The oil he considers to be of a peculiar nature, differ- 
 ing from the volatile, the fixed, and the empyreumatic oils. Fremy gives 
 the following views of the composition of the balsam. The acid is cinnamic 
 and not benzoic acid. The oily substance is named by him cinnameine. It 
 is decomposed by caustic potassa into cinnamic acid, which unites with the 
 alkali, and a light oily fluid called peruvine. The resin is a hydrate of cin- 
 nameine, and increases at the expense of the latter principle as the balsam 
 hardens. Cinnameine often holds in solution a crystalline substance called 
 jnetacinnameine, which is isomeric with hydruret of cinnamyl, and by its 
 oxidation gives rise to the cinnamic acid. When none exists in the balsam, 
 it is presumed to have been wholly converted into that acid. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This balsam is a warm, stimulating tonic 
 and expectorant, and has been recommended in chronic catarrhs, certain forms 
 of asthma, phthisis, and other pectoral complaints attended with debility. It 
 has also been used in gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, amenorrhoea, chronic rheuma- 
 tism, and palsy. At present, however, it is little employed by American 
 physicians. As an external application it has been found beneficial in chronic 
 indolent ulcers. The dose is half a fluidrachm. It is best administered 
 diffused in water by means of sugar and the yolk of eggs or gum Arabic. 
 
 Off. Prep. Tinctura Benzoini Composita. W. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Balsamum Tolutanum. 
 
 137 
 
 BALSAMUM TOLUTANUM. U. S., Loncl, Ed., Dub. 
 Balsam of Tolu. 
 
 The juice of Myrospermum Toluiferum. U. S. Concrete balsam, from in- 
 cisions in the bark. Land. Concrete balsamic exudation. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Baume de Tolu, Ft.; Tolubalsam, Germ.; Balsamo del Tolu, Ilal.; Balsamo de Tolu, 
 Span. 
 
 Myrospermum. See BALSAMUM PERUVIANUM. 
 
 For a long time the tree from which this balsam is derived retained the 
 name of Toluifera Balsamum, given to it by Linnaeus; but it is now admitted 
 that the genus Toluifera was formed upon insufficient grounds ; and botanists 
 agree in referring the Tolu balsam tree to the genus Myroxylon, or, as it is 
 now denominated, Myrospermum. Ruiz, one of the authors of the Flora Peru- 
 viana, considered it identical with Myroxylon Peruiferum ; but M. Achilla 
 Richard determined that it was a distinct species, and gave it the appropriate 
 specific name of Toluiferum, which is now recognised by the Pharmacopoeias. 
 Sprengel and Humboldt also consider it a distinct species of Myroxylon. 
 According to Richard, who had an opportunity of examining specimens 
 brought from South America by Humboldt, the leaflets of M. Peruiferum 
 are thick, coriaceous, acute, blunt at the apex, and all equal in size; while 
 those of M. Toluiferum are thin, membranous, obovate, with a lengthened 
 and acuminate apex, and the terminal one is longest. M. Peruiferum is 
 found in Peru and the southern parts of New Granada; M. Toluiferum grows 
 in Carthagena, and abounds especially in the neighbourhood of Tolu. The 
 wood of the latter species, according to Flumboldt, is of a deep-red colour, 
 has a delightful balsamic odour, and is much used for building. 
 
 The balsam is procured by making incisions into the trunk. The juice 
 is received in vessels of various kinds, in which it concretes. It is brought 
 from Carthagena in calabashes or baked earthen jars, and sometimes in glass 
 vessels. G. L. Ulex gives as a test of the purity of the balsam that, if 
 heated in sulphuric acid, it dissolves without disengagement of sulphurous 
 acid, and yields a cherry-red liquid. ( Archiv . der Pharm., Jan. 1853.) 
 
 Properties. As first imported, balsam of Tolu has a soft, tenacious con- 
 sistence, which varies considerably with the temperature. By age it becomes 
 hard and brittle like resin. It is shining, translucent, of a reddish or yel- 
 lowish-brown colour, a highly fragrant odour, and a warm, somewhat sweetish 
 and pungent, but not disagreeable taste. Exposed to heat, it melts, inflames, 
 and diffuses an agreeable odour while burning. It is entirely dissolved by 
 alcohol and the volatile oils. Boiling water extracts its acid. Distilled with 
 water it affords a small proportion of volatile oil; and, if the heat be con- 
 tinued, an acid matter sublimes. Mr. Hatchett states that, when dissolved 
 in the smallest quantity of solution of potassa, it loses its own characteristic 
 odour, and acquires that of the clove pink. Its ingredients are resin, cin- 
 namic acid, and volatile oil, the proportions of which vary in different speci- 
 mens. The acid was formerly thought to be benzoic ; but was proved by 
 Fremy to be the cinnamic. The existence of the former acid in the balsam 
 was denied by that chemist; and, though Deville subsequently obtained 
 benzoic acid from it, yet, according to Kopp, this did not pre-exist in the 
 balsam, but resulted from changes produced in the resin by heat, or the re- 
 action of strong alkaline solutions. The pure volatile oil is a hydrocarbon 
 (G 10 H 8 ), which is denominated by Kopp tolene. According to the same 
 chemist, the resinous matter is of two kinds, one very soluble in alcohol, and 
 
138 
 
 Balsamum Tolutanum.— Barium. 
 
 part I. 
 
 the other hut slightly so. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e ser. xi. 426.) Guibourt 
 observed that the balsam contains more acid, and is less odorous in the solid 
 form ; and thinks that the acid is increased at the expense of the oil. 
 Trommsdorff obtained 88 per cent, of resin, 12 of acid, and only 0*2 of vo- 
 latile oil. According to Mr. Heaver, the balsam yields by distillation about 
 one-eighth of its weight of pure cinnamic acid. The acid distils over in the 
 form of a heavy oil, which condenses into a white crystalline mass. It may 
 he freed from empyreumatic oil by pressure between folds of bibulous paper, 
 and subsequent solution in boiling water, which deposits it in minute colour- 
 less crystals, upon cooling. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xv. 77.) Accord- 
 to Fremy, the constitution of this balsam is closely analogous to that of the 
 balsam of Peru, being composed of cinnameine, cinnamic acid, and resin. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Balsam of Tolu is a stimulant tonic, with 
 a peculiar tendency to the pulmonary organs. It is given with some advan- 
 tage in chronic catarrh and other pectoral complaints, in which a gently stitnu- 
 lating expectorant is demanded ; but should not be prescribed until after the 
 reduction of inflammatory action. Independently of its medical virtues, its 
 agreeable flavour renders it a popular ingredient in expectorant mixtures. Old 
 and obstinate coughs are said to be sometimes greatly relieved by the inhala- 
 tion of the vapour, proceeding from an ethereal solution of this balsam. From 
 ten to thirty grains may be given at a dose, and frequently repeated. The 
 best form of administration is that of emulsion, made b\r triturating the bal- 
 sam with mucilage of gum Arabic and loaf sugar, and afterwards with water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Syrupus Tolutanus; Tinctura Benzoini Composita ; Tinctura 
 Tolutani. W . 
 
 BARIUM. 
 
 Barium. 
 
 This is the metallic radical of the earth baryta, and the basis of several 
 officinal compounds. It was first obtained in 1808 by Sir II. Davy, who 
 describes it as a difficultly fusible metal, of a dai'k-gray colour, effervescing 
 violently with water, and considerably heavier than sulphuric acid. Its eq. 
 is 68'7, and symbol Ba. When exposed to the air, it instantly becomes 
 covered with a crust of baryta, and, when gently heated, burns with a deep 
 red light. The only officinal compounds of barium are the chloride of barium, 
 and the carbonate and sulphate of the protoxide (baryta). 
 
 Baryta may be obtained from the native carbonate by intense ignition with 
 carbonaceous matter; or from the native sulphate, by ignition with charcoal, 
 which converts it into sulphuret of barium, subsequent solution of the sul- 
 phuret in nitric acid, and strong ignition of the nitrate formed to dissipate 
 the acid. As thus obtained, it is an anhydrous solid, caustic, alkaline, diffi- 
 cultly fusible, and of a grayish -white colour. Its sp. gr. is about 4. It acts 
 on the animal economy as a poison. When sprinkled with water it slakes 
 like lime, becomes hot, and is reduced to the state of a white pulverulent 
 hydrate, containing one eq. of water. The same hydrate is formed in mass, 
 when the anhydrous earth is made into a paste with water, and exposed to a 
 red heat in a platinum crucible. The excess of water is expelled, and the 
 hydrate, undergoing fusion, may be poured out and allowed to congeal. Ba- 
 ryta dissolves in water, and forms the re-agent called baryta-water. A boil- 
 ing saturated solution, as it cools, yields crystals of baryta, containing much 
 water of crystallization. 
 
 Baryta consists of one eq. of barium 68*7, and one of oxygen S = 76*7. 
 Its symbol is, therefore, BaO. B. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Barytse Carbonas. — Barytse Sulphas. 
 
 139 
 
 BARYTiE CARBONAS. U. S., Ed., Dub. 
 Carbonate of Baryta. 
 
 Carbonate de baryte, Ft.; Koblensaurer Baryt, Germ.; Barite carbonate, Ilctl. ; 
 Carbonato de barito. Span. 
 
 The officinal carbonate of baryta is the native carbonate, a mineral disco- 
 vered in 1783 by Dr. Withering, in honour of whom it is called Witherite. 
 It is rather a rare mineral. It is found in Sweden and Scotland, but most 
 abundantly in the lead mines of the North of England. It occurs usually in 
 grayish, or pale yellowish-gray, fibrous masses, but sometimes crystallized. 
 Its sp. gr. varies from4'2 to 4'4. It is generally translucent, but sometimes 
 opaque. It effervesces with acids, and, before the blowpipe, melts into a 
 white enamel without losing its carbonic acid. It is distinguished from the 
 carbonate of strontia, with which it is most liable to be confounded, by its 
 greater specific gravity, and by the absence of a reddish flame upon the 
 burning of alcohol impregnated with its muriatic solution. If the carbonate 
 of baryta contain strontia, the test of the reddish flame will detect its pre- 
 sence. On the animal economy it acts as a poison. 
 
 When pure, carbonate of baryta is entirely soluble in muriatic acid. If 
 any sulphate of baryta be present, it will be left undissolved. If neither 
 ammonia nor sulphuretted hydrogen produce discoloration or a precipitate in 
 the muriatic solution, the absence of alumina, iron, copper, and lead is shown. 
 Lime may be detected by adding to the muriatic solution an excess of sul- 
 phuric acid, which will throw down the baryta as a sulphate, and afterwards 
 testing the clear liquid with carbonate of soda, which, if lime be present, will 
 produce a precipitate of carbonate of lime. 
 
 Carbonate of baryta consists of one eq. of carbonic acid 22, and one of 
 baryta 76'7=98’7. Its only officinal use is to make the chloride of barium. 
 
 Off. Prep. Barii Chloridum. B. 
 
 BARYTiE SULPHAS. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Sulphate of Baryta. 
 
 Heavy spar, Baroselenite ; Sulfate de baryte, Fr.; Scliwefelsaurer Baryt, Germ.; 
 Barite solfata, Ilal. 
 
 The native sulphate of baryta is used in pharmacy with the same view as 
 the native carbonate; namely, to obtain the chloride of barium. The U. S. 
 Pharmacopoeia directs for this purpose the carbonate of baryta; while the 
 Ed. and Dub. Colleges give a separate formula for the use of either the carbon- 
 ate or sulphate, at the option of the operator. (See Barii Chloridum.) 
 
 Sulphate of baryta is a heavy, lamellar, brittle mineral, varying in sp.gr. 
 from 4'4 to 4'6. It is generally translucent, but sometimes transparent or 
 opaque, and its usual colour is white or flesh-red. When crystallized, it is 
 usually in very flat rhombic prisms. Before the blowpipe it strongly de- 
 crepitates, and melts into a white enamel, which, in the course of ten or twelve 
 hours, fulls to powder. It is thus partially converted into sulphuret of barium, 
 and, if applied to the tongue, will give a taste like that of putrid eggs, arising 
 from the formation of sulphuretted hydrogen. This salt, on account of its 
 great insolubility, is not poisonous. When ground to fine powder, it is some- 
 times mixed with white lead; but it impairs the quality of that pigment. It 
 consists of one eq. of acid 40, and one of baryta 76‘7=116'7. 
 
 Off. Prep. Barii Chloridum. 
 
 B. 
 
140 
 
 Belladonna. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 BELLADONNA. U. &, Loud., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Belladonna. 
 
 The leaves of Atropa Belladonna, li. S., Lond ., Ed. The leaves and 
 root. Dub. 
 
 Belladone, Fr.; Gcmeine Tollkirsclie, Wolfskirsche, Germ.; Belladonna, Ital.; Bella- 
 dona, Belladama, Span. 
 
 Atropa. Sex.Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat.Ord. Solanacese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla hell-shaped. Stamens distant. Berry globular, two- 
 celled. Wllld. 
 
 Atropa Belladonna. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1017 ; IVoodv. Med. Bot. p. 230, 
 t. 82. Carson, Illust. of Med. Bot. ii. 19, pi. Ixv. The belladonna, or deadly 
 nightshade, is an herbaceous perennial plant, with a fleshy creeping root, from 
 which rise several erect, round, purplish, branching stems, to the height of 
 about three feet. The leaves, which are attached by short footstalks to the 
 stem, are in pairs of unequal size, oval, pointed, entire, of a dusky green 
 colour on their upper surface, and paler beneath. The flowers are large, 
 bell-shaped, pendent, of a dull reddish colour, and supported upon solitary 
 peduncles, which rise from the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a roundish 
 berry with a longitudinal furrow on each side, at first green, afterwards red, 
 ultimately of a deep purple colour, bearing considerable resemblance to a 
 cherry, and containing, in two distinct cells, numerous seeds, and a sweetish 
 violet-coloured juice. The calyx adheres to the base of the fruit. 
 
 The plant is a native of Europe, where it grows in shady places, along 
 walls, and amidst rubbish, flowering in June and July, and ripening its fruit 
 in September. It grows vigorously, under cultivation, in this country, and 
 retains all its activity, as shown hy the observations of Mr. Alfred Jones. 
 (4m. Journ. of P harm., xxiv. 106.) All parts of it are active. The leaves 
 are the only part directed by the United States, London, and Edinburgh 
 Pharmacopoeias; the root also is ordered by the Dublin College. The former 
 should be collected in June or July, the latter in the autumn or early in the 
 spring, and from plants three years old or more. 
 
 Properties. The dried leaves are of a dull greenish colour, with a very 
 faint, narcotic odour, and a sweetish, subacrid, slightly nauseous taste. The 
 root is long, round, from one to several inches in thickness, branched and 
 fibrous, externally when dried of a reddish-brown colour, internail}" whitish, 
 of little odour, and a feeble sweetish taste. Both the leaves and root, as well 
 as all other parts of the plant, impart their active properties to water and 
 alcohol. Brandes rendered it probable that these properties reside in a pecu- 
 liar alkaline principle, which he supposed to exist in the plant combined with 
 an excess of malic acid, and appropriately named atropia. Besides malate of 
 atropia, Brandes found in the dried herb two azotized principles, a green resin 
 (chlorophylle), wax, gum, starch, albumen, lignin, and various salts. The 
 alkaline principle was afterwards detected by M. Bunge; and the fact of its 
 existence was established beyond question by Geiger and Hesse, who obtained 
 it from an extract prepared from the stems and leaves of the plant. It was 
 first, however, procured in a state of purity by Mein, a German apothecary, 
 who extracted it from the root. Liibekind has described, under the name 
 of lelladonnm, a volatile alkaline principle, wholly distinct from atropia, 
 which he obtained from belladonna ; but it yet remains to be seen whether 
 this was not the product of the process. (See Jbn. Journ. of Pharnr. , 
 xiii. 127.) 
 
PART I. 
 
 Belladonna. 
 
 141 
 
 Atropia is placed by the London College in its Materia Medica catalogue. 
 It crystallizes in white, silky prisms; is inodorous and of a bitter taste; dis- 
 solves easily in absolute alcohol and ether, but very slightly in water, and 
 more freely in all these liquids hot than cold; melts at 194° F., and at 284° 
 is volatilized, a portion being unchanged, but the greater part destroyed. It 
 restores the colour of litmus paper reddened by acids; forms soluble and un- 
 crystallizable salts with sulphuric, nitric, muriatic, and acetic acids; and, in a 
 very dilute solution, produces, when applied to the eye, a speedy and durable 
 dilatation of the pupil. Like the other vegetable alkalies, it consists of nitro- 
 gen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, its formula being NC 34 H 23 0 6 .* 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The action of belladonna is that of a power- 
 ful narcotic, possessing also diaphoretic and diuretic properties, and some- 
 what disposed to operate upon the bowels. Among its first obvious effects, 
 when taken in the usual dose, and continued for some time, are dryness and 
 stricture of the fauces and neighbouring parts, with slight uneasiness or gid- 
 
 * The following is the process employed by Mein for procuring atropia. The roots 
 of plants two or three years old were selected. Of these, in extremely tine powder, 24 
 parts were digested, for several days, with 60 parts of alcohol of 86 or 90 per cent. The 
 liquid having been separated by strong expression, the residue was treated anew with an 
 equal quantity of alcohol; and the tinctures, poured together and filtered, were mixed 
 with one part of hydrate of lime, and frequently shaken for 24 hours. The copious 
 precipitate which now formed was separated by filtering ; and diluted sulphuric acid was 
 added drop by drop to the filtered liquor, till slightly in excess. The sulphate of lime 
 having been separated by a new filtration, the alcoholic liquid was distilled to one-half, 
 then mixed with 6 or 8 parts of pure water, and evaporated with a gentle heat till the 
 whole of the alcohol was driven off. The residual liquid was filtered, cautiously eva- 
 porated to one-third, and allowed to cool. A concentrated aque.ous solution of carbonate 
 of potassa was then gradually added, so long as the liquid continued to be rendered 
 turbid ; and the mixture was afterwards suffered to rest some hours. A yellowish 
 resinous substance, which opposes the crystallization of the atropia, was thus precipi- 
 tated. From this the liquid was carefully decanted, and a small additional quantity 
 of the solution of the carbonate was dropped into it, till it no longer became turbid. A 
 gelatinous mass now gradually formed, which, at the end of twelve or twenty-four 
 hours, was agitated in order to separate the mother wmters, then thrown upon a filter, 
 and dried by folds of unsized paper. The substance thus obtained, which was atropia 
 in an impure state, was dissolved in five times its weight of alcohol ; and the solution, 
 having been filtered, was mixed with six or eight times its bulk of water. The liquor 
 soon became milky, or was rendered so by evaporating the excess of alcohol, and, in 
 the course of twelve or twenty-four hours, deposited the atropia in the form of light 
 yellow crystals, which -were rendered entirely pure and colourless by washing with a 
 few drops of water, drying on blotting paper, and again treating with alcohol as before. 
 From twelve ounces of the root, Mein obtained by this process twenty grains of the 
 pure alkali. (Journ. de Pharrn., xx. 87.) 
 
 M. Rabourdin, of Orleans, in France, prepares atropia by means of chloroform in 
 the following manner. To each litre (about 2 pints) of the expressed juice of the fresh 
 leaves, deprived of its albumen by heat and filtration, or to a filtered solution of 60 
 grammes (about 15 drachms) of extract in 200 grammes of distilled water, four grammes 
 of potassa, and thirty grammes of chloroform are added, the whole is shaken for a 
 minute, and then set aside. In half an hour, the chloroform, holding the atropia in 
 solution, is seen at the bottom of the vessel, resembling a greenish oil. The super- 
 natant liquor is decanted, and small portions of water successively added and removed, 
 until it is no longer rendered turbid. The chloroformic solution is then distilled by 
 means of a salt bath, until all the chloroform has passed. The residue is treated with 
 a little water acidulated with sulphuric acid, which dissolves the atropia, leaving a green 
 resinous matter. The solution is then filtered, the atropia precipitated by carbonate 
 of potassa in slight excess, and the precipitate dissolved in rectified alcohol, which, upon 
 evaporation, yields it in beautiful groups of needles. ( Gaz . Med. deParis, Oct. 19, 1850.) 
 
 An account of the effects of numerous re-agents upon the muriate of atropia, by 
 Dr. A. Yon Planta, may be found in the American Journal of Pharmacy (xxiii. 38), 
 taken originally from Liebig’s Annalen. 
 
142 
 
 Belladonna. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 diness of the head, and more or less dimness of vision. In medicinal doses, 
 it may also occasion dilatation of the pupil, decided frontal headache, slight 
 delirium, colicky pains and purging, and a scarlet efflorescence on the skin; 
 hut this last effect is very rare. The practitioner should watch for these 
 symptoms as signs of the activity of the medicine, and should gradually in- 
 crease the dose till some one of them is experienced in a slight degree, unless 
 the object at which he aims should be previously attained ; but so soon as 
 they occur, the dose should he diminished, or the use of the narcotic sus- 
 pended for a time. In large quantities, belladonna is capable of producing 
 the most deleterious effects. It is in fact a powerful poison, and many in- 
 stances are recorded, in which it has been accidentally swallowed or purposely 
 administered with fatal consequences. All parts of the plant are poisonous. 
 It is not uncommon, in countries where the belladonna grows wild, for chil- 
 dren to pick and eat the berries, allured by their fine colour and sweet taste. 
 Soon after the poison has been swallowed, its peculiar influence is experienced 
 iu dryness of the mouth and fauces, burning in the throat and stomach, great 
 thirst, difficult deglutition, nausea and ineffectual retching, loss of vision, 
 vertigo, and intoxication or delirium, attended with violent gestures and some- 
 times with fits of laughter, and followed by a comatose state. The pupil is 
 dilated and insensible to light, the face red and tumid, the mouth and jaws 
 spasmodically affected, the stomach and bowels insusceptible of impressions, 
 in fact the whole nervous system prostrate and paralyzed. A feeble pulse, 
 cold extremities, subsultus tendinum, deep coma or delirium, and sometimes 
 convulsions, precede the fatal termination. Dissection discloses appearances 
 of inflammation in the stomach and intestines ; and it is said that the body 
 soon begins to putrefy, swells, and becomes covered with livid spots, while 
 dark blood flows from the mouth, nose, and ears. The poisonous effects of 
 atropia are of the same character, but more quickly induced, showing them- 
 selves violently in fifteen or twenty minutes, while those of the belladonna 
 itself are seldom experienced in less than half an hour. In a case recorded 
 by Dr. James Andrew, two-thirds of a grain occasioned the most alarming 
 symptoms, which continued for several days, though the patient ultimately 
 recovered under treatment. (Ed. Month. Journ. of Med. Sci., xiv. 34.) 
 Severe poisonous effects are said to have followed the administration of one- 
 tenth of a grain ; and the application of a solution to the conjunctiva has 
 caused alarming constitutional symptoms. To obviate the poisonous influence 
 of belladonna, the most effectual method is to evacuate the stomach as speedily 
 as possible, by means of emetics or the stomach pump, and afterwards to cleanse 
 the bowels by purgatives and enemata. The shocks of an electro-magnetic 
 battery have been found useful iu the comatose state. (A7 Y. Journ. of Med., 
 N. S., v. 172.) The infusion of galls may possibly be useful as an antidote; 
 and, if the experiments of M. Range can be relied on, lime-water or the alka- 
 line solutions would render the poisonous matter which might remain in the 
 stomach inert. 
 
 Belladonna has been used as a medicine from early times. The leaves were 
 first employed externally to discuss scirrhous tumours, and heal cancerous and 
 other ill-conditioned ulcers ; and were afterwards administered internally for 
 the same purpose. Much evidence of their usefulness iu these affections is on 
 record, and even Dr. Cullen has spoken in their favour ; but this application 
 of the medicine has fallen into disuse. It is at present more esteemed in 
 nervous diseases. It has been highly recommended in hooping-cough, in the 
 advanced stages of which it is undoubtedly sometimes beneficial. In neuralgia 
 it is one of the most effectual remedies in our possession; and it may be em- 
 
PAKT I. 
 
 Belladonna. 
 
 143 
 
 ployed to give relief in other painful affections. Ilufeland recommends it 
 in the convulsions dependent on scrofulous irritation. It has been prescribed 
 also in nervous colic, chorea, epilepsy, hydrophobia, tetanus, mania, delirium 
 tremens, paralysis, amaurosis, incontinence of uriue, rheumatism, gout, dys- 
 menorrhoea, obstinate intermittents, scarlatina, dropsy, and jaundice; and, 
 in such of these affections as have their seat chiefly in the nervous system, 
 it may sometimes do good. It is said to have been effectually employed in 
 several cases of strangulated hernia. It has acquired considerable credit as 
 a preventive of scarlatina; an application of the remedy first suggested by 
 the famous author of the homoeopathic doctrine ; but its efficiency in this way 
 is at best doubtful. 
 
 Applied to the eye, belladonna has the property of dilating the pupil ex- 
 ceedingly, and for this purpose is employed by oculists previously to the ope- 
 ration for cataract. Dilatation usually comes on in about an hour, is at its 
 greatest height in three or four hours, and continues often for one or two 
 days, or even longer. In cases of partial opacity of the crystalline lens, con- 
 fined to the centre of that body, vision is temporarily improved by a similar 
 use of the remedy ; and it may also perhaps be beneficially employed, when, 
 from inflammation of the iris, there is danger of a permanent closure of the 
 pupil. For these purposes, a strong infusion of the plant, or a solution of the 
 extract, may be dropped into the eye, or a little of the extract itself rubbed 
 upon the eyelids. The same application has been recommended in morbid 
 sensibility of the eye. The decoction or extract, applied to the neck of the 
 uterus, is asserted to have hastened tedious labour dependent on rigidity of the 
 os tincse ; and spasmodic stricture of the urethra, neck of the bladder, and 
 sphincter ani, anal fissures, and painful uterine affections, have been relieved 
 by the local use of the extract, either smeared upon bougies, or administered 
 by injection. In the latter mode it has relieved strangulated hernia. It is 
 asserted also to be useful in paraphimosis. The inhalation of the vapour from 
 a decoction of the leaves or extract has been recommended in spasmodic 
 asthma. For this purpose, two drachms of the leaves, or fifteen grains of the 
 aqueous extract are employed to the pint of water. Relief is said to have been 
 obtained in phthisis by smoking the leaves, infused when fresh in a strong 
 solution of opium, and then dried. 
 
 Belladonna may be given in substance, infusion, or extract. The dose of 
 the powdered leaves is for children from the eighth to the fourth of a grain, 
 for adults one or two grains, repeated daily, or twice a day, and gradually 
 increased till the peculiar effects of the medicine are experienced. An infu- 
 sion may be prepared by adding a scruple of the dried leaves to ten fluid- 
 ounces of boiling water, of which from one to two fluidounces is the dose for 
 an adult. The extract is more used in the United States than any other 
 preparation. (See Extractum Belladonnse.) 
 
 From its quicker action, more uniform strength, and greater cleanliness, 
 atropia has been recently substituted for extract of belladonna for external 
 use. Of a solution made by dissolving one grain in four fluidrachms of dis- 
 tilled water, by means of a few drops of acetic acid, a single drop applied to 
 the inner surface of the lower lid, causes dilatation of the pupil in fifteen or 
 twenty minutes. As an application in neuralgia, one grain may be mixed 
 with a drachm of lard. The dose for internal use, to begin with, is about 
 one-thirtieth of a grain, which may be gradually increased. But it is almost 
 too powerful for prudent employment in this way; especially, as the effects 
 of belladonna can be readily obtained from the extract. 
 
 Off. Prep. Atropiae Sulphas; Extractum Belladonnas; Extract. Bella- 
 donnas Alcoholicum ; Tinctura Belladonnas. W. 
 
144 
 
 Benzoinum. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 BENZOINUM. U.S., Land., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Benzoin. 
 
 The concrete juice of Sty rax Benzoin. U. S. The balsam from incisions in 
 the bark, hardened in the air. Land. Concrete balsamic exudation. Ed. The 
 concrete exudation. Dub. 
 
 Benjoin, Fr.; Benzoe, Germ.; Belzoino, Ital.; Benjui, Span. 
 
 The botanical source of benzoin was long uncertain. At one time it was 
 generally supposed in Europe to be derived from the Lauras Benzoin of this 
 country. This error was corrected by Linnaeus, who, however, committed 
 another, in ascribing the drug to Croton Benzoe, a shrub which he afterwards 
 described under the name of Tcrminalia Benzoin. Ur. Dryander was the 
 first who ascertained the true benzoin tree to be a Styrax; and his descrip- 
 tion, published in the 77th vol. of the English Philosophical Transactions, has 
 been copied by most subsequent writers. 
 
 Styrax. Sex: Syst. Decandria Monogynia. — Xat.Ord. Styraceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx inferior. Corolla funnel-shaped. Drupe two-seeded. Willd. 
 
 Styrax Benzoin. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 628; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 294, t. 
 102. This is a tall tree of quick growth, sending off many strong round 
 branches, covered with a whitish downy bark. Its leaves are alternate, entire, 
 oblong, pointed, smooth above, and downy beneath. The flowers are in com- 
 pound, axillary clusters, nearly as long as the leaves, and usually hang all on 
 the same side upon short slender pedicels. 
 
 The benzoin, or benjamin tree, is a native of Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Laos, 
 and Siam. ( Ainslie .) By wounding the bark near the origin of the lower 
 branches, a juice exudes, which hardens upon exposure, and constitutes the 
 benzoin of commerce. A tree is thought of a proper age to be wounded at 
 six years, when its trunk is about seven or eight inches in diameter. The 
 operation is performed annually, and the product on each occasion from one 
 tree never exceeds three pounds. The juice which first flows is the purest-, 
 and affords the whitest and most fragrant benzoin. It is exported chiefly 
 from Acheen in Sumatra, and comes into the western markets in large masses 
 packed in chests and casks, and presenting externally the impression of the 
 reed mats in which they were originally contained. 
 
 Two kinds of benzoin are distinguishable in the market, one consisting 
 chiefly of whitish tears united by a reddish-brown connecting medium, the 
 other of brown or blackish masses, without tears. The first is the most 
 valuable, and has been called benzoe amyydaloides, from the resemblance of 
 the white grains to fragments of blanched almonds; the second is sometimes 
 called benzoe insortis — benzoin in sorts — and usually contains numerous im- 
 purities. Between these two kinds there is every gradation. We have seen 
 specimens consisting exclusively of yellowish-white homogeneous fragments, 
 which, when broken, presented a smooth, white, shining surface. These 
 were no doubt identical in constitution with the tears of the larger masses. 
 
 Properties: Benzoin has a fragrant odour, with very little taste; but, when 
 chewed for some time, leaves a sense of irritation in the mouth and fauces. 
 It breaks with a resinous fracture, and presents a mottled surface of white 
 and brown or reddish-brown ; the white spots being smooth and shining, while 
 the remainder, though sometimes shining and even translucent, is usually 
 more or less rough and porous, and often exhibits impurities. In the inferior 
 kinds, the white spots are very few or entirely wanting. Benzoin is easily 
 pulverized, and, in the process of being powdered, is apt to excite sneezing. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Benzoinum. — Bismuthum. 
 
 145 
 
 Its sp.gr. is from 1 063 to 14)92. When heated, it melts and emits thick, 
 white, pungent fumes, which excite cough when inhaled, and consist chiefly 
 of benzoic acid. It is wholly soluble, with the exception of impurities, in 
 alcohol, and is precipitated by water from the solution, rendering the liquor 
 milky. It imparts to boiling water a notable proportion of benzoic acid. 
 Lime-water and the alkaline solutions partially dissolve it, forming benzoates, 
 from which the acid may be precipitated by the addition of another, having 
 stronger affinity for the base. Its chief constituents are resin and benzoic 
 acid; and it therefore belongs to the balsams. The white tears and the brown- 
 ish connecting medium are said by Stolze to contain very nearly the same pro- 
 portion of acid, which, according to Bucholz, is 12'5 per cent., to Stolze 19'8 
 per cent. In a more recent examination by Kopp, the white tears were found 
 to contain from 8 to 10 per cent, of acid, and the brown 15 per cent. ( Journ . 
 de Pharm., 3e ser., iv. 46.) The resin is of three different kinds, one extracted 
 from the balsam with the benzoic acid by a boiling solution of carbonate of 
 potassa in excess, another dissolved by ether from the residue, and the third 
 affected by neither of these solvents. Besides benzoic acid and resin, the 
 balsam contains a minute proportion of extractive, and traces of volatile oil. 
 Benzoin is stated to have the property of retarding the oxidation of fatty 
 matters, and thus preventing rancidity. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Benzoin, like the other balsams, is stimu- 
 lant and expectorant, and was formerly employed in pectoral affections; but, 
 except as an ingredient of the compound tincture of benzoin, it has fallen into 
 almost entire disuse. Trousseau and Pidoux recommend it strongly, in the 
 way of fumigation, in chronic laryngitis. Either the air of the chamber may 
 be impregnated with its vapour by placing a small portion upon some live 
 coals, or the patient may inhale the vapour of boiling water to which the 
 balsam has been added. It is employed in pharmacy for the preparation of 
 benzoic acid (see Acidum Benzoieum) ; and the milky liquor resulting from 
 the addition of water to its alcoholic solution is sometimes used as a cosmetic, 
 under the impression that it renders the skin soft. In the East Indies it is 
 burnt by the Hindoos as a perfume in their temples.* 
 
 Off. Prep. Acidum Benzoieum. Tinctura Benzoini Composita. W. 
 
 BISMUTHUM. U.S., Bond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Bismuth. 
 
 Etain de glace, Bismuth, Ft.; TVissmuth, Germ.; Bismutte, Ital. ; Bismut, Span. 
 
 Bismuth occurs usually in the metallic state, occasionally as a sulphuret, 
 and rarely as an oxide. It is found principally in Saxony. It occurs also in 
 
 * A styptic liquid, prepared by a Roman pharmaceutist named Pagliari, and kept 
 secret for a time, has acquired some reputation among the French army surgeons. 
 It is made by boiling, for six hours, eight ounces of tincture of benzoin (containing 
 about two ounces of the balsam), a poundof alum, and ten pounds of water, in a glazed 
 earthen vessel, stirring constantly, and supplying the loss with hot water. The liquor 
 is then strained and kept in stopped bottles. It is limpid, styptic, of an aromatic smell, 
 and said to have the property of causing an instantaneous coagulation of the blood. 
 (See Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., xxv. 199.) — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
 Fumigating pastiles are made from 16 parts of benzoin, 4 of balsam of Tolu, 4 of 
 yellow saunders, 1 oflabdanum, 48 of charcoal, 2 of nitre, 1 of tragacanth, 2 of gum 
 Arabic, and 12 of cinnamon water, by reducing the solid ingredients to powder, and 
 mixing the whole into a plastic mass, which is to be formed into cones, flattened at 
 the base, and dried first in the air, and then in a stove. (Soubeiran, Trait, de Pharm., 
 3e ed. i. 463.) 
 
 10 
 
146 
 
 Bismuthum. — Brominium. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 Cornwall, and has been found at Monroe in Connecticut. It is obtained 
 almost entirely from the native bismuth, which is heated by means of wood 
 or charcoal, whereby the metal is fused and separated from its gangue. Al- 
 most all the bismuth of commerce comes from Saxony. 
 
 Bismuth was first distinguished as a metal by Agricola in 1520. Before 
 that period it was confounded with lead. It is a brittle, pulverizable, brilliant 
 metal, of a crystalline texture, and of a white colour with a slight reddish tint. 
 Its crystals are in the form of cubes. It undergoes but a slight tarnish in the 
 air. Its sp. gr. is 9'8, melting point 476°, eq. number 213, and symbol Bi. 
 At a high temperature, in close vessels, it volatilizes, and may be distilled 
 over. When heated in the open air to a full red heat, it takes fire, and burns 
 with a faint blue flame, forming an oxide of a yellow colour. This is the 
 teroxide , and consists of one eq. of bismuth 213, and three of oxygen 24=237. 
 Formerly the equivalent of this metal was deemed to be 71 ; but the best au- 
 thorities now make it three times that number, and, consequently, the former 
 protoxide becomes a teroxide. Bismuth is acted on feebly by muriatic acid, 
 but violently by nitric acid, which dissolves it with a copious extrication of 
 red fumes. Sulphuric acid when cold has no action on it, but at a boiling 
 heat effects its solution with the extrication of sulphurous acid. As it occurs 
 in commerce, it is generally contaminated with a little arsenic. It may be 
 purified from all contaminating metals, by dissolving the bismuth of commerce 
 in diluted nitric acid, precipitating the clear solution by adding it to water, 
 and reducing the white powder thus obtained with black flux. The same pre- 
 cipitate is obtained by adding ammonia to the nitric solution ; and, if the 
 supernatant liquor be blue, the presence of copper is indicated. If the pre- 
 cipitate be yellowish, iron is present. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses,, &c. Bismuth, in an uncombined state, is not used 
 in medicine, but is employed pharmaceutically to obtain the subnitrate of bis- 
 muth, the only medicinal preparation formed from this metal. In the arts 
 it is used to form a white paint for the complexion, called pearl white ; and 
 as an ingredient of the best pewter. 
 
 Off. Prep. Bismuthi Subnitras. B. 
 
 BROMINIUM. U.S. 
 
 Bromine. 
 
 Bronte, Fr.; Brom, Germ.; Bromo, Ital. 
 
 Bromine is an elementary body, possessing many analogies to chlorine and 
 iodine. It was discovered in 1826 by Balard, a chemist of Montpellier, in 
 the bittern of sea-salt works, in which it exists as a bromide of magnesium. 
 Since then it has been found in the waters of the ocean, in certain marine 
 animals and vegetables, in various aquatic plants, as the water-cress, in 
 numerous salt springs, and, in two instances, in the mineral kingdom — in an 
 ore of zinc, and in the cadmium of Silesia. It has also been detected by 
 M. Mene in the coal-gas liquor of the Paris gas-works. In the United States 
 it was first obtained by Professor Silliman, who found it in the bittern of the 
 salt works at Salina, in the State of New York. It was discovered in the 
 salt springs, near Freeport, Pennsylvania, by Dr. David Alter, who has been 
 engaged for several years in manufacturing it on a large scale. The bittern 
 of the salt springs of this locality is said to afford nine drachms of bromine 
 to the gallon. Bromine has been detected also in the waters of the Saratoga 
 Springs. 
 
 Preparation. Bromine may be prepared by passing a current of chlorine 
 through bittern, and then agitating it strongly with a portion of ether. The 
 
PART I. 
 
 Brominium. 
 
 147 
 
 chlorine decomposes the bromide of magnesium present in the bittern, form- 
 ing a chloride of magnesium; and the disengaged bromine dissolves in the 
 ether, to which it communicates a hyacinth-red colour. The ethereal solution 
 of bromine is next decanted, and treated with a concentrated solution of caus- 
 tic potassa, whereby the bromine is converted into bromide of potassium and 
 bromate of potassa. In the mean time the ether loses its colour and becomes 
 pure, and may be again employed for dissolving fresh portions of bromine. 
 A sufficient quantity of the salts above mentioned having been obtained in 
 this way, their solution is evaporated to dryness, and the dry mass calcined at 
 a red heat, in order to convert the bromate of potassa into bromide of potas- 
 sium. The bromide is next decomposed by distilling it with sulphuric acid 
 and deutoxide of manganese, from a retort furnished with a bent tube plunging 
 into water contained in a bottle. The acid combines with potassium, and with 
 oxygen derived from the deutoxide of manganese, so as to form sulphate of po- 
 tassa, and the liberated bromine distils over, and condenses under the water. 
 
 Properties. Bromine is a volatile liquid, of a dark-red colour when viewed 
 in mass, but hyacinth-red in thin layers. Its taste is very caustic, and its 
 smell strong and disagreeable, having some resemblance to that of chlorine. 
 Its density is very nearly 8. At 4° below zero it becomes a hard, brittle, 
 crystalline solid, having a dark leaden colour, and a lustre nearly metallic. It 
 boils at about 117°, forming a reddish vapour resembling that of nitrous acid, 
 and of the sp. gr. 5'39. It evaporates readily, a single drop being sufficient 
 to fill a large flask with its peculiar vapour. 
 
 Bromine is sparingly soluble in water, to which it communicates an orange 
 colour, more soluble in alcohol, and still more so in ether. Its alcoholic and 
 ethereal solutions lose their colour in a few days, and become acid from the 
 generation of hydrobromic acid. It bleaches vegetable substances like chlo- 
 rine, destroys the colour of sulphate of indigo, and decomposes organic matters. 
 Its combination with starch has a yellow colour. It corrodes the skin and 
 gives it a deep yellow stain. Bromine is intermediate in its affinities between 
 chlorine and iodine; since its combinations are decomposed by chlorine, while, 
 in its turn, it decomposes those of iodine. Its eq. number is 78'4 and its 
 symbol Br. It forms acids with both oxygen and hydrogen, called bromic 
 and hydrobromic acids, which are analogous in properties and composition 
 to the corresponding compounds of chlorine and iodine. 
 
 Commercial bromine sometimes contains as much as 6 or 8 per cent, of 
 bromide of carbon, as ascertained by M. Poselger. He discovered the impu- 
 rity by submitting some bromine to distillation, during the progress of which 
 the boiling point rose to 248°. The residuary liquid at this temperature was 
 colourless, and, when freed from a little bromine, proved to be the bromide 
 of carbon in the form of an oily, aromatic liquid. 
 
 In testing for bromine in mineral or saline waters, the water is evaporated 
 in order to crystallize most of the salts. The solution, after having been 
 filtered, is placed in a narrow tube, and a few drops of strong chlorine water 
 are added- If this addition produces an orange colour, bromine is present. 
 The water examined, in order that the test may succeed, must be free from 
 organic matter, and the chlorine not added in excess. Bromine may be de- 
 tected in marine vegetables by carbonizing them in a covered crucible, ex- 
 hausting the charcoal, previously pulverized, with boiling distilled water, 
 precipitating any alkaline sulphuret present in the solution by sulphate of 
 zinc, and then adding successively a few drops of nitric acid and a portion 
 of ether, shaking the whole together. If bromine be present, it will be set 
 free and dissolve in the ether, to which it will communicate an orange colour. 
 
 ( Dvpasquier .) According to Beynoso, a more delicate test is furnished by 
 oxidized water, which liberates bromine from its compounds, without reacting 
 
148 
 
 Brominium. — Buchu. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 on it when free. The mode of proceeding is as follows. Put a piece of deutox- 
 ide of barium in a test tube, and add to it successively distilled water, pure 
 muriatic acid, and ether. The materials are here present for generating 
 oxidized water, and so soon as bubbles are seen to rise to the surface, the 
 substance suspected to contain bromine is added, and the whole shaken to- 
 gether. If a bromide be present, the muriatic will give rise to hydrobromie 
 acid, and the oxidized water acting on this, will set free the bromine, which 
 will dissolve in the ether, and give it a yellow tint. 
 
 Medical Properties. Bromine, from its analogy to iodine, was early tried 
 as a remedy, and the result has demonstrated its value as a therapeutic 
 agent. It acts like iodine, by stimulating the lymphatic system and pro- 
 moting absorption. It has been employed in bronchocele, scrofulous tumours 
 and ulcers, amenorrhoea, chronic diseases of the skin, and hypertrophy of 
 the ventricles. For a list of the diseases in which bromine and its prepara- 
 tions have been tried, the reader is referred to the Essay of Dr. Glover in the 
 Ed. Med. and Burg. Journ. for Oct. 1842, an abstract of which is given in 
 the Med. Exam. v. 712. Magendie recommends it in cases in which iodine 
 does not operate with sufficient activity, or has lost its effect by habit. The 
 form in which it is employed is aqueous solution, the dose of which, contain- 
 ing one part of bromine to forty of distilled water, is about six drops taken 
 several times a day. When used as a wash for ulcers, from ten to forty 
 minims of bromine may be added to a pint of water. Of its compounds the 
 bromides of potassium, iron, and mercury, have been chiefly tried as medicines. 
 
 Bromine, in an overdose, acts as an irritant poison. The best antidote, 
 according to Mr. Alfred Smee, is ammonia. A case of poisoning by this sub- 
 stance, which proved fatal in seven hours and a half, is related by Dr. J. R. 
 Snell, of Long Island, N. Y. The amount swallowed was about an ounce, 
 and the symptoms generally were those produced by the irritant poisons, such 
 as violent inflammation of the lips, mouth, tongue, and oesophagus, attended 
 with incessant burning pain, and followed, in two hours and a half, by pros- 
 tration, which became more and more extreme until the patient expired. 
 {New York Journ. of Med. for Sept. 1850.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Potassii Bromidum. B. 
 
 BUCHU. U.S., Lond., Dub. 
 
 Buchu. 
 
 The leaves of Barosma crenata, and other species of Barosma. U. S. The 
 leaves of Barosma crenulata, and B. serratifolia. Land. The leaves of Ba- 
 rosma crenata. Dub. 
 
 Off. Syn. BUCKU. Leaves of various species of Barosma. Ed. 
 
 This medicine consists of the leaves of different plants growing at the Cape 
 of (food Hope, formerly ranked in the genus Diosma, but transferred by bota- 
 nists to the genus Barosma , so named from the strong odour of the leaves 
 (t3a£vs and os.ujj). B. crenata , B. crenulata, and B. serratifolia are de- 
 scribed by Bindley as medicinal species. The leaves of these and other 
 Barosmas, and of some Agathosmas, are collected by the Hottentots, who 
 value them on account of their odour, and, under the name of bookoo or buchu, 
 rub them, in the state of powder, upon their greasy bodies. 
 
 Barosma. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Butaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-cleft or five-parted. Disk lining the bottom of the 
 calyx generally with a short scarcely prominent rim. Petals five, with short- 
 claws. Filaments ten ; the five opposite the petals sterile, petaloid : the other 
 five longer, subulate. Style as long as the petals. Stigma minute, five-lobed. 
 
PAKT I. 
 
 BucTiu . — Calamina. 
 
 149 
 
 Fruit composed of five cocci, covered with glandular dots at the back. ( Con- 
 densed from Lindley .) These plants are all small shrubs, with opposite 
 leaves and peduneled flowers. 
 
 Bardsma crenata Lindley, Flor. Mad. p. 213 . — Diosma crenata De Cand. 
 Proarom. i. 714; Woodv. Med. Bot. 3 d ed. v. 52. This is a slender shrub, 
 with smooth, somewhat angular branches, of a purplish colour. The leaves 
 are opposite, ovate or obovate, acute, serrated and glandular at the edge, 
 coriaceous, and full of small pellucid dots on the under surface. The flowers 
 are white or of a reddish tint, and stand solitarily at the end of short, lateral, 
 leafy shoots. The leaves of this species are now most largely imported. 
 
 Properties. The leaves, as found in the shops, are from three quarters of an 
 inch to an inch long, from three to five lines broad, elliptical, lanceolate-ovate, 
 or obovate, sometimes slightly pointed, sometimes blunt at the apex, very 
 finely notched and glandular at the edges, smooth and of a green colour on 
 the upper surface, dotted and paler beneath, and of a firm consistence. Their 
 odour is strong, diffusive, and somewhat aromatic; their taste bitterish, and 
 analogous to that of mint. These properties will distinguish them from senna, 
 with which they might be confounded upon a careless inspection. They are 
 sometimes mixed with portions of the stalks and fruit. Analyzed by Cadet 
 de Grassicourt, they were found to contaiu in 1000 parts, 6'65 parts of a light, 
 brownish-yellow, and highly odorous volatile oil, 211*7 of gum, 51'7 of ex- 
 tractive, 11 of chlorophylle, and 21 '51 of resin. Water and alcohol extract 
 their virtues, which probably depend on the volatile oil and extractive. The 
 latter is precipitated by infusion of galls. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Buchu is gently stimulant, with a peculiar 
 tendency to the urinary organs, producing diuresis, and, like all similar medi- 
 cines, exciting diaphoresis when circumstances favour this mode of action. 
 The Hottentots have long used it in a variety of diseases. From these rude 
 practitioners the remedy was borrowed by the resident English and Dutch 
 physicians, by whose recommendation it was employed in Europe, and has 
 come into general use. It is given chiefly in complaints of the urinary 
 organs, such as gravel, chronic catarrh of the bladder, morbid irritation of 
 the bladder and urethra, disease of the prostate, and retention or incontinence 
 of urine from a loss of tone in the parts concerned in its evacuation. It has 
 also been recommended in dyspepsia, chronic rheumatism, cutaneous affec- 
 tions, and dropsy. From twenty to thirty grains of the powder may be given 
 two or three times a day. The leaves are also used in infusion, in the pro- 
 portion of an ounce to a pint of boiling water, of which the dose is one or 
 two fluidounces. A tincture has been employed as a stimulant embrocation 
 iu local pains. A fluid extract may be prepared by a process similar to that 
 for fluid extract of valerian (see Extracta F/uida ), eight ounces of the 
 coarsely powdered leaves being used for procuring a pint of the extract. The 
 odour of mint becomes very strong in this fluid extract when kept for some 
 months. The dose is about a fluidrachm. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Buchu; Tinctura Buchu. W. 
 
 CALAMINA. U. S. 
 
 Calamine. 
 
 Native impure carbonate of zinc. U. S. 
 
 Lapis calaminaris, Lat.; Calamine, Fr.; Gulmei, Germ..; Giallamina, Pietra calami- 
 naria, Ital.; Calamina, Span. 
 
 The term calamine is applied by mineralogists indiscriminately to two 
 minerals, scarcely distinguishable by their external characters, the carbonate 
 
150 
 
 Calamina. 
 
 part I. 
 
 and silicate of zinc. The terra, however, in the pharmaceutical sense, refers 
 to the native impure carbonate only. The silicate is sometimes called electric 
 calamine. 
 
 Properties , Ac. Calamine is found in various localities, hut occurs most 
 abundantly in Germany and England. It is found also in the United States. 
 It usually occurs in compact or earthy masses, or concretions, of a dull ap- 
 pearance, readily scratched by the knife, and breaking with an earthy fracture ; 
 but sometimes it is found crystallized. Its colour is very variable; being, in 
 different specimens, grayish, grayish-yellow, reddish-yellow, and, when impure, 
 brown, or brownish-yellow. Its sp. gr. varies from 3 '4 to 4'4. Before the 
 blowpipe it does not melt, but becomes yellow and sublimes. When of good 
 quality, it is almost entirely soluble in the dilute mineral acids; and, unless 
 it has been previously calcined, emits a few bubbles of carbonic acid. If 
 soluble in sulphuric acid, it can contain but little carbonate of lime, and no 
 sulphate of baryta. Ammonia, added to the sulphuric solution, throws down 
 a precipitate of the oxide, mixed with the subsulphate, and takes it up again 
 when added in excess. If copper be present, the ammonia will give rise to 
 a blue colour; and, in case of the presence of iron, the alkali will throw down 
 the sesquioxide, not soluble in an excess of the precipitant. The officinal 
 calamine is distinguished from the electric calamine, which is a silicate of 
 zinc, by dissolving in warm nitric acid without gelatinizing, and by not being 
 rendered electric by heat. 
 
 Impurities. According to Mr. Robert Brett, calamine, as sold in the 
 English shops, is frequently a spurious mixture containing only traces of 
 zinc. He analyzed six specimens, and found them to contain from 78 to 
 87 '5 per cent, of sulphate of baryta, the rest consisting of sesquioxide of 
 iron, carbonate of lime, sulphate (sulphuret?) of lead, and mere traces of 
 zinc. When acted on by muriatic acid, the spurious calamine, in powder, 
 evolved sulphuretted hydrogen, and was only in small part dissolved, the 
 great bulk of it remaining behind as sulphate of baryta. (Amer. Journ. of 
 Pharm., ix. 173, from the Brit. Anna/s of Med.) The results of Mr. Brett 
 have been confirmed by Dr. R. D. Thomson, Mr. D. Murdock, and Mr. E. 
 Moore. Dr. Thomson thinks the spurious calamine is manufactured of sul- 
 phate of baryta and chalk, coloured with Armenian bole. (Pharm. Journ. 
 and Trans., iv. 31.) Mr. Jacob Bell, of London, holds the more probable 
 opinion that it is the native sulphate of baryta, somewhat coloured with iron, 
 which is a mineral having some resemblance to calamine. Mr. Midgley 
 states, indeed, that the miners in England distinguish two calamines, brass 
 calamine, which is sold to the makers of brass, and baryta calamine, which 
 is really the native amorphous sulphate of baryta, and which is furnished to 
 the druggists in the place of the genuine native carbonate of zinc. Even the 
 genuine calamine of the shops is impure, containing iron and copper, and 
 various earthy matters. That which has been calcined to render it more 
 readily pulverizable, contains little or no carbonic acid. 'In view of these 
 facts, the revisers of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1850 have deemed it proper 
 to introduce, as a new officinal, the pure carbonate of zinc, obtained by pre- 
 cipitation. (See Zinci Carbonas Precipitatus.) 
 
 Composition. The crystallized variety is anhydrous, and consists of one eq. 
 of carbonic acid 22, and one of protoxide of zinc 40'3=62'3. The compact 
 and earthy varieties are said to contain one eq. of water. 
 
 Calamine must be brought to the state of impalpable powder before being 
 used in medicine. In this state it forms prepared calamine, under which 
 head its medical properties will be noticed. (See Calamina Praeparata.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Calamina Praeparata. B. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Calamus. 
 
 151 
 
 CALAMUS. U.S. Secondary. 
 
 Street Flag. 
 
 The rhizoma of Acorus Calamus. TJ. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. CALAMUS AROMATICUS. Rhizoma of Acorus Calamus, 
 var. a, vulgaris. Ed. 
 
 Acorus vrai, Acorus odorant, Fr.; Kalmuswurzel, Germ.; Calamoaromatico,//aZ.,5pan. 
 
 Acorus. Sex. Syst. Hexandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Acoraceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Spadix cylindrical, covered with florets. Corolla six-petalled, 
 naked. Style none. Capsule three-celled. Willd. 
 
 Acorus Calamus. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 199 ; Barton, Med. Bot. ii. 63. 
 The sweet flag, or calamus, ha9 a perennial, horizontal, jointed, somewhat 
 compressed root (rhizome), from half an inch to an iuch thick, sometimes 
 several feet in length, sending off numerous round and yellowish or whitish 
 radicles from its base, and bunches of brown fibres resembling coarse hair 
 from its joints, internally white and spongy, externally whitish with a tinge 
 of green, variegated with triangular shades of light brown and rose colour. 
 The leaves are all radical, sheathing at the base, long, sword-shaped, smooth, 
 green above, but, near their origin from the root, of a red colour, variegated 
 with green and white. The scape or flower-stem resembles the leaves, but is 
 longer, and from one side, near the middle of its length, sends out a cylin- 
 drical spadix, tapering at each end, about two inches in length, and crowded 
 with greenish-yellow flowers. These are without calyx, and have six small, 
 concave, membranous, truncated petals. The fruit is an oblong capsule, 
 divided into three cells, and containing numerous oval seeds. 
 
 This is an indigenous plant, growing throughout the United States, in low, 
 wet, swampy places, and along the sides of ditches and streams, and flowering 
 in May and June. It is also a native of Europe and Western Asia ; and a 
 variety is found in India. The European plant differs slightly from the 
 American. The leaves as well as root have an aromatic odour ; but the 
 latter only is employed. It should be collected late in the autumn, or in the 
 spring. After removal from the ground, the roots are washed, freed from 
 their fibres, and dried with a moderate heat. By the process of drying they 
 lose nearly one-half their diameter, but are improved in odour and taste. 
 
 Properties. The roots, as found in the shops, are in pieces of various 
 lengths, somewhat flattened, externally wrinkled and of a yellowish-brown 
 colour, and presenting on their under surface numerous minute circular spots, 
 indicating the points at which the radicles were inserted. Their texture is 
 light and spongy, their colour internally whitish or yellowish-white, and 
 their fracture short and rough. A variety imported from Germany consists 
 exclusively of the interior portion of the root. The pieces are usually 
 long, slender, irregularly quadrangular, and of a grayish-white colour ; and 
 are prepared by paring off the outer coat with a knife. 
 
 The odour of calamus is strong and fragrant ; its taste warm, bitterish, 
 pungent, and aromatic. Its active principles are taken up by boiling water. 
 From 100 parts of the fresh root of the European plant, Trommsdorff ob- 
 tained O'l of volatile oil, 2'3 of a soft resin, 3'3 of extractive with a little 
 chloride of potassium, 5'5 of gum with some phosphate of potassa, 1'6 of 
 starch analogous to inulin, 21'5 of lignin ; and 65'7 of water. Sixteen ounces 
 of the dried root afforded to Neumann about two scruples of volatile oil. 
 The oil is at first yellow, but ultimately becomes red, and has the smell and 
 taste of calamus. The extractive matter has an acrid and sweetish taste. 
 The root is sometimes attacked by worms, and deteriorates by keeping. 
 
152 Calamus. — Calcium. — Calcii Chloridum. part I. 
 
 The root of the Indian variety is said to be less thick than the European, 
 and to have a stronger and more pleasant taste and smell. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Calamus is a stimulant tonic, possessing the 
 ordinary virtues of the aromatics. It may be taken with advantage in pain 
 or uneasiness of the stomach or bowels arising from flatulence, and is a use- 
 ful adjuvant to tonic or purgative medicines, in cases of torpor or debility of 
 the alimentary canal. It was probably known to the ancients, and is sup- 
 posed to have been the oixopov of the Greeks; but the calamus aromaticus 
 of Dioscorides was a different product, having been derived, according to Dr. 
 Hoyle, from a species of Andropogon. The medicine is at present much 
 neglected, though well calculated to answer as a substitute for more costly 
 aromatics. The dose in substance is from a scruple to a drachm. An infu- 
 sion, made in the proportion of an ounce of the root to a pint of boiling wa- 
 ter, is sometimes given in the dose of a wineglassful or more. W. 
 
 CALCIUM. 
 
 Calcium. 
 
 This is the metallic radical of lime (protoxide of calcium), and, conse- 
 quently, forms the basis of all calcareous substances. It is obtained by elec- 
 trolyzing lime in contact with mercury, and distilling off the mercury from 
 the amalgam of calcium formed ; or by passing the vapour of potassium at 
 a red heat over lime, contained in an iron tube, filled with hydrogen. It is 
 a white metal, resembling silver in colour, and requiring a high temperature 
 for its fusion. When sufficiently heated it burns with a white light, unites 
 with oxygen, and forms lime. Its sp.gr. has not been exactly ascertained, 
 but is known to be greater than that of sulphuric acid. Its equivalent num- 
 ber is 20 '5, and symbol Ca. 
 
 Calcium is a very abundant element in nature, existing in the mineral 
 kingdom, chiefly as a carbonate, in the form of limestone, marble, chalk, 
 and calcareous spar ; and as a phosphate and carbonate in organized beings, 
 as an essential part of the bones and shells of animals. It is officinal, in 
 combination, as lime and chloride of calcium, and as a carbonate, phosphate, 
 and hypochlorite of lime. B. 
 
 CALCII CHLORIDUM. U. S., Lond., Dub. 
 
 Chloride of Calcium. 
 
 Off. Syn. CALCIS MURIAS. Ed. 
 
 Muriate of lime, Hydrochlorate of lime ; Chlorure de calcium, Hydrochlorate de 
 chaux, Fr. ; Chlorcalcium, Salzsaurer Kalk, Germ. 
 
 Chloride of calcium consists of chlorine, united with calcium, the metallic 
 radical of lime. It is placed in the List of the Materia Medica in the U. S. 
 and London Pharmacopoeias ; but processes for preparing it are given by the 
 Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges. It may be readily formed by saturating mu- 
 riatic acid with chalk or marble, evaporating to dryness, and heating to redness. 
 The muriatic acid, by reacting with the lime, forms chloride of calcium and 
 water, the latter of which is dissipated at a red heat. In making this pre- 
 paration, the Edinburgh College uses white marble in fragments, and obtains 
 the chloride in crystals, by evaporating the solution resulting from the satu- 
 ration to one-half, and setting it aside in a cold place. The process of the 
 Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850 is as follows, Imperial measure being used. 
 
 “Take of Chalk, in small fragments, two pounds [avoirdi] ; Pure Muriatic 
 Acid two pints and a half; Distilled Water six pints; Slaked Lime, as much as 
 
PART I. 
 
 Calcii Chloridum. — Calx. 
 
 153 
 
 is sufficient. Into the Acid, first diluted with the Water, introduce the Chalk 
 in successive portions, and when the effervescence has ceased, boil for ten 
 minutes. Add now, stirring well, a very slight excess of slaked Lime, and 
 throw the whole upon a calico filter. Acidulate the filtered solution slightly 
 by adding a few drops of muriatic acid ; then evaporate to dryness, and ex- 
 pose the residuum to a low red heat in a Hessian crucible. Finally, reduce 
 the product rapidly to a coarse powder in a warm mortar, and enclose it in 
 a well stopped bottle.” 
 
 Properties. Chloride of calcium, in the fused or anhydrous state, as it is 
 directed or understood to be in the U. S., London, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, 
 is a colourless, slightly translucent, hard and friable solid, of an acrid, bitter, 
 saline taste, extremely deliquescent, very soluble in water, and readily solu- 
 ble in rectified spirit. On account of its avidity for water, the fused salt is 
 used for drying gases, and for bringing alcohol to its highest degree of con- 
 centration. The crystallized salt, as directed by the Edinburgh College, is 
 also very deliquescent, and has the form of colourless, transparent, striated, 
 six-sided prisms. The crystals, on exposure to heat, first dissolve in their 
 water of crystallization, and, after this has evaporated, undergo the igneous 
 fusion. With ice or snow they form a powerful frigorific mixture. Solution 
 of chloride of calcium, when pure, yields no precipitate with ammonia, chloride 
 of barium, or ferrocyanuret of potassium dissolved in a large quantity of wa- 
 ter. The non-action of these tests severally shows the absence of magnesia, 
 sulphuric acid, and iron. 
 
 Chloride of calcium exists in solution in the water of the ocean and of many 
 springs. It is usually associated with common salt and chloride of magne- 
 sium, from which it is separated with difficulty. It consists of one eq. of 
 chlorine 35'42, and one of calcium 20'5 = 55'92. When crystallized, it 
 contains six eqs. of water =54. 
 
 Chloride of calcium is used medicinally in solution only. In this state it 
 is named officinally Liquor Calcii Chloridi, under which title its medicinal 
 properties are given. As a chemical agent it is employed by the Edinburgh 
 College for purifying ether and spirit of nitric ether, by the Dublin for pre- 
 paring morphia, and by the London in making chloroform. 
 
 Off. Prep. Calcis Carbonas Praecipitatum ; Liquor Calcii Chloridi ; Mor- 
 phias Murias; Pulvis Antimonialis, Dub. B. 
 
 CALX. U.jS., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Lime. 
 
 Lime recently prepared by calcination. JJ. S., Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. CALX RECENS USTA. Fresh-burned Lime ; Quic/clime. 
 Dub. 
 
 Quicklime; Chaux, Ckaux vive, Fr.) Kalk, Germ.; Calce, Ilal; Calviva, Span. 
 
 Lime, which ranks among the alkaline earths, is a very important pharma- 
 ceutical agent, and forms the principal ingredient in several standard prepa- 
 rations. The Edinburgh College gives a process for its preparation; but in 
 the United States, London, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, it is placed exclu- 
 sively in the list of the Materia Medica. 
 
 Lime is a very abundant natural production. It is never found pure, but 
 mostly combined with acids, as with carbonic acid in chalk, marble, calcare- 
 ous spar, limestone, and shells; with sulphuric acid in the different kinds of 
 gypsum; with phosphoric acid in the bones of animals; and with silica in a 
 great variety of minerals. 
 
154 
 
 Calx. — Calx Chlorinata. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 Preparation. Lime is prepared by calcining, with a strong beat, some form 
 of the native carbonate. The carbonic acid is thus expelled, and the lime 
 remains behind. When the lime is intended for nice chemical operations, 
 it should be obtained from pure white marble, or from oyster shells. For the 
 purposes of the arts it is procured from common limestone, by calcining it in 
 kilns of peculiar construction. When obtained in this way, it is generally 
 impure, being of a grayish colour, and containing alumina, silica, sesquioxide 
 of iron, and occasionally a little magnesia and oxide of manganese. 
 
 The officinal lime of the United States, London, and Dublin Pharmaco- 
 poeias is the lime of commerce, and, therefore impure. That obtained by the 
 process of the Edinburgh College is purer. The Edinburgh directions are 
 to expose white marble, broken into small fragments, in a covered crucible, 
 to a full red heat for three hours ; or till the residuum, when slaked and sus- 
 pended in water, no longer effervesces on the addition of muriatic acid. 
 
 Properties. Lime is a grayish-white solid, having a strong, caustic, alkaline 
 taste, and the sp. gr. 2 '3. It is very refractory in the fire, having been fused 
 only by the compound blowpipe of Dr. Hare. Exposed to the air, it absorbs 
 moisture and carbonic acid, and falls into a white powder. In this state, it 
 is a mixture of carbonate and hydrate. On account of its liability to change 
 by being kept, lime intended, for pharmaceutical purposes should be recently 
 burnt. It acts upon vegetable colours as a strong alkaline base. Upon the 
 addition of water, it cracks and falls into powder, with the evolution of heat. 
 If it dissolve in muriatic acid without effervescence, the fact shows the absence 
 of carbonic acid, and that the lime has been well burnt. If any silica be pre- 
 sent, it will remain undissolved by the muriatic acid. If the solution give 
 no precipitate with ammonia, the absence of iron and alumina is shown. 
 
 Lime is but sparingly soluble in water, requiring at 60° about seven 
 hundred times its weight of that liquid for complete solution. Contrary to 
 the general law, it is less soluble in hot than in cold water. The solution is 
 called lime-water. (See Liquor Colds .) When lime is mixed in excess with 
 water, so as to form a thick liquid, the mixture is called milk of lime. 
 
 Lime is the protoxide of calcium, and consists of one eq. of calcium 20'5, 
 and one of oxygen 8 =28 '5. (See Caldum. ) It is distinguished from the 
 other alkaline earths by forming a very deliquescent salt (chloride of calcinin') 
 by reaction with muriatic acid, and a sparingly soluble one with sulphuric 
 acid. All acids, acidulous, ammoniacal, and metallic salts, borates, alkaline 
 carbonates, and astringent vegetable infusions are incompatible with it. 
 
 Medical Properties. Lime acts externally as an escharotic, and was formerly 
 applied to ill-conditioned ulcers. Mixed with potassa, it forms an officinal 
 caustic. (See Potassa cum Calce.) As an internal remedy it is always ad- 
 ministered in solution. (See Liquor Calcis.) 
 
 Pharm. Uses. Lime is used as a chemical agent to prepare Hither Sul- 
 phuricus, Dub.; Alcohol, Eel., Dub.; Ammonias Aqua Fortior; Chloro- 
 formum; Ferri Pulvis; Liquor Ammoni®; Liquor Potass®; Liquor Sod®; 
 Potass® Sulphas; Quini® Sulphas; Spiritus Hltheris Nitrici; Spiritus 
 Ammoni®; Strychnia; Sulphur Pr®cipitatum. 
 
 Off. Prep. Calcii Chloridum; Liquor Calcis; Potassa cum Calce. 
 
 B. 
 
 CALX CHLORINATA. U. S., Lond ., Ed., Dub. 
 Chlorinated Lime. 
 
 A compound resulting from the action of chlorine on hydrate of lime, and 
 containing at least twenty-five per cent, of chlorine. U. S. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Calx Clilorinata. 
 
 155 
 
 Chloride of lime, Hypochlorite of lime, Oxymuriate of lime, Bleaching powder; Calcis 
 chloridum, Calcis hypochloris, Lai.; Chlorure de cliaux, Ft.; Chlorkalk, Germ.; Clo- 
 ruro de calce, Ital. 
 
 This compound was originally prepared and brought into notice as a bleach- 
 ing agent, in 1798, by the late Mr. Tennant of Glasgow. Subsequently 
 it was found to have valuable properties as a medicine and disinfectant, and, 
 accordingly, it has been successively introduced into the London, Edinburgh, 
 United States, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias. 
 
 The following is an outline of the process for preparing chlorinated lime 
 on the large scale. An oblong square chamber is constructed, generally of 
 siliceous sandstone, the joints being secured by a cement of pitch, rosin, and 
 dry gj'psum. At one end it is furnished with an air-tight door, and on each 
 side with a glass window, to enable the operator to inspect the process during 
 its progress. The slaked or hydrated lime is sifted, and placed on wooden 
 trays eight or ten feet long, two broad, and one inch deep. These are piled 
 within the chamber to a height of five or six feet on cross-bars, by which 
 they are kept about an inch asunder, in order to favour the circulation of the 
 gas over the lime. The chlorine is generated in a leaden vessel nearly sphe- 
 rical, the lower portion of which is surrounded with an iron case, leaving an 
 interstice two inches wide, intended to receive steam for the purpose of pro- 
 ducing the requisite heat. In the leaden vessel are five apertures. The first 
 is in the centre of the top, and receives a tube which descends nearly to the 
 bottom, and through which a vertical stirrer passes, intended to mix the 
 materials, and furnished, at the lower end, with horizontal cross-bars of iron, 
 or of wood sheathed with lead. The second is for the introduction of the 
 common salt and manganese. The third admits a syphon-shaped funnel, 
 through which the sulphuric acid is introduced. The fourth is connected 
 with a pipe to lead off the chlorine. The fifth, which is near the bottom, 
 receives a discharge pipe, passing through the iron case, and intended for 
 drawing off the residuum of the operation. The pipe leading off the chlorine 
 terminates under water, in a leaden chest or cylinder, where the gas is 
 washed from muriatic acid. From this intermediate vessel, the chlorine 
 finally passes, by means of a pretty large leaden pipe, through the ceiling of 
 the chamber containing the lime. The process of impregnation generally lasts 
 four days, this time being necessary to form a good bleaching powder. If 
 it be hastened, heat will be generated, which will favour the production of 
 chloride of calcium, with a proportional diminution of chloride of lime. 
 
 The proportions of the materials employed for generating the chlorine 
 vary in different manufactories. Those generally adopted are 10 cwt. of 
 common salt, mixed with from 10 to 14 cwt. of deutoxide of manganese; to 
 which are added, in successive portions, from 12 to 14 cwt. of strong sul- 
 phuric acid, diluted before being used until its sp. gr. is reduced to about 
 1 ’65, which will be accomplished by adding about one-third of its weight of 
 water. In manufactories in which sulphuric acid is also made, the acid 
 intended for this process is brought to the sp. gr. of 1'65 only, whereby the 
 expense of further concentration is saved. 
 
 Properties. Chlorinated lime is a dry or but slightly moist, grayish-white, 
 pulverulent substance, possessing an acrid, hot, bitter, astringent taste, and 
 an odour resembling that of chlorine. It possesses powerful bleaching pro- 
 perties. When perfectly saturated with chlorine, it dissolves almost entirely 
 in water; but, as ordinarily prepared, a large proportion is insoluble, con- 
 sisting of hydrate of lime. When exposed to heat, it gives off oxygen and 
 some chlorine, and is converted into chloride of calcium. It is incompatible 
 with the mineral acids, with carbonic acid, and the alkaline carbonates. The 
 
156 
 
 Calx Chlorinata. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 acids evolve chlorine copiously, and the alkaline carbonates cause a precipitate 
 of carbonate of lime. (See Liquor Sodas Chlorinatae.) 
 
 Chlorinated lime acts as a powerful oxidizing agent, the oxygen being 
 derived from decomposed water, the hydrogen of which unites with the 
 chlorine to form muriatic acid It has a powerful action also on organic 
 matter, converting sugar, starch, cotton, linen, and similar substances into 
 formic acid, which unites with the lime. ( ll r . Bostick.) 
 
 Composition. According to Dr. Ure, the bleaching powder consists of hy- 
 drate of lime and chlorine, united in variable proportions, not correspondent 
 to equivalent quantities. According to Brande, Grouvelle, and Phillips, the 
 compound obtained when chlorine ceases to be absorbed, consists of one eq. 
 of chlorine and two of hydrate of lime, resolvable, by water, into one eq. of 
 hydrated chloride of lime which dissolves, and one of hydrate of lime which 
 is left. Dr. Thomson, however, asserts that the compound has been so much 
 improved in quality, that good samples consist of single equivalents of chlo- 
 rine and lime, and are almost entirely soluble in water. Its ultimate con- 
 stituents, exclusive of the elements of water, may, therefore, be considered to 
 be one eq. of chlorine, one of calcium, and one of oxygen. Three views are 
 taken of the manner in which these elements are united to form the bleach- 
 ing powder. The first makes it a chloride of lime, the second, hypochlorite 
 of lime with chloride of calcium, and the third, oxychloride of calcium. By 
 doubling the elements present, it is easily shown by symbols, that the several 
 views taken do not change the ultimate composition of the compound ; for 
 
 2(Ca0,Cl)=Ca0,C10 + CaCl or 2Ca { 
 
 The simplest view of the nature of the bleaching powder is that which 
 supposes it to be a compound of chlorine and lime. The new which makes 
 it a hypochlorite is that of Balard, and is supported by the fact that the com- 
 pound smells of hypochlorous acid. On the other hand, if it contain chloride 
 of calcium it ought to deliquesce; unless it can be shown that the metallic 
 chloride is in such a state of combination as to prevent this result. The third 
 view, that it is an oxychloride, which assimilates its nature to that of the 
 deutoxide of calcium, is held by Millon. According to this chemist, the 
 quantity of chlorine, taken up by a metallic protoxide, is regulated by the 
 nature of its peroxide. The peroxide of calcium is a deutoxide (CaOJ; and 
 Millon contends that, in forming the bleaching powder, the lime takes up but 
 one eq. of chlorine, corresponding to the second eq. of oxygen in the deut- 
 
 oxide, thus generating the compound Ca | q. Again, the peroxide of potas- 
 sium is represented by K0 3 , and Millon states that the bleaching compound 
 which potassa (KO) forms with chlorine, is K j |!j If further observation 
 
 should show that the number of equivalents of chlorine, necessary to convert 
 a protoxide into a bleaching Compound, is always equal to the number of 
 equivalents of oxygen required to convert it into a peroxide, it will go far to 
 
 prove the correctness of Millon’s views. 
 
 On the supposition that the bleaching powder is a hypochlorite of lime 
 with chloride of calcium, the mode of its formation is thus explained. Two 
 eqs. of chlorine, by uniting separately with the elements of one eq. of lime, 
 form one eq. of chloride of calcium, and one of hypochlorous acid, the latter 
 of which combines with an additional eq. of lime, to form hypochlorite of lime. 
 
 Impurities and Tests. Chlorinated lime may contain a great excess of 
 lime, from imperfect impregnation with the gas. This defect will be shown 
 by the large proportion insoluble in water. If it contain much chloride of 
 calcium, it will be quite moist, which is always a sign of inferior quality. If 
 
PART I. 
 
 Calx Chlorinata. 
 
 157 
 
 long and insecurely kept, it deteriorates from the gradual formation of chlo- 
 ride of calcium and carbonate of lime. Several methods have been proposed 
 for determining its bleaching power, which depends solely on the proportion 
 of loosely combined chlorine. Walter proposed to add a solution of the 
 bleaching powder to a standard solution of sulphate of indigo, in order to 
 ascertain its decolorizing power ; but the objection to this test is that the 
 indigo of commerce is very variable in its amount of colouring matter. Dr. 
 Ure has proposed muriatic acid to disengage the chlorine over mercury ; but 
 this test is liable to the fallacy that it will disengage carbonic acid as well as 
 chlorine ; and it has been shown by some unpublished experiments of Prof. 
 Procter of this city, that the amount of disengaged gaseous matter is not in 
 proportion to the decolorizing power. Dalton proposed, as a test, to add a 
 solution of the bleaching powder to one of the sulphate of protoxide of iron, 
 slightly acidulated with muriatic or sulphuric acid, until the odour of chlorine 
 is perceived. Chlorine is not disengaged until the iron is sesquioxidized, and 
 the stronger the bleaching powder, the sooner this will be accomplished. A 
 more delicate way of ascertaining when all the iron is sesquioxidized, is to 
 test a drop of the liquid with one of a solution of ferridcyanuret of potassium 
 (red prussiate of potassa). So long as any protoxide of iron remains in the 
 liquid, this salt will occasion a blue precipitate ( Turnbull’s Prussian blue), 
 but not afterwards. This test for chloriuated lime has been adopted in the 
 U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1850, and is applied as follows. “When 40 grains of it, 
 triturated with a fluidounce of distilled water, are well shaken with a solution 
 of 78 grains of crystallized sulphate of protoxide of iron, and 10 drops of 
 sulphuric acid, in two fluidounces of distilled water, a liquid is formed which 
 does not yield a blue precipitate with ferridcyanuret of potassium (red prus- 
 siate of potassa).” The chlorinated lime of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia is 
 directed to contain at least twenty-five per cent, of chlorine. If it be to this 
 extent chlorinated, 40 grains will contain enough chlorine to cause the sesqui- 
 oxidation of all the protoxide of iron in 78 grains of crystallized sulphate of 
 iron ; but if impregnated with chlorine to a less extent, some of the protoxide 
 will remain unchanged, and, consequently, a blue precipitate will be formed 
 with the ferridcyanuret. 
 
 The following is the test given by the Edinburgh College. “ Fifty grains 
 are nearly all soluble in two fluidounces of water, forming a solution of the 
 density 1 027, and of which one hundred measures, treated with an excess of 
 oxalic acid, give off much chlorine, and, if then boiled and allowed to rest 
 twenty-four hours, yield a precipitate which occupies nineteen measures of the 
 liquid.” The principle of this test is to infer the amount of lime, and, there- 
 fore, of chlorine present from the bulk of the oxalate of lime precipitated ; 
 aud assuming the chlorinated lime to be dry, and, therefore, free from chloride 
 of calcium, it would follow that the quantity of oxalate of lime, thrown down 
 by oxalic acid from the part of the powder soluble in water, would be propor- 
 tional to the lime present, and, therefore, to the chlorine combined with it. 
 But it is well known that chloride of calcium is a common impurity in chlo- 
 rinated lime; and, whenever present, the precipitated oxalate of lime would 
 be increased in amount, without indicating a proportional increase of chlorine 
 united with lime. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Chlorinated lime, externally applied, is a 
 desiccant and disinfectant, and has been used with advantage, in solution, as 
 an application to ill-conditioned ulcers, burns, chilblains, and cutaneous erup- 
 tions, especially itch ; as a gargle in putrid sorethroat; and as a wash for the 
 mouth to disinfect the breath, and for ulcerated gums. Internally, it is a 
 stimulant and astringent. It has been employed by Dr. Reid in the epidemic 
 typhoid fever of Ireland; by the same practitioner in dysentery, both by the 
 
158 
 
 Calx Cldorinata. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 mouth and injection, with the effect of correcting the fetor, and improving 
 the appearance of the stools; by Cima, both internally and externally in 
 scrofula; and by Dr. Varlez of Brussels in ophthalmia. Dr. Pereira has 
 used a weak solution very successfully in the purulent ophthalmia of infants. 
 In the febrile cases Dr. Reid found it to render the tongue cleaner and moister, 
 to check diarrhoea, and induce sleep. The dose internally is from three to 
 six grains, dissolved in one or two fluidounces of water, filtered, and sweet- 
 ened with syrup. It should never be given in pills. As it occurs of variable 
 quality, and must be used in solution more or less dilute, according to the 
 particular purpose to which it is to be applied, it is impossible to give any 
 very precise directions for its strength as an external remedy. From one to 
 four drachms of the powder added to a pint of water, and the solution filtered, 
 will form a liquid within the limits of strength ordinarily required. For the 
 cure of itch, M. Derheims has recommended a much stronger solution — three 
 ounces of the chloride to a piut of water, the solution being filtered, and ap- 
 plied several times a day as a lotion, or constantly by wet cloths. When 
 applied to ulcers, their surface may be covered with lint dipped in the solu- 
 tion. When used as an ointment, to be rubbed upon scrofulous enlargements 
 of the lymphatic glands, it may be made of a drachm of the chloride to an 
 ounce of lard. Chlorinated lime is less eligible for some purposes than the 
 solution of chlorinated soda. (See Liquor Sodse Chlorinatae.) 
 
 In consequence of its powers as a disinfectant, chlorinated lime is a very 
 important compound in its application to medical police. It possesses the 
 property of preventing or arresting animal and vegetable putrefaction, and, 
 perhaps, of destroying pestilential and infectious miasms. It may be used 
 with advantage for preserving bodies from exhaling an unpleasant odour be- 
 fore interment in the summer season. In juridical exhumations its use is 
 indispensable ; as it effectually removes the disgusting and insupportable fetor 
 of the corpse. The mode in which it is applied in these cases, is to envelop 
 the body with a sheet completely wet with a solution, made by adding about 
 a pound of the chloride to a bucketful of water. It is employed also for 
 disinfecting dissecting rooms, privies, common sewers, docks, and other places 
 which exhale offensive effluvia. In destroying contagion and infection, it 
 appears to be highly useful. Hence hospitals, alms-houses, jails, ships, &c., 
 may be purified by its means. In short, all places deemed infectious from 
 having been the receptacle of virulent disease, may be more or less disin- 
 fected by its use, after having undergone the ordinary processes of cleansing. 
 
 Chlorinated lime acts exclusively by its chlorine, which, being loosely 
 combined, is disengaged by the slightest affinities. All acids, even the car- 
 bonic, disengage it ; and, as this acid is a product of animal and vegetable 
 decomposition, noxious effluvia furnish the means, to a certain extent, of 
 their own disinfection. But the stronger acids disengage the chlorine far 
 more readily, and, among these, sulphuric acid is the most convenient. Ac- 
 cordingly, the powder may be dissolved in a very dilute solution of this acid, 
 or a small quantity of the acid may be added to an aqueous solution ready 
 formed, if a more copious evolution of chlorine is desired than that which 
 takes place from the mere action of the carbonic acid of the atmosphere. 
 
 Chlorinated lime may be advantageously applied to the purpose of purifying 
 offensive water, a property which makes it invaluable on long voyages. When 
 used for this purpose, from one to two ounces of the chloride may be mixed 
 with about sixty-five gallons of the water. After the purification has been 
 effected, the water must be exposed for some time to the air and allowed to 
 settle, before it is fit to drink. 
 
 Off. Prep. Calcis Chlorinate Liquor; Chloroformum ; Liquor Sode Chlo- 
 rinate. B. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Camphora. 
 
 159 
 
 CAMPHORA. TJ. S., Lond Ed., Dub. 
 
 Camphor. 
 
 A peculiar concrete substance derived from Camphora officinarum, and 
 purified by sublimation. U. S., Lond. The camphor. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Camphre, Fr.; Kampher, Germ.; Canfora, Ital.; Alcanfor, Span. 
 
 The name of camphor has been applied to various concrete, white, odorous, 
 volatile products, found in different aromatic plants, and resulting probably 
 from some chemical change in their volatile oil. But commercial camphor is 
 derived exclusively from two plants, the Camphora officinarum of Nees or 
 Laurus Camphora of Linnaeus, and the Dryobalanops Camphora ; the former 
 of which yields our officinal camphor, the latter, a product much valued in the 
 East, but unknown in the commerce of this country and of Europe. A con- 
 siderable quantity of camphor, said to be identical with the officinal, was a 
 few years since obtained upon the Tenasserim coast, in further India, by sub- 
 liming the tops of an annual plant, growing abundantly in that region, and 
 thought to be'a species of Blumia. This product, however, has not yet been 
 introduced into general commerce. (Am. Joum. of Pharm., xvi. 56.) The 
 Bev. Mr. Mason, an American missionary at Burmah, states in a letter to 
 Mr. Vaux of Philadelphia, that some of the Chinese settlers informed him 
 that the same plant abounds in China, and that camphor is made from it 
 there. ( Proceed . of the Acad, of Nat. Sci. of Phil., May 13th, 1851, p. 201.) 
 The following observations apply to the officinal camphor. 
 
 Camphora. Sex. Syst. Enneandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Lauraceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Flowers hermaphrodite, panicled, naked. Calyx six-cleft, papery, 
 with a deciduous limb. Fertile stamens nine, in three rows; the inner with 
 two stalked, compressed glands at the base; anthers four-celled; the outer 
 turned inwards, the inner outwards. Three sterile stamens shaped like the 
 first, placed in a whorl alternating with the stamens of the second row; three 
 others stalked, with an ovate glandular head. Fruit placed on the obconical 
 base of the calyx. Leaves triple-nerved, glandular in the axils of the prin- 
 cipal veins. Leaf buds scaly. (Lindley, Flora Medica, 332.) 
 
 Among the species composing the genus Laurus of Linn., such striking dif- 
 ferences have been observed in the structure of the flower and fruit, that 
 botanists have been induced to arrange them in new genera. The camphor, 
 cinnamon, and sassafras trees have been separated from the proper laurels by 
 Nees, and made the types of distinct genera, which have been adopted by 
 most recent writers, and may be considered as well established. 
 
 Camphora officinarum. Nees, Laurin. 88; Carson, Illust. of Med. Dot. 
 ii. 29, pi. lxxiv. — Laurus Camphora. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 478; Woodv. 
 Med. Bot. p. 681, t. 236. The camphor tree is an evergreen of considerable 
 size, having the aspect of the linden, with a trunk straight below, but divided 
 above into many branches, which are covered with a smooth, greenish bark. 
 Its leaves, which stand alternately upon long footstalks, are ovate-lanceolate, 
 entire, smooth and shining, ribbed, of a bright yellowish-green colour on their 
 upper surface, paler on the under, and two or three inches in length. The 
 flowers are small, white, pedicelled, and collected in clusters, which are sup- 
 ported by long axillary peduncles. The fruit is a red berry resembling that 
 of the cinnamon. The tree is a native of China, Japan, and other parts of 
 eastern Asia. It has been introduced into the botanical gardens of Europe, 
 and is occasionally met with in our own conservatories. 
 
 The leaves have when bruised the odour of camphor, which is diffused 
 
160 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Camphora. 
 
 through all parts of the plant, and is obtained from the root, trunk, and 
 branches by sublimation. The process is not precisely the same in all places. 
 The following is said to be the one pursued in Japan. The parts mentioned, 
 particularly the roots and smaller branches, are cut into chips, which are 
 placed, with a little water, in large iron vessels, surmounted by earthen capi- 
 tals, furnished with a lining of rice-straw. A moderate heat is then applied, 
 and the camphor, volatilized by the steam, rises into the capital, where it is 
 condensed upon the straw. In China, the comminuted plant is said to be 
 first boiled with water until the camphor adheres to the stick used in stir- 
 ring, when the strained liquor is allowed to cool; and the camphor which 
 concretes, being alternated with layers of earth, is submitted to sublimation. 
 
 Commercial History. Camphor, in the crude state, is brought to this coun- 
 try chiefly from Canton. It comes also from Batavia, Singapore, Calcutta, and 
 frequently from London. All of it is probably derived originally from China 
 and Japan. Two commercial varieties are found in the market. The cheapest 
 and most abundant is the Chinese camphor, most of which is produced in 
 the island of Formosa, and thence taken to Canton. It comes in chests lined 
 with lead, each containing about 130 pounds. It is in small grains or granu- 
 lar masses, of a dirty white colour, and frequently mixed with impurities. It 
 has occurred in commerce adulterated with muriate of ammonia. The other 
 variety is variously called Japan , Dutch, or tub camphor, the first name 
 being derived from the place of its origin, the second from the people through 
 whom it is introduced into commerce, and the third from the recipient- in 
 which it is often contained. It comes usually from Batavia, to which port it 
 is brought from Japan. Like the former variety, it is in grains or granular 
 masses; but the grains are larger and of a pinkish colour, and there are 
 fewer impurities, so that it yields a larger product when refined. 
 
 Crude camphor, as brought from the East, is never found in the shop of 
 the apothecary. It must be refined before it can be used for medicinal pur- 
 poses. The process for refining camphor was first practised in Europe by the 
 Venetians, who probably derived it from the Chinese. It was afterwards trans- 
 ferred to the Dutch, who long enjoyed a monopoly of this business; and it is 
 only within a few years that the process has been generally known. It is now 
 practised largely in this country, and the camphor refined in our domestic 
 establishments is equal to any that was formerly imported. Crude camphor 
 is mixed with about one-fiftieth of quicklime, and exposed, in an iron vessel 
 placed in a sand-bath, to a gradually increasing heat, by which it is melted, 
 and ultimately converted into vapour, which condenses iu a suitable recipient.* 
 Refined in this manner, it is usually in the form of large circular cakes, one 
 or two inches thick, slightly convex on one side and concave on the other, 
 and perforated in the centre. 
 
 * We are informed that the process is conducted in the following manner, in the 
 laboratories of Philadelphia. The vessels in which the camphor is put are of cast iron, 
 circular, from 12 to 15 inches or more in diameter, and 4 inches deep, with perpen- 
 dicular sides, and a ledge at top on which the cover rests. This consists of sheet iron, 
 with a hole through the centre about an inch in diameter, over which a small hollow 
 cone of sheet iron is placed loosely. The crude camphor, mixed with the lime, the 
 object of which is said to be to combine with the moisture present, which interferes 
 with the due solidification of the camphor vapour, is placed in the iron vessels described, 
 of which from 20 to 50 are arranged in a long sand-bath. Heat is then, applied until 
 the camphor melts, after which it is kept as nearly uniform as possible, so that the va- 
 porization may take place regularly, without violent ebullition. The vapour condenses 
 on the lower surface of the lid; and care is taken, by the occasional removal of the 
 iron cone, and clearing of the opening by means of a knife, to allow the escape of any 
 accidental excess of the vapour . — -Note to the ninth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 161 
 
 Camphora. 
 
 Properties. Camphor has a peculiar, strong, penetrating, fragrant odour; 
 and a bitter, pungent taste, attended with a slight sense of coolness. It is 
 beautifully white and pellucid, somewhat unctuous to the touch, friable, and 
 yet possessed of a degree of tenacity which renders its reduction to a fine 
 powder very difficult, unless the cohesion of its particles be overcome by the 
 addition of a minute proportion of alcohol, or other volatile liquid for which 
 it has an affinity. It may be obtained in powder also by precipitating its 
 alcoholic solution with water, or by grating and afterwards sifting it. The 
 fracture ofcamphoifis shining, and its texture crystalline. Its sp.gr. variesfrom 
 0'9857 to 0'996. When thrown in small fragments on the surface of water, it 
 assumes singular circulatory movements, which cease upon the addition of a 
 drop of oil. Its volatility is so great that, even at ordinary temperatures, it 
 is wholly dissipated if left exposed to the air. When it is confined in bot- 
 tles, the vapour condenses upon the inner surface, and, when allowed to 
 stand for a long time in large bottles partially filled, sometimes forms large 
 and beautiful crystals. It melts at 288° F. and boils at 400°. ( Turner .) 
 In close vessels it may be sublimed unchanged. When allowed to concrete 
 slowly from the state of vapour, it assumes the form of hexagonal plates. It 
 is not altered by air and light. It readily takes fire, and burns with a bril- 
 liant flame, giving out much smoke, and leaving no residue. Water triturated 
 with camphor dissolves, according to Berzelius, not more than a thousandth 
 part; which, however, is sufficient to impart a decided odour and taste to 
 the solvent. By the intervention of sugar or magnesia, a much larger propor- 
 tion is dissolved. (See Aqua Campliorse . ) Carbonic acid also increases the 
 solvent power of water. Ordinary alcohol will take up seventy-five per cent, 
 of its weight of camphor, which is precipitated upon the addition of water. 
 Berzelius states that 100 parts of alcohol, of the sp.gr. 0'806, dissolve 120 
 parts at 50° F. It is soluble also without change in ether, the volatile and 
 fixed oils, strong acetic acid, and diluted mineral acids. It is extremely solu- 
 ble in chloroform. By means of the spirit of nitric ether, it is rendered some- 
 what more soluble in water. By strong sulphuric and nitric acids it is decom- 
 posed ; the former carbonizing and converting it into artificial tannin, the lat- 
 ter, with the aid of repeated distillation, giving rise to a peculiar acid called 
 camphoric. Alkalies produce very little effect upon it. Resins unite with it, 
 forming a soft tenacious mass, in which the odour of the camphor is sometimes 
 almost extinguished, and frequently diminished; and a similar softening effect 
 results when it is triturated with the concrete oils.* Exposed to a strong 
 
 * As this property of camphor may have a bearing injuriously or otherwise on 
 pharmaceutical processes, it is desirable that the operator as well as prescriber should 
 be aware of the degree of effect produced by different resinous substances which may 
 be mixed with camphor. M. Planche has found that mixtures, formed by triturating 
 powdered camphor with powdered dragon’s blood, guaiac, assafetida, or galbanum. 
 assume, and preserve indefinitely the pilular consistence; with benzoin, tolu, ammoniac. 
 and mastic, though at first of a pilular consistence, afterwards become soft by exposure 
 to the air ; with sagapenum and anime, assume a permanently semi-liquid form ; with 
 olibanum, opopanax, gamboge, euphorbium, bdellium, myrrh, arid amber, remain pulveru- 
 lent though somewhat grumous; and with tacamahac, resin of jalap, sandarae, and 
 resinoid matter of cinchona, preserve the form of powder indefinitely. The same expe- 
 rimenter observed that camphor loses its odour entirely, when mixed with assafetida, 
 galbanum, sagapenum, anime, and tolu ; retains a feeble odour with dragon’s blood, 
 olibanum, mastic, benzoin opopanax, tacamahac, guaiac, and ammoniac ; while, with the 
 other resinous substances above mentioned, it either has its odour increased, or re- 
 tains it without material change. ( Journ . de Pharm., xxiv. 226.) 
 
 In mixing camphor with other substances in the form of powder, it is best first to 
 pulverize the camphor with the aid of a little alcohol, then to pulverize the other sub- 
 stances together, and lastly to mix the two powders gently ; much rubbing with the 
 11 
 
162 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Camphora. 
 
 heat in close vessels, camphor is resolved into a volatile oil and charcoal. It 
 is closely analogous in character to the essential oils. According to Dumas, 
 it consists of a radical called camphene united with oxygen. Camphene, which 
 is represented by pure oil of turpentine, is composed of ten eqs. of carbon 60, 
 and eight of hydrogen 8=68. With one ecp of oxygen it forms camphor, 
 with four eqs. of the same body, hydrated camphoric acid, and with half an 
 eq. of hydrochloric acid, artificial camphor.* 
 
 pestle having the effect of consolidating the granules of the camphor. (Procter, in 
 Mohr and Redwood’s Pharmacy, Am. ed., p.' 492.) 
 
 * Sumatra Camphor. Borneo Camphor. Dryobalanops Camphor. It has long been 
 known that a variety of camphor is produced in the Islands of Sumatra and Borneo, 
 by a forest tree, which, not having been seen by botanists, remained until a recent 
 period undetermined. It was at length, however, described by Colebrooke, and is now 
 recognised in systematic works as Dryobalanops Camphor a, or 1). aromalica. It is a very 
 large tree, often exceeding one hundred feet in height, with a trunk six or seven feet 
 in diameter, and ranking among the tallest and largest trees of India.* It is found 
 in Sumatra and Borneo, and is abundant on the N. W. coast of the former island. The 
 camphor exists in concrete masses, which occupy longitudinal cavities or fissures in 
 the heart of the tree, from a foot to a foot and a half long, at certain distances apart. 
 The younger trees are generally less productive than the old. The only method of 
 ascertaining whether a tree contains camphor is by incision. A party proceeds through 
 the forest, wounding the trees, till they find one which will answer then- purpose ; 
 and hundreds may be examined before this object is attained. When discovered, the 
 tree is felled and cut into logs, which are then split, and the camphor removed by mean 3 
 of sharp-pointed instruments. It is stated that the masses are sometimes as thick as a 
 man’s arm ; and that the product of a middling sized tree is nearly eleven pounds ; of a 
 large one, double that quantity. The trees which have been wounded, and left standing, 
 often produce camphor seven or eight years afterwards. The Dryobalanops yields also a 
 fragrant straw-coloured liquid, called in the East Indies oil of camphor, and highly va- 
 lued as an external application in rheumatism and other painful affections. It is said 
 to be found in trees too young to produce camphor, and is supposed to constitute the 
 first stage in the development of this substance; as it occupies the cavities in the 
 trunk, which are afterwards filled with the camphor. It has been stated to hold a 
 large portion of this principle in solution, and to yield an inferior variety by artificial 
 concretion; but this was not true of a specimen in the possession of Dr. Christison. 
 A specimen examined by Professor Procter deposited a small quantity of the camphor 
 at a temperature near the zero of Fahrenheit. By mixing its vapour with oxygen gas. 
 or by subjecting it to the action of nitric acid, it may be combined with oxygen and 
 converted t into camphor of the same character as that deposited by refrigeration. 
 (Am. Journ. 'of Pham., x. 18.) The whole tree is pervaded more or less by the cam- 
 phor or the oil; as the wood retains a fragrant smell, and, being on this account less 
 liable to the attacks of insects, is highly esteemed for carpenters’ work. - The cam- 
 phor-wood trunks, occasionally brought to this country from the East Indies, are pro- 
 bably made out of the wood of the Dryobalanops. 
 
 It has been supposed that this variety of camphor is occasionally brought into the 
 markets of Europe and America. But this is a mistake ; as the whole produce of the 
 islands is engrossed by the .Chinese, by whom it is so highly valued that it commands 
 at Canton, according to Mr. Crawford, seventy-eight times, according to Mr. Reeves, 
 one hundred times the price of ordinary 1 camphor. A specimen in our possession, 
 which was sent to this country from Canton as a curiosity, and kindly presented to ns 
 by Dr. Joseph Carson, is in tabular plates of the size of a finger nail or smaller, of a 
 foliaceous crystalline texture, white, somewhat translucent, of an odour analogous to 
 that of common camphor, and yet decidedly distinct, and less agreeable. It has also 
 a eamphorous taste. It is more compact and brittle than ordinary camphor; and. 
 though the pieces will often float for a time when thrown on water, yet they sink when 
 thoroughly moistened, and deprived of adhering air. According to Dr. Christison, it? 
 
 * For a particular description of this tree, see a paper by Dr. V". II. Do Yriese. of Leyden, in the 
 American Journal nf Pharm., xxiv. 320. taken from Hooker’s Journal ‘of Botany. In this paper it is 
 stated, on the authority of Dr. Junghuhn, who witnessed the process of collection, that the camphor is 
 deposited in very small quantities in minute fissures between the fibres, from which it is scraped off by 
 small splinters of wood, or by the nail: and the thickest and oldest trees seldom yield more than two 
 ounces. This account as to the productiveness ofthetree differs greatly from that of Colebrooke. as state.: 
 in the note above . — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 163 
 
 Gamphora. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Camphor does not seem to have been known 
 to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Europe probably derived it from the 
 Arabians, by whom it was employed as a refrigerant. Much difference of 
 opinion has prevailed as to its mode of action, some maintaining its immedi- 
 ate sedative influence, others considering it as a direct and decided stimulant. 
 Its operation appears to be primarily and chiefly directed to the cerebral and 
 nervous systems; and the circulation, though usually affected to a greater or 
 less extent, is probably involved, for the most part, through the agency of the 
 brain. It acts, also, to a certain extent, as a direct irritant of the mucous 
 membranes with which it is brought into contact, and may thus in some 
 measure secondarily excite the pulse. The effects of the medicine vary with 
 the quantity administered. In moderate doses it produces, in a healthy in- 
 dividual, mental exhilaration, increased heat of skin, and occasional diapho- 
 resis. The pulse is usually increased in fulness, but little, if at all, in force 
 or frequency. According to the experiments of certain Italian physicians, 
 it has a tendency to the urinary and genital organs, producing a burning 
 sensation along the' urethra, and exciting voluptuous dreams (N. Am. Med. 
 and Surg. Journ., ix. 442); and these experiments have been confirmed by 
 the observations of Dr. Reynolds in a case of poisoning by camphor (Brit. 
 Am. Journ. of Med., June, 1846). Cullen, however, states that he has em- 
 ployed it fifty times, even in large doses, without having ever observed any 
 effect upon the urinary passages. Ry many it is believed to allay irritations 
 of the urinary and genital apparatus, and to possess antaphrodisiac proper- 
 ties. In its primary operation, it allays nervous irritation, quiets restless- 
 ness, and produces a general placidity of feeling, which renders it highly 1 - 
 useful in certain forms of disease attended with derangement of the nervous 
 functions. In larger doses, it displays a more decided action on the brain, 
 producing more or less giddiness and mental confusion, with a disposition to 
 sleep; and, in morbid states of the system, relieving pain and allaying spas- 
 modic action. In immoderate doses it occasions nausea, vomiting, anxietj 1 , 
 faintness, vertigo, delirium, insensibility, coma, and convulsions, which may 
 end in death. The pulse, under these circumstances, is at first reduced in 
 frequency and force (Alexander, Experimental Essays, p. 227) ; but, as the 
 action advances, it sometimes happens that symptoms of strong sanguineous 
 determination to the head become evident, in the flushed countenance, in- 
 flamed and fiery eyes, and highly excited pulse (Quarin). In three cases of 
 poisoning by camphor, reported by Schaaf of Strasburg, the symptoms pro- 
 duced were violent and incessant convulsions, paleness and coolness of the 
 surface, vomiting and frequent micturition, and finally stupor or coma. The 
 patients were children, and the youngest, a girl of about eighteen mouths, died 
 from the effects of the poison, of which she took about ten grains. ( Monthly 
 J. of Med. Sci., Oct. 1850, p. 377.) There can be no doubt that camphor 
 is absorbed; as its odour is observed in the breath and perspiration, and, 
 according to Dr. Reynolds, in the urine also, though the contrary has been 
 asserted. 
 
 By its moderately stimulating powers, its diaphoretic tendency, and its in- 
 fluence over the nervous system, camphor is admirably adapted to the treat- 
 ment of diseases of a typhoid character, which combine with the enfeebled con- 
 dition of the system, a frequent irritated pulse, a dry skin, and much nervous 
 derangement, indicated by restlessness, watchfulness, tremors, subsultus, and 
 
 sp. gr. is 1009. It is easily pulverized without the addition of alcohol. It is, moreover, 
 much less disposed to rise in vapour, and to condense on the inside of the bottle 
 containing it. Like ordinary camphor, it is fusible, volatilizable, very slightly soluble 
 in water, and freely soluble in alcohol and in ether. We have never met with it in the 
 drug stores. 
 
164 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Camphor a. 
 
 low muttering delirium. With a view to its anodyne and narcotic influence, 
 it is also used in diseases of an inflammatory character ; as in our ordinary 
 remittents, and the phlegmasiae, particularly rheumatism, when the increased 
 vascular action is complicated with derangement of the nervous system. In 
 such cases, however, it should never he given until after proper depletion, 
 and even then should be combined with such medicines as may obviate the 
 slight stimulation it produces, and increase its tendency to the skin; as, for 
 instance, tartarized antimony, ipecacuanha, or nitre. In a great number of 
 spasmodic and nervous disorders, and complaints of irritation, camphor has 
 been very extensively employed. The cases of this nature to which expe- 
 rience has proved it to be best adapted, are dysmenorrhoea, puerperal con- 
 vulsions and other nervous affections of the puerperal state, and certain 
 forms of mania, particularly nymphomania, and that arising from the abuse 
 of spirituous liquors. In some of these cases, advantage may be derived 
 from combining it with opium. Camphor has also been employed inter- 
 nally to allay the irritation of the urinary organs produced by eantharides. 
 
 It is much used locally as an anodyne, usually dissolved in alcohol, oil, or 
 acetic acid, and frequently combined with laudanum. In rheumatic and 
 gouty affections, and various internal spasmodic and inflammatory com- 
 plaints, it often yields relief when applied in this way. The ardor urinae of 
 gonorrhoea may be alleviated by injecting an oleaginous solution of camphor 
 into the urethra ; and the tenesmus from ascarides and dysentery, by ad- 
 ministering the same solution in the form of enema. Twenty or thirty' grains 
 of camphor, added to a poultice, and applied to the perineum, allays the 
 chordee, which is a painful attendant upon gonorrhoea. The vapour of cam- 
 phor has been inhaled into the lungs with benefit in asthma and spasmodic 
 cough ; and a lump of it held to the nose is said to relieve the coryza of 
 commencing catarrh. It has been employed for the same purpose, and for 
 nervous headache, in the form of powder snuffed up the nostrils. It enters 
 into the composition of certain tooth-powders; but is asserted, when employed 
 in this way, to injure the enamel of the teeth. 
 
 Camphor may be given in substance, in the form of bolus or pill, or dif- 
 fused in water by trituration with various substances. The form of pill is 
 objectionable; as in this state the camphor is with difficulty dissolved in the 
 gastric liquors, and, floating on the top, is apt to excite nausea, or pain and 
 uneasiness at the upper orifice of the stomach. Orfila states that, when given 
 in the solid form, it is capable of producing ulceration in the gastric mucous 
 membrane. The emulsion is almost always preferred. This is made by 
 rubbing up the camphor with loaf sugar, gum Arabic, and water; and the 
 suspension will be rendered more complete and permanent by the addition of 
 a little myrrh. Milk is sometimes used as a vehicle, but is objectionable, 
 from its liability to become speedily sour. The aqueous solution is often 
 employed where only a slight impression is desired. For this purpose, the 
 Aqua Camphor sc of the United States Pharmacopoeia is preferable to the so- 
 lution effected by simply pouring boiling water upon a lump of camphor, 
 which is sometimes prescribed under the name of camphor tea. When chlo- 
 roform is not inadmissible, an elegant preparation may be made by dissolving 
 camphor in that liquid, in the proportion of two drachms of the former 10 a 
 fluidrachm of the latter, and then mixing the solution with water by the 
 intervention of the yolk of an egg, as suggested by Messrs. T. and H. Smith. 
 
 The medium dose of camphor is from five to ten grains; but, to meet various 
 indications, it may be diminished to a single grain, or increased to a scruple. 
 The injurious effects of an overdose are said to be best counteracted, after 
 clearing out the stomach, by the use of opium. 
 
PART I. 
 
 165 
 
 Camphora. — Canella. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aeidum Aceticura Camphoratum; Aqua Camphora; Ceratum 
 Ilydrargyri Composition ; Ceratum Plumbi Subacetatis; Linimentum Cam- 
 phora ; Liniment. Camphora Comp. ; Liniment. Ilydrargyri ; Liniment. 
 Opii; Liniment. Saponis Camphoratum; Liniment. Terebinthinae; Mistura 
 Camphora; Mist. Camphora cum Magnesia; Tinctura Camphora; Tinct. 
 Opii Campliorata; Tinct. Saponis Camphorata. W. 
 
 CANELLA. U. S., Loncl., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Canella. 
 
 The bark of Canella alba. U.S., Loncl., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Canelle blanche, Fr.; Weisser Zimmt, Canell, Germ.; Canella bianca, Ital.; Canela 
 blanca, Span. 
 
 Canella. Sex. Syst. Dodecandria Monogynia. — Eat. Orel. Meliaceae. De 
 Gaud. Canellere. Bindley. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx three-lobed. Petals five. Anthers sixteen, adhering to 
 an urceolate nectary. Berry one-celled with two or four seeds. Willd. 
 
 Canella alba. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 851 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 694, t. 
 237; Carson, lllust. of Med. Bot. i. 24, pi. 16. This is the only species 
 of the genus. It is an erect tree, rising sometimes to the height of fifty 
 feet, branching only at the top, and covered with a whitish bark, by which 
 it is easily distinguished from other trees in the woods where it grows. The 
 leaves are alternate, petiolate, oblong, obtuse, entire, of a dark green colour, 
 thick and shining like those of the laurel, and of a similar odour. The flowers 
 are small, of a violet colour, and grow in clusters upon divided footstalks, at 
 the extremities of the branches. The fruit is an oblong berry, containing 
 one, two, or three black, shining seeds. 
 
 Canella alba is a native of Jamaica and other West India Islands. The 
 bark of the branches, which is the part employed in medicine, having been 
 removed by an iron instrument, is deprived of its epidermis, and dried in the 
 shade. It comes to us in pieces partially or completely quilled, occasionally' 
 somewhat twisted, of various sizes, from a few inches to two feet in length, 
 from half a line to two or even three lines in thickness, and, in the quill, 
 from half an inch to an inch and a half in diameter. 
 
 Properties. Canella is of a pale orange-yellow colour externally, yellowish- 
 white on the inner surface, with an aromatic odour somewhat resembling that 
 of cloves, and a warm, bitterish, very pungent taste. It is brittle, breaking 
 with a short fracture, and yielding, when pulverized, a yellowish-white pow- 
 der. Boiling water extracts nearly one-fourth of its weight; but the infu- 
 sion, though bitter, has comparatively little of the warmth and pungency of 
 the bark. It yields all its virtues to alcohol, forming a bright yellow tinc- 
 ture, which is rendered milky by the addition of water. By distillation with 
 water it affords a large proportion of a yellow or reddish, fragrant, and very 
 acrid volatile oil. It contains, moreover, according to the analysis of MM. 
 Petroz and Eobinet, mannite, a peculiar very bitter extractive, resin, gum, 
 starch, albumen, and various saline substances. Meyers and Reiche obtained 
 twelve drachms of the volatile oil from ten pounds of the bark. They found 
 it to consist of two distinct oils, one lighter and the other heavier than water. 
 According to the same chemists, the bark contains 8 per cent, of mannite, 
 and yields 6 per cent, of ashes. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xvi. 75.) Ca- 
 nella has been sometimes confounded with Winter’s bark, from which, how- 
 ever, it differs both in sensible properties and composition. (See Wintera.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Canella is possessed of the ordinary proper- 
 ties of the aromatics, acting as a local stimulant and gentle tonic, and pro- 
 
166 
 
 Canna. — Cantharis. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 during upon the stomach a warming cordial effect, which renders it useful as 
 an addition to tonic or purgative medicines in debilitated states of the di- 
 gestive organs. It is scarcely ever prescribed except in combination. In the 
 West Indies it is employed by the negroes as a condiment, and has some re- 
 putation as an antiscorbutic. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pulvis Aloes etCanellse; TineturaGentianae Composita; Yinum 
 Aloes; Yinum Gentianm; Yinum Ilhei. W. 
 
 CANNA. Ed. 
 
 Ganna Starch. 
 
 Fecula of the root of an imperfectly determined species of Canna. Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. “ CANNA EDULIS. The root is supposed to furnish the 
 fecula called tons ten mois.” Dub. 
 
 Under the French name of tons lesmois, a variety of fecula was a few years 
 since introduced into the markets of Europe and this country. It is said to 
 be prepared in the West India island of St. Kitts, by a tedious and trouble- 
 some process, from the root or rhizome of Canna ceccinea, although this 
 botanical origin is altogether uncertain. 
 
 Canna starch is in the form of a light, beautifully white powder, of a 
 shining appearance, very unlike the ordinary forms of fecula. Its granules 
 are said to be larger than those of any other variety of starch in use, being 
 from the 800th to the ‘200th of an inch in length. Under the microscope 
 they appear ovate or oblong, with numerous regular unequally distant rings; 
 and the circular hylum, which is sometimes double, is usual!}- situated at the 
 smaller extremity. ( Pereira .) This fecula has the ordinary chemical pro- 
 perties of starch, and forms, when prepared with boiling water, a nutritious 
 and wholesome food for infants and invalids. It may be prepared in the 
 same manner as arrow-root, and is said to form even a stiffer jelly with boil- 
 ing water. (See Maranta.') W. 
 
 CANTHARIS. U. S., Loncl, Ed., Dub. 
 
 Spanish Flies. 
 
 Cantharis vesicatoria. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Cantharide, Fr.; Spaniscke Fliege, Kantbaride, Germ.; Cantarelle, Ital.; Cantha- 
 ridas, Span. 
 
 The term Cantharis was employed by the ancient Greek writers to desig- 
 nate many coleopterous insects. Linnaeus gave the title to a genus in which 
 the officinal blistering fly was not included, and placed this insect in the 
 genus Meloe. This latter, however, has been divided by subsequent natural- 
 ists into several genera. Geoffroy made the Spanish fly the prototype of a 
 new one which he called Cantharis, substituting Cicindela as the title of the 
 Linnaean genus. Fabricius altered the arrangement of Geoffroy, and substi- 
 tuted Lytta for Cantharis as the generic title. The former was adopted by 
 the London College, and at one time was in extensive use; but the latter, 
 having been restored by Latreille, is now recognised in the European and 
 American Pharmacopoeias, and is universally employed. By this naturalist 
 the vesicating insects were grouped in a small tribe corresponding very nearly 
 with the Linnaean genus Meloe, and distinguished by the title Cantharidese. 
 This tribe he divided into eleven genera, among which is Cantharis. Two 
 others of these genera, Meloe properly so called, and Mylabris, have been 
 employed as vesicatories. Mylabris cicliorii is thought to be one of the in- 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cantharis. 
 
 167 
 
 sects described by Pliny and Dioscorides under the name of cantharides, and 
 is to this day employed in Italy, Greece, the Levant, and Egypt ; and an- 
 other species, M. pustulata, is applied to the same purpose in China. Meloe 
 proscarabseus and M. majalis have been occasionally substituted for cantha- 
 rides in Europe, and JIJ. tri.anthemse is used in the upper provinces of Hindos- 
 tan. Several species of Cantharis, closely analogous in medical properties, 
 are found in various parts of the world ; but C. vesicatoria is the only one 
 recognised by the Pharmacopoeias of Prance and Great Britain. A second 
 species, C. vittata, has been introduced into that of the United States, and 
 will be noticed under a distinct head. At present we shall confine our obser- 
 vations to C. vesicatoria, or the common Spanish fly. 
 
 Cantharis. Class Insecta. Order Coleoptera. Linn. — Family Trache- 
 lides. Tribe Cantharideae. Latreille. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Tarsi entire; nails bifid; head not produced into a rostrum; 
 elytra, flexible, covering the whole abdomen, linear semicylindric ; wings 
 perfect; maxillae with two membranous lacinise, the external one acute 
 within, subuncinate; antennae longer than the head and thorax, rectilinear; 
 first joint, largest, the second transverse, very short; maxillary palpi larger 
 at tip. Say. 
 
 Cantharis vesicatoria. Latreille, Gen. Crust, et Insect., tom. ii. p. 220. This 
 insect is from six to ten lines in length, by two or three in breadth, and 
 of a beautiful shining golden-green colour. The head is large and heart- 
 shaped, bearing two thread-like, black, jointed feelers; the thorax short and 
 quadrilateral ; the wing-sheaths long and flexible, covering brownish mem- 
 branous wings. When alive, the Spanish flies have a strong, penetrating, 
 fetid odour, compared to that of mice, by which swarms of them may be 
 detected at a considerable distance. They attach themselves preferably to 
 certain trees and shrubs, such as the white poplar, privet, ash, elder, and lilac, 
 upon the leaves of which they feed. The countries in which they most 
 abound are Spain, Italy, and the South of France; but they are found to a 
 greater or less extent in all the temperate parts of Europe, and in the West 
 of Asia. In the state of larva, they live in the ground and gnaw the roots 
 of plants. They usually make their appearance in swarms upon the trees in 
 May and June, when they are collected. The time preferred for the purpose 
 is in the morning at sun-rise, when they are torpid from the cold of the night, 
 and easily let go their hold. Persons with their faces protected by masks, 
 and their hands with gloves, shake the trees, or beat them with poles; and 
 the insects are received as they fall upon linen cloths spread underneath. 
 They are then plunged into vinegar diluted with water, or exposed in sieves 
 to the vapour of boiling vinegar, and, having been thus deprived of life, are 
 dried either in the sun, or in apartments heated by stoves. This mode of 
 killing the flies by the steam of vinegar is as ancient as the times of Dioscorides 
 and Pliny. In some places they are gathered by smoking the trees with 
 burning brimstone. It has been proposed by M. Lutrand to destroy them 
 by the vapour of chloroform. When perfectly dry, they are introduced into 
 casks or boxes, lined with paper and carefully closed, so as to exclude as much 
 as possible the atmospheric moisture. 
 
 Cantharides come chiefly from Spain, Italy, Sicily, and other parts of the 
 Mediterranean. Considerable quantities are also brought from St. Petersburg, 
 derived originally, in all probability, from the southern provinces of Russia, 
 where the insect is very abundant. The Russian flies are more esteemed than 
 those from other sources, They may be distinguished by their greater size, 
 and their colour approaching to that of copper. 
 
 Properties. Dried Spanish flies preserve the form and colour, and, to a cer- 
 tain extent, the disagreeable odour of the living insect. They have an acrid, 
 
168 
 
 Cantharis. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 burning, and urinous taste. Their powder is of a grayish-brown colour, 
 interspersed with shining green particles, which are the fragments of the 
 feet, head, and wing-cases. If kept perfectly dry, in well-stopped glass 
 bottles, they will retain their activity for a great length of time. A portion 
 which had been preserved by Yan Swieten for thirty years, in a glass vessel, 
 was found still to possess vesicating properties. But, exposed to a damp air, 
 they quickly undergo putrefaction; and this change takes place more speedily 
 in the powder. Hence, the insects should either be kept whole, and r owdered 
 as they are wanted for use, or, if kept in powder, should be well dried im- 
 mediately after pulverization, and preserved in air-tight vessels. They should 
 never be purchased in powder, as, independently of the consideration just 
 mentioned, they may in this state be more easily adulterated. But, however 
 carefully managed, cantharides are apt to be attacked by mites, which feed 
 on the interior soft parts of the body, reducing them to powder, while the 
 harder exterior parts are not affected. An idea was at one time prevalent, 
 that the vesicating property of the insect was not injured by the worm, which 
 was supposed to devour only the inactive portion. But this has been proved 
 to be a mistake. M. Farines, an apothecary of Perpignan, has satisfactorily 
 shown that, though the hard parts left by these mites possess some vesicating 
 power, and the powder produced by them still more, yet the sound flies are 
 much stronger than either. Camphor, which has been recommended as a 
 preservative, does not prevent the destructive agency of the worm.* It is 
 also stated by M. Farines that, when the flies are destroyed by the vapour of 
 pyroligneous acid, instead of common vinegar, they acquire an odour which 
 contributes to their preservation. Cantharides will bear a very considerable 
 heat without losing the brilliant colour of their elytra ; nor is this colour 
 extracted by water, alcohol, ether, or the oils; so that the powder might be 
 deprived of all its active principles, and yet retain the exterior characters 
 unaltered. The wing cases resist putrefaction for a long time, and the shininsr 
 particles have been detected in the human stomach months after interment. 
 
 So early as 1778, Thouvenel attempted to analyze cantharides, and the 
 attempt was repeated by Dr. Beaupoil in 1803 ; but no very interesting or 
 valuable result was obtained till the year 1810, when Robiquet discovered in 
 them a crystalline substance, which appears to be the vesicating principle of 
 the insect, and to which Dr. Thomson gave the name of eantliaridin. The 
 constituents, according to Robiquet, are, 1. a green oil, insoluble in water, 
 soluble in alcohol, and inert as a vesicatory ; 2. a black matter, soluble in 
 water, insoluble in alcohol, and inert; 3. a yellow viscid matter, soluble in 
 water and alcohol, and without vesicating powers; 4. eantliaridin; 5. a fatty 
 matter insoluble in alcohol; 6. phosphates of lime and magnesia, acetic acid, 
 and in the fresh insect a small quantity of uric acid. Orfila afterwards dis- 
 covered a volatile principle, upon which the fetid odour of the fly depends. 
 It is separable by distillation with water. Cantharidin is a white substance 
 
 * It appears from the experiments of M. Xivet that, though camphor does not pre- 
 serve the entire fly from the attacks of the larvae of the Antkrenus, it actually destroys 
 the mites of the Cantharis so often found' in the powder, and may, therefore, lie introduced 
 with advantage, in small lumps, into bottles containing powdered cantharides. (Journ. dc 
 Pharm., xix. 004. ) Carbonate of ammonia has also been recommended as a preservative. 
 Pereira has found that a few drops of strong acetic acid, added to the flies, are very 
 effectual. Perhaps, however, the best means of preserving them, whether whole or in 
 powder, would be the application of the process of Apert, which consists in exposing 
 them, for half an hour, confined in glass bottles, to the heat of boiling wateV, which de- 
 stroys the eggs of the insect, without impairing the virtues of the flies. (It id., xxii. 246. 1 
 Of course, the access of water to the flies should be carefully avoided. Lutrand recom- 
 mends chloroform as the best preservative that he has tried. (Journ. dc Pharm. ei dc 
 Chim., xviii. 214.) 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cantharis. 
 
 169 
 
 in the form of crystalline scales, of a shining micaceous appearance, insoluble 
 in water, nearly so in cold alcohol, hut soluble in ether, chloroform, the oils, 
 and in hot alcohol and acetic acid, which deposit it upon cooling* It is 
 fusible and volatilizable by heat without decomposition, and its vapour con- 
 denses in acicular crystals. It is obtained by macerating powdered flies in 
 ether for several days ; introducing the mixture into a percolation appa- 
 ratus; adding, after the liquid has ceased to pass, fresh portions of ether, till 
 it comes away nearly colourless; displacing the whole of the menstruum still 
 remaining in the mass by pouring water upon it; distilling the filtered liquor 
 so as to recover the ether ; then allowing the residue to cool ; and, finally, 
 purifying the cantharidin which is deposited, by treating it with boiling alcohol 
 and animal charcoal. Alcohol of 34°, or a mixture of alcohol and ether, may 
 he substituted for the ether itself; but the last-mentioned fluid is preferable, 
 as it dissolves less of the green oil, the separation of which from the can- 
 tharidin is the most difficult part of the process. By this plan, hi. Thierry 
 obtained from 1000 parts of powdered flies, 4 parts of pure cantharidin. 
 Notwithstanding the insolubility of this principle in water and cold alcohol, 
 the decoction and tincture of cantharides have the peculiar medicinal pro- 
 perties of the insect; and Lewis ascertained that both the aqueous and alco- 
 holic extracts acted as effectually in exciting vesication as the flies themselves, 
 while the residue was in each case inert. Cantharidin consequently exists in 
 the insect, so combined with the yellow matter as to he rendered soluble in 
 water and cold alcohol. It has been found also in Cantharis vittata, Mylabris 
 cichorii, and different species of Meloe.f 
 
 Adulterations. These are not common. Occasionally other insects are 
 added, purposely, or through carelessness. These may be readily distin- 
 guished by their different shape or colour. Flies exhausted of their can- 
 tharidin by ether are said to have been substituted for the genuine. An 
 account has been published of considerable quantities of variously coloured 
 glass beads having been found in a parcel of the drug; hut this would be 
 too coarse a fraud to he extensively practised. Pereira states that powdered 
 flies are sometimes adulterated with euphorbium. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Internally administered, cantharides are a 
 powerful stimulant, with a peculiar direction to the urinary and genital organs. 
 In moderate doses, this medicine sometimes acts as a diuretic, and generally 
 excites some irritation in the urinary passages, which, if its use be persevered 
 in, or the dose increased, often amounts to violent strangury, attended with 
 excruciating pain, and the discharge of bloody urine. In still larger quan- 
 
 * The solubilities of cantharidin have been examined with great care by Professor 
 Procter, with the following results. It is insoluble in water. Cold alcohol dissolves 
 it slightly, hot alcohol freely. It is more soluble in ether, which also dissolves it more 
 freely hot than cold. Chloroform, cold or hot, is its best solvent; and acetone ranks 
 next to it in this respect. Olive oil, at 250° F., dissolves one-twentieth of its weight, 
 and oil of turpentine, boiling hot, one-seventieth ; and both deposit the greater portion 
 on cooling. , The olive oil solution after deposition vesicates, the terebinthinate does 
 not. Strong acetic, sulphuric, and nitric acids dissolve it, with the aid of heat, and 
 deposit it unchanged on cooling. It is also dissolved by solutions of potassa and soda, 
 and to a small extent by strong solution of ammonia. (Am”. Journ. ofPharm., xxiv. 296.) 
 — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
 f Professor Procter informs us that he has succeeded, by means of chloroform, in 
 isolating cantharidin with great facility. He treats the flies with chloroform by per- 
 colation, displacing the last portions by means of alcohol, and allows the resulting 
 solution to evaporate spontaneously. Cantharidin is thus obtained in crystals mixed 
 with the green oil, the greater portion of which may be removed by bibulous paper. 
 The residuary crystals are dissolved in a mixture of ether and alcohol, which, by the 
 spontaneous evaporation of the ether, yields the cantharidin nearly pure . — Note to 
 the ninth edition. 
 
170 
 
 Cantharis. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 tities, it produces, in addition to these effects, obstinate and painful priapism, 
 vomiting, bloody stools, severe pains in the whole abdominal region, exces- 
 sive salivation with a fetid cadaverous breath, hurried respiration, a hard and 
 frequent pulse, burning thirst, exceeding difficulty of deglutition, sometimes 
 a dread of liquids, frightful convulsions, tetanus, delirium, and death. Orfila 
 lias known twenty-four grains of the powder to prove fatal. Dissection re- 
 veals inflammation and ulceration of the mucous coat of the whole intestinal 
 canal. According to M. Poumet, if the intestines be inflated, dried, cut 
 into pieces, and examined in the sun between two pieces of glass, they will 
 exhibit small shining yellow or green points, strongly contrasting with the 
 matter around them. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e ser., iii. 167.) The poisonous 
 effects are to be counteracted by emetics, cathartics, bleeding, and opiates 
 by the stomach and rectum. Dr. Mulock, of Dublin, recommends the offi- 
 cinal solution of potassa as an antidote, having found thirty drops given every 
 hour an effectual remedy in strangury from blisters. ( Dublin Quart. Journ. 
 of Med. Sci., N. S., vi. 222.) Notwithstanding their exceeding violence, can- 
 tharides have been long and beneficially used in medicine. Either these or 
 other vesicating insects appear to have been given by Hippocrates in cases of 
 dropsy and amenorrhoea, in the latter of which complaints, when properly 
 prescribed, they are a highly valuable remedy. In dropsy they sometimes 
 prove beneficial, when the system is in an atonic condition, and the vessels of 
 the kidneys feeble. They are also useful in obstinate gleet, leucorrhcea, and 
 seminal weakness; and afford one of the most certain means of relief in 
 incontinence of urine, arising from debility or partial paralysis of the sphinc- 
 ter of the bladder. A case of diabetes is recorded in the N. Am. Archives 
 (vol. ii. p. 175), in which recovery took place under the use of tincture of 
 cantharides. They are used also in certain cutaneous eruptions, especially 
 those of a scaly character, and in chronic eczema. Dr. Irven has employed 
 them in scurvy (Ann. de Tlierap., 1845); and they have been found useful 
 internally administered in obstinate ulcers. Their unpleasant effects upon 
 the urinary passages are best obviated by the free use of diluent drinks ; and, 
 when not consequent upon great abuse of the medicine, may almost always 
 be relieved by an anodyne injection, composed of laudanum, with a small 
 quantity of mucilaginous fluid. The dose of Spanish flies is one or two 
 grains of the powder, which may be given twice a day in the form of pill. 
 The tincture, however, is more frequently employed. 
 
 Externally applied, cantharides excite inflammation in the skin, which 
 terminates in a copious secretion of serum under the cuticle. Even thus em- 
 ployed, they not unfrequently give rise to strangury or tenesmus; and this, in 
 fact, is one of the most troublesome attendants upon their operation. It 
 probably results from the absorption of the active principle of the fly. For 
 various methods which have been employed for obviating strangury from 
 blisters, see Ceratum Cantharidis. 
 
 The blistering fly may be employed either as a rubefacient, or to produce 
 a blister. In the former capacity it is seldom used, except in low states of 
 disease, where external stimulation is required to support the system; but as 
 an epispastic it is preferred to all other substances. 
 
 Blisters are calculated to answer numerous indications. Their local effect 
 is attended with a general excitement of the system, which renders them 
 valuable auxiliaries to internal stimulants in low conditions of disease; and 
 they may sometimes be safely resorted to with this view, when the latter 
 remedies are inadmissible. The powerful impression they make on the sys- 
 tem is sufficient, in many instances, to subvert morbid associations, and thus 
 to allow the re-establishment of healthy action. Hence their application to 
 the cure of remittent and intermittent fevers, in which they often prove 
 
PART r. 
 
 Cantharis. — Cantharis Vittata. 
 
 171 
 
 effectual, when so employed as to be in full operation at the period for the re- 
 currence of the paroxysm. On the principle of revulsion, they prove useful in a 
 vast variety of complaints. Drawing both the nervous energy and the circulat- 
 ing fluid to the seat of their immediate action, they relieve irritations and inflam- 
 mations of internal parts ; and are employed for this purpose in every disease 
 attended with these derangements. In such cases, however, arterial excite- 
 ment should always be reduced by direct depletion before tbe remedy is re- 
 sorted to. Blisters are also capable of substituting tbeir own action for one 
 of a morbid nature, existing in the part to which they are directly applied. 
 Hence their use in tinea capitis, obstinate herpes, and various cutaneous 
 eruptions. Their local stimulation renders them useful in some cases of 
 threatened gangrene, and in partial paralysis. From the serous discharge 
 they occasion, much good results in erysipelas and various other local inflam- 
 mations, in the immediate vicinity of which their action can be established; 
 and the effects of an issue may be obtained by the continued application of 
 irritants to the blistered surface. Perhaps the pain produced by blisters may 
 be useful in some cases of nervous excitement or derangement, in which it is 
 desirable to withdraw the attention of the patient from subjects of agitating 
 reflection. On some constitutions they produce a poisonous impression, at- 
 tended with frequent pulse, dryness of the mouth and fauces, heat of skin, 
 subsultus tendinum, and even convulsions. What is the precise condition of 
 system in which these effects result, it is impossible to determine. They pro- 
 bably arise from the absorption of the active principle of cantharides, and de- 
 pend on individual peculiarities of constitution. In this respect Spanish flies 
 are analogous to mercury; and any argument drawn from this source against 
 the use of the one would equally apply to the other. The general good result- 
 ing from their use far overbalances any partial and uncertain evil. For some 
 rules relative to the application of blisters, the reader is referred to the article 
 CeratumfJantharidis. Under the same head will be noticed the blistering 
 preparations from cantharides, and among them one recently introduced under 
 the name of cantharidal or blistering collodion. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acetum Cantharidis; Ceratum Cantharidis; Decoctum Cautha- 
 ridis; Emplastrum Cantharidis; Emplast. Cantharidis Compositum; Lini- 
 mentum Cantharidis; Tinctura Cantharidis; Unguentum Cantharidis; Un- 
 guent. Infusi Cantharidis. W. 
 
 CANTHARIS YITTATA. U. S. 
 
 Potato Flies. 
 
 Cantharis vittata. U. S. 
 
 Within the limits of the United States are several species of Cantharis, 
 which have been employed as substitutes for C. vesicatoria, and found to be 
 equally eflicient. Of these, only C. vittata has been adopted as officinal; 
 but, as others may be more abundant in particular districts, or in certain 
 seasons, and are not inferior in vesicating powers, we shall briefly notice all 
 that have been submitted to experiment. 
 
 1. Cantharis vittata. Latreille, Gen. Crust, et Insect.; Durand, Journ. of 
 the Phil. Col. of Pharm., ii. 274, fig. 4. The potato fly is rather smaller 
 than C. vesicatoria, which it resembles in shape. Its length is about six 
 lines. The head is of a light red colour, with dark spots upon the top ; the 
 feelers are black ; the elytra or wing cases are black, with a yellow longitu- 
 dinal stripe in the centre, and with a yellow margin ; the thorax is also black, 
 with three yellow lines; and the abdomen and legs, which have the same 
 colour, are covered with a cinereous down. It inhabits chiefly the potato 
 
172 
 
 Cantharis Vittata. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 plant, and makes its appearance about the end of July or beginning of August, 
 in some seasons very abundantly. It is found on the plant in the morning 
 and evening, but during the heat of the day descends into the soil. The in- 
 sects are collected by shaking them from the plant into hot water ; and are 
 afterwards carefully dried in the sun. They are natives of the Middle and 
 Southern States. 
 
 This species of Cantharis was first described by Fabric-ius in the year 1781 ; 
 and was introduced to the notice of the profession by Dr. Isaac Chapman, of 
 Bucks county, Pennsylvania, who found it equal if not superior to the Spanish 
 fly as a vesicatory. The testimony of Dr. Chapman has been corroborated 
 by that of many other practitioners, some of whom have even gone so far as 
 to assert, that the potato fly is not attended in its action with the inconve- 
 nience of producing strangury. But this statement has been ascertained to 
 be incorrect; and, as the vesicating property of all these insects probably 
 depends upon the same proximate principle, their operation maybe considered 
 as identical in other respects. If the potato fly has been found more speedy 
 in its effects than the Cantharis of Spain, the result is perhaps attributable 
 to the greater freshness of the former. It may be applied to the same pur- 
 poses, treated in the same manner, and given in the same dose as the foreign 
 insect. Professor Procter has obtained cantharidin from this species. 
 
 2. Cantharis cinerea. Latreille, Gen. Crust, et Insect.; Durand, Journ. of 
 the Phil. Col. of Pharrn., ii. 274, fig. 5. The ash-coloured cantharis closely 
 resembles the preceding species in figure and size ; but differs from it in 
 colour. The elytra and body are black, without the yellow stripes that cha- 
 racterize C. vittata, and are entirely covered with a short and dense ash- 
 coloured down, which conceals the proper colour of the insect. The feelers 
 are black, and the first and second joints are very large in the male. This 
 species also inhabits the potato plant, and is occasionally found on other plants, 
 as the English bean and wild indigo. It is a native of the Northern and 
 Middle States. All the remarks before made upon the potato fly, as to the 
 mode of collection, properties, and medical arse, apply equally well to that at 
 present under consideration. Illiger in 1801 discovered its vesicating pro- 
 perties; but Dr. Gorham was the first to call public attention particularly to 
 the subject, in a communication addressed, in the year 1808, to the Medical 
 Society of Massachusetts. This species is often confounded with C. vittata. 
 
 8. Cantharis marginata. Latreille, Gen. Crust, et Insect.; Durand, Journ. 
 of the Phil. Col. of Ph arm., ii. 274, fig. 6. This is somewhat larger than 
 C. vittata, and of a different shape. The elytra are black, with the suture 
 and margin ash-coloured. The head, thorax, and abdomen are black, but 
 nearly covered with an ash-coloured down ; and on the upper part of the 
 abdomen, under the wings, are two longitudinal lines of a bright clay colour. 
 This species is usually found, in the latter part of summer, upon the dif- 
 ferent plants belonging to the genus Clematis, and frequents especially the 
 lower branches which trail along the ground. Professor AVoodhouse, of Phi- 
 ladelphia, first ascertained the vesicating properties of this insect ; but it had 
 previously been described by Fabricius as a native of the Cape of Good Hope. 
 Dr. Harris, of Massachusetts,, found it equally efficient as a vesicatory with 
 any other species of this genus. 
 
 4. Cantharis atrata. Latreille, Gen. Crust, et Insect.; Durand, Journ. of 
 the Phil. Col. of P harm., ii. 274, fig. 7. The black cantharis is smaller than 
 the indigenous species already described; but resembles the C. marginata in 
 figure. Its length is only four or five lines. It is distinguished by its size, 
 and by its uniform black colour. It frequents more especially the different 
 species of Aster and Solidago, though it is found also on Prunella vul- 
 garis, Ambrosia trifida , and some other plants. Air. Durand met with con- 
 
PART I. 
 
 173 
 
 Cantharis Vittata . — Capsicum. 
 
 siderable numbers of this insect near Philadelphia, in the month of Septem- 
 ber, and they continued to appear till the middle of October. They are 
 common in the Northern and Middle States, but are not confined exclusively to 
 this country, being found also in Barbary. Drs. Oswood and Harris, of New 
 England, have satisfactorily ascertained their vesicating powers. They are 
 probably identical with the insect noticed as vesicatory by Professor Wood- 
 house, under the name of Meloe niger. 
 
 Several other species have been discovered in the United States, but not 
 yet practically employed. Among these are C. sencas, a native of Pennsyl- 
 vania, discovered by Mr. Say; C. polities and C. aszelianus, which inhabit the 
 Southern States ; C. Nuttalli, a large and beautiful insect of Missouri, first 
 noticed by Mr. Nuttall, and said to surpass the Spanish fly in magnitude and 
 splendour ; and C. olbida, another large species, found by Mr. Say near the 
 Bocky Mountains. Of these C. Nuttalli (Lytta Nuttalli, Say, Am. Entomol., 
 i. 9) bids fair, at some future period, to be an object of importance in the 
 western section of this country. The head is of a deep greeuish colour, with 
 a red spot in front; the thorax is of a golden green ; the elytra, red or golden 
 purple and somewhat rugose on their outer surface, green and polished be- 
 neath ; the feet black : the thighs, blue or purplish. The exploring party 
 under Colonel Long ascertained the vesicating powers of this insect. It was 
 found in the plains of the Missouri, feeding on a scanty grass, which it some- 
 times covered to a considerable extent. In one place it was so numerous 
 and troublesome, as to be swept away by bushels, in order that a place might 
 be cleared for encamping. W. 
 
 CAPSICUM. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Cayenne Pepper. 
 
 The fruit of Capsicum annuum, and of other species of Capsicum. U. S-, 
 Ed. Fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum. Lond. 
 
 Poivre de Gurnee, Poivre d’Inde, Fr.; Spanischer Pfeffer, Germ.; Pepperone, Ital.; 
 Pimiento, Span. 
 
 Capsicum. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Solanacese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla wheel-shaped. Berry without juice. Willd. 
 
 Numerous species of Capsicum, inhabiting the East Indies and tropical 
 America, are enumerated by botanists, the fruit of which, differing simply in 
 the degree of pungency, may be indiscriminately employed. C. baccatum 
 or bird pepper, and C. frutescens, are said to yield most of the Cayenne 
 pepper brought from the West Indies and South America; and Ainslie in- 
 forms us that the latter is chiefly employed in the East Indies. The species 
 most extensively cultivated in Europe and this country, is that recognised as 
 officinal by the Pharmacopoeias, namely, C. annuum. The first two are 
 shrubby plants, the last is annual and herbaceous. 
 
 Capsicum annuum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1052 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p.226, 
 t. 80. The stem of the annual capsicum is thick, roundish, smooth, and 
 branching; rises two or three feet in height; and supports ovate, pointed, 
 smooth, entire leaves, which are placed without regular order on long foot- 
 stalks. The flowers are solitary, white, and stand on long peduncles at the 
 axils of the leaves. The calyx is persistent, tubular, and five-cleft; the corolla, 
 monopetalous and wheel-shaped, with the limb divided into five spreading, 
 pointed, and plaited segments; the filaments, short, tapering, and furnished 
 with oblong anthers; the germen, ovate, supporting a slender style which is 
 longer than the filaments, and terminates in a blunt stigma. The fruit is a 
 pendulous, pod-like berry, light, smooth and shining, of a bright scarlet, 
 
174 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Capsicum. 
 
 orange, or sometimes yellow colour, with two or three cells, containing a dry, 
 loose pulp, and numerous flat, kidney-shaped, whitish seeds. 
 
 The plant is a native of the warmer regions of Asia and America, and is 
 cultivated in almost all parts of the world. It is abundantly produced in this 
 country, both for culinary and medicinal purposes. The flowers appear in 
 July and August, and the fruit ripens in October. Several varieties are cul- 
 tivated in our gardens, differing in the shape of the fruit. The most abundant 
 is probably that with a large irregularly ovate berry, depressed at the ex- 
 tremity, which is much used in the green state for pickling. The medicinal 
 variety is that with long, conical, generally pointed, recurved fruit, usually 
 not thicker than the finger. Sometimes we meet with small, spherical, 
 slightly compressed berries, not greatly exceeding a large cherry in size. 
 When perfectly ripe and dry, the fruit is ground into powder, and brought 
 into market under the name of red or Cayenne pepper. Our markets are 
 also partly supplied from the West Indies. A variety of capsicum, consist- 
 ing of very small, conical, exceedingly pungent berries, is imported from 
 Liberia. In England the fruit of C. annuum is frequently called chillies. 
 
 Powdered capsicum is usually of a more or less bright red colour, which 
 fades upon exposure to light, and ultimately disappears. The odour is peculiar 
 and somewhat aromatic, stronger in the recent than in the dried fruit. The 
 taste is bitterish, acrid, and burning, producing a fiery sensation in the mouth, 
 which continues for a long time. The pungency appears to depend on a pecu- 
 liar principle, which was obtained, though probably not in a perfectly isolated 
 state, by Braconnot, and named capsicin. The fruit, freed from the seeds, 
 was submitted to the action of alcohol, and the resulting tincture evaporated. 
 Luring the evaporation a red-coloured wax separated, and the residuary liquor 
 by farther evaporation afforded an extract, from which ether dissolved the 
 capsicin. This was obtained by evaporating the ether. It resembles an oil 
 or soft resin, is of a yellowish-brown or reddish-brown colour, and, when 
 tasted, though at first balsamic, soon produces an insupportably hot and pun- 
 gent impression over the whole interior of the mouth. Exposed to heat it 
 melts, and at a higher temperature emits fumes, which, even in very small 
 quantity, excite coughing and sneezing. It is slightly soluble in water and 
 vinegar, and very soluble in alcohol, ether, oil of turpentine, and the caustic 
 alkalies, which it renders reddish-brown. It constitutes, according to Bra- 
 connot, 1’9 per cent, of the fruit.* The other ingredients, as ascertained by 
 the same chemist, are colouring matter, an azotized substance, gum, pec-tic 
 acid (probably pectin), and saline matters. Bed oxide of lead is sometimes 
 added to the powdered capsicum sold in Europe. It may be detected by 
 digesting the suspected powder in diluted nitric acid, filtering, and adding a 
 solution of sulphate of soda, which will throw down a white precipitate if 
 there be any oxide of lead present. Capsicum is said to be sometimes adul- 
 terated with coloured saw-dust. It is occasionally attacked by insects. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Cayenne pepper is a powerful stimulant, 
 producing when swallowed a sense of heat in the stomach, and a general glow 
 over the body, without any narcotic effect. Its influence over the circulation, 
 though considerable, is not in proportion to its local action. It is much em- 
 ployed as a condiment, and proves highly useful in correcting the flatulent 
 tendency of certain vegetables, and aiding their digestion. Hence the advan- 
 tage derived from it by the natives of tropical climates, who live chiefly on 
 
 .* Professor Procter informs us that, if the substance called capsicin be dissolved in 
 alcohol, and treated with subacetate of lead, an abundant precipitate is obtained, which 
 when washed with alcohol is quite tasteless, while the liquid from which it was thrown 
 down affords, upon evaporation, a brownish substance much more pungent than the 
 capsicin itself . — Note to the ninth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 175 
 
 Capsicum. — Carlo. 
 
 vegetable food. In the East Indies it has been used from time immemorial. 
 From a passage in the works of Pliny, it appears to have been known to the 
 Romans. As a medicine it is useful in cases of enfeebled and languid stomach, 
 and is occasionally prescribed in dyspepsia and atonic gout, particularly when 
 attended with much flatulence, or occurring in persons of intemperate habits. 
 It has also been given as a stimulant in palsy and certain lethargic affections. 
 To the sulphate of quinia it forms an excellent addition in some cases of in- 
 termittents, in which there is a great want of gastric susceptibility. Upon 
 the same principle of rousing the susceptibility of the stomach, it may prove 
 useful in low forms of fever as an adjuvant to tonic or stimulant medicines. Its 
 most important application, however, is to the treatment of malignant sore- 
 throat and scarlet fever, in which it is used both internally and as a gargle. 
 The following formula was employed in malignant scarlatina, with great ad- 
 vantage, in the West Indies, where this application of the remedy originated. 
 Two tablespoonfuls of the powdered pepper, with a teaspoonful of common 
 salt, are infused for an hour in a pint of a boiling liquid composed of equal 
 parts of water and vinegar. This is strained when cool through a fine linen 
 cloth, and given in the dose of a tablespoonful every half hour. The same 
 preparation is also used as a gargle. It is, however, only to the worst cases 
 that the remedy is applied so energetically. In milder cases of scarlatina, 
 with inflamed or ulcerated throat, much relief and positive advantage often 
 follow the employment of the pepper in a more diluted state. Capsicum has 
 also been advantageously used in sea sickness, in the dose of a teaspoonful, 
 given in some convenient vehicle on the first occui’rence of nausea. 
 
 Applied externally, Cayenne pepper is a powerful rubefacient, very useful 
 in local rheumatism, and in low forms of disease, where a stimulant impression 
 upon the surface is demanded. It has the advantage, under these circum- 
 stances, of acting speedily without endangering vesication. It may be applied 
 in the form of cataplasm, or more conveniently and efficiently as a lotion, 
 mixed with heated spirit. The powder or tincture, brought into contact with 
 a relaxed uvula, often acts very beneficially. The tincture has also been used 
 advantageously in chilblain. The ethereal extract, which has a fluid con- 
 sistence, is powerfully rubefacient. 
 
 The dose of the powder is from five to ten grains, which may be most 
 conveniently given in the form of pill. Of an infusion prepared by adding 
 two drachms to half a pint of boiling water, the dose is about half a fluid- 
 ounce. A gargle may be prepared by infusing half a drachm of the powder 
 in a pint of boiling water, or by adding half a fluidounce of the tincture to 
 eight fluidounces of rose-water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Capsici ; Tinctura Capsici. W. 
 
 GARBO. 
 
 Carbon. 
 
 Pure charcoal ; Carbone, Fr., Ital.; Kohlenstoff, Germ.; Carbon, Span. 
 
 Carbon is an elementary substance of great importance, and very exten- 
 sively diffused in nature. It exists in large quantity in the mineral kingdom, 
 and forms the most abundant constituent of animal and vegetable matter. In 
 a state of perfect purity and crystallized, it constitutes the diamond, and, more 
 or less pure, it forms the substances known under the names of plumbago or 
 black lead, anthracite, bituminous coal, coke, animal charcoal, and vegetable 
 charcoal. Combined with oxygen, it forms carbonic acid, which is a con- 
 stituent of the atmosphere, and present in many natural waters, especially 
 those which have an effervescing quality. United with oxygen and a base, 
 
176 
 
 Carbo. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 it forms the carbonates, among others carbonate of lime, which is one of the 
 most abundant mineral species. 
 
 The diamond, or crystallized carbon, is found principally in India and 
 Brazil. Within a few years, several diamonds have been found in the gold 
 region of Georgia. This gem is perfectly transparent, and the hardest and 
 most brilliant substance in nature. Its sp.gr. is about 3'5. It is fixed and 
 unalterable in the fire, provided air be excluded; hut is combustible in air 
 or oxygen, the product being the same as when charcoal is burned, namely 
 carbonic acid. 
 
 Next to diamond, plumbago and anthracite are the purest natural forms of 
 carbon. Plumbago is the substance of which black lead crucibles and pencils 
 are made. It is found in greatest purity, perhaps, in the mine of Borrow- 
 dale, in England ; but it also occurs very pure in this country, especially near 
 Bustleton, in Pennsylvania. It was formerly supposed to be a carburet of 
 iron ; but, in very pure specimens, it is nearly free from iron, which must, 
 therefore, be deemed an accidental impurity. Anthracite occurs in different- 
 parts of the world, but particularly in the United States. Immense beds of 
 it exist in Pennsylvania. Bituminous coal is a form of the carbonaceous 
 principle, in which the carbon is associated with volatile matter of a bitumin- 
 ous nature. When this is driven off by the process of charring, as in the 
 manufacture of coal gas, a kind of mineral charcoal, called coke, is obtained, 
 very useful in the arts as a fuel. 
 
 Carbon may be obtained artificially, in a state approaching to purity, by 
 several processes. One method is to expose lampblack to a full red heat in 
 a close vessel. It may also be obtained, in a very pure state, by passing the 
 vapour of volatile oils through an ignited porcelain tube ; whereby the hy- 
 drogen and oxygen of the oil will be dissipated, and the charcoal left in the 
 tube. A pure charcoal is procured by exposing sugar, or other vegetable 
 substances which leave no ashes when burnt, to ignition in close vessels. 
 
 Properties. Carbon in its crystallized form has already been described as 
 diamond. In its uncrystallized state it is an insoluble, infusible solid, gene- 
 rally of a black colour, and without taste or smell. It burns when sufficiently 
 heated, uniting with the oxygen of the air, and generating a gaseous acid, 
 called carbonic acid. Its sp. gr. in the solid state, apart from the pores which 
 it contains when in mass, is 3'5 ; but with the pores included, it is. only 0'44. 
 It is a very unalterable and indestructible substance, and has great power in 
 resisting and correcting putrefaction in other bodies. Wheu in a state of 
 extreme division, it possesses the remarkable power of destroying the colour- 
 ing and odorous principles of most liquids. (See Carbo Animal is.) Its other 
 physical properties differ according to its source, and peculiar state- of aggre- 
 gation. Its equivalent number is 6, and its symbol C. As a chemical ele- 
 ment, it enjoys a very extensive range of combination. It combines in five 
 proportions with oxygen, forming carbonic oxide, and carbonic, oxalic, mellitic, 
 and croconic acids. (See Aqua Acidi Carbonici and Oxalic Acid.) With 
 hydrogen it forms a number of compounds, called carbohydrogens, of which 
 the most interesting, excluding hypothetical radicals, are light earburetted 
 hydrogen, or fire damp, olefiant gas, the light and concrete oils of wine, and 
 certain non-oxygenous volatile oils. With nitrogen it constitutes cyanogen, 
 the compound radical of hydrocyanic or prussic acid; and united with iron 
 in minute proportion it forms' steel. 
 
 To notice all the forms of the carbonaceous principle would be out of place 
 in this work. We shall, therefore/restrict ourselves to the consideration of 
 those which are officinal, namely, animal charcoal and wood charcoal. These 
 are described in the two following articles. B. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Carlo Animalis. 
 
 177 
 
 CARBO ANIMALIS. U. S., Loncl. , Ed., Dub. 
 Animal Charcoal. 
 
 Charcoal prepared from hones. U. S. Charcoal prepared from ox blood by 
 ignition. Loud. Impure animal charcoal obtained commonly from bones. Ed. 
 
 Cliarbon animal, Fr.; Thierische Kokle, Germ.; Carbone animale, Ital.; Carbon animal, 
 Span. 
 
 The animal charcoal employed in pharmacy and the arts is usually obtained 
 from bones, by subjecting them to a red heat in close vessels, and is chiefly 
 employed as a decolorizing agent. The residue of the ignition is a black 
 matter, which, when reduced to powder, forms the substance properly called 
 bone-black, but familiarly known under the incorrect name of ivory-black. 
 Ivory by carbonization will furnish a black, which, on account of its fineness 
 and intensely black colour, is more esteemed than the ordinary bone-black; 
 but it is much more expensive. 
 
 Animal charcoal, in the form of bone-black, is extensively used by sugar 
 refiners and others as a decolorizing agent ; and an ammoniacal liquor, called 
 bone spirit, is obtained as a secondary product, and sold to the makers of sal 
 ammoniac. The bones are subjected to destructive distillation in iron retorts 
 or cylinders, and, when the bone spirit ceases to come over, the residuum is 
 charred bone, or bone-black. Bone consists of animal matter with phosphate 
 and carbonate of lime. In consequence of a new arrangement of the elements 
 of the animal matter, the nitrogen and hydrogen united as ammonia, and a 
 part of the charcoal in the form of carbonic acid, distil over ; while the re- 
 mainder of the charcoal is left in the retort, intermingled with the calcareous 
 salts. In this form, therefore, of animal charcoal, the carbon is mixed with 
 phosphate and carbonate of lime ; and the same is the case with the true 
 ivory-black. 
 
 Properties. Animal charcoal, in the form of bone-black, called ivory-black 
 in the shops, is a black powder, possessing a slightly alkaline and bitterish 
 taste, and having a general resemblance to powdered vegetable charcoal. It 
 is, however, more dense and less combustible than vegetable charcoal; from 
 whicbj moreover, it may be distinguished by burning a small portion of it on 
 a red hot iron, when it will leave a residuum imperfectly acted on by sulphurie 
 acid ; whereas the ashes from vegetable charcoal will readily dissolve in this 
 acid, forming a bitterish solution. 
 
 Animal charcoal by no means necessarily possesses the decolorizing pro- 
 perty ; as this depends upon its peculiar state of aggregation. If a piece of 
 pure animal matter be carbonized, it usually enters into fusion, and, from the 
 gaseous matter which is extricated, becomes porous and cellular. The char- 
 coal formed has generally a metallic lustre, and a colour resembling that of 
 black lead. It has, however, little or no decolorizing power, even though it 
 may be finely pulverized. 
 
 Rationale of the Effects of Charcoal as a Decolorizing Agent. The de- 
 colorizing power of charcoal was first noticed by Lowitz of St. Petersburg ; 
 and the subject was subsequently ably investigated by Bussy, Payen, and 
 Desfosses. It is generally communicated to charcoal by igniting it in close 
 vessels, but not always. The kind of charcoal, for example, obtained from 
 substances which undergo fusion during carbonization, does not possess the 
 property, even though it may be afterwards finely pulverized. The property 
 in question is possessed to a certain extent by wood charcoal; but is deve- 
 loped in it in a much greater degree by burning it with some chemical sub- 
 
178 
 
 Carlo Animalis. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 stance, which may have the effect of reducing it to an extreme degree of 
 fineness. The most powerful of all the charcoals for discharging colours are 
 those obtained from certain animal matters, such as dried blood, hair, horns, 
 hoofs, &c., by first carbonizing them in connection with carbonate of potassa, 
 and then washing the product with water. Charcoal, thus prepared, seems 
 to be reduced to its finest possible particles. The next most powerful decolor- 
 izing charcoal is ivory or bone-black, in which the separation of the carbona- 
 ceous particles is effected by the phosphate of lime present in the bone. 
 Vegetable substances also may be made to yield a good charcoal for destroy- 
 ing colour, provided, before carbonization, they be well comminuted, and 
 mixed with pumice stone, chalk, flint, calcined bones, or other similar sub- 
 stance in a pulverized state. 
 
 It results from the foregoing facts, that the decolorizing power of charcoal 
 depends upon a peculiar mode of aggregation of its particles, the leading 
 character of which is that they are isolated from one another, and thus 
 enabled to present a greater extent of surface. It is on this principle that 
 certain chemical substances act in developing the property in question, when 
 they are ignited, in a state of intimate mixture, with the substance to be 
 charred. Thus, it is perceived that there is no necessary connection between 
 animal charcoal and the decolorizing power. Bone-black, for instance, has 
 this property, not because it is an animal charcoal, but because, in conse- 
 quence of the phosphate of lime present in the bone, the favourable state of 
 aggregation is acquired. 
 
 The following table, abridged from one drawn up by Bussy, denotes the 
 relative decolorizing power of different charcoals. 
 
 KINDS OF CHARCOAL. 
 
 Bone-black, --------- 
 
 Bone charcoal treated with an acid, ------ 
 
 Lampblack, not ignited, -------- 
 
 Charcoal from acetate of potassa, ------ 
 
 Blood ignited with phosphate of lime, - 
 
 Lampblack ignited with carbonate of potassa, - 
 
 Blood ignited with chalk, -------- 
 
 White of egg ignited with carbonate of potassa, - 
 Glue ignited with carbonate of potassa, - 
 Bone charcoal, formed by depriving the bone of phosphate of lime 
 by an acid, and subsequent ignition with carbonate of potassa, - 
 Blood ignited with carbonate of potassa, - - - - - 
 
 11 s' 
 $ rf 
 
 !-!.!> 
 ^ 2 ; 
 
 ■5 I 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 1-6 
 
 1-8 
 
 3*3 
 
 4 
 
 4-4 
 
 5-6 
 
 10 
 
 12 
 
 10-6 
 
 12.2 
 
 11 
 
 18 
 
 15-5 
 
 34 
 
 15-5 
 
 36 
 
 20 
 
 45 
 
 20 
 
 50 
 
 E. Filhol has shown that charcoal is not the only decolorizing agent; but 
 that many substances, both simple and compound, such as iron reduced bv 
 hydrogen, sulphur, arsenic, deutoxide of manganese, sulphate and artificial 
 sulphuret of lead, possess the same property. The property varies not only 
 in different substances in relation to the same colouring matter, but in the 
 same substance in respect to different colouring matters. ( Chem. Gaz., Vpr 
 15 , 1852 .) 
 
 Animal charcoal is capable of taking the bitter principles from bitter infu- 
 sions and tinctures, according to the experiments of Weppen; as also iodine 
 from liquids which contain it in solution, as observed by Lassaigne. Its 
 power, however, of acting on solutions and chemical compounds, is much 
 more decided in its purified state, as shown by both Warrington and Weppen. 
 In this state, it takes a number of salts from their aqueous solutions, and 
 
part I. Carlo Animalis. — Carlo Ligni . 179 
 
 even converts chromate of potassa into the carbonate. (See Carlo Animalis 
 Purificatus.) 
 
 Bone-black consists, in the hundred parts, of eighty-eight parts of phos- 
 phate and carbonate of lime, ten of charcoal, and two of carburet or silicuret 
 of iron. (Dumas.) The proportion of charcoal here given is small. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses, &c. Animal charcoal is used in pharmacy for de- 
 colorizing vegetable principles, such as gallic acid, quinia, morphia, veratria, 
 &c., and in the arts, principally for clarifying syrups in sugar refining, and 
 for depriving spirits distilled from grain of the peculiar volatile oil, called 
 grain or fusel oil, which imparts to them an unpleasant taste as first distilled. 
 The manner in which it is used is to mix it with the substance to be decolor- 
 ized, and to allow the mixture to stand for some time. The charcoal unites 
 with the colouring matter, and the solution by filtration is obtained white and 
 transparent. Its use, however, in decolorizing the organic alkalies and other 
 vegetable principles, no doubt, causes a loss by absorption ; since it has been 
 shown by the experiments of M. Lebourdais, mentioned under the head of 
 purified animal charcoal, that several of these principles may be separated 
 by the sole action of charcoal. For most pharmaceutical operations, and 
 when used as an antidote, animal charcoal must be purified by muriatic acid 
 from phosphate and carbonate of lime. (See Carlo Animalis Purificatus.) 
 In the U. S. and Dublin formulae for sulphate of quinia, however, it is used 
 without purification. (See Quinise Sulphas.) According to Guthe, a German 
 chemist, bone charcoal, wdthout purification, is to be preferred as a decolorizer, 
 in all cases in which the calcareous salts exert no injurious effect. 
 
 Off. Prep. Carbo Animalis Purificatus. B. 
 
 CARBO LIGNI. U. S., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Charcoal. 
 
 Off- Syn. CAEBO. Land. 
 
 Vegetable charcoal ; Charbou de bois, Ft.; Holzkohle, Germ.; Carbone di legno, 
 Ital. ; Carbon de lena, Span. 
 
 Preparation on the Large Scale. Billets of wood are piled in a conical 
 form, and covered with earth and sod to prevent the free access of air ; several 
 holes being left at the bottom, and one at the top of the pile, in order to 
 produce a draught to commence the combustion. The wood is then kindled 
 from the bottom. In a little while, the hole at the top is closed, and, after 
 the ignition is found to pervade the whole pile, those at the bottom are 
 stopped also. The combustion taking place with a smothered flame and 
 limited access of air, the volatile portions of the wood, consisting of hydrogen 
 and oxygen, are dissipated; while the carbon, in the form of charcoal, is left 
 behind. 
 
 In this process for the carbonization of wood, all the volatile products are 
 lost; and a portion of the charcoal itself is dissipated by combustion. Wood, 
 thus carbonized, yields not more than 17 or 18 per cent, of charcoal. A 
 better method is to char the wood in iron cylinders, when it yields from 22 
 to 23 parts in 100 of excellent charcoal; and, at the same time, the means 
 are afforded for collecting the volatile products, consisting of pyroligneous 
 acid, empyreumatic oil, and tar. This process for obtaining charcoal has 
 been described under another head. (See Acidum Aceticum.) A method 
 of preparing charcoal by subjecting wood to over-heated steam has been in- 
 vented by M. Violette. When the temperature of the steam is 572° F., the 
 wood is converted into a peculiar charcoal, called red charcoal, which is 
 
180 
 
 Carlo Ligni. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 intermediate in its qualities between wood and ordinary charcoal. When 
 the temperature is lower, the carbonization is incomplete ; when higher, the 
 product is black charcoal. The steam process yields a uniform charcoal for 
 a given temperature, which may be easily regulated, and a product about 
 double that obtained in closed cylinders. Charcoal, prepared in closed cylin- 
 ders, contains ten times as much ash as that made by the ordinary process. 
 Charcoal contains carbon , in proportion to the temperature at which it is 
 formed; from 65 per cent, when made at 482° F., to 80 per cent, when made 
 at 752° F. The gaseous matter present is always inversely as the tempera- 
 ture of carbonization. Thus, for charcoal made at 572° F., it is one-third 
 its weight; at 662° F., one-fourth its weight. For an abstract of the import- 
 ant results of M. Violette, the reader is referred to the Journ. de Phami. for 
 July, 1851, p. 35. 
 
 Preparation for Medical Use. M. Belloc recommends charcoal for this 
 purpose to be obtained from poplar shoots, cut at the time the sap rises, and 
 deprived of their bark. The carbonization should be performed in cast-iron 
 vessels at a red-white heat. The product is a light and brilliant charcoal, 
 which must be purified by being macerated for three or four days in water, 
 frequently renewed. It is then dried, powdered, and placed in bottles which 
 should be well stopped. {Journ. de Pharm., xvii. 355.) The charcoal most 
 esteemed in Philadelphia for medical purposes is that prepared by the Messrs. 
 Dupont, near Wilmington, Delaware, for the manufacture of gunpowder. It 
 is made from young willow shoots of two or three years’ growth. 
 
 Properties. Charcoal is a black, shining, brittle, porous substance, taste- 
 less and inodorous, and insoluble in water. It is a good conductor of electri- 
 city, but a bad one of heat. It possesses the remarkable property of absorbing 
 many times its own bulk of certain gases. When exposed to the air after 
 ignition, it increases rapidly in weight, absorbing from twelve to fourteen 
 per cent, of moisture. As ordinarily prepared, it contains the incombustible 
 part of the wood, amounting to one or two per cent., which is left in the form 
 of ashes when the charcoal is burnt. These may be removed b} 7 digesting 
 the charcoal in diluted muriatic acid, and afterwards washing it thoroughly 
 with boiling water. 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. Powdered charcoal is antiseptic and absorbent. 
 It is employed with advantage in certain forms of dyspepsia, attended with 
 fetid breath and putrid eructations ; and has been exhibited in dysentery with 
 the effect of correcting the fetor of the stools. M. Belloc recommends it 
 strongly in gastralgia, and especially pyrosis; and, where it fails to remove 
 the disease, he finds it to abate the pain, nausea, and vomiting. As a remedy 
 in obstinate constipation, Dr. Daniel, of Savannah, speaks of it in high terms. 
 He also found it useful in the nausea and confined state of the bowels which 
 usually attend pregnancy. Dr. Newman recommends it as a dressing to 
 wounds and ulcers of various kinds. Its use as an ingredient of poultices is 
 noticed under the title of Cataplasma Carbonis. Several of its varieties 
 constitute the best tooth powder that can be used. Those which are gene- 
 rally preferred are the charcoals of the cocoa-nut shell and of bread. The 
 dose of charcoal varies from one to four teaspoonfuls or more. Dr. Daniel 
 gave it, in his cases of constipation, in doses of a tablespoonful, repeated 
 every half hour. 
 
 Meat, embedded in charcoal in close vessels, is kept perfectly sweet for 
 many months; and water intended for long voyages is equally preserved by 
 the addition of its powder. The power of some of its varieties in destroying 
 colours and odours is very considerable. Schonbein has observed the power 
 of charcoal to absorb chlorine, iodine, and bromine, both in the gaseous and 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cardamomum. 
 
 181 
 
 vaporous state, and when in aqueous solution. He has also noticed its de- 
 oxidizing effects when shaken with certain salts of peroxides, reducing them 
 to salts of protoxides. 
 
 Off. Prep. Cataplasma Carbonis. B. 
 
 CARDAMOMUM. U. S., Lond ., Ed., Dub. 
 Cardamom. 
 
 The fruit of Elettaria Cardamomum. U. S. The seeds. Lond., Dub. Fruit 
 of Renealmia Cardamomum. Ed. 
 
 Petit cardamome, Fr. ; Kleine Cardamomen, Germ.; Cardamomo minore, Ital.; 
 Cardamomo menor, Span.; Ebil, Arab.; Kakelali seghar, Persian; Capalaga, Malay ; 
 Gujaratii elachi, Hindoost. 
 
 The subject of cardamom has been involved in some confusion and uncer- 
 tainty, both in its commercial and botanical relations. The name has been 
 applied to the aromatic capsules of various Indian plants belonging to the 
 family of Scitamineae. Three varieties have long been designated by the 
 several titles of the lesser, middle, and larger, the cardamomum minus, 
 medium, and majus of older authors ; but these terms have been used dif- 
 ferently by different writers, so that their precise signification remained 
 doubtful. Pereira, whose position, in the midst of the greatest drug market 
 in the world, gave him excellent opportunities of investigating the commercial 
 history of drugs, has enabled us in great measure to clear up this confusion. 
 It is well known that the lesser cardamom of most writers is the variety 
 recognised by the Pharmacopoeias, and generally kept in the shops. The 
 other varieties, though circulating to a greater or less extent in European and 
 Indian commerce, are little known in this country. A sketch of the non- 
 officinal cardamoms, chiefly condensed from the account of Pereira, is given 
 below.* The following remarks have reference exclusively to the genuine 
 Malabar or officinal cardamom. 
 
 • 
 
 * 1. Ceylon Cardamom. This has been denominated variously by different authors, 
 cardamomum medium, cardamomum majus, and cardamomum longum, and is sometimes 
 termed in English commerce wild cardamom. It is the large cardamom of Guibourt. In 
 the East it is sometimes called grains of paradise: but it is distinct from the product 
 known with us by that name. It is derived from a plant cultivated in Candy, in the 
 island of Ceylon, which belongs to the same genus as that producing the officinal car- 
 damom, and is specifically designated by Sir James Edward Smith, Elettaria major. 
 This plant was described by Pereira in the Pharmaceutical Journal and Transac- 
 tions (vol. ii. p. 388). The fruit is a lanceolate-oblong, acutely triangular capsule, 
 somewhat curved, about an inch and a half long and four lines broad, with flat and 
 ribbed sides, tough and coriaceous, brownish or yellowish ash-coloured, having fre- 
 quently at one end the long, cylindrical, three lobed calyx, and at the other the fruit 
 stalk. It is three-celled, and contains angular, rugged, yellowish-red seeds, of a pe- 
 culiar fragrant odour, and spicy taste. Its effects are analogous to those of the offi- 
 cinal cardamom, which, however, commands three times its price. 
 
 2. Round Cardamom. This is probably the "a^s^ov of Dioscorides, and the Amomi 
 uva of Pliny, and is believed to be the fruit of Amomum Cardamomum ( Willd.), grow- 
 ing in Sumatra, Java, and other East India islands. The capsules are usually smaller 
 than a cherry, roundish or somewhat ovate, with three convex sides, more or less 
 striated longitudinally, yellowish or brownish-white, and sometimes reddish, with 
 brown, angular, cuneiform, shrivelled seeds, which have an aromatic camphorous fla- 
 vour. They are sometimes, though very rarely, met with connected together in their 
 native clusters, constituting the amomum racemosum, or amome en grappes of the French 
 Codex. They are similar in medicinal properties to the officinal cardamom, but are 
 seldom used except in the southern parts of Europe. 
 
 3. Java Cardamom. The plant producing this variety is supposed to be the Amomum 
 maximum of Roxburgh, growing in Java and other Malay islands, and said to be culti- 
 
182 
 
 Cardamomum. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 Linnsous confounded, under the name of Amomum Cardamomum, two 
 different vegetables — the genuine plant of Malabar, and another growing in 
 Java. These were separated by Willdenow, who conferred on the former 
 Sonnerat’s title of Amomum repens, while he retained the original name for 
 the latter, though not the true cardamom plant. In the tenth volume of the 
 Linn. Transactions, A. D. 1811, Mr. White, a British Army Surgeon in India, 
 published a very minute description of the Malabar plant, which he had en- 
 joyed frequent opportunities of examining in its native state. From this de- 
 scription, Dr. Maton inferred that the plant, according to Roscoe’s arrange- 
 ment of the Scitamineaa, could not be considered an Amomum ; and as he was 
 unable to attach it to any other known genus, he proposed to construct a new 
 one with the name of Elettaria, derived from elettari, or elatari, the Malabar 
 name of this vegetable. Sir James Smith afterwards suggested the propriety 
 of naming the new genus Matonia, in honour of Dr. Maton ; and the latter 
 title, having been adopted by Roscoe, obtained a place in former editions of 
 the London and United States Pharmacopoeias. The celebrated Dr. Rox- 
 burgh described the Malabar cardamom plant as an Alpima, with the specific 
 appellation of Cardamomum. As doubts were entertained of the necessity for 
 the new genus proposed by Maton, the London College and the framers of 
 the U. S, Pharmacopoeia followed the authority of Roxburgh in their edi- 
 tions antecedent to the latest, and referred the fruit to Alpinia Cardamomum. 
 This decision, however, has been revised in the recent editions of these 
 
 vated in the mountains of Nepaul. The product of the latter site is called Xepatd or 
 Bengal cardamoms in the East. The capsules are oval, or oval-oblong, often somewhat 
 ovate, from eight to fifteen lines long and from four to eight broad, usually flattened 
 on one side and convex on the other, sometimes curved, tln-ee-valved, and occasionally 
 imperfectly three-lobed, of a dirty grayish-brown colour, and coarse fibrous appear- 
 ance. They are strongly ribbed, and, when soaked in water, exhibit from nine to 
 thirteen ragged membranous wings, which distinguish them from all other varieties. 
 The seeds have a feebly aromatic taste and smell. This variety of cardamom affords 
 but a very small proportion of volatile oil. is altogether of inferior quality, and, when 
 imported into London, is usually sent to the continent. 
 
 4. Madagascar Cardamom. This is the Cardamomum majus of Cfeiger and some other 
 authors, and is thought to be the fruit of Amomum angustffolium of Sonnerat, which 
 grows in marshy grounds in Madagascar. The capsule is ovate, pointed, flattened on 
 one side, striated, with a broad circular scar at the bottom, surrounded by an elevated, 
 notched, and corrugated margin. The seeds have an aromatic flavour analogous to 
 that of the officinal cardamom. 
 
 5. Grains of Paradise. Grana Paradisi. Under this name, and that of Guinea grains, 
 and Mdegueta pepper, are kept in the shops small seeds of a round or ovate form, often 
 angular and somewhat cuneiform, minutely rough, brown externally, white within, of 
 a feebly aromatic odour when rubbed between the fingers, and of a strongly hot and 
 peppery taste. Two kinds of them are known in the English market, one, larger, plumper, 
 and more warty, with a short conical projecting tuft of pale fibres on the umbilicus : 
 the other, smaller and smoother, and without the fibrous tuft. The latter are the most 
 common. It is probable that one of the varieties is produced by Amomum Grana Pa- 
 radisi of Sir J. E. Smith, and the other by Roscoe’s Amomum Mdegueta. They are 
 imported from Guinea and other parts of the western coast, of Africa. (Pereira’s Mat. 
 Med., 3d ed., p. 1134.) Similar grains are imported into England from Demerara, 
 where they are obtained from a plant cultivated by the negroes, supposed to have been 
 brought from Africa, and believed by Dr. Pereira to be the Amomum Mdegueta of 
 Roscoe. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., vi. 412.) Their effects on the system are ana- 
 logous to those of pepper ; but they are seldom used except in veterinary practice, and 
 to give artificial strength to spirits, wine, beer, and vinegar. In the Pharm. Journ. 
 and Trans, (ii. 443), Dr. Pereira points out seven distinct scitamineous fruits, to which 
 the name of grains of paradise has been applied by different authors. Those above 
 described are the only ones now known by the name in commerce. 
 
 Other products of different Scitaminem, which have received the name of cardamom, 
 are described by Pereira ; but the above are all that are known in commerce, or likely 
 to be brought into our drug markets. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cardamomum. 
 
 188 
 
 works, in which the plant is recognised with the title of Elettaria Carda- 
 momum. Finally, Roscoe has arranged the plant with the abandoned 
 genus Renealmia of Linnaeus, which he has restored ; and the Edinburgh 
 College has recognised this arrangement. 
 
 Elettaria. Sex. Syst. Monandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Scitamineae. 
 Brown. Zingiberaceae. Lindley. . 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla with the tube filiform and the inner limb one-lipped. 
 Anther naked. Capsule often berried, three-celled, three-valved. Seeds nu- 
 merous, arillate. Blume. 
 
 Elettaria Cardamomum. Maton. — Alpinia Cardamomum. Roxburgh. — 
 Amomum Repens. Sonnerat; Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 9 — Renealmia Carda- 
 momum. Roscoe, Monandrous Plants. Figured in Linn. Trans, x. 248, and 
 Carson’s Illust. of Med. Bot. ii. 55. The cardamom plant has a tuberous 
 horizontal root or rhizoma, furnished with numerous fibres, and sending up 
 from eight to twenty erect, simple, smooth, green and shining, perennial 
 stems, which rise from six to twelve feet in height, and bear alternate sheath- 
 ing leaves. These are from nine inches to two feet long, from one to five 
 inches broad, elliptical-lanceolate, pointed, entire, smooth and dark-green on 
 the upper surface, glossy and pale sea-green beneath, with strong midribs, 
 and short footstalks. The scape or flower-stalk proceeds from the base of the 
 stem, and lies upon the ground, with the flowers arranged in the form of a 
 panicle. The calyx is monophyllous, tubular, and toothed at the margin; the 
 corolla monophyllous and funnel-shaped, with the inferior border unilabiate, 
 three-lobed, and spurred at the base. The fruit is a three-celled capsule, con- 
 taining numerous seeds. 
 
 This valuable plant is a native of the mountains of Malabar, where it 
 springs up spontaneously in the forests after the removal of the undergrowth. 
 From time immemorial, great numbers of the natives have derived a livelL 
 hood from its cultivation. It begins to yield fruit at the end of the fourth 
 year, and continues to bear for several years afterwards. The capsules when 
 ripe are picked from the fruit stems, dried over a gentle fire, and separated 
 by rubbing with the hands from the footstalks and adhering calyx. 
 
 Thus prepared, they are ovate-oblong, from three to ten lines long, from 
 two to four thick, three-sided with rounded angles, obtusely pointed at both 
 ends, longitudinally wrinkled, and of a yellowish-white colour. The seeds 
 which they contain are small, angular, irregular, rough as if embossed upon 
 their surface, of a brown colour, easily reduced to powder, and thus separable 
 from the capsules, which, though slightly aromatic, are much less so than the 
 seeds, and should be rejected when the medicine is given in substance. The 
 seeds constitute about 74 parts by weight in the hundred. According to 
 Pereira, three varieties are distinguished in British commerce : — 1. the shorts, 
 from three to six lines long, from two to three broad, browner and more 
 coarsely ribbed, and more highly esteemed than the other varieties; 2. the 
 long-longs, from seven lines to an inch in length by two or three lines in 
 breadth, elongated, and somewhat acuminate ; and 3. the short-longs, which 
 differ from the second variety in being somewhat shorter and less pointed. 
 The odour of cardamom is fragrant, the taste warm, slightly pungent, and 
 highly aromatic. These properties are extracted by water and alcohol, but 
 more readily by the latter. They depend on a volatile oil which rises with 
 water in distillation. The seeds contain, according to Trommsdorff, 4'6 per 
 cent, of volatile oil, 10'4 of fixed oil, 2'5 of a salt of potassa mixed with a 
 colouring principle, 3'0 of starch, 1‘8 of azotized mucilage, 0'4 of yellow 
 colouring matter, and 7'73 of ligneous fibre. The volatile oil is colourless, 
 of an agreeable and very penetrating odour, and of a strong, aromatic, burn- 
 
184 
 
 Cardamomum. — Carota. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 ing, camphorous, and slightly bitter taste. Its sp. gr. is 0'945. It cannot 
 he kept long without undergoing change, and finally, even though excluded 
 from the air, loses its peculiar odour and taste. (Tromrosdorff, Annal. der 
 Pharm., July, 1834.) If ether be allowed to percolate through the powdered 
 seeds, and the liquor obtained be deprived of the ether by evaporation, a light 
 greenish-brown flryd remains, consisting almost exclusively of the volatile and 
 fixed oils. It has the odour of cardamom and keeps better than the oil 
 obtained by distillation. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxi. 116.) The seeds 
 should be powdered only when wanted for immediate use ; as they retain 
 their aromatic properties best while enclosed within the capsules. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Cardamom is a warm and grateful aromatic, 
 less heating and stimulating than some others belonging to the class, and very 
 useful as an adjuvant or corrective of cordial, tonic, and purgative medicines. 
 Throughout the East Indies it is largely consumed as a condiment. It was 
 known to the ancients, and derived its name from the Greek language. In 
 this country it is employed chiefly as an ingredient in compound preparations. 
 
 Of'. Prep. Confectio Aromatica ; Extractum Colocynthidis Comp.; Pilula 
 Colocynthidis Comp. ; Pulvis Aromaticus ; Pulvis Cinnamomi Comp. ; Tinc- 
 tura Cardamomi; Tinct. Cardamomi Comp.; Tiuct. Cinnamomi Comp.; 
 Tinct. Gentianae Comp.; Tinct. Quassiae Comp.; Tinct. Rhei; Tinct. Rhei 
 Comp.; Tinct. Rhei et Aloes; Tinct. Senn® Comp.; Tinct. Sennae et Jalap®; 
 Vinurn Aloes. W. 
 
 CAROTA. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Carrot Seed. 
 
 The fruit of Daucus Carota. U. S. 
 
 DAUCI RADIX. Ed, 
 
 Garden Carrot Root. 
 
 Root of Daucus Carota, var. Sativa. Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. CAROTA. Daucus Carota, var. Sativa, Radix recens. Land. 
 DAUCUS CAROTA. The root. Dub. 
 
 Carotte, Fr.; Gemeine Mohre, Gelbe Rube, Germ,; Carota, Ital.; Lanahoria, Span. 
 
 Daucus. Sex. Si/st. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord, Umbellifer®, or 
 Apiace®. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla somewhat rayed. Florets of the disk abortive. Fruit 
 hispid with hairs. Willd. 
 
 Daucus Carota. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1389; Woodv. Med. Dot. p. 130, t. 
 50. The wild carrot has a biennial spindle-shaped root, and an annual, 
 round, furrowed, hairy stem, which divides into long, erect, flower-bearing 
 branches, and rises two or three feet in height. The leaves are hairy, and 
 stand on footstalks nerved on their under side. The lower are large and 
 tripinnate, the upper, smaller and less compound; in both, the leaflets are 
 divided into narrow pointed segments. The flowers are small, white, and 
 disposed in many-rayed compound umbels, which are at first flat on the top 
 and spreading, but, when the seeds are formed, contract so as to present a 
 concave cup-like surface. A sterile flower of a deep purple colour is often 
 observable in the centre of the umbel. The general involucrum is composed 
 of several leaves, divided into long narrow segments; the partial is more 
 simple. The petals are five, unequal, and cordate. The fruit consists of two 
 plano-convex hispid portions, connected by their flat surfaces. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Carota. 
 
 185 
 
 Daucus Carota is exceedingly common in this country, growing along 
 fences, and in neglected fields, which, in the months of June and July, are 
 sometimes white over their whole surface with its flowers. It grows wild 
 also in Europe, from which it is supposed by some botanists to have been 
 introduced into the United States. The well-known garden carrot is the 
 same plant, somewhat altered by cultivation. The officinal portions are the 
 fruit of the wild, and the root of the cultivated variety. 
 
 1. Carrot Seeds. Strictly speaking, these should be called the fruit. 
 They are very light, of a brownish colour, of an oval shape, flat on one side, 
 convex on the other, and on their convex surface presenting four longitudinal 
 ridges, to which stiff, whitish hairs or bristles are attached. They have an 
 aromatic odour, and a warm, pungent, and bitterish taste. By distillation 
 they yield a pale-yellow volatile oil, upon which their virtues chiefly depend. 
 Boiling water extracts their active properties. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Carrot seeds are moderately excitant and 
 diuretic, and are employed, both in domestic practice and by physicians, in 
 chronic nephritic affections, and in dropsy. As they possess to a certain 
 extent the cordial properties of the aromatics, they are especially adapted to 
 cases in which the stomach is enfeebled. They are said to afford relief in 
 the strangury from blisters. From thirty grains to a drachm of the bruised 
 seeds may be given at a dose, or a pint of the infusion, containing the virtues 
 of half an ounce or an ounce of the seeds, may be taken during the day. 
 The whole umbel is often used instead of the seeds alone. 
 
 2. Carrot Root. The root of the wild carrot is whitish, hard, coriaceous, 
 branched, of a strong smell, and an acrid, disagreeable taste; that of the cul- 
 tivated variety is reddish, fleshy, thick, conical, rarely branched, of a pleasant 
 odour, and a peculiar sweet, mucilaginous taste. The constituents of the 
 root are crystallizable and uncrystallizable sugar, a little starch, extractive, 
 gluten, albumen, volatile oil, vegetable jelly or pectin, malic acid, saline mat- 
 ters, lignin, and a peculiar crystallizable, ruby-red, neuter principle, without 
 odour or taste, called carotin. The substance called vegetable jelly was by 
 some considered a modification of gum or mucilage, combined with a vege- 
 table acid. Braconnot found it to be a peculiar principle, and gave it the 
 name of pectin from the Greek (A^xrts), expressive of its characteristic pro- 
 perty of gelatinizing. It exists more or less in all vegetables, and is abun- 
 dant in certain fruits and roots from which jellies are prepared. It may be 
 separated from the juice of fruits by alcohol, which precipitates it in the form 
 of a jelly. This being washed with weak alcohol and dried, yields a semi- 
 transparent substance bearing some resemblance to ichthyocolla. Immersed 
 in 100 parts of cold water, it swells like bassorin, and ultimately forms a homo- 
 geneous jelly. With a larger proportion it exhibits a mucilaginous consist- 
 ence. It is less acted on by boiling than by cold water. When perfectly 
 pure it is tasteless, and has no effect on vegetable blues. A striking pecu- 
 liarity is that, by the agency of a fixed alkali or alkaline earthy base, it is 
 instantly converted into pectic acid, which unites with the base to form a 
 pectate. This may be decomposed by the addition of an acid, which unites 
 with the base and separates the pectic acid. (Braconnot, Annales de Chimie, 
 Juillet, 1831.) Pectic acid thus obtained is in the form of a colourless jelly, 
 slightly acidulous, with the property of reddening litmus paper, scarcely solu- 
 ble in cold water, more soluble in boiling water, and forming with the latter 
 a solution, which, though it does not become solid on cooling, is coagulated 
 by the addition of alcohol, lime-water, acids, or salts, and even of sugar if 
 allowed to stand for some time. With the alkalies the acid forms salts, which 
 are also capable of assuming the consistence of a jelly. With the earths and 
 
186 
 
 Car ota . — Carthamus. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 metallic oxides it forms insoluble salts. Braconnot thinks that peetic acid 
 exists in many plants already formed. M. Fremy found that pectin results, 
 in fruits, from the reaction of acids upon a peculiar insoluble substance they 
 contain when immature, called by him pectose; and that pectin is changed 
 into pectic acid not only by alkalies, but also by vegetable albumen. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The wild root possesses the same properties 
 with the seeds, and may be used for the same purposes. That of the garden 
 plant has acquired much reputation as an external application to phagedenic, 
 sloughing, and cancerous ulcers, the fetor of which it is supposed to correct, 
 while it sometimes changes the character of the diseased action. It is also 
 useful in the ulcers which follow fevers. The root is brought to the proper 
 consistence by scraping. In this state it retains a portion of the active prin- 
 ciples of the plant, which render it somewhat stimulant. Boiled and mashed, 
 as usually recommended, the root is perfectly mild, and fit only to form 
 emollient cataplasms.* W. 
 
 CARTHAMUS. U.S. Secondary. 
 
 Dyers' Saffron. 
 
 The flowers of Carthamus tinctorius. U S. 
 
 Fleurs de carthame, Safran batard, Ft.; Farber Saffor, Germ..; Cartamo, Ital., Span. 
 
 Carthamus. Sex.Syst. Syngenesia AEqualis. — Nat.Ord. Composite Cy- 
 nareae. De Cand. Cynaraceae. Lindley. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Receptacle paleaceous, setose. Calyx ovate, imbricated, with 
 ovate scales, leafy at the end. Seed-down paleaceous, hairy, or none. Willd. 
 
 Carthamus tinctorius. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 1706. The dyers’ saffron or 
 safflower is an annual plant, with a smooth erect stem, somewhat branched at 
 top, and a foot or two in height. The leaves are alternate, sessile, ovate, 
 acute, entire, and furnished with spiny teeth. The flowers are compound, in 
 large, terminal, solitary heads. The florets are of an orange-red colour, with 
 a funnel-shaped corolla, of which the tube is long, slender, and cylindrical, 
 and the border divided into five equal, lanceolate, narrow segments. 
 
 The plant is a native of India, the Levant, and Egypt, and is cultivated 
 in those countries, as well as in various parts of Europe and America. The 
 florets are the part employed. They are brought to us chiefly from the ports 
 of the Mediterranean. Considerable quantities are produced in this country, 
 and sold as American saffron. 
 
 Safflower in mass is of a red colour, diversified by the yellowness of the 
 filaments contained within the floret. It has a peculiar slightly aromatic 
 odour, and a scarcely perceptible bitterness. Among its ingredients are two 
 colouring substances — one red, insoluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, 
 very soluble in alkaline liquids, and called carthamine, or carthamic acid by 
 D'dbereiner, who found it to possess acid properties; the other yellow, and 
 soluble in water. It is the former which renders safflower useful as a dye- 
 stuff. Carthamine, mixed with finely powdered talc, forms the cosmetic pow- 
 der called rouge. For more detailed information in relation to these princi- 
 ples, the reader is referred to the Journal de Pharmacie (3e s6r., iii. 203). 
 
 * Carrot Ointment. The following formula for this ointment has been handed to us 
 by Professor Procter, who has long been in the habit of preparing it: — Take of 
 grated carrot root half a pound, lard a pound, wax four ounces. Melt the lard and 
 wax, add the carrot root, evaporate with a moderate heat the moisture of the root, 
 and strain. It may be used in excoriated or ulcerated surfaces, requiring a gentle 
 stimulation . — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Carthamus. — Carum. 
 
 18 T 
 
 These flowers are sometimes fraudulently mixed with saffron, which they 
 resemble in colour, but from which they may be distinguished by their tubu- 
 lar form, and by the yellowish style and filaments which they enclose. 
 
 Medical Properties. In large doses carthamus is said to be laxative ; and 
 administered in the state of warm infusion it proves somewhat diaphoretic. 
 It is used in domestic practice, as a substitute for saffron, in measles, scarla- 
 tina, and other exanthematous diseases, in order to promote the eruption. 
 An infusion made in the proportion of two drachms to a pint of boiling water 
 is usually employed, and given without restriction as to quantity. W. 
 
 CARUM. U.S. 
 
 Caraway. 
 
 The fruit of Carum Carui. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. CAEUI. Carum Carui. The fruit. Lond., Ed. The seeds. D u h. 
 
 Carvi, Fr., Ital.; Gemeiner Kumxnel, Germ.; Alcaravea, Span. 
 
 Carum. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae or 
 Apiacese. 
 
 Gen-Ch. Fruit ovate-oblong, striated. Involucre one-leafed. Petals keeled, 
 inflexed-emarginate. Willd. 
 
 Carum Carui. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1470; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 102, t. 
 41. This plant is biennial and umbelliferous, with a spindle-shaped, fleshy, 
 whitish root, and an erect stem, about two feet in height, branching above, 
 and furnished with doubly pinnate, deeply incised leaves, the segments of 
 which are linear and pointed. The flowers are small and white, and termi- 
 nate the branches of the stem in erect umbels, which are accompanied with 
 an involucre, consisting sometimes of three or four leaflets, sometimes of one 
 only, and are destitute of partial involucre. 
 
 The caraway plant is a native of Europe, growing wild in meadows and 
 pastures, and cultivated in many places. It has been introduced into this 
 country. The flowers appear in May and June, and the seeds, which are 
 not perfected till the second year, ripen in August. The root, when im- 
 proved by culture, resembles the parsnip, and is used as food by the inhabit- 
 ants of the North of Europe. The seeds are the part used in medicine. 
 They are collected by cutting down the plant, and threshing it on a cloth. 
 Our markets are supplied partly from Europe, partly from our own gardens. 
 The American seeds are usually rather smaller than the German. 
 
 Caraway seeds (half-fruits) are about two lines in length, slightly curved, 
 with five longitudinal ridges, which are of a light yellowish colour, while the 
 intervening spaces are dark brown. They have a pleasant aromatic smell, 
 and a sweetish, warm, spicy taste. These properties depend on an essential 
 oil, which they afford largely by distillation. The residue is insipid. They 
 yield their virtues readily to alcohol, and more slowly to water. 
 
 , Medical Properties and Uses. Caraway is a pleasant stomachic and car- 
 minative, occasionally used in flatulent colic, and as an adjuvant or corrective 
 of other medicines. The dose in substance is from a scruple to a drachm. 
 An infusion may be prepared by adding two drachms of the seeds to a pint 
 of boiling water. The volatile oil, however, is most employed. (See Oleum 
 Carl .) The seeds are baked in cakes, to which they communicate an agree- 
 able flavour, while they stimulate the digestive organs. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Carui ; Confectio Opii; Confectio Itutae; Emplastrum 
 Cumini; Oleum Cari; Spiritus Carui ; Spiritus Juniperi Compositus; Tinc- 
 tura Cardamom! Composita; Tinct. Sennae Comp.; Tinct. Sennas et Jalapae. 
 
 W. 
 
188 
 
 Caryophyllus. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 CARYOPHYLLUS. U. S., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Cloves. 
 
 The unexpanded flowers of Caryophyllus aromaticus. U. S., Ed., Dul. 
 
 Off. Syn. CARYOPHYLLUM. Caryophyllus aromaticus. Flosnondum 
 explicatus- Land. 
 
 Girofle, Clous de Girofles, Fr.; Gewurznelken, Germ..; Garofani, Ital. ; Clavos de 
 espicia, Span.; Cravo da India, Portuguese ; Kruidnagel, Dutch; Kerunfel, Arab. 
 
 Caryophyllus. Sex. Syst. Icosandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae. 
 
 Gen.Cli. Tube of the calyx cylindrical; limb, four-parted. Petals four, ad- 
 hering by their ends in a sort of calyptra. Stamens distinct, arranged in four 
 parcels in a quadrangular fleshy hollow, near the teeth of the calyx. Ovary 
 two-celled, with about twenty ovules in each cell. Berry one or two-celled, one 
 or two-seeded. Seeds cylindrical, or half-ovate. Cotyledons thick, fleshy, con- 
 vex externally, sinuous in various ways internally. Lindley. De Cand. 
 
 Caryophyllus aromaticus. Linn. Sp. 735; De Cand. Prodroni. iii. 262; 
 Carson, Pllust. of Med. Bot. i. 43, pi. 37. — Eugenia caryophyl/ata. Willd. 
 Sjt. Plant, ii. 965; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 538, t. 193. This small tree is one 
 of the most elegant of those which inhabit the islands of India. It has 
 a pyramidal form, is always green, and is adorned throughout the year with a 
 succession of beautiful rosy flowers. The stem is of hard wood, and covered 
 with a smooth, grayish bark. The leaves are about four inches in length by 
 two in breadth, obovate-oblong, acuminate at both ends, entire, sinuated, with 
 many parallel veins on each side of the midrib, supported upon long footstalks, 
 and opposite to each other upon the branches. They have a firm consistence, 
 a shining green colour, and when bruised are highly fragrant. The flowers 
 are disposed in terminal corymbose panicles, and exhale a strong, penetrating, 
 and grateful odour. 
 
 The natural geographical range of the clove-tree is extremely limited. It 
 was formerly confined to the Molucca islands, in most of which it grew abund- 
 antly before their conquest by the Dutch. By the monopolizing policy of that 
 commercial people, the trees were extirpated in nearly all the islands except 
 Atnboyna and Ternate, which were under their immediate inspection. Not- 
 withstanding, however, the jealous vigilance of the Dutch, a French governor 
 of the Isle of France and of Bourbon, named Poivre, succeeded, in the year 
 1770, in obtaining plants from the Moluccas, and introducing them into the 
 colonies under his control. Five years afterwards, the clove-tree was intro- 
 duced into Cayenne and the West Indies, in 1803 into Sumatra, and in 1818 
 into Zanzibar. It is now cultivated largely in these and other places; and 
 commerce has ceased to depend on the Moluccas for supplies of this spice. 
 
 The unexpanded flower buds are the part of the plant employed under the 
 ordinary name of cloves.* They are first gathered when the tree is about six 
 years old. The fruit has similar aromatic properties, but much weaker. The 
 buds are picked by the hand, or separated from the tree by long reeds, and 
 are then quickly dried. In the Moluccas they are said to be sometimes im- 
 mersed in boiling water, and afterwards exposed to smoke and artificial heat, 
 before being spread out in the sun. In Cayenne and the West Indies they 
 are dried simply by solar heat. 
 
 Cloves appear to have been unknown to the ancients. They were intro- 
 duced into Europe by the Arabians, and were distributed by the Venetians. 
 
 * The peduncles of the flowers have been sometimes employed. They possess the 
 odour and taste of the cloves, though in a less degree, and furnish a considerable quan- 
 tity of essential oil. The French call them griffes de Girofles. 
 
PART I. 
 
 S 
 
 189 
 
 Caryopliyllus. 
 
 After the discovery of the southern passage to India, the trade in this spice 
 passed into the hands of the Portuguese; but was subsequently wrested from 
 them by the Dutch, by wbom it was long monopolized. Within a few years, 
 however, the extended culture of the plant has thrown open the commerce in 
 cloves to all nations. The United States derive much of their supply from 
 the AVest Indies and Guiana. The Molucca cloves are said to be thicker, 
 darker, heavier, more oily, and more highly aromatic than those of the colo- 
 nies to which the clove-tree has been transplanted. They are known by the 
 name of Amboyna doves. The Bencoolen doves , from Sumatra, are deemed 
 equal if not superior by the English druggists. 
 
 Properties. Cloves resemble a nail in shape, are usually rather more than 
 half an inch long, and have a round head with four spreading points beneath 
 it. Their colour is externally deep brown, internally reddish ; their odour 
 strong and fragrant; their taste hot, pungent, aromatic, and very permanent. 
 The best cloves are large, heavy, brittle, and exude a small quantity of oil on 
 being pressed or scraped with the nail. AVhen light, soft, wrinkled, pale, and 
 of feeble taste and smell, they are inferior. AVe are told that those from 
 which the essential oil has been distilled are sometimes fraudulently mixed 
 with the genuine. 
 
 Trommsdorff obtained from 1000 parts of cloves 180 of volatile oil, 170 
 of a peculiar tannin, 130 of gum, 60 of resin, 280 of vegetable fibre, and 180 
 of water. M. Lodibert afterwards discovered a fixed oil, aromatic and of a 
 green colour, and a white resinous substance which crystallizes in fasciculi 
 composed of very fine diverging silky needles, without taste or smell, soluble 
 in ether and boiling alcohol, and exhibiting neither alkaline nor acid reaction. 
 This substance, called by M. Bonastre caryophyllin, was found in the cloves 
 of the Moluccas, of Bourbon, and of Barbadoes, but not in those of Cayenne. 
 Berzelius considers it a stearoptene, and probably identical with that deposited 
 by the oil of cloves when long kept. To obtain it, the ethereal extract of 
 cloves is treated with water, and the white substance formed is separated by 
 filtration, and treated repeatedly with ammonia to deprive it of impurities. 
 Thus procured, Dr. Muspratt found it to consist of carbon, hydrogen, and 
 oxygen, in the proportion represented by the formula C 10 H s O 7 . ( Pharm . 
 Journ. and Trans., x. 843.) M. Dumas has discovered another crystalline 
 principle, which forms in the water distilled from cloves, and is gradually 
 deposited. Like caryophyllin, it is soluble in alcohol and ether, but differs 
 from that substance in becoming red when touched with nitric acid. M. 
 Bonastre proposes for it the name of eugenin. {Journ. de Pharm. , xx. 565.) 
 AVater extracts the odour of cloves with comparatively little of their taste. 
 All their sensible properties are imparted to alcohol, and- the tincture when 
 evaporated leaves an excessively fiery extract, which becomes insipid when 
 deprived of the oil by distillation with water, while the oil which comes over 
 is mild. Hence it has been inferred that the pungency of this aromatic de- 
 pends on a union of the essential oil with the resin. For an account of the 
 oil, see Oleum Caryophylli. The infusion and oil of cloves are reddened by 
 nitric acid, and rendered blue by tincture of chloride of iron; facts of some 
 interest, as morphia affords the same results with these reagents. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Cloves are among the most stimulant of the 
 aromatics; but, like others of this class, act less upon the system at large than 
 on the part to which they are immediately applied. They are sometimes 
 administered in substance or infusion to relieve nausea and vomiting, correct 
 flatulence, and excite languid digestion; but their chief use is to assist or 
 modify the action of other medicines. The}' enter into several officinal pre- 
 parations. Their dose in substance is from five to ten grains. 
 
 The French Codex directs a tincture of cloves to be prepared by digesting 
 
190 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Caryophyllus. — Cascarilla. 
 
 for six days, and afterwards filtering, a mixture of four ounces of powdered- 
 cloves and sixteen of alcohol of 31° Cartier. Three ounces to the pint of 
 alcohol is a sufficiently near approximation. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Aromatica; Confectio Scammonii; Infusum Aurantii 
 Compositum; Infusum Caryophylli; Mistura Ferri Aromatica; Oleum Caryo- 
 phylli; Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus; Spiritus Lavandulae Cfim posit us; 
 Syrupus llhei Aromaticus; Yinum Opii. IV. 
 
 CASCARILLA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 Cascarilla. 
 
 The bark of Croton Eleuteria. U. S., Land., Dub. Bark probably of 
 Croton Eleuteria, and possibly other species of the same genus. Ed. 
 
 Cascarille, Fr.; Cascarillrinde, Germ.; Cascariglia, Jtal.; Chacarila, Span. 
 
 Croton. Sex. Syst. Monoecia Monadelphia. — Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Male. Calyx cylindrical, five-toothed. Corolla five-petalled. 
 Stamens ten to fifteen. Female. Calyx many-leaved. Corolla none. Styles 
 three, bifid. Capsule three-celled. Seed one. Wilkl. 
 
 Cascarilla has been ascribed by different writers to different species of 
 Croton ; but authorities now generally agree in referring it to C. Eleuteria. 
 It is not impossible that C. Cascarilla of Linnaeus contributes a portion of 
 the drug, but we have no proof of the fact. The London College has cor- 
 rected the error, committed in a former edition of its Pharmacopoeia, of 
 recognising the C. Cascarilla of Don as the source of it. This botanist mis- 
 took the Copalchi bark of Mexico, which is produced by the Croton Pseudo- 
 China of Schiede, and bears some resemblance to cascarilla, for the genuine 
 bark, and hence proposed to transfer the specific name of Cascarilla to the 
 Mexican plant; an unfortunate error, to which the London College formerly 
 gave authority by its sanction. No fact is better ascertained than that the 
 proper cascarilla bark is a West India product, and is never brought from 
 Mexico. The Copalchi bark has been mistaken also for a variety of cinchona.* 
 
 Croton Eleuteria. Willd. Sp Plant, iv. 545; Carson, Phut, of Med. Bot. 
 ii. 34, pi. 78. This species of Croton is a small tree or shrub, said by Browne 
 to be four or five feet in height, but as seen by Dr. Wright in Jamaica, rising 
 to twenty feet, and branching thickly towards the summit. The leaves are 
 entire, ovate or cordate-lanceolate, and elongated towards the apex, which is 
 blunt. They are of a bright green colour upon their upper surface, and 
 stand alternately upon short footstalks. The flowers, whieh are of a whitish 
 colour, are disposed in axillary and terminal racemes. This shrub grows 
 wild in the West Indies, especially the Bahama islands, in one of which, 
 the small island of Eleutheria, it is found so abundantly as to have received 
 its name from that circumstance. It is called by Browne sea-side balsam. 
 
 * Portions of Copalchi bark have been taken to Europe, and attracted the attention 
 both of pharmacologists and medical practitioners. Two kinds of it have been noticed : 
 one, in sinall slender quills, of an ash colour, bearing some resemblance to a variety 
 of pale cinchona, but having the flavour of cascarilla, and burning with a similar odour; 
 the other, in larger quills, with a thick cork-like epidermis, very bitter, and yielding 
 an aromatic odour when burnt. The former is the product of C. Pseudo-China, the 
 latter. is of unknown origin, but conjecturally referred to Croton suberosum. Copalchi 
 bark is an aromatic tonic, used in Mexico in intermittents, and capable of useful appli- 
 cation in all cases requiring a mild aromatic bitter. Dr. Stark has employed it ad- 
 vantageously in feeble states of digestion with irritable bowels, and found it in one or 
 two cases to exhibit antiperiodic properties. It may be given in infusion made with 
 half an ounce of the bark to a pint of water, in the dose of one or two fluidounces 
 three times a day. {Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ., April, 1849, p. 410.) — Note to ninth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cascarilla. 
 
 191 
 
 Croton Cascarilla. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 531 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 629, 
 t. 222. This is still smaller than the preceding species, and is called by 
 Browne the small seaside balsam. The stem is branched and covered with 
 brown bark, of which the external coat is rough and whitish. The leaves 
 are long, very narrow, somewhat pointed, entire, of a bright green colour on 
 the upper surface, downy and of a silvery whiteness on the under. They are 
 placed alternately on short footstalks. The flowers are small, greenish, and 
 disposed in long terminal spikes. This plant is a native of the Bahamas, has 
 been found abundantly in Hayti, and is said also to grow in Peru and Para- 
 guay. Browne describes it as hot and pungent to the taste. The Croton 
 lineare of Jacquin, considered by Willdenow as a variety of C. Cascarilla, is 
 made a distinct species by Sprengel. It is the wild rosemary of Jamaica, 
 and is said by Dr. Wright to have none of the sensible qualities of cascarilla. 
 
 Cascarilla is brought to this market from the West Indies, and chiefly, as 
 we have been informed, from the Bahamas. It comes in bags or casks. Wb 
 have observed it in the shops in two forms, so distinct as almost to deserve 
 the title of varieties. In one, the bark is in rolled pieces of every size, from 
 three or four inches in length and half an inch in diameter to the smallest 
 fragments, covered externally with a dull whitish or grayish-white epidermis, 
 which in many portions is partially, sometimes wholly removed, leaving a 
 dark-brown surface, while the inner surface has a chocolate colour, and the 
 fracture is reddish-brown. The small pieces are sometimes curled, but have 
 a distinct abrupt edge as if broken from the branches. The second variety 
 consists entirely of very small pieces not more than an inch or two in length, 
 very thin, without the white epidermis, not regularly quilled, but curved more 
 or less in the direction of their length, often having a small portion of woody 
 fibre attached to their inner surface, and presenting an appearance precisely 
 as if shaved by a knife from the stem or branches of the shrub. Whether 
 these two varieties are derived from distinct species, or differ only from the 
 mode of collection, it is difficult to determine. 
 
 Properties. Cascarilla has an aromatic odour, rendered much more distinct 
 by friction, and a warm, spicy, bitter taste. It is brittle, breaking with a 
 short fracture. When burnt it emits a pleasant odour, closely resembling 
 that of musk, but weaker and more agreeable. This property serves to dis- 
 tinguish it from all other barks. It was analyzed by Trommsdorff, and more 
 recently by M. Duval, of Liseux, in France. The constituents found by the 
 latter were albumen, a peculiar kind of tannin, a bitter crystallizable principle 
 called cascarillin, a red colouring matter, fatty matter of a nauseous odour, 
 wax, gum, volatile oil, resin, starch, pectic acid, chloride of potassium, a salt 
 of lime, and lignin. The oil, according to Trommsdorff, constitutes 1'6 per 
 cent., is of a greenish-yellow colour, a penetrating odour analogous to that of 
 the bark, and of the sp.gr. 0‘938. To obtain cascarillin, M. Duval treated 
 the powdered bark with water, added acetate of lead to the solution, separated 
 the lead by sulphuretted hydrogen, filtered, evaporated with the addition of 
 animal charcoal, filtered again, evaporated again at a low temperature to the 
 consistence of a syrup, allowed this to harden by cooling, and purified the 
 matter thus obtained by twice successively treating it, first with a little cold 
 alcohol, to separate the colouring and fatty matters, and afterwards with boil- 
 ing alcohol and animal charcoal. The last alcoholic solution was allowed to 
 evaporate spontaneously. Thus obtained, cascarillin is white, crystallized, 
 inodorous, of a bitter taste, very slightly soluble in water, soluble in alcohol 
 and ether, neuter in chemical relations, and without nitrogen. ( Journ . de 
 Pharm., 3e sir., viii. 96.) Either alcohol or water will partially extract the 
 active matters of cascarilla ; but diluted alcohol is the proper menstruum. 
 
192 
 
 Cascarilla. — Cassia Fistula. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This bark is aromatic and tonic. It was 
 known in Germany so early as the year 1690, and was much used as a sub- 
 stitute for Peruvian bark by those who were prejudiced against that febrifuge 
 in the treatment of remittent and intermittent fevers. It has, however, lost 
 much of its reputation, and is now employed only where a pleasant and gently 
 stimulant tonic is desirable ; as in dyspepsia, chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, 
 flatulent colic, and other cases of debility of the stomach or bowels. It is 
 sometimes advantageously combined with the more powerful bitters. It may 
 be given in powder or infusion. The dose of the former is from a scruple to 
 half a drachm, which may be repeated several times a day. In consequence 
 of its pleasant odour when burnt, some smokers mix it in small quantity with 
 their tobacco; but it is said when thus employed to occasion vertigo and 
 intoxication. 
 
 OF Prep. Infusum Cascarillae; Tinctura Cascarillae. W. 
 
 CASSIA FISTULA. TJ.S. 
 
 Purging Cassia. 
 
 The fruit of Cassia Fistula. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. CASSIA. Cassia Fistula. Fructus. Pond.; CASSIJE PULPA. 
 Pulp of the pods of Cassia Fistula. Ed. 
 
 Casse, Fr.; Rokrenkassie, Germ.; Polpi di Cassia, Ital.; Cana Fistula, Span. 
 
 Cassia. Sex. Syst. Ueeandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Fabacem or Le- 
 guminosse. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-leaved. Petals five. Anthers, three upper sterile, three 
 lower beaked. Lomentum. Willd. 
 
 The tree which yields the purging cassia is ranked by some botanists in a 
 distinct genus, separated from the Cassia and denominated Cathartocarpus. 
 (See Lind ley’s Flor. Med., 262.) 
 
 Cassia Fistula. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 518 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 445, t. 
 160; Carson, I/lust, of Med. Bot. i. 24, pi. 26. — Cathartocarpus Fistula. 
 Persoon, Synops. i. 459. This is a large tree, rising to the height of forty 
 or fifty feet, with a trunk of hard heavy wood, dividing towards the top into 
 numerous spreading branches, and covered with a smooth ash-coloured bark. 
 The leaves are commonly composed of five or six pairs of opposite leaflets, 
 which are ovate, pointed, undulated, smooth, of a pale green colour, from 
 three to five inches long, and supported upon short petioles. The flowers 
 are large, of a golden yellow colour, and arranged in long pendent axillary 
 racemes. The fruit consists of long, cylindrical, woody, dark-brown, pendu- 
 lous pods, which, when agitated by the wind, strike against each other, and 
 produce a sound that may be heard at a considerable distance. 
 
 This species of Cassia is a native of Upper Egypt and India, whence it is 
 generally supposed to have been transplanted to other parts of the world. It 
 is at present very extensively diffused through the tropical regions of the old 
 and new continents, being found in Insular and Continental India, Cochin- 
 China, Egypt, Nubia, the West Indies, and the warmer parts of America. 
 The fruit is the officinal portion of the plant. It is imported from the East 
 and West Indies, chiefly the latter, and from South America. 
 
 Properties. Cassia pods are a foot or more in length, straight or but 
 slightly curved, cylindrical, less than an inch in diameter, with a woody 
 shell, externally of a dark-brown colour, and marked with three longitudinal 
 shining bands, extending from one end to the other, two of which are iu close 
 proximity, appearing to constitute a single band, and the third is ou the op- 
 posite side of the pod. These bands mark the place of junction of the valves 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cassia Fistula . — Cassia Marilandica. 
 
 193 
 
 of the legume, and are represented as sometimes excavated in the form of fur- 
 rows. There are also circular depressions at unequal distances. Internally 
 the pod is divided into numerous cells by thin transverse plates, which are 
 covered with a soft, black pulp. Each cell contains a single, oval, shining 
 seed. The pods brought from the Egst Indies are smaller, smoother, have a 
 blacker pulp, and are more esteemed than those from the West Indies. 
 
 We have seen a quantity of pods in this market sold as cassia pods, which 
 were an inch and a half in diameter, flattened on the sides, exceedingly 
 rough on the outer surface, and marked by three longitudinal very elevated 
 ridges corresponding to the bands or furrows of the common cassia. The 
 pulp was rather nauseous, but in other respects seemed to have the properties 
 of the officinal purging cassia. They corresponded exactly with a specimen 
 of the fruit of Cassia Brasiliana brought from the West Indies, and were 
 probably derived from that plant. 
 
 The heaviest pods, and those which do not make a rattling noise when 
 shaken, are to be preferred; as they contain a larger portion of the pulp, 
 which is the part employed. This should be black and shining, and have a 
 sweet taste. It is apt to become sour if long exposed to the air, or mouldy 
 if kept in a damp place. The pulp is extracted from the pods by first bruising 
 them, then boiling them in water, and afterwards evaporating the decoction; 
 or, when the pods are fresh, by opening them at the sutures, and removing 
 the pulp by a spatula. (See Cassise Fistulas Pulpa .) 
 
 Cassia pulp has a slight rather sickly odour, and a sweet mucilaginous taste. 
 From the analysis of M. Henry it appears to contain sugar, gum, a substance 
 analogous to tannin, a colouring matter soluble in ether, traces of a principle 
 resembling gluten, and a small quantity of water. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Cassia pulp is generally laxative, and may 
 be advantageously given in small doses in cases of habitual costiveness. In 
 quantities sufficient to purge, it occasions nausea, flatulence, and griping. In 
 this country it is very rarely prescribed, except as an ingredient in the con- 
 fection of senna, which is a highly pleasant and useful laxative preparation. 
 The dose of the pulp as a laxative is one or two drachms, as a purge one or 
 two ounces. 
 
 Off. Prep. Cassias Fistulse Pulpa; Cassia Praeparata. W. 
 
 CASSIA MARILANDICA. U.S. 
 
 American Senna. 
 
 The leaves of Cassia Marilandica. U. S. 
 
 Cassia. See CASSIA FISTULA. 
 
 Cassia Marilandica. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 524 ; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 
 ii. 116; Barton, Med. Bot. i. 137. This is an indigenous perennial plant, of 
 vigorous growth, sending up annually numerous round, erect, nearly smooth, 
 stems, which are usually simple, and rise from three to six feet in height. 
 The leaves are alternate, and composed of from eight to ten pairs of oblong- 
 lanceolate, smooth, mucronate leaflets, green on their upper surface, pale 
 beneath, and connected by short petioles with the common footstalk, which 
 is compressed, channeled above, and furnished near its base with an ovate, 
 stipitate gland. The flowers, which are of a beautiful golden yellow colour, 
 grow in short axillary racemes at the upper part of the stem. The calyx is 
 composed of five oval, obtuse, unequal, yellow leaves; the corolla of the same 
 number of spatulate concave petals, of which three are ascending, and two 
 descending and larger than the others. The stamens are ten, with yellow 
 
194 
 
 Cassia Marilandica. — Castanea. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 filaments and brown anthers, which open hy a terminal pore. The three 
 upper stamens bear short abortive anthers; the three lowermost are long, 
 curved, and tapering into a beak. The germ, which descends with the latter, 
 bears an erect style terminating in a hairy stigma. The fruit is a pendulous 
 legume, from two to four inches long, linear, curved, swelling at the seeds, 
 somewhat hairy, and of a blackish colour. 
 
 The American senna, or wild senna as it is sometimes called, is very com- 
 mon in all parts of the United States south of New York, and grows as far 
 northward as the southern boundary of Massachusetts. It prefers a low, 
 moist, rich soil, in the vicinity of water, and, though frequently found in 
 dryer and more elevated places, is most abundant and luxuriant in the flat 
 ground on the borders of rivers and ponds. It is sometimes cultivated in 
 gardens for medical use. In the months of July and August, when in full 
 bloom, it has a rich and beautiful appearance. The leaves should be collected 
 in August or the beginning of September, and carefully dried. 
 
 They are sometimes brought into the market, compressed into oblong cakes, 
 such as those prepared by the Shakers from most herbaceous medicinal plants. 
 The leaflets are from an inch and a half to two inches long, from one-quarter 
 to half an inch in breadth, thin, pliable, and of a pale-green colour. They 
 have a feeble odour, and a nauseous taste somewhat analogous to that of 
 senna. Water and alcohol extract their virtues. They were analyzed by 
 Mr. Martin, of Philadelphia, and found to contain a principle analogous to 
 cathartin, albumen, mucilage, starch, chlorophylle, yellow colouring matter, 
 volatile oil, fatty matter, resin, and lignin, besides salts of potassa and lime. 
 ( Am . Journ. of Pharm., i. 22.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. American senna is an efficient and safe 
 cathartic, closely resembling the imported senna in its action, and capable of 
 being substituted for it in all cases in which the latter is employed. It is, 
 however, less active; and, to produce an equal effect, must be administered 
 in a dose about one-third larger. It is habitually used by many practitioners 
 in the country. Like senna it is most conveniently given in the form of in- 
 fusion, and should be similarly combined in order to obviate its tendency to 
 produce griping. W. 
 
 CASTANEA. U. S Secondary. 
 
 Chinquapin. 
 
 The bark of Castanea pumila. US. 
 
 Castanea. Sex. Syst. Monoecia Polyandria. — Nat. Ord. Cupulifer®. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Male. Ament naked. Calyx none. Corolla five-petalled. Sta- 
 mens ten to twenty. Female. Calyx five or six leaved, murioate. Corolla 
 none. Germs three. Stigmas pencil-formed. Nuts three, included in the 
 echinated calyx. Willd. 
 
 Castanea pumila. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 461; Mic-baux, N. Am. Sylv. 
 iii. 15. The chinquapin is an indigenous shrub or small tree, which, in the 
 Middle States, rarely much exceeds seven or eight feet in height ; but, in 
 Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana, sometimes attains an elevation of thirty 
 or forty feet, with a diameter of trunk equal to twelve or fifteen inches. The 
 leaves are oblong, acute, mucronately serrate, and distinguished from those 
 of the chestnut, which belongs to the same genus, by their whitish and downy 
 under surface. The barren flowers are grouped upon axillary peduncles three 
 of four inches long; the fertile aments are similarly disposed, but less con- 
 spicuous. The fruit is spherical, covered with short prickles, and encloses 
 
PART I. 
 
 Castanea. — Castor eum. 
 
 195 
 
 a brown nut, which is sweet and edible, but differs from the chestnut in being 
 much smaller, and convex on both sides. 
 
 The tree extends from the banks of the Delaware southward to the Gulf 
 of Mexico, and south-westward to the Mississippi. It is most abundant in 
 the southern portions of this tract of country. The bark is the part used. 
 It is astringent and tonic, and has been employed ill the cure of intermit- 
 tents; but has no peculiar virtues to recommend it, and might well be spared 
 even from the secondary catalogue of the Pharmacopoeia. W. 
 
 CASTOREUM. U. S., Land., Ed., Dub . 
 
 Castor. 
 
 A peculiar concrete substance obtained from Castor fiber. U. S. The fol- 
 licles of the prepuce filled with a peculiar secretion. Bond. A peculiar secre- 
 tion in the prmputial follicles. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Cast ore um, Fr.; ISibergeil, Germ.; Castoro, Ital. ; Castoreo, Span. 
 
 In the beaver, Castor fiber of naturalists, between the anus and external 
 genitals of both sexes, are two pairs of membranous follicles, of which the 
 lower and larger are pear-shaped, and contain an oily, viscid, highly odorous 
 substance, secreted by glands which lie externally to the sac. This substance 
 is called castor. After the death of the animal, the follicles containing it 
 are removed, and dried either by smoke or in the sun; and in this state 
 are brought into the market. 
 
 This drug is derived either from the northern and north-western parts of 
 the American continent, or from the Russian dominions; and is distinguished, 
 according to its source, into the Canadian or American, and Russian castor. 
 It is supposed by some that the American and Russian beavers are distinct 
 species, the former being a building, the latter a burrowing animal ; and ad- 
 ditional ground for the supposition is afforded by the fact, that the products 
 of the two differ considerably. Of the Russian but a very small portion 
 reaches this country. That which is brought to Philadelphia is derived 
 chiefly from Missouri. 
 
 Castor comes to us in the form of solid unctuous masses, contained in sacs 
 about two inches in length, larger at one end than at the other, much flat- 
 tened and wrinkled, of a brown or blackish colour externally, and united in 
 pairs by the excretory ducts which couneet them in the living animal. In 
 each pair, one sac is generally larger than the other. They are divided inter- 
 nally into numerous cells containing the castor, which, when the sacs are cut 
 or torn open, is exhibited of a brown or reddish-brown colour, intermingled 
 more or less with the whitish membrane forming the cells. Those brought 
 from Russia are larger, fuller, heavier, and less tenacious than the Ameri- 
 can; and their contents, which are of a rusty or liver colour, have a stronger 
 taste and smell, and are considered more valuable as a medicine. A variety 
 of Russian castor, described by Pereira under the name of chalky Russian 
 castor, is in smaller and rounder sacs than the American, has a peculiar em- 
 pyreumatic odour very different from that of the other varieties, breaks like 
 starch under the teeth, and is characterized by effervescing with dilute muri- 
 atic acid. In a specimen examined by Muller, 40‘646 percent, of carbonate 
 of lime was found. (Am. Journ. of F harm., xviii. 276.) In the castor from 
 Missouri, the contents of the sac are sometimes almost white, and evidently 
 inferior. According to Jannarch, castor varies with the time of year at which 
 it is collected, being lighter coloured, more .fluid, and less copious in the fol- 
 licles from February to July, than in the remainder of the year. (Pharm. 
 Cent. Blatt, Mai, 1847, p. 318.) It is said by M. Kohli that the Canadian 
 
196 
 
 Castoreum. 
 
 FART I. 
 
 castor, treated with distilled water and ammonia, affords an orange precipi- 
 tate, while the matter thrown down from the Russian under similar treatment 
 is white. 
 
 Properties. Good castor has a strong, fetid, peculiar odour ; a bitter, 
 acrid, and nauseous taste ; and a colour more or less tinged with red. It is 
 of a softer or harder consistence, according as it is more or less thoroughly 
 dried. When perfectly desiccated, though still somewhat unctuous to the 
 touch, it is hard, brittle, and of a resinous fracture. Its chemical constitu- 
 ents, according to Brandes, whose analysis is the most recent, are volatile oil ; 
 a resinous matter ; albumen ; a substance resembling osmazome ; mucus ; 
 urate, carbonate, benzoate, phosphate, and sulphate of lime; acetate and 
 muriate of soda; muriate, sulphate, and benzoate of potassa; carbonate of 
 ammonia ; membranous matter ; and a peculiar proximate principle previ- 
 ously discovered by M. Bizio, an Italian chemist, and called by him castorin. 
 This principle crystallizes in long, diaphanous, fasciculated prisms, has the 
 smell of castor, and a copperish taste. It is insoluble in cold water and cold 
 alcohol ; but is dissolved by one hundred parts of the latter liquid at the 
 boiling temperature, and by the essential oils. It possesses neither alkaline 
 nor acid properties. It may be obtained by treating castor, minutely divided, 
 with six times its weight of boiling alcohol, filtering the liquor while hot, 
 and allowing it to cool. The castorin is slowly deposited, and may be puri- 
 fied by the action of cold alcohol. It has been thought to be the active prin- 
 ciple of castor; but its claims are at best very doubtful. The volatile oil may 
 be separated by repeated distillation with the same portion of water. It is 
 pale yellow, and has the smell and taste of castor. 
 
 F. Wohler has ascertained the existence of salicin in castor; also that it 
 contains a small quantity of carbolic acid, one of the products of the distil- 
 lation of coal-tar, to which he ascribes its odour. This acid is poisonous, and 
 has a special action on the nervous system. ( Chem . Gaz., No. 149, Jan. 1, 
 1849, from Liebig’s Annalen .)* 
 
 Dr. Pereira found that a portion of water distilled from American castor 
 gradually lost its own peculiar odour, and acquired that of the flowers of 
 Spiraea ulmaria, and afterwards presented no trace of the presence of oil of 
 castor. Upon testing it, he ascertained the existence in it of by dm ret of 
 salicyle ( oil of Spiraea vim aria), and concluded that the oil of castor had heen 
 converted into that principle. He farther inferred that the oil is probably a vola- 
 tile product of the salicin of the castor, and ascribes the carbolic acid to the 
 same source. (Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xi. 200.) The salicin of the castor 
 probably proceeds from the willow and poplar on which the beaver feeds. 
 
 Alcohol and ether extract the virtues of castor. An infusion made with 
 boiling water has its sensible properties in a slight degree ; but the odorous 
 principle of the drug is dissipated by decoction. 
 
 * Under the name of Hyraceum, a substance has recently been taken to Europe 
 from the Cape of Good Hope, and introduced to the notice of the profession as a sub- 
 stitute for castor. It is the product of Hyrax Capensis, an animal of South Africa, 
 about the size of a large rabbit. It is said to be collected in small pieces on the rug- 
 ged sides of mountains, and is probably the excrement of the animal. It is rather 
 hard, tenacious, of a blackish-brown colour, and of a taste and smell not unlike those 
 of castor. It is inflammable, and yields portions of its constituents to water and alcohol. 
 Examined with the microscope, it lias been found to contain vegetable tissues, animal 
 hairs, sand, and globular particles, either resinous or oily. Schrader has found it to 
 contain stearin, a gum-resin soluble in absolute alcohol, an odorous yellow substance 
 soluble in ordinary alcohol and in water, a brown substance soluble in water, and in- 
 soluble residue. Dr. Pereira, from whose paper the above account is extracted, con- 
 siders it worthless as a therapeutical agent, though in physiological effects it is said 
 exactly to resemble American castor. (Pharm. Journ. and Trans., x. 123.) 
 
PART I. 
 
 Castor eum. — Cataria. 
 
 197 
 
 The virtues of castor are impaired by age; and the change is more rapid 
 in proportion to the elevation of temperature. Moisture promotes its speedy 
 decomposition. It should not, therefore, be kept in damp cellars. In a 
 dry cool place it may be kept for a long time without material deterioration. 
 When quite black, with little taste or smell, it is unfit for use. A factitious 
 preparation is sometimes sold, consisting of a mixture of various drugs, 
 scented with genuine castor, intermingled with membrane, and stuffed into 
 the scrotum of a goat. The fraud may be detected by the comparatively 
 feeble odour, the absence of other characteristic sensible properties, and the 
 want of the smaller follicles containing fatty matter, which are often attached 
 to the real bags of castor. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Castor is moderately stimulant and anti- 
 spasmodic. The experiments of Thouvenel prove that, in large doses, it 
 quickens the pulse, increases the heat of the skin, and produces other symp- 
 toms of general excitement; but its force is directed chiefly to the nervous 
 system, and in small doses it scarcely disturbs the circulation. It has also 
 enjoyed a high reputation as an emmenagogue. It was employed by the 
 ancients. Pliny and Dioscorides speak of it as useful in hysteria and ame- 
 norrhoea. In Europe, especially on the continent, it is still frequently pre- 
 scribed in low forms of fever attended with nervous symptoms, in spasmodic 
 diseases, such as hysteria and epilepsy, in many anomalous nervous affections, 
 and in diseases dependent on or connected with suppression or retention of 
 the menses. The practitioners of this country rarely resort to it. The dose 
 in substance is from ten to twenty grains, which may be given in bolus or 
 emulsion. The tincture is sometimes employed. 
 
 Off. Prep. Tinctura Castorei; Tinctura Castorei Ammoniata. W. 
 
 CATABIA. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Catnep. 
 
 The leaves of Nepeta Cataria. U. S. 
 
 Cataire, Fr.; Katzenmiinze, Germ.; Cattara, Ital.; Gatera, Span. 
 
 Nepeta. Sex. Syst. Didynamia Gymnospermia. — Nat. Orel. Lamiaceaeor 
 Labiatse. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx dry, striate, five-toothed. Corolla with the upper lip 
 undivided, the under lip three-parted, the middle division crenate. Stamens 
 approximate. 
 
 Nepeta Cataria. The catnep or catmint is a perennial herbaceous plant, 
 with a quadrangular, branching, somewhat hoary stem, from one to three feet 
 high, and furnished with opposite, petiolate, cordate, dentate, pubescent leaves, 
 which are green above and whitish on their under surface. The flowers are 
 whitish or slightly purple, are arranged in whorled spikes, and appear in 
 July and August. The plant is abundant in the United States, but is sup- 
 posed to have been introduced from Europe. 
 
 The whole herb is used; but the leaves only are recognised in the U. S. 
 Pharmacopoeia. They have a strong, peculiar, rather disagreeable odour, and 
 a pungent, aromatic, bitterish, camphorous taste. They yield their virtues 
 to water. The active constituents are volatile oil, and tannin of the kind 
 which produces a greenish colour with the salts of iron. 
 
 In its operation upon the system, catnep is tonic and excitant, bearing con- 
 siderable resemblance to the mints. It has had the reputation also of being 
 antispasmodic and emmenagogue. Cats are said to be very fond of it, and 
 it has been asserted to act as an aphrodisiac in these animals. It is employed 
 as a domestic remedy, in the form of infusion, in amenorrhoea, chlorosis, 
 
198 
 
 Catechu. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 hysteria, the flatulent colic of infants, &c.; but is scarcely known in regular 
 practice. Some of the older writers speak favourably of its powers. The 
 leaves are said to relieve toothache if chewed, or held for a few minutes in 
 contact with the diseased tooth. Two drachms of the dried leaves or herb 
 may be given as a dose in infusion. W. 
 
 CATECHU. TJ. S., Loud., Ed., Bui. 
 
 Catechu. 
 
 The extract of the wood of Acacia Catechu. U. S., Dvb. Extract of the 
 inner wood of Acacia Catechu; or of the leaves of Uncaria Gambir. Land. 
 Extract of the wood of Acacia Catechu, of the kernels of Areca Catechu, and 
 of the leaves of Uncaria Gambir, probably too from other plants. Ed. 
 
 Cachou, Ft.; Catechu, Germ.; Catecu, Catciu, Catto, Ital.; Catecu, Span.; Cutt, Hin- 
 doostanee. 
 
 Acacia. See ACACIA. 
 
 Acacia Catechu. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 1079; Wood v. 4 led. Bot. p. 433, t. 
 157 ; Carson, I/lust, of ]\Icd. Bot. i. 32, pi. 24. According to Mr. Kerr, 
 whose description has been followed by most subsequent writers. Acacia 
 Catechu is a small tree, seldom more than twelve feet in height, with a trunk 
 one foot in diameter, dividing towards the top into many close branches, and 
 covered with a thick, rough, brown bark. The leaves, which stand alternately 
 upon the younger branches, are composed of from fifteen to thirty pairs of 
 pinnae nearly two inches long, each of which is furnished with about forty 
 pairs of linear leaflets, beset with short hairs. At the base of each pair of 
 pinnae is a small gland upon the common footstalk. Two short recurved 
 spines are attached to the stem at the base of each leaf. The flowers are in 
 close spikes, which arise from the axils of the leaves, and are about four or 
 five inches long. The fruit is a lanceolate, compressed, smooth, brown pod, 
 with an undulated thin margin, and contains six or eight roundish flattened 
 seeds, which w'hen chewed emit a nauseous odour 
 
 This species of Acacia is a native of the East Indies, growing abundantly 
 in various provinces of Hindostan, and in the Burman empire. Pereira says 
 that it is now common in Jamaica. Like most others of the same genus, it 
 abounds in astringent matter, which may be extracted by decoction. Catechu 
 is an extract from the wood of the tree. 
 
 This drug had been long known before its source was discovered. It was 
 at first called terra Japonicu, under the erroneous impression that it was an 
 earthy substance derived from Japan. When ascertained by analysis to be 
 of vegetable origin, it was generally considered by writers on the Materia 
 Medica to be an extract of the betel-nut, which is the fruit of a species of 
 palm, denominated Arcca Catechu. Its true origin was made known by Mr. 
 Kerr, assistant-surgeon of the civil hospital in Bengal, who had an opportunity 
 of examining the tree from which it was obtained, and of witnessing the pro- 
 cess of extraction. According to Mr. Kerr, the manufacturer, having cut off 
 the exterior white part of the tvood, reduces the interior brown or reddish- 
 coloured portion into chips, which he then boils in water in uuglazed earthen 
 vessels, till all the soluble matter is dissolved. The decoction thus obtained 
 i3 evaporated first by artificial heat, and afterwards in the sun, till it has 
 assumed a thick consistence, when it is spread out to dry upon a mat or cloth, 
 being, while yet soft, divided by means of a string into square or quadrangular 
 pieces. The account more recently given by Dr. Boyle, of the preparation 
 of the extract in Northern India, is essentially the same. The process, as 
 he observed it, was completed by the pouring of the extract into quadrangular 
 
PART I. 
 
 Catechu. 
 
 199 
 
 earthen moulds. Our own countryman, the Rev. Howard Malcolm, states, 
 in his “Travels in South Eastern Asia,” that catechu is largely prepared from 
 the wood of Acacia Catechu in the vicinity of Prome, in Burmah. Two kinds, 
 he observes, are prepared from the same tree, one black , which is preferred in 
 China, and the other red, which is most esteemed in Bengal. According to 
 some authors, the unripe fruit and leaves are also submitted to decoction. 
 
 The name catechu in the native language signifies the juice of a, tree, and 
 appears to have been applied to astringent extracts obtained from various 
 plants. According to the United States and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, how- 
 ever, the term is properly restricted to the extract of Acacia Catechu; as it 
 was not intended to recognise all the astringent products which are floating 
 in Asiatic commerce; and those from other sources than the Acacia, though 
 they may occasionally find their way into our shops, do so as an exception to 
 the general rule. A minute account of the diversified forms and exterior 
 characters, which the officinal catechu presents as produced in different locali- 
 ties, would rather tend to perplex the reader than to serve any good practical 
 purpose. These characters are, moreover, frequently changing, as the drug 
 is procured from new sources, or as slight variations may occur in the mode 
 of its preparation. Commerce is chiefly supplied with catechu from Bahar, 
 Northern India, and Nepaul through Calcutta, from Canara through Bombay, 
 and from the Burman dominions. We derive it directly from Calcutta, or 
 by orders from London, and it is sold in our markets without reference to its 
 origin. It is frequently called cutch by the English traders, a name derived, 
 no doubt, from the Hindoostanee word cutt 
 
 * In order not to embarrass the text unnecessarily, we have thrown together into the 
 form of a note the following observations upon the varieties of catechu, those being 
 first considered which are probably derived from Acacia Catechu, and, therefore, recog- 
 nised as officinal in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 1. Officinal Catechus. U. S. 
 
 The following, so far as we have been able to distinguish them, are the varieties of 
 officinal catechu to be found in the markets of Philadelphia. 
 
 1. Plano-convex Catechu. Cake Catechu. This is in the form of circular cakes, flat 
 on one side, convex on the other, and usually somewhat rounded at the edge, as if the 
 soft extract had been placed in saucers, or vessels of a similar shape, to harden. As 
 found in the retail shops, it is generally in fragments, most of which, however, exhibit 
 some evidences of the original form. The cakes are of various size, from two or three 
 to six inches or more in diameter, and weighing from a few ounces to nearly two pounds. 
 Their exterior is usually smooth and dark brown, but we have seen a specimen in which 
 the flat surface exhibited impressions as if produced by coarse matting. The colour 
 internally is always brown, sometimes of a light yellowisli-brown or chocolate colour, 
 but more frequently dark reddish-brown, and sometimes almost black. The cakes are 
 almost always more or less cellular in their interior ; but in this respect great diversity 
 exists. Sometimes they are very porous, so as almost to present a spongy appearance, 
 sometimes compact and nearly uniform ; and this difference may be observed even in the 
 same piece. The fracture is sometimes rough and dull, but in the more compact parts 
 is usually smooth and somewhat shining ; and occasionally a piece split in one direction 
 will exhibit a spongy fracture, while in another it will be shining and resinous, indicat- 
 ing the consolidation of the extract in layers. This variety of catechu is often of good 
 quality. It is common at present in our market; but we have been unable to trace its 
 origin accurately. There can be little doubt, from its internal character, that it comes 
 from the East Indies, and is the product of A. catechu: but no accounts that we have 
 seen of the preparation of the drug, in particular geographical sites, indicate this par- 
 ticular shape ; and it is not impossible that portions of it may be formed out of other 
 varieties of catechu by a new solution and evaporation. 
 
 2. Pegu Catechu. This is the product derived from the Burman dominions, and 
 named from that section of the country whence it is exported. It enters commerce, 
 probably in general through Calcutta, in large masses, sometimes of a hundred weight, 
 consisting of layers of flat cakes, each wrapped in leaves said to be those of the Nauclea 
 Brunonis. In this form, however, we do not see it in the shops; but almost always in 
 
200 
 
 Catechu. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Properties. Catechu, as it comes to us, is in masses of different shapes, 
 some in balls more or less flattened, some in circular cakes, some saucer- 
 
 angular irregular fragments, in which portions of two layers sometimes cohere with 
 leaves between them, indicating their origin. It is characterized by its compactness, 
 its shining fracture, and its blackish-brown or . dark Port wine colour, so that when 
 finely broken it bears no inconsiderable resemblance to kino. This is an excellent 
 variety of catechu, and is not unfrequent in the shops. 
 
 3. Catechu in Quadrangular Cakes. This is scarcely ever found in the 6hops in its 
 complete form, and the fragments are often such that it would be impossible to infer 
 from them the original shape of the cake. This is usually between two and three inches 
 in length and breadth, and somewhat less in thickness, of a rusty-brown colour exter- 
 nally, and dark-brown or brownish-gray within, with a somewhat rough and dull frac- 
 ture, but, when broken across the layers in which it is sometimes disposed, exhibiting 
 a smoother and more shining surface. Guibourt speaks of the layers as being blackish 
 externally and grayish within, and bearing some resemblance to the bark of a tree, a 
 resemblance, however, which has not struck us in the specimens which have fallen 
 under our notice. There is little doubt that this variety comes from the provinces of 
 Bahar and Northern India, where the preparation of the drug was witnessed by Mr. 
 Kerr and Dr. Royle, who both speak of it as being brought, when drying, into the 
 quadrangular form. It has been called Bengal catechu, because exported from that 
 province. 
 
 Pale Catechu, so far as the term is not applied to Garnbir , may be considered as be- 
 longing to this variety. A specimen with this name, which was sent from India to the 
 great London exhibition, and which we have had an opportunity of examining, was in 
 oblong rectangular pieces, or fragments of such pieces, about three and a half inches 
 long by an inch and a half in breadth, of a dirty yellowish colour within, and an earthy 
 fracture, quite free from gloss, and bearing a much stronger resemblance to gambir 
 than to ordinary catechu. 
 
 4. Catechu in Balls. We have seen this in two forms — one consisting of globular 
 balls about as large as an orange, very hard and heavy, of a ferruginous aspect exter- 
 nally, very rough when broken, and so full of sand as to be gritty under the teeth : 
 the other in cakes, originally, in all probability, globular, and of about the same dimen- 
 sions, but flattened and otherwise pressed out of shape before being perfectly dried, 
 sometimes adhering two together, as happens with the lumps of Smyrna opium, and 
 closely resembling in external and internal colour, and in the character of their frac- 
 ture, the quadrangular variety last described. The former kind is rare, and the spe- 
 cimens we have seen had been twenty years in the shop, and had very much the 
 appearance of a factitious product. The latter is in all probability the kind known 
 formerly as the Bombay catechu ; as Dr. Hamilton, and more recently Major Mackintosh, 
 in describing the mode of preparing catechu on the Malabar coast, of which Bombay 
 is the entrepot, say that, while the extract is soft, it is shaped into balls about the 
 size of an orange. 
 
 2. Catechus not recognised as officinal in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 1 . Gambir. Terra Japonica. An astringent extract is abundantly prepared in certain 
 parts of the East Indies, under the name of gambir or gambeer, and imported into Europe 
 and America under that of terra Japonica. The plant from which it is obtained, called 
 by Mr. Hunter, who first minutely described it, Naiiclea Gambir, but by Roxburgh, 
 De Candolle and others, Uncaria Gambir, is a climbing shrub, belonging to the class 
 and order Pentandria Monogynia, and to the natural order Rubiacese of Jussieu, Cincho- 
 nacese of Lindley. It is a native of Malacca, Sumatra, Cochin-China, and other parts 
 of Eastern Asia, and is largely cultivated in the islands of Bintang, Singapore, and 
 Prince of Wales. The gambir is prepared by boiling the leaves and young shoots in 
 water, and evaporating the decoction either by artificial or solar heat. When of a 
 proper consistence, it is spread out into flat cakes in moulds or otherwise, and then 
 cut into small cubes, which are dried in the sun. Sometimes these cohere into a mass, 
 in consequeuce of being packed together before they are perfectly dry. 
 
 Gambir is in cubes, With sides about an inch square, is light and porous so that it 
 floats when thrown in water, is of a deep yellowish or reddish-brown colour externally, 
 but much paler within, presents a dull earthy surface when broken, is inodorous, and 
 has a strongly astringent, bitter, and subsequently sweetish taste. It softens and swells 
 up when heated, and leaves a minute proportion of ashes when burnt. It is partially 
 soluble in cold water, and almost wholly so in boiling water, which deposits a portion 
 upon cooling. Duhamel, Ecky, and Procter dissolved 87-5 per cent, of it in cold water 
 by means of percolation. (Mm. Journ. of Phann., xvi. 166.) Neesvon Esenbeck found 
 
PABT I. 
 
 Catechu. 
 
 201 
 
 shaped, others cubical or oblong, or quite irregular, and of every grade in 
 size, from small angular pieces, which are evidently fragments of the original 
 
 it to consist of from 36 to 40 per cent, of tannic acid, a peculiar principle, called cate- 
 chuin or calechuic acid, gum or gummy extractive, a deposit like the cinchonic red. and 
 two and a half per cent, of lignin. Catechuic acid, when perfectly pure, is snow-white, 
 of a silky appearance, crystallizable in fine needles, unalterable if dry in the air, fusible 
 by heat, very slightly soluble in cold water with which it softens and swells up, soluble 
 in boiling water which deposits it on cooling, and soluble also in alcohol and ether. It 
 very slightly reddens litmus paper, and, though it colours the solution of chloride of iron 
 green, and produces with it a grayish-green precipitate, it differs from tannic acid in not 
 affecting a solution of gelatin. It bears considerable analogy to gallic acid in its re- 
 lations to the metallic salts. To prepare it, the precipitate which falls upon the cooling 
 of the decoction of garnbir, is well washed upon a filter with cold water, and again 
 dissolved in boiling water with a little purified animal charcoal. The solution, being 
 filtered and allowed to stand, gradually deposits the acid, of a snow-white colour. To 
 obtain it perfectly white in the dry state, it must be dried under an exhausted receiver 
 with sulphuric acid. ( Wackenroder , Annal. der Pharm., xxxi. 72.) The sweet taste of 
 garnbir is thought to depend on this constituent. 
 
 Several varieties of garnbir are described. Sometimes it is in oblong instead of 
 cubical pieces, without differing in other respects from the ordinary kind ; sometimes 
 in small circular cakes or short cylindrical pieces, heavier than water, of a pale reddish- 
 yellow colour, moderately astringent, gritty under the teeth, and quite impure; some- 
 times in very small cubes, distinguishable by the black colour they afford w T ith tincture 
 of iodine, indicating the admixture of sago or other amylaceous matter; and, finally, 
 in circular cakes of the size of a small lozenge, flat on one side, and somewhat convex 
 on the other, of a pale pinkish yellowish-white colour, and a chalky feel. This is most 
 highly esteemed by the natives in India. (Pereira.) None of these varieties occur to 
 any extent in our commerce, and we have met with none of them in the shops. 
 
 Garnbir was probably the substance first brought from the East under the name of 
 terra Japonica. It is largely consumed in the East by the betel-chewers. Great quanti- 
 ties are imported into Europe, where it is used for tanning, calico printing, dyeing, &c. 
 In this country, it is also largely consumed by the calico printer. Though a strong 
 astringent, and applicable to the same purposes as the officinal catechu, it is seldom 
 medicinally employed in the United States. 
 
 2. Areca Catechu. This is obtained from the areca nut or betel nut, which is the seed 
 of Areca Catechu, a palm cultivated in all parts of India, (See Appendix.) It is prepared 
 by boiling the nuts in water, and evaporating the decoction. There are two varieties ; 
 one of a black colour, very astringent, mixed with paddy husks and other impurities, 
 and obtained by evaporating the first decoction ; the other, yellowish-brown, of an 
 earthy fracture, and pure, resulting from the evaporation of a decoction of the nuts 
 which had been submitted to the previous boiling. The first is called kassu, the other 
 coury. (Heyne, Tracts, §c., on India.) They are prepared in Mysore, and Ainslie states 
 that both varieties are sold in the bazars of Lower India, and used for the same pur- 
 pose as the officinal catechu by the native and European practitioners. They are also 
 much used for chewing by the natives. But they are seldom exported, and it is un- 
 certain whether they find their way into European or American commerce. Pereira 
 thinks he has identified the kassu with a variety of catechu derived from Ceylon, where 
 he has been informed that an extract of the areca nut is prepared. It is in circular flat 
 cakes, from two to three inches in diameter, scarcely an inch thick, covered on one side 
 with paddy husks, and internally blackish-brown and shining, like Pegu catechu. 
 
 Guibourt and Pereira describe other varieties, which we have not met with, and which 
 are probably rare. One of these is the Siam catechu, in conical masses shaped like a 
 betel nut, and weighing about a pound and a half. Its fracture is shining and liver- 
 coloured, like that of hepatic aloes ; in other respects it resembles Pegu catechu. 
 Another is the black mucilaginous catechu of Guibourt, in parallelopipeds an inch and a 
 half in length, by an inch in breadth. Internally it is black and shining, and its taste 
 is mucilaginous and feebly astringent. A third is the dull reddish catechu of Guibourt, 
 in somewhat flattened balls, weighing three or four ounces, of a dull-reddish, wavy, 
 and often marbled fracture. We saw something like this many years since, which had 
 been brought upon speculation by a merchant from Calcutta, but it is not now in the 
 market. Lastly, there is a pale or whitish catechu, in small roundish or oval lumps, 
 with an irregular surface, dark or blackish-brown externally, very pale and dull 
 internally, and of a bitter, astringent, and sweetish taste, with a smoky flavour. It 
 is unknown in commerce. 
 
202 
 
 Catechu. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 cakes, to lumps which weigh one or two pounds. The colour is externally of 
 a rusty brown, more or less dark, internally varying from a pale reddish or 
 yellowish-brown to a dark liver colour. In some specimens it is almost black, 
 in others somewhat like the colour of Port wine, and in others again, though 
 rarely, dull red like annotta. The extract has been distinguished into the 
 pale and dark varieties; but there does not appear to be sufficient ground for 
 retaining this distinction. Catechu is inodorous, with an astringent and bitter 
 taste, followed by a sense of sweetness. It is brittle, and breaks with a frac- 
 ture which is rough in some specimens, in others uniform, resinous, and 
 shining. That which is preferred in our market is of a dark colour, easily 
 broken into small angular fragments, with a smooth glossy surface, bearing 
 some resemblance to kino. Catechu is often mixed with sand, sticks, and 
 other impurities. Its chief chemical constituents are tannic acid, extractive, 
 and mucilage. Out of 200 parts of Bombay catechu, Sir H. Davy obtained 
 109 parts of tannic acid, 68 of extractive, 18 of mucilage, and 10 of insoluble 
 residue. The same quantity of Bengal catechu yielded 97 of tannic acid, 73 
 of extractive, 16 of mucilage, and 14 of insoluble residue. Other experi- 
 menters have obtained results somewhat different. The proportion of tannic 
 acid, which may be considered the efficient principle, varies from about 30 to 
 55 per cent, in the different varieties of the drug. The portion designated 
 by Davy as extractive is said to contain, if it do not chiefly consist of, a prin- 
 ciple discovered by Buchner, and now called catechuic acid. (See note, page 
 201.) The tannic acid is of the variety which precipitates iron of a greenish- 
 black colour. It precipitates gelatin, but not tartar emetic. ( Kane .) Catechu 
 is almost entirely soluble in a large quantity of water, to which it imparts a 
 brown colour. The extractive is much less soluble than the astringent prin- 
 ciple, which may be almost entirely separated from it by the frequent appli- 
 cation of small quantities of cold water. Boiling water dissolves the extractive 
 matter much more readily than cold, and deposits it of a reddish-brown colour 
 upon cooling. Both principles are readily dissolved by alcohol or proof spirit. 
 Ether dissolves the tannic acid, and with it whatever catechuic acid may be 
 contained in the drug. For the important reactions of catechu, see Acidum 
 Tannicum . 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Catechu is gently tonic, and powerfully 
 astringent. The dark coloured has the latter property in a somewhat greater 
 degree than the light, and is therefore usually preferred. The latter, being 
 rather sweeter, is preferred by the Malays, Hindoos, and other Indians, who 
 consume vast quantities of this extract by chewing it, mixed with aromatics 
 and a small proportion of lime, and wrapped in the leaf of the Piper Betel. 
 Catechu may be advantageously used in most cases where astringents are 
 indicated, and, though less employed in this country than kino, is not in- 
 ferior to it in virtues. The complaints to which it is best adapted are diarrhoea 
 dependent on debility or relaxation of the intestinal exhalants, and passive 
 hemorrhages, particularly that from the uterus. A small piece, held in the 
 mouth and allowed slowly to dissolve, is an excellent remedy in relaxation of 
 the uvula, and the irritation of the fauces and troublesome cough which de- 
 pend upon it. Applied to spongy gums, in the state of powder, it sometimes 
 proves useful; and it has been recommended as a dentifrice in combination 
 with powdered charcoal, Peruvian bark, myrrh, &c. Sprinkled upon the 
 surface of indolent ulcers, it is occasionally beneficial, and is much used in 
 Iudia for the same purpose, in the form of an ointment. An infusion of 
 catechu may be used as an injection in obstinate gonorrhoea, gleet, and leu- 
 corrheea, and we have found it highly beneficial, when throwu up the nostrils, 
 in arresting epistaxis. The dose is from ten grains to half a drachm, which 
 
part I. Centaurium. — Cera Alia . — Cera Flava. 203 
 
 should be frequently repeated, and is best given with sugar, gum Arabic, and 
 water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Electuarium Catechu; Infusum Catechu Composituin; Pulvi3 
 Catechu Compositus; Tinctura Catechu. W. 
 
 CENTAURIUM. Ed. 
 
 Common European Centaury. 
 
 The flowering heads of Ervthraea Centaurium. Ed. 
 
 Petite centaure, Ft.; Tausenguldenkraut, Germ.; Centaurea minore, Ilal.; Centaura 
 minor, Span. 
 
 Erythraga. Sex. Sysl. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat.Ord. Gentianaceae. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Capsule linear. Calyx five-cleft. Corolla funnel-shaped, with a 
 short limb withering. Anthers often bursting, spiral. Stigmas two. Loudon’s 
 Encyc. 
 
 Erythreea Centaurium. Loudon’s Encyc. of Plants, p. 130. — Chironia Cen- 
 taurium. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1068; Woodv. Med. Dot. p. 275, t. 96. This 
 is a small, annual herbaceous plant, rising about a foot in height, with a 
 branching stem, which divides above into a dichotomous panicle, and bears 
 opposite, sessile, ovate-lanceolate, smooth, and obtusely pointed leaves. The 
 flowers are of a beautiful rose colour, standing without peduncles in the axils 
 of the stems, with their calyx about half as long as the tube of the corolla. 
 The plant grows wild in most parts of Europe, adorning the woods and pas- 
 tures, towards the close of summer, with its delicate flowers. 
 
 The herb, though without odour, has a strong bitter taste, which it imparts 
 to water and alcohol. The flowering summits are the officinal part. The 
 name of centaurin has been proposed for its bitter principle. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The common centaury of Europe has tonie 
 properties very closely resembling those of gentian, with which it is associated 
 in the same natural family. It is employed on the other side of the Atlantic 
 in dyspeptic complaints, and formerly had considerable reputation in the treat- 
 ment of fever. It was one of the ingredients of the Portland powder. In the 
 United States it has been superseded by the Sahhatia angularis, or American 
 centaury. The dose of the powder is from thirty grains to a drachm. Another 
 species of Erythrasa ( E . Chilensis ) possesses similar properties, and is employed 
 to a considerable extent in Chili as a mild tonic. W. 
 
 CERA ALBA. U. S., Loud., Ed., Dub. 
 
 White Wax. 
 
 Bleached yellow wax. US., Lond., Ed., Did. 
 
 Cire blanche, Fr.; Weisses Wa'clis, Germ.; Cera bianca, Ital.; Cere blanca, Span. 
 
 CERA FLAYA. U. S., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Yellow Wax. 
 
 A peculiar concrete substance prepared by Apis mellifica. U. S. Waxy 
 concretion of Apis mellifica. Ed. A secretion of Apis mellifica. Dub. 
 
 Off. Syn. CERA. Apis mellifica. The prepared comb. Lond. 
 
 Cirejaune, Fr.; Gelbes Wachs, Germ.; Cera gialla, Ital. ; Cera amarilla, Span. 
 
 Wax is a product of the common bee, Apis mellifica of naturalists, which 
 
204 
 
 Cera Alba. — Cera Flava. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 constructs with it the cells of the comb in which the honey and larvae are de- 
 posited. It was at one time doubted whether the insect elaborated the wax 
 by its own organs, or merely gathered it from vegetables. The question was 
 set at rest by Huber, who fed a swarm of bees exclusively on honey and water, 
 and found that they formed a comb consisting of wax. This, therefore, is a 
 proper secretion of the insect. It is produced in the form of scales under the 
 rings of the belly. But wax also exists in plants, bearing in this, as in other 
 respects, a close analogy to the fixed oils. It is, however, the product of the 
 bee only that is recognised by the Pharmacopoeias. This is directed in two 
 forms: 1. that of yellow wax procured immediately from the comb; and 2. 
 that of white wax prepared by bleaching the former. We shall consider 
 these separately, and afterwards give an account of vegetable icax. 
 
 1. Cera Feava or Yellow Wax. This is obtained by slicing the comb 
 taken from the hive, draining and afterwardsexpressing the honey, and melt- 
 ing the residue in boiling water, which is kept hot for some time in order to 
 allow the impurities to separate, and either subside or be dissolved by the 
 water. When the liquid cools the wax concretes, and, having been removed 
 and again melted in boiling water, is strained and poured into pans or other 
 suitable vessels. It is usually brought to market in round flat cakes of con- 
 siderable thickness. The druggists of Philadelphia are supplied chiefly from 
 the Western States and North Carolina, especially the latter, and from Cuba. 
 Some of inferior quality is imported from Africa. 
 
 In this state, wax has a yellowish colour, an agreeable somewhat aromatic 
 odour, and a slight peculiar taste. To the touch it is rather soft and unctuous, 
 though of a firm solid consistence and brittle. It has a granular fracture; 
 but when cut with a knife presents a smooth glossy surface, the lustre of 
 which is so peculiar as, when met with in other bodies, to be called waxy. 
 It does not adhere to the lingers, nor to the teeth when chewed, but is soft- 
 ened and rendered tenacious by a moderate heat. Its point of fusion is 142° 
 F. ; its specific gravity from 0’960 toO'965. The colour, odour, and taste of 
 yellow wax depend upon some associated principle or principles. 
 
 Various adulterations have been practised, most of which may be readily 
 detected. Meal, earth, and other insoluble substances are at the same time 
 discovered and separated by melting and straining the wax. When the frac- 
 ture is smooth and shining instead of being granular, the presence of resin 
 may be suspected. This is dissolved by cold alcohol, while the wax is left 
 untouched. Tallow and suet are detected by the softness they communicate 
 to the wax, and its unpleasant odour when melted. 
 
 Yellow wax is used in medicine chiefly as an ingredient of plasters and 
 cerates. 
 
 2. Cera Alba or White Wax. The colour of yellow wax is discharged 
 by exposing it with an extended surface to the combined influence of air, 
 light, and moisture. The process of bleaching is carried on to a considerable 
 extent in the vicinity of Philadelphia. The wax, previously melted, is made 
 to fall in streams upon a revolving cylinder, kept constantly wet, upon which 
 it concretes, forming thin riband-like layers. These, having been removed, 
 are spread upon linen cloths stretched on frames, and exposed to the air and 
 light; care being taken to water and occasionally turn them. In a few days 
 they are partially bleached; but, to deprive the wax completely of colour, it is 
 necessary to repeat the whole process once, if not oftener. When sufficiently 
 white it is melted aud cast into small circular cakes. The colour may also be 
 discharged by chlorine ; but. the wax is said to be somewhat altered. White 
 wax sometimes contains one or more free fatty acids, consequent probably upon 
 the employment of alkalies in bleaching it, which render it an unfit ingre- 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cera Alba. — Cera Hava. 
 
 205 
 
 dient in the unctuous preparations of certain salts. Of these acids it may be 
 deprived by means of alcohol. (Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., iv. 205.) 
 
 Perfectly pure was is white, shining, diaphanous in thin layers, inodorous, 
 insipid, harder and less unctuous to the touch than the yellow, soft and duc- 
 tile at 95° F., and fusible at about 155°, retaining its fluidity at a lower tem- 
 perature. According to Saussure, its specific gravity in the solid state is 
 0'966, at 178° F. 0’834, and at 201° 0'8247. By a great heat it is partly 
 volatilized, partly decomposed; and, when flame is applied to its vapour, it 
 takes fire and burns with a clear bright light. It is insoluble in water, and 
 in cold alcohol or ether, but is slightly soluble in boiling alcohol and ether, 
 which deposit it in a great measure upon cooling. The essential and fixed 
 oils dissolve it with facility; resin readily unites with it by fusion, and soaps 
 are formed by the action of soda and potassa in solution. It is not affected 
 by the acids at ordinary temperatures, but is converted into a black mass 
 when boiled with concentrated sulphuric acid. Its ultimate constituents are 
 carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Dr. John found it to consist of two distinct 
 principles, one of which he called cerin, the other myricin. According to 
 MM. Boudet and Boissenot, the former constitutes at least 70 per cent, of 
 wax, melts at about 143°, dissolves in 16 parts of boilrng alcohol, and is 
 saponifiable with potassa, yielding margaric acid, a little oleic acid, and a fatty 
 matter insusceptible of saponification called cerain; the latter melts at 149°, 
 is dissolved by 200 parts of boiling alcohol, and is not saponifiable by potassa. 
 M. Lewy inferred from his experiments that cerin and myricin are isomeric 
 with each other and with wax ; that by a boiling solution of potassa wax is 
 wholly saponified, without the formation of glycerin ; that both wax and cerin 
 are converted into stearic acid by saponification ; and that this, by a further 
 oxidation, is changed into margaric acid. (Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., iii. 
 315.) Messrs. Warrington and Francis, however, have found that the sub- 
 stance supposed to be stearic acid, though similar to that body in appear- 
 ance, is wholly different from it in properties and composition, and is isomeric, 
 if not identical, with the cerain above referred to. (Philosoph. Man.. Jan. 
 1844, p. 20.)* 
 
 * New views have been put forth as to the constitution of whs, in communications 
 from B. Collins Brodie to the Royal Society of London. Cerin, when quite pure, he 
 considers as peculiar acid, having the constitution C S4 H- 4 0 4 , which he names cerotic 
 acid. This he procures by precipitating a boiling alcoholic solution of cerin by means 
 of an alcoholic solution of acetate of lead, treating the precipitated cerotate of lead by 
 hot alcohol and ether until everything soluble is removed, then decomposing it with 
 concentrated acetic acid, washing the separated cerotic acid with boiling water, and 
 still further purifying it by solution in boiling absolute alcohol and refrigeration. The 
 acid is deposited pure. It melts at 172° F., and on cooling concretes into a very crys- 
 talline mass. When distilled alone, the greater portion of it passes unchanged ; where- 
 as, if mixed with the other constituents of wax, it is wholly decomposed ; and it is, 
 consequently, not found in the results of the distillation of wax itself. It is a singular 
 fact that cerotic acid was not found in some beeswax brought from Ceylon, showing that 
 wax varies much according to the circumstances under which it is produced. Myricin, 
 when entirely separated from the cerotic acid, is saponifiable, but with difficulty ; and 
 from the results of saponification palmitic acid (C 32 1I 32 0 4 ) was isolated, and a peculiar 
 body called by Mr. Brodie melissine, having the composition (C 60 tI 62 O 4 ), and considered 
 by him as a wax-alcohol, convertible by the loss of twoeqs. of hydrugen and the gain of 
 two of oxygen, into melissic acid, as alcohol is converted into acetic acid. (See Acetum.) 
 
 In the examination of a variety of wax from China, Mr. Brodie found a substance 
 called by him ceroline (C 54 II 56 0 2 ), which he regards as the alcohol of cerotic acid, into 
 which it was convertible by loss of hydrogen and gain of oxygen as above, that is by 
 oxidation, two eqs. of the hydrogen being converted into water. 
 
 According to these views, the varieties of wax are composed of substances having 
 
206 
 
 Cera Alba. — Cera Flava. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 White wax has been adulterated with white lead, tallow, suet, spermaceti, 
 stearic acid, and starch. White lead sinks to the bottom of the vessel when 
 the wax is melted. Fatty substances render lime-water turbid, when agitated 
 with it and allowed to stand. For the detection of stearin and stearic acid, 
 M. Lebel dissolves the suspected wax in two parts of oil, beats the cerate thus 
 formed with its weight of pure water, and then adds a few drops of solution of 
 subacetate of lead. If stearin be present, there is an immediate decomposi- 
 tion, and the mixture acquires an extraordinary solidity from the formation 
 of stearate of lead. ( Journ . dr Pharm. et de Chim., xv. 302.) Vogel pro- 
 poses chloroform as the means of detecting the adulteration with fatty matters. 
 That liquid dissolves only 25 per cent, of wax, but stearin and stearic acid 
 completely. If, therefore, wax, treated with 6 or 8 parts of chloroform, loses 
 more than one-quarter of its weight, it may be considered as impure. {Ibid., 
 xvii. 374.) Overbeck detects stearic acid by the abundant effervescence pro- 
 duced, in consequence of the escape of carbonic acid, when a small portion of 
 the suspected wax is boiled in a solution composed of one part of carbonate 
 of soda and fifty of distilled water. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., xi. 128.) 
 Starch remains behind when the wax is dissolved in oil of turpentine, aud 
 produces a blue colour with iodine added to water in which the wax has been 
 boiled. Pereira says that pure wax is yellowish-white; and that the white 
 wax in circular cakes always contains spermaceti, which is added to improve 
 its colour. 
 
 Medical Properties and Pses. Wax has little effect upon the system. 
 Under the impression that it sheathes the inflamed mucous membrane of the 
 bowels, it has been occasionally prescribed iu diarrhoea and dysentery; and it 
 is mentioned by Diosc-orides as a remedy in the latter complaint. By Poerner 
 it is highly recommended in excoriations of the bowels, attended with pain 
 and obstinate diarrhoea. His mode of using it is to melt the wax with oil 
 of almonds or olive oil, and, while the mixture is still hot, to incorporate it 
 by means of the yolk of an egg with some mucilaginous fluid. The dose is 
 half a drachm three or four times a day. Another method is to form an 
 emulsion by means of soap ; but it is evident that the soap would be the most 
 energetic ingredient. Wax is also used to fill cavities iu carious teeth. Its 
 chief employment, however, is in the formation of ointments, cerates, and 
 plasters. It is an ingredient iu almost all the officinal cerates, which owe 
 their general title to the wax they contain. 
 
 3. Vegetable Wax. Many vegetable products contain wax. It exists 
 in the pollen of numerous plants ; and forms the bloom or glaucous powder 
 which covers certain fruits, and the coating of varnish with which leaves are 
 sometimes supplied. Iu some plants it is so abundant as to be profitably 
 extracted for use. Such is the Ceroxylon Andicola, a lofty palm growing in 
 the South American Andes. Upon the trunk of this tree, in the rings left 
 by the fall of the leaves, is a coating of wax-like matter, about one-sixth of an 
 inch thick, which is removed by the natives, and employed in the manufacture 
 
 to each other similar relations to those which characterize alcohol and acetic acid re- 
 sulting from fermentation. ( C/iem . Gaz., vi. 225, and vii. 46.) 
 
 The China wax, above referred to, resembles spermaceti in whiteness and crystalline 
 appearance, but is distinguished by greater hardness and friability, and a somewhat 
 fibrous fracture. It melts at about 181° F., is very slightly soluble in alcohol or ether, 
 but dissolves easily in the oil of naphtha. It was formerly supposed to be of vegetable 
 origin ; but has been ascertained to be the product of an insect belonging to the genus 
 Coccus, which fixes itself to the branches of a certain tree, and investing them closely 
 becomes imbedded in a waxy material, which is scraped off with the insects, and con- 
 stitutes the crude wax. It is purified by melting and straining. (Hanbury; J’ha. 
 Journ. and Tram., xii. 476.) 
 
part I. Cera Alba . — Cera Flava. — Cerevisix Fermentum. 
 
 207 
 
 of tapers. It contains, according to Vauqutdin, two-thirds of a resinous sub- 
 stance, and one-third of pure wax. (Fee.) Two kinds of wax are collected in 
 Brazil, one called carnauha, from the leaves of a palm growing in the pro- 
 vince of Oeara, the other ocuha, from the fruit of a shrub of the province of 
 Para. (Journ. de Pharm. et de Chim., Be s 4r., v. 154.) But the form of 
 vegetable wax best known in this country is that derived from Myrica ceri- 
 fera, and commonly called myrtle ,vmx. The wax myrtle is an aromatic 
 shrub, from one to twelve feet high, found in almost all parts of the United 
 States from New England to Louisiana. The fruit, which grows in clusters 
 closely attached to the stems and branches, is small, globular, and covered 
 with a whitish coat of wax, which may be separated for use. Other parts of 
 the plant are said to possess medical virtues. The bark of the root is acrid 
 and astringent, and in large doses emetic, and has been popularly employed 
 as a remedy in jaundice. The process for collecting the wax is simple. The 
 berries are boiled in water, and the wax, melting and floating on the surface, 
 is either skimmed off and strained, or allowed to concrete as the liquor cools, 
 and removed in the solid state. To render it pure, it is again melted and 
 strained, and then cast into large cakes. It is collected in New Jersey, 
 North Carolina, and New England, and particularly in Kliode Island. 
 
 Myrtle wax is of a pale grayish-green colour, somewhat diaphanous, more 
 brittle and unctuous to the touch than beeswax, of a feeble odour, and a 
 slightly bitterish taste. It is about as heavy as water, and melts at 109°F. 
 It is insoluble in water, scarcely soluble in cold alcohol, soluble, with the ex- 
 ception of about thirteen per cent., in twenty parts of boiling alcohol, which 
 deposits the greater portion upon cooling, soluble also in boiling ether, and 
 slightly so in oil of turpentine. It is said to consist, like beeswax, of cerin 
 and myricin, containing 87 parts of the former and 13 of the latter in the 
 100. The green colour and bitterness depend upon a distinct principle, 
 which may be separated by boiling the wax with ether. On cooling, the wax 
 is deposited colourless, while the ether remains green. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. — This variety of wax has been popularly 
 employed in the LTnited States as a remedy for dysentery ; and we are told 
 by Dr. Fahnestock that he found great advantage from its use in numerous 
 cases, during an epidemic prevalence of that complaint. He gave the pow- 
 dered wax in doses of a teaspoonful frequently repeated, mixed with mucilage 
 or syrup. (Am. Journ. of Med. Scien., ii. 313.) It is occasionally substituted 
 by apothecaries for beeswax in the formation of plasters, and is used in the 
 preparation of tapers and candles. It is somewhat fragrant when burning, 
 but emits a less brilliant light than common lamp oil. W. 
 
 CEREVISIX FERMENTUM. Lornl, Dub. 
 
 Yeast. 
 
 Levure, Fr.; Bierkefen, Germ..; Berm onto di cervogia, Ital.; Espuma de cerveza, 
 Span. 
 
 This is the substance which rises, in the form of froth, to the surface of 
 beer, and subsides during the process of fermentation. A similar substance 
 is produced during the fermentation of other saccharine liquids. 
 
 It is flocculent, frothy, somewhat viscid, semi-fluid, of a dirty yellowish 
 colour, a sour vinous odour, and a bitter taste. At a temperature of 60° or 
 70°, in a close vessel or damp atmosphere, it soon undergoes putrefaction. 
 Exposed to a moderate heat, it loses its liquid portion, becomes dry, hard 
 and brittle; and may in this state be preserved for a long time, though with 
 
208 
 
 Cerevisise Fermentum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 the loss of much of its peculiar power. In France it is brought to the solid 
 state by introducing it into sacks, washing it with water, then submitting it 
 to pressure, and ultimately drying it. 
 
 Yeast is insoluble in alcohol or water. It was analyzed by Westrumb, 
 and found to contain in 15,142 parts, IB of potassa, 15 of carbonic acid, 10 
 of acetic acid, 45 of malic acid, 69 of lime, 240 of alcohol, 120 of extractive, 
 240 of mucilage, 815 of saccharine matter, 480 of gluten, 13,595 of water, 
 besides traces of silica and phosphoric acid. Its bitterness is attributable to 
 a principle derived from the hops. The property for which it is chiefly 
 valued is that of exciting the vinous fermentation in saccharine liquids, and 
 in various farinaceous substances. This property it owes to its azotized in- 
 gredient; for, if separated from this, it loses its powers as a ferment, and 
 re-acquires them upon its subsequent addition. It is also rendered ineffective 
 by the agency of strong alcohol, of several of the acids, as sulphuric and 
 concentrated acetic acid, by various other substances, and by a heat of 212°. 
 At an elevated temperature it is decomposed, affording products similar to 
 those which result from the decomposition of animal matters. 
 
 Examined with a microscope, yeast is seen to abound in minute transpa- 
 rent vesicles, which appear to contain one or more granules. These are now 
 believed to be a fungous plant, which has the power of propagating itself at 
 the expense of organic proximate principles with which it may be brought 
 into contact ; and attempts have been made to solve the mysteries of fermen- 
 tation by the conjecture, that the sugar or other fermenting substance, while 
 contributing to the nourishment of the fungus undergoes a decomposition 
 resulting in the formation of new products. Another theory, originally put 
 forth by Liebig, is that fermentation is merely a chemical movement, ex- 
 cited by a movement of decomposition going on in the ferment. Mulder 
 considers the cell-wall of the yeast plant to consist of a substance analogous 
 to cellulose, and its contents to be a protein body, differing in some respects 
 from gluten and albumen, and probably a superoxide of protein. During 
 fermentation, this protein body makes its way through the vesicular coat, un- 
 dergoes decomposition by the agency of heat, and, in the act of decomposi- 
 tion, sets on foot the changes in sugar which result in the formation of alco- 
 hol and carbonic acid. ( Uhem . Gazette , Feb. 15,1845.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Yeast has been highly extolled as a remedy 
 in low fevers of a typhoid character, and is said to have been given with ad- 
 vantage in hectic. It is, however, little employed ; as its somewhat tonic and 
 stimulating effects, ascribable to the bitter principle of hops, the alcohol, and 
 the carbonic acid which are among its constituents, may be obtained with equal 
 certainty from more convenient medicines. The late Dr. Hewson, of Phila- 
 delphia, informed the authors that, in a case of typhoid fever, attended with 
 great irritability, of the stomach, the patient was benefited and sustained by 
 taking a pint of yeast daily for five days, during which period no other 
 remedy was employed. We have used it with apparent advantage in diabetes. 
 (See Trans, of Col. of Ph.ys. of Phil., N. S. i. 390.) It has also been re- 
 commended internally in boils. When largely taken, it generally proves 
 laxative ; and it may sometimes be necessary to obviate this effect by opium. 
 Externally applied, it is very useful in foul and sloughing ulcers, the fetor of 
 which it corrects, while it affords a gentle stimulus to the debilitated vessels. 
 It is usually employed mixed with farinaceous substances in the form of a 
 cataplasm. The dose is from half a fluidouuce to two fluidounces every two 
 or three hours. 
 
 Off. Prep. Cataplasma Fermenti. W. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cetaceum. 
 
 209 
 
 CETACEUM. U. S., Lond ., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Spermaceti. 
 
 A peculiar concrete substance obtained from Physeter macrocephalus. 
 U. S., Dub. A concrete substance prepared from the oily matter of the 
 bead. Loncl. The cetine nearly pure. Ed. 
 
 Blanc de baleine, Spermaceti, Cetine, Fr.; Wallrath, Germ..; Spermaceti, Ital.; Es- 
 perma de bellena, Span. 
 
 The spermaceti whale is from sixty to eighty feet long, with an enormous 
 bead, not less in its largest part than thirty feet in circumference, and con- 
 stituting one-third of the whole length of the body. The upper part of, the 
 head is occupied by large cavities, separated by cartilaginous partitions, and 
 containing an oily liquid, which, after the death of the animal, concretes into 
 a white spongy mass, consisting of spermaceti mixed with oil. This mass is 
 removed, and the oil allowed to separate by draining. The quantity of crude 
 spermaceti, obtained from a whale of the ordinary size, is more than sufficient 
 to fill twelve large barrels. It still contains much oily matter and other 
 impurities, from which it is freed by expression, washing with hot water, 
 melting, straining, and lastly by repeated washing with a weak boiling ley of 
 potash. Common whale oil and the oil of other cetaceous animals contain 
 small quantities of spermaceti, which they slowly deposit on standing. 
 
 Spermaceti is in white, pearly, semitransparent masses, of a crystalline 
 foliaceous texture; friable, soft, and somewhat unctuous to the touch ; slightly 
 odorous; insipid; of the sp.gr. 0'943; fusible at 112° F. ( Bostock ); vola- 
 tilizable at a higher temperature without change in vacuo, but partially de- 
 composed if the air is admitted; inflammable; insoluble in water; soluble in 
 small proportion in boiling alcohol, ether, and oil of turpentine, but deposited 
 as the liquids cool; readily soluble in the fixed oils; not affected by the 
 mineral acids, except the sulphuric, which decomposes and dissolves it; ren- 
 dered yellowish and rancid by long exposure to hot air, but capable of being 
 again purified by washing with a warm ley of potash. By the agency of the 
 alkalies, it is with difficulty saponified, yielding an acid, called by MM. Dumas 
 and Stass ethalic acid, and a peculiar principle named etlial by Chevreul. 
 From a more recent analysis, however, by Dr. Heintz, it would appear that 
 the ethalic acid of Dumas aud Stass is a complex substance, consisting of 
 not less than five distinct acids, viz. the margaric, palmitic, cede; myristic, and 
 cocinic, and that consequently pure spermaceti is a mixture of the salts which 
 these acids form wuth ethal. (See Chem. Gciz., x. 321.) The name of cedn 
 was proposed for it in this state by Chevreul. As found in the shops it is not 
 entirely pure, containing a fixed oil, and often a peculiar colouring principle. 
 From these it is separated by boiling in alcohol, which on cooling deposits 
 the cedn in crystalline scales. Thus purified, it does not melt under 120 F., 
 is soluble in 40 parts of boiling alcohol of the sp.gr. 0'821 ( Thcnard ), and 
 is harder, more shining, and less unctuous than ordinary spermaceti. Its 
 ultimate constituents are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. 
 
 Medical Froperdes and Uses. Like the fixed oils, spermaceti has been 
 given as a demulcent in irritations of the pulmonary and intestinal mucous 
 membranes; but it possesses no peculiar virtues, and its internal use has 
 been generally abandoned. It may be reduced to powder by the addition of 
 a little alcohol or almond oil, or suspended in water, by means of mucilage, 
 or the yolk of eggs and sugar. A convenient mode of forming an emulsion 
 with spermaceti, is to mix it first with half its weight of olive oil, then with 
 14 
 
210 
 
 Cetraria. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 powdered gum Arabic, and lastly with water gradually added. Externally 
 it is much employed as an ingredient of ointments and cerates. 
 
 Off. Prep. Ceratum Cetac-ei; Unguentum Aquae Rosae; Unguentum Can- 
 tharidis; Unguentum Cetacei. W. 
 
 CETRARIA. U S., Londi, Ed. 
 
 Iceland Moss. 
 
 Cetraria Islandica. U. S., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. LICHEN ISLANDICUS. Cetraria Islandica. Didj. 
 
 Lichen d’Islande, Ft.; Islandiches Moos, Germ.; Lichene Islandico, Ilal.; Liquen 
 Islandico, Span. 
 
 Cetraria. Sex. Syst. Cryptogamia Lichenes. — Nat. Ord. Lichenaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Plant cartilagino-membranous, ascending or spreading, lobed, 
 smooth, and naked on both sides. Apothecia shield-like, obliquely adnate 
 with the margin, the disk coloured, plano-concave; border indexed, derived 
 from the frond. ( Loudon's Encyc .) 
 
 The genus Liclien of Linnaeus has been divided by subsequent botanists 
 into numerous genera, which have been raised to the dignity of a distinct 
 order, both in the natural and artificial systems of arrangement. The name 
 Cetraria has been conferred on the genus to which the Iceland moss belongs. 
 
 Cetraria Inland ica. Acharius, Lichen og. Univ. 512. — Liclien Islandiciis. 
 Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 803, t. 271. Iceland moss is foliac-eous, erect, from 
 two to four inches high, with a dry, coriaceous, smooth, shining, laciniated 
 frond or leaf, the lobes of which are irregularly subdivided, channeled, and 
 fringed at their edges with rigid hairs. Those divisions upon which the 
 fruit is borne are dilated. The colour is olive-brown or greenish gray above, 
 reddish at the base, and lighter on the under than the upper surface. The 
 fructification is in flat, shield-like, reddish-brown receptacles, with elevated 
 entire edges, placed upon the surface of the frond near its border. 
 
 The plant is found in the northern latitudes of the old and new continents, 
 and on the elevated mountains further south. It received its name from 
 the abundance in which it prevails in Iceland. It is also abundant on the 
 mountains and in the sandy plains of New England. 
 
 The dried moss is of diversified colour, grayish-white, brown, and red, 
 in different parts, with less of the green tint than in the recent state. It is 
 inodorous, and has a mucilaginous, bitter taste. Macerated in water, it ab- 
 sorbs rather more than its own weight of the fluid, and, if the water be warm, 
 renders it bitter. Boiling water extracts all its soluble principles. The de- 
 coction thickens upon cooling, and acquires a gelatinous consistence, resem- 
 bling that of starch in appearance, but without its viscidity. After some 
 time the dissolved matter separates, and when dried forms semitransparent 
 masses, insoluble in cold water, alcohol, or ether, but soluble in boiling water, 
 and in solution forming a blue compound with iodine. This principle resem- 
 bles starch in its general characters, but differs from it in some respects, and 
 has received the distinctive name of lichenin. Berzelius found in 100 parts 
 of Iceland moss 1'6 of chlorophylle, 3’0 of a peculiar bitter principle, o 'G of 
 uncrystallizable sugar, 3'7 of gum, 7'0 of the apotheme of extractive, 44'6 
 of the peculiar starch-like principle, 1'9 of the bilichenates of potassa and 
 lime mixed with phosphate of lime, and 86'2 of amylaceous fibrin — the 
 excess being I'd parts. ( Traite de ('him., vi. 251.) 
 
 The name of cetrarin has been conferred on the bitter principle. The 
 following process for obtaining it is that of Dr. Ilerberger. The moss, 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cetraria. 
 
 211 
 
 coarsely powdered, is boiled for half an hour in four times its weight of 
 alcohol of 0'883. The liquid, when cool, is expressed and filtered, and 
 treated with diluted muriatic acid, in the proportion of three drachms to 
 every pound of moss employed. Water is then added in the quantity of 
 about four times the bulk of the liquid, and the mixture left for a night in a 
 closed matrass. The deposit which forms is collected on a filter, allowed to 
 drain as much as possible, and submitted to the press. To purify it, the 
 mass, while still moist, is broken into small pieces, washed with alcohol or 
 ether, and treated with two hundred times its weight of boiling alcohol, which 
 dissolves the cetrarin, leaving the other organic principles by which it has 
 been hitherto accompanied. The greater part is deposited as the liquor cools, 
 and the remainder may be obtained by evaporation. By this process one 
 pound of moss yielded to Dr. Herberger 133 grains of cetrarin. This prin- 
 ciple is white, not crystalline, light, unalterable in the air, inodorous, apd 
 exceedingly bitter, especially in alcoholic solution. Its best solvent is abso- 
 lute alcohol, of which 100 parts dissolve 1'7 of cetrarin at the boiling tem- 
 perature. Ether also dissolves it, and it is slightly soluble in water. Its 
 solutions are quite neutral to test paper. It is precipitated by the acids, and 
 rendered much more soluble by the alkalies. Concentrated muriatic acid 
 changes its colour to a bright blue. It precipitates the salts of iron, copper, 
 lead, and silver. In the dose of two grains, repeated every two, hours, it has 
 been used successfully in intermittent fever. ( Journ . de Pharm., xxiii. 505.) 
 Drs. Schnedermann and Knopp have ascertained that the cetrarin above re- 
 ferred to consists of three distinct substances; 1 . cetraric acid , which is the 
 true bitter principle, is crystallizable, and intensely bitter; 2. a substance 
 resembling the fatty acids, called Ticlistearic acid; and 3. a green colouring 
 substance, which they name thaUoch/or. These principles are obtained per- 
 fectly pure with great difficulty. {Ann. der Pharm., lv. 144.) 
 
 The gum and starch contained in the moss render it sufficiently nutritive 
 to serve as food for the inhabitants of Iceland and Lapland, who employ it 
 powdered and made into bread, or boiled with milk, having first partially 
 freed it from the bitter principle by repeated maceration in water. The bit- 
 terness may be entirely extracted by macerating the powdered moss, for 
 twenty-four hours, in twenty-four times its weight of a solution formed with 
 1 part of an alkaline carbonate and 375 parts of water, decanting the liquid 
 at the end of this time, and repeating the process with an equal quantity of 
 the solution. The powder being now dried is perfectly sweet and highly 
 nutritious. This process was suggested by Berzelius. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Iceland moss is at the same time demulcent, 
 nutritious, and tonic, and well calculated for affections of the mucous mem- 
 brane of the lungs and bowels, in which the local disease is associated with 
 debility of the digestive organs, or of the system generally. Hence it has 
 been found useful in chronic catarrhs, and other chronic pulmonary affections 
 attended with copious puruloid expectoration; as also in dyspepsia, chronic 
 dysentery, and diarrhoea. It has, moreover, been 'given in the debility suc- 
 ceeding acute disease, or dependent on copious purulent discharge from ex- 
 ternal ulcers. But it has acquired most reputation in the treatment of pul- 
 momiry consumption. It had long been employed in this disease, and in 
 haemoptysis, by the Danish physicians, before it became known to the pro- 
 fession at large. In the latter half of the last century it came into extensive 
 use, and numerous cures supposed to have been effected by it are on record. 
 But now that the pathology of phthisis is better understood, physicians have 
 ceased to expect material advantage from it in that disease ; and there is reason 
 to believe that the cases which have recovered under its use, were nothing 
 
212 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Cetraria. — Chenopodium. 
 
 more than chronic bronchitis. It acts only as a mild, nutritious, demulcent 
 tonic; and can exercise no specific influence over the tuberculous affection. 
 
 It is usually employed in the form of decoction. (See Decoctum Getrarise.) 
 By some writers it is recommended to deprive it of the bitter principle by 
 maceration in water, or a weak alkaline solution, before preparing the decoc- 
 tion ; but we thus reduce it to the state of a simple demulcent, or mild article 
 of diet, in which respect it is not superior to the ordinary farinaceous or 
 gummy substances used in medicine. The powder is sometimes given in the 
 dose of thirty grains or a drachm; and a preparation at one time obtained 
 some repute, in which the ground moss was incorporated with chocolate, and 
 used at the morning and evening meal as an ordinary beverage. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Cetrariae. W. 
 
 CHENOPODIUM. U. S. 
 
 Worm-seed. 
 
 The fruit of Chenopodium anthelminticum. U. S. 
 
 Chenopodium. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Chenopo- 
 diaceac. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-leaved, five-cornered. Corolla none. Seed one, len- 
 ticular, superior. Willd. 
 
 Chenopodium anthelminticum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1304 ; Barton, J led. 
 Bot. ii. 188. This is an indigenous perennial plant, with an herbaceous, 
 erect, branching, furrowed stem, which rises from two to five feet in height. 
 The leaves are alternate or scattered, sessile, oblong-lanceolate, attenuated at 
 both ends, sinuated and toothed on the margin, conspicuously veined, of a 
 yellowish-green colour, and dotted on their under surface. The flowers are 
 very numerous, small, of the same colour with the leaves, and arranged in 
 long, leafless, terminal panicles, which are composed of slender, dense, glo- 
 merate, alternating spikes. 
 
 This species of Chenopodium, known commonly by the names of wormseed 
 and Jerusalem oak, grows in almost all parts of the United States, but most 
 vigorously and abundantly in the southern section. It is usually found in 
 the vicinity of rubbish,- along fences, in the streets of villages, and in open 
 grounds about the larger towns. It flowers from July to September, and 
 ripens its seeds successively through the autumn. The whole herb has a 
 strong, peculiar, offensive, yet somewhat aromatic odour, which it retains 
 when dried. All parts of the plant are occasionally employed ; but the fruit 
 only is strictly officinal. This should be collected in October.* 
 
 Wormseed, as found in the shops, is in small grains, not larger than the 
 head of a pin, irregularly spherical, very light, of a dull, greenish-yellow or 
 brownish colour, a bitterish, somewhat aromatic, pungent taste, and possessed 
 in a high degree of the peculiar smell of the plant. These grains, when 
 deprived, by rubbing them in the hand, of a capsular covering which invests 
 
 * C. anthelminticum is cultivated to a considerable extent in Maryland, twenty or 
 thirty miles north of Baltimore. The seeds are sown in small beds of rich mould early 
 in spi’ing, and during the month of June the young plants are pulled up, and set out 
 in ridges three feet apart, with intervals of from six to ten inches. The plants do not 
 require to be renewed oftener than once in four or five years. The crop of the second 
 year is more productive than the first. The plant is fit for distillation during the first 
 half of September. The distillation is earned on in the same neighbourhood. The 
 whole herbaceous part of the plant is used. It is said to yield from 1-5 to 2 per cent, of 
 the oil, and the produce of an acre will yield 20 pounds. (See Am. Journ. of Pham., 
 xxii. 304.) 
 
part r. Chenopodium. — Chimaphila. 213 
 
 the proper seed, exhibit a shining surface of a very dark colour. They 
 abound in a volatile oil, upon which their sensible properties and medical 
 virtues depend, and which is obtained by distillation. (See Oleum Chenopo- 
 dii.) The same oil impregnates to a greater or less extent the whole plant. 
 
 The fruit of Chenopodium ambrosioides, which is also an indigenous 
 plant, and very prevalent in the Middle States, is said to be used indiscrimi- 
 nately with that of C. anthelminticum. It may be distinguished by its odour, 
 which is weaker and less offensive, and to some persons agreeable. The plant 
 itself is often confounded with the true wormseed, from which it differs in 
 having its flowers in leafy racemes. This species of Chenopodium has been 
 employed in Europe as a remedy in nervous affections, particularly chorea. 
 Five or six cases of this disease, reported by Plenk, after having resisted 
 the ordinary means, yielded to the daily use of an infusion of two drachms 
 of the plant in ten ounces of water, taken in the dose of a cupful morning 
 and evening, and associated with the employment of peppermint. 
 
 C. Botrys, known by the vulgar name of Jerusalem oak , is another indi- 
 genous species, possessing anthelmintic virtues. It is said to have been used 
 in France with advantage in catarrh and humoral asthma. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Wormseed is one of our most efficient indi- 
 genous anthelmintics, and is thought to be particularly adapted to the expul- 
 sion of the round worms in children. A dose of it is usually given before 
 breakfast in the morning, and at bed time in the evening, for three or four 
 days successively, and then followed by calomel or some other brisk cathar- 
 tic. If the worms are not expelled, the same plan is repeated. The medi- 
 cine is most conveniently administered in powder, mixed with syrup in the 
 form of au electuary. The dose for a child two or three years old is from 
 one to two scruples. The volatile oil is more frequently given than the fruit 
 in substance; though its offensive odour and taste sometimes render it of 
 difficult administration. The dose for a child is from five to ten drops, 
 mixed with sugar, or in the form of emulsion. A tablespoonful of the ex- 
 pressed juice of the leaves, or a wineglassful of a decoction prepared by 
 boiling an ounce of the fresh plant in a pint of milk, with the addition of 
 orange-peel or other aromatic, is sometimes substituted in domestic practice 
 for the ordinary dose of the fruit and oil. 
 
 Off. Prep. Oleum Chenopodii. W. 
 
 CHIMAPHILA. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Pipsissewa. 
 
 The leaves of Chimaphila umbellata. U. S. The herb. Bond. 
 
 Off. Syn. FYROIiA. Herb of Chimaphila umbellata. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Chimaphila. Sex. Syst. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Pyrolaceae. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Calyx five-toothed. Petals five. Style very short, immersed in 
 the germ. Stigma i annular, orbicular, with a five-lobed disk. Filaments 
 stipitate ; stipe discoid, ciliate. Capsides five-celled, opening from the sum- 
 mits, margins unconnected. Nuttall. 
 
 This genus was separated from Pyrola by Pursh. It embraces two species, 
 C. umbellata and C. maculata, which are both indigenous, and known by the 
 common title of winter green. The generic title was founded upon the vulgar 
 name of the plants. It is formed of two Greek words, winter, and 
 <]hxo; a friend. C, umbellata only is officinal. 
 
 Chimaphila umbellata. Barton, Med. Bot. i. 17; Carson, Tllust. of Med. 
 Bot. i. 62, pi. 53. — Pyrola umbellata. Willcl. Sp. Plant, ii. 62 ‘2 ; Bigelow, 
 Am. Med. Bot. ii. 15. The pipsissewa is a small evergreen plant, with a 
 
214 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Chimaphila. 
 
 perennial, creeping, yellowish root (rhizoma), which gives rise to several 
 simple, erect or semi-procumbent stems, from four to eight inches in height, 
 and ligneous at their base. The leaves are wedge-shaped, somewhat lance- 
 olate, serrate, coriaceous, smooth, of a shining sap-green colour on the upper 
 surface, paler beneath, and supported upon short footstalks, in irregular 
 W'horls, of which there are usually two on the same stem. The flowers are 
 disposed in a small terminal corymb, and stand upon nodding peduncles. 
 The calyx is small, and divided at its border into five teeth or segments. The 
 corolla is composed of five roundish, concave, spreading petals, which are of 
 a white colour tinged with red, and exhale an agreeable odour. The stamens 
 are ten, with filaments shorter than the petals, and with large, nodding, bifur- 
 cated, purple anthers. The germ is globular and depressed, supporting a thick 
 and apparently sessile stigma, the style being short and immersed in the germ. 
 The seeds are numerous, linear, chaffy, and enclosed in a roundish, depressed, 
 five-celled, fivC-valved capsule, having the persistent calyx at the base. 
 
 This humble but beautiful evergreen is a native of the northern latitudes 
 of America, Europe, and Asia. It is found in all parts of the United States, 
 and extends even to the Pacific Ocean. It grows under the shade of woods, 
 and prefers a loose sandy soil, enriched by decaying leaves. The flowers 
 appear in June and July. All parts of the plant are endowed w r ith active 
 properties. The leaves and stems are kept in the shops. 
 
 C. maculata, or spotted winter green , probably possesses similar virtues. 
 The character of the leaves of the two plants will serve to distinguish them. 
 Those of C. maculata are lanceolate, rounded at the base, where they are 
 broader than near the summit, and of a deep olive-green, veined with green- 
 ish-white ; those of the officinal species are broadest near the summit, gra- 
 dually narrowing to the base, and of a uniform shining green. 
 
 Pipsissewa, when fresh and bruised, exhales a peculiar odour. The taste 
 of the leaves is pleasantly bitter, astringent, and sweetish ; that of the stems 
 and root unites with these qualities a considerable degree of pungency. Boil- 
 ing water extracts the active properties of the plant, which are also imparted 
 to alcohol. The constituents, so far as known, are bitter extractive, tanuin, 
 resin, gum, lignin, and saline matters. The active principle has not been 
 isolated, though probably contained in the substance called bitter extractive. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This plant is diuretic, tonic, and astringent. 
 It was employed by the aborigines in various complaints, especially scrofula, 
 rheumatism, and nephritic affections. From their hands it passed into those 
 of the European settlers, and was long a popular remedy in certain parts of 
 the country, before it was adopted by the profession. The first regular trea- 
 tise in relation to it that has come to our knowledge, was the thesis of Dr. 
 Mitchell, published in the year 1803 ; but it was little thought of till the 
 appearance of the paper of Dr. Sommerville, in the 5th volume of the Lon- 
 don Medico-Chirurgical Transactions. By this writer it was highly recom- 
 mended as a remedy in dropsy ; and his favourable report has been sustained 
 by the subsequent statements of many respectable practitioners. It is par- 
 ticularly useful in cases attended with disordered digestion and general debil- 
 ity, in which its tonic properties and usual acceptability to the stomach prove 
 highly useful auxiliaries to its diuretic powers. Nevertheless, it cannot be 
 relied on exclusively in the treatment of the complaint; for, though it generally 
 produces an increased flow of urine, it has seldom effected cures. Other dis- 
 orders, in which it is said to have proved useful, are calculous and nephritic 
 affections, and in general all those complaints of the urinary passages for 
 which uva ursi is prescribed. It is highly esteemed by some practitioners 
 as a remedy in scrofula, both before and after the occurrence of ulceration ; 
 
part I. Chimaphila. — Chiretta. 215 
 
 and it has certainly proved highly advantageous in obstinate ill-conditioned 
 ulcers and cutaneous eruptions, supposed to be connected with the strumous 
 diathesis. In these cases it is used both internally, and locally as a wash. 
 
 The decoction is the preparation usually preferred, and may be taken to 
 the amount of a pint in twenty-four hours. The watery extract may be given 
 in the dose of twenty or thirty grains four times a day. Prof. Procter pre- 
 pares a syrup by macerating four ounces of the leaves, finely bruised, in 
 eight fluidounces of water for thirty-six hours, and then subjecting the mass 
 to percolation till a pint of fluid is obtained, which is reduced one-half by 
 evaporation, and incorporated with twelve ounces of sugar. One or two table- 
 spoonfuls may be given for a dose. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Chimaphilae. W. 
 
 CHIRETTA. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Chiretta. 
 
 Herb and root of Agathot.es Chirayta. Ed. The herb. Dub. 
 
 Agathotes. Sex. Syst. PentandriaMonogynia. — Nat. Ord. Gentianaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla withering, rotate, in aestivation twisted to the right; with 
 glandular hollows protected by a fringed scale upon the segments. Anthers 
 not changing. Stigmas sessile. Capsules conical ; one-celled, with spongy 
 placentae upon the sutures. Seeds indefinite, minute. ( L indie// ) 
 
 Agathotes Chirayta. Don, Land. Phil. Mag. 1836, p. 76. — Gentiana Chi- 
 rayta. Fleming, Asiat. Research, xi. 167. — Ophelia Chirata. Grisebach. 
 The chirayta or chiretta is an annual plant, about three feet high, with a 
 branching root, and an erect, smooth, round stem, branching into an elegant 
 leafy panicle, and furnished with opposite, embracing, lanceolate, very acute, 
 entire, smooth, three or five-nerved leaves. The flowers are numerous, pedun- 
 cled, yellow, with a four-cleft calyx having linear acute divisions, the limb 
 of the corolla spreading and four parted, four stamens, a single style, and a 
 two-lobed stigma. The capsules are shorter than the permanent calyx and 
 corolla. The plant is a native of Nepaul, and other parts of Northern India. 
 The whole of it is officinal. It is gathered when the flowers begin to decay. 
 
 The dried plant is imported into Europe in bundles, Consisting mainly of 
 the stems, with portions of the root attached. The stems are as above de- 
 scribed, and contain a yellowish pith. All parts of the plant have a very 
 bitter taste, which is strongest in the root. It is without odour. It imparts 
 its virtues to water and alcohol ; and they are retained in the extract. Ac- 
 cording to Lassaigne and Boissel, the stems contain resin, a yellow bitter 
 substance, brown colouring matter, gum, and various salts. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Chiretta has long been used in India, where 
 it is a favourite remedy with both the native and European practitioners. It 
 has been introduced into Europe, and appears to be highly esteemed ; but has 
 not been employed to any considerable extent in this country. Its proper- 
 ties are those of the pure bitters, and probably do not differ from those of 
 the other members of the family of Gentianaceas. (See Gentiana.) Like 
 these, in overdoses it nauseates and oppresses the stomach. Some have sup- 
 posed that, in addition to its tonic properties, it exerts a peculiar influence 
 over the liver, promoting the secretion of bile and correcting it when de- 
 ranged, and restoring healthy evacuations in cases of habitual costiveness. 
 But it may well be doubted whether it produces any other effects of this 
 kind than such as are incident to its tonic power. It has been used in 
 dyspepsia, in the debility of convalescence, and generally in cases in which 
 
216 
 
 Chiretta. — Chondrus. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 corroborant measures are indicated. In India it has been successfully em- 
 ployed in intermittents and remittents, combined with the seeds of Guilan- 
 dina Bonduc. It may be administered in powder, infusion, tincture, or 
 extract. The dose in substance is twenty grains. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Cbirettae; Tinctura C'hirettae. W. 
 
 CHONDRUS. U.S. 
 
 Irish Moss. 
 
 Chondrus crispus. TJ. S. 
 
 Chondrus. Sex. Syst. Cryptogamia Algae. — Nat. Ord. Algaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Frond cartilaginous, dilating upwards into a flat, nerveless, 
 dichotomously divided frond, of a purplish or livid-red colour. Fructifica- 
 tion, subspherical capsules in the substance of the frond, rarely supported on 
 little stalks, and containing a mass of minute free seeds. ( Greville .) 
 
 Chondrus crispus. Greville, Alp. Brit. 129, t. 15. — Sphaerococcus crispus. 
 Agardh . — Fucus crispus. Linn. The Irish, mOss, or carrageen as it is fre- 
 quently called, consists of a flat, slender, cartilaginous frond, from two to 
 twelve inches in length, dilated as it ascends until it becomes two or three 
 lines in width, then repeatedly and dichotomously divided, with linear, wedge- 
 shaped segments, and more or less curled up so as to diminish the apparent 
 length. The capsules are somewhat hemispherical, and are embedded in the 
 disk of the frond. The plant grows upon rocks and stones on the coasts of 
 Europe, and is especially abundant on the southern and western coasts of Ire- 
 land, where it is collected. It is said also to be a native of the United States. 
 
 When collected, it is washed and dried. In the recent state it is of a pur- 
 plish colour, hut, as found in the shops, is yellowish or yellowish-white, with 
 occasionally purplish portions. It is translucent, of a feeble odour, and nearly 
 tasteless. It swells in cold water, but does not dissolve. Boiling water dis- 
 solves a large proportion of it, and, if the solution be sufficiently concentrated, 
 gelatinizes on cooling. According to Feuehtwanger, it contains starch and 
 pectin, with compounds of sulphur, chlorine, and bromine, and some oxalate 
 of lime. Herberger found 79T per cent, of pectin, and 9'5 of mucus, with 
 fatty matter, free acids, chlorides, &c., but neither iodine nor bromine. M. 
 Dupasquier discovered in it both of these principles, which had generally 
 escaped attention in consequence of their reaction, as soon as liberated, upon 
 the sulphuret of sodium resulting from the decomposition of the sulphate of 
 soda of the moss when charred. ( Journ . de Pharm., oe ser., iii. 113.) The 
 pectin Pereira thinks peculiar, and proposes to call carrageenin. It is dis- 
 tinguished from gum by affording, when dissolved in water, no precipitate 
 with alcohol ; from starch, by not becoming blue with tincture of iodine; from 
 pectin, by yielding no precipitate with acetate of lead, and no mueie acid by 
 the action of nitric acid. 
 
 Carrageen is nutritive and demulcent, and, being easy of digestion and not 
 unpleasant to the taste, forms a useful article of diet in cases in which the 
 farinaceous preparations, such as tapioca, sago, barley, &e., are usually em- 
 ployed. It has been particularly recommended in chronic pectoral affections, 
 scrofulous complaints, dysentery, diarrhoea, and disorders of the kidneys and 
 bladder. It may be used in the form of decoction, made by boiling a piut 
 and a half of water with half an ounce of the moss down to a pint. Sugar 
 and lemon juice may usually be added to improve the flavour. 3Iilk may be 
 substituted for water, when a more nutritious preparation is required. It is 
 recommended Jo macerate the moss for about ten minutes in cold water before 
 
PART I. 
 
 Chondrus. — Cimicifuga. 
 
 217 
 
 submitting it to decoction. Any unpleasant flavour that it may have acquired 
 from the contact of foreign substances is thus removed. W. 
 
 CIMICIFUGA. U.S. 
 
 Black Snakeroot. 
 
 The root of Cimicifuga racemosa. U. S. 
 
 Cimicifuga. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Di-Pentagynia. — Nat. Ord. Ilanun- 
 culaceae. 
 
 Gen. C'h. Calyx four or five-leaved. Petals four to eight, deformed, thickish, 
 sometimes wanting. Capsules one to five, oblong, many-seeded. Seeds squa- 
 mose. JSkuttall. 
 
 Cimiafuf/a racemosa. Torrey, Flor. 219; Carson, III us t. of Med. Bot. i. 
 9, pi. 3. — C. Serpentaria. Pursh, Flor. Am. Sept. p. 372. — Acteea racemosa,. 
 Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1139. — Macrotys racemosa. Eaton’s Manual, p. 288. 
 This is a tall stately plant, having a perennial root, and a simple herbaceous 
 stem, which rises from four to eight feet in height. The leaves are large, 
 and ternately decomposed, having oblong-ovate leaflets, incised and toothed at 
 their edges. The flowers are small, white, and disposed in a long, terminal, 
 wand-like raceme, with occasionally one or two shorter racemes near its base. 
 The calyx is white, four-leaved, and deciduous; the petals are minute, and 
 shorter than the stamens; the pistil consists of an oval germ and a sessile 
 stigma. The fruit is an ovate capsule containing numerous flat seeds. 
 
 The black snakeroot, or cohosh as this plant is sometimes called, is a native 
 of the United States, growing in shady and rocky woods from Canada to 
 Florida, and flowering in June and July. The root is the part- employed. 
 
 This, as found in the shops, consists of a thick, irregularly bent or con- 
 torted body or caudex, from one-third of an inch to an inch in thickness, 
 often several inches in length, furnished with many slender radicles, and ren- 
 dered exceedingly rough and jagged in appearance by the remains of the 
 stems of successive years, which to the length of an inch or more are fre- 
 quently attached to the root. The colour is externally dark brown, almost 
 black, internally whitish; the odour, though not strong, is very peculiar and 
 rather disagreeable; the taste is bitter, herbaceous, and somewhat astringent, 
 leaving a slight sense of acrimony. The root yields its virtues to boiling 
 water. It was found by Mr. Tilghman, of Philadelphia, to contain gum, 
 starch, sugar, resin, wax, fatty matter, tannic and gallic acids, a black colour- 
 ing matter, a green colouring matter, lignin, and salts of potassa, lime, mag- 
 nesia, and iron. ( Journ . of Phil. Col. of Pharm., vi. 20.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The effects of cimicifuga in health have not 
 been fully investigated. It was at one time considered a mild tonic, with 
 the property of stimulating the secretions, particularly those of the skin, 
 kidneys, and bronchial mucous membrane; and has been thought by some to 
 have an, especial affinity for the uterus. It undoubtedly exercises consider- 
 able influence over the nervous system, probably of a sedative character; 
 but this influence, so far as our observation has gone, is shown more in 
 morbid states of that system than in health. Dr. Hildreth, of Ohio, found 
 it, in large doses, to produce vertigo, impaired vision, nausea and vomiting, 
 and a reduction of the circulation; but from very large quantities observed 
 no alarming narcotic effects. Dr. *N. S. Davis uniformly found it to lessen 
 the force and frequency of the pulse, to soothe pain, and allay irritability. 
 (Trans, of Am. Mecl. Assoc., i. 352.) Its common name was probably de- 
 rived from its supposed power of curing the disease arising from the bite of 
 the rattlesnake. It was originally employed in domestic practice in rheu- 
 
218 Cimicifuga. — Cinchona. part I. 
 
 matism, dropsy, hysteria, and various affections of the lungs, particularly 
 those resembling consumption. The first published notice of its use in 
 phthisis was by Dr. Thomas J. Garden, of Charlotte, Virginia. (Am. Med. 
 Recorder, October, 1823.)* Several cases of chorea are recorded by Dr. 
 Jesse Young, in which it effected cures; and the editor of the Am. Joum. 
 of the Med. Sci. states that he was informed by Dr. Physick that he had 
 known it, in the dose of ten grains every two hours, to prove successful in 
 the cure of this complaint in several instances. Dr. Young gave a teaspoon- 
 ful of the powdered root three times a day. (Am. Joum. of Med. Sciences, 
 ix. 310.) We have administered the medicine in chorea with complete 
 success, and have derived the happiest effects from it in a case of periodical 
 convulsions, connected with uterine disorder. Dr. Hildreth has found it, in 
 combination with iodine, very advantageous in the early stages of phthisis. 
 (Ibid., N. S., iv. 281.) Dr. F. N. Johnson has employed it with extra- 
 ordinary success in acute rheumatism ; the disease generally yielding com- 
 pletely within eight or ten days. (Trans, of Am. Med. Assoc., i. 352.) 
 
 It may be given in substance, decoction, or tincture. The dose of the 
 powder is from a scruple to a drachm. The decoction has been much used, 
 but is thought by some not to contain all the virtues of the root. An 
 ounce of the bruised root may be boiled for a short time in a pint of water, 
 and one or two fluidounees given for a dose. From half a pint to a pint of 
 the decoction may be taken without inconvenience during the day. The tinc- 
 ture may be made in the proportion of four ounces to the pint of diluted 
 alcohol, and given in the dose of one or two fluidrachms. In acute rheum- 
 atism, the remedy is recommended by Dr. Davis, in the dose of from thirty 
 to sixty drops of the tincture, or twenty grains of the powder, repeated every 
 two hours, till its effects are observed. ( Ibid ., p. 35G.) Dr. Brundige speaks, 
 in the strongest terms, of the efficacy of a saturated tincture of the dried root, 
 as an application about the eye and to the outer surface of the eyelids in oph- 
 thalmia. (Med. Exam., A r . S., vii. 809; from the iV. Y. Med. Gaud) W. 
 
 CINCHONA. U.S. 
 
 Peruvian Bark. 
 
 The bark of different species of Cinchona from the western coast of South 
 America. U. S. 
 
 Varieties. 
 
 CINCHONA FLAVA. U. S., Loud,, Ed., Dub. Yellow Baric. The 
 variety of Peruvian Bark derived from Cinchona Calisaya, and called in com- 
 merce Calisaya baric. U: S. The bark of Cinchona Calisaya. Land. Bark 
 of an unascertained species of Cinchona. Ed., Dub. 
 
 CINCHONA PALLIDA. U. S., Bond. Pale Bark. The variety of 
 Peruvian Bark derived from Cinchona Condaminea and Cinchona micrantba, 
 and called in commerce Loxa and Lima bark. L . S. Bark of Cinchona 
 Condaminea. Loud. CINCHONA CORONrE. Crown Bark. Bark of Cin- 
 chona Condaminea. CINCHONA CINERBA. Gray Bark. Silver Bark. 
 Bark of Cinchona micrantba. Ed. CINCHONA CONDAMINEA. Crown or 
 
 Loxa Bark. CINCHONA MICRANTHA. Gray or Iluan uco Bark. Dub. 
 
 • 
 
 * In a letter from Dr. Garden to the authors, dated May loth, 1850, that practitioner 
 states that thirty years’ use of the medicine has fully realized the favourable anticipa- 
 tions produced by the first trials. 
 
PART r. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 219 
 
 CINCHONA RUBRA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Red Bark. The variety 
 of Peruvian Bark called in commerce red bark. U. S. The bark of an un- 
 determined species of Cinchona. Lond , Ed., Dub. 
 
 Quinquina, Fr.; China, Peruvianiscke Rinde, Germ.; China, Ital.; Quina, Span. 
 
 Botanical History. 
 
 Though the use of Peruvian bark was introduced into Europe so early ns 
 1640, it was not till the year 1737 that the plant producing it was known to 
 naturalists. In that year, La Condamine, on a journey to Lima, through 
 the province of Loxa, had an opportunity of examining the tree, of which, 
 upon his return, he published a description in the Memoirs of the French 
 Academy. Soon afterwards Linnaeus gave it the name of Cinchona officinalis, 
 in honour of the Countess of Cinchon, who is said to have first taken the 
 bark to Europe; but, in his description of the plant, he united the species 
 discovered by La Condamine with C.pubescens, a specimen of which had been 
 sent him from Santa Fe de Bogota. For a long time it was not known that 
 more than one species existed ; and the C. officinalis continued, till a com- 
 paratively recent period, to be recognised by the Pharmacopoeias as the only 
 source of the Peruvian bark of commerce. But a vast number of plants 
 belonging to the genus Cinchona, as constructed by Linnmus, were in the 
 course of time discovered*; and the list became at length so unwieldy and 
 heterogeneous, that botanists were compelled to distribute the species into 
 several groups, each constituting a distinct genus, and all associated in the 
 natural family of Cinclionaceae. Among these genera, the Cinchona is that 
 which embraces the proper Peruvian bark trees, characterized by the pro- 
 duction of the three alkaloids, quinia, ciuchonia, and quinidia, as well as by 
 certain botanical peculiarities, among which the most distinctive is probably 
 the dehiscence of the capsule from the base towards the apex, or from below 
 upward. The new genera Exostemma and Buena embrace species which 
 have been, perhaps, most frequently referred to as Cinchonas; but they are 
 sufficiently characterized, the former by the projection of the stamens beyond 
 the corolla, a peculiarity which has given name to the genus, the latter by 
 the different shape of the corolla, the separation of the calyx from the fruit 
 at maturity, and the opening of the capsule from above downward. Very 
 recently Weddell has separated several generally admitted species from Cin- 
 chona, and instituted a new geuus, which he proposes to name CascariUa. 
 This includes the former Cinchona mai/nifotia of Ruiz and Pa von (O', ob- 
 long if alia of Mutis), the C. stenocarpa . of Lambert, the C. acutifolia of Ruiz 
 and Pavon, the C. oblongifolia of Lambert, the C. macrocarpa of Vahl, and 
 the O', cava of Pavon, which differ from the true Cinchona in having the 
 dehiscence of the capsules from the apex towards the base, or from above 
 downward, and the barks of which contain neither of the alkaloids above 
 referred to. (Weddell, Hist. Nat. des Quinquinas , p. 77.) With this brief 
 preliminary notice, we shall proceed to consider the true Cinchonas. It may 
 be proper, however, first to say, that the botanists who have personally 
 observed these plants, besides La Condamine, of whom we have before 
 spoken, are chiefly Joseph de Jussieu, who in the year 1739 explored the 
 country about Loxa, and gathered specimens still existing in the cabinets of 
 Europe; Mutis, who in the year 1772 discovered Ciuchona trees in New 
 Granada, and afterwards, aided by his pupil .Zen, made further investigations 
 and discoveries in the same region; Ruiz and Pavon, who in the year 1777 
 began a course of botanical inquiries in the central portions of Lower Peru, 
 and discovered several new species ; Humboldt and Bonqdand, who visited 
 several of the Peruvian bark districts, and published the results of their 
 
220 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 observations after 1792; Pbppig, who travelled in Peru as late as 1832, and 
 published an account of his journey about the year 1835; and finally Wed- 
 dell, whose recent researches in Bolivia are so well known, and have been so 
 productive of valuable information in relation to the Calisaya bark. 
 
 Cinchona. Sex. Syst. Peutandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Cinchonaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx with a turbinate tube, and a persistent five-toothed limb. 
 Corolla with a round tube, a five-parted limb, and oblong lobes valvate in 
 aestivation. Stamens with short filaments inserted into the middle of the 
 tube, and linear anthers entirely enclosed. Stigma bifid, subclavate. Cap- 
 sule ovate or oblong, somewhat furrowed on each side, bilocular, crowned 
 with the calyx, septicidal-dehiscent, with the mericarps loosened from the 
 base towards the apex, the introflexed part disjoined. Placentae elongated. 
 Seeds numerous, erect, imbricated upward, compressed, winged, with a mem- 
 branous margin, and a fleshy albumen. — The plants composing this genus are 
 trees or shrubs. The leaves are opposite upon short petioles, with flat mar- 
 gins, and are attended with ovate or oblong, foliaceous, free, deciduous stipules. 
 The flowers are terminal, in corymbose panicles, and of a white or purplish 
 rose colour. ( De Candolle .) 
 
 The genuine cinchona trees are confined exclusively to South America. 
 In that continent, however, they are widely diffused, extending from the 19th 
 degree of south latitude, considerably south of La Paz, in Bolivia, to the 
 mountains of Santa Martha, or, according to Weddell, to the vicinity of Ca- 
 racas, on the northern coast, in about the 10th degree of north latitude. 
 They follow, in this distance, the circuitous course of the great mountain 
 ranges, and for the most part occupy the eastern slope of the second range 
 of the Cordilleras. Those which yield the bark of commerce grow at various 
 elevations upon the Andes, seldom less than 4000 feet above the level of the 
 sea ; and require a temperature considerably lower than that which usually 
 prevails iu tropical countries. 
 
 There has been much difficulty in properly arranging the species of Cin- 
 choua. One source of the difficulty is stated by Humboldt to be the varying 
 shape of the leaves of the same species, according to the degree of elevation 
 upon the mountainous declivities, to the severity or mildness of the climate, 
 the greater or less humidity of the soil, and to various circumstances in the 
 growth of individual plants. Even the same tree often produces foliage of a 
 diversified character; and a person, not aware of this fact, might be led to 
 imagine that he had discovered different species, from an examination of the 
 leaves which had growu upon one and the same branch. The fructification 
 partakes, to a certain extent, of the same varying character. Lambert, in 
 his “Illustration of the genus Cinchona,” published in the year 1821, after 
 admitting with Humboldt the identity of several varieties which had received 
 specific names from other botanists, described nineteen species. De Candolle 
 enumerated only sixteen. Liudley admits twenty-one known species, and five 
 doubtful. Weddell describes twenty-one species, including eight new ones 
 of his own, and two doubtful, and excluding several before admitted by other 
 writers, which he joins to his new genus Casearilla. 
 
 Until very recently, it was impossible to decide from which species of Cin- 
 chona the. several varieties of bark were respectively derived. The former 
 references of the yellow bark to G. cordifolia, of the pale to C. lancifolia, 
 and of the red to C. oblongifolia, have been very properly abandoned in all 
 the Pharmacopoeias. It is now universally admitted that the officinal barks, 
 known in the market by these titles, are not the product of the species men- 
 tioned. It is stated by Humboldt, that the property of curing agues belongs 
 to the barks of all the Cinchonas with hairy and woolly blossoms, and to 
 these alone. All those with smooth corollas belong to the genus Casearilla 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 221 
 
 of Weddell. Within a few years much light has been thrown upon the bo- 
 tanical history of the different varieties of bark, and at present most of them 
 can be traced to their sources, though something in this respect remains yet 
 to be learned. The following species are acknowledged by the Pharmaco- 
 poeias of the United States and Great Britain. 
 
 1. Cinchona Calisaya. Weddell, Hist. Nat. des Quinquinas , p. 30, t. 3. 
 This is a lofty tree, with a trunk often two feet or more in diameter, and a 
 summit usually rising above the other trees of the forest. The leaves are 
 petiolate, oblong or lanceolate-obovate, from three to six inches long, and one 
 or two in breadth, obtuse, acute or slightly attenuated at the base, softish, 
 above smooth, of a velvety aspect and obscurely green, beneath smooth and 
 of a pale emerald hue, with scrobiculi at the axils of the veins, but scarcely 
 visible on the upper surface. The stipules are about as loDg as the petioles, 
 oblong, very obtuse, and very smooth. The flowers are in ovate or subco- 
 rymbose panicles. The calyx is pubescent, with a cup-shaped limb, and 
 short triangular teeth; the corolla is rose-coloured, with a cylindrical tube 
 about one-third of an inch long, and a laciniate limb fringed at the edges; 
 the stamina are concealed in the tube, and have anthers more than twice as 
 long as the filaments. The fruit is an ovate capsule scarcely as long as the 
 flower, enclosing elliptical lanceolate seeds, the margin of which is irregu- 
 larly toothed, so as to have a fimbriated appearance. The tree grows in the 
 forests, upon the declivities of the Andes, at the height of six or seven thou- 
 sand feet above the ocean, in Bolivia and the southernmost part of Peru. 
 
 A variety of this species, described by Weddell under the name of Josc- 
 phiana is a mere shrub, not more than twelve feet high, with a slender stem, 
 erect branches, and a bark strongly adherent to the wood. This variety is 
 fouud in some places covering extensive surfaces, destitute of forest trees. 
 Weddell supposes that these tracts had once been covered with forests, which, 
 having been destroyed by fires, have been succeeded by this stunted growth 
 springing up from the roots, and prevented from receiving its natural deve- 
 lopment by the want of protection from other trees. 
 
 By the discovery of this species the long unsettled point of the botanical 
 source of Calisaya bark has been determined. The immense consumption of 
 that bark, and the wasteful methods pursued by the bark gatherers have 
 caused the rapid destruction of the tree; and already it has disappeared from 
 the neighbourhood of inhabited places, except in tbe form of a shrub. Wed- 
 dell was compelled to make long journeys on foot through the forests, by 
 paths scarcely opened, before he could get a sight of the tree in its full vigour. 
 
 2. Cinchona Condaminea. Ilumb. and Bonpl. Plant. Equin. i. p. 33, t. 
 10; Lindley, Flor. Med. 414; Carson, Illust. of Med. Pot. i. 53, pi. 45. This 
 tree, when full growrn, has a stem about eighteen feet high and a foot in 
 thickness, with opposite branches, of which the lower are horizontal, and the 
 higher rise at their extremities. The bark of the trunk yields when wounded 
 a bitter astringent juice. The leaves are of variable shape, but generally 
 ovate-lanceolate, about four inches in length by less than two in breadth, 
 smooth, and scrobic-ulate at the axils of the veins beneath. The flowers are 
 in axillary, downy, corymbose panicles. The tree grows on the declivities 
 of the mountains, at an elevation of from about a mile to a mile and a half, 
 and in a mean temperature of 67° F. It was seen by Humboldt and Bon- 
 pland in the neighbourhood of Loxa, and is said also to grow near Guanca- 
 bamba and Ayavaca in Peru. It is now admitted to be the source of the 
 crown hark of Loxa. Weddell considers as varieties of this species, though 
 with some hesitation, as he has never seen them alive, the following; 1. 
 Candollii (C. macrocalyx of Pavon and Be Candolle) ; 2. lucumsefolia (C. 
 lucumaefolia of Pavon and Lindley); 3. lancifolia (C. lancifolia of Mutis), 
 
222 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 hereafter referred to as a distinct species; and 4. Pitayensis, growing in New 
 Granada. 
 
 3. C. micrantha. Ruiz and Pavon. FI. Peruv. ii. 52, t. 194; Lindley, 
 Flor. Med. 412; Carson, I/lust. of Med. Bot. i. 52, pi. 44. This is a large 
 tree, forty feet high, with oblong leaves, from four to twelve inches in length 
 and from two to six in breadth, scarcely acute, smooth, shining on the upper 
 surface, and scrobiculate at the axils of the veins beneath. The flowers are 
 in terminal, loose, leafless panicles, and are smaller than those of any other 
 species except C. lancifolia. ( Lindley .) The tree grows, according to Ruiz 
 and Pavon, in the mountains near Ohicoplaya, Monzon, and Puebla de San 
 Antonio, according to Poppig, at Cue-hero, and, according to Weddell, in the 
 Peruvian province of Carabaya, and in Bolivia. Ruiz states that its bark 
 is always mixed with that sent into the market from the provinces of Pana- 
 tahuas, Huamilies, and Huanuco. The Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges 
 ascribe to it the cinchona cinerea, the gray or silver hark of British com- 
 merce; and the U. S. Pharmacopoeia recognises it as one of the sources of 
 pale bark, as it undoubtedly is. 
 
 Besides the foregoing species, several others deserve a brief notice, either 
 as contributing to furnish the bark of commerce, or on account of the atten- 
 tion they have received from pharmacologists. 
 
 4. C. scrqbiculata. Humb. and Bonpl. Plant. Equin. i. p. 165, t. 47 ; 
 Weddell, Hist. Nat. des Quinquinas, p. 42, t. 7. This species was united 
 by Lindley with C. micrantha; but Weddell, who has had the amplest oppor- 
 tunities of forming a just conclusion, considers it as one of the best charac- 
 terized species of the genus. According to this author, the scrobiculi at the 
 axils of the veins on the under surface of the leaf, which are one of the most 
 prominent of its peculiarities, are not usually found in C. micrantha, as stated 
 in its description ; but that what have been taken for them, in the latter spe- 
 cies, are simply small bundles of hairs. The tree was seen by Humboldt 
 and Bonpland forming large forests near the city of Jaen de Bracomoros; 
 and Weddell states that it is met with also in the Peruvian provinces of Cuzco 
 and Carabaya. Large quantities of the bark were formerly collected at JaeD, 
 and sent to the coast to be shipped for Lima. At present the traders in this 
 bark are said by Weddell to be chiefly at Cuzco. The bark of the younger 
 branches has been ranked with the pale or gray barks; that of the larger 
 branches has been sometimes employed to adulterate the Calisaya. 
 
 5. C. lancifolia. Mutis, Period, de Santa Fe, p. 465; Lindley, Flor. Med. 
 415. This is one of the species discovered hy Mutis in New Granada, and 
 by the disciples of that botanist was considered as embracing many trees 
 which had received distinct specific designations. By the London College it 
 was long recognised as the source of one of the officinal barks, under the 
 impression, probably, that it was identical with 0. Condaminea, which was 
 known to yield one of the most highly valued varieties. It is, however, a 
 native of New Granada; and, as none of the barks recognised by the 
 Pharmacopoeias come from Carthagena, its product, which must be shipped 
 from that port, cannot be considered as ranking among them. It yields the 
 orange hark of Mutis, or fibrous Carthagena hark of present pharmacologists. 
 
 6. C. cordifolia. Mutis, in Humb. Magaz. Berlin, 1807, p. 117; Lindlev, 
 Flor. Med. 839 ; Carson, 1/lust, of Med. Bot. i. 51, pi. 43. This is a spreading 
 tree, fifteen or twenty feet high, with a single, erect, round stem, covered with 
 a smooth bark, of a brownish-gray colour. It was first discovered by Mutis 
 in the mountains about Santa Fe de Bogota in New Granada, and grows at 
 elevations varying from 5800 to 9500 feet. It was formerly considered by 
 the British Colleges as the source of their yellow hark; but has been ascer- 
 tained not to produce the officinal bark, which never comes from the region 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 223 
 
 where it is known to grow. Guibourt found that the qnina amarilla, or 
 yellow bark of Santa Fe, which is probably produced by C. cordifolia, is 
 identical with hard Carthagena bark. Weddell states that, the tree grows 
 also in Peru, and yields the white and ash-coloured barks of Loxa. 
 
 7. C. Boliviana. Weddell, Hist. Nat. des Quinquinas, p. 50, t. 9. This 
 tree was discovered and named by Weddell, who found it growing in Bolivia 
 and Peru, extending somewhat further northward than C. Calisaya, but not 
 so far towards the south. In the northern parts of Bolivia the two species 
 frequently grow together. The bark of C. Boliviana is generally mixed in 
 commerce with the proper Calisaya, from which it cannot always be easily 
 distinguished. This is less to be regretted, as, according to Weddell, the 
 properties of the two barks are not essentially different. 
 
 In addition to the species above mentioned, the following, for a description 
 of which we refer to Lindley’s Flora Medica, yield barks possessing febrifuge 
 properties. — 8. C. nitida of the Flora Peruviana, incorrectly confounded, 
 according to Bindley, with C. lanceolata by De Candolle, and C. Condaminea 
 by Lambert, grows in groves, in cold situations upon the Andes, in the Peru- 
 vian provinces of Huanuco, Tarma, Huamilies, and Xuaxa, and is probably 
 the source of the finest variety of commercial Lima bark.— 9. C. lucumse- 
 folia of Pavon, confounded by Lambert with C. Condaminea, grows near Loxa, 
 and probably contributes to the Loxa or pale barks. — 10. C lanceolata of the 
 Flora Peruviana is found at Cuehero, and various other places fifteen or 
 twenty leagues distant from Huanuco, where it forms groves in lofty Cold 
 situations upon the Andes. Its bark is said by Euiz and Pavon to be called 
 yellow bark, from the colour of its inner surface, and to resemble Calisaya 
 bark in flavour. — 11. C. ovalifulia of Humboldt and Bonpland, the C. Hum- 
 hokltiana of Homer and Schultes, and of Be Candolle, is a shrub from six 
 to nine feet high, inhabiting the province of Cuenca, where it forms consider- 
 able forests. It probably contributes to the Loxa barks, although its product 
 is said to be of inferior quality. — 12. C. ovata, of tbe FI. Peruv., grows in 
 close groves, in warm situations at the foot of the Andes, near Pozuzo and 
 Panao, about ten leagues from Huanuco. Lindley considers it quite distinct 
 from the C. pubescens of Vahl, and C. cordifolia of Mutis, with both of which 
 it has been confounded. Ruiz calls its bark cascarillo palliclo, or pale bark, 
 and states that it was not to be found in commerce. Yon Bergen, however, 
 upon comparing a specimen of the cascarillo pnllido in the collection of Ruiz 
 with the Jaen bark, found them identical. From Weddell’s statements it 
 would seem that this species is widely diffused in Peru and Bolivia, and va- 
 ries extremely in the character of its bark in different situations. In the 
 parts visited by him, the finer qualities pass for Calisaya bark; and in the 
 Peruvian province of Carabaya, bordering on Bolivia, it is habitually employed 
 to sophisticate that bark. He believes also that much of the quilled bark of 
 Loxa and Huanuco must be referred to this species. — 13. C. pubescens of Vahl, 
 considered by Lindley as identical with C. purpurea of the FI. Peruv., is a 
 tree of considerable magnitude, distinguished by the violet tint of its large 
 leaves, and the purple colour of its flowers. It occurs in groves on the lower 
 mountain ridges in the provinces of Loxa, Jaen, Panatahuas, &c., was seen 
 by Poppig at Cuchuo, and is stated to grow also in New Granada. The bark 
 is inferior, and is said to be employed for adulterating the better kinds. A 
 specimen taken to Europe by Poppig was found by Reichel to be identical 
 with the Huamilies bark. By Weddell it is stated to be the bark known in 
 French commerce as Cusco bark, and very closely to resemble that of C. 
 cordifolia. — 14. C. hirsuta of the FI. Peruv. grows on wooded mountains in 
 the province of Panatahuas near Huanuco, and is said to yield a good bark, 
 called formerly quina delgadilla or de/gada, but now scarcely collected. — 15. 
 
224 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 C. glandulifera of the FI. Peruv. is a shrub of about twelve feet, flourishing 
 on the high mountains N. W. of Huanuco, and yielding an excellent bark, 
 unknown in commerce, called by the inhabitants cascarillo negrillo from its 
 blackish epidermis. In its flowering season, it perfumes the forest by the 
 strong scent of its blossoms. — 16. C. Mutisii of Lambert ((7. glandulifera 
 of Lindley) is considered among the best characterized species. It grows 
 in Loxa, but its bark is unknown. 
 
 Besides the above species, Lindley enumerates, 17. C.rotundi folia of Piuiz 
 and Pavon, growing in the province of Loxa; 18. C. villosa of Puvon (C. 
 Humboldtiana of Lambert), growing at Jaen of Loxa; and 19. C. caduciflora 
 of Bonpland, growing near Jaen de Bracomoros ; not to mention the species 
 joined by Weddell to his now admitted genus of Cascarilla. None of the 
 species referred to in this paragraph are known to yield bark to commerce. 
 To these must now be added, 20. C. amygdab 'folia of Bolivia and Peru; 21. 
 C. australis of Bolivia, the most southern of all the known species, growing 
 as far south as the 19th degree of latitude; 22. C. purpurascens ; 23. C. 
 Chomeliana ; 24. C. asperifo/ia, also of Bolivia; and 25. C ■ Carabayensis 
 of the Peruvian province of Carabaya; all of which were discovered and de- 
 scribed by Weddell ; but from none of which is commercial bark procured. 
 C. dicliot&ma of the Flora Peruviana, C. macrocalyx of Be Candolle, C. 
 crassifolia of Pavon in Be Candolle’s Prodromus, C. Pelalba of the same 
 authority, and C. Mukonensis of G-oudot in Be Candolle’s Prodromus, are 
 considered by Lindley as uncertain species. 
 
 Perhaps too much importance has been attached to the study of particular 
 species of Cinchona. The character of the product of any one species varies 
 much according to the part of the plant decorticated, and the circumstances 
 of its growth. Weddell has made some observations on this point, which, if 
 confirmed, may lead to important practical results.* 
 
 * The fundamental idea is, that the chemical character of the bark is connected with 
 peculiarities in its intimate structure, and that by knowing the latter we may ascer- 
 tain, with an approach to certainty, the former also ; and thus, as the virtues of the 
 bark depend on its chemical constitution, we may have reliable criteria of its value. 
 Nowin the different barks there are three varieties of structure; the dead exterior 
 layers being left out of the question. First, as in the Calisaya bark which consists of 
 the inner bark or liber, the whole substance is filled with short fusiform fibres, which, 
 whether viewed in a longitudinal or transverse section, are seen, with the aid of the 
 microscope, to be isolated by a cellular tissue, in the midst of which they are regularly 
 disposed in parallel lines, lying end to end without absolute junction. It is known that 
 this bark abounds in quinia, and owes its virtue to that constituent. 
 
 In the second variety, such as the flat bark of C. scrobiculata, a cellular coat exists out- 
 side of the liber. In this, under the microscope, the inner layer is seen to consist of 
 fibres more closely arranged, more numerous and much larger than in the preceding, 
 and firmly attached at their extremities ; and they suddenly diminish in number as we 
 approach the outer surface, where the bark consists solely of cells. 
 
 The third variety, of which the bark of C. pubescens is an example, consists chiefly of 
 cellular tissue, with a few irregular series of fibres in the inner half : and these fibres 
 are three or four times as large as in the other varieties. In the two latter barks cin- 
 chonia is the predominant alkali; but it is not very abundant in either, and least so in 
 the one last mentioned. The inference is, that quinia is most largely developed in 
 those barks in which the fibres are short and intimately mixed with cells; while the 
 cinchonia is more especially deposited in the tissue exclusively cellular. The fracture 
 in the first variety is from its structure fibrous, but shortly-fibrous throughout : that 
 of the second and third is smooth where cells exist exclusively, and with long fibres 
 where fibres exist. A short smooth fracture, therefore, as in the young barks, or a 
 fracture partly smooth and partly long-fibrous, as in the older barks which have not 
 thrown off their cellular layer, indicate a cinchonia bark, and one comparatively feeble: 
 while a fracture uniformly short-fibrous indicates a variety abounding in quinia and 
 energetic ; and, in proportion as a bark approaches this latter condition, will it prove 
 to be efficacious. — Note to the ninth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 225 
 
 Commercial History. 
 
 For more than a century after Peruvian bark came into use, it was pro- 
 cured almost exclusively from the neighbourhood of Loxa. In a memoir 
 published A. D. 1738, La Condamine speaks of the bark of Bhiobambo, 
 Cuenca, .Ay avaca, and Jaen de Bracomoros. Of these places, the first two, 
 together with Loxa, lie within the ancient kingdom of Quito, at its southern 
 extremity; the others are in the same vicinity, within the borders of Peru. 
 The drug was shipped chiefly at Payta, whence it was carried to Spain, and 
 thence spread over Europe. Beyond the limits above mentioned, the Cin- 
 chona was not supposed to exist, till, in the year 1753, a gentleman of Loxa 
 discovered it, while on a journey to Santa Fe de Bogota, in numerous situa- 
 tions along his route, wherever, in fact, the elevation of the country was 
 equal to that of Loxa, or about 6,500 feet above the level of the sea. This 
 discovery extended through Quito into New Granada, as far as two degrees 
 and a half north of the equator. But no practical advantage was derived 
 from it; and the information lay buried in the archives of the vice-royalty, 
 till subsequent events brought it to light. To Mutis belongs the credit of 
 making known the existence of the Cinchona in New Granada. He first 
 discovered it in the neighbourhood of Bogota, in the year 1772. A botanical 
 expedition was afterwards organized by the Spanish government, with the 
 view of exploring this part of their dominions, and the direction was given 
 to Mutis. Its researches eventuated in the discovery of several species of 
 Cinchona in New Granada; and a commerce in the bark soon commenced, 
 which was carried on through the ports of Carthagena and Santa Martha. 
 
 To these sources another was added about the same time, A. D. 1776, by 
 the discovery of the Cinchona in the centre of Peru, in the mountainous 
 region about the city of Huanuco, which lies on the eastern declivity of the 
 Andes, north-east of Lima, at least six degrees south of the province of Loxa. 
 To explore this new locality, another botanical expedition was set on foot, at 
 the head of which were Kuiz and Pavon, the distinguished authors of the 
 Flora Peruviana. These botanists spent several years in this region, during 
 which time they discovered numerous species. Lima became the entrepot 
 for the barks collected around Huanuco; and hence probably originated the 
 name of Lima bark, so often conferred, in common language, not only upon 
 the varieties received through that city, but also upon the medicine generally. 
 
 Soon after the last-mentioned discovery, two additional localities of the 
 Cinchona were found, one at the northern extremity of the continent near 
 Santa Martha, the other very far to the south, in the provinces of La Paz 
 and Cochabamba, then within the vice-royalty of Buenos Ayres, now in the 
 republic of Bolivia. These latter places became the source of an abundant 
 supply of excellent bark, which received the name of Calisaya. It was sent 
 partly to the ports on the Pacific, partly to Buenos Ayres. 
 
 The consequence of these discoveries was a vast increase in the supply of 
 bark, which was now shipped from the ports of Guayaquil, Payta, Lima, 
 Ariea, Buenos Ayres, Carthagena, and Santa Martha. At the same time, 
 the average quality was probably deteriorated; for, though many of the new 
 varieties. were possessed of excellent properties, yet equal care in superin- 
 tending the collection and assorting of the bark could scarcely be exercised, 
 in a field so much more extended. The varieties now poured into the market 
 soon became so numerous as to burthen the memory, if not to defy the dis- 
 crimination- of the druggist; and the best pharmacologists found themselves 
 at a loss to discover any permanent peculiarities which might serve as the 
 
226 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 basis of a proper and useful classification. This perplexity has continued 
 more or less to the present time; though the discovery of the alkaline prin- 
 ciples has presented a ground of distinction before unknown. The restrictions 
 upon the commerce with South America, by directing the trade into irregular 
 channels, had also a tendency to deteriorate the character of the drug. 
 Little attention was paid to a proper assortment of the several varieties; and 
 not only were the best barks mixed with those of inferior species and less 
 careful preparation, but the products of other trees, bearing no resemblance 
 to the Cinchona, were sometimes added, having been artificially prepared so 
 as to deceive a careless observer. The markets of this country were pecu- 
 liarly ill furnished. The supplies, being derived chiefly, by means of a con- 
 traband trade, from Carthagena and other ports on the Spanish Main, or 
 indirectly through the Havana, were necessarily of an inferior character; and 
 most of the good bark which reached us was imported by our druggists from 
 London, whither it was sent from Cadiz. A great change, however, in this 
 respect, took place, after the ports on the Pacific were opened to our com- 
 merce. The best kinds of bark were thus rendered directly accessible to us; 
 and the trash with which our markets were formerly glutted is now in great 
 measure excluded. Our ships trading to the Pacific run along the American 
 coast from "Valparaiso to Guayaquil, stopping at the intermediate ports of 
 Coquimbo, Copiapo, Arica, Callao, Truxillo, &c., from all which they prob- 
 ably receive supplies. Much good bark has of late also been brought from 
 Carthagena, and other ports of the Caribbean Sea. 
 
 The persons who collect the bark are called in South America Cascarifleros. 
 Considerable experience and judgment are requisite to render an individual 
 well qualified for this business. He must not only be able to distinguish the 
 trees which produce good bark from those less esteemed, but must also know 
 the proper season and the age at which a branch should be decorticated, and 
 the marks by which the efficiency or inefficiency of any particular product is 
 indicated. The bark gatherers begin their operations with the setting in of 
 the dry season in May. Sometimes they first cut down the tree, and after- 
 wards strip off the bark from the branches; in other instances, they decorti- 
 cate the tree while standing. The former plan is said to be the most econo- 
 mical ; as, when the tree is cut down, the stump pushes up shoots which in 
 the course of time become fit for decortication, while, if deprived of its bark, 
 the whole plant perishes. The operator separates the bark by making a longi- 
 tudinal incision with a sharp knife through its whole thickness, and then 
 forcing it off from the branch with the back of the instrument. Other means 
 are resorted to when the trunk or larger limbs are decorticated. According 
 to Pbppig, the bark is not separated until three or four days after the tree is 
 felled. It must then be speedily dried, as otherwise it becomes deteriorated. 
 For this purpose it is taken out of the woods into some open place, where it is 
 exposed to the sun. In drying it rolls up, or in technical language becomes 
 quilled; and the degree to which this effect takes place, is proportionate di- 
 rectly to the thinness of the bark, and inversely to the age of the branch 
 from which it was derived. In packing the bark for exportation, it often 
 happens that several different kinds are introduced into the same case. The 
 packages are, in commercial language, called scroons. As found in this 
 market they are usually covered with a case of thick and stiff ox-hide, lined 
 within by a very coarse cloth, apparently woven out of some kind of grass. 
 
 The Cinchona forests, being in very thinly inhabited districts, do not, for 
 the most part, belong to individuals, but are open to the enterprise of all who 
 choose to engage in the collection of the bark. The consequence is, that the 
 operations are carried on without reference to the future condition of this 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 227 
 
 important interest; and the most wasteful modes of proceeding are often 
 adopted. Nevertheless, the great extent to which the Cinchona forests pre- 
 vail, spreading, as they do, with some interruptions, over thirty degrees of 
 latitude, and occupying regions which can never be applied to agricultural 
 purposes, almost precludes the idea of their even remote extinction. 
 
 The bitterness of the Cinchona is not confined to its bark. The leaves and 
 flowers also have this property, which in the former is associated with acidity, 
 in the latter with a delicious aroma, which renders the air fragrant in neigh- 
 bourhoods where the trees abound. The wood is nearly tasteless; but the 
 bark of the root has the same virtues as that of the trunk; and rich mines 
 of underground treasure may await future explorers, in regions which have 
 been stripped of their trees either by fire or the axe. 
 
 Classification. 
 
 To form a correct and lucid system of classification is the most difficult part 
 of the subject of bark. An arrangement founded on the botanical basis, 
 is liable to the objection, that the product of the same species may vary 
 according to the age of the bark and the situation of the tree; and, besides, 
 is at present out of the question ; as, though our knowledge of the source of 
 the several varieties has much extended, it is by no means complete. 
 
 The Spanish merchants adopted a classification, dependent partly on the 
 place of growth or shipment, and partly on the inherent properties, or sup- 
 posed relative value of the bark. So long as the sources of the drug were 
 very confined, and the number of varieties small, this plan answered the pur- 
 poses of trade; but at present it is altogether inadequate; and, though some 
 of the names originally conferred upon this principle are still retained, they 
 are often uncertain or misapplied. Thus, it is said that, by the traders iu 
 South America, the young slender gray barks are called by the name of Loxa, 
 from whatever source they may be derived; while those somewhat larger and 
 older receive their appellation from Lima. 
 
 Perhaps, on the whole, the best arrangement for pharmaceutical and me- 
 dicinal purposes is that founded upon difference of colour. It is true that 
 dependence cannot be placed upon this property alone; as barks of a similar 
 colour have been found to possess very different virtues; and, between the 
 various colours considered characteristic, there is an insensible gradation of 
 shade, so that it is not always possible to decide where one ends and the 
 other begins. Still it has been found that most of the valuable barks may 
 be arranged, according to their colour, in three divisions, which, though 
 mingling at their extremes, are very distinctly characterized, in certain spe- 
 cimens, by peculiarity not only in colour, but also in other sensible properties, 
 and even iu chemical constitution. The three divisions alluded to are the 
 pale , the yellow, and the reel. This arrangement has been adopted in the 
 U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias, and, with slight variation, in those also 
 of the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges; and as, until recently, almost all the 
 highly esteemed barks were brought from the Pacific coast of South America, 
 and those from the northern coast were deemed inferior, it was only the 
 former that were recognised under the three divisions referred to. In de- 
 scribing, therefore, the different kinds of bark, we shall treat first, under the 
 officinal titles of pale , yellow, and red, of those brought from the ports of the 
 Pacific; while those coming to us from the northern ports of New Granada 
 and Venezuela will be subsequently considered under the heading of non- 
 ojficinal or Carthayena barks, by the latter of which names they have been 
 generally known in commerce. The commercial name will be given in all 
 
228 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 instances in which a knowledge of it can be useful. It is proper to state 
 that the different barks are often mingled in the same package, and that, in 
 deciding upon the character of a seroon, the druggist is guided rather by the 
 predominance than the exclusive existence of certain distinctive properties. 
 
 1. Pale Bark. 
 
 The epithet pale applied to the barks of this division is derived from the 
 colour of the powder. The French call them quinquinas gris, or gray barks, 
 from the colour of the epidermis. They come into the market in cylindrical 
 pieces of variable length, from a few inches to a foot and a half, sometimes 
 singly, sometimes doubly quilled, from two lines to an inch in diameter, and 
 from half a line to two or three lines in thickness. The kinds which have 
 generally been deemed the finest are about the size of a goosequill. Their 
 exterior surface is usually more or less rough, marked with transverse and 
 sometimes with longitudinal fissures, and of a grayish colour, owing to ad- 
 hering lichens. The shade is different in different samples. Sometimes it 
 is a light gray, approaching to white, sometimes dull and brown, sometimes 
 a grayish-fawn, and frequently diversified by the intermixture of the proper 
 colour of the epidermis with that of the patches of lichens. The interior 
 surface, in the finer kinds, is smooth; in the coarser, occasionally rough and 
 somewhat ligneous. Its colour is a brownish-orange, sometimes inclining to 
 red, sometimes to yellow, and, in some inferior specimens, of a dusky hue. 
 The fracture is usually smooth, with some short filaments on the internal 
 part only. In the coarser barks it is more fibrous. The colour of the powder 
 is a pale fawn, which is of a deeper hue in the inferior kinds. The taste is 
 moderately bitter and somewhat astringent, without being disagreeable or 
 nauseous. Authors speak also of an acidulous and aromatic flavour, which 
 is less evident. The better kinds have a feeble odour, which is distinct and 
 agreeably aromatic in the powder and decoction. The pale barks are che- 
 mically characterized by containing a much larger proportion of cinchonia 
 and quinidia than of quinta ; and their infusion does not yield a precipitate 
 with solution of sulphate of soda. Their appearance generally indicates that 
 they were derived from the smaller branches. They are collected in the 
 provinces about Loxa, or in the country which surrounds the city of Iluanuco, 
 northeast of Lima, and are probably derived chiefly from Cinchona Conda- 
 minea, C. nitida, and C. micrantha. 
 
 There are several commercial varieties of pale bark, obtained from differ- 
 ent sources, and differing more or less in their properties. The most highly 
 esteemed of these is the Loxa hark, the finest specimens of which are some- 
 times called crown hark of Loxa, from the impression that they have the 
 same origin and character with the bark formerly selected with great care for 
 the use of the King of Spain and the royal family. The pale bark collected 
 about Huanuco is either named Lima hark, because taken to that city for 
 commercial distribution, or Iluanuco hark, from its place of collection. The 
 former name has been more common in this country, where, indeed, this 
 commercial variety has not unfrequently been confounded with the Loxa bark. 
 Other pale barks are the Jaen and Huamilies harks, which are scarcely 
 known as distinct varieties in the United States.* 
 
 * The following description of the several varieties of pale bark has been derived 
 mainly from the works of Yon Bergen, Guibourt, and Pereira, probably the highestEu- 
 ropean authorities on this subject, the first in Germany, the second in France, and the 
 third in England. We have consulted also other pharmacological writers, and have de- 
 rived advantage from the recent observations of Dr. Weddell, and of Mr. J. E. Howard, 
 of London, who has carefully examined the rich collection of Pavon deposited in the 
 British Museum, and compared the specimens with the barks of commerce. Our re- 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 229 
 
 In this country, the pale bark has fallen into disuse. As it yields little 
 quinia, it is not employed in the manufacture of the sulphate of that alkali, 
 
 marks are put in the form of a note ; as the information in relation to these varieties 
 can be of little use to the student, though it may aid the discrimination of the druggist. 
 
 For a proper understanding of the subject, the reader should have some idea of the 
 general structure of the bark. In the young barks there are four layers, viz. : 1. the 
 epidermis or outer coat, which is often covered or incorporated with lichens, 2. the pe- 
 riderm or suberous coat, which is sometimes of a cork-like character, 3. the cellular 
 coat or green lager, often containing resin, and 5. the liber, or inner-coat, which is more 
 or less fibrous. 
 
 1. Loza Bark. Crown Bark . — Quinquina de Loza, Fr. — Loza China, Kron-China, 
 Germ.— The following is Von Bergen’s description of this variety, contained in his 
 splendid work upon bark, entitled Versuch einer Monographic der China, published in 
 Hamburg in the year 1826. This bark is in cylindrical tubes, strongly rolled, from six 
 to fifteen inches long, from two lines to an inch in diameter, and from half a line to 
 two lines thick. The outer surface is more or less rough, seldom much wrinkled lon- 
 gitudinally, but marked with numerous transverse fissures, which usually run round 
 the bark, and divide it into rings, the edges of which are somewhat elevated. In the 
 smallest quills these fissures are not very obvious ; in the larger, they are distant and 
 apt to be interrupted. In the largest the surface is sometimes very rough and even 
 warty. The proper colour of the epidermis is dark gray, sometimes almost black, 
 sometimes ash-coloured, and occasionally inclining to fawn ; but frequently diversified 
 by whitish lichens, which are in some instances so numerous as to cover almost the 
 whole exterior of the bark, and to give it a light-gray appearance. The inner surface 
 is smooth and uniform, and of the colour of cinnamon, with occasionally a reddish 
 tinge. The fracture in the smaller quills is quite smooth, in the larger somewhat 
 fibrous. The bark is of a rather firm consistence, and when cut transversely exhibits 
 a resinous character. Its odour is compared by Guibourt to that perceived in damp 
 woods, by Von Bergen to that of tan. Its taste is acidulous, astringent, and bitterish. 
 The powder is of a dull cinnamon colour. 
 
 Guibourt, in the edition of his Histoire des Drogues, published in 1850, describes four 
 chief varieties of Loxa bark, under the names severally of 1. Quinquina de Loza gris 
 compa.de, 2. Quinquina de Loxa. brun compacle, 3. Quinquina de Loxa rouge fibreux de 
 roi d'Espagne, and 4. Quinquina de Loxa jaune fibreux. Of these the first two appear 
 to be embraced in the description above given from Von Bergen. The third is dis- 
 tinguished from the common Loxa bark by its eminently fibrous texture, and its slight 
 astringency to the taste. It is scarcely to be found in commerce. The fourth is almost 
 the only variety of Loxa bark known in the French market. It is in quills, very thin, 
 and usually very much rolled, but slightly rough externally, with minute transverse 
 fissures, generally covered with a thin whitish coat which gives it a light-gray colour, 
 reddish and very smooth internally, and of a very finely fibrous fracture. Its taste is 
 astringent and bitter, and its odour sufficiently marked. The pieces from the trunk 
 are much larger, and may even have a thickness of two lines, with some resemblance 
 to the Calisaya ; but its outer surface, scarcely rough, and often longitudinally wrinkled, 
 the fineness of its texture, and the smoothness of its inner surface readily distinguish 
 it. Guibourt has no hesitation in referring it to C. macrocalyx. 
 
 English druggists distinguish Loxa bark into 1. the picked crown bark, which consists 
 of the finest, thinnest, and longest quills ; 2. the silvery crown bark, somewhat larger 
 in size, and characterized by a whitish silvery appearance of the epidermis derived from 
 adhering lichens; and 3. the leopard crown bark, named from its speckled appearance, 
 depending on whitish lichens alternating with the dark-brown epidermis. Dr. Pereira, 
 in the last edition of his work on Materia Medica, the publication of which was com- 
 pleted after his death (A. D. 1853 ), distinguishes the following varieties of Loxa bark.— 
 1. Original or old Loxa bark. This is the original crown bark , and derived its name 
 from the circumstance, that parcels of it were found on board a captured Spanish ves- 
 sel returning from S. America, put up with peculiar care, and marked as for the royal 
 family. It was in slender quills, thirteen inches long, tied up in bundles about three 
 inches in diameter. Similar bundles were afterwards imported, and still occasionally 
 come in the seroons of commercial crown bark. This bark is believed to have been 
 derived from C. Condaminea, variety vera of Weddell ; but as the tree is nearly ex- 
 hausted, little is obtained from it at present; and wliat is commonly called Loxa or 
 crown bark, is derived from other varieties of C. Condaminea, or from other spe- 
 cies. — 2. White Crown Bark. This is in small and large quills; the former having a 
 silvery appearance from the presence of crustaceous lichens, and exhibiting numerous 
 
230 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 which has almost superseded the bark as a remedy in intermittents ; and the red 
 or yellow bark is preferred by physicians when it is necessary to resort to the 
 
 transverse cracks; the latter without these transverse fissures, hut ragged externally 
 from longitudinal rents in the epidermis, with a satin-like lustre of the surface thus 
 exposed. It is the produce of the C. Condaminea , var. lucumxfolia of Weddell, C. 
 lucumxfolia of Pavon. — 3. H. O. Crown Bark. This is the variety usually found in 
 commerce, and has been named from the brand H. 0. with a crown, adopted in the 
 time of the Spanish government in S. America. It is in quills from six to fifteen inches 
 long, from two lines to an inch in diameter, and from one-third of a line to two lines 
 thick. Some of the quills are without lichens, thin, externally brown and shrivelled, 
 with numerous longitudinal wrinkles, but with few transverse fissures. The internal 
 surface is cinnamon-coloured, and the fracture pale yellow. Others are larger, coarser, 
 grayish externally from lichens, with many transverse fissures, some of which quite 
 surround the quills. Others again are twisted, and have a patchy black and white 
 appearance from the adhering lichens. The botanical origin of this bark is not cer- 
 tainly known ; though Howard ascribes it to C. glandulifera. ( Pharm. Journ. and Trans., 
 xii. 128.) It comes from the port of Payta. — 4. Ashy Crown Bark. This is in quills 
 about the size of the fingers, having an external surface mottled with white, gray, and 
 black or soot-like patches of powdery and crustaceous lichens, sometimes also marked 
 with rusty fungoid warts. The epidermis has longitudinal wrinkles and transverse 
 fissures ; the internal surface is of an orange or cinnamon colour. Mr. Howard found 
 it identical with the bark, in Pavon’s collection, ascribed to the C. rotundifolia of that 
 botanist, the C. cordifolia. , var. rotundifolia of Weddell. It is stated to be imported from 
 Lima; and, according to Mr. Howard, large quantities are now used for pharmaceutical 
 purposes. [Ibid., 126.) — 5. Wiry Loxa Bark. This is in very slender, wire-like quills, 
 internally smoothish and brown, in some places slightly gray, without lichens, and si- 
 most destitute of transverse fissures. Many of the quills are lined within with a thin 
 shaving of pale-yellow wood. The fracture is short and resinous. The taste is very 
 astringent and but slightly bitter, and, as the bark is almost destitute of alkaloids, it is 
 very nearly worthless. It is brought from Payta; but its botanical source is unknown. 
 
 The earlier analyses gave as constituents of the Loxa barks cinchonia and quinia, 
 generally with a predominance of the former alkaloid. Since the discovery of quinidia, 
 this also has been found, sometimes, in considerable proportion. The different va- 
 rieties vary much in their yield of alkaloids; the larger barks, in all the varieties, afford- 
 ing more than the smaller. An average of several results, stated by Geiger, gives 
 abdut 0-48 per cent, of cinchonia, and 0 06 of quinia. In the thickest pieces, 
 Thiel found 1-0 per cent, of cinchonia, and 0-03 of quinia. According to Soubeiran, 
 one pound of Loxa bark yields from a drachm and a half to two drachms of sulphate 
 of cinchonia Erom some fine old Loxa bark, not now in the market, Mr. How- 
 ard obtained 0-714 per cent, of quinia, 0-514 of quinidia, and 0-04 of cinchonia.' 
 From the II. O. croton bark , which is at present the variety usually found in commerce, 
 he got from small quills 0-57 per cent, of quinidia and 0-6 of cinchonia, and from larger 
 1-05 of the former and 0-8 of the latter, and no quinia from either. (Pereira, Mat. Med.. 
 3d ed., p. 1639.) From the ashy crown bark the same chemist got 0-418 per cent of 
 quinia and quinidia jointly, and 0-914 of cinchonia, {Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xii. 
 126.) From these results it would appear either that the older Loxa barks contained 
 much more quinia than the modern, or that what was supposed to be quinia was really 
 the then unknown alkaloid quinidia. The strong reaction of a solution of gelatin with 
 the infusion of Loxa bark indicates the presence of much tannic acid. 
 
 2. Lima or Huanuco Bark. Cinchona Cinerea, Gray Bark, Silver Bark, Ed. — Quin- 
 quina de Lima, Fr. — China Huanuco, Graue China, Germ. — Lima or Huanuco bark was 
 introduced into notice about the year 1779, after the discovery of Cinchona trees in the 
 central regions of Peru; but Poppig says that the trade in it began in 1785. The 
 first name originated from the circumstance that the bark entered into commerce 
 through the city of Lima, the second was derived from the name of the city (Huanuco 
 or Guanuco), in the more immediate neighbourhood of which the trees were found. 
 There would seem to be two varieties of this bark, which come either in separate pack- 
 ages, or mixed together in the same. They are distinguished in England as fine and 
 coarse gray barks, and have a different botanical origin; the former having been ascer- 
 tained by Mr. Howard to belong to C. nitida, and the latter being ascribed to C. mi- 
 crantha, probably with justice. 
 
 Pine Gray Bark. — Quinquina Rot/ge de Lima. Guibourt, The dimensions of this 
 variety do not materially differ from those of the preceding, although in the largest 
 pieces the diameter is somewhat greater. Many of' the smaller quills have a more or 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 231 
 
 medicine in substance. There is no doubt, however, tbat cinehonia pos- 
 sesses febrifuge properties little inferior to those of quinta; and the same is 
 
 less spiral form. At the edge of most of the complete quills, a sharp oblique cut with 
 a knife is observable. The epidermis is usually adherent. The exterior surface is 
 marked with longitudinal wrinkles or furrows, which in the thick pieces often penetrate 
 quite through the outer coating of the bark. Transverse fissures are also generally 
 observable; but they never run wholly round the quill, often not more than a quarter 
 or half round, and do not exhibit elevated borders. In some pieces the epidermis is 
 rubbed off, either wholly or in spots; and in a few the entire thickness of the external 
 layers is here and there removed, exhibiting the proper bark in patches. The colour 
 externally is very light-gray, almost milk-white, with occasionally bluish-gray and 
 darkish spots intermingled. Where the outer crust which imparts this whitish colour 
 is wanting, the surface is grayish-fawn or reddish-gray, and in the thicker pieces of a 
 dark cinnamon colour. The inner surface, though in the smaller quills sometimes 
 tolerably uniform, is generally more or less uneven, fibrous, or splintery, especially in 
 the larger pieces, in -which may often be observed adhering yellowish-white splinters 
 of wood. The colour is usually a rusty brown inclining somewhat to red, with occa- 
 sionally a purplish tinge. The transverse fracture is smooth exteriorly, fibrous or 
 splintery interiorly. The longitudinal fracture is usually somewhat uneven, without 
 being splintery, and exhibits here and there minute shining spots. The inner layers 
 of the bark are usually soft and friable. The colour of the powder is a full cinnamon- 
 brown. The odour of the bark is like that of clay, and in this respect different from 
 that of all other varieties. The taste is at first acidulous, astringent, and slightly 
 aromatic, and ultimately bitter and adhesive. 
 
 Coarse or Inferior Gray Bark. The characters of this bark as a distinct variety were 
 first given by Guibourt, who calls it quinquina de Lima gris brun. The following is his 
 description. It is in the form of long tubes, well-rolled, from the size of a quill to 
 that of the little finger, offering very often longitudinal wrinkles, formed by desicca- 
 tion. The exterior surface is, moreover, moderately rugose, often nearly destitute of 
 transverse fissures, having a general deep-gray tint, but with black or white spots, 
 and bearing here and there the same lichens as the Loxa barks. The inner bark is of 
 a deep brownish yellow, and formed as it were of agglutinated fibres.” [Hist, des Drogues, 
 4e ed., iii. 108.) Mr. Howard says of this bark that its predominant feature is its 
 general u-oody texture, a feature very observable on reducing it to powder, while the 
 only hard portion of the former variety is a resinous circle existing between the inner 
 and outer coat. He further states, as distinctions between the two varieties, that the 
 one now described is thinner than the former ; that its prevailing superficial colour, in- 
 dependently of the white lichenous covering, is glaucous green, and the colour - of its sub- 
 stance rusty-yellow, while the fine gray varies superficially, as regards the inner surface, 
 from a maroon colour to rust, and as regards the outer is brown, the substance of the 
 bark being red: that a decoction of the former is pale, and gives a small tloeculent 
 deposit on cooling, while one of the latter is brown, and lets fall a copious sediment. 
 [Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xii. pp. 15 and 16.) 
 
 The Edinburgh College refers the Lima bark, which it denominates Cinchona cinerea 
 or Gray bark, to C. micrantha. There is at present little room to doubt, from the ob- 
 servations of Guibourt, Pereira, and Howard, that it is only the coarse or inferior variety 
 that belongs to that species; while the fine gray bark must be ascribed to C. nitida, 
 which also grows in the neighbourhood of Huanuco. 
 
 The Lima or Huanuco barks contain a considerable proportion of the alkaloids, 
 though cinehonia predominates over quinia, and the latter is said to exist in a form 
 in which it is difficultly crystallized, at least in the fine variety. Howard gives as the 
 result of his analysis of the fine gray bark[C. nitida) 1-4 per cent, of cinehonia, 0-571 
 of quinia, and 0-142 of quinidia, amounting altogether to 2-118 per cent. [Pharm. 
 Journ. and Trans., xii. 12.) It also contains a good deal of tannic acid. [Ibid., p. 161.) 
 In the inferior kind [C. micrantha) he found 1-25 cinehonia. 0-243 quinia, 0-28 quinidia, 
 together 1-773 per cent. [Ibid., p. 14.) Geiger gives as the average of several results, 
 in relation to Lima or Huanuco bark in general, 1-72 per cent, of cinehonia and 0-29 
 of quinia. Van Santen got from the best specimens, as the maximum, 2-78 per cent, 
 of cinehonia, and no quinia. It would, therefore, appear that this variety of bark must 
 become valuable if cinehonia should come into general use. 
 
 3. Jaen Bark. Ash Bark.- — -China Jaen, Blasse Ten China, Germ. — Quinquina de 
 Loxa cendre of Guibourt. This variety probably derives its name from the province of 
 Jaen de Bracomoros, in the vicinity of Loxa, where large quantities of bark have been 
 collected. The Jaen bark is always in quills, which do not differ much in size from 
 
232 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 probably the case with quinidia; so that, should the source of quinia begin 
 to fail, the pale bark may come into more extensive use for the preparation 
 of the two other alkaloids. 
 
 those of the Loxa hark, hut are distinguishable by being frequently curred longitudin- 
 ally, or bent in different directions, and somewhat spiral. The outer coat is often 
 partially or entirely rubbed off, leaving the surface smooth and soft to the touch. 
 When the epidermis is perfect, it exhibits small irregular transverse fissures, with 
 occasionally faint longitudinal fissures and wavy wrinkles, and here and there a few 
 warts, but no deep furrows. The colour varies from light or ash-gray to light yellow, 
 diversified -with blackish and brownish spots. When the outer coat is rubbed off, it 
 inclines still more to yellow. Considered in mass, the bark always appears somewhat 
 yellowish or straw-coloured. The exterior layers are soft and rather spongy, and may 
 be readily scraped by the nail. The inner surface is exceedingly diversified, sometimes 
 smooth, sometimes uneven and splintery. It is usually of a dull cinnamon colour. 
 The bark is very brittle, and the fracture is smooth in the smaller quills, more or less 
 uneven and sometimes splintery in the larger, and in neither exhibits a resinous ap- 
 pearance. The odour is sweetish, and is compared to that of tan. The taste is acid- 
 ulous, slightly astringent, and bitter, without being disagreeable. The colour of the 
 powder is cinnamon-brown. The bark is very deficient in alkalies. Some experi- 
 menters have found none, or only traces, while the highest product obtained was. 80 
 grains of quinia and 13 grains of cinchonia from a pound. M. Manzini, of Paris, 
 extracted from it an alkaline principle which he believed to be peculiar, and named 
 cinchovatin; but others believe that it is identical with the aricina of Pelletier: and 
 Mr. Howard can discover no difference between it and quinidia. ( Pharm . Journ. and 
 Trans., xii. 127.) Mr. Howard does not coincide in the general opinion of the great 
 poverty of the ash bark in alkaloids. He found in a mean-looking specimen 0-8H per 
 cent, of cinchonia, and 0-61 of quinidia. [Ibid., p. 127.) Von Bergen believes this bark 
 to be the product of C. ovata ; and Mr. Howard confirms this reference. 
 
 Von Bergen describes a variety of pale bark, under the name of dark Jaen bark 
 (dunkele Ten- China), or pseudo Loxa, which resembles the Loxa, but may be distin- 
 guished by the oblique or bent shape of the quills, and the uneven, fibrous, or splintery 
 appearance of the inner surface. It seldom comes in large pieces. Pereira considers 
 it identical with the ashy crown bark already described. (See page 230.) 
 
 4. Huamilies Bark. — China Huamilies, Germ. This bark is little known as a distinct 
 variety. Its commercial name was derived from the province of Huamilies, which lies 
 in the interior of Peru, northward of Huanuco, and is a part of the region explored 
 by the botanical expedition under Ruiz and Pavon. It came into notice in Germany 
 about the beginning of the present century. It is in quills and flat pieces. The quills are 
 from three lines to an inch and a half in diameter, from five to sixteen inches long, and 
 from half a line to three lines thick. The flat pieces, which are usually only fragments 
 of the largest quills, are from one to two inches broad, and six to twelve inches long. In 
 general all the layers of the bark are present, but sometimes the outer coat, and even 
 the whole of that part usually called the epidermis in our descriptions of bark i in- 
 cluding those outer layers which in the tree are destitute of vitality, having been 
 thrown outward by the annually renewed layers beneath them), are wanting in spots, 
 though very seldom entirely absent. The epidermis is comparatively thin, very brittle, 
 soft, and spongy. The outer surface, in the small and middling quills, is sometimes 
 nearly smooth, but usually marked with wavy longitudinal wrinkles, and beset here 
 and there with warts. These warts axe abundant upon the thick pieces, which they 
 sometimes almost entirely cover. Transverse fissures are seldom found, and only in 
 the thick pieces. The colour of the epidermis is usually grayish-fawn, here and there 
 passing into a rusty brown ; but in the thicker pieces, in which the warts are abundant, 
 it is between a liver and chestnut colour, often mixed with a tinge of purple. V hen 
 the epidermis is wanting, the colour is often a full ochre yellow. The inner surface is 
 sometimes uniform and almost smooth, sometimes slightly fibrous, rarely splintery. 
 The colour of the surface is rusty brown, occasionally reddish, and in the fibrous or 
 splintery pieces of an ochre yellow. The fracture in the smaller quills is rather even, 
 in the larger presents short fibres, and is sometimes even splintery. The odour of the 
 bark is feeble but agreeable, the taste somewhat aromatic, bitterish, and slightly 
 astringent. The powder is of a full cinnamon colour. The average product of cin- 
 chonia and quinia, as stated by Geiger, is 0-67 per cent, of the former, and 0-25 of the 
 latter; so that the bark, though dissimilar in appearance from the other varieties of 
 pale bark, agrees with them in containing more cinchonia than quinia. Von Santen 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 233 
 
 2. Yellow Bark. 
 
 The officinal term yellow bark is applicable only to the most valuable 
 variety of the drug having this colour. This is known in commerce by the 
 name of Calisaya, which has been said, though erroneously, to be derived 
 from a province in Bolivia, near the city of La Paz, where the bark is col- 
 lected.* By the druggists, Calisaya bark is arranged in two sub-varieties, 
 the quilled and the flat, which sometimes come mixed together in the same 
 seroon, sometimes separate. They are called by the French qu inquina jaune 
 royal (royal yellow bark), from their resemblance to a variety of bark for- 
 merly collected for the Spanish king. 
 
 The quilled Calisaya ( Calisaya arrolada of the Spanish Americans) is in 
 pieces from three inches to two feet long, from a quarter of an inch to two 
 or three inches in diameter, and of equally variable thickness. The epidermis 
 is of a brownish colour, diversified or concealed by whitish or yellowish 
 lichens, is marked by longitudinal wrinkles and transverse fissures, and is 
 often partially separated, and generally easily separable from the proper bark. 
 In the larger kinds, it is thick, rough, deeply indented by the transverse 
 fissures, which often surround the quills, and is composed of several layers, 
 separated from each other by a reddish-brown membrane. The epidermis 
 yields a dark-red powder, and is tasteless and inert. It is desirable, there- 
 fore, to get rid of it before the bark is powdered, as the medicine is thus 
 procured of greater strength. The bark itself, without the epidermis, is 
 from one to two lines, in thickness, compact, of a short-fibrous texture, and 
 when broken presents shining points, apparently the termination of small 
 fibres running longitudinally, which, examined by the microscope, are found, 
 when freed from a salmon-coloured powder that surrounds them, to be yellow 
 and transparent. They readily separate, when the bark is powdered, in the 
 form of spicula, which, like those of cowhage, insinuate themselves into the 
 skin, and produce a disagreeable itching and irritation. The colour of the 
 bark is brownish-yellow with a tinge of orange, the taste less astringent than 
 that of the pale bark, but much more bitter ; and the bitterness is somewhat 
 peculiar. The external part of the proper bark is more bitter and astringent, 
 and consequently stronger in medicinal power, than the internal. The odour 
 is faint, but, when the bark is boiled, resembles that of the pale varieties. 
 The small quills closely resemble some of the pale barks in appearance, 
 but may be distinguished by their very bitter taste. 
 
 Th q flat Calisaya ( Calisaya, planch a of the Spaniards), which is derived 
 from the large branches and trunk, is in pieces of various lengths, either quite 
 flat, or but slightly curved, and generally destitute of the epidermis, which 
 has been obviously removed from its own want of adhesiveness to the proper 
 
 obtained, as the maximum, 1 -2 per cent, of cinchonia, and little or no quinia. Huamilies 
 bark, on the authority of Reichel, has been referred to C. pubescens (C purpurea of the 
 Flor. Peruv.) ; but Dr. Pereira and Mr. Howard agree in believing it to be the product 
 of C. Condaminea, variety Chahuarguera of De Candolle, considered by Weddell as 
 identical with his C. Condaminea, variety vera. 
 
 The bark above described is noticed by Guibourt, who names it quinquina Huamilies 
 ferrugineux. The same author makes four other varieties of Huamilies bark, viz : the 
 gris terne, mince et rougedtre, blanc, and jaune de Cuenqa. — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
 * No such province exists in Bolivia. According to M. Laubert, the name is a cor- 
 ruption of colisalla, said to be derived from colla, a remedy, and salla, a rocky country. 
 (Journ. de Pharm., xxii. 614.) Weddell refers the origin of the name to the words 
 colli and saya, which in the Quichua language signify red and sort, and have probably 
 been applied from the red colour which the outer denuded surface of the bark assumes 
 in drying, or probably from the red colour which the leaves sometimes exhibit. 
 
234 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 bark, and not by a knife, as is the case with some inferior barks in other 
 respects resembling the Calisaya. The inner surface is like that of the quilled 
 pieces; the outer is irregular, marked with confluent longitudinal furrows 
 and ridges, and somewhat darker coloured than the inner, being of a brownish 
 fawn, frequently diversified with darker stains. The bark is of uniform frac- 
 ture throughout, generally thicker than the quilled, more fibrous in its texture, 
 less compact, less bitter, and possessed of less medicinal power. Though 
 weaker than the proper bark of the quills, it is usually, in equal weight, 
 more valuable than that variety, because free from the useless epidermis. 
 
 The officinal yellow bark is characterized by its strongly bitter taste, with 
 little astringency; by its tine brownish-yellow, somewhat orange colour, which 
 is still brighter in the powder ; and by containing a large proportion of quin ia 
 with very little cinchonia. The salts of quinia and lime are so abundant, 
 that a strong infusion of it instantly affords a precipitate when crystals of 
 sulphate of soda are added. (Guibourt, Hist, des Drogues, 4e ed. iii. 131.)* 
 
 * Calisaya bark is described by Yon Bergen, under the name of China Regia or 
 IConig's China. We present a brief abstract of liis description, omitting the form and 
 dimensions, which are given in the text. The epidermis,! which in many of the small 
 quills is partly wanting, ia the flat pieces usually quite wanting, is very thick and 
 brittle, constituting from a third to one-half of the bark, and, in some of the largest 
 quills or partially quilled pieces, even two-thirds. In the latter case, it often consists 
 of six or eight different layers. The quills are generally marked with longitudinal 
 wrinkles and furrows, and always with transverse fissures. These fissures, which 
 often form complete circles round the quills, have usually an elevated border, and 
 sink so deeply in many of the larger pieces, that they are observable upon the pro- 
 per bark. In the smaller pieces they are often faint, but usually crowded. The 
 colour of the epidermis varies from whitish-gray to bluish-gray ; but it is very much 
 diversified by lichens, so as to present yellowish-white, ash-gray, and blackish spots. 
 When the outer layer of the epidermis is wanting, as is not unfrequently the case to a 
 greater or less extent, the colour is somewhat sooty-brown or almost liver-brown. The 
 outer surface of the pieces without epidermis is of a colour between cinnamon-brown 
 and dark rusty-brown. The inner surface, in the pieces of all dimensions, is uniform 
 and almost smooth, but exhibits fine longitudinal fibres closely compressed. Splinters 
 of wood are never found adhering to the inner surface. The prevailing colour of this 
 surface is a rather dark or full cinnamon-brown, passing sometimes into a rusty-brown, 
 but seldom reddish. This bark breaks more easily in the longitudinal direction than 
 any other variety, exhibiting a chestnut-brown colour in the part answering to the epi- 
 dermis, a more or less dark cinnamon-brown in that answering to the proper bark. 
 The transverse fracture of the epidermis is rather even, that of the inner part fibrous, 
 or splintery. A resinous layer may be seen beneath the epidermis, which usually re- 
 mains when the latter is removed, and communicates to the flat pieces the dark colour 
 which distinguishes their external surface. Small sharp splinters, which in the longi- 
 tudinal fracture appear like shining points, are apt to insinuate themselves into the skin 
 when the bark is handled. The odour is feebly tan-like, the taste slightly acidulous, 
 strongly but not disagreeably bitter, somewhat aromatic, feebly astringent, and rather 
 durable. The powder is of a fine cinnamon hue. 
 
 Weddell speaks of a variety of Calisaya bark having a dark-coloured external sur- 
 face, which is often wholly of a vinous black, and of another which has a less uneven 
 surface, sometimes semi-cellular, and of a paler colour. The former he says is de- 
 nominated in Bolivia Calisaya zamba, C. negra, or C. macha ; the latter Colis'oya b! mea. 
 
 Thiel obtained from the flat calisaya 2-3 per cent, of quinia, and 0 08 of cinchonia ; 
 Michaelis from the flat 3-7 per cent., and from the quill 2-0 per cent, of quinia. but no 
 cinchonia; Yon Santen from the flat, an average of 2 - 0 percent, of quinia. and little or 
 no cinchonia; Wittstock, on an average, 3-0 per cent: of sulphate of quinia. and 0-12 
 of cinchonia. (Geiger.) Riegel obtained as the lowest product 2-18 per cent., and the 
 highest 3-8 per cent, of quinia. (Pharrn. Journ. and Trans., xii. 249.) Calisaya bark 
 should yield from 3 to 3-5 per cent, of officinal sulphate of quinia. 
 
 T By the epidermis is here understood the whole of the external layers which are accumulated up n the 
 outer surface of the hark by the annual renewal of the cortical layers, and the consequent separation of 
 those of former years, which remain, but without life, attached to the external surface. A i T- r.-nt 
 meaning is attached to the term by Von Bergen : but. as we have taken pains to make the description in 
 every instance correspond with our definition, we do not misrepresent his meaning. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 235 
 
 Until the recent most valuable researches of Weddell, nothing was known 
 with certainty as to the particular species which yields Calisaya bark. At 
 present there is no variety of which, in this respect, we have such accurate 
 
 False or Spurious Calisaya Barks. 
 
 The great value of Calisaya bark has led to the substitution for it, or fraudulent ad- 
 mixture with it, of other varieties bearing a more or less close resemblance to it in 
 character or appearance. Some of these are probably not much inferior in virtues to 
 the genuine bark, others of little value ; and it is highly important that they should 
 be distinguished. We give below a brief notice of such as are described in pharma- 
 cological works, or have come under our own observation. Weddell states that the 
 characters by which the true Calisaya bark may be best distinguished from all others are, 
 
 1. the shortness of the fibres in the whole surface of its transverse fracture, 2. the fa- 
 cility with which these may be separated, 3. the uniform fawn colour, without any 
 white marking in its thickness, 4. the great density of the bark, which is such that 
 when the nail is drawn across it, a shining track is often left, 5. the depth of the de- 
 pressions on its outer surface, and the prominence of the ridges that separate them. 
 These remarks refer to the flat variety. The quills are not so easily distinguished, as 
 they closely resemble certain other varieties, especially the bark of C. scrobiculata 
 and C. rufinervis, and the fracture does not afford signs so precise as in the older 
 barks. The surest test is the greater bitterness of the genuine. From their deficiency 
 in compactness, spurious Calisaya barks are called by the French Calisaya leger or 
 light Calisaya. 
 
 1. Bark of C. Calisaya, variety Josephiana of Weddell. This is not known as a dis- 
 tinct variety in Europe or this country ; but is very probably mingled more or less with 
 the genuine, as it is collected in Bolivia. It is in quills, of a brown, or grayish-black, 
 or slate colour on the outer surface, which is also covered with pale lichens. The 
 inner surface is irregular, in consequence of the difficulty with which it is separated 
 from the wood. From the roots of the same variety, which are probably the remains of 
 former forest trees, is obtained another kind of bark, in short pieces, flattish, undular, 
 or more or less contorted, destitute of epidermis, internally fibrous or almost smooth, 
 slightly cellular externally, of a uniform ochreous yellow, and of a decided bitterness, 
 though not so strong as that of good Calisaya, which it resembles in its internal struc- 
 ture. The Peruvians call it ichu-cascarilla. (Weddell.) These barks can scarcely he 
 considered as adulterations, as they have the virtues of the genuine. 
 
 2. Bark of C. Boliviano. Weddell states that this is almost always mixed in commerce 
 with the genuine Calisaya, from which it is often difficult to distinguish it. This is of 
 the less consequence, as it is probably not much inferior in virtue. The following is 
 Weddell’s description. The quilled is in all points similar to the quilled Calisaya. 
 The flat consists exclusively of the inner bark. It is generally not so thick as the 
 Calisaya, but of equal density. The furrows on the outer surface are not so deep, 
 and the ridges which separate them more rounded. The colour of this surface is a 
 brownish-yellow fawn, with here and there greenish shades ; of the inner a somewhat 
 reddish or orange fawn. The fracture is like that of the Calisaya, but exhibits spots 
 of a light almost white colour, which are never seen in that variety. The taste is a 
 strong and agreeable bitter, which is developed more quickly than in the Calisaya. 
 
 3. Bark of C. ovata, var. rufinervis of Weddell. This variety of C. ovata inhabits 
 Bolivia and the Southern province of Peru called Carahaya, where the bark is said by 
 Weddell to be largely employed for adulterating the Calisaya. It is known in Peru by 
 the name of Cascarilla Carabaya. It sometimes so closely resembles Calisaya as to be 
 with difficulty distinguished. In the quilled, the outer coating sometimes differs only 
 in being somewhat less thick. In other instances it lias but a few annular fissures, is 
 finely wrinkled longitudinally, and varies in colour from a light gray to a deep brown, 
 being often completely covered with mosses and lichens. It is generally easily separable 
 from the inner coat, the uncovered surface of which is of a light brownish fawn, and 
 smooth, or marked with longitudinal depressions corresponding to rents in the outer 
 coat. The inner surface is grayish or reddish-yellow, and finely fibrous ; the trans- 
 verse fracture fibrous; the resinous circle scarcely observable; the taste quickly bitter 
 and astringent. The flat kind is of variable form, often closely resembling the Ca- 
 lisaya, but generally much lighter. Sometimes it consists solely of the inner bark, 
 but more frequently has a portion greater or less of the cellular coat attached. The 
 outer surface is sometimes smooth, with a few linear transverse depressions, and wholly 
 cellular; in other instances uneven, with roundish depressions, fibrous at bottom; and 
 is of a grayish-fawn or reddish colour, sometimes marbled with darker shades. The 
 
236 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PABT i. 
 
 knowledge. The genuine bark is derived from the newly described species, 
 named (J. Calisaya ; but the bark of C. Boliviano,, another of the species 
 discovered by Weddell, is sometimes mixed with it in the same seroons. It 
 
 inner surface is of a dull grayish-yellow, or brilliant orange, with fine parallel fibres. 
 The transverse fracture is more or less corky exteriorly, and fibrous-stringy within, or 
 of the latter character in the whole thickness. It has considerable bitterness, which 
 is rapidly developed in the recent barks. 
 
 Carabaya Baric. Under this name a bark has within a few years been introduced 
 into the commerce of this country and Europe, derived from the Province of Carabaya, 
 through the port of Islay or that of Arica. Dr. Pereira describes it as follows. — It is thin 
 and flimsy, of a more or less rusty colour, and in some of the pieces very similar to the 
 Huamalies. The quills are about as thick as the finger, and of variable length, some- 
 times even two feet, coated or uncoated ; the coated having a dull rusty, or grayish- 
 rusty, warty surface, marked by longitudinal furrows, but rarely by transverse ; the 
 uncoated sometimes presenting a dark or more or less tea-green tint. The flat pieces 
 consist of the liber alone, or of this with a portion of the cellular coat. The outer 
 surface of the liber, in some of the uncoated pieces, is blackish with rusty round flat- 
 tish warts. Sometimes it looks as if dusted over with a yellowish powder. *The liber 
 itself is more or less orange ; but some pieces resemble red bark in colour. ‘Whether 
 this is the product of C. ovata is uncertain ; but, taking its source into consideration, 
 and the fact stated by Weddell that the bark of that species is gathered largely in 
 Carabaya, and known by the same name in Peru, the probabilities seem to be greatly 
 in favour of this opinion. Pereira states that its total yield of alkaloids, including 
 quinia, cinchonia, and quinidia, is from 3 to 4 per cent. It is, therefore, a very good 
 bark, and is less valuable than the Calisaya, only because the predominant alkaloid 
 is cinchonia. 
 
 A variety of flat bark imported into the U. States as Carabaya, is in irregular pieces, 
 some very small, the largest about 9 inches in length, generally very thin : for the most 
 part destitute of epidermis, but sometimes with portions of the outer coat attached ; 
 on the outer surface, when uncoated, of a dull cinnamon hue, with spots of a different 
 colour sometimes much darker, more or less' irregular from slight elevations and 
 shallow depressions, somewhat furrowed longitudinally, seldom so transversely : on 
 the inner surface, of a lighter hue than on the outer, smooth and somewhat shining 
 when viewed obliquely, with fine compact straight fibres ; with a decided fibrous frac- 
 ture, sometimes smooth toward the outer edge ; and, when handled, readily yielding 
 spicula, which penetrate the fingers like those of Calisaya. In one specimen shown 
 us by Messrs. Powers & Weightman, the outer surface was almost completely covered 
 over with the sub-epidermic layer, with little or none of the epidermis itself, and was 
 remarkably uniform in its aspect, though sometimes presenting numerous slight longi- 
 tudinal wrinkles from drying, and a few shallow transverse impressions. We are in- 
 formed that this variety contains more cinchonia than quinia ; and have little doubt that 
 it is the bark referred to by Weddell as the product of C. ovata, var. rufinervis. 
 
 4. Bark of C. scrobiculata. The younger bark of this tree has, we think, undoubtedly 
 been imported among the pale or gray barks. The larger or flat pieces have been 
 fraudulently substituted for Calisaya. Of these, according to Pereira, there are two 
 varieties ; derived from different varieties of the tree. 
 
 a. Cusco Bark. Bark of St. Ann. Bark of C. scrobiculata, var. genuina. This is 
 collected in the Province of Cusco, in the south of Peru; and the town of Cusco, accord- 
 ing to Weddell, is the centre of its commerce. It is the kind to which Guibourt has 
 especially attached the name of light Calisaya. Weddell thus describes it: “Less 
 dense than the Calisaya ; consisting generally of the liber and a thin layer of the cellulo- 
 resinous tissue; thickness from 5 to 10 millimetres (about 2 to 4 lines). Outer surface 
 obscurely red, smooth, with some linear transverse impressions, or more or less irregu- 
 lar; exhibiting often superficial cavities filled with fungous detritus; raised in other 
 instances into asperities or irregular warts. Interior surface uniform, of fine and straight 
 grain, and of a handsome reddish-orange colour. Transverse fracture more or less cork- 
 like on the outside, according to the thickness of the cellular portion, on the inside very 
 fibrous, with long, pliable, stringy fibres, and of a lighter colour than the outer part. 
 Longitudinal fracture presenting numerous splinters with shining points, less marked 
 than in the Calisaya, and medullary rays more numerous and visible. Taste bitter, 
 quite strong and quickly developed in the middling sized barks, with very perceptible 
 astringency. This bark yields from 0-7 to 0-8 per cent, of sulphate of cinchonia, and 
 from 0'3 to 0-4 of sulphate of quinia.” {Hist. Nat. des Quinquinas, pp. 44, 45.) 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 237 
 
 is produced exclusively in Bolivia, formerly Upper Peru, and in the southern 
 portion of the adjoining Peruvian province of Carabaya. Before these coun- 
 tries were separated from Spain, it was shipped as well from Buenos Ayres 
 
 b. Peruvian Calisaya. Bark of C. scrobiculata, var. Delondriana, Weddell. This is 
 imported from Lima. Pereira describes it as occurring in flat pieces, closely re- 
 sembling the genuine Calisaya in colour, for which it is often sold. They are thicker 
 and denser than the last mentioned variety, from which they also differ in colour. 
 Externally the bark is smoother than the Calisaya ; and the ridges between the fur- 
 rows are more rounded. The fracture is fibrous, and the taste, in the larger pieces, 
 less bitter than that of Calisaya. (Mat. Med., 3d ed., p. 1629.) 
 
 This bark is probably the same with that referred to in the eighth and ninth editions 
 of this Dispensatory (p. 236 of the 9th), as having been imported into the U. States 
 about the year 1848, having been consigned to a manufacturing chemist of this city 
 by a commercial house in Valparaiso, with the information that it had been sent to 
 them by Dr. J. Villamil, and had been gathered in the forests of Huanuco in Peru. 
 The pieces are generally without the epidermis, which appears to have separated spon- 
 taneously, and, when retained, has the transverse fissures, and longitudinal furrows 
 characteristic of the Calisaya. The colour and consistence of the bark are the same 
 as in the genuine ; and it even presents the shining spicula which characterize the latter, 
 though they are less numerous, and do not so readily penetrate the fingers. The taste 
 is very bitter. Examined chemically by Professor Procter, it was found to afford a 
 precipitate with sulphate of soda, in consequence of containing kinate of lime, and 
 thus in another point approaches the Calisaya ; but Prof. Procter could not detect in 
 it a trace of quinia. The only alkali it was found to contain was cinchonia, of which 
 there was the large proportion of 2-8 per cent. ; so that this must rank with the valua- 
 ble barks. For a more particular account of it the reader is referred to a paper by 
 Prof. Procter in the American Journal of Pharmacy (xix. 178). 
 
 5. Bark of Cinchona pubescens, var. Pelleteriana of Weddell. Cusco Bark. Arica 
 Baric. This was first known in France by the name of Arica Bark from the port at 
 which it was shipped ; but both in French and English commerce this name has given 
 way to the more appropriate one of Cusco bark, derived from the Peruvian province 
 in which it is collected. Dr. Pereira says that it was first introduced into Europe in 1 829 
 as yellow or Calisaya bark. From the statements of Weddell, there seems to be little 
 doubt that it is the product of the tree referred to at the heading of this paragraph ; 
 as specimens collected bjr himself in the mountains of Cusco were found identical with 
 the bark as known in Europe. The following is his description condensed. In the 
 quilled, the outer coat is thin, very adherent, almost smooth, sometimes with traces of 
 annular fissures, of a uniform dirty gray colour, or marbled with darker shades. The 
 proper bark is, without, of an obscure yellow, sprinkled with little brown spots when 
 artificially denuded, and marked with some superficial longitudinal wrinkles ; within, 
 is obscurely yellow and a little reddish, coarsely fibrous, and often rough to the 
 touch. The transverse fracture is exteriorly corky and quite short, without resin- 
 ous circle, and inwardly with a few short thick fibres. The flat pieces are very 
 dense, and consist about equally of cellular coat and liber. The outer surface is 
 smoothish, sometimes slightly wrinkled longitudinally, of an ochre-yellow more or less 
 brownish, and frequently marbled with grayish or silvery spots which are the remains 
 of the epidermis. The inner surface is brownish or reddish, thick, and fibrous. The 
 transverse fracture is cork-like outwardly, of short w r oody fibres inwardly. A fresh 
 cut surface in the same direction shows inwardly rows of large isolated semitranslucent 
 points, corresponding to the section of the cortical fibres, agglutinated in bundles. 
 The longitudinal fracture is almost without splinters. The epidermis, when it remains 
 on the large barks, is thin, unequal, sometimes warty, of an obscure gray, and more 
 or less brownish or even greenish in some spots. "When it has been scraped, the bark 
 sometimes presents deep brown spots, which are the points where prominences in the 
 cellular coat had raised the epidermis so as to form the little warts referred to. These 
 are sometimes decayed, and upon falling leave roundish depressions. The taste of the 
 bark is bitter, astringent, and somewhat pungent. (Hist. Nat. des Quinquin., p. 56.) 
 
 Von Bergen says that this bark somewhat resembles the fibrous Carthagena. Inex- 
 perienced persons might mistake it for the Calisaya. Guibourt says that it may be 
 readily distinguished by a more regularly cylindrical form, its smoother outer -surface, 
 the remains of the white and fungous layer, by its two shades of colour, orange or 
 brownish externally, and whitish or very pale internally, and by not yielding a preci- 
 pitate with sulphate of soda. 
 
238 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 as from the ports on the Pacific; hut at present it comes only from the latter. 
 As first announced in this work, from information derived from merchants 
 long personally engaged in commercial transactions on the Pacific coast of 
 South America, the bark is brought from the interior to the port of Arica, 
 whence it is sent to various other ports on the coast. The interior commerce 
 in the drug has its centre chiefly in the town of La Paz. At present the 
 trade in this bark is much diminished, in consequence of restrictions by the 
 Bolivian government, which issued a decree forbidding the cutting of it en- 
 tirely for three years, from the first of January, 1851. 
 
 It is generally supposed to have been first introduced into commerce towards 
 the end of the last century, and it was probably not known by its present name 
 till that period; but La Condamine states that the Jesuits of La Paz, at a 
 period anterior to the discovery of the febrifuge of Loxa, sent to Borne a very 
 bitter bark by the name of quinaquina, which, though supposed by that travel- 
 ler to have been derived from the Peruvian balsam tree, was very probably, as 
 conjectured by Guibourt, the true cinchona. Besides, Pomet, in his History 
 of Dr uys, published in 1694, speaks of a bark more bitter than that of Loxa, 
 obtained from the province of Potosi, which borders upon that of La Paz; and 
 Chomel also states that the cinchona tree inhabited the mountains of Potosi, 
 and produced a bark more esteemed than that which grew in the province of 
 Quito. (Guibourt, Journ. de Pharm., xvi. 235.) It is possible that, though 
 known at this early period, it may have gone out of use; and its re-introduction 
 into notice, towards the end of the last century, may have been mistaken for 
 an original discovery.* 
 
 Pelletier supposed that he had found a new alkali in this bark, which he named 
 aricina; but the substance he obtained is now thought to have been some modification 
 of one of the other alkaloids. The chief alkaloid in the bark is cinehonia. Frank ob- 
 tained 48 ounces of it from 100 lbs. of the bark, and only a trace of quinia ; Winkler, 
 256 grains from 16 ounces of a good specimen, and only 77 grains from the same quan- 
 tity of an inferior one. Guibourt estimates the proportion at a drachm for every 
 pound, and observes that the bark is rich in cinckonic red. 
 
 6. Bark of C. micrantha, var. rotundifolia of Weddell. As this variety of Cinchona 
 grows in Bolivia, and the flat bark derived from it simulates Calisaya, it is very pro- 
 bable that its product has been sometimes used to adulterate the latter bark. Weddell 
 says of it that it has little density, and consists of the liber alone, or of this and the cel- 
 lular coating, which is generally semi-fungous and imperfectly exfoliated. The external 
 surface is unequal, presenting superficial concavities similar to those of Calisaya, and 
 separated by irregular cork}’ eminences, but sometimes though rarely smooth from the 
 persistence of the whole cellular coating, and is of a bright and grayish orange-yellow. 
 The internal surface is considerably fibrous, of the same colour as the external, but of 
 a more lively tint. The transverse fracture is stringy ; the longitudinal fracture but 
 slightly splintery, and of a dull surface. The taste is decidedly bitter, and quickly 
 developed, a little pungent, scarcely astringent. (Hist. Nat. des Quinquin., p. p3. 
 
 7. Bark of C. amygdalifolia. This species also inhabits Bolivia, and its bark may 
 possibly sometimes contaminate the Calisaya, as it has been largely collected. Pereira 
 states that it is imported alone or mixed with other Bolivian barks, both quilled and- 
 flat. According to the same author, it is distinguished from the Calisaya by its light- 
 ness, its more orange colour, the presence of the cellular coat in the pieces deprived of 
 epidermis, the stringy transverse fracture, the splintery longitudinal fracture, the want 
 of marked annular fissures in the epidermis, and the astringent and but slightly bitter 
 taste. Mr. Howard obtained from a portion of the quills 0-7 per cent, of quiniJia and 
 a trace of cinehonia, from the flat 0-23 of quinidia and the same of cinehonia. (Pe- 
 reira’s Mat. Med., 3d ed., p. 1629.) — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
 * The great value of Calisaya bark will justify us in giving a brief account of its 
 mode of collection, as described by Weddell from personat observation. The tree pro- 
 ducing it grows in the Bolivian provinces Enquisivi, Yungos, Larecaja, and Caupoiieau. 
 At present it is necessary to travel for eight or ten days from the nearest inhabited 
 place, in order to reach the forests where it is found of a size and in numbers which 
 will repay the trouble of gathering the bark. The Cascarilleros are persons educated 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 239 
 
 3. Red Bark. 
 
 The name of this variety is very appropriately applied ; as the colour is 
 usually distinct both in the bark and the powder. In South America it is 
 called cascarilla roxa and color ad a. Some writers have divided it into several 
 sub-varieties ; but in relation to the true red bark there does not seem to be 
 ground for such division in any essential ditference of properties. Like the 
 Calisaya , it comes in quills and flat pieces, which are probably derived from 
 different parts of the same tree. It is imported in chests. ' 
 
 Some of the pieces are entirely rolled, some partially so, as if they had 
 been taken from half the circumference of the branch ; others are nearly or 
 quite flat. They vary greatly in size, the quill being sometimes less than 
 half an inch in diameter, sometimes as much as two inches ; while the flat 
 pieces are occasionally very large and thick, as if derived from the trunk of 
 a tree. They are covered with a reddish-brown or gray, sometimes whitish 
 epidermis, which is rugged, wrinkled longitudinally, and in the thicker pieces 
 marked with furrows, which in some places penetrate to the surface of the 
 proper bark. In many specimens, numerous small roundish or oblong etni- 
 nences, called warts, may be observed upon the outer surface. Beneath the 
 epidermis is a layer, dark-red, brittle, and compact, which possesses some 
 bitterness and astringency, but much less than the interior parts. These are 
 woody and fibrous, of a more or less lively brownish-red colour, which is 
 usually very distinct, but in some specimens passes into orange and even 
 yellowish-brown ; so that it is not always possible to distinguish the variety 
 by this property alone. The taste is bitter and astringent, and the odour 
 similar to that of other good barks. Red bark is chemically distinguished 
 
 from infancy to the business. Several of them are engaged in the service of a mer- 
 chant or small company, by whom they are sent, at any period of the year except 
 during the rains, upon an expedition under the charge of a leader called a Mayordomo. 
 Having previously received information which governs the direction of their journey, 
 they proceed to the vicinity of their intended operations, and establish a camp in a 
 convenient position. Henceforward the neighbourhood is considered as belonging ex- 
 clusively to the party, and no other bark-gatherers pretend to interfere. From the 
 camp the Cascarilleros are despatched, singly or in small bands, in different directions 
 into the forests, through which they have to make their way often with great labour 
 and fatigue. Each man carries with him provisions for a long absence. The trees do 
 not form forests of themselves, but are scattered singly or in groups more or less close. 
 From some convenient point of view the explorer scans the top of the forest, and is 
 able to recognise, at a great distance, from the peculiarity of its aspect, not only one 
 of the Cinchonas, but the particular species of which he is in search. Sometimes he 
 is directed by the appearance of the dry leaves upon the ground. Having found a 
 suitable tree, he first fells it, cutting as near the soil as possible, then tops off the 
 branches, and separates by blows with a wooden mallet, or the back of his axe, the 
 outer or dead layers of the bark, which easily separate. He next makes incisions 
 through the bark, so as to isolate pieces usually fifteen or twenty inches long by three 
 or four broad, which he removes by means of a knife or other instrument. The 
 branches are decorticated without separating the epidermis. The pieces obtained 
 from these are simply allowed to dry in the sun, and, rolling themselves up, form the 
 quilled variety. The pieces of the trunk are disposed in square piles, one being placed 
 over the other, and the wdiole kept down by some heavy body. They are thus pre- 
 vented from rolling as they dry. When sufficiently dried they are carried to the camp 
 on the back of the gatherer, who often consumes several days in his returning journey, 
 and undergoes incredible fatigue. At the camp, the bark is assorted, and the portion 
 deemed fit for commerce is sent to the town, on the back of men or of mules, where it is 
 packed in bales or seroons, covered with fresh hides. The most wasteful methods of 
 collecting the bark prevail, the only object being present convenience. Not only is 
 the tree felled, but the bark is frequently removed from the stump down into the very 
 earth, so as to prevent the growth of sprouts, which would otherwise spring up from 
 the old roots, and in the course of time afford another crop . — Note to the ninth edition. 
 
240 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 by containing considerable quantities both of quinia and of cinchonia.* It 
 yields a turbid salmon-coloured decoction with water. 
 
 The species of Cinchona which produces red bark is unknown ; the notion 
 derived from Mutis, and formerly generally prevalent, that it was obtained 
 from the C. oblongifolia of that botanist, having been demonstrated to be 
 incorrect. For the proofs upon this point, which have now ceased to have 
 
 * The red bark is described by Yon Bergen under the name of China rubra , or rolhe 
 China. The following is an abstract of his description. The quills are from .two lines 
 to an inch and a quarter in diameter, from one-third of a line to two lines thick, and 
 from two to twelve inches or more in length. The smaller quills are often spiral. The 
 flat pieces are from one to two inches broad, from three-eighths to a quarter of an 
 inch thick, and of the same length as the quills. In the smaller and middling-sized 
 quills, the external surface exhibits longitudinal wavy wrinkles. In the thicker pieces, 
 these wrinkles, between which are here and there longitudinal farrows, often elevate 
 themselves into roundish or oblong warts, which are of a somewhat friable and granular 
 consistence. The longitudinal furrows sometimes penetrate to the bark. Transverse 
 fissures seldom occur. The colour in the smaller quills varies from a fawn-gray to a 
 dull reddish-brown, in the larger is reddish-brown or chestnut-brown with a tinge of 
 purple. When the wrinkles and warts are rubbed off, the peculiar brownish-red colour 
 of the bai'k appears. The pieces are often in part or almost wholly covered with a 
 whitish-gray or yellowish-white coat, either belonging to the epidermis or consisting, 
 of lichens. In some of the quills the epidermis is wanting in spots, which exhibit a 
 dirty reddish cinnamon-colour. The inner surface is delicately fibrous and almost 
 uniform in the small quills, but becomes more fibrous and uneven in the larger, and 
 in the flat pieces is splintery and very irregular. Its colour varies with the size of 
 the pieces, being a reddish-rusty brown in the least, redder in the larger, and a full 
 brownish-red in the largest. The inner surface is also sometimes yellowish or brown- 
 ish, or of a dirty appearance. It becomes darker when scraped with the nail. The 
 fracture exhibits the different colours of the epidermis and inner bark, as also of a 
 resinous layer which lies between the two. It is usually smooth in the smaller quills, 
 fibrous in the larger, and at the same time fibrous and splintery in the largest pieces. 
 The fracture of the epidermis, however, is in all either smooth, or only here and 
 there somewhat granular. The odour is like that of tan, and earthy, the taste strongly 
 but not disagreeably bitter, somewhat aromatic, and not lasting. The powder is of a 
 dull brownish-red colour. 
 
 Experiments upon many different specimens of red bark, as stated by Pfaff, give as 
 an average result 1-7 per cent, of pure cinchonia, and 0-44 of sulphate of quinia. The 
 highest product obtained was 3-17 per cent, of cinchonia, and 0'15 of sulphate of quinia. 
 Another specimen yielded 1-21 per Cent, of the former, and 1-33 of the latter. Pelletier 
 and Caveutou obtained 0-8 per cent, of cinchonia, and 1-7 of quinia. [Geiger.) Dr. E. 
 Riegel, of Carlsruhe, obtained from ODe specimen of the best red bark 4-16 percent, of 
 alkaloids (2-65 of quinia and 1-51 of cinchonia), and from another 3-85 per cent. (See 
 Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xii. 250.) It appears, therefore, that the proportion of the 
 alkalies is exceedingly different in different specimens; and it is highly probable that 
 some of the barks experimented upon were inferior red barks not properly belonging 
 to this variety. The degree of bitterness is, perhaps, the best criterion of their efficacy. 
 
 Guibourt divides the red bark into two principal varieties, which he distinguishes by 
 the names of quinquina rouge verruqueux, and quinquina rouge non verruqueux, from the 
 presence or absence of the warts upon the outer surface. He describes also four other 
 red barks ; Rouge orange verruqueux, differing from the true warty kind by its more 
 orange colour, its very thin epidermis, its finer fibres, and the less thickness of the 
 large barks ; 2. Rouge blanchissant (l Pair, characterized by the whitening of its frac- 
 ture in the air, and by its little bitterness ; 3. Rouge de Lima, with a whitish epidermis, 
 an ochreous reddish liber, and of excellent qualities (see Fine Gray Bark, p. 280 ) : and 
 4. Rouge pede a surface blanche, resembling the first of these varieties, but distinguishable 
 by its whiter epidermis, and generally lighter colour. Under the same head may be 
 ranked his quinquina de Jaen ou de Loxa rougcalre, which has a dark- gray epidermis, 
 and a uniform fibrous proper bark, reddish or deep-brown, and of a very astringent 
 taste with little bitterness. — Kote to the second, fourth, and ninth editions. 
 
 A specimen of bark in our possession, brought by Dr. Dillard, of the U. 8. Xavy, 
 from the Pacific, and labelled red bark of Cuenga, has a thick epidermis like that of the 
 ordinary red barks, is of a very deep dark-red colour, and possesses little bitterness. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 241 
 
 any practical importance, the reader is referred to the article Cinchona, 
 section Red Bark, in early editions of this work. It has been supposed that 
 red bark may be derived from the same species with one or more of the pale 
 barks, but taken from the larger branches or the trunk. This opinion receives 
 some support from a statement made by La Condamine, in his memoir upon 
 cinchona. We are told by this author that three kinds of bark were known 
 at Loxa; the white, the yellow, and the red. The white, so named from the 
 colour of the epidermis, scarcely possessed any medicinal virtue, and was ob- 
 tained from a tree entirely distinct from that which yielded the two other 
 varieties. The red was superior to the yellow; but he was assured, on the 
 very best authority, that the trees producing them grew together, and were 
 not distinguishable by the eye. Of the three varieties mentioned by La. Con- 
 damine, the white, which was probably one of the inferior barks with mica- 
 ceous epidermis, does not reach us; and that which he calls yellow is probably 
 identical with the pale variety of the Pharmacopoeias, as this grows abundantly 
 about Loxa. Should it be admitted that, the red bark is furnished by the 
 same tree which yields the pale, we have a ready explanation of the difference 
 in size of the two varieties. Weddell seems to be of this opinion; as he ob- 
 serves that the pale barks are almost constantly nothing else than the young 
 barks of the same trees which yield the yellow and red barks. 
 
 Non-officinal or Carthagena Barks. 
 
 Under this head may be classed all the Cinchona barks brought from the 
 northern Atlantic ports of South America. In commerce, they are variously 
 called Pitaya, Bogota, Carthagena, Maracayho, and Santa Martha harks, 
 according to the place in the vicinity of which they are collected, or the 
 particular port at which they may be shipped. Formerly these barks were 
 for the most part of inferior quality, and were therefore not recognised in 
 the Pharmacopoeias; but the deficient supply and consequent high price of 
 Calisaya have directed enterprise into other quarters; and within a few years 
 large quantities of very good bark have been imported from New Granada, 
 derived chiefly from the neighbourhood of Bogota and Popayan, and brought 
 down the river Magdalena. There can be little doubt that the commerce in 
 these barks will continue and increase; as some of them are inferior in their 
 yield of alkaloids only to the Calisaya, and the region from which they are 
 procured is almost virgin soil. It has appeared to us, from an examination 
 of such of them as have come under our notice, that they may all be referred 
 without violence to some one or another of the varieties of Carthagena bark 
 already recognised: but these better kinds formerly seldom reached the 
 market; because, partaking of the general reputation of the inferior barks 
 from the same country, it was feared that they might not pay the cost of 
 importation. Most of the Carthagena barks are characterized by a soft, 
 whitish or yellowish-white, micaceous epidermis, which may be easily scraped 
 by the nail, and which, though often more or less completely removed, almost 
 always leaves behind traces sufficient to indicate its character. Those of 
 them which may, in other respects, bear some resemblance to Calisaya, are 
 in general readily distinguishable by this character of the epidermis when it 
 remains, and, when it is wanting, by the peculiar appearance of the outer 
 surface, showing that the exterior coating has been scraped off, or shaved off 
 with a knife. They all contain the alkaloids in greater or less proportion, 
 though they differ much in this respect. In reference to the relative pro- 
 portion of the three alkaloids, they have nothing, in common, except perhaps 
 that they yield proportionably more cinc-honia and quinidia than the Calisaya, 
 resembling, in this respect, the pale and red barks. Similar barks are found 
 16 
 
242 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 on the Western coast of South America, where they are known as white 
 harks; but they seldom reach us. In the state of powder, the inferior 
 Carthagena barks were formerly, and are still to a certain extent, kept in 
 the shops, and sold for tooth-powder, &c., under the name of common hark. 
 They have not unfrequently been substituted, either fraudulently or by mis- 
 take, for the better kinds. 
 
 The Carthagena barks were formerly classified, according to their colour, 
 into the yellow , orange, red, and hrown; but this mode of distinction must 
 now be abandoned; for all these varieties of colour maybe found in barks 
 identical in other respects, and derived from the same species of Cinchona. 
 The well characterized Carthagena barks may all be referred to one of the 
 three following varieties. 
 
 1. Hard Carthagena Bark. Hard yellow Carthagena Bark. Yellow Bark 
 of Santa Fe. Common yellow Carthagena Bark. — China flava dura. Von 
 Bergen. — Quinquina de Carthaglne jaurie pale. Guibourt. This is in pieces 
 of various size and form, sometimes wholly or partially quilled, and some- 
 times flat; and the flat pieces present the appearance of having been warped 
 in drying, being frequently curved longitudinally backward, and sometimes 
 also in the transverse direction or spirally. The quills are from three to 
 eight lines in diameter, from half a line to a line and a half thick, and from 
 five to nine and rarely fifteen inches long. The flat pieces are thicker, from 
 half an inch to two inches broad, and from four to eight and sometimes twelve 
 inches in length. As found in this market, the bark is sometimes in small, 
 irregularly square or oblong, flattish, and variously warped pieces, from one 
 to four inches long, and from one to three lines in thickness, mixed with 
 small quills or fragments of quills; the former appearing as if chipped from 
 the trunk or large branches, the latter evidently derived from the small 
 branches. In this shape it was treated of in some former editions of this 
 work, as a distinct variety, under the name of Santa Martha hark, which it 
 at one time held in the market; but a closer examination has convinced us that 
 it is the same bark as the one above described, though collected in a different 
 manner. The quills are generally more covered with the white epidermis than 
 the flat pieces, in which it is often nearly or quite removed. The inner sur- 
 face of the latter, though sometimes smooth, is often rough and splintery, as 
 if forcibly separated from the wood. The colour of the proper bark is a 
 pale, dull, brownish-yellow, darker in parcels which have been long kept; 
 and the surface often appears as if rubbed over with powdered bark. The 
 texture is rather firm and compact, and the fracture abrupt, without being 
 smooth or presenting long splinters. The taste is bitter and nauseous. This 
 variety of bark is now universally ascribed to the C. cordifolia of Mutis.* 
 
 * We introduce, in the form of a note, more detailed and precise information on the 
 subject of the Carthagena barks than our space allows in the text ; because, in the 
 present condition of the manufacture of the Cinchona alkaloids, it is important to be 
 able to distinguish the several varieties, and estimate their value. 
 
 Hard Carthagena Bark. The following is a somewhat precise description of this 
 variety, taken from Von Bergen. The account of the dimensions and shape of the 
 pieces, given in the text, is sufficiently particular. The epidermis is in many pieces 
 partially or almost wholly wanting. The outer surface is on the whole rather smooth, 
 though it usually exhibits a few faint longitudinal furrows and transverse fissures, and 
 pieces are occasionally found with hard warts or protuberances. In the flat pieces, 
 the epidermis, when present, has somewhat the consistence of cork, and is composed 
 of several layers. The colour of the epidermis varies from yellowish-white to ash- 
 gray, and is sometimes diversified by bluish-gray or blackish lichens. When it is want- 
 ing, the colour is between a dark cinnamon and brownish-yellow. These shades, 
 however, are seldom clear, and the flat pieces have usually a somewhat dusty aspect. 
 The inner surface of the quills is tolerably uniform, that of the flat pieces uneven or 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 243 
 
 2. Fibrous Carthagena Bark. Fibrous Yellow Carthagena Bark. Spongy 
 Carthagena Bark. Bogota ■ Bark. Coquetta Bark. — Quina naranjanda. 
 Mutis. — Quinquina Orange. Humboldt. — • China flam fibrosa. Yon Bergen. 
 — Quinquina Carthaglne spongieux. Guibourt. This is in quills or balf- 
 quills, or is slightly rolled; and there are comparatively few pieces which are 
 quite flat, even among the largest barks. The quills are from half an inch 
 to an inch and a half in diameter, and of extremely variable length, with a 
 yellowish-brown epidermis, often covered with crustaceous lichens so as to 
 render the surface of the bark whitish and smooth, and exhibiting not unfre- 
 quently longitudinal and transverse fissures. The larger barks, which are 
 much the most frequent in commerce, are usually from six to twelve inches 
 long, from one to two inches broad, and from two to five lines in thickness; 
 but they often vary much from these dimensions, being sometimes in the 
 smallest fragments, and sometimes forming semi-cylinders four or five inches 
 in diameter, a foot and a half long, and nine inches thick. They are usually 
 without epidermis, which has been scraped off, or pared off with a knife, 
 having the surface smooth and uniform in the former case, and somewhat 
 angular in the latter. Sometimes, however, the epidermis either partially or 
 wholly remains, when it generally exhibits the whitish micaceous surface 
 characteristic of most of the Carthagena barks. The bark is very fibrous, 
 presenting generally, when broken, long, sometimes stringy splinters, though 
 the outer edge of the fracture is occasionally short from the cellular, or remains 
 of the suberous coat. Its texture is loose, soft, and spongy under the teeth, 
 and the bark itself is usually light. The colour both on the trimmed outer 
 surface, and the inner, and of the bark itself, varies from an ochreous or light 
 brownish-yellow, to orange, and red ; but, for the most part, it presents more 
 or less of the orange tint, which induced Mutis to give it the title of orange 
 bark. The red colour is found especially in the largest barks. The larger 
 pieces are sometimes marked on the outside with a deep spiral impression, 
 produced probably by a climbing plant winding around the stem of the tree. 0 
 The colour of the powder is yellowish, with not unfrequently an orange tint. 
 The taste is more or less bitter; but varies in this respect extremely; some 
 barks being almost insipid, while others have a very decided taste. There 
 can be little doubt that these barks are all derived from the Cinchona lanci- 
 folia of Mutis. It is asserted that the red variety of the bark is obtained 
 from trees which grow side by side with those which yield the yellow or orange. 
 
 The productiveness of the fibrous bark in alkaloids varies greatly in 
 the different specimens. Thus, while some have scarcely yielded any pro- 
 duct, others have been found to afford more than three per cent. They 
 probably all contain quinia, quinidia, and cinchonia; but some have been 
 found more abundant in one, and others in another of these alkaloids. Thus, 
 the red is said to be especially rich in quinidia (Pereira); a Pitaya bark 
 which we believe to belong to the fibrous Carthagena has yielded a very large 
 product of quinia; while, in not a few specimens which have been examined, 
 
 faintly furrowed and even splintery, the points of the splinters often projecting. Its 
 colour, which is almost always dull, as if the surface were dusty, varies between a 
 light cinnamon and a dull ochre yellow, and in some pieces is rusty-brown, or fawn- 
 gray, or even whitish-yellow. The bark does not readily break in the longitudinal di- 
 rection. The transverse fracture presents short splinters, and is sometimes fibrous. 
 When cut transversely, the bark obscurely exhibits a very small darker coloured resin- 
 ous layer beneath the epidermis. The odour is feeble, the taste astringent and bitter, 
 but not strongly so. The powder is of the colour of cinnamon. This bark yielded, 
 according to Von Bergen, on an average of two experiments, 0-57 of cinchonia, and 
 0-33 of sulphate of quinia. Goebel and Kirst found in a pound 56 grains of quinia 
 and 43 of cinchonia. -Dr. Pereira states that it contains quinidia. 
 
244 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 the cinchonia predominates. {Am. Jonrn. of Pharm., xxv. 808.) It is pro- 
 bable that the richness in these principles depends in some degree on the 
 natural position of the plants; those growing in low situations being less 
 productive than those higher on the mountains. 
 
 A specimen labelled yellow hark of Loxa, brought from South America 
 several years since by Dr. Dillard, of the U. S. Navy, and said to be used in 
 Loxa for making extract of bark, presents characters closely analogous to 
 those of fibrous Carthagena bark, and sufficient to justify the supposition that 
 it was derived from the same species of Cinchona; and we have recently 
 seen a specimen sent hither from Guayaquil, which has the same character, 
 and is sufficiently rich in alkaloids to be worked with advantage.* 
 
 * Fibrous Carthagena Bark. The following is an abbreviation of Yon Bergen’s de- 
 scription of this variety. In shape and dimensions, it does not materially ditfer from 
 the preceding ; but the flatter pieces are almost always a little rolled, or curved late- 
 rally. The epidermis is in general either in part or wholly rubbed off. When it is 
 present, the outer surface is nearly smooth, only marked here and there with faint, 
 irregular transverse fissures and longitudinal furrows. Its colour varies from a dirty 
 whitish-gray to yellowish, but is sometimes more or less dark. When the outer surface 
 is rubbed off, as is almost always the case in the flat pieces, the colour is a nearly pure 
 ochre yellow. Where the whole thickness of the outer coat is wanting, as happens 
 here and there in spots, the surface is dark cinnamon, or dark ochre yellow, and com- 
 monly dull or powdery. The inner surface is usually even, but sometimes irregular 
 and splintery, and always harsh to the fingers, leaving small splinters sticking in the 
 skin when drawn over it. It is of a nearly pure ochre-yellow colour, and is very pow- 
 dery. The fracture distinguishes this variety from the preceding, and from all others. 
 The longitudinal fracture is strikingly fibrous, and in the flat pieces the fragments still 
 hang together by connecting fibres. The bark, moreover, breaks obliquely, and the 
 fracture even of the outer coat, which in other varieties is almost always smooth, is 
 here uneven or rough-grained. The transverse fracture exhibits very long and thin 
 splinters or fibres, which are very flexible and may almost be said to be soft. No traces 
 of a resinous appearance are observable in the fracture. The odour is feeble, the taste 
 jut first woody and flat, afterwards slightly bitter and astringent, and weaker in this 
 than in any other variety of bark. The colour of the powder is intermediate between 
 that of cinnamon and yellow ochre. The highest product of this bark in alkaloids was 
 about 0-59 per cent, of cinchonia, and 0-52 of sulphate of quinia. 
 
 The above description does not embrace all the varieties of this bark which have 
 since been introduced into commerce ; nor does it by any means represent the finest 
 specimens. The highly fibrous character of the bark, its looseness of texture, relalh e light- 
 ness, and sponginess under the teeth, are properties common to all the specimens ; but in 
 appearance and virtues they vary considerably ; so much so, indeed, that it is only of 
 late that they have been united under one name, and traced to one source. 
 
 In the edition of this work for 1843 we described a kind of bark of which large 
 quantities had then recently been imported in a vessel from Maracaybo, and which, 
 from its possession in a high degree of the properties just referred to, we were dis- 
 posed to rank with this variety; and subsequent observation has tended to prove the 
 correctness of this reference. In general aspect it bore some resemblance to the flat 
 Calisaya, particularly in the appearance of its inner surface ; but it differed in being 
 thicker, less hard, compact, and heavy, and much more fibrous, and especially in the 
 character of its outer surface, which had the appearance as though the exterior coating 
 had been removed by scraping or cutting with a knife, and not spontaneously separated 
 at the natural juncture, as in the Calisaya, The pieces were considerably larger than 
 those we had previously seen of the fibrous Carthagena, and differed somewhat in 
 colour, having much more of the orange tint, especially in the outer portion, where it 
 was decidedly reddish in some of the pieces. Though less. bitter than the Calisaya, 
 and without the property of precipitating sulphate of soda, it nevertheless had a decided 
 bitterness, and its infusion afforded a copious precipitate with infusion of galls, indi- 
 cating the presence of no inconsiderable portion of the alkaline principles. 
 
 Recently we have had opportunities, through the kindness of Messrs. Powers & 
 Weightman, of examining several varieties of the fibrous bark brought from Bogota 
 and Popayan, which have proved of great value as sources of the cinchona alkaloids, 
 and which we propose briefly to describe, in connexion with a statement derived from 
 the same highly respectable source of their yield of these valuable principles. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 245 
 
 8. Hard Pit ay a Baric. — Pitaya Condaminea Bark. Pereira. — Quinquina 
 bruit de Carthaybne. Quinquina Pitaya , ou de la Colombia, ou d’ Antioquia. 
 Guibourt. This bark, though seen by Guibourt so long since as 1830, has but 
 recently become generally known. Many seroons of it have within a short time 
 been imported into Philadelphia, and the following description is drawn from 
 an examination of the bark contained in several that have come under our 
 notice. It is in small irregular pieces, from less than an inch to about 
 four inches long, which are obviously the fragments of larger pieces both 
 quilled and flat. Dr. Pereira states that he had pieces more than a foot in 
 length. In thickness it varies from less than a line to four or five lines. 
 Most of the fragments are covered with the whitish, soft epidermis, character- 
 istic of the Carthagena barks; but some of them have a dark-brown epidermis, 
 rugose with innumerable cracks in all directions; and others are partially 
 or wholly destitute of the outer covering, presenting generally, in the denuded 
 part, a dark uniform or somewhat wrinkled surface. The inner surface is 
 finely and compactly fibrous, and of a dull yellowish-brown colour with a 
 
 Bogota Bark. Fusagasuga Bark. Coquetta Bark. The first of these names is derived 
 from the entrepot of the trade in this bark; the second, from the particular district 
 where it is collected. Of the origin of the third, by which it is known in English com- 
 merce, we are not informed. The bark is in pieces of various lengths, often exceeding 
 a foot, sometimes nearly flat, but generally more or less rolled, and occasionally forming 
 semi-cylinders more than an inch in diameter. It is often either partially or wholly 
 covered with the whitish, soft, micaceous epidermis characteristic of Carthagena barks. 
 In other instances this has been removed by scraping, or sometimes by chipping, and 
 the deep strokes of the knife or hatchet are not unfrequently observable. The pieces 
 are often of considerable thickness, usually rather firm, though very fibrous, and spongy 
 under the teeth. The colour is brownish-yellow with a tinge of red. Mr. Weightman 
 obtained from it from 1 to 13 per cent, of sulphate of quinia, and from 0-3 to 0-4 per 
 cent, of sulphate of cinchonia. An inferior variety of Bogota bark, not designated as 
 Fusagasuga, yielded him only 0-4 of sulphate of quinia. In the Am. Journ. of Pharm. 
 (xxv. 308), is a statement of results obtained in the examination of the Bogota (Fusa- 
 gasuga) bark, which were, on the average of four specimens, 0-95 per cent, of cincho- 
 nia or quinidia or both, 145 of sulphate of quinia (Equivalent to about 1-09 of the un- 
 combined alkaloid), and 1-0 of extractive residue, which is presumed to consist mainly 
 of amorphous quinia ; so that the whole of the alkaline ingredients amounted to about 
 3-04 per cent. 
 
 Soft Pitaya Bark. This, though said to be brought from the Pitaya mountain near 
 Popayan, is wholly different from the hard Pitaya described in the text as one of the 
 varieties of Carthagena bark. From the specimens we have seen of the soft Pitaya, 
 we have no hesitation in classing it with the fibrous Carthagena barks, though superior 
 to the others, probably in consequence of the more elevated site of its growth. It comes 
 broken up into small irregular fragments of larger pieces, either quilled, partially 
 rolled, or flat. Few of the fragments exceed four inches in length, and many are very 
 minute. Indeed, in some of the seroons, much of their contents seem to be almost in 
 the state of a very coarse powder. This condition of the bark no doubt depends partly 
 on its great fragility ; but it is probable that it is purposely broken up for the con- 
 venience of close package in the hide seroons. The fragments are almost all destitute 
 of epidermis, but, when portions of it remain, it has the usual whitish, soft, micaceous 
 character common to all these barks. The outer surface, which consists of a thin sub- 
 epidermic suberous layer, is remarkably uniform and smooth, apparently from the 
 careful scraping to which it has been subjected. By far the greater part of the bark 
 consists of the liber, which is highly fibrous, though very soft, easily broken, and 
 yielding with great facility under the teeth. The colour is externally and internally a 
 uniform fine brownish-yellow, with an orange tint, and is brighter than in most others 
 of the analogous barks. The taste is very bitter. Mr. Weightman obtained from or- 
 dinary specimens of this bark 2-0 per cent, of sulphate of quinia, and 0-05 of sulphate of 
 cinchonia; from a very fine specimen 3-0 per cent, of the former, and but a trace of 
 the latter. It is, therefore, one of the most valuable varieties of bark, scarcely yielding 
 in productiveness to Calisaya. The results stated in the Am. Journ. of Pharm. (xxv. 
 308) even exceed these. The average yield of four different specimens, including the 
 uncry stallizable product, was 4-42 of alkaloids, probably in the state of sulphates, and, 
 without the uncrystallizable matter, about 3-4 per cent. — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
246 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 reddish tinge ; and the whole of the liber or true bark has the same colour 
 and texture. But outside of the liber there is in many pieces a very distinct 
 resinous layer, which is sometimes of considerable thickness, and, when cut 
 across by a knife, exhibits a dark reddish-brown shining surface. The resin- 
 ous layer is the most striking peculiarity of the bark, though not present 
 in all of the pieces, which sometimes consist of the liber alone. The frac- 
 ture is towards the interior shortly fibrous, towards the exterior often smooth, 
 in consequence of the layer just referred to. The whole bark is rather hard, 
 compact, and heavy; differing in this respect very decidedly from the last 
 mentioned variety. It has more resemblance to the hard Carthagena, from 
 which, however, it differs by its deeper and redder colour, its much more de- 
 veloped resinous coat, and its occasional grater-like epidermis. The taste is 
 very bitter, and the yield in alkaloids considerable. Mr. Weightman informed 
 us that he had obtained from it an average product of 1'6 per cent, of sulphate 
 of quinia, and 0\34 of sulphate of cinchonia, independently of the amorphous 
 or uncrystallizable alkaline matter. It must, therefore, be ranked among the 
 efficient barks, though not so productive as the fine variety of fibrous bark 
 denominated soft Pitaya. It contains also a large proportion of resin. 
 
 This bark comes from the Mountain of Pitaya near Popayan, and the par- 
 ticular seroons examined by ourselves were said to have been brought down 
 the Magdalena lliver from the town of Honda. It is referred by Dr. Pereira 
 and Mr. Howard to the Cinchona Condaminea, var. Pit ay cm is of Weddell, 
 of which that author has more recently made a distinct species, under the 
 name of Cinchona Pitayensis. ( Ann . des Sci. Nat., May, 1849.)* 
 
 False Barks. 
 
 Before dismissing the subject of the varieties of cinchona, it is proper to 
 observe that numerous barks have at various times been introduced into the 
 market, and sold as closely resembling or identical with the febrifuge of Peru, 
 which experience has proved to differ from it materially, both in chemical 
 
 * Hard Pitaya Bark. The following is Guibourt’s description of this bark. “ In the 
 young barks, the crust is fine, whitish externally, fissured, almost like the young red 
 Lima bark. In the large barks, and in the parts not worn by rubbing, the crust is 
 always whitish exteriorly, but interiorly it is rust-coloured and fungous. The liber 
 presents a very fine fibrous texture, joined to a considerable density and hardness : the 
 internal surface is smooth and reddish : its taste is very bitter and disagreeable, and 
 its watery infusion strongly precipitates with sulphate of soda. It yields largely of 
 the alkalies, but proportionally more cinchonia than quinia.” Guibourt obtained 2-3 
 per cent, of crystallized cinchonia, and- 1-15 of sulphate of quinia; or about 3-16 per 
 cent, of pure alkaloids. (Hist. Pat. des Drogues, 3e ed. iii. 141.) 
 
 Under the title of Pitaya Condaminea Bark, Pereira describes this variety as follows. 
 “Bark consisting of single or double quills, or half-rolled pieces. I have specimens 
 which are more than a foot in length. Some samples, however, which I have received, 
 consist of pieces not more than two or three inches in length, sometimes entirely, at 
 others only partially coated; the partially coated pieces consist of the suberous and 
 cellular coats and liber. Epidermis, when present, dark brown, frequently coated by 
 crustaceous lichens, marked by numerous, closely set, transverse cracks, with pro- 
 minent or slightly everted borders, which give the bark a grater-like feel ; and here 
 aud there presenting round or oval warts or fungoid rusty tubercles, varying in size 
 from a grain of wheat to a seed of coffee, and usually marked like the latter with a 
 longitudinal, sometimes also with a transverse fissure. The suberous coat in some 
 pieces much developed, spongy or fungous, fawn-yellow, sometimes brown in the in- 
 terior, and yellow externally and internally. Resinous tissue on the inside of the 
 suberous coat, from which it is definitely separated, shining, of a dark reddish colour. 
 Liber gradually passing into the resinous coat, hard, dense, dark, reddish-brown; cor- 
 tical fibres small and short. Pitaya-Condaminea bark is firm and heavy, aud has a 
 very bitter, rather disagreeable taste, which is slowly developed.” It contains cin- 
 chonia, quinidia, and quinia. (Mat. Med., 3d ed. p. 1643.) — Xote to the tenth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 247 
 
 composition and medicinal virtues. These barks are generally procured from 
 trees formerly ranked among the Cinchonas, but now arranged in other 
 genera. They are distinguished from the true Peruvian bark by the absence 
 of quinia, quinidia, and cinchonia. Among them are 1. a bark known to the 
 French pharmaceutists by the name of quinquina nova ■ or new hark , which, 
 though at one time thought to be possessed of some virtues, has been proved 
 to be worthless, and was ascertained by Guibourt to be the produce of the C. 
 oblongifolia of Mutis, now ranked in Weddell’s genus Cascarilla ;* 2. the Ca- 
 ribeean bark, from Exostemma Caribsea ; 3. the St. Lucia hark, or quinquina 
 piton of the French, derived from Exostemma floribuuda; and 4. a bark of 
 uncertain botanical origin, called in France quinquina bicolore, and in Italy 
 china bicolorata, and sometimes erroneously named Pitaya. hark. Of these 
 the last only is known in this country. A considerable quantity of it was some 
 time since imported into New Orleans, whence a portion reached this city. 
 The specimen in our possession is in quills, for the most part siugly, but in 
 some instances doubly rolled, from eight or ten inches to more than two feet 
 in length, and from a quarter of an inch to an inch or more in diameter. 
 The outer surface is of a dull grayish-olive colour, with numerous large oval 
 or irregular spots much lighter coloured, sometimes even whitish, and slightly 
 depressed beneath the general surface, as if a layer of the epidermis had 
 fallen off within their limits. It is to this appearance that the bark owes the 
 name of bicolorata. The colour of the internal surface is deep brown or 
 almost blackish ; that of the fresh fracture, brownish-red. The bark is 
 hard, compact, and thin, seldom as much as a line in thickness, and breaks 
 with a short rough fracture. It is inodorous, and has a very bitter taste not 
 unlike that of some of the inferior kinds of cinchona. f 
 
 Chemical History. 
 
 In the analysis of Peruvian bark, the attention of chemists was at first 
 directed exclusively to the action of water and alcohol upon it, and to the 
 determination of the relative proportions of its gummy or extractive and resin- 
 ous matter. The presence of tannin and of various alkaline or earthy salts 
 
 * This was formerly called red Carthagena bark, but must not be confounded with 
 the genuine red Carthagena bark, which belongs to the fibrous Carthagena. and has 
 been already noticed. As described by Guibourt, it is in pieces a foot or more long, 
 rolled when small, open or nearly flat when larger, in general perfectly cylindrical, with 
 a whitish, thin, uniform epidermis, showing scarcely any cryptogamia, and but a few 
 transverse fissures which are sometimes entirely wanting ; one to three lines thick with- 
 out the epidermis ; of a pale carnation colour, becoming deeper in the air, especially 
 upon the outer surface, which, when destitute of epidermis, is alw'ays reddish-brown ; 
 of a fracture which is foliaceous in the outer part, and short-fibrous in the inner ; and 
 exhibiting, under the microscope, between its fibres, and especially between the laminae, 
 a great abundance of two granular matters, of which one Is red and the other whitish. 
 In some pieces the fracture exhibits, nearer the external than the internal surface, a 
 yellow, transparent, resinous or gummy exudation. The taste is flat and astringent 
 like that of tan, the odour feeble, between that of tan and of the pale barks. The 
 powder is fibrous and decidedly red. It contains neither quinia nor cinchonia. Its 
 most interesting constituents are a peculiar tannic acid, Idnic acid, kinovic acid discovered 
 byWinckler, and a peculiar red colouring matter called kinovic red. (Hlasiwetz, Chem. 
 Gaz., ix. 419 and 441.) 
 
 f In previous editions of this Dispensatory it was stated that this bark had been em- 
 ployed in Italy successfully in intermittents ; and that Folclii and Peretti had discovered 
 in it a new alkali, which they named pilayna. But there is reason to believe that this 
 was a mistake, caused by the confused application of the name Pitaya bark : and that 
 the bark employed in Italy, and analyzed by the chemists mentioned, was that described 
 as hard l’ilaya in a preceding page. It is conjectured that the alkaloid pitayna may 
 have been that now known as quinidia or quinidine. — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
248 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 in minute quantities was afterwards demonstrated. Foureroy made an elabo- 
 rate analysis, which proved the existence of other principles in the bark besides 
 those previously ascertained. Dr. Westring was the first who attempted the 
 discovery of an active principle in the bark, on which its febrifuge virtues 
 might depend; but he was not successful. Seguin afterwards pursued the same 
 track, and endeavoured, by observing the effects of various reagents, to dis- 
 cover the relative value of different varieties of the drug; but his conclusions 
 have not been supported by subsequent experiment. M. Deschamps, an apothe- 
 cary of Lyons, obtained from bark a crystallizable salt of lime, the acid of 
 which Vauquelin afterwards separated, and called kinic acid. The latter 
 chemist also pushed to a much further extent the researches of Seguin, as to 
 the influence of reagents; and arrived at the conclusion that those barks were 
 most efficient which gave precipitates with tannin or the infusion of galls. 
 Reuss, of Moscow, succeeded in isolating a peculiar colouring matter from 
 red bark, which he designated by the name of cinchonic red, and obtained a 
 bitter substance, which probably consisted in part of the peculiar alkaline 
 principles subsequently discovered. The first step, however, towards the 
 discovery of cinchonia and quinia appears to have been taken by the late Dr. 
 Duncan, of Edinburgh, so early as 1803. He believed the precipitate afforded 
 by the infusion of cinchona with that of galls, to be a peculiar vegetable prin- 
 ciple, and accordingly denominated it cinchonine. Dr. Gomez, a Portuguese 
 physician, convinced that the active principle of bark resided in this cincho- 
 nine, but mixed with impurities, instituted experiments upon some pale bark, 
 which resulted in the separation of a white crystalline substance, considered 
 by him to be the pure cinchonine of Dr. Duncan. It was obtained by the 
 action of potassa upon an aqueous infusion of the alcoholic extract of the 
 bark, and was undoubtedly the principle now universally known by the name 
 of cinchonine or cinchonia. But Dr. Gomez was ignorant of its precise nature, 
 considering it to be analogous to resin. M. Laubert afterwards obtained the 
 same principle by a different process, and described it under the name of 
 white matter, or pure white resin. To Pelletier and Caventou was reserved the 
 honour of crowning all these experiments, and applying the results which 
 they obtained to important practical purposes. In 1820, they demonstrated 
 the alkaline character of the principle discovered by Gomez and Laubert, and 
 gave it definitively the name of cinchonine. They discovered in the yellow or 
 Calisaya bark another alkaline principle which they denominated quinine. 
 Both these bases they proved to exist in the barks, combined with the kinic 
 acid, in the state of kinate of cinchonine and of quinine. It was, moreover, 
 established by their labours, that the febrifuge property of bark depends upon 
 the presence of these two principles. In 1833, 3131. 0. Henry and Delondre 
 discovered a new alkaloid, but afterwards finding its composition in its an- 
 hydrous state the same as that of quinia, concluded that it was a hydrate of 
 that base. About 1844, Winckler announced anew the existence of the same 
 principle, which he considered distinct, and named chinidine ; and, under the 
 similar title of quinidine, it is now generally admitted to a place among the 
 cinchona alkaloids. As the termination a or ia has been generally adopted 
 by English and American chemists to distinguish the organic alkaloids from 
 other organic proximate principles, the names of which terminate in in or ine, 
 the terms quinine and cinchonine of the French writers have been changed 
 with us into quinia and cinchonia. On the same principle, quinidine should 
 be called quinidia. This method of designating the vegetable alkaloids is 
 uniformly followed in the present work. Other views have been put forth 
 in relation to the alkaline principles of Peruvian bark, which have much 
 interest; but as they cannot yet be considered as established, and their detail 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 249 
 
 in the text might embarrass the learner, we shall notice them in a foot-note, 
 when treating of the three admitted alkaloids above referred to.* 
 
 It has before been stated, on more than one occasion, that the three officinal 
 varieties of bark are distinguished by peculiarities of composition. We give 
 the result of the analysis of each variety, as obtained by Pelletier and Caven- 
 tou. ( Journ . de Pharm., vii. 70. 89. 92.) 
 
 Pale hark of Loxa contains, 1. a fatty matter; 2. an insoluble red colour- 
 ing matter; 3. a yellow colouring matter; 4. tannin, or soluble red colouring 
 matter; 5. gum; 6. starch; 7. lignin; 8. kinate of lime; 9. Icinate of cin- 
 chonia , ivith a very minute proportion of kinate of quinia. 
 
 Yellow Calisaya hark contains the fatty matter, the cinchonic red, the 
 yellow colouring matter, tannin, starch, lignin, kinate of lime, and kinate of 
 quinia, with a comparatively small proportion of kinate of cinchouia. 
 
 Red hark contains the fatty matter, a large quantity of the cinchonic red, 
 the yellow colouring matter, tannin, starch, lignin, kinate of lime, and a large 
 proportion hoth of kinate of quinia, and of kinate of cinchonia. 
 
 Carthagena hark contains the same ingredients with the red bark, but in 
 different proportions. It has less of the alkaline matter, which it also yields 
 with much greater difficulty to water, in consequence of the abundance of 
 insoluble cinchonic red which it contains, and which either involves the salts 
 of quinia and cinchonia so as to prevent the full contact of water, or retains 
 these alkalies in combination. {Journ. de Pharm., vii. 105.) 
 
 Besides quinia and cinchonia, there can be no doubt that at least one 
 other alkaloid, quinidia, as it is denominated in this work, exists in Peruvian 
 bark; and it is highly probable that, though found most abundantly in the 
 pale, and some of the Carthagena barks, it is contained occasionally at least 
 to a greater or less extent in all. 
 
 Another bitter principle has been extracted from Calisaya bark by Winck- 
 ler. He named it kinovic bitter; but, having been found to possess acid 
 properties, it is now denominated kinovic acid. It is thought to exist in the 
 bark in a free state. (Schwartz, Pharm. Cent. Platt, 1852, p. 194.) 
 
 By the experiments of Henry, Jun., and Plisson, it may be considered as 
 established, that the alkalies of the different varieties of bark are combined 
 at the same time with kinic acid, and with one or more of the colouring mat- 
 ters, which, in relation to these substances, appear to act the part of acids. 
 This idea was originally suggested by llobiquet. {Journ. de Pharm., xii. 282. 
 369.) The compounds of quinia and cinchonia with the colouring matter 
 are scarcely soluble in water, while their kinates are very soluble. 
 
 From these statements it appears that the three officinal varieties of bark 
 differ little except in the proportion of their constituents. All contain quinia 
 and cinchonia; the yellow bark most of the first, the pale of the second, and 
 the red a considerable quantity of both. All probably contain quinidia. 
 
 * Reference has been made in a note to the discovery by Pelletier and Coriol of an 
 alkali called aricina in the Arica. or Cusco bark. It was obtained by the same process 
 as that employed in the extraction of quinia from yellow bark. It is white, crystal- 
 lizable, and distinguishable from cinchonia, which it in many respects resembles, by 
 exhibiting a green colour under the action of nitric acid, and by the property, possessed 
 by its sulphate, of forming a tremulous jelly when a saturated boiling solution of the 
 salt is allowed to cool. Manzini obtained from Jaen bark an alkaline substance which 
 he supposed to be peculiar, and named cinchonbatin ; but the same had been obtained 
 by Bouchardat, and considered by him, as well as by Pelletier, to be identical with 
 aricina; and Winekler, having extracted a portion from the bark, and examined it with 
 great care, coincides in this conclusion. [Journ. de Pharm. et de Chim., 3e sen,, ii. 95 et 
 313; Central Blatt, A. D. 1844, p. 126.) Much doubt, however, exists on the subject 
 of this supposed new alkaloid, and by Mr. Howard it is thought most probably to have 
 been quinidia. 
 
250 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 Gum was found in the pale, but not in the red or yellow. Kinovic acid, 
 though first discovered in the yellow, probably exists in others. 
 
 The odour of bark appears to depend on a volatile oil, which Fabroni and 
 TromnisdorfF obtained by distillation with water. The oil floated on the sur- 
 face of the water, was of a thick consistence, and had a bitterish, acrid taste, 
 with the odour of bark. 
 
 The fatty matter , which was first obtained pure by M. Laubert, is of a 
 greenish colour as obtained from the pale bark, orange-yellow from the yellow. 
 It is insoluble in water, soluble in boiling alcohol, which deposits a part of it 
 on cooling, very soluble in ether even cold, and saponifiable with the alkalies. 
 
 The cinchonic red of Reuss, the insoluble red colouring matter of Pelletier 
 and Caventou, is reddish-brown, insipid, inodorous, largely soluble in alcohol, 
 especially when hot, and almost insoluble in ether or water, though the latter 
 dissolves a little at the boiling temperature. The acids promote its solubility 
 in water. It precipitates tartar emetic, but not gelatin; but, if treated with 
 a cold solution of potassa or soda, or by ammonia, lime, or baryta, with heat 
 and then precipitated by an acid, it acquires the property of forming an 
 insoluble compound with gelatin, and seems to be converted into tannin. 
 It is precipitated by subacetate of lead. It is most abundant in the red 
 bark, and ieast so in the pale. Berzelius supposed it to be formed from 
 tannin by the action of the air. According to Schwartz it results from the 
 absorption by the tannin of 3 eqs. of oxygen, and the elimination of *2 eqs. of 
 earbonic acid, and 1 eq. of water. ( Pharm . Cent. Blatt, 1852, p. 194.) 
 
 The yellow colouring matter has little taste, is soluble in water, alcohol, 
 and ether, precipitates neither gelatin nor tartar emetic, and is itself precipi- 
 tated by subacetate of lead. 
 
 The tannic acid , tannin, cincho-tannic acid, or soluble red colouring matter 
 of Pelletier and Caventou, has been considered as possessing all the properties 
 which characterize the proximate vegetable principles associated together 
 under the name of tannic acid. It has a brownish-red colour and austere 
 taste, is soluble in water and alcohol, combines with metallic oxides, and pro- 
 duces precipitates with the salts of iron, which vary in colour according to 
 the variety of bark; being deep green with the pale bark, blackish-brown 
 with the yellow, and reddish-brown with the red. It also forms white pre- 
 cipitates with tartar emetic and gelatin, and readily combines with atmo- 
 spheric oxygen, becoming insoluble. It must, however, differ materially from 
 the tannic acid of galls, which could not exist in aqueous solutions containing 
 cinchonia and quinia without forming insoluble compounds with them. 
 
 But the most interesting and important constituents of Peruvian bark are 
 the alkaliue and active principles quinia, cinchonia, and quinidia, and the kinic 
 and kinovic acids, with the former of which these principles are combined. 
 In relation to these, therefore, we shall be more minute in our details. 
 
 Quinia, as usually prepared, is whitish, rather flocculent, and not crystal- 
 line; but it may be crystallized from its alcoholic solution by careful man- 
 agement in pearly silky needles; and Liebig obtained it from a somewhat 
 ammoniacal watery solution in the same form. It is inodorous aud very 
 bitter. At about 300° F. it melts without chemical change, and on cooling 
 becomes brittle. It is soluble in about 400 parts of cold and 250 of boiling 
 water, is very soluble in alcohol and ether, and soluble also in the fixed 
 and volatile oils. The alcoholic solution is intensely bitter. Quinia is 
 unalterable in the air. It forms salts with the acids which readily crys- 
 tallize. The tannate, tartrate, and oxalate, are said to be insoluble or 
 nearly so, but are dissolved by an excess of acid. Quinia and its salts 
 may be distinguished from all other vegetable alkalies and their salts, by 
 
PART r. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 251 
 
 the beautiful etuerald-green colour which results, when their solution is 
 treated first with solution of chlorine and then with ammonia, and which 
 changes to a white or violet upon saturation with a dilute acid. The least 
 quantity of quinia may be detected by powdering the substance supposed to 
 contain it, then shaking it with ether, and adding successively the tests just 
 mentioned. Its salts are precipitated by the bichlorides of mercury and 
 platinum, and of a buff colour by that of gold. The composition of quinia 
 is differently given. According to Liebig, it consists of 1 eq. of nitrogen, 20 
 of carbon, 12 of hydrogen, and 2 of oxygen (NC^H^Os), and its combining 
 number is 162. This formula is based on the supposition that, of the two 
 salts which quinia forms with most acids, the one containing the smallest 
 proportion of acid is a di-salt, consisting’ of 2 eqs. of base and 1 of acid, and 
 the other neutral, consisting of 1 eq. of each. Another view is, that the 
 first of these salts is neutral, and the second a bi-salt; and, if this be ad- 
 mitted, the above combining number must be doubled. Upon the latter 
 supposition, the formula, according to Laurent, is NaG^H^O,, and the com- 
 bining number 370. 
 
 There is reason to believe that quinia may become uncrystallizable with- 
 out change of composition, and impart to its salts the same uncrystallizable 
 character. In this state it is called amorphous quinia. This is always 
 among the substances left in the mother waters after the crystallization of 
 sulphate of quinia, in' its preparation from Calisaya bark. More will be said 
 of this under sulphate of quinia in the second part of this work. 
 
 Quinia is obtained by treating its sulphate with the solution of an alkali, 
 collecting the precipitate, washing it till the water comes away tasteless, 
 then drying it, dissolving it in alcohol, and slowly evaporating the solution. 
 
 The most important artificial salt of quinia is the sulphate, the process for 
 procuring which, as well as its properties, will be hereafter described. The 
 muriate and valerianate have been adopted by the Dublin College, which 
 gives processes for their preparation. (See Quinise Sulphas, &c., among the 
 preparations.) The phosphate, acetate, citrate, lactate, ferrocyanate, and tan- 
 nate have also been employed and recommended; but none of them has yet 
 gained admittance into the Pharmacopoeias, and none probably is superior to 
 the officinal sulphate. The first four may be prepared by saturating a solu- 
 tion of the acids respectively with quinia, and evaporating the solutions. 
 The ferrocyanate is directed to be made by boiling together two parts of sul- 
 phate of quinia and three of ferrocyanuret of potassium in a very little water, 
 pouring off the liquor from a greenish-yellow substance of an oily consistence 
 which is precipitated, washing the latter with distilled water, then dissolving 
 it in strong alcohol at 100° F., filtering immediately, and afterwards evapo- 
 rating the solution. [Am. Journ. of P harm., x ii. 351.) M. Pelouze, however, 
 found this preparation to be pure quinia, mixed with a little Prussian blue. 
 (. Archives Gen., 3e ser., xv. 236.) The tannate may be prepared by precipi- 
 tating the infusion of bark, or solution of sulphate of quinia, by the infusion 
 of galls or solution of tannic acid, and then washing and drying the precipi- 
 tate. It has the advantage of possessing little taste, while experience has 
 shown that it is little if at all inferior in antiperiodic powers to the sulphate; 
 but its amorphous condition renders it more liable to adulteration. Either 
 of these salts may be given in the same dose as the sulphate. Arsenite of 
 quinia has been recommended by Dr. llingdon, especially in chronic cutane- 
 ous affections. He prepares it by boiling 64 grains of arsenious acid, with 
 half the quantity of carbonate of potassa, in four fluidounces of distilled water, 
 until dissolved, adding water enough to make the solution measure four fluid- 
 ounces, and then mixing five drachms of this solution with two scruples of 
 
252 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 sulphate of quinia, previously dissolved in boiling distilled water. The arse- 
 nite (diarseuite) of quinia is thrown down in the form of a white curdy pre- 
 cipitate, which is to be washed on a filter and dried. It is uncrystallizable, 
 insoluble in water, and soluble in alcohol. The dose is one-third of a grain, 
 given at first twice a day, and afterwards three and four times a day. ( Prov . 
 Med. & Sury. Journ., Aug. 25, 1817.) 
 
 Cinehonia when pure is white, crystallizable from its alcoholic solution 
 in four-sided prisms with oblique terminal facets, soluble in 2500 parts of 
 boiling water, almost insoluble in cold water, soluble in boiling alcohol which 
 deposits a portion upon cooling, scarcely soluble in ether, and but slightly 
 so in the fixed and volatile oils. Its bitter taste, at first not very obvious in 
 consequence of its difficult solubility, is developed after a short time by the 
 solution of a minute portion in the saliva. Its alcoholic, ethereal, and olea- 
 ginous solutions are very bitter. By heat it is melted and partially changed, 
 and, if the heat be cautiously increased, sublimes into a matted tissue of fine 
 crystals, which have the same formula as the pure alkaloid. (Hlasiwetz, 
 Chem. Gaz., ix. 90.) Its alkaline character is very decided, as it neutralizes 
 the strongest acids. Of the salts of cinehonia, the sulphate, nitrate, muri- 
 ate, phosphate, and acetate are soluble in water. The neutral tartrate, oxa- 
 late, and gallate are insoluble in cold water, but soluble in hot water, alcohol, 
 or an excess of acid. Winckler has shown that cinehonia is rendered un- 
 crystallizable or amorphous by sulphuric acid in excess, aided by heat; a fact 
 of importance in the preparation of the sulphate of this alkali. {Chem. 
 Gaz., March 15, 1848.) Several processes have been employed for the pre- 
 paration of cinehonia. One of the simplest is the following. Powdered pale 
 bark is submitted to the action of sulphuric or muriatic acid very much di- 
 luted, and the solution obtained is precipitated by an excess of lime. The 
 precipitate is collected on a filter, washed with water, and treated with boiliug 
 alcohol. The alcoholic solution is filtered while hot, and deposits the cinehonia 
 when it cools. A further quantity is obtained by evaporation. If not per- 
 fectly white, it may be freed from colour by converting it into a sulphate 
 with dilute sulphuric acid, then treating the solution with animal charcoal, 
 filtering, precipitating by an alkali, and redissolving by alcohol in the man- 
 ner already mentioned. It may also be obtained from the mother waters of 
 sulphate of quinia by diluting them with water, precipitating with ammonia, 
 collecting the precipitate on a filter, washing and drying it, and then dissolv- 
 ing it in boiling alcohol, which deposits the cinehonia in a crystalline form 
 upon cooling. It may be still further purified by a second solution and 
 crystallization. The same remarks in relation to equivalent composition 
 apply to cinehonia, as those already made in reference to quinia. According 
 to the view which considers the salts as basic and neutral, cinehonia consists 
 of 1 eq. of nitrogen, 20 of carbon, 12 of hydrogen, and 1 of oxygen (XCa, 
 H ia O); and its combining number is 154. The other view would require 
 these numbers to be doubled. The above formula is that of Liebig. Others 
 have been given; but Hlasiwetz constantly obtained results with true cineho- 
 nia confirmatory of those stated. {Chem. Gaz., ix. 91.) Exposed to the air, 
 ciuchonia does not suffer decomposition, but very slowly absorbs carbonic acid, 
 and acquires the property of effervescing slightly with acids. It is precipi- 
 tated of a sulphur-yellow by the perchloride of gold. Chlorine water dis- 
 solves it or any of its salts without change ; but if ammonia be now added, 
 a white precipitate is produced. It is thus distinguished from the other 
 cinehonia alkaloids. 
 
 Sulphate of ' cinehonia {disulphate),- the only salt of this base which has 
 been employed to any extent in a separate state, may be prepared by hear- 
 ing cinehonia with a little water, adding dilute sulphuric acid gradually till 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 253 
 
 the alkali is dissolved, then boiling with purified animal charcoal, filtering the 
 solution while hot, and setting it aside to crystallize. By alternate evapora- 
 tion and crystallization, the whole of the sulphate may be obtained. The salt 
 is, however, most frequently procured from the mother waters of sulphate of 
 quinia. It crystallizes in short, oblique, shining prisms with dihedral sum- 
 mits, which melt at 212°, and at a somewhat higher temperature lose their 
 water of crystallization. Its taste is very bitter. It is soluble in fifty-four 
 parts of water at common temperatures, and in a smaller quantity of boiling 
 water, and is readily dissolved by alcohol. According to the views above 
 given of the composition of cinchonia, it is a disulphate, consisting of 2 eqs. 
 of cinchonia 308, 1 of sulphuric acid 40, and 2 of water of crystallization 
 18=366. By the addition of the necessary quantity of acid, it passes into 
 the neutral sulphate, which is soluble in less than half its weight of water 
 at 58°.* 
 
 Quinidia ( quinidine , quinidina of Pereira, chinidine of Winekler, p qui- 
 nine of Van Heijningcn) has been satisfactorily determined to be a distinct 
 alkaloid of Peruvian bark. Its properties have been carefully examined by 
 H. G-. Leers, from whose paper, published originally in the Ann. der Chcm. 
 und Pharm. (Mai, 1852), the following account of its properties has been 
 chiefly derived. It readily crystallizes from its alcoholic solution, by spon- 
 taneous evaporation, in hard, shining, colourless crystals, which are easily 
 pulverized, and yield a snow-white powder. They melt without decomposition 
 or loss of water at 347° F., and on cooling concrete into a grayish-white crys- 
 talline mass. At a higher heat they take fire, and burn with the odour of 
 kinole, and volatile oil of bitter almonds. Their taste is bitter, but less in- 
 tensely so than that of quinia. Quinidia is soluble, according to Leers, in 
 2580 parts of water at 62°, and in 1858 parts at 212°, in 143 (169 Winekler) 
 of ether, and 12 of alcohol of 0'885, both at 62° F. With the acids it 
 forms salts, most of which are beautifully crystallizable, and much more solu- 
 ble than those of quinia. There are, as of quinia and cinchonia, two sets of 
 the salts of quinidia, which may be considered either as basic and neutral, or 
 as neutral and acid. In the former view, quinidia would have the formula 
 NCjglljjO, and the equivalent number 141 ; in the latter, which is the one 
 generally adopted, N 2 0 86 H S2 O 2 , and 282. When treated first with chlorine 
 and then with ammonia, it does not like quinia yield a green colour, nor like 
 cinchonia a white one, but remains unaffected. f It differs from quinia also by 
 its much less solubility in ether. From the aqueous solution of its salts, the 
 
 * Cinchonia, quinia, quinidia, and strychnia, when heated with caustic potassa, 
 yield acrid vapours, which condense into an oily liquid having alkaline properties, for 
 which the name of quinol'ein was proposed by its discoverer M. Gerhardt, and which is 
 also called cinctiolin. It has a peculiar odour, not unlike that of the bean of St. Igna- 
 tius, and an extremely acrid and bitter taste, is slightly soluble in water, and freely so 
 in alcohol, ether, and the volatile oils ; forms crystallizable salts with the acids ; and 
 is characterized by producing a yellow crystalline precipitate with chromic acid. It 
 results also from the dry distillation of quinia. (Journ. de Pharm. et de Chim., 3e ser., 
 ii. 841.) Dr. A. W. Hoffmann has found that the substance called leucol, existing in 
 coal-gas naphtha, is identical with cincholin. ( Cheni . Gazette. June, 1845, p. 251.) Mr. 
 Steuhouse proposes, as a test of the presence of alkaline principles in bark, to macerate 
 with dilute sulphuric acid, precipitate with an excess of carbonate of potassa or soda, 
 and distil the precipitate with a great excess of caustic potassa or soda, Cincholin 
 will distil over in oily drops, recognizable by their peculiar odour and strong alkaline 
 properties. ( Philos . Mag., xxvi. 1911.) 
 
 f Mr. E. N. Kent of New York proposes another test to distinguish this alkaloid from 
 quinia. If to a solution of sulphate of quinia in acetic acid, a few drops of tincture 
 of iodine be added, and the mixture be heated, and then allowed to cool, a beautiful 
 emerald- green compound is formed ; while sulphate of quinidia, treated in the same 
 manner, furnishes a brown precipitate. ( N . Y. Journ. of Pharm., ii. 129.) 
 
254 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PAItT i. 
 
 alkalies, their carbonates, and bicarbonates throw down pulverulent precipi- 
 tates not soluble in an excess of the precipitant. With phosphate of soda, 
 nitrate of silver, and bichloride of mercury it forms white, with chloride of 
 gold light-yellow, and with chloride of platinum orange- 3 r ellow precipitates. 
 It may be obtained pure by first precipitating it from the solution of one of 
 its salts by an alkali, and then repeatedly dissolving in alcohol and crystal- 
 lizing, until it is entirely freed from a greenish-yellow resinous substance 
 which is apt to attend it. From quinia it may be separated by repeated 
 washing with ether, until the ethereal solution no longer affords evidence of 
 the presence of quinia by the test of chlorine and ammonia. 
 
 Sulphate of quinidia is, according to one view, neutral, consisting of 1 eq. 
 of quinidia 282, 1 of sulphuric acid 40, and 1 of water 9 ; according to an- 
 other, basic, containing 2 eqs. of base, 1 of acid, and 1 of water, and therefore 
 a disulphate. It is in long, shining, silky acicular crystals, soluble in 130 
 parts of water at 62° F., in 16 parts at 212°, readily soluble in alcohol, but 
 almost insoluble in ether. It is obtained from the quinidia barks by the 
 same process as that by which sulphate of quinia is procured from the Cali- 
 saya. When the two alkaloids are contained in the same bark, the sulphate 
 of quinidia remains in the mother waters in consequence of its greater solu- 
 bility. By the addition to its solution of a quantity of sulphuric acid equal 
 to that which it contains, it is converted into the bisulphate (sulphate on the 
 basic view), crystallizable in fine acicular crystals like asbestos.* 
 
 * There is still considerable uncertainty upon the subject of the alkaline constituents 
 of Peruvian bark. What has been stated in the text may be considered as pretty well 
 established; but, various other results have been obtained, which need confirmation by 
 repeated experiment, before they can be entirely relied on. Among the most recent 
 and interesting are those of Van Heijningen, Guibourt, and Pasteur. 
 
 According to Van Heijningen there are three kinds of quinia, differing from one an- 
 other by the quantity of water which they contain, and of which they may be deprived 
 by a heat of 266° F. He distinguishes them as a quinia, )3 quinia, and y quinia, the 
 first containing three eqs. of water, the second two, and the third one. The a quinia 
 is common quinia, (3 quinia is the alkaloid denominated in the text quinidia. and y quinia 
 is a crystalline variety, which is formed out of recently precipitated amorphous quinia, 
 exposed in a thin layer to the atmosphere. Each of these varieties forms salts having 
 distinctive properties. They are produced one from the other, and not necessarily pre- 
 existent in the bark. (See Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xi. 521.) 
 
 Guibourt gives as the result of his examinations, that quinia and quinidia are dis- 
 tinct alkaloids, possessing different physical and chemical properties. 1. Quinia sepa- 
 rates from its hydro-alcoholic solutions in the form of a syrupy liquid, which preserves 
 its transparency in the air. Nevertheless, when in a very thin layer upon glass, it 
 becomes opaque, assuming a very fine and indeterminate crystalline structure. In the 
 first state it contains 3 eqs. of water, corresponding to Van Heijningen’ s a quinia; in 
 the second, only 1 eq., corresponding to the y quinia of that chemist. Quinidia sepa- 
 rates from its hydro-alcoholic and alcoholic solutions in the form of crystals which 
 belong to the system of right rectangular or rhomboidal prisms. These crystals are 
 anhydrous. 2. Quinia is soluble in all proportions in cold ether and absolute alcohol, 
 and in almost all proportions in alcohol of 90 to the hundred. Quinidia is soluble in 
 140 to 150 parts of ether, 45 of cold absolute alcohol, 105 of alcohol of 90, and in 3-7 
 parts of boiling absolute alcohol. 3. Sulphate of quinia crystallized (common sulphate) 
 is soluble, in the cold, in 57 parts of absolute alcohol, and 63 of alcohol of 90. The 
 corresponding sulphate of quinidia is soluble in from 30 to 32 parts of cold absolute 
 alcohol, and 7 of alcohol of 90. 4. Oxalate of quinia is quite insoluble in water: oxa- 
 
 late of quinidia is very soluble, and easily crystallizable by refrigeration or evaporation. 
 
 ( Journ . de Pharm., 3c ser., xxii. 414.) 
 
 M. Pasteur has arrived at the following extremely interesting conclusions as to the 
 cinchona alkaloids. There are four principal bases in bark, viz. 1. quinine ( quinia i. 2. 
 quinidine (quinidia), 3. cinchonine (cinchonia), and 4. cinclionidine i cinchonidia . By 
 exposing any salt of quinia with certain precautions to heat, the alkaloid is changed 
 into another isomeric with itself called by M. Pasteur, quinicine. Under similar cir- 
 cumstances cinchonine is changed into an isomeric alkaloid which he calls cimhonicine. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 255 
 
 Kinic Acid ( called also Cinehonic or Quinic Acid), and the Kinates of 
 Cinckonia and Quinia. — It may be desirable to procure the alkaline princi- 
 ples in the state of saline combination in which they exist in the bark ; as it 
 is possible that they may exert an influence over the system in this state, 
 somewhat different from that produced by their combinations with the sul- 
 phuric or other mineral acid. As it is impossible to procure the kinates 
 immediately from the bark in a pure state, it becomes necessary first to obtain 
 the kinic acid separately, which may thus become of some practical import- 
 ance. We shall, therefore, briefly describe the mode of procuring it, and its 
 characteristic properties. By evaporating the infusion of bark to a solid 
 consistence, and treating the extract thus obtained with alcohol, we have in 
 the residue a viscid matter consisting chiefly of mucilage with kinate of lime, 
 which is insoluble in alcohol. If an aqueous solution of this substance be 
 formed, and allowed to evaporate at a gentle heat, crystals of the kinate are 
 deposited, which may be purified by a second crystallization. The salt thus 
 obtained, being dissolved in water, is decomposed by means of oxalic acid, 
 which precipitates the lime, and leaves the kinic acid in solution. This may 
 be procured in the crystalline state by spontaneous evaporation, though, as 
 usually prepared, it is in the form of a thick syrupy liquid. The crystals are 
 transparent and colourless, sour to the taste, and readily soluble in alcohol 
 and in water. The kinates of cinchonia and quinia may be obtained either by 
 the direct combination of their constituents, or by the mutual decomposition 
 of the sulphates of those alkalies and the kinate of lime. The kinate of cin- 
 chonia has a bitter and astringent taste, is very soluble in water, is soluble 
 also in alcohol, and is crystallized with difficulty. The kinate of quinia is 
 also very soluble in water, but less so in rectified alcohol. Its taste is very 
 
 These new bases have striking anaiogies with those from which they were derived, and 
 moreover strongly resemble each other. They are almost insoluble in water, but very 
 soluble in ordinary and absolute alcohol. Both combine readily with carbonic acid, 
 and separate ammonia from its saline combinations. Both are deposited from these 
 solutions in the form of resinous fluids, and both deviate to the right the plane of po- 
 larization. Both are very bitter and febrifuge. Under the name of quinidine two 
 alkaloids have been confounded, and not unfrequently the two are mixed together. 
 One of these, for which M. Pasteur preserves the name of quinidine , is hydrated, efflo- 
 rescent, isomeric with quinine, deviates to the right the plane of polarization, and 
 like quinine gives a green colour with chlorine and ammonia. The other, which he 
 calls cinchonidine, is anhydrous, isomeric with cinchonine, exercises to the left its rota- 
 tory power, and does not exhibit the green colour with the two tests referred to. 
 The latter is the most common in commercial specimens ; and it is easy to ascertain 
 whether it contains quinidine. If recently crystallized cinchonidine be exposed to hot 
 air, all the crystals of quinidine will effloresce, and separate from the others, from 
 which they are distinguished by their opaque whiteness. Now, if these two alkaloids, 
 quinidine and cinchonidine, be exposed to heat in the same manner as quinine and cin- 
 chonine above referred to, they will offer the same results; that is, they will severally 
 be transformed into isomeric bases; and, what is remarkable, these bases are iden- 
 tical, the one with quinicine and the other with cinchonicine ; so that, of the four ori- 
 ginal alkaloids, quinine and quinidine are changed into quinicine, and cinchonine and 
 cinchonidine into cinchonicine. 
 
 The relation of these six alkaloids to one another in reference to polarized light is 
 remarkable. Of the three isomeric alkaloids, quinine, quinidine, and quinicine, the 
 quinine deviates to the right, the quinidine to the left, and both considerably, while the 
 quinicine deviates to the right, but very feebly; and the same thing exactly is true of 
 cinchonine, cinchonidine, and cinchonicine, which are also isomeric. 
 
 Commercial quino'idine, or the substance left after the crystallization of sulphate of 
 quinia, purified by solution and precipitation, consists of the alkaloids mixed with a 
 large proportion of resinous and colouring matters, into which the salts of the alka- 
 loids have been transformed. This change takes place either by artificial heat or in 
 the sun, and therefore results both in the process of preparing sulphate of quinia, and 
 during the drying of the fresh barks by sunlight, or their subsequent exposure to the 
 same influence. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e ser. , xxiv. 161 )—Note to the tenth edition. 
 
256 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 bitter, resembling exactly that of yellow bark. It crystallizes in crusts of 
 a mammillated form, and opaque or semitransparent. The salt is with diffi- 
 culty obtained free from colour, and only by employing the ingredients in a 
 state of extreme purity. {Ann. de Chim. et de Phys., Juillet, 1829.)* 
 
 Kinovic Acid. This is white, uncrystallizable, almost insoluble in water, 
 but readily dissolved by alcohol and ether. It is very bitter, and, as it is 
 asserted to have no febrifuge virtues, may on this account mislead the judg- 
 ment in relation to the activity of the bark in which it may be found. It 
 consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ; its formula being C w H 9 0 3 . It 
 forms salts with the acids ; and a solution of kinovate of magnesia precipitates 
 solutions of acetate of lead, bichloride of mercury, and the salts of cinchonia. 
 Winckler gives as a certain test of its presence in any bark the sulphate of 
 copper, which is indifferent to infusions of bark containing none of this prin- 
 ciple, but discovers the smallest proportion of it by producing a dirty-green 
 colour, soon followed by the deposition of a fine similarly coloured powder. 
 This is kinovate of copper, and has a very bitter and metallic taste. (See Am. 
 Journ. of Pharm., xxv. 343.) 
 
 Of the relations of bark to the several solvents employed in pharmacy 
 we shall speak hereafter, under the head of its infusion, decoction, and tinc- 
 ture ; where we shall also have an opportunity of mentioning some of the 
 more prominent substances which afford precipitates with its liquid prepara- 
 tions. It is sufficient at present to state, that all the substances which pre- 
 cipitate the infusion of bark do not by any means necessarily affect its virtues'; 
 as it contains several inert ingredieuts which form insoluble compounds with 
 bodies that do not disturb its active principles. As tannic acid forms with 
 the alkaloids compounds insoluble in water, it is desirable that substances 
 containing this acid, in a free state, should not be prescribed in connexion 
 with the infusion or decoction of bark ; for, though these insoluble tannates 
 might be found efficacious if administered, yet, being precipitated from the 
 liquid, they would be apt to be thrown away as dregs, or at any rate would 
 communicate, if agitated, an unpleasant turbidness. 
 
 It is evident, from what has been said, that an infusion of bark, on account 
 of the tannin-like principle which it contains, may precipitate gelatin, tartar 
 emetic, and the salts of iron, without having a particle of cinchonia, quinia, 
 or other alkaloid in its composition; and that consequently any inference as 
 to its value, drawn from these chemical properties, would be fallacious ; but, 
 as the active principles are thrown down by the tannic acid of galls, no bark 
 can be considered good which does not afford a precipitate with the infusion 
 of this substance. 
 
 It is impossible to determine, with accuracy, the relative proportion of the 
 active ingredients in the different varieties of cinchona; as the quantity is 
 by no means uniform in different specimens of the same variety. The results 
 of the most recent experiments have been already stated under the head of 
 the several varieties of bark described. But it is highly important, in relation 
 to any particular sample of bark, to be able to ascertain its medicinal efficiencv, 
 
 * When kinic acid is mixed with sulphuric acid and deutoxide of manganese, and dis- 
 tilled, a neutral substance called kirioi/e or kinone is obtained, in crystalline needles, of 
 a beautiful golden yellow colour and high lustre, fusible and volatilizable without 
 change, and having a peculiar odour. The production of this substance, when a con- 
 centrated decoction of a bark is distilled with half its weight of sulphuric acid and 
 deutoxide of manganese, has been proposed as a test of the presence of kinic acid in the 
 bark, and consequently of its belonging to the cinchona barks; If there is the least 
 quantity of that acid, the first portion of liquid distilled will have a yellow colour and 
 the odour of kinone, and will become bright green on the addition of chlorine water. 
 ( Philos . Mag., xxvi. 198.) 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 257 
 
 which is measured by the quantity of the peculiar cinchona alkaloids it may 
 contain. The following is Winckler’s process, which he prefers to all others. 
 In determining the value of a large quantity of bark, it is necessary first to 
 ascertain whether it may not consist of more than one variety, and if it do, 
 to assort it, and act on each kind separately. The pieces are to be reduced 
 to a fine powder, of which 1000 grains are to be digested with 6 ounces of 
 alcohol of 80 per cent., by means of a water-bath, until completely exhausted. 
 The tincture, when cold, is to be strained through thin but close linen; and 
 the residue to be again digested with 3 ounces of alcohol and strained as 
 before. The residue now obtained is to be once more treated in like manner 
 with alcohol. The tinctures are then to be united, filtered, and treated, at 
 common temperatures, with a mixture of equal parts of fresh slaked lime 
 and crude well-burnt animal charcoal, of which about 500 grains will be 
 required. The mixture is to be frequently shaken, and the maceration to be 
 continued until the supernatant liquid is rendered colourless. In most of 
 the genuine barks the decolorization is soon effected ; but in those contain- 
 ing kinovic acid it is imperfect. The decolorized liquid is to be separated, and 
 the residue to be repeatedly shaken with small quantities of alcohol, washed 
 on a filter with the same liquor, and dried. The alcoholic liquids are to be 
 mixed, and the alcohol distilled off. The whole of the alkaloids is contained 
 in the residue, with a peculiar fatty matter, cinchonic red, and any kinovic 
 acid which may have existed in the bark. To remove these, the matter is to 
 be transferred to a small evaporating basin from the distilling vessel, which is 
 to be washed with a little water acidulated with sulphuric acid, and the liquid 
 thus obtained to be added to the rest. A slight excess of sulphuric acid is 
 now to be dropped into the mixture, which is to be heated, allowed to cool, and 
 then filtered, so as to remove the precipitated kinovic acid and other impuri- 
 ties. From the filtered acidulated solution, the alkaloids are to be precipitated 
 by a slight excess of ammonia, and the mixture evaporated by a gentle heat 
 to dryness. The sulphate of ammonia is to be removed from the residue by 
 a small quantitj 7 of very cold water, and the residual alkaloid matter dried 
 and weighed. Though not absolutely pure, it is sufficiently so for the pur- 
 poses of the investigation.* (. Am.Journ . of Pharm., xxv. 343.) Winc-kler states 
 
 * M. Rabourdin has proposed chloroform as an agent for testing the alkaloid rich- 
 ness of barks. The following is his method, applied to the Calisaya. Five drachms 
 of the powder, previously passed through a fine hah- sieve, are to be exhausted bv' 
 water, acidulated with hydrochloric acid (2 drachms of acid to a pound of water), iu 
 a percolation apparatus, the liquid being added until it passes colourless and tasteless. 
 Five or six ounces of liquid are thus obtained, to wdiich a drachm and a half of caustic 
 potassa and five drachms of chloroform are to be added. These are to be agitated for a 
 short time, and then allowed to stand. A dense whitish deposit forms, consisting of 
 the alkaloids and chloroform. Sometimes the separation is complete and effected in an 
 instant, leaving a red transparent liquid floating on the surface, which is to be imme- 
 diately poured off. The chloroformic solution is then washed with water, put into a 
 capsule, and allowed to evaporate. The alkaloids remain behind in a pure state. 
 
 Red bark is to be treated as the Calisaya ; but for the pale or cinchonia barks the 
 process is to be carried further. The matter left after the evaporation of the chloro- 
 form contains cinchonic red as well as cinchonia. It is to be treated with water acidu- 
 lated with hydrochloric acid, which dissolves all the alkaloid, and a portion of the 
 cinchonic red. The liquid is to be filtered, and solution of ammonia diluted with 15 
 or 20 parts of water, added drop by drop, with constant stirring, until a white cloud 
 appears which is not removed by the agitation. The cinchonic red is thus precipitated 
 without the alkaloid. It is easy to know when to stop this part of the process ; as the 
 cinchonic red is precipitated in reddish-brown flakes, the cinchonia in white curdled 
 flakes. The liquid is now to be filtered, the filter washed with a little distilled water, 
 and the united liquors precipitated by an excess of ammonia. The precipitate is the 
 pure alkaloid. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiii. 249.) 
 
 17 
 
258 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 that the barks will yield to the manufacturer quite as much as is obtained in 
 this way, and generally from one-eighth to one-quarter of one per cent, more, 
 in consequence of the loss in working being less on a large scale. 
 
 The quantity of alkaloid matter obtained by the above process will measure 
 the efficacy of the bark ; for all the organic alkaline principles contained in 
 it are efficient as medicines, and in all probability in a nearly equal degree. 
 But for manufacturing purposes, it is necessary to push the investigation 
 further, and ascertain the proportion of the several alkaloids in the mixture. 
 This is most conveniently done by means of ether. Cinchonia is scarcely 
 soluble in ether, quinidia is soluble in small proportion, quinia is freely 
 soluble. When, therefore, a mixture of these alkaloids is treated with that 
 menstruum, quinia and quinidia are dissolved, and cinchonia left. The two 
 former may be separated by allowing the ethereal solution to evaporate. 
 Quinidia crystallizes from the solution, and quinia is obtained uncrystallized 
 as the last product of the evaporation of the ether.* 
 
 The Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia gives the following mode of testing the value 
 of yellow bark. “ A filtered decoction of 100 grains in two fluidounees of 
 distilled water gives, with a fluidounce of concentrated solution of carbonate 
 of soda, a precipitate, which, when heated in the fluid, becomes a fused mass, 
 weighing when cold two grains or more, and easily soluble in solution of 
 oxalic acid.” 
 
 From the most recent and carefully conducted experiments, it appears that 
 the best officinal yellow Calisaya bark, the finest red bark, and the finest fibrous 
 Carthagena bark from Pitaya, are about equal in their amount of alkaloids, 
 each containing from 3 to 4 per cent.; while between these and the barks of 
 lowest value there is every grade of productiveness, down to a mere trace of 
 alkaline matter. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. 
 
 This valuable remedy was unknown to the civilized world till about the 
 middle of the seventeenth century; though the natives of Peru are generally 
 supposed to have been long previously acquainted with its febrifuge powers. 
 Humboldt, however, is of a different opinion. In his Memoir on the Cin- 
 
 * Mr. Robert Howard employs the following method of ascertaining the presence or 
 absence of these alkaloids severally in any mixture of their sulphates, founded on the 
 fact that ten grains of sulphate of quinia dissolve in sixty drops of ether, but only one 
 grain of sulphate of quinidia. Ten grains of the salt are put into a strong test tube, ten 
 drops of dilute sulphuric acid (one of acid and five of water) with fifteen drops of water 
 are added, and a moderate heat applied till the salt is dissolved. When the solution 
 has quite cooled, sixty drops of officinal ether with twenty of spirit of ammonia are 
 added, and the mixture, is well shaken, the tube being closed by the thumb. After this 
 the tube is closely stopped with a well-fitting, cork, and gently shaken from time to 
 time. If the salt contain only quinia, or not more than 10 per cent, of quinidia, it will 
 be completely dissolved, while, at the surface of contact of the two clear liquids, only 
 mechanical impurities will be seen. After some time the layer of ether becomes 
 gelatinous, and then no further observation can be made. Ten grains of the salt 
 examined may contain one grain of quinidia, and yet be completely dissolved by the 
 ether and ammonia ; but in this case the quinidia will soon begin to crystallize in the 
 layer of ether. The last trace of quinidia may be detected by employing, instead of 
 ordinary ether, the same fluid previously saturated with quinidia, in which ease all the 
 quinidia must remain undissolved. It is necessary, in the last experiment, to observe, 
 after the shaking, whether or not all lias dissolved ; for, owing to the great tendency of 
 quinidia to crystallize, it may again separate, and thus become a source of error. If 
 more than a tenth of quinidia, or if cinchonia be present in the salt, an insoluble pre- 
 cipitate will be seen between the layers of the two fluids. If it be quinidia. it will be 
 dissolved on the addition of proportionately more ether: while, if cinchonia, it will 
 remain unaffected. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., xi. 391.) 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 259 
 
 chona forests, he states that it is unknown as a remedy to the Indians 
 inhabiting the country where it grows; and, as these people adhere perti- 
 naciously to the habits of their ancestors, he concludes that it never was 
 employed by them. They have generally the most violent prejudices against 
 it, considering it poisonous, and in the treatment of fever prefer the milder 
 indigenous remedies. Humboldt is disposed to ascribe the discovery of the 
 febrifuge powers of the bark to the Jesuits, who were sent to Peru as mis- 
 sionaries. As bitters had been chiefly relied on in the treatment of inter- 
 mittent fevers, and as bitterness was observed to be a predominant property 
 in the bark of certain trees which were felled in clearing the forests, the 
 missionaries were naturally led to give it a trial in the same complaint. 
 They accordingly administered an infusion of the bark in the tertian ague, 
 then prevalent in Peru, and soon ascertained its extraordinary powers. A 
 tradition to this effect is said by Humboldt to be current at Loxa. Ruiz 
 
 and Pavon, however, ascribe the discovery to the Indians; and Tschudi 
 
 states, in his Travels in Peru (Am. ed.. ii. 280), that the inhabitants of the 
 Peruvian forests drink an infusion of the green bark as a remedy in inter- 
 mittent fever.* The Countess of Cinchon, wife of the Viceroy of Peru, 
 
 having in her own person experienced the beneficial effects of the bark, is 
 said, on her return to Spain in the year 1640, to have first introduced the 
 remedy into Europe. Hence the name of pulvis Commitissse, by which it 
 was first known. After its introduction, it was distributed and sold by the 
 Jesuits, who are said to have obtained for it the price of its weight in silver. 
 Prom this circumstance it was called Jesuits’ ’powder, a title which it long 
 retained. It had acquired some reputation in England so early as the year 
 1658, but, from its high price, and from the prejudice excited against it, was 
 at first little used. At this early period, however, its origin and nature do 
 not seem to have been generally known ; for we are told that Sir John Talbot 
 (Sir Robert Talbor, Pereira), an Englishman, having employed it with 
 great success in France, in the treatment of intermittents, under the name 
 of the English powder, at length, in the year 1679, sold the secret of its 
 origin and preparation to Louis XIV., by whom it was divulged. 
 
 When taken into the stomach, bark usually excites in a short time a sense 
 of warmth in the epigastrium, which often diffuses itself over the abdomen 
 and even the breast, aud is sometimes attended with considerable gastric 
 and intestinal irritation. Nausea and vomiting are sometimes produced, es- 
 pecially if the stomach was previously in an inflamed or irritated state. 
 Purging, moreover, is not an unfrequent attendant upon its action. After 
 some time has elapsed, the circulation often experiences its influence, as 
 exhibited in the somewhat increased frequency of pulse ; and, if the dose be 
 repeated, the whole system becomes more or less affected, and all the func- 
 tions undergo a moderate degree of excitement. Its action upon the nervous 
 system is often evinced by a sense of tension or fulness or slight pain in the 
 head, singing in the ears, aud partial deafness, which are always experienced 
 by many individuals when brought completely under its influence. The 
 effects above mentioned entitle bark to a place among the tonics, and it is 
 usually ranked at the very head of this class of medicines. Rut, besides 
 the mere excitation of the ordinary functions of health, it produces other 
 effects upon the system, which must be considered peculiar, and independent 
 of its mere tonic operation. The power by which, when administered in the 
 intervals between the paroxysms of intermittent disorders, it interrupts the 
 
 * Tschudi also observes that he has found the fresh bark more efficacious than the 
 dried ; as, in less than half the usual dose, it' not only effects cures in a short time, but 
 insures the patient against the return of the disease. 
 
260 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 progress of the disease, is something more than what is usually understood 
 by the tonic property ; for no other substance belonging to the class, how- 
 ever powerful or permanent may be the excitement which it produces, exer- 
 cises a control over intermittents at all comparable to that of the medicine 
 under consideration. As it is probable that, in the intervals of these com- 
 plaints, a train of morbid actions is going on out of our sight, within the 
 recesses of the nervous system; so it is also probable that bark produces, in 
 the same system, an action equally mysterious, which supersedes that of the 
 malady, and thus accomplishes the restoration of the patient. From the pos- 
 session both of the tonic, and of the anti-intermittent property, if we may be 
 allowed so to designate it, bark is capable of being usefully applied in the 
 treatment of numerous diseases. 
 
 It may usually be employed with benefit in all morbid conditions of the 
 system, whatever may be the peculiar modifications, in which a permanent 
 corroborant effect is desirable, provided the stomach be in a proper state for 
 its reception. In low or typhoid forms of disease, in which either no inflam- 
 mation exists, or that which does exist has been moderated by proper measures, 
 or has passed into the suppurative or the gangrenous stage, this remedy is 
 often of the greatest advantage in supporting the system till the morbid action 
 ceases. Hence its use in the latter stages of typhus gravior; in malignant 
 scarlatina, measles, and small-pox; in carbuncle and gangrenous erysipelas; 
 and in all cases in which the system is exhausted under large purulent dis- 
 charges, and the tendency of the affection is towards recovery. As a tonic, 
 bark is also advantageously employed in chronic diseases connected with de- 
 bility; as, for example, in scrofula, dropsy, passive hemorrhages, certain 
 forms of dyspepsia, obstinate cutaneous affections, amenorrhoea, chorea, hys- 
 teria ; in fact, whenever a corroborant influence is desired, and no contra- 
 indicating symptoms exist. But in all these cases it greatly behooves the 
 physician to examine well the condition of the system, and, before resorting 
 to the tonic, to ascertain the real existence of an enfeebled condition of the 
 functions, and the absence of such local irritations or inflammations, espe- 
 cially of the stomach or bowels, as would be likely to be aggravated by its 
 use. In doubtful cases, we have been in the habit of considering the occur- 
 rence of profuse sweating during sleep as affording an indication for its use, 
 and under these circumstances, have prescribed it very advantageously, in 
 the form of sulphate of quiuia, in acute rheumatism, and in the advanced 
 stages of protracted fevers. 
 
 But it is in the cure of intermittent diseases that bark displays its most 
 extraordinary powers. It was originally introduced into notice as a remedy 
 in fever and ague, and the reputation which it acquired at an early period it 
 has ever since retained. Yery few cases of this disease will he found to resist 
 the judicious use of bark, or some one of its preparations. This is not the 
 place to speak of the precise circumstances under which it is best administered. 
 It will be sufficient to say that physicians generally concur in recommending 
 its early employment, in divided doses, to the extent of one or two ounces, 
 during the intermission, and the repetition of this plan till the disease is sub- 
 dued, or the remedy is found insufficient for its cure. Other intermittent 
 diseases have been found to yield with almost equal certainty to the remedy, 
 particularly those of a neuralgic character. Hemic-rania and violent pains in 
 the eyes, face, and other parts of the body, occurring periodically, are often 
 almost immediately relieved by the use of bark. Some cases of epilepsy, in 
 which the convulsions recurred at regular intervals, have also been cured by 
 it; and even the hectic intermittent is frequently arrested, though, as the 
 cause still generally continues to operate, the relief is too often only tempo- 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinchona. 
 
 261 
 
 rary. Diarrhoea and dysentery sometimes put on the intermittent form, 
 especially in miasmatic districts; and under these circumstances may often be 
 cured by bark. Nor is it necessary that, in the various diseases which have 
 been mentioned, the intermission should always be complete, in order to jus- 
 tify a resort to the remedy. Remittent fevers, in which the remission is very 
 decided, not unfrequently yield to the use of bark, if preceded by proper 
 depleting measures. But, as a general rule, the less of the diseased action 
 there is in the interval, the better is the chance of success. 
 
 Some observations are requisite as to the choice of the bark, and the forms 
 of administration. In the treatment of intermittcnts, either the best red or 
 the yellow (Calisaya) bark is decidedly preferable to the pale. The pale bark 
 may, in its finest forms, be superior for the purposes of a general tonic ; as 
 it is less liable to offend the stomach, and perhaps to irritate the bowels. 
 
 Where the object is to obtain the full influence of bark, it may in some 
 instances be advisable to administer it in substance. We are not absolutely 
 certain that the alkaloids are the only active ingredients; and, even supposing 
 them to be so, we are equally uncertain whether they may not be somewhat 
 modified in their properties; even by the therapeutically inert principles with 
 which they are associated. In fact, bark in substance has been repeatedly 
 known to cure intermittents when sulphate of quinia has failed. It is best 
 administered diffused in water or some aromatic infusion. Experience has 
 proved that its efficacy in intermittents is often greatly promoted by admix- 
 ture with other substances. A mixture of powdered bark, Virginia snake- 
 root, and carbonate of soda, was at one time highly esteemed in this city; 
 and another, consisting of hark, confection of opium, lemon-juice, and port 
 wine, has in our own experience, and that of some of our friends, proved 
 highly efficacious in some obstinate cases of fever and ague.* 
 
 But, notwithstanding the supposed superior efficacy of the bark in substance, 
 in the same relative dose, it is in the great majority of instances sufficient to 
 resort to some one of its preparations; and in many cases we are compelled to 
 this resort by the inability of the stomach to support the powder, or the un- 
 willingness of the patient to encounter its disagreeable taste. The best sub- 
 stitutes, in intermittent diseases, are the sulphates of its alkaloids. Sulphate 
 of quinia has until recently been used almost to the exclusion of the others; 
 but sulphate of cinchonia is now considerably employed, and with nearly equal 
 effect; and there is every reason to believe that sulphate of quinidia will be 
 found scarcely less efficient than either. The advantage of these prepara- 
 tions is "their facility of administration, and the possibility, by their employ- 
 ment, of introducing a large quantity of the active matter, with less risk of 
 offending the stomach. (See Quintas Sulphas .) 
 
 Though the alkaloids possess the anti-intermittent power of bark, they have 
 not been certainly ascertained to exert all the peculiar influence of that me- 
 dicine as a tonic ; but, as bark in powder can seldom be supported, by a 
 delicate stomach, for a sufficient period to insure the necessary influence of 
 the medicine in chronic disease, it is customary to resort, in this case, to some 
 one of its preparations in which the alkaloids are extracted in connexion 
 with the other principles; as the infusion, decoction, tincture, and extract. 
 Each of these will be particularly treated of among the preparations. It is 
 here only necessary to say that their use is mostly confined to chronic cases, 
 
 ■* The following are the formula} for these mixtures: 1. R. Cinchon. Pulv. 3 ss ; Ser- 
 pentarise pulv. gj ; Sodae Carbonat. gss. Misce et in pulveres quatuor divide, una 
 tertia vel quarta, quaque hora sumenda. 2. R. Cinchon. Rub. pulv. 5; ss : Confect. 
 Opii gj ; Sue. Limon. recentis f gij ; Vin. Rub. fgiv. Jlisce. Tertia pars tertia quaque 
 hora, sumenda. 
 
262 
 
 Cinchona.- — Oinnamomum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 or to those of a malignant character, as typhus gravior, &c., in which the 
 whole virtues of the bark are desired, but the stomach is unable to bear the 
 powder. Should bark or its preparations produce purging, as they occasion- 
 ally do, they ought to be combined with a small portion of laudanum.* 
 
 Tt is sometimes desirable to introduce bark into the system by other avenues 
 than the stomach ; as it exercises its peculiar influence to whatever part it is 
 applied. Injected into the rectum, in connexion with opium to prevent 
 purging, it has been employed successfully in the cure of intermittents; 
 and the use of bark jackets, made by quilting the powder between two pieces 
 of flannel or muslin, and worn next the skin, and of bark baths made by 
 infusing the medicine in water, has proved serviceable in cases of children. 
 But the best preparation of bark for injection, or external use, is sulphate of 
 quinia, which, thrown with a little laudanum into the rectum, or applied to 
 a blistered surface denuded of the cuticle, produces on the system effects 
 scarcely less decided than those which result from it when swallowed. 
 
 The medium dose of bark, as administered in intermittents, is a drachm, to 
 be repeated more or less frequently according to circumstances. When given 
 as a tonic in chronic complaints, the dose is usually smaller ; from ten to 
 thirty grains being sufficient to commence with. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Yellow Bark. Decoctum Cinchonas Flavae ; Extraetum Cin- 
 chonae Flavae ; Infusum. Cinchonas Flavae ; Infus. Cinch. Flav. Spissatum ; 
 Quiniae Sulphas ; Tinctura Ginchonae ; Vinum Gentianae. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Pale Baric. Decoct. Cinchonae Pallidas; Extract. Cinchonae 
 Pallidas ; Infusum Cinchonae Pallidae ; Infus. Cinch. Pallid. Spissatum ; Mis- 
 tura Ferri Aromatica ; Tinct. Cinchonae Pallidae ; Tinct. Cinchonae Comp. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Red Baric. Decoct. Cinchon. Bubrae ; Extract. Cinehon. Rub.; 
 Infus. Cinchon. Rub.; Infus. Cinchon. Comp.; Tinct. Cinchon. Comp. W. 
 
 CINNAMOMUM. U. S., Lond., Bub. 
 
 Cinnamon. 
 
 The bark of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum and of Cinnamomum aromaticum. 
 U. S. Bark of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. Lond., Dub. 
 
 Off. Syn. CINNAMOMUM. Bark of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. Cinna- 
 mon. — CASSLE CORTEX. Bark of Cinnamomum Cassia. Cassia Baric. Ed. 
 
 Cinnamon. — Canelle, Fr . ; Brauner Can el, Zimmt, Germ.; Canella, Ital.; Canela, Sj > an .; 
 Kurundu, Cingalese; Karua puttay, Tamul. 
 
 Cassia. — Cassia lignea ; Casse, Fr.; Cassienzimmt, Germ.; Cannellina, Ital.; Casia, 
 Span. 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia embraces, under the title of cinnamon, not only 
 the bark of that name obtained from the island of Ceylon, but also the com- 
 mercial cassia, which is imported from China; and as the two products, though 
 very different in price, and somewhat in flavour, possess identical medical 
 properties, and are used for the same purposes, there seems to be no necessity 
 for giving them distinct officinal designations. Indeed, the barks of all the 
 species of the genus Cinnamomum, possessing analogous properties, are as 
 much entitled to the common name of cinnamon as those of the Cinchonas 
 have to the name of cinchona, and the juice of different species of Aloe to 
 
 * Mr. Alfred B. Taylor, of Philadelphia, prepares a fluid extract of bark, by first 
 forming a tincture with diluted alcohol by means of percolation, evaporating the tinc- 
 ture sufficiently, and incorporating the residual liquid with sugar. From 8 ounces of 
 Calisaya bark he prepares 4 pints of tincture, which he evaporates to 0 fluidounces, 
 and then adds 14 ounces of sugar. A fluidrachm represents about half a drachm of 
 the bark. (Am. Journ. o/Pharm., xxiii. 219.) 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinnamomum. 
 
 263 
 
 that of aloes. Varieties may be sufficiently distinguished by an appropriate 
 epithet. Both cinnamomum and cassia were terms employed by the ancients, 
 but whether exactly as now understood, it is impossible to determine. The 
 term cassia, or cassia lignea, has been generally used in modern times to 
 designate the coarser barks analogous to cinnamon. It was probably first 
 applied to the barks from Malabar, aud afterwards extended to those of China 
 and other parts of Eastern Asia. It has been customary to ascribe cassia 
 lignea to the Laurus Cassia of Linnaeus ; but the specific character given by 
 that botanist was so indefinite, and based on such imperfect information, that 
 the species has been almost unanimously abandoned by botanists. The fact 
 appears to be, that the barks sold as cinnamon and cassia in different parts 
 of the world are derived from various species of Cinnamomum. Dr. Wight, 
 who was commissioned by the British Indian Government to inquire into the 
 botanical source of “ the common cassia bark of the markets of the world,” 
 expresses his belief, that the list of plants yielding this product extends to 
 nearly every species of the genus, including not less than six plants on the 
 Malabar coast and in Ceylon, and nearly twice as many more in the Eastern 
 part of Asia, and the islands of the Eastern Archipelago. (Madras Journ. of 
 Literal, and Sci., 1839, No. 22.) We shall describe only the two species 
 recognised in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Cinnamomum. Sex. Syst. Enneandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Lauraceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Flowers hermaphrodite or polygamous, panicled or fascicled, 
 naked. Calyx six-cleft, with the limb deciduous. Fertile stamens nine, in 
 three rows; the inuer three with two sessile glands at the base; anthers four- 
 celled, the three inner turned outwards. Three capitate abortive stamens 
 next the centre. Fruit seated in a cup-like calyx. Leaves ribbed. Leaf 
 huds not scaly. (Lind ley.) 
 
 1. Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. Nees, Laurinese, 52; Lindley, Med.Flor. 
 329; Hayne, Darstel. und Beschreib. &c. xii. 263. — Laurus Cinnamomum. 
 Linn. This is a tree about twenty or thirty feet high, with a trunk from 
 twelve to eighteen inches iu diameter, and covered with a thick, scabrous 
 bark. The branches are numerous, strong, horizontal and declining; and 
 the young shoots are beautifully speckled with dark green and light orange 
 colours. The leaves are opposite for the most part, coriaceous, entire, ovate 
 or ovate-oblong, obtusely pointed, and three-nerved, with the lateral nerves 
 vanishing as they approach the point. There are also two less obvious nerves, 
 one on each side, arising from the base, proceeding towards the border of the 
 leaf, and then quickly vanishing. The footstalks are short and slightly chan- 
 neled, and, together with the extreme twigs, are smooth and without the least 
 appearance of down. In one variety, the leaves are very broad, and some- 
 what cordate. When mature, they are of a shining green upon their upper 
 surface, and lighter-coloured beneath. The flowers are small, white, aud ar- 
 ranged in axillary and terminal panicles. The fruit is an oval berry, which 
 adheres like the acorn to the receptacle, is larger than the black currant, and 
 when ripe has a bluish-brown surface diversified with numerous white spots. 
 
 The tree emits no smell perceptible at any distance. The bark of the root 
 has the odour of cinnamon with the pungency of camphor, and yields this 
 principle upon distillation. The leaves have a spicy odour when rubbed, and 
 a hot taste. The petiole has the flavour of cinnamon. It is a singular fact, 
 that the odour of the flowers is to people in general disagreeable, being com- 
 pared by some to the scent exhaled from newly sawn bones. The fruit has 
 a terebinthinate odour when opened, and a taste in some degree like that of 
 juniper berries. A fatty substance, called cinnamon-suet, is obtained from 
 it when ripe, by bruising aud then boiling it in water, and removing the 
 
264 
 
 Oinnamomum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 oleaginous matter which rises to the surface, and concretes upon cooling. It 
 is the prepared bark that constitutes the genuine cinnamon. 
 
 This species is a native of Ceylon, where it has long been cultivated for 
 the sake of its bark. It is said also to be a native of the Malabar Coast, and 
 has at various periods been introduced into Java, the Isle of France, Bour- 
 bon, the Cape de Verds, Brazil, Cayenne, several of the West India Islands, 
 and Egypt; and in some of these places is at this time highly productive. 
 This is particularly the case in Cayenne, where the plant was flourishing so 
 early as 1755. It is exceedingly influenced, as regards the aromatic cha- 
 racter of its bark, by the circumstances of soil, climate, and mode of culture. 
 Thus, we are told by Marshall that in Ceylon, beyond the limits of Negombo 
 and Matura, in the western and southern aspect of the island, the bark is 
 never of good quality, being greatly deficient in the aromatic flavour of the 
 cinnamon ; and that even within these limits it is of unequal value, from the 
 various influence of exposure, soil, shade, and other circumstances. 
 
 2. C. aromaticum. Nees, Laurineas, 52; Lindley, Flor. Med. 830. — C. 
 Cassia. Blume, Ed. Ph. ; Hayne, Darstel. wnd Besehreib. &c. xii 23. — 
 Baums Cassia. Aiton, Hart. Kew. ii. 427. — Not Laurus Cassia of Linn. 
 This is of about the same magnitude as the former species, and like it has 
 nearly opposite, shortly petiolate, coriaceous, entire leaves, of a shining green 
 upon the upper surface, lighter coloured beneath, and furnished with three 
 nerves, of which the two lateral vanish towards the point. The leaves, how- 
 ever, differ in being oblong-lanceolate and pointed, and in exhibiting, under 
 the microscope, a very fine down upon the under surface. The footstalks and 
 extreme twigs are also downy. The flowers are in narrow, silky panicles. 
 The plant grows in China, Sumatra, and other parts of Eastern Asia, and is 
 said to be cultivated in Java. It is believed to be the species which furnishes, 
 wholly or in part, the Chinese cinnamon or cassia brought from Canton, and 
 is supposed to be the source of the cassia buds. 
 
 Besides the two species above described, others have been thought to con- 
 tribute to the cinnamon and cassia found in commerce. The opinion of Dr. 
 Wight has been already stated. C. Loureirii of Nees, growing in the moun- 
 tains of Cochin-china towards Laos, and in Japan, affords, according to Lou- 
 reiro, a cinnamon of which the finest kind is superior to that of Ceylon. C. 
 nitidum, growing in Ceylon, Java, and upon the continent of India, is said 
 to have been the chief source of the drug, known formerly by the name of 
 Folia Malabathri, and consisting of the leaves of different species of Cinna- 
 momum mixed together. The leaves of C. Turn ala of Ilindostan have been 
 sold under the same name. 67 Cidilawan of the Moluccas yields the aro- 
 matic bark called culilawan, noticed in the Appendix; and similar barks are 
 obtained from another species of the same region, denominated C. rubrum , 
 aud from C. Sintoc of Java. 
 
 Culture , Collection, Commerce, &c. Our remarks under this head will 
 first be directed to the cinnamon of Ceylon, in relation to which we have more 
 precise information than concerning the aromatic obtained from other sources. 
 The bark was originally collected exclusively from the tree in a wild state; 
 but the Dutch introduced the practice of cultivating it, which has been con- 
 tinued since the British came into possession of the Island. The principal 
 cinnamon gardens are in the vicinity of Columbo. The seeds are planted in 
 a prepared soil at certain distances; aud, as four or five are placed in a spot, 
 the plants usually grow in clusters like the hazel bush. In favourable situa- 
 tions they attain the height of five or six feet in six or seven years, and a 
 healthy bush will then afford two or three shoots fit for peeling; and every 
 second year afterwards will afford from four to seven shoots in a good soil. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinnamomum. 
 
 2 65 
 
 The cinnamon harvest commences in May, and continues till late in October. 
 The first object is to select shoots proper for decortication, and those are 
 seldom cut which are less than half an inch, or more than two or three inches 
 in diameter. The bark is divided by longitudinal incisions, of which two 
 are made in the smaller shoots, several in the larger, and is then removed in 
 strips by means of a suitable instrument. The pieces are next collected in 
 bundles, and allowed to remain in this state for a short time, so as to undergo 
 a degree of fermentation, which facilitates the separation of the epidermis. 
 This, with the green matter beneath it, is removed by placing the strip of 
 bark upon a convex piece of wood, and scraping its external surface with a 
 curved knife. The bark now dries and contracts, assuming the appearance 
 of a quill. The peeler introduces the smaller tubes into the larger, thus 
 forming a congeries of qpills which is about forty inches long. When suf- 
 ficiently dry, these cylinders are collected into bundles weighing about- thirty 
 pounds, and bound together by pieces of split bamboo. The commerce in 
 Ceylon cinnamon was formerly monopolized by the East India Company; 
 but the cultivation is now unrestricted, and the bark may be freely exported 
 upon the payment of a fixed duty. It is assorted in the island into three 
 qualities, distinguished by the designations of first, second, and third. The 
 inferior kinds, which are of insufficient value to pay the duty, are used for 
 the preparation of oil of cinnamon. 
 
 Immense quantities of cinnamon are exported from China, the finest of 
 which is little inferior to that of Ceylon, though the mass of it is much coarser. 
 It passes in commerce under the name of cassia , and is said by Mr. Beeves 
 to be brought to Canton from the province of Kwangse, where the tree pro- 
 ducing it grows very abundantly. [Trans. Medico-Bot. Soc., 1828, p. 26.) 
 It has already been stated that this tree is supposed to be the Cinnamomum 
 aromaticum; but we have no positive proof of the fact. Travellers inform 
 us that cinnamon is also collected in Cochin-china ; but that the best of it is 
 monopolized by the sovereign of the country. It is supposed to be obtained 
 from the Cinnamomum Loureiriioi Nees, the Laurus Cinnamomum of Lou- 
 reiro. According to Siebold, the bark of the large branches is of inferior 
 quality and is rejected; that from the smallest branches resembles the Ceylon 
 cinnamon in thickness, but has a very pungent taste and smell, and is little 
 esteemed; while the intermediate branches yield an excellent bark, about a 
 line in thickness, which is even more highly valued than the cinnamon of 
 Ceylon, and yields a sweeter and less pungent oil. (Annul, cler Pliarm., xx. 
 280.) Cinnamon of good quality is said to be collected in Java, and con- 
 siderable quantities of inferior quality have been thrown into commerce, as 
 cassia lignea , from the Malabar coast. Manilla and the Isle of France are 
 also mentioned as sources whence this drug is supplied. Little, however, 
 reaches the United States from these places. 
 
 Cayenne, and several of the West India Islands, yield to commerce con- 
 siderable quantities of cinnamon of various qualities. That of Cayenne is of 
 two kinds, one of which closely resembles, though it does not quite equal, the 
 aromatic of Ceylon; the other resembles the Chinese. The former is sup- 
 posed to be derived from plants propagated from a Ceylonese stock, the latter 
 from those which have sprung from a tree introduced from Sumatra. 
 
 By far the greater proportion of cinnamon brought to this country is im- 
 ported from China. It is entered as cassia at the custom house, while the 
 same article brought from other sources is almost uniformly entered as cin- 
 namon. Much of it is afterwards exported. 
 
 From what source the ancients derived their cinnamon and cassia is not 
 certainly known. Neither the plants nor their localities, as described by 
 Dioscorides, Pliny, and Theophrastus, correspond precisely with our present 
 
266 
 
 Cinnamomum. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 knowledge; but in this respect much allowance must be made for the inaccu- 
 rate geography of the ancients. It is not improbable that the Arabian 
 navigators, at a very early period, conveyed this spice within the limits of 
 Phoenician and Grecian, and subsequently of Roman commerce. 
 
 Properties. Ceylon cinnamon is in long cylindrical fasciculi, composed of 
 numerous quills, the larger enclosing the smaller. In the original sticks, 
 which' are somewhat more than three feet in length, two or three fasciculi are 
 neatly joined at the end, so as to appear as if the whole were one continuous 
 piece. The finest is of a light brownish-yellow colour, almost as thin as 
 paper, smooth, often somewhat shining, pliable to a considerable extent, with 
 a splintery fracture when broken. It has a pleasant fragrant odour, and a 
 warm, aromatic, pungent, sweetish, slightly astringent, and highly agreeable 
 taste. When distilled it affords but a small quantity of essential oil, which, 
 however, has an exceedingly grateful flavour. It is brought to this country 
 from England; but is very costly, and is not generally kept in the shops. 
 The inferior sorts are browner, thicker, less splintery, and of a less agreeable 
 flavour, and are little if at all superior to the best Chinese. The finer variety 
 of Cayenne cinnamon approaches in character to that above described, but is 
 paler and in thicker pieces, being usually collected from older branches. That 
 which is gathered very young is scarcely distinguishable from the cinnamon 
 of Ceylon. It is not recognised in our markets as a distinct variety. 
 
 Chinese cinnamon, or cassia, is in tubes from the eighth of an inch to 
 an inch in diameter, usually single, sometimes double, but very rarely more 
 than double. In some instances the bark is rolled very much upon itself, in 
 others is not even completely quilled, forming segments more or less exten- 
 sive of a hollow cylinder. It is of a redder or darker colour than the finest 
 Ceylon cinnamon, thicker, rougher, denser, and breaks with a shorter frac- 
 ture. It has a stronger, more pungent and astringent, but less sweet and 
 grateful taste; and, though of a similar odour, is less agreeably fragrant. It 
 is the kind almost universally kept in our shops. Of a similar character is 
 the cinnamon imported directly from various parts of the East Indies. Rut 
 under the name of cassia have also been brought to us very inferior kinds of 
 cinnamon, collected from the trunks or large branches of the trees, or injured 
 by want of care in keeping, or perhaps derived from inferior species. It is 
 said that cinnamon from which the oil has been distilled, is sometimes fraudu- 
 lently mingled with the genuine. These inferior kinds are detected, inde- 
 pendently of their greater thickness, and coarseness of fracture, by their 
 deficiency in the peculiar sensible properties of the spice. 
 
 From an analysis made by Yauquelin, it appears that cinnamon contains a 
 peculiar essential oil, tannin, mucilage, a colouring matter, an acid, and lignin. 
 The tannin is of the variety which yields a greenish-black precipitate with 
 the salts of iron. The oil obtained from the Cayenne cinnamon, he found to 
 be more biting than that from the Ceylonese, and at the same time to be 
 somewhat peppery. Bucholz found in 100 parts of cassia lignea, 0 8 of vola- 
 tile oil, 4'0 of resin, 14'6 of gummy extractive (probably including tannin), 
 64'3 of lignin and bassorin, and 16'8 of water including loss. This aromatic 
 yields its virtues wholly to alcohol, and less readily to water. At the tem- 
 perature of boiling alcohol very little of the oil rises, and an extract prepared 
 from the tincture retains, therefore, the aromatic properties. For an account 
 of the essential oil, see Oleum Cinnamomi. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Cinnamon is among the most grateful and 
 efficient of the aromatics. It is warm and cordial to the stomach, carmina- 
 tive, astringent, and, like most other substances of this class, more powerful 
 as a local than general stimulant. It is seldom prescribed alone, though, 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cinnamomum . — Coeculus. 
 
 267 
 
 when given in powder or infusion, it will sometimes allay nausea, check 
 vomiting, and relieve flatulence. It is chiefly used as an adjuvant to other 
 less pleasant medicines, and enters into a great number of officinal prepa- 
 rations. It is often employed in diarrhoea, in connexion with chalk and 
 astringents. The dose of the powder is from ten grains to a scruple. 
 
 Cassia Buds. This spice consists of the calyx of one or more species of 
 Cinnamomum, surrounding the young germ, and, as stated by Dr. Martius on 
 the authority of the elder Nees, about one quarter of the normal size. It is 
 produced in China; and Mr. Reeves states that great quantities of it are 
 brought to Canton from the province which affords cassia. The species 
 which yields it is in all probability the same with that which yields the 
 bark, though it has been ascribed by Nees to Cinnamomum Loureirii. In 
 favour of the former opinion is the statement of Dr. Christison, that C. aro- 
 matirum, cultivated in the hot-houses of Europe, bears a flower-bud which 
 closely resembles the cassia-bud when at the same period of advancement. 
 Cassia-buds have some resemblance to cloves, and are compared to small nails 
 with round heads. The enclosed germen is sometimes removed, and they are 
 then cup-shaped at top. They have a brown colour, with the flavour of cin- 
 namon, and yield an essential oil upon distillation. Though little known in 
 this country, they may be used for the same purposes as the bark. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum ; Aqua Cassiae ; Aqua Cin- 
 namomi ; Confectio Aromatica; Decoctum Haematoxyli; Electuarium Catechu; 
 Infusum Catechu Comp. ; Pulvis Aromaticus; Pulvis Catechu Compositus; 
 Pulvis Cinnamomi Comp. ; Pulvis Cretae Comp. ; Pulvis Kino Comp. ; Spi- 
 ritus Ammoniae Aromaticus; Spiritus Cassise; Spiritus Cinnamomi; Spiritus 
 Lavandulae Comp.; Syrupus Rhei Aromaticus; Tinctura Cardamomi Comp.; 
 Tinctura Cassiae; Tinctura Catechu ; Tinctura Cinnamomi; Tinctura Cinna- 
 momi Comp. ; Tinctura Quassias Comp. ; Yinum Opii. W. 
 
 COCCULUS. Ed. 
 
 Coeculus Indicus. 
 
 Fruit of Anamirta Coeculus. Ed. 
 
 Coque du Levant, Ft.; Kokkelskorner, Fisclikorner, Germ.; Gall.a di Levante, Ilal. 
 
 The plant which produces coeculus Indicus was embraced by Linnaeus, with 
 several others, under the title of Menispermum Coeculus. These were referred 
 by De Candolle to a new genus, denominated Coeculus. From this the par- 
 ticular species under consideration has been separated by Wight and Arnott, 
 and erected into a distinct genus with the name of Anamirta. 
 
 Anamirta. Sex. Syst. DioeciaDodecandria. — Nat. Ord. Menispermaceas. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Flowers dioecious. Calyx of six sepals in a double series, with 
 two close-pressed bracteoles. Corolla none. Male. Stamens united into a 
 central column dilated at the apex. Anthers numerous, covering the whole 
 globose apex of the column. Female. Flowers unknown. Drupes one to 
 three, one-celled, one-seeded. Seed globose, deeply excavated at the hilum. 
 Albumen fleshy. Cotyledons very thin, diverging. ( Wight and Arnott.') 
 
 Anamirta Coeculus. Wight and Arnott, F/or. Penins. Ind. Orient, i. 446; 
 Lindley, Flor. Med. 871. — Menispermum Coeculus, Linn. — Coeculus sube- 
 rosus. De Cand. Prodrom. i. 97. This is the only species. It is a climbing 
 shrub, with a^suberose or corky bark; thick, coriaceous, smooth, shining, 
 roundish or cordate leaves, sometimes truncate at the base ; and the female 
 flowers in lateral compound racemes. It is a native of the Malabar coast, and 
 of Eastern Insular and Continental India. The fruit is the officinal portion. 
 
268 
 
 Cocculus. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 This plant was proved to be the source of cocculus Indicus by Roxburgh, 
 who raised it from genuine seeds which be had received from Malabar. It 
 is believed that other allied plants, bearing similar fruit, contribute to furnish 
 the drug; and the Cocculus Plukenetii of Malabar, and C. lacunosus of 
 Celebes and the Moluccas, are particularly designated by authors. It was 
 known to the Arabian physicians, and for a long time was imported into 
 Europe from the Levant, from which circumstance it was called cocculus 
 Levahticus. It is now brought exclusively from the East Indies. 
 
 Properties, &c. Cocculus Indicus, as found in the shops, is roundish, some- 
 what kidney-shaped, about as large as a pea; having a thin, dry, blackish, 
 wrinkled exterior coat, within which is a ligneous bivalvular shell, enclosing 
 a whitish, oily, very bitter kernel. It is without smell, but has an intensely 
 and permanently bitter taste. It bears some resemblance to the bay berry, 
 but is not quite so large, and may be distinguished by the fact that in the 
 cocculus Indicus the kernel never wholly fills the shell. When the fruit is 
 kept long, the shell is sometimes almost empty. The Edinburgh College 
 directs that “the kernels should fill at least two-thirds of the fruit.” 31. 
 Boullay discovered in the seeds a peculiar bitter principle which he denomi- 
 nated picrotoxin. This is white, crystallizable in quadrangular prisms, soluble 
 in 25 parts of boiling and 150 of cold water {Glover), and ver} T soluble in 
 alcohol and ether, but insoluble in the oils. Its composition is C^.H-Oj. It 
 is poisonous, and, given to strong dogs in the quantity of from five to ten 
 grains, produces death, preceded by convulsions, which, according to Dr. R. 
 31. Glover, are very similar in character to those produced by Flourens by 
 section of the corpora quadrigemina and cerebellum ; being attended with 
 backward and rotatory movements, and tetanic spasms. It also greatly in- 
 creases the animal heat. {EJ. Monthly Jo-urn. of Med. Sci., A. S., iii. 303.) 
 To procure it, the watery extract of the seeds is triturated with pure magnesia, 
 and then treated with hot alcohol, which dissolves the picrotoxin, and yields 
 it upon evaporation. In this state, however, it is impure. To obtain it colour- 
 less it must be again dissolved in alcohol, and treated with animal charcoal. 
 After filtration and due evaporation, it is deposited in the crystalline form. 
 Besides picrotoxin, cocculus Indicus contains a large proportion of fixed oil, 
 and other substances of less interest. The active principle above described 
 is said to reside exclusively in the kernel. In the shell MM. Pelletier and 
 Couerbe discovered two distinct principles, one alkaline and named meni- 
 spermin (menispermia), the other identical with it in composition, but dis- 
 tinguishable by its want of alkalinity, its volatility, and its solubility and 
 crystalline form, and denominated paramenispermin. They also found, in 
 the same part, a new acid, which they called hypopicrotoxic. The picrotoxin 
 of 31. Boullay they believed to possess acid properties, and proposed for it 
 the name of picrotoxic acid. ( Journ . de Pharm., xx. 122.) 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. Cocculus Iudicus acts in the manner of the acrid 
 narcotic poisons, but is never given internally. In India it is used to stupefy 
 fishes in order that they may be caught; and it has been applied to the same 
 purpose in Europe and this country. It is asserted that the fish thus taken 
 are not poisonous. In Europe, it is added to malt liquors in order to give 
 them bitterness find intoxicating properties; although the practice is forbidden 
 by the law, in England, under heav} r penalties. The powdered fruit, mixed 
 with oil, is employed in the East Indies as a local application in obstinate 
 cutaneous affections. An ointment made with the powder has been used in 
 tinea capitis, and to destroy vermin iu the hair. Picrotoxin has been suc- 
 cessfully substituted by Dr. Jeager for the drug itself. Rubbed up with lard 
 in the proportion of ten grains to the ounce, it usually effected cures of tinea 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cocculus . — Coccus. 
 
 269 
 
 capitis in less than a month. A case is recorded by W. B. Thompson, of 
 New York, in which death in a child six years old, preceded by tetanic spasms, 
 aud extremely contracted pupil, resulted from the application of a strong tinc- 
 ture of the fruit to the scalp. (Med. Exam., N. S., viii. 227.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Cocculi. M • 
 
 COCCUS. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Cochineal. 
 
 Coccus Cacti. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. COCCI. Coccus Cacti. Ed.; COCCUS CACTI. Dub. 
 
 Cochenille. Fr., Germ..; Cocciniglia, Ital.; Cochinilla, Span. 
 
 The Coccus is a genus of hemipterous insects, having the snout or rostrum 
 in the breast, the antennae filiform, and the posterior part of the abdomen 
 furnished with bristles. The male has two erect wings, the female is wing- 
 less. The C. Cacti is characterized by its depressed, downy, transversely 
 wrinkled body, its purplish abdomen, its short and black legs, and its subu- 
 late antennas, which are about one-third of the length of the body. ( Rees’s 
 Cyclopaedia.) Another species, C. llicis, which inhabits a species of oak, is 
 collected in the mountainous parts of the Morea, in Greece, and used as a 
 dye-stuff in the East. (Landerer, Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xi. 564.) 
 
 The Coccus Cacti is found wild in Mexico and the adjoining countries, in- 
 habiting different species of Cactus and allied genera of plants; and is said to 
 have been discovered also in some of the West India islands, and the south- 
 ern parts of the United States. In Mexico, particularly in the provinces of 
 Oaxaca and Guaxaca, it is an important object of culture. The Indians form 
 plantations of the nopal ( Opuntia cochin illef era), upon which the insect feeds 
 and propagates. During the rainy season, a number of the females are pre- 
 served under cover upon the branches of the plant, and, after the cessation of 
 the rains, are distributed upon the plants without. They perish quickly 
 after having deposited their eggs. These, hatched by the heat of the sun, 
 give origin to innumerable minute insects, which spread themselves over the 
 plant. The males, of which, according to Mr. Ellis, the proportion is not 
 greater than one to one hundred or two hundred females, being provided with 
 wings and very active, approach and fecundate the latter. After this period, 
 the females, which before moved about, attach themselves to the leaves, and 
 increase rapidly in size; so that, in the end, their legs, antennae, and proboscis 
 are scarcely discoverable, aud they appear more like excrescences on the plant 
 than distinct animated beings. They are now gathered for use, by detaching 
 them by means of a blunt knife, a quill, or a feather, a few being left to con- 
 tinue the race. They are destroyed either by dipping them enclosed in a 
 bag into boiling water, or by the heat of a stove. In the former case they 
 are subsequently dried in the sun. The males, which are much smaller than 
 the full grown females, are not collected. It is said that of the wild insect 
 there are six generations every year, furnishing an equal number of crops ; 
 but the domestic is collected only three times annually, the propagation 
 being suspended during the rainy season, in consequence of its inability to 
 support the inclemency of the weather. The insect has been taken from 
 Mexico to the Canary Islands; and considerable quantities of cochineal have 
 been delivered to commerce from the island of Teneriffe. The culture has 
 also been successfully introduced into Java by the Dutch; and attempts have 
 been made to introduce it into Spain, Corsica, and Algiers. 
 
 As kept in the shops, the finer cochineal, yranafina of Spanish commerce, 
 
270 
 
 Coccus. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 is in irregularly circular or oval, somewhat angular grains, about one-eighth 
 of an inch in diameter, convex on one side, concave or flat on the other, and 
 marked with several transverse wrinkles. Two varieties of this kind of coch- 
 ineal are known to the druggist, distinguished by their external appearance. 
 One is of a reddish-gray colour, formed by an intermixture of the dark colour 
 of the insect with the whiteness of a powder by which it is almost covered, 
 and with patches of a rosy tinge irregularly interspersed. From its diversi- 
 fied appearance, it is called by the Spaniards cocliinilla jaspeada. It is the 
 variety commonly kept in our shops. The other, cochinilla reneyrida, or 
 grana nigra, is dark coloured, almost black, with only a minute quantity of 
 the whitish powder between the wrinkles. The two are distinguished in our 
 markets by the names of silver grains and black grains. Some suppose the 
 difference to arise from the mode of preparation; the gray cochineal consist- 
 ing of the insects destroyed by a dry heat; the black, of those destroyed by 
 hot water, w 7 hich removes the external whitish powder. According to Mr. 
 Faber, who derived his information from a merchant resident in the neigh- 
 bourhood where the cochineal is collected, the silver grains consist of the 
 impregnated female just before she has laid her eggs, the black of the female 
 after the eggs have been laid and hatched. (Am. Journ. of Pharrn., xviii. 
 47.) There is little or no difference in their quality. 
 
 Another and much inferior variety is the grana sylvestra or wild cochineal, 
 consisting partly of very small separate insects, partly of roundish or oval 
 masses, which exhibit, under the microscope, minute and apparently new 
 born insects, enclosed in a white or reddish cotton-like substance. It is 
 scarcely known in our drug market. 
 
 Cochineal has a faint heavy odour, and a bitter slightly acidulous taste. 
 Its powder is of a purplish carmiue colour, tinging the saliva intensely red. 
 According to Pelletier and Caventou, it consists of a peculiar colouring prin- 
 ciple, a peculiar animal matter constituting the skeleton of the insect, stearin, 
 olein, an odorous fatty acid, and various salts. It was also analyzed by John, 
 who called the colouring principle cochinilin. This is of a brilliant purple- 
 red colour, unalterable in dry air, fusible at 122° F., very soluble in water, 
 soluble in cold, and more so in boiling alcohol, insoluble in ether, and with- 
 out nitrogen among its constituents. It is obtained by macerating cochineal 
 in ether, and treating the residue with successive portions of boiling alcohol, 
 which on cooling deposits a part of the cochinilin, and yields the remainder 
 by spontaneous evaporation. It may be freed from a small proportion of 
 adhering fatty matter, by dissolving it in alcohol of 40° Baume, and then 
 adding an equal quantity of sulphuric ether. The pure cochinilin is deposited 
 in the course of a few days. The watery infusion of cochineal is of a violet- 
 crimson colour, which is brightened b} T the acids, and deepened by the alka- 
 lies. The colouring matter is readily precipitated. Thesaltsmf zinc, bismuth, 
 and nickel produce a lilac precipitate, and those of iron a dark purple ap- 
 proaching to black. The salts of tin, especially the nitrate and chloride, 
 precipitate the colouring matter of a brilliant scarlet, and form the basis of 
 those splendid scarlet and crimson dyes, which have rendered cochineal so 
 Valuable in the arts. With alumina the colouring matter forms the pigment 
 called lake. The finest lakes are obtained by mixing the decoction of cochi- 
 neal with freshly prepared gelatinous alumina. The pigment called carmine 
 is the colouring matter of cochineal precipitated from the decoction by acids, 
 the salts of tin, &c., or animal gelatin, and when properly made is of the most 
 intense and brilliant scarlet. 
 
 Cochineal has been adulterated by causing certain heavy substances, such 
 as powdered talc and carbonate of lead, by shaking in a bag or otherwise, to 
 
part I. Coccus. — Colchici Radix. — Colchici Semen. 271 
 
 adhere to the surface of the insects, and thus increase their weight. The 
 fraud may he detected by the absence, under the microscope, of a woolly 
 appearance which characterizes the white powder upon the surface of the 
 unadulterated insect. Metallic lead, which is said frequently to exist in fine 
 particles in the artificial coating, may be discovered by powdering the cochi- 
 neal, and suspending it in water, when the metal remains behind. Grains 
 of a substance artificially prepared to imitate the dried insect have been mixed 
 with the genuine in France. A close inspection will serve to detect the dif- 
 ference. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e ser., ix. 110.) 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. Cochineal is supposed by some to possess anodyne 
 properties, and has been highly recommended in hooping-cough and neuralgic 
 affections. It is frequently associated, in prescription, with carbonate of po- 
 tassa, especially in the treatment of hooping-cough. In pharmacy it is em- 
 ployed to colour tinctures and ointments. To infants with hooping-cough, 
 cochineal in substance is given in the dose of about one-third of a grain three 
 times a day. The dose of a tincture, prepared by macerating one part of the 
 medicine in eight parts of diluted alcohol, is for an adult from twenty to 
 thirty drops twice a day. In neuralgic paroxysms, Sauter gave half a table- 
 spoonful, with the asserted effect of curing the disease. 
 
 Off. Prep. Syrupus Cocci; Tinctura Cardamomi Composita ; Tinct. Cin- 
 chonse Comp.; Tinct. Cocci Cacti; Tinct. Gentianse Comp.; Tinct. Lavan- 
 dulae Comp. ; Tinct. Quassias Comp. ; Tinct. Serpentariae. W. 
 
 COLCHICI RADIX. U.S. 
 
 Colchicum Root. 
 
 The Cormus of Colchicum autumnale. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. COLCHICI CORMUS. Colchicum autumnale. The recent and 
 dried cormus of the wild herb. Lond .; COLCHICI CORMUS. The cormus 
 of Colchicum autumnale. Ed. ; COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE. The cormus. 
 Dub. 
 
 COLCHICI SEMEN. U.S.,Lond. 
 
 Colchicum Seed. 
 
 The seeds of Colchicum autumnale. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. COLCHICI SEMINA. Seeds of Colchicum autumnale. Ed.; 
 COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE. The seeds. Dub. 
 
 Colcliique, Fr.; Zeitlose, Herbst-Zeitlose, Germ.; Colcliico, Ital., Span. 
 
 Colchicum. Sex. Syst. Ilexandria Trigynia. — Na.t. Ord. Melanthace*. 
 
 Gen. Cii. A spathe. Corolla six-parted, with a tube proceeding directly 
 from the root. Capsules three, connected, inflated. Willd. 
 
 Colchicum autumnale. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 272; Woodv. Med. Dot. p. 
 759, t. 258. This species of Colchicum, often called meadow-saffron, is a 
 perennial bulbous plant, the leaves of which appear in spring, and the flowers 
 in autumn. Its manner of growth is peculiar, and deserves notice as con- 
 nected in some measure with its medicinal efficacy. In the latter part of 
 summer, a new bulb, or cormus as the part is now called, begins to form at 
 the latetal inferior portion of the old one, which receives the young offshoot 
 in its bosom, and embraces it half round. The new plant sends out fibres 
 from its base, and is furnished with a radical spathe, which is cylindrical, 
 tubular, cloven at top on one side, and half under ground. In September, 
 from two to six flowers, of a lilac or pale purple colour, emerge from the 
 
272 
 
 Colchici Radix. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 spathe, unaccompanied with leaves. The corolla consists of a tube five inches 
 long, concealed for two-thirds of its length in the ground, and of a limb 
 divided into sis segments. The flowers perish by the end of October, and the 
 rudiments of the fruit remain under ground till the following spring, when 
 they rise upon a stem above the surface, in the form of a three-lobed, three- 
 celled capsule. The leaves of the new plant appear at the same time; so that 
 in fact they follow the flower instead of preceding it, as might be inferred from 
 the order of the seasons in which they respectively show themselves. The 
 leaves are radical, spear-shaped, erect, numerous, about five inches long, and 
 one inch broad at the base. In the mean time, the new bulb has been in- 
 creasing at the expense of the old one, which having performed its appointed 
 office perishes; while the former, after attaining its full growth, sends forth 
 shoots, and in its turn decays. The old bulb, in its second spring, and a 
 little before it perishes, sometimes puts forth one or more small bulbs, which 
 separate from the parent, and are supposed to be sources of new plants. 
 
 C. autumnale is a native of the temperate parts of Europe, where it grows 
 wild in moist meadows. Attempts have been made to introduce its culture 
 into this country, but with no great success; though small quantities of the 
 bulb, of apparently good quality, have been brought into the market. The 
 officinal portions are the bulb or cormus, and the seeds. The root, botanically 
 speaking, consists of the fibres attached to the base of the bulb. The flowers 
 possess similar virtues with the bulb and seeds. 
 
 1. Colchici Kadix. 
 
 The medicinal virtue of the bulb depends much upon the season at which 
 it is collected. Early in the spring, it is too young to have fully developed 
 its peculiar properties; and late in the fall, it has become exhausted by the 
 nourishment afforded to the new plant. The proper period for its collection 
 is from the early part of June, when it has usually attained perfection, to the 
 middle of August, when the offset appears.* It may be owing, in part, to 
 this inequality at different seasons, that entirely opposite reports have been 
 given of its powers. Krapf ate whole bulbs without inconvenience ; Haller 
 found the bulbs entirely void of taste and acrimony; and we are told that in 
 Carniola the peasants use it as food with impunity in the autumn. On the 
 other hand, there can be no doubt of its highly irritating and poisonous nature, 
 when fully developed, under ordinary circumstances. Perhaps soil and climate 
 may have some influence in modifying its character. 
 
 The bulb is often used in the fresh state in the countries where it grows ; 
 as it is apt to be injured in drying unless the process is carefully conducted. 
 The usual plan is to cut the bulb, as soon after it has been dug up as possible, 
 into thin transverse slices, which are spread out separately upon paper or per- 
 forated trays, and dried with a moderate heat. The reason for drying it quickly 
 after removal from the ground, is that it otherwise begins to vegetate, and a 
 change in its chemical nature takes place ; and such is its retentiveness of life, 
 that, if not cut in slices, it is liable to undergo a partial vegetation even during 
 the drying process. Dr. Houlton recommends that the bulb should be stripped 
 of its dry coating, carefully deprived of the bud or young bulb, and then dried 
 whole. It is owing to the high vitality of the bud that the bulb is so apt to 
 vegetate. Much loss of weight is sustained by exsiccation. Mr. Bainbridge 
 
 * Dr. Christison, however, has found the roots collected in April, though shrivelled 
 and less abundant in starch than those gathered in July, to be even more bitter: and 
 conjectures, therefore, that the common opinion of their superior efficacy at the latter 
 season may not be well founded. 
 
part I. Colcliici Radix. 273 
 
 obtained only two pounds fifteen ounces of dried bulb from eight pounds of 
 the fresh. 
 
 Properties. The recent bulb or cormus of C. autumnale resembles that of 
 the tulip in shape and size, and is covered with a brown membranous coat. 
 Internally it is solid, white, and fleshy ; and, when cut transversely, yields, 
 if mature, an acrid milky juice. There is often a small lateral projection 
 from its base, particularly noticed by Dr. J. R. Coxe, which appears to be 
 merely a connecting process between it and the new plant, and is not always 
 present. When dried,’ and deprived of its external membranous covering, 
 the bulb is of an ash-brown colour, convex on one side, and somewhat flat- 
 tened on the other, where it is marked by a deep groove extending from the 
 base to the summit. As found in our shops it is always in the dried state, 
 sometimes in segments made by vertical sections of the bulb, but generally 
 in transverse circular slices, about the eighth or tenth of an inch in thick- 
 ness, with a notch at one part of their circumference. The cut surface is 
 white, and of an amylaceous aspect. The odour of the recent bulb is said 
 to be hircine. It is diminished but not lost by drying. The taste is bitter, 
 hot, and acrid. Its constituents, according to Pelletier and Caventou, are a 
 vegetable alkali combined with an excess of gallic acid; a fatty matter com- 
 posed of olein, stearin, and a peculiar volatile acid analogous to the cevadic; 
 a yellow colouring matter; gum; starch; inulin in large quantity; and lignin. 
 The active properties are ascribed to the alkaline principle, which was believed 
 by its discoverers to be identical with veratria , but has been subsequently 
 found to be peculiar, and has received the appropriate name of colchicia * 
 Wine and vinegar extract all the virtues of the bulb. Dr. A. T. Thomson 
 states that the milky juice of fresh colchicum produces a fine blue colour, if 
 rubbed with the tincture of guaiac; and that the same effect is obtained from 
 an acetic solution of the dried bulb. He considers the appearance of this 
 colour, when the slices are rubbed with a little distilled vinegar and tincture 
 of guaiac, as a proof that the drug is good and has been well dried. Dr. J. 
 M. Maelagan has shown that this change of colour is produced with the 
 albumen, which is not affected if previously coagulated; so that the value of 
 the test consists simply in proving that the drying has not been effected at 
 a heat above 180°, or the temperature at which albumen coagulates. (Ed. 
 Monthly Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., iv. 507.) A very deep or large notch 
 in the circumference of the slices was considered by Dr. Thomson an un- 
 favourable sign; as it indicates that the bulb has been somewhat exhausted 
 in the nourishment of the offset. The decoction yields a deep blue precipi- 
 tate with solution of iodine, white precipitates with acetate and subacetate 
 of lead, nitrate of protoxide of mercury, and nitrate of silver, and a slight 
 
 * To Geiger and Ilesse belongs the credit of determining the precise nature of this 
 alkaline principle. Colchicia is crystallizable, and has a very bitter and sharp taste, 
 but is destitute of the extreme acrimony of veratria, and does not, like that principle, 
 excite violent sneezing, when applied to the nostrils. It differs also in being more 
 soluble in water, and less poisonous. To a kitten eight weeks old, one-tenth of a grain 
 was given dissolved in a little dilute alcohol. Violent purging and vomiting were pro- 
 duced, with apparently severe pain and convulsions, and the animal died at the end of 
 twelve hours. The stomach and bowels were found violently inflamed, with effusion 
 of blood throughout their whole extent. A kitten somewhat younger was destroyed 
 in ten minutes by only the twentieth of a grain of veratria ; and, on examination after 
 death, marks of inflammation were found only in the upper part of the oesophagus. 
 The process for obtaining colchicia is similar to that employed in the preparation of 
 hyoscyamia from liyoscyamus. (See the article Hyoscyamus.) A simpler process is to 
 digest the seeds of meadow-saffron in boiling alcohol, precipitate the tincture with mag- 
 nesia, treat the precipitated matter with boiling alcohol, and finally filter and evaporate. 
 
274 Colchici Radix. part I. 
 
 precipitate with tincture of galls. The value of colchicum is best tested by 
 its bitterness. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Colchicum root is believed to act upon the 
 nervous system, allaying pain and producing other sedative effects, even when 
 it exerts no obvious influence over the secretions. Generally speaking, when 
 taken in closes sufficiently large to affect the system, it gives rise to more or 
 less disorder of the stomach or bowels, and sometimes occasions active vomit- 
 ing and purging, with the most distressing nausea. When not carried off by 
 the bowels, it often produces copious diaphoresis, and occasionally acts as a 
 diuretic and expectorant ; and a case is on record of a violent salivation sup- 
 posed to have resulted from its use. (JV. Am. Med. and Sur<j. Journ., x. 204.) 
 It appears in fact to have the property of stimulating all the secretions, while 
 it somewhat diminishes the action of the heart. In an overdose, it may pro- 
 duce dangerous and even fatal effects. Excessive nausea and vomiting, ab- 
 dominal pains, purging and tenesmus, great thirst, sinking of the pulse, 
 coldness of the extremities, and general prostration, with occasional symptoms 
 of nervous derangement, such as headache, delirium, and stupor, are among 
 the results of its poisonous action. It was well knowu to the ancients as a 
 poison, and is said to have been employed by them as a remedy in gout and 
 other diseases. Stbrck revived its use among the moderns. He gave it as 
 a diuretic and expectorant in dropsy and humoral asthma ; and on the conti- 
 nent of Europe it acquired considerable reputation in these complaints ; but 
 the uncertainty of its operation led to its general abandonment, and it had 
 fallen into almost entire neglect, when Dr. Want, of London, again brought 
 it into notice by attempting to prove its identity with the active ingredient 
 of the eau medicinule d’ Husson , so highly celebrated as a cure for gout. In 
 James’s Dispensatory, printed in 1747, it is said to be used in gout as an 
 external application. The chief employment of the meadow-saffron is at 
 present in the treatment of gout and rheumatism, in which experience has 
 abundantly proved it to be a highly valuable remedy. We have, within our 
 own observation, found it especially useful in these affections, when of a 
 shifting or neuralgic character. It sometimes produces relief without ob- 
 viously affecting the system; but is more efficient when it evinces its influence 
 upon the skin or alimentary canal. Professor Chelius states that it changes 
 the chemical constitution of the urine in arthritic patients, producing an evi- 
 dent increase of the uric acid. ( N. . Am. Med. and Surg. Journ., xi. 234.) 
 Dr. Maclagan had found it greatly to increase the proportion both of urea 
 and uric acid in the urine, and, where these previously existed in the blood, 
 to separate them from it. (Ed. Monthly Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., v. 23.) 
 Dr. Elliotson successfully treated a case of prurigo with the wine of colchi- 
 cum, given in the dose of half a drachm three times a day, and continued 
 for three weeks ( Med.-Chir . Rev., Oct. 1827); and it has been found useful 
 in urticaria and other cutaneous affections. Dr. Smith, of Port au Prince, 
 employed it advantageously in tetanus both traumatic and idiopathic. He 
 gave it in full doses, repeated every half hour till it produced an emetic or 
 cathartic effect. (Mm. Journ. of the Med. Sci., xvii. 66.) Mr. Ritton found 
 the powdered bulb an effectual remedy in numerous cases of leucorrhcea. 
 ( Ibid., vi. 527.) Colchicum has also been recommended in inflammatory and 
 febrile diseases as an adjuvant to the lancet, in diseases of the heart with 
 excessive action, iu various nervous complaints, as chorea, hysteria, and hypo- 
 chondriasis, and in chronic bronchial affections. It is generally given in the 
 state of vinous tincture. (See 17 hum Colchici Rad ids.) In this form it has 
 been used externally in rheumatism. The dose of the dried bulb is from two 
 to eight grains, which may be repeated every four or six hours till the effects 
 of the medicine are obtained. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Colchici Semen. — Colocynthis. 
 
 275 
 
 2. Colchici Semen. 
 
 The seeds of the meadow-saffron ripen in summer, and should be collected 
 about the end of J uly or beginning of August. They never arrive at maturity 
 in plants cultivated in a dry soil, or in confined gardens. ( Williams .) They 
 are nearly spherical, about the eighth of an inch in diameter, of a reddish- 
 brown colour externally, white within, and of a bitter acrid taste. Their 
 active properties are thought to reside in the testa or husk, and they should 
 not, therefore, be bruised in the preparation of the wine or tincture. Dr. 
 Williams, of Ipswich, in England, who first brought them into notice, recom- 
 mends them in the warmest terms in chronic rheumatism, and considers them 
 superior to the bulb, both in the certainty of their effects and the mildness of 
 their operation. There is no doubt that they possess virtues analogous to 
 those of the bulb, and have this advantage, that they are not liable to become 
 injured by drying; an advantage of peculiar value in a country where the 
 plant is not cultivated, and the fresh bulb cannot be readily procured. A 
 wine of the seeds is dix-ected in the United States Pharmacopoeia. Their 
 dose is about the same with that of the bulb.* 
 
 Off. Prep, of the Root. Acetum Colchici; Extractum Colchici; Extractum 
 Colchici Aceticum ; Yinum Colchici Uadicis. 
 
 Off. Prep, of the Seed. Tinctura Colchici Composita; Tinct. Colchici 
 Seminis; Yinum Colchici Seminis. W. 
 
 COLOCYNTHIS. U. S., Land., Ed., Duh . 
 
 Colocynth. 
 
 The fruit of Citrullus Colocynthis, deprived of its x'ind. U. S., Loud. Pulp 
 of the fruit of Cucumis Colocynthis. Ed., Duh. 
 
 Coloquintida ; Coloquinte, Ft.; Coloquinte, Coloquintenapfel, Germ.; Coloquintida, 
 Ital., Span. 
 
 Cucumis. Sex. Syst. Monoecia Monadelphia. — Nat. Ord . Cucurbitaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Male. Calyx five-toothed. Corolla five-parted. Filaments three. 
 Female. Calyx five-toothed. Corolla five-parted. Pistil three-cleft. Seeds of 
 the gourd with a sharp edge. Willd. 
 
 Cucumis Colocynthis. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 611 ; Woodv. Med. Dot. p. 189, 
 t. 71. — Citrullus Colocynthis, Royle’s Mat. Med. The hitter cucumher is an 
 annual plant, bearing considerable x-esemblance to the common watermelon. 
 The stems, which are herbaceous and beset with rough hairs, trail upon the 
 ground, or rise upon neighbouring bodies, to which they attach themselves 
 by their numerous tendrils. The leaves, which stand alternately on long 
 petioles, are triangular, many-cleft, variously sinuated, obtuse, hairy, of a 
 fine green colour on the upper surface, rough and pale on the under. The 
 flowei’s are yellow, and appear singly at the axils of the leaves. The fruit 
 is a globular pepo, of the size of a small orange, yellow, and smooth when 
 
 * The following description of the seeds is given by Mr. Gray in the Land. Med. Re- 
 pository for April, 1 821. “ Seeds, ovate, globose, about one-eighth of an inch in diameter. 
 
 Integuments, simple, soft, spongy, membranaceous, thin, reddish-bi’own, closely adhei - - 
 ent to the perisperm. Perisperm or albumen, hard, rather cartilaginous, pellucid, pale, 
 not in the least divided, of the same shape as the seed. Corculum or embryo, very small, 
 ovate-globose, not in the least divided, whitish, placed nearly opposite to the hylum, 
 or that part where the seed is affixed to the parent plant, but out of the axis of the 
 seed. Base pointing to the hylum, slender. Apex very obtuse.” An acquaintance 
 with the characters of the seeds is the more necessary, as the seeds of other plants 
 have beep sold for them. 
 
276 
 
 Golocynthis. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 ripe; and contains, within a hard, coriaceous rind, a white spongy medullary 
 matter, enclosing numerous ovate, compressed, white or brownish seeds. 
 
 The plant is a native of Turkey, and abounds in the islands of the Archi- 
 pelago. It grows also in various parts of Africa and Asia. Burkhardt, in 
 his travels across Nubia, found the country covered with it; Thunberg met 
 with it at the Cape of Hood Hope; and Ainslie says that it grows in many 
 parts of Lower India, particularly in sandy places near the sea. It is said 
 to be cultivated in Spain. The fruit is gathered in autumn, when it begins 
 to become yellow, and, having been peeled, is dried quickly, in a stove or 
 by the sun. Thus prepared, it is imported from the Levant. Small quan- 
 tities are said to be imported into England from Mogador unpeeled.* 
 
 Properties. As kept in the shops, colocynth is in the shape of whitish 
 balls about the size of an orange, very light and spongy, and abounding in 
 seeds which constitute three-fourths of their weight. The seeds are some- 
 what bitter; but possess little activity, and, according to Captain Lyon, are 
 even used as food in Northern Africa. When the medicine is prepared for 
 use, they are separated and rejected, the pulpy or medullary matter only 
 being employed. This has a very feeble odour, but a nauseous and intensely 
 bitter taste. Water and alcohol extract its virtues. Yauquelin obtained the 
 bitter principle in a separate state, and called it colocynthin. According to 
 Meissner, 100 parts of the dry pulp of colocynth contain 14'4 parts of colo- 
 cynthin, 100 of extractive, 4'2 of fixed oil, 13'2 of a resinous substance in- 
 soluble in ether, 9‘5 of gum, 3 0 of pectic acid (pectin), 17‘6 of gummy 
 extract derived from the lignin by means of potassa, 2’7 of phosphate of lime, 
 3 0 of phosphate of magnesia, and 19'0 of lignin, besides water. Colocyn- 
 thin is obtained by boiling the pulp in water, evaporating the decoction, 
 treating the extract thus procured with alcohol, evaporating the alcoholic so- 
 lution, and submitting the residue, which consists of the bitter principle and 
 acetate of potassa, to the action of a little cold water, which dissolves the 
 latter, and leaves the greater part of the former untouched. Mr. Bastick 
 obtains it by exhausting the pulp with cold water, heating the solution to 
 ebullition, adding subacetate of lead so long as a precipitate is produced, 
 filtering the liquor when cold, adding dilute sulphuric acid gradually until it 
 no longer occasions a precipitate, boiling to expel free acetic acid, filtering 
 to separate sulphate of lead, evaporating cautiously nearly to dryness, extract- 
 ing the colocynthin from the residuum by strong alcohol which leaves the 
 salts, and finally evaporating the alcoholic solution. Colocynthin is yellowish- 
 brown, somewhat translucent, brittle and friable, fusible by a heat below 
 212°, inflammable, more soluble in alcohol than in water, but capable of 
 rendering the latter intensely bitter. It is neither acid nor alkaline; but 
 its aqueous solution gives with infusion of galls a copious white precipitate. 
 An infusion of colocynth, made with boiling water, gelatinizes upon cooling. 
 Neumann obtained from 768 parts of the pulp, treated first with alcohol and 
 then with water, 168 parts of alcoholic and 216 of aqueous extract. 
 
 * In a letter from Mr. R. W. Pelham, of the Shakers’ Village, near New Lebanon. 
 Ohio, the author was informed that a hybrid plant between the colocynth and water- 
 melon had been successfully cultivated in that place, and yielded a bitter fruit having 
 the medicinal virtues of colocynth. With the letter came also some seeds of the plant, 
 and a portion of extract prepared from the pulp of the fruit. This was found, upon 
 trial, to be actively cathartic. The seeds, planted in the garden of the author, produced 
 vigorous plants, which perfected their fruit. The plant appeared intermediate between 
 the colocynth and watermelon. The fruit was globular, about four inches in diameter, 
 green like the watermelon externally, having the same odour when cut, but of an ex- 
 tremely bitter taste. A portion of the pulp was dried ; and an extract prepared from 
 it was found to have the properties of the extract of colocynth. 
 
part I. Colocynthis . — Colomba. 277 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The pulp of colocynth is a powerful drastic, 
 hydragogue cathartic, producing, when given in large doses, violent griping, 
 and sometimes bloody discharges, with dangerous inflammation of the bowels. 
 Death has resulted from a teaspoonful and a half of the powder. ( Christison .) 
 Even in moderate doses it sometimes acts with much harshness, and is, there- 
 fore, seldom prescribed alone. By some writers it is said to be diuretic. 
 It was frequently employed by the ancient Greeks and the Arabians, though 
 its drastic nature was not unknown to them. Among the moderns it is occa- 
 sionally used, especially by the German practitioners, in obstinate cases of 
 dropsy, and in various affections depending on disordered action of the brain. 
 In combination with other cathartics it loses much of its violence, but retains 
 its purgative energy; and in this state is very extensively employed. The 
 compound extract of colocynth is a favourite preparation with many practi- 
 tioners ; and, combined with calomel, extract of jalap, and gamboge, it forms 
 a highly efficient and safe cathartic, especially applicable in congestion of the 
 portal circle and torpidity of the liver. (See Pilulae Catharticas Composites.') 
 The dose of colocynth is from five to ten grains. It is best administered in 
 minute division, effected by trituration with gum or farinaceous matter. 
 
 Thunberg states that the fruit of C. Colocynthis, at the Cape of Good 
 Hope, is rendered so mild by being properly pickled, that it is eaten both by 
 the natives and colonists ; but, as it is thus employed before attaining perfect 
 maturity, it is possible that the drastic principle may not have been developed. 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum Colocynthidis; Extractum Colocynthidis Composi- 
 tum; Pilulas Colocynthidis Composite. W. 
 
 COLOMBA. U.S. 
 
 Col umbo. 
 
 The root of Cocculus palmatus. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. CALUMBA. Root of Cocculus palmatus. Ed., Lond., Dub. 
 
 Colombo, Fr.; Columbowurzel. Germ.; Columba, Ital.; Raiz deColumbo, Span.; Ka- 
 lumbo, Port.; Calumb, Mozambique. 
 
 The columbo plant was imperfectly known till within a recent period. 
 Flowering specimens of a plant gathered by Commerson, about the year 1770, 
 in the garden of M. Poivre in the Isle of France, and sent to Europe with 
 that botanist’s collection, were examined by Lamarck, and described under 
 the name of Menispermum palmatum. But its original locality was unknown, 
 and it was only conjectured to be the source of columbo. In the year 1805, 
 M. Fortin, while engaged in purchasing the drug in Mozambique, obtained 
 possession of a living offset of the root, which, being taken to Madras, and 
 planted in the garden of Dr. Anderson, produced a male plant, which was 
 figured and described by Dr. Berry. From the drawing thus made, the plant 
 was referred to the natural family of the Menispermeae ; but, as the female 
 flowers were wanting, some difficulty was experienced in fixing its precise bo- 
 tanical position. De Candolle, who probably had the opportunity of examining 
 Commerson’s specimens, gave its generic and specific character; but confessed 
 that he was not acquainted with the structure of the female flower and fruit. 
 The desideratum, however, has been supplied by ample drawings sent to 
 England by Mr. Telfair, of Mauritius, made from plants which were propa- 
 gated from roots obtained by Captain Owen in 1825, while prosecuting his 
 survey of the Eastern coast of Africa. ( Curtis’s Bot. Mag., vol. 4, pi. 2970.) 
 The genus Cocculus, in which the plant is now placed, was separated by 
 De Candolle from Menispermum, and includes those species which have six 
 stamens, while the Menispermum is limited to those with twelve or more. 
 
278 
 
 Colomba. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 Cocculus. Sex. Syst. Dioscia Hexandria. — Nat. Ord. Men i sperm aceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Sepals and Petals ternate, usually in two, rarely in three rows. 
 Stamens six, distinct, opposite the petals. Drupes berried, 1-6, generally 
 oblique, reniform, somewhat compressed, one-seeded. Cotyledons distant. De 
 Cand. 
 
 Cocculus palmatus. De Cand. Syst. Veg. i. 523; Woody. Med. Bat. 3 d 
 ed. vol. 5, p. 21. This is a climbing plant, with a perennial root, consisting 
 of several fasciculated, fusiform, somewhat curved, and descending tubers, of 
 the thickness of an infant’s arm. The stems, of which one or two proceed 
 from the same root, are twining, simple in the male plant, branched in the 
 female, round, hairy, and about as thick as the little finger. The leaves, 
 which stand on rounded, glandular-hairy footstalks, are alternate, distant, 
 cordate, with three, five, or seven entire, acuminate, wavy, somewhat hairy 
 lobes, and as many nerves, each of which runs into one of the lobes. The 
 flowers are small and inconspicuous, and are arranged in solitary axillary 
 racemes, which, in the male plant, are compound, in the female, simple, and 
 in both, shorter than the leaves. 
 
 This species of Cocculus is a native of Mozambique, on the south-eastern 
 coast of Africa, where it grows wild in great abundance in the thick forests 
 extending from the sea many miles into the interior. It is not cultivated. 
 The root is dug up in March, when dry weather prevails. From the base of 
 the root numerous fusiform offsets proceed, less fibrous and woody than the 
 parent stock. These offsets are separated and cut into transverse slices, which 
 are dried in the shade. The old root is rejected. 
 
 Columbo is a staple export of the Portuguese from their dominions in the 
 south-east of Africa. It is taken to India, and theuce distributed. It was 
 formerly supposed to be a product of Ceylon, and to have derived its name 
 from Colombo, a city of that Island, from which it was thought to be ex- 
 ported. It is possible that, when the Portuguese were in possession of Cey- 
 lon, Colombo may have been the entrepot for the drug brought from Africa, 
 and thus have given origin to its name. Some, however, consider a more 
 probable derivation to be from the word calumb, which is said to be the 
 Mozambique name for the root. Dr. Christison has been misinformed in 
 relation to the cultivation of the true columbo plant in this country. (See 
 Christison’ s Dispensatory, Am. ed., p. 304.) 
 
 Properties. The root, as it reaches us, is in flat circular or oval pieces, 
 from the eighth of an inch to near an inch in thickness, and from one to two 
 inches in diameter. Along with these are sometimes a few cylindrical pieces 
 an inch or two in length. The cortical portion is thick, of a bright yellow, 
 slightly greenish colour internally, but covered with a brownish, wrinkled 
 epidermis. The interior or medullary portion, which is readily distinguish- 
 able from the cortical, is light, spongy, yellowish, usually more or less 
 shrunk, so that the pieces are thinnest in the centre; and is frequently 
 marked with concentric circles and radiating lines. Those pieces are to be 
 preferred which have the brightest colour, are most compact and uniform in 
 their texture, and least worm-eaten. The odour of columbo is slightly aro- 
 matic. The taste is very bitter, that of the cortical much more so than that 
 of ,the central portion, which is somewhat mucilaginous. The root is easily 
 pulverized. The powder has a greenish tinge, which becomes browner with 
 age, and deepens when it is moistened. As it attracts moisture from the 
 air, and is apt to undergo decomposition, it should be prepared in small 
 quantities at a time. 
 
 M. Planche analyzed columbo in 1811, and found it to contain an azotized 
 substance, probably albumen, in large quantity, a bitter yellow substance not 
 
PART I. 
 
 Colomba. 
 
 279 
 
 precipitated by metallic salts, and one-third of its weight of starch. He 
 obtained also a small proportion of essential oil, salts of lime and potassa, 
 oxide of iron, and silica. AVittstock, of Berlin, afterwards isolated a peculiar 
 crystallizable principle, which he called colombin, and which appears to be 
 the bitter yellow substance, of Blanche, deprived of a portion of colouring 
 matter. Colombin crystallizes in beautiful transparent quadrilateral prisms, 
 is without smell, and is extremely bitter. It is but very slightly soluble 
 in water, alcohol, or ether, at ordinary temperatures, and yet imparts to 
 these fluids a strongly bitter taste. It is more soluble in boiling alcohol, 
 which deposits it upon cooling. The best solvent is diluted acetic acid. 
 It is taken up by alkaline solutions, from which it is precipitated by acids. 
 It has neither acid nor alkaline properties, and its alcoholic and acetic 
 solutions are not affected by the metallic salts, or the infusion of galls. 
 It is obtained by exhausting columbo by means of alcohol of the sp. gr. 
 0'835, distilling off three-quarters of the alcohol, allowing the residue to 
 stand for some days till crystals are deposited, and lastly treating these 
 crystals with alcohol and animal charcoal. The mother waters still contain 
 a considerable quantity of colombin, which may be separated by evaporating 
 with coarsely powdered glass to dryness, exhausting the residue with ether, 
 distilling off- the ether, treating the residue with boiling acetic acid, and 
 evaporating the solution so that crystals may form. 
 
 From the researches of Dr. Bodeker, it appears that another bitter prin- 
 ciple exists in columbo, which corresponds in composition and chemical rela- 
 tions with berberin, the active principle of Berberis vulgaris, and is assumed 
 to be identical with that substance. It was obtained by exhausting columbo 
 with alcohol of 0*889, distilling off the alcohol, allowing the residual liquor 
 to stand for three days so as to deposit its columbin, evaporating the super- 
 natant liquid together with the aqueous washings of the columbin to dry- 
 ness, exhausting the residue with boiling alcohol of 0'868, treating the solu- 
 tion thus obtained as the former one, submitting the residue to the action of 
 boiling water, filtering and adding muriatic acid, collecting the precipitate 
 thus formed on a filter, drying it with bibulous paper, and finally, in order 
 to separate adhering acid, dissolving it in alcohol, and precipitating with 
 ether. The result was an imperfectly crystalline, bright yellow powder, of 
 a disagreeable bitter taste, supposed to be a muriate of berberin. It is stated 
 that berberin is present in columbo in much larger proportion than colombin, 
 and, being abundantly soluble in hot water and alcohol, while colombin is 
 but slightly so, is probably more largely extracted in the ordinary liquid 
 preparations of the root. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xx. 322.) It is 
 thought that berberin exists in columbo combined with a peculiar acid de- 
 nominated columbic acid ; and that, while the colombin occurs in the cells 
 of the root in a crystalline state, the columbate of berberin is deposited in 
 the thickening layers of the cell-membranes. ( Chem . Gaz., vii. 150.) 
 
 It is probable that both colombin and berberin contribute to the remedial 
 effects of columbo. The virtues of the root are extracted by boiling water 
 and by alcohol. Precipitates are produced with the infusion and tincture by 
 the infusion of galls, acetate and subacetate of lead, corrosive chloride of 
 mercury, and lime-water; but the bitterness is not affected. 
 
 Adulterations. It is said that the root of white bryony, tinged yellow 
 with the tincture of columbo, has sometimes been fraudulently substituted 
 for the genuine root; but the adulteration is too gross to deceive those ac- 
 quainted with the characters of either of these drugs. American columbo, 
 which is the root of Frasera Walteri, is said to be sold in some parts of Eu- 
 rope for the genuine. Independently of the sensible differences between the 
 two roots (see Frasera ), M. Stolze of Halle states that, while the tincture 
 
280 
 
 Colomba. — Conii Folia. — Conii Semen. 
 
 PART l. 
 
 of columbo remains unaffected by tbe sulphate or Sesquichloride of iron, and 
 gives a dirty gray precipitate with tincture of galls, tbe tincture of frasera 
 acquires a dark-green colour with the former reagent, and is not affected by 
 the latter. [Duncan.') Under the name of columbo wood, or false columbo , 
 the wood of Coscinium fenestra turn, a plant of the family of Menispermaceae, 
 growing in Ceylon, has been imported into England, and offered for sale in 
 the drug market. ( Pharm . Joum. and Trans., x. 321, and xii. 185.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Columbo is among the most useful of the 
 mild tonics. Without astringency, with very little stimulating power, and 
 generally acceptable to the stomach, it answers admirably as a remedy in 
 simple dyspepsia, and in those states of debility which are apt to attend con- 
 valescence, especially when the alimentary canal is left enfeebled. Hence, 
 it is often prescribed in the declining stages of remittent fever, dysentery, 
 diarrhoea, cholera morbus, and cholera infantum. The absence of irritating 
 properties renders it also an appropriate tonic in the hectic fever of phthisis, 
 and its kindred affections. It has been highly recommended in vomiting, 
 unconnected with inflammation of the stomach, as in the sickness of preg- 
 nant women. It is frequently administered in combination with other tonics, 
 aromatics, mild cathartics, and antacids. The remedy which we have found 
 most effectual in the permanent cure of a disposition to the accumulation of 
 flatus in the bowels, is an infusion made with half an ounce of columbo, half 
 an ounce of ginger, a drachm of senna, and a pint of boiling water, and 
 given in the dose of a wiueglassful three times a day. Columbo is much 
 used by the natives of Mozambique in dysentery and other diseases. [Berry.) 
 It was first introduced to the notice of the profession in Europe by Francois 
 Redi, in the year 1G85. 
 
 It is most commonly prescribed in the state of infusion. (See Infusum 
 Colombse.) The dose of the powder is from ten to thirty grains, and may be 
 repeated three or four times a day. It is frequently combined with powdered 
 ginger, subcarbonate of iron, and rhubarb. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Colombae; MisturaFerri Aromatica; Tinctura Colombse. 
 
 W. 
 
 CONII FOLIA. U.S. 
 
 Hemlock Leaves. 
 
 The leaves of Conium maculatum. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. CONIUM. Conium maculatum. The fresh and dried leaf of 
 the wild herb. Loml. The leaves. Ed. Dub. 
 
 CONII SEMEN. U.S. 
 
 Hemlock Seed. 
 
 The fruit of Conium maculatum. U. S. 
 
 Cigue ordinaire, Grande cigue, Fr.; Gefleckter Schierling, Germ.; Cicuta, Ital., Span. 
 
 Conium. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Eat. Ord. Apiaceae or lm- 
 belliferse. 
 
 Gen. Cli. Partial Involucre halved, usually three-leaved. Fruit nearly 
 globular, five-streaked, notched on both sides. Willd. 
 
 Conium maculatum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1395; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 
 i. 113; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 104, t. 42. This is an umbelliferous plant, 
 having a biennial spindle-shaped whitish root, and an herbaceous branching 
 stem, from three to six feet high, round, hollow, smooth, shining, slightly 
 striated, and marked with brownish-purple spots. The lower leaves are tri- 
 
 I 
 
PART I. 
 
 Conii Folia. — Conii Semen. 
 
 281 
 
 pinnate, more than a foot in length, shining, and attached to the joints of the 
 stem by sheathing petioles; the upper are smaller, bipinnate, and inserted at 
 the division of the branches; both have channeled foot-stalks, and incised 
 leaflets, which are deep green on their upper surface and paler beneath. The 
 flowers are very small, white, and disposed in compound terminal umbels. 
 The general involucre consists of from three to seven lanceolate, reflected 
 leaflets, whitish at their edges; the partial involucre, of three or four, oval, 
 pointed, spreading, and on one side only. The petals are cordate, with their 
 points inflected, five in number, and nearly equal. The stamens are spread- 
 ing, and about as long as the corolla; the styles diverging. The fruit, com- 
 monly called seeds, is roundish-ovate, a line and a half or rather less in length 
 by a line in breadth, striated, and composed of two plano-convex, easily 
 separable parts, which have on their outer surface five crenated ribs. 
 
 The hemlock is a native of Europe, and has become naturalized in the 
 United States. It grows usually in clusters along the road sides, or in waste 
 grounds, and is found most abundantly in the neighbourhood of old settle- 
 ments. It flowers in June and July. The whole plant, especially at this 
 period, exhales a fetid odour, compared by some to that of mice, by others 
 to that of the urine of cats ; and narcotic effects result from breathing for a 
 long time air impregnated with the effluvia. The plant varies in narcotic 
 power according to the weather and the climate, being most active in hot and 
 dry seasons, and in warm countries. The hemlock of Greece, It-ily, and 
 Spain is said to be much more energetic than that of the North of Europe. 
 As a general rule, those plants are most active which grow in a sunny ex- 
 posure. The term cicuta, which has often been applied to this plant, belongs 
 to a different genus. Both the leaves and fruit are officinal. 
 
 The proper season for gathering the leaves is when the plant is in flower; 
 and Dr. Fothergill asserts, from experiment, that they are most active about 
 the time when the flowers begin to fade. The footstalks should be rejected, 
 and the leaflets quickly dried, either in the hot sun, on tin plates before a 
 fire, or by a stove heat not exceeding 120° E. They should be kept in boxes 
 or tin cases, excluded from the air and light, by exposure to which they lose 
 their fine green colour, and become deteriorated in medical virtues. The 
 same end is answered by pulverizing them, and preserving the powder in 
 opaque and well stopped bottles. But little reliance can be placed on the 
 dried leaves; as, even when possessed of a strong odour and a fine green 
 colour, they are sometimes destitute of the narcotic principle. When rubbed 
 with caustic potassa they should exhale the odour of conia. The fruit retains 
 its activity much longer than the leaves. Dr. Christison found it to have 
 sustained no diminution of power, after having been kept eight years. 
 
 Properties. The dried leaves of the hemlock have a strong, heavy, nar- 
 cotic odour, less disagreeable than that of the recent plant. Their taste is 
 bitterish and nauseous; their colour a dark green, which is retained in the 
 powder. A slight degree of acrimony possessed by the fresh leaves is said 
 to be dissipated by drying. The seeds have a yellowish-gray colour, a feeble 
 odour, and a bitterish taste. Their form has already been described. Water 
 distilled from the fresh leaves has the odour of hemlock, and a nauseous taste, 
 but does not produce narcotic effects. The decoction has little taste, and the 
 extract resulting from its evaporation is nearly inert. From these facts it is 
 inferrible that the active principle, as it exists in the plant, is not volatile at 
 212°, and, if soluble in water, is injured by a boiling heat. Alcohol and 
 ether take up the narcotic properties of the leaves; and the ethereal extract, 
 which is of a rich dark green colour, is stated by Dr. A. T. Thomson to have 
 the smell and taste of the plant in perfection, and in the dose of half a grain 
 
282 
 
 Conii Folia. — Conii Semen. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 to produce headache and vertigo. Upon destructive distillation, the leaves 
 yield a very poisonous empyreumatic oil. We have no satisfactory analysis 
 of hemlock. Schrader found in the juice of the leaves, resin, extractive, 
 gum, albumen, a green fecula, and various saline substances. Brandes ob- 
 tained from the plant a very odorous oil, albumen, resin, colouring matter, 
 and salts. 
 
 So long ago as 1827, Giseke obtained an alkaline liquid by distilling hem- 
 lock leaves with water and caustic lime; but he did not succeed in isolating 
 the substance in which this alkalinity resided. Geiger was the first who 
 obtained the active principle in a separate state, and proved it to be alkaline. 
 It appears that there are two volatile substances in hemlock, one of them an 
 oil, which comes over by simple distillation, and upon which the odour of 
 the plant depends, and the other an alkaline principle, w r hich, as it exists in 
 the plant, is so combined as not to be volatilizable, but which, when separated 
 by one of the mineral alkalies from itsmative combination, rises readily in 
 distillation, and may thus be procured separate. The latter substance is the 
 active principle, and has received the name of conia. It probably exists in 
 the plant united with an acid, as it is separated by the alkalies. This acid 
 Peschier believed to be peculiar, and named coniic acid. Geiger obtained 
 conia by the following process. He distilled fresh hemlock with caustic 
 potassa and water, neutralized with sulphuric acid the alkaline liquid which 
 came over, evaporated this liquid to the consistence of syrup, added anhy- 
 drous alcohol so long as a precipitate of sulphate of ammonia was afforded, 
 separated this salt by filtration, distilled off the alcohol, mixed the residue 
 with a strong solution of caustic potassa, and distilled anew. The conia 
 passed over with the water, from which it separated, floating on the surface 
 in the form of a yellowish oil. According to Dr. Christison, an easier pro- 
 cess is to distil cautiously a mixture of a strong solution of potassa and the 
 alcoholic extract of the unripe fruit. As obtained by the above processes, 
 conia is in the state of a hydrate, containing one-fourth of its weight of water 
 and a little ammonia. From the former, it may be freed by chloride of cal- 
 cium ; from the latter, by exposing it under an exhausted receiver till it ceases 
 to emit bubbles of gas. 
 
 The fresh leaves or seeds should be employed in the preparation of conia; 
 as the alkali undergoes decomposition by time and exposure. The seeds 
 contain most of this principle; but even iu these it exists in very small pro- 
 portion. From 6 pounds of the fresh and 9 of the dried seeds, Geiger ob- 
 tained about an ounce of conia; while from 100 pounds of the fresh herb he 
 got only a drachm, and from the dried leaves none. Christison recommends 
 the full grown fruit while yet green, and states that 8 pounds will yield half 
 an ounce of hydrate of conia, and contains much more. 
 
 Conia is in the form of a yellowish, oily liquid, lighter than water, of a very 
 acrid taste, and a strong penetrating odour, compared to that of the urine of 
 mice, and recalling the smell of fresh hemlock, though not identical with it. 
 In volatility it resembles the essential oils, readily rising with the vapour of 
 boiling water, but, when unmixed, requiring for ebullition, according to Chris- 
 tison, a temperature of 370°. It is freely soluble in alcohol, ether, the fixed 
 and volatile oils, and slightly so in water. It unites with about one-fourth its 
 weight of water to form a hydrate. It reddens turmeric, and neutralizes the 
 acids, forming with them soluble salts, some of which are c-rystallizable. 
 With tannic acid it forms an insoluble compound. Like ammonia it occasions 
 a white cloud, when approached by a rod moistened with muriatic acid. It 
 coagulates albumen, and precipitates the salts of aluminium, copper, zinc, 
 manganese, and iron. It also precipitates nitrate of silver, but in excess 
 
PART I. 
 
 Conii Folia. — Conii Semen. 
 
 283 
 
 redissolves the precipitate. Most of its salts are decomposed by evaporation. 
 When exposed to the air, it speedily assumes a deep-brown colour, and is 
 ultimately converted into a resiuous matter, and into ammonia which escapes. 
 Under the influence of heat this change takes place with much greater rapidity. 
 The presence of conia may be detected in an extract or other preparation of 
 hemlock by rubbing it with potassa, which instantly developes its peculiar odour. 
 It consists of nitrogen, carbon, and hydrogen ; its formula being variously given, 
 NC 16 H 15 ( Gerhardt), N0 16 H l6 ( Ortigosa), and NC 17 H 17 ( Blythe ). (Aim. Journ. 
 of Pharm., xxiii. 73.)* In its etfects on the system it closely resembles 
 hemlock itself. Dr. Christison found it, contrary to the experience of Geiger, 
 more active in the saline state, than when uncombined. It is a most energetic 
 poison ; one drop of it injected into the eye of a rabbit killing the animal in 
 nine minutes, and three drops killing a stout cat in a minute and a half when 
 similarly applied. Dr. Christison, from whose paper these facts are derived 
 (Trans. Fog. Soc. Ed., 1836), thinks that it acts upon the spinal marrow, 
 directly prostrating the nervous power, producing paralysis of the voluntary 
 muscles, and destroying life by arresting respiration. The brain does not 
 seem to be especially attacked ; as the animal, when it dies slowly, preserves 
 its senses unimpaired so long as it breathes. In cases of sudden death from 
 the poison, the heart does not cease to act till after apparent death ; and its 
 action may be sustained, after the animal has ceased to breathe, by keeping up 
 artificial respiration. A recently prepared extract of hemlock acted precisely 
 as conia. Locally the alkali appears to act as an irritant. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Hemlock is narcotic, and rather sedative 
 than otherwise to the circulation. Mr. Judd inferred from his experiments 
 that it directly diminishes the action of the heart, and when it produces death, 
 contrary to the results obtained by Christison, exhausts the contractility of 
 that organ. (Medico-Bot. Trans., vol. i. pt. 4.) When given so as fully to 
 affect the system, it produces more or less vertigo, dimness of vision, nausea, 
 faintness, sensations of numbness, and general muscular debility. In larger 
 doses it occasions dilated pupils, difficulty of speech, delirium or stupor, 
 tremors and paralysis, and ultimately convulsions and death. Sometimes 
 it produces fatal effects, through paralysis alone, without coma or convul- 
 sions. Its operation usually commences in less than half an hour, and, if 
 moderate, seldom continues longer than twenty-four hours. It is supposed 
 to be the narcotic used by the Athenians to destroy the life of condemned 
 individuals, and by which Socrates and Phocion died. It was also used by 
 the ancients as a medicine, but fell into entire neglect, and was not again 
 brought into notice till the time of Storck, by whom it was much employed 
 and extravagantly praised. Since that time it has been submitted to ample 
 trial, and, though its original reputation has not been fully sustained, it still 
 retains a place in the catalogue of useful medicines. Anodyne, soporific, 
 antispasmodic, antaphrodisiac, deobstruent, and diuretic properties have been 
 ascribed to it. It was highly recommended by Storck as a remedy in scirrhus 
 and cancerous ulcers, but at present is only considered a useful palliative in 
 
 * Orfila gives the following additional chemical characters of conia. Heated in a 
 capsule, it forms white vapours, having a strong smell of celery and of the urine of mice. 
 Weak tincture of iodine gives a white precipitate, becoming olive with excess of the 
 tincture. Pure concentrated sulphuric acid does not alter it; hut, when the mixture is 
 heated, it becomes first brown, then blood-red, and finally black. Nitric acid imparts 
 a topaz colour, not changed by heat. The chlorides of platinum and of gold give yel- 
 low precipitates, and corrosive sublimate a white one. Red permanganate of potassa 
 is immediately decolorized. Neutral acetate of lead gives no precipitate ; nor does the 
 subacetate. The parts of this paragraph in italics indicate the methods of distinguish- 
 ing this alkaloid from nicotia. (See Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xi. 89.) 
 
284 
 
 Conii Folia. — Conii Semen. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 those affections. In mammary tumours and chronic enlargements of the liver 
 and other abdominal viscera; in painful scrofulous tumours and ulcers; in 
 various diseases of the skin, as leprosy and elephantiasis; in the complicated 
 derangements of health attendant upon secondary syphilis; in chronic rheum- 
 atism and neuralgic affections ; in excessive secretion of milk ; in pertussis, 
 asthma, chronic catarrh, and consumption; and in various other disorders con- 
 nected with nervous derangement, or a general depraved state of the health, 
 it is occasionally employed with the effect of relieving or palliating the symp- 
 toms, or favourably modifying the action of remedies with which it is com- 
 bined. Dr. Gibson, of the University of Pennsylvania, considers it efficacious 
 in the cure of goitre. 
 
 The powdered leaves, and the inspissated juice (the extract of the Pharma- 
 copoeias), are the forms in which it is usually administered. Either of these 
 may be given in the dose of three or four grains twice a day, gradually in- 
 creased till the occurrence of slight vertigo or nausea indicates that it has 
 taken effect. To maintain a given impression, it is necessary to increase the 
 dose even more rapidly than is customary with most other narcotics; as the 
 system becomes very speedily habituated to its influence. In some instances, 
 the quantity administered in one day has been augmented to more than two 
 ounces. The strength of the preparations of hemlock is exceedingly unequal ; 
 and caution is therefore necessary, when the medicine is given in very large 
 quantities, to employ the same parcel, or, if a change be made, to commence 
 with the new parcel in small doses, so as to obviate any danger which might 
 result from its greater power. Unpleasant consequences have followed a 
 neglect of this precaution. There is also an officinal tincture and an alcoholic 
 extract, both of which, when properly made, are efficient preparations. The 
 fresh juice of the plant has been recommended by Hufeland in the dose of 
 from twelve to forty drops. The powdered seeds should be given in a dose 
 considerably smaller than that of the leaves.* The fresh leaves are some- 
 times used externally as an anodyne cataplasm; and the extract, and an oint- 
 ment prepared from the leaves, are applied to the same purpose. 
 
 Conia has been occasionally employed both internally and externally, with 
 asserted advantage, as an anodyne and resolvent. It has been particularly 
 recommended in hooping-cough. Dr. Spengler, of Herborn, gave it to an 
 infant a year old in the dose of one-sixteenth of a grain every six hours, with 
 the effect of curing the disease in ten days. (Ann. de Thlrap ., 1853, p. 73.) 
 According to the formula of Muller, two drops are dissolved in twenty-four 
 drops of alcohol, and three drops of the solution are given, each on a piece 
 of sugar. {Arch. Gen., 4e sir., xxiii. 226.) A solution of one part in 100 
 of very dilute alcohol has been used with advantage in certain cases of scro- 
 fulous ophthalmia with photophobia, applied several times daily by friction 
 about the eyelids. {.Tourn. de Pharm., Se ser., xix. 219.) 
 
 Though fatal to some animals, hemlock is eaten with impunity by others, 
 as horses, goats, aud sheep. The best method of relieving its poisonous 
 effects is the speedy evacuation of the stomach. 
 
 Off. Prep, of the Leaves. Extractum Conii; Extract. Conii Alcoholicum; 
 Tinctura Conii ; Unguentum Conii. W. 
 
 * From their greater strength, permanency, and uniformity, the seeds might well 
 supersede the leaves for internal use. They should be pulverized and made into pills 
 with syrup, and given in the commencing dose of half a grain, to be gradually in- 
 creased till their effects are experienced. MM. Devay and Guilliermond prepare a 
 syrup from the seeds, made by exhausting 10 parts of them with 60 parts of alcohol 
 of 28°, and adding the tincture to 3,000 parts of syrup “aromatised ad libitum.’' One 
 or two fluidrachms may be taken at first. (Ann. de Thirap., pour- 1853, p. 54 .) — Soft 
 to the tenth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Contrayerva. — Convolvulus Panduratus. 
 
 285 
 
 CONTRAYERVA. TJ.S. Secondary. 
 
 Contrayerva. 
 
 The root of Dorstenia Contrayerva. U. S. 
 
 Contrayerva, Ft.; Giftwurzel, Germ.; Contrajerva, Ital.; Contrayerba, Span. 
 
 Dorstenia. Sex. Syst. Tetrandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Urticaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Receptacle common, one-leafed, fleshy, in which solitary seeds 
 are nestled. Willd. 
 
 The root known by the name of contrayerva is believed to be derived from 
 several species of Dorstenia, among which, besides D. Contrayerva , two others 
 are mentioned by Dr. Houston, D. Houslovia, and D. Drakena , the former 
 growing near Campeachy, the latter near Vera Cruz. It is referred by Dr. 
 Martius also to D. Brasiliensis, growing in Jamaica, Trinidad, and Brazil. 
 D. Contrayerva is the only one recognised in the Pharmacopoeias. 
 
 Dorstenia Contrayerva. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 682 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 
 705, t. 210. This plant has a perennial, fusiform, branching, rough, com- 
 pact root or rhizoma, which sends up several leaves of an irregular shape, 
 about four inches in length, lobed, serrated, pointed, and placed upon long 
 radical footstalks, which are winged towards the leaves. The scapes or flower- 
 stems are also radical, rise several inches in height, and support irregular 
 quadrangular receptacles, which contain male and female flowers, the former 
 having two stamens, the latter a single style. The capsule, when ripe, possesses 
 an elastic power, by which the seeds are thrown out with considerable force. 
 
 The plant grows in Mexico, the West Indies, and Peru. The root (rhizoma) 
 is the officinal portion. According to Pereira, however, the contrayerva of the 
 shops is the product of D. Brasiliensis, and is brought from Brazil. The term 
 contrayerba, in the language of the Spanish Americans, signifies counterpoison 
 or antidote , and was applied to this root under the impression that it had the 
 property of counteracting all kinds of poison. 
 
 Properties. The root, as found in our shops, is oblong, an inch or two in 
 length, of varying thickness, very hard, rough, and solid, of a reddish-broivn 
 colour externally, and pale within ; and has numerous long, slender, yellowish 
 fibres attached to its inferior part. The odour is aromatic; the taste warm, 
 slightly bitterish, and pungent. The fibres have less taste and smell than 
 the tuberous portion. The sensible properties are extracted by alcohol and 
 boiling water. The decoction is highly mucilaginous. The tincture reddens 
 infusion of litmus, and lets fall a precipitate on the addition of water. The 
 root has not yet been analyzed, but contains starch and a volatile oil. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Contrayerva is a stimulant tonic and dia- 
 phoretic, and has been given in low states of fever, malignant eruptive dis- 
 eases, some forms of dysentery and diarrhoea, and other diseases requiring 
 gentle stimulation. It is very seldom used in this country. The dose of the 
 powdered root is about half a drachm. W. 
 
 CONVOLVULUS PANDURATUS. U. S. Secondary. 
 Wild Potato. 
 
 The root of Convolvulus panduratus. U. S. 
 
 Convolvulus. See SCAMMONIUM. 
 
 Convolvulus panduratus. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 850; Barton, Med. Bot. i. 
 249. The wild potato has a perennial root, and a round, purplish, procum- 
 bent or climbing stem, which twines around neighbouring objects, and grows 
 
286 Convolvulus Panduratus. — Copaiba. part l 
 
 sometime^ twelve feet in length. The leaves, which stand alternately on long 
 petioles, are broad, heart-shaped at the base, entire, or lobed on the sides like • 
 a guitar or violin, somewhat acuminate, deep green on the upper surface and 
 paler beneath. The flowers are in fascicles, upon long axillary peduncles. 
 The calyx is smooth and awnless ; the corolla, tubular campanulate, very 
 large, white at the border, but purplish-red at the base. 
 
 The plant is indigenous, growing throughout the United States in sandy 
 fields and along fences, and flowering from June to August. A variety with 
 double flowers is cultivated in the gardens for the sake of ornament. 
 
 The root, which is the officinal part, is very large, two or three feet in 
 length, about three inches thick, branched at the bottom, externally of a 
 brownish-yellow colour, and full of longitudinal fissures, internally whitish 
 and milky, and of a somewhat acrid taste. Pursh says that he has seen a 
 root as thick as a man’s thigh. 
 
 Medical Properties. The wild potato is feebly cathartic, and has been pro- 
 posed as a substitute for jalap, but is scarcely used. It is thought also to be 
 diuretic, and has been employed, with supposed advantage, in strangury 
 and calculous complaints. Dr. G. M. Maclean considers it one of the best 
 diuretics he has used, when given in infusion. (A". Y. Journ. of Med., x. 875.) 
 Forty grains of the dried root are said to purge gently. W. 
 
 COPAIBA. U. S., Loud., Ed. 
 
 Copaiba. 
 
 The juice of Copaifera officinalis and other species of Copaifera. U. S. 
 Copaifera multijuga and other species. The oleo-resin from incisions in the 
 trunk. Lond. Fluid resinous exudation of various species of Copaifera. Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. COP AIV A BALSAM. The balsam of Copaifera officinalis and 
 other species. Dub. 
 
 Balsam of Copaiva; Baume de copahu, Fr.; Copaiva-Balsam, Germ.; Balsamo di 
 copaiba, Ital. ; Balsamo de copayva, Span. 
 
 Cofaifera. Sex. Syst. Decandria Monogynia. — Mat. Ord. Leguminosae, 
 Jussieu. Amyridaceae. Bindley. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx none. Petals four. Legume ovate. Seed one, with an 
 ovate arillus. Willd. 
 
 The first notice to be found of the copaiba plant is that by Marcgrav and 
 Piso in the year 1648. Jacquin in 1768 described a species of Copaifera, 
 growing in the Island of Martinique, which he named C. officinalis. As this 
 was believed to be the same plant with the one observed by Marcgrav in 
 Brazil, it w r as adopted in the Pharmacopoeias; but their identity is now de- 
 nied ; and Desfontaines has proposed for Jacquin’s species the title of C. 
 Jaequini, in honour of that botanist. It is now known that many species 
 of Copaifera exist in Brazil and other parts of South America; and all of 
 them, according to Martius, yield copaiba. Besides C. officinalis or C. Jae- 
 quini, the following are described by Hayne; — C. Guiancnsis, C. Langsdorffi, 
 C. coriacea, C. Beyrichii, C. Martii, C. bijuga, C. nilida, C. laxa, C. eordi- 
 folia , C. Jussieui, C. Selloicii, C. oblongifolia , and C. multijuga. Hayne 
 believed that C. bijuga was the plant seen by Marcgrav and Piso. 
 
 Copaifera officinalis. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 630; Woodv. Med. Eat. p. 609, 
 t. 216. C. Jaequini. Desfout. Mem. du Mus. vii. 376; Hayne, Darstel. nnd 
 Beschrcib. &c. x. 14. This is an elegant tree, with a lofty stem, much branched 
 at the top, and crowned b} 7 a thick canopy of foliage. The leaves are alter- 
 nate, large, and pinuate, composed of from two to five pairs of ovate, entire, 
 obtusely acuminate leaflets, two or three inches in length, rather narrower 
 
PART I. 
 
 287 
 
 Copaiba. 
 
 on one side than the other, smooth, pellucidly punctate, somewhat shining, 
 and on short footstalks. The flowers are whitish, and in terminal branched 
 suikes. The fruit is an oval, two-valved pod, containing a single seed. 
 
 This species of Copaifera is a native of Venezuela, and grows in the pro- 
 vince of Carthagena, mingled with the trees which afford the balsam of 
 Tolu. It grows also in some of the West India islands, particularly Trini- 
 dad and, Martinique, where it is said to be naturalized. Though recognised 
 in the United States Pharmacopoeia as one of the sources of officinal copaiba, 
 it probably yields little of that now in use. According to Hayne, the species 
 from which most of the copaiba of commerce is derived, is C. multijvga, 
 growing in the province of Para. It is probable that C. Guianensis, which 
 inhabits the neighbouring province of Guiana, especially in the vicinity of 
 the Rio Negro, affords also considerable quantities; and C. LanijsdorJfii and 
 C. coriacea, which are natives of Santo Paulo, are thought to yield most of 
 the juice collected in the last-mentioned province. 
 
 The juice is obtained by making deep incisions into the stems of the trees; 
 and the operation is said to be repeated several times in the same season. 
 As it flows from the wound, it is clear, colourless, and very thin, but soon 
 acquires a. thicker consistence, and a yellowish tinge. It is most largely 
 collected in the provinces of Para and Maranham, in Brazil, and until re- 
 cently was brought to this country chiefly from the port of Para, in small 
 casks or barrels. But large quantities of it are now brought from Mara- 
 caibo, in Venezuela, and from other ports on the Caribbean sea, whence it 
 comes in casks, demijohns, cans, jugs, &c. Copaiba is also exported from 
 Angustura on the Orinoco, from the French South American province of 
 Cayenne, from Rio Janeiro, and from some of the West India islands. 
 
 Properties. Copaiba is a clear, transparent liquid, usually of the con- 
 sistence of olive oil, of a pale-yellow colour, a peculiar not unpleasant odour, 
 and a bitterish, hot, nauseous taste. Its specific gravity varies ordinarily 
 from 0'950 to l’OOO; but has been kuown to be as low as 0’916. (Procter, 
 Am. Journ. of Pharm ., xxii. 292.)* It is insoluble in water, but entirely 
 soluble in absolute alcohol, ether, and the fixed and volatile oils. Strong 
 alkaline solutions dissolve it perfectly ; but the resulting solution becomes 
 turbid when largely diluted with water. With the alkalies and alkaline 
 earths it forms saponaceous compounds, in which the resin of the copaiba 
 acts the part of an acid. It dissolves magnesia, especially with the aid of 
 heat, and even disengages carbonic acid from the carbonate of that earth. If 
 triturated with a sixteenth of its weight of magnesia and set aside, it gra- 
 dually assumes a solid consistence ; and a similar change is produced with 
 hydrate of lime. (See Pilulse Copaibse.) Its essential constituents are vola- 
 tile oil and resin, with a minute proportion of an acid which appears to be 
 the acetic. (Durand, Journ. of the Phil. Col. of Pharm., i. 3.) As it con- 
 tains no benzoic acid, it cannot with propriety retain its old title of balsam of 
 copaiva. The substances which it most closely resembles, both in composi- 
 tion and properties, are the turpentines. The volatile oil will be treated of 
 among the preparations. (See Oleum Copaibse.) 
 
 * The variety of copaiba found by Prof. Procter to have this low sp. gr. was of 
 uncertain origin, but supposed to be from Para. It was of a light straw-colour, very 
 fluid, and possessed of the pure copaiba odour. It contained 80 per cent, of volatile 
 oil and 20 of resin, and was not affected by recently calcined magnesia. It appears 
 to be the same with a variety described by Dr. L. Posselt, of which an account is con- 
 tained in the Chemical Gazette for May 1st, 1849. The view of Prof. Procter, that it 
 is the product of young trees in which the juice has not become fully elaborated is 
 highly probable. As the virtues of copaiba depend mainly on the oil, this variety should 
 be more efficacious than the copaiba in common use . — Note to ninth edition. 
 
288 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Copaiba. 
 
 The resinous mass which remains after the distillation of the oil is hard, 
 brittle, translucent, of a greenish-brown colour, and nearly destitute of smell 
 and taste. By mixing it with the oil in proper proportion, we may obtain a 
 liquid identical or nearly so with the original juice. When treated with the 
 oil of petroleum, it is separated into two distinct resins, one of which is dis- 
 solved, and may be obtained separate by evaporation, the other is left behind. 
 The first is yellowish, hard, and brittle, and constitutes by far the largest 
 proportion of the residuum of the distillation. It appears to possess acid 
 properties; as its alcoholic solution reddens litmus, and it forms definite 
 compounds with the alkalies. It has therefore received the name of c opaivic 
 acid. The second resin is yellowish-brown, soft, unctuous, and without acid 
 reaction ; and is supposed by Berzelius to result from the resinification of 
 the volatile oil, as it is more abundant in the old than in the recent juice. 
 Becent copaiba examined by Gerber yielded 41 per cent, of volatile oil, 51'38 
 of the hard and brittle resin, 2T8 of the soft resin, and 5'44 of water; while 
 an older specimen gave 31'OT per cent, of oil, 53'68 of hard resin, 1115 of 
 soft resin, and 4T0 of water. 
 
 Copaiba, upon exposure to the air, acquires a deeper colour, a thicker con- 
 sistence, and greater density, and, if spread out upon an extended surface, 
 ultimately becomes dry and brittle. This change is owing partly to the vola- 
 tilization, partly to the oxidation of the essential oil. As it is the soft resin 
 that results from the oxidation of the oil, it follows that the proportion of 
 this resin must increase with age. Considerable diversities must, therefore, 
 exist in the drug, both in physical properties and the proportion of its ingre- 
 dients, according to its age and degree of exposure. Similar differences also 
 exist in the copaiba procured from different sources. Thus, that of the Tlcst 
 Indies, when compared with the Brazilian, which is the variety above de- 
 scribed, and in common use, is of a thicker consistence, of a deeper or darker 
 yellow colour, less transparent, and of a less agreeable, more terebinthinate 
 odour; and specimens obtained from the ports of Venezuela or New Grenada 
 were found, upon examination by M. Vigne, to differ from each other not 
 only in physical properties, but also in their chemical relations. ( Juurn . de 
 Pharm., N. S., i. 52.) It is not impossible that differences may exist in the 
 juice according to the circumstances of its collection. The age of the tree, its 
 position, and the season of collection may also have some influence over the 
 product. It is highly probable that the resinous matter results from oxida- 
 tion of the oil in the cells of the plant, and that the less elaborated the juice 
 may be, the larger proportion it will contain of the oil. It is said that a 
 volatile oil flows abundantly from a tree near Bogota, which is employed to 
 adulterate the copaiba collected in that neighbourhood, and shipped from 3Ja- 
 racaibo and other neighbouring ports. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xviii. 240.) 
 
 Adulterations. Copaiba is said to be frequently adulterated ; but the 
 remark is applicable rather to the markets of Europe thau to those of the 
 United States * The fixed oils are the most frequent addition, especially 
 castor oil, which, in consequence of its solubility in alcohol, caunot, like the 
 others, be detected by the agency of that fluid. Various plans have been 
 proposed for ascertaining the presence of castor oil. The simplest is to boil 
 a drachm of the copaiba in a pint of water, till the liquid is wholly evupo- 
 
 * We have a specimen of a substance imported into Xew York, under the name of 
 red copaiba, which has not a single character of the genuine drug. It is of a thick 
 semi-tiuid consistence, not unlike that of balsam of Tolu as it often reaches us. a brown 
 colour similar to that of the same balsam, though darker, and an unpleasant yet some- 
 what aromatic odour, recalling that of liquidamber, but less agreeable. Its origin is 
 unknown . — Note to the ninth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 289 
 
 Copaiba. 
 
 rated. If the copaiba contain a fixed oil, the residue will he more or less soft, 
 according to the quantity present ; otherwise it will he hard. Another mode, 
 proposed by M. Blanche, consists in shaking together in a bottle one part of 
 solution of ammonia of the sp. gr. 0'9212 (22° Baume) with two and a half 
 parts of copaiba, at a temperature of from 50° to 60° F. The mixture, at 
 first cloudy, quickly becomes transparent if the copaiba is pure, but remains 
 more or less opaque if it is adulterated with castor oil. According to J. E. 
 Simon, however, a variety of genuine copaiba sometimes occurs in commerce, 
 in which this test fails (Am. Journ. of Charm., xvi. 236); and it does not 
 apply to the variety containing 80 per cent, of volatile oil described by Pro- 
 fessor Procter. (See note, p. 287.) Carbonate of magnesia, caustic potassa, 
 and sulphuric acid have also been proposed as tests. In the Edinburgh Phar- 
 macopoeia, it is stated that copaiba “dissolves a fourth part of its weight of car- 
 bonate of magnesia, with the aid of a gentle heat, and continues translucent.” 
 The presence of a small proportion of any fixed oil renders the mixture opaque. 
 One part of potassa dissolved in two of water forms a clear solution with nine 
 parts of pure copaiba, and the liquid continues clear when moderately diluted 
 with water or alcohol; but the presence of one-sixth of fixed oil in the copaiba 
 occasions more or less opacity in the liquid, and half the quantity causes the 
 precipitation of white flakes iu a few hours. (Stolze.) Turpentine, which is 
 said to be sometimes added to copaiba, may be detected by its smell, espe- 
 ' cially if the copaiba be heated. According to Mr. Redwood, most of the 
 proposed tests of the purity of copaiba are liable to fallacy; and the best 
 measure of its activity is the quantity of volatile oil ft affords by distillation. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Copaiba is gently stimulant, diuretic, laxa- 
 tive, and in very large doses often actively purgative. It produces, when swal- 
 lowed, a sense of heat in the throat and stomach, and extends an irritant 
 action, not only throughout the alimentary canal, but also to the urinary pas- 
 ' sages, and in fact, in a greater or less degree, to all the mucous membranes, 
 for which it appears to have a strong affinity. The urine acquires a peculiar 
 odour during its use, and its smell may be detected in the breath. It some- 
 times occasions an eruption upon the skin, resembling that of measles, and 
 ; attended with a disagreeable itching and tingling sensation. Nausea and 
 vomiting, painful purgation, strangury and bloody urine, and a general state 
 of fever are among the morbid results of its excessive action. As a remedy 
 ’ it has been found most efficient in diseases of the mucous membranes, par- 
 ' tic-ularly those of a chronic character. Thus, it is given with occasional 
 1 advantage in leucorrhcea, gleet, chronic dysentery and diarrhoea, painful 
 hemorrhoidal affections, and chronic bronchitis. By Dr. La Roche, of Phi- 
 ladelphia, it is highly recommended in catarrh of the bladder, and in chronic 
 irritation of the same organ. {Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., xiv. 13.) It has 
 been given in dropsy, and is said to be used as a vermifuge in Brazil. The 
 complaint, however, in which it is most employed is gonorrhoea. It is given 
 in all stages of the disorder; but caution is requisite when the inflammatory 
 symptoms are high. Even in health, if taken largely, it sometimes produces 
 very unpleasant irritation of the urinary passages, and, by sympathy, of the 
 testicles. It was formerly much esteemed as a vulnerary, and as an applica- 
 ; tion to ulcers ; but is now seldom used externally. Dr. Rusehenberger re- 
 commends it as a local application in chilblains. {Med. Examiner , i. 77.) 
 
 The dose of copaiba is from twenty drops to a fluidrachm three times a day, 
 or a smaller quantity repeated more frequently. It may be given dropped on 
 sugar ; but in this form is often so exceedingly offensive, as to render some 
 concealment of its nauseous qualities necessary. It is sometimes given float- 
 ing on the surface of an aromatic water, or mixed with an equal measure of 
 19 
 
290 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Copaiba. — Coptis. 
 
 spirit of nitric ether. A less disagreeable form is that of emulsion, prepared 
 by rubbing the copaiba first with mucilage or the yolk of an egg, and sugar, 
 and afterwards with some aromatic water, as that of mint or cinnamon. The 
 volatile oil , which is the active ingredient of copaiba, may be given in the 
 dose of ten or fifteen drops, either upon sugar, or in the form of emulsion. 
 The resin, which has been proposed as a substitute, is nearly inert. The 
 pills made with magnesia may sometimes be resorted to with advantage; and 
 it is customary to administer copaiba enclosed in capsules of gelatin, which 
 cover the taste, while they readily dissolve in the stomach. (See Glue , in the 
 Appendix .) Velpeau has found the best effects from copaiba in the form of 
 enema. He gives two drachms made into an emulsion with the yolk of an 
 egg, twenty or thirty drops of laudanum, and eight fluidounces of water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Oleum Copaibse; Pilulse Copaibae. W. 
 
 COPTIS. TJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Goldthread. 
 
 The root of Coptis trifolia. TJ. S. 
 
 Coptis. Sex. Pyst. Polyandria Polygynia. — Nat. Or J. Ranunculace®. 
 
 Gen. Gh. Calyx none. Petals five or six, caducous. Nectaries five or six, 
 cucullate. Capsules five to eight, stipitate, stellately diverging, and rostrate, 
 many-seeded. Nuttall. 
 
 Coptis trifolia. Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. i. 60 ; Barton, Med. Bot. ii. 97. 
 This little' evergreen has a perennial creeping root, the slenderness and bright 
 yellow colour of which have given rise to the name of goldthread , by which 
 the plant is commonly known. The caudex from which the petioles and 
 flower-stems proceed, is invested with ovate, acuminate, yellowish, imbricated 
 scales. The leaves, which stand on long slender footstalks, are ternate, with 
 firm, rounded or obovate, sessile leaflets, having an acute base, a lobed and 
 acuminately crenate margin, and a smooth veined surface. The scape or 
 flower-stem is slender, round, rather longer than the leaves, and surmounted 
 by one small white flower, with a minute mucronate bracte beneath it. The 
 petals are oblong, concave, and of a white colour ; the nectaries inversely 
 conical, hollow, and yellow at the top. The stamens have capillary filaments 
 and globose anthers. The germs are from five to eight, stipitate, oblong, 
 compressed, and surmounted by short recurved styles, with acute stigmas. 
 The capsules, which diverge in a star-like form, are pedicelled, compressed, 
 beaked, and contain numerous black seeds attached to the inner side. 
 
 The goldthread inhabits the northern regions of this continent and of Asia, 
 and is found in Greenland and Iceland. It delights in the dark shady swamps 
 and cold morasses of northern latitudes and Alpine regions, and abounds in 
 Canada, and in the hilly districts of New England. Its blossoms appear in 
 May. All parts of the plant possess more or less bitterness ; but this pro- 
 perty is most intense in the root, which -is the only officinal portion. 
 
 Dried goldthread, as brought into the market, is iu loosely matted masses, 
 consisting of the long, thread-like, orange-yellow roots, frequently interlaced, 
 and mingled with the leaves and stems of the plant. It is without smell, 
 and has a purely bitter taste, unattended with aroma or astringency. It im- 
 parts its bitterness and yellow colour to water and alcohol, but most perfectly 
 to the latter, with which it forms a bright yellow tincture. The infusion is 
 precipitated by nitrate of silver and acetate of lead. ( Bigeloic .) It affords 
 no evidence of containing either resin, gum, or tannin. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Goldthread is a simple tonic bitter, bearing 
 a close resemblance to quassia in its mode of action, and applicable to all 
 
PART I. 
 
 291 
 
 Coptis. — Coriandrum. 
 
 cases in which that medicine is prescribed ; though, from its higher price, 
 not likely to come into general use as a substitute. In New England it is 
 much employed as a local application in aphthous ulcerations of the mouth; 
 but it probably has no other virtues in this complaint than such as are 
 common to the simple bitters. It may be given in substance, infusion, or 
 tincture. The dose of the powder is from ten to thirty grains, of a tincture 
 made with an ounce of the root to a pint of diluted alcohol, one fluidrachm. 
 
 Another species of Coptis has been described by Dr. Wallich, under the 
 name of Coptis Teeta, which grows in the mountainous regions bordering 
 on Assam, and is much used as a tonic by the people of that country and by 
 the Chinese. It appears to be closely analogous in properties to C. trifolia. 
 {Am. Journ. of P harm., ix. 196.) W. 
 
 CORIANDRUM. U. S., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Coriander. 
 
 The fruit of Coriandrum sativum. U. S., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. CORIANDER. The seeds of Coriandrum Sativum. Dub. 
 
 Coriandre, Fr.; Koriander, Germ.; Ccriandro, Ital.; Cilantro, Span. 
 
 Coriandrum. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Apiaceae or 
 Umbelliferae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla radiate. Petals inflex-emarginate. Universal involucre 
 one-leafed. Partial involucres halved. Fruit spherical. Willd. 
 
 Coriandrum sativum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1448 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 
 137, t. 53. This is an annual plant, with an erect, round, smooth, branching 
 stem, which rises about two feet in height, and is furnished with compound 
 leaves, of which the upper are thrice ternate, with linear pointed leaflets, the 
 lower pinnate, with the pinnae cut into irregular serrated lobes, resembling 
 those of common parsley. The flowers are white or rose-coloured, and dis- 
 ’ posed in compound terminal umbels. The fruit is globular, and consists of 
 two concave hemispherical portions. 
 
 C. sativum is a native of Italy, but at present grows wild in most parts of 
 Europe, having beeome naturalized in consequence of its extended cultivation. 
 The flowers appear in June, and the fruit ripens in August. It is a singular 
 fact, that all parts of the fresh plant are extremely fetid when bruised, while 
 . the fruit becomes fragrant by drying. This is the officinal portion. It is 
 brought to us from Europe. 
 
 The fruit of the coriander, as found in the shops, is globular, about the 
 eighth of an inch in diameter, obscurely ribbed, of a grayish or brownish- 
 yellow colour, and separable into the two portions (half-fruits) of which it 
 consists. It has the persistent calyx at its base, and is sometimes surmounted 
 by the adhering style. The smell and taste are gratefully aromatic, and de- 
 pend on a volatile oil, which may be obtained separate by distillation, and is 
 said to belong to the camphene family. {Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxv. 131.) 
 They are imparted to alcohol by maceration, and less readily to water. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Coriander has, in a moderate degree, the 
 ordinary medicinal virtues of the aromatics. It is almost exclusively em- 
 ployed in combination with other medicines, either to cover their taste, to 
 render them acceptable to the stomach, or to correct their griping qualities. 
 It was well known to the ancients. The dose is from a scruple to a drachm. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Sennas; Infusum Gentianas Compositum; Infusum 
 Sennae; Infusum Sennae Compositum; Tinctura Rhei et Sennae; Tinctura 
 Sennae et Jalapae. W. 
 
292 
 
 Cornu. — Cornus Circinata. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 CORNU. Lond., Ed. 
 
 Hartshorn. 
 
 Horn of Cervus Elaphus. Ed., Lond. 
 
 Corne de cerf, Ft. ; Hirschhorn, Germ..; Como di cervo, Ital.; Cuerno de ciervo, Span. 
 
 The stag or hart — Cervus Elaphus — the horns of which are directed by 
 the British Colleges, inhabits Europe, Asia, and the north of Africa. Those 
 of our own common deer — Cervus Virginianus — though employed in the 
 arts, are not officinal. Hartshorn is usually imported into this country from 
 Germany, in the state of shavings, but is very little employed. 
 
 Hartshorn shavings are without smell and taste, pliable, and of an ivory 
 yellow colour. According to M. Merat-Guillot, they contain in 100 parts, 
 27 of gelatin, 57 '5 of phosphate of lime, 1 of carbonate of lime, and 14*5 
 of water including the loss. Boiling water extracts their gelatin, forming a 
 transparent, colourless jelly, which may be rendered palatable by the addition 
 of sugar, lemon or orange juice, and a little wine. To prepare it, two pints 
 of water are boiled with four ounces of the shavings to a pint, and the residue 
 strained while hot. The liquid gelatinizes upon cooling. By destructive 
 distillation, the shavings yield an impure solution of carbonate of ammonia, 
 which was formerly called spirit of hartshorn; and the same name has been 
 applied to similar ammoniacal solutions from other sources. 
 
 Cornu Ustum. Lond. Burnt Hartshorn. The directions formerly given 
 by the London College for the preparation of this substance were, to “ burn 
 pieces of Hartshorn in an open vessel until they are thoroughly white; then 
 powder them, and prepare them in the manner directed for Chalk.” The 
 horn must not only be heated, but also burnt, in order that the animal matter 
 may be entirely consumed. The operation may be performed in a common 
 furnace or stove, the air being freely admitted. Care should be taken that 
 the heat be not too great; as otherwise the external surface of the horn may 
 become vitrified, and prevent the complete combustion of the interior portion, 
 while it is itself rendered less fit for use. Burnt hartshorn consists of bone- 
 phosphate of lime, with about one per cent, of free lime derived from the 
 carbonate contained in the horns. Calcined bone is usually sold in the 
 shops for burnt hartshorn. For the chemical characters of bone-phosphate 
 of lime, see Calcis Pliosphas Prsecipitatum. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The opinion formerly" entertained that burnt 
 hartshorn w T as antacid, has been abandoned since the discovery of its chemical 
 nature. Its composition suggested its application to the cure of rachitis and 
 mollities ossium, of which the prominent character is a deficiency of phosphate 
 of lime in the bones; and it is said to have been employed in some cases, in 
 connexion with phosphate of soda, with apparent success. Experience, how- 
 ever, has not confirmed the first report in its favour. It is probably altogether 
 inert. The dose is twenty grains or more. The jelly prepared from the shav- 
 ings of hartshorn has been thought to possess medical virtues; but it is only 
 nutritive and demulcent, and is probably not superior to calfsfoot jelly. The 
 shavings themselves are used in the preparation of the Pulvis Autimonialis. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pulvis Antimonialis. W. 
 
 CORNUS CIRCINATA. US. Secondary. 
 Round-leaved Dogwood. 
 
 The bark of Cornus circinata. U. S. 
 
 Cornus. Sex. Syst. Tetrandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Cornacere. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cornus Circinata. — Oornus Florida. 
 
 298 
 
 Gen. Ch. Involucre usually four-leaved. Petals superior, four. Drupe 
 with a two-celled nut. T Villd. 
 
 We have ten indigenous species of Cornus, all of which are supposed to 
 possess similar medical properties ; and three — G. Florida, C. circinata, 
 and C. sericea — are noticed in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States. The 
 last two are placed in the secondary list, not because they are esteemed less 
 efficient than the first, but because they have hitherto less attracted the atten- 
 tion of the profession. 
 
 Cornus circinata. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 663. This is a shrub from six to 
 ten feet high, with warty branches, large, roundish, pointed leaves, waved 
 on their edges and downy beneath, and white flowers disposed in depressed 
 cymes. The fruit is blue. The plant is a native of the United States, ex- 
 tending from Canada to Virginia, and growing on hill-sides and the banks of 
 rivers. It flowers in June and July. 
 
 The bark, when dried, is in quills of a whitish or ash colour, and affords 
 a powder resembling that of ipecacuanha. Its taste is bitter, astringent, and 
 aromatic. In chemical composition, so far as this has been ascertained, it is 
 analogous to Cornus Florida. It possesses also similar medical virtues, and 
 may be employed in the same doses. It has been much used as a tonic and 
 astringent in Connecticut, and was highly extolled by the late Dr. Ives, of 
 New York, who recommended, as the most eligible preparation, an infusion 
 made by pouring a pint of boiling water on an ounce of the coarsely powdered 
 bark. The dose of this is from one to two fluidounees. W. 
 
 CORNUS FLORIDA. U. S. 
 
 Dogwood. 
 
 The bark of Cornus Florida. U. S. 
 
 Cornus. See CORNUS CIRCINATA. 
 
 Cornus Florida. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 661; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. ii. 
 73; Barton, Med. Bot. i. 44. This is a small indigenous tree, usually about 
 fifteen or twenty feet in height, though sometimes not less than thirty or 
 thirty-five feet. It is of slow growth; and the stem, which generally attains 
 a diameter of four or five inches, is compact, and covered with a brownish 
 bark, the epidermis of which is minutely divided by numerous superficial 
 cracks or fissures. The branches are spreading, and regularly disposed, some- 
 times opposite, sometimes in fours nearly in the form of crosses. The leaves 
 are opposite, oval, about three inches long, pointed, dark-green and sulcated 
 on the upper surface, glaucous or whitish beueath, and marked with strong 
 parallel veins. Towards the close of summer they are speckled with black 
 spots, and on the approach of cold weather become red. The proper flowers 
 are small, yellowish, and collected in heads, which are surrounded by a large 
 conspicuous involucre, consisting of four white obcordate leaves, having the 
 notch at their summit tinged with red or purple. This involucre constitutes 
 the chief beauty of the tree when in flower. The calyx is four-toothed, and 
 the corolla composed of four obtuse reflexed petals. The fruit is an oval drupe 
 of a vivid glossy redness, containing a two-celled and two-seeded nucleus. 
 The drupes are usually associated together to the number of three or four, 
 and remain on the tree till after the early frosts. They ripen in September. 
 
 The dogwood is found in all parts of the United States, from Massachusetts 
 to the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico; but is most abundant in the Middle 
 States. In the month of May, it is clothed with a profusion of large white 
 blossoms, which render it one of the most conspicuous ornaments of the Ameri- 
 can forests. The bark is the officinal portion, and is derived for use both 
 
294 
 
 Cornus Florida. — Cornus Sericea. — Cotula. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 from the stem and branches, and from the root. The bark of the root is pre- 
 ferred. It is brought into market in pieces of various sizes, usually more or 
 less rolled, sometimes invested with a fawn-coloured epidermis, sometimes 
 partially or wholly deprived of it, of a reddish-gray colour, very brittle, and 
 affording, when pulverized, a grayish powder tinged with red. The odour of 
 dogwood is feeble, its taste bitter, astringent, and slightly aromatic. Water 
 and alcohol extract its virtues. It has not been accurately analyzed; but, 
 from the experiments of Dr. Walker and others, appears to contain extractive 
 matter, gum, resin, tannin, and gallic acid. A peculiar bitter principle, for 
 which the name of cornine was proposed, was announced as an ingredient 
 by Mr. Carpenter; but we need more definite information on the subject. 
 The flowers of C. Florida have the same bitter taste as the bark, and, 
 though not officinal, ai - e sometimes employed for the same purposes. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Cornus Florida is tonic and astringent. By 
 Dr. Walker it was found, when taken internally, to augment the force and 
 frequency of the pulse, and increase the heat of the body. It is thought to 
 possess remedial properties analogous to those of Peruvian hark, for which 
 it has occasionally been successfully substituted in the treatment of inter- 
 mittent fevers; but the introduction of sulphate of quinia into use has nearly 
 banished this, as well as many other substitutes for cinchona, from regular 
 practice. The dogwood has also been employed in low fevers, and other com- 
 plaints for which Peruvian bark is usually prescribed. 
 
 It may be given in powder, decoction, or extract. The dose of the powder 
 is from a scruple to a drachm, repeated, in cases of intermittent fever, so that 
 from one to two ounces may be taken in the interval between the paroxysms. 
 The decoction is officinal. (See Decoctum Comils Florid se.) The dried bark 
 is said to be preferable to the fresh; as it possesses all the activity of the 
 latter, without being equally liable to offend the stomach and bowels. An 
 extract might probably be used with advantage in intermittents in large doses. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Cornus Floridae. W. 
 
 CORNUS SERICEA. JJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Swamp Dogwood. 
 
 The bark of Cornus sericea. U. S. 
 
 Cornus. See CORNUS CIRCINATA. 
 
 Cornus sericea. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 663; Barton, Med. Bot. i. 115. This 
 species of Cornus is usually six or eight feet in height, with numerous erect 
 stems, which are covered with a shining reddish bark, and send out opposite 
 spreading branches. The young shoots are more or less pubescent. The leaves 
 are opposite, petiolate, ovate, pointed, entire, and on the under surface covered 
 with soft brownish hairs. The flowers are small, white, and disposed in ter- 
 minal cymes, which are depressed and woolly. The fruit consists of globular, 
 berry-formed drupes, of a cerulean blue colour, and collected in bunches. 
 
 The swamp dogwood inhabits the United States from Canada to Carolina, 
 and is found in moist woods, in swamps, and on the borders of streams. It 
 flowers in June and July. The bark was ascertained by Dr. Walker to have 
 the same medical properties as that of Cornus Florida. It may be given in 
 the same doses, and administered in a similar manner. A . 
 
 COTULA. JJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Mayweed. 
 
 The herb of Anthemis Cotula. U. S. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cotula . — Creasotum. 
 
 295 
 
 Camomille puante, Maroute, Fr.; Hunds-Kamille, Stinkende-Kamille, Germ.; Camo- 
 roilla fetida, Cotula, Ilal.; Manzanilla loca, Span. 
 
 Anthemis. See ANTHEMIS. 
 
 Anthemis Cotula. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 2181 ; Barton, Med. Bot. i. 161. 
 The mayweed is an annual plant, with a fibrous root, and an erect striated 
 stem, very much branched even to the bottom, from one to two feet in height, 
 and supporting alternate, sessile, flat, doubly pinnated, somewhat hairy leaves, 
 with pointed linear leaflets. The flowers stand singly upon the summits of 
 the branches, and consist of a central, convex, golden yellow disk, with white 
 radial florets, which spread horizontally during the day, but are reflexed or 
 bent towards the stem at night. The calyx, which is common to all the 
 florets, is hemispherical, and composed of imbricated hairy scales. The re- 
 ceptacle is conical or nearly cylindrical, and surmounted by rigid, bristle- 
 shaped paleae, shorter than the florets. The seeds are naked. 
 
 This plant grows abundantly both in the United States and in Europe. In 
 this country it is found in the vicinity of inhabited places, growing among 
 rubbish, along the sides of roads, and in waste grounds. Notwithstanding 
 its extensive diffusion, it is generally believed to be a naturalized, not an in- 
 digenous plant. It is frequently called wild chamomile. It flowers from 
 the middle of summer till late in autumn. 
 
 The whole plant has a strong, disagreeable smell, and a warm, bitter taste, 
 and imparts these properties to water. 
 
 The medical properties of this species of Anthemis are essentially the same 
 as those of chamomile, for which it may be employed as a substitute ; but its 
 disagreeable odour is an obstacle to its general use. On the continent of 
 Europe it has been given in nervous diseases, especially hysteria, under the 
 impression, probably derived from its peculiar smell, that it possesses anti- 
 spasmodic powers. It has also been thought to be emmenagogue. It is said 
 to have the property of vesicating, if applied to the surface fresh and bruised. 
 In this country it is scarcely employed, except as a domestic remedy. The 
 whole plant is active; but the flowers, being less disagreeable than the leaves, 
 are preferred for internal use. The remedy is best administered in the state 
 of infusion. W. 
 
 CREASOTUM. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Creasote. 
 
 A peculiar substance obtained from tar. U. S. An oxy-hydro-carburet, 
 prepared from pyroxylic oil. Lond. 
 
 This is a substance of the nature of the volatile oils, discovered in 1830 
 by Dr. Reichenbach in the products of the distillation of wood. M. Deville 
 conceives that it is a volatile oil, derived by heat from the resin of wood, and 
 isomeric with the original volatile oil, from which the resin is supposed to have 
 been formed by a slow alteration occurring in the vegetable. It may, there- 
 fore, be classed with the volatile oils which are regenerated by distillation. 
 
 In the products of the distillation of organic substances generally, whether 
 vegetable or animal, Reichenbach also discovered five other principles, called 
 paraffine, eupione, picamar, capnomor, and pittacal, which, as being associated 
 with creasote, will be here briefly described. Paraffine is a white, crystalline, 
 soft solid, devoid of taste and smell, and characterized by its feeble affinity 
 for other bodies, as is indicated by its name, from parum affinis. Eupione 
 is an inodorous, insipid, limpid, and colourless liquid, of the sp.gr. 0'740, 
 obtained most abundantly from animal tar and Dippel’s animal oil. Both 
 these substances are composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen. Picamar 
 
296 
 
 Creasotum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 is a colourless, oily liquid, heavier than water, of a peculiar odour and very 
 bitter taste. It is present in the heaviest portion of the rectified oil of tar, 
 and constitutes the bitter principle of that substance. Capnomor, so called 
 from its being one of the ingredients of smoke, is a colourless liquid, lighter 
 than water, having a pleasant odour and a pungent taste, and occurring in 
 the heavy oil of tar. It has the property of dissolving caoutchouc, and is an 
 ingredient in coal naphtha, which owes to its presence the property of dis- 
 solving that substance. Pittacal, also obtained from the heavy oil of tar, is 
 a solid of a beautiful blue colour, differing from the other substances above 
 noticed in containing nitrogen as one of its elements. 
 
 Preparation. Creasote is obtained either from wood tar or from crude pyro- 
 ligneous acid. When wood tar is used, it is distilled until it has attained the 
 consistence of pitch. The distilled liquid divides itself into three layers, an 
 aqueous between two oily layers. The inferior oily layer, which alone con- 
 tains the creasote, is separated, and saturated with carbonate of potassa to 
 remove acetic acid. The liquid is allowed to rest, and the new oil which 
 separates is decanted from it. This oil is distilled, and yields products lighter 
 than water, and a liquid heavier. The latter alone is preserved, and, having 
 been agitated repeatedly with weak phosphoric acid to neutralize ammonia, 
 is allowed to remain at rest for some time. It is next washed as long as 
 acidity is removed, and then distilled with a fresh portion of weak phosphoric 
 acid, care being taken to cohobate from time to time. The oily liquid thus 
 rectified is colourless, and contains much creasote, but also a portion of eupione. 
 To separate the latter, the liquid is mixed with a solution of caustic potassa 
 of the density of 1'12, which dissolves the creasote, but not the eupione. The 
 eupione, which swims above from its levity, being separated, the alkaline 
 solution of the creasote is exposed to the air, until it becomes brown in con- 
 sequence of the decomposition of a foreign matter, and is then saturated with 
 sulphuric acid. This sets free the creasote, which is decanted and again dis- 
 tilled. The treatment by solution of potassa, sulphuric acid, &c., is to be 
 repeated until the creasote no longer becomes brown by exposure to the air, 
 but only slightly reddish. It is then dissolved in a stronger solution of potassa 
 and distilled again, and finally redistilled for the last time, rejecting the first 
 portion which comes over on account of its containing much water, collecting 
 the next portion, and avoiding to push the distillation too far. The product 
 collected in this distillation is pure creasote. 
 
 When creasote is extracted from pyroligneous acid, the first step is to dis- 
 solve sulphate of soda in it to saturation. The oil which separates and swims 
 above is decanted, and, having been allowed to remain at rest for a few days, 
 is saturated by carbonate of potassa with the assistance of heat, and distilled 
 with water. The oleaginous liquid obtained is of a pale-yellow colour, and 
 is to be treated with phosphoric acid, &c. &c., as above detailed with respect 
 to the treatment of the corresponding oil obtained from tar. 
 
 According to M. Koene, the tar of the pine furnishes but little pure crea- 
 sote; while coal tar yields nearly five drachms to the pint. Some object to 
 the use of coal tar, as affording a product, mentioned further on, called phe- 
 nylic acid, which closely resembles creasote, or, at least, as furnishing a crea- 
 sote, contaminated with this acid. 
 
 Properties. Creasote, when pure, is a colourless oleaginous liquid, of the 
 consistence of oil of almonds, slightly greasy to the touch, volatilizable by 
 heat, and having a caustic, burning taste, and a penetrating, disagreeable 
 odour, like that of smoked meat. As met with iu the shops, it has frequently 
 a brownish tinge. It burns with a sooty flame. Applied to the skin iu 
 a concentrated state, it corrugates and then destroys the cuticle. On 
 
PART I. 
 
 Creasotum. 
 
 297 
 
 paper it leaves a greasy stain, which disappears in a few hours, or in ten 
 minutes when exposed to a heat of about 212°. Its sp. gr. is 1 037 (1'046 
 Lend., 1‘066 Ed., Dub.). It boils at 397°, and retains its fluidity at 17° 
 below zero. It is a non-conductor of electricity, and a powerful refractor of 
 light. It is devoid of acid or alkaline reaction. Mixed with water, it forms 
 two solutions — one consisting of 1 part of creasote in about 80 of water, the 
 other, of 1 part of water in 10 of creasote. ( Berzelius .) It unites in all pro- 
 portions with alcohol, ether, naphtha, and bisulphuret of carbon. It is capable 
 of dissolving a large proportion of iodine and phosphorus, and a considerable 
 amount of sulphur, especially when assisted by heat. 
 
 Creasote forms two combinations with potassa; one anhydrous, of an olea- 
 ginous consistence, the other, hydrated, and in the form of small, white, pearly 
 scales. It forms similar compounds with soda. From these combinations 
 and its elementary analysis, its formula is deduced to be C 2S H 16 0 4 . Creasote 
 instantly dissolves ammonia, and retains it with great force. Strong nitric 
 and sulphuric acids decompose it ; the former giving rise to reddish vapours, 
 the latter to a red colour, which becomes black on the addition of more of the 
 acid. Dilute nitric acid converts it into a brown resin, which, treated with 
 ammonia, and then dissolved in boiling alcohol, gives, by evaporation, certain 
 salts of ammonia, two of which contain new acids, discovered by Laurent. 
 Muriatic acid produces no change on it. Acetic acid dissolves it in all pro- 
 portions without decomposing it. Creasote dissolves a large number of me- 
 tallic salts, and reduces a few to the metallic state; as, for example, nitrate and 
 acetate of silver. It acts powerfully in coagulating albumen. 
 
 Of all the properties of creasote, the most remarkable is its power of pre- 
 serving meat. It is this property which has suggested its name, derived from 
 *£fas flesh, and a^u> I save. 
 
 Impurities and Adulterations. Creasote is apt to contain eupione, picamar, 
 and capnomor, and is sometimes adulterated with rectified oil of tar, and the 
 fixed and volatile oils. All these substances are detected by strong acetic 
 acid, which dissolves the creasote, and leaves them behind, floating above the 
 creasote solution. Fixed oils are also discovered by a stain on paper, not 
 discharged by heat. Any trace of the matter which produces the brownish 
 . tinge (see page 296), is detected by the liquid becoming discoloured by ex- 
 posure to sunshine. 
 
 Creasote, when obtained from coal tar, is apt to be contaminated with 
 phenylic acid ( carbolic acid, hydrated oxide of phenyle, C 12 H.,0-f KO), one 
 : of the products of the distillation of the oil 'of coal tar. Indeed, it is said 
 that phenylic acid has been sold for creasote, which it closely resembles in 
 properties. This substitution may be discovered by the lower boiling point 
 of phenylic acid (368° F.). The presence of phenylic acid in creasote is 
 detected by the addition of sesquichloride of iron, which causes a violet-blue 
 colour, if this impurity be present. According to Mr. Edward N. Kent, of 
 New York, phenylic acid from coal tar, and creasote from wood tar are essen- 
 . tially the same ; the former being a purer state of the latter. {New York Journal 
 of Pharmacy, Oct. 1853.) This view is contradicted by the results of Gorup- 
 Besanez, who obtained creasote which did not respond to the tests of phenylic 
 acid. 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. Creasote is irritant, narcotic, styptic, antiseptic, 
 and moderately escharotic. Internally it has been employed in a number of 
 diseases ; externally, for the most part, as an application to eruptions, wounds, 
 and ulcers, and as an injection and gargle. Dr. R. Dick, of Glasgow, recom- 
 mends it as an internal remedy in chronic gonorrhoea and gleet. Dr. Elliotson, 
 of London, considers it an important remedy in arresting nausea and vomit- 
 
298 
 
 Creasotum. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 ing, when not dependent on inflammation or structural disease of the stomach, 
 as in hysteria and pregnancy. Both he and Mr. A. B. Maddoek, of London, 
 recommend it as a preventive of sea-sickness. Mr. Kesteven, of England, 
 found it a very useful remedy in diarrhoea; and Dr. T. M. Woodson, of Tenn., 
 and Mr. B. W. Bichardson, of Glasgow, confirm this statement. Dr. D. J. 
 Gain used it with advantage in cholera morbus and cholera infantum, either 
 alone, or conjoined with charcoal, chalk, or bicarbonate of soda. 
 
 The eruptions, to the treatment of which creasote has been supposed to 
 be best suited, are those of a scaly character. In burns its efficacy has been 
 insisted on, especially in those attended with excessive suppuration and fun- 
 gous granulations. In chilblains also it is stated to be a useful application. 
 When applied to wounds it acts as a styptic, stopping the capillary hemor- 
 rhage, but possesses no power to arrest the bleeding from large vessels. 
 Accordingly, creasote water has been applied locally to arrest uterine hemor- 
 rhage, and the bleeding from leech-bites. The ulcers, in the treatment of 
 which it has been found most useful, are those of an indolent and gangrenous 
 character, in which its several properties of escharotic, stimulant, and anti- 
 septic are usefully brought into play. It is also praised as an application to 
 syphilitic, scrofulous, and cancerous ulcers. In all these cases, the remedy 
 should be applied with judgment; and, in case it should irritate, its use 
 must be suspended, or alternated with that of emollient and soothing appli- 
 cations. Injected into fistulous ulcers, it proves a useful resource, by ex- 
 citing the callous surfaces and disposing them to unite. Dr. Hildreth, of 
 Zanesville, Ohio, found it efficacious, mixed with mercurial ointment, in the 
 proportion of ten to thirty drops to the ounce, in scrofulous ophthalmia, and 
 scrofulous ulceration of the cornea. A small portion of the ointment is 
 introduced under the upper eyelid, morning and evening, and rubbed over 
 the whole globe. The application should be strong enough to produce a 
 smarting pain for about five minutes. The local must of course be combined 
 with constitutional treatment. (Am. Journ. of Med. Set., Oct. 1842, p. 
 362.) In cases of putrid sorethroat, in which the use of a stimulant and 
 antiseptic is required, a gargle of creasote acts beneficially ; and in chronic 
 suppuration of the external meatus of the ear, the same properties make it 
 valuable as an injection. In deafness arising from deficient cerumen, Mr. 
 Curtis has found it useful. The meatus is first well cleansed, and afterwards 
 brushed over, night and morning, with a mixture of a drachm of creasote to 
 four drachms of oil of almonds, by means of a camel’s hair brush. Dr. 
 Partridge, of this city, has found the same treatment advantageous in several 
 cases of deafness. The meatus may be cleansed by dropping into the ear at 
 night a few drops of olive oil, and syringing it out the next morning with a 
 weak and warm solution of castile soap, to which a sixth of Cologne water 
 has been added. This may be repeated five or six days, until the ear is 
 thoroughly cleansed. (Med. Exam., iii. 347.) In toothache, depending on 
 destruction of the tooth and exposure of the nerve, creasote often acts promptly 
 and radically in the removal of the pain. One or two drops of the pure sub- 
 stance must be carefully introduced into the hollow of the tooth, on a little 
 cotton, avoiding contact with the tongue or cheek. To render the remedy 
 effectual, the hollow of the tooth must be well cleaned out before it is applied. 
 
 Creasote is employed in the pure state, in mixture or solution, and in the 
 form of ointment. (See Mistura Creasoti and Unguentum Creasoti.) In the 
 pure state, it may be brushed over indolent or ill conditioned ulcers, or ap- 
 plied to them by means of lint, to arouse their sensibility, or to create a new 
 action. Internally it is given in the dose of from one to two drops or more, 
 repeated several times a day, diluted with weak mucilage, in the proportion of 
 
PART I. 
 
 Creasotum. — Or eta. 
 
 299 
 
 half a fluidounce to the drop. When used as a lotion for eruptions, ulcers, or 
 burns, or as a gargle or injection, it is employed in solution, containing two, 
 four, or six drops to the fluidounce of distilled water; the strength being 
 determined by the circumstances of each particular case. In some cases the 
 solution of creasote is used externally, mixed with poultices. 
 
 Creasote, in an overdose, acts as a poison. It produces giddiness, obscu- 
 rity of vision, depressed action of the heart, convulsions, and coma. No 
 antidote is known. The medical treatment consists in the evacuation of the 
 poison, and the administration of ammonia and other stimulants. 
 
 The addition of three or four drops of creasote to a pint of ink is said 
 effectually to prevent its becoming mouldy. Dr. Christison finds that crea- 
 sote water is as good a preservative of some anatomical preparations as spirit, 
 with the advantage of not hardening the parts. It is to creasote that the 
 antiseptic properties of wood-smoke and of pyroligneous acid are probably due. 
 
 Off. Prep. Mistura Creasoti; Unguentum Creasoti. B. 
 
 CKETA. U. S., Eel., Dub. 
 
 Chalk. 
 
 Native friable carbonate of lime. U. S-, Ed. 
 
 Craie, Fr.; Kreide, Germ.; Creta, Ital.; Greda, Span., Port. 
 
 Carbonate of lime, in the extended meaning of the term, is the most abund- 
 ant of simple minerals, constituting, according to its state of aggregation and 
 other peculiarities, the different varieties of calcareous spar, common and 
 shell limestone, marble, marl, and chalk. It occurs also in the animal king- 
 dom, forming the principal part of shells, and a small proportion of the bones 
 of tbe higher orders of animals. It is present in small quantity in most 
 natural waters, being held in solution by the carbonic acid which they con- 
 tain. In the waters of limestone districts, it is a very common impi-egna- 
 tion, and causes purging in those not accustomed to their use. In all such 
 cases, boiling the water, by expelling the carbonic acid, causes the carbonate 
 to be deposited. (S ee page 109.) Besides being officinal in the state of chalk, 
 carbonate of lime is also ordered as it exists in marble and oyster-shell, and 
 as obtained by precipitation. (See Marmor, Testa, and Calcis Carbonas Prse- 
 cipitatum.) In the present article we shall confine our observations to chalk. 
 
 Localities. Chalk occurs abundantly in the South of England and North 
 of France. It has not been found in the United States. It occurs massive 
 in beds, and very frequently contains nodules of flint, and fossil remains of 
 land and marine animals. 
 
 Properties. Chalk is an insipid, inodorous, insoluble, opaque, soft solid, 
 generally white, but grayish-white when impure. It is rough to the touch, 
 easily pulverized, and breaks with an earthy fracture. It soils the fingers, 
 yields a white trace when drawn across an unyielding surface, and when 
 applied to the tongue adheres slightly. Its sp. gr. varies from 2 '3 to 2 ’6. It 
 is never a perfectly pure carbonate of lime ; but contains, besides gritty sili- 
 ceous particles, small portions of alumina and of oxidized iron. If pure it 
 is entirely soluble in muriatic acid ; but usually a little silica is left. If the 
 muriatic solution is not precipitated by ammonia, it is free from alumina and 
 iron. Like all carbonates it effervesces with acids. Though insoluble in 
 water, it dissolves in an excess of carbonic acid. It consists, like the other 
 varieties of carbonate of lime, of one eq. of carbonic acid 22, and one of lime 
 28-5=50-5. 
 
 Pharm. Uses. Chalk, on account of the gritty particles which it contains, 
 is unfit for medicinal use, until it has undergone levigation, when it is called 
 
300 
 
 Greta. — Crocus. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 prepared chalk. (See Greta Prseparata.) It is used in the preparation of 
 the alkaline bicarbonates, to furnish a stream of carbonic acid, when decom- 
 posed by a dilute acid ; as in the Dublin processes for bicarbonate of potassa 
 and bicarbonate of soda. 
 
 Off. Prep. Ammonias Carbonas; Calcii Chloridum; Creta Prseparata ; Po- 
 tassae Bicarbonas; Sodas Bicarbonas. B. 
 
 CROCUS. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Saffron. 
 
 The stigmas of Crocus sativus. U. S., Lord., Ed ., Dub. 
 
 Safran, Fr., Germ.; Zafferano, Ital.; Azafran, Span. 
 
 Crocus. Sex. Syst. Triandria Monogynia. — Eat. Ord. Iridaceae. 
 
 Gen. Gh. Corolla six parted, equal. Stigmas convoluted. Willd. 
 
 Crocus sativus. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 194; Woodv. Med. Dot. p. 763, t. 
 259. The common cultivated saffron is a perennial plant, with a rounded and 
 depressed bulb or cormus, from which the flower rises a little above the ground 
 upon a long, slender, white, and succulent tube. The flower is large, of a 
 beautiful lilac or bluish-purple colour, and makes its appearance iu September 
 or October. The leaves are radical, linear, slightly revolute, dark-green upon 
 their upper surface with a white longitudinal furrow in the centre, paler under- 
 neath with a prominent flattened midrib, and enclosed at their base, together 
 with the tube of the corolla, in a membranous sheath, from which they 
 emerge soon after the appearance of the flower. The style hangs out on one 
 side between two segments of the corolla, and terminates in three long con- 
 voluted stigmas, which are of a rich orange colour, highly odorous, rolled in 
 at the edges, and notched at the summit. These stigmas are the officinal 
 part of the plant. 
 
 C. sativus, or autumnal crocus , is a native of Greece and Asia Minor, 
 where it has been cultivated from the earliest ages. It is also cultivated for 
 medicinal use iu Sicily, Spain, Prance, England, and other temperate coun- 
 tries of Europe. Large quantities of saffron are raised in Egypt, Persia, 
 and Cashmere, whence it is sent to India. We cultivate the plant in this 
 country chiefly, if not solely, as a garden flower. It is liable to two diseases, 
 which sometimes interfere with the success of its culture; one dependent on 
 a parasitic fungus which attaches itself to the bulb, the other called by the 
 cultivators in France taxon , by which the bulb is converted into a blackish 
 powder. ( Juurn . de Pharm. et de Cliim., xviii. 41.) 
 
 In England the flowers appear in October, and the leaves continue green 
 through the winter; but the plant does not ripen its seed, and is propagated 
 by offsets from the bulb. These are planted in grounds prepared for the pur- 
 pose, and are arranged either in rows, or in small patches at certain distances. 
 The flowers are gathered soon after they show themselves, as the period of 
 flowering is very short. The stigmas, or summits of the pistils, together with 
 a portion of the style, are separated from the remainder of the flower, and 
 carefully dried by artificial heat, or in the sun. During this process, they 
 are sometimes made to assume the form of a cake by pressure ; but the finest 
 saffron is that which has been dried loosely. The two forms are distinguished 
 by the names of hay-saffron and cake-saffron. Five pounds of the fresh stig- 
 mas yield one pound of the dried. (Duncan.') 
 
 The English saffron, formerly most highly esteemed in this country, has 
 disappeared from our market. What maybe sold under that name is proba- 
 bly derived from other sources. Much of the drug is imported from Gibral- 
 
PART I. 
 
 Crocus. 
 
 301 
 
 tar, packed in canisters. Parcels of it are also brought from Trieste and other 
 ports of the Mediterranean. The Spanish saffron is generally considered the 
 best. Genuine cake-saffron is at present seldom found in commerce. Ac- 
 cording to Landerer, the stigmas of several other species besides those of C. 
 sativus are gathered and sold as saffron in Greece and Turkey. 
 
 Properties. Saffron has a peculiar, sweetish, aromatic odour, a warm, pun- 
 gent, bitter taste, and a rich deep orange colour, which it imparts to the saliva 
 when chewed. The stigmas of which it consists are an inch or more in length, 
 expanded and notched at the upper extremity, and narrowing towards the 
 lower, where they terminate in a slender, capillary, yellowish portion, forming 
 a part of the style. Analyzed by Vogel and Bouillon-Lagrange, it afforded 
 65'0 per cent, of a peculiar extractive matter, and 7‘5 of an odorous volatile 
 oil, together with wax, gum, albumen, saline matter, water, and lignin. The 
 extractive was named polychrdite , from the changes of colour which it under- 
 goes by the action of reagents. They prepared it by evaporating the watery 
 infusion to the consistence of honey, digesting the residue in alcohol, filtering 
 the tincture, and evaporating it to dryness. Thus obtained, it is in the form 
 of a reddish-yellow mass, of an agreeable smell, slightly bitter, soluble in 
 water and alcohol, and somewhat deliquescent. Its solution becomes grass- 
 green by the action of nitric acid, blue and then violet by that of sulphuric 
 acid, and loses its colour altogether on exposure to light, and by chlorine. 
 M. Henry, sen., found it to contain about 20 per cent, of volatile oil, which 
 could be separated only by an alkali. M. Quadrat obtained it pure by 
 exhausting saffron with ether, then treating it with boiling water, precipi- 
 tating with subacetate of lead, decomposing the compound of oxide of lead 
 and colouring matter thus obtained with sulphuretted hydrogen, treating the 
 precipitate with boiling alcohol, evaporating the solution, dissolving the resi- 
 due in water, and lastly evaporating by means of a water-bath. Thus procured, 
 it is of a brilliant red colour, inodorous, slightly soluble in water which it 
 renders yellow, much more soluble by the least addition of an alkali, readily 
 soluble in alcohol, but sparingly in ether. Its formula is M. 
 
 Quadrat found also in saffron, a fatty matter, glucose, and a peculiar acid. 
 (Ann. der Chem. und Pharm., Ixxx. 340.) According to M. Henry, the 
 ■ colouring principle constitutes 42 per cent, of saffron, and the essential oil 
 10 per cent. It is to the latter that the medicine owes its activity. It may 
 be partially separated by distillation. It is yellow, of a hot, acrid, bitterish 
 taste, and heavier than water, in which it is slightly soluble. 
 
 Adulterations. The high price of this medicine gives rise to frequent 
 adulterations. Water is said to be very often added in order to increase its 
 weight. Oil is also added for the same purpose, or to improve the appear- 
 ance. Sometimes the flowers of other plants, particularly of Carthamus tinc- 
 torius or safflower, and of Calendula officinalis or officinal marygold, are 
 fraudulently mixed with the genuine stigmas. They may be known by their 
 shape, which is rendered obvious by throwing a portion of the suspected mass 
 into hot water, which causes them to expand. (See Carthamus.) Other 
 adulterations are the fibres of dried beef, the stamens of the Crocus distin- 
 guishable by their yellow colour, the stigmas previously exhausted in the 
 preparation of the infusion or tincture, and various mineral substances easily 
 detected upon close examination. J. Muller recommends concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid as the most certain test of saffron. It instantly changes the co- 
 lour of pure saffron to indigo blue. ( Chem. Gaz., May, 1845, p. 197.) 
 
 Choice of Saffron. Saffron should not be very moist, nor very dry, nor 
 easily pulverized, nor should it emit an offensive smell when thrown upon 
 live coals. The freshest is the best, and that which is less than a year old 
 
302 
 
 Crocus. — Cubeba. 
 
 part i. 
 
 should, if possible, be selected. It should possess in a high degree the cha- 
 racteristic properties of colour, taste, and smell. If it does not colour the 
 fingers when rubbed between them, or has an oily feel, or a musty flavour, or 
 a black, yellow, or whitish colour, it should be rejected. In the purchase of 
 this medicine in cakes, those should be selected which are close, tough, and 
 firm in tearing; and care should be taken to avoid cakes of safflower. 
 
 As its activity depends, partly at least, on a volatile ingredient, saffron 
 should be kept in well stopped vessels. Some recommended that it should 
 be enclosed in a bladder, and introduced into a tin case. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Saffron was formerly considered highly 
 stimulant and antispasmodic. It has been alleged that, in small doses, it 
 moderately excites the different functions, exhilarates the spirits, relieves pain, 
 and produces sleep: in large doses, gives rise to headache, intoxication, deli- 
 rium, stupor, and other alarming symptoms; and Shroder asserts that, in the 
 quantity of two or three drachms, it proves fatal. It was thought also to act 
 powerfully on the uterine system, promoting menstruation. The ancients 
 employed it extensively, both as a medicine and condiment, under the name 
 of crocus. It was also highly esteemed by the Arabians, and enjoyed con- 
 siderable reputation among the physicians of modern Europe till within a 
 comparatively recent period. On the continent it is still much used as a 
 stimulant and emmenagogue. But the experiments of Dr. Alexander have 
 proved it to possess little activity; and in Great Britain and the United States 
 it is seldom prescribed. By old women and nurses saffron tea is frequently 
 used in exanthematous diseases, to promote the eruption ; a practice intro- 
 duced by the humoral pathologists, but afterwards abandoned by the profes- 
 sion. The chief use of saffron at present is to impart colour and flavour to 
 officinal tinctures. From ten to thirty grains may be given for a dose. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acetum Opii ; Confectio Aromatica ; Decoctum Aloes Compo- 
 situm; Pilulae Aloes et Myrrhae; Pilula Styracis Composita; Syrupus Croci; 
 Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhae ; Tinct. Cinchonas Comp.; Tinct. Croci ; Tinct. 
 Opii Ammoniata; Tinct. Bhei Comp.; Tinct. Bhei et Sennae. W. 
 
 CUBEBA. U. S., Lond., Dub. 
 
 Cubebs. 
 
 The berries of Piper Cubeba. U. S. The unripe fruit. Lond. The berries 
 of Cubeba officinalis. Pub. 
 
 Off. Syn. CUBEBAE. Fruit of Piper Cubeba. Ed. 
 
 Cubebe, Ft.; Ivubeben, Germ.; Cubebe, Ital.; Cubebas, Span.; Kebabek, Arab. 
 
 Piper. Sex. Syst. Diandria Trigynia. — Nat.Ord. Piperaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx none. Corolla none. Berry one-seeded. Willd. 
 
 Piper Cubeba. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 159; Woodv. Med. Bot. 3d ed. v. 95. 
 This is a climbing perennial plant, with a smooth, flexuous, jointed stem, and 
 entire, petiolate, oblong or '-ovate-oblong, acuminate leaves, rounded or ob- 
 liquely cordate at the base, strongly nerved, coriaceous, and very smooth. The 
 flowers are dioecious and in spikes, with peduncles about as long as the petiole. 
 The fruit is a globose, pedicelled ber^. 
 
 This species of Piper is a native of Java, Penang, and probably other parts 
 of the East Indies. It grows wild in the woods, and does not appear to be 
 cultivated. The dried unripe fruit is the officinal portion. Dr. Blume thinks 
 it probable that the drug is derived chiefly from another species, the P. ca- 
 ninum, inhabiting the same countries; but Dr. Lindley could discover no 
 difference between the fruit of P. Cubeba and ordinary cubebs. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Cubeba. 
 
 303 
 
 Properties. Cubebs are round, about the size of a small pea, of a blackish 
 or grayish-brown colour, and furnished with a short stalk, which is continuous 
 with raised veins that run over the surface of the berry, and embrace it like 
 a network. The shell is hard, almost ligneous, and contains within it a single 
 loose seed, covered with a blackish coat, and internally white and oleaginous. 
 The odour of the berry is agreeably aromatic; the taste warm, bitterish, and 
 camphorous, leaving in the mouth a peculiar sensation of coolness, like that 
 produced by the oil of peppermint. The powder is dark coloured and of an 
 oily aspect. From 1000 parts of cubebs M. Monheim obtained 30 parts of 
 a ceruminous substance, 25 of a green volatile oil, 10 of a yellow volatile oil, 
 45 of cubebin, 15 of a balsamic resin, 10 of chloride of sodium, 60 of extrac- 
 tive, and 650 of lignin, with 155 parts lost. According to MM. Capitaine 
 and Soubeiran, cubebin is best obtained by expressing cubebs from which the 
 oil has been distilled, preparing with them an alcoholic extract, treating this 
 with a solution of potassa, washing the residue with water, and purifying it 
 by repeated crystallizations in alcohol. Thus prepared, it is white, inodorous, 
 and insipid, not volatilizable by heat, almost insoluble in water, slightly soluble 
 in cold alcohol, freely so in that liquid when hot, and soluble also in ether, 
 acetic acid, and the fixed and volatile oils. It bears a close resemblance to 
 piperin, but materially differs from it in composition, as it contains no nitro- 
 gen. (Journ. de Pharm.,'x.xv. 355.) The volatile oil is officinal. (See Oleum 
 Cubebae.) Cubebs gradually deteriorate by age, and in powder become ra- 
 pidly weaker, in consequence of the escape of their volatile oil. They should 
 be kept whole, and pulverized when dispensed. The powder is said to be 
 sometimes adulterated with that of pimento. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Cubebs are gently stimulant, with a special 
 direction to the urinary organs. In considerable quantities they excite the 
 circulation, increase the heat of the body, and sometimes occasion headache 
 and giddiness. At the same time they frequently produce an augmented flow 
 of the urine, to which they impart a peculiar odour. Among these effects are 
 also occasionally nausea and moderate purging ; and they are said to occasion 
 a sense of coolness in the rectum during the passage of the feces. We 
 have no evidence that they were known to the ancients. They were probably 
 first brought into Europe by the Arabians, and were formerly employed for 
 similar purposes with black pepper; but they were found much less powerful 
 and fell into disuse. Some years since they were again brought into notice 
 ,in England as a remedy in gonorrhoea. This application of cubebs was de- 
 rived from India, where they have long been used in gonorrhoea and gleet, 
 and as a grateful stomachic and carminative in disorders of the digestive 
 organs. They are said to have sometimes produced swelled testicle, when 
 given in gonorrhoea; and, though recommended in all its stages, will probably 
 be found most safe and effectual in cases where the inflammation is confined 
 to the mucous membrane of the urethra. If not speedily useful, they should 
 be discontinued. They have been given also in leucorrhoea, cystirrhoea, ab- 
 scess of the prostate gland, piles, and chronic bronchial inflammation. They 
 ■are best administered in powder, of which the dose in gonorrhoea is from one 
 :to three drachms, three or four times a day. For other affections, the dose 
 is sometimes reduced to ten grains. The volatile oil may be substituted, in 
 the dose of ten or twelve drops, suspended in water by means of sugar. An 
 ethereal extract is directed by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, and considerably used. 
 ;(See Extractum Cubebae Fluidum .) An infusion, made in the proportion of 
 an ounce of powdered cubebs to a pint of water, has been employed as an 
 injection in discharges from the vagina, with asserted advantage. 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum Cubebae Fluidum; Oleum Cubebae; Tinctura Cu- 
 bebae. W. 
 
304 
 
 Cuprum. 
 
 PARI I. 
 
 CUPRUM. 
 
 Copper. 
 
 Cuivre, Ft.; Kupfer, Germ.; Rame, Ilal.; Cobre, Span. 
 
 This metal is very generally diffused in nature, and exists principally in 
 four states; as native copper, as an oxide, as a sulphuret, and as a salt. Its 
 principal native salts are the sulphate, carbonate, arseniate, and phosphate. 
 In the United States it occurs in various localities, but especially in the neigh- 
 bourhood of Lake Superior, where a mass of metallic copper, weighing more 
 than 3000 pounds, has been found. The principal copper mines of Europe are 
 those of the Pyrenees in France, Cornwall in England, and Fahlun in Sweden. 
 
 Properties. Copper is a brilliant, sonorous metal, of a reddish colour, and 
 very ductile, malleable, and tenacious. It has a slightly nauseous taste, and 
 emits a disagreeable smell when rubbed. Its texture is granular, and its frac- 
 ture hackly. Its sp. gr. is 8 '89, and its fusing point 1996° F., according to 
 Daniell, being intermediate between that of silver and that of gold. Its equiva- 
 lent number is 31 '6. Exposed to the air it undergoes a slight tarnish. Its 
 combinations are numerous and important. With oxygen it forms two well 
 characterized oxides, a red suboxide or dioxide, consisting of two eqs. of copper 
 and one of oxygen, and a black protoxide formed of one eq. of metal and 
 one of oxygen. The latter oxide, which alone is salifiable, forms with acids 
 several salts, important in medicine and the arts. With metals, copper forms 
 numerous alloys, of which that with zinc, called brass, is the most useful. 
 
 Characteristics. Copper is recognised by its colour, and the effect of tests 
 on its nitric solution. This solution, with potassa, soda, and ammonia, yields 
 a blue precipitate, soluble in excess of the latter alkali, with which it forms a 
 deep blue liquid. Ferrocyanuret of potassium occasions a brown precipitate 
 of ferrocyanuret of copper; and a bright plate of iron, immersed in the solu- 
 tion, immediately becomes covered with a film of metallic copper. The ferro- 
 cyauuret of potassium is an exceedingly delicate test for detecting minute 
 portions of copper in solution. Another test, proposed by M. Yerguin, is to 
 precipitate the copper in the metallic state on platinum by electro-chemical 
 actiou. For this purpose a drop of the liquid to be examined is placed on a 
 slip of platinum foil, and a slip of bright iron is brought in contact with the 
 platinum and the liquid. If copper be present, it will be instantly precipi- 
 tated on the surface of the platinum. 
 
 Action on the Animal Economy. Copper, in its pure state, is perfectly inert, 
 but in combination is highly deleterious. Nevertheless, a miuute portion of 
 the metal, so far as researches have extended, is always present in the healthy 
 body. According to Millon, the copper in the blood, like the iron, is attached 
 to the red corpuscles. To bring the copper into a state favourable for ready 
 detection, he advises that blood, as it escapes from a vein, be received in about 
 three times its bulk of water, and the mixture poured into a bottle of chlorine 
 and agitated. The whole, upon being rapidly filtered, furnishes a liquid in 
 which copper is readily detected. ( Chem . Gaz., June 1, 1848.) Its combi- 
 nations, when taken in poisonous doses, produce a coppery taste in the mouth; 
 nausea and vomiting; violent pain of the stomach and bowels; frequent black 
 and bloody stools; small, irregular, sharp, and frequent pulse ; faintings ; burn- 
 ing thirst; difficulty of breathing; cold sweats; paucity of urine ; violent head- 
 ache; cramps, convulsions, and finally death. The best treatment in cases of 
 poisoning by copper, is to administer white of eggs, diffused in water, in large 
 and repeated doses. If this remedy be not at hand, the patieut must in the 
 mean time be gorged with warm water or with milk, and the throat irritated 
 by the finger or a feather, in order to excite vomiting. Should vomiting not 
 
PART I. 
 
 305 
 
 Cuprum. — Cupri Subacetas. 
 
 take place by these means, the stomach-pump may he employed. Magnesia 
 has been proposed as an antidote to the poisonous effects of the salts of copper 
 by M. Boucher. (Seepage 808.) 
 
 In medico-legal examinations, where cupreous poisoning is suspected, Orfila 
 recommends that the viscera be boiled in distilled water for an hour, and that 
 the matter obtained by evaporating the filtered decoction to dryness, be car- 
 bonized by nitric acid. The matter thus treated will contain the copper. By 
 proceeding in this way, there is no risk of obtaining the copper naturally 
 existing in the animal tissues. This method of proceeding is preferable to 
 that of examining the contents of the stomach and intestines, from which 
 copper may be absent, while yet it may have penetrated the different organs 
 by absorption, especially the abdominal viscera. 
 
 Vessels of copper should be discontinued in all operations connected with 
 pharmacy and domestic economy ; for, although the metal uncombined is 
 inert, yet the risk is great that tbe vessels may be acted on ; in which event, 
 whatever may be contained in it would be rendered deleterious. 
 
 The following is a list of all the preparations containing copper in the U. S. 
 and British Pharmacopoeias. 
 
 Cupri Subacetas, U. S . , Dub.; AErugo, Lond., Ed. ; Anglic^, Verdigris. 
 
 Cupri Subacetas Praeparatum, Dab.; Anglice, Prepared verdigris. 
 
 Unguentum Cupri Subacetatis, U. S-, Dub.; Ung. AEruginis, Ed. 
 
 Linimentum AEruginis, Lond. 
 
 Emplastrum Cantharidis Compositum, Ed. 
 
 Cupri Sulphas, U. S., Ed., Dub.; Cupri Sulphas Venalis, Lond. 
 
 Cupri Sulphas, Lond. 
 
 Cuprum Ammoniatum, U. S., Ed.; Cupri Ammonio-Sulphas, Lond., 
 Dub. 
 
 Cupri Ammoniati Solutio, Ed. ; Liquor Cupri Ammonio-Sulphatis, 
 Lond. 
 
 Pilulas Cupri Ammoniati, Ed. B. 
 
 CUPRI SUBACETAS. TJ.S.,Dub. 
 
 Subacetate of Copper. 
 
 Impure subacetate of copper. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. AERUGO. Lond., Ed. 
 
 Verdigris; Acetate de cuivre brut, Vert-de-gris, Fr.; Griinspan, Germ.; Verde rame, 
 Ilal.; Cardenillo, Span. 
 
 Preparation. Verdigris is prepared in large quantities in the South of 
 France, more particularly in the neighbourhood of Montpellier. It is also 
 manufactured in Great Britain and Sweden. In France the process is con- 
 ducted in the following manner. Sheets of copper are stratified with the 
 refuse of the grape which is left after the expression of the juice in making 
 wine, and are allowed to remain in this state for a month or six weeks. At 
 the end of this time, the plates are found coated with a considerable quantity 
 of verdigris. This is scraped off, and the plates are then replaced as at first, 
 to be further acted on. The scrapings thus obtained form a paste, which is 
 afterwards well beaten with wooden mallets, and packed in oblong leathern 
 sacks, about ten inches in length by eight in breadth, in which it is dried in 
 the sun, until the loaf of verdigris, as it is called, attains the proper degree 
 of hardness. The rationale of the process is easily understood. The grape- 
 refuse contains a considerable quantity of juice, which, by contact with the 
 air, undergoes the acetous fermentation. The copper becomes oxidized, and 
 
306 
 
 PARI I. 
 
 Cupri Subacetas. — Cupri Sulphas. 
 
 the resulting oxide, by combination with the acetic acid generated during 
 the fermentation, forms the subacetate of copper or verdigris. In England, 
 a purer verdigris is prepared by alternating copper plates with pieces of woollen 
 cloth steeped in pyroligneous acid. 
 
 Verdigris comes to this country exclusively from France, being imported 
 principally from Bordeaux and Marseilles. The leathern packages in which 
 it is put up, called sacks of verdigris, weigh generally from twenty-five to 
 thirty pounds, and arrive in casks, each containing from thirty to forty sacks. 
 
 Properties. Verdigris is in masses of a pale-green colour, and composed 
 of a multitude of minute silky crystals. Sometimes, however, it occurs of a 
 bright blue colour. Its taste is coppery. It is insoluble in alcohol, and, 
 by the action of water, a portion of it is resolved into the neutral acetate 
 which dissolves, and a trisacetate which remains behind in the form of a 
 dark green powder, gradually becoming black. It is hence evident that, 
 when verdigris is prepared by levigation with water, as was formerly done 
 by the Dublin College, it is altered in its nature. The neutral acetate is the 
 crystallized acetate of copper, or crystals of Venus. When verdigris is acted 
 on by sulphuric acid, it is decomposed, vapours of acetic acid being evolved, 
 easily recognised by their vinegar odour. It is soluble almost entirely in 
 ammonia, and dissolves in muriatic and dilute sulphuric acids with the 
 exception of impurities, which should not exceed five per cent. When of 
 good quality, it has a lively green colour, is free from black or white spots, 
 and is dry and difficult to break. The green rust, called in popular language 
 verdigris, which copper vessels are apt to contract when not kept clean, is a 
 carbonate of copper, and should not be confounded with real verdigris. 
 
 Composition. Verdigris, apart from its impurities, is a variable mixture 
 of the subacetates of copper; the basic sesquiacetate predominating in the 
 green variety, the diacetate in the blue. The London College defines it to 
 be a diacetate of copper; the Edinburgh, the commercial diacetate. When 
 acted on by water, two eqs. of the portion consisting of diacetate are con- 
 verted into one eq. of soluble neutral acetate, and one of insoluble trisacetate. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Verdigris is used externally as a detergent 
 and escharotic, and is occasionally applied to chronic eruptions, foul and in- 
 dolent ulcers, and venereal warts. The special applications of it will be 
 mentioned under its preparations. For its effects as a poison, see Cuprum. 
 
 Off. Prep. Cupri Subacetas Prreparatum ; Emplastrum Cantharidis Com- 
 positum; Linimentum iEruginis; Unguentum Cupri Subacetatis. B. 
 
 CUPRI SULPHAS. U. S., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Sulphate of Copper. 
 
 Off. Syn. CUPRI SULPHAS VENALIS. Land. 
 
 Blue vitriol, Roman vitriol, Blue stone; Sulfate de cuivre, Vitriol bleu, Couperose 
 bleu, Fr.; Schwefelsaures Kupfer, Kupfervitriol, Blauervitriol. Blauer Galitzcnstein, 
 Germ.; Rame solfato, Vitriolo di rame, ItaL; Sulfato de cobre, Vitriolo azul, Span. 
 
 Preparation , &c. Sulphate of copper occasionally exists in nature, in 
 solution in the water which flows through copper mines. In this case the 
 salt is obtained by merely evaporating the waters which naturally contain it. 
 Another method for obtaining it is to roast the native sulphuret in a rever- 
 beratory furnace, whereby it is made to pass, by absorbing oxygen, into the 
 state of sulphate. The roasted mass is lixiviated, and the solution obtained 
 is evaporated that crystals may form. The salt, procured by either of these 
 methods, contains a little tersulphate of the sesquioxide of iron, from which it 
 may be freed by adding an excess of protoxide of copper, which has the effect 
 
PART I. 
 
 307 
 
 Cupri Sulphas. 
 
 of precipitating the sesquioxide of iron. A third method consists in wetting, 
 and then sprinkling with sulphur, sheets of copper, which are next heated to 
 redness, and afterwards plunged into water while hot. The same operation 
 is repeated until the sheets are entirely corroded. At first a sulphuret of 
 the metal is formed, which, by the action of heat and air, gradually passes 
 into the state of sulphate of the oxide. This is dissolved in the water, and 
 obtained in crystals by evaporation, A fourth method is to dissolve copper 
 scales to saturation in sulphuric acid, contained in a wooden vessel, lined 
 with sheet lead. The scales consist of metallic copper, mixed with oxide, 
 and are obtained in the process of annealing sheet copper. 
 
 Sometimes sulphate of copper is obtained in pursuing one of the methods 
 for separating silver from gold. The silver is dissolved by boiling the alloy 
 in sulphuric acid. The sulphate of silver formed is then decomposed by the 
 immersion of copper plates in its solution, with the effect of forming sulphate 
 of copper and precipitating the silver. 
 
 Properties. Sulphate of copper has a rich deep-blue colour, and strong 
 metallic styptic taste. It reddens vegetable blues, and crystallizes in large, 
 transparent, rhomboidal prisms, which effloresce slightly in the air, and are 
 soluble in four parts of cold, and two of boiling water, but insoluble in alco- 
 hol. When heated it first melts in its water of crystallization, and then 
 dries and becomes white. If the heat be increased, it next undergoes the 
 igneous fusion ; and finally, at a high temperature, loses its acid, protoxide 
 of copper being left. Potassa, soda, and ammonia throw down from it a 
 bluish-white precipitate of hydrated protoxide of copper, which is immedi- 
 ately dissolved by an excess of the last-mentioned alkali, forming a rich deep- 
 'blue solution, called aqua, sapphirina. It is also decomposed by the alka- 
 line carbonates, and by borax, acetate and subacetate of lead, acetate of iron, 
 nitrate of silver, corrosive chloride of mercury, tartrate of potassa, and chlo- 
 ride of calcium ; and it is precipitated by all astringent vegetable infusions, 
 [f it become very green on the surface by the action of the air, it shows the 
 presence of sesquioxide of iron. This oxide may also be detected by ammo- 
 nia, which will throw it down along with the oxide of copper, without taking 
 t up when added in excess. When sulphate of copper is obtained from the 
 lipping liquid of manufacturers of brass or German silver ware, it is always 
 •ontaminated with sulphate of zinc, as pointed out by Mr. S. Piesse. This 
 iquid is at first a mixture of sulphuric and nitric acids, but becomes, at last, 
 learly saturated with copper. When zinc is present in sulphate of copper, 
 t will be taken up by solution of potassa, added in excess, from which it 
 nay be thrown down, in white flocks, by a solution of biearbonated alkali. 
 
 Sulphate of copper consists of one eq. of sulphuric acid 40, one of protoxide 
 >f copper 39'6, and five of water 45 = 124'6. 
 
 Medical Properties. Sulphate of copper, in small doses, is astringent and 
 onic; in large ones a prompt emetic. With a view to its tonic effect it has 
 >een given in intermittent fever, as well as in epilepsy and other spasmodic 
 liseases; and as an emetic, for discharging poisons from the stomach, espe- 
 ially opium. In croup it has been employed as an emetic with encouraging 
 uccess. It has also been highly recommended in chronic diarrhoea. Exter- 
 tally it is employed in solution as a stimulant to ill-conditioned ulcers, as an 
 scharotic for destroying warts, fungous granulations, and callous edges, and 
 s a styptic to bleeding surfaces. It is found, in not a few instances, to pro- 
 aote the cicatrization of ulcers, and is not unfrequently employed, with that 
 iew, as a wash for chancres. In weak solution, either alone or associated 
 dth other substances, it forms a useful collyrium in the chronic stages of 
 ome forms of ophthalmia. Eight grains of it, mixed with an equal weight 
 f Armenian bole and two grains of camphor, and added to half a pint of 
 
308 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Cupri Sulphas. — Curcuma. 
 
 boiling water, forms, after becoming limpid by rest, a collyrium stroDgly 
 recommended by Mr. Ware in the purulent ophthalmia of infants. The dose, 
 as an astringent or tonic, is a quarter of a grain, gradually increased; as an 
 emetic, from two to five grains. As a stimulant wash, the solution may be 
 made of the strength of two, four, or eight grains to the fluidounee of water. 
 Orfila cautions against giving large doses of this salt as an emetic in cases of 
 poisoning ; as it is apt, from its poisonous effects, to increase the mischief, 
 when it happens not to be expelled by vomiting. Upon the whole, such is 
 the activity of the sulphate of copper, that it should be exhibited with cau- 
 tion. For its effects as a poison, see Cuprum. 
 
 ffsl. Roucher, from the results of some experimental trials, has proposed 
 magnesia as an antidote for sulphate of copper. To be efficacious, the earth 
 must be administered in a short time after the ingestion of the sulphate, and 
 in a quantity, at least, eight times its amount. From the manner in which 
 magnesia reacts with the other salts of copper, M. Roucher infers that it will 
 prove an antidote to all of them. 
 
 Off. Prep. Cupri Sulphas, Lond. ; Cuprum Ammoniatum. B, 
 
 CURCUMA. US. Secondary, Ed. 
 
 Turmeric. 
 
 The rhizoma of Curcuma longa. U. S., Pd. 
 
 Safran des Indes, Ft.; Kurkuma, Gelbwurz, Germ.; Curcuma, Ital., Span.: Zirsood, 
 Arab.; Iluldie, Hindoo. 
 
 Curcuma. Sex. Si/ si. Monandria Monogynia. — Xat.Ord. Zingiberaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Both limbs of the corolla three partite. Anther with two spurs 
 at the base. Seeds with an arillus. Loudon’s Encyc. 
 
 Curcuma longa. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 14 ; Woodv. Med. Pot. p. 737, t. 
 252. The root of this plant is perennial, tuberous, palmate, and internally 
 of a deep yellow or orange colour. The leaves are radical, large, lanceolate, 
 obliquely nerved, sheathing at their base, and closely embrace each other. 
 The scape or flower-stem, which rises from the midst of the leaves, is short, 
 thick, smooth, and constitutes a spike of numerous imbricated bracteal scales, 
 between which the flowers successively make their appearance. The plant is 
 a native of the East Indies and Cochin-china, and is cultivated in various 
 parts of Southern Asia, particularly in China, Bengal, and Java, whence the 
 root is exported. The best is said to come from China. 
 
 The dried root is in cylindrical or oblong pieces, about as thick but not as 
 long as the finger, tuberculated, somewhat contorted, externally yellowish- 
 brown or greenish-yellow, internally deep orange-yellow, hard, compact, break- 
 ing with a fracture like that of wax, and yielding a yellow or orange-yellow 
 powder. Another variety, comparatively rare, is round or oval, about the 
 size of a pigeon’s egg, and marked externally with numerous annular wrinkles. 
 Sometimes it comes cut into two transverse segments. It is distinguished by 
 the name of curcuma rotunda , the former being called curcuma longa. The two 
 varieties have a close resemblance in sensible properties, and are thought to be 
 derived from the same plant, though formerly ascribed to different species of 
 Curcuma. The odour of turmeric is peculiar; the taste warm, bitterish, and 
 feebly aromatic. It tinges the saliva yellow. Analyzed by Pelletier and 
 Yogel, it was found to contain lignin, starch, a peculiar yellow colouring 
 matter called curcumin, a brown colouring matter, gum, an odorous and 
 very acrid volatile oil, and a small quantity of chloride of calcium. Cur- 
 cumin is obtained, mixed with a little volatile oil, bv digesting the alcoholic 
 extract of turmeric in ether, and evaporating the ethereal tincture. It 
 
PART I. 
 
 Curcuma. — Cydonium. 
 
 309 
 
 may be procured perfectly pure by separating it from its combination with 
 oxide of lead. It is brown in mass, but yellow in the state of powder, 
 without odour or taste, scarcely soluble in water, but very soluble in alco- 
 hol, ether, and the oils. The alkalies rapidly change its colour to a reddish- 
 brown; and paper tinged with tincture of turmeric is employed as a test 
 , of their presence. Berzelius, however, states that its colour is changed to red 
 , or brownish-red by the concentrated mineral acids, by pure borac-ic acid, espe- 
 cially when dissolved in alcohol, and by numerous metallic salts; so that its 
 indications cannot be certainly relied on. Its alcoholic solution produces 
 coloured precipitates with acetate of lead, nitrate of silver, and other salts. 
 Turmeric is used for dyeing yellow; but the colour is not permanent. 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. This root is a stimulant aromatic, bearing some 
 resemblance to ginger in its operation, and is much used in India as a condi- 
 ment. It is a constant ingredient in the curries so generally employed in 
 the East. In former times it had some reputation in Europe as a remedy in 
 jaundice and other visceral diseases; but at present it is employed only to 
 impart colour to ointments, and other pharmaceutic preparations. 
 
 Turmeric paper, used as a test, is prepared by tinging white unsized paper 
 with a tincture or decoction of turmeric. The tincture may be made with 
 one part of turmeric to six parts of proof spirit; the decoction, with one part 
 of the root to ten or twelve of water. The access of acid or alkaline vapours 
 should be carefully avoided. W. 
 
 CYDONIUM. TJ.S. Secondary , Lond. 
 
 Quince Seed. 
 
 The seeds of Cydonia vulgaris. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Semences de coings, Fr.; Quittenkerne, Germ.; Semi di cotoguo, Ital.; Simiente de 
 membrillo, Span. 
 
 The quince tree has been separated from the genus Pyrus, and erected into 
 a new one with the title Cydonia, which is now generally admitted by bota- 
 nists. It differs from Pyrus in the circumstance that the cells of its fruit con- 
 tain many seeds, instead of two only as in the latter. 
 
 Cydonia. Sex. Syst. Icosandria Pentagynia. — Nat.Ord. Pomaceac. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx live-parted, with leafy divisions. Apple closed, many- 
 seeded. Testa mucilaginous. Loudon’s Encyc. 
 
 Cydonia vulgaris. Persoon, Enchir. ii. 40. — Pyrus Cydonia. Willd. Sp. 
 Plant, ii. 1020; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 505, t. 182. The common quince 
 .tree is characterized as a species by its downy deciduous leaves. It is sup- 
 posed to be a native of Crete, but grows wild in Austria, on the banks of the 
 Danube. It is abundantly cultivated in this country. The fruit is about 
 the size of a pear, yellow, downy, of an agreeable odour, and a rough, astring- 
 ent, acidulous taste; and in each of its five cells contains from eighi to four- 
 teen seeds. Though not eaten raw, it forms a very pleasant confection ; and 
 a syrup prepared from it may be used as a grateful addition to drinks in sick- 
 ness, especially in looseness of the bowels, which it is supposed to restrain by 
 its astriugency. The seeds are the officinal portion. 
 
 They are ovate, angled, reddish-brown externally, white within, inodorous, 
 and nearly insipid, being slightly bitter when long chewed. Their coriaceous 
 envelope abounds in mucilage, which is extracted by boiling water. Two 
 drachms of the seeds will render a pint of water thick and ropy. It has been 
 proposed to evaporate the decoction to dryness, and powder the residue. 
 Three grains of this powder form a sufficiently consistent mucilage with an 
 ounce of water. According to M. Garot, one part communicates to a thou- 
 
310 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Cyminum. — Delphinium. 
 
 sand partsof water a semi-syrupy consistence. {Jour'n.de Pharm.et de.Chim., 
 Se ser., iii. 298.) Dr. Pereira considers the mucilage of quince seeds as a 
 peculiar substance, and proposes to call it cydonin. It differs from arabin in 
 not yielding a precipitate with silicate of potassa, and from bassorin and 
 cerasin, in being soluble in water both hot and cold. 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. The mucilage of quince seeds may be used for the 
 same purposes as other mucilaginous liquids. It is preferred by some prac- 
 titioners as a local application in conjunctival ophthalmia, but in this country 
 is less used for that purpose than the infusion of sassafras pith. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Cydonii. W. 
 
 CYMINUM. Loud. 
 
 Cumin Seed. 
 
 Cuminum Cyminum. The fruit. Land. 
 
 Off. Syn. CUMINUM. Fruit of Cuminum Cyminum. Ed. 
 
 Cumin, Fr.; Rdmischer Kiimmel, Germ.; Comino, Ital., Span. 
 
 Cuminum. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Mat. Ord. Apiaceae or Um- 
 belliferae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Fruit ovate, striated. Partial umbels four. Involucres four-cleft. 
 
 Cuminum Cyminum. Wi lid. Sp. Plant, i. 1410; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 
 142, t. 56. This is an annual plant, about six or eight inches high, having 
 a round, slender, branching stem, with numerous narrow, linear, pointed, 
 smooth, grass-like leaves, of a deep green colour. The flowers are white or 
 purple, and disposed in numerous terminal umbels, which have very few rays, 
 and are attended with general and partial involucres, consisting of three or 
 four linear leaflets. The fruit consists of two oblong plano-convex half-fruits, 
 commonly called seeds, united by their flat sides. The plant is a native of 
 Egypt, but is cultivated for its fruit in Sicily, Malta, and other parts of Europe. 
 
 The cumin seeds of the shops are elliptical, flat on one side, convex, fur- 
 rowed, and rough on the other, about one-sixth of an inch in length, and of 
 a light-brown colour. Each has seven longitudinal ridges. Two seeds are 
 sometimes united together as upon the plant. Their odour is peculiar, strong, 
 and heavy; their taste warm, bitterish, aromatic, and disagreeable. They 
 contain much essential oil, which is lighter than water, yellowish, and has 
 the sensible properties of the seeds. According to Schweitzer and Volckel, 
 it consists of two distinct oils, one called carvene, containing no oxygen, and 
 isomeric with oil of turpentine, the other consisting of carbon, hydrogen, 
 and oxygen, and named carvole. {Ann. der Chein. und Pharm., Ixxxv. 246.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. In medical properties cumin seeds resemble 
 the other aromatic fruits of umbelliferous plants, but are more stimulating. 
 They are seldom used in the United States, and appear to have been retained 
 by the Vmdon College merely as an ingredient in a stimulant and diseutient 
 plaster. The dose is from fifteen grains to half a drachm. 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Cumini. W. 
 
 DELPHINIUM. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Larkspur. 
 
 The root of Delphinium Consolida. U. S. 
 
 Pied d’allouette, Fr.; Feld-Rittersporn, Germ. 
 
 Delphinium. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Trigynia. — Nat. Ord. Ranuneulacea?. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx none. Petals five. Nectary bifid, horned behind. Pods 
 three or one. Willd. 
 
PART I. 
 
 311 
 
 Delphinium. — Digitalis. 
 
 Delphinium Consolida. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1226; Loudon’s Encyc. of 
 Plants, p. 473, 7832. The larkspur is a showy annual plant, with an erect, 
 branched, slightly pubescent stem. Its leaves are divided into linear seg- 
 ments, widely separated, and forked at the summit. The flowers are usually 
 of a beautiful azure-blue colour, and disposed in loose terminal racemes, with 
 peduncles longer than the bractes. The nectary is one-leaved, with an ascend- 
 ing horn nearly equalling the corolla. The seeds are contained in smooth, 
 
 ; solitary capsules. This species of larkspur has been introduced from Europe 
 into the United States, where it has become naturalized, growing in the woods 
 and fields, and flowering in June and July. 
 
 Various parts of the larkspur have been employed in medicine ; and the 
 plant is said to have properties closely analogous to those of Delphinium Sla- 
 phisagria. (See Staphisagria.) The flowers are bitter and acrid, and, having 
 formerly been supposed to possess the power of healing wounds, gave the name 
 of consolicla to the species. They were considered diuretic, emmenagogue, 
 and vermifuge; but are not now used. The seeds are very acrid, are esteemed 
 diuretic, and in large doses produce vomiting and purging. They were ana- 
 lyzed by Mr. Thomas C. Hopkins, of Baltimore, and found to contain del- 
 phinia, volatile oil, fixed oil, gum, resin, chlorophylle, gallic acid, and salts 
 of potassa, lime, and iron. {Am. Journ. of Pharm., xi. 8.) A tincture prepared 
 by macerating an ounce of the seeds in a pint of diluted alcohol, has been 
 found useful in spasmodic asthma and dropsy. The dose is ten drops, to be 
 gradually increased till some effects upon the system are evinced. The remedy 
 has been employed both in America and England; and the seeds of an indi- 
 genous species, D. exaltatum, have been applied to a similar purpose. The 
 root probably possesses the same properties as other parts of the plant ; but, 
 though designated in the Pharmacopoeia, is little if at all used. W. 
 
 DIGITALIS. US., Land., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Foxglove. 
 
 The leaves of Digitalis purpurea. U. S., Ed., Dub. The fresh and dried 
 leaf of the stem of the wild herb. Bond. 
 
 Digitalepourpree, Doiglitier, Ft.; Purpurrother Fingerhut, Germ.; Digitale purpurea, 
 Ital.; Dedalera, Span. 
 
 Digitalis. Sex. Syst. Didynamia Angiospermia. — Nat. Ord. Scrophular- 
 iacese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-parted. Corolla bell-shaped, five-cleft, ventricose. 
 Capsule ovate, two-celled. Willd. 
 
 Digitalis purpurea. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 383; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 218, 
 t. 78. The foxglove is a beautiful plant, with a biennial or perennial, fibrous 
 root, which, in the first year, sends forth large tufted leaves, and in the fol- 
 lowing summer, a single erect, downy, and leafy stem, rising from two to five 
 feet in height, and terminating in an elegant spike of purple flowers. The 
 lower leaves are ovate, pointed, about eight inches in length and three in 
 breadth, and stand upon short, winged footstalks ; the upper are alternate, 
 sparse, and lanceolate; both are obtusely serrated at their edges, and have 
 wrinkled velvety surfaces, of which the upper is of a fine deep-green colour, 
 the under paler and more downy. The flowers are numerous, and attached 
 to the upper part of the stem by short peduncles, in such a manner as 
 generally to hang down upon one side. At the base of each peduncle is a 
 floral leaf, which is sessile, ovate, and pointed. The calyx is divided into five 
 segments, of which the uppermost is narrower than the others. The corolla 
 is monopetalous, bell-form, swelling on the lower side, irregularly divided at 
 
312 Digitalis. part I. 
 
 the margin into short obtuse lobes, and in shape and size bearing some resem- 
 blance to the end of the finger of a glove, a circumstance which has suggested 
 most of the names by which the plant is designated in different languages. 
 Its mouth is guarded by long soft hairs. Externally, it is in general of a 
 bright purple colour; internally, is sprinkled with black spots upon a white 
 ground. There is a variety of the plant in which the flowers are white. The 
 filaments are white, curved, and surmounted by large yellow anthers. The 
 style, which is simple, supports a bifid stigma. The seeds are very small, 
 numerous, grayish-brown, and contained in a pyramidal, two-celled capsule. 
 
 The foxglove grows wild in the temperate parts of Europe, where it flowers 
 in the middle of summer. In this country it is cultivated both as an orna- 
 mental plant and for medicinal purposes. The leaves are the part usually 
 employed. Much care is requisite in selecting, preparing, and preserving 
 them, in order to insure their activity. They should be gathered in the se- 
 cond year, immediately before or during the period of inflorescence, and those 
 only chosen which are full-grown and perfectly fresh. ( Geiger .) It is said 
 that those plants are preferable which grow spontaneously in elevated places, 
 exposed to the sun. ( Duncan .) As the leaf-stalk and midrib are compara- 
 tively inactive, they may be rejected. Withering recommends that the leaves 
 should be dried either in the sunshine, or by a gentle heat before the fire; 
 and care should be taken to keep them separate while drying. Pereira states 
 that a more common, and, in his opinion, a preferable mode, is to dry them 
 in a basket, in a dark place, in a drying stove. It is probably owing, in part, 
 to the want of proper attention in preparing digitalis for the market, that it 
 is so often inefficient. Much of the medicine kept in our shops is obtained 
 from the settlement of the Shakers in New York, and is in oblong compact 
 masses, into which the leaves have been compressed. In some of these cakes 
 the digitalis is of good quality; but we have seen others in which it was quite 
 the reverse, and some which were mouldy in the interior; and, upon the whole,, 
 cannot but consider this mode of preparing the drug as objectionable. The 
 dried leaves should be kept in tin canisters, well closed so as to exclude light 
 and moisture; or they may be pulverized, and the powder preserved in well- 
 stopped and opaque phials. As foxglove deteriorates by time, it should be 
 frequently renewed, as often, if possible, as once a year. Its quality must 
 be judged of by the degree in which it possesses the characteristic properties 
 of colour, smell, and especially taste. 
 
 The seeds contain more of the active principle than the leaves, are less apt 
 to suffer in drying, and keep better; and might, therefore, be substituted for 
 them with propriety. 
 
 Properties. Foxglove is without smell in the recent state, but acquires a 
 faint narcotic odour when dried. Its taste is bitter and nauseous. The 
 colour of the dried leaf is a dull pale green, modified by the whitish down 
 upon the under surface; that of the powder is a fine deep green. Digitalis 
 yields its virtues both to water and alcohol. These virtues reside in a pecu- 
 liar bitter principle, which was first isolated byM. Homolle. In the extrac- 
 tion of this principle, called digitalin, he employed the agency of tannic 
 acid, as originally proposed by M. 0. Henry. The latter chemist has some- 
 what simplified the process of M. Homolle. An alcoholic extract is first 
 prepared. This is treated with distilled water acidulated with acetic acid, 
 and heated to about 110° F., a little animal charcoal being added. To the 
 liquor, filtered, and partially neutralized by ammonia, a fresh concentrated 
 infusion of galls is gradually added, so long as a precipitate is produced. 
 This precipitate, which is tannate of digitalin, is obtained separate by decant- 
 ing the liquid, is washed with pure water, mixed with a little alcohol, and then 
 
PART I. 
 
 Digitalis. 
 
 313 
 
 rubbed in a mortar with one-third of its weight of very finely powdered lith- 
 arge. The mixture is heated gently, and submitted to the action of twice its 
 volume of alcohol at about 90°. The alcoholic solution is treated with a little 
 animal charcoal, filtered, and evaporated at a very gentle heat. The residue 
 is acted on twice or three times with cold sulphuric ether, which removes im- 
 purities, and leaves the digitalin. This may be powdered, or obtained in 
 small scales by dissolving it in the least quantity of alcohol, and allowing the 
 concentrated solution to evaporate in a stove upon plates of glass. From 1000 
 parts of the leaves, M. Henry obtained between 9 and 10 parts of digitalin. 
 
 ( Journ . de Pliarm., 3e sir., vii. 462.) This substance is white, inodorous, 
 crystallizable with difficulty, of an intense bitterness, sternutatory when 
 powdered, slightly decomposed at a boiling heat, soluble in about 2000 parts 
 of cold water, more soluble in boiling water, which retains one part in 1000 
 when it cools, very soluble in alcohol cold or hot, very slightly soluble in ether, 
 incapable of precipitating salts, without alkaline or acid reaction, and desti- 
 tute of nitrogen. It forms an insoluble compound with tannic acid. It has 
 the characteristic property of giving a fine emerald-green colour to concen- 
 trated muriatic acid. In the plant, it is rendered soluble in water by means 
 of saline or extractive matters. It has the effects of digitalis on the system. 
 In the dose of about one-thirteenth of a grain, three times a day, continued 
 for three days, it lessened the frequency of the pulse to 50 in the minute, 
 produced headache and other unpleasant effects on the brain, and sensibly 
 increased the urine. The effect continued for two days after the suspension 
 of its use. (Ibid., vii. 65.) Besides the bitter principle, digitalis contains 
 a volatile oil, a fatty matter, a red colouring substance analogous to extractive, 
 chlorophylle, albumen, starch, sugar, gum, lignin, and salts of potassa and 
 ■ lime, among which, according to Hein and Haase, is superoxalate of potassa. 
 M. Morin, of Geneva, has discovered in the leaves two acids; one fixed, called 
 digitalic acid, the other volatile and resembling valerianic acid, which he 
 proposes to name antirrliinic acid. (Ibid., vii. 294.) Dr. Morries obtained a 
 narcotic empyreumatic oil by the destructive distillation of the leaves. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Digitalis is narcotic, sedative, and diuretic. 
 When administered in quantities sufficient to bring the system decidedly 
 under its influence, it is apt to produce a sense of tightness or weight with 
 dull pain in the head, vertigo, dimness or other disorder of vision, and more 
 or less confusion of thought. At the same time, it occasionally gives rise 
 to irritation in the pharynx and oesophagus, which extends to the larynx and 
 trachea, producing hoarseness ; and, in more than one instance, ptyalism has 
 been observed to result. It sometimes also disturbs the bowels, and excites 
 nausea, or even vomiting. Another and highly important effect is an aug- 
 mented flow of urine. This has been ascribed by some to the increased ab- 
 sorption which digitalis is supposed to produce; and, in support of this opinion, 
 it is stated that its diuretic operation is observable only when dropsical effu- 
 sion exists; but the fact seems to be, that it is capable of augmenting the 
 quantity of urine in health, and it probably exerts a directly stimulating 
 influence upon the secretory function of the kidneys. This influence is said 
 sometimes to extend to the genital organs. Besides the effects above de- 
 tailed, digitalis exerts a remarkably sedative operation upon the heart. This 
 is exhibited in the reduction both of the force and frequency of the pulse, 
 which sometimes sinks fom the ordinary standard to 50, 40, or even 80 
 strokes in the minute. In some instances, however, it undergoes little change ; 
 in others only becomes irregular; and we are told that it is even occasionally 
 increased in frequency. It was observed by Dr. Baildon that the effects of 
 digitalis upon the circulation were very much influenced by posture. Thus, 
 
314 Digitalis. PART I. 
 
 in his own case, the pulse, which had been reduced from 110 to 40 in the 
 recumbent position, was increased to 72 when he sat, and to 100 when he 
 .stood. We do not discover anything remarkable in this circumstance. It 
 is well known that the pulse is always more frequent in the erect than in the 
 horizontal posture, and the difference is greater in a state of debility than in 
 health. Digitalis diminishes the frequency of the pulsations of the heart by 
 a directly debilitating power; and this very debility, when any exertion is 
 made which calls for increased action in that organ, causes it to attempt, by 
 an increase in the number of its contractions, to meet the demand which it 
 is unable to supply by an increase in their force. According to Dr. Traube, 
 it directly diminishes animal temperature in febrile and inflammatory diseases, 
 without antecedent effect on the circulation. (See Archives Gen., 4ese'r.,xxviii. 
 338.) Dr. A. Buchner states that digitalin arrests vinous fermentation, and con- 
 sequently poisons the yeast plant. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 154.) 
 
 The effects above detailed may result from digitalis given in remediate 
 doses. In larger quantities its operation is more violent. Nausea and vomit- 
 ing, stupor or delirium, cold sweats, extreme prostration of strength, hiccough, 
 convulsions, and syncope, are among the alarming symptoms which indicate 
 its poisonous character. These effects are best counteracted by stimulants, 
 such as brandy, the volatile alkali, and opium. Should any of the poison be 
 suspected to remain, it would be proper, before employing other measures, to 
 evacuate the stomach by the free use of warm liquids. From the experiments 
 of M. Bonjean, it appears that powdered digitalis may be given to fowls, in 
 large quantities, with entire impunity. (Journ. de Pharm., 3e str., iv. 21.) 
 
 A peculiarity of digitalis is that, after having been given in moderate doses 
 for several days, without apparent effect, it sometimes acts suddenly with an 
 accumulated influence, endangering even life. It is, moreover, very perma- 
 nent in its operation, which, having once commenced, is maintained like that 
 of mercury, for a considerable period, without any fresh accessions of the 
 medicine. The practical inferences deducible from these properties of digi- 
 talis are, first, that, after it has been administered for some time without 
 effect, great care should be taken not to increase the dose, nor to urge the 
 medicine too vigorously; and, secondly, that, after its effects have begun to 
 appear, it should be suspended for a time, or exhibited in smaller doses, lest 
 a dangerous accumulation of its influence should be experienced. In nume- 
 rous instances death has resulted from its incautious employment. 
 
 Digitalis has been long known to possess medicinal powers; but it was never 
 regarded as a standard remedy, till after its application by Withering to the 
 treatment of dropsy, about the year 1775. It is at present employed very 
 extensively, both for its diuretic power, and for its sedative influence over the 
 circulation. The former renders it highly useful in dropsical diseases, though 
 like all other remedies it very frequently fails; the latter adapts it to the 
 treatment of cases in which the action of the heart requires to be controlled. 
 The idea was at one period entertained, that it might serve as a substitute 
 for the lancet in febrile and inflammatory complaints ; and it has been much 
 employed for this purpose by the advocates of the contra-stimulant doctrine 
 in Italy; but experience has proved that it is a very frail support in any case 
 in which the symptoms of inflammation are such as to call for the loss of 
 blood. As an adjuvant to the lancet, and in cases in which circumstances 
 forbid the employment of that remedy, it is often useful. Though it cer- 
 tainly has not the power, at one time ascribed to it by some, of curing 
 phthisis, it acts beneficially as a palliative in that complaint by depressing 
 the excited movements of the heart. In the same way it proves advantage- 
 ous in aneurism, hypertrophy and dilatation of the heart, palpitations from 
 
PART I. 
 
 315 
 
 Digitalis. — Diospyros. 
 
 rheumatic or gouty irritation, and in various forms of hemorrhage, after action 
 has been sufficiently reduced by the lancet. It has also been prescribed in 
 mania, epilepsy, pertussis, and spasmodic asthma ; and highly respectable 
 testimony can be adduced in favour of its occasional efficacy in these com- 
 plaints. In delirium tremens it has been recommended as a specific, given 
 in the form of infusion, in the full dose, repeated every two hours till symp- 
 toms of narcotism are induced; but the practice is somewhat hazardous, un- 
 less the patient be carefully watched. {Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., xvii. 501.) 
 The medicine, externally applied, is said to act speedily and powerfully as a 
 diuretic, and to have been useful in dropsy. For this purpose the fresh 
 leaves bruised, or the tincture may be rubbed over the abdomen, and on the 
 inside of the thighs. {Revue Medicale, May, 1834.) 
 
 Digitalis is administered in substance. The dose of the powder is one 
 grain, repeated twice or three times a day, and gradually increased till some 
 effect is produced upon the head, stomach, pulse, or kidneys, when it should 
 be omitted or reduced. The infusion and tincture are officinal preparations 
 often resorted to. (See Infusum Digitalis and Tinctura Digitalis.) The ex- 
 tract has also been employed ; and Orfila found it, whether prepared with water 
 or alcohol, more powerful than the powder. Enormous doses of this medicine 
 have been given with asserted impunity; and, when they occasion full vomit- 
 ing, it is possible that they may sometimes prove harmless; but, when the 
 alarming effects sometimes experienced from comparatively moderate doses 
 are considered, the practice must be condemned as exceedingly hazardous. 
 
 Digitalin has been used internally, but itsemployment requires great caution. 
 It appears to have all the powers of digitalis, and possesses the advantage of 
 more equable strength, and consequently greater precision and certainty in 
 regard to the dose. It may be used for any of the purposes to which the 
 leaves are applicable; and may be administered in pill, or alcoholic solution. 
 The dose to begin with should not exceed the fortieth or fiftieth of a grain, 
 and should not be carried, beyond the twelfth. 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum Digitalis; Infusum Digitalis; Pilulae Digitalis et 
 Scillae; Tinctura Digitalis. W. 
 
 DIOSPYROS. US. Secondary. 
 
 Persimmon. 
 
 The unripe fruit of Diospyros Virginiana. U. S. 
 
 Dyospyros. Sex. Syst. Dioecia Octandria. — Nat.Ord. Ebenaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Male. Calyx four to six-cleft. Corolla urceolate, four to six- 
 cleft. Stamens eight to sixteen ; filaments often producing two anthers. Fe- 
 male. Flower as the male. Stigmas four to five. Berry eight to twelve- 
 seeded. Nuttall. 
 
 Dyospyros Virginiana. Wi'lld. Sp. Plant, iv. 1107 ; Michaux, N. Am. 
 Sylv. ii. 219. The persimmon is an indigenous tree, rising sometimes in the 
 Southern States to the height of sixty feet, with a trunk twenty inches in 
 diameter; but seldom attaining more than half that size near its northern 
 limits, and often not higher than fifteen or twenty feet. The stem is straight, 
 and in the old tree covered with a furrowed blackish hark. The branches 
 are spreading; the leaves ovate-oblong, acuminate, entire, smooth, reticulately 
 veined, alternate, and supported on pubescent footstalks. The buds are 
 smooth. The male and female flowers are on different trees. They are 
 lateral, axillary, solitary, nearly sessile, of a pale orange colour, and not con- 
 spicuous. The fruit is a globular berry, dark-yellow when perfectly ripe, and 
 containing numerous seeds embedded in a soft yellow pulp. 
 
316 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Diospyros. — Dracontium. 
 
 This tree is very common in the Middle and Southern States ; but, accord- 
 ing to Michaux, does not flourish beyond the forty-second degree of north 
 latitude. The flowers appear in Mayor June; but the fruit is not ripe till 
 the middle of autumn. While green, the fruit is excessively astringent; but, 
 when perfectly mature, and after having been touched by the frost, it is sweet 
 and palatable. Michaux states that, in the Southern and Western States, it 
 is made into cakes with bran, and used for preparing beer with the addition 
 of water, hops, and yeast. A spirituous liquor may be obtained by the dis- 
 tillation of the fermented infusion. The unripe fruit was examined by Mr. 
 B. B. Smith, of Philadelphia, and found to contain tannic acid, sugar, malic 
 acid, colouring matter, and lignin. (Am. Journ.of Pharm.,xv iii. 167.) It 
 has been used by Dr. Mettauer, of Virginia, in diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, 
 and uterine hemorrhage. He gave it in infusion, syrup, and vinous tincture, 
 prepared in the proportion of about an ounce of the bruised fresh fruit, to 
 two fluidounces of the vehicle, and administered in the dose of a fluidrachm 
 or more for infants, and half a fluidounce or more for adults. The bark i3 
 astringent and very bitter, and is said to have been used advantageously in 
 intermittents, and in the form of a gargle in ulcerated sorethroat. W. 
 
 DRACONTIUM. U.S. Secondary. 
 
 Skunk Cabbage. 
 
 The root of Dracontium fcetidum — Ictodes fcetidus (Bigelow) — Symplo- 
 carpus foetidus (Barton, Med. Bot.) U. S. 
 
 Botauists have had some difficulty in arranging this plant. It was attached 
 by WJlldenow to the genus Dracontium, by Michaux and Pursh was considered 
 a Pothos, and by American botanists has been erected into a new genus, which 
 Nuttall calls Symplocarpus after Salisbury, and Dr. Bigelow proposes to 
 name Ictodes, expressive of the odour of the plant. The term Symplocarpus, 
 though erroneous in its origin, was first proposed, and, having been adopted 
 by several botanists, should be retained. 
 
 Symplocarpus. Sex. Syst. Tetrandria Monogynia. — Mat. Ord. Aracete. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Spathe hooded. Spadix covered with perfect flowers. Calyx with 
 four segments. Petals none. Style pyramidal. Seeds immersed in the spa- 
 dix. Bigelow. 
 
 Symplocarpus fcetidus. Barton, Med. Bot. i. 123. — Ictodes fcetidus. Bige- 
 low, Am. Med. Bot. ii. 41. The skunk cabbage is a very curious plant, and 
 the only one of the genus. The root is perennial, large, abrupt, aud furnished 
 with numerous fleshy fibres, which penetrate to the depth of two feet or more. 
 The spathe, which first appears, is ovate, acuminate, obliquely depressed at the 
 apex, aurieulated at the base, folded inwards at the edges, and of a brownish- 
 purple colour, varied with spots of red, yellow, and green. Within the 
 spathe, the flowers, which resemble it in colour, are placed in great numbers 
 upon a globose, peduncled spadix, for which they form a compact covering. 
 After the spathe has decayed, the spadix continues to grow, and, when the 
 fruit is mature, has attained a size exceeding several times its original dimen- 
 sions. At the base of each style is a roundish seed, immersed in the spadix, 
 about the size of a pea, and speckled with purple and yellow. The leaves, which 
 rise from the ground after the flowers, are numerous and crowded, oblong- 
 cordate, acute, smooth, strongly veined, and attached to the root by long peti- 
 oles, which are hollowed in front, and furnished with coloured sheathing sti- 
 pules. At the beginning of May, when the leaves are fully developed, they are 
 very large, being from one to two feet in length, and from nine inches to a 
 foot in breadth. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Dracontium. — Dulcamara. 
 
 317 
 
 This plant is indigenous, growing abundantly in meadows, swamps, and 
 other wet places throughout the whole northern and middle sections of the 
 Union. Its flowers appear in March and April, and in the lower latitudes 
 often so early as February. The fruit is usually quite ripe, and the leaves are 
 decayed before the end of August. The plant is very conspicuous from its 
 abundance, and from the magnitude of its leaves. All parts of it have a 
 disagreeable fetid odour, thought to resemble that of the offensive animal after 
 which it is named. This odour resides in an extremely volatile principle, 
 which is rapidly dissipated by heat, and diminished by desiccation. The root 
 is the part usually employed in medicine. It should be collected in autumn, 
 or early in spring, and dried with care. 
 
 The root, as found in the shops, consists of two portions; the body either 
 whole or in transverse slices, and the separated radicles. The former, when 
 whole, is cylindrical, or in the shape of a truncated cone, two or three inches 
 long by about an inch in thickness, externally dark brown and very rough 
 from the insertion of the radicles, internally white and amylaceous. The fat- 
 ter are of various lengths, about as thick as a hen’s quill, very much flattened 
 and wrinkled, white within, and covered by a yellowish reddish-brown epider- 
 mis, considerably lighter coloured than the body of the root. More or less of 
 the fetid odour remains for a considerable period in the dried root. The taste, 
 though less decided than in the fresh, is still acrid, manifesting itself, after 
 the root has been chewed for a short time, by a pricking and smarting sen- 
 sation in the mouth and throat. The acrimony, however, is dissipated by 
 heat, and is quite lost in decoction. It is also diminished by time and ex- 
 posure; and the root should not be kept longer than a single season. Accord- 
 ing to Mr. Turner (Am. Journ. of Pharm., viii. 2), the radicles have less 
 acrimony than the caudex. The seeds are very acrid, and, though inodorous 
 when whole, give out strongly, when bruised, the peculiar odour of the plant. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This root is stimulant, antispasmodic, and 
 narcotic. In large doses it occasions nausea and vomiting, with headache, 
 vertigo, and dimness of vision. Dr. Bigelow has witnessed these effects from 
 thirty grains of the recently dried root. The medicine was introduced into 
 notice by the Rev. Dr. Cutler, who recommended it highly in asthma; and it 
 has been subsequently employed with apparent advantage in chronic catarrh, 
 chronic rheumatism, hysteria, and dropsy. Dr. Heintzelman thinks it ex- 
 pectorant as well as antispasmodic, and has used it beneficially in hooping- 
 cough, and pulmonary consumption. (iV. J. Med. Reporter, iv. 310.) 
 
 It is best given in powder, of which the dose is from ten to twenty grains, 
 to be repeated three or four times a day, and gradually increased till some 
 evidence of its action is afforded. A strong infusion is sometimes employed, 
 and the people in the country prepare a syrup from the fresh root; but the 
 latter preparation is very unequal. The root itself, as kept in the shops, is 
 of uncertain strength, in consequence of its deterioration by age. W. 
 
 DULCAMARA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Bittersweet. 
 
 The stalks of Solanum Dulcamara. US., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Douce-amere, Fr.; Bittersiiss, Alpranken, Germ.; Dulcamara, Ital., Span. 
 
 Solanum. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Solanacese. 
 
 Gen.Ch. Corolla wheel-shaped. An thers somewhat coalescing, opening by 
 two pores at the apex. Berry two-celled. Willd. 
 
 This genus includes numerous species, of which several have been used in 
 
318 
 
 Dulcamara. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 medicine. Besides $. Dulcamara , which is the only officinal species, two 
 others merit notice. 1. Solatium nigrum, the common garden or hlack night- 
 shade, is an annual plant from one to two feet high, with an unarmed herba- 
 ceous stem, ovate, angular-dentate leaves, and white or pale violet flowers, 
 arranged in peduncled nodding umbel-like racemes, and followed by clusters 
 of spherical black berries, about the size of peas. There are numerous va- 
 rieties of this species, one of which is a native of the United States. The 
 leaves are the part employed. They are said to produce diaphoresis, some- 
 times diuresis and moderate purging, and in large doses nausea and giddiness. 
 As a medicine they have been used in cancerous, scrofulous, and scorbutic 
 diseases, and other painful ulcerous affections, being given internally, and 
 applied at the same time to the parts affected in the form of poultice, oint- 
 ment, or decoction. A grain of the dried leaves may be given every night, 
 and gradually increased to ten or twelve grains, or till some sensible effect is 
 experienced. The medicine, however, is scarcely used at present. By some 
 persons the poisonous properties ascribed to the common nightshade are 
 doubted. M. Dunal, of Montpellier, states as the result of numerous experi- 
 ments, that the berries are not poisonous to man or the inferior animals; and 
 the leaves are said to be consumed in large quantities in the Isles of France 
 and Bourbon as food, having been previously boiled in water. In the latter 
 case, the active principle of the plant must have been extracted by decoction. 
 2. The leaves, stalks, and unripe berries of Solatium tuberosum , or the common 
 potato , are asserted to be narcotic; and an extract prepared from the leaves 
 has been employed in cough and spasmodic affections, in which it is said to 
 act like opium. (Geiger.) From half a grain to two grains may be given 
 as a dose. Dr. Latham, of London, found the extract to produce favourable 
 effects in protracted cough, chronic rheumatism, angina pectoris, cancer of the 
 uterus, &c. Its influence upon the nervous system was strongly marked, and, 
 in many instances, the dose could not be increased above a few grains without 
 giving rise to threatening symptoms. It appeared to Dr. Latham to be an- 
 alogous in its operation to digitalis. His experiments were repeated in Phila- 
 delphia by Dr. Worsham with different results. The extract was found, in 
 the quantity of nearly one hundred grains, to produce no sensible effect. 
 ( Phi/ad . Journ. of the Med. and Phys. Sciences, vi. '22.) We can reconcile 
 these opposite statements only upon the supposition, that the properties of the 
 plant vary with the season, or with the place and circumstances of culture. 
 Dr. Julius Otto found solania in the germs of the potato. He was induced 
 to make the investigation by observing that cattle were destroyed by feeding 
 on the residue of germinated potatoes, used for the manufacture of brandy. 
 
 Solarium Dulcamara. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1028; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 
 237, t. 84; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. i. 169. The bittersweet or woody night- 
 shade is a climbing shrub, with a slender, roundish, branching, woody stem, 
 which, in favourable situations, rises six or eight feet in height. The leaves 
 are alternate, petiolate, ovate, pointed, veined, soft, smooth, and of a dull 
 green colour. Many near the top of the stem are furnished with lateral pro- 
 jections at their base, giving them a hastate form. Some have the projection 
 only on one side. Most of them are quite entire, some cordate at the base. 
 The flowers are disposed in elegant clusters, somewhat analogous to cymes, 
 and standing opposite to the leaves. The calyx is very small, purplish, and 
 divided into five blunt persistent segments. The corolla is wheel-shaped, with 
 five-pointed reflected segments, which are of a violet-blue colour, with a darker 
 purple vein running longitudinally through their centre, and two shining 
 greenish spots at the base of each. The filaments are very short, and support 
 large erect lemon-yellow anthers, which cohere in the form of a cone around 
 
PART I. 
 
 Dulcamara. 
 
 319 
 
 the style. The berries are of an oval shape and a bright scarlet colour, and 
 continue to hang in beautiful bunches after the leaves have fallen. 
 
 This plant is common to Europe and North America. It flourishes most 
 luxuriantly in damp and sheltered places, as on the banks of rivulets, and 
 among the thickets which border our natural meadows. It is also found in 
 higher and more exposed situations, and is frequently cultivated in gardens. 
 In the United States it extends from New England to Ohio, and is in bloom 
 from June to August. The root and stalk have medicinal properties, though 
 the latter only is officinal. The berries, which were formerly esteemed poi- 
 sonous, and thought to act with great severity on the stomach and bowels, are 
 now said to be innoxious. Bittersweet should be gathered in autumn, after 
 the fall of the leaf; and the extreme twigs should be selected. That grown 
 in high and dry situations is said to be the best. 
 
 The dried twigs, as brought to the shops, are of various lengths, cylindrical, 
 about as thick as a goose-quill, externally wrinkled and of a grayish-ash colour, 
 consisting of a thin bark, an interior ligneous portion, and a central pith. 
 They are inodorous, though the stalk in the recent state emits, when bruised, 
 a peculiar, rather nauseous smell. Their taste, which is at first bitter, and 
 afterwards sweetish, has given origin to the name of the plant. Boiling water 
 extracts all their virtues. These are supposed to depend, at least in part, 
 upon a peculiar alkaline principle called solanin or solania, which was origin- 
 ally discovered by M. Desfosses, of BesanQon, in the berries of Su/anum 
 nigrum , and has subsequently been found in the stalks, leaves, and berries of 
 S. Dulcamara and S . tuberosum. It is supposed to exist in the bittersweet 
 combined with malic acid.* Solania is in the form of a white opaque powder, 
 or of delicate acicular crystals, somewhat like those of sulphate of quinia, 
 though finer and shorter. It is inodorous, of a bitter taste, fusible at a little 
 above 212°, scarcely soluble in water, soluble in alcohol and ether, and capable 
 of neutralizing the acids. It is distinguished by the deep-brown, or brownish- 
 yellow colour which iodine imparts to its solution, and by its reaction with 
 sulphuric acid, which becomes first reddish-yellow, then purplish-violet, then 
 brown, and lastly again colourless, with the deposition of a brown powder. 
 ( Pharm . Cent. Blatt, A. D. 1843, p. 177.) Given to a cat, it was found by 
 M Desfosses to operate at first as an emetic, and afterwards as a narcotic. Dr. 
 J. Otto observed, among its most striking effects, a paralytic condition of the 
 posterior limbs of animals. One grain of the sulphate of solania was sufficient 
 to destroy a rabbit in six hours. Besides solania, the stalks of S. Dulcamara 
 corftain, according to Pfaff, a peculiar principle to which he gave the name of 
 picroylycion , indicative of the taste at once bitter and sweet, which it is said 
 
 * Solania is most conveniently obtained from the sprouts of the common potato. The 
 following is Wackenroder’s process for extracting it. The sprouts, collected in the be- 
 ginning of June, and pressed down in a suitable vessel, by means of pebbles, are mace- 
 rated for twelve or eighteen hours in water enough to cover them, previously acidulated 
 with sulphuric acid, so as to have a strongly acid reaction during the maceration. 
 They are then expressed by the hand, and the liquor, with the addition of fresh portions 
 of sulphuric acid, is added twice successively, as at first, to fresh portions of sprouts, 
 and in like manner separated by expression. After standing for some days, it is filtered, 
 and treated with powdered hydrate of lime in slight excess. The precipitate w'hicli 
 forms is separated by straining, dried in a warm air, and boiled several times with alco- 
 hol. The alcoholic solution, having been filtered while hot, will, upon cooling, deposit 
 the solania in flocculent crystals. An additional quantity of the alkali may be obtained 
 by evaporating the mother liquor to one-quarter of its volume, and then allowing it to 
 cool. The whole residuary liquor will assume a gelatinous consistence, and, upon being 
 dried, will leave the solania in the form of a translucent, horny, amorphous mass. 
 {Pharm. Central Blatt, 1843, p. 174.) 
 
320 
 
 Dulcamara. — Elaterium. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 to possess. This has been obtained by Blitz, in the following manner. The 
 watery extract is treated with alcohol, the tincture evaporated, the residue 
 dissolved in water, the solution precipitated with subacetate of lead, the ex- 
 cess of this salt decomposed by sulphuretted hydrogen, the liquor then evapo- 
 rated to dryness, and the residue treated with acetic ether, which yields the 
 principle in small isolated crystals by spontaneous evaporation. Pfaff found 
 also in dulcamara a vegeto-animal subtance, gummy extractive, gluten, green 
 wax, resin, benzoic acid, starch, lignin, and various salts of lime. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Dulcamara possesses feeble narcotic proper- 
 ties, with the power of increasing the secretions, particularly that of the kid- 
 neys and skin. We have observed, in several instances, when the system was 
 under its influence, a dark purplish colour of the face and hands, and at the 
 same time considerable languor of the circulation. Its narcotic effects do not 
 become obvious, unless when it is taken in large quantities. In overdoses it 
 produces nausea, vomiting, faintness, vertigo, and convulsive muscular move- 
 ments. A case is recorded in Casper’s Wochenschrift, in which a man took, in 
 one forenoon, from three to four quarts of a decoction made from a peck of the 
 stalks, and was attacked with pain in the joints, numbness of the limbs, dryness 
 of the mouth, and palsy of the tongue, with consciousness unimpaired, the pulse 
 quiet, but small and rather hard, and the skin cool. The symptoms disappeared 
 under the use of stimulants. {Land. Med. Gaz., Sept. 1850, p.548.) Dulcamara 
 has been recommended in various diseases, but is now nearly confined to the treat- 
 ment of cutaneous eruptions, particularly those of a scaly character, as lepra, 
 psoriasis, and pityriasis. In these complaints it is often decidedly beneficial, 
 especially in combination with minute doses of the antimonials. Its influence 
 upon the secretions is insufficient to account for its favourable effects. Perhaps 
 they may be ascribed to its sedative influence on the capillary circulation. It 
 is said to have been beneficially employed in chronic rheumatism and chronic 
 catarrh. Antaphrodisiac properties are ascribed to it by some physicians. We 
 have seen it apparently useful in mania connected with strotag venereal pro- 
 pensities. The usual form of administration is that of decoction, of which two 
 fluidounees may be taken four times a day, and gradually increased till some 
 slight disorder of the head indicates the activity of the medicine. (See Decoctvm 
 Dulcamarse.) An extract may also be prepared, of which the dose is from five 
 to ten grains. That of the powder would be from thirty grains to a drachm. 
 In cutaneous affections, a strong decoction is often applied to the skin, at the 
 same time that the medicine is taken internally. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Dulcamaras; Extractum Dulcamaras. W. 
 
 ELATERIUM. U. S., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Elaterium. 
 
 A substance deposited by the juice of the fruit of Momordica Elaterium. 
 U.S. Feculence of the juice of the fruit. AW. Ecbalium agreste. The fecu- 
 lence from the juice of the fruit. Dub. 
 
 Off. Syn. ELATERIUM. Ecbalium officinarum. The recent fruit, not 
 quite ripe. EXTRACTUM ELATERII. Loud. 
 
 Elaterion, Fr.; Elaterium, Germ.; Elaterio, Ilal.. Span. 
 
 Momordica. Sex.Syst. Monoecia Monadelphia. — Mat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae. 
 Gen. Oh. Male. Calyx five-cleft. Corolla five-parted. Filaments three. 
 Female. Calyx five-cleft. Corolla five-parted. Style trifid. Gourd bursting 
 elastically. Willd. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Elaterium. 
 
 321 
 
 Momordica Elaterium. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 605; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 192, 
 t. 72. — Ecbalium agreste. Richard; Lindley, Med. and CEcon. Bot. p. 95. — 
 Ecbalium Elaterium. French Codex, A D. 1837. The wild or squirting cucum- 
 ber is a perennial plant, with a large fleshy root, from which proceed several 
 round, thick, rough stems, branching and trailing like the common cucumber, 
 but without tendrils. The leaves are petiolate, large, rough, irregularly cordate, 
 and of a grayish -green colour. The flowers are yellow, and proceed from the 
 axils of the leaves. The fruit has the shape of a small oval cucumber, about an 
 inch and a half long, an inch thick, of a greenish or grayish colour, and covered 
 with stiff hairs or prickles. When fully ripe, it separates from the peduncle, 
 and throws out its juice and seeds with considerable force through an opening 
 at the base, where it was attached to the footstalk. The name of squirting cu- 
 cumber was derived from this circumstance, and the scientific and officinal title 
 is supposed to have had a similar origin ; though some authors maintain that 
 the term elaterium was applied to the medicine, rather from the mode of its 
 operation upon the bowels, than from the projectile property of the fruit.* 
 
 This species of Momordica is a native of the South of Europe ; and is culti- 
 vated in Great Britain, where, however, it perishes in the winter. Elaterium is 
 she substance spontaneously deposited by the juice of the fruit, when separated 
 and allowed to stand. From the experiments of Dr. Clutterbuc-k it has been 
 supposed that only the free juice about the seeds, which is obtained without 
 expression, affords the product. The substance of the fruit itself, the seeds, as 
 veil as other parts of the plant, have been thought to be nearly or quite inert. 
 From the statements made by Mr. Bell (see note, page 322), these opinions must 
 he somewhat modified; but there is no doubt that strong expression injures the 
 croduct. When the fruit is sliced and placed upon a sieve, a perfectly limpid 
 ind colourless juice flows out, which after a short time becomes turbid, and in 
 he course of a few hours begins to deposit a sediment. This, when collected 
 ind carefully dried, is very light and pulverulent, of a yellowish-wdiite colour, 
 dightly tinged with green. It is the genuine elaterium, and was found by Clut- 
 : erbuck to purge violently in the dose of one-eighth of a grain. But the quan- 
 tity contained in the fruit is very small. Clutterbuc-k obtained only six grains 
 rom forty cucumbers. Commercial elaterium is often a weaker medicine, owing 
 n part, perhaps, to adulteration, but much more to the mode in which it is pre- 
 pared. In order to increase the product, the juice of the fruit is often expressed 
 with great force ; and there is reason to believe that it is sometimes evaporated 
 o as to form an extract, instead of being allowed to deposit the active matter. 
 Che French elaterium is prepared by expressing the juice, clarifying it by rest 
 nd filtration, and then evaporating it to a suitable consistence. As the liquid 
 emaining aftdr the deposition of the sediment is comparatively inert, it will be 
 ierceived that the preparation of the French Codex must be relatively feeble, 
 'he following are the directions of the London College, with which those of the 
 Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges essentially correspond, “ Slice the fruit, ex- 
 cess the juice very gently, and pass it through a very fine hair sieve; then set 
 aside for some hours until the thicker part has subsided. Deject the thinner 
 upernatant part, and dry the thicker part with a gentle heat.” As the process 
 A executed at Apothecaries’ Hall, the juice, after expression, is allowed to stand 
 or about two hours, when the supernatant liquor is poured off, and the matter 
 'eposited is carefully dried, constituting the finest elaterium. Another portion, 
 f a paler colour, is deposited by the decanted liquor. ( Pereira .) The slight 
 
 * From the Greek sXaimu I drive, or exit driver. The word elaterium was used by 
 -ippocrates to signify any active purge. Dioscorides applied it to the medicine of which 
 e are treating. 
 
 21 
 
322 
 
 Elaterium. 
 
 PAET I. 
 
 pressure directed is necessary for tbe extraction of the juice from the somewhat 
 immature fruit employed. The perfectly ripe fruit is not used; as, in conse- 
 quence of its disposition to part with its contents, it cannot be carried to market. 
 The medicine is incorrectly denominated by the London College Extractum 
 Elaterii • being neither an extract, strictly speaking, nor an inspissated juice. 
 The Edinburgh College calls it Elateriuin in the Materia Medica list, but incon- 
 sistently admits the name of Extractum Elaterii in the preparations. In the 
 U. S. and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, it is named simply Elaterium. As the plant 
 is not cultivated in this country for medicinal purposes, our Pharmacopoeia very 
 properly adopts, as officinal, the medicine as it is found in commerce. It is 
 brought chiefly from England ; but it is probable that a portion of the elaterium, 
 of which Dr. Pereira speaks as coming from Malta, reaches our market also.* 
 
 Properties. The best elaterium is in thin fiat or slightly curled cakes or frag- 
 ments, often bearing the impression of the muslin upon which it was dried, of 
 a greenish-gray colour becoming yellowish by exposure, of a feeble odour, and 
 a bitter somewhat acrid taste. It is pulverulent and inflammable, and so light 
 that it swims when thrown upon water. When of inferior quality, it is some- 
 times dark-coloured, much curled, and rather hard, either breaking with dif- 
 ficulty, or presenting a resinous fracture. The Maltese elaterium is in larger 
 pieces, of a pale colour, sometimes without the least tinge of green, destitute of 
 odour, soft, and friable ; and not unfrequently gives evidence of having been 
 mixed with chalk or starch. It sinks in w'ater. 
 
 Dr. Clutterbuck first observed that the activity of elaterium resided in that 
 portion of it which was soluble in alcohol and not in water. This fact was after- 
 wards confirmed by Dr. Paris, who found that the alcoholic extract, treated with 
 boiling distilled water, and afterwards dried, had the property of purging in 
 very minute doses, while the remaining portion of the elaterium was inactive. 
 The subsequent experiments of the late Mr. Hennel, of London, and Mr. Mar- 
 ries, of Edinburgh, which appear to have been nearly’ simultaneous, demonstrated 
 the existence of a crystallizable matter in elaterium, which is probably the active 
 
 * The following notice of the cultivation of the elaterium plant, and the preparation of 
 the drug at Mitcham, in Surrey, England, condensed from a paper by Mr. Jacob Bell iu 
 the Pharm. Journ. and Trans, for October, 1850, may have some interest for the American 
 reader. The seeds are sown iu March, and the seedlings planted in June. In the luxu- 
 riant plants, the stem sometimes acquires an extraordinary breadth. In one instance, 
 though not thicker than the forefinger where it issued from the earth, it was in its broadest 
 part four inches wide and half an inch thick. A wet season interferes with the product- 
 iveness of the plant. At the spontaneous separation of the fruit, it throws out its juice 
 sometimes to the distance of tw'enty yards; and hazard of injury to the eyes is incurred 
 by walking among the plants at their period of maturity. A bushel of the fruit weighs 40 
 pounds, and the price varies from 7 to 10 shillings sterling. In the manufacture of elate- 
 rium, which begins early' in September, the fruit, having been washed, if necessary, to 
 cleanse it from earthy matters, is sliced longitudinally into halves, and then submitted to 
 expression, wrapped in a hempen cloth, in a common screw-press. Considerable force is 
 used in the expression. The juice is then strained through hair, cypress, or wire sieves, 
 and set aside for deposition. The deposit usually' takes pilace in three or four hours. 
 When this part of the process is completed, the supernatant liquor is carefully poured off. 
 the deposit is placed on calico cloths resting on hair sieves, and allowed to drain for about 
 twelve hours, after which it is removed by a knife, spread over small cloths, and dried on 
 canvas frames in the drying stove. About half an ounce of fine elaterium is obtained front 
 a bushel of fruit. Some obtain more ; but the product is inferior, in consequence of the 
 use of too much force iu the expression. Good elaterium has a pale pea-green tint: tlial 
 of inferior quality is of a duller hue. The juice expelled in bursting is said tit undergo 
 very little change in the air, while that expressed from the ripe fruit immediately after- 
 wards, becomes milky, and deposits elaterium. The recently burst fruit, therefore, i; 
 nearly if not quite as good for the preparation of the drug, as that collected before perfect 
 maturity . — Note to the ninth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 j Elaterium. 
 
 323 
 
 principle of the medicine, and for which Mr. Morries proposed the appropriate 
 name elaterin. According to Mr. Hennel, 100 parts of elaterium contain 44 of 
 elaterin, 17 of a green resin (chlorophylle), 6 of starch, 27 of lignin, and (j of 
 saline matters. The alcoholic extract, which Dr. Paris called elatui, is probably 
 a mixture of elaterin and the green resin or chlorophylle.* 
 
 Elaterin, according to Mr. Morries, crystallizes when pure in colourless micro- 
 ■scopic rhombic prisms, having a silky appearance when in mass. It is extremely 
 bitter and somewhat acrid to the taste, insoluble in water and alkaline solutions, 
 soluble in alcohol, ether, and hot olive oil, and sparingly soluble in dilute acids. 
 At a temperature between 800° and 400° it melts, and at a higher temperature 
 is dissipated in thick, whitish, pungent vapour, having an ammoniaeal odour. 
 It has no alkaline reaction. It may be easily procured by evaporating an alco- 
 holic tincture of elaterium to the consistence of thin oil, and throwing the residue 
 while yet warm into a weak boiling solution of potassa. The potassa holds the 
 green resin or chlorophylle in solution, and the elaterin crystallizes as the liquor 
 cools. Mr. Hennel obtained it by treating with ether the alcoholic extract pro- 
 cured by the spontaneous evaporation of the tincture. This consists of elaterin 
 and the green resin, the latter of which being much more soluble in ether than 
 the former, is completely extracted by this fluid, leaving the elaterin pure. But 
 as elaterin is also slightly soluble in ether, a portion of this principle is wasted 
 by Mr. Hennel’ s method. By evaporating the ethereal solution, the green resin 
 is obtained separate. Mr. Hennel says that this was found to possess, in a con- 
 centrated state, the purgative property of the elaterium, as it acted powerfully 
 in a dose less than one-third .of a grain. But this effect was probably owing 
 to the presence of a portion of elaterin which had been dissolved by the ether. 
 The late Dr. Duncan, of Edinburgh, ascertained that the crystalline principle or 
 elaterin produced, in the quantity of or is °f a grain, all the effects of a dose 
 of elaterium. The proportion of elaterin varies exceedingly in different parcels 
 of the drug. Mr. Morries obtained 26 per cent, from the best British elaterium, 
 15 per cent, from the worst, and only 5 or 6 per cent, from the French ; while a 
 portion, procured according to the directions of the London College, yielded to 
 Mr. Hennel upwards of 40 per cent. 
 
 Choice of Elaterium. The inequality of elaterium depends probably more on 
 liversities in the mode of preparation than on adulteration. It should possess 
 the sensible properties above indicated as characterizing good elaterium, should 
 not effervesce with acids, and should yield, as directed by the Edinburgh Col- 
 lege, from' one-seventh to one-fourth of elaterin. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Elaterium is a powerful hydragogue cathartic, 
 ,md in a large dose generally excites nausea and vomiting. If too freely admi- 
 listered, it operates with great violence both upon the stomach and bowels, pro- 
 lucing inflammation of these organs, which has in some instances eventuated 
 htally. It also increases the flow of urine. The fruit was employed by the 
 indents, and is recommended in the writings of Dioscorides as a remedy in ma- 
 fia and melancholy. Sydenham and his contemporaries considered elaterium 
 lighly useful in dropsy ; but, in consequence of some fatal results from its incau- 
 ious employment, it fell into disrepute, and was generally neglected, till again 
 irought into notice by Dr. Ferriar. It is now considered one of the most efficient 
 iydragogue cathartics in the treatment of dropsical diseases, in which it has 
 ometimes proved successful after all other remedies have failed. The full dose 
 •f commercial elaterium is often from oue to two grains; but, as in this quan- 
 ity it generally vomits, if of good quality, the best mode of administering it is 
 
 j * The substance to which Pelletier gave the name of chlorophylle, under the impression 
 hat it was a peculiar proximate principle, has been ascertained by that chemist to be a 
 fixture of wax, and a green fixed oil. ( Journ . de Pharm., xix. 109.) 
 
324 
 
 Elaterium. — Elemi. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 in the dose of a quarter or half a grain, repeated every hour till it operates. The 
 dose of Clutterbuek’s elaterium is the eighth of a grain. That of elaterin is from 
 the sixteenth to the twelfth of a grain, and is best given in solution. One grain 
 may be dissolved in a fluidounce of alcohol with four drops of nitric acid, and 
 from 30 to 40 minims may be given diluted with water. W. 
 
 ELEMI. Load ., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Elemi. 
 
 Concrete turpentine of an uncertain plant. Land. Concrete resinous exuda- 
 tion from one or more unascertained plants. Ed., Duh. 
 
 R6sine elemi, Fr.; OeTbaumharz, Elemi, Germ.; Elemi. Iial.; Goma de limon, Span. 
 
 Amyris. Sex. Syst. Octandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Terebintaeeae, Jims.; 
 Amyrideae, R. Brown, Lindley. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx four-toothed. Petals four, oblong. Stiyma four-cornered. 
 Berry drupaceous. Willd. 
 
 Some botanists separate from this genus the species which have their fruit in 
 the form of a capsule instead of a nut, and associate them together in a distinct 
 genus with the name of Idea. This is recognised by De Candolle. 
 
 Most of the trees belonging to these two genera yield, when wounded, a resi- 
 nous juice analogous to the turpentines. It is not improbable that the drug 
 usually known by the name of elemi, is derived from several different trees. That 
 known to the ancients is said to have been obtained from Ethiopia, and all the 
 elemi of commerce was originally brought from the Levant. The tree which 
 afforded it was not accurately known, but was supposed to be a species of Amyris. 
 At present the drug is said to be derived from three sources, namely, Brazil, 
 Mexico, and Manilla. The Brazilian is believed to be the product of a plant men- 
 tioned by Marc-grav under the name of idcariba, and denominated by De Candolle 
 Idea Idcariba. It is a lofty tree, with pinnate leaves, consisting of three or five 
 pointed, perforated leaflets, which are smooth on their upper surface, and woolly 
 beneath. It is erroneously stated in some works to be a native of Carolina. The 
 elemi is obtained by incisions into the trees, through which the juice flows and 
 concretes upon the bark. The Mexican is said by T Dr. Royle to be obtained from 
 a species of Elaphrium, which that author has described from dried specimens, 
 and proposes to name E. elemiferum. ( Materia Medica, Am. ed., p. 339.) The 
 Manilla elemi is conjecturally referred to Canarium commune. ( Ibid ., p. 340.) 
 
 Elemi is in masses of various consistence, sometimes solid and heavy like wax, 
 sometimes light and porous ; unctuous to the touch ; diaphanous ; of diversified 
 colours, generally greenish with intermingled points of white or yellow, some- 
 times greenish-white with brown stains, sometimes yellow like sulphur; fragile 
 and friable when cold ; softening by the heat of the hand ; of a terebinthinate 
 somewhat aromatic odour, diminishing with age, and said, in some varieties, to 
 resemble that of fennel : of a warm, slightly bitter, disagreeable taste ; entirely 
 soluble, with the exception of impurities, in boiling alcohol; and affording a 
 volatile oil by distillation. A variety examined by 31. Bonastre was found to 
 consist of 60 parts of resin, 24 of a resinous matter soluble in boiling alcohol, 
 but deposited when the liquid cools, 12 - 5 of volatile oil, 2 of extractive, and 1*5 
 of acid and impurities. M. Baup has found the resin to be of two kinds, one 
 amorphous, the other crystallizable ; for the latter of which he proposes the name 
 of elemin. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3 eser.. xx. 331.) Elemi is sometimes adulterated 
 with colophony and turpentiue. The Manilla elemi is said to be in masses of a 
 light-yellowish colour, internally soft, and of a strong odour of fennel. (Royle.) 
 We have been informed that a considerable amount of elemi is used iu this 
 couutry by the hatters. 
 
PART I. 
 
 325 
 
 Elemi. — Ergota. 
 
 Medical Properties ancl Uses. Elemi has pi’operties analogous to those of the 
 turpentines; but is exclusively applied to external use. In the United States 
 it is rarely employed even in this way. In the pharmacy of Europe it enters 
 into the composition of numerous plasters and ointments. We are told that it 
 is occasionally brought to this country in small fragments, mixed with the 
 coarser kinds of gum Arabic from the Levant and India. 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Elemi. W. 
 
 ERGOTA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Ergot. 
 
 The diseased seeds of Secale cereale. U. S. The seed injured by a parasitic 
 plant. Lond. An undetermined fungus, with degenerated seed of Secale 
 cereale. Ed. A peculiar excrescence supposed to be caused by a parasitical 
 fungus. Dub. 
 
 Spurred rye; Secale cornutum ; Siegle ergote, Fr.; Mutterkorn, Germ. 
 
 In all the Graminacese or grass tribe, and in some of the Cyperacese , the 
 place of the seeds is sometimes occupied by a morbid growth, which, from its 
 resemblance to the spur of a cock, has received the name of ergot , adopted from 
 the French. This product is most frequent in the rye, Secale cereale of botanists, 
 md, having been found, as occurring in that plant, to possess valuable medicinal 
 properties, was adopted in the first edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia under the 
 name of secale cornutum or spurred rye. In the edition of 1840, this name was 
 jhanged for Ergota , in conformity with the nomenclature of the London and 
 Edinburgh Colleges, by whom the medicine had in the mean time been adopted. 
 
 Considerable difference of opinion has existed in relation to the nature of this 
 singular substance. It was at one time thought to be merely the seed altered 
 by disease ; the morbid condition being ascribed by some to the agency of an 
 nsect, by others to excess of heat and moisture. A second opinion considered 
 t a parasitic fungus, occupying the place of the seed. This was entertained by 
 )e Candolle, who called the fungus Sclerotium Clavus. According to a third 
 nd intermediate opinion, the ergot is the seed, diseased and entirely perverted 
 a its nature by the influence of a parasitic fungus, attached to it from the very 
 >eginning of its development. This view was put forth by M. Leveille, in a 
 aemoir published in the Annals of the Linnaean Society of Paris for the year 
 .826. He gave to the supposed fungus the name of Sphacelia segetum ; but 
 iis observations as to its characters have not been sustained. To the late Mr. 
 |S. J. Quekett, of London, belongs the credit of having fully investigated this 
 ubject; and of having satisfactorily established the last mentioned view of the 
 lature of ergot. According to Mr. Quekett, the beginning of the growth of the 
 rgot is marked by the appearance, about the young grain and its appendages, 
 f multitudes of minute filaments like cobwebs, which run over all its parts, 
 ementing anthers and stigmas together, and of a white coating upon the surface 
 f the grain, from which, upon immersion in water, innumerable minute particles 
 eparate, and after a time sink in the fluid. These particles, when examined 
 y the microscope, prove to be the reproductive agents, germs, or sporidia of a 
 pecies of fungus, and may be observed to sprout and propagate in various ways 
 nder favourable circumstances. Their length, upon the average, is about the 
 )ur-thousandth of au inch. The filaments are the results of the growth of these 
 lingular germs. The sporidia and filaments do not increase with the increase 
 f the ergot; and, when this has projected beyond the paleae and become visible, 
 j has lost a portion of its white coating, and presents a dark violet colour. It 
 ow increases with great rapidity, and attains its full size in a few days. When 
 
326 
 
 Ergota. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 completely developed, it exhibits very few of the filaments or sporidia upon its 
 surface. But Quekett believed that the germs of the fungus emit their filaments 
 through the tissue of the ergot when young and tender, and that, as this increases, 
 it is made up partly of the diseased structure of the grain, and partly of the fun- 
 gous matter. The fungus was named by Quekett Ergotsetia abort if acinus ; for 
 which title Dr. Pereira, at the suggestion of the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, substituted 
 that of Oulium abort if aciens. This view of the nature and cause of ergot is 
 strongly supported by the asserted facts, that the microscopic fungus has an ex- 
 istence independent of the morbid grain, being found in various other parts of 
 the plant, and growing even when entirely separated from it ; and that the sporidia 
 or white dust upon the surface of ergot, if applied to the seeds of certain G-rami- 
 nacese before germination, or sprinkled in the soil at the roots of the plants after 
 they have begun to grow, will give rise to ergotized fruit. That the ergot is not 
 itself a peculiar fungus, but the perverted grain, is evinced by the frequent re- 
 mains of the stigma upon its summit, by the scales at its base, and by the cir- 
 cumstance that in some instances only a portion of the seed is ergotized. How 
 far its peculiar medical properties may depend upon the morbid substance of the 
 grain, and how far on the fungous matter associated with it, has not been de- 
 termined. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xi. 116 and 237.) 
 
 The ergot usually projects out of the glume or husk beyond the ordinary out- 
 line of the spike or ear. Tn some spikes the place of the seeds is wholly occu- 
 pied by the ergot, in others only two or three spurs are observed. It is said to 
 he much more energetic when collected before than after harvest. Rye has 
 generally been thought to be most subject to the disease in poor and wet soils, 
 and in rainy seasons; and intense heat succeeding continued rains is said to fa- 
 vour its development, especially if these circumstances occur at the time the 
 flower is forming. It is now, however, asserted that moisture has little or no- 
 thing to do with its production.* It should not be collected until some days 
 after it has begun to form; as, according to 31. Bonjean, if gathered on the first 
 day of its formation, it does not possess the poisonous properties which it ex- 
 hibits when taken on the sixth day. (See Pharm. Journ. and Trans., Jan. 1842. 
 
 Properties. Ergot is in solid, brittle yet somewhat flexible grains, from a third 
 of an inch to an inch and a half long, from half a line to three lines in thickness, 
 cylindrical or obscurely triangular, tapering towards each end, obtuse at the ex- 
 tremities, usually curved like the spur of a cock, marked with one or two longitu- 
 dinal furrows, often irregularly cracked or fissured, of a violet-brown colour and 
 often somewhat glaucous externally, yellowish-white, or violet-white within, of 
 an unpleasant smell when in mass, resembling that of putrid fish, and of a taste 
 which is at first scarcely perceptible, but ultimately disagreeable and slightly 
 acrid. Under the microscope, the surface appears more or less covered with 
 sporidia, which occasion its glaucous aspect; and the interior structure is found 
 to be composed of minute roundish cells, containing, according to Quekett, par- 
 ticles of oil. Ergot yields its virtues to water and alcohol. The aqueous infu- 
 sion or decoction is claret-coloured, and has an acid reaction. It is precipitated 
 by acetate and subacetate of lead, nitrate of silver, and tincture of galls ; but 
 affords with iodine no evidence of the presence of starch. Long boiling impairs 
 the virtues of the medicine. 
 
 Ergot has been analyzed by Yauquelin, Winekler, Wiggers, Wright. Legrip, 
 and several others. The analysis by 31. Legrip is among the most recent and 
 complete. That chemist obtained from 100 parts of ergot 34‘50 parts of a thick, 
 
 * Mr. J. Price Wetherill informed the author that, in two seasons, he had found rye, 
 sown very late, so as scarcely to come up before spring, to be almost universally ergotized ; 
 while neighbouring rye, sown at the proper season, in the same kind of soil precisely, 
 had nothing of the disease, though the seed was the same in both cases. — Woif to tin 
 sixth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 327 
 
 Ergota. 
 
 very fluid, fixed oil, of a fine yellow colour; 2 '75 of starch; l'OO of albumen ; 
 2*25 of inulin; 2'50 of gum; 1'25 of uncrystaliizable sugar; 2'75 of a brown 
 resin; 3'50 of fungin; 13'50 of vegeto-animal matter; 0'75 of osmazome; 0'50 
 of a fatty acid; 24'50 of lignin; 0'50 of colouring principles; an odorous princi- 
 ple not isolated; 2'25 of fungate of potassa; 0'50 of chloride of sodium ; 050 of 
 sulphate of lime and magnesia; 1'25 of subphosphate of lime; 0'25 of oxide of 
 ron; 0 15 of silica; and 2'50 of water, with 2'35 loss. {Ann. de Therap ., A. 0. 
 1845, p. 44.) Wiggers obtained a peculiar principle, which he denominated er- 
 botin, under the impression that it was the active ingredient. It was reddish- 
 brown, of a peculiar nauseous odour and a bitter slightly acrid taste, soluble in 
 ilcohol, but insoluble in water or ether. It was obtained by digesting ergot in 
 2 ther and afterwards in alcohol, evaporating the alcoholic solution, and treating 
 ;he extract thus obtained with water, which left theergotin undissolved. It was 
 ^iven with fatal effects to a hen. Dr. Wright supposed the virtues of ergot 
 ;o reside in the fixed oil, which he therefore recommended as a substitute for 
 ;he medicine. The oil of ergot , when obtained from grains recently collected, 
 s, according to Dr. Wiight, often quite free from colour; but, as usually 
 prepared, is reddish-brown. It has a disagreeable, somewhat acrid taste, is 
 igkter than water, and is soluble in alcohol and alkaline solutions. It is pre- 
 oared by forming an ethereal tincture of ergot by the process of displacement, 
 ind evaporating the ether with a gentle heat. {Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ. 
 or 1839-40.) Experience seems to have shown that, though the oil thus pre- 
 oared with ether may have produced effects analogous to those of ergot, they were 
 )0 be ascribed rather to some principle extracted along with the oil by the men- 
 struum than to the oil itself ; for, when procured by simple expression, this has 
 oeen found to be inactive. {Journ. de Pharm., A r . S., i. 183.) The opinion of 
 VI. Bonjean, that there are two active principles in ergot, the oil which is poison- 
 ms, and another resident in the watery extract, and possessing anti-hemorrhagic 
 moperties without being in the least degree poisonous, requires confirmation. 
 That writer is certainly not warranted in giving to his extract, however purified, 
 he name of ergotin, until he can show that it is a characteristic principle. 
 
 Dr. F. L. Winckler has recently found in ergot a volatile alkaloid, which he 
 '.alls secalin, and believes to exist in that substance combined with the ergotin 
 >f Wiggers, to which he ascribes acid properties. But the accounts which we 
 lave seen of his investigations are too indefinite to permit any precise statement 
 4 results. He seems disposed to ascribe the virtues of the medicine to this 
 ompound, which he denominates ergotateof secalin, or to one of its components. 
 Tealso found in ergot a peculiar red colouring matter, analogous if not identical 
 pith hematin. (See Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xiii. 86.) The same chemist, 
 >y distilling the watery extract of ergot with potassa, obtained a volatile alkaloid, 
 thick he considered to be identical with propylamin, the odorous principle of 
 lerring pickle, previously obtained from narcotina by the reaction of potassa. 
 See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 346.) 
 
 Ergot, when perfectly dry and kept in well-stopped bottles, will retain its vir- 
 ues for a considerable time; but, exposed to air and moisture, it speedily uuder- 
 ;oes chemical changes and deteriorates. It is, moreover, apt to be attacked by' 
 
 minute worm, which consumes the interior of the grain, leaving merely the 
 xterior shell and an excrementitious powder. This insect is sometimes found 
 a the ergot before removal from the plant. In the state of powder, the medi- 
 ine still more readily deteriorates. It is best, as a general rule, to renew it 
 very year or two. JVI. Viel recommends that it should be well dried at a gentle 
 eat, and incorporated with double its weight of loaf sugar, by means of which, 
 jf protected from moisture, it will retain its virtues for many years. Camphor 
 s said to prevent injury from worms. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Given in small doses, ergot produces, in the 
 
328 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Ergota. 
 
 system of the male, no obvious effects ; but, in the female, exhibits a strong 
 tendency to the uterus, upon the contractile property of which it operates with 
 great energy. In the quantity of half a drachm or a drachm it often occasions 
 nausea or vomiting, and in still larger doses produces a sense of weight and pain 
 in the head, giddiness, dilatation of the pupils, delirium, and even stupor, prov- 
 ing that it possesses narcotic properties. It is said also to excite febrile symp- 
 toms; but our own observation coincides with that of authors who ascribe to it 
 the power of reducing the frequency of the pulse. We have seen this effect 
 produced by it in a remarkable degree, even without nausea. Dr. Hardy, of the 
 Dublin Lying-in-Hospital, found it to diminish the pulsations of the foetal heart. 
 Its long-continued and copious use is highly dangerous, even when no immediate 
 effects are perceptible. Terrible and devastating epidemics in different parts of 
 the continent of Europe, particularly in certain provinces of France, have long 
 been ascribed to the use of bread made from rye contaminated with this dege- 
 nerate grain. Dry gangrene, typhus fever, and disorder of the nervous system 
 attended with convulsions, are the forms of disease which have been observed 
 to follow the use of this unwholesome food. It is true that ergot has been de- 
 nied to be the cause; but accurate investigations, made by competent men upon 
 the spot where the epidemics have prevailed, together with the result of experi- 
 ments made upon inferior animals, leave no room for reasonable doubt upon the 
 subject. Very large quantities are required for immediate poisonous effects. 
 From two to eight drachms have been given at one dose to a man wuthout very 
 serious results, and three ounces, according to Dr. Wright, were required to kill 
 a small dog. Death from single doses, in inferior animals, is preceded by symp- 
 toms indicating irritation of the stomach and bowels, great muscular prostration, 
 loss of sensation, and sometimes slight spasms. A case of acute poisoning from 
 ergot is recorded by Dr. Pratschke, in which uneasiness in the head, oppression 
 of stomach, diarrhoea, urgent thirst, burning pains in the feet, tetanic spasms, 
 violent convulsions, and death ensued upon eating freely of ergotized grain. 
 ( Loncl . Med. Gaz., Oct. 1850, p. 579.) 
 
 Ergot has been much used for promoting the contraction of the uterus. On 
 the continent of Europe, in Giermany, France, and Italy, it has long been empi- 
 rically employed by midwives for this purpose; and its German name of mutter- 
 horn implies a popular acquaintance with its peculiar powers. But the attention 
 of the medical profession was first called to it by a letter from Dr. Stearns, of 
 Saratoga county, in the State of New York, addressed to Dr. Ackerly, A. D. 1807, 
 and published in the eleventh volume of the New York Medical Repository. The 
 journals afterwards teemed with communications attesting its efficacy in facili- 
 tating parturition ; and, though it sometimes failed, the general opinion was so 
 decidedly in its favour, that it soon took a place among the established articles 
 of the materia medica. When it proves wholly inefficient, the result is ascribable 
 to peculiarity of constitution in the individual, or inferiority in the particular 
 parcel emploj'ed. In its operation upon the pregnant uterus it produces a con- 
 stant unremitting contraction and rigidity, rather than that alternation of spas- 
 modic effort and relaxation which is observable in the natural process of labour. 
 Hence, unless the os uteri and external parts are sufficiently relaxed, the medi- 
 cine is apt to produce injury to the foetus by the incessant pressure which it 
 maintains; and the death of the child is thought not unfrequently to have re- 
 sulted from its injudicious employment. The cases to which it is thought to be 
 especially adapted are those of lingering labour, when the os uteri is sufficiently 
 dilated, and the external passages sufficiently relaxed, when no mechanical impedi- 
 ment is offered to the passage of the child, and the delay is ascribable solely to 
 want of energy in the uterus. Other cases are those in which the death of the 
 foetus has been ascertained, and when great exhaustion or dangerous constitu- 
 tional irritation imperiously calls for speedy delivery. The medicine may also be 
 
PAKT I. 
 
 329 
 
 Ergot a. 
 
 given to promote the expulsion of the placenta, to restrain inordinate hemorrhage 
 after delivery, and to hasten the discharge of the foetus in protracted cases of abor- 
 tion. In women subject to dangerous flooding, a dose of ergot given immediately 
 before delivery is said to have the happiest effects. It has also been recommended 
 for the expulsion of coagula of blood, polypi, and hydatids from the uterine cavity, 
 [t has been accused of producing puerperal convulsions, hour-glass contraction of 
 the uterus, and hydrocephalus in the new-born infant. (Dr. Catlett, Ed. Med. 
 and. Surg. Journ., Jan. 1842.) In uterine hemorrhage, unconnected with preg- 
 nancy, the medicine is deemed highly useful; and its employment has been ex- 
 tended to other hemorrhages with asserted advantage. We have seen it promptly 
 effectual in pulmonary hemorrhage, after all the usual means had failed. May 
 t not have the power of producing contraction of the capillaries in general, or of 
 nterfering in some other way with the circulation of the blood in these vessels, 
 is by the exertion of a direct sedative or paralyzing influence upon them ? We 
 ■night in this way account for the dry gangrene which results from its abuse, as 
 veil as for its influence in restraining hemorrhage. It has also been employed 
 n amenorrhoea, but not with encouraging success. Gonorrhoea, gleet, leucorrhoea, 
 lysmenorrhoea, chronic dysentery and diarrhoea, paraplegia, paralysis or debility 
 if the bladder and of the rectum, spermatorrhoea, hysteria, and intermittent 
 ever, are among the complaints in which it has been recommended. 
 
 Ergot is usually given in substance, infusion, or decoction. The dose of the 
 ■iowder to a woman in labour is fifteen or twenty grains, to be repeated every 
 wenty minutes till its peculiar effects are experienced, or till the amount of a 
 Irachm has been taken. Of an infusion made in the proportion of a drachm of 
 rgot to four fluidounces of water, one-third may be given for a dose, and repeated 
 vith the same interval. For other purposes the dose of the medicine is ten or 
 ifteen grains, repeated three times a day, and gradually increased, but not con- 
 inucd for a great length of time. In urgent cases of hemorrhage, the dose may 
 j'e repeated every two hours, or oftener if necessary. A wine of ergot is directed 
 y the United States Pharmacopoeia. (See Vinurn Ergo tie.) The oil of ergot, 
 ■repaired by means of ether, as already described (page 327), was given by Dr. 
 Wight in the dose of from twenty to fifty drops, diffused in cold water, warm 
 ea, or weak spirit and water. 
 
 Under the name of ergotin, Bonjean’s purified extract is sometimes used in 
 pe dose of from five to ten grains. It is made by exhausting ergot with water, 
 vaporating to the consistence of syrup, precipitating the albumen, gum, &c., 
 y a large excess of alcohol, decanting the clear liquid, and evaporating to the 
 onsistence of a soft extract. 
 
 Mr. Laidley, of Richmond, Va., proposes a fluid extract , made by exhausting 
 rgot successively with ether, alcohol, and water, allowing the ethereal solution 
 ) evaporate spontaneously, evaporating the tincture and infusion till they mea- 
 rre as many fluidounces as there were troy ounces of ergot employed, then 
 Iding enough sugar to preserve the liquid, incorporating with it the ethereal 
 xtract or oil, and finally adding so much water as to cause a fluidrachm of the 
 reparation to represent forty grains or two doses of the ergot. {Am. Journ. of 
 'harm., xxiv. 160.) 
 
 Ergot has been employed externally. Dr. Muller found it to check the bleeding 
 om large divided arteries; and Dr. Wright states that either in powder or infusion 
 has a prompt effect in arresting hemorrhage. It is recommended by the latter 
 u actitioner as an injection in uterine hemorrhage. It should be used, however, 
 ith some caution ; as the powder applied to abraded surfaces has produced slough- 
 s' in the lower animals. 
 
 Ergot should be powdered only when wanted for use. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Ergotae ; Tinctura Ergotae; Tinctura Ergotae lEtberea; 
 inum Ergotae. W. 
 
330 
 
 Erigeron Canadense. — E. Heterophyllum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 ERIGERON CANADENSE. U. S. Secondary. 
 Canada Fleabane. 
 
 The herb of Erigeron Canadense. U. S. 
 
 Erigeron. Sex. Syst. Svngenesia Superflua. — Nat. Ord. Compositae- 
 Asteroideae, De Cand. Asteracese, Lindlcy. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx imbricated, sub-hemispherical, in fruit often reflected. Florets 
 of the ray linear, very narrow, numerous. Receptacle naked. Pappus double, 
 exterior minute, interior pilose, of few rays. Nutlall. 
 
 Erigeron Canadense. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 1954. This is an indigenous annual 
 plant, with a stem from two to six feet high, covered with stiff hairs, and divided 
 into numerous branches. The leaves are linear-lanceolate, and edged with hairs; 
 those at the root are dentate. The flowers are very small, numerous, white, and 
 arranged in terminal panicles. They differ from those of the other species of 
 Erigeron in having an oblong calyx, the rays very minute and more numerous 
 than the florets of the disk, and the seed-down simple. Hence by some botanists 
 the plant is placed in a sub-genus with the title Csenotus. Another variety of 
 E. Canadense , which Mr. Nuttall makes a distinct species, with the title E. pv- 
 silum, is not more than from four to six inches high, and has an erect smooth 
 stem, less branched than the preceding, with all its leaves entire, and scabrous 
 on the margin. The panicle is simple, and the peduncles filiform, nearly naked, 
 divaricate, each bearing two or three flowers. 
 
 Canada fleabane is very common throughout the northern and middle sections 
 of the United States, and has become naturalized in many parts of Europe. It 
 abounds in neglected fields, and blooms in July and August. The plant, all parts 
 of which are medicinal, should be collected while in flower. The leaves and flowers 
 are said to possess its peculiar virtues in greatest perfection. 
 
 This species of Erigeron has an agreeable odour, and a bitterish, acrid, some- 
 what astringent taste. Among its constituents, according to Dr. De Puy, are 
 bitter extractive, tannin, gallic acid, and volatile oil. Both alcohol and water 
 extract its virtues. Its acrimony is diminished by decoction, in consequence, 
 probably, of the escape of the oil. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. From the observations of Dr. De Puy, it appears 
 to be diuretic, tonic, and astringent; and has been found useful in dropsical com- 
 plaints and diarrhoea. It may be given in substance, infusion, tincture, or extract. 
 The dose of the powder is from thirty grains to a drachm ; of an infusion prepared 
 in the proportion of an ounce of the plant to a pint of boiling water, from two to 
 four fluidounces; of the aqueous extract from five to ten grains. In each case, 
 the dose should be repeated every two or three hours. W. 
 
 ERIGERON HETEROPHYLLUM. TJ.S. Secondary. 
 Yarious-leaved Fleabane. 
 
 The herb of Erigeron heterophyllum. U. S. 
 
 ERIGERON PIIILADELPHICUM. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Philadelphia Fleabane. 
 
 The herb of Erigeron Philadelphicum. U. S. 
 
 Erigeron. See ERIGERON CANADENSE. 
 
PART I. 
 
 331 
 
 Erigeron Philadelphicum. — Eryngiu m. 
 
 1. Erigeron heterophyllum. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 1956; Barton, Am. Med. 
 Bot. i. 231. — E. annuum. Persoon, Syn. ii. 481 ; Torrey and Gray, Flor. of N. 
 4m. ii. 175. This is a biennial herbaceous plant, belonging both to North America 
 t nd Europe. It has a branching root, from which proceed several erect, roundish, 
 itriated, pubescent stems, much divided near the top, and rising two or three feet 
 n height. The lower leaves are ovate, acute, deeply toothed, and supported upon 
 eng winged footstalks; the upper are lanceolate, acute, deeply serrate in the 
 niddle, and sessile; the floral leaves are lanceolate and entire; all, except those 
 'rom the root, are ciliate at the base. The flowers are in terminal corymbs. The 
 iorets of the disk are yellow; those of the ray numerous, very slender, and of a 
 vhite, pale-blue, or pale-purple colour. The flowering period is from June P 
 )ctober. 
 
 Erigeron Philadelphicum. Barton, Med. Bot. i. 227. — E. strigosum. Willd. 
 Sp. Plant, iii. 1956; Torrey and Gray, Flor. of N. Am. ii. 176. The Phila- 
 lelphia fleabane is perennial and herbaceous, with a branching yellowish root, and 
 rom one to five erect stems, which rise two or three feet in height, and are much 
 )ranched at top. The whole plant is pubescent. The lower leaves are ovate- 
 anceolate, nearly obtuse, ciliate on the margin, entire or marked with a few ser- 
 atures, and supported on very long footstalks; the upper are narrow, oblong, 
 emewhat wedge-shaped, obtuse, entire, sessile, and slightly embrace the stem; 
 he floral leaves are small and lanceolate. The flowers are numerous, radiate, and 
 iisposed in a panicled corymb, with long peduncles bearing from one to three 
 lowers. They resemble those of the preceding species in colour, and make their 
 ppearance about the same period. 
 
 We include these two species under one head, because they grow together, pos- 
 ,ess identical medical properties, and are indiscriminately employed. They are 
 found in various parts of the United States, and abound in the fields about Phila- 
 elphia, where they are known and used under the common though inaccurate 
 ame of scabious. The whole herb is used, and should be collected while the 
 lants are in flower. It has a feebly aromatic odour, and bitterish taste, and imparts 
 is properties to boiling water. 
 
 Medical Properties and. Uses. Fleabane is diuretic, without being offensive to 
 he stomach. It has been a favourite remedy with some highly respectable pract- 
 itioners of Philadelphia in gravel and other nephritic diseases, and has been 
 mployed with advantage in dropsy. By the late Dr. Wistar it was recommended 
 i hydrothorax complicated with gout. It cannot be relied on for the cure of 
 ii’opsy; but may be employed as an adjuvant to more efficient medicines. It is 
 post conveniently administered in infusion or decoction, of which a pint, containing 
 he virtues of an ounce of the herb, may be given in twenty-four hours. W. 
 
 ERYNGIUM. TJ.S. Secondary. 
 
 Button Snakeroot. 
 
 The root of Eryngium aquaticum. U. S. 
 
 Eryngium. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Apiaceae or Um- 
 elliferae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Flowers capitate. Involucrum many-leaved. Proper Calyx five- 
 arted, superior, persistent. Corolla of five petals. Receptacle foliaceous, segments 
 Aute or cuspidate. Fruit bipartite. Nuttcdl. 
 
 Eryngium aquaticum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1357. The button snalceroot or 
 ater eryngo is an indigenous herbaceous plant, with a perennial tuberous root, 
 'ad a stem two or three feet high, sometimes, according to Pursh, six feet, gene- 
 tlly branching by forks, but trichotomous above. The leaves are very long, 
 
332 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Eryngium. — Erythronium. — Eupatorium. 
 
 linear-lanceolate on the upper part of the stem, sword-shaped below, with bristly 
 spines at distant intervals upon their margin. The floral leaves are lanceolate 
 and dentate. The flowers are white or pale, and disposed in globose heads, with 
 the leaflets of the involucrum shorter than the head, and, like the scales of the 
 receptacle, entire. This plant is found in low wet places, from Virginia to Carolina. 
 Its period of flowering is August. 
 
 The root, which is the medicinal portion, has a bitter, pungent, aromatic taste, 
 provoking, when chewed, a flow of saliva. It is diaphoretic, expectorant, in large 
 doses occasionally emetic; and is used by some physicians in decoction as a sub- 
 stitute for seneka. {Bigelow.) We are told in Barton’s Collections, that it is 
 nearly allied to the contrayerva of the shops. W. 
 
 ERYTHRONIUM. US. Secondary. 
 
 Erythronium. 
 
 The root and herb of Erythronium Americanum. U. S. 
 
 Erythronium. Sex. Syst. Hexandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx none. Corolla inferior, six-petalled; the three inner petals 
 with a callous prominence on each edge near the base. Bigelow. 
 
 Erythronium Americanum. Muhl. Catalogue, 84; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 
 iii. 151. — E. lanceolatum. Pursh, p. 230. This is an indigenous perojmial bulbous 
 plant, sometimes called, after the European species, dog’s tooth violet. The bulb 
 (cormus), which is brown externally, white and solid within, sends up a single 
 naked slender flower stem, and two smooth, lanceolate, nearly equal leaves, sheath- 
 ing at their base, with an obtuse callous point, and of a brownish-green colour 
 diversified by numerous irregular spots. The flower is solitary, nodding, yellow, 
 with oblong-lanceolate petals obtuse at the point, a club-shaped undivided style, 
 and a three-lobed stigma. 
 
 The Erythronium grows in woods and other shady places throughout the 
 Northern and Middle States. It flowers in the latter part of April or early in 
 May. All parts of it are active. 
 
 Iu the dose of twenty or thirty grains, the recent bulb acts as an emetic. The 
 leaves are said to be more powerful. The activity of the plant is diminished by 
 drying. So far as we are at present acquainted with its virtues, it may be con- 
 sidered a useless addition to the Materia Medica. W.,. 
 
 EUPATORIUM. US. 
 
 Thoroughwort. 
 
 The tops and leaves of Eupatorium perfoliatum/ U. S. 
 
 Eupatorium. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia TEqualis. — Nat. Ord. Compositae- 
 Eupatoriaceae, Be Cand. Asteraceas, Bindley. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx simple or imbricate, oblong. Style long and semi-bifld. Re- 
 ceptacle naked. Pappus pilose, or more commonly scabrous. Seed smooth and 
 glandular, quinquestriate. Nuttall. 
 
 Of this numerous genus, comprising not less than thirty species within the 
 limits of the United States, most of which probably possess analogous medical 
 properties, E. perfoliatum alone now holds a place in our national Pharmacopoeia. 
 E. purpureum and E. teucrifolium were originally in the Secondary List, but 
 were discarded at the revision of 1840. They merit, however, a brief notice here, 
 if only from their former officinal rank. 
 
 Eupatorium purpureum, or gravel root, is a perennial herbaceous plant, with 
 
/ 
 
 part i. Eupatorium. 833 
 
 i purple stem, five or six feet in height, and furnished with ovate-lanceolate, 
 serrate, rugosely veined, slightly scabrous, petiolate leaves, placed four or five 
 Jogether in the form of whorls. The flowers are purple, and consist of numerous 
 lorets contained in an eight-leaved calyx. It grows in swamps and other low 
 grounds, from Canada to Virginia, and flowers in August and September. The 
 •oot has, according to Dr. Bigelow, a bitter, aromatic, and astringent taste, and 
 s said to operate as a diuretic. Its vulgar name of gravel root indicates the 
 Popular estimation of its virtues. 
 
 j Eupatorium teucrifolium (Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 1753), E. pilosum (Walt. 
 Flor. Car. 199), E. verbensefolium (Mich. Flor. Am. ii. 98), commonly called 
 did horehound, is also an indigenous perennial, wdth an herbaceous stem, which 
 s about two feet high, and supports sessile, distinct, ovate, acute, scabrous leaves, 
 if which the lower are coarsely serrate at the base, the uppermost entire. The 
 lowers are small, white, com'posed of five florets within each calyx, and arranged 
 n the form of a corymb. The plant grows in low wet places from New England 
 o Georgia, and is abundant in the Southern States. It is in flower from August 
 o November. The whole herb is employed. In sensible properties it corre- 
 ponds with E. perfoliatum, though less bitter and disagreeable. It is said to 
 ie tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, and aperient; and in the South has been much 
 mployed as a domestic remedy in intermittent and remittent fevers. Dr. Jones, 
 brmerly president of the Georgia Medical Society, was the first to make its pro- 
 jerties known to the profession. It is usually administered infused in water. 
 )ne quart of the infusion, containing the virtues of an ounce of the plant, may 
 e given in separate portions during the day. 
 
 E. Cannabinum, of Europe, the root of which was formerly used as a pur- 
 ative, and E. Aya-pana, of Brazil, the leaves of which at one time enjoyed a 
 ery high reputation, have fallen into entire neglect. The Aya-pana is an 
 romatic bitter, like E. perfoliatum, but weaker. 
 
 Eupatorium perfoliatum. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 1761; Bigelow, Am. Med. 
 >ot. i. 33 ; Barton, Med. Bot. ii. 125. Thoroughicort, or boneset, is an indige- 
 ious perennial plant, with numerous herbaceous stems, which are erect, round, 
 airy, from two to five feet high, simple below, and trichotomously branched 
 bar the summit. The leaves serve to distinguish the species at the first glance- 
 hey may be considered either as perforated by the stem, perfoliate, or as con- 
 sting each of two leaves joined at the base, connate. Considered in the latter 
 fint of view, they are opposite and in pairs, which decussate each other at 
 gular distances upon the stem ; in other words, the direction of each pair is at 
 ght angles with that of the pair immediately above or beneath it. They are 
 arrow in proportion to their length, broadest at the base where they coalesce, 
 ■adually tapering to a point, serrate, much wrinkled, paler on the under than 
 ie upper surface, and beset wdth whitish hairs which give them a grayish-green 
 lour. The uppermost pairs are sessile, not joined at the base. The flowers 
 e white, numerous, supported on hairy peduncles, in dense corymbs, which 
 rm a flattened summit. The calyx, which is cylindrical and composed of ind- 
 icated, lanceolate, hairy scales, encloses from twelve to fifteen tubular florets, 
 tving their border divided into five spreading segments. The anthers are five, 
 ack, and united into a tube, through which the bifid filiform style projects 
 ■ove the flower. 
 
 This species of Eupatorium inhabits meadows, the banks of streams, and other 
 pist places, growing generally in bunches, and abounding in almost all parts 
 the United States. It flowers from the middle of summer to the end of 
 jstober. All parts of it are active ; but the herb only is officinal. 
 
 It has a faint odour, and a strongly bitter somewhat peculiar taste. The vir- 
 es of the plant are readily imparted to water and alcohol. Mr. W. Peterson 
 
334 
 
 PART I 
 
 Eupatorium. — Euphorbia Corollata. 
 
 found it to contain a peculiar bitter principle, chlorophylle, resin, a crystalline 
 matter of undetermined character, gum, tannin, yellow colouring matter, ex 
 tractive, lignin, and salts. (Am. Journ. of P harm., xxiii. 210.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Thoroughwort is tonic, diaphoretic, and in largt 
 doses emetic and aperient. It is said to have been employed by the Indians ii 
 intermittent fever, and has proved successful in the hands of several regulai 
 practitioners. The general experience, however, is not in its favour in tha 
 complaint. We have seen it effectual in arresting intermittents when giver 
 freely in warm decoction, immediately before the expected recurrence of the 
 paroxysm ; but it operated in this instance by its emetic rather than its ton! 
 power. The medicine has also been used as a tonic and diaphoretic in remittee- 
 and typhoid fevers, and is said to have been productive of advantage in yellov 
 fever. Given in warm infusion, so as to produce vomiting or copious perspira- 
 tion, at the commencement of catarrh, it will frequently arrest that complaint 
 and has been especially recommended in the treatment of influenza. It ha: 
 also been recommended as a diaphoretic in acute rheumatism ; and may prove 
 serviceable in the absence of high arterial excitement. As a tonic it is give: 
 with advantage in dyspepsia, general debility, and other eases in which the 
 simple bitters are employed. 
 
 With a view to its tonic effects, it is best administered in substance, or ir 
 cold infusion. The dose of the powder is twenty or thirty grains, that of the 
 infusion a fluidounce, frequently repeated. (See Infusum Eupatorii.) Tbt 
 aqueous extract has been used with advantage. When the diaphoretic operation 
 is required in addition to the tonic, the infusion should be administered warm 
 and the patient remain covered in bed. As an emetic and cathartic, a strom 
 decoction, prepared by boiling an ounce with three half pints of water to a pint 
 may be given in doses of one or two gills, or more. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Eupatorii. W. 
 
 EUPHORBIA COROLLATA. U. S. Secondary. 
 Large-flowering Spurge. 
 
 The root of Euphorbia corollata. U. S. 
 
 Euphorbia. Sex. Syst. Dodec-andria Trigynia, Linn.; Monoecia Monadel 
 phia, Michaux. — Nut. Orel. Euphorbiaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Involucrum caliciform, eight to ten toothed, exterior alternate dent 
 ures glanduloid or petaloid. Stamina indefinite, twelve or more, rarely less 
 filaments articulated. Receptacle squamose. Female flower solitary, stipitate 
 naked. Capsule three-grained. Nuttall. 
 
 In the flower of the Euphorbias, the stamina are arranged two or more to 
 gether, in distinct parcels, which correspond in number with the inner segment 
 of the calyx. These parcels were considered by Michaux as distinct male florets 
 while the central stipitate germ, with its three bifid styles, was considered as 
 distinct female floret, and the calyx took the name of an involucre. He at 
 cordingly placed the genus in the class and order Monoecia Monadelphia, an 
 in this respect has been followed by most American botanists. The genu 
 Euphorbia contains numerous species, which have the common property c 
 yielding a milky juice. They are herbaceous or shrubby, with or without leaves 
 and the leafless species, which are chiefly confined to the African deserts, kav 
 fleshy, naked, or spiny stems, resembling the genus Cactus. They nearly a 
 afford products which act powerfully as emetics and cathartics, and in over-dose 
 give rise to dangerous if not fatal prostration, with symptoms of inflamed gastn 
 intestinal mucous membrane. Their milky juice, which concretes on exposur 
 
part I. Euphorbia Corollata. 335 
 
 to the air, usually possesses these properties in a high degree, and, in addition, 
 that of powerfully irritating the skin when externally applied. Two species 
 only are acknowledged in our national Pharmacopoeia, E. corollata and E. Ipeca- 
 cuanha, which are both indigenous. E. hyperici folia, which is also indigenous, 
 has been very highly commended as a remedy in dysentery after due depletion, 
 diarrhoea, menorrhagia, and leucorrhcea, by Dr. W. Zollickoffer. He infuses half 
 an ounce of the dried leaves in a pint of boiling water, and gives half a fluidounc-e 
 every hour in dysentery till the symptoms begin to yield, the same quantity 
 after every evacuation in diarrhoea., and two fluidounees, morning, noon, and 
 night, in menorrhagia and fluor albus. The herb, according to Dr. Zollickoffer, 
 is at first sweetish, afterwards harsh and astringent to the taste, and from his ex- 
 periments appears to contain tannin. Its effects upon the system are those of an 
 astringent and feeble narcotic. It differs, therefore, considerably, both in sen- 
 sible and medicinal properties, from most of the other species. (Am. Journ. of the 
 Med ■ Sciences, xi. 2*2.) In a subsequent communication by the same author, it 
 j|s stated that E. maculata possesses similar properties. (Ibid., JM. S., iii. 1*25.) 
 
 Euphorbia corollata. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 916; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. iii. 
 119. The blooming or large-flowering spurge, frequently called milk-weed, is a 
 all erect plant, with a large, perennial, branching, yellowish root, which sends 
 ap several stems from two to five feet in height, round and generally simple. 
 The leaves, which stand irregularly upon the stem, and without foot-stalks, are 
 tblong-obovate, wedge-form or linear, flat or revolute at the margin, smooth in 
 some plants, and hairy in others. The flowers are disposed upon a large terminal 
 imbel, with a five-leaved involucrum, and five trifid and dichotomous rays, at 
 :ach fork of which are two oblong bractes. The calyx is large, rotate, white, 
 yit-h five obtuse segments closely resembling a corolla, from which the species 
 ias been named. At the base of these divisions are five interior smaller seg- 
 ments, which are described as nectaries by many systematic writers, while the 
 irger are considered as belonging to a real corolla. The stamens are twelve, 
 volving gradually, with double anthers. Many flowers have only stamens. The 
 listil, when existing, is stipitate, nodding, rounded, with three bifid styles. The 
 ruit is a smooth, three-celled, three-seeded capsule. 
 
 The plant grows in various parts of the United States, from Canada to Florida, 
 nd abounds in Western Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. It prefers a 
 ry, barren, and sandy soil, seldom growing in woods or on the borders of streams, 
 ts flowers appear in July and August. The root is the only part used. 
 
 This, when full grown, is sometimes an inch in thickness, and two feet in 
 ■ngth. It is without unpleasant taste, producing only a sense of heat a short 
 me after it has been taken. The medical virtues are said to reside in the eortic-al 
 ortion, which is thick, and constitutes two-thirds of the whole root. They are 
 ken up by water and alcohol, and remain in the extract formed by the evapo- 
 ttion of the decoction or tincture. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. In a full dose, the root of E. corollata operates 
 ptively and with sufficient certainty as an emetic, producing ordinarily several 
 scharges from the stomach, and not unfrequently acting with considerable en- 
 gy upon the bowels. In quantities insufficient to vomit, it excites nausea, 
 :inost always followed by brisk purging. In still smaller doses it is diaphoretic 
 iid expectorant. It cannot, however, like ipecacuanha, be given largely in cases 
 insensibility of stomach, without endangering hypercatharsis with inflamma- 
 i)n of the mucous coat of the stomach and bowels. It is in fact greatly inferior 
 this emetic in mildness, while it is no less inferior to the tartarized antimony 
 certainty. It is objectionable as a purge, in consequence of the nausea which 
 occasions, when given in cathartic doses. Dr. Zollickoffer was the first to in- 
 duce it to the particular notice of the medical profession. It is little prescribed, 
 
386 Euphorbia Corollata. — Euphorbia Ipecacuanha. part i. 
 
 and seldom kept in the shops. The dose of the dried root as an emetic is from 
 ten to twenty grains, as a cathartic from three to ten grains. The recent root, 
 bruised and applied to the skin, produces vesication. W. 
 
 EUPHORBIA IPECACUANHA. JJ.S. Secondary. 
 Ipecacuanha Spurge. 
 
 The root of Euphorbia Ipecacuanha. U. S. 
 
 Euphorbia. See EUPHORBIA COROLLATA. 
 
 Euphorbia Ipecacuanha. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 900 ; Barton, Med. Bot. i. 211 ; 
 Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. iii. 108. Ipecacuanha spurge, or, as it is sometimes 
 called, American ipecacuanha, is a singular plant, varying so much in the shape 
 and colour of its leaves, and in its whole aspect, that mere individual peculiari- 
 ties might without care be attributed to a specific difference. The root is peren- 
 nial, yellowish, irregular and very large, penetrating sometimes to the depth of 
 six or seven feet in the sand, and in its thickest part, when full grown, from 
 three-quarters of an inch to an inch and a half in diameter. The stems are 
 numerous, herbaceous, erect or procumbent, smooth, dichotomous, jointed at the 
 forks, white under the ground, red, pale-green, or yellow above, sometimes almost 
 buried in the sand, usually forming thick low bunches upon its surface. The 
 leaves are opposite, sessile, entire, smooth, generally oval, but sometimes round, 
 obovate, or even lanceolate, or linear. They are small early in the spring, and 
 increase in size with the age of the plant. Their colour varies from green to 
 crimson. The flowers are solitary, on long axillary peduncles. The calyx is 
 spreading, with five exterior obtuse segments, and the same number of inner, 
 smaller segments. The fertile flowers have a roundish, drooping, pedicelled 
 germ, crowned with six revolute stigmas. The capsule is three-celled, and con- 
 tains three seeds. 
 
 E. Ipecacuanha is indigenous, growing in pine barrens and other sandy places 
 in the Middle and Southern States, especially along the sea-board, and abund- 
 antly in New Jersey, on the banks of the Delaware. It blooms from May to 
 August. The root, which is the officinal portion, is, according to Dr. Barton, 
 equally efficacious at whatever period collected. 
 
 The dried root is light and brittle, of a grayish colour externally, white within 
 inodorous, and of a sweetish not unpleasant taste. Its active principle has nol 
 been isolated. Dr. Bigelow inferred from his experiments that it eontaiue: 
 caoutchouc, resin, gum, and probably starch. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Ipecacuanha spurge is an energetic, tolerabh 
 certain emetic, rather milder than E. Corollata, but like it, disposed to act upoi 
 the bowels, and liable, if given in over-doses, to produce excessive nausea anc 
 vomiting, general prostration, and alarming hypercatharsis. It is. therefore 
 unfit to supersede ipecacuanha. In small doses it is diaphoretic. The specif' 
 name of the plant indicates that the emetic property of the root has been Ion: 
 known. The late Professor Barton alludes to it in his “Collections;” but it di< 
 not come into general notice till after the publication of Dr. IV. P. C. Barton' 
 Medical Botany. The late Dr. Ilewson, of Philadelphia, informed us, that thi 
 emetic was the subject of an inaugural essay by Dr. Royal, and that experiment; 
 conducted with it among the convicts in the IValnut Street prison, proved it t 
 be advantageously available for all the purposes of an emetic; while, in cons; 
 quence of its want of nauseous taste, it seemed to answer even better than ipt 
 caeuauha as an expectorant and diaphoretic. The dose of the powdered root : 
 from ten to fifteen grains. W. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Euphorbium. 
 
 337 
 
 EUPHORBIUM. Ed. 
 
 Euphorbium. 
 
 Concrete resinous juice of undetermined species of Euphorbia. Ed. 
 
 Euphorbe, Fr.; Euphorbium, Germ..; Euforbio, Ital., Span. 
 
 Euphorbia. See EUPHORBIA COROLLATA. 
 
 Euphorbium is obtained from one or more species of Euphorbia ; but its precise 
 source is somewhat uncertain. It has been ascribed to E. offcinarum, growing 
 in the North of Africa and at the Cape of Good Hope, E. canariensis, a native 
 of the Canary Islands and Western Africa, and E. antiquorum, inhabiting Egypt, 
 Arabia, and the East Indies, and supposed to be the plant from which the an- 
 cients derived this resinous product. These species of Euphorbia bear a consider- 
 able resemblance in their general form to the Cactus, having leafless, jointed, 
 angular stems, divided into branches of a similar structure, and furnished with 
 double prickles at the angles. When wounded, they yield an acrid milky juice, 
 which concretes on the surface of the plant, and, being removed, constitutes the 
 euphorbium of commerce. 
 
 This occurs in the shape of tears, or in oblong or roundish masses, about the 
 size of a pea or larger, often forked, and perforated with one or two small conical 
 holes, produced by the prickles of the plant, around which the juice has concreted, 
 and w'hich. sometimes remain in the holes. The masses are occasionally large 
 ind mixed with impurities. The surface is dull and smooth, bearing some re- 
 semblance to that of tragacanth; the consistence somewhat friable; the colour 
 ight yellowish or reddish ; the odour scarcely perceptible; the taste at first slight, 
 out afterwards excessively acrid and burning. The colour of the powder is yel- 
 owish. The sp.gr. of euphorbium is 1T24. Triturated with water it renders 
 he liquid milky, and is partially dissolved. Alcohol dissolves a larger portion, 
 forming a yellowish tincture, which becomes milky on the addition of water, 
 jits constituents, according to Pelletier, are resin, wax, malate of lime, malate of 
 potassa, lignin, bassorin, volatile oil, and water. Braudes found caoutchouc. It 
 contains no soluble gum. The proportions of the ingredients are variously stated 
 )y different chemists, and probably vary in different specimens. The most 
 hundant is resin, and the remainder consists chiefly of wax and malate of lime. 
 The resin is excessively acrid, is soluble in alcohol, and, when exposed to heat, 
 melts, takes fire, and burns with a brilliant flame, diffusing an agreeable odour. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Euphorbium taken internally is emetic and 
 fathartic, often acting with great violence, and in large doses producing severe 
 •jastric pain, excessive heat in the throat, and symptoms of great prostration. In 
 consequence of the severity of its action, its internal use has been entirely aban- 
 loned. Applied to the mucous membrane of the nostrils, it excites violent 
 rritation, attended with incessant sneezing and sometimes bloody discharges, 
 ji’hey who powder it are under the necessity of guarding their eyes, nostrils, and 
 couth against the fine dust which rises. Largely diluted with wheat flour or 
 tarch, it may be used as an errhine in amaurosis, deafness, and other obstinate 
 flections of the head. Externally applied, it inflames the skin, often producing 
 esication; and on the continent of Europe is sometimes used as an ingredient 
 f epispastic preparations. It is employed in veterinary practice, with a view to 
 ,:s vesicating power. As an article of the materia medica, however, it might 
 ’ell be dispensed with. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acetum Cantharidis. W. 
 
 22 
 
338 
 
 Extr actum Cannabis. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 EXTRACTUM CANNABIS. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Extract of Hemp. 
 
 An alcoholic extract of the dried tops of Cannabis sativa, variety Indica. U. S. 
 Off. Syn. EXTRACTUM CANNABIS INDICiE. Cannabis Indica. The 
 extract. Dub. 
 
 Cannabis. Sex.Syst. Dioecia Pentandria. — Nat.Ord. Cannabinacese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Male. Calyx five parted. Stamens five. Female. Calyx one-leaved, 
 rolled up. Styles two. Lindley. 
 
 Cannabis sativa. Linn. Sp. Plant. 1457 ; Griffith, Med. Bot. p. 572. Herup 
 js an annual plant, from four to eight feet or more in height, with an erect, 
 branching, angular stem. The leaves are alternate or opposite, on long, lax 
 footstalks, roughish, and digitate with linear-lanceolate, serrated segments. The 
 stipules are subulate. The flowers are axillary; the male in long, branched, droop- 
 ing racemes; the female in erect simple spikes. The stamens are five, with long 
 pendulous anthers ; the pistils two, with long, filiform, glandular stigmas. The 
 fruit is ovate, and one-seeded. The whole plant is covered with a very fine pu- 
 bescence, scarcely visible to the naked eye, and is somewhat viscid to the touch. 
 The hemp growing in India, from which the medicine is derived, has been con- 
 sidered by some as a distinct species, and named Cannabis Indica; but the most 
 observant botanists, upon comparing it with our cultivated plant, have been 
 unable to discover any specific difference. It is now, therefore, regarded merely 
 as a variety, and is distinguished by the epithet Indica. Dr. Pereira states that, 
 in the female plant, the flowers are somewhat more crowded than in the common 
 hemp; but that, in comparing the male plants of the two varieties, he found them 
 in all respects the same. It is unfortunate that the name of Indian hemp has 
 been attached to the medicinal product; as, in the United States, the same name 
 has long been appropriated to Apocynum cannabinum; and some confusion has 
 hence arisen. 
 
 C. sativa is a native of the Caucasus, Persia, and the hilly regions in the North 
 of India. It is cultivated in many parts of Europe and Asia, and largely in our 
 Western States. It is from the Indian variety exclusively that the medicine is 
 obtained ; the heat of the climate in Hindostan apparently favouring the develop- 
 ment of its active principle. 
 
 The seeds, though not now officinal, have been used in medicine. They are 
 about the eighth of an inch long, roundish-ovate, somewhat compressed, of a shin- 
 ing ash-gray colour, inodorous, and of a disagreeable, oily, sweetish taste. They 
 yield by expression a considerable quantity of fixed oil, which has the drying pro- 
 perty, and is used in the arts. They contain also uncrystallizable sugar and 
 albumen, and when rubbed with water form an emulsion, which may be used ad- 
 vantageously in inflammations of the mucous membranes, though without narcotic 
 properties. They are much used as food for birds, which are fond of them. 
 
 In Hindostan, Persia, and other parts of the East, hemp has long been habitu- 
 ally employed as an intoxicating agent. The parts used are the tops of the plant, 
 and a resinous product obtained from it. The plant is cut after flowering, and 
 formed into bundles, about two feet long by three inches in diameter, which are 
 sold in the bazaars under the name of gunjah. The hashish of the Arabs is 
 essentially the same. The name bang is given to a mixture of the larger leaves 
 and capsules without the stems. There is on the surface of the plant a resinous 
 exudation to which it owes its clammy feel. Men clothed in leather run through 
 the hemp fields, brushing forcibly against the plants, and thus separating the 
 resin, which is subsequently scraped from their dress, and formed into balls. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Extr actum Cannabis. 
 
 339 
 
 These are called churrus. In these different states of preparation, the hemp is 
 smoked like tobacco, with which it is said to be frequently mixed. An infusion 
 or decoction of the plant is also sometimes used as an exhilarating drink. 
 
 The medicinal resin or extract of hemp, directed by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
 is made by evaporating a tincture of the dried tops. Dr. O’Shaugknessy directs 
 it to be prepared by boiling the tops of the gunjah in alcohol until all the resin 
 iis dissolved, and evaporating to dryness by means of a water-bath. Mr. Robert- 
 son, of the Calcutta Medical College, prepares it by passing the vapour of boiling 
 alcohol from the boiler of a still into the dried plant contained in a convenient 
 receptacle, and evaporating the condensed liquor by a heat not exceeding 150° F. 
 The Messrs. Smith, of Edinburgh, obtain a purer resin by the following process. 
 Bruised gunjah is digested, first in successive portions of warm water, till the 
 expressed liquid comes away colourless; and afterwards, for two days, with a 
 moderate heat, in a solution of carbonate of soda, containing one part of the salt 
 for two of the dried herb. It is then expressed, washed, dried, and exhausted 
 by percolation with alcohol. The tincture, after being agitated with milk of 
 lime containing one part of the earth for twelve of the gunjah used, is filtered ; 
 the lime is precipitated by sulphuric acid; the filtered liquor is agitated with 
 animal charcoal, and again filtered ; most of the alcohol is distilled off, and to 
 the residue twice its weight of water is added ; the liquid is then allowed to 
 evaporate gradually ; and, finally, the resin is washed with fresh water until it 
 ceases to impart a sour or bitter taste to the liquid, and is then dried in thin 
 layers. Thus obtaiued, it retains the odour and taste of the gunjah, of which 
 100 pounds yield 6 or 7 pounds of the extract. 
 
 The Dublin College purifies the commercial extract, by treating it with alco- 
 hol, allowing the dregs to subside, decanting the clear liquor, and evaporating, 
 by means of a water-bath, to the consistence of a soft extract. The preparation 
 is denominated “Extractum Cannabis Indices Purificatum.” From this 
 the College prepares a tincture. (See Tinctura Cannabis Indicse .) 
 
 Properties. Fresh hemp has a peculiar narcotic odour, which is said to be 
 capable of producing vertigo, headache, and a species of intoxication. It is much 
 less in the dried tops, which have a feeble bitterish taste. According to Dr. 
 Royle, the churrus is when pure of a blackish-gray, blackish-green, or dirty^ olive 
 colour, of a fragrant and narcotic odour, and a slightly warm, bitterish, and acrid 
 taste. Schlesinger found in the leaves a bitter substance, chlorophylle, green 
 resinous extractive, colouring matter, gummy extract, extractive, albumen, lignin, 
 and salts. The plant also contains volatile oil in very small proportion. The 
 resin is probably the active principle, and has received the name of cannabin. 
 It is soluble in alcohol and ether, and is separated from the alcoholic solution 
 by water, as a white precipitate. Its taste is warm, bitterish, acrid, somewhat 
 balsamic, and its odour fragrant, especially when heated. It is not possessed of 
 acid properties. ' 
 
 Medical Properties. Extract of hemp is a powerful narcotic, causing exhila- 
 ration, intoxication, delirious hallucinations, and, in its subsequent action, drow- 
 siness and stupor, with little effect upon the circulation. It is asserted also to 
 act as a decided aphrodisiac, to increase the appetite, and occasionally to induce 
 he cataleptic state. In morbid states of the system, it has been found to pro- 
 luce sleep, to allay spasm, to compose nervous inquietude, and to relieve pain, 
 fn these respects it resembles opium in its operation ; but it differs from that 
 larcotic in not diminishing the appetite, checking the secretions, or constipating 
 he bowels. It is much less certain in its effects; but may sometimes be pre- 
 erably employed, when opium is contraindicated by its nauseating or constipating 
 :ffects, or its disposition to produce headache, and to check the bronchial secre- 
 .ion. The complaints in which it has been specially recommended are neuralgia, 
 
340 jE 'xtractum Cannabis. — Extractum Glycyrrhizae. part i. 
 
 gout, rheumatism, tetanus, hydrophobia, epidemic cholera, convulsions, chorea, 
 hysteria, mental depression, insanity, and uterine hemorrhage. Dr. Alexander 
 Christison, of Edinburgh, has found it to have the property of hastening and 
 increasing the contractions of the uterus in delivery, and has employed it with 
 advantage for this purpose. It acts very quickly, and without anaesthetic effect. 
 It appears, however, to exert this influence only in a certain proportion of cases. 
 {Ed. Month. Journ. of Med. Sci . , xiii. 117, and xv. 124.) The strength of the 
 extract varies much as found in commerce; and therefore no definite dose can 
 be fixed. When it is of good quality half a grain or a grain will affect the sys- 
 tem. The Messrs. Smith found two-thirds of a grain of their extract to produce 
 powerful narcotic effects. In some instances it will be necessary to give as much 
 as ten or twelve grains of the extract; and half an ounce of it has been taken 
 without sensible effect. The proper plan is to begin with a grain, repeated at 
 intervals of two, three, or four hours, and gradually increased until its influence 
 is felt, and the strength of the parcel employed is thus ascertained. A tincture 
 is prepared by dissolving six drachms of the extract in a pint of alcohol. The 
 dose of this, equivalent to a grain of the extract, is about twenty minims, or 
 forty drops. Dr. O’Shaughnessy gave ten drops every half hour in cholera, and 
 a fluidraehm every half hour in tetanus. As the resin is precipitated by water, 
 the tincture should be administered in mucilage or sweetened water. Alarming 
 effects have been produced by over-doses. W. 
 
 EXTRACTUM GLYCYRRHIZAE. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Liquorice. 
 
 The extract of the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. U.S. 
 
 Extrait de reglisse, Ft.; Siissholzsaft, Germ.; Sugo di liquirizia, Ilal.; Regaliza en 
 bollos, Span. 
 
 For an account of glycyrrhiza glabra , see article GLYCYRRHIZA. 
 
 The British Colleges give directions for preparing this extract ; but, as it is 
 seldom made in this country, it is very properly placed, in the U. S. Pharma- 
 copoeia, in the catalogue of the Materia Medica. 
 
 Liquorice is an article of export from the North of Spain, particularly Cata- 
 lonia, where it is obtained in the following manner. The roots of the G. glabra, 
 having been dug up, thoroughly cleansed, and half dried by exposure to the air, 
 are cut into small pieces, and boiled in water till the liquid is saturated. The 
 decoction is then allowed to rest, and, after the dregs have subsided, is decanted, 
 and evaporated to the proper consistence. The extract thus prepared is formed 
 into rolls from five to six inches long by an inch in diameter, which are dried 
 in the air, and wrapped in laurel leaves. 
 
 Much liquorice is also prepared in Calabria, according to M. Fee, from the 
 G. echinata which abounds in that country. The process is essentially the same 
 as that just described, but conducted with greater care; and the Italian liquorice 
 is purer and more valuable than the Spanish. We have been informed that 
 most of the extract brought to this country comes from the ports of Leghorn and 
 Messina. It is in cylinders generally somewhat smaller than the Spanish, and 
 sometimes stamped with the manufacturer’s name.* 
 
 Crude liquorice is in cylindrical rolls, somewhat flattened, and often covered 
 with bay leaves. We have seen it in the Loudon market in large cubical masses. 
 When good, it is very black, dry, brittle, breaking with a shining fracture, of a 
 
 * We have been informed that a very good extract is prepared in New York. as black 
 as the imported, but less dry and hard, more soluble in water, and having more of the 
 taste of the root . — Note to the ninth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Extraction Grlycyrrhizse. — Farina. 
 
 341 
 
 very sweet, peculiar, slightly acrid or bitterish taste, and almost entirely soluble 
 in water. It is frequently, however, very impure, either from adulteration or 
 improper preparation. Starch, sand, the juice of prunes, &c., are sometimes 
 added; and carbonaceous matter, and even particles of copper are found in it, 
 the latter arising from the boilers in which the decoction is evaporated. Four 
 pounds of the extract have yielded two drachms and a half of metallic copper. 
 (Fee.) It is rarely quite soluble in water. Neumann obtained 460 parts of 
 watery extract from 480 of Spanish liquorice. A bitter and empyreumatic taste 
 are signs of inferior quality. Before being used internally it generally requires 
 to be purified. 
 
 The refined liquorice , kept in the shops in small cylindrical pieces not thicker 
 than a pipe stem, is prepared by dissolving the impure extract in water without 
 boiling, straining the solution, and evaporating. The object of this process is 
 to separate not only the insoluble impurities, but also the acrid oleo-resinous 
 substance, which is extracted by long boiling from the liquorice root, and is ne- 
 cessarily mixed with the unrefined extract. It is customary to add during the 
 process a portion of sugar, and sometimes perhaps mucilage or glue; and flour 
 or starch is a frequent adulteration. The preparation is sometimes attacked by 
 small worms, probably in consequence of the farinaceous additions. Excellent 
 liquorice is prepared, in some parts of England, from the root cultivated in that 
 country. The Pontefract cakes are small lozenges of liquorice of a very superior 
 quality, made in the vicinity of Pomfret. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Liquorice is a useful demulcent, much employed 
 as an addition to cough mixtures, and frequently added to infusions or decoctions, 
 in order to cover the taste or obtund the acrimony of the principal medicine. A 
 piece of it held in the mouth and allowed slowly to dissolve, is often fouud to allay 
 cough by sheathing the irritated membrane of the fauces. It is used in pharmacy 
 to impart consistence to pills and troches, and to modify the taste of other medi- 
 cines. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoetum Aloes Compositum; Mistura Glycyrrhizae Composita; Pi- 
 lulae Aloes cum Sapone; Tinctura Aloes ; Tinctura Rhei et Sennas; Troehisci 
 Glycyrrhizae; Troehisci Glycyrrhizae et Opii; Troehisci Lactucarii. W. 
 
 FARINA. LoncL, Ed., Dub. 
 
 Wheat Flour. 
 
 Triticum vulgare. The flour of the seed. Land., Ed. Triticum asstivum. The 
 flour from the seeds. Dub. 
 
 Farine de froment, Fr.; Waizenmelil, Germ.; Farina di frumento, Ital.; Flor del trigo, 
 Acemite, Span. ^ t 
 
 Triticum. Sex.Syst. Triandria Digynia. — Nat.Ord. Graminaceae. 
 
 Gen.Ch. Calyx two-valved, solitary, transverse, many-flowered, on a flexu- 
 ose, toothed receptacle. Rees’s Cyclopaedia. 
 
 Triticum hybernum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 477. — T. vulgare , var. /3. hybernum. 
 Kunth, Gramin. 438. The common winter wheat has a fibrous root, and one 
 or more erect, round, smooth, jointed stems, which rise from three to five feet 
 in height, and are furnished with linear, pointed, entire, flat, many-ribbed, rough, 
 somewhat glaucous leaves, and jagged bearded stipules. The flowers are in a 
 solitary, terminal, dense, smooth spike, two or three inches long. The calyx 
 s four-flowered, tumid, imbricated, abrupt, with a short compressed point. In 
 he upper part of the spike it is more elongated; and in this situation the 
 liorolla is more or less awned. The grain is imbricated in four rows. 
 
 The native country of wheat is unknown; but its cultivation is supposed to 
 
342 
 
 Farina. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 have spread from Sicily over Europe. It is now an object of culture in almost all 
 countries which enjoy a temperate climate. Sown in the autumn, it stands the 
 winter, and ripens its seeds in the following summer. Numerous varieties have 
 been produced by cultivation, some of which are usually described as distinct 
 species. Among these may perhaps be ranked T. sestivum , or spring wheat, dis- 
 tinguished by its long beards, and T. compositum, or Egyptian wheat, by its 
 compound spikes. The seeds are too well known to need description. They 
 are prepared for use by grinding and sifting, by which the interior farinaceous 
 part is separated from the husk. The former is divided according to its fineness 
 into different portions, but so far as regards its medical relations may be con- 
 sidered under one head, that of farina or flour. The latter is called bran , and 
 constitutes from 25 to 33 per cent. 
 
 Flour is white, inodorous, and nearly insipid. Its chief constituents are starch, 
 gluten, albumen, saccharine matter, and gum, the proportions of which are by no 
 means constant. Yauquelin obtained, as an average product, from eight varie- 
 ties of Hour which lie examined, 10'25 per cent, of water, 10'80 of gluten (in- 
 cluding coagulated albumen), 68'08 of starch, 5'61 of sugar, and 411 of gum. 
 According to Christison, subsequent experiments have given an average of 16 or 
 17 per cent, of gluten and albumen. The ashes of wheat, which amount only 
 to about 0'15 per cent., contain, according to Henry, superphosphates of soda, 
 lime, and magnesia. The gummy substance found in wheat flour is not pre- 
 cisely identical with ordinary gum; as it contains nitrogen, and does not yield 
 mucic acid by the action of nitric acid. The starch, which is by far the most 
 abundant ingredient, is much employed in a separate state. (See Amylumi) The 
 gluten, however, is not less important; as it is to the large proportion of this 
 principle in wheat flour, that it owes its superiority over that from other grains 
 for the preparation of bread. The gluten here alluded to is the substance first 
 noticed as a distinct principle by Beccaria. It is the soft viscid fibrous mass 
 which remains, when wheat flour, enclosed in a linen bag, is exposed to the action 
 of a stream of water, and at the same time pressed with the fingers till the liquor 
 comes away colourless. But this has been ascertained to consist, in fact, of two 
 different substances. When boiled in alcohol, one portion of it is dissolved, while 
 another remains unaffected. Einhof ascertained that the part of the glutinous 
 mass left behind by alcohol is identical with vegetable albumen , while the dis- 
 solved portion only is strictly entitled to the name of gluten, which had been pre- 
 viously applied to the whole mass. As these two principles are contained in 
 numerous vegetable products, and aa they are frequently referred to in this work, 
 it is proper that they should be briefly noticed. They both coutaiu nitrogen, 
 and both, when left to themselves in a moist state, undergo putrefaction. From 
 these circumstances, and from their close resemblance to certain proximate animal 
 principles in chemical habitudes and relations, they are sometimes called, in works 
 on chemistry, vegeto-animal substances. They are separated from each other by 
 boiling the gluten of Beccaria, above referred to, with successive portions of alco- 
 hol, till the liquid, filtered while yet hot, ceases to become turbid on cooling. The 
 proper gluten dissolves, aiid may be obtained by adding water to the solution, and 
 distilling off the alcohol. Large cohering flakes float in the liquor, which, when 
 removed, form a viscid elastic mass, consisting of the substance in question with 
 some slight impurity. The part left behind by the alcohol is coagulated albumen. 
 
 Pure gluten, now called vegetable fibrin, is a pale-yellow, adhesive, elastic sub- 
 stance, which, by drying, becomes of a deeper yellow colour and translucent. It 
 is almost insoluble in water, and quite insoluble iu ether, and in the oils both 
 fixed and volatile. Hot alcohol dissolves it much more readily than cold; and 
 from its solution in ordinary alcohol, at the boiling temperature, it is deposited 
 unchanged when the liquor cools. It is soluble in the dilute acids, and in caustic 
 
PART r. 
 
 Farina. 
 
 343 
 
 alkaline solutions, in consequence of forming soluble compounds with the acids 
 and alkalies. With the earths and metallic oxides it forms nearly insoluble com- 
 pounds, which are precipitated when the earthy or metallic salts are added to the 
 solution of gluten in liquid potassa. Corrosive sublimate precipitates it from its 
 acid as well as alkaline solutions, and, added in solution to moist gluten, forms 
 with it a compound, which, when dry, is hard, opaque, and incorruptible. Gluten 
 is also precipitated by infusion of galls. Its name originated in its adhesive pro- 
 perty. It exists in most of 'the farinaceous grains, and in the seeds of some 
 leguminous plants. 
 
 Vegetable albumen is destitute of adhesiveness, and, when dried, is opaque, and 
 of a white, gray, or brown colour. Before coagulation, it is soluble in water, but 
 insoluble in alcohol. By heat it coagulates and becomes insoluble in water. It 
 is dissolved by the solutions of the caustic alkalies. Most of the acids, if added 
 to its solution in excess, precipitate compounds of the acids respectively with the 
 albumen, which, though soluble in pure water, are insoluble in that liquid when 
 acidulated* It is not, however, precipitated by an excess of phosphoric or acetic 
 acid. Its relations to the earthy and metallic salts are similar to those of gluten. 
 Corrosive sublimate precipitates it from its solutions, except from those in phos- 
 phoric and acetic acids, and, when added in a state of solution to moist albumen, 
 forms with it a hard, opaque compound. It is also precipitated by infusion of 
 galls. This principle derived its name from its very close resemblance to animal 
 albumen. It is associated with gluten in most of the farinaceous grains, is a con- 
 stituent of all the seeds which form a milky emulsion with water, and exists in 
 all the vegetable juices which coagulate by heat. 
 
 The mixture of vegetable fibrin and albumen which constitutes the gluten of 
 Becc-aria, exercises an important influence over starch, which, with the presence 
 of water and the aid of a moderate heat, it converts partly into gum and partly 
 into sugar. The production of saccharine matter in the germination of seeds, and 
 in the formation of malt, which is an example of germination, is thus accounted 
 for. The gluten itself becomes acid in the process, and loses the property of 
 reacting on starch. 
 
 It is now thought by many chemists that vegetable albumen is identical in all 
 respects with animal albumen, and the gluten of vegetables with animal fibrin; 
 and that both these principles, as well as another named casein, found also both 
 in the animal and vegetable kingdoms, consist of a principle named protein, com- 
 bined with a very small proportion of mineral substances, such as sulphur and 
 phosphorus. Protein consists of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; and 
 its formula, according to Liebig, is NgCJEI^Ou. It is procured by dissolving 
 any one of the substances above named in a strong solution of potassa, keeping 
 the solution for some time at a heat of 120°, and precipitating with acetic acid. 
 ( Turner’s Chemistry, 1th Land, edi) 
 
 It is scarcely necessary to state that bread is formed by making flour into a 
 paste with water, with the addition of yeast, setting it aside to ferment, and then 
 exposing it to the heat of an oven. The fermentation excited by the yeast is 
 accompanied with the extrication of carbonic acid gas, which, being retained by 
 the tenacity of the gluten, forms innumerable little cells throughout the mass, and 
 thus renders the bread light. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Wheat flour in its unaltered state is seldom 
 used in medicine. It is sometimes sprinkled on the skin in erysipelatous in- 
 flammation, and various itching or burning eruptions, particularly the nettle-rash ; 
 though rye flour is generally preferred for this purpose. 
 
 Bread is more employed. An infusion of toasted bread in water is a nutritive 
 Irink, well adapted to febrile complaints. Within our experience, no drink has 
 been found more grateful in such cases than this infusion, sweetened with a little 
 
344 
 
 Farina. — Ferrum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 molasses, and flavoured by lemon-juice. Boiled with milk, bread forms a good 
 emollient poultice, which may be improved by the addition of a little perfectly 
 fresh lard. Slices of it steeped in lead-water, or the crumb mixed with the fluid 
 and confined within gauze, afford a convenient mode of applying this preparation 
 to local inflammations. The crumb — micapanis — is, moreover, frequently used 
 to give bulk to minute doses of very active medicines, administered in the form 
 of pill. It should be recollected that it always contains common salt, which is 
 incompatible with certain substances, as, for example, .the nitrate of silver. 
 
 Bran is sometimes used in decoction, as a demulcent in catarrhal affections 
 and complaints of the bowels. When taken in substance, it is laxative, and may 
 be used with advantage to prevent costiveness. Bran bread, made from the 
 unsifted flour, forms an excellent laxative article of diet in some dyspeptic cases. 
 The action of the bran is probably mechanical, consisting in the irritation pro- 
 duced upon the mucous membrane of the bowels by its coarse particles. Bran 
 also forms an excellent demulcent bath. 
 
 Off. Prep. Cataplasma Fermenti. W. 
 
 FERRUM. 
 
 Iron. 
 
 Fer, Ft.; Eisen, Germ.; Ferro, Ital.; Hierro, Span. 
 
 Iron is the most abundant and useful of the metals, and so interwoven with 
 the wants of mankind, that the extent of its consumption by a nation may be 
 taken as an index of its progress in civilization. It is universally diffused through- 
 out nature, not only in the mineral kingdom, but also in vegetables and animals. 
 There are very few minerals in which traces of it may not be found, and it is an 
 essential constituent in many parts of animals, but particularly in the blood. It is 
 one of the few metals which are devoid of deleterious action on the animal economy. 
 
 Iron occurs, 1. native; 2. sulphuretted, forming magnetic and cubic pyrites; 
 3. oxidized, embracing the magnetic, specular, red, brown, and argillaceous oxides 
 of iron ; 4. in saline combination, forming the carbonate, sulphate, phosphate, and 
 arseniate of iron. Those minerals of iron which admit of being worked to ad- 
 vantage are called iron ores. These include the different native oxides, and the 
 carbonate (sparry iron). The best iron is obtained from those varieties of the 
 native oxide, usually called magnetic iron ore and specular iron ore. These occur 
 very abundantly in Sweden, and furnish the superior iron of that country. As 
 a general rule, those ores yield the best iron which occur in primitive formations. 
 
 Extraction. The mode of extracting iron from its ores varies somewhat with 
 the nature of the ore; but the general principles of the operation are the same 
 for all. The ore, previously broken into small pieces and roasted, is exposed to 
 the action of an intense heat, in contact with carbonaceous matter, such as char- 
 coal, coke, or anthracite, and in connexion with some flux, capable of fusing with 
 the impurities of the ore. The flux varies with the nature of the ore, and is 
 generally either limestone or clay; limestone being employed when the ore is 
 argillaceous, clay when it is calcareous. The flux, whatever it may be, enters 
 into fusion with the impurities, and forms what is called the slag; while the car- 
 bonaceous matter, acting on the oxide of iron, reduces it to the metallic state. 
 The reduced metal, from its density, occupies the lower part of the furnace, and 
 is protected from the action of the air by the melted slag which floats on its 
 surface. When the reduction is completed, the slag is allowed to run out by a 
 hole in the side of the furnace, and the melted metal by an aperture at its bottom ; 
 the latter being received into long triangular moulds, where it solidifies in masses, 
 known in commerce by the name of p>ig or cast iron. In this state the metal 
 
PART I. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 345 
 
 s brittle and far from being pure; as it contains carbon, silicon, phosphorus, sul- 
 )hur, and sometimes manganese. It is purified, and thus brought to the state of 
 nalleable iron, by being fused, and subjected, while stirred, to the action of a 
 urrent of air on its surface. By these means the carbon is nearly burnt out, 
 nd the other impurities are oxidized and made to rise to the surface as a slag. 
 Is the metal approaches to purity, it becomes tough and less liquid, and its pan- 
 icles agglutinate, so as to form semifused lumps, though the temperature of the 
 urnace continues the same. These lumps are then taken out of the furnace, and 
 heir particles, by means of ponderous hammers, moved by steam or water power, 
 re beaten together, so as to form one tenacious mass. The metal is finally rolled out 
 ato bars of a convenient size, when it constitutes the malleable iron of commerce. 
 
 Iron mines occur in most countries, but more particularly in northern ones, 
 in Spain, the principal mines furnish sparry iron, and the red and brown oxides, 
 'he chief iron ores of France are the sparry iron, and the specular, brown, and 
 rgillaceous oxides; of Germany, the sparry iron and brown oxide. The island 
 f Elba is celebrated for its rich and abundant specular iron ore. The ores which 
 irnish the celebrated Swedish iron have already been indicated. 
 
 In the United States iron is abundant. The principal ores that are worked are 
 ae magnetic, brown, and argillaceous oxides. They occur in the greatest abund- 
 oce in the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, 
 few York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The ores of the three last-mentioned 
 tates rival the best Swedish in quality. 
 
 Properties. Iron is a hard, malleable, very ductile and tenacious metal, of a 
 rayish-white colour and fibrous texture, and having a slightly styptic taste, and 
 sensible odour when rubbed. Its sp. gr. is about 7'7, and its fusing point very 
 igh. It possesses the magnetic and welding properties. It is combustible, and, 
 hen heated to wffiiteness, burns in atmospheric air, and with brilliant scintilla- 
 .ons in oxygen gas. At a red heat, its surface is converted into black oxide, and 
 common temperatures, by the combined agency of air and moisture, it becomes 
 ivered with a reddish matter, called rust, which consists of the hydrated sesqui- 
 :ide. It combines with all the non-metallic elements, except hydrogen and 
 trogen, and with most of the metals, its equivalent being 28. It forms three 
 incipal combinations with oxygen, a protoxide and sesquioxide, which, by their 
 lion, form the native black oxide, and a teroxide, possessing acid properties, 
 lied ferric acid. The protoxide is of a dark-blue colour, attracted by the magnet, 
 d spontaneously combustible in the air, being converted into sesquioxide. It 
 the base of green vitriol, and of the green salts of iron generally. It is very 
 one to absorb oxygen, and hence the salts which contain it are soon partially 
 averted, when in solution, into salts of the sesquioxide. It consists of one eq. 
 
 1 iron 28, and one of oxygen 8=36. The sesquioxide is readily obtained pure 
 dissolving iron in nitromuriatic acid, precipitating by ammonia, and igniting 
 e precipitate. It is of a red colour, not attracted by the magnet, and forms 
 fjfts, which for the most part have a reddish colour. It is composed of two eqs. 
 "iron 56, and three of oxygen 24=80. The native black oxide, the magnetic 
 «ide of mineralogists, is officinal with the Dublin College under the name of 
 . rri Oxidum Magneticum. It consists of one eq. of protoxide 36, and one of 
 fsquioxide 80 = 116. The medicinal black oxide of the Edinburgh College has 
 ; lifferent composition. (See Ferri Oxidum Nigrum. ) The teroxide or ferric 
 <p, discovered by Fremy, may be formed, in union with potassa, by passing 
 c .orine through a very concentrated solution of the alkali, holding hydrated 
 f quioxide of iron in suspension. It has also been obtained by Poggendorff by 
 s ;alvanic combination of platinum in nitric acid, and cast iron in a solution of 
 passa. It forms as a ferrate of potassa, of a fine wine-red colour, becoming 
 c 'ker, around the east iron. This acid consists of one eq. of iron 28, and three 
 
346 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 part i. 
 
 of oxygen 24 = 52. Iron, combined with a minute proportion of carbon, and 
 perhaps of the radicals of silica and alumina, forms steel, a modification of iron 
 formerly used in medicine, but now very properly laid aside. It also forms a 
 number of important salts, several of which, as the sesquichloride, iodide, ferro- 
 eyanuret, acetate, carbonate, subcarbonate, citrate, ammonio-citrate, nitrate, phos- 
 phate, sulphate, tartrate, and valerianate, are officinal. 
 
 Iron is readily detected, even in minute quantities, by bringing it to the state 
 of sesquioxide in solution, and adding ferrocyanuret of potassium or tincture of 
 galls; the former of which will strike a deep blue, the latter a black colour. 
 The object of bringing it to the state of sesquioxide is readily effected by boiling 
 the solution containing it with a little nitric acid. 
 
 Medical Properties. The preparations of iron are powerfully tonic, raising the 
 pulse, promoting the secretions, and increasing the colouring matter of the blood. 
 They are useful in diseases characterized by debility and a languid circulation, 
 more especially when the consequence of inordinate discharges. The diseases 
 in which they are usually employed are chronic anaemia or chlorosis, hysteria, 
 fluor albus, gleet, scrofula, rickets, chorea, and all passive hemorrhages. Chaly- 
 beates are also proper in palsy after the inflammatory excitement has subsided, 
 in dyspepsia dependent upon deficient energy of the digestive functions, and in 
 neuralgia. They are contra-indicated in all inflammatory diseases, producing, when 
 injudiciously employed, heat, thirst, headache, difficulty of breathing, and othei 
 symptoms of an excited circulation. The medicinal effects of iron, as modified in 
 its different combinations, will be noticed under the head of each preparation. 
 
 The following table embraces all the preparations of iron to be found in the 
 United States and British Pharmacopoeias, together with the synonymes. 
 
 Iron is officinal — 
 
 I. In the metallic state. 
 
 Ferri Filum, U. S., Ed.; Ferrum in fila tractum, Loncl.; Ferrum 
 Iron Wire, Pub. 
 
 Ferri Ramenta, U. S.; Ferri Limatura, Ed.; Ferrum. Turnings anc 
 Filings, Dub. 
 
 Mistura Ferri Aromatica, Dub. 
 
 Ferri Pulvis, U. S., Dub. 
 
 II. Oxidized. 
 
 Ferri Oxidum Nigrum, Ed. 
 
 Ferri Oxydum Magnet.ieum, Dub. 
 
 Ferri Peroxydum, Dub. 
 
 Emplastrum Ferri, Dub. 
 
 Ferri Oxidum Hydratum, U. S . ; Ferrugo, Ed. ; Ferri Peroxydur 
 Plydratum. Dub. 
 
 III. Sulphuretted. 
 
 Ferri Sulphuretum, Ed., Dub. 
 
 IY. In saline combination. 
 
 Tiuctura Ferri Chloridi, U. S.; Tinctura Ferri Sesquichloridi, Lond 
 Dub.; Ferri Muriatis Tinctura, Ed. 
 
 Ferri Iodidum, U. S-, Ed., Dub. 
 
 Liquor Ferri Iodidi, U. S. 
 
 Syrupus Ferri Iodidi, Lond., Dub.; Ferri Iodidi Syrupus, Ed. 
 
 Pilulee Ferri Iodidi, U. S. 
 
 Ferri Ferrocyanuretum, U. S. Anglice, Pure Prussian blue. 
 
 Tinctura Ferri Ac-etatis, Dub. 
 
 Ferri Carbonas cum Saccharo, Lond.; Ferri Carbonas Sacc-haratui 
 Ed; Dub. 
 
'ART I. 
 
 Ferrum. — Ferri Filum. — Ferri Ramenta. 
 
 347 
 
 Mistura Ferri Composite, U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Pilulae Ferri Carbonatis, U. S . , Ed.; Anglic^, Vallet’ s ferruginous pills. 
 Pilulae Ferri Compositae, U. S., Loud. 
 
 Ferri Subcarbonas, U.S.; Ferri Sesquioxydum, Lond. ; Ferri Oxi- 
 dum Rubrum, Ed.; Ferri Carbonas, Dub.; Anglice, Pre- 
 cipitated subcarbonate of iron. 
 
 Emplastrum Ferri, U. S-, Lond., Ed. 
 
 Ferrum Ammoniatum, U. S. ; Ferri Ammonio-Cbloridum, Lond. 
 Tinctura Ferri Ammonio-Cbloridi, Lond. 
 
 Ferri Citras, U. S. 
 
 Ferri Ammonio-Citras, Lond., Dub. 
 
 Liquor Ferri Nitratis, U. S.; Ferri Pernitratis Liquor, Dub. 
 
 Ferri Phosphas, U. S. 
 
 Ferri Sulphas Venalis, Lond. 
 
 Ferri Sulphas, U. S-, Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Pilulae Aloes et Ferri, Ed. 
 
 Ferri Sulphas Exsiccatum, Ed. 
 
 Pilulae Ferri Sulphatis, Ed. 
 
 Pilulae Rhei et Ferri, Ed. 
 
 Ferri Sulphas G-ranulatum, Dub. 
 
 Ferri Sulphas Siccatum, Dub. 
 
 Ferri et Potassse Tartras, U. S.; Ferri Potassio-Tartras, Lond.; 
 
 Ferrum Tartarizatum, Ed., Dub. 
 
 Yiuum Ferri, Lond. 
 
 Ferri Valerianas, Dub. B. 
 
 FERRI FILUM. U.S, Ed. 
 
 Iron Wire. 
 
 FERRI RAMENTA. US. 
 
 Iron Filings. 
 
 Off. Syn. FERRUM in fila tractum. Lond.; FERRI LIMATURA. Iron 
 ngs, Ed.; FERRUM. Rod Iron ; Iron Wire; Turnings and Filings. Dub. 
 Fil de fer, Fr.; Eisendraht, Germ.; Fil di Ferro, Ital.; Hilo de hierro, Span. 
 
 Limailles de fer, Fr.; Eisenfeilieht, Germ.; Limatura di ferro, Ital.; Limadura de hierro, 
 an. 
 
 Iron, when employed in pharmaceutical operations, should be of the purest 
 lad; and hence the different Pharmacopoeias generally direct it, when wanted 
 i small masses, to be in the form of iron wire, which is necessarily made from the 
 S'test and most ductile iron, and is readily cut into pieces of convenient size. 
 ie filings are sometimes used internally. 
 
 Medical Properties of Iron Filings. Iron, in its uncombined state, has no action 
 cl the animal economy; and hence iron filings would prove inert, were it not that 
 toy meet with acid in the stomach, or some other agent, whereby they become 
 ( dized and dissolved. During the solution of iron in the stomach, the oxygen 
 f nished to the metal is derived from water, the hydrogen of which, by being 
 c; engaged, gives rise to unpleasant eructations. Iron filings are generally ob- 
 t aed from the workshops of the blacksmith ; but, as furnished from this source, 
 t y are generally very impure, and unfit for medicinal use. Neither can they 
 1 purified by the magnet ; as they often have attached to them certain impuri- 
 ty, which are carried up with them. The only way to obtain pure iron filings, 
 
S48 
 
 Terri Ramenta. — Terri Sulphas Venalis. — Ticus. part i 
 
 is to file a piece of pure iron with a clean file. The French codex directs iroi 
 in an impalpable powder , prepared by porphyrizing bright and clean iron filing 
 without water. A dull black powder is formed, which must be carefully pre 
 served from moisture. An impalpable powder of the metal, obtained by redue 
 ing the sesquioxide by hydrogen, has been made officinal in the U. S. and Dublii 
 Pharmacopoeias of 1850. (See Ferri Pulvis .) 
 
 The dose of iron filings is from five to twenty grains, given in molasses o 
 honey, or made into pills with some bitter extract. 
 
 Pliarm. Fes. Iron wire is used as a chemical agent in preparing iodide o 
 potassium, Ed., Dub., and iron filings, in preparing bromide of potassium, U> S 
 
 Off. Prep. Ferri Iodidum ; Ferri Sulphas; Ferri Sulphas Granulatum ; Fen 
 Sulphuretum ; Liquor Ferri Iodidi ; Liquor Ferri Nitratis; Mistura Feri 
 Aromatica; Syrupus Ferri Iodidi; Tinctura Ferri Sesquichloridi; Vinur 
 Ferri. B. 
 
 FERRI SULPHAS VENALIS. Loud. 
 Commercial Sulphate of Iron. 
 
 Sulfate defer, vitriol de fer, couperose, Fr.; Sehwefelsaures Eisenoxydul, GriinerVitric 
 Germ.; Vitriolo verde, Copparosa verde, Ital.; Vitriolo vevde, Span. 
 
 Commercial sulphate of iron, under the name of rjreen vitriol or copperas, i 
 manufactured on a large scale, for the purposes of the arts, from the native su 
 phuret of iron, or iron pyrites, by roasting, oxidation by exposure to air an 
 moisture, and lixiviation. The constituents of the mineral become sulphur' 
 acid and protoxide of iron, which, by their union, form the salt in questioi 
 This salt is also obtained in many chemical processes as a collateral product; i 
 in the manufacture of alum, in the precipitation of copper from solutions of su 
 phate of copper by scrap iron, &c. 
 
 Properties. Commercial sulphate of iron is far from being pure. Beside 
 containing some sesquioxide of iron, it is generally contaminated with metall: 
 and earthy salts; sucb as those of copper, zinc, alumina, and magnesia. Twopri' 
 cipal kinds occur in the market; one in large grass-green crystals, the surface' 
 which is studded with ochreous spots; the other, of a bluish-green colour, ar 
 ordinarily mixed with the powder of the effloresced salt. The commercial su 
 phate should never be dispensed by the apothecary, until it has undergone 
 careful purification in the manner directed by the London and Edinburgh Cc 
 leges. (See Ferri Sulphas, in the second part of this work.) 
 
 Commercial sulphate of iron has been newly introduced into the London Pha 
 macopoeia, not as a medicine, but as a material from which the pure sulpha 
 may be made. The properties and composition of sulphate of iron will be giv' 
 under Ferri Sulphas, to which article the reader is referred. 
 
 Off. Prep. Ferri Sulphas. Loud. B. 
 
 FICUS. U S., Land. 
 
 Figs. 
 
 The dried fruit of Ficus Carica. U. S. The prepared fruit. Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. FICI. Dried fruit of Ficus Carica. Ed. FICUS CARICA. 1 
 dried fruit. Dub. 
 
 Figues, Fr.; Feigen, Germ.; Fichi, Ital.: Higos, Span. 
 
 Ficus. Sex.Syst. Polygamia Dicecia. — A T at.Ord. Urticaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Common receptacle turbinate, flesh}’, converging, concealing <’ 
 florets either in the same or distinct individuals. Male. Calyx three-part • 
 
ART r. 
 
 Ficus. 
 
 349 
 
 'orolla none. Stamens three. Female. Calyx five-parted. Corolla none. 
 ■istil one. Seed one, covered with the closed, persistent, somewhat fleshv calyx. 
 
 Bid- 
 
 Ficus Carica. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 1131; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 714, t. 244. 
 lie fig-tree, though often not more than twelve feet high, sometimes rises in warm 
 imates to twenty-five or even thirty feet. Its trunk, which seldom exceeds seven 
 ches in diameter, is divided into numerous spreading branches, covered with 
 brown or ash-coloured bark. Its large, palmate leaves, usually divided into 
 r e obtuse lobes, are deep green and shining above, pale green and downy be- 
 :ath, and stand alternately on strong round footstalks. The flowers are situated 
 :thin a common receptacle, placed upon a short peduncle in the axils of the 
 tper leaves. This receptacle, the walls of which become thick and fleshy, con- 
 iitutes what is commonly called the fruit; though this term is, strictly speaking, 
 
 ; plicable to the small seeds found in great numbers on the internal surface of the 
 iceptacle, to which they are attached by fleshy pedicels. Cultivation has pro- 
 ceed in the fig, as in the apple and peach, a great diversity in. shape, size, colour, 
 
 ; d taste. It is usually, however, turbinate or top-shaped, umbilicate at the 
 ]-ge extremity, of the size of a small pear, of a whitish, yellowish, or reddish 
 dour, and of a mild, mucilaginous, saccharine taste. 
 
 The fig-tree is supposed to have come originally from the Levant. It was in- 
 tiiduced at a very early period into various parts of the South of Europe, and is 
 rw very common throughout the whole basin of the Mediterranean, particularly 
 i Italy and France. To hasten the maturation of the fruit, it is customary to 
 jncture i? with a sharp-pointed instrument covered with olive oil. The ancient 
 pcess of caprification is still practised in the Levant. It consists in attaching 
 1 inches of the wild fig-tree to the cultivated plant. The fruit of the former 
 obtains great numbers of the eggs of an insect of the genus Cynips, the larva} 
 (which as soon as they are hatched, spread themselves over the cultivated fruit, 
 e 1, by conveying the pollen of the male organs over which they pass to the 
 f aale florets, hasten the impregnation of the latter, and cause the fig to come 
 clckly to perfection, which might otherwise ripen very slowly, or wither and 
 cap off before maturity. Some authors attribute the effect to the piercing of 
 t: fruit by the young insects. 
 
 The figs, when perfectly ripe, are dried by the heat of the sun or in ovens, 
 lose brought to the United States come chiefly from Smyrna, packed in drums 
 dboxes. They are more or less compressed, and are usually covered in cold 
 v other with a whitish saccharine efflorescence, which melts in the middle of sum- 
 lir, and renders them moist. The best are yellowish or brownish, somewhat 
 tnslucent when held to the light, and filled with a sweet viscid pulp, in which 
 a lodged numerous small yellow seeds. They are much more saccharine than 
 t fresh fruit. Their chief constituents are sugar and mucilage. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Figs are nutritious, laxative, and demulcent. 
 I the fresh state they are considered in the countries where they grow a whole- 
 s le and agreeable aliment, and have been employed from time immemorial. 
 I we obtain them, they are apt, when eaten freely, to produce flatulence, pain 
 i) the bowels, and diarrhoea. Their chief medical use is as a laxative article of 
 d.c in cases of constipation. They occasionally enter into demulcent decoctions ; 
 a , when roasted or boiled, and split open, are sometimes applied as a suppura- 
 ti'! cataplasm to parts upon which an ordinary poultice cannot be conveniently 
 r< lined. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Sennae; Decoctum Hordei Composituin. W. 
 
350 
 
 Felix Mas. 
 
 PART I 
 
 FILIX MAS. US. Secondary. 
 
 Male Fern. 
 
 The rliizoma of Aspidium Filix mas. US. 
 
 Off. Syn. FILIX. Khizoma of Nephrodium Filix mas. [Richard.) Mai 
 Shield Fern. Ed. 
 
 Fougere male, Fr.; Johanniswurzel, Germ.; F61ce maschio, It ah; Helecbo. Span. 
 
 Aspidium. Sex.Syst. Cryptogamia Filices. — JSfat.Ord. Filices, Jussieu. Fi 
 icales, Lindley. 
 
 Gen.Ch. Fructification in roundish points, scattered, not marginal. Involuci 
 umbilicated, open almost on every side. Smith. 
 
 Aspidium Filix mas. Willd. Sp. Plant, v. 259; Smith, Flor. Britan . — Ki 
 phrodium Filix mas. Lindley, Flor. Med. 619. — Polypodium Filix mas. Linn. 
 Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 795, t. 267. The male fern has a perennial, horizont; 
 root or rhizouia, from which numerous annual fronds or leaves arise, formin 
 tufts from a foot to four feet in height. The stipe or footstalk, and midrib, ai 
 thickly beset with brown, tough, transparent scales; the frond itself is oval, lar 
 ceolate, acute, pinnate, and of a bright greeu colour. The pinna or leaflets ar 
 remote below, approach more nearly as they ascend, and run together at tk 
 summit of the leaf. They are deeply divided into lobes, which are of an or; 
 shape, crenate at the edges, and gradually diminish from the base of the pinr 
 to the apex. The fructification is in small dots on the back of each lob 
 placed in two rows near the base, and distant from the edges. The plant is 
 native of Europe, Asia, and the North of Africa. It is said also to be indigenou 
 growing in shady pine forests from New York to Virginia; hut it maybedoubte 
 whether the American plant is identical with the European. 
 
 The proper period for collecting the root is during the summer, when, accori 
 ing to M. Peschier, of Geneva, it abounds more in the active principle than ; 
 any other season. The same writer informs us that it deteriorates rapidly wkt 
 kept, and in about two years becomes entirely inert. The roots of other sped 
 of fern are frequently substituted for the officinal; and iu the dried state it 
 difficult to distinguish them. 
 
 Properties, &c. As taken from the ground, the root consists of a long cyli 
 drical caudex, around which are closely arranged, overlapping each other li’ 
 the shingles of a roof, the remains of the leafstalks or stipes, which are an in 
 or two iu length, from two to four lines thick, somewhat curved and direct 
 upwards, angular, brown, shining, and surrounded near their origin from t 
 root with thin silky scales, of a light-brown colour. From between these remai 
 of the footstalks, emerge numerous small radical fibres. The whole root, th 
 constituted, presents a somewhat flexible, cylindrical mass, one or two inch 
 thick, and a foot or more in length. In this form, however, it is uot usua 
 found in our shops. The whole is ordinarily broken up into fragments, eonsisti 
 of the separated remains of the leafstalks before described, with a small porti 
 of the substance of the root attached to their base, where they are surrounJ 
 by the silky scales. These fragments, as ordinarily found in our shops, prest 
 the appearance of having been long kept, and are probably, as a general ru, 
 much deteriorated by time. The following observations are made by Geiger 
 relation to the collection and preservation of the root. The inner part of t.‘ 
 fresh root, and of the portions of stalk attached to it, are fleshy and of a li;' 
 yellowish-green colour. In collecting them, all the black discoloured portio 
 should be cut away, the fibres and scales separated, and only the sound grn 
 parts preserved. These should be immediately but carefully dried, and then • 
 
'ART I. 
 
 Filix Mas. 
 
 351 
 
 uced to powder; and the powder should he kept in small well stopped glass bot- 
 es. The powder thus prepared has a pale-yellowish colour with a greenish tinge. 
 Dried fern root is externally of a brown colour, internally yellowish-white or 
 eddish, with a peculiar but feeble odour, which is most obvious in the powder 
 ad decoction, and a sweetish, bitter, astringent, nauseous taste. The most recent 
 aalysis is that of H. Bock, who gives as its constituents, volatile oil, fixed oil, resin, 
 arch, vegetable gelatin, albumen, gum, sugar, tannic and gallic acids, pectin, 
 gnin, and various salts. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 64.) Peschier 
 pertained that its active properties reside in the ethereal extract, which is the 
 jed oil in an impure state, containing volatile oil, resin, colouring matter, &c. 
 is a thick dark liquid, having the odour of the fern, and a nauseous, bitterish, 
 imewhat acrid taste. Dr. E. Luck has found in the ethereal extract a peculiar 
 fid, which he denominates Jilicic acid, and has extracted from the root two 
 hers which he names tannaspidic and pteritannic acids. ( Chem . Gaz., ix. 407 
 id 452.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Male fern is slightly tonic and astringent; but 
 educes, when taken internally, no very obvious effects upon the system. It 
 is used by the ancients as a vermifuge; and is mentioned in the works of 
 ioscorides, Theophrastus, Galen, and Pliny. Its anthelmintic powers were also 
 iticed by some of the earlier modern writers, among whom was Hoffmann. But 
 does not appear to have been generally known to the profession, till attention 
 is attracted to it, about the year 1775, by the publication of the mode of treat- 
 :g taenia, employed by Madame Nouffer. This lady, who was the widow of a 
 irgeon in Switzerland, had acquired great celebrity in the cure of tape-worm 
 1 a secret remedy. Her success was such as to attract the attention of the 
 i.'dical profession at Paris; and some of the most eminent physicians of that 
 t y, who were deputed to examine into the subject, having reported favourably 
 < the remedy, the secret was purchased by the King of France, and published 
 1 his order. The outlines of her plan were to give a dose of the powdered root 
 (the male fern, and two hours afterwards a powerful cathartic, to be followed, 
 lit should not operate in due time, by some purging salt; and this process was 
 t be repeated, with proper intervals, till the worm should be evacuated. A Ger- 
 i n physician, of the name of Herrensehwand, had used the male fern in a manner 
 s newhat similar, before Madame Nouffer’s secret was known. Different opinions 
 lye been held of the value of this anthelmintic; but the accounts of its efficacy 
 i.the treatment of tape-worm are too numerous and authentic to admit of any 
 rjsonable doubt on the subject. Dr. Peschier stated that, in the course of nine 
 i nths, one hundred and fifty tape-worms had been expelled by the ethereal 
 e'ract of the male fern root. Dr. Ebers found the same preparation completely 
 s cessful in eight cases. The testimony of Brera is also strongly in favour of 
 t remedy, which he found effectual even against the armed taenia. M. Ronzel 
 c ed with it more than a hundred eases of taenia, and never found it to fail. 
 (rum. de Pliarm., 3e sir., iv. 474.) Perhaps the different results obtained by 
 d erent practitioners may in part be ascribed to the variable strength and cha- 
 pter of the root employed. It is said that the remedy proves more effectual 
 a inst the tape-worm of the Swiss ( Bothriocephalus latus ) than against the Taenia 
 seurn, which is more frequent in France and England. ( Bremser .) It appears 
 tijict as a poison to the worm, which it destroys, and thereby enables it to be 
 e: elled by the ordinary peristaltic movement of the bowels, or by purgatives. 
 
 he medicine may be given in powder, or, as recommended by Dr. Peschier, 
 n thereal extract. The dose of the powder is from one to three drachms, to 
 b ;iven in the form of electuary or emulsion, and repeated morning and evening 
 feione or two days successively. M. Ronzel gives half an ounce to adults, made 
 it boluses, and swallowed within the space of fifteen minutes, in the morning, 
 oi .n empty stomach. The dose of the ethereal extract (oil of fern) is from twelve 
 
352 
 
 Fceniculum. 
 
 PART i 
 
 to twenty-four grains. Dr. Mayor, of Geneva, recommends it in the dose of froir 
 thirty to fifty drops, one-half to be taken at night, the other half in the morning 
 and followed, at the interval of an hour, by an ounce and a half of castor oil 
 The decoction has also been employed, in the proportion of an ounce of the roo 
 to a pint of water. It is customary to follow the medicine by some brisk 
 cathartic, though Dr. Peschier does not consider this essential. M. 
 
 FCENICULUM. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dal. 
 Fennel-seed. 
 
 The fruit of Fceniculum vulgare. U. S. Foenic-ulum dulc-e. The fruit. Lond 
 Fruit of Fceniculum officinale. Ed. The seeds. Dub. 
 
 Fenouil, Fr. ; Fenchel, Germ.; Finnocchio, Ital.; Hinojo, Span. 
 
 The plant producing fennel-seed was attached by Linnaeus to the genus Ant 
 ilium, hut was separated from it by De Candolle, and placed, with three or fou 
 others, in a new genus styled Fceniculum, which has been generally adopted b; 
 botanists. The Anethum Fcmicxdum of Linnaeus embraced two varieties, th 
 common or wild fennel , and the sweet fennel , the latter being the plant usual! 
 cultivated in the gardens of Europe. These are considered by De Candolle a 
 distinct species, and named respectively Faniculum vulgare and Foenienlur 
 dulce. In the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, the former of these is recognised as tb 
 source of the medicine; the London College adopts the latter; the Edinburg 
 College, the F. officinale of Allioni. The last mentioned plant De Candolle cot 
 siders as belonging to h\s F.vidgare (see Prodromus, iv. 142); while Merat treat 
 of it as a distinct species, differing both from the F. vulgare and F. dulce of D 
 Candolle (Diet, de Mat. Med.); and Dr. Christison, in his Dispensatory, is di; 
 posed to unite it with the last-mentioned plant. In this confusion it is impossib! 
 to arrive at any definite and satisfactory conclusion as to the botanical history < 
 the drug under consideration. One thing, however, is certain, that there are tw 
 kinds of fennel-seed found in the shops; and it is highly probable that these at 
 derived, if not from distinct species of fennel, at least from marked varieties ( 
 the plant. One of them corresponds closely with the description given of tl 
 fruit of F. vulgare, while the other is undoubtedly produced by the plant cult 
 vated under the name of sweet fennel, whether that be the F. dulce of De Ca; 
 dolle, or F. officinale of Allioni and Merat. 
 
 Fceniculum. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Mat. Ord. Umbelliferae 
 Apiaceae. 
 
 Gen.Ch. Calyx a tumid obsolete rim. Petals roundish, entire, involute, wi 
 a squarish blunt lobe. Fruit nearly taper. Halffruits with five promine 
 bluntly keeled ridges, of which the lateral are on the edge, and rather broade; 
 Yittse single in the channels, two on the commissure. Involucre none. ( Lindki ; 
 
 Foenicidum vulgare. De Cand. Prodrom. iv. 142. — Anetlmm Fanicuhn 
 Linn.; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 127, t. 49. Common fennel has a biennial or pi 
 ennial tapering root, and an annual, erect, round, striated, smooth, green, a 1 
 copiously’ branching stem, which usually’ rises three or four feet in height. T 
 leaves, which stand alternately at the joints of the stem, upon menibrano 
 striated sheaths, are many times pinnate, with long, linear, pointed, smooth, dec 
 green leaflets. The flowers are in large, flat, terminal umbels, with from tliirte 
 to twenty rays, and destitute both of general and partial involucres. The core 
 consists of five petals, which, as well as the stamens, are of a golden yellow colot 
 The fruit is ovate, rather less than two lines in length by about a line in bread* 
 and of a dark colour, especially in the channels. The plant is a native of Euro 
 growing wild upon sandy and chalky ground throughout the continent. 
 
 F. officinale. Merat and De Lens, Diet, de Mat. Med. iii. 270; Allioni, I 
 
PART I. 
 
 Foeniculum. 
 
 353 
 
 Pharm. This, which is sometimes called street fennel, is also perennial, with 
 ihorter leaves and less elongated leaflets than the common fennel, but resembling 
 t very closely except in the character of the fruit. This is twice as long as that 
 if the former plant, a little curved, of a less dark colour, with prominent ridges, 
 nd a persistent peduncle. It is sweeter and more aromatic than common fennel- 
 eed. The plant is a native of the South of Europe; but is cultivated elsewhere 
 n gardens, and is probably the source of much of the fennel-seed of the shops. 
 Vhether it is a distinct species, or a mere variety of F. vulgare, is not deter- 
 mined. Some confound it with the following. 
 
 F. dulce. De Cand. Prodrom. iv. 142. This plant is eminently entitled to the 
 ame of sweet fennel. It bears a general resemblance to F. vuhjcire, but differs 
 a having its stem somewhat compressed at the base, its radical leaves somewhat 
 istichous, and the number of rays in the umbel only from six to eight. It is 
 Iso a much smaller plant, being only about a foot in height; its flowers appear 
 arlier ; and its young shoots or turiones are sweeter and edible. It is a native 
 f Portugal, Italy, and perhaps other parts of Southern Europe; and is cultivated 
 irgely in Italy and Sicily for the sake of the shoots, which are eaten raw, or in 
 dad, or boiled as potherbs. The fruit is described by Merat and De Lens as 
 being globular-ovate, twice the size of that of common fennel, and with promi- 
 jent ridges.” This description does not answer to the character of any of the 
 :nnel-seed we have seen in the shops. 
 
 In all these species or varieties, the whole plant has an aromatic odour and 
 .ste, dependent on a volatile oil by which it is pervaded. The roots were 
 rmerly employed in medicine, but are greatly inferior in virtues to the fruit, 
 liich is now the only officinal portion. Our shops are partly supplied from our 
 vn gardens; but much the larger portion of the medicine is imported from 
 urope, and chiefly, as we have been informed, from Germany. The fennel-seed 
 titivated here is sweeter and more aromatic than that from abroad, probably in 
 nsequence of its greater freshness. 
 
 Fennel seeds (half-fruits) are oblong-oval, from one to three or four lines in 
 agth, flat on one side, convex on the other, not unfrequeutly connected by their 
 t surfaces, straight or slightly curved, of a dark grayish-green colour, with 
 ugitudinal yellowish ridges ou the convex surface. There are two varieties, 
 
 1 e of them from one to two lines long, dark-coloured, rather flat, almost always 
 ijparate, and without footstalks; the other three or four lines, sometimes even 
 :e lines in length, lighter-coloured, with much more prominent ridges, often 
 '■ojoined by their flat surface, and very frequently provided with a footstalk, 
 hey do not differ essentially in aromatic properties. The odour of fennel-seed 
 i fragrant, its taste warm, sweet, and agreeably aromatic. It imparts its virtues 
 1 hot water, but more abundantly to alcohol. The essential oil may be sepa- 
 i ed by distillation with water. (See Oleum Foeniculi.) The seeds contain also 
 ted oil. From 960 parts of them, Neumann obtained 20 parts of the former 
 (i 120 of the latter. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Fennel-seed was used by the ancients, is among 
 c: most grateful aromatics, and in this country is much employed as a carmina- 
 t e, and as a corrigent of other less pleasant medicines, particularly senna and 
 rhbarb. It is recommended for these purposes by the absence of any very 
 Fhly excitant property. The infusion, prepared by introducing two or three 
 d chms of the seeds into a pint of boiling water, is the form usually preferred. 
 Te dose of the bruised or powdered seeds is from a scruple to half a drachm. 
 
 I infantile cases, the infusion is frequently employed as an enema to produce 
 t expulsion of flatus. 
 
 ! Off. Prep. Aqua Foeniculi; Confectio Piperis; Oleum Fceniculi; Spiritus 
 J liperi Compositus; Syrupus Sennas; Tinctura Rhei et Sennas. W. 
 
 23 
 
354 
 
 Fraser a. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 FRASER A. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 American Columbo. 
 
 The root of Frasera Walteri. U. S. 
 
 Frasera. Sex. Syst. Tetrandria Monogynia. — Naf.Ord. Gentianac-eae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx deeply four-parted. Corolla four-parted, spreading; segments 
 ova], with a bearded, orbicular gland in the middle of each. Capsule compressed, 
 partly marginated, one-celled. Seeds few, imbricated, large, elliptical, with a 
 membranaceous margin. Nuttall. 
 
 Frasera Walteri. Michaux, Flor. Bor. Americ. i. 96; Barton, Med. Bot. ii. 
 103. — F. Carolinensis. Walter. This is among our most elegant indigenous 
 plants, and the only one of its genus. From the root, which is triennial, long, 
 spindle-shaped, horizontal, fleshy, and of a yellow colour, a strong, succulent, 
 solid, smooth stem rises, from five to ten feet in height. The leaves are sessile, 
 entire, glabrous, of a deep-green colour, and disposed in whorls, which commence 
 at the root, and ascend to the summit with successive!}’ diminishing intervals. 
 The radical leaves, from five to twelve in number, are elliptical, obtuse, a foot 
 or more in length by about four inches in breadth, and lie upon the ground ic 
 •the form of a star. Those constituting the whorls upon the stem are succes 
 sively smaller as they ascend; the lowest oblong-lanceolate, the upper lanceolate 
 and pointed. The flowers are numerous, large, of a yellowish-white colour, anc 
 disposed in a beautiful terminal pyramidal panicle, from one to five feet long 
 the branches of which spring from the axils of the upper leaves. The segment: 
 of the calyx are lanceolate, acute, and somewhat shorter than those of the corolla 
 The filaments are inserted into the base of the corolla, between its segments 
 which they do not equal in length. The anthers are oblong and notched at thi 
 base. The germ is oblong-ovate, compressed, and gradually tapers into the style 
 which terminates in a bifid stigma. The fruit is an oval, acuminate, compressed 
 two-valved, one-celled, yellow capsule, containing from eight to twelve flat, ellip 
 tical seeds. 
 
 The Frasera flourishes in the southern and western portions of the Fnitei 
 States, and in many situations is very abundant, especially in Arkansas and 31is 
 souri. It prefers rich woodlands and moist meadows. The period of flowering i 
 from May to July ; but the stems and flowers are produced only in the third year 
 the radical leaves being the only part of the plant which previously appear abov 
 ground. From this manner of growth, it is inferred that the root should beco! 
 lected in the autumn of the second, or the spring of the third j'ear. Before bein 
 dried, it should be cut into transverse slices. 
 
 As formerly found in the market, frasera was in pieces irregularly circular, a 
 eighth of an inch or more in thickness, about an inch in diameter, somewlu 
 shrunk in the middle, consisting of a central medullary matter and an exteric 
 cortical portion, of a yellowish colour on the cut surfaces, with a light reddisl 
 brown epidermis. In appearance these pieces bore some resemblance to columb 
 but were easily distinguishable by the greater uniformity of their internal stru 
 ture, the absence of concentric and radiating lines, and their purer yellow colei 
 without a greenish tinge. We have met with a parcel of the root sliced long 
 tudinally, so as somewhat to resemble gentian, though not likely to be confounde 
 with it by an experienced person. It was called American gentian. Thetas 
 of frasera is bitter and sweetish. Water and diluted alcohol extract its virtue 
 and the tincture lets fall a precipitate upon the addition of water, but is n 
 disturbed by tincture of galls; thus affording additional means of distinguis 
 ing the root from columbo. 
 
PART J. 
 
 Fraser a . — GtaTbanum. 
 
 355 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Frasera is a mild tonic, calculated to meet the 
 same indications with the other simple bitters. It has been thought to resemble 
 iolumbo in medical properties as well as in appearance, and hence has received 
 he popular name of American co/umbo; but experience has not confirmed the 
 ugh estimate which was at one time formed of its virtues; and though, perhaps, 
 itill occasionally employed in some parts of the country, it has failed to supplant 
 he tonic of Mozambique. It may be given in powder or infusion. The dose 
 if the former is from thirty grains to a drachm; that of an infusion, made in the 
 proportion of an ounce of the bruised root to a pint of boiling water, is one or 
 wo fluidounces, to be repeated several times a day. The fresh root is said to 
 'Derate as an emetic and cathartic, and has been given with a view to the latter 
 fleet. W. 
 
 GALBANUM. U. &, Land., Etl., Dub. 
 
 Galbanum. 
 
 The concrete juice of an unknown plant. U. S. Galbanum officinale. The 
 um-resin. Lond. Concrete gummy-resinous juice of an imperfectly ascertained 
 mbelliferous plant, probably a species of Opoidia. Ed. Opoidia galbanifera. 
 he gum-resinous exudation. Dub. 
 
 Galbanum, Fr.; Mutterharz, Germ.; Galbano, Ilal., Span. 
 
 It is not certainly known from what plant galbanum is derived. At one time 
 was supposed to be the product of Bubon Galbanum , an umbelliferous plant 
 •owing on the eastern coast of Africa. It has also been referred to the Ferida 
 rulago of Linnaeus, the Ferula galbanifera of Lobel, which inhabits the coasts 
 ’ the Mediterranean, and is found also in Transylvania and the Caucasus. But 
 > part of either of these plants possesses the odour of galbanum ; and it is, there- 
 re, scarcely probable that they yield the drug. Mr. Don, having found the 
 eds taken from a parcel of galbanum to belong to an undescribed genus of um- 
 lliferous plants, and concluding that they came from the same source as the 
 im-resin itself, gave the title of Galbanum to the new genus, and named the 
 iecies Galbanum officinale. This has been rather hastily adopted by the London 
 dlege; as it is by no means certain that the same plant produced the seeds and 
 e gum-resin. Specimens of a plant were received in England from Persia, 
 ,ving a concrete juice adhering to them, which was taken by Dr. Lindley for 
 j.lbanum ; and that botanist, finding that the plant belonged to an uudescribed 
 ijaus, named it Opoidia, with the specific name galbanifera. Dr. Pereira, how- 
 (pr, found the substance to be unlike galbanum, or any other product of the 
 nbelliferae. This supposed origin of the drug, therefore, though admitted as 
 pbable by the Edinburgh College, and recognised by the Dublin, must be con- 
 s ered as more than doubtful. A German traveller, F. A. Bukse, who has 
 i ided in Persia, states that, in 1848, he met with the galbanum plant on the 
 {.divides of the Demawend, near the southern coast of the Caspian. He saw 
 t; gum-resin exuding spontaneously from the plant, and was informed by the 
 i ives that the drug was collected 'from it. The plant is a Ferula, and bears 
 a lose resemblance to the F. erubescens of Boissier (Ann. des Sciences, 1844, 
 $16), if not identical with it. ( Pharm . Cent. Blatt, March 17, 1852, p. 206.) 
 Galbanum is said to be obtained from the plant by making incisions into the 
 s i, or cutting it off a short distance above the root. A cream-coloured juice 
 c des, which concretes upon exposure to the air. A portion of juice also exudes 
 s ntaneously from the joints, and hardens in the shape of tears. The drug is 
 b ught from India and the Levant. 
 
 Properties. Galbanum usually appears in the form of masses, composed of 
 
356 
 
 Galbanum . — Galla. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 whitish, reddish, or yellowish tears, irregularly agglutinated by a darker coloured 
 yellowish-brown, or greenish substance, more or less translucent, and generally 
 mixed with pieces of stalk, seeds, or other foreign matters. It is also found, 
 though rarely in our markets, in the state of distinct roundish tears, about as 
 large as a pea, of a yellowish-white or pale brownish-yellow colour, shining ex- 
 ternally as if varnished, translucent, and often adhering together. Galbanum 
 has in cool weather the consistence of firm wax; but softens in summer, and by 
 the heat of the hand is rendered ductile and adhesive. At 212° F. it is suf- 
 ficiently liquid to admit of being strained ; and it generally requires to be strained 
 before it can be used. A dark-brown or blackish colour, a consistence always 
 soft, the absence of whitish grains, a deficiency in the characteristic odour and 
 taste, and the intermixture of earthy impurities, are signs of inferiority. 
 
 The odour of galbanum is peculiar and disagreeable ; its taste bitterish, warm, 
 and acrid; its sp.gr. 1'2P2. Triturated with water, it forms an imperfect milky 
 solution, which upon standing deposits the greater portion of what was taken up. 
 Wine and vinegar act upon it in a similar manner. Alcohol dissolves a con- 
 siderable proportion, forming a yellow tincture, which has the smell and taste ol 
 galbanum, and becomes milky by the addition of water, but affords no precipitate. 
 In dilute alcohol it is wholly soluble, with the exception of impurities. Ether 
 dissolves the greater portion. Pelletier found in 100 parts of it 60'86 parts of 
 resin, 19'28 of gum, 6 34 of volatile oil including the loss, 7'52 of wood and 
 impurities, with traces of supermalate of lime. A small proportion of bassorin 
 was found by Meissner. The medicine is, therefore, a gum- resin. By distilla- 
 tion at the temperature of about 250° F., the essential oil is obtained of a fine 
 indigo blue colour, which it imparts to alcohol. Procured by distillation with 
 water, it is colourless, and becomes yellowish by age. It is lighter than water. 
 
 According to Ludewig, a gum-resin, designated as Persian galbanum , is re- 
 ceived in Russia by the way of Astracan or Orenburg, and is the kind used in 
 that country. It comes enclosed in skius, and is in masses of a reddish-browr 
 colour with whitish streaks, of a disagreeable odour somewhat like that of assa 
 fetida, and of an unpleasant, bitter, resinous taste. It is so soft as to melt wit! 
 a slight elevation of temperature. It differs from common galbanum in it: 
 odour, in its colour which is never greenish, and in the absence of tears, and i: 
 probably derived from a different plaut. It abounds in impurities. ( Journ . d< 
 Pharm., A r . S., i. 117.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Galbanum is stimulant, expectorant, and anti 
 spasmodic; and may be considered as intermediate in power between ammonia- 
 and assafetida. It is, however, much less employed than either of these gum 
 resins, and in the United States is seldom prescribed internally. The complaint 
 to which it was formerly thought applicable, were chiefly chronic affections of th 
 bronchial mucous membrane, amenorrhoea, and chronic rheumatism. It isocct 
 sionally applied externally in the shape of plaster to indolent swellings, with th 
 view of promoting resolution or suppuration. Galbanum was known to the at 
 cients. The dose is from ten to twenty grains, and may be given in pill, c 
 triturated with gum Arabic, sugar, and water, so as to form an emulsion. * 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Assafoetidae ; Emplastrum Galbani Compositum 
 Emplastrum Guminosum; Galbanum Prseparatum ; Pilulm Galbaui Con 
 positte. W. 
 
 GALLA. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Galls. 
 
 Morbid excrescences upon Quercus infectoria. U. S. Swelling of the hi 
 produced by Cynips Gallae tinctoriae. Lond. 
 
PART I. 
 
 G-alla. 
 
 357 
 
 Off. Syn. GALLSE. Excrescences of Quercus infectoria, formed by Diplo- 
 epis gallse tinctorum. Ed., Dub. 
 
 , Noix de galle, Ft.; Gallapfel, Germ.; Galla, Ital.; Agallas de Levante, Span. 
 
 Many vegetables, when pierced by certain insects, particularly those of the 
 renus Oynips, are affected at the points of puncture with a morbid action, result- 
 ,Dg in the production of excrescences, which, as they are derived from the proper 
 uices of the plant, partake more or less of its predominant chemical character, 
 dost of the oaks are susceptible of this kind of action ; and the resulting ex- 
 •rescences, having in a high degree the astringency of the plant, have been em- 
 )loyed for various practical purposes. They are known by the name of galls, a 
 erm which, as well as their employment in medicine, has been handed down to 
 is from the ancients. Quercus infectoria, Q. DEgilops, Q. excelsa, Q. Ilex, Q. 
 Perris, and Q. robur, have been particularized as occasionally affording this pro- 
 luct; hut it is now generally admitted, upon the authority of Olivier, that the 
 'fficinal galls are derived chiefly, if not exclusively, from Q. infectoria ; and this 
 s recognised as their source in the U. S. and British Pharmacopoeias.* 
 
 Quercus. See QUERCUS ALBA. 
 
 Quercus infectoria. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 486 ; Olivier, Voy. Orient. 1. 14 et 15; 
 Jarson, Illust. of Med. Bot. ii. 40, pi. 85. The dyers’ oak is a small tree or shrub, 
 nth a crooked stem, seldom exceeding six feet in height. The leaves are ob- 
 usely toothed, smooth, of a bright-green colour on both sides, and stand on short 
 ootstalks. The acorn is elongated, smooth, two or three times longer than the 
 up, which is sessile, somewhat downy, and scaly. This species of Quercus grows, 
 .ccording to Olivier, throughout Asia Minor, from the Archipelago to the con- 
 nes of Persia. Captain M. Kinneir found it also in Armenia and Kurdistan ; 
 leneral Hardwicke observed it growing in the neighbourhood of Adwanie ; and 
 » probably pervades the middle latitudes of Asia. 
 
 The gall originates from the puncture of the Cynips quercusfolii of Linnaeus, 
 le Diplolepis gallse. tinctorise of Geoffroy, a hymenopterous insect or fly, with a 
 iwn-coloured body, dark antennae, and the upper part of its abdomen shining 
 town. The insect pierces the shoots and young boughs, and deposits its egg 
 i the wound. This irritates the part, and a small tumour quickly rises, which 
 the result of a morbid growth, exhibiting various cells under the microscope, 
 at no proper vegetable fibre. The egg grows with the gall, and is soon con- 
 irted into a larva, which feeds upon the vegetable matter around it, and thus 
 ; rms a cavity in the centre of the excrescence. The insect at length assumes 
 jie form of a fly, and escapes by eating its way out. The galls are in perfection 
 ;hen they have attained their full size, and before the egg has been hatched, or 
 ie fly has escaped. Collected at this period, they are called, from their dark 
 'lour, blue, green , or black galls, and are most highly esteemed. Those which 
 te gathered later, and which have been injured by the insect, are called white 
 
 * Under tlie name of Chinese galls, a product has been brought from China, supposed to 
 caused by an insect allied to the Aphis, as such an insect has been found in the interior 
 them. A specimen, which came under our notice, consisted of irregularly spindle-shaped 
 dies, often more or less bent, with obtusely pointed protuberances, about two inches long 
 an inch in diameter at the central thickest part, of an ash colour and a soft velvety 
 j:l, very light, hollow, with translucent walls about a line in thickness, of a slight odour 
 balling that of ipecacuanha, and a bitter astringent taste. From an examination of frag- 
 pts of leaves and petioles found among these galls, Dr. Schenck concluded that the tree 
 which they are found is a species of Rhus; but, according to M. Decaisne, professor at 
 j} Museum of Natural History in Paris, their true source is probably the Distylium ra- 
 yosum of Zuccarini ( Flor . Japon. i. p. 178, t. 94), a large tree of Japan, the leaves of 
 iich produce a velvety gall resembling the one in question. (Guibourt, Hist. Nat. des 
 I -agues, A. D. 1850, iii. 703.) The Chinese make great use of this product both in dye- 
 15 and as a medicine. L. A. Buchner, jun., has found it to contain 65 per cent, of tannic 
 4 identical with that of the officinal galls. ( Pharm . Cent. Blatt, July, 1851, p. 526.) 
 
358 
 
 G-alla. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 galls. They are usually larger, less heavy and compact, and of a lighter colour 
 than the former ; and are considered much inferior. 
 
 The galls collected in Syria and Asia Minor are brought to this country chiefly 
 from the ports of Smyrna and Trieste, or from London. As they are produced 
 abundantly near Aleppo, it has been customary to designate them by the name 
 of that town ; though the designation, however correct it may formerly have 
 been, is now wholly inapplicable, as they are obtained from many other places, 
 and the produce of different parts of Asiatic Turkey is not capable of being dis- 
 criminated, at least in our markets. Great quantities of galls, very closely re- 
 sembling those from the Mediterranean, have been brought to the United States 
 from Calcutta. Dr. Hoyle states that they are taken to Bombay from Bussorah 
 through the Persian Gulf. We are, nevertheless, informed that they are among 
 the products of Moultau. The galls of France and other southern countries of 
 Europe have a smooth, shining, reddish surface, are little esteemed, and are 
 seldom or never brought to the United States. 
 
 Properties. Galls are nearly round, from the size of a pea to that of a very 
 large cherry, with a surface usually studded with small tuberosities, in the inter- 
 vals of which it is smooth. The best are externally of a dark-bluish or lead 
 colour, sometimes with a greenish tinge, internally whitish or brownish, hard, 
 solid, brittle, with a flinty fracture, a striated texture, and a small spot or cavity 
 in the centre, indicating the presence of the undeveloped or decayed insect. Their 
 powder is of a light yellowish-gray. Those of inferior quality are of a lighter 
 colour, sometimes reddish or nearly white, of a loose texture, with a large cavity 
 in the centre, communicating externally by a small hole through which the fly 
 has escaped. Galls are inodorous, and have a bitter, very astringent taste. From 
 500 parts Sir H. Davy obtained 185 parts of matter soluble in water, of which, 
 according to his analysis, 130 were tannic acid, 31 gallic acid with a little ex- 
 tractive, 12 mucilage and matter rendered insoluble by evaporation, and 12 saline 
 matter and calcareous earth. Braconnot discovered the presence of a small 
 quantity of an acid to which he gave the name ellagic, derived from galle, the 
 French name for galls, by reversing the order of the letters. According to M. 
 Pelouze, however, neither gallic nor ellagic acid pre-exists in galls, being formed 
 by the reaction of atmospheric oxygen upon their tannin. ( Journ. de Pham.. 
 xx. 359.) Galls also yielded to Professor Branchi, by distillation with water, s 
 concrete volatile oil. Guibourt found 65 per cent, of tannic acid, 10'5 of lignin 
 5 - 8 of gum, sugar, and starch, 4'0 of gallic, ellagic, and luteo-gallic acids, anc 
 11‘5 of water, besides extractive, chlorophylle, volatile oil, albumen, and salts 
 All the soluble matter of galls is taken up by forty 7 times their weight of boiling 
 water, and the residue is tasteless ; alcohol dissolves seveu parts in ten, ethei 
 five parts. ( Thomson's Dispensatory.) A saturated decoction deposits up Dr 
 cooling a copious pale-yellow precipitate. The infusion or tincture affords pre 
 cipitates with sulphuric and muriatic acids, lime-water, carbonate of ammonia 
 and carbonate of potassa ; with solutions of acetate and subacetate of lead, th 
 sulphates of copper and iron, the nitrates of silver and mercury, and tartrate o 
 antimony and potassa; with the infusions of Peruvian bark, columbo, opium 
 and many other vegetables, especially those containing alkaloids, with most o 
 which tannic acid forms insoluble compounds. The solution of gelatin also pre 
 duces a precipitate. The infusion of galls reddens litmus paper, is rendere 
 orange by nitric acid, milky by the corrosive chloride of mercury, and has its ovr 
 colour deepened by ammonia; but yields no precipitate with either of thes 
 reagents. Sulphate of zinc was said by Dr. A. T. Thomson to occasion a slo’ 
 precipitate, but this result was not obtained by 7 Dr. Duncan. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Galls are powerfully astringent. They ar 
 little employed as an internal remedy, though occasionally prescribed in c-hroni 
 
PART I. 
 
 Galla. — Gambogia. 
 
 359 
 
 liarrhoea and chronic dysentery. They have been recommended as an antidote 
 
 0 tartar emetic, and those vegetable poisons which depend for their activity 
 ipon organic alkalies; but, though the insoluble compounds which these prin- 
 iples form with galls may be less active than their soluble native compounds, 
 hey cannot be considered as inert. In the form of infusion or decoction, made 
 n the proportion of half an ounce to a pint of water, galls may be advantage- 
 usly used as an astringent gargle, lotion, or injection; and, mixed with simple 
 (intment, in the proportion of one part of galls, in very fine powder, to eight 
 iarts of the unguent, they are frequently applied to the anus and rectum in 
 lemorrhoidal afi’eetions. The dose of powdered galls is from ten to twenty 
 gains, to be repeated several times a day. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acidum Gallicum; Acidum Tannicum ; Decoctum Galhe; Tinc- 
 ura Gallae; Unguentum Gallae; Unguentum Gallae Compositum. W. 
 
 GAMBOGIA. U.S. 
 
 Gamboge. 
 
 The concrete juice of an uncertain tree. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. CAMBOGIA- Gum-resin of an uncertain plant. Land.; Hebra- 
 endron gambogioides. The gum-resinous exudation. Dub. ; CAMBOGIA 
 Sia.mensis). Gum-resin from an unascertained plant inhabiting Siam, proba- 
 ly a species of Hebradendron. CAMBOGIA (Zeylanica). Gummy-resinous 
 xudation of Hebradendron cambogioides. Ed. 
 
 \ Gomme gutte, Fr.; Gummigutt, Germ.; Gomma-gotta, Ital.; Gutta gamba, Span. 
 Several plants belonging to the natural family of the Guttiferee, growing in 
 le equatorial regions, yield on incision a yellow opaque juice, which hardens 
 
 1 exposure to the air, and bears a close resemblance to gamboge ; but it is not 
 irtaiuly known from which of these plants the officinal gum-resin is procured. 
 nt.il recently the United States and all the British Pharmacopoeias ascribed it 
 i Stalagmitis Cambogioides. This genus and species were established by Mur- 
 ty of Gottingen, in 1788, from dried specimens belonging to Ivbnig, procured 
 i the island of Ceylon ; and, from information derived from the same source, 
 was conjectured by Murray that the tree yielded not only the gamboge of 
 
 jeylon, but that also collected in Siam. It was on this authority that the British 
 jolleges made the reference alluded to. But it has been ascertained by Dr. Gra- 
 im, of Edinburgh, that there is no such plant as the Stalagmitis Cambogioides; 
 e description of Murray having been drawn up from accidentally conjoined 
 '•ecimens of two distinct trees belonging to different genera; one being the 
 antltochymus oralifolius of Roxburgh, and the other, the Hebradendron Cam- 
 | gioides of Graham. By several botanists the gum-resin has been ascribed to 
 'arcinia Cambogia, also a tree of Ceylon belonging to the family of Gutti- 
 rte, and yielding a yellowish concrete juice; but a specimen of the product of 
 is tree, sent to Edinburgh, was found by Dr. Christison to be different from 
 unboge both in composition and appearance, being of a pale lemon-yellow colour, 
 tus it appears that neither of these references is correct; and, besides, the im- 
 •rtant fact seems to have been overlooked, that commercial gamboge is never 
 >tained from Ceylon, but exclusively from Siam and Cochin-china. A gum- 
 sin from Ceylon having been found similar in composition to the gamboge of 
 mmerce; and the tree which produced it having been referred by Dr. Graham 
 a new genus, and named by him Hebradendron Cambogioides ; the Edinburgh 
 •liege, in the last edition of their Pharmacopoeia, was induced to adopt this 
 ■ylon gamboge as officinal, and to recognise the name proposed by Dr. Graham 
 : : the tree from which it is obtained. But as this variety is never found in 
 
360 
 
 Gambogia. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 western commerce, and exists only in the cabinets of the curious, or the bazaars 
 of India, it was scarcely worthy of a place in an officinal catalogue; and the 
 sufficiency of the grounds upon which the new genus Hebradendron was sepa- 
 rated from Garcinia is not universally admitted. The decision of the Edinburgh 
 College would, therefore, seem to have been somewhat premature; though, from 
 information received by Dr. Christison, there is some reason to believe that the 
 Siam gamboge is really derived from a tree belonging to the same genus as the 
 Hebradendron Cambogioides of Graham, but of a species hitherto undesr-ribed. 
 
 Gamboge is collected in Siam and Cochin-china. Similar products are obtained 
 in Ceylon ; but they do not appear to be sent out of the island. Milburn does not 
 mention gamboge among the exports. It is said to be procured in Siam by break- 
 ing off the leaves and young shoots of the tree, from which the juice issues in drops, 
 and, being received in suitable vessels, gradually thickens, and at length becomes 
 solid. Portions of it, when of the requisite consistence, are rolled into cylinders, 
 and wrapped in leaves. The juice is sometimes received into the hollow joints 
 of the bamboo, which give it a cylindrical form; and, as it contracts during the 
 process of solidification, the cylinder is often hollow in the centre. The name 
 gummi gut/a , by which it is generally known on the continent of Europe, pro- 
 bably originated from the circumstance that the juice escapes from the plant by 
 drops. The officinal title was undoubtedly derived from the province of Cam- 
 bodia, in which the gum-resin is collected. It was first brought to Europe by 
 the Dutch about the middle of the seventeenth century. We import gamboge 
 from Canton and Calcutta, whither it is carried by the native or resident mer- 
 chants. There is no difference in the appearance or character of the drug as 
 brought from these two ports; an evidence that it is originally derived from 
 the same place. 
 
 Varieties. The best gamboge is in cylindrical rolls, from one to three inches 
 in diameter, sometimes hollow in the centre, sometimes flattened, often folded 
 double, or agglutinated in masses in which the original form is not always readily 
 distinguishable. The pieces sometimes appear as if rolled, but are in general 
 striated longitudinally from the impression made by the inner surface of the 
 bamboo. They are externally of a dull orange colour, which is occasionally dis- 
 placed by greenish stains, or concealed by the bright yellow powder of the drug, 
 which slightly adheres to the surface. In this form the drug is sometimes called 
 •pipe gamboge. Another variety is imported under the name of cake or lump 
 gamboge. It is in irregular masses weighing two or three pounds or more, often 
 mixed with sticks and other impurities, containing many air cells, less dense, less 
 uniform in texture, and less brittle than the former variety, and breaking with 
 a dull and splintery, instead of a shining and eonchoidal fracture. The worst 
 specimens of this variety, as well as of the cylindrical, are sometimes called by 
 the London druggists coarse gamboge. They differ, however, from the preceding 
 only in containing a greater amount of impurities. Indeed, it would appear, frou 
 the experiments of Christison, that all the commercial varieties of this drug hart 
 a common origin, and that cake or lump gamboge differs from the eylindrica 
 only from the circumstance that the latter is the pure concrete juice of the plant 
 while in the former farinaceous matter and other impurities have been added fo: 
 the purpose of adulteration. The inferior kinds of gamboge may be known by 
 their greater hardness and coarser fracture; by the brownish or grayish colou 
 of their broken surface, which is often marked with black spots; by their obvion 
 impurities; and by the green colour which their decoction, after having beet 
 cooled, gives with tincture of iodine. When pure, the gum-resin is completely 
 dissolved by the successive action of ether and water.* 
 
 * Ceylon gamboge , derived from the Ecbradendron Cambogioides of Graham ( Cambogi 
 guita, Linn., Garcinia Morelia, De Cand.j, is procured by incisions, or by cutting away 
 
art I. Grambogia. 361 
 
 Properties. Gamboge, in its pure form, is brittle, with a smooth, eonchoidal, 
 bining fracture; and the fragments are slightly translucent at their edges. The 
 flour of the mass when broken is a uniform reddish-orange, which becomes a 
 eautiful bright yellow in the powder, or when the surface is rubbed with water, 
 'rom the brilliancy of its colour, gamboge is highly esteemed as a pigment. It 
 ,as no smell, and little taste; but, after remaining a short time in the mouth, 
 roduces an acrid sensation in the fauces. Its sp. gr. is 1221. Exposed to heat 
 , burns with a white flame, emitting much smoke, and leaving a light spongy 
 harcoal. It is a gum-resin, without volatile oil. In 100 parts of it Braconnot 
 rand 19 - 5 parts of gum, 80 of resin, and 0'5 of impurities. John obtained 
 O' 5 per cent, of gum, 89 of resin, and 0 5 of impurities. Christison has shown 
 hat the proportion of gum and resin varies in different specimens even of the 
 :urest drug. In one experiment, out of 100'8 parts he obtained 74'2 of resin, 
 1'8 of gum, and 4'8 of water. The gum is quite soluble in water, and of the 
 iiriety denominated arabin. In a specimen of ca/ce gamboge he found 11 "2 per 
 ent. of fecula and lignin, and in a very bad sample of coarse gamboge, no less 
 lan 41 per cent, of the same impurities. In addition to gum and resin, 
 
 h. Buchner found a small and variable proportion of a peculiar reddish-yellow 
 flouring matter, soluble both in alcohol and water. ( Journ . cle Pharm., 3e sir., 
 
 i. 303.) Gamboge is readily and entirely diffusible in water, forming a yellow 
 oaque emulsion, from which the resin is very slowly deposited. It yields its 
 isinous ingredient to alcohol, forming a golden yellow tincture, which is ren- 
 ted opaque and bright yellow by the addition of water. Its solution in amrno- 
 lated alcohol is not disturbed by water. Sulphuric ether dissolves about four- 
 ths of it, taking up only the resin. It is wholly taken up by alkaline solutions, 
 om which it is partially precipitated by the acids. The strong acids dissolve 
 ; but the solution when diluted with water deposits a yellow sediment. The 
 flour, acrimony, and medicinal power of gamboge, reside in the resin. This 
 is the neutralizing property of the acids, and has been named gambogic acid. 
 
 is obtained by evaporating an ethereal tincture of the gum-resin. In mass it 
 of a cherry-red colour, but becomes of a deep-orange in thin layers, and yellow 
 jhen powdered. So intense is its colour, that one part of it communicates a 
 aceptible yellowness to ten thousand parts of water or spirit. It is insoluble 
 water, but soluble in alcohol, and very soluble in ether. It forms with the 
 kalies dark-red solutions of gambogiates, from which the acids throw down 
 .mbogic acid of a yellow colour, and the soluble salts of lead, copper, and iron, 
 mbogiates of those metals respectively; the salt of lead being yellow, that of 
 pper brown, and that of iron dark-brown. Its composition is given by Johnston 
 C^HgjOs. ( Lond . Philos. Trans., 1839.) In the dose of five grains it is said 
 ■i produce copious watery stools, with little or no uneasiness. If this be the 
 se, it is probable that, as it exists in the gum-resin, its purgative property is 
 mewhat modified by the other ingredients. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Gamboge is a powerful, drastic, hydragogue 
 thartic, very apt to produce nausea and vomiting when given in the full dose, 
 large quantities it is capable of producing fatal effects, and death has resulted 
 pm a drachm. It is much employed in the treatment of dropsy attended with 
 rpid bowels, generally in combination with bitartrate of potassa or jalap. It 
 also prescribed in cases of obstinate constipation, and has frequently been found 
 
 rtion of the bark, and scraping off the juice which exudes. The specimens sent to Dr. 
 
 , ristison were in flatfish or round masses, eight or nine inches in diameter, apparently 
 mposed of aggregated irregular tears, with cavities which are lined with a grayish and 
 hwnish powdery incrustation. Its general aspect was that of coarse gamboge; but the 
 lividual tears had the characters of the best kind, and its chemical composition was 
 ' mtical. It is used as a pigment and purgative in Ceylon, but is not an article of com- 
 i'rce. [Christison’ s Dispensatory.) 
 
362 G-ambogia . — Gaultheria. parti, 
 
 effectual in the expulsion of the tape-worm. It is often combined with othei 
 and milder cathartics, the action of which it promotes and accelerates, while its 
 own is moderated. The full dose is from two to six grains, which in cases ol 
 tasnia has been raised to ten or fifteen grains. As it is apt to occasion nmc-l 
 sickness and griping, the best plan, under ordinary circumstances, is to give it 
 in small doses, repeated at short intervals till it operates. It may he given in 
 pill or emulsion, or dissolved in an alkaline solution. The last method of ad- 
 ministration has been recommended in dropsical complaints. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pilulse Cathartic® Compositae; Pilula Cambogiae Comp. W. 
 
 GAULTHERIA. U. S. 
 
 Partrulge-berry . 
 
 The leaves of Gaultheria proc-umbens. U. S. 
 
 Gaultheria. Sex. Syst. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. Orel. Ericaceae. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Calyx five-cleft, bibrac-teate at the base. Corolla ovate. Capsule. 
 five-celled, invested with the berried calyx. Pursh. 
 
 Gaultheria procumbens. Willd. Sp. Plant. ii. 616; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 
 ii. 27 ; Barton, Med. Bot. i. 171. This is a small, indigenous, shrubby, ever- 
 green plant, with a long, creeping, horizontal root, which sends up at interval? 
 one and sometimes two erect, slender, round, reddish stems. These are naked 
 below, leafy at the summit, and usually less than a span in height. The leaves 
 are ovate or obovate, acute, revolute at the edges with a few mucronate serra- 
 tures, coriaceous, shining, bright-green upon the upper surface, paler beneath, 
 of unequal size, and supported irregularly on short red petioles. The flowers, 
 of which not more than from three to five are usually found upon each stem, 
 stand on curved, drooping, axillary peduncles. The calyx is white, five-toothed, 
 and furnished at its base with two concave cordate bractes, which are by some 
 authors described as an outer calyx. The corolla is white, ovate or ureeolate. 
 contracted at its mouth, and divided at its border into five small acute segments. 
 The stamens consist of curved, plumose filaments, and oblong orange-colourec 
 anthers opening on the outside. The germ, which rests upon a ring having ter 
 teeth alternating with the ten stamens, is roundish, depressed, and surmounted 
 by an erect filiform style, terminating in an obtuse stigma. The fruit is a small 
 five-celled, many-seeded capsule, enclosed in a fleshy covering, formed by the 
 enlarged calyx, and presenting the appearauce of a bright scarlet berry. 
 
 The plant extends from Canada to Georgia, growing in large beds in moun 
 tainous tracts, or in dry barrens and sandy plains, beneath the shade of shrub: 
 and trees, particularly of other evergreens, as the Kalmiae aud Rhododeudra. It 
 is abundant in the pine barrens of New Jersey. In different parts of the country 
 it is known by the various names of partridge-berry, deer-berry , tea-berry , xe inter 
 green, and mountain-tea. The flowers appear from May to September, and th< 
 fruit ripens at corresponding periods. Though the leaves only are officinal, al 
 parts of the plant are endowed with the peculiar flavour for which these are em 
 ployed, and which is found in several other plants, particularly in the bark o 
 Betula lenta, or sweet birch. The fruit possesses it in a high degree, and, bein: 
 at the same time sweetish, is much relished by some persons, and form* a fa 
 vourite article of food with partridges, deer, aud other wild animals. To tlr 
 very peculiar aromatic odour aud taste which belong to the whole plant, tk 
 leaves add a marked astringeney. The aromatic properties reside in a volatil 
 oil, which may be separated by distillation. (See Oleum Gaultheria;.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Gaultheria has the usual stimulant operatioi 
 of the aromatics, united with astringeney ; aud may, therefore, be used with ad 
 
ART I. 
 
 G-aultheria. — Gentiana. 
 
 363 
 
 intage in some forms of chronic diarrhoea. Like other substances of the same 
 ass, it has been employed as an emmenagogue, and with the view of increasing 
 \e secretion of milk; but its chief use is to impart an agreeable flavour to mix- 
 res and other preparations. It may be conveniently administered in the form 
 1 infusion, which, in some parts of the country, is not unfrequently used at the 
 hies as a substitute for common tea. The oil, however, is more used in regular 
 notice than the leaves. Instances of death are on record, resulting from the 
 king of the oil, by mistake, in the quantity of about a fluidounce. On exami- 
 ttion after death, strong marks of gastric inflammation were discovered. ( Journ . 
 'Phil. Col. of P harm., vi. 290.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Oleum Gaultheriae. W. 
 
 GENTIANA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Gentian. 
 
 The root of Grentiana lutea. U. S-, Land., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Gentiane jaune, Fr.; Rother Enzian, Germ.; Genziana, Ital.; Geuciana, Span. 
 Gentiana. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Gentianacem. 
 
 Gen. Cli. Corolla one-petalled. Capsule two-valved, one-celled, with two lon- 
 ,'tudinal receptacles. Willd. 
 
 Gentiana lutea. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1381; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 273, t. 95; 
 arson, Illust. of Med. BoW\\. 12, pi. 60. Yellow gentian is among the most 
 : markable of the species which compose this genus, both for its beauty and 
 leat comparative size. From its thick, long, branching, perennial root, an 
 Get, round stem rises to the height of three or four feet, bearing opposite, 
 fissile, oval, acute, five-nerved leaves, of a bright-green colour, and somewhat 
 jiucous. The lower leaves, which spring from the root, are narrowed at their 
 ljse into the form of a petiole. The flowers are large and beautiful, of a yellow 
 (lour, peduncled, and placed in whorls at the axils of the upper leaves. The 
 <!yx is monophyllous, membranous, yellowish, and semi-transparent, splitting 
 1 ken the flower opens, and reflected when it is fully expanded ; the corolla is 
 Rate, and deeply divided into five or six lanceolate, acute segments ; the stamens 
 sp five or six and shorter than the corolla. This plant grows among the Apen- 
 nes, the Alps, the Pyrenees, and in other mountainous or elevated regions of 
 .irope. The root is the only part used iu medicine. It is imported into this 
 untry from Germany. 
 
 Several other species possess analogous medicinal properties, and are used for 
 fmilar purposes. The roots of G. purpurea and G. punctata, growing in the 
 f ne regions as G. lutea, and of G. Punnonica, growing in Austria, are said to 
 1 frequently mingled with the officinal gentian, from which they are scarcely 
 (jitinguishable. The G. macrophylla of Pallas is used in Siberia; and one in- 
 (genous species, G. Catesbasi, has found a place in the secondary catalogue of 
 1; U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Properties. As found in the shops, gentian is in pieces of various dimensions 
 <ji shape, usually of considerable length, consisting sometimes of longitudinal 
 fbes, sometimes of the root cut transversely, twisted, wrinkled externally, some- 
 ties marked with close transverse rings, of a grayish-brown colour on the out- 
 se, yellowish or reddish within, and of a soft spongy texture. The odour is 
 f ble, but decided and peculiar. The taste is slightly sweetish and intensely 
 1 ter, without being nauseous. The powder is of a yellowish colour. Water and 
 eohol extract the taste and medical virtues of the root. Examined by MM. 
 Lnry and Caventou, it was found to contain, 1. a peculiar crystallizable prin- 
 c le which they supposed to be the chief active ingredient of the root, and, 
 
364 
 
 Gentiana. 
 
 PART i 
 
 therefore, named gentianin, 2. a volatile odorous principle, 3. a substance iden- 
 tical with birdlime (glu), 4. a greenish fixed oil, 5. a free organic acid, 6. un 
 crystallizable sugar, 7. gum, 8. yellow colouring matter, and 9. lignin. Mr 
 Denis has since detected in the root the existence of pectic acid; and the gen 
 tianin of Henry and Caventou has been proved by Trommsdorff and by M. Leconte 
 to be, when quite pure, wholly destitute both of bitterness and of medicinal power 
 so that it would appear no longer to merit the name given' to it. M. Leconte 
 proposes, accordingly, to call it gentisin ; and, as it possesses the property of neu- 
 tralizing the alkalies, it has received also the name of gentisic acid. It is ob- 
 tained by treating the alcoholic extract of gentian, previously exhausted by water, 
 with sulphuric ether, filtering the ethereal solution, and allowing it to evaporate 
 spontaneously. It is in needle-shaped crystals, pale-yellow, insoluble in water, 
 and soluble in alcohol. The same chemist believes that he has ascertained the 
 birdlime or glu of Henry and Caventou to be a mixture of wax, oil, and caout- 
 chouc. When distilled with water, gentian yields a minute proportion of a con- 
 crete oil, having a strong odour of the root. Professor Dulk, of Konigsberg 
 gives the following process for isolating the bitter principle. The alcoholic extract 
 is macerated in water, and the solution, having been subjected to the vinous 
 fermentation in order to separate the sugar, is treated first with acetate of lead 
 and then, after filtration, with subacetate of lead and a very little ammonia, in 
 order to precipitate the combination of the vegetable principle with oxide of lead, 
 care being taken not to use too much ammonia, lest by its stronger basic powers 
 it should separate the vegetable principle from the oxide. The precipitate thus 
 obtained is washed with a little water, then mixed with a large proportion of the 
 same fluid, and decomposed by hydrosulphuric acid. The liquid, having been 
 filtered, is evaporated with a gentle heat to dryness, and the residue treated with 
 alcohol of 0'820. The alcoholic solution, being evaporated, yields the bitter 
 principle, which is the proper gentianin. It is a brownish-yeliow, uncrystalliz 
 able substance, having in a high degree the bitter taste of the root. It is almost 
 insoluble in absolute alcohol, but soluble in ordinary alcohol, and very soluble 
 in water. It reddens litmus, and appears to possess acid properties. (Journ. dt 
 Pharm., xxiv. 638.) When gentian is macerated in cokl water, it undergoes 
 the vinous fermentation, in consequence of the sugar contained in it. From the 
 fermented infusion a spirituous liquor is obtained by distillation, which, thougl 
 bitter and unpleasant to the smell, is said to be relished by the Swiss anc 
 Tyrolese. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Gentian possesses, in a high degree, the tonic 
 powers which characterize the simple bitters. It excites the appetite, invigorate- 
 digestion, moderately increases the temperature of the body and the force of the 
 circulation, and operates in fact as a general corroborant of the system. In vert 
 large doses, however, it is apt to load and oppress the stomach, to irritate the 
 bowels and even to occasion nausea and vomiting. It has been known as a me 
 dicine from the highest antiquity, and is said to have derived its name fron 
 Gentius, a king of Illyria. Many of the complex preparations handed dotn 
 from the Greeks and Arabians contain it among their ingredients ; and it enter 
 into most of the stomachic combinations employed in modern practice. It imr 
 be used in all cases of pure debility of the digestive organs, or requiring a genera 
 tonic impression. Dyspepsia, gout, amenorrhoea, hysteria, scrofula, intermitten 
 fever, diarrhoea, and worms, are among the many forms of disease in which it ba 
 proved useful; but it is the condition of the stomach and of the system generally 
 not the name of the disease, which must be taken into consideration in present 
 ing it; and there is scarcely a single complaint iu which it can be advantageous! 
 administered under all circumstances. Its powder has been applied extcrnall 
 to malignant and sloughing ulcers. It is usually given in the form of infusio 
 
art I. Gentiana. — Gentiana Catesbsei. — Geranium. 365 
 
 ■ tincture. A syrup may be prepared by forming a saturated infusion by means 
 ' percolation, and incorporating this at a boiling temperature with simple syrup; 
 
 , perhaps more eligibly, by dissolving first two drachms of the extract of gen- 
 in, and afterwards fifteen ounces of sugar in half a pint of water. The dose 
 the powder is from ten to forty grains. 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum Gentianae ; Infusum Gentianae Comp. ; Tinctura Gen- 
 mas Comp.; TincB Rhei et Gentianae; Vinum Gentianae. W. 
 
 GENTIANA CATESBjEI. U.S. Secondary. 
 
 Blue Gentian. 
 
 The root of Gentiana Catesbasi. U. S. 
 
 Gentiana. See GENTIANA. 
 
 Several indigenous species of gentian approach more or less nearly to Gentiana 
 tea in the bitterness and medicinal virtues of their roots; but G. Catesbsei, 
 hich resembles it most closely in these respects, is the only one which has 
 tracted the particular attention of the medical profession. 
 
 Gentiana Catesbsei. Walter, Flor. Car. 109 ; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. ii. 137. 
 he blue gentian has a perennial, branching, somewhat fleshy root, and a simple, 
 ect, rough stem, rising eight or ten inches in height, and bearing opposite leaves, 
 hich are ovate-lanceolate, acute, and rough on their margin. The flowers, which 
 e of a palish-blue colour, are crowded, nearly sessile, axillary, and terminal, 
 le divisions of the calyx are linear-lanceolate, and longer than the tube. The 
 rolla is large, ventricose, plaited, and divided at its border into ten segments, 
 which the five outer are more or less acute, the five inner bifid and fringed, 
 he number of stamens is five, and the two stigmas are seated on the germ. The 
 psule is oblong, acuminate, with two valves, and a single cell. 
 
 G. Catesbsei grows in the grassy swamps of North and South Carolina, where 
 flowers from September to December. It was named by Walter and Elliot 
 honour of Catesby, by whom it was delineated more than ninety years ago. 
 irsh confounds it with G. Saponaria, to which it is nearly allied. 
 
 Properties. By Dr. Bigelow we are told that the dried root of this plant has 
 : first a mucilaginous and sweetish taste, which is soon succeeded by an intense 
 tterness, approaching nearly to that of the officinal gentian. Alcohol and 
 iling water extract its virtues, and the tincture and decoction are even more 
 tier than the root in substance. 
 
 Medical Properties. As a medicine it is little inferior to the European gen- 
 .n, and may be employed for similar purposes. In the Northern and Middle 
 ates it is not used; but it is said to be occasionally prescribed by the practi- 
 raers of the South in dyspepsia, and other cases of stomachic and general de- 
 lity. It may be given in powder in the dose of from fifteen to thirty grains, 
 in the form of extract, infusion, wine, or tincture, which may be prepared in 
 e manner directed for the similar preparations of foreign gentian. W. 
 
 GERANIUM. U.S. 
 
 , ‘ ' • 
 
 Oranesbill. 
 
 The rhizoma of Geranium maculatum. U. S. 
 
 Geranium. Sex. Syst. Monadelphia Decandria. — Nat. Ord. Geraniaceae. 
 
 1 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-leaved. Corolla five-petalled, regular. Nectary five mel- 
 'erous glands, united to the base of the longer filaments. Arilli five, one- 
 sided, awned, at the base of a beaked receptacle; awns simple, naked, neither 
 iral nor bearded. Willd. 
 
366 
 
 Geranium . — Geum. 
 
 PART i 
 
 Geranium maculatum. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 705; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot 
 i. 84 ; Barton, Med. Bot. i. 149. This plant has a perennial, horizontal, flesh} 
 root, which is furnished with short fibres, and sends up annually an herbaceom 
 stem, with several radical leaves. The stem- is erect, round, dic-hotomously 
 branched, from one to two feet high, of a grayish-green colour, and thickly 
 covered, in common with the petioles and peduncles, with reflexed hairs. The 
 leaves are deeply divided into three, five, or seven lobes, which are variously 
 incised at their extremities, hairy, and of a pale-green colour, mottled with still 
 paler spots. Those which rise immediately from the root are supported on foot- 
 stalks eight or ten inches long; those of the stem are opposite, the lower petio 
 late, the upper nearly sessile, with lanceolate or linear stipules. The flowers an 
 large, and usually of a purple colour. The peduncles spring from the forks ol 
 the stem, and severally support two flowers upon short pedicels. The calyx it 
 composed of five oblong, ribbed, cuspidate leaves; the petals are five, obovate 
 and entire; the stamens ten, with oblong, deciduous anthers, the five alternate 
 filaments being longer than the others, and having glands at their base; the germ 
 is ovate, supporting a straight style as long as the stamens, and surmounted by 
 five stigmas. The fruit consists of five aggregate, one-seeded capsules, attached 
 by a beak to the persistent style, curling up and scattering the seeds when ripe. 
 
 The cranesbill is indigenous, growing throughout the United States, in moist 
 woods, thickets and hedges, and generally in low grounds. It flowers from May 
 to July. The root should be collected in autumn. 
 
 This, when dried, is in pieces from one to three inches long, from a quarter 
 to half an inch in thickness, somewhat flattened, contorted, wrinkled, tubercu- 
 lated, and beset with slender fibres. It is externally of an umber-brown colour, 
 internally reddish-gray, compact, inodorous, and of an astringent taste, without 
 bitterness or other unpleasant flavour. Water and alcohol extract its virtues. 
 Tannin is an abundant constituent. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Geranium is one of our most powerful indi- 
 genous astringents, and may be employed for all the purposes to which these 
 medicines are applicable. The absence of unpleasant taste, and of other offensive 
 qualities, renders it peculiarly serviceable in the cases of infants, and of persons 
 with very delicate stomachs. Diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, cholera infantum in 
 the latter stages, and the various hemorrhages, are the forms of disease in which 
 it is most commonly used, and with greatest advantage; but care should be 
 taken, before it is administered, that the condition of the system and of the pari 
 affected is such as not to contra-indicate the use of astringents. As an appli- 
 cation to indolent ulcers, an injection in gleet and leueorrhoea, a gargle in re- 
 laxation of the uvula and aphthous ulcerations of the throat, it answers the same 
 purpose as kino, catechu, and other medicines of the same class. It is a popular 
 domestic remedy in various parts of the United States, and is said to be employed 
 by the Indians. It may be given in substance, decoction, tincture, or extract. 
 The dose of the powder is twenty or thirty grains, that of a decoction, made by 
 boiling an ounce of the root in a pint and a half of water to a pint, from one to twe 
 fluidounces. The medicine is sometimes given to children boiled in milk. W. 
 
 GEUM. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Water Avens. 
 
 The root of Geum rivale. U. S. 
 
 Benoite aquatique, Fr.; Wiesen Benediktenwurzel, Germ. 
 
 Geum. Sex.Syst. Ieosandria Polygynia. — Mat. Ord. Kosacea?. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx ten-cleft. Petals five. Seeds with a bent awn. Willd. 
 
 Several species belonging to this genus have been medicinally employed; bu; 
 
ART I. 
 
 Geum. 
 
 367 
 
 vo only are deserving of particular notice — Geum rivale, which has a place in 
 ie secondary list of the United States Pharmacopoeia, and G. urbanum, formerly 
 ecognised by the Dublin College. 
 
 Geum urbanum, or avens, is a native of Europe, where it grows wild in woods, 
 id other shady places. The root, which is the part used, consists of a short 
 dong body or caudex, from a quarter to half an inch in thickness, externally 
 •own, internally white towards the circumference and reddish at the centre, 
 id furnished with numerous long descending fibres. When quite dry it is 
 jarly inodorous; but in the recent state has a smell like that of cloves, whence 
 is sometimes called radix caryophyllatae. The taste is bitterish and astrin- 
 mt. It imparts its medical virtues to water and alcohol, which it tinges red. 
 istilled with water it yields a thick, greenish-yellow volatile oil, and gives a 
 easant flavour to the liquid. It contains, according to Trommsdorff, besides 
 nnic acid, which is an abundant constituent, a tasteless resin, gum, bassorin, 
 id lignin. It has been much used on the continent of Europe as a tonic and 
 tringent, in chronic and passive hemorrhages, chronic dysentery and diarrhoea, 
 ucorrhoea, abdominal congestion, intermittent fever, &c. The dose is from 
 irty grains to a drachm of the powdered root three or four times a day, or an 
 [uivalent quantity in decoction. 
 
 Geum rivale. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1115; Engl. Pot. 106. I Voter avens has 
 perennial, horizontal, jointed, scaly, tapering root, about six inches long, of a 
 ddish-brown colour externally, white internally, and furnished with numerous 
 ■sscending yellowish fibres. One or more stems rise from the same root, which 
 iso sends up numerous leaves. The stems are about a foot and a half high, 
 ruple, erect, pubescent, and of a purplish colour. The radical leaves are in- 
 rruptedly pinnate, with large terminal leaflets, and long, hairy footstalks; those 
 the stem are petiolate, and divided into three serrate, pointed segments. The 
 >wers are few, solitary, nodding, yellowish-purple, and supported on axillary 
 d terminal peduncles. The colour of the stems and flowers gave rise to the 
 line oi purple avens, sometimes applied to the plant. The calyx is inferior, with 
 n lanceolate pointed segments, of which the five alternate are smaller than the 
 hers. The petals are five, and of the same length as the calyx. The seeds 
 ; e oval, with plumose awns, minutely uncinate, and nearly naked at the summit. 
 This species of Geum is common to Europe and the United States; though 
 e plant of this country has smaller flowers, with petals more rounded on the 
 p, and leaves more deeply incised than the European. It delights in wet boggy 
 :eadows, and extends from Canada into New England, New York, and Pennsyl- 
 nia. Its flowers appear in June and July. The dried root is hard, brittle, 
 ■sily pulverized, of a reddish or purplish colour, without smell, and of an 
 .tringent, bitterish taste. Boiling water extracts its virtues. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Water avens is tonic and powerfully astringent. 
 
 . may be used with advantage in chronic or passive hemorrhages, leueorrhoea, 
 id diarrhoea; and is said to be beneficially employed, in the Eastern States, as 
 popular remedy in the debility of phthisis pulmonalis, in simple dyspepsia, 
 id in visceral diseases consequent on disorder of the stomach. In Europe it is 
 f netimes substituted for the root of the common avens, or Geum urbanum, but 
 i less esteemed. The dose of the powdered root is from a scruple to a drachm, 
 i be repeated three times a day. The decoction, which is usually preferred, 
 ny be made by boiling an ounce of the root in a pint of water, and given in 
 1; quantity of one or two fkiidounces. A weak decoction is sometimes used by 
 ifialids in New England as a substitute for tea and coffee. W. 
 
868 
 
 Gillenia. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 GILLENIA. U.S. 
 
 Gillenia. 
 
 The root of Gillenia trifoliata and Gillenia stipulacea. U. S. 
 
 Indian physic, American ipecacuanha. 
 
 Gillenia. Sex. Syst. Icosandria Pentagynia. — Nat. Ord. Rosaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx tubular campanulate, border five-toothed. Corolla partly 
 unequal. Petals five, lanceolate, attenuated at the base. Stamens few, included. 
 Styles five. Capsules five, connate at the base, opening on the inner side, each 
 two-seeded. Torrey. 
 
 This genus was separated by Moench from Spiraea. It is exclusively North 
 American, and includes only two discovered species — G. trifoliata and G. stipu- 
 lacea — both of which are recognised in our Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 1 Gillenia trifoliata. Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. iii. 10; Barton, Med. Bot. \ 
 65; Carson, lllust. of Med. Bot. i. 40, pi. 34. This is an herbaceous plant with 
 a perennial root, consisting of numerous long, slender, brown branches, proceeding 
 from a thick, tuber-like head. The stems, several of which usually rise from the 
 same root, are two or three feet high, erect, slender, smooth, flexuose, branched, 
 and commonly of a reddish colour. The leaves are ternate, with very shori 
 petioles, and small linear-lanceolate stipules. The leaflets are ovate-lanceolate, 
 sharply serrate, and acuminate. The flowers grow in a loose terminal nodding 
 panicle, with long peduncles. The calyx is tubular campanulate, ventricose, and 
 terminates in five pointed segments. The corolla is composed of five linear 
 lanceolate, recurved petals, the two upper separated from the three lower, white 
 with a reddish tinge on their border, and of three times the length of the calyx 
 The stamens are twenty, the filaments short, the anthers small and yellow. Eacl 
 flower is succeeded by five capsules, connate at their base, oblong, acuminate 
 gibbous without, acute within, two-valved, one-eelled, opening inward, and con 
 taining each one or two oblong seeds. 
 
 This species of Gillenia grows throughout the United States, east of the Alle 
 ghany ridge, and in Pennsylvania may also be found abundantly west of thes« 
 mountains. Pursli found it in Florida, and it extends as far north as Canada 
 It frequents light soils, in shady and moist situations, and flowers in June am 
 July. The root should be gathered in September. 
 
 2. G. stipulacea. Barton, Med. Bot. i. 71. This species is also herbaceous am 
 perennial, though much taller, and more bushy than the preceding. The stem 
 are brownish and branched. The upper leaves are ternate, lanceolate, serrate 
 the lower more deeply incised, becoming towards the root piunatifid, and of ; 
 reddish-brown colour at the margin. The stipules are ovate, acuminate, deepl; 
 serrate, resembling leaves, and marking the species at the first glance. Th 
 flowers are smaller than those of G. trifoliata, and grow on long slender peduncle 
 in a lax corymb. 
 
 In the valley of the Mississippi, this plant occupies the place of G. trifoliata 
 which is not found beyond the Muskingum. It grows as far north as the Stat 
 of New York, extends through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, and pr< 
 bably into the States south of the Ohio, as it has been found in Western I it 
 ginia. Its root is precisely similar to that of the eastern species, and is repute 
 to possess the same properties. 
 
 The dried root of Gillenia is not thicker than a quill, wrinkled longitudinally 
 with occasional transverse fissures, and in the thicker pieces presenting in soin 
 places an irregular undulated somewhat knotty appearance, arising from indci 
 tations on one side corresponding with prominences on the other. It is external! 
 
ART I. 
 
 Grillenia. — Glycyrrhiza. 
 
 369 
 
 f a light-brown colour, and consists of a thick, somewhat reddish, brittle, cortical 
 ortion, with an interior slender, tougher, whitish ligneous cord. The bark, which 
 easily separable, has a bitter, not disagreeable taste; the wood is nearly insipid 
 id comparatively inert, and should be rejected. The powder is of a light 
 •ownish colour, and possesses a feeble odour, which is scarcely perceptible in 
 le root. The bitterness is extracted by boiling water, which acquires the red 
 dour of wine. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Grillenia is a mild and efficient emetic, and, like 
 ■ost other substances belonging to the same class, occasionally acts upon the 
 >wels. In very small doses it has been thought to exert a tonic influence. It 
 much used by some practitioners in the country as a substitute for ipecacuanha, 
 bich it is said to resemble in its mode of operation. It was employed by the 
 dians, and became known as an emetic to the colonists at an early period. 
 
 ' nnasus was aware of its reputed virtues. The dose of the powdered root is 
 :im twenty to thirty grains, repeated at intervals of twenty minutes till it 
 ’ mits. W. 
 
 GLYCYRRHIZA-. U. S., Loncl, Dab. 
 
 Liquorice Root. 
 
 The root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. U. S., Dub. Recent and dried root. Lond. 
 Off. Syn. GLY C YRRHIZiE RADIX. Root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. Ed. 
 
 Bois de reglisse, Fr.; Susskolzwurzel, Germ.; Liquirizia, ltal.; Regaliza, Span. 
 Glycyrrhiza. Sex. Syst. Diadelphia Decandria. — Mat. Ord. Leguminoste or 
 Ibacese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx bilabiate; upper lip three-cleft, lower undivided, j Legume 
 cute, compressed. Willd. 
 
 Glycyrrhiza glabra. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 1144; Woodv. Med. Dot. p. 420, 
 t .52; Carson, 1/lust, of Med. Dot. i. 38, pi. 32. The liquorice plant has a pe- 
 r nial root, which is round, succulent, tough and pliable, furnished with sparse 
 fi es, rapid in its growth, and in a sandy soil penetrates deeply into the ground. 
 1 3 stems are herbaceous, erect, and usually four or five feet in height; have 
 fc branches; and are garnished with alternate, pinnate leaves, consisting of 
 sijeral pairs of ovate, blunt, petiolate leaflets, with a single leaflet at the end, 
 o i pale-green colour, and clammy on their under surface. The flowers are 
 v 'et or purple, formed like those of the pea, and arranged in axillary spikes 
 si ported on long peduncles. The calyx is tubular and persistent. The fruit 
 is: compressed, smooth, acute, one-celled legume, containing from one to four 
 si .11 kidney-shaped seeds. 
 
 ’his plant is a native of the South of Europe, Barbary, Syria, and Persia; 
 ai is cultivated in England, the North of France, and Germany. Much of the 
 rc . imported into this country comes from the ports of Messina and Palermo in 
 S ly. It is also largely produced in the northern provinces of Spain, where it 
 foias an important article of commerce. It is not improbable that a portion of 
 tf liquorice root from Italy and Sicily is the product of G. echinata, which 
 gi;vs wild in Apulia. This species is also abundant in the South of Russia, 
 w re, according to Hayne, sufficient extract is prepared from it to supply the 
 w le Russian empire. 
 
 . species of Glycyrrhiza, G. lepidota, grows abundantly about St. Louis, in 
 th’Stateof Missouri, and flourishes along the banks of the Missouri river to its 
 so ee in the mountains. It is probably the same with the liquorice plant men- 
 tidsd by Mackenzie as growing on the northern coast of this continent. Mr. 
 24 ' 
 
PART I 
 
 37 0 Grlycyrrhiza. 
 
 Nuttall states that its root possesses in no inconsiderable degree the taste o 
 liquorice. 
 
 Properties. The liquorice root of the shops is in long pieces, varying in thick 
 ness from a few lines to more than an inch, fibrous, externally grayish-browi 
 and wrinkled by desiccation, internally yellowish, without smell, and of a swee 
 mucilaginous taste, mingled with a slight degree of acrimony. It is often worm 
 eaten and more or less decayed. The best pieces are those which have the bright 
 est yellow colour internally, and of which the layers are distinct. The powde 
 is of a grayish-yellow colour, when the root is pulverized without being deprive* 
 of its epidermis, of a pale sulphur-yellow, when the epidermis has been removed 
 Robiquet found the following ingredients in liquorice root: 1. a peculiar trans 
 parent yellow substance, called glyeyrrhizin or glycion , of a sweet saccharin 
 taste, scarcely soluble in cold water, very soluble in boiling water with which i 
 gelatinizes on cooling, thrown down from its aqueous solution by acids, readil 
 soluble in cold alcohol, insusceptible of the vinous fermentation, yielding n 
 oxalic acid by the action of the nitric, and therefore wholly distinct from sugar 
 2. a crystallizable principle, named agedolte by Robiquet, but subsequently prove' 
 to be identical with a spar agin • 3. starch; 4. albumen; 5. a brown acrid resin 
 6. a brown azotized extractive matter; 7. lignin; 8. salts of lime and magnesi; 
 with phosphoric, sulphuric, and malic acids. Robiquet prepared glyeyrrhizin h 
 subjecting a strong cold infusion of the root to ebullition, in order to separat 
 the albumen; then filtering, precipitating with acetic acid, and washing the pr< 
 cipitate with cold water to remove any adhering acid. It may be still furthe 
 purified by solution in absolute alcohol, and evaporation at a very gentle hea 
 According to Dr. T. Lade, glyeyrrhizin, as it exists in the root, is rendere 
 soluble in water by combination with inorganic bases, such as lime and ammoni; 
 from which it is separated by the addition of an acid. From the observatior 
 of Dr. Lade, it is to be inferred that this principle has no affinity for the acid 
 but combines with salifiable bases, forming salts of various degrees of solubilii; 
 Its sweetness is retained in the compounds which it forms with the alkalies, 
 consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. ( Chem. Gazette , No. 100, from Lithij 
 Annalen, Aug. 1846.) 
 
 An extract of liquorice root is brought from Spain and Italy, and much ust 
 under the name of liquorice. (See Petr actum Glycyrrhizae.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Liquorice root is an excellent demulcent, wt 
 adapted to catarrhal affections, and to irritations of the mucous membrane of tJ 
 bowels and urinary passages. It is best given in the form of decoction, eith 
 alone, or combined with other demulcents. It is frequently employed as an a 
 dition to the decoctions of acrid or irritating vegetable substances, such, for e 
 ample, as seneka and mezereon, the acrimony T of which it covers and concea 
 while it renders them more acceptable to the stomach. Before being used, 
 should be deprived of its cortical part, which is somewhat acrid, without posse 
 ing the peculiar virtues of the root. The decoction may be prepared by boili 
 an ounce of the bruised root, for a few minutes, in a pint of water. By lo 
 boiling, the acrid resinous principle is extracted. Perhaps, however, to t 
 principle may in part be ascribed the therapeutical virtues of liquorice root 
 chronic bronchial diseases. The powder is used in the preparation of pills, eitl 
 to give them due consistence, or to cover their surface and prevent them ff 
 adhering together. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Piperis Nigri; Confectio Sennae; Confectio Terebinthiu: 
 Decoctum Guaiaci ; Decoctum Hordei Compositum ; Decoctum Lini Comp. ; - 
 coctum Mezerei; Decoctum Sarsaparillse Comp. ; Electuarium Piperis; Exti- 
 tum Glycyrrhizae; Extractum Sarsaparillte Fluidum ; Infusum Lini Composite 
 Pilulae Ferri Sulphatis; Pil. Hydrargyri; Pil. Saponis Comp.: Syrupus Sai - 
 parillae Comp.; Tinctura Rhei Comp. I' 
 
PART I. 
 
 Gossypium. 
 
 371 
 
 GOSSYPIUM. U. S., Ed. 
 
 Cotton. 
 
 i A filamentous substance separated from the seeds of Gossypium lierbaceum, 
 .nd other species of Gossypium. U S., Ed. 
 i Coton Fr.; Baumwolle, Germ.; Cotone, Ital.; Algodon, Span. 
 
 Gossypium. Sex. Syst. Monadelphia Polyandria. — Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. 
 Gtn. Ch. Calyx cup-shaped, obtusely five-toothed, surrounded by a three- 
 larted involucel, with dentate-incised, cordate leaflets, cohering at the base. 
 Stiymas three to five. Capsule three to five-celled, many-seeded. Seeds sur- 
 ounded by a tomentose wool. De Cand. 
 
 In consequence of changes produced in the plants of this genus by cultivation, 
 otanists have found great difficulty in determining which are distinct species, 
 nd which merely varieties. De Candolle describes thirteen species in his Pro- 
 romus, and mentions six others; but considers them all uncertain. Royle de- 
 oribes eight and admits others. Swartz thinks they may all be referred to one 
 riginal species. The plants inhabit different parts of tropical Asia and Africa, 
 □d many of them are cultivated for their cotton in climates adapted to their 
 rowth. The species from which most of the cotton of commerce is thought to 
 e obtained, is the one indicated by the U. S. and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias. 
 Gossypium lierbaceum. Linn. Sp. 975; De Cand. Prodrom. i. 456. This is 
 biennial or triennial plant, with a branching stem from two to six feet high, 
 fid palmate hoary leaves, the lobes of which are somewhat lanceolate and acute. 
 Ihe flowers are pretty, with yellow petals, having a purple spot near the claw, 
 he leaves of the involucel or outer calyx are serrate. The capsule opens when 
 pe, and displays a loose white tuft of long slender filaments, which surround 
 e seeds, and adhere firmly to the outer coating. The plant is a native of Asia, 
 it is cultivated in most tropical countries. It requires a certain duration of 
 arm weather to perfect its seeds, and in the United States cannot be cultivated 
 ivantageously north of Virginia. 
 
 The herbaceous part of the plant contains much mucilage, and has been used 
 a demulcent. The seeds yield by expression a fixed oil of the drying kind, 
 lich has been occasionally employed. The root has been supposed to possess 
 edical virtues. But the only officinal portion, and that for which the plant is 
 Ttivated, is the filamentous substance surrounding the seeds. This when sepa- 
 :jted constitutes the cotton of commerce. 
 
 Cotton consists of filaments, which, under the microscope, appear to be flat- 
 bed tubes, with occasional joints indicated by transverse lines. It is without 
 i|iell or taste, insoluble in water, alcohol, ether, the oils, and vegetable acids, 
 f uble in strong alkaline solutions, and decomposed by the concentrated mineral 
 ids. In chemical character, it bears a close analogy to lignin. By nitric acid 
 i is converted into that remarkable explosive substance denominated gun-cotton, 
 fj an account of which, as well as of a valuable adhesive preparation made by 
 C solving it in ether, the reader is referred to the article Collodium in the 
 Sond part of this work. For medical use it should be carded into thin sheets; 
 c'the wadding of the milliners may be employed, consisting of sheets somewhat 
 s fened and glazed on the surface by starch. In the latter case, the sheets 
 sj'uld be split open when applied. 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. Cotton has been used from time immemorial for the 
 f rication of cloth ; but it is only recently that it has entered the catalogue of 
 n licines. It is chiefly employed in the treatment of recent burns and scalds ; 
 a application of it adopted from popular practice. It is said to relieve the pain, 
 
372 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Grossypium. — Grranati Fructus Cortex. 
 
 diminish the inflammation, prevent vesication, and very much to hasten the cure. 
 Whatever advantages result from it are probably ascribable to the absorption of 
 effused liquids, and the protection of the part affected from the air. It is ap- 
 plied in thin and successive layers ; and benefit is said to result from the appli- 
 cation of a bandage when the skin is not too much inflamed. We have, however, 
 seen cotton do much harm in burns, by becoming consolidated over a vesicated 
 surface, and acting as a mechanical irritant. Such a result may be prevented 
 by first dressing the burn with a piece of fine linen spread with simple ointment. 
 It is also recommended in erysipelas, and as a dressing for blisters; and we have 
 found it useful, applied in a large batch over parts affected with rheumatism 
 especially in lumbago. 
 
 The root of the cotton plant has been employed by Dr. Bounhelle, of Mis- 
 sissippi, who believes it to be an excellent emmenagogue, and not inferior tc 
 ergot in promoting uterine contraction. He states that it is habitually anc 
 effectually resorted to by the slaves of the South for producing abortion; anc 
 thinks that it acts in this way, without injury to the general health. To assisi 
 labour, he employs a decoction made by boiling four ounces of the inner bar! 
 of the root in a quart of w'ater to a pint, and gives a wineglassful every twentj 
 or thirty minutes. ( Went. Journ. of Med. and Surg., Aug. 1840.) 
 
 Cotton seeds have been employed in our Southern States with great assertec 
 success in the treatment of iutermittents. In a communication from Prof. H 
 11. Frost to the Charleston Medical Journal for May, 1850, it is stated, on tht 
 authority of Dr. W. K. Davis, of Monticello, that this application of the c-ottor 
 seed originated with a planter in Newberry District, S. Carolina, who had oftei 
 used the retaedy in intermittents, and never failed to effect a cure. A pint of th> 
 seeds is boiled in a quart of water to a pint, and a teacupful of the decoction i 
 given to the patient in bed, an hour or two before the expected return of the chill 
 
 Off. Prep. Collodium. W. 
 
 GRANATI FRUCTUS CORTEX. U. S. 
 
 Pomegranate Rincl. 
 
 The rind of the fruit of Punica Granatum. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. GRANATUM. Punica Granatum. Rind of the fruit. Land. 
 
 GRANATI RADICIS CORTEX. U. S. 
 
 Bark of Pomegranate Root. 
 
 The bark of the root of Punica Granatum. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. GRANATI RADIX. Punica Granatum. The bark of the roo 
 Bond., Ed. ; PUNICA GRANATU31. The bark of the root. Dub. 
 
 Ecorce de granade, Fr.; Granatapfel-Echalin, Germ.; Malicorio, Scorza del melograns' 
 Ital.; Corteza de granada, Span. 
 
 Punica. Sex. Sysf. Icosandria Monogynia. — rJYaf. Ord. Myrtacem. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-cleft, superior. Petals five. Pome m any-celled, man 
 seeded. Willd. 
 
 Punica Granatum. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 981 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 531. 
 190; Carson, lllust. of Med. Bot. i. 45, pi. 38. The pomegrauate is a small shrub! 
 tree, attaining in favourable situations the height of twenty feet, with a ve: 
 unequal trunk, and numerous branches, which sometimes bear thorns. The leav 
 are opposite, entire, oblong or lance-shaped, pointed at each end, smooth, shiniu 
 of a bright green colour, and placed on short footstalks. The flowers are lam 
 
>art I . Granati Fructus Cortex . — Granati Fad ids Cortex. 
 
 373 
 
 f a rich scarlet colour, and stand at the end of the young branches. The petals 
 re roundish and wrinkled, and are inserted into the upper part of the tube of 
 he calyx, which is red, thick, and fleshy. The fruit is a globular berry, about 
 he size of an orange, crowned with the calyx, covered with a reddish-yellow, 
 nick, coriaceous rind, and divided internally into many cells, which contain an 
 bidulous pulp, and numerous oblong, angular seeds. 
 
 This tree grows wild upon both shores of the Mediterranean, in Arabia, Persia, 
 lengal, China, and Japan, has been introduced into the East and West Indies, 
 ad is cultivated in all civilized countries, where the climate is sufliciently warm 
 ) allow the fruit to ripen. In higher latitudes, where it does not bear fruit, it 
 raised in gardens and hot-houses for the beauty of its flowers, which become 
 ouble, and acquire increased splendour of colouring by cultivation. Doubts 
 ave been entertained as to its original country. The name of “ Punicum ma- 
 im,” applied by the ancients to its fruit, implies that it was abundant at an 
 irly age in the neighbourhood of Carthage. The fruit of the pomegranate, for 
 hich the plant is cultivated in tropical climates, varies much in size and flavour, 
 is said to attain greater perfection, in both these respects, in the West Indies 
 an in its native country. The pulp is red, succulent, pleasantly acid, and 
 reetish, and is used for the same purpose as the orange. The rind of the fruit, 
 id the bark of the root are the parts indicated in the United States Pharmaco- 
 eia. The flowers also are recognised by the Dublin College, and the seeds 
 e officinal in France. 
 
 Rind of the Fruit. This is presented in commerce under the form of irregular 
 igments, hard, dry, brittle, of a yellowish or reddish-brown colour externally, 
 ler within, without smell, and of an astringent slightly bitter taste. It con- 
 ms a large proportion of tannin, and in countries where the tree abounds has 
 ien employed for tanning leather. 
 
 Flowers. The flowers, sometimes called halciustines, are inodorous, have a bit- 
 ij'ish astringent taste, and impart a violet-red colour to the saliva. They contain 
 tmic and gallic acids, and were used by the ancients in dyeing. 
 
 Bark of the Root. The roots of the pomegranate are hard, heavy, knotty, 
 Ineous, and covered with a bark which is yellowish-gray or ash-gray on the 
 cfcer surface, and yellow on the inner. As found in the shops, the bark is in 
 (ills or fragments, breaks with a short fracture, has little or no smell, colours 
 t ‘. saliva yellow when chewed, and leaves in the mouth an astringent taste 
 vhout disagreeable bitterness. It contains, according to M. Latour de Trie, 
 fjty matter, tannin, gallic acid, a saccharine substance having the properties of 
 wj mite, resin, wax, and c-hlorophylle, besides insoluble matters. The name of 
 f ucin has been given by Giovanni Righini to a peculiar principle which he 
 e racted from the bark. It has the aspect of an oleo-resin, affects the nostrils 
 s ]ewhat like medicinal veratria, and is of an acrid taste. It may be obtained 
 b rubbing a hydro-alcoholic extract of the bark with one-eighth of hydrate of 
 passa, heating the mixture with eight parts of pure water gradually added, and 
 tm dropping in dilute sulphuric acid to saturate the potassa. The punicin 
 si sides, and may be separated by filtration. ( Journ . de Pharrn., 3e sir., v. 298.) 
 I; infusion of the bark yields a deep blue precipitate with the salts of iron, and 
 a:rilowish-white precipitate with a solution of gelatin. The inner surface of 
 tl bark, steeped in water and then rubbed on paper, produces a yellow stain, 
 w ch by the contact of sulphate of iron, is rendered blue, and by that of nitric 
 a<ji acquires a slight rose tint, which soon vanishes. (Ibid., xvii. 438.] These 
 pnerties serve to distinguish this bark from those of the box root and barberry, 
 w i which it is said to be sometimes adulterated. When used it should be 
 seirated from the ligneous portion of the root, as the latter is inert. 
 ledical Properties and Uses. The rind of the fruit is astringent, and in the 
 
374 Granati Radicis Cortex. — Guaiaci Lignum. part i. 
 
 form of decoction is sometimes employed in diarrhoea and colliquative sweats, 
 and, more frequently, as an injection in leucorrhoea, and as a gargle in sorethroat 
 in the earliest stages, or after the inflammatory action has in some measure sub- 
 sided. The powdered rind has also been recommended in intermittent fever. 
 The flowers have the same medical properties, and are used for the same pur- 
 poses as the rind. The bark of the root was used by the ancients as a vermi- 
 fuge, and is recommended in the writings of Avicenna; but was unknown in 
 modern practice till brought into notice by Dr. F. Buchanan, who learned its 
 powers in India. The Mahometan physicians of Hindostan consider it a specific 
 against tapeworm. One of these practitioners, having relieved an English gen- 
 tleman in 1804, was induced to disclose his secret, w'hich was then made public. 
 Numerous cures were subsequently effected in Europe ; and there can be no doubt 
 of the occasional efficacy of the remedy. The French writers prefer the product 
 of the wild pomegranate, growing on the borders of the Mediterranean, to that 
 of the plant cultivated in gardens for ornamental purposes. The bark may be 
 administered in powder or decoction ; but the latter form is usually preferred. 
 The decoction is prepared by macerating two ounces of the bruised bark in two 
 pints of water for twenty-four hours, ami then boiling to a pint. Of this a wme- 
 glassful may be given every half hour, hour, or two hours, until the whole is 
 taken. It often occasions nausea and vomiting, and usually purges. Portions 
 of the worm often come away a short time after the last dose. It is recommended 
 to give a dose of castor oil, and to diet the patient strictly on the day preceding 
 the administration of the remedy ; and, if it should not operate on the bowels, 
 to follow it by an enema, or a dose of castor oil. If it should not succeed on the 
 first trial, it should be repeated every day for three or four days, until the worm 
 is discharged. It appears to have been used by the negroes of St. Domingo 
 before it was introduced into Europe. 
 
 The dose of the rind and flowers in powder is from twentj^ to thirty grains. 
 A decoction may be prepared in the proportion of an ounce of the medicine to a 
 pint of water, and given in the dose of a fluidounce. The seeds are demulcent. 
 
 Off. Prep, of the Rind. Decoctum Granati. 
 
 Off. Prep, of the Bark of the Root. Decoctum Granati Radicis. W. 
 
 GUAIACI LIGNUM. U. S., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Guaiacum Wood. 
 
 The wood of Guaiacum officinale. U. S., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. GUAIACUM OFFICINALE. The wood. Dub. 
 
 Bois de gayac, Fr.; Pockenliolz, Germ.; Legno guaiaco, Ital.; Guayaco, Span. 
 
 Guaiacdm. Sex. Syst. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Zygophyllaeese. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Calyx five-cleft, unequal. Petals five, inserted into the calyx. Cap 
 side angular, three or five-celled. Willd. 
 
 Guaiacum officinale. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 538; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 557 
 t. 200; Carson, Illust. of Med. Bot. i. 25, pi. 17. This is a large tree of ver 
 slow growth. When of full size it is from forty to sixty feet high, with a trunl 
 four or five feet in circumference. The branches are knotted, and covered wit 
 an ash-coloured striated bark. That of the stem is of a dark-gray colour, varit 
 gated with greenish or purplish spots. The leaves are opposite, and abruptl 
 pinnate, consisting of two, three, and sometimes four pairs of leaflets, which ar 
 obovate, veined, smooth, shining, dark-green, from an inch to an inch and a ba 
 long, and almost sessile. The flowers are of a rich blue colour, stand ou Ion 
 peduncles, and grow to the number of eight or ten at the axils of the uppe 
 leaves. The seeds are solitary, hard, and of an oblong shape. 
 
ART I. 
 
 375 
 
 G-uaiaci Lignum. 
 
 Gr. officinale grows in the West Indies, particularly in Hayti and Jamaica, and 
 found also in the warmer parts of the neighbouring continent. All parts of 
 ie tree are possessed of medicinal properties, but the wood and the concrete 
 lice only are officinal. The hark, though much more efficacious than the wood, 
 not kept in the shops. It is said that other species of Guaiaeum contribute 
 i the supplies brought into the market. The G. sanctum of Linnaeus, and G. 
 rborcum of He Candolle, are particularly specified. The former, however, is 
 lid by Woodville not to be sufficiently characterized as a distinct species from 
 i ?. officinale. Fee states that the wood of G. sanctum is paler, and less heavy 
 ad hard than the officinal. 
 
 Gruaiacum wood is imported from Ilayti and other West India islands, in the 
 lape of logs or billets, covered with a thick gray bark, which presents on its inner 
 irface, and upon its edges when broken, numerous shining crystalline points, 
 hese are supposed by Guibourt to be benzoic acid, by others a resinous exuda- 
 on from the vessels of the plant. The billets are used by the turners for the 
 brication of various instruments and utensils, for which the wood is well adapted 
 y its extreme hardness and density. It is kept by the druggists and apothe- 
 iries in the state of shavings or raspings, which they obtain from the turners. 
 
 , is commonly called lignum vitse, a name which obviously originated from the 
 ipposition that the wood was possessed of extraordinary remedial powers. 
 Properties. The colour of the sap-wood is yellow, that of the older and cen- 
 al layers greenish-brown, that of the shavings a mixture of the two. It is said 
 tat when the wood is brought into a state of minute division, its colour is ren- 
 ted green by exposure to the air (Richard), and bluish-green by the action of 
 trie acid fumes; and the latter change may be considered as a test of its 
 muineness. (Duncan.) An easier test is a solution of corrosive sublimate, 
 kich, added to the shavings, and slightly heated, developes a bluish-green colour 
 the genuine wood. (Chem. Gaz., No. 80, Feb. 1846.) Guaiaeum wood is 
 most without smell unless rubbed or heated, when it becomes odorous. When 
 lrnt it emits an agreeable odour. It is bitterish and slightly pungent; but 
 quires to be chewed for some time before the taste is developed. It contains, 
 cording to Trommsdorff, 26 per cent, of resin, and 0'8 of a bitter pungent ex- 
 active, upon both of which, probably, though chiefly on the former, its medical 
 rtues depend. (See Guaiaci Resina.) It yields its virtues but partially to 
 iter. One pound of the wood afforded to Geiger two ounces of extract. In 
 is extract M. Thierry discovered a volatilizable acid, which he supposed to be 
 ;culiar, and named gua.iacic acid (acide gayacique). He obtained it by treating 
 e extract with ether, evaporating the ethereal tincture, and carefully subliming 
 e residue. The acid condenses in small, brilliant needles. If the heat be 
 ashed too far, an oil is also produced which colours the crystals. He procured 
 iesameacid from th eguai.ac of the shops. (Journ. de Pharm., xxvii. 381.) Ac- 
 rding to Jahn, however, this substance is nothing more than benzoic acid, 
 ndered impure by obstinately adhering volatile oil and resin. (Pharm. Central 
 latt, 1843, p. 309.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Guaiaeum wood ranks among the stimulant 
 aphoretics. It is said to have been introduced to the notice of European prac- 
 ioners by the natives of Hispaniola, soon after the discovery of America. It 
 is used in Europe so early as 1508, and attained great celebrity as a remedy for 
 jes venerea ; but more extended experience has proved it to be wholly inadequate 
 the cure of that disease; and it is now employed simply to palliate the second- 
 : y symptoms, or to assist the operation of other and more efficient remedies, 
 is thought to be useful also in chronic rheumatism and gout, scrofulous adee- 
 ms, certain cutaneous eruptions, ozaena, and other protracted diseases dependent 
 a depraved or vitiated condition of the system. It is always exhibited in 
 
PART I, 
 
 376 Guaiaci Lignum . — Guaiaci Resina. 
 
 decoction, and generally in combination with other medicines, as in the compound 
 decoction of sarsaparilla. As but a small proportion of the guaiac which it con- 
 tains is soluble in water, the probability is that its virtues have been greatly over- 
 rated; and that the good which has often followed its employment resulted rathei 
 from the more active medicines with which it was associated, or from the attendant 
 regimen, than from the wood itself. The simple decoction may be prepared by 
 boiling an ounce in a pint and a half of water down to a pint, the whole of which 
 may be administered in divided doses during the twenty-four hours. An aqueous 
 extract is directed by the French Codex. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Guaiaci; Decoctum Sarsaparillae Compositum; Syrupus 
 Sarsaparillae Comp. W. 
 
 GUAIACI RESINA. U.S. 
 
 Guaiac. 
 
 The concrete juice of Guaiacum officinale. U.S. 
 
 Off. Syn. GUAIACUM. Resinoid substance prepared from the wood by heat. 
 Lond., Ed. The resin. Dub. 
 
 Resine de gayac, Fr.; Guajakharz, Germ.; Resina de guajaco, Ital.; Resina de guayaco, 
 Span. 
 
 For a description of Guaiacum officinale , see GUAIACI LIGNUM. 
 
 Guaiac is the concrete juice of this tree. It is obtained in several different 
 modes. The most simple is by spontaneous exudation, or by incisions made into 
 the trunk. Another method is by sawing the wood into billets about three feet 
 long, boring them longitudinally with an auger, then placing one end of the billet 
 on the fire, and receiving in a calabash the melted guaiac, which flows out through 
 the hole at the opposite extremity. But the plan most frequently' pursued is 
 probably to boil the wood, in the state of chips or saw-dust, in a solution of com- 
 mon salt, and skim off the matter which rises to the surface. Guaiac is brought 
 to this market from the West Indies. It is usually in large irregular pieces of 
 various size, in which small fragments of bark, sand, and other earthy impurities 
 are mixed with the genuine guaiac, so as to give to the mass a diversified appear- 
 ance. Sometimes we find it in small roundish homogeneous portions, separate or 
 agglutinated together; sometimes in homogeneous masses, prepared by melting 
 and straining the drug in its impure state. It is probable that the guaiac, ob- 
 tained from the billets of wood in the manner above described, is of uniform 
 consistence. 
 
 Properties. The pieces are of a deep greenish-brown or dark-olive colour on 
 their external surface, and internally wherever the air has been able to penetrate. 
 The predominant hue of those parts not exposed to the air is reddish-brown or 
 hyacinthine, diversified, however, with shades of various colours. The odour i; 
 feeble but fragrant, and is rendered stronger by heat. The taste, which is at 
 first scarcely perceptible, becomes acrid after a short period, and a permanent 
 sense of heat aud pungency is left in the mouth and fauces. Guaiac is brittle, 
 and when broken presents a shining glass-like surface, conchoidal or splintery, 
 with the smaller fragments more or less translucent. It is readily pulverized: 
 aud the powder, at first of a light-gray colour, becomes green on exposure to the 
 light. Its sp. gr. varies from 1'2 to 1'23. It softens in the mouth, aud melt.- 
 with a moderate heat. According to Mr. Braude, it consists of 91 per cent, oi 
 a peculiar substance analogous to the resins, aud 9 per cent, of extractive 
 Buchner found 79"8 parts of pure resin, aud 20T of bark consisting of 16'5 o 
 lignin, 1'5 of gum, and 2 1 of extractive; but be must have operated on the 
 unstrained guaiac. An acid discovered by M. Thierry is asserted by Jakn ti 
 
iRT I. 
 
 G-uaiaci Resina. 
 
 377 
 
 benzoic acid. Water dissolves a small proportion of guaiac, not exceeding 
 ! parts in 100, forming an infusion of a greenish-brown colour and sweetish 
 ste, which, upon evaporation, yields a brown substance soluble in hot water 
 ; d alcohol, but scarcely so in ether. Alcohol takes up the w r hole with the ex- 
 iption of impurities. The tincture is of a deep-brown colour, is decomposed by 
 uter, and affords blue, green, and brown precipitates with the mineral acids, 
 luaiac is soluble also in ether, in alkaline solutions, and in sulphuric acid. The 
 dution in sulphuric acid is of a rich claret colour, deposits, when diluted with 
 uter, a lilac precipitate, and, when heated, evolves charcoal. Exposed to air 
 id light, guaiac absorbs oxygen and becomes green, and the change takes place 
 ipidly in the sunshine. Either in substance or tincture, it imparts a blue colour 
 1 gluten and substances containing it, to mucilage of gum Arabic, to milk, and 
 1 various freshly cut roots, as the potato, carrot, and horseradish. The tincture 
 i usually coloured blue by spirit of nitric ether, and a similar change of colour 
 ties place when it is treated successively by dilute hydrocyanic acid, and solution 
 < sulphate of copper. 
 
 Guaiacin is a name given to the pure resinoid principle of guaiac. It is in- 
 duble in water, but is dissolved readily by alcohol, and less readily by ether. 
 
 1 combines with the alkalies, forming soluble compounds, which are decomposed 
 1 the mineral acids and by several salts. Hence it has been called guaiacic 
 ad. It differs from most of the resins in being converted by nitric acid into 
 c alic acid instead of artificial tannin. It is also peculiar in the changes of colour 
 nieh it undergoes under the influence of various reagents, and which have been 
 i eady mentioned. By nitric acid and chlorine it is made to assume successively 
 £;reen, blue, and brown colour. These changes are ascribed by Mr. Brande to 
 t; absorption of oxygen, w r hich forms variously coloured compounds according 
 t the quantity absorbed. According to Jahn, guaiac resin consists of three dis- 
 t ct bodies, viz: 1. a soft resin soluble in ether and ammonia, and constituting 
 1'7 per cent, of the guaiac; 2. another soft resin, soluble in ether, but with 
 cficulty dissolved by ammonia, amounting to 58'3 per cent., and 3. a hard resin 
 i oluble in ether, but soluble in ammonia, in the quantity of 11 "3 per cent. The 
 sue chemist found in guaiac traces of benzoic acid, and 11'7 per cent, of im- 
 X cities. ( Pharm . Cent. Blatt, 1843, p. 317.) 
 
 It will be inferred, from what has been said, that the mineral acids are incoru- 
 pible with the solutions of guaiac. 
 
 This drug is sometimes adulterated with the resin of the pine. The fraud may 
 1 detected by the terebinthinate odour exhaled when the sophisticated guaiac is 
 t ’own upon burning coals, as well as by its partial solubility in hot oil of tur- 
 pitine. This liquid dissolves resin, but leaves pure guaiac untouched. Amber 
 i laid to be another adulteration. Nitric acid affords an excellent test of guaiac. 
 I paper moistened with the tincture be exposed to the fumes of this acid, it 
 s edily becomes blue. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Guaiac is stimulant and alterative, producing, 
 i en swallowed, a sense of warmth in the stomach, with dryness of the mouth 
 al thirst, and promoting various secretions. If given to a patient when covered 
 vrm in bed, especially if accompanied with opium and ipecacuanha or the anti- 
 pnials, and assisted by warm drinks, it often excites profuse perspiration; and 
 bice has been usually ranked among the diaphoretics. If the patient be kept 
 c 1 during its administration, it is sometimes directed to the kidneys, the action 
 ojvhich it promotes. In large doses it purges; and it is thought by some prac- 
 t: oners to be possessed of emmenagogue powers. The complaint in which it 
 h been found most beneficial is rheumatism. In the declining stages of the 
 a te form of this disease, after due depletion, it is given in combination with 
 0 am, ipecacuanha, nitre, and the antimonials; and in the chronic form is fre- 
 
378 
 
 Guaiaci Resina. — Haematoxylon. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 quently useful without accompaniment. It is also advantageously prescribed in 
 gouty affections, and is occasionally used in secondary syphilis, scrofulous dis- 
 eases, and cutaneous eruptions; though the guaiacum wood is more frequently 
 resorted to in these latter complaints. It was much relied upon by the late Dr. 
 Dewees in the cure of amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea. 
 
 The medicine is given in substance or tincture. The dose of the powder is 
 from ten to thirty grains, which may be exhibited in pill or bolus, or in the shape 
 of an emulsion formed with gum Arabic, sugar and water. An objection to the 
 form of powder is that it quickly aggregates. Guaiac is sometimes administered 
 in combination with alkalies, with which it readily unites. Several of the Euro- 
 pean Pharmacopoeias direct a soap of guaiac, under the name of sopo gu a i acinus, 
 to be prepared by diluting the Liquor Potassae with twice its weight of water, 
 boiling lightly, then adding guaiac gradually, with continued agitation, so long 
 as it continues to be dissolved, and finally filtering, and evaporating to the pilular 
 consistence. Of this preparation one scruple may be taken daily in divided doses. 
 
 Off. Prep. Mistura Guaiaci; Pilulae Calomelanos Composite; Pul vis Aloes 
 Comp.; Tinctura Guaiaci; Tinctura Guaiaci Ammoniata. W. 
 
 HAEMATOXYLON. U. S., Ed. 
 
 Logwood. 
 
 The wood of Haematoxylon Campechianum. U. S., Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. HaEMATOXYLUM. Haematoxylon Campechianum. The wood. 
 Loud., Dub. 
 
 Bois de Campeche, Fr.; Blutholz, Kampeschenkolz, Germ.; Legno di Campeggio, Ital. 
 Palo de Campeche, Span. 
 
 Haematoxylon. Sex.Syst. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Fabaceae 01 
 Leguminosae. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Calyx five-parted. Petals five. Capsule lanceolate, one-celled, two 
 valved, with the valves boat-form. Willd. 
 
 Haematoxylon Campechianum. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 547 ; Woodv. Med. Bot 
 p. 455, t. 168 ; Carson, Illust. of Med. Bot. i. 38, pi. 25. This is a tree of middh 
 size, usually not more than twenty-four feet high, though, under favourable cir 
 cu instances, it sometimes attains an elevation of forty or fifty feet. The trunk 
 which seldom exceeds twenty inches in diameter, is often very crooked, and i 
 covered with a dark rough bark. The branches are also crooked, with numerou 
 smaller ramifications, which are beset with sharp spines. The sap-wood is yel 
 lowish, but the interior layers are of a deep-red colour. The leaves are alternate 
 abruptly pinnate, and composed of three or four pairs of sessile, nearly obcordate 
 obliquely nerved leaflets. The flowers, which are in axillary spikes or raceme 
 near the ends of the branches, have a brownish-purple calyx, and lemon-yellot 
 petals. They exhale an agreeable odour, said to resemble that of the jonqui: 
 
 The tree is a native of Campeachy, the shores of Honduras Bay. and othe 
 parts of tropical America ; and has been introduced into Jamaica, where it bn 
 become naturalized. The wood, which is the part used in medicine, is a valuabl 
 article of commerce, and largely employed in dyeing. It comes to us in log: 
 deprived of the sap-wood, aud having a blackish-brown colour externally. Fc 
 medical use it is cut into chips, or rasped into coarse powder, aud in these stat< 
 is kept in the shops. 
 
 Properties. Logwood is hard, compact, heavy, of a deep-red colour, becomin 
 dark by exposure, of a slight peculiar odour, and a sweet, somewhat astringet 
 taste. It imparts its colour to water and to alcohol. The iufusiou made wit 
 cold water, though red, is less so than that with boiling water. It affords pr 
 
379 
 
 art I. Hsematoxylon. — Hedeoma. 
 
 oitates with sulphuric, nitric, muriatic, and acetic acids, with alum, sulphate 
 ( copper, acetate of lead, and sulphate of iron, striking a bluish-black colour 
 'th the last-mentioned salt. (Thomson's Dispensatory.) Precipitates are also 
 [oduced with it by lime-water and gelatin. Among the constituents of log- 
 nod, according to Chevreul, are a volatile oil, an oleaginous or resinous matter, 
 i brown substance the solution of which is precipitated by gelatin (tannin), 
 jf other brown substance soluble in alcohol but insoluble in water or ether, an 
 iotized substance resembling gluten, free acetic acid, various saline matters, and 
 ^peculiar principle, called hematoxylin or hematin, on which the colouring pro- 
 ] rties of the wood depend'. This is obtained by digesting the aqueous extract 
 i alcohol, evaporating the tincture till it becomes thick, then adding a little 
 uter, and submitting the liquid to a new but gentle evaporation. Upon allowing 
 i to rest, hematoxylin is deposited in the state of crystals, which may be purified 
 1 washing with alcohol and drying. Thus procured, the crystals are shining, 
 i a yellowish-rose colour, bitterish, acrid, and slightly astringent to the taste, 
 tidily soluble in boiling water, forming an orange-red solution which becomes 
 ;llow on cooling, and soluble also in alcohol and ether. According to Erdman, 
 no obtained hematoxylin by the process of Chevreul, substituting ether for 
 ®ohol, its crystals, when quite pure, are yellow without a tinge of redness; its 
 iste is sweet like that of liquorice, without either bitterness or astringency; and 
 ( itself it is not a colouring substance, but affords beautiful red, blue, and purple 
 dours, by the joint action of an alkaline base and the oxygen of the air. It 
 insists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. (Journ. de Pharm., 3e sir., ii. 293.) 
 
 ’ is sometimes found in distinct crystals in the crevices of the wood. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Logwood is a mild astringent, devoid of irri- 
 iting properties, and well adapted to the treatment of that relaxed condition of 
 wels which is apt to succeed cholera infantum. It is also occasionally used 
 1 th advantage in ordinary chronic diarrhoea and chronic dysentery. It may 
 1 given in decoction or extract. 
 
 Off. Prey. Decoctum Haematoxyli ; Extractum Hasmatoxyli. W. 
 
 HEDEOMA. US. 
 
 Pennyroyal. 
 
 Herb of Hedeoma pulegioides. U. S. 
 
 This herb, first attached to the genus Melissa, and afterwards to Cunila, is at 
 psent universally considered by botanists as belonging to the Hedeoma. of Per- 
 : an. It has been very erroneously confounded by some with Mentha Pulegium, 
 i European pennyroyal. 
 
 Hedeoma. Sex. Syst. Diandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Lamiaceae or La- 
 ijitae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx bilabiate, gibbous at the base, upper lip three-toothed, lower 
 o; dentures all subulate. Corolla ringent. Stamens two, sterile; the two 
 : tile stamens about the length of the corolla. Nuttall. 
 
 Hedeoma pulegioides. Barton, Med. Pot. ii. 165. — Cunila pulegioides. Willd. 
 ). Plant, i. 122. This is an indigenous annual plant, from nine to fifteen 
 i;hes high, with a small, branching, fibrous, yellowish root, and a pubescent 
 fan, which sends off numerous slender erect branches. The leaves are oppo- 
 se, oblong-lanceolate or oval, nearly acute, attenuated at the base, remotely 
 Sij-rate, rough or pubescent, and prominently veined on the under surface. The 
 iwers are very small, of a pale-blue colour, supported on short peduncle-s, and 
 r-anged in axillary w-horls, along the whole length of the branches. The plant 
 i common in all parts of the United States, preferring dry grounds and pastures 
 
380 Hedeoma. — Helianthemum. part i 
 
 and, where it is abundant, scenting the air for a considerable distance with it: 
 grateful odour. 
 
 Both in the recent and dried state it has a pleasant aromatic smell, and i 
 warm, pungent, mint-like taste. It readily imparts its virtues to boiling water 
 The volatile oil upon which they depend may be separated by distillation, anc 
 employed instead of the herb itself. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Pennyroyal is a gently stimulant aromatic, an; 
 may be given in flatulent colic and sick stomach, or to qualify the action of othei 
 medicines. Like most of the aromatic herbs, it possesses the property, whei 
 administered in warm infusion, of promoting perspiration, and of exciting tht 
 menstrual flux when the system is predisposed to the effort. Hence it is much 
 used as an emmenagogue in popular practice, and frequently with success. A 
 large draught of the warm tea is given at bed-time, in recent cases of suppres- 
 sion of the menses, the feet having been previously bathed in warm water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Oleum Hedeomae. W. 
 
 HELIANTHEMUM. TJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Froslwort. 
 
 The herb of Helianthemum Canadense. U. S. 
 
 Helianthemum. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Monogynia. — Nat.Ord. Cistaceae. 
 
 Gen. Cli. Calyx five-leaved, the two exterior sepals bract-like, smaller, or 
 wanting. Petals five, rarely three, sometimes abortive. Sti'jma capitate, some- 
 times subsessile. Capsule triangular, three-valved, with the dissepiments in the 
 middle of the valves. Seeds angular. 
 
 Helianthemum Canadense. Michaux, Flor. i. 308; Torrey & Gray, Flor. oj 
 N. Am. i. 151. — Cistus Canadensis. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1199. The frost- 
 wort, frost weed, or rock rose, as this plant is variously called, is a herbaceous 
 perennial, from six to eighteen inches high, with a slender, rigid, pubesceDt 
 stem, oblong, somewhat lanceolate leaves about an inch in length, and large 
 yellow flowers, the calyx and peduucles of which, as well as the branches, are 
 covered with a white down. The flowers which first appear are terminal, few 
 or solitary, large, on short peduncles, with erosely emarginate petals about twice 
 as long as the calyx. Later in the season, or on different plants, other flower; 
 appear, very small, axillary, solitary or somewhat clustered, nearly sessile, some- 
 times destitute of petals, and usually wanting the two outer sepals of the calyx. 
 The fruit is a capsule, smooth and shining, with brown, scabrous punctate 
 seeds. Eaton states that, in the months of November and December, he ha; 
 seen hundreds of these plants sending out, near the roots, broad, thin, curved 
 ice crystals, about an inch in breadth, which melted in the day, and were renewed 
 in the morning. ( Manual of Botany, *ith ed., p. 246.) 
 
 Frostwort grows in all parts of the United States, preferring dry sandy soils, 
 and flowering in June in the Middle States. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The herb has an astringent, slightly aromatic 
 and bitterish taste; and appears to possess tonic and astringent properties. At 
 tention has only recently been attracted to it as a medicine. M e have been told tha 
 it was first introduced into regular practice by Dr. Ives, of New Haven. Connect! 
 cut, who considers it a valuable remedy in scrofula! The late Dr. Isaac Parrish 
 of Philadelphia, informed us that he had employed it with much apparent benefit 
 as an internal remedy, in scrofulous affections of the eyes. In a pamphlet upot 
 the frost-weed, by Dr. D. A. Tyler, published at New Haven, A. D. 1^46, it i- 
 stated that FL. corymhosum possesses similar properties, and is indiscriminate!' 
 employed with II. Canadense. He found both useful in scrofula, diarrhoea, am. 
 
ART I. 
 
 Helianthemum. — Helleborus. 
 
 381 
 
 condary syphilis, and locally as a gargle in scarlatina, and a wash in prurigo, 
 he plant has been used in the forms of powder, decoction, tincture, and syrup; 
 id may be given freely with impunity. Dr. Tyler, however, has known the 
 rong decoction and the extract to produce vomiting. He considers two grains 
 ' the latter as a full dose for an adult. W. 
 
 HELLEBORUS. U. S., Bond., Ed. 
 
 Black Hellebore. 
 
 Root of Helleborus niger. U. S., Ed. Rhizoma and root. Lond. 
 
 E116bore noire, Fr.; Scliwarze Niesswurzel, Germ.; Elleboro nero, Ital.; Heleboro negro, 
 *an. 
 
 Helleborus. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Polygynia. — Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae. 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx none. Petals five or more. Nectaries bilabiate, tubular. Cop- 
 ies many-seeded, nearly erect. Willd. 
 
 Helleborus niger. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1336; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 473, t. 
 39; Carson, Illust. of Med. Bot. i. 8, pi. 1. The root or rhizoma of the black 
 •llebore is perennial, knotted, blackish on the outside, white within, and sends 
 f numerous long, simple, depending fibres, which are brownish-yellow when 
 esh, but become dark-brown upon drying. The leaves are pedate, of a deep- 
 een colour, and stand on long footstalks which spring immediately from the 
 ot. Each leaf is composed of five or more leaflets, one terminal, and two, 
 ree, or four on each side, supported on a single partial petiole. The leaflets 
 e ovate-lanceolate, smooth, shining, coriaceous, and serrated in their upper 
 irtion. The flower-stem, which also rises from the root, is six or eight inches 
 gh, round, tapering, and reddish towards the base, and bears one or two large, 
 ndent, rose-like flowers, accompanied with floral leaves, which supply the place 
 the calyx. The petals, five in number, are large, roundish, concave, spread- 
 ing, and of a white or pale-rose colour, with occasionally a greenish tinge, 
 lere are two varieties of the plant — humilifolius and altifolius — in the former 
 which the leaves are shorter than the flower stem, in the latter longer. It is 
 native of the mountainous regions of southern and temperate Europe, and is 
 and in Greece, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, and Spain. It is culti- 
 ■ ted in gardens for the beauty of its flowers, which expand in the middle of 
 nter, and have thus given it the name of Christmas rose. 
 
 Till the publication of Tournefort’s travels in the Levant, this species of hel- 
 )ore was regarded as identical with that so well known, under the same title, 
 the ancient Greeks and Romans. But in the island of Antic-yra, and various 
 rts of continental Greece, in which it appears from the testimony of ancient 
 ■iters that the hellebore abounded, this traveller discovered a species entirely 
 stinct from those before described, and particularly from H. niger. He called 
 H. orientalis, and reasonably inferred that it was the true hellebore of the an- 
 pnts; and botanists at present generally coincide in this opinion. But as H. 
 ger is also found in some parts of Greece, it is not impossible that the two were 
 : iiscriminately employed. It is, indeed, highly probable that they possess 
 i.nilar properties; and a third, H. viridis, which grows in the west of Europe, 
 
 . said to be frequently substituted for H. niger , which it closely resembles, if 
 i does not equal in medicinal power. The roots of various other plants not 
 longing to the same genus are said to be frequently substituted for the black 
 llebore. They may usually be readily distinguished by attending to the 
 'aracters of the genuine root.* 
 
 I* The following minute description of tlie root, which we translate from Geiger’s Hand- 
 ' :h der Pharmacie, may, perhaps, be useful in enabling the druggist to distinguish this 
 
382 
 
 Uelleborus. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 The medicine of which we are treating is sometimes called melampodium, i 
 honour of Melampus, an ancient shepherd or physician, who is said to have cure 
 the daughters of King Praetus by giving them the milk of goats which had bee 
 fed on hellebore. 
 
 Properties. Though the whole root is kept in the shops, the fibres are thepoi 
 tion usually recommended. They are about as thick as a straw, when not broke 
 from four inches to a foot in length, smooth, brittle, externally black or deef 
 brown, internally white or yellowish-white, with little smell, and a bitterish 
 nauseous, acrid taste. Iu their recent state they are extremely acrimoniou; 
 producing on the tongue a burning and benumbing impression, like that whic 
 results from taking hot liquids into the mouth. This acrimony is diminished b 
 drying, and still further impaired by age. MM. Feneulle and Capron obtaine> 
 from black hellebore, a volatile oil, an acrid fixed oil, a resinous substance, wax 
 a volatile acid, bitter extractive, gum, albumen, gallate of potassa, supergallat 
 of lime, a salt of ammonia, and woody fibre. Mr. William Bastick has succeeds 
 in separating from black hellebore a peculiar crystalline principle, which he prc 
 poses to call helleborin. It was obtained by diluting with water a strong tinctur 
 of the root, expelling the alcohol by heat, filtering to separate the resin, addin 
 carbonate of potassa in excess, and agitating the mixture with three or four time 
 its volume of ether. The ethereal solution thus formed was separated, and oi 
 evaporation yielded the helleborin, which was purified by solution in alcohol an' 
 crystallization. It is in white, translucent crystals, of a bitter taste with a tinglin, 
 effect on the tongue, not volatilizable, slightly soluble in water, more so in ethe 
 and alcohol, and more readily in these liquids hot than cold. Though nitrr 
 genous, it is neither acid nor alkaline. It probably exists uncombined in tb 
 root. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., xii. 274.) Water and alcohol extract th 
 virtues of the root, which are impaired by long boiling. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Black hellebore is a drastic bydragogue cathartic 
 possessed of emmenagogue powers, which by some are ascribed to a specific tend 
 enc-y to the uterus, by others are supposed to depend solely on the purgativ 
 
 from other analogous roots mingled with or substituted for it in commerce. “ It is usuall 
 a many-headed root, with a caudex or body half an inch thick or less, seldom tkickei 
 and several inches long, horizontal, sometimes variously contorted, uneven, knotty, wit 
 transverse ridges, slightly striated longitudinally, presenting on its upper surface theshoi 
 remains of the leaf and flower stalks, and thickly beset upon the sides and under surfac 
 with fibres of the thickness of a straw, and from six to twelve inches long. These ai 
 undivided above, but, at the distance of from two to six inches from their origin, are fui 
 nished with small, slender branches. The colour of the root is dark-brown, sometime 
 rather light- brown, dull, and for the most part exhibiting a gray, earthy tinge. Internall 
 it is whitish, with a somewhat darker pith, which, when cut transversely, shows lighte 
 converging rays. Sometimes it is porous. It has a medullary or fleshy, not a ligneoo 
 consistence. The fibres, when dried, are wrinkled, very brittle, sometimes grayish intei 
 nally, horny, with a white point in the centre. The odour of the dried root is feeble, some 
 what like that of seneka, but more nauseous; especially when the root is rubbed with wate: 
 The taste is at first sweetish, theu nauseously acrid and biting, but not very durable, an 
 slightly bitterish.” ( Ilandbuch , ii. s. 1181.) 
 
 A root said to be not unfvequently substituted for or mixed with the genuine, and ofte 
 to be met with in the shops of this country, is thought to be that of the Aciaea spicule <j 
 Europe. This has been particularly described by I)r. Carson in the American Journal < 
 Pharmacy (xx. 163). The points of difference upon which that writer especially insis 
 are the diffuse, jointed, stem-like character of the caudex of the false root, the straggling 
 separated, and horizontal arrangement of the fibres, and their dense, woody structure at 
 reddish-brown colour, contrasted with the thickness, double-headed form, and spongine: 
 of the genuine caudex, the close-set, perpendicular position of its fibres, and their wrinkle 
 appearance, soft texture, and grayish-brown colour. The transverse section of the fib) 
 of the Actsea presents the appearance of a cross, which is not obvious in that of theblae 
 hellebore, though the central point of this, if closely examined, will be found to present 
 somewhat stellate appearance. 
 
ART I. 
 
 Eelleborus. — Hemidesmus. 
 
 388 
 
 ireperty. In overdoses it produces inflammation of the gastric and intestinal 
 iucous membrane, with violent vomiting, hypercatharsis, vertigo, cramp, and 
 bnvulsions, which sometimes end in death. The fresh root applied to the skin 
 reduces inflammation and. even vesication. The medicine was very highly 
 ijteemed by the ancients, who employed it in mania, melancholy, amenorrhcea, 
 ropsy, epilepsy, various cutaneous affections, and verminose diseases. By the 
 irlier modern physicians it was also much used. B aclier s pills, celebrated for 
 ie cure of dropsy, consisted chiefly of black hellebore. It is at present little 
 nployed, except as an emmenagogue, in which capacity it is highly esteemed 
 y some practitioners. Dr. Mead considered it superior to all other medicines 
 elonging to this class. It may be given in substance, extract, decoction, or 
 ncture. The dose of the powdered root is from ten to twenty grains as a drastic 
 urge, two or three grains as an alterative. The decoction is prepared by boiling 
 vo drachms in a pint of w T ater, of which a fluidounce may be given every four 
 ours till it operates. The extract and tincture are officinal. 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum Hellebori; Tinctura Hellebori. TV. 
 
 HEMIDESMUS. Dub. 
 
 Indian Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Hemidesmus Indicus. The root. Dub. 
 
 Hemidesmus. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Asclepiadaceas. 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla rotate. Filaments connate at the base, not united above, 
 serted into the tube of the corolla. Anthers cohering separate from the stigma, 
 iith twenty pollen-masses. Stigma flatfish, pointless. 
 
 Hemidesmus Indicus. R. Brown, Hurt. Kew. ii. 75; Liudley, Flor. Med. p. 
 13. — Periploca Indica. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1251. This is a climbing plant, 
 jith twiuing, woody, slender stems, and opposite petiolate leaves, which are entire, 
 aooth, shining, and of a firm consistence. The leaves vary much in size and 
 tape, some being linear and acute, others broad-lanceolate, and others again 
 jral or ovate. The flowers are small, green on the outside, purple within, and 
 sposed in axillary racemes. The calyx is five-parted, with acute divisions; the 
 srolla flat, with oblong, pointed divisions. The fruit consists of two long, slender 
 reading follicles. 
 
 This plant is common over the whole peninsula of Hindostan. The officinal 
 >rtion is the root, which has long been used in India as a substitute for sarsa- 
 trilla. It is long, slender, tortuous, cylindrical, and little branched, consisting 
 a ligneous centre, and a brownish, corky bark, which is marked with longi- 
 dinal furrows and transverse fissures. It has a peculiar aromatic odour, and 
 bitter taste. Mr. G-arden obtained from it a peculiar volatilizable principle, 
 ith acid properties, which he named smilasperic acid, under the erroneous im- 
 ■ession that the root was derived from Smilax aspera. Pereira proposed to call 
 hemidesmic acid. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Indian sarsaparilla is said to be tonic, diuretic, 
 id alterative. It was introduced into Great Britain from India, and was em- 
 reyed for some time under the name of smilax aspera. It is used for the same 
 lrposes as sarsaparilla. In some instances it is said to have proved successful 
 syphilis when that medicine had failed; but it cannot be relied on. The 
 dive practitioners in India are said to employ it in nephritic complaints, and 
 the sore mouth of children. It is used in the form of infusion or decoction, 
 ade in the proportion of two ounces of the root to a pint of water. A pint 
 ay be given, in wineglassful doses, in the course of the day. A syrup is directed 
 r the Dublin College; but it is a weak preparation. (See Syrupus Hemidesmi.) 
 Off. Prep. Syrupus Hemidesmi. W. 
 
384 
 
 Hepatica. — Heracleum. 
 
 PART i 
 
 HEPATICA. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Liverwort. 
 
 The leaves of Hepatica Americana. U. S. 
 
 Hepatica. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Polygynia. — Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae. 
 
 Gen. Cli. Calyx three-leaved. Petals six to nine. Seeds naked. NuttaR. 
 
 Hepatica. Americana. De Cand.; Eaton, Manual of Botany, p. 241. — H 
 triloba. Willd. Enum .; Figured in Rafinesque’s Med. Flor. i. 238. Botanist; 
 generally admit but one species of Hepatica, H. triloba, and consider as acci 
 dental the difference of structure and colour observable in the plant. Pursl 
 speaks of two varieties, one with the lobes of the leaf oval and acute, the othe: 
 with the lobes rounded and obtuse. These are considered as distinct species bi 
 De Candolle, and the latter is the one which has been adopted by the Pharma 
 copoeia, and is popularly employed as a medicine in this country, under the nam< 
 of liverwort. Both have a perennial fibrous root, with three-lobed leaves, cordati 
 at their base, coriaceous, nearly smooth, glaucous and purplish beneath, and sup 
 ported upon hairy footstalks from four to eight inches long, which spring directlj 
 from the root. The scapes or flower-stems are several in number, of the sami 
 length with the petioles, round, hairy, and terminating in a single white, bluish 
 or purplish flower. The calyx is at a little distance below the corolla, and i: 
 considered by some an involucre, while the corolla takes the name of the calyx 
 In II. acutiloba the leaves are cordate, with from three to five entire, acute lobes 
 and the leaflets of the calyx are acute. In H. Americana the leaves are cordate 
 reniform, with three entire, roundish, obtuse lobes; and the leaflets of the calyj 
 are obtuse. Both are indigenous, growing in woods upon the sides of hills anc 
 mountains; the former, according to Eaton, preferring the northern, the lattei 
 the southern exposure. The leaves resist the cold of the winter, and the flower; 
 make their appearance early in spring. The whole plant is used. 
 
 It is without smell, and has a mucilaginous, somewhat astringent, slighth 
 bitterish taste. Water extracts all its active properties. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Liverwort is a very mild, demulcent tonic am 
 astringent, supposed by some to possess diuretic and deobstruent virtues. I 
 was formerly used in Europe in various complaints, especially chronic hepati' 
 affections; but has fallen into entire neglect. In this country, some years since 
 it acquired considerable popular reputation, which, however, it has not sustained 
 as a remedy in haemoptysis and chronic coughs. It may be used in infusion 
 and taken ad libitum. The term liverwort properly belongs to the cryptogamou 
 genus Marchantia. W. . 
 
 HERACLEUM. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Masterwort. 
 
 The root of Heracleum lanatum. U. S. 
 
 Heracleum. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Apiaceae orLm 
 belliferae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Fruit elliptical, emarginate, compressed, striated, margined. Coroll 
 difform, indexed, emarginate. Involucre caducous. Willd. 
 
 Heracleum lanatum. Michaux, Flor. Boreal. Am. i. 166. This is one of on 
 largest indigenous umbelliferous plants. The root is perennial, sending up ar 
 nually a hollow pubescent stem, from three to five feet high, and often more tha 
 an inch in thickness. The leaves are ternate, downy on their under surface, an 
 supported on downy footstalks; the leaflets petiolate, roundish-cordate, an 
 lobed. The flowers are w hite, in large umbels, and followed by orbicular seed; 
 
ART I. 
 
 Ileradeum. — Heuchera. — Hirudo. 
 
 385 
 
 Like the European species this is sometimes called eow-parsnep. It grows in 
 eadows and along fences or hedges, from Canada to Pennsylvania, and flowers 
 | June. 
 
 The root, which is the officinal part, bears some resemblance to that of com- 
 :on parsley. It has a strong disagreeable odour, and a very acrid taste. Both 
 re leaves and root excite redness and inflammation when applied to the skin. 
 :r. Bigelow considers the plant poisonous, and advises caution in its use, espe- 
 ully when it is gathered from a damp situation. 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. Masterwort appears to be somewhat stimulant and 
 (rminative, and was used successfully by Dr. Orne, of Salem, Massachusetts, 
 i cases of epilepsy, attended with flatulence and gastric disorder. He directed 
 to or three drachms of the pulverized root to be taken daily, for a long time, 
 id a strong infusion of the leaves to be drunk at bed-time. W. 
 
 HEUCHERA. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Alum-root. 
 
 The root of Heuchera Americana. U. S. 
 
 Heuchera. Sex. JSyst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Saxifragaceae. 
 Gen.Ch. Calyx five-cleft. Petals five, small. Capside bi-rostrate, bi-locular, 
 r ny-seeded. Nuttall. 
 
 Heuchera. Americana. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1328; Barton, Med. Bot. ii. 159. 
 -j II. cortusa. Michaux, Ftor. Boreal. Am. i. 171. — II. viscida. Pursh, P/or. Am. 
 Ifl. p. 187. The alum-root or Ame&an sanicle is a perennial, herbaceous 
 pint, the leaves of which are all radical, petiolate, cordate, with rounded lobes, 
 f inished with obtuse mucronate teeth. There is no proper stem ; but numerous 
 sjpes or flower-stems are sent up by the same root, from one to three feet in 
 bight, very hairy in their upper part, and terminating in long, loose, pyramidal, 
 d^hotomous panicles. The calyx is small, with obtuse segments; the petals 
 li'ceolate, rose-coloured, and of the same length with the calyx; the filaments 
 Hjch longer, yellowish, and surmounted by small, red, globose anthers. The 
 wple plant is covered with a viscid pubescence. 
 
 t is found in shady, rocky situations, from New England to Carolina, and 
 fibers in June and July. The root, which is the officinal portion, is horizontal, 
 seiewhat compressed, knotty, irregular, yellowish, and of a strongly styptic taste. 
 
 Medical Properties. Alum-root is powerfully astringent, and may be em- 
 p.J/ed in similar cases with other medicines belonging to the same class. It 
 h: hitherto, however, been little used. We are informed in Dr. Barton’s 
 “jollections,” that it is applied by the Indians to wounds and obstinate ulcers, 
 at that it is the basis of a powder which, when the author wrote, enjoyed 
 seje reputation as a cure for cancer. W. 
 
 IIIRUDO. Lond. 
 
 The Leech. 
 
 janguisuga medicinalis, and S. officinalis. Lond. 
 
 'Iff. Syn. HIRUDO MEDICINALIS. Bub. 
 
 mgsue, Fr.; Blutegel, Germ.; Mignatta, Ital.; Sauguijuela, Span. 
 
 irudo. Class 1, Annelides. Order 3, Abranchiatoe. Family 2, Asetigerte. 
 ier. 
 
 he leech belongs to that class of invertebrated articulated animals called. 
 elides. This class contains the worms with red blood, having soft retractile 
 es composed of numerous segments or rings, breathing generally by means 
 25 
 
386 
 
 Hirudo. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 of branchiae, with a nervous system consisting in a double knotted cord, dest: 
 tute of feet, and supplying their place by the contractile power of their segment 
 or rings. The third order of this class — Abranchio.ise — comprehends thos 
 worms which have no apparent external organ of respiration. This order i 
 again divided into two families, to the second of which — the Asetigerse, orthos 
 not having setae to enable them to crawl — the leech belongs. 
 
 It is an aquatic worm with a flattened body, tapering towards each end, an 
 terminating in circular flattened disks, the hinder one being the larger of th 
 two. It swims with a vertical undulating motion, and moves when out of th 
 water by means of these disks or suckers, fastening itself first by one and the 
 by the other, and alternately stretching out and contracting its body. The moot 
 is placed in the centre of the anterior disk, and is furnished with three cartik 
 ginous lens-shaped jaws at the entrance of the alimentary canal. These jaws ar 
 lined at their edges with fine sharp teeth, and meet so as to make a triangula 
 incision in the flesh. The head is furnished with small raised points, suppose 
 by some to be eyes. Respiration is carried on through small apertures range 
 along the inferior surface. The nervous system consists of a cord extending th 
 whole length, furnished with numerous ganglions. The intestinal canal : 
 straight and terminates in the anus, near the posterior disk. Although herm; 
 phrodite, leeches mutually impregnate each other. They are oviparous, and tb 
 eggs, varying from six to fifteen, are contained in a sort of spongy, slimy cocooi 
 from half an inch to an inch in diameter. These are deposited near the edge ( 
 the water, and hatched by the heat of the sun. The leech is torpid during th 
 winter, and casts off from time to time a thick slimy coating from its skin. 1 
 can live a considerable time in sphagnous moss, or in moistened earth, and 
 frequently transported in this manner to great distances by the dealers. 
 
 Savigny has divided the genus Hirudo of Linnaeus into several genera. Th 
 true leech is the Sanguisuga of this author, and is characterized by its thr< 
 lenticular jaws, each armed with two rows of teeth, and by having ten ocul; 
 points. Several species are used for medicinal purposes, of which the most c-od 
 mon are the gray and the green leech of Europe, both of which are varieties ■ 
 the Hirudo medicinalis of Linnaeus; and the Hirudo decora of this country. 
 
 1. Hirudo medicinalis. Linn. Ed. Gmel. I. 8095. — Sanguisuga officinalis. S 
 vigny, Mon. Hir. p. 112, t. 5, f. 1. The green leech. — Sanguisuga medicinal 
 Savigny, Mon. Hir. p. 114, t. 5, f. 2. The gray leech. Many of the best zool 
 gists regard the Sanguisuga ojjicinalis and S. medicinalis of Savigny as me 
 varieties. They are both marked with six longitudinal dorsal ferruginous stripe 
 the four lateral ones being interrupted or tesselated with black spots. The colo' 
 of the back varies from a blackish to a grayish-green. The belly in the fii 
 variety is of a yellowish-green colour, free from spots, and bordered with lont 
 tudinal black stripes. In the second it is of a green colour, bordered and ir 
 culated with black. This leech varies from two to four inches in length. It i 
 habits marshes and running streams, and is abundant throughout Europe.* 
 
 The great use made of leeches in the modern practice of medicine has oe< 
 sioned them to become a considerable article of commerce. They are collect 
 in Spain, France, Italy, and Germany, and carried in large numbers to Lond 
 and Paris. They are also frequently brought to this country ; as the practitiom 
 in some of our large cities use only the foreign leech, although our own wati 
 furnish an inexhaustible supply of this useful worm. 
 
 * A variety of the leeches has recently come into use in Europe called in comme 
 African leeches. They are of a beautiful light-green colour, varying to a deep-green. ; 
 often inclining to red, with black points on the back, and broad streaks of a bright eran 
 yellow, which are black towards the abdomen. They correspond perfectly with the 5; 
 guisuga interrupta of Moquin Tandon. These leeches draw very well. (Pharm. Journ. i 1 
 Trans., x. i., from Buchner's Beperlorium, A.D. 1850, p. 87 6.) — Sole to the ninth edition. • 
 
PART I. 
 
 Hirudo. 
 
 387 
 
 2. Hirudo decora. Say, Colonel Long’s Second Expedition, ii. 268. The 
 nedicinal leech of America has been described by Say under the name of Hirudo 
 decora, in the Appendix to the Second Expedition of Colonel Long. Its back 
 s of a deep pistachio-green colour, with three longitudinal rows of square spots. 
 These spots are placed on every fifth ring, and are twenty-two in number. The 
 ateral rows of spots are black, and the middle range of a light brownish-orange 
 ;olour. The belly is of the same colour, variously and irregularly spotted with 
 flack. The American leech sometimes attains the length of four or five inches, 
 dthough its usual length is from two to three. It does not make so large and 
 leep an incision as the European leech, and draws less blood. 
 
 The indigenous leech is much used in the city of Philadelphia. The practi- 
 ioners of New York and Boston are supplied chiefly from abroad. The leeches 
 employed in Philadelphia are generally brought from Bucks and Berks county 
 in Pennsylvania, and occasionally from other parts of the State. 
 
 The proper preservation of leeches is an object of importance to the practi- 
 ioner, as they are liable to great and sudden mortality. They are usually kept 
 n jars, in clear, soft water, which should be changed twice a week in winter, and 
 ■very other day in summer. The jar must be covered with a linen cloth, and 
 flaced in a situation not liable to sudden changes of temperature. They will 
 ive a long time and continue active and healthy, without any other attention 
 ; han that of frequently changing the water in which they are kept. M. Der- 
 ieims has proposed the following excellent method of preserving them. In the 
 ■ottom of a large basin or trough of marble he places a bed, six or seven inches 
 eep, of a mixture of moss, turf, and fragments of wood. He strews pebbles 
 bove, so as to retain them in their place without compressing them too much, 
 r preventing the water from freely penetrating them. At one end of the trough 
 nd about midway of its height, is placed a thin slab of marble or earthenware, 
 ierced with numerous holes, and covered with a bed of moss which is compressed 
 y a thick layer of pebbles. The reservoir being thus disposed is half-filled with 
 ’ater, so that the moss and pebbles on the shelf shall be kept constantly moist, 
 he basin is protected from the light by a linen cover stretched over it. By this 
 rrangement the natural habits of the leech are not counteracted. One of these 
 .abits, essential to its health, is that of drawing itself through the moss and roots 
 ) clear its body from the slimy coat which forms on its skin, and is a principal 
 jUise of its disease and death. Mr. James Banes recommends that, when kept 
 l jars, they should be cleansed by means of a whisk of very fine broom or willow, 
 hen the water is changed.* 
 
 Medical Uses . — Leeches afford the least painful, and in many instances the 
 ,iost effectual means for the local abstraction of blood. They are often appli- 
 jible to parts which, either from their situation or their great tenderness when 
 jiflamed, do not admit of the use of cups ; and, in the cases of infants, are under 
 
 * M. Soubeiran considers it important that they should be kept in running water, and 
 Its figured an apparatus for this purpose in the second edition of his Treatise on Phar- 
 macy. The addition of a solution of chlorine to the water, in the proportion of one or two 
 'ops to the pint, or of a little muriatic or sulphuric acid to neutralize the ammonia which 
 rrr\s, has sometimes been found a preservative against diseases to which leeches are liable. 
 T ourn. de Pharm., 3e ser., x. 186, from Repert. fur die Pharm., xlii. 367.) 
 
 ; M. Domine lias found the following plan of preserving leeches most successful. He se- 
 pts the greenest moss he can find, washes it perfectly clean, and puts it and the leeches, 
 so well washed, alternately into a glass vessel of convenient size, taking care to fill the 
 ssel completely with the loosened moss, and then to cover it with a piece of linen. In 
 nter, it is sufficient merely to introduce the leeches and moss moistened ; but, as soon as 
 inn weather approaches, a little water should be put at the bottom of the vessel. It is 
 t necessary to change often in winter; but in summer, the moss should be renewed 
 arly every other day, and the vessel should be kept in the cellar. ( Journ . de Pharm. et 
 ; Ohim., xvi. 110.) — Note to the ninth edition. W. 
 
388 
 
 Hirudo. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 all circumstances preferable to that instrument. They are indeed a powerful 
 therapeutic agent, and give to the physician, in many instances, a control over 
 disease which be could obtain in no other way. Their use is in great measure 
 restricted to the treatment of local inflammations; and, as a general rule, they 
 should not be resorted to until the force of the circulation has been diminished 
 by bleeding from the arm, or in the natural progress of the complaint. 
 
 In applying leeches to the skin, care should be taken to shave off the hair, if 
 there be any, and to have the part well cleansed with soap and water, and after- 
 wards with pure water. If the leech does not bite readily, the skin should be 
 moistened with a little blood, or milk and water. Sometimes the leech is put 
 into a large quill open at both ends, and applied with the head to the skin until 
 it fastens itself, when the quill is withdrawn. If it be desirable that the leech 
 shall bite in a particular spot, this end may be attained by cutting a small hole 
 in a piece of blotting paper, and then applying this moistened to the skin, so that 
 the hole shall be immediately over the spot from which the blood is to be taken. 
 Leeches continue to draw blood until they are gorged, when they drop off.* The 
 quantity of blood which they draw varies according to the part to which they are 
 applied, and the degree of inflammation existing in it. In the loose and vascular 
 textures they will abstract more than in those which are firm and compact, and 
 more from an inflamed than a healthy part. As a general rule our leechers applv 
 six for every fluidounce of blood. A single European leech will draw from half 
 an ounce to an ounce. The quantity may often be much increased by bathing 
 the wound with warm water. Leeches will continue to suck after their tails are 
 cut off, w'bich is sometimes done, although it is a barbarous practice. It is said 
 that they will draw better if put into cold beer, or diluted wine, and allowed to 
 remain until they become very lively. They may be separated from the skin at 
 any time by sprinkling a little salt upon them. After they drop off, the same 
 application will make them disgorge the blood they have swallowed. Some 
 leechers draw the leeches from the tail to the head through their finders, and 
 thus squeeze out the blood, after which all that is necessary is to put them in 
 clean water, and change it frequently. f Leeches which are gorged with blood 
 should be kept in a vessel by themselves, as they are more subject to disease, 
 and often occasion a great mortality among the others. They should not bt 
 again used until they have recovered their activity. In cases where the bleeding 
 from leech-bites continues longer than is desirable, it may be stopped by con 
 
 * As a very efficient mode of applying leeches, it is recommended, after having moist 
 ened the skin with pure warm water, to put the leeches into a tumbler half full of cole 
 water, and by an adroit movement invert it upon the part. If it is desired to confine the 
 leeches to a single point, the object may be effected by covering the part previously vitl 
 a piece of paper, having a hole of the required size in the middle. The leeches are sail 
 to attach themselves so rapidly that it seems to the patient as though they made hut : 
 single bite. When they are all attached, the glass is to be carefully removed, the wate 
 being absorbed as it runs off on one side by a sponge or linen cloths. 
 
 Another method of increasing the efficiency of leeches, recommended by Dr. C. R. Sloan 
 of Ayr, Scotland, is to cover them with a cupping glass, and, by means of an air-pump 
 moderately exhaust the air over them. An extraordinary increase in their activity is im 
 mediately observable. [Ed. Monthly Journ. of Med. Set., Aug. 1852, p. 126.) <W. i 
 
 j- MM. Soubeiran and Bouchardat, after numerous experiments upon the different mode 
 of fitting the gorged leeches for use again, came to the conclusion, that a carefully manage 
 pressure is the best. Two conditions, however, are necessary to success; one that the 
 should be disposed to disgorge the blood, and the other that they should be immersed i 
 warm water previously to the stripping. The first object is effected by common salt. Tk 
 following plan is recommended. The leeches are to be thrown into a solution of 16 part 
 of common salt in 100 of water, from which they are to be taken out one by one, am 
 being held by the tail, are to be dipped into water which feels hot to the hand, but yet ca 
 be borne by it, and then passed lightly between the fingers. Thus treated, they easily giv 
 up the blood. After being stripped, they should he placed in vessels containing fresh wate; 
 
’ART I. 
 
 Hirudo. — Hordeum. 
 
 389 
 
 inued pressure, with the application of lint, or hy touching the wounds with 
 unar caustic.* It may sometimes be necessary, in the case of a deep bite, to 
 ew the wound, which is readily done with a single stitch of the needle, that 
 eed not penetrate deeper than the cutis, f D- B. S. 
 
 HORDEUM. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Barley. 
 
 The decorticated seeds of Hordeum distichon. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Orge, Fr.; Gerstengraupen, Germ.; Orzo, Ital.; Cebada, Span. 
 
 Hordeum. Sex. Syst. Triandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Graminacete. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Calyx lateral, two-valved, one-flowered, three-fold. WiUd. 
 
 Several species of Hordeum are cultivated in different parts of the world. The 
 lost common are the H. vuljare, and H. distichon, both of which have been 
 itroduced into the United States. 
 
 1. Hordeum vulgare. Willd. Sj). Plant, i. 472 ; Loudon’s Enryc. of Plants, 
 
 . 73. The culm or stalk of common barley is from two to four feet in height, 
 stular, and furnished with alternate, sheathing, lanceolate, roughish, and pointed 
 :aves. The flowers are all perfect, and arranged in a close terminal spike, the 
 sis of which is dentate, and on each tooth supports three sessile flowers. The 
 dyx or outer chaff has two valves. The corolla or inner chaff is also composed 
 F two valves, of which the exterior is larger than the other, and terminates in 
 long, rough, serrated awn or beard. The seeds are arranged in four rows. 
 
 2. H. distichon. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 473; Loudon’s Encyc. of Plants, p. 73. 
 his species is distinguished by its flat spike or ear, which on each flat side has 
 double row of imperfect or male florets without beards, and on each edge, a 
 ngle row of bearded perfect or hermaphrodite florets. The seeds therefore are 
 
 two rows, as indicated by the specific name of the plant. 
 
 rich should be renewed one-e a day. At the end of eight or ten days, they are fit for 
 application. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3 eser., xi. 343 and 350.) 
 
 It has been stated that, if the leeches, after being stripped, be put into water sweetened 
 tli a little white sugar, and the solution be renewed several times, at intervals of six or 
 elve hours, they will speedily recover their activity, and may be reapplied two or three 
 nes in the course of a few days. Immersion in camphor water, for a few moments, is 
 id by Mr. Boyce to cause them to vomit the blood. They should afterwards be put into 
 ran water, to be changed in half an hour. (Pharm. Journ., Jan. 1845.) 
 
 M. Granat, a French military pharmaceutist, has found the natural process of disgorging 
 eferable to all others. He placed some gorged leeches in wooden tubs containing at bottom 
 little clay and water, and renewed the water every forty-eight hours. After eight days, 
 l 3 leeches, now in good health, were transferred to a pond prepared for the purpose, where 
 ey propagated. He put 1000 leeches in the pond, and at the end of a year had taken out 
 ;0 fit for service, without interfering with the reproduction. (Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., 
 
 . 1S6. ) The propagation of the leech has begun to attract considerable attention in France, 
 hen the authors were in Paris, in the summer of 1853, there was a large leech-pond in 
 eration at the Central Pharmacy of the Hospitals. W. 
 
 |* A little cotton, impregnated with a saturated solution of alum in boiling-hot water, and, 
 er it has become sufficiently cool, and before the alum has begun to crystallize, pressed 
 on the wound, will often prove effectual. Another mode of repressing the hemorrhage 
 jto press upon the bite a piece of thin caoutchouc, previously softened upon one side by 
 •lit, so as to become adhesive. If lunar caustic be applied, the stick must first be brought 
 • a fine point, which is to be inserted in the wound. Some have even recommended the 
 Hi of a fine wire made red-hot. When the part wounded is without a bony basis, pressure 
 l y be made by pinching the wound between the fingers. W. 
 
 f An instrument has been invented called the mechanical leech, by which the attempt has 
 1 ;n made to imitate the action of the leech in drawing blood. It consists essentially of 
 fjo parts, one for making the puncture, and the other for abstracting blood through the 
 iiincy of atmospheric pressure. In other words, it is a minute cupping instrument. Prac- 
 1 illy, however, it has not been found so convenient as to supersede the use of the living 
 1 ch. For an account of the instrument, see the Am. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, xvi. 207. W. 
 
390 
 
 Hordeum. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 The original country of the cultivated barley is unknown. The plant has 
 been found growing wild in Sicily, and various parts of the interior of Asia. H. 
 vidyare is said by Bursh to grow in some parts of the United States, apparently 
 in a wild state. The seeds are used in various forms. 
 
 1. In their natural state they are oval, oblong, pointed at one end, obtuse at 
 the other, marked with a longitudinal furrow, of a yellowish colour externally, 
 white within, having a faint odour when in mass, and a mild sweetish taste. They 
 contain, according to Proust, in 100 parts, 32 of starch, 3 of gluten, 5 of sugar, 
 4 of gum, 1 of yellow resin, and 55 of hordein, a principle closely analogous to 
 lignin. Berzelius suggests that hordein may be an intimate mixture of vegetable 
 fibre with gluten and starch, which are very difficultly separable as they exist in 
 this grain. Einhoff found in 100 parts 6718 of starch, 5'21 of uncrystallizable 
 sugar, 4‘62 of gum, 3'52 of gluten, 1*15 of albumen, 0'24 of phosphate of lime, 
 and 7 '29 of vegetable fibre; the remainder being water and loss. 
 
 2. Malt consists of the seeds made to germinate by warmth and moisture, and 
 then baked so as to deprive them of vitality. By this process the sugar, starch, 
 and gum are increased at the expense of the hordein , as shown by the analysis 
 of Proust, who found in 100 parts of malt, 56 of starch, 1 of gluten, 15 of sugar, 
 15 of gum, 1 of yellow resin, and only 12 of hordein. Berzelius attributes the 
 diminution of the hordein to the separation, during germination, of the gluten 
 or starch from the fibrous matter with which he supposes them to be associated 
 in that substance. It is in the form of malt that barley is so largely consumed 
 in the manufacture of malt liquors. 
 
 An interesting substance, called diastase, was discovered by MM. Payen and 
 Persoz in the seeds of barley, oats, and wheat, and in the potato. It is found, 
 however, only after germination, of which process the production of it appears 
 to be the first step. Germinated barley seldom contains it in larger proportion 
 than two parts in a thousand. It is obtained by bruising freshly germinated 
 barley, adding about half its weight of water, expressing strongly, treating the 
 viscid liquid thus obtained with sufficient alcohol to destroy its viscidity, then 
 separating the coagulated albumen, and adding a fresh portion of alcohol, which 
 precipitates the diastase in an impure state. To render it pure, it must be re- 
 dissolved as often as three times in water, and precipitated by alcohol. It i. 
 solid, white, tasteless, soluble in water and weak alcohol, but insoluble in tin 
 latter fluid in a concentrated state. Though without action upon gum and sugar 
 it has the extraordinary property, when mixed, in the proportion of only one 
 part to 2000, wdth starch suspended in water, and maintained at a temperaturi 
 of about 160°, of converting that principle into dextrine and the sugar of grapes 
 The whole of the starch undergoes this change, with the exception of the tegc 
 ments of the granules, amounting to about 4 parts in 1000. The change whid 
 barley undergoes during germination, and in the process of malting, is of : 
 similar character. 
 
 3. Hulled barley is merely the grain deprived of its husk, which, according t 
 Einhoff, amounts to 18'75 parts in the hundred. 
 
 4. Barley meal is formed by grinding the seeds, previously deprived of tbei 
 husk. It has a grayish-white colour, and contains, according to Foureroy an 
 Yauquelin, an oleaginous substance, sugar, starch, azotized matter, acetic aeic 
 phosphate of lime and magnesia, silica, and iron. It may be made into a c-oarsi 
 heavy, hard bread, which in some countries is much used for food. 
 
 5. Pearl barley — hordeum perlatum — is the seed deprived of all its inves 
 ments, and afterwards rounded and polished in a mill. It is in small round c 
 oval grains, having the remains of the longitudinal furrow of the seeds, and t 
 a pearly whiteness. It is wholly destitute of hordein, and abounds in starel 
 with some gluten, sugar, and gum. This is the proper officinal form of baric] 
 and is kept in the shops almost to the exclusion of the others. 
 
ART I. 
 
 Hordeum. — Humulus. 
 
 391 
 
 Medical Properties. Barley is one of the mildest and least irritating of fari- 
 aceous substances; and, though not medically used in its solid state, forms by 
 acoction with water a drink admirably adapted to febrile and inflammatory com- 
 laints, and much employed from the times of Hippocrates and Galen to the 
 resent. Pearl barley is the form usually preferred for the preparation of the 
 3 coction, though the hulled grain is sometimes used, and malt affords a liquor 
 ore demulcent and nutritious. (See Decoctum Hordei.') The decoction of malt 
 ay be prepared by boiling from two to four ounces in a quart of water and strain- 
 jg the liquor. When hops are added, the decoction takes the name of wort, 
 id acquires tonic properties, which render it useful in debility, especially when 
 tended with suppuration. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Hordei; Decoctum Hordei Composi turn. W. 
 
 HUMULUS. U.S. 
 
 Hops. 
 
 The strobiles of Humulus Lupulus. II. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. LUPULUS. Humulus Lupulus. The Amentum. Lond. The Cat- 
 n. Ed. HUMULUS LUPULUS. The dried strobiles. Dub. 
 
 Houblon, Fr.; Hopfen, Germ.; Luppolo, Ital.; Lupulo Hombrecillo, Span. 
 
 Humulus. Sex. Syst. Dioecia Pentandria. — Nat. Ord. Urticaeem. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Male. Calyx five-leaved. Corolla none. Female. Calyx one-leafed, 
 diquely spreading, entire. Corolla none. Styles two. Seed one, within a leafy 
 lyx. mm. 
 
 Humulus Lupulus. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 769; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. iii. 
 >3 . The root of the hop is perennial, and sends up numerous annual, angular, 
 ugh, flexible stems, which twine around neighbouring objects in a spiral direc- 
 ■jra, from left to right, and climb to a great height. The leaves are opposite, 
 ;d stand upon long footstalks. The smaller are sometimes cordate; the larger 
 ve three or five lobes; all are serrate, of a deep-green colour on the upper sur- 
 : 3e, and, together with the petioles, extremely 7 rough, with minute prickles. At 
 'je base of the footstalks are two or four smooth, ovate, reflexed stipules. The 
 : wers are numerous, axillary, and furnished with bractes. The male flowers 
 ;3 yellowish-white, and arranged in panicles; the female, which grow on a sepa- 
 :j;e plant, are pale-green, and disposed in solitary, peduncled aments, composed 
 ' membranous scales, ovate, acute, and tubular at the base. Each scale bears 
 : ar its base, on its inner surface, two flowers, consisting of a roundish compressed 
 ; rm, and two styles, with long filiform stigmas. The aments are converted into 
 i ate membranous cones or strobiles, the scales of which contain each at their 
 lse two small seeds, surrounded by a yellow, granular, resinous powder. 
 
 The hop is a native of North America and Europe. It is occasionally found 
 IjOwing wild in the Eastern States, and, according to Mr. Nuttall, is abundant on 
 i e banks of the Mississippi and Missouri. In parts of New England and New 
 >rk it is extensively cultivated, and most of the hops consumed in the United 
 f ates are supplied by those districts. The part of the plant used, as well in 
 <|3 preparation of malt liquors as in medicine, is the fruit or strobiles. These 
 1 ien fully ripe are picked from the plant, dried by artificial heat, packed in 
 1 les, and sent into the market under the name of hops. 
 
 They consist of numerous thin, translucent, veined, leaf-like scales, which are 
 < a pale greenish-yellow colour, and contain near the base two small, round, 
 lick seeds. Though brittle when quite dry, they are pulverized with great dif- 
 irlty. Their odour is strong, peculiar, somewhat narcotic, and fragrant; their 
 1 te very bitter, aromatic, and slightly astringent. Their aroma, bitterness, and 
 
392 
 
 Humulus. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 astringency are imparted to water by decoction; but the first-mentioned property 
 is dissipated by long boiling. The most active part of bops is a substance .se- 
 creted by the scales, and in the dried fruit existing upon their surface in the 
 state of very small granules. This substance was called lupulin by the late Dr. 
 A. W. Ives, of New York, by whom its properties were first investigated and 
 made generally known ; though it appears to have been previously noticed by 
 Sir J. E. Smith, of England, and M. Planche, of France. The scales them- 
 selves, however, are not destitute of virtues, and contain, as shown by MM. Payen 
 and Chevalier, the same active principles as the lupulin, though in less proportion. 
 
 Lupulina. Lupulin. U. S-, Dub. This is obtained separate by rubbing or 
 threshing and sifting the strobiles, of which it constitutes from one-sixth to one- 
 tenth by weight. It is in the state of a yellowish powder, mixed with minute 
 particles of the scales, from which it cannot be entirely freed when procured by 
 a mechanical process. It has the peculiar flavour of hops, and appeared to MM. 
 Lebaillif and llaspail, when examined by the microscope, to consist of globules 
 filled with a yellow matter, resembling in this respect the pollen of vegetables. 
 It is inflammable, and when moderately heated becomes somewhat adhesive. 
 MM. Chevalier and Payen obtained from 200 parts, 105 of resin, and 25 of a 
 peculiar bitter principle, besides volatile oil, gum, traces of fixed oil, a small 
 quantity of an azotized substance, and various salts. Dr. Ives found in 120 
 grains, 5 of tannin, 10 of extractive, 11 of bitter principle, 12 of wax, 36 of 
 resin, and 46 of lignin. The virtues of the powder probably reside in the vola- 
 tile oil and bitter principle, and are readily imparted to alcohol. By boiling iu 
 water the bitterness is extracted, but the aroma is partially driven off. The 
 volatile oil, which may be obtained by distillation with water, is yellowish, of 
 the odour of hops, of an acrid taste, and lighter than water. It was formerly 
 supposed to be narcotic, but this is denied by Dr. Wagner, who gave twenty drops 
 of it to a rabbit, with no observable effect. (Chem. Gaz., July 15, 1853. ) 
 
 The bitter principle, which has been named lupulite or lupuline, but ought to 
 be called humulin, may be procured by treating with alcohol the aqueous extract 
 of lupulin previously mixed with a little lime, evaporating the tincture thus 
 formed, treating the resulting extract with water, evaporating the solution, and 
 washing the residue with ether. When pure it is yellowish or orange-yellow, 
 inodorous at common temperatures, but of the smell of hops when heated, of the 
 peculiar bitter taste of hops, slightly soluble in water which takes up five per 
 cent, of its weight, readily soluble in alcohol, almost insoluble in ether, neither 
 acid nor alkaline in its reaction, and destitute of nitrogen. It is scarcely affected 
 by the weak acids or alkaline solutions, or by the metallic salts. It is probably 
 the tonic principle of the medicine. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Hops are tonic and moderately narcotic, and 
 have been highly recommended in diseases of general or local debility, associated 
 with morbid vigilance, or other nervous derangement. They have some tend- 
 ency to produce sleep and relieve pain, and may be used for these purposes in 
 cases where opiates, from their teudency to constipate, or other cause, are inad- 
 missible. Diuretic properties have also been ascribed to them, but are by no 
 means very obvious. The complaints iu which they have been found most useful 
 are dyspepsia, and the nervous tremors, wakefulness, and delirium of drunkards. 
 Dr. Maton found the extract advantageous in allaying the pain of articular rheu- 
 matism. Dr. W. Y. Godberry, of Benton, Miss., has found hops efficacious, in 
 intermit tents, and considers them inferior in antiperiodic powers only to quinia. 
 (Tfhst. Journ. Med. and Sun/., March, 1853.) 
 
 The medicine maybe given in substance, infusion, tincture, or extract. From 
 three to twenty grains are mentioned as the dose of the powder ; but the quan- 
 tity is too small to produce any decided effect; and this mode of administration 
 
].RT I. 
 
 Eumulus. — Hydrargyrum. 
 
 393 
 
 i in fact scarcely ever resorted to. An infusion prepared with half an ounce 
 chops and a pint of boiling water, may be given in the dose of two fluidounces 
 tree or four times a day. In intermittents Dr. Godberry gives, in the interval, 
 aiint of the infusion made with an ounce of the hops. The extract and tincture 
 a; officinal. (See Extr actum Lupuli and Tinctura Humuli.') A pillow of hops 
 Is been found useful in allaying restlessness and producing sleep in nervous 
 borders. They should be moistened with some spirituous liquor, previously 
 t being placed under the head of the patient, in order to prevent their rustling 
 r'se. Fomentations with hops, and cataplasms made by mixing them with 
 sne emollient substance, are often beneficial in local pains and tumefactions. 
 h ointment of the powder with lard is recommended by Mr. Freake as an 
 aidyue application to cancerous sores. 
 
 All the effects of the preparations of hops may be obtained, with greater cer- 
 tuty and convenience, by the use of lupulin. Dr. Win. Byrd Page, of Phila- 
 diphia, has found this substance very effectual as an antaphrodisiac, in the treat- 
 nnt of gonorrhoea, and other irritated conditions of the urinary passages. The 
 d;e of lupulin in substance is from six to twelve grains, given in the form of 
 pis, which may be made by 'simply rubbing the powder in a warm mortar till 
 Acquires the consistence of a ductile mass, and then moulding it into the proper 
 s pe. There is an officinal tincture. (See Tinctura Lupulinae.) Mr. Liver- 
 nxe proposes an alcoholic extract of lupulin, prepared by exhausting commer- 
 c . lupulin with alcohol by the process of percolation, and exposing the tincture 
 tils formed to spontaneous evaporation. The dose will be about one-third less 
 tin that of lupulin itself. (Am. Journ. of P harm., xxv. 294.) Lupulin may 
 b incorporated with poultices, or formed into an ointment with lard, and used 
 e.ernally for the same purposes as hops. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Hops. Extraetum Lupuli; Infusum Ilumuli; Tinctura Humuli. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Lupulin. Tinctura Lupulinae. W. 
 
 HYDRARGYRUM. U S., Loncl., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Mercury. 
 
 Quicksilver ; Mercurius, Lat.; Mercure, Vif argent, Fr.; Quecksilber, Germ.; Mereu- 
 ri Ital.; Azogue, Span, and Port. 
 
 'his metal is found pure, combined with sulphur, united with silver, and in 
 tl form of protochloride (native calomel) ; but, of all its combinations, the 
 nut abundant is the bisulphuret, or native cinnabar. Its most important mines 
 ai found at Almaden in Spain, at Idria in Carniola, in the Duchy of Deux- 
 p<:ts, at Durasno in Mexico, near Azogue in New Granada, and near Huanca- 
 V(jca in Peru. A rich mine of cinnabar was discovered in 1844, at New Al- 
 mlen, in Upper California, about midway between San Francisco and Monterey; 
 b<| the working of it only commenced in 1848, when it proved very productive, 
 alough the apparatus employed was extremely defective. ( Silliman’ s Journ., 
 Si t. 1848.) From analyses made of the cinnabar from this mine, it appears to be 
 m sh richer in mercury than that of Almaden in Spain, by reason of its containing 
 lej impurity. In 1852, the product of the mine was 75,000 pounds of mercury 
 pemonth. A mine of cinnabar, nearly pure, was discovered in Corsica in 1850. 
 ftrn. de Pharm., 3e ser., xix. 216.) Mercury also occurs in the Philippine 
 lends and China. The most ancient and productive mine is that of Almaden. 
 
 Extraction. Nearly all the mercury consumed in medicine and the arts is 
 ol ined from the bisulphuret, or native cinnabar. It is extracted by two prin- 
 ci 1 processes. According to one process, the mineral is picked, pounded, and 
 m ed with lime. The mixture is then introduced into cast-iron retorts, which 
 ar placed in rows, one above the other, in an oblong furnace, and connected 
 
394 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 with earthenware receivers, one-third full of water. Heat being applied, th 
 lime combines with the sulphur, so as to form sulphuret of calcium and sulphat 
 of lime; while the mercury distils over, and is condensed in the receivers. Th 
 other process is practised at Almaden in Spain. Here a square furnace is em 
 ployed, the floor of which is pierced with many holes, for the passage of the flam 
 from the fireplace beneath. In the upper and lateral part of the furnace, hole 
 are made, communicating with several rows of aludels, which terminate in 
 small chamber that serves both as condenser and receiver. The mineral, bavin 
 been picked by hand and pulverized, is kneaded with clay, and formed int 
 small masses, which are placed on the floor of the furnace. The heat being a p 
 plied, the sulphur undergoes combustion; while the mercury, being volatihzec 
 passes through the aludels to be condensed in the chamber. 
 
 Commercial History. Mercury is imported into this country generally i 
 cylindrical wrought-iron bottles, called flasks, each containing 76 J pounds, an 
 comes principally from the Atlantic ports of Spain, particularly Cadiz. A poi 
 tion also is received from the Austrian port of Trieste, from which it generall 
 comes tied up in whole skins of white leather, forming bags, each containing 3 
 pounds, and four of which are usually packed together with straw in a roug 
 flattened keg. In both Spain and Austria, the produce of the quicksilver mine 
 is a government monopoly. In Spain all the metal is brought from the mine 
 to Seville, whence, after paying an export duty, it is carried by small vessel 
 down the river Guadalquiver to Cadiz and Gibraltar, which are the chief place 
 of its depot for foreign commerce. The quantity imported into the United State 
 varies in different years. Its chief consumption is in the extraction of silve 
 and gold from their ores, in the preparation of vermilion, in making thermome 
 ters and barometers, in silvering looking-glasses, and in preparing various phai 
 maceutical compounds. 
 
 Properties. Mercury is a very brilliant liquid, of a silver-white colour, an 
 without taste or smell. When perfectly pure it undergoes no alteration bv th 
 action of air or water, but in its ordinary state suffers a slight tarnish. Whe; 
 heated to near the boiling point, it gradually combines with oxygen, and become 
 converted into deutoxide; but at the temperature of ebullition it parts with tb 
 oxygen which it had absorbed, and is reduced again to the metallic state. It 
 sp. gr. is 18'5, and its equivalent 202. It boils at 662°, and freezes at 39 
 below zero, forming when frozen a malleable solid resembling lead. It is a goo 
 conductor of caloric, and its specific heat is small. It is not attacked by muriati 
 acid, nor by cold sulphuric acid ; but boiling sulphuric acid, or cold nitric aci 
 dissolves it, generating a bisulphate or binitrate of the deutoxide, with the extr 
 cation, in the former case, of sulphurous acid, in the latter, of nitric oxide becoa 
 ing nitrous acid red fumes. Its combinations are numerous, and several ofthei 
 constitute important medicines. It forms two oxides, two regular sulphurets. tw 
 chlorides, three iodides, and one cyanuret, all of which, excepting the protosu 
 phuret and sesquiodide, are officinal, and will be noticed elsewhere under separai 
 heads. Both the oxides are capable of uniting with acids so as to form salts, < 
 which the binitrate, sulphate, and bisulphate of the deutoxide are officinal, c 
 enter into officinal combinations. 
 
 Mercury, as it occurs in commerce, is in general sufficiently pure for pbarin; 
 ceutical purposes. Occasionally it contains foreign metals, such as lead, bismutl 
 and tin. Mr. Brande informs us that, in examining large quantities of this met; 
 in the London market, he found it only in one instance intentionally adulterate! 
 When impure, the metal has a dull appearance, leaves a trace on white pape 
 is deficient in due fluidity and mobility, as shown by its not forming pertei 
 globules, is not totally dissipated by heat, and, when shaken in a glass bottl 
 coats its sides with a pellicle, or, if very impure, deposits a black powder, 
 agitated with strong sulphuric acid, the adulterating metals become oxidized ar 
 
PBT I. 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 395 
 
 dholved, and in this manner the mercury may in part he purified. Lead is de- 
 te;ed by shaking the suspected metal with equal parts of acetic acid and water, 
 ai then testing the acid by sulphate of soda, or iodide of potassium. The 
 foner will produce a white, the latter a yellow precipitate, if lead be present. 
 Bmuth is discovered by dropping a nitric solution of the mercury, prepared 
 whout heat, into distilled water, when the subnitrate of bismuth will pi’ecipi- 
 ta ; . The solubility of the metal in nitric acid shows that tin is not present; 
 ar if sulphuretted hydrogen does not act upon muriatic acid previously boiled 
 U]ln the metal, the absence of the usual contaminating metals is shown. 
 
 ylercury may be purified, according to Berzelius, by digesting it with a small 
 pyiionof weak nitric acid, or with a solution of bichloride of mercury (corrosive 
 silimate); whereby all the ordinary contaminating metals will be removed. M. 
 Ux recommends its purification by triturating, for ten minutes, a pound of the 
 nr.al with an ounce of the solution of sesquichloride of iron (sp.gr. 1'48), 
 diited with an equal measure of water. The mercury is thus divided to a very 
 gmt extent, and the contaminating metals are separated as chlorides; the ses- 
 qiphloride of iron being, in the meantime, reduced to protochloride. After 
 dtknting the iron solution, and washing with water, the mercury is dried by a 
 gjtle heat, and subjected to trituration, when the greater portion of it runs to- 
 gmer. Mercury, however, is usually purified by distillation. (See Hydrargy- 
 ria Purum.) 
 
 Medical Properties. Mercury, in its uncombined state, is deemed inert; but 
 in. state of combination, it acts as a peculiar and universal stimulant. When 
 eiibited in a state of minute division, as it exists in several preparations, it 
 priuces its peculiar effects; but this does not prove that the uncombined metal 
 Active, but only that the condition of minute division is favourable to its en- 
 te ng into combination in the stomach. Its combinations exhibit certain general 
 mlical properties and effects, which belong to the whole as a class; while each 
 in vidual preparation is characterized by some peculiarity in its operation. Our 
 biiness, in the present place, is to consider generally the physiological action 
 ofhercury, and the principles by which its administration should be regulated; 
 wle its effects, as modified in its different combinations, will be more properly 
 m eed under the head of each preparation individually. 
 
 iff the modus operandi of mercury we know nothing, except that it probably 
 ad through the medium of the circulation, and that it possesses a peculiar 
 amative power over the vital functions, which enables it in many cases to sub- 
 vt , diseased actions by substituting its own in their stead. This alterative power 
 is bmetimes exerted, without being attended with any other vital phenomenon 
 tin the removal of disease; while at other times it is attended with certain ob- 
 vijis effects, indicative of the agency of a potent stimulus. In the latter case, 
 itiiperation is marked by a quickened circulation, by a frequent, jerking pulse, 
 n increased activity imparted to all the secretory functions, particularly those 
 of he salivary glands and the liver, by an exaltation of nervous sensibility, and, 
 inhort, by a. general excitation of the organic actions of the system. 
 
 7hen mercury acts insensibly as an alterative, there is not the least apparent 
 diurbance of the circulation. When it operates decidedly and obviously, it is 
 V(; r prone to let the brunt of its action fall upon the salivary glands, causing, 
 in lany instances, an immoderate flow of saliva, and constituting the condition 
 dominated ptyalism or salivation. Under these circumstances, to the altera- 
 ti' effects of the mineral are added those of depletion and revulsion. In the 
 sajra discharged as a consequence of its action, mercury has been detected by 
 conical tests. Occasionally its depletory action is exhibited in an increased 
 sejetion of urine, or an immoderate flow of the bile; and, where ptyalism can- 
 n< be induced, and either of these secretions becomes considerably augmented, 
 th circumstance may be held equally conclusive of the constitutional impres- 
 
396 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 PART 
 
 sion of the mercury, as if the mouth had been affected. Mercury has been foui 
 in the urine of those under the influence of corrosive sublimate, by M. Audouar 
 It has, indeed, been detected in most of the solids and fluids of the body, i 
 eluding the blood. When in the blood it cannot be detected by the ordina 
 tests, on account of its intimate union with the organic matter of that liquid. [ 
 discover it the blood must be subjected to destructive distillation. The liver 
 the organ which retains mercury the longest. It has been detected in th 
 viscus, though absent in the lungs, heart, bile, and spinal marrow, in the kx 
 of a person who had long worked in mercury, but had desisted from the oce 
 pation for a year before death, on account of the occurrence of mercurial cachex 
 
 Mercury has been used in almost every disease, but too often empirically, ai 
 without the guidance of any recognised therapeutic principle. Nevertheless, i 
 efficacy in certain classes of diseases is universally acknowledged. In function 
 derangement of the digestive organs, mercurials in minute doses often exert 
 salutary operation, subverting the morbid action, and that too by their insensifc 
 alterative effect, without affecting the mouth. In these cases no decided distur 
 ance of the vital functions takes place; but the alvine discharges, if elay-coloure 
 are generally restored to their natural hue, a certain proof that the remedy 
 stimulating the liver, and promoting the secretion of the bile. Indeed, there 
 no fact better established in medicine than that of the influence of the mercuri 
 preparations over the hepatic system; and, whether the liver be torpid and o 
 structed as in jaundice, or pouring out a redundancy of morbid bile as in melaea 
 its judicious use seems equally efficacious in unloading the viscus, and restorii 
 its secretion to a healthy state. In the acute and chronic hepatitis of India it 
 considered almost a specific ; but here its use must be generally preceded l 
 bleeding, and carried to the extent of exciting ptyalism. In chronic infiamm 
 tiou of the mucous and serous membranes, the alterative effects of mercury a 
 sometimes attended with much benefit. In many of these cases effusion h 
 taken place; and under these circumstances the mercury often proves useful, 
 well by promoting the absorption of the effused fluid, as by removing the ehroD 
 inflammation on which the effusion depends. Hence it is that this metal is oft 
 given with advantage in chronic forms of meningitis, bronchitis, pleuritis. pne 
 inonia, dysentery, rheumatism, &c., and in hydrocephalus, hydrothorax, ascite 
 and general dropsy. 
 
 Mercury may also be advantageously resorted to in certain states of febri 
 disease. In some forms of the remittent fever of our own country, a particui 
 stage of its course is marked by a parched tongue, torpor of the bowels, scan 
 urine, and dryness of the surface. Here depletion by the lancet or leeches 
 often inadmissible, and the measure most to be relied on is the judicious emplo 
 ment of mercury. It acts in such cases by increasing the secretions and stim 
 lating the exhalant, capillaries, and, perhaps, by producing a new impressio 
 incompatible with the disease. 
 
 In syphilitic affections, mercury, until of late years, was held to be an ind: 
 pensable specific. Of its mode of action in these affections we know nothin 
 except that it operates by substituting its own peculiar impression for that of t 
 disease. Without entering into the question of the necessity or non-necessi 
 of mercury in venereal complaints, as out of place in this work, we are free 
 admit that the discussion which has grown out of it has shown that this remei 
 has sometimes been unnecessarily resorted to in affections resembling syphil 
 though of a different character; and that the disease in question ought to 
 treated less empirically, and more in accordance with the general principles 
 combating morbid action in other parts. Mercury exerts a peculiar control ov 
 the deleterious effects of lead ; and hence, in colica pictonum, it is accounted 1 
 some writers to act almost as a specific. 
 
PRT I. 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 397 
 
 For inducing the specific effects of mercury on the constitution, blue pill or 
 camel is generally resorted to. In order to produce what we have called the 
 irfensible alterative effects of the metal, from half a grain to a grain of blue pill 
 my be given in the twenty-four hours, or from a sixth to a fourth of a grain of 
 camel; or if a gentle ptyalism be our object, two or three grains of the former, 
 on grain of the latter, two or three times a day. Where the bowels are pecu- 
 lidy irritable, it is often necessary to introduce the metal by means of frictions 
 wih mercurial ointment; and where a speedy effect is desired, the internal and 
 eternal use of the remedy may be simultaneously resorted to. 
 
 :he first observable eflects of mercury in inducing ptyalism are a coppery taste 
 in he mouth, a slight soreness of the gums, and an unpleasant sensation in the 
 scsets of the teeth, when the jaws are firmly closed. Shortly afterwards the 
 gins begin to swell, a line of whitish matter is seen along their edges, and the 
 biith is infected with a peculiar and very disagreeable smell, called the mer- 
 cc'al fetor. The saliva at the same time begins to flow; and, if the affection 
 pifceeds, the gums, tongue, throat, and face are much swollen; ulcerations attack 
 thilining membrane of the mouth and fauces; the jaws become excessively pain- 
 fu the tongue is coated with a thick whitish fur; and the saliva flows in streams 
 fru the mouth. It occasionally happens that the affection thus induced in the 
 math proceeds to a dangerous extent, inducing extensive ulceration, gangrene, 
 aneven hemorrhage. The best remedies are the various astringent and detergent 
 gigles, used weak at first, as the parts are extremely tender. In cases attended 
 w'i swelling and protrusion of the tongue, the wash is best applied by injection, 
 byneans. of a large syringe. We have found lead- water among the best local 
 a plications in these cases; and dilute solutions of chlorinated soda or of chlori- 
 naijd lime, while they correct the fetor, will be found to exert a curative influence 
 ocihe ulcerated surfaces. 
 
 while the system is under the action of mercury, the blood is more watery 
 thi in health, less charged with albumen, fibrin, and red globules, and loaded 
 wi a fetid fatty matter. (Dr. S. Wright, quoted by Christison.) When drawn 
 frci a vein, it exhibits the same appearance as in inflammation. 
 
 1 the foregoing observations we have described the ordinary effects of mercury; 
 bdoccasionally, in peculiar constitutions, its operation is quite different, being 
 pr uctive of a dangerous disturbance of the vital functions. The late Mr. Pear- 
 sopas given a detailed account of this occasional peculiarity in the operation of 
 mipury, in his work on the venereal disease. The symptoms which characterize 
 it e a small frequent pulse, anxiety about the prascordia, pale and contracted 
 cojitenance, great nervous agitation, and alarming general debility. Their 
 apiarance is the signal for discontinuing the mercury; as a further perseverance 
 wi it might be attended with fatal consequences. Mercury also produces a 
 pe liar eruption of the skin, which is described by systematic writers under 
 thyarious names of hydrargyria, eczema mercuriale, and lepra mercurial is. 
 hose who work in mercury, and are therefore exposed to its vapours, such as 
 r-gilders, looking-glass silverers, and quicksilver miners, are injured seriously 
 leir health, and not uufrequently affected with shaking palsy, attended with 
 go and other cerebral disorders. 
 
 ercury is sometimes given in the metallic state, in the quantity of a pound 
 to, in obstruction of the bowels, to act by its weight: but the practice is of 
 do tful advantage. 
 
 ercury in solution is detected with great delicacy by the use of Smithson’s 
 ba> ary, which consists of a plate of tin, lined with one of gold, in the form of a 
 spi 1. When immersed in a mercui’ial solution, this galvanic combination causes 
 tin precipitation of the mercury on the gold, which consequently contracts a white 
 sta . In order to be sure that the stain is caused by mercury, the metal is vola- 
 tile d in a small tube, so as to obtain a characteristic globule. MM. Danger and 
 
 ve 
 
 or 
 
398 Hydrargyrum. part 
 
 Flandin have improved on Smithson’s process. (See Chem. Gaz., No. 61, p. 191 
 A minute portion of any of the preparations of mercury, either in the solid sta 
 or in concentrated solution, being placed on a bright plate of copper, and a dr' 
 of a strong solution of iodide of potassium added, a silvery characteristic sta 
 will immediately appear on the copper. ( Arthur Morgan, of Dublin.) 
 
 Pharmaceutical Preparations. Mercury is officinal : — 
 
 I. In the metallic state. 
 
 Hydrargyrum, U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Hydrargyrum Durum, Dub. 
 
 Emplastrum Hydrargyri, V. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro, U. S., Lond., Dul 
 Emplastrum Ammoniaci et Hydrargyri, Ed. 
 
 Hydrargyrum cum Creta, U. S-, Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Hydrargyrum cum Magnesia, Dub. 
 
 Pilulae Hydrargyri, U. S., Ed., Dub. ; Pilula Hydrargyri, Lon 
 
 Anglice, Blue pill. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri, U. S., Loncl., Ed., Dub. Anglice, 
 Mercurial ointment. 
 
 Ceratum Hydrargyri Compositum, Lond. 
 
 Linimentnm Hydrargyri, Lond.; Linimentum Hydrargyri 
 Compositum, Dub. 
 
 II. Protoxidized. 
 
 Hydrargyri Oxidum Nigrum, U. S. 
 
 III. Deutoxidized. 
 
 Hydrargyri Oxidum Rubrum, U. S-, Ed.; Hydrargyri Nitric 
 Oxidum, Lond.; Hydrargyri Oxydum Rubrum, Dub. A 
 glice, Red precipitate. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Rubri, U. S. ; Unguentum Hydr: 
 gyri Nitrico-Oxidi, Lond.; Unguentum Oxidi Hydrargy 
 Ed ; Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxydi Rubri, Dub. 
 
 IY. Sulphuretted. 
 
 Hydrargyri Sulphuretum Nigrum, U.S. Anglice, Ethiops miner 
 
 Hydrargyri Sulphuretum Rubrum, U. S ; Hydrargyri Bisulpl 
 return, Lond.; Cinnabaris, Ed. Anglice, Cinnabar. 
 
 V. As A PROTOCHLORIDE. 
 
 Hydrargyri Chloridum Mite, U. S. ; Hydrargyri Chloridum, Lon 
 Calomelas, Ed., Dub. Anglice, Calomel. 
 
 Pilulae Calomelanos Composite, Ed., Dub.; Pilula Hydrarg. 
 Chloridi Composita, Lond. 
 
 Pilulae Calomelanos et Opii, Ed. 
 
 Pilulae Catharticae Composite, U. S. 
 
 Pilulae Hydrargyri Chloridi Mitis, U. S. 
 
 VI. AS A BICHLORIDE. 
 
 Hydrargyri Chloridum Corrosivum, V. S. ; Hydrargyri Bichic 
 dum, Lond . ; Sublimatus Corrosivus, Ed. ; SublimatumC 
 rosivum, Dub. Anglice, Corrosive sublimate. 
 
 Liquor Hydrargyri Bichloridi, Land. 
 
 Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum, U. S. ; Hydrargyri Ammonio-0 
 ridum, Lond., Dub.; Hydrargyri Precipitatum Album , j 
 Anglice, White precipitate. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati, U. S. ; Unguentum I- 
 drargyri Ammonio-Chloridi, Lond.; Unguentum Precipi 1 
 Albi, Ed. 
 
 Unguentum Sulphuris Compositum, U. S. 
 
Art i. Uyoscyami Folia. — Hyoscyami Semen. 399 
 
 VII. Combined with iodine. 
 
 Hydrargyri Iodidum, U. S., Lond. ; Hydrargyri Iodidum Viride, 
 Dub. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Iodidi, Lond. 
 
 Hydrargyri Iodidum Rubrum, U. S., Dub. Hydrargyri Biniodi- 
 dum, Ed. 
 
 Liquor Arsenici et Hydrargyri Iodidi, U. S. ; Arsenic! et Hydrar- 
 gyri Hydriodatis Liquor, Dub. Anglic^, Donovan's solution. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Iodidi Rubri, Dub. 
 
 VIII. Combined with cyanogen. 
 
 Hydrargyri Cyanuretum, U. S. 
 
 IX. Oxidized and combined with acids. 
 
 Hydrargyri Pernitratis Liquor, Dub. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis, U. S., Lond.; Unguentum Citri- 
 num, Ed.; Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis, vel Unguentum 
 Citrinum, Dub. Anglice, Citrine ointment. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis Mitius, Lond. 
 
 Hydrargyri Sulphas, Dub. 
 
 Hydrargyri Sulphas Plavus, U. S. Anglicb, Turpeth mineral. 
 
 B. 
 
 HYOSCYAMI FOLIA. U. S. 
 
 Henbane Leaves. 
 
 The leaves of Ilyoscyamus niger. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. HYOSCYAMUS. The recent and dried cauline leaves of the 
 bnuial herb. Lond. The leaves. Ed., Dub. 
 
 HYOSCYAMI SEMEN. U. S. 
 
 Henbane Seed. 
 
 The seeds of ITyoscyamus niger. U. S. 
 
 iusquiame noire, Fr.; Scliwarzes Bilsenkraut, Germ..; Giusquiamo nero, Ital.; Beleno, 
 
 iSjra. 
 
 Iyoscyamus. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Solanaceae. 
 
 Sen. Ch. Corolla funnel-form, obtuse. Stamens inclined. Capsules covered 
 w.h a lid, two-celled. Willd. 
 
 j ! 'Iyoscyamus niger. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1010 ; Woodv. Med. Dot. p. 204, t. 
 7 ; Bigelow, Am. Med. Dot. i. 161 ; Carson, I/lust, of Med. Bnt. ii. 19, pi. 66. 
 I ubane is usually a biennial plant, with a long, tapering, whitish, fleshy, some- 
 wilt branching root, bearing considerable resemblance to that of parsley, for 
 well it has been eaten by mistake. The stem, which rises in the second year, 
 ifl rect, round, branching, from one to four feet in height, and thickly furnished 
 wh leaves. These are large, oblong-ovate, deeply sinuated, with pointed seg- 
 nits, undulated, soft to the touch, and at their base embrace the stem. The 
 u|ier leaves are generally entire. Both the stem and leaves are hairy, viscid, 
 a: of a sea-green colour. The flowers form long, one-sided leafy spikes, which 
 tepinate the branches, and hang downwards. They are composed of a calyx 
 wh five pointed divisions, a funnel-shaped corolla, with five unequal, obtuse 
 sements at the border, five stamens inserted into the tube of the corolla, 
 a a pistil with a blunt, round stigma. Their colour is an obscure yellow, 
 b utifully variegated with purple veins. The fruit is a globular two-celled cap- 
 si ;, covered with a lid, invested with the persistent calyx, and containing nume- 
 
400 
 
 PART ] 
 
 Hyoscyami Folia. — Hyoscyami Semen. 
 
 rous small seeds, which are discharged by the horizontal separation of the lie 
 The whole plant has a rank offensive smell. 
 
 The U. niger is susceptible of considerable diversity of character, causin 
 varieties which have by some been considered as distinct species. Thus, the plan 
 is sometimes annual, the stem simple, smaller, and less downy than in the bier 
 nial plant, the leaves more deeply incised and less hairy and viscid, and th 
 flowers often yellow without the purple streaks. It is not known whether an 
 difference of medical properties is connected with these diversities of character 
 but the London College directs the biennial variety. 
 
 The plant is found in the northern and eastern sections of the United State- 
 occupying waste grounds in the older settlements, particularly graveyards, ol 
 gardens, and the foundations of ruined houses. It grows in great abunrlanc 
 about Detroit, and we have seen a specimen brought from the ruins of Ticor 
 deroga. It is rare, however, in this country, of which it is not a native, haviD 
 been introduced from Europe. In Great Britain, and on the continent of Europe 
 it grows abundantly along the roads, around villages, amidst rubbish, and in ur 
 cultivated places. Both varieties are cultivated in England. The annual plaD 
 flowers in July or August, the biennial in May or June. 
 
 The II. a/bus, so named from the whiteness of its flowers, is used in Franc 
 indiscriminately with the former species, which it resembles exactly in med; 
 cinal properties. 
 
 All parts of JTjoscyamus niger are active. The leaves are usually em 
 ployed, but both these and the seeds are recognised in the L T . S. Pharmacopoeia 
 Much of the efficacy of henbane depends upon the time at wffiich it is gathered 
 The leaves should be collected soon after the plant has flowered. In the bien 
 nial plant, those of the second year are said to be greatly preferable to those o 
 the first. The latter, according to Dr. Houlton, are less clammy and fetid, yiel 
 less extractive, and are medicinally much less efficient. It is said that the plan : 
 is sometimes destroyed by severe winters in England, and that no leaves of th | 
 second year’s growth are obtainable. This is, perhaps, one of the causes of th 
 great inequality of strength and uncertainty of the medicine as found in th 
 shops. The root also is said to be much more poisonous in the second year tha; 
 in the first. 
 
 Properties. The recent leaves have, when bruised, a strong, disagreeable 
 narcotic odour, somewhat like that of tobacco. Their taste is mucilaginous an' 
 very slightly acrid. When dried, they have little smell or taste. Thrown upa 
 the fire they burn with a crackling noise, as if they contained a nitrate, and at th 
 same time emit a strong odour. Their virtues are completely 7 extracted by dilute 
 alcohol. The watery infusion is of a pale-yellow colour, insipid, with the nai 
 cotic odour of the plant. The leaves were analyzed by Lindbergsen, who obtaine 
 from them a narcotic principle. The seeds are very small, roundish, compressed 
 somewhat kidney-shaped, a little wrinkled, of a gray or yellowish-gray colour, c 
 the odour of the plant, and an oleaginous bitterish taste. Analyzed by Brande; 
 they yielded 24'2 per cent, of fixed oil, 1‘4 of a solid fatty substance, traces c 
 sugar, P2 of gum, 2'4 of bassorin, 1'5 of starch, 3 4 of a substance soluble i 
 water, insoluble in alcohol, and precipitated by infusion of galls (phyteumacolh 
 Branchs'), 4'5 of albumen, 26 0 of vegetable fibre, 241 of water, and 9 7 ( 
 salts, including the malate of an alkaline principle called hyoscyamin or hjo. 
 cyamia. But the process employed by Brandes for separating this principle ha 
 not succeeded in other hands; and it is doubtful whether the substance obtaine 
 by him was really what he supposed it to be. Geiger and Hesse were the fir; 
 to demonstrate the existence of an organic alkali in hyosevamus. Its extraetio 
 from the plant is somewhat difficult, in consequence of its tendency to undere 
 chauge by the contact of alkaline solutions, which render it very soluble in wate 
 
art I. Syoscyami Folia. — Syoscyami Semen. 401 
 
 'ie following is the process of these chemists. The seeds are macerated in al- 
 (hol ; the tincture obtained is evaporated by a very gentle heat, decolorized by 
 loeated additions of lime and sulphuric acid, with filtration after each addition, 
 jd then still further concentrated by evaporation ; an excess of powdered car- 
 inate of soda is added, und the precipitate produced is separated, as speedily as 
 jssible, from the alkaline carbonate by expressing and treating it with absolute 
 tiohol, while the mother waters are at the same time treated with ether; the 
 noholic and ethereal liquors are united, again treated with lime, filtered, de- 
 dorized with animal charcoal, and evaporated by a very gentle heat. If the 
 loscyamia now deposited should still be coloured, it will be necessary to com- 
 lie it anew with an acid, and to treat as before, in order to obtain it quite pure, 
 lie product is very small. 
 
 Hyoscyamia crystallizes in colourless, transparent, silky needles, which are 
 Tthout odour, of an acrid disagreeable taste, slightly soluble in water, very solu- 
 b in alcohol and ether, and volatilizable with little change if carefully distilled. 
 1 is quickly altered by contact with water and an alkali, and when heated with 
 jtassa or soda is completely decomposed, with the disengagement of ammonia. 
 I neutralizes the acids, forming with them crystallizable salts, and is precipitated 
 l the infusion of galls. Both the alkali and its salts are very poisonous; and 
 tj smallest quantity, introduced into the eye, produces a dilatation of the pupil, 
 vich continues a long time. 
 
 Henbane leaves yield, by destructive distillation, a very poisonous empyreu- 
 r tic oil. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Hyoscyamus ranks among the narcotics. In 
 nderate quantities it gently accelerates the circulation, increases the general 
 vrmth, occasions a sense of heat in the throat, and after a short period induces 
 sep. This action is sometimes attended with vertigo, pain in the head, and 
 dited pupils; and the medicine occasionally acts as a diaphoretic or diuretic, 
 a l even produces a pustular eruption. It does not constipate like opium, but, 
 o.the contrary, often proves laxative. In over-doses it powerfully irritates the 
 bin and alimentary canal, causing dilatation of the pupil, disordered vision, loss 
 ospeech, delirium or stupor, convulsions, paralysis, pain in the bowels, diar- 
 r ea, great arterial prostration, petechial, and other alarming symptoms, which 
 snetimes end in death. Dissection exhibits marks of inflammation of the 
 sijnach and bowels. The poisonous effects are to be counteracted in the same 
 njaner as those of opium. Numerous instances might be adduced from 
 a. hors to prove the deleterious influence of all parts of H. niger, when largely 
 t;|en. The seeds are said to be most powerful. Upon inferior animals its 
 eicts are not always the same. Though fatal to birds and dogs, the leaves are 
 e;j;n with entire impunity by horses, cows, sheep, goats, and swine. It is not 
 it possible that injury has in some cases resulted from the use of milk, derived 
 fi n cows or goats which had been feeding on henbane. 
 
 'lie remedial operation of hyoscyamus is anodyne aud soporific. The medi- 
 cij; was known to the ancients, and was employed by some of the earlier modern 
 petitioners; but had fallen into disuse, and was almost forgotten, when Baron 
 Sjrck again introduced it into notice. By this celebrated physician and some 
 oljiis successors it was prescribed in numerous diseases, and, if we may credit 
 tl r testimony, with the happiest effects; but subsequent experience of its opera- 
 ti has been such as very much to narrow the extent of its application. It is 
 abresent used almost exclusively to relieve pain, procure sleep, or quiet irregu- 
 la nervous action; and is not supposed to exercise any specific curative influence 
 O' • particular diseases. Even for the purposes which it is calculated to answer, 
 it infinitely inferior to opium or its preparations; and is generally resorted to 
 01 1 in cases in which the latter remedy is from peculiar circumstances deemed 
 
402 
 
 PART I 
 
 Hyoseyami Folia. — Ichtliyocolla. 
 
 inadmissible. Hyoscyamus has one great advantage over opium in certain cases 
 that it has no tendency to produce constipation. The diseases to which it is ap 
 plicable it would be useless to enumerate, as there are few complaints in whicl 
 circumstances might not be such as to call for its employment. Neuralgic anc 
 spasmodic affections, rheumatism, gout, hysteria, and various pectoral diseases, a; 
 catarrh, pertussis, asthma, phthisis, &c., are among those in which it is most fre 
 quently prescribed. It is also much used in connexion with griping purgativ* 
 medicines, the disagreeable effects of which it is thought to counteract. Tht 
 Edinburgh pills of colocynth and henbane are formed upon this principle. Ii 
 Europe, where the fresh leaves are readily obtained, it is often applied externallj 
 in tbc shape of lotion, cataplasm, or fomentation, to allay pain and irritation, it 
 scrofulous or cancerous ulcers, scirrhous, hemorrhoidal, or other painful tumours 
 gouty and rheumatic swellings, and nervous headache. The smoke of the leave: 
 or seeds has also been used in toothache; but the practice is deemed hazardous 
 Henbane is used by European oculists for dilating the pupil, previously to the 
 operation for cataract. For this purpose an infusion of the leaves, or a solution o 
 the extract, is dropped into the eye. The effect is usually greatest at the end o: 
 four hours from the time of application, and in twelve hours ceases entirely 
 Vision is not impaired during its continuance. Reisinger recommends a solu 
 tion of hyoscyamia in the proportion of one grain to twenty-four of water, o 
 which one drop is to be applied to the eye. 
 
 Henbane may be given in substance, extract, or tincture. The dose of the 
 powdered leaves is from five to ten grains; that of the seeds somewhat smaller 
 The common extract, or inspissated juice of the fresh leaves ( Extractum Hyos 
 ctami, U. S.), is exceedingly variable and precarious in its operation, being 
 sometimes active, sometimes almost inert. The usual dose is two or three grains 
 repeated and gradually increased till the desired effect is obtained. Cullen rareh 
 procured the anodyne operation of the medicine till he had carried the dose ti 
 eight, ten, or even fifteen or twenty grains. Collins pushed it to thirty-sh 
 grains; and Professor Fouquier, who experimented largely with hyoscyamus ii 
 the Hopital de la Charity, gave two hundred and fifty grains of the extract dura; 
 twenty-four hours, without any specific or curative impression. (Richard, Elem 
 Hist. Nat. Med.) The alcoholic extract prepared from the recently dried leave 
 ( Extractum Hyoseyami Alcoholicum, U. S.) is said to be more certain and et 
 fectual. The dose of this to begin with is one or two grains, which may h 
 increased gradually to twenty or thirty grains. The dose of the tincture is om 
 or two fluidrachms. A fluid extract is recommended by Mr. C. A. Smith, of Cin 
 cinnati, prepared in the usual method with alcohol and sugar, and of such strengtl 
 that a fluidrachm shall represent from four to six grains of the extract. (Jim 
 Journ. of Pharm., xxv. 410.) A good plan in administering any of the prepara 
 tions is to repeat the dose every hour or two till its influence is felt. 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum Hyoseyami; Extractum Hyoseyami Alcoholicum; Tine 
 tura Hyoseyami. W. 
 
 ICHTHYOCOLLA. US. 
 
 Isinglass. 
 
 The swimming bladder of Acipenser Huso, and other species of Acipensei 
 
 u. s. 
 
 Fish-glue; Ichthyocolle, colle de poisson, Fr.; Hausenblase, Fischleim, Germ.; Coll 
 di pesce, Ital.; Cola de peseado, Span. 
 
 Isinglass is a gelatinous substance, prepared chiefly from the sounds or swin 
 ming bladders of fishes, especially those of different species of sturgeon. Thoug 
 no longer retained by the British Colleges in their officinal catalogues, it sti 
 
iRT I. 
 
 Ichthyocolla. 
 
 403 
 
 Is a place in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, and, being universally kept in the shops, 
 dims a brief notice in the present work. 
 
 In most fishes there is a membranous bag, placed in the anterior part of the 
 adomen, communicating frequently, though not always, by means of a duct, 
 vth the oesophagus or stomach, and containing usually a mixture of oxygen and 
 r rogen gases in various proportions. From the supposition that it was intended 
 b its expansion or contraction to enable the fish to rise or sink in the water, it 
 Is been denominated swimming bladder. It is of different shape in different 
 f les, and consists of three coats, of which the two interior are thin and delicate, 
 4 outer tough and of a silvery whiteness. 
 
 The Aeipenser Huso, or beluga of the Russians, is particularly designated by 
 t: Pharmacopoeia as the species of sturgeon from which isinglass is procured'; 
 bt three others, the A. Ruthenus , or sterlet, A. sturio, or common sturgeon, 
 ■al A. stellatus, or starred sturgeon, also furnish large quantities to commerce. 
 /I these fish inhabit the interior waters of Russia, especially the Wolga, and 
 oier streams which empty into the Caspian Sea. Immense quantities are au- 
 rally taken and consumed as food by the Russians. The air-bags are removed 
 f:m the fish, and, having been split open and washed in water in order to sepa- 
 r e the blood, fat, and adhering extraneous membranes, are spread out, and 
 wen sufficiently stiffened are formed into cylindrical rolls, the ends of which are 
 b ught together and secured by pegs. The shape given to the roll is that of 
 ataple, or more accurately that of a lyre, which it firmly retains when dried. 
 Tus prepared it is known in commerce by the name of staple isinglass, and is 
 dtinguished into the long and short staple. Sometimes the membranes are 
 djed in a flat state, or simply folded, and then receive the name of leaf or book 
 w, glass. The scraps or fragments of these varieties, with various other parts 
 o:the fish, are boiled in water, which dissolves the gelatin, and upon evapora- 
 ti i leaves it in a solid state. This is called cake isinglass, from the shape 
 w ch it is made to assume. It is sometimes, however, in globular masses. Of 
 the varieties, the long staple is said to be the best; but the finest book isinglass 
 is : ot surpassed by any brought to this country. It is remarkable for its beau- 
 ti 1 iridescence by transmitted light. One hundred grains of this isinglass dis- 
 scre in ten ounces of water, forming a tremulous jelly when cold, and yield but 
 tv grains of membranous insoluble residuum. That in cakes is brownish, of an 
 uileasant odour, and employed only in the arts. Inferior kinds, with the same 
 cc'mercial titles, are said to be prepared from the peritoneum and intestines of 
 tb fish. An inferior Russian product, known in English commerce by the name 
 o tmmovey isinglass, is procured, according to Pereira, from the Silurus Glanis. 
 Ifomes, like the better kind, in the shape of leaf, book, and short staple. ( Am . 
 Jem. of P harm., xviii. 54.) 
 
 singlass, little inferior to the Russian, is made in Iceland from the sounds of 
 tbcod and ling. 
 
 ie receive from Brazil the air-bladders of a large fish, prepared by drying 
 th a in their distended state. They are oblong, tapering, and pointed at one 
 er bifid with the remains of their pneumatic duct at the other, and of a firm 
 co istence. The Brazilian isinglass is inferior to the Russian. 
 
 pnsiderable quantities are manufactured in New England from the intestines 
 of he cod, and of some of its allied fishes. This sort is in the form of thin 
 ril ons several feet in length, and from an inch and a half to two inches in 
 wi ll. One hundred grains dissolve almost entirely in water, leaving but two 
 gr is of insoluble membrane, and form a tremulous jelly when cold with eight 
 ouies of water. It is, therefore, as pure and nearly as strong a gelatin as the 
 R' nan isinglass, but retains a fishy taste and odour, which render it unfit for 
 cu iary or medicinal purposes. 
 
404 
 
 Ichthyocolla. 
 
 PART i 
 
 Isinglass of a good quality has also been made in New York, from the sound 
 of the weak fish — Otolithus regal is of Cuvier (Storer, Rep. on Fishes of Moss. 
 p. 33) — and perhaps of other fishes caught in the neighbourhood. The sound 
 are dried whole, or merely split open, and vary much in size and texture, weigh 
 ing from a drachm up to an ounce. 
 
 An article called “ refined or transparent isinglass,” is made by dissolving th< 
 New England isinglass in hot water, and spreading the solution to dry on oiler 
 muslin. It is in very thin transparent plates, and is an excellent glue, but retain 
 a strong fishy odour. 
 
 A preparation called Cooper s gelatin has been introduced as a substitute fo 
 isinglass in making jellies. It appears to be the dried froth of a solution o 
 pure bone glue. 
 
 Most of the above facts, in relation to American isinglass, were derived fron 
 papers by D. B. Smith, in the Journ. of the Phil. Col. of Pharm. (iii. 17 and 92) 
 
 Isinglass is sometimes kept in the shops cut into fine shreds, and is thus mor 
 easily acted on by boiling water. 
 
 Properties. In its purest form it is whitish, semi-transparent, of a shining 
 pearly appearance, and destitute of smell and taste. The inferior kinds are yel 
 lowish and more opaque. In cold water it softens, swells up, and becomes cpa 
 lescent. Boiling water entirely dissolves it, with the exception of a minut 
 proportion of impurities, amounting, according to Mr. Hatchet, to less than tw 
 per cent. The solution on cooling assumes the form of a jelly, which consist; 
 of pure gelatin and water. Isinglass is in fact the purest form of gelatin witl 
 which we are acquainted, and may be used whenever this principle is require! 
 as a test. It is insoluble in alcohol, but is dissolved readily by most of th> 
 diluted acids, and by alkaline solutions. It has a strong affinity for tannin, witl 
 which it forms an insoluble compound. Boiled with concentrated sulphuric acid 
 it is converted into a peculiar saccharine matter, called glycocoll, or sugar o 
 gelatin. Its aqueous solution speedily putrefies. 
 
 Au ingenious adulteration of isinglass has been practised in London, apparent! 
 by rolling a layer of gelatin between two layers of the genuine substance. Thi 
 may be detected by the disagreeable odour and taste of the adulterated drug, am 
 by the effects of water upon it. Genuine isinglass, cut into shreds and treato 
 with water, becomes opalescent and more opaque than before; while the shred; 
 though they soften and swell, remain unbroken, and, when examined by th 
 microscope, are seen to be decidedly fibrous. Gelatin, on the contrary, whe: 
 similarly treated, becomes more transparent than before, the shreds are disk 
 tegrated, and the structure appears amorphous under the microscope. In th 
 adulterated article, both these characters are presented in layers more or les 
 distinct. (Pharm. Journ. and Trans., ix. 505.) 
 
 A false isinglass has been imported into England from Para, in Brazil, cor 
 sisting of the dried ovary of a large fish. It has somewhat the form of a bune 
 of grapes, consisting of ovoid or roundish masses, attached by a footstalk to 
 central axis. It is not gelatinous, and is unfit for the purposes to which isingh; 
 is applied. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxv. 144.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Isinglass has no peculiar medical properties. 1 
 may be given internally, in the form of jelly, as a highly nutritious article i 
 diet; but it has no advantages over the jelly prepared from calves-feet. Thre 
 drachms impart sufficient consistency to a pint of water. It is employed ft 
 clarifying liquors, and imparting lustre to various woven fabrics. Added i 
 small quantities to vegetable jellies, it gives them a tremulous appearance, whie 
 they want when unmixed. As a test of tannin it is used in solution, in tl 
 proportion of a drachm to ten fluidounces of distilled water. It forms the has 
 of the English court-plaster. W. 
 
I.RT I. 
 
 Inula. 
 
 405 
 
 INULA. U. S. Secondary , Lond. 
 
 Elecampane. 
 
 The root of Inula Helenium. U.S., Lond. 
 
 Aun£e, Ft.; Alantwurzel, Germ.; Enula campana, Ital., Span. 
 
 Inula. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia Superflua. — Xat.Ord. Compositse-Asteroideae, 
 1 Cand. Asteracese, Lindlry. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Receptacle naked. Seed-down simple. Anthers ending in two bristles 
 a the base. Willd. 
 
 Inula Helenium. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 2089 ; Woodv. Med. Hot. p. 64, t. 26. 
 Rcampane has a perennial root, and an annual stem, which is round, furrowed, 
 vious, leafy, from three to six feet high, and branched near the top. The leaves 
 a large, ovate, serrate, crowded with reticular veins, smooth and deep-green 
 urn the upper surface, downy on the under, and furnished with a fleshy midrib, 
 dose which spring directly from the root are petiolate, those of the stem sessile 
 al embracing. The flowers are large, of a golden-yellow colour, and stand 
 sfely at the ends of the stem and branches. The calyx exhibits several rows 
 o imbricated ovate scales. The florets of the ray are numerous, spreading, 
 liear, and tridentate at the apex. The seeds are striated, quadrangular, and 
 finished with a simple somewhat chaffy pappus. 
 
 This large and handsome plant is a native of Europe, where it is also culti- 
 ved for medical use. It has been introduced into our gardens, and has become 
 nuralized in some parts of the country, growing in low meadows, and on the 
 resides, from New England to Pennsylvania. It flowers in July and August. 
 Te roots, which are the officinal part, should be dug up in autumn, and in the 
 sond year of their growth. When older they are apt to be stringy and woody. 
 
 Che fresh root of elecampane is very thick and branched, having whitish 
 eindrical ramifications, which are furnished with thread-like fibres. It is ex- 
 tnally brown, internally whitish and fleshy; and the transverse sections present 
 mating lines. The dried root, as found in the shops, is usually in longitudinal 
 oiransverse slices, and of a grayish colour internally. The smell is slightly 
 cfiphorous, and, especially in the dried root, agreeably aromatic. The taste, 
 airst glutinous and said to resemble that of rancid soap, becomes, upon chew- 
 ii, warm, aromatic, and bitter. Its medical virtues are extracted by alcohol 
 a: water, the former becoming most strongly impregnated with its bitterness 
 ai pungency. A peculiar principle, resembling starch, was discovered in ele- 
 cfipane by Valentine Rose, of Berlin, who named it alantin ; but the title 
 iuln, proposed by Dr. Thomson, has been generally adopted. It differs from 
 st ch in being deposited unchanged from its solution in boiling water when the 
 li lor cools, and in giving a yellowish instead of a blue colour with iodine. It 
 h been found in the roots of several other plants. Besides this principle, 
 ei:ampane contains, according to John, a white, concrete substance, called 
 hhiin, intermediate in its properties between the essential oils and camphor, 
 ai separable by distillation with water; a bitter extractive, soluble in water 
 af alcohol; a soft, acrid, bitter resin, having an aromatic odour when heated; 
 gu; albumen; lignin; traces of volatile oil; a little wax; and various saline sub- 
 stjices. If water be added to a tincture made by boiling the fresh root in alcohol, 
 tl liquid becomes turbid, and, in twenty-four hours, long white crystals of pure 
 h' min are formed, leaving very little in solution. ( Archiv . der Pharm., lx. 80.) 
 
 'ledical Properties and Uses. Elecampane is tonic and gently stimulant, and 
 h; 1 been supposed to possess diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, and emmena- 
 g' ue properties. By the ancients it was much employed, especially in the com- 
 
406 
 
 Inula. — Iodinium. 
 
 PART i 
 
 plaints peculiar to females; and it is still occasionally resorted to in amenorrhoea 
 In this country it is chiefly used in chronic diseases of the lungs, and is sometime 
 beneficial when the affection of the chest is attended with weakness of the digestivi 
 organs, or with general debility. From a belief in its deobstruent and diuretic 
 virtues, it was formerly prescribed in chronic engorgements of the abdomina 
 viscera, and the dropsy to which they so often give rise. It has also been high]’ 
 recommended both as an internal and external remedy in tetter, psora, and othe 
 diseases of the skin. The usual modes of administration are in powder am 
 decoction. The dose of the former is from a scruple to a drachm. The decoc- 
 tion may be prepared by boiling half an ounce of the root in a pint of water 
 and given in the dose of one or two fluidounces. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Piperis. IV. 
 
 IODINIUM. U S., Land., Dub. 
 
 Iodine. 
 
 Off. Syn. IODINEUM. Ed. 
 
 lode, Fr.; Jod, Germ.; Iodina, Ital., Span. 
 
 Iodine is a non-metallic element, discovered in 1812 by Courtois, a soda mann 
 facturer of Paris. It exists in certain marine vegetables, particularly the flic 
 or common sea-weeds, and in some fresh-water plants, among which are the 
 water-cress, brooklime, and fine-leaved water-hemlock. (Chatin.) It has ak 
 been detected in the beet-root of the Grand Duchy of Baden. ( Lamy .) 31 
 Chatin announced the presence of iodine in the atmosphere and in rain-water 
 but the negative results of Mr. S. Macadam, obtained in some carefully con 
 ducted experiments, disprove the assertion of M. Chatin, who was misled by the 
 use of fixed alkalies containing iodine. Similar negative results have been ob 
 tained by Dr. Lohmeyer, of Gottingen. Iodine is also found in the animal king 
 dom, as in the sponge, the oyster, various polypi, and cod-liver oil; and in the 
 mineral kingdom, in sea-water in minute quantity, in certain salt springs, unitec 
 with silver in a rare Mexican mineral, and in a zinc ore of Silesia. It has beer 
 detected by M. Genteles in the aluminous schists of Sweden, by Prof. Sigwar 
 in bituminous slate, by M. Lembert in limestones, rich in fossil remains, anc 
 by M. Bussy and M. Duflos in coal. 31. Bussy has recently obtained iodine 
 in the proportion of one part in five thousand, from the coal-gas liquor of thega: 
 works of Paris. It was first discovered in the United States in the water o 
 the Congress Spring, at Saratoga, by Dr. William Usher. It was detected ii 
 the Kenhawa saline waters, by the late Professor Emmet; and it exists in thi 
 bittern of the salt-works of western Pennsylvania, in the amount of about eigh 
 grains to the gallon. In sea-weeds, the iodine probably exists in the state o 
 iodide of sodium. In different countries, sea-weeds are burned for the sake o 
 their ashes; the product being a dark-coloured fused mass called kelp. Thi 
 substance, besides carbonate of soda and iodide of sodium, contains more or les 
 common salt, chloride of potassium, sulphate of soda, &e. The deep-sea fuc 
 contain the most iodine; and, when these are burned at a low temperature fo: 
 fuel, as is the case in the island of Guernsey, their ashes furnish more iodin< 
 than ordinary kelp. ( Graham .) The Fucus palmatus of Linnaeus (RhoJymenu 
 palmata, Greville) is particularly rich in iodine. According to Dr. Geo. Kemp 
 the laminarian species, especially the Laminaria digitata, L, saccharina, and L 
 bulbosa, which are deep-water sea-weeds and contain more potassium than sodium 
 are particularly rich in iodine. In a paper on the extraction of iodine from sea 
 weeds, Dr. Kemp makes many useful suggestions, having chiefly in view th- 
 
ART I. 
 
 Iodinium. 
 
 407 
 
 'reversion of the waste of the element, which takes place in the ordinary kelp 
 ■rocess. (See his paper in the Chem. Gaz., July 1, 1850.) 
 
 Preparation. It is from kelp that iodine is obtained, and that procured in 
 reat Britain is chiefly manufactured in Glasgow. The kelp, which on an aver- 
 se contains a 224th part of iodine, is lixiviated in water, in which about half 
 ’ssolves. The solution is concentrated to a pellicle, and allowed to cool, whereby 
 garly all the salts, except the iodide of sodium, are separated, they being less 
 luble than the iodide. The remaining liquor, which is dense and dark-coloured, 
 rendered sour by sulphuric acid, whereby carbonic acid, sulphuretted hydrogen 
 id sulphurous acid are evolved, and sulphur is deposited. The liquor is now 
 troduced into a leaden still, and distilled with deutoxide of manganese into a 
 ries of glass receivers, inserted into one another, in which the iodine is con- 
 ;nsed. In this process the iodide of sodium is decomposed, and the iodine 
 'olved; and the sulphuric acid, deutoxide of manganese, and sodium unite, so 
 to form the sulphate of protoxide of manganese, and sulphate of soda. 
 
 M. Emile Bechi has proposed the following method of extracting iodine from 
 rings which contain it in small quantity. The water contained in a large vat 
 acidulated with a mixture of one part of sulphuric and two of nitric acid, to 
 t free the iodine, and then passed through a large wooden filter, containing 
 lcined lampblack, which absorbs the iodine, and allows all other matters 
 ■j pass through. The ioduretted lampblack is then mixed into a paste with 
 :?shly precipitated hydrated protoxide of iron, and exhausted by water in a dis- 
 acement apparatus. A solution of iodide of iron is thus obtained, which is 
 bated with sulphate of copper, to precipitate iodide of copper. This is then 
 ated, in the usual manner, with sulphuric acid and deutoxide of manganese, with 
 |e effect of disengaging the iodine. The lampblack, after having been used, is 
 tshed with weak muriatic acid, to separate any remains of iron, and, thus puri- 
 :d, is fit for a new operation. ( Journ . de Pliarm., 3e sir., xx. 5.) 
 
 Properties. Iodine is a soft, friable, opaque substance, in the form of crystal- 
 . he scales, having a bluish-black colour and metallic lustre. It possesses a 
 ;culiar odour, somewhat resembling that of chlorine, and a hot acrid taste, 
 •pplied to the skin, it produces an evanescent yellow stain. Its sp. gr. is 4’9. 
 
 . is a volatile substance, and evaporates even at common temperatures. AVhen 
 
 I ated it evaporates more rapidly, and when the temperature reaches 225°, it melts 
 i d rises in a rich purple vapour, a property which suggested its name. Its 
 ■ pour has the sp. gr. 8 "7, and is the heaviest aeriform substance known. If 
 inhaled mixed with air, it excites cough and irritates the nostrils. When it comes 
 i contact with cool surfaces, it condenses in brilliant steel-gray crystals. Iodine 
 i freely soluble in alcohol and ether, but requires 7000 tithes its weight of water 
 i dissolve it. Its solution in water has no taste, a feeble odour, and a light-brown 
 (lour; in alcohol or ether, a nearly black hue. Its solubility in water is very 
 itch increased by the addition of certain salts, as the chloride of sodium, nitrate 
 
 i ammonia, or iodide of potassium; and the same effect is produced, to some 
 (tent, by tannic acid. In chemical habitudes iodine resembles chlorine, but 
 
 ii affinities are weaker. Its equivalent number is 126'3. It combines with 
 ] )st of the non-metallic, and nearly all the metallic elements, forming the class 
 ' compounds called iodides. Some of these are officinal, as the iodides of iron, 
 
 J Tcury, lead, potassium, and sulphur. It forms with oxygen one oxide, oxide of 
 'i line, and three acids, the iodous, iodic, and hyperiodic acids, and with hydro- 
 fa, a gaseous acid, called hydr iodic acid. 
 
 Iodine, in most cases, may be recognised by its characteristic purple vapour ; 
 
 I I where this cannot be made evident, it is detected unerringly by starch, which 
 ] )duces with it a deep-blue colour. This test was discovered by Colin and 
 Cultier de Claubry, and is so delicate, that- it will indicate the presence of iodine 
 
408 
 
 Iodinium. 
 
 PART i 
 
 in 450,000 times its weight of water. In order that the test may succeed, thf 
 iodine must be free and the solutions cold. To render it free when in combi 
 nation, a little nitric acid must be added to the solution suspected to contain it 
 Thus, in testing urine for iodine, the secretion is mixed with starch, and acidu 
 lated with a drop or two of nitric acid, when, if iodine be present, the c-oloui 
 produced will vary from a light purple to a deep indigo blue, according to thf 
 amount of the element present. As a test for iodine, M. Rabourdin has proposed 
 chloroform ; by the use of which he supposes that the element may not only be 
 detected in organic substances, but approximatively estimated. Thus, if 150 grain; 
 of a solution, containing one part in one hundred thousand of its weight of iodide 
 of potassium, be treated with 2 drops of nitric and 15 or 20 drops of sulphuric 
 acid, and afterwards shaken with 15 grains of chloroform, the latter acquires a 
 distinct violet tint. M. Rabourdin applies his test to the detection of iodine in 
 the several varieties of cod-liver oil. For this purpose he incinerates in an iron 
 spoon 50 parts of the specimen of oil with 5 of pure caustic potassa, dissolved 
 in 15 of water, and exhausts the cinder with the smallest possible quantity ol 
 water. The solution is filtered, and acidulated with nitric and sulphuric acids, 
 and agitated with 4 parts of chloroform. After a time the chloroform subsides, 
 having a violet colour more or less deep according to the proportion of iodine 
 present. M. Lassaigne considers the starch test more delicate than that of chlo- 
 roform. For detecting iodine in the iodides of the metals of the alkalies, he 
 considers the bichloride of palladium as extremely delicate, producing brownish 
 flocks of biniodides of palladium. According to M. Moride, benzine is a good 
 test for free iodine, which it readily dissolves, forming a solution of a bright red 
 colour, which is deeper in proportion to the amount of the iodine dissolved. As 
 benzine does not dissolve either chlorine or bromine, it furnishes the means of 
 separating iodine from these elements. Mr. D. S. Price has pointed out the 
 nitrites as exceedingly sensitive tests of iodine, when in combination as an iodide. 
 The suspected liquid is mixed with starch paste, acidulated with muriatic acid, and 
 treated with a solution of nitrite of potassa. The iodine is set free, and a blue 
 colour appears, more or less deep, according to the proportion of the iodine present. 
 By this test iodine, forming the 1-400, 000th part of an aqueous solution, may 
 be detected. A similar test had been previously proposed by M. Grange. 
 
 Adulterations. Iodine is said to be occasionally adulterated with mineral coal, 
 charcoal, plumbago, and black oxide of manganese. They are easily detected by 
 their fixed nature, while pure iodine is wholly vaporizable. Herberger found na- 
 tive sulphuret of antimony in one sample, and plumbago in another; and Righini 
 has detected as much as twenty-five per cent, of chloride of calcium. The pre- 
 sence of iodide of c-yaaogen has been noticed by F. Meyer and by T. Klobac-h. (See 
 Iodinium Purumi) When present it rises at the commencement of the subli- 
 mation of the iodine in the form of white crystals, having a pungent odour. An 
 impurity which is frequently present in commercial iodine is water. Before 1840, 
 Dr. Christison had not met with any British iodine which did not contain from 
 fifteen to twenty per cent, of moisture. If considerable, it is easily detected by 
 the iodine adhering to the inside of the bottle. The Edinburgh College has giveD 
 a test which detects all impurity beyond two per cent. It is founded upon the 
 fact that pure iodine, diffused in water, forms a colourless solution of iodide ol 
 calcium and iodate of lime with a certain proportion of quicklime. Accordingly, 
 an amount of quicklime is directed which is not quite sufficient to form a odour- 
 less solution with iodine, containing only two per cent, of impurity; and, hence, 
 if the sample contain more impurity, the lime is competent to produce a solu- 
 tion without colour. With this explanation, the Edinburgh directions for ap- 
 plying the test will be understood. “ Thirty-nine grains [of iodine] with nine 
 grains of quicklime and three ounces of water, when heated short of ebullition. 
 
l.RT I. 
 
 Iodinium. 
 
 409 
 
 s wly form a perfect solution, which is yellowish or brownish if the iodine be 
 pre, but colourless if there be above two per cent, of water or other impurity.” 
 Medical Properties. Iodine was first employed as a medicine in 1820, for the 
 c:e of goitre, by Dr. Coindet, Senior, of Geneva. It operates as a general excitant 
 othe vital actions, but particularly of the absorbent and glandular systems. Its 
 sscial effects are varied by its degree of concentration, state of combination, 
 cbe, &c. ; and hence, under different circumstances of the remedy and of the 
 stem, it is deemed capable of acting as a corrosive, irritant, desiccant, tonic, 
 diretic, diaphoretic, and ennnenagogue. It probably acts by passing into the 
 emulation ; at least it has been proved by Dr. A. Buchanan, of Glasgow, and 
 o;er observers, that it enters into a number of the secretions, particularly the 
 une and saliva, not, however, in an uncombined state, but in that of hydriodie 
 ad. Cantu detected it not only in the urine and saliva, but also in the sweat, 
 nlk, and blood, and always as hydriodie acid or an iodide. According to Dr. 
 Jm C. Dalton, Jr., of Boston, iodine, taken in a single moderate dose, appears 
 iithe urine in thirty minutes, and may be detected for nearly twenty-four hours. 
 I two cases in which large doses of iodide of potassium had been taken for six 
 o eight weeks, and the medicine intermitted, all trace of iodine disappeared from 
 tl urine in eighty-four hours. From the latter observation, Dr. Dalton infers, 
 a Becquerel had previously done, that iodine does not accumulate in the sys- 
 ttii, and that the constitutional effect of moderate doses is probably equal to that 
 
 0 .arge ones, the excess of the remedy constantly passing off by the kidneys. 
 
 The tonic operation of iodine is evinced by its increasing the appetite, which 
 
 is he most constant effect of its use. Salivation is occasionally produced by it, 
 a i sometimes soreness of the mouth only. In some cases, pustular eruptions 
 ai! coryza have been produced; effects most apt to occur when the remedy is 
 gen in the form of iodide of potassium. When taken in an over-dose it acts as 
 ai irritant poison. In doses of two drachms, administered to dogs, it produced 
 irjtation of the stomach, and death in seven days; and the stomach was found 
 stlded with numerous little ulcers of a yellow colour. In the dose of from four 
 tc ix grains in man, it produces a sense of constriction in the throat, sickness 
 ai pain at the stomach, and at length vomiting and colic. Even when given 
 irnedicinal doses, it sometimes produces alarming symptoms; such as restless- 
 nils, palpitation, a sense of burning along the gullet, excessive thirst, acute pain 
 ir be stomach, vomiting and purging, violent cramps, and frequent pulse. The 
 edition of the system, in which the poisonous effects of iodine are developed, 
 is, ailed iodism. Though this condition may be produced by incautious doses 
 oi.he medicine, too long continued; still it sometimes arises, under other cir- 
 cuistances, from causes not well explained. On the other hand, large doses 
 hie been given for a long time with perfect impunity. This variable operation 
 
 01 rdine may in some measure be accounted for by the variable condition of the 
 stiaach, and by the more or less amylaceous character of the food ; starch having 
 tl power of uniting with iodine and rendering it mild. Upon the appearance 
 olhe first symptoms of fever or general nervous disturbance, the remedy should 
 belaid aside. Dr. Lugol, of Paris, has never observed these alarming effects 
 to rise from the remedy, given in the doses and in the state of dilution in which 
 heprescribed it. He has not found it to cause emaciation, haemoptysis, pul- 
 m ary tubercles, or other bad effects. On the contrary, many of his patients 
 g£ ed flesh and improved in general health. 
 
 otwithstanding this testimony, we have evidence that emaciation is some- 
 tn'is produced by iodine ; and that a long course of the remedy has in some 
 m mces occasioned absorption of the mammae, and wasting of the testicles. In 
 a Ise of obesity in a woman, reported by Dr. Betz, in which the mammae were 
 er mously enlarged, a cure was effected, in two months, under the daily use of 
 
410 
 
 Iodinium. 
 
 part I 
 
 twenty drops of tincture of iodine. On the other hand, Dr. T. H. Silvester 
 who had the opportunity of making extensive observations in St. Thomas’s Ho; 
 pital, London, on the effects of iodine in the form of iodide of potassium, did no 
 meet with a single instance of atrophy or absorption of the glands. Numerous 
 cases of syphilitic peritonitis were successfully treated, enlarged testicles from : 
 syphilitic cause were reduced, and chronic induration of the inguinal glands wa 
 removed; but in no case was atrophy or absorption of the breast or testicle ob 
 served. It would thus appear that iodine, as a general rule, does not affect th 
 healthy glands, but acts upon morbid material, such as tumours, enlargement; 
 and thickenings. 
 
 Iodine has been principally employed in diseases of the absorbent and glandu 
 lar systems. In ascites it has been used with success by Dr. Baron. It is sail 
 not to act efficaciously while the abdomen is tense, and the absorbents conse 
 quently compressed, but operates after this condition is removed by tapping 
 Dr. Bardsley recommends it in that form of ascites which is connected wit; 
 diseased liver. It has been used successfully by some British practitioners i 
 ovarian tumours, but failed in the hands of others. In glandular enlargement 
 and morbid growths, its use has proved more efficacious than, perhaps, in an 
 other class of diseases. Dr. Coindet discovered its extraordinary power in prc 
 moting the absorption of the thyroid gland in bronc-hocele; and it has been usd 
 with more or less success in enlargements of the liver, spleen, mammae, teste; 
 and uterus. In induration and enlargement of the liver, where mercury ha 
 failed or is inadmissible, iodine forms our best resource. In chronic diseases c 
 the uterus, attended with induration and enlargement, and in hard tumours c 
 the cervix, and indurated puckerings of the edges of the os tincae, iodine ha 
 occasionally effected cures, administered internally, and rubbed into the cervi 
 in the form of ointment for ten or twelve minutes every night. The emmena 
 gogue power of iodine has been noticed by several practitioners ; and Dr. Luge 
 mentions instances, among his scrofulous patients, in which it cured obstruete 
 and painful menstruation. It has been recommended in gleet, and also in gonot 
 rhoea and leucorrhcea, after the inflammatory symptoms have subsided. In pseude 
 syphilis, and in cachexy arising from the abuse of mercury, it is one of our be; 
 remedies, given in the form of iodide of potassium. In chronic rheumatism ; 
 is a favourite remedy with some, particularly in the form of iodide of potassium 
 and by Gendrin it has been employed in the acute forms of gout, with theeffee 
 as he supposed, of cutting short the fits. Dr. Manson, as early as 1825, n 
 corded cases of its efficacy in several nervous diseases, such as chorea and par. 
 lysis. In various scaly eruptions, the internal and external use of the prepar. 
 tions of iodine is very much relied on. 
 
 It is in scrofulous diseases that the most interesting results have been obtaine 
 by the use of iodine. Dr. Coindet first directed public attention to its effects i 
 scrofula, and Dr. Manson reported a number of cases of this complaint in the for 
 of enlarged glands, ulcers, and ophthalmia, in a large proportion of which tl 
 disease was either cured or meliorated. But we are indebted to Dr. Lugol fi 
 the most extended researches in relation to the use of iodine in the differei 
 forms of scrofula. This physician began his trials in the hospital Saint Lou 
 in 1827, and made known his results in three memoirs published in l s 29. 1'3 
 and 1831. These memoirs give the detail of a success which would stagger b 
 lief, were not the results substantiated by committees of distinguished physicist 
 of the French Academy of Sciences. The scrofulous affections in the cure of whk 
 Dr. Lugol succeeded by the administration of iodine were glandular tubercle 
 ophthalmia, ozaena, noli me tangere (dartre rongeante scrophuleuse), and fist 
 lous and carious ulcers. In connexion with Dr. Lugol’s results, it may be pr 
 per to mention that Dr. Manson derived benefit from the use of iodine in wlii 
 
Iodinium. 
 
 411 
 
 iKT I. 
 
 [felling, hip-joint disease, and distortions of the spine, diseases generally ad- 
 mitted to be more or less connected with the scrofulous taint. 
 
 Iodine is employed both internally and externally. Internally it is sometimes 
 led in the form of tincture; but Dr. Lugol objects to this preparation on ac- 
 (unt of its unequal strength, and of its being liable to have the iodine precipi- 
 tted by water; and, when swallowed with the solid iodine diffused through it, 
 ijurious irritation of the stomach is apt to occur. It has been found, however, 
 Ij Gruibourt that the latter objection to the tincture applies in its full force, 
 (■ly when it is freshly prepared. (See Tinctura lodinii .) Dr. Lugol prefers to 
 te tincture, a mixed solution of iodine and iodide of potassium in distilled water, 
 le employs three strengths, namely, three-fourths of a grain, one grain, and a 
 gun and a quarter of iodine to half a pint of distilled water; the quantity of 
 iiide of potassium iu each solution being double that of the iodine. These 
 sutions are permanent, perfectly transparent, and of an orange colour. The 
 Indon College has imitated this combination in an officinal formula. (See 
 squor Potassii Iodidi Compositus.) The mode of administration, employed by 
 Is. Lugol for his solutions, is to give two-thirds of the weakest solution, or half 
 a;rain of iodine daily, for the first fortnight; the weakest solution entire for the 
 s-ond and third fortnight; the medium solution during the fourth and fifth 
 f tnight ; and lastly, in some cases, the strongest solution for the remainder of 
 t; treatment. He gives half the daily quantity in the morning fasting, and 
 t; other half, an hour before dinner; each portion being slightly sweetened at 
 t ; moment of taking it. For the convenience of making the weak iodine solu- 
 tn, or of administering the remedy by drops, Dr. Lugol prepares a concentrated 
 siition, consisting of a scruple of iodine and two scruples of iodide of potassium 
 d'solved in seven fluidrachms of water.* Of this solution the dose is six drops 
 t ce a day, given in the morning fasting, and an hour before dinner, in a glass 
 o sweetened water, gradually increasing weekly by two drops at a time, until 
 t. dose reaches thirty or thirty-six drops. For children under seven years, the 
 d e is two drops twice a day, gradually increased to five. This solution is 
 o final in the United States Pharmacopoeia. (See Liquor lodinii Compositus.') 
 
 Che external treatment by iodine may be divided into local and general. By 
 ifuse in this way it does not merely create a topical effect on the skin ; but by 
 it; absorption produces its peculiar constitutional impression. Dr. Lugol has 
 gen the following formulae for preparations for the local use of iodine. His 
 ic\ine ointment varies in strength from six to twelve grains of iodine, mixed 
 wjh from two to four scruples of iodide of potassium, to the ounce of lard. (See 
 l huentum lodinii Compositum. ) It has a mahogany colour, and is employed 
 h fictions to scrofulous tumours, and as a dressing to scrofulous ulcers. The 
 Ortment of protiodide of mercury which he recommends consists of from one to 
 tv; scruples of the mercurial iodide to an ounce of lard. (See Unguentum Hy- 
 dlrgyri Iodidi.) Its proper colour is canary yellow; but occasionally it has a 
 di 'ded greenish tint, derived from the presence of protoxide of mercury, or "an 
 oinge colour, when it contains the biniodide. This ointment, which has the 
 aiantage of producing very little pain, is used by Dr. Lugol in noli me tangere, 
 ai in scrofulous ulcers which have a syphilitic aspect. The ointment of biniodide 
 of iercury, which is much more powerful, has also been used with advantage in 
 si ilar cases. (See Unguentum Hydrargyri Iodidi Rubri.) Dr. Lugol’ s iodine 
 lorn consists of from two to four grains of iodine to a pint of distilled water, 
 tb solution being rendered complete by the addition of double the quantity of 
 io;de of potassium. This is used, as a wash or injection, in scrofulous oph- 
 
 ; In the original it is seven ounces ; but from the context of the author, this is evidently 
 a j sprint for seven drachms. 
 
412 
 
 Iodinium. 
 
 PART i 
 
 tkalmia, ozasna, and fistulous ulcers. His rubefacient solution is formed by dis 
 solving half an ounce of iodine and an ounce of iodide of potassium in si: 
 fluidounces of distilled water. This is useful for exciting scrofulous ulcers, fo 
 touching the eyelids, and as an application to recent scrofulous cicatrices, t< 
 render them smooth. A certain quantity of the rubefacient solution, added t( 
 warm water, makes a convenient local bath for the arms, legs, feet, or hands 
 and, mixed with linseed meal or some similar substance, it forms a cataplasm 
 useful in particular cases, especially where the object is to promote the fallin; 
 off of scabs. The only remaining preparation for local use is what Dr. Lugo 
 calls iodine caustic. It consists of iodine and iodide of potassium, each ai 
 ounce, dissolved in two ounces of distilled water, and is used to stimulate o 
 destroy soft and fungous granulations. Its employment in this way has beei 
 attended with decided benefit in noli me tangere. 
 
 Iodine injections of appropriate strength have been repeatedly used by Yel 
 peau in hydrarthrosis with success; and where the operation failed no bad con 
 sequences followed to the joint. The abdomen also has been injected with iodine 
 after tapping, for the radical cure of ascites, and several cases are reported o 
 success by French surgeons. 
 
 The external application of iodine, when general, consists in the use of iodin 
 baths, a mode of applying the remedy which originated with Dr. Lugol. Thi 
 mode is considered very valuable by that physician, on account of the great exten 
 of the skin, which furnishes the means of introducing a considerable quantity c 
 iodine into the circulation without deranging the digestive functions, an objcc- 
 of great importance, where the medicine disagrees with the stomach. The iodin 
 bath for adults should contain from two to four drachms of iodine, with doubl 
 that quantity of iodide of potassium, dissolved in water, in a wooden bath tub 
 the proportion of the water being about a gallon for every three grains of iodin 
 employed. The quantity of ingredients for the baths of children is one-third a 
 much as for adults, but dissolved in about the same proportional quantity c 
 water. The quantity of iodine and iodide for a bath having been determine 
 on, it is best to dissolve them in a small quantity of water (half a pint fc 
 example), before they are added to the water of the bath; as this mode of pr 
 eeeding facilitates their thorough diffusion. 
 
 The iodine baths, which may be directed three or four times a week, usuall 
 produce a slight rubefacient effect; but, occasionally, a stronger impressioi 
 causing the epidermis to peel off, particularly of the arms and legs. The ski 
 at the same time acquires a deep-yellow tinge, which usually disappears in tl 1 
 interval between the baths. ’ I 
 
 Iodine is much used as a local application in erysipelas and chilblains. I 
 these cases the tincture is brushed over and a little beyond the seat of inflamm; 
 tion, by means of a camel’s hair pencil. In cutaneous scrofula, the tincture h: 
 been found beneficial by Dr. Pereira, applied in the same way, having the effe 
 of drying up the discharge and promoting cicatrization. The same topical appl 
 cation has been found useful in various scaly cutaneous diseases, such as lepr 
 psoriasis, &c. 
 
 Iodine, when externally applied, is freely absorbed, and passes out of the sy 
 tem principally in the urine. According to M. Bonnet, when iodine is applk 
 to ulcers or blistered surfaces, or injected into the cavities of abscesses, it 
 largely absorbed, and quickly eliminated; and during its elimination it cam 
 with it morbid deposits, such as effused lymph, &c. &c. In illustration of b 
 views, M. Bonnet states that scrofulous ophthalmia may be cured by dressit 
 a blister, applied at a distance from the eyes, with an ointment of iodine, 
 suitable ointment for a dressing may be made of one part of iodine, two of iodi 
 of potassium, and thirty of lard. 
 
ART I. 
 
 Iodinium. 
 
 413 
 
 Sir Charles Scudamore, Sir James Murray, and Dr. Corrigan have recom- 
 mended the inhalation of iodine vapour in phthisis. The plan of Sir Charles is 
 inhale, from a glass inhaler for ten minutes, two or three times a day, a small 
 irtion of a solution of ioduretted iodide of potassium, mixed with a saturated 
 icture of conium. The ioduretted solution is made by dissolving six grains, 
 i'ich, of iodine and iodide of potassium, in five ounces and three-quarters of dis- 
 led water and a quarter of an ounce of alcohol. The dose for each inhalation 
 from half a drachm to a drachm of the iodine solution, gradually increased, 
 th half a drachm of the tincture, added to a portion of water of the temperature 
 . 120°, nearly sufficient to half fill the inhaler. M. Huett has used the inba- 
 iion of iodine, in the form of hydriodic ether, in phthisis, and reports the cure 
 
 i, one case with cavities at the top of the left lung. 
 
 Since the publication of Dr. Lugol’s memoirs, his practice has been imitated 
 ; d extended by several practitioners. Dr. Bermond, of Bordeaux, has succeeded 
 \th the iodine treatment in enlarged testicle from a venereal cause, scrofulous 
 (hthalmia of six years’ duration, and scrofulous ulcers and abscesses of the 
 crvical and submaxillary glands. In numerous other cases of scrofula under 
 Is care, the iodine treatment proved beneficial ; though, before its commence- 
 lmt, the cases underwent no improvement. The only peculiarity in Dr. Ber- 
 rad’s treatment, was that, in some cases, he associated opiate preparations with 
 te iodine. In the case of ophthalmia which he treated, the collyrium employed 
 (Osisted of tincture of iodine thirty drops, laudanum thirty-six drops, to four 
 f idounces of distilled water. When the local application of the iodine created 
 nch pain or rubefaction, he found advantage from combining extract of opium 
 ith it. A plaster which proved efficacious as an application to an enlarged 
 jrotid, in one of his cases, consisted of lead plaster (diachylon) and iodide of 
 
 j. tassium, each, four parts; iodine and extract of opium, each, three parts. In 
 crfirmation of Dr. Bermond’s views, M. Lemasson, one of the house pupils of 
 ti hospital St. Louis, has published a number of cases, proving the efficacy 
 ca combination of iodine and opium in the local treatment of scrofulous ulcer- 
 aons. One of the combinations which he employed consisted of fifteen grains 
 c iodine, a drachm of iodide of potassium, and two drachms of Bousseau’s 
 Ildanum, made up into an ointment with two ounces of fresh lard. 
 
 (The results obtained by Dr. Lugol and others in the treatment of scrofulous 
 deases by the iodine preparations are so diversified, as to leave no doubt of 
 tfir great efficacy in these affections. To judge fairly, however, of Dr. Lugol’s 
 rults, it is not sufficient to give iodine; but it should be given in the manner, 
 al with the observance of all the rules, which are laid down by that physician. 
 1 .3 can readily conceive that a dilute aqueous solution of iodine may act differ- 
 e ly from the tincture ; and that a therapeutical agent may in one form be in- 
 tduced gradually into the current of the circulation, aDd thus produce import- 
 a, alterative effects; while in another, it may create irritation of the stomach 
 v bout being absorbed, and thus prove mischievous. A case in point is furnished 
 bnatural mineral waters, which, though generally containing a minute propor- 
 tir of saline matter, often produce remedial effects which cannot be obtained by 
 tlir constituents given in larger doses. 
 
 I'he views here presented are supported and extended by the observations of 
 I A. Buchanan, of Glasgow, who contends that iodine is divested of its irri- 
 tsit qualities in certain states of combination, in which it may be given in large 
 d ,es without risk, and with the effect of pervading nearly all the secretions. 
 Ti combinations which he prefers, are iodide of starch, which is the best, hy- 
 d >dic acid, and iodide of potassium; the first and last of which he supposes to 
 aiias hydriodic acid, the iodine in them being, agreeably to his view, converted 
 it ) that acid in the stomach and bowels. (See Potassii Iodidum in Part II., 
 ai Hydriodic Acid and Iodide of Starch in the Appendix.) 
 
414 
 
 Iodinium. 
 
 PART i 
 
 M. Marchal (de Calvi), acting under the impression that cod-liver oil owe< 
 its chief virtue to the presence of iodine, proposed, in 1848, to prepare an iodu 
 retted oil, formed of one part of iodine to fifteen of sweet almond oil, and incor 
 porated with an almond emulsion. Following out this proposal, >1. Personn 
 devised the following formula for making an ioduretted oil. Five parts of iodin 
 are mixed with a thousand parts of sweet almond oil, and the mixture is sub 
 jected to the action of a jet of steam, until it is decolorized. The same operatioi 
 is repeated with five additional parts of iodine. The oil is then washed with , 
 weak alkaline solution, to remove hydriodic acid which is developed in’ the pro 
 cess. By this mode of proceeding, it may be presumed that the iodine is inti 
 mately united with the oil, thus finding easier entrance into the system; am 
 that, while a part of the iodine is lost as hydriodic acid, the remainder takes th 
 place of the hydrogen eliminated from the oil. In 1851, the French Acadern 
 appointed MM. Guibourt, Soubeiran, Gibert, and Ricord, to report upon th 
 therapeutic value of a definite combination of iodine and oil. The reporte 
 (Guibourt) approves of M. Personne’s process; and MM. Gibert and Bicord re 
 port favourably of the therapeutic effects of the ioduretted oil. M. Gibert deem 
 it to possess considerable resolvent power in certain chronic eruptions and gland 
 ular enlargements ; and M. Ricord, after trial for a year, obtained satisfaetor 
 results in a variety of scrofulous affections, the ioduretted oil acting mor 
 promptly than the cod-liver oil. M. Personne’s ioduretted oil differs little i 
 appearance and taste from almond oil, and may be easily taken either alone o 
 in emulsion. The usual dose is about two fluidounces daily, which may be in 
 creased to three fluidounces or more. (See Am. Journ. of Med. Set., X. 8 
 xxiii. 502.) 
 
 In cases of poisoning by iodine, the stomach must be first evacuated, an 
 afterwards drinks administered, containing an amylaceous substance, such a 
 flour, starch, or arrow-root. 
 
 Iodine is officinal : — 
 
 I. In the purified state. 
 
 Iodinium Purum, Dub. 
 
 II. In solution in alcohol. 
 
 Tinctura Iodinii, U.S.; Tinctura Iodinei, Ed. 
 
 III. In solution in alcohol with iodide of potassium. 
 
 Tinctura Iodinii Composita, U.S., Lond., Dub. 
 
 IV. In the form of ointment. 
 
 Unguentum Iodinii, US. 
 
 V. In the form of ointment with iodide of potassium. 
 
 Unguentum Iodinii Compositum, US-, Lond., Dub. ; Unguentui 
 Iodinei, Ed. 
 
 YI. In solution in water with iodide of potassium. 
 
 Liquor Iodinii Compositus, U.S.; Iodinei Liquor Compositus. Et 
 
 Liquor Potassii Iodidi Compositus, Lond. ; Potassii Iodidi Liquc 
 Compositus, Dub. 
 
 VII. Combined with sulphur. 
 
 Sulphuris Iodidum, U.S., Lond.; Sulphur Iodatum, Dub. 
 
 Unguentum Sulphuris Iodidi, U. S., Lond. 
 
 VIII. Combined with metals. 
 
 Arsenici Iodidum, U.S. 
 
 Liquor Arsenici et Hydrargyri Iodidi, U. S. ; Arsenici et H 
 drargyri Hydriodatis Liquor, Dub. 
 
 Ferri Iodidum, U. S . , Ed., Dub. 
 
 Liquor Ferri Iodidi, U.S. 
 
 Syrupus Ferri Iodidi, Lond., Dub.; Ferri Iodidi Syrupus, Ed 
 
 Pilulae Ferri Iodidi, U.S. 
 
?art I. Iodinium. — Ipecacuanha. 415 
 
 Hydrargyri Iodidum, U. S., Lond. ; Hydrargyri Iodidum Viride, 
 Dub. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Iodidi, Lond. 
 
 Hydrargyri Iodidum Rubrum, U. S., Dub. ; Hydrargyri Biniodi- 
 dum, Ed. 
 
 Unguentum Hydrargyri Iodidi Rubri, Dub. 
 
 Plumbi Iodidum, U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Unguentum Plumbi Iodidi, Land., Dub. 
 
 Potassii Iodidum, US-, Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Emplastrum Potassii Iodidi, Lond. 
 
 Unguentum Potassii Iodidi, U.S., Lond., Dub. B. 
 
 IPECACUANHA. U. S., Loncl, Ed., Dub. 
 Ipecacuanha. 
 
 The root of Cephaelis Ipecacuanha. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Ipecacuanha, Ft.; Brechwurzel, Ipecacuanha, Germ.; Ipecacuana, Ital., Span. 
 
 The term ipecacuanha , derived from the language of the aborigines of Brazil, 
 as been applied to various emetic roots of South American origin.* The British 
 alleges and our national Pharmacopoeia recognise only that of the Cephaelis 
 oecacuanha ; and no other is known by the name in the shops of this country, 
 ur chief attention will, therefore, be confined to this root, and the plant which 
 elds it ; but as others are employed in South America, are occasionally exported, 
 id may possibly reach our markets mingled with the genuine drug, we shall, 
 a note, give a succinct account of those which have attracted most attention. 
 The botanical character of the genuine ipecacuanha was long unknown. Pisou 
 id Marcgrav, who were the first to treat of this medicine, in their work on the 
 itural history of Brazil, published at Amsterdam, A. D. 1648, described iu 
 neral terms two plants; one producing a whitish root, distinguished by the 
 .me of white ipecacuanha, the other, a brown root which answers in their de- 
 ription precisely to the officinal drug. But their account was not sufficiently 
 finite to enable botanists to decide upon the character of the plants. The 
 Hicine was generally thought to be derived from a species of Viola., which 
 nnaeus designated by the title of V. Ipecacuanha. Opinion afterwards turned 
 : favour of a plant sent to Linnreus by the celebrated Mutis from New Granada, 
 
 | affording the ipecacuanha of that country and of Peru. This was described 
 l the Supplementum of the younger Linnaeus, A. D. 1781, under the name of 
 hjchotria emeiica, and was long erroneously considered as the source of the true 
 iscacuanha. Dr. Gomez, of Lisbon, was the first who accurately described and 
 i ured the genuine plant, which he had seen in Brazil, and specimens of which 
 1 took with him to Portugal ; but Brotero, professor of Botany at Coimbra, 
 vth whom he had left specimens, having drawn up a description, and had it 
 iiertedwith a figure in the Linnaean Transactions without acknowledgment, 
 Coyed for a time the credit due to his fellow countryman. In the paper of 
 1 otero the plant is named Callicocca Ipecacuanha; but the term Callicocca, 
 1 ring been applied by Sehreber, without sufficient reason, to the genus already 
 e ablished and named, has been universally abandoned by botanists for the 
 lohaelis of Swartz; though this, also, it appears, is a usurpation upon the 
 p vious rights of Aublet. 
 
 Iephaelis. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat.Ord. Rubiacese, Juss. 
 (| ichonacese, Lindley. 
 
 M. Weddell states that the word ipecacuanha is nowhere in Brazil used to designate 
 t Cephaelis, which is generally called poaya. ( Journ . de I’harm., Se ser., xvi. 34.) 
 
416 Ipecacuanha. pakt 
 
 Gen. Clt. Flowers in an involuered head. Corolla tubular. Stigma two-parte< 
 Berry two-seeded. Receptacle chaffy. Willd. 
 
 Cephaelis Ipecacuanha. Richard, Hist. Ipecac, p. 21, t. i.; Martius, Spe 
 Mat. Med. Brazil, p. 4, t. i. ; Curtis’s Bot. May. N. S. vol. xvii. pi. 4063, A. 1 
 1844. — CaMicocca Ipecacuanha. Brotero, Linn. Trans, vi. 137. Thisisasma 
 shrubby plant, with a root from four to six inches long, about as thick as a goos 
 quill, marked with annular rugae, simple or somewhat branched, descending oi 
 liquely into the ground, and here and there sending forth slender fibrils. T! 
 stem is two or three feet long ; but, being partly under ground, and often pr 
 cumbent at the base, usually rises less than a foot in height. It is slender; i 
 the lower portion leafless, smooth, brown or ash-coloured, and knotted, wit 
 radicles frequently proceeding from the knots; near the summit, pubescent, greei 
 and furnished with leaves seldom exceeding six in number. These are opposit 
 petiolate, oblong-obovate, acute, entire, from three to four inches long, from oi 
 to two broad, obscurely green and somewhat rough on their upper surface, pal 
 downy, and veined on the under. At the insertion of each pair of leaves are decid 
 ous stipules, embracing the stem, membranous at the base, and separated abo' 
 into numerous bristle-like divisions. The flowers are very small, white, and cc 
 lected to the number of eight, twelve, or more, each accompanied with a gree 
 bracte, into a semi-globular head, supported upon a round, solitary, axillary foe 
 stalk, and embraced by a monophyllous involucre, deeply divided into four, som 
 times five or sixobovate pointed segments. The fruit is an ovate, obtuse berr 
 which is at first purple, but becomes almost black when ripe, and contains tv 
 small plano-convex seeds. 
 
 The plant is a native of Brazil, flourishing in moist, thick, and shady wood 
 and abounding most within the limits of the eighth and twentieth degrees 
 south latitude. According to Humboldt, it grows also in Xew G-rauada. 
 flowers in January and February, and ripens its fruit in May. The root 
 usually collected during the period of flowering, though equally good at oth 
 seasons. By this practice the plant is speedily extirpated in places where it 
 most eagerly sought. Were the seeds allowed to ripen, it would propagate it?t 
 rapidly and thus maintain a constant supply. Weddell, however, states th 
 the remains of the root, often left in the ground when it is collected, serve t! 
 purpose of propagatiqn, each fragment giving rise to a new plant. The root 
 collected chiefly by the Indians, who prepare it by separating it from the stem 
 cleaning it, and hanging it up in buudles to dry in the sun. The Brazili; t 
 merchants carry on a very brisk tra'de in this drug. According to Weddell, me 
 of it was, at the time he wrote, A. D. 1851, collected in the interior province i 
 Matto-Grosso, upon the upper waters of the Paraguay, where it was first d 
 covered in the year 1824. The chief places of export are Rio Janeiro, Bahia, ai 
 Pernambuco. It is brought to the United States in large bags or bales. 
 
 Genuine ipecacuanha, is in pieces two or three lines in thickness, various 
 bent and contorted, simple or branched, consisting of an interior slender, lig 
 straw-coloured, ligneous cord, with a thick cortical covering, which presents 
 its surface a succession of circular, unequal, prominent rings or ruga?, geparat 
 by very narrow fissures, frequently extending nearly down to the central fib 
 This appearance of the surface has given rise to the term anncle or onnulatq 
 by which the true ipecacuanha is designated in the French works on Pharmai 
 The cortical part is hard, horny, and semi-transparent, breaks with a resino 
 fracture, and easily separates from the tougher ligneous fibre, which posses 
 the medicinal virtues of the root in a much inferior degree. Attached to r 
 root is frequently a smoother and more slender portion, which is the base of f 
 stem, and should be separated before pulverization. Pereira has met, in t‘ 
 English market, with distinct bales composed of these fragments of stems, wi 
 
■art I. Ipecacuanha. 417 
 
 *» 
 
 ccasionally portions of the root attached. Much stress has been laid in works on 
 re materia inedica upon the colour of the external surface of the ipecacuanha 
 pot; and diversity in this respect has even led to the formation of distinct varie- 
 es. Thus, the epidermis is sometimes deep-brown or even blackish, sometimes 
 :ddish-brown or reddish-gray, and sometimes light-gray or ash-coloured. Hence 
 le distinction into hrown, red, and gray ipecacuanha. But these are all de- 
 ved from the same plant, are essentially the same in properties and composition, 
 id probably differ only in consequence of difference in age, or place of growth, 
 
 • mode of desiccation. The colours in fact are often so intermingled, that it 
 ould be impossible to decide in which variety a particular specimen should be 
 aced. Th ebrown is the most abundant in the packages which reach our market, 
 he red, besides the colour of its epidermis, presents a rosy tint when broken, 
 id is said to be somewhat more bitter than the preceding variety. The gray 
 much lighter coloured externally, usually rather larger, with less prominent 
 igs and wider fissures, and is still more decidedly bitter. Many years since 
 a saw in this market bales of gray ipecacuanha, with very imperfectly developed 
 :ags, which were said to have come from Caracas. This commercial variety 
 ierwards quite disappeared ; but, under the name of Carthagena ipecacuanha, 
 iwould seem to have been of late imported into New York. ( Am . Journ. of 
 .harm., xxv. 474.) When the bark in either variety is opaque, with a dull 
 iiylaceous aspect, the root is less active as a medicine. As the woody part is 
 larly inert, and much more difficult of pulverization than the cortical, it often 
 Ippens that, when a particular parcel of the root is powdered, the portion which 
 mains last in the mortar possesses scarcely any emetic power; and care should 
 1 taken to provide against any defect from this cause. The colour of the 
 jwder is a light grayish-fawn. 
 
 Ipecacuanha has little smell in the aggregate state, but when powdered has a 
 I :uliar nauseous odour, which in some persons excites violent sneezing, in others 
 c-pnoea resembling an attack of asthma. The taste is bitter, acrid, and very 
 nseous. Water and alcohol extract its virtues, which are injured by decoc- 
 1 1 . Its emetic property resides in a peculiar alkaline principle called emetia, 
 dcovered by Pelletier in the year 1817. The cortical portion of the brown 
 ijC-acuanha, analyzed by this chemist under the erroneous name of Psychotria 
 edtica, yielded in the hundred parts, 16 of an impure salt of einetia, which was 
 a irst considered the pure emetic principle, 2 of an odorous fatty matter, 6 of 
 W> 10 of gum, 42 of starch, 20 of lignin, with 4 parts loss. The woody fibre 
 v found to contain only 115 per cent, of the impure emetia. M. A. Richard 
 djjcted in the cortical part traces of gallic acid. The bark of red ipecacuanha 
 w. found by Pelletier to contain but 14 per cent, of impure emetia. In addition 
 t 1 hese principles, Bucholz has found extractive, sugar, and resin ; and Erwin 
 T ligk, more recently, traces of a disagreeably smelling volatile oil, phosphatic 
 sals, and a peculiar acid which he named ipecacuanhic acid, and which had 
 pi 'iously been mistaken for the gallic. It would seem to belong to the tannic 
 at group. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiii. 352.) Good ipecacuanha con- 
 ta s about 80 per cent, of cortical and 20 of ligneous matter. 
 
 'Jmetia when perfectly pure is whitish, inodorous, slightly bitter, pulverulent, 
 ui'terable in the air, very fusible, sparingly soluble in cold water and ether, 
 m e soluble in hot water, and very soluble in alcohol; it is not reddened by nitric 
 aq; forms crystallizable salts with the mineral acids and acetic acid; is pre- 
 dated by gallic and tannic acids from its solutions; and contains nitrogen. 
 It , however, very difficult to procure it in this state of purity, and the propor- 
 tu,: afforded by the root is exceedingly small. As originally obtained it was 
 ve impure, probably in the condition of a salt, and in this state is directed by 
 th French Codex. Impure emetia is in transparent scales of a brownish-red 
 
PART 
 
 418 Ipecacuanha. 
 
 colour, almost inodorous, of a bitterish acrid taste, deliquescent, very soluble 
 water and alcohol, insoluble in ether, precipitated from its solutions by gall 
 acid and the acetates of lead, but not by tartar emetic or the salts of iro 
 The Codex directs it to be prepared by evaporating a filtered aqueous solution 
 an alcoholic extract of ipecacuanha. According' to the original method, it w 
 obtained by treating powdered ipecacuanha with ether to remove the fatty matte 
 exhausting the residue with alcohol, evaporating the alcoholic solution to dr 
 ness, and subjecting the extract to the action of cold water, which dissolves t. 
 emetiawith some free acid, and leaves the wax and other matters. To se para 
 the acid, the watery solution is treated with carbonate of magnesia, filtered, ai 
 then evaporated. If pure emetia is required, magnesia is used instead of t 
 carbonate. The salt is thus decomposed, and the organic alkali, being insoluh 
 is precipitated with the excess of the earth. The precipitate is washed vri 
 cold water, and digested in alcohol, which dissolves the emetia; the alcoholics 
 lution is then evaporated, the residue redissolved in a dilute acid, and the alk; 
 again precipitated by a salifiable base. To deprive it of colour it is necessary 
 employ animal charcoal. Berzelius has obtained emetia by treating the powder 
 root with very dilute sulphuric acid, precipitating with magnesia, and treati: 
 the precipitate in the manner above directed. Pure emetia has at least tin- 
 times the strength of the impure.* 
 
 * Non-officinal Ipecacuanhas. — When ipecacuanha began to be popular in Euro] 
 the roots of several other plants were imported and confounded with the genuine ; and t 
 name came at length to be applied to almost all emetic roots derived from Amerh 
 Several of these are still occasionally met with, and retain the name originally applied 
 them. The two most worthy of notice are the ipecacuanha of New Grenada and l’eru, a 
 the white ipecacuanha of Brazil. On each of these we shall offer a few remarks. 
 
 1. Peruvian Ipecacuanha. Striated Ipecacuanha. Black Ipecacuanha. This is the rf 
 of Psycholria emetica, formerly supposed to produce the genuine Brazilian ipecacuan) 
 This plant, like the Cephaiilis, belongs to the class and order Pentandria Monogynia, a. 
 to the natural order Rubiacese of Jussieu. A description of it sent by Mutis was publish. 
 by Linnaeus the younger in his supplement. It has since been described in the Ph 
 jEquin. of Humb. and Bonpl. ; and has been figured by A. Richard in his History of - 
 Ipecacuanhas, and by Hayne in the eighth volume of his Medical Botany published at Berl 
 It is a small shrub, with a stem twelve or eighteen inches high, simple, erect, row 
 slightly pubescent, and furnished with opposite, oblong-lanceolate, pointed leaves, ni- 
 l-owed at their base into a short petiole, and accompanied with pointed stipules. 1 
 flowers are small, white, and supported in small clusters towards the end of an axillf 
 peduncle. The plant flourishes in Peru and New Grenada, and was seen by Humbot 
 and Bonpland growing in abundance near the river Magdalena. The dried rootissuich 
 have been exported fi-om Carthagena. 
 
 It is cylindrical, somewhat thicker than the root of the Cephaelis, usually simple, S 
 sometimes branched, not much contorted, wrinkled longitudinally, presenting here a 
 there deep circular intersections, but without the annular rugae of the true ipecacuan. 
 The longitudinal direction of the wrinkles has given it the name of 'striated ipecacuanha, t 
 consists of an internal woody cord, and an external cortical portion ; but the formeis 
 usually larger in proportion to the latter than in the root of the Cephaelis. The barks 
 soft and easily cut with a knife, and when broken exhibits a brown slightly resinous fracn ■ 
 The epidermis is of a dull reddish-gray colour, which darkens with age and exposure. 1 
 ultimately becomes almost black. Hence the root has sometimes been called black iyecacuar . 
 The ligneous portion is yellowish, and perforated with numerous small holes visible by ? 
 microscope. The Peruvian ipecacuanha is nearly inodorous, and has a flat taste, neitt 
 bitter nor acrid. Out of 100 parts Pelletier obtained 9 of impure emetia. 12%f fatty mat', 
 with an abundance of starch, besides gum and lignin. The dose as an emetic, is from o 
 scruples to a drachm. 
 
 2. White Ipecacuanha. Amylaceous Ipecacuanha. Undulated Ipecacuanha. This vary 
 was noticed in the work of Pison: but the vegetable which produced it was not satisfaetot 
 ascertained till a recent date. Gomez, indeed, in the memoir which he published at Lish. 
 A. D. 1801, gave a figure and description of the plant: but the memoir was not generj 
 known, and botanists remained uncertain upon the subject. By the travels of M. 8 :t 
 Hilaire and Dr. Martins in Brazil, more precise information has been obtained: and the w e 
 ipecacuanha is now confidently referred to different species of Richardsonia, the Riche, j 
 
’ART I. 
 
 Ipecacuanha. 
 
 419 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Ipecacuanha is in large doses emetic, in smaller, 
 iaphoretic and expectorant, and in still smaller, stimulant to the stomach, ex- 
 iting appetite and facilitating digestion. In quantities not quite sufficient to 
 omit, it produces nausea, and frequently acts upon the bowels. As an emetic 
 , is mild but tolerably certain in its operation, and, being usually thrown from 
 le stomach by one or two efforts, is less apt to produce dangerous effects when 
 iken in an overdose than some other substances of the same class. It is also 
 jcommended by the absence of corrosive and narcotic properties. 
 
 It was employed as an emetic by the natives of Brazil, when that country was 
 rst settled by the Portuguese; but, though described in the work of Pison, it 
 as not known in Europe till the year 1672, and did not come into use till some 
 ears afterwards. John Helvetius, grandfather of the celebrated author of that 
 une, having been associated with a merchant who had imported a large quantity 
 ’ ipecacuanha into Paris, employed it as a secret remedy, and with so much suc- 
 :ss in dysentery and other bowel affections, that general attention was attracted 
 it; and the fortunate physician received from Louis XIY. a large sum of money 
 id public honours, on the sole condition that he should make the remedy public. 
 As an emetic it is peculiarly adapted by its mildness and efficiency to cases in 
 hich the object is merely to evacuate the stomach, or a gentle impression only 
 desired; and, in most other cases in which emetics are indicated, it may be 
 vantageously combined with the more energetic medicines, which it renders 
 Jfer by insuring their discharge. It is especially useful where narcotic poisons 
 we been swallowed; as, under these circumstances, it may be given in almost 
 definite doses, with little comparative risk of injury to the patient. In dysen- 
 ■ry it has been supposed to exercise peculiar powers. As a nauseating remedy 
 is used in asthma, hooping-cough, and the hemorrhages; as a diaphoretic, 
 
 ■ Linnieus. The R. scnbrn , or R. Braziliensis of Gomez, and the R. emetica are particularly 
 i Heated by Martius. For the root usually called white ipecacuanha , Guibourt has proposed 
 i ; name of undulated ipecacuanha, derived from the peculiar character of the surface, 
 • ich presents indentations or concavities on one side, corresponding with prominences or 
 (ivexities on the other, so as to give a wavy appearance to the root. It differs little in 
 sp from the genuine ; is of a whitish-gray colour externally ; and when broken presents 
 ifull white farinaceous fracture, offering by the light of the sun shining points, which are 
 i hing more than small grains of fecuia. Like the other varieties it has a woody centre, 
 I s inodorous and insipid, and contains, according to Pelletier, a very large proportion of 
 s rch, with only six per cent, of impure emetia, and two of fatty matter. Richard found 
 cry 3-5 parts of emetia in the hundred. It is said to be sometimes mixed with the genuine 
 icacuanha; but we have discovered none in the bales which we have examined. 
 
 According to Martius, different species of Ionidium (Viola, Linn.), produce also what is 
 c;ed white ipecacuanha. The roots of all the species of Ionidium possess emetic or pur- 
 give properties, and some of them have been reported to be equal to the genuine ipecac- 
 ir ha. The root of I. Ipecacuanha is described by Guibourt as being six or seven inches 
 lL, as thick as a quill, somewhat tortuous, and exhibiting at the points of flexion semi- 
 cailar fissures, which give it some resemblance to the root of the Cepliaelis. It is often 
 b created at both extremities, and terminates at top in a great number of small ligneous 
 s!ks. It is wrinkled longitudinally, and of a light yellowish-gray colour. The bark is thin, 
 a! the interior ligneous portion very thick. The root has little taste or smell. According 
 wpelletier, it contains, in 100 parts, 5 of an emetic substance, 35 of gum, 1 of azotized 
 if ter, and 37 of lignin. (Hist. Abreg. des Drogues Simples, i. 514.) 
 
 he root of a species of Ionidium growing in Quito has attracted some attention as a 
 r ! edy in elephantiasis, under the South American name of cuichunchulli. The plant, 
 b ig considered an undescribed species by Dr. Bancroft, was named by him I. Marcucei; but 
 S W. Hooker found the specimen, received from Dr. Bancroft, to be identical with the 
 I arviflorum of Ventenat. Lindley thinks a specimen he received under the same name 
 fi l Quito, to be the I. microphyllum of Humboldt. If useful in elephantiasis, it is so 
 p: >ably by its emeto-purgative action. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., vii. 18(i.)* 
 
 ee a paper on ipecacuanha by R. E. Griffith, M. D., in the Journ. of the Phil. Col. of Pharm., vol. 3, p. 
 IS for a more extended account of the roots which have been used under the name of ipecacuanha. 
 
420 
 
 PART I 
 
 Ipecacuanha. — Iris Florentina. 
 
 combined with opium, in a wide circle of diseases. (See Pul vis Ipecacuanhae « 
 Opii.) Its expectorant properties render it beneficial in catarrhal and other pk 
 monary affections. It has been given, also, with supposed advantage, in ver 
 minute doses, in dyspeptic cases, and in chronic disease of the gastro-intestina 
 mucous membrane. 
 
 Ipecacuanha is most conveniently administered, as an emetic, in the form c 
 powder suspended in water. The dose is about twenty grains, repeated, if nece; 
 sary, at intervals of twenty minutes till it operates. In some individuals mue 
 smaller quantities prove emetic, and we know one person who is generally vomite 
 by the fraction of a grain. The operation of the medicine may be facilitate! 
 and rendered milder, by copious draughts of warm water, or warm chamomil 
 tea. An infusion in boiling water, in the proportion of two drachms of th 
 powder to six fluidounces of menstruum, may be given in the dose of a fluic 
 ounce repeated as in the former case. With a view to the production of nausei 
 the dose in substance may be two grains, repeated more or less frequently accordin 
 to circumstances. As a diaphoretic it may be given in the quantity of a grain 
 as an alterative, in diseases of the stomach and bowels, in that of a quarter c 
 half a grain two or three times a day. 
 
 Emetia has been used on the continent of Europe as a substitute, but with n 
 great advantage. Its operation on the stomach is apt to be more violent an 
 continued than that of ipecacuanha; and, if given in over-doses, it may produc 
 dangerous and even fatal consequences. From the experiments of Magendie, 
 appears to have a peculiar direction to the mucous membranes of the alimentar 
 canal and the bronchial tubes. Ten grains of the impure alkali, administered t 
 dogs, were generally found to destroy life in twenty-four hours, and the mucon 
 membranes mentioned were observed to be inflamed throughout their whol 
 extent. The same result took place when emetia was injected into the veins, c 
 absorbed from any part of the body. The dose of impure emetia is about 
 grain and a half, of the pure not more than half a grain, repeated at proper ii 
 tervals till it vomits. In proportional doses, it may be applied to the other pu 
 poses for which ipecacuanha is used. It will excite vomiting when applied to 
 blistered surface after the removal of the cuticle. Magendie found that doe 
 slept much after being vomited with emetia, and concluded that the medick 
 was narcotic; but other emetic medicines produce the same effect, which is t 
 be ascribed rather to exhaustion than to any direct operation on the brain. 
 
 Dr. Turnbull recommends the external use of ipecacuanha as a eounter-irritan 
 An ointment made with one part of the powder, one of olive oil, and two of lan 
 rubbed once or twice a day for a few minutes upon the skin, produces a copiov 
 eruption, which continues out for many days, without pain or ulceration. ( Londc 
 Lancet, May, 1842.) It has, however, been found by others of little efficacy: 
 the great majority of cases. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pilula Conii Composita; Pulvis Ipecacuanhas et Opii; Syrup' 
 Ipecacuanhae; Trochisci Ipecacuanhae; Trochisci Morphise et Ipecacuanha 
 Yinum Ipecacuanhae. W. 
 
 IRIS FLORENTINA. TJ.S. Secondary. 
 Florentine Orris. 
 
 The rhizoma of Iris Florentina. U. S'. 
 
 Iris de Florence, Fr.; Florentiniscke Violenwurzel, Germ.; Ireos, l tat.; Lirio Flore 
 tina, S 'pan. 
 
 Iris. Sex. Syst. Triandria Monogynia. — Hat. Ord. Iridaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla six-parted; the alternate segment reflected. Stigmas pet; 
 shaped. Willd. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Iris Florentina. — Iris Versicolor. 
 
 421 
 
 In all the species belonging to this genus, so far as examined, the roots are 
 nore or less acrid, and possessed of cathartic and emetic properties. In Europe, 
 Iris fcetidissima, I. Florentina, I. Germanica, I. pseurfo-acorus, and I. tuherosa 
 lave at various times been admitted into use. Of these I. Florentina is the 
 mly one officinal in this country. 
 
 Iris Florentina. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 226; Woody. Med. Bot. p. 776, t. 262. 
 Che root (rhizoma) of the Florentine Iris is perennial, horizontal, fleshy, fibrous, 
 ,nd covered with a brown epidermis. The leaves spring directly from the root, 
 re sword-shaped, pointed, nerved, and shorter than the stem, which rises from 
 he midst of them more than a foot in height, round, smooth, jointed, and bearing 
 ommonly two large white or bluish-white terminal flowers. The calyx is a spathe 
 rith two valves. The corolla divides into six segments or petals, of which three 
 tand erect, and the remaining three are bent backward, and bearded within at 
 heir base with yellow-tipped white hairs. The fruil is a three-celled capsule, 
 ontaining many seeds. 
 
 This plant is a native of Italy and other parts of the South of Europe, where 
 ; is also cultivated. The root, which is the officinal portion, is dug up in spring, 
 nd prepared for the market by the removal of its cuticle and fibres. It is brought 
 ■om Leghorn in large casks. 
 
 Properties. Florentine orris is in pieces of various form and size, often branched, 
 sually about as thick as the thumb, knotty, flattened, white, heavy, of a rough 
 lough not fibrous fracture, an agreeable odour resembling that of the violet, and 
 bitterish acrid taste. The acrimony is greater in the recent than in the dried 
 jot; but the peculiar smell is more decidedly developed in the latter. The pieces 
 •e brittle and easily powdered, and the powder is of a dirty white colour. Yogel 
 jtained from Florentine orris, gum, a brown extractive, fecula, a bitter and acrid 
 ted oil or soft resin, a volatile crystallizable oil, and vegetable fibre. According 
 Landerer, the acrid principle is volatile, separating in the form of a stearoptene 
 ora water distilled from the root. (Arch, der Pharm., lxv. 802.) 
 
 Medical Properties. This medicine is cathartic, and in large doses emetic, and 
 is formerly employed to a considerable extent on the continent of Europe. It 
 said also to be diuretic, and to have proved useful in dropsies. At present it 
 valued for its agreeable odour. It is occasionally chewed to conceal an offensive 
 eath, and enters into the composition of tooth-powders. In the form of small 
 and balls, about the size of a pea, it is used by the French for maintaining the 
 Ischarge from issues, a purpose to which it is adapted by its odour, by the slight 
 ijrimony which it retains in its dried state, and by the property of swelling very 
 : ich by the absorption of moisture. W. 
 
 IRIS VERSICOLOR. U.S. Secondary. 
 
 Blue Flay. 
 
 The rhizoma of Iris versicolor. U. S. 
 
 Iris. See IRIS FLORENTINA. 
 
 Tris versicolor. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 233 ; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. i. 155. This 
 i igenous species of Iris has a perennial, fleshy, horizontal, fibrous root or rhizoma, 
 al a stem two or three feet high, round on one side, acute on the other, and 
 f |uently branching. The leaves are sheathing at the base, sword-shaped, and 
 s ; ated. The flowers are from two to six in number, and are usually blue or 
 F pie, though varying much in colour. The capsule has three valves, is divided 
 i: ) three cells, and when mature is oblong, three-sided, with obtuse angles, and 
 c, tains numerous flat seeds. 
 
 Che blue flag is found in all parts of the United States, flourishing in low wet 
 p.jes, in meadows, and on the borders of swamps, which it serves to adorn with 
 
422 
 
 PART 
 
 Iris Versicolor . — Jalapa. 
 
 ’ its large and beautiful flowers. These make their appearance in June. Thero 
 is the medicinal portion. The flowers afford a fine blue infusion, which serv' 
 as a test of acids and alkalies. 
 
 The recent root is without odour, and has a nauseous, acrid taste, which 
 imparted to water by decoction, and still more perfectly to alcohol. The ac-i 
 mony as well as medicinal activity is impaired by age. If cut when fresh in 
 slices, dried at the temperature of about 100°, and then powdered and kept 
 bottles excluded from the air, the root retains its virtues unimpaired for a co 
 siderable time. (Andrews.') 
 
 Blue flag possesses the cathartic, emetic, and diuretic properties common 
 most of its congeners. It was said by Mr. Bartram to be much esteemed by tl 
 Southern Indians; and Dr. Bigelow states that he has found it efficacious as 
 purgative, though inconvenient from the disti-essing nausea and prostration whii 
 it is apt to occasion. Dr. M. H. Andrews, of Michigan, has employed it fr 
 quently as a cathartic, and found it, when combined with a grain of C'ayem 
 pepper, or two grains of ginger, not less easy and effectual in its operation tb; 
 the ordinary more active cathartics, and preferable on account of its less di 
 agreeable taste. (Id. Y. Journ. of Med., ix. 129.) Dr. Macbride found it usef 
 in dropsy. It. is, however, little used by the profession at large, and seldom 
 ever kept in the shops. It may be given in substance, decoction, or tinctur 
 The dose of the dried root is from ten to twenty grains. W. 
 
 JALAPA. U.S., Loud ., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Jalap. 
 
 The root of Ipomaea Jalapa (Coxe, Am. Journ. of Med. Sciences). U. S. Ev 
 gonium Purga. The tuber. Land. The root. Dub. Ipomasa Purga. The root. £ 
 
 Jalap, Fr.; Jalappen-JVurzel, Germ.; Sciarappa, Ilal.; Jalapa, Spa?). 
 
 The precise botanical origin of jalap remained long unknown. It was at fh 
 ascribed by Linnaeus to a Mirabilis.and afterwards to a new species of Convolvuli 
 to which be gave the name of C. Jalapa. The correctness of the latter referen 
 was generally admitted; and, as the Ipomsea macrorhiza of Michaux, growi 
 in Florida and Georgia, was believed to be identical with the C. Jalapa of Lim 
 it was thought that this valuable drug, which had been obtained exclusively fre 
 Mexico, might be collected within the limits^ff the United States. But theen 
 of this opinion was soon demonstrated; and botanists now universally concur 
 the belief, that jalap is the product of a plant first made known to the scienti 
 world by Dr. John ft. Coxe, of Philadelphia, and described by Mr. Nuttall und 
 the name of Ipomaea Jalapa. When this Dispensatory was first published, opini 
 in relation to the botanical history of the drug was unsettled, and it was deem 
 proper to enter at some length into the consideration of the subject; but the si 
 sequent general admission of the views then advocated renders an equal degr 
 of minuteness now unnecessary. It is sufficient to state that Dr. Coxe receiv. 
 living roots of jalap from Mexico iu the year 1827, and succeeded in produc-i; 
 a perfect flowering plant, of which a description, by Mr. Nuttall. was publish 
 in the Am. Journ. of Medical Sciences for January, 1830; that the same ph 
 was afterwards cultivated in France and Germany from roots transmitted to tb 1 
 countries from Mexico; and that one of the authors of this work has produe, 
 from roots obtained in the vicinity of Xalapa, and sent to him by the late 1 
 Marmaduke Burrough, then United States consul at Vera Cruz, luxuriant plat, 
 which he was enabled to compare with others descended from the plant of .- 
 Coxe, and found to be identical with them. In the United States and all ' 
 British Pharmacopoeias, this origin of jalap is now admitted; but the EdinbuU 
 
’ART I. 
 
 423 
 
 Jalapa. 
 
 College has adopted Hayne’s and Wenderoth’s name of I. Purga, thus overlooking 
 he prior claims of the American authorities. J. H. Balfour, in the number of 
 lurtis’s Magazine for February, 1847, states that the plant belongs to the genus 
 Ex ogonium of Choisy, as defined in De Candolle’s Prodromus, being distinguished 
 lom Ipomsea by its exserted stamens; and the London and Dublin Colleges 
 ndorse this reference. 
 
 IpOMiEA. Sex. Sysf. Pentemdria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Convolvulaceas. 
 Gen. Ch. Sepals five. Corolla campanulate. Stamens included. Style one. 
 Stigma two-lobed ; the lobes capitate. 0 vary two-celled; cells two-seeded. Cop- 
 ule two-celled. Lindley. 
 
 ■ Ipomsea Jalapa. Nuttall, Am. Journ. of Med. Sciences, v. 300; Carson, lllust. 
 ■f Med. But. ii. 13, pi. 61. — Ipomsea Purga. Hayne, Darstel. und Besclireib. 
 ic. xii. 33 and 34; Lindley, Flor. Med. 396. — Exogonium Purga. Balfour, (Jur- 
 is s Bot. Mag. 3 d ser. vol. iii. tab. 4280. The root of this plant is a roundish 
 omewhat pear-shaped tuber, externally blackish, internally white, with long 
 ibres proceeding from its lower part, as well as from the upper root-stalks. A 
 uber produced by Dr. Coxe was, in its third year, between two and three inches 
 a diameter. The stem is round, smooth, much disposed to twist, and rises to 
 considerable height upon neighbouring objects, about which it twines. The 
 saves are heart-shaped, entire, smooth, pointed, deeply sinuated at the base, 
 rominently veined on their under surface, and supported upon long footstalks, 
 ’he lower leaves are nearly hastate, or with diverging angular points. The 
 owers, which are large and of a lilac-purple colour, stand upon peduncles about 
 s long as the petioles. Each peduncle supports two, or more rarely, three 
 owers. The calyx is without brac-tes, five-leaved, obtuse, with two of the divi- 
 ions external. The corolla is funnel-form. The stamens are five in number, 
 ith oblong, white, somewhat exserted anthers. The stigma is simple and capi- 
 ite. The above description is taken from that of Mr. Nuttall, published in Dr. 
 loxe’s paper in the American Journal of ike Medical Sciences. 
 
 The jalap plant is a native of Mexico, and derived its name from the city of 
 lalapa, in the state of Vera Cruz, in the neighbourhood of which it grows, at the 
 (eight of about 6000 feet above the ocean. The drug is brought from the port 
 f Vera Cruz in bags, containing usually between one hundred and two hundred 
 .ounds. 
 
 Properties. The tuber comes either whole, or divided longitudinally into two 
 arts, or in transverse circular slices. The entire tubers are irregularly roundish, 
 • ovate and pointed, or pear-shaped, usually much smaller than the fist, and 
 larked with circular or vertical incisions, made to facilitate their drying. The 
 jot is preferred in this state, as it is less apt to be defective, and is more easily 
 istinguished from the adulterations than when sliced. A much larger propor- 
 ; nn comes entire than formerly, indicating a greater scarcity of the older roots, 
 kich it is necessary to slice in order to dry them properly. The tuber is heavy, 
 impact, hard, brittle, with a shining undulated fracture, exhibiting numerous 
 j:sinous points, distinctly visible with the microscope. It is externally brown 
 id wrinkled, internally of a grayish colour, diversified by concentric darker 
 rcles, in which the matter is denser and harder than in the intervening spaces, 
 jalap is always kept in the shops in the state of powder, which is of a yellowish- 
 ’ay colour, and when inhaled irritates the nostrils and throat, and provokes 
 aeezmg and coughing. The odour of the root, when cut or broken, is heavy, 
 veetish, and rather nauseous ; the taste is sweetish, somewhat acrid, and disa- 
 greeable. It yields its active properties partly to water, partly to alcohol, and 
 mipletely to diluted alcohol. M. Cadet de Gassicourt obtained from 500 parts 
 'jalap, 24 of water, 50 of resin, 220 of gummy extract, 12'5 of fecula, 12 5 of 
 bumen, 145 of lignin, 16'3 of saline matters, 2'7 of silica, with a loss of 17 
 
424 
 
 PART : 
 
 Jalapa. 
 
 part3. Buchner and Herberger supposed that they had discovered a basic sul 
 stance, which they called jalapin. G. A. Kayser found that the resin of jala 
 consists of two portions, one of which, amounting to seven parts out of ten, : 
 hard and insoluble in ether, the other is soft and soluble in that menstruun 
 The hard resin he named rhodeoretin , and found to he identical with the jalapi 
 of Buchner and Herberger. By reaction with the alkalies it is converted int 
 an acid, called rhodeoretinic acid, llhodeoretin is Rightly soluble in water, freel 
 so in alcohol, and insoluble in ether ; and the alcoholic solution is precipitate 
 both by ether and water. It is dissolved by solutions of the alkalies, moi 
 quickly if heated, and is not precipitated by acids, having become soluble b 
 conversion into the acid above referred to. It purges violently in the dose c 
 three or four grains, and is supposed to be the active principle of jalap. Mayer ha 
 confirmed and extended the observations of Kayser. The formula of rhodeoretii 
 according to the latter chemist, is C^H^O*,, according to the former, C 7 
 (See Chem. Gaz., iii. 15, and xi. 21.) The proportion of resin to the other it 
 gredients of the root varies considerably in different specimens. According t 
 Gerber, the root contains 7'8 per cent, of hard resin, 3 2 of soft resin, 17'9 c 
 extractive, 14'5 of gummy extract, 8 ’2 of a colouring substance which become 
 red under the influence of the alkaline carbonates, 19 of uncrystal lizable sugai 
 15'6 of gum mixed with some saline matters, 3'2 of bassorin, 3 9 of albumeD 
 6'0 of starch, 8 '2 of lignin, with some water, and various salts. For the metho 
 of obtaining the resin of jalap pure, see Extractvm siue Resina Jalapae. 
 
 Jalap is apt to be attacked by worms, which, however, are said to devour th 
 amylaceous or softer parts, and to leave the resin ; so that the worm-eaten dru: 
 is more powerfully purgative than that which is sound. Thus, out of 397 part 
 of the former, M. Henry obtained 72 parts of resin, while from an equal quan 
 tity of the latter he procured only 48 parts. Hence worm-eaten jalap should b 
 employed for obtaining the resin, but should not be pulverized, as it would affon 
 a powder of more than the proper strength. The drug is also liable to variou 
 adulterations, or fraudulent substitutions, which, however, can usually be de 
 tected without difficulty. Those which have attracted particular attention ar 
 mentioned in the note below.* Jalap should be rejected when it is light, of 
 
 * Adulterations, $c. Jalap is said to be sometimes adulterated with bryony root; bu 
 no instance of the kind has come under our notice ; and the two drugs are so wide! 
 different that the fraud would be instantly detected. (See Bryony in the Appendix, i It i 
 probable, however, that the adulteration which has been considered as bryony root, is th 
 mechoacan, which in Europe is sometimes called American bryony, and was formerly err 
 neously supposed to be derived from a species of Bryonia. The mechoacan, is a produc 
 of Mexico, which was taken to Europe even before the introduction of jalap. The plar 
 producing it has been conjectured to be the lpomxa macrorhiza of Michaux, which is be 
 lieved to grow in Mexico near Vera Cruz, as well as in our Southern States, and the roc 
 of which is said to weigh, when of full size, from fifty to sixty pounds, and, according t 
 Dr. Baldwin, has little or no purgative power. But this origin is altogether uucertaii 
 Mechoacan is in circular slices, or fragments of various shapes, white and farinaeeou 
 within, and, as found in European markets, generally destitute of bark, of which, Iwwevei 
 portions of a yellowish colour sometimes continue to adhere. The larger pieces are some 
 times marked with faint concentric strife: and upon the exterior surface are brown spot 
 and ligneous points, left by the radicles which have been removed. (Guihnurt.'\ Thoug 
 tasteless when first taken into the mouth, it becomes after a time slightly acrid. It is ver 
 feebly purgative. We have seen fiat circular pieces of root, mixed with jalap, altogetlie 
 answering this description, except that the cortical portion still remained, between wkic 
 and the amylaceous parenchyma there was a very evident line of division. 
 
 A drug, formerly known in our markets as spurious jalap, sometimes comes mingled wit 
 the genuine, and has been imported, unmixed, in mistake for that root. It is probably tb 
 same with that referred to by French writers as the product of a plant denominated mu 
 jalap in Mexico, and named by M. Ledanois Convolvulus Orizabensis, from the city of Or 
 zaba, in the neighbourhood of which it grows abundantly. In the shops of Paris the dru 
 is called light jalap, and, in Guibourt’s Histoire des Drogues, is described under the title ■ 
 
ART I. 
 
 425 
 
 Jalapa. 
 
 hitish colour internally, of a dull fracture, spongy, or friable. Powders of 
 ilomel and jalap, taken on long voyages to southern climates, are said, when 
 rought back, to have become consolidated, and so far chemically altered as 
 lainly to exhibit globules of mercury. This change is ascribed by Schacht and 
 fackenroder to a fungous growth. (Arch, der Pharm., xxxiv. 289.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Jalap is an active cathartic, operating briskly 
 id sometimes painfully upon the bowels, and producing copious watery stools. 
 
 i siform jalap. A description of it was first published in this country by Mr. D. B. Smith, 
 
 ; a valuable paper upon the Ipomrea Jalapa) in the Am. Journ. of Pharm., vol. ii. p. 22. 
 jr an account of the plant, the reader is referred to the same Journal, vol. x. p. 224. 
 ie recent root is large, spindle-shaped, sometimes as much as twenty inches in length, 
 ■anched at its lower extremity, of a yellow colour on its outer surface, and white and 
 ilky within. The drug, as described by Guibourt, is in circular pieces, two or three 
 cbes in diameter, or in longer and more slender sections. As we have seen it, the shape 
 the pieces is often such as to indicate that the root was sliced transversely, and each 
 rcular slice divided into quarters. The horizontal cut surface is dark from exposure, 
 lequal from the greater shrinking in the drying process of some parts than others, and 
 esents the extremities of numerous fibres, which are often concentrically arranged, and 
 n in the longitudinal direction of the root. Internally the colour is grayish, and the 
 pure, though much less compact than that of jalap, is sometimes almost ligneous. The 
 ste is at first slight, but after a time becomes somewhat acrid and nauseous. The dried 
 jot of the Convolvulus Orizabensis, or male jalap, analyzed by M. Ledanois, yielded in 
 
 00 parts, 80 of resin, 256 of gummy extract, 32 of fecula, 24 of albumen, and 580 of 
 ;nin. It has cathartic properties similar to those of the true jalap, but considerably 
 ore feeble, requiring to be given in a dose of from thirty to sixty grains in order to ope- 
 te effectively. The proportion of resin, which in both is the most active purgative prin- 
 ile, is considerably less in the male jalap ; while that of lignin, which is wholly inert, is 
 !out double. [Journ. de Pharm., xxiv. 166.) This resin, according to G. A. Kayser, 
 Fers from the true jalap resin in consisting of only one principle, which is entirely 
 uble in ether. But both resins are distinguished from all others by being gradually 
 
 ''.solved in concentrated sulphuric acid, and deposited again after some hours in a soft 
 ij.te. [Chem. Gaz., No. 53, from Liebig’s Annalen.) 
 
 A false jalap was some years since brought into the United States, different from anv- 
 ng before seen in our market. It was said to have been imported from Mexico into 
 . w York in considerable quantities, and was offered for sale under the name of overgrown 
 yip. A specimen, brought to Philadelphia, and examined by a Committee of the College 
 ( Pharmacy, presented the following characters. It was in light, entire or vertically sliced 
 tiers, of different form and magnitude, spindle-shaped, ovate, and kidney-form, some as 
 
 1 ch as six inches long and three thick, others much smaller, externally somewhat wrinkled, 
 ih broad flattish light-brown ridges and shallow darker furrows, internally grayish-white, 
 vh distant darker concentric circles, sometimes uniformly amylaceous, of a dull rough 
 icture, a loose texture, a slight, peculiar, and sweetish odour, and a feeble jalap-like 
 t te. The powder was of a light-gray colour, and did not irritate the nostrils or throat 
 cring pulverization. The root differed from mechoacan by the absence of the marks of 
 i ical fibres, and from male jalap by the want of a fibrous structure. It yielded by ana- 
 1 is, in 100 parts, 3 of a soft and 4 of a hard and brittle resin, 17 of gummy extractive, 
 -of starch and inulin, 10 of gum and albumen, 23-2 of lignin, and 14-8 of saccharine 
 i tter and salts of lime, including loss. In doses of from fifteen to twenty grains it pro- 
 tied no effect on the system. A similar root was described by Guibourt by the name of 
 r(-scented jalap. It was taken to France from Mexico, mixed with genuine jalap. It 
 Rved equally inefficacious as a purgative, and probably had the same origin. This spu- 
 rns drug is probably the product of a Convolvulus or Ipomcea. See a report by Messrs. 
 Iiamel, Ellis, and Ecky, in the American Journal of Pharmacy, xiv. 289. 
 
 .'wo varieties of false jalap imported into New York are described by Mr. John H. Currie 
 h lie N. Y. Journ. of Pharm. for Jan. 1852. The first corresponds with the root above 
 d iribed as that of the Convolvulus Orizabensis, or male jalap, both in appearance and 
 h he character of its resinous ingredient. The second is a tuberous root, resembling in 
 sjpe, colour, and size the butternut, or fruit of Juglans cinerea, being black or nearly so 
 e n-nally, dull over most of the surface but glossy in spots, with deep longitudinal in- 
 s' >ns, internally yellow or yellowish-white, with a horny fracture, and upon the trans- 
 v jely cut surface marked with sparse dots as if from delicate fibres. It contains no 
 1-1 n, and appears to be inert. 
 
426 
 
 PART 
 
 Jalapa. — Juglans. 
 
 The aqueous extract purges moderately, without much griping, and is said 
 increase the flow of urine. The portion not taken up by water gripes severel 
 The watery extract obtained from jalap previously exhausted by rectified spiri 
 is said to have no cathartic effect, but to operate powerfully by urine. ( Duncan 
 The alcoholic extract, usually called resin of jalap, purges actively, and oft* 
 produces severe griping. From these facts, it would appear that the virtues 
 this cathartic do not depend exclusively upon any one principle. Jalap w 
 introduced into Europe in the latter part of the sixteenth, or beginning of t! 
 seventeenth century, and now ranks among the purgative medicines most exte 
 sively employed. It is applicable to most cases in which an active cathartic 
 required, and from its hydragogue powers is especially adapted to the treatme 
 of dropsy. It is generally given in connexion with other medicines, which assi 
 or qualify its operation. In dropsical complaints it is usually combined wi 
 bitartrate of potassa ; and the same mixture is much employed in the treatme 
 of the hip disease, and scrofulous affections of other joints. With calomel 
 forms a cathartic compound, which has long been highly popular in the Uniti 
 States in bilious fever, and other complaints attended with congestion of tl 
 liver or portal circle. In over-doses it may produce dangerous hypercatharsi 
 It is said to purge when applied to a wound. 
 
 The dose of jalap in powder is from fifteen to thirty grains; of the resin, 
 alcoholic extract of the Edinburgh College, from four to eight grains; of the e 
 tract of the U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias, from ten to twenty grains. T! 
 latter extract is preferable to the alcoholic, as it more completely represents tl 
 jalap itself. The dose of calomel and jalap is ten grains of each; that of bitartra 
 of potassa and jalap, two drachms of the former and ten or fifteen grains of the latte 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum Jalapse; Extractum si ve Resina Jalapae ; Pulvis Jalap 
 Compositus; Tinctura Jalapse ; Tinctura Sennas et Jalapas. W. 
 
 JUGLANS. TJ.S. 
 
 Butternut. 
 
 The inner bark of the root of Juglans cinerea. U. S. 
 
 Juglans. Sex. Syst. Moncecia Polyandria. — Xat. Ord . Juglandacete. 
 
 Gen. Glx. Male. Amentum imbricated. Calyx a scale. Corolla six-parte 
 Filaments four to eighteen. Female. Calyx four-cleft, superior. Corolla foi 
 cleft. Styles two. Drupe coriaceous with a furrowed nut. Willd. 
 
 Several products of Juglans regia , or common European walnut, are us 
 medicinally in Europe. The hull of the fruit has been employed as a vermifu 
 from the times of Hippocrates, and has been recommended in syphilis and c 
 ulcers. The expressed oil of the fruit is deemed by some practitioners efficac-io 
 against the tape-worm, and is also used as a laxative injection. The leaves, lo 
 occasionally employed for various purposes both in regular aud domestic prac-ti* 
 have been found by Professor Negrier, of Angers, in the highest degree effi' 
 cious in scrofula. lie gave to children a teacupful of a pretty strong iufusa 
 or six grains of the aqueous extract, or an equivalent dose of a syrup prepai 
 from the extract, two, three, or four times a day; and at the same time appli 
 a strong decoction to the ulcers, and as a collyrium when the eyes were diseasi 
 No injury ever resulted from a long-continued use of the remedy. It appears' 
 act as a moderately aromatic bitter and astringent. {Arch ires Gen., 3c sene,- 
 399 and xi. 41.) The leaves of our J. nigra or common black walnut, or the 
 of J. cinerea, the only officinal species, would probably answer as good a purpo- 
 
 Juglans cinerea- Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 456; Bigelow, Am. Me t. Bot. ii. Ik 
 Carson, lllust. of Med. Bot. ii. 42, pi. 86. — J. cathartic-a, Michaux, A. A- 
 
ART I. 
 
 427 
 
 Juglans. 
 
 | ylva. i. 160. This is an indigenous forest tree, known in different sections of 
 ie country by the various names of butternut, oilnut, and white ivahiut. In 
 vourable situations it attains a great size, rising sometimes fifty feet in height, 
 ith a trunk three or four feet in diameter at the distance of five feet from the 
 •ound. The stem divides, at a small distance from the ground, into numerous 
 aarly horizontal branches, which spread widely, and form a large tufted head, 
 he young branches are smooth and of a grayish colour, which has given origin 
 i the specific name of the plant. The leaves are very long, and consist of 
 ven or eight pairs of sessile leaflets, and a single petiolate leaflet at the end. 
 hese are two or three inches in length, oblong-lanceolate, rounded at the base, 
 nminate, finely serrate, and somewhat downy. The male and female flowers 
 ?e distinct upon the same tree. The former are in large aments, four or five 
 ches long, hanging down from the sides of the shoots of the preceding year’s 
 •owth near their extremity. The fertile flowers are at the end of the shoots of 
 ie same spring. The germ is surmounted by two large, feathery, rose-coloured 
 igmas. The fruit is sometimes single, suspended by a thin pliable peduncle; 
 metimes several are attached to the sides and extremity of the same peduncle, 
 tie drupe is oblong-oval, with a terminal projection, hairy, viscid, green in the 
 imature state, but brown when ripe. It contains a hard, dark, oblong, pointed 
 it, with a rough, deeply and irregularly furrowed surface. The kernel is thick, 
 ly, and pleasant to the taste. 
 
 The butternut grows in Upper and Lower Canada, and throughout the whole 
 irthern, eastern, and western sections of the United States. In the Middle 
 .-ates, the flowers appear in May, and the fruit ripens in September. The tree, 
 pierced immediately before the leaves unfold, yields a richly saccharine juice, 
 pm which sugar may be obtained, nearly if not quite equal to that from the 
 gar maple. The wood, though neither strong nor compact, is useful for some 
 irposes on account of its durability, and exemption from the attacks of worms, 
 le fruit, when half-grown, is sometimes made into pickles, and, when ripe, 
 ords in its kernel a grateful article of food. The bark is used for dyeing wool 
 iark-brown colour, though inferior for this purpose to that of the black walnut, 
 is said, when applied to the skin, to be rubefacient. The inner bark is the 
 edicinal portion, and that of the root, being considered most efficient, is directed 
 the national Pharmacopoeia. It should be collected in May or June. 
 
 On the living tree, the inner bark when first uncovered is of a pure white, 
 lick becomes immediately on exposure a beautiful lemon colour, and ultimately 
 ■anges to deep brown. It has a fibrous texture, a feeble odour, and a peculiar, 
 -ter, somewhat acrid taste. Its medical virtues are extracted by boiling water. 
 
 . ’. Bigelow could detect no resin in the bark ; and the presence of tannin was 
 ) t evinced by the test of gelatin, though a brownish-black colour was produced 
 the sulphate of iron. 
 
 I Medical Properties and Uses. Butternut is a mild cathartic, operating without 
 tin or irritation, and resembling rhubarb in the property of evacuating without 
 'bilitating the alimentary canal. It was much employed, during our revolu- 
 i nary war, by Dr. Rush and other physicians attached to the army. It is 
 (oecialiy applicable to cases of habitual costiveness and other bowel affections, 
 ' rtieularly dysentery, in which it has acquired considerable reputation. In con- 
 ] xion with calomel it has sometimes been used in our intermittent and remittent 
 hers, and other complaints attended with congestion of the abdominal viscera. 
 -I is given in the form of decoction or extract, never in substance. The extract 
 i officinal, and is almost always preferred. The dose of it is from twenty to 
 trty grains as a purge, from five to ten grains as a laxative. 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum Juglandis. W. 
 
428 
 
 Juniperus. 
 
 PART 
 
 JUNIPERUS. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Juniper. 
 
 The fruit of Juniperus communis. U. S-, Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. JUNIPERI CACUMINA. Tops of Juniperus communis. J" 
 NIPERJ FPiUCTUS. Berries of Juniperus communis. Ed. JUNIPERI 
 COMMUNIS. The tops and berries. Dub. 
 
 Genevrier commun, Bales de Genievre, Ft.; Gemeiner Wachholder, Wachholderbeen 
 Germ.; Ginepro, IlaL; Enebro, Bayas de enebro, Span. 
 
 Juniperus. Sex. Syst. Dioecia Monadelphia. — Nat.Ord. Pinacem or Conifer; 
 
 Gen. Oh. Male. Amentum ovate. Calyx a scale. Corolla none. Stame 
 three. Female. Calyx three-parted. Petals three. Styles three. Berry thre 
 seeded, irregular, with the three tubercles of the calyx. Willd. 
 
 Juniperus communis. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 853 ; Woodv. J led. Bot. p. 1 
 t. 6. This is an erect evergreen shrub, usually small, but sometimes attaining 
 height of twelve or fifteen feet, with numerous very close branches. The leav 
 are narrow, longer than the fruit, entire, sharply pointed, channeled, of a dee 
 green colour, somewhat glaucous on their upper surface, spreading, and attach; 
 to the stem or branches in threes, in a verticillate manner. The flowers are die 
 cious, and disposed in small, ovate, axillary, sessile, solitary aments. The fruit 
 formed of the fleshy coalescing scales of the ament, and contains three angular seed 
 
 The common juniper is a native of Europe; but has been introduced into th 
 country, in some parts of which it has become naturalized. It is uot uncommc 
 iu the neighbourhood of Philadelphia. The plant described in Bigelow’s Am 
 rican Medical Botany, under the title of J. communis , and verj’ common in ce 
 tain parts of New England, deserves, perhaps, to be considered a distinct specie 
 It is a trailing shrub, seldom more than two or three feet in height, spreadit 
 in all directions, throwing out roots from its branches, and forming beds whic 
 are often many rods in circumference. The name of J. depressa has been pr 
 posed for it. The common juniper flowers in May; but does not ripen its fra 
 till late in the following year. All parts of the plant contain a volatile oil, whk 
 imparts to them a peculiar flavour. The wood has a slight aromatic odour, ar 
 was formerly used for fumigation. A terebinthinate juice exudes from the tr« 
 and hardens on the bark. This has been erroneously considered as identic 
 with sandarach. The peasantry in the South of France prepare a sort of ta 
 which they call “ huile de cade,” from the interior reddish wood of the tror 
 and branches, by a distillation per descensum. (See oil of cade in the Appei 
 dix.) The fruit and tops of juniper are the only officinal parts. 
 
 The berries, as the fruit is commonly called, are sometimes collected in th 
 country, and parcels are occasionally brought to the Philadelphia market fro 
 New Jersey. But, though equal to the European in appearance, they are inferij 
 in strength, and are not much used. The best come from the South of Europ 
 particularly from Trieste and the Italian ports. They arc globular ; more or le 
 shriveled ; about as large as a pea ; marked with three furrows at the sumrni 
 and with tubercles from the persistent calyx at the base ; and covered with 
 glaucous bloom, beneath which they are of a shining blackish-purple colour. Th; 
 contain a brownish-yellow pulp, and three angular seeds. They have an agre 
 able somewhat aromatic odour, and a sweetish, warm, bitterish, slightly ter 
 binthinate taste. These properties, as well as their medical virtues, they ov 
 chiefly to a volatile oil. (See Oleum Juniper!. ) The other ingredients, accordii 
 to Trommsdorff, are resin, sugar, gum, wax, lignin, water, and various saline su 
 stances. The proportion of these ingredients varies according to the greater 1 
 less maturity of the berries. The volatile oil is most abundant in those whit 
 
].rt I. Juniperus. — Juniperus Virginiana. 429 
 
 lve attained their full growth and are still green, or in those which are on the 
 pint of ripening. In the latter, Trommsdorff found one per cent, of the oil. In 
 Use which are perfectly ripe if has been partly changed into resin, and in those 
 cite black, completely so. The berries impart their virtues to water and alco- 
 11. They are very largely consumed in the preparation of gin. 
 
 The tops of Juniper are directed by the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges. Their 
 cpur is balsamic, their taste resinous and bitterish; and they possess similar 
 ytues with the berries. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. J uniper berries are gently stimulant and diuretic, 
 i parting to the urine the smell of violets, and producing occasionally, when very 
 lgely taken, disagreeable irritation in the urinary passages. They are chiefly 
 i5d as an adjuvant to more powerful diuretics in dropsical complaints; but have 
 bn recommended also in scorbutic and cutaneous diseases, catarrh of the bladder, 
 ad atonic conditions of the alimentary canal and uterus. They may be given 
 
 i substance, triturated with sugar, in the dose of one or two drachms repeated 
 tree or. four times a day. But the infusion is a more convenient, form. It is 
 ppared by macerating an ounce of the bruised berries in a pint of boiling water, 
 t: whole of which may be taken in the course of twenty-four hours. Extracts 
 a prepared from the berries, both bruised and unbruised, and given in the dose 
 c one or two drachms; but, in consequence of the evaporation of the essential 
 c, they are probably not stronger than the berries in substance. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Scoparii Compositum; Infusum Juniperi; Oleum Juni- 
 pi; Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. W. 
 
 JUNIPERUS VIRGINIANA. US. Secondary. 
 
 Red Cedar. 
 
 The tops of Juniperus Virginiana. U. S. 
 
 Iuniperus. See JUNIPERUS. 
 
 Juniperus Virginiana. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 853; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 
 
 ii 49 ; Michaux, N. Am. Spiv. iii. 221. This species of Juniper, known com- 
 naly by the name of red cedar , is an evergreen tree of slow growth, seldom 
 a lining a very large size, though sometimes rising forty or fifty feet in height, 
 wh a stem more than a foot in diameter. It has numerous very close branches, 
 vs' ch, in the young tree, spread out horizontally near the ground; but, as the 
 tm advances, the lower branches slowly decay, leaving the trunk irregular with 
 kits and crevices. The leaves are very small, fleshy, ovate, concave, pointed, 
 gladular on their outer surface, either ternate or in pairs, and closely imbricated, 
 lose of the young shoots are often much longer, and spreading. The leaves 
 c.sely invest the extreme twigs, increasing with their growth, till ultimately lost 
 it lie encroachments of the bark. “The barren flowers are in oblong aments, 
 fcned by peltate scales with the anthers concealed within them. The fertile 
 flpers have a proper perianth, which coalesces with the germ, and forms a small, 
 r< ndish berry, with two or three seeds, covered on its outer surface with a bright 
 b,3 powder.” ( Bigelow .) 
 
 ’he red cedar grows in all latitudes of the United States, from that of Bur- 
 li ;ton, in Vermont, to the Gulf of Mexico; but is most abundant and most 
 v >rous in the southern section. The interior wood is of a reddish colour, and 
 hilly valuable on account of its great durability. Small excrescences which 
 a | sometimes found on the branches of the tree, are popularly used as an anthel- 
 h tic, under the name of cedar apples, in the dose of from ten to twenty grains 
 tl le times a day. The tops or leaves only are officinal. 
 
 .’hey have a peculiar not unpleasant odour, and a strong, bitterish, somewhat 
 
430 
 
 PART 
 
 Juniperus Virginiana. — Kino. 
 
 pungent taste. These properties reside chiefly in a volatile oil, and are readi 
 imparted to alcohol. The leaves, analyzed by Mr. Wm. J. Jenks, were found 
 contain volatile oil, gum, tannic acid, albumen, bitter extractive, resin, cklor 
 phylle, fixed oil, lime, and lignin. ( Am . Journ. of Pharm., xiv. 235.) Tht 
 bear a close resemblance to the leaves of Juniperus Sabina, from which they cs 
 be certainly distinguished only by the difference of odour. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The resemblance of red cedar to savine is sa 
 also to extend to their medical properties; the former being considered, like tl 
 latter, stimulant, emmenagogue, diuretic, and, under certain circumstances, di 
 phoretic. It is, however, much less energetic; and, though advantage may, : 
 has been asserted, have accrued from its use in amenorrhoea, chronic rheumatisc 
 and dropsy, it has not acquired the confidence of the profession generally.* E 
 ternally applied it acts as an irritant ; and an ointment, prepared by boiling tl 
 fresh leaves for a short time in twice their weight of lard, with the addition 
 a little wax, is employed as a substitute for savine cerate in maintaining a pur- 
 lent discharge from blistered surfaces. Sometimes the dried leaves in powd 
 are mixed with six times their weight of resin cerate, and used for a simil; 
 purpose. But neither of these preparations is as effectual as the analogous pr 
 paration of savine. TV. 
 
 KINO. U. S., Land., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Kino. 
 
 The inspissated juice of Pterocarpus Marsupium, and of other plants. U . . 
 Pterocarpus Marsupium. Juice from incisions in the bark, hardened in the su: 
 Land. Concrete exudation of Pterocarpus erinaceus, and of other undetermine 
 genera and species. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Kino, Fr., Germ., Ital.; Quino, Span. 
 
 The term kino was originally applied to a vegetable extract or inspissated juie 
 taken to London from the western coast of Africa, and introduced to the noth 
 of the profession by Dr. Fothergill. Vegetable products obtained from variot 
 other parts of the world, resembling kino in their appearance and properties, afte 
 wards received the same name; and much confusion and uncertainty have existei 
 and in some degree still exist, in relation to the botanical and commercial histoi 
 of the drug. We shall first give an account of the general properties of tl 
 medicines denominated kino, and shall then treat of the several varieties. 
 
 General Properties. Kino, as found in the shops, is usually in small, irregula 
 angular, shining fragments, seldom so large as a pea, of a dark reddish-brown i 
 blackish colour, very brittle, easily pulverizable, and affording a reddish powde 
 much lighter coloured than the drug in its aggregate state. If in larger masse 
 it may be reduced without difficulty into these minute fragments. It is witlm 
 odour, and has a bitterish, highly astringent taste, with a somewhat sweeti- 
 after-taste. It burns with little flame, and does not soften with heat. It impar 
 its virtues and a deep-red colour to water and alcohol. Cold water forms wi 
 
 * In the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal (xl. 469), several cases of poisoning a 
 recorded by Dr. S. C. Watt, of Gouverneur. New York, resulting from the use of l 'ced 
 oil,” which we presume to be the volatile oil procured by distillation from the red cedt 
 though no information on that point is given. It appears that this oil has the repmtati 
 of producing abortion, and was taken, in three of the cases described, with a view to tl 
 effect. In one instance a fluidrachm was taken, in another a flnidounce, and in both 
 these cases recovery took place. Two of the cases were fatal. The symptoms were hut 
 ing in the stomach, sometimes vomiting, violent convulsions, coma, and a very slow pul; 
 The operation of the poison was mainly on the brain. No abortive effect was experiene 
 in either case. The stomach, on examination after death, showed some marks of infla: 
 mation, but not violent, — Mote to the ninth edition. 
 
iRT I. 
 
 Kino. 
 
 431 
 
 a clear infusion. Boiling water dissolves it more largely; and the saturated 
 icoction becomes turbid on cooling, and deposits a reddish sediment. The 
 acture is not disturbed by water. When long kept it often gelatinizes, and 
 ;ses its astringency. (See Tinctura Kino.) Kino has been supposed to consist 
 iefly of a modification of tannic acid or tannin, with extractive, gum, and some- 
 nes probably a little resin; but we need a careful analysis of the different well- 
 icertained varieties. The aqueous solution is precipitated by gelatin, the soluble 
 Its of iron, silver, lead, and antimony, bichloride of mercury, and sulphuric, 
 trie, and muriatic acids. The precipitate with iron is of an olive or greenish- 
 ack colour. The alkalies favour the solubility of kino in water, but essen- 
 dly change its nature, and destroy its astringency. 
 
 1. East India Kino. This is the variety at present probably most used, and 
 :ost highly esteemed. Its origin was long unknown. It is now ascertained, 
 rough the united researches of Drs. Pereira, Boyle, Wight, and others, to be 
 e product of Pterocarpus Marsupium, a lofty tree, growing upon the mountains 
 i the Malabar coast of Hindostan. Kino is the juice of the tree, extracted 
 rough longitudinal incisions in the bark, and afterwards dried in the sun. Upon 
 lying it breaks into small fragments, and is put into wooden boxes for exporta- 
 :in. It is collected near Tellicherry, and exported from Bombay. It is some- 
 mes imported into this country directly from the East Indies, but more 
 immonly from London. From a communication in the Journal of the Asiatic 
 iciety of Bengal, by the Bev. F. Mason, it appears that kino is also collected 
 i the Tenasserim provinces, in further India, and has been exported from Maul- 
 nin to Europe. It is produced by a tree called Pa-douk , which is supposed to 
 1 a species of Pterocarpus; but its precise character was not certainly known. 
 (. m . Journ. of Pharm., xxi. 134.) Dr. Christison has subsequently recog- 
 tjed, in a description of this tree furnished to him by Mr. Begbie, of Maulmain, 
 t: precise characters of Pterocarpus Marsupium; so that this kino has the 
 sue origin with that from Malabar. 
 
 East India kino is in small, angular, glistening fragments, of a uniform con- 
 stence, appearing as if formed by the breaking down of larger masses. The 
 1 ger fragments are opaque and nearly black; but minute splinters are sometimes 
 tnsluc-ent, aud of a deep garnet redness when viewed by transmitted light. 
 r . is variety of kino is very brittle, readily breaking between the fingers, aud 
 filly pulverized, affording a dark reddish powder, a portion of which, resulting 
 f m the mutual attrition of the fragments, is often found interspersed among 
 t m. When chewed, it softens in the mouth, adheres somewhat to the teeth, and 
 t ges the saliva of a blood-red colour. In odour, taste, and chemical relations, 
 ilorresponds with the account already given of kino in general. According 
 t Vauquelin, it contains 75 per cent, of tannin and peculiar extractive, 24 of 
 r gum, and 1 of insoluble matter. But new views have recently been advanced 
 a to its composition. When kino is boiled in water, the decoction deposits on 
 tiling a bright-red substance; and a similar deposition takes place when a cold 
 fared aqueous solution of kino is long exposed with a broad surface to the air. 
 I. Gerding considers this deposit as the result of the combination of oxygen 
 T .h kino-tannic acid, and calls it kino-red. ( Chem . Gaz., ix. 260, from Liebig’s 
 -i , nalen .) Hennig, who has examined East India kino with some care, con- 
 sul’s this kino-red as a colouring matter in intimate combination with the tannic 
 a 1 , which he is disposed to think identical in its pure state with tannic acid of 
 gls; and he extends the same view's to the other forms of this astringent prin- 
 cle which give greenish precipitates with the sesquisalts of iron, and which 
 a generally believed to be somewhat different, as they occur in different plants. 
 1 iding this red colouring matter to possess acid properties, he has named it 
 i oic acid. According to Hennig, kino consists of tannic acid with a trace of 
 
432 
 
 Kino. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 gallic acid, kinoic acid, pectin, ulmic. acid, and inorganic salts with excess c 
 earthy liases. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm ., xxv. 544.) 
 
 2. West India or Jamaica Kino. This is believed to he the product of th 
 Coccoloha uvifera, or sea-side grape , a tree twenty feet or more in height, beai 
 ing beautiful broad shining leaves, and large bunches of purple berries, to whir 
 it owes its vernacular name. It grows in the West Indies and neighbourin 
 parts of the continent. The kino is said to be obtained by evaporating a decoi 
 tion of the wood and bark, which are very astringent. Many years since, 
 thick reddish-brown liquid was imported into Philadelphia from the West Indie; 
 which, when dried by exposure to the air in shallow vessels or by heat, afforde 
 an extract having all the properties of kino, for which it was sold by the dm; 
 gists. This has been long exhausted; but some years since, a considerabl 
 quantity of West India kino was brought into this market, which may still ente 
 into the consumption of the country. It was contained in large gourds, int 
 which it was evidently poured while in a liquid or semi-liquid state, and the 
 allowed to harden. We have specimens of this kino in our possession. 
 
 When taken from the gourd, it breaks into fragments of various sizes, upo 
 an average about as large as a hazelnut, and having some tendency to the rec- 
 angular form. The consistence of these fragments is uniform, their surfac 
 smooth and shining, and their colour a dark reddish-brown, approaching to blacl 
 They are, however, not so glistening, nor so black as the East India kino. I 
 mass they are quite opaque, but in thin splinters are translucent and of a rub 
 redness. They are readily broken by the fingers into smaller fragments, ai 
 easily pulverized, and yield a dull-reddish powder, considerably lighter-coloure 
 than that of the former variety. The West India kino is without odour, andht 
 a very astringent bitterish taste, with a scarcely observable sweetish after-tasti 
 It adheres to the teeth when chewed, though rather less than the East Indi 
 variety, and colours the saliva red. The solubility of Jamaica kino was ver 
 carefull}' examined, at our request, by Dr. Robert Bridges, of this city, whofouu 
 that cold water dissolved 89 per cent., and ordinary officinal alcohol 94 per c-eu 
 The portion dissolved by alcohol and not by water was probably of a resinor 
 nature; as it appeared to be viscid, and very much impeded the filtration of tl 
 watery solution. Considering the nature of this substance, the form of kino i 
 which it was found is probably, like that from the East Indies, an inspissate 
 juice. Guibourt, who states that Jamaica kino is but slightly dissolved by col 
 water, must have operated on a different product. 
 
 3. South American Kino . — Caracas Kino. In 1839, when the fourth editic 
 of this Dispensatory was published, an astringent extract was described, whit 
 had recently been introduced into our market, derived, as we were informed, fro 
 Caracas, and known by that name to the druggists. Since that period it h; 
 come much more extensively into use. It is probably the same as that describt 
 by Guibourt, in the last edition of his History of Drugs, as the kino of C"himbi. 
 As imported, this variety of kino is in large masses, some weighing several pound 
 covered witli thin leaves, or exhibiting marks of leaves upon their unbroken su 
 face, externally very dark, and internally of a deep reddish-brown or dark poi 
 wine colour. It is opaque in the mass, but translucent in thin splinters, ve: 
 brittle, and of a fracture always shining, but in some masses wholly rough at 
 irregular, in others rough only in the interior, while the outer portion, for ; 
 inch or two in depth, breaks with a rather smooth and uniform surface like tb 
 of the West India kino. This outer portion is easil} r broken into fine angul 
 fragments, while the interior crumbles quite irregularly. Some of the m;.s< 
 are very impure, containing pieces of bark, wood, leaves, &c.; others are me 
 homogeneous, and almost free from impurities. The masses are broken up 1 
 means of a mill so as to resemble East India kino, from which, however, tl 
 
IRT I. 
 
 Kino. 
 
 433 
 
 iriety differs in being more irregular, less sharply angular, more powdery, and 
 ss black. On comparing the finer and more angular portions of the masses with 
 e West India kino, we were strongly struck with their resemblance; and in fact 
 uld discover no difference between the two varieties either in colour, lustre, 
 ste, the colour of the powder, or other sensible property. South American 
 no was found by Dr. Bridges to yield 93'5 per cent, to cold water, and 93 per 
 nt. to alcohol; so that, while it has almost the same solubility as Jamaica kino 
 alcohol, it is somewhat more soluble in cold water. The aqueous solution, in 
 is case, was not embarrassed by the adhesive matter which impeded the Ultra- 
 on in the former variety ; and the want of a minute proportion of resinous 
 otter in the South American kino is the only difference we have discovered be- 
 een the two drugs. It is not improbable that they are derived from the same 
 ant; and there is no difficulty in supposing that this may be the Coccoloba 
 ■ ifera, as that tree grows as well upon the continent as in the islands. 
 
 4. African Kino. The original kino employed by Dr. Fothergill was known 
 
 i he the produce of a tree growing in Senegal, and upon the banks of the Gambia, 
 <j the western coast of Africa ; but the precise character of the tree was not ascer- 
 t ned, until a specimen, sent home by Mungo Park during his last journey, enabled 
 te English botanists to decide that it was the Pterocarpus erinaceus of Lamarck 
 id Poiret. The Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges accordingly refer kino in chief 
 t this plant; but in so doing have overlooked the fact that not one of the varieties 
 iw used is brought from Africa. The importation of African kino has long 
 used; and the most experienced pharmacologist cannot speak with certainty of 
 l'ving seen a specimen. That described by Guibourt has turned out to be the 
 .'tea gum;* and the description in the first edition of Christison’s Dispensatory 
 e dently applies to the common East India kino. A specimen given to Dr. A. 
 '. Thomson as African kino, and described in his Dispensatory, is certainly not 
 t‘ drug spoken of by Fothergill, but rather resembles the Butea gum. 
 
 A.s described by Fothergill, the African kino, for which he proposed the name 
 cgummi rulrum astringens Gambinense, was in lumps of about the size of those 
 cgum Senegal or dragon’s blood, and so similar in appearance to the latter that 
 a;ood judge might easily be deceived. These lumps were hard, brittle, opaque, 
 a l almost black ; but minute fragments were reddish and transparent like garnet. 
 He drug was inodorous, of a strongly astringent and sweetish taste, and soluble 
 
 ii vater to the extent of about five or six parts out of seven, forming a deep-red 
 a -ingent infusion. There can be little doubt that this variety of kino is a con- 
 e ;:e juice, which exudes either spontaneously or from wounds in the bark, and 
 Edens in the air. (See Med. Obs. and Inq., i. 358.) 
 
 i. Botany Bay Kino. This is the concrete juice of the Eucalyptus resinifera, 
 
 Butea gum is the concrete juice of the Butea frondosa or Dhak-tree of Hindostan. The 
 jr; flows from natural fissures, and from wounds made in the bark of the tree, and quickly 
 In lens. It is in small elongated tears, or irregular angular masses, less in size than a 
 gtn of barley, apparently black and opaque, but translucent and of a ruby-red colour, 
 w n examined in small fragments by transmitted light. Many of the tears have small 
 pi ions of bark adhering to them. They are very brittle, and readily pulverizable, yield- 
 in a reddish powder. They are very astringent to the taste, do not adhere to the teeth 
 W-ja chewed, and tinge the saliva red. The relations of this product to water, alcohol, 
 ai' other chemical reagents are nearly the same as those of ordinary kino. When freed 
 fr impurities, consisting of from 15 to 25 per cent, of wood, bark, sand, &c., it contains, 
 ac rding to Mr. E. Solly, 73'26 per cent, of tannin, 5-05 of soluble extractive, and 21-67 
 of im and other soluble substances. It is used in the arts in India, and might undoubtedly 
 be'nployed as kino in medicine. It is, however, very seldom imported into England, and 
 ne r, at present, into this country. Dr. Pereira found a quantity in an old drug store in 
 Dion, and sent a portion to Guibourt, from which that writer drew up his description 
 of frican kino. It is possible that the kino which formerly reached us, full of small pieces 
 of iod, bark, &c., may have been the Butea gum. 
 
434 
 
 Kino. 
 
 PART i 
 
 or brown gum tree of New Holland, a lofty tree, belonging to the class and orde 
 Icosandria Monogynia , and the natural order Myrtacese. When the bark i 
 wounded the juice flows very freely, and hardens in the air. According to Mr 
 White, a single tree is capable of furnishing five hundred pounds of kino in od 
 year. ( White’s Voyaged) Duncan states that specimens of the juice have reache* 
 Great Britain in the fluid form, and that when he first examined kino in 1802 
 it was common, and was the finest kind in commerce. According to informatio: 
 received by Dr. Thomson, its importation into Great Britain must have cease* 
 soon after that period {Thomson’ s Dispensatory, 1826, p. 506); but Dr. Pereir 
 speaks of it as imported in boxes, and has himself met with a parcel of it froi 
 Van Dieman’s Land. Ainslie informs us that he has seen it in the markets c 
 Hindostan. We have never met with it in this country. 
 
 The specimen examined by Pereira was in irregular masses, many of them in th 
 form of tears as large as those of Senegal gum. “The purer pieces were vitreous 
 almost black in the mass, but transparent and of a beautiful ruby-red in small an 
 thin fragments. Some of the pieces, however, were opaque and dull, from the intei 
 mixture of wood and other impurities.” This variety of kino is brittle, with 
 resinous unequal fracture, and yields a reddish-brown powder. It is infusibh 
 'without odour, of an astringent taste followed by sweetness, and when long chewe 
 adheres to the teeth. ( Duncan .) It swells up and becomes gelatinous with col 
 water ; yielding a red solution, which gives precipitates with lime-water, gelatir 
 and sesquichloride of iron, but not with alcohol or tartar emetic. With rectifie 
 spirit it also becomes gelatinous, and forms a red tincture which is not precip 
 tated by water. ( Pereira .) White states that only one-sixth of this kino is solubl 
 in water; Guibourt found it wholly soluble with the exception of foreign matters 
 and Dr. Thomson informs us that water at 60° dissolves more than one-half. Tlies 
 writers must have experimented with different substances. According to D; 
 Duncan, alcohol dissolves the whole except impurities; and the tincture, with 
 certain proportion of water, lets fall a copious red precipitate, but with a larg 
 proportion only becomes slightly turbid. 
 
 It is said that catechu, broken into small fragments, has sometimes been sol 
 as kino. Fortunately little injury can result from the substitution, as the medic-; 
 virtues of the two substances are very nearly the same. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Kino is powerfully astringent, and in this counti 
 is much used for the suppression of morbid discharges. In diarrhoea not attends 
 with febrile excitement or inflammation, it is often an excellent adjunct toopiu 
 and the absorbent medicines, and is a favourite addition to the chalk mixtur 
 It is also used in chronic dysentery when astringents are admissible; in leucorrha 
 and diabetes; and in passive hemorrhages, particularly that from the uterus, 
 was formerly used in intermittent fever. 
 
 It may be given in powder, infusion, or dissolved in diluted alcohol. The do 
 of the powder is from ten to thirty grains. The infusion, which is a very co 
 venient form of administration, maj T be made by pouring eight fluidounces 
 boiling water on two drachms of the extract, and straining when cool. Aromati 
 may be added, if deemed advisable. The dose is a fluidounce. The proporti 
 of alcohol in a dose of the tincture renders it frequently an unsuitable preparatic 
 
 Locally applied, kino is often productive of benefit. Its infusion is usel 
 as an injection in leucorrhoea and obstinate gonorrhoea, and thrown up the n* 
 trils we have found it very efficacious in suppressing epistaxis. A case of * 
 stinate hemorrhage from a wound in the palate, after resisting various ineai 
 yielded to the application of powdered kino, which was spread thickly on li 
 and pressed against the wound by the tongue. The powder is also a very use - 
 application to indolent and flabby ulcers. 
 
 Off- Prep. Electuarium Catechu; Pulvis Aluminis Compositus; Pul 1 
 Catechu Comp. ; Pulvis Kino Comp. ; Tinctura Kino. W. 
 
ART I. 
 
 Krameria. 
 
 435 
 
 KRAMERIA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Rhatany. 
 
 The root of Krameria triandra. U. S., Lond ., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Ratanhie, Ft.; Ratanhiawurzel, Germ.; Ratauia, Ital., Span. 
 
 Krameria. Sex. Syst. Tetrandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Polygalea), De 
 land. Krameriacese, Lind ley. 
 
 Gen.Ch. Calyx none. Corolla four-petalled ; the superior nectary three-parted, 
 ad inferior two-leaved. Berry dry, eehinated, one-seeded. Willd. 
 
 Krameria triandra. Ruiz and Pavon, Ffor. Peruv. i. 61. The rliatany plant 
 s a shrub, having a long, much branched, and spreading root, of a blackish-red 
 flour; with a round, procumbent, very dark-coloured stem, divided into numer- 
 us branches, of which the younger are leafy and thickly covered with soft hairs, 
 iving them a white, silky appearance. The leaves are few, sessile, oblong-ovate, 
 ointed, entire, presenting on both surfaces the same silky whiteness with the 
 oung branches, on the sides of which they are placed. The flowers are lake- 
 iloured, and stand singly on short peduncles at the axils of the upper leaves, 
 here are only three stamens. The nectary consists of four leaflets, of which 
 le two upper are spatulate, the lower roundish and much shorter : it does not 
 orrespond with the generic character of Willdenow, which was drawn from the 
 (rameria Lxina. The fruit is globular, of the size of a pea, surrounded by stiff 
 :ddish-brown prickles, and furnished with one or two seeds. The name rliatany 
 said to express, in the language of the Peruvian Indians, the creeping cha- 
 cter of the plant. 
 
 This species of Krameria is a native of Peru, growing in dry argillaceous and 
 ndy places, and abundant about the city of Huanuco. It flowers at all seasons, 
 at is in the height of its bloom in October and November. The root is dug 
 ) after the rains. Tschudi states that most of the rhatany now exported is 
 Rained in the Southern provinces of Peru, particularly in Arica and Islay. 
 Trav. in Peru , Am. ed., p. 214.) 
 
 The K. lxina, growing in Hayti, and in Cumana on the South American con- 
 lent, is said to afford a root closely analogous in appearance and properties to 
 at of the Peruvian species; but the latter only is officinal. 
 
 We receive rhatany in pieces of various shapes and dimensions, some being 
 nple, some more or less branched, the largest as much as an inch in thickness, 
 [rived from the main body of the root, the smallest not thicker than a small 
 fill, consisting of the minute ramifications. The pieces are often nearly cylin- 
 ical, and as much as two or three feet in length. Sometimes many of the 
 dicles are united in a common head, which is short, and from half an inch to 
 o inches or more in diameter. The roots are composed of a dark reddish- 
 own, slightly fibrous, easily separable bark, and a central woody portion, less 
 loured, but still reddish or reddish-yellow. Rhatany is without smell, but has 
 bitter, very astringent, slightly sweetish taste, which is connected with its 
 Adical virtues, and is much stronger in the cortical than the ligneous part.* 
 
 1* Mettenheimer describes a false rhatany, which has occurred in German commerce, as 
 
 S lows. The body of the root is from 1 to 2 inches thick, and 4 long, knotty, with nu- 
 rous branches from 4 to 12 inches long; but the branches are generally separate, and 
 u'ly half an inch thick. The body resembles the genuine ; but the branches are smoother, 
 parts somewhat shining, with deeper longitudinal furrows, and transverse fissures, which 
 netimes divide the bark quite around the root. They are more undulating, and, as 
 11 as the body, have more frequent wart-like elevations. The false root is more bitter 
 m the genuine, with a thicker bark, and in mass has a dirty violet reddish-brown colour, 
 teriorly the bark is of a dirty dark brownish-red, with a granular fracture; interiorly 
 is lighter coloured, with a fibrous fracture; and when cut with a knife has a shining 
 ■ 'face. The interior ligneous part is pale-red, hard, of a short fibrous fracture, and, 
 
436 
 
 Krameria. 
 
 part r, 
 
 The smallest pieces are therefore preferable, as they contain the largest propor 
 tion of the bark. The powder is of a reddish colour. The virtues of the root 
 are extracted by water and alcohol, to which it imparts a deep reddish-browr 
 colour. From the researches of Yogel, Ganelin, Peschier, and Trommsdorff, il 
 appears to contain tannin, lignin, and minute quantities of gum, starch, saccha- 
 rine matter, and an acid which Peschier considered as peculiar, and named kra- 
 meric acid. The tannin is in three states; 1st, that of purity, in which it is 
 without colour ; 2d, that of apotheme, in which it has lost its astringency, anc 
 been rendered insoluble by the action of the air, and 3d, that of extractive, whicfc 
 is a soluble combination of tanDin and its apotheme, and is the substance which 
 imparts to the infusion and tincture of rhatany their characteristic reddish-browi 
 colour. (Soubeiran, Journ. de Pharm., xix. 59G.) The proportion of red as- 
 tringent matter obtained by Yogel was 40 per cent. The mineral acids and most 
 of the metallic salts throw down precipitates with the infusion, decoction, and 
 tincture of rhatany, and are incompatible in prescription. 
 
 Cold water, by means of displacement or percolation, extracts all the astrin 
 gency of rhatany, forming a clear deep red infusion, which, upon careful evapo- 
 ration, yields an almost perfectly soluble extract. The root yields its virtues 
 also to boiling water by maceration; but the resulting infusion becomes turbid 
 upon cooling, in consequence of the deposition of apotheme taken up by the 
 water when heated. By boiling with water a still larger proportion of the apo- 
 theme is dissolved, and a considerable quantity of the pure tannin becomes in- 
 soluble in cold water, and medicinally inert, either by combining with the starch 
 which is also dissolved, or by conversion into apotheme through the agency oi 
 the atmosphere. The decoction is, therefore, an ineligible preparation, and the 
 extract resulting from its evaporation, though greater in weight than that from 
 the cold infusion, contains much less soluble and active matter. Alcohol dis 
 solves a larger proportion of the root than water, but this excess is owing to the 
 solution of apotheme; and the alcoholic extract contains little if any more of the 
 astringent principle than that prepared by cold water, while it is encumbered 
 with much inert matter. (See Extractum Kramerias.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Rhatany is gently tonic and powerfully astrin 
 gent; and may be advantageously given in chronic diarrhoea, passive hemor 
 rhages, especially menorrhagia, some forms of leucorrhcea, and in all those case; 
 in which kino and catechu are beneficial. It has long been used in Peru as £ 
 remedy in bowel complaints, as a corroborant in cases of enfeebled stomach, anc 
 as a local application to spongy gums. Ruiz, one of the authors of the Peruviai 
 Flora, first made it known in Europe. It was not till after the year 1816 that i 
 began to come into general use. It has the advantage over the astringent ex 
 tracts imported, that, being brought in the state of the root, it is free from adul 
 teration, and may be prescribed with confidence. 
 
 The dose of the powder is from twenty to thirty grains; but in this form tin 
 root is little used. The infusion or decoction is more convenient. The propor 
 tions are an ounce of the bruised or powdered root to a pint of water, and th 
 dose one or two fluidounees. The extract, tincture, and syrup are officinal pre 
 parations; and may be given, the first in the dose of fifteen or twenty grains 
 the second in that of two or three fluidraehms, and the third in that of half 
 fluidounce for an adult. In the form of infusion, tincture, and extract, rhatan 
 has been highly recommended as a local remedy in fissure of the anus, prolapsu 
 ani, and leucorrhcea. 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum Kramerias; Infusum Kramerias; Syrupus Kramerias 
 Tinctura Krameriae. W. 
 
 when cut across, dull and without the dark central point of the genuine root. The fa'.s 
 root is inodorous. Its taste is more astringent than the genuine. Its source is unknowi 
 ( P.’iarm . Cent. Blalt, March 24, 1852, p. 221 .) — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Lacmus. 
 
 437 
 
 LACMUS. Ed. 
 
 Litmus. 
 
 A peculiar colouring matter from Roccella tiuctoria. Ed. 
 
 Turnsole ; Tournesol, Fr.; Lakmus, Germ. 
 
 Three purple or blue colouring substances are known in commerce, obtained 
 rorn lichenous plants. They are called severally litmus, orchil , and cudbear. 
 Che lichens employed are different species of Roccella, Lecanora, Variolaria, and 
 >thers. They grow on alpine or maritime rocks, in various parts of the world, 
 md for commercial purposes are collected chiefly upon the European and African 
 masts, and the neighbouring islands, as the Azores, Madeira, Canaries, and 
 ]ape de Verds. The particular species most employed are probably Lecanora 
 artarea or Tartarean moss, growing in the North of Europe, aud Roccella tinc- 
 oria or orchilla weed, which abounds upon the African and insular coasts, aud 
 s called commercially, in common with other species of the same genus, Angola 
 seed, Canary weed, &c., according to the place from which it may be brought. 
 
 The principles in these plants upon which their valuable properties depend, 
 .re themselves colourless, and yield colouring substances by the reaction of 
 pater, air, and ammonia. They are generally acids, and are named lecanoric, 
 Tsellic, erytliric, &c., according to their use or origin. What is the exact chemical 
 hange by which the colouring matters are developed is not determined; but the 
 riginal body, in some instances at least, undergoes a series of changes, before 
 he ultimate result is obtained. Dr. Stenhouse proposes that the principles 
 hould be extracted from the plants at their place of collection, so as to diminish 
 he cost of carriage. For this purpose the lichens, having been finely divided, 
 re to be macerated with milk of lime, the infusion thus obtained to be preci- 
 itated with muriatic or acetic acid, and the precipitate to be dried with a gentle 
 eat. Almost the whole of the colouring principles are thus extracted, and ob- 
 fined in a small bulk. To test the value of the plants as dye-stuffs, they may 
 e macerated in a weak solution of ammonia, or a solution of hypochlorite of 
 me may be added to their alcoholic tincture. In the former case, a rich violet- 
 ed colour is produced ; in the latter a deep blood-red colour instantly appears, 
 ut soon fades. All the three colouring substances above referred to may be 
 btaiued from the same plants. 
 
 Lacmus or Litmus is prepared chiefly if not exclusively in Holland. The pro- 
 ess consists in macerating the coarsely powdered lichen, in wooden vessels under 
 nelter, for several weeks, with occasional agitation, in a mixture of urine, lime, 
 ad potash or soda. A fermentation ensues, aud the mass, becoming first red 
 ad ultimately blue, is after the last change removed, mixed with calcareous or 
 licious matter to give it consistence, and with indigo to deepen the colour, and 
 pen introduced into small moulds, where it hardens. It comes to us in rectan- 
 ular cakes from a quarter of an inch to an inch in length, light, friable, finely 
 ranular, of an indigo-blue or deep-violet colour, and scattered over with white 
 dine points. It has the combined odour of indigo and violets, tinges the saliva 
 ,f a deep blue, and is somewhat pungent aud saline to the taste. From most 
 !her vegetable blues it differs in not being rendered green by alkalies. It is 
 bddened by acids, and restored to its original blue colour by alkalies. 
 
 Its chief use in medicine is as a test of acids and alkalies. For this purpose 
 is employed either in infusion or in the form of litmus-paper. The infusion, 
 dually called tincture of litmus, may be made in the proportion of one part of 
 le litmus to twenty of distilled water, and two parts of alcohol may be added 
 i preserve it. Litmus-paper is prepared by first forming a strong clear infusion 
 ith one part of litmus to four of water, and either dipping slips of white unsized 
 
438 
 
 Lacmus. — Lactuca. — Lactucarium. 
 
 PART i 
 
 paper into it, or applying it by a brush to one surface only of the paper. Th 
 paper should then be carefully dried, and kept in well-stopped vessels, fron 
 which the light is excluded. It should have a uniform blue or slightly purpL 
 colour, neither very light nor very dark. As a test for alkalies, the paper ma- 
 ke stained with an infusion of litmus previously reddened by an acid. 
 
 Orchil or archil, as prepared in England, is in the form of a thickish liquid 
 of a deep reddish-purple colour, but varying in the tint, being in one variet- 
 redder than in the other. The odour is ammoniacal. It is made by maceratin; 
 lichens, in a covered wooden vessel, with an ammoniacal liquor, either consistin' 
 of stale urine and lime, or prepared by distilling an impure salt of ammonia witl 
 lime and water. (Pereira.) 
 
 Cudbear is in the form of a purplish-red powder. It is procured in the sam 
 manner as orchil; but the mixture, after the development of the colour, is dried 
 and pulverized. 
 
 The difference in the preparation of these colouring substances and litmus ap 
 pears to be, that potash or soda is added, in the latter, to the ammoniacal liquic 
 used. Orchil and cudbear are employed as dye-smffs, and sometimes in lik 
 manner with litmus as a test of acids and alkalies. W. 
 
 LACTUCA. Loud, 
 
 Lettuce. 
 
 Lactuca sativa. The leaves. Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. LACTUCA SATIVA. The leaves. Dub. 
 
 L .itue, Ft.; Garten Lattig, Germ.; Lattuga, Jtal.; Lecliuga, Span. 
 
 LACTUCARIUM. U. S., Ed., Dub. 
 Lactucarium. 
 
 The inspissated juice of Lactuca sativa. TJ. S. Inspissated juice of Lactue 
 virosa and sativa. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Lactuca. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia iEqualis. — Nat. Or d. Composite Cichora 
 cese, De Cand. Cichoraceae, Lindley. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Receptacle naked. Calyx imbricated, cylindrical, with a mem 
 branous margin. Pappus simple, stipitate. Seed smooth. Wit/d. 
 
 The plants of this genus yield when wounded a milky juice, to which, indeed 
 they owe their generic name. In some of them this juice possesses valuabl 
 narcotic properties. This is the case, among others, with L. sativa, L. virosa 
 and L. altissima. The two former are officinal, and are here described. It wa 
 supposed that our native L. elongata or wild lettuce might have similar virtues 
 and Dr. Bigelow was informed by physicians who had employed it, that it act 
 as an anodyne, and promotes the secretion from the skin and kidneys. Bu 
 according to M. Aubergier, who experimented with different species of Lactuc 
 in order to ascertain from which of them lactucarium might be most advar 
 tageously obtained, the milky juice of this plant is of a flat and sweetish fast 
 without bitterness, contains much mannite, but no bitter principle, and is de: 
 titute of narcotic properties. (Ann. de Therap., 1843, p. 18.) The probabilit 
 is that it is nearly or quite inert. It was, therefore, discarded, at the last rev 
 sion, from our national Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Lactuca sativa. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1523. The garden lettuce is an annu: 
 plant. The stem, which rises above two feet in height, is erect, round, sirnp- 
 below, and branching in its upper part. The lower leaves are obovate, rounde 
 
ART I. 
 
 Lactuca. — Lactucarium. 
 
 439 
 
 't the end, and undulating; the upper are smaller, sessile, cordate, and toothed ; 
 oth are shining, and of a yellowish-green colour. The flowers are pale-yellow, 
 mall, and disposed in an irregular terminal corymb. Before the flower-stem 
 jegins to shoot, the plant contains a bland, pellucid juice, has little taste or smell, 
 nd is much used as a salad for the table; but during the period of inflorescence 
 t abounds in a milky juice, which readily escapes from incisions in the stem, and 
 las been found to possess decided medicinal as well as sensible properties. This 
 uice is more abundant in the wild than in the cultivated plants. That of L. 
 Xxtiva, inspissated by exposure to the air, has been adopted as oflicinal in the 
 Ij. S. and British Pharmacopoeias, under the name of Lactucarium. The Edin- 
 iurgh and Dublin Colleges admit also L. virosa as a source of it. 
 
 The original native country of the garden lettuce is unknown. The plant has 
 ieen cultivated from time immemorial, and is now employed in all parts of the 
 ivilized world. It flourishes equally in hot and temperate latitudes. Some 
 lotanists suppose that L. virosa of the old continent is the parent of all the 
 ■arieties of the cultivated plant. 
 
 The milky juice undergoes little alteration, if confined in closely stopped bottles 
 rom which the air is excluded. But, when exposed to the air, it concretes, and 
 ssumes a brownish colour somewhat like that of opium. The following mode 
 f collecting it was recommended by Mr. Young, of Edinburgh. When the stem 
 3 about a foot high, the top is cut off, and the juice which exudes, being absorbed 
 jy cotton or a piece of sponge, is pressed out into a cup or other small vessel, 
 nd exposed till it concretes. In order to obtain all the juice which the plant is 
 apable of affording, it is necessary to cut off five or six successive slices of the 
 tem at short intervals, and to repeat the process two or three times a day. The 
 uice may also be collected by the finger as it flows from the incisions. 
 
 A plan proposed by Mr. Probart, of London, is to collect the milky juice on 
 >ieces of woven cotton about half a yard square, to throw these when fully charged 
 nto a vessel containing a small quantity of water, and allow the water thus im- 
 iregnated to evaporate in shallow dishes at the ordinary atmospheric temperature. 
 ?he lactucarium is left in the form of an extract. 
 
 Another method of extracting the virtues of the lettuce has been recommended 
 »y Mr. Probart. When the plant begins to assume a yellow hue, the white juice 
 oncretes in the bark of the stem, and in the old leaves, which become very bitter, 
 .’hese parts being separated, are macerated for twenty-four hours in water, then 
 >oiled for two hours; and the clear decoction, after having been allowed to drain 
 'ff through a sieve without pressure, is evaporated in shallow vessels by simple 
 xposure. The resulting extract, according to Mr. Probart, has half the strength 
 if lactucarium, and may be obtained at one-sixth of the cost. 
 
 The London College directs an extract to be prepared by inspissating the ex- 
 pressed juice of the leaves; but this must be exceedingly uncertain, from the 
 'ariable quantity of the milky juice contained in the plant; and, as the young- 
 eaves, which contain little or none of it, are often employed, the preparation is 
 iable to be quite inert. The thridace of Dr. Frampois, at one time supposed to 
 j>e identical with lactucarium, is in all probability nothing more than the inspis- 
 ated expressed juice, and, indeed, is directed as such in the last French Codex, 
 he leaves being rejected, and the stalks alone, near the flowering period, being 
 ubjected to pressure. 
 
 M. Aubergier, of Clermont, in a treatise presented to the French Academy of 
 ■Sciences in November, 1842, states that lactucarium, identical with that of the 
 garden lettuce, is yielded by several other species of Lactuca, and can be abund- 
 antly and cheaply procured from Lactuca altissima, which is a large plant with 
 i stem more than nine feet high, and an inch and a half in diameter. ( Annuaire 
 le Tldrap.j 1843, p. 18.) 
 
440 
 
 Lactuca. — Lactucarium. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 Lactucarium is in small irregular lumps, of a reddish-brown colour external]) 
 and of a narcotic odour and bitter taste. As prepared near Edinburgh, it is con 
 rnonly in roundish, compact, and rather hard masses, weighing several ounce* 
 
 ( Christiaan.) In colour, taste, and smell it bears considerable resemblance t 
 opium, and has sometimes been called lettuce opium. It does not attract moistur 
 from the air. It yields nearly half its weight to water, with which it forms 
 deep-brown infusion. From its resemblance in sensible properties and there 
 peutical effects to opium, it was conjectured to contain morphia, or some analc 
 gous principle; but this conjecture has not yet been realized. Buchner, Aubergiei 
 and Walz claim severally to have discovered the active principle, which has bee: 
 named lactucin ; but the substance obtained by these different chemists is no 
 exactly identical in properties; and the lactucin of Walz and Aubergier is cod 
 sidered by M. Lenoir as owing its bitterness to impurities, separated from whiej 
 it is without taste and inert. It is at least doubtful whether the constituent upo' 
 which the medical virtues of lactucarium depend has yet been isolated. We giv 
 in a note the results of various analyses of this medicine. They all relate to th 
 lactucarium obtained from the Lactuca virosa.* 
 
 * Buchner published experiments on lactucarium in 1832. His results are not essentiall 
 different from those subsequently obtained. The principle, named by him lactucin, is bittei 
 soluble in water, more soluble in alcohol, less so in ether, without alkaline reaction thougi 
 precipitated by tannic acid, destitute of nitrogen, capable of forming with acids very solubl 
 bitter combinations, and not easily obtained perfectly white and crystallized. ( Pharm . Journ 
 and Trans., vii. 74, from Buchner's Reperlorium, xiv.) 
 
 Dr. Walz, in an inaugural thesis published at Heidelberg in 1839, gives the followinj 
 constituents of lactucarium from L. virosa; viz., a peculiar principle denominated lactucin 
 volatile oil, a fatty matter easily dissolved by ether, and another of difficult solubility ii 
 that fluid, a reddish-yellow tasteless resin, a greenish-yellow acrid resin, common sugar 
 uncrystallizable sugar, gum, pectic acid, a brown humus-like acid, a brown basic substance 
 albumen, oxalic, citric, malic, and nitric acids, potassa, lime, and magnesia. Lactucin, a 
 obtained by Walz, is in yellow crystalline needles, inodorous, of a strong and durable bitte: 
 taste, easily fusible, soluble in from 60 to 80 parts of cold water, freely soluble in alcohol 
 less so in ether, soluble in very dilute acids, and without cither alkaline or acid reaction 
 ( Annal . der Pharm., xxxii. 97.) It was obtained by treating lactucarium with alcoho 
 acidulated with one-fifteenth of concentrated vinegar, adding an equal volume of water 
 precipitating by subacetate of lead, separating the excess of lead by sulphuretted hydrogen 
 filtering, evaporating by a gentle heat, treating the residuum by ether, and allowing tlr 
 ethereal solution to evaporate spontaneously. 
 
 M. Aubergier, in his memoir presented to the French Academy in 1842. gives the fol 
 lowing as the result of his analysis: 1. a bitter crystallizable substance ( lactucin 1 solubl 
 in alcohol and boiling water, scarcely soluble in cold water, insoluble in ether, withou 
 alkaline reaction, and supposed to be the active principle; 2. mannite; 3. asparamide; 4 
 a crystallizable substance having the property of colouring green the sesquisalts of irou 
 5. an electro-negative resin, combined with potassa ; 6. a neuter resin ; 7. ulmate of potassa 
 8. cerin, myricin, pectin, and albumen; 9. oxalate, malate, nitrate, and sulphate of potassa 
 chloride of potassium, phosphate of lime and magnesia, oxides of iron and manganese, an 
 silica. The bitter principle above referred to separates from its solution in boiling wate 
 upon cooling, in pearly scales. By the reaction of alkalies it loses its bitterness, which i 
 not restored by acids. The lactescence of the fresh juice of lettuce is owing to a mixtur 
 of wax and resin, and not to caoutchouc, as previously supposed. (Ann. de Therap., 1843 
 p. 19.) The bitter principle of Aubergier differs from that of Dr. Walz in being less solubl 
 in cold water, and insoluble in ether. 
 
 M. Lenoir considers the lactucin of these two chemists as impure, and denies that it i 
 the active principle, which, he thinks, is probably an organic alkali. He obtained the lac 
 tucin pure by treating the lactucarium of L. virosa with boiling alcohol, and filtering whil 
 hot. It was deposited on the cooling of the liquid, and afterwards purified by frequen 
 crystallization from alcohol, and treatment with animal charcoal. Thus obtained, it wa 
 without taste or smell, and without effect upon the system. It was nearly insoluble in watei 
 but readily dissolved by alcohol, ether, and the volatile and fixed oils. He proposed to nam 
 it lactucone, leaving the former name for the active principle when isolated. (Ann. ae Chin 
 el de Rhys., Feb. 1847.) According to Walz, the lactucone of Lenoir is only the fatty matte 
 
IRT I. 
 
 Lactuca. — Lactucarium. 
 
 441 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. That lettuce possesses soporific properties, is a 
 fit which was known to the ancients ; but Dr. J. R. Coxe, of Philadelphia, enjoys 
 t.< credit of having first proposed the employment of its inspissated milky juice 
 aa medicine. From experiments with a tincture prepared from lactucarium, 
 I, Coxe obtained the same results as usually follow the administration of lauda- 
 noi. Dr. Duncan, senior, of Edinburgh, afterwards paid particular attention 
 tdke subject, and, in his treatise on pulmonary consumption, recommended 
 litucarium as a substitute for opium, the anodyne properties of which it pos- 
 sses, without being followed by the same injurious effects. In consequence of 
 ts recommendation, the medicine came into extensive use, and was adopted as 
 ocinal in several of the Pharmacopoeias. Dr. Francois, a Freuch physician, 
 at) investigated the medicinal properties of the inspissated juice of lettuce, 
 /cording to that author, it is sedative, diminishing the rapidity of the circula- 
 te, and consequently the temperature of the body, without producing that dis- 
 tibance of the functions which often follows the use of opium. The general 
 inreuce which may be drawn from the recorded experience in relation to lac- 
 tiarium is, that it has, in a much inferior degree, the anodyne and calming 
 p perties of opium, without its disposition to excite the circulation, to produce 
 
 diiovered by himself. Thieme could not divide this into the two kinds noticed by Walz as 
 daring in their solubility in ether, and, considering it as a peculiar substance, proposes for 
 it e name of lactucerin. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., through Chem. Gaz., from Arch, der Pharm.) 
 
 he most recent analysis of lactucarium is by Ludwig. That chemist found iu 1 00 parts 
 41 >3 of substances insoluble in water, and 51-37 of those soluble in water. Of the insoluble 
 niter 42-64 parts were of lactucerin or lactucone, which he obtained by first exhausting 
 laucarium with water, then treating the insoluble residue several times with hot alcohol 
 of >833, allowing the alcoholic solution to evaporate slowly, washing the yellowish sub- 
 st ce thus procured with water, and purifying it by re- solution iu alcohol, and crystalli- 
 zam. Thus obtained, it is in snow-white aggregated granules, dissolves in strong hot 
 aljbol, which deposits it on cooling, is readily soluble in ether but insoluble in water, 
 hemes transparent and tenacious when moderately heated in a platinum dish, melts com- 
 pl :ly at a higher heat with the escape of white odorous vapours, is incapable of saponi- 
 ficiion by caustic potassa, and is therefore not properly a fat, and iu alcoholic solution 
 fatly reddens litmus paper. It consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (C 40 H 34 O 6 ). 
 Bedes this principle there were 3-99 parts of wax, and 2-00 of lignin, and of a substance 
 wl'h swelled in ammonia, and was insoluble in water, alcohol, and ether. Of the 51-37 
 pas soluble in water, 6-98 were of albumen, 1-75 of lactucerin held in solution by other 
 su tances, 27-68 of bitter extract soluble in water and in alcohol, and 14-96 of watery extract 
 in: uble in alcohol of 0-830. The former of these extracts was found to contain a peculiar 
 aci substance called lactucic acid, and the lactucin of Aubergier. To obtain these prin- 
 cijjs, 80 parts of lactucarium, in fine powder, were triturated with 80 of pure cold diluted 
 su huric acid, and then mixed with 400 parts of alcohol of 0-851 ; the liquor was filtered, 
 sifen with hydrate of lime till it yielded no precipitate with baryta- water or oxalate of 
 pojisa, then decolorized with pure animal charcoal and evaporated; the brown tenacious 
 fflfj thus obtained (alcoholic extract) was treated with boiling water, which left behind a 
 visa substance ; the aqueous solution was treated with animal charcoal, and on being 
 ev'orated yielded a mixture of lactucic acid and lactucin; these were separated by dis- 
 sol ng the mixture in boiling water, which on cooling deposited the latter in white crystal - 
 lhwcales, and gave up the former upon subsequent evaporation. Lactucic acid is of difficult 
 on allization, light-yellow, strongly bitter, without sour taste, of an acid reaction, and 
 resly soluble in alcohol and water. It has as much claim as any other discovered sub- 
 staj:e to be considered the active principle of lactucarium. Lactucin, purified by animal 
 clihoal, is in white pearly scales, the solution of which exhibits no reaction with subacetate 
 or etate of lead, or solution of iodine. It is dissolved without change of colour by con- 
 cert ated sulphuric acid. Besides the above ingredients, Ludwig found also in lactucarium 
 u sjslance resembling mannite, oxalic acid, another organic acid not well determined, a soft 
 resi potassa, magnesia, and oxide of iron. Distilled with diluted sulphuric acid, it gave an 
 acioroduct smelling like lactucarium, which, saturated with carbonate of lime, and again 
 dialed with bisulphate of potassa, yielded an acid fluid having the odour of valerian. 
 (L'rm. Cent. Blatt, June, 1847, p. 438, from Arch, der Pharm., ii. 1 and 129. See also 
 Art Journ. of Pharm., xx. 57.) — Note to the eighth edition. 
 
442 Lactuca. — Lactucarium. — Lactuca Virosa. — Lappa, part, 
 
 headache and obstinate constipation, and to derange the digestive organs. 1 
 this country the medicine is occasionally employed to allay cough, and qu 
 nervous irritation. It may be given in all cases in which, while opium is indica 1 
 in reference to its anodyne or soothing influence, it cannot be administered fr i 
 idiosyncrasy of the patient. It is, however, very uncertain. The dose is frji 
 five to fifteen or twenty grains. An alcoholic extract would be a good preparati . 
 It may be given in the dose of from two to five grains. 
 
 Water distilled from lettuce ( eau de laitue) is used in France as a mild st- 
 rive, in the quantity of from two to four ounces. The fresh leaves boiled in w;r 
 are sometimes employed in the shape of cataplasm. It is said that in Egyja 
 mild oil is derived from the seeds, fit for culinary use. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Lactuca. Extractum Lactucse. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Lactucarium. Tinctura Lactucarii ; Trochisci Lactucarii. 
 
 IV 
 
 LACTUCA VIROSA. Dub. 
 
 Acrid Lettuce. 
 
 Laitue vireuse, Fr.; Gift-Lattig, Germ.; Lattuga salvatica, Ilal. 
 
 Lactuca. See LACTUCA. 
 
 Lactuca virosa. Wilid. Sp. Plant, iii. 1526; Woodv. Med. Bot.p. To, t. .. 
 The acrid, or strong-scented lettuce is biennial, with a stem from two to four ;t 
 high, erect, prickly near the base, above smooth and divided into brane 
 The lower leaves are large, oblong-obovate, undivided, toothed, commonly pric y 
 on the under side of the midrib, sessile, and horizontal; the upper are smalr, 
 clasping, and often lobed; the bractes are cordate and pointed. The floweire 
 numerous, of a sulphur-yellow colour, and disposed in a panicle. The placis 
 a native of Europe. 
 
 L. virosa is lactescent, and has a strong disagreeable smell like that of opia, 
 and a bitterish acrid taste. The inspissated expressed juice is the part usuly 
 employed in medicine. It should be prepared while the plant is in flowerks 
 the milky fluid, upon which its virtues depend, is then most abundant. Leu- 
 carium may be advantageously prepared from this species, which is said to jld 
 it in greater quantity, and of better quality, than the garden lettuce. 3Ir. Sckz, 
 of Germany, obtained only 17 grains, on the average, from a single plant olhe 
 garden lettuce, while a plant of L. virosa yielded 56 grains. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The extract or inspissated expressed juice, a 
 sedative narcotic, said also to be gently laxative, powerfully diuretic, and s«e- 
 what diaphoretic. It is employed in Europe, particularly in Germany, iuhe 
 treatment of dropsy, and is especially recommended in cases attended with visual 
 obstruction. It is usually, however, combined with squill, digitalis, or .-ue 
 other diuretic; and it is not easy to decide how much of the effect is justly asib- 
 able to the lettuce. The medicine is never used in this country. The do: i- ; 
 eight or ten grains, which may be gradually increased to a scruple or nre. 
 Lactuca Scariola, another European species, possesses similar properties, a: is 
 used for the same purposes. I 
 
 LAPPA. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Burdock. 
 
 The root of Lappa minor. U. S. 
 
 Bardane, Fr.; Gemeine Ivlette, Germ.; Bard arm, It ah. Span. 
 
 Arctium. Sex. Sgst. Syngenesia JEqualis. — Mat. Ord. Composite Cinb*j 
 De Cand. Cynaraceae, Lind leg. 
 
PRT I. 
 
 443 
 
 Lappa. — Lauro-cerasus. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Receptacle chaffy. Calyx globular; the scales at the apex with invert- 
 eihooks. Seed-down bristly, chaffy. Willd. 
 
 Arctmm Lappa. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 1631 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 32, 1. 13. — 
 Tppa major. De Cand. Prodrom. vi. 661. Burdock is a biennial plant, with a 
 si pie spindle-shaped root, a foot or more in length, brown externally, white 
 a:i spongy within, furnished with thread-like fibres, and having withered scales 
 n r the summit. The stem is succulent, pubescent, branching, and three or four 
 ft; in height, hearing very large cordate, denticulate leaves, which are green on 
 tlir upper surface, whitish and downy on the under, and stand on long footstalks. 
 Is flowers are purple, globose, and in terminal panicles. The calyx consists of 
 inricated scales, with hooked extremities, by which they adhere to clothes, and 
 tl coats of animals. The seed-down is rough and prickly, and the seeds quad- 
 ngular. 
 
 ibis plant, which is the one intended to he designated in the Pharmacopoeia, 
 is native of Europe, and is abundant in the United States, where it grows on 
 tl roadsides, among rubbish, and in cultivated grounds. Pursh thinks that it 
 w introduced. The root, which should be collected in spring, loses four-fifths 
 of ts weight by drying. 
 
 ike odour of the root is weak and unpleasant, the taste mucilaginous and 
 stetish, with a slight degree of bitterness and astringency. Among its con- 
 staents, inulin has been found by Guibourt, and sugar by Fee. 
 
 'he seeds are aromatic, bitterish, and somewhat acrid. 
 
 ! kdical Properties and Uses. The root is considered aperient, diaphoretic, and 
 svorific, without irritating properties; and has been recommended in gouty, 
 sc butic, venereal, rheumatic, scrofulous, leprous, and nephritic affections. To 
 pi/e effectual its use must be persevered in for a long time. It is best admi- 
 niered in the form of decoction, which may be prepared by boiling two ounces 
 of he recent bruised root in three pints of water to two, and given in the quantity 
 of pint during the day. A syrup has also been prepared from it. The seeds 
 at diuretic, and have been used in the same complaints, in the form of emulsion, 
 peder, and tincture. The dose is a drachm. The leaves have also been em- 
 pl ed both externally and internally in cutaneous eruptions and ulcerations. 
 
 W. 
 
 LAURO-CERASUS. Ed., Dub. 
 
 ■ | 
 
 Cherry-Laurel. 
 
 eaves of Prunus lauro-cerasus. Ed. Cerasus Laurocerasus. The leaves. Dub. 
 
 purier cerise, Fr. ; Kii’schlorbeer, Germ.; Lauro ceraso, Ital. 
 
 erasus. Sex. Syst. Icosandria Monogynia. — Nat. Orel. Amygdaleae. 
 
 'en. Ch. Differing from Prunus only in its fruit being destitute of bloom, 
 wi the stone round instead of acute, and the leaves when in bud folded flat, 
 njrolled up. (Lindley, Flor. Mecl., 232.) 
 
 erasus Lauro-cerasus. De Cand. Prodrom. ii. 540. — Prunus Lauro-cerasus. 
 TPd. Sp. Plant, ii. 988; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 513, t. 185. — This is a small 
 ey green tree, rising fifteen or twenty feet in height, with long spreading branches, 
 wlh, as well as the trunk, are covered with a smooth blackish bark. The leaves, 
 wi:h stand alternately on short strong footstalks, are oval-oblong, from five to 
 se q inches in length, acute, finely toothed, firm, coriaceous, smooth, beautifully 
 gr □ and shining, with oblique nerves, and yellowish glands at the base. The 
 flo ;rs are small, white, strongly odorous, and disposed in simple axillary racemes. 
 Tl fruit consists of oval drupes, very similar in shape and structure to small 
 blii i cherries. 
 
 ae cherry-laurel is a native of Asia Minor, but has been introduced into 
 
444 
 
 Lauro-cerasus. — Laurus. 
 
 PARI , 
 
 Europe, throughout which it is cultivated, both for medical use and for > 
 beauty of its shining evergreen foliage. Almost all parts of it are more or 1 ; 
 impregnated with the odour supposed to indicate the presence of hydrocya * 
 acid. The leaves only are officinal. 
 
 In their recent and entire state they have scarcely any smell ; but, when bruis , 
 they emit the characteristic odour of the plant in a high degree. Their tast<, 
 somewhat astringent and strongly bitter, with the flavour of the peach ken. 
 By drying they lose their odour, but retain their bitterness. They yield a - 
 culiar volatile oil and hydrocyanic acid by distillation with water, which tb 
 strongly impregnate with their flavour. The oil resembles that of bitter alraor , 
 for which it is said to be sometimes sold in Europe, where it is employed to flav r 
 liquors and various culinary preparations; but, as it is highly poisonous, danr 
 may result from its careless use. It has not been determined how far the me 
 of production of this oil resembles that of bitter almonds. (S ee Amygdala Amar ) 
 Chemists have failed in obtaining amygdalin from the leaves. That the oil ess 
 already formed, to a certain extent, in the fresh leaves, is rendered probable,’ 
 the fact, stated by Winckler, that they yield it in considerable quantity w.j 
 distilled without water. ( Journ . de Pharm., xxv. 195.) The fresh leaves e 
 used to flavour milk, cream, &c., and more safely than the oil; though they jo 
 are poisonous when too largely employed. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The leaves of the cherry-laurel possess }» 
 perties similar to those of hydrocyanic acid ; and the water distilled from thi 
 is much employed in various parts of Europe for the same purposes as that ace 
 medicine. But it is deteriorated by age; and, therefore, as kept in the shqs, 
 must be of variable strength. Hence, while Hufeland directs only twenty dr s 
 for a dose every two hours, to be gradually increased to sixty drops, M. Fouqir 
 has administered several ounces without effect. Another source of inequalit y 
 strength must be the variable quality of the leaves, according to the time t y 
 have been kept after separation from the tree, and probably also to their age d 
 degree of development. It is not, therefore, to be regretted, that the want 
 the plant in this country has prevented the introduction of the distilled war 
 into our shops. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Lauro-cerasi. II 
 
 LAURUS. Land, 
 
 Bay Berries. 
 
 Laurus nobilis. The fruit. Loud. 
 
 Laurier, Fr.; Lorbeer, Germ.; Allorg, I Lai.; Laurel, Span. 
 
 Laurus. Sex. Syst. Enneandria Monogynia. — Mat. Ord. Lauracese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Flowers diceciousor hermaphrodite, involuerated. Calyx four-para; 
 segments equal, deciduous. Fertile stamens twelve in three rows ; the outer a i- 
 nate with the segments of the calyx ; all with two glands in the middle or ake 
 it. Anthers oblong, two-celled, all looking inwards. Fertile jlmcers withjro 
 to four castrated males surrounding the ovary. Stigma capitate. Fruit sua- 
 lent, seated in the irregular base of the calyx. Umbels axillary, stalked. (Li- 
 ley, Flor. Med., 340.) 
 
 Laurus nohilis. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 479 ; Wood v. Med. Bot. p. 67S, t. A 
 This species of laurel is an evergreen tree, attaining in its native climate^ 
 height of twenty or thirty feet. Its leaves are alternate, on short petioles, A- 
 lanceolate, entire, sometimes wavy, veined, of a firm texture, smooth, shins, 
 deep-green upon their upper surface, paler beneath. The flowers are dioeein. 
 of a yellowish-white colour, and placed in small clusters of three or four togeer 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Laurus.— Lavandula. 
 
 445 
 
 jtq a common peduncle in the axils of the leaves. The corolla is divided into 
 Po|| oval segments. The fruit is an oval berry, of the size of a small cherry, 
 m when ripe of a dark purple, nearly black colour. 
 
 he bay tree, so famous among the ancients, is a native of the countries bor- 
 leng on the Mediterranean. Its leaves and fruit, and an oil expressed from 
 Hatter, are the officinal parts. 
 
 he leaves have a fragrant odour, especially when bruised, and a bitter, aro- 
 m:ic, somewhat astringent taste. They yield by distillation a greenish-yellow 
 voltile oil, upon which their properties chiefly depend. Water distilled from 
 thin has their peculiar odour. The berries when dried are black and wrinkled, 
 an contain two oval, fatty seeds within a thin, friable envelope ; or they may 
 bejonsidered as drupes, with a kernel divisible into two lobes. They have the 
 saie aromatic odour and taste as the leaves, but are more pungent. Besides 
 anlssential oil, they contain also a fixed oil, which may be separated by expres- 
 sic or decoction. The expressed oil, which is obtained from the fresh fruit, is 
 colrete, of a greenish colour, and retains a portion of the volatile oil, which 
 reiers it agreeably aromatic. Lard, impregnated with the odorous principle 
 of ie berries, and coloured green, is said to be often substituted for the genuine 
 ex essed oil. The sophistication may be detected by means of boiling alcohol, 
 wl h dissolves the laurel oil. 
 
 '(‘dical Properties and Uses. The leaves, berries, and oil of the bay tree 
 sss exciting and narcotic properties ; but at present are never used internally 
 edicines, and in this country are scarcely employed in any manner. Their 
 ’ use is to communicate a pleasant odour to external stimulant remedies. 
 Di A.. T. Thomson says that he has found an infusion of the berries useful in 
 im tigo. 
 
 W. Prep. Confectio Butae; Emplastrum Cumini. W. 
 
 LAVANDULA. U. A, Loncl, Ed., Dub. 
 
 Lavender. 
 
 SU] 
 
 ie flowers of Lavandula vera. U. S., Land., Dub. The flowering heads. Ed. 
 vande, Fr.; Lavandelblumen, Germ.,- Lavandola, Ital.; Esplicgo, alkucema, Span. 
 vvandula. Sex. Syst. Didynamia Gymnospermia. — Nat. Ord. Lamiacecc 
 or ibiatse. 
 
 °n.Cli. Calyx ovate, somewhat toothed, supported by a bracte. Corolla re- 
 le. Stamens within the tube. Willd. 
 
 ivandula vera. De Cand. F/nr. Fr. Sup. p. 398- — L. Spica. Willd. Sp. 
 Pkt. iii. 60; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 321, t. 114. — The Lavandula Spica of 
 Litmus includes two distinct species, which were considered by him merely as 
 vafties of the same plant, but have been separated by subsequent botanists. Of 
 the, the officinal plant, the narrow-leaved variety of Linnaeus, has been de- 
 noinated by De Candolle L. vera, while the broad-leaved variety still retains 
 theitle of L. Spica. The latter is scarcely cultivated in Great Britain or the 
 Un ad States. 
 
 ae common lavender is a small shrub, usually not more than two or three 
 feejiigb, but sometimes as much as six feet. The stem is woody below, and 
 cowed with a brown bark; above, is divided into numerous, slender, straight, 
 hei iceous, pubescent, quadrangular branches, furnished with opposite, sessile, 
 naij w, nearly linear, entire, and green or glaucous leaves. The flowers are 
 sm , blue, and disposed in interrupted whorls around the young shoots, form- 
 ingarmmal cylindrical spikes. Each whorl is accompanied with two bractes. 
 Th iorolla is tubular and labiate, with the lower lip divided into three segments, 
 the pper larger and bifid. The filaments are within the tube. 
 
446 
 
 Limon. — Limonis Cortex. — Limonum Succus. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 The plant is a native of Southern Europe, and covers vast tracts of dry an 
 barren land in Spain, Italy, and the South of France. It is cultivated abunc 
 antly in our gardens, and in this country flowers in August. It is said that i 
 fields, when too thickly planted, it is apt to suffer from a disease consequent o 
 the noxious influence of its own aroma, which is relieved by thinning the plant; 
 ( Pharrn . Journ. and Trans., x. 119.) All parts of it are endowed with aromat: 
 properties ; but the flowers only are officinal. The spikes should be cut whe 
 they begin to bloom. 
 
 Lavender flowers have a strong fragrant odour, and an aromatic, warm, bi 
 terish taste. They retain their fragrance long after drying. Alcohol extrac 
 their virtues; and a volatile oil upon which their odour depends rises with th. 
 liquid in distillation. The oil may be procured separate by distilling theflowe 
 with water. (See Oleum Lavandulae.) Hagan obtained from a pound of tl 
 fresh flowers from half a drachm to two drachms of the oil. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Lavender is an aromatic stimulant and toni 
 esteemed useful in certain conditions of nervous debility, but seldom given in i 
 crude state. The products obtained by its distillation are much used in pe 
 fumery, and as adjuvants to other medicines, which they render at the same tin 
 more acceptable to the palate, and cordial to the stomach. 
 
 Off. Prep. Oleum Lavandulae; Spiritus Lavandulae. W. 
 
 LIMON. U.S. 
 
 Lemons. 
 
 The fruit of Citrus Limonum ( De Candolle). U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. LIMONES. Fruit of Citrus medica and Citrus Limonum. Lemo 
 and Limes. Ed. 
 
 Limons, Citrons, Fr.; Limonen, Citronen, Germ.; Limoni, dial.; Limones, Span. 
 
 LIMONIS CORTEX. U. S. 
 
 Lemon Peel. 
 
 The outer rind of the fruit of Citrus Limonum. U. S. 
 
 Off Syn. LIMONUM CORTEX. Citrus Limonum. The recent and drl 
 exterior rind of the fruit. Lond. Rind of the fruit of Citrus Medica. L 
 LIMONES. CITRUS LIMONUM. The fresh rind of the fruit. Dul. 
 
 LIMONUM SUCCUS. Lond. 
 
 Lemon Juice. 
 
 The juice of the fruit. Land. 
 
 Off. Syn. LIMONES. CITRUS LIMONUM. The juice of the fruit. D-. 
 
 For some general remarks on the genus Citrus, see Aurantii Cortex. 
 
 Citrus medica. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 11*26 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 582'. 
 189. This tree closely resembles in its general aspect the C. Aurantium bele 
 described. The leaves, however, are larger, slightly indented at the edges, :d 
 stand upon footstalks which are destitute of the winged appendages that o- 
 racterize the other species. The flowers, moreover, have a purplish tingen 
 their outer surface, and the fruit is entirel} - different in appearance from k 
 orange. There are several varieties of Citrus medica, which some botanists o- 
 sider as distinct species, but which scarcely differ except in the character of tilt 
 
IRT I. 
 
 Limon. — Limonis Cortex. 
 
 447 
 
 f it. Those particularly deserving of notice are the citron, lemon, and lime. 
 ITn the citron, C. medica of Risso, the fruit is very large, sometimes sis inches 
 i length, ovoidal with a double rind, of which the outer layer is yellowish, thin, 
 requal, rugged, with innumerable vesicles filled with essential oil; the inner 
 iwhite, very thick, and spongy. It is divided in the interior into nine or ten 
 els, filled with oblong vesicles, which contain an acid juice precisely like that 
 c the lemon, and used for the same purposes. The rind is applied to the pre- 
 pation of conserves, to which it is adapted by its thickness. This fruit is called 
 drat by the French. 2. The lemon — C. medica, variety limon of Linnaeus — 
 t: Citrus Limonium of Risso — is smaller than the preceding variety, with a 
 soother and thinner rind, a pointed nipple-shaped summit, and a very juicy and 
 ad pulp. In other respects it closely resembles the citron, to which, however, 
 iis usually preferred in consequence of the greater abundance of its juice. 
 SThe lime is still smaller than the lemon, with a smoother and thinner rind, 
 oil, rounded at the extremities, of a pale-yellow or greenish-yellow colour, and 
 aounding in a very acid juice, which renders it highly useful for all the purposes 
 t which the lemon is applied. It is the product of the variety C. acris of Miller. 
 The Citrus medica, like the orange-tree, is a native of Asia. It was intro- 
 cked into Europe from Persia or Media, was first cultivated in Greece, after- 
 vrds in Italy, so early as the second century, and has now spread over the 
 role civilized world, being raised by artificial heat, where the climate is too 
 cd to admit of its exposure with safety during winter to the open air. 
 
 We are supplied with lemons and limes chiefly from the West Indies and the 
 I diterranean. Though the former of these fruits only is directed by the United 
 £ tes Pharmacopoeia, both kinds are employed indiscriminately for most medi- 
 cal purposes ; and the lime affords a juice at least equal in proportional quantity, 
 al in acidity, to that obtained from the lemon. 
 
 Properties. The exterior rind of the lemon has a fragrant odour, and a warm, 
 amatic, bitter taste, somewhat similar to that of the orange, though less agree- 
 ae. It contains a bitter principle, and yields, by expression or distillation, an 
 e mtial oil which is much used for its flavour. Both this and the rind itself 
 a recognised as officinal in all the Pharmacopoeias. (See Oleum Limonis .) 
 I non peel yields its virtues to water, wine, and alcohol. 
 
 But the juice is the part for which this fruit is most esteemed. It is sharply 
 al, with a peculiar grateful flavour, and consists chiefly of citric acid, muci- 
 lm, and extractive, dissolved in water. As lemons cannot always be obtained, 
 t! juice is often kept in a separate state ; but, from its liability to spontaneous 
 d omposition, it speedily becomes unfit for medical use ; and, though various 
 pans have been resorted to for its preservation, it can never be made to retain 
 fi any length of time its original flavour unaltered. The best medicinal sub- 
 si ute for lemon juice is a solution of crystallized citric ac-id in water, in the 
 p portion of about an ounce to the pint, with the addition of a little oil of 
 Icons.* One of the most effectual methods of preserving the juice is to allow 
 it d stand for a short time after expression till a coagulable matter separates, 
 tlja to filter, and introduce it into glass bottles, with a stratum of almond oil or 
 o|sr sweet oil upon its surface. It will keep still better, if the bottles contain- 
 hj the filtered juice be suffered, before being closed, to stand for fifteen minutes 
 hi vessel of boiling water. Another mode is to add one-tenth of alcohol, and 
 tqilter. The juice may also be preserved by concentrating it either by evapo- 
 rfjon with a gentle heat, or by exposure to a freezing temperature, which con- 
 gjis the watery portion, and leaves the acid much stronger than before. When 
 
 Nine drachms and a half, dissolved in a pint of water, form a solution of the average 
 st ngth of lime juice ; but, wdiere precision is not requisite, the proportion mentioned in 
 tl text is most convenient. 
 
448 
 
 Limon. — Limonis Cortex. — Linum. 
 
 PART 
 
 wanted for use it may be diluted to the former strength ; but, though the ae 
 properties are retained, the flavour of the juice is found to have been deteriorate 
 Lemon syrup is another form in which the juice is preserved. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The rind of the lemon is sometimes used 
 qualify the taste and increase the power of stomachic infusions and tincture 
 The juice is refrigerant, and properly diluted forms a refreshing and agreeal 
 beverage in febrile and inflammatory affections. It may be given with sweeten 
 water in the shape of lemonade, or may be added to the mildly nutritive drinl 
 such as gum-water, barley-water, &c., usually administered in fevers. It is al 
 much employed in the formation of those diaphoretic preparations known by t 
 names of neutral mixture and effervescing dra light. (See Liquor Potassse Citrate 
 One of the most beneficial applications of lemon juice is to the prevention ai 
 cure of scurvy, for which it may be considered almost a specific. For this pt 
 pose, ships destined for long voyages should always be provided with a supp 
 of the concentrated juice, or of crystallized citric acid with the oil of lemor 
 Lemon juice is sometimes prescribed in connexion with opium and Peruvi. 
 bark, the effects of which it is thought in some instances to modify favourabl 
 by substituting the citrate of their respective alkalies for the native salts, 
 has recently been employed with great supposed advantage in the treatment 
 acute rheumatism, having been given in quantities varying from one to four flui 
 ounces, from four to six times a day. It has been used with advantage as a lot 
 application in pruritus of the scrotum, and in uterine hemorrhage after deliver 
 
 Off. Prep, of the Peel. Infusum Aurantii Compositum; Infusum Gentiar 
 Comp.; Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus; Tinctura Limonis. 
 
 Off. Prep, of the Juice. Acidum Citricum; Liquor Potassae Citratis; Syrup 
 Limonis. W. 
 
 LINUM. US., Dub. 
 
 Flaxseed. 
 
 The seeds of Linum usitatissimum. U. S., Dub. 
 
 Off. Syn. LINT SEMEN. Linum usitatissimum. The seed. Land.; LI.' 
 SEMINA. Seeds of Linum usitatissimum. LINI FARINA. Meal of the see 
 deprived of their fixed oil by expression. Ed. 
 
 Linseed; Grains de Iin, Fr.; Leinsame, Germ.; Semi di lino, Ital.; Linaza, Span. 
 
 Linum. Sex.Sgst. Pentandria Pentagynia. — Nat. Ord. Linaceaj. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-leaved. Petals five. Capsule five-valved, ten-celled. See 
 solitary. Willd. 
 
 Linum usitatissimum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1538; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 5t. 
 t. 202. Common flax is an annual plant with an erect, slender, round stem, abc: 
 two feet in height, branching at top, and, like all other parts of the plant, e 
 tirely smooth. The leaves are small, lanceolate, acute, entire, of a pale-grei 
 colour, sessile, and scattered alternately over the stem and branches. The flows 
 are terminal and of a delicate blue colour. The calyx is persistent, and co- 
 posed of five ovate, sharp-pointed, three-nerved leaflets, which are membrano 
 on their border. The petals are five, obovate, striated, minutely scolloped : 
 their extremities, and spread into funnel-shaped blossoms. The filaments a 
 also five, united at the base; and the germ, which is ovate, supports five slenr 
 styles, terminating in obtuse stigmas. The fruit is a globular capsule, about u 
 size of a small pea, having the persistent calyx at the base, crowned with a sh;) 
 spine, and containing ten seeds in distinct cells. 
 
 This highly valuable plant, now almost everywhere cultivated, is said by so3 
 to have been originally derived from Egypt, by others from the great eleval 
 plain of central Asia. It flowers in June and July, and ripens its seeds i 
 August. The seeds, and an oil expressed from them, are officinal. 
 
].RT I. 
 
 Linum. 
 
 449 
 
 The seeds are oval, oblong, flattened on both sides with acute edges, somewhat 
 jinted at one end, about a line in length, smooth, glossy, of a brown colour 
 eternally, and yellowish-white within. They are inodorous, and have an oily 
 ncilaginous taste. Meyer found in them fixed oil, wax, resin, extractive, tan- 
 13, gum, azotized mucilage, starch, albumen, gluten, and various salts. M. 
 Isurein could find no starch, but detected phosphates which had escaped the 
 itice of Meyer. ( Journ . de Pharm ., 3e sir., xx. 97.) Their investing coat or 
 1 sk abounds in a peculiar gummy matter or mucilage, which is l'eadily imparted 
 1 hot water, forming a thick viscid fluid, which lets fall white flakes upon the 
 idition of alcohol, and affords a copious dense precipitate with subacetate of lead, 
 k Berzelius the term mucilage is applied to a proximate vegetable principle, 
 (stinguished from gum by being insoluble in cold, and but slightly soluble in 
 liling water, in which it swells up and forms a mucilaginous, viscid body, which 
 bes its water when placed upon filtering paper, or other porous substance, and 
 ubracts like stai-ch in the gelatinous state. The name, however, is unfortu- 
 ite; as it is generally applied to the solution of gum, and must inevitably lead 
 t confusion. Nor is it strictly a distinct proximate principle; as it embraces a 
 imber of different bodies, such as bassorin, cerasin, &c. According to Guerin, 
 ti mucilage of flaxseed, obtained at a temperature of from 120° to 140°, and 
 uporated to diyness, by means of a salt water bath, contains in 100 parts, 
 ['70 of a principle soluble in cold water, 29'89 of a principle insoluble in that 
 luid, and 10 30 of water, and yields 7'11 per cent, of ashes. The soluble part 
 1 believes to be arabin or pure gum ; the insoluble he found not to afford mucic 
 1 d with the nitric, and therefore to differ from both bassorin and cerasin. Thbre 
 \s also a small proportion of azotized matter which he did not isolate. ( Ann . 
 ( Chim. et de Phys., xlix. 263.) Yauquelin found among its constituents free 
 fiticacid, silica, and various salts of potassa and lime. Meurein discovered in 
 t; mucilage extracted by cold water, albumen, and a very small proportion of 
 f oleo-resin, which resides in the coats of the seed, and to which they owe their 
 puliar odour and taste. {Journ. de Pliarm., 3e ser., xx. 98.) 
 
 The interior part of the seed, or nucleus, is rich in a peculiar oil, which is se- 
 pated by expression, and very extensively employed in the arts. (See Oleum 
 j ni.) The ground seeds are kept in the shops under the name of flaxseed meal. 
 iis is of a dark-gray colour, highly oleaginous, and when mixed with hot water 
 fms a soft adhesive mass, which is much employed for luting by practical che- 
 nts. The cake which remains after the expression of the oil, usually called 
 cicake, still retains the mucilaginous matter of the envelope, and affords a 
 1 ;hly nutritious food for cattle. This is the Lini Farina of the Edinburgh 
 1 armacopoeia. 
 
 Flaxseed is sometimes accidentally or fraudulently mixed with other seeds, 
 e iecially of plants which grow among the flax. We have seen a parcel contain- 
 i ; a considerable proportion of the seeds of an indigenous species of garlic. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Flaxseed is demulcent and emollient. The 
 1 cilage obtained by infusing the entire seeds in boiling water, in the propor- 
 t,i of half an ounce to the pint, is much and very advantageously employed in 
 ciarrh, dysentery, nephritic and calculous complaints, strangury, and other in- 
 fnmatory affections of the mucous membrane of the lungs, intestines, and 
 auary passages. By decoction water extracts also a portion of the oleaginous 
 u tter, which renders the mucilage less fit for administration by the mouth, but 
 s erior as a laxative enema. The meal mixed with hot water forms an excel- 
 1 t emollient poultice. 
 
 Off. Prep. Cataplasma Carbonis; Cataplasma Conii; Cataplasma Lini ; Cata- 
 psma Sinapis; Cataplasma Sodse Chloriuatae; Infusum Lini Compositum. 
 
 W. 
 
 29 
 
450 
 
 Linum Catharticum. — Liriodendron. 
 
 PARI 
 
 LINUM CATHARTICUM. Ed. 
 
 Purging Flax. 
 
 Herb of Linum catharticum. Ed. 
 
 Lin cathartique, Ft.; Purgirflaeks, Germ.; Lino purgativo, Ital.; Cantilagua. Span. I 
 
 Linum. See LINUM. 
 
 Linum catharticum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1541; Smith, Flor.Brit. 344. Th 
 is an annual plant, about six or eight inches high, having erect, slender stem 
 dichotomous near the summit, furnished with opposite, obovate-lanceolate, e: 
 tire leaves, and bearing minute white flowers, the petals of which are obova 
 and acute. It is a native of Europe, and not found in the L’nited States, whe 
 it is never employed as a medicine. 
 
 The whole plant is very bitter and somewhat acrid, and imparts its virtues 
 w T at,er, which acquires a yellow colour. It appears to owe its activity to a pec- 
 liar drastic principle, which has received the name of litiin, and which is afford* 
 most largely by the plant after the flower has fallen. ( PJtarm . Central Bleu 
 1844, p. 110.) Purging flax formerly enjoyed some reputation in Europe as 
 gentle cathartic, but has fallen into disuse. Attention has been recently call* 
 to it as an excellent remedy in muscular rheumatism, catarrhal affections, ai 
 dropsy with disease of the liver. Prom four to eight grains of the extract, giv ( 
 twice or thrice daily, are said to operate as a purgative and diuretic, without il 
 convenience to the patient. ( Medical Times, July, 1850.) A drachm of tl 
 powder, or an infusion containing the virtues of two or three drachms of tl 
 herb, may be taken for a dose. W. 
 
 LIRIODENDRON. TJ.S. Secondary. 
 
 Tulip-tree Baric. 
 
 The bark of Liriodendron tulipifera. V. S. 
 
 Liriodendron. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Polygynia. — A "at. Ord. Magnoliacd 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx three-leaved. Petals six. Samaree sublanceolate, one or tw 
 seeded, imbricated in a cone. JVuttaU. 
 
 Liriodendron tulipifera. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1254; Bigelow. Am. Med. B< 
 ii. 107 ; Barton, Med. Lot. i. 92. This noble tree is the boast, of American lan 
 scape. Rising on an erect, straight, cylindrical stem, which is often of near 
 equal thickness for the distance of forty feet, it attains, in favourable situation 
 an elevation seldom less than fifty and sometimes more than one hundred fe- 
 with a diameter of trunk varying from eighteen inches to three feet; and im 
 viduals are occasionally met with which greatly exceed these dimensions. T 
 bark is of a brown or grayish-brown colour, except in the young branches, 
 which it is bluish or of a reddish tinge. The leaves, which stand on long fo- 
 stalks, are alternate, somewhat fleshy, smooth, of a beautiful shining green colov 
 and divided into three lobes, of which the upper one is truncated and horizon ta 
 notched at its summit, so as to present a two-lobed appearance, and the two low 
 are rounded at the base and usually pointed. In the larger leaves, the latet 
 lobes have each a tooth-like projection at some distance below their apex. I- 
 peculiar form of the leaf serves to distinguish the tree from all others inhabiri: 
 the American forests. On isolated trees the flowers are very numerous. To 
 are large, beautifully variegated with different colours, among which yellow p- 
 dominates, and in their general appearance bear some resemblance to the tub 
 which has given a name to the species. Each flower stands on a distinct termid 
 
FRT I. 
 
 Liriodendron. 
 
 451 
 
 pluncle. The calyx is double, the outer being two-leaved and deciduous, the 
 ii er consisting of three large, oval, concave leaves, of a pale-green colour. The 
 colla is composed of six, seven, or more obtuse, concave petals. The stamens 
 a numerous, with short filaments, and long linear anthers. The pistils are 
 elected into the form of a cone, the upper part of which is covered with minute 
 S'jinas. The fruit consists of numerous long, narrow scales, attached to a com- 
 nn axis, imbricated in a conical form, and containing each two seeds, one or 
 bh of which are often abortive. 
 
 fhe tulip-tree extends from New England to the borders of Florida, but is 
 xi'st abundant and attains the greatest magnitude in the Middle and Western 
 Stes. It delights in a rich strong soil, and luxuriates in the exhaustless fer- 
 tity of the banks of the Ohio and its tributary streams. Throughout the United 
 Stes it is known by the inappropriate name of poplar, for which that of tulip- 
 tv is sometimes substituted. When in full bloom, about the middle of May, 
 itpresents, in its profusion of flowers, its rich, shining, luxuriant foliage, its 
 e rated stature, and elegant outline, one of the most magnificent objects which 
 tl vegetable kingdom affords. The interior or heart wood, which is yellowish, 
 o:a fine grain, and compact without being heavy, is much employed in the 
 nking of furniture, carriages, door-panels, and for other useful purposes. It 
 iseeommended by its property of resisting the influence of atmospheric moisture 
 a: ; the attacks of worms. The bark is the officinal portion. It is taken for 
 u indiscriminately from the root, trunk, and branches; though that derived 
 fni the root is thought to be the most active. 
 
 deprived of the epidermis, it is yellowish- white; the bark of the root being 
 siiewhat darker than that of the stem or branches. It is very light and brittle, 
 ol feeble, rather disagreeable odour, strongest in the fresh bark, and of a bitter, 
 pjgent, and aromatic taste. These properties are weakened by age, and we 
 hie found specimens of the bark long kept in the shops, almost insipid. The 
 puliar properties of liriodendron appear to reside in a volatile principle, which 
 pi i ally escapes during decoction. The late Professor Emmet, of the University 
 oUirginia, believed that he had isolated this principle, and gave it the name of 
 libdendrin. As described by Professor Emmet, it is, in the pure state, solid, 
 wjfce, crystallizable, brittle, insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and ether, 
 fuble at 180°, volatilizable and partly decomposed at 270°, of a slightly are- 
 na ic odour, and a bitter, warm, pungent taste. It is incapable of uniting with 
 allies, which precipitate it from the infusion of the bark by combining with 
 tl: matter which renders it soluble in water. Neither does it unite with acids. 
 Wer precipitates it from its alcoholic solution. It is obtained by macerating 
 th root in alcohol, boiling the tincture with magnesia till it assumes an olive- 
 grjn colour, then filtering, concentrating by distillation till the liquid becomes 
 tu id, and finally precipitating the liriodendrin by the addition of cold water. 
 {Pm. of the Phil. Col. of Pharm., iii. 5.) The virtues of the bark are ex- 
 tr: ted by water and alcohol, but are injured by long boiling. 
 
 j ledicul Properties. Liriodendron is a stimulant tonic, wdth diaphoretic pro- 
 pejies. It has been used as a substitute for Peruvian bark in intermittent 
 fe rs, and has proved serviceable in chronic rheumatism, dyspepsia, and other 
 colplaints in which a gently stimulant and tonic impressiou is desirable. The 
 do, of the bark in powder is from half a drachm to two drachms. The infusion 
 an; decoction are also used, but are less efficient. They may be prepared in the 
 pr option of an ounce of the bark to a pint of water, and given in the quantity 
 of ne or two fluidounces. The dose of the saturated tincture is a fluidrachm. 
 
 W. 
 
452 
 
 Lobelia. 
 
 PART 
 
 LOBELIA. U S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Lobelia. 
 
 Herb of Lobelia inflata. U. S., Ed., Dub. The herb in flower. Lond. 
 
 Lobelia. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Lobeliaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-cleft. Corolla irregular, five-parted, cleft on the upp 
 side nearly to the base. Anthers united into a tube. Stigma two-lobed. Cojm 
 inferior or semi-superior, two or three-celled, two-valved at the apex. Torrey. 
 
 Lobelia inflata. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 946; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. i. 17’ 
 Barton, Med. Bot. i. 181; Carson, Illust. of Med. Bot. i. 60, pi. 51. Tt 
 species of Lobelia, commonly called Indian tobacco , is an annual or biennial i 
 digenous plant, usually a foot or more in height, with a fibrous root, and a so 
 tary, erect, angular, very hairy stem, much branched about midway, but risit 
 considerably above the summits of the highest branches. The leaves are sc; 
 tered, sessile, oval, acute, serrate, and hair}". The flowers are numerous, sma 
 disposed in leafy terminal racemes, and supported on short axillary footstall 
 The segments of the calyx are linear and pointed. The corolla, which is of 
 delicate blue colour, has a labiate border, with the upper lip divided into tn 
 the lower into three segments. The united anthers are curved, and enclose t 
 stigma. The fruit is an oval, striated, inflated capsule, crowned with the pi 
 sistent calyx, and containing, in two cells, numerous very small, brown seed; 
 
 Lobelia inflata is a very common weed, growing on the road-sides, and 
 neglected fields, throughout the United States. Its flowers begin to appe 
 towards the end of July, and continue to expand in succession till the occurren 
 of frost. All parts of it are medicinal ; but, according to Dr. Eberle, the rc 
 and inflated capsules are most powerful. The plant shoulcFbe collected in Augn 
 or September, when the capsules are numerous, and should be carefully drit 
 It may be kept whole, or in powder. As found in the shops, it is often in oblo; 
 compressed cakes, prepared by the Shakers. 
 
 Dried lobelia has a slight irritating odour, and when chewed, though at fit 
 without much taste, soon produces a burning acrid impression upon the poster 1 
 parts of the tongue and palate, very closely resembling that occasioned by - 
 bacco, and attended, in like manner, with a flow of saliva and a nauseating effe. 
 The powder is of a greenish colour. The plant yields its active properties read.' 
 to water and alcohol. Water distilled from it, according to Prof. Procter, h 
 the odour of the plant, without its acrimony. Prof. Procter found the plant) 
 contain an odorous volatile principle, probably volatile oil; a peculiar alkali 
 principle named lobelina; a peculiar acid, first noticed as distinct by Perei, 
 called lobelic acid ; besides gum, resin, chlorophylle, fixed oil, lignin, salts f 
 lime and potassa, and oxide of iron. The seeds contain at least twice as mu 
 of lobelina, in proportion, as the whole plant, which yielded only one parti 
 five hundred. They contain also thirty per cent, of a nearly colourless fixed , 
 having the drying property in an extraordinary degree. Lobelina was obtaid 
 by Prof. Procter by the following process. The seeds were treated with alcd 
 
 * In case of poisoning from lobelia, it may be very desirable to be able to recognise e 
 seeds. The following microscopic characters of them are given by Mr. Frederick Cus 
 in the Lond. Med. Gaz. for July, 1851 (p. 160). They are almond-shaped, about 1-eh 
 of an inch long by l-75th broad, puce-coloured, regularly marked with longitudil 
 ridges and furrows, and cross ridges generally at right-angles with the former, so thatie 
 surface presents the appearance of basket-work. No other seeds examined by the aunt 
 could be mistaken for them, except those of Lobelia cardinalis, which, however, are larr, 
 coarser, of a lighter colour, and with the superficial rectangular chequering less distine- 
 Note to the tenth edition. 
 
Lobelia. 
 
 453 
 
 :oit i. 
 
 adulated with acetic acid, until deprived of their acrimony, and the tincture 
 us evaporated ; the resulting extract was triturated with magnesia and water, 
 :d, after repeated agitation for several hours, the liquor, holding lobelina in 
 station, was filtered; this was then shaken repeatedly with ether until deprived 
 ( acrimony ; and the ethereal solution, having been decanted, was allowed to 
 (aporate spontaneously. The residue, which had a reddish-brown colour, and 
 13 consistence of honey, was deprived of colouring matter by dissolving it in 
 uter, adding a slight excess of sulphuric acid, boiling with animal charcoal, 
 curating with magnesia, filtering, agitating with ether until this fluid had de- 
 ]ived the water of acrimony, and finally decanting, and allowing the ether to 
 nporate. Thus obtained, lobelina is a yellowish liquid, lighter than water, of 
 nomewhat aromatic odour, and a very acrid durable taste. It is soluble in 
 i ter, but much more copiously in alcohol and ether, and the latter fluid readily 
 1 ’noves it from its aqueous solution. It has a decided alkaline reaction, and 
 fms soluble and crystallizable salts with sulphuric, nitric, and muriatic acids, 
 d a very soluble but not crystallizable salt with acetic acid. It forms an in- 
 suble compound with tannic acid, which instantly precipitates it from its'solu- 
 tin. By a boiling heat it is entirely decomposed, losing all its acrimony; but, 
 yen combined with acids, it may be subjected to ebullition with water without 
 ange. Prof. Procter introduced a grain of it diluted with water into the 
 smach of a cat, which became immediately prostrate, remained for an hour 
 iirly motionless, with dilated pupils, and had not wholly recovered at the end 
 (fifteen hours. It did not occasion vomiting or purging. There can be little 
 cabt that it is the narcotic principle of lobelia. {Am. Journ. of Pharm., ix. 
 15, and xiii. 1.)* The late Dr. S- Colhoun, of Philadelphia, was the first to 
 aiounce the existence of a peculiar principle in lobelia, capable of forming salts 
 y,h the acids; but he did not obtain it in an isolated state. An important in- 
 fence from the effects of heat upon lobelina is, that, in any of the preparations 
 c lobelia, the plant should never be heated in connexion with a salifiable base. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Lobelia is emetic, and, like other medicines of 
 t same class, is occasionally cathartic, and in small doses diaphoretic and ex- 
 ytorant. It is also possessed of narcotic properties. The leaves or capsules, 
 ciwed for a short time, occasion giddiness, headache, general tremors, and ulti- 
 Etely nausea and vomiting. When swallowed in the full dose, the medicine 
 Induces speedy and severe vomiting, attended with continued and distressing 
 nsea, copious sweating, and great general relaxation. Its effects in doses too 
 lge, or too frequently repeated, are extreme prostration, great anxiety and dis- 
 t $s, and ultimately death preceded by convulsions. Dr. Letheby found 110 
 gins of it in the stomach of a patient killed by this poison, and states that he 
 1 known much less to cause death. ( Lond . Med. Times and Gaz., March, 
 1)3, p. 270.) Prom experiments made by Mr. Curtis and Dr. Pearson on 
 hlgehogs and cats, it would appear that the poison produces inflammation of 
 t alimentary mucous membrane in those animals, but that death mainly results 
 f: n the suspension of respiration; the heart continuing to act after that process 
 k ceased. It is probable that it paralyzes, by a directly depressing influence, 
 t respiratory centres in the medulla oblongata. {Lond. Med. Gaz., xlv. 285.) 
 lath has often resulted from its empirical use. Its poisonous effects are most 
 a to occur, when, as sometimes happens, it is not rejected by vomiting. In 
 
 I Mr. William Bastick, of London, has published in the Pharmaceutical Journal and 
 liisactions for December, 1850, an account of lobelina and its mode of extraction, appa- 
 Ujlyin entire ignorance of the previous experiments and observations of Professor Proc- 
 t(. His pi’ocess does not differ essentially from that above given. In one magnesia is 
 n 1 to decompose the native salt of lobelina, in the other lime; the caustic alkalies not 
 Hg applicable to the purpose, as they decompose this organic alkali with great facility. 
 — r ote to the ninth edition. 
 
454 
 
 Lobelia. — Lupulina. 
 
 PART 
 
 its operation upon the system, therefore, as well as in its sensible propertie 
 lobelia bears a close resemblance to tobacco. It is among the medicines whic- 
 were employed by the aborigines of this country ; and was long in the bands > 
 empirics before it was introduced into regular practice. The Rev. Dr. Cutle 
 of Massachusetts, first attracted to it the attention of the profession. 
 
 As an emetic it is too powerful, and too distressing as well as hazardous in i 
 operation for ordinary use. The disease in which it has proved most useful 
 spasmodic asthma, the paroxysms of which it often greatly mitigates, and som 
 times wholly relieves, even when not given in doses sufficiently large to produi 
 vomiting. It was from the relief obtained from an attack of this complaint ; 
 his own person, that Dr. Cutler was induced to recommend the medicine, 
 has also been used in catarrh, croup, pertussis, and other laryngeal and pec-tor 
 affections ; and we have seen it apparently advantageous in some of these cor 
 plaints, especially in severe croup, and in chronic bronchitis with dyspnow 
 but it should always he used with caution. Administered by injection it pr 
 duces the same distressing sickness of stomach, profuse perspiration, and ur 
 versal relaxation, as result from a similar use of tobacco. Dr. Eberle adm 
 nistered a strong decoction of it successfully by the rectum, as a substitute f 
 this narcotic in a case of strangulated hernia. It has been employed effectual! 
 in small doses repeated so as to sustain a slight nausea, for producing relaxatic 
 of the os uteri, (dm. Journ. of Med. Sci., xvii. 248.) 
 
 It may be given in substance, tincture, or infusion. The dose of the powd 
 as an emetic is from five to twenty grains, to be repeated if necessary. T1 
 tincture is most frequently administered. The full dose of this preparation! 
 an adult is half a fluidounce; though in asthmatic cases it is better administer-, 
 in the quantity of one or two fluidrachms, repeated every two or three hours t: 
 its effects are experienced.* 
 
 Two other species of Lobelia have attracted some attention from medical writer 
 L. cardinalis or cardinal flower, distinguished for its showy red flowers, is su 
 posed to possess anthelmintic properties; but is seldom or never used. L. ?ypl 
 Utica is said to have been used by the Indians in the cure of the venereal di 
 ease, but has upon trial been found wholly inefficacious in that complaint, 
 is emetic and cathartic, and appears also to possess diuretic properties; when 
 it has been conjectured that it might have proved serviceable in gonorrhoea. I 
 Chapman states that it has been employed, as he has been informed, by son 
 practitioners of the western country in dropsy, and not without success. T 
 root is the part used. Both these species of Lobelia are indigenous. For 
 more detailed account of them, the reader is referred to Dr. W. P. C. Bartor 
 Medical Botany. 
 
 Off. Prep. Tinctura Lobelise; Tinet. Lobelite JEtherea. W. 
 
 LUPULINA. JJ. S., Dub. 
 
 Lupulin. 
 
 The powder attached to the strobiles of Humulus Lupulus. U. S., Pub. 
 
 Lupulina is described under HUMULUS, p. 392. 
 
 * Professor Procter prepares a fluid extract by macerating eight ounces of finely bruia 
 lobelia mixed with a fluidouuce of acetic acid, in a pint and a half of diluted alcohol, ' > 
 twenty-four hours; then percolating with an equal quantity of diluted alcohol, and aft- 
 wards with water, until three pints of liquor are obtained; next evaporating to ten flu- 
 ounces, straining, adding six fluidouuces of alcohol, and finally filtering through pap- 
 Each teaspoonful of this preparation is equal to half a fluidouuce of the tincture, win 
 represents about 30 grains of the powder. (.4m. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 207. — A cue to 
 tenth edition. 
 
IRT I. 
 
 Lycopus. — Magnesiae Carbonas. 
 
 455 
 
 LYCOPUS. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Bugle-weed. 
 
 The herb of Lycopus Yirginicus. U. S. 
 
 Lycopus. Sex. Syst. Diandria Monogynia. — Nat. Orel. Lamiacese or La- 
 is tee. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx tubular, five-cleft, or five-toothed. Corolla tubular, four-lobed, 
 mrly equal; the upper segment broader, and emarginate. Stamens distant. 
 Sds four, naked, retuse. Nuttatt. 
 
 Lycopus Yirginicus. Miehaux, Flor. Boreal , Americ. i. 14; Rafinesque, Med. 
 hr. vol. ii. The bugle-weed is an indigenous herb, with a perennial creeping 
 r t, which sends up an erect, nearly simple, obtusely quadrangular stem, from 
 t five to eighteen inches high, and furnished with opposite sessile leaves. These 
 a broad-lanceolate, attenuated and entire at both extremities, remotely serrate 
 iithe middle, somewhat rough, purplish, and beset with glandular dots on their 
 uler surface. The flowers are minute, in small axillary whorls, with two 
 s 411 subulate bractes to each flower, and a white corolla. The seeds are longer 
 In the calyx, which is spineless. 
 
 This plant grows in shady and wet places throughout the greater part of the 
 lited States. Its flowering period is August. The whole herb is used. It 
 h a peculiar odour, and a nauseous slightly bitter taste, and imparts these 
 pperties, as well as its medical virtues, to boiling water. 
 
 Lycopus Europaeus is said to be frequently collected and sold for L. Yirginicus. 
 1 3 former may be distinguished by its acutely quadrangular stem, its narrow 
 liceolate leaves, of which the lower are somewhat pinnatifid, its more crowded 
 flyers, and the acute segments of its calyx, armed with short spines. It has 
 bn employed in Europe as a substitute for quinia. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. According to Dr. A. W. Ives, the bugle-weed is 
 a 3ry mild narcotic. It is said also to be astringent. It was introduced into 
 n ice by Drs. Pendleton and Rogers, of New York, who obtained favourable effects 
 fitn its use in incipient phthisis and hemorrhage from the lungs. (N. Y. Med. 
 a 1 Phys. Journ., i. 179.) It proves useful by diminishing the frequency of 
 tl pulse, quieting irritation, and allaying cough. The use of it has been ex- 
 tded with advantage to the hemorrhages generally. ( Transact . of Am. Med. 
 doc., i. 347.) It is most conveniently employed in the form of infusion, which 
 n r be prepared by macerating an ounce of the herb in a pint of boiling water. 
 F m half a pint to a pint may be taken daily. W. 
 
 MAGNESUE CARBONAS. U. S, Bond., Ed., Dub. 
 Carbonate of Magnesia. 
 
 lagnesia alba, Lai.; Carbonate de magnesie, Fr. ; Kolilensaure Magnesia, Germ.; Car- 
 Vato di magnesia, Ital.; Carbonato de magnesia, Syan. 
 
 'arbonate of magnesia sometimes though rarely occurs as a native mineral. 
 Tit which is sold in the shops is prepared on a large scale by the manufacturer ; 
 ai the article is, therefore, very properly placed in the list of Materia Medica of 
 tl United States Pharmacopoeia. The British Colleges still retain it among the 
 pi nirations, and direct it to be prepared by decomposing the sulphate of mag- 
 inawith carbonate of soda. Th eLondonCollege dissolves four pounds nine ounces 
 ot arbonate of soda, and four pounds of sulphate of magnesia, separately, in two 
 gfc’ons (imp. meas .) of distilled water; then mixes the solutions, boils for two 
 Drs, constantly stirring with a spatula, and adding a little distilled water now 
 
PART : 
 
 456 Magnesix Carbonas. 
 
 and then so as nearly to preserve the measure ; and, lastly, pours off the liquo 
 washes the precipitate with boiling distilled water, and dries it. The Edinburg 
 and Dublin processes differ from the above mainly in the shorter period of bui 
 ing, which in the former is fifteen or twenty minutes, in the latter only ten. 
 
 Under the name of Magnesite Carbonas Ponderosum or Heavy Carbona 
 of Magnesia, the Dublin College also directs the salt to be prepared in the follov 
 ing manner. It must be recollected that the new Dublin weights are the avoirdi 
 pois. Ten ounces of sulphate of magnesia having been dissolved in half a pii 
 {Imp. meas .) of boiling distilled water, and twelve ounces of crystallized carbona- 
 of soda in a pint, the solutions are mixed and evaporated to dryness. The residi 
 is digested for half an hour with two pints {Imp. meas.) of boiling distilled wate: 
 the undissolved matter is collected on a calico filter, and treated repeatedly wit 
 warm distilled water until the washings cease to yield a precipitate with nitra' 
 of baryta; and, finally, the product is dried at a heat not exceeding 212°.. 
 
 The carbonate of potassa is less eligible than the carbonate of soda for the pr 
 paration of carbonate of magnesia. It is difficult to separate the last portioi 
 of sulphate of potassa from the precipitate, and the carbonate of potassa usual 
 contains silica, which is thrown down with the magnesia. The consequence 
 that, when prepared with that salt, the carbonate of magnesia is liable to be grit; 
 to the touch, and to have a saline taste. The following is said to be the methi 
 pursued by some of the best manufacturers. To a saturated solution of one hu 
 dred parts of sulphate of magnesia, a solution of one hundred and twenty-6 
 parts of crystallized carbonate of soda is gradually added, the solutions beii 
 constantly stirred. The mixture is then heated to ebullition, to complete tl 
 precipitation of the magnesia, which is afterwards washed wdth tepid and final 
 with cold water, until the washings no longer give a precipitate with the baryt 
 salts. When it is sufficiently washed, the carbonate is allowed to drain for o; 
 or two days on large linen filters, and is then placed in wooden moulds with 
 porous bottom of brick or gypsum, and subjected to pressure in order to give 
 the square and compact form into which it is usually wrought. 
 
 The density of carbonate of magnesia is said to depend upon the strength 
 the solutions from which it is first precipitated, and its fineness and softness 
 the touch, upon the use of carbonate of soda in its preparation. 
 
 The principal part of the carbonate of magnesia used in this country is ii 
 ported from Scotland. In the New England States it is prepared from the bitte 
 of salt works, which consists chiefly of sulphate of magnesia and chlorideof magi 
 sium ; and it is manufactured in Baltimore from the sulphate of magnesia prepar. 
 in that city. The Scotch magnesia is generally put up in cases of one hundr. 
 and twenty pounds each, the American in boxes containing fifty pounds. 
 
 When made from the bittern of salt works, carbonate of magnesia is c-ontai- 
 nated with carbonate of lime, salts of that earth being contained in sea-wan; 
 and when it is prepared from magnesia, or from magnesian schist, iron is aim-: 
 always present. The only’ way in which these impurities can be avoided, is) 
 prepare pure sulphate of magnesia by repeated crystallization, and to use a pc 
 carbonate of soda. It is also necessary that the water with which the preei- 
 tate is washed should be free from earthy salts, which would be decomposed al 
 contaminate the magnesia. 
 
 Properties. Carbonate of magnesia is inodorous, nearly insipid, perfect 
 white, smooth to the touch, and nearly insoluble in water, requiring 2403 pas 
 of cold, and 9000 parts of hot water for solution. It is decomposed by streg 
 heat, by all the acids, by potassa, soda, lime, baryta, and strontia, and by ack- 
 lous and metallic salts. 
 
 Two kinds of carbonate of magnesia are distinguished, the light and thehea'- 
 The light carbonate is the kind manufactured in Scotland. The Dublin procs 
 
aET I. Magnesise Carbonas. 457 
 
 lr the heavy has been already given. It may also, according to Dr. Pereira, 
 
 1 prepared as follows. “ Add one volume of a cold saturated solution of car- 
 inate of soda to a boiling mixture of one volume of a saturated solution of sul- 
 nate of magnesia, and three volumes of water. Boil until effervescence has 
 tased, constantly stirring with a spatula. Then dilute with boiling water, set 
 side, pour off the supernatant liquor, and wash the precipitate with hot water 
 i a linen cloth: afterwards dry it by heat in an iron pot.” Dr. Pereira states 
 lat the light carbonate , when examined with the microscope, is seen to consist 
 i au amorphous powder, more or less intermingled with slender prismatic crys- 
 ds, which appear as if they were eroded or efflorescent; the heavy carbonate 
 insists of granules of various sizes, without any traces of the prismatic crystals 
 (served in the former variety. 
 
 A solution in carbonic acid water, prepared by passing carbonic acid gas into 
 aeservoir containing the carbonate of magnesia suspended in water, has been 
 icroduced into use as a cathartic and antacid. Dinne/ord’s magnesia is a solu- 
 nn of this nature. According to Dr. Christison’s analysis, it contains only nine 
 jains of carbonate in the fluidounce, though it is alleged to contain twice that 
 ( antity. Its taste is more disagreeable than that of the undissolved carbonate. 
 Adulterations and Tests. Carbonate of magnesia may contain an alkaline car- 
 inate, or an alkaline sulphate, or both, from insufficient washing; also chloride 
 i sodium, alumina, and carbonate of lime. If water boiled on it changes tur- 
 nrie, an alkaline carbonate is indicated. If chloride of barium produces a pre- 
 oitate in the water, the presence of a sulphate or carbonate, or both, is shown ; 
 :d if nitrate of silver produces the same effect, a chloride is indicated. When 
 • (solved in an excess of muriatic acid, an excess of ammonia will throw down 
 Minina, which is scarcely ever absent in minute quantity; and oxalate of am- 
 :>nia, afterwards added to the filtered muriatic solution, will throw down lime 
 : oxalate of lime, if that earth be present. If the same solution, nearly neu- 
 i lized, be rendered blue by ferrocyanuret of potassium, the presence of iron is 
 i licated. 
 
 Composition. According to Berzelius, the carbonate of magnesia of the shops 
 magnesia alba) is a combination of three eqs. of carbonate of magnesia with one 
 ( hydrate of magnesia. Each eq. of carbonate contains an eq. of water, and 
 ri composition of the salt may be thus stated: — three eqs. of carbonate (acid 
 l , magnesia 60, water 27) — 153 + one eq. of hydrate (magnesia 20, water 
 ( = 29=182. This theoretic composition agrees nearly with the analysis of 
 . rzelius, who fixes it at 44'75 magnesia, 35'77 acid, and 19'48 water. Ac- 
 ( ding to Phillips, whose analysis agrees with the subsequent one by George 
 - wnes, four eqs. of the carbonate are combined with one of the bihydrate, and 
 Or of water. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., iii. 480.) The composition of this 
 f t varies with the mode of preparation. Thus Bucholz, by decomposing the 
 ‘ phate of magnesia with 170 per cent, of carbonate of soda, and using only 
 < d water throughout, obtained a very light, spongy, somewhat coherent carbo- 
 lic of magnesia, containing 32 acid, 33 base, and 35 water. By using 120 
 If cent, of the carbonate, and boiling the water for fifteen minutes, he obtained 
 :ieavy granular, precipitate, containing 35 acid, 42 base, and 23 water. 
 
 , Medical Properties and Uses. Carbonate of magnesia is antacid, and, by com- 
 ning with acid in the stomach, becomes generally cathartic. When it under- 
 fj;s no change in the alimentary canal, it produces no purgative effect. Under 
 rise circumstances, it may usually be made to operate by following it with 
 <! nights of lemonade. It is useful in all cases which require a laxative antacid; 
 tl, though apt to produce flatulence in consequence of the extrication of its 
 i bonic acid in the stomach and bowels, and therefore in ordinary cases infe- 
 1 r to calcined magnesia, it sometimes operates favourably, in consequence of 
 
458 
 
 PART ] 
 
 Magnetise Carbonas. — Magnesise Sulphas. 
 
 this very property, in sick stomach attended with acidity. Carbonate of maj 
 nesia is also an excellent antilithic in those cases in which uric acid is secrete 
 in too great abundance. The dose is from half a drachm to two drachms, whit- 
 may be given suspended in water or milk. In order that it may be accuratel 
 diffused through water, it should be previously rubbed down with simple syru 
 or ginger syrup.* 
 
 Carbonate of magnesia is a useful agent for diffusing camphor and the volatil 
 oils through water, in preparing several of the medicated waters. 
 
 Off. Prep. Hydrargyrum cum Magnesia ; Liquor MagnesiaeCitratis; Magnesia 
 Mistura Camphorae cum Magnesia; Trochisei Magnesise. D. B. S. 
 
 ■MAGNESLE SULPHAS. U S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 Sulphate of Magnesia. 
 
 Epsom salt; Sulfate de magnesie, Ft.; Schwefelsaure Magnesia, Germ.; Solfato di ma; 
 nesia, Ital.; Sulfato de magnesia, Span. 
 
 Sulphate of magnesia is one of the constituents of sea-water, and of some salin 
 springs. It also occurs native, either crystallized in long, slender, prismata 
 adhering crystals, or as an efflorescence on certain rocks and soils, which contai 
 magnesia and a sulphate or sulphuret. In the United States it is found abunc 
 antly in the great caverns, so numerous to the west of the Alleghany mountain; 
 In one of those caves, near Corydon in Indiana, it forms a stratum on the bottoi 
 several inches deep; or appears in masses sometimes weighing ten pound;; or; 
 disseminated in the earth of the cavern, one bushel of which yields from for 
 to twenty-five pounds of this sulphate. It also appears on the wails of the c-averi 
 and, if it be removed, acicular crystals again appear in a few weeks. ( Cleat eland. 
 
 Sulphate of magnesia was originally procured by evaporating the waters of sou 
 saline springs at Epsom in England. Dr. Grew prepared it in this manner in 107- 
 It was afterwards discovered that the brine remaining after the crystallization t 
 common salt from sea- water, furnished by careful evaporation precisely the sau: 
 salt; and, as this was a much cheaper product, it superseded the former. Th 
 residual brine or bittern consists of sulphate of magnesia, and the chlorides ( 
 magnesium and calcium. As the sulphate of magnesia crystallizes first, it ma 
 with proper care be obtained nearly pure, although most frequently the salt pr 
 pared in this way is deliquescent from being contaminated with the chloride < 
 magnesium. It may be freed from this impurity by washing the crystals wit 
 its own saturated solution. It was from this source that the greater part of tl 
 Epsom salt of commerce was long obtained in Europe. The salt works of Xe 
 England supplied our own markets with an impure and deliquescent sulphat 
 With the improvements of chemistry, other and better processes have latter 
 been adopted. In the neighbourhood of Genoa and Xice, sulphate of magnes 
 is prepared in large quantities from a schistose rock, which contains magnesia at 
 sulphuret of iron. The mineral is roasted and exposed in heaps for some montl 
 to the combined action of air and water. It is then lixiviated, the sulphate 
 iron decomposed by lime-water, and the salt is obtained pure by repeated solutk 
 and crystallization. 
 
 William Henry, of Manchester, whose calcined magnesia has become fame: 
 throughout the world, took out a patent for a mode of preparing magnesia ai 
 its salts from the double carbonate of magnesia and lime — the dolomitt of mir 
 
 * Daily's Carminative consists of carbonate of magnesia 7) lb oil of peppermint tipi, 
 of nutmeg rrpij, oil of aniseed rrpiij, tincture of castor npxxx. tincture of assat'etida tips 
 tincture of opium npv, spirit of pennyroyal rtpxv, compound tincture of cardamom TT^xs 
 peppermint water 1 5 ij . 
 
ART I. 
 
 459 
 
 Magnesias Sulphas. 
 
 ilogists. His process was to drive off the carbonic acid by heat, and to convert 
 ie remaining earths into hydrates. He treated these with a sufficient quantity 
 i muriatic acid to dissolve out the lime, and then converted the magnesia into 
 .-sulphate either by sulphuric acid or sulphate of iron. 
 
 This salt is extensively manufactured iu Baltimore and Philadelphia from the 
 sicious hydrate of magnesia, or magnesite. This mineral occurs in veins in the 
 f'-pentine and other magnesian rocks which abound in the neighbourhood of 
 hltimore, and in the southern counties of Pennsylvania. The advantage which 
 ^possesses over the dolomite, in the preparation of this salt, is the almost entire 
 isence of lime, owing to which circumstance there is little or no waste of acid, 
 ;d the operation is much simplified. The mineral is reduced to a fine powder, 
 id saturated with sulphuric acid. The mass is then dried and calcined at a red 
 lat, in order to convert the sulphate of iron, which may be present, into red 
 tide. It is then dissolved in water, and sulphuret of lime added to separate 
 ;y remaining portion of iron. The salt is crystallized and dissolved a third 
 the, in order to purify it. The sulphate prepared at the Baltimore works by 
 ts process is generally very pure and clean, although it sometimes contains 
 s.phate of iron. 
 
 Properties , &c. Sulphate of magnesia is a colourless transparent salt, without 
 sell, and of a bitter, nauseous, saline taste. It crystallizes in quadrangular 
 ] sms, terminating in a four-sided pyramid or in a dihedral summit. It usually 
 ours in small acicular crystals, which are produced by agitating the solution 
 a ile crystallizing. It slowly effloresces in the air. At 32° F. 100 parts of water 
 cjjsolve 25’76 parts of the anhydrous salt, and, for every increased degree, 0'8597 
 f "ts additional are taken up. The crystals contain 51'22 per cent, of water of 
 cfstallization, and dissolve in their own weightof water at 60°, and in three-fourths 
 qtheir weight of boiling water. They melt in their water of crystallization, and 
 aa high temperature fuse into an enamel. ( Berzelius . ) This salt consists of 
 c; equivalent of acid 40, one of base 20, and seven of water 63 = 123. 
 
 Sulphate of magnesia is completely decomposed by potassa, soda, and their car- 
 1 rates ; by lime, baryta, and strontia, and their soluble salts. Ammonia par- 
 t !y decomposes it, and forms with the remaining salt a double sulphate. The 
 larbonates of potassa and soda do not decompose it, except by the aid of heat. 
 
 Sulphate of magnesia is liable to contain iron and chloride of magnesium, the 
 fimer of which may be detected by ferrocyanuret of potassium, and the latter 
 hits rendering the salt moist. If the addition of sulphuric acid produce no 
 erication of muriatic acid gas, the fact proves the absence of all chlorides. One 
 1 ldred grains of the salt in aqueous solution should yield, when completely 
 (composed by a boiling solution of carbonate of soda, thirty-four grains of dry 
 ebonate of magnesia. If the dry precipitate be less, the specimen tested is not 
 a sulphate of magnesia, and probably contains sulphate of soda. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Sulphate of magnesia is a mild and safe cathartic, 
 o rating with little pain or nausea, and producing watery stools. It is more 
 a eptable to the stomach than most medicines of its class, and will often be 
 r lined when others are rejected. Like many of the other neutral salts it is 
 r. 'igerant, and may be made to act as a diuretic, by keeping the skin cool, and 
 v;king about after it has been taken. It is well adapted to the treatment of 
 fihrs and inflammatory affections, especially after a previous thorough evacuation 
 o he bowels by a more energetic cathartic. It is also useful in colic and obsti- 
 nie constipation, and may be employed in most cases which require the use of 
 a ithartic, without being attended with debility or relaxation of the stomach and 
 b 'els. The medium dose is an ounce; but advantage often results from its 
 aninistration in divided doses frequently repeated. It is often given in combi- 
 u ion with other medicines, especially with senna, the griping effect of which it 
 
460 
 
 PART 
 
 Magnesia? Sulphas. — Magnolia. 
 
 tends to obviate. The most agreeable form for administering the salt, and that i 
 ■which it usually agrees best with the stomach, is a solution in carbonic acid wati 
 with lemon syrup. By Dr. Henry, of Dublin, it is highly recommended in coi 
 nexion with sulphuric acid. To seven ounces of a saturated aqueous solution < 
 the salt he adds an ounce of the diluted sulphuric acid of the Pharmacopoeia 
 and gives a tablespoonful of the mixture for a dose, in a wineglassful of water 
 
 Off. Prep. Enema Catharticum ; Magnesiae Carbonas; Magnesiae Carbon; 
 Ponderosum ; Pulvis Salinus Compositus. D. B. S. 
 
 MAGNOLIA. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Magnolia. 
 
 The bark of Magnolia glauca, Magnolia acuminata, and Magnolia tripetal 
 
 u s. 
 
 Magnolia. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Polygynia. — Nat. Orel. Magnoliaeeae. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Gahjx three-leaved. Petals six or more. Capsules two-valved, on 
 seeded, imbricated in a cone. Seeds berried, pendulous. Bigclmc. 
 
 The medicinal properties which have rendered the bark of the Magnolia offi; 
 nal, are common to most, if not all of the species composing this splendid genu 
 Among the numerous trees which adorn the American landscape, these are me 
 conspicuous for the beautiful richness of their foliage, and the magnificence 
 well as delicious odour of their flowers ; and M. grandiflora of the Southe 
 States rivals in magnitude the largest inhabitants of our forests. The Pharm 
 copoeia designates 31. glauca, 31. acuminata, and 31. tripetala, each of will 
 we shall briefly describe. 
 
 1. 31agnolia glauca. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1256; Bigelow, Am. Ned. £• 
 ii. 67 ; Barton, 3Ied. Bot. i. 77 ; Michaux, N. Am. Sylv. ii. 8. This spec-i 
 of Magnolia, which in the Northern States is often nothing more than a shru 
 sometimes attains in the South the height of forty feet. The leaves are sc; 
 tered, petiolate, oval, obtuse, entire, glabrous, thick, opaque, yellowish-green 
 their upper surface, and of a beautiful pale glaucous colour beneath. The flowt 
 are large, terminal, solitary, cream-coloured, strongly and gratefully odoroi 
 often scenting the air to a considerable distance. The calyx is composed of thr 
 leaves ; the petals, from eight to fourteen in number, are obovate, obtuse, co 
 cave, and contracted at the base ; the stamens are very numerous, and insert 
 on a conical receptacle ; the germs are collected into a cone, and each is si- 
 mounted by a linear recurved styie. The fruit is conical, about an inch 
 length, consisting of numerous imbricated cells, each containing a single scar, 
 seed. This escapes through a longitudinal opening in the cell, but remains : - 
 some time suspended from the cone by a slender thread. 
 
 M. glauca extends along the seaboard of the United States, from Cape Ai, 
 in Massachusetts, to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. It is abundant in t: 
 Middle and Southern States, usually growing in swamps; and is seldom n: 
 with in the interior, west of the mountains. It begins to flower in May, Ju . 
 or July, according to the latitude. It is known by the name of magnoi 
 simply in the Northern and Middle States, by that of white lay or siceetlap 
 the South, and is occasionally called swamp sassafras, leaver tree, &c. 
 
 2. 31. acuminata. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1257 ; Michaux, N. Am. Sylv. ii. !. 
 This species is much larger than the preceding, often growing to the height f 
 
 * It is said that a solution of an ounce of the salt in about a pint of water, boiled r 
 three minutes with a grain and a half of tannic acid, or with two or three drachms of roast 
 coffee, is entirely deprived of bitterness. The liquid prepared with coffee should be straii , 
 and may be sweetened with sugar. (Combes, Journ. de Pharm., Se ser., xii. 110.) 
 
] rt I. Magnolia. — Malva. 461 
 
 srenty or eighty feet. The leaves are six or seven inches long, by three or 
 fir in breadth, oval, acuminate, and pubescent on their under surface. The 
 fwers are five or six inches in diameter, bluish or cream-coloured, slightly odor- 
 (s, with obovate rather obtuse petals from six to nine in number. Mingled 
 ith the splendid foliage, they give a magnificent aspect to the tree when large 
 td in full bloom. The tree grows in the interior mountainous regions of the 
 hited States, extending along the Alleghanies from the State of New York to 
 tfir termination in Georgia, and seldom existing in the low country far either 
 t the east or the west of that range. It is called cucumber tree, from the 
 nemblance of its fruit in shape and size to the common cucumber. 
 
 3. M. tripetala. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1258; Michaux, N. Am. Sylv. ii. 18. 
 his is a small tree, sometimes though rarely reaching an elevation of thirty 
 fit, and almost always having an inclined trunk. It is remarkable for the size 
 c its leaves and flowers. The former are eighteen or twenty inches long by 
 smn or eight in breadth, thin, obovate, somewhat wedge-shaped, entire, acute 
 sboth extremities, pubescent when young, and often disposed in rays at the ex- 
 t mity of the shoots, displaying a surface thirty inches in diameter. Hence has 
 asen the name of umbrella tree, by which this species is distinguished. The 
 lwers are terminal, seven or eight inches in diameter, white, with from five to 
 telve oval acute petals, of which the three outer are reflexed. This species extends 
 f m the northern parts of New York to the southern limits of the United States. 
 
 1 is found only in shady situations, with a strong, deep, and fertile soil. 
 
 The bark and fruit of all the species of Magnolia are possessed of similar 
 i dicinal properties; but the bark only is officinal ; and that of the root is 
 trnght to be most efficient. It has an aromatic odour, and a bitter, pungent, 
 scy taste. The aromatic property, which resides in a volatile principle, is 
 (.finished by desiccation, and entirely lost when the bark is long kept. The 
 Iterness, however, remains. The bark is destitute of astringency. The bark 
 c Magnolia grandiflora, examined by Dr. Stephen Procter, was found to contain 
 vatile oil, resin, and a principle analogous to the liriodendrin of Professor 
 Iimet. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xiv. 95.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Magnolia is a gently stimulant aromatic tonic 
 all diaphoretic, useful in chronic rheumatism, and capable, if freely given, of 
 aesting the paroxysms of intermittent fever. It has been used advantageously 
 i these complaints, and in remittents, especially of a typhoid character. The 
 fie of the recently dried bark in powder is from half a drachm to a drachm, 
 f pently repeated. The infusion may also be used, but is less efficient, 
 luted alcohol extracts all the virtues of the medicine; and a tincture, made 
 b macerating the fresh bark or fruit in brandy, is a popular remedy in chronic 
 r umatism. W. 
 
 MALVA. Ed. 
 
 Common Mallow. 
 
 lerb of Malva sylvestris. Ed. 
 
 'lauve sauvage, Fr.; Waldmalve, Germ.; Malva, Ilal., Span. 
 
 1 1 alva. Sex. Syst. Monadelphia Polyandria. — Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. 
 
 Jen. Ch. Calux double, the exterior three-leaved. Capsules very many, one- 
 s' led. Willd. 
 
 1 Ialva sylvestris. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 787 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 554, t. 
 1 This is a perennial, herbaceous plant, with a round, hairy, branching, 
 u ally erect stem, from one to three feet high, bearing alternate, petiolate, 
 elate, roughish leaves, which are divided into five or seven crenate lobes, and 
 o the upper part of the stem are almost palmate. The flowers are large, pur- 
 
462 
 
 Malva. — Manganesii Oxidum. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 plish, and placed from three to five together at the axils of the leaves, upon Ion 
 slender peduncles, which, as well as the petioles, are pubescent. The petals ar 
 five, inversely cordate, and three times as long as the calyx. The capsules ar 
 disposed compactly in a circular form. 
 
 This species of mallow is a native of Europe, where it grows abundantly o 
 waste grounds and by the way-sides, flowering from May to August. It is som< 
 times cultivated in our gardens. Other species, indigenous or naturalized i 
 this country, are possessed of the same properties, which are in fact common t 
 the whole genus. Malva rotundifolia is one of the most common, and may b 
 substituted for M. sylvestris. 
 
 The herb and flowers have a weak, herbaceous, slimy taste, without odotr, 
 They abound in mucilage, which they readily impart to water; and the solutio 
 is precipitated by acetate of lead. The infusion and tincture of the flowers ai 
 blue, and serve as a test of acids and alkalies, being reddened by the former, an 
 rendered green by the latter. The roots and seeds also are mucilaginous. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Common mallow is emollient and demulcen 
 The infusion and decoction are sometimes employed in catarrhal, dysenteric-, an 
 nephritic complaints; and are applicable to all other cases which call for the u- 
 of mucilaginous liquids. They are also used as an emollient injection; and tb 
 fresh plant forms a good suppurative or relaxing cataplasm in external inflan 
 matron. It was formerly among the culinary herbs. W. 
 
 MANGANESII OXIDUM. Ed. 
 
 Oxide of Manganese. 
 
 Off. Syn. MANGANESII BINOXIDUM. Land.; MANGANESII PEI 
 OXYDUM. Pub. 
 
 Manganese, Peroxide of manganese, Deutoxide of manganese. Black oxide of roansr, 
 nese, Pyrolusite; Oxide noil" de manganese, Fr.; ■ Braunstein, Germ.: Manganese, I </.. Spu 
 
 The otficinal oxide of manganese is the deutoxide or binoxide of a peculi; 
 metal properly called manganese; though this name is commonly applied to tl 
 oxide itself. Metallic manganese was discovered by Scheele and Gafin in 177 
 and is obtained from the native black oxide by intense ignition with charcoal, 
 is hard, brittle, granular, and of a grayish-white colour. It oxidizes readily 1 
 the action of the air, first tarnishing, then assuming a yellowish or violet colon 
 and finally becoming converted into a black powder. Its sp. gr. is 8, meltir 
 point 160° of Wedgwood, and equivalent number 27'7. With oxygen it fora 
 five combinations, three regular oxides and two acids. ’She' protoxide is of a ligl 
 green colour, and is the oxide present in the salts of manganese. The sesqo 
 oxide is black or dark-brown, and the deutoxide black. The two acids are forme 
 by the action of potassa on the deutoxide, and are called manganic and hype 
 manganic acids. Assuming one eq. of manganese in each of these combin 
 tions, the protoxide contains one, tfie sesquioxide one and a half, the deutoxii 
 two, manganic acid three, and hypermanganic acid three and a half equivalen 
 of oxygen.* ( Berzelius .) Besides these, there exists a double oxide, of a brownis 
 red colour, called the red oxide, consisting of one eq. of protoxide, and one , 
 sesquioxide, and invariably formed when any one of the other oxides of inang 
 nese is exposed to a white heat; and a native oxide, called Varricite , composed 
 two eqs. of deutoxide, and one of sesquioxide. Metallic manganese is an oec 
 sional constituent of organic matter. It. was detected in minute quantity 
 bones by Fourcroy and Yauquelin, and has recently been found by Milieu a: 
 
 * In order to avoid fractional equivalents, tbe sesquioxide is generally stated to cons 
 of two eqs. of metal and three of oxygen, and the hypermanganic acid, of two eqs- 
 metal and seven of oxygen. 
 
Manganesii Oxidum. 
 
 468 
 
 i 
 
 ]RT I. 
 
 ciers in the blood. It is often present in the ashes of plants. In the mineral 
 ligdom, it occurs sometimes as a sulphuret, rarely as a phosphate, but very 
 aandantly as the black or deutoxide, called pyrolusite. It is the latter mineral 
 rich constitutes the officinal oxide. 
 
 Properties. Deutoxide of manganese, as it occurs in nature, is very variable 
 hits appearance. Its sp. gr. varies from 4'7 to 4'9. It is found sometimes in 
 blliant needle-shaped crystals, often in compact masses having the metallic lustre, 
 It far more frequently in the form of a dull earthy-looking substance of a black 
 Cjbrown colour. It is purest when crystallized. As it occurs in commerce it is 
 mally in the form of powder, of a black colour, insoluble in water, and contain- 
 ir as impurities more or less oxidized iron, carbonate of lime, sulphate of baryta, 
 al earthy matter. Iron, which is rarely absent, is detected by the production 
 o a greenish or blue tint on the addition of ferrocyanuret of potassium to its 
 nriatic solution. When exposed to a red heat it yields half an equivalent of 
 cugen, and is reduced to the state of sesquioxide. Hence its use in obtaining 
 tit gas. When dried, and afterwards heated to whiteness, good samples lose 
 tvlve per cent, of oxygen. It is distinguished from the sulphuret of antimony 
 bits infusibility, and by its causing the evolution of chlorine on being heated 
 wh muriatic acid. When of a brown colour, it is not of good quality. Its 
 caposition has been given above. 
 
 3ut few mines of deutoxide of manganese exist, though the metal itself is very 
 g erally diffused throughout the mineral kingdom. It occurs most abundantly 
 ii3ohemia, Saxony, the Hartz, France, and Great Britain. In the United States 
 noaines have been opened, except in Vermont, from which State an inferior 
 bwn ferruginous manganese is supplied through Boston. Besides this source of 
 siply, the mineral is received from Nova Scotia, France, Germany, England, 
 ar occasionally Scotland. It comes packed in casks or barrels, generally in 
 k ps and coarse powder, just as it is dug out of the mines; though occasionally 
 it received from England ready pulverized. It is a good rule to buy it unpow- 
 d< hd ; as its quality can be better judged of in that state. A dark shining crystal- 
 li appearance may be taken as an indication of good quality. The Nova Scotia 
 m'iiganese is better than the Vermont; but that received from Germany and 
 E jand is the best, and commands the highest price. The Scotch manganese 
 isjjiso of good quality. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Deutoxide of manganese is deemed a tonic by 
 seje experimenters. When slowly introduced into the system, as happens to 
 the engaged in grinding the mineral, it acts, according to Dr. Coupar, of Glas- 
 gcj, as a cumulative poison, inducing a disease which first show’s itself by a stag- 
 gejog gait, and ends in paraplegia. It has been used in syphilis, chlorosis, 
 scjvy, and various skin diseases, especially itch and porrigo. The dose is from 
 the to twenty grains, three times a day, given in the form of pill. For external 
 us' an ointment may be made of one or two drachms of the oxide to an ounce of 
 la:. For a notice of other compounds of manganese which have been tried as 
 mlicines, see the article Manganese in the Appendix. 
 
 his oxide is used in the arts for obtaining chlorine in the manufacture of 
 blphing powder, for giving a black glazing to pottery, and for freeing glass 
 fr< . the colour which it derives from the sesquioxide of iron. According to 
 Bpelius, a few pounds of it added to each cask of water intended for sea-voy- 
 ag, will preserve it sweet. In the laboratory, it is employed to obtain oxygen 
 an chlorine, and to form the salts of manganese. Iu pharmacy it is used for 
 lib ating chlorine from muriatic acid and from common salt, and iodine from 
 loc ie of sodium, contained in kelp. 
 
 harm. Uses. Deutoxide of manganese is used in preparing Chlorinii Liquor; 
 Cl roformum, Dub.; Liquor Sodae Chlorinatae. B. 
 
464 
 
 Manna. 
 
 PARI 
 
 MANNA. U. S., Lord., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Manna. 
 
 The concrete juice of Ornus Europaea. U. S. Fraxinus rotundifolia, and Fra 
 inus Ornus? The juice obtained by incision, hardened in the air. Lond. Swe 
 concrete exudation, probably from several species of Fraxinus and Ornus. E 
 Fraxinus Ornus. An exudation from this and other species. Dub. 
 
 Manne, Fr.; Manna, Germ.., Ilal.; Mana, Span. 
 
 Manna is not the product of one plant exclusively. Besides Ornus Europa 
 indicated by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, it is said to be obtained also from sever 
 other trees, belonging to the genera Ornus and Fraxinus , among which 0. > 
 tundifolia , F. excelsior , and F. parti flora have been particularly designate 
 Burckhardt states that a species of manna, which exudes from the tamarisk 
 the North of Africa ( Tamarix Gnllica, Ekrenberg), is used by the Bedouin Ara 
 of the neighbourhood of Mount Sinai with their food. This substance, kowev< 
 according to Mitscherlich, contains no mannite,but consists wholly of mucilagino 
 sugar. The manna used in India is said to be the product of Hedysarum AUio 
 of Linn., Alhagi Maurorum of De Candolle, a thorny shrub which grows abuc 
 antly in the deserts of Persia and Arabia. It is, however, much inferior totb 
 obtained from the Ornus. A substance closely resembling manna is procured 
 exudation from a species of Eucalyptus , called E. mannifera , growing in N 
 South Wales. It has been shown to contain a saccharine matter different fri 
 mannite, and, though isomeric with glucose, differing from it as well as frc 
 other varieties of sugar in properties. Another manna found in New Holla 
 is produced by exudation from the leaves of Eucalyptus chnnosa, when very sms 
 and sometimes appears spread over large extents of country like a kind of snc 
 The natives use it for food. It is a complex bod}', containing sugar, gum, stare 
 inulin, and lignin. ( Journ . de Chim. et de Fharm., xvi. 240.) The substar 
 known in France by the name of Briancon manna, is an exudation from t 
 common European larch — Larix Europsea or Finus Larix — and differs ckei- 
 cally from ordinary manna in containing no mannite. A substance resembli; 
 manna, of a sweet, slightly bitter, and terebinthinate taste, and actively pur- 
 tive, exudes from incisions in the Finus Lambertiana, of Southern Oregon, si 
 is used by the inhabitants. (Fur. of U. S. Expl. Expcd. , v. '23*2.) 
 
 Ornus. Sex. Syst. Diandria Monogynia. — Fat. Ord. Oleacese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx very small, four-cleft. Corolla divided to the base into lin r 
 segments. Pericarp a winged key not dehiscing. Bindley. 
 
 This genus was separated by Persoon from the Fraxinus of Linnteus, ancs 
 now admitted by the best botanists. 
 
 Ornus Europsea. Persoon, Synops. i. 9; Lindley, Flor. Afecl. 547; Cars, 
 Illust. of Med. Bot. ii. 8, pi. 61. — Fraxinus Ornus. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 11'; 
 Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 589, t. 209. The flowering ash* is a tree of moderate heir , 
 usually from twenty to twenty-five feet, very branching, with opposite, petiole, 
 pinnate leaves, composed of three or four pairs of leaflets, and an odd one at e 
 end. The leaflets are oval, acuminate, obtusely serrate, about an inch and a lif 
 in length, smooth, of a bright-green colour, and supported on short footsta?- 
 The flowers are white, and usually expand with the leaves. They grow in ctf 
 
 * A syrup prepared from the inner bark of this tree has been employed, in Europe? 
 br. Devergie, with supposed advantage, in chronic eczema and impetigo. The bark •- 
 tains much tannin, and a mucilaginous principle, which renders diluted alcohol ft l> r 
 menstruum than boiling water. [Journ. de Pharm., 3 c ser., ix. 347.) 
 
IRT I. 
 
 Manna. 
 
 465 
 
 piicles at the extremities of the young branches, and have a very short calyx 
 vh four teeth, and four linear-lanceolate petals. 
 
 Both this species of Ornus and the 0. rotundifotici are natives of Sicily, Ca- 
 hria, and Apulia; and both contribute to supply the manna of commerce. The 
 fimer is cultivated in Sicily, yields manna after the eighth year, and continues 
 ti.yield it for ten or twelve years, when it is usually cut down, and young sprouts 
 a>wed to grow up from the root. (Stettner, Archiv. der Pharm., liii. 194.) 
 I ring the hot months the juice exudes spontaneously from the bark, and con- 
 c-ites upon its surface; but, as the exudation is slow, it is customary to facilitate 
 t! process by making deep longitudinal incisions on one side of the trunk. In 
 tlj following season these are repeated on the other side, and thus alternately for 
 tl whole period during which the trees yield manna, extending sometimes, it 
 is aid, to thirty or even forty years. Straw or cleau chips are frequently placed 
 sis to receive the juice, which concretes upon them. The manna varies in 
 itcharacter according to the mode of collection and nature of the season, and 
 tl period of the year in which the exudation takes place. That procured in 
 Silyis said to be the best. Three varieties are distinguishable in commerce. 
 
 .. The purest is that usually kuown by the name of flake manna, called also 
 trlnna cannulata. It exudes spontaneously, or by incisions, during the hottest 
 aij dryest weather in July and August. According to Stettner, it is furnished 
 b the upper incisions upon the trunk; while the lower incisions yield the infe- 
 ri varieties. It is in irregular, unequal pieces, often several inches long, re- 
 st. bling stalactites, rough, light, porous, brittle, whitish or yellowish-white, and 
 fluently concave on the surface by which they were attached to the trunk, and 
 w'jch is often soiled by impurities, sometimes by adherent fragments of the hark. 
 Alien broken, these pieces exhibit a crystalline or granular structure. This 
 vifety is sometimes in small fragments, generally less than an inch in length. 
 
 . Common manna — manne en sorte of French pharmacy — is next in quality, 
 at is collected in September and the beginning of October, when the heat of 
 tb weather has begun to moderate. The juice does not now concrete so readily, 
 ar a portion, falling on the ground at the root of the tree, becomes more or 
 le mixed with impurities, and forms imperfectly solid masses, which require 
 toe further dried in the sun. The common manna consists of whitish or yel- 
 lowish fragments similar to the pieces of flake manna, but much smaller, mixed 
 wit a soft, viscid, uncrystallized brownish matter, identical with that which 
 co titutes the following variety. 
 
 Fat manna is collected in the latter part of October and November, when 
 tlv weather is cooler and rains more common. The juice is now still less dis- 
 pc d to concrete, and flowing down the trunk is received in a small excavation 
 at s base. As found in commerce, it is in the form of a soft, viscous mass, 
 co aining few crystalline fragments, of a brown or yellowish-brown colour, and 
 fmof impurities. 
 
 anna may be found in the shops of every grade, from the most impure of 
 tli bird variety to the purest of the first; but the worst kind is not often irn- 
 po :d into this country. 
 
 ttempts have sometimes been made to counterfeit manna; but the facility of 
 deption renders frauds of this kind unprofitable, and they are not often practised. 
 Ih;R. P. Thomas has described in the Am. Journ. of Pharm. (xxiv. 208) a 
 soiiisticated drug, which was not long since brought into our markets under 
 tbi'iame of manna, but which differed from the genuine drug both in sensible 
 an chemical properties, not even containing mannite. Baume describes a 
 me od in which common manna is purified so as to resemble flake manna. It 
 cou sts in dissolving common manna in a little water, allowing the liquid to 
 setr, decanting it in order to separate the impurities, then inspissating it so 
 
466 
 
 Manna. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 that it will congeal on cooling, and immersing threads in the inspissated liqui 
 several times successively in the manner practised by candle-makers. It ma 
 be still further purified by the use of animal charcoal. Thus prepared it coi 
 tains less mannite than flake manna, and less of the nauseous principle; but i 
 said not to operate less effectively as a laxative. 
 
 Properties. Manna has a slight, peculiar odour, and a sweet taste, which i 
 the impure kinds is also very nauseous, but in the finest flake manna, scared 
 so much so as to be disagreeable. It melts with heat, and takes fire, burnin 
 with a blue flame. When pure it is soluble in three parts of cold, and in ii 
 own weight of boiling water. From a boiling saturated aqueous solution, 
 separates in partially crystalline masses. Alcohol also dissolves it, and, if sati 
 rated by means of heat, deposits upon cooling a large proportion of the mant 
 in a beautifully crystalline form. Analyzed by Fourcroy and Vauquelin, mane 
 was found to consist of, 1. a peculiar crystallizable sweet principle, called mai 
 nite, which constitutes seventy-five per cent.; 2. true sugar; 3. a yellow nauseoi 
 matter, upon which the purgative property is thought chiefly to depend; and- 
 a small quantity of mucilage. Leuchtweiss obtained from 105 parts of manr 
 11'6 of water, 0'4 of insoluble matter, 9‘1 of sugar, 42'6 of mannite, 40'0 of 
 mixture of mucilaginous matter containing mannite, with resin, an organic aei< 
 and a nitrogenous substance, and 13 of ashes. (Ann. tier Chem. und Pham 
 liii. 124.) It is owing to the presence of true sugar that manna is capable • 
 fermenting. Mannite is white, inodorous, crystallizable in semi-transparei 
 needles, of a sweetish taste, soluble in five parts of cold water, scarcely solub 
 in cold alcohol, but readily dissolved by that liquid when hot, and depositc 
 when it cools. Unlike sugar, it is incapable of undergoing the vinous ferment 
 tion. It may be obtained by boiling manna in alcohol, allowing the solution 
 cool, and redissolving the crystalline precipitate. Pure mannite is nowdeposite 
 This principle has been found in numerous vegetables. It is said to be gent 
 laxative in the dose of one or two ounces.* 
 
 Manna, when long kept, acquires a deeper colour, softens, and ultimately d 
 liquesces into a liquid, which, on the addition of yeast, undergoes the vino 
 fermentation. This is probably owing to its conversion into sugar by the a 
 sorption of enough oxygen to neutralize the slight excess of hydrogen, whi 
 constitutes the only essential difference in composition between it and prop 
 sugar. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxv. 32.) That which is dryest resists tl 
 change the longest. It is said that manna, recently gathered, is less purgati 
 than it afterwards becomes. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Manna is a gentle laxative, usually operati 
 mildly, but in some cases producing flatulence and pain. Though peculiar 
 adapted to childreu and pregnant women, it may be given with advantage, 
 ordinary cases of piles from constipation, unattended with dyspeptic sympton 
 It is usually, however, prescribed with other purgatives, particularly sent 
 rhubarb, magnesia, and the neutral salts, the taste of which it conceals, while; 
 adds to the purgative effect. 
 
 The dose for an adult is from one to two ounces; for children, from one> 
 four drachms. It is usually given dissolved in water or some aromatic infusici 
 but the best flake manna may be administered in substance. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Cassiae; Syrupus Sennas. Miff 
 
 * G. Ruspini prepares mannite more economically from common manna, by first m- 
 ing six pounds over the fire with three pounds of water previously beaten with the whit t 
 an egg, boiling for a few minutes, straining through flannel, and allowing the liquid 
 solidify by cooling; then adding an equal weight of cold water, expressing, dissolving e 
 residue in boiling water with animal charcoal, filtering the liquid boiling hot. and. las. 
 evaporating to a pellicle. The mannite separates, upon cooling, in beautiful truncal 
 quadrangular prisms, perfectly white, and transparent. ( J . de Pharm., oe se'r., x. 117. 
 
P'RT I. 
 
 Maranta. 
 
 467 
 
 MARANTA. U. &, Land., Ed. 
 
 Arrow-root. 
 
 ?he fecula of the rhizoma of Maranta arundinacea. U. S. Fecula of the tuber. 
 Lid. Fecula of the tubers of Maranta arundinacea and Maranta indica. Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. MARANTA ARUNDINACEA. Arrow Root. Fecula of the tu- 
 b<3. Dub. 
 
 .rrow-root, Fr.; Amerikamscbes Stiirkmelil, Arrowmehl, Germ. 
 
 Iaranta. Sex. Syst. Monandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Marantaceae. 
 
 ren. Oh. Anther attached to the petal-like filament. Style petal-shaped. 
 Sima three-sided. Flowers panicled. Loudon's Encyc. 
 
 Iaranta arundinacea. Willd. Sp. Riant. i. 13; Carson, Tllust. of Med. Bot. 
 ii.)3, pi. 97. The root (rhizoma) of this plant is perennial, tuberous, fleshy, 
 hczontal, nearly cylindrical, scaly, from six inches to a foot or more in length, 
 ar furnished with numerous long white fibres. It sends forth several tuberous, 
 jo ted, curved, white, scaly stoles, the points of which sometimes rise above the 
 grind, and become new plants. The stems, of which several proceed from the 
 sae root, are annual, slender, branched, jointed, leafy, and about three feet 
 inieight. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, about four inches long, alternate, 
 an supported solitarily at the joints of the stem upon long, sheathing footstalks. 
 T1 flowers are in a long, loose, spreading, terminal panicle, at each ramification 
 of Inch is a solitary linear bracte. The calyx consists of three small lanceolate 
 leres. The corolla is white and monopetalous, with a tube longer than the 
 cax, and a double border, of which the three outermost segments are smallest, 
 an the two inner obovate, and slightly emarginate. 
 
 he arrow-root plant is a native of the West Indies, where it is largely cul- 
 tiv ed. It is cultivated also in the East Indies, Sierra Leone, the South of 
 Aica, and our Southern States, especially Georgia and Florida. The plant is 
 easy propagated by cuttings of the root. The fecula is prepared in the follow- 
 ingnanner. The roots are dug up when a year old, washed, and then beaten 
 inta pulp, which is thrown into water, and agitated so as to separate the amy- 
 lae us from the fibrous portion. The fibres are removed by the hand, and the 
 stah remains suspended in the water, to which it gives a milky colour. This 
 mi y fluid is strained through coarse linen, and allowed to stand that the fecula 
 ma subside, which is then washed with a fresh portion of water, and afterwards 
 dri in the sun. We obtain the officinal arrow-root from the West Indies, and 
 theiouthern Atlantic States. That from the Bermudas has in general been 
 mo highly esteemed. 
 
 1 her plants contribute to furnish the arrow-root of commerce. Lindley states 
 tha it is procured in the West Indies from Maranta Allouya and M. nobilis, 
 bes'es M. arundinacea. Under the name of M. Indica, Tussac describes a dis- 
 tm< species, which he says was originally brought from the East Indies, and is 
 not cultivated in Jamaica. This, however, is generally considered as a mere 
 var y of M. arundinacea, from which it differs chiefly in having leaves more 
 derated at the point, and smooth on both sides. Very fine arrow-root is ob- 
 tanl in the East Indies from the root of Curcuma anyustifolia, of Roxburgh, 
 who is cultivated in Travancore. But the product is lighter than the maranta 
 arn -root, and does not so quickly make a jelly. Ainslie states that M. arurv- 
 dm ea has been introduced from the West Indies into Ceylon, where good 
 am -root is prepared from it. A fecula, closely resembling that of the Ma- 
 vau is said by Guibourt to be prepared in the West Indies from the root of 
 the.issava plant, Janipha Manilwf ; and it is not improbable that a variety of 
 am -root brought to this country from Brazil has a similar origin. In fact, it 
 
468 
 
 Maranta. 
 
 PAET ] 
 
 often contains small lumps, as large as a pin’s head, identical with tapioca, whic 
 is a product of J. Manihot. A variety of arrow-root has been imported froi 
 the Sandwich Islands. Mr. Nuttall, during a visit to these islands, foun 
 that it was the product of a species of Tacca, which he has described under th 
 name of Tacca oceanica. (Am. Jonrn. of Pharm., ix. 305.) It is said thf 
 a similar product is obtained from Tacca pinnatif da, growing in the Eastlnd: 
 province of Arracan. (Pharm. Journ. and Trans., vi. 383.) Arrow-root h; 
 been brought into the market from Florida, prepared in the neighbourhood < 
 St. Augustine from the root of Zamia integrifolia, by a process similar to th; 
 employed in the preparation of the fecula of the Maranta (Dr. Joseph Carsoi 
 Am. Journ. of Pliarm., xiv. 22); but care must be taken not to confound th 
 with the genuine maranta from the same State. Attempts have been made i 
 substitute finely prepared potato starch for arrow-root; and there is no donl 
 that in nutritive properties it is quite equal ; but patients complain of d 
 unpleasant taste of the potato which it is apt to retain. 
 
 Arrow-root is in the form of a light white powder, or of small pulverulei 
 masses, without smell or taste. It has a firm feel when pressed between tl 
 fingers, and produces a faint crackling sound when rubbed. It is a pure stare’ 
 corresponding in chemical properties with that of wheat and the potato. It 
 very apt to be musty, and should then be rejected. The odour and taste are tl 
 best criteria of its purity. It should be perfectly free from smell and unpleasa: 
 flavour. Prof. Procter has rendered musty arrow-root quite sweet and fit f 
 use by washing it thoroughly with two successive portions of cold water, at 
 then drying it upon frames of muslin in a warm place. (Am. Journ. of Pharn 
 xiii. 188.) Arrow-root is said to be sometimes adulterated with common stare 
 and that of the potato. These may be detected by the aid of the microscop 
 Muriatic acid has been proposed as a test of their presence. A mixture of eqn 
 parts of that acid and of water, rubbed with about half its weight of potato > 
 wheat starch, very quickly forms so thick a mucilage that the mortar in whi 
 the trituration is effected may be raised by the pestle; while the same rest 
 does not take place with rice flour or arrow-root under 25 or 30 minutes, i 
 small a proportion as from four to six per cent, of the impurity may, it 
 asserted, be detected in this way. {Journ. cle Pharm., 3e ser., ii. 246.) 
 
 As the microscope affords the best means of distinguishing the different var 
 ties of fecula sold as arrow-root, or used for its adulteration, it is proper to in 
 cate the form of their granules as exhibited by this instrument. Those of t- 
 proper officinal or Maranta arrow-root are rarely oblong, somewhat ovate-obloi 
 or irregularly convex, with very fine rings, a circular hilum which cracks in 
 linear or stellate manner, and small mammillary processes occasionally projecti: 
 from them. (Pereira.) The largest are the 750th of an iuc-h, but many v 
 more than the 2000th of an inch long; and their breadth is generally two-tkb 
 of their length. (Christison.) The granules of the East India arrow-root a, 
 according to Pereira, of unequal size, ovate or oblong-ovate, flattened, and of i 
 furnished with a very short neck or nipple-like projection. The rings are nui- 
 rous, close, and very fine ; and the hilum, which is situated at the narrow • 
 tremity, is circular, small, and indistinct. The microscopic appearance of - 
 tapioca fecula will be described under the head of Tapioca, to which the rear 
 is referred. The Tacca fecula from the South Sea Islands, examined by ■ 
 reira, consisted of circular, muller-shaped, or polyhedral granules, with few ;i 
 not very distinct rings, and a small, circular hilum, which cracked in a lineair 
 stellate manner. The Florida arrow-root was found by Dr. Carson to consis t 
 granules, forming the half, the third, or the quarter of a solid sphere. The pot# 
 starch granules are of various shape and size, but generally ovate or elliptic 
 and from the 7000th to the 300th of an inch in length, the largest being inter 
 in size only to the largest of the canna starch or tous-les-mois. (See Canna .) T I 
 
IRT I. 
 
 Maranta. — Marmor. — Marru b in m . 
 
 469 
 
 strongly marked with concentric rings, and have a circular hilum, from which 
 rially proceed the cracks observable in some of the larger grains. (Pereira.') 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Arrow-root is nutritious and demulcent, afford - 
 i ; a light, very mild, and easily digested article of diet, well adapted for the 
 sk and convalescent, and peculiarly suited, from its demulcent properties, to 
 tvel complaints and diseases of the urinary passages. It is much used as food 
 f infants after weaning, or when the mother’s milk is insufficient. It is pre- 
 ped by dissolving it in hot water, with which it forms a pearly gelatinous solu- 
 t q, and, if in sufficient quantity, a jelly-like mass on cooling. A tablespoonful 
 v 1 communicate sufficient consistence to a pint of water. It should first be 
 fmed into a paste with a little cold water, and the boiling water then gradually 
 a led with brisk agitation. The preparation may be rendered more palatable 
 b lemon-juice and sugar, or in low forms of disease by wine and spices, if not 
 citra-indicated. For children, arrow-root is usually prepared with milk. 
 
 Off. Prep. Trochisci Ipecacuanhas W. 
 
 MARMOR. U. S., Ed. 
 
 Marble. 
 
 iThite granular carbonate of lime. U. S. Massive crystalline carbonate of 
 lije. Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. MARMOR ALBUM. Dub. 
 
 tVbite marble.; Marbre, Fr. ; Marmor, Germ.; Marmo, Ilal.; Marmol, Span. 
 
 Marble is used for obtaining carbonic acid, and for making several officinal 
 pjparations. For the former purpose, common marble is sufficiently pure ; but 
 f< the latter, the purer varieties must be selected. 
 
 The officinal marble is a white granular substance, having a specific gravity 
 vying from 2'7 to 2'8. It is brittle, pulverizable, and insoluble in water. It 
 is rholly dissolved by dilute muriatic acid with effervescence. If magnesia be 
 pjsent, the neutral muriatic solution will be precipitated by ammonia; and if 
 bjyta or strontia be an impurity, a similar effect will be produced by a solution 
 ovulphate of lime. When marble is exposed to a full red heat, it loses about 
 4 per cent, of carbonic acid, and is converted into lime. (See Calx.) In com- 
 piition it agrees with chalk. 
 
 .'he purest kind of marble is that of Carrara, sometimes called statuary 
 iwble; but it is not necessary that this kind should be obtained for pharma- 
 epic operations. Marble, sufficiently pure for these purposes, is found in 
 v;ious parts of the United States. It is necessary, however, to reject the 
 dlmitic marbles, which contain a considerable proportion of magnesia. 
 
 Iarble is used by the Edinburgh College, merely to get rid of excess of acid 
 b saturating it, in the processes for preparing muriate of morphia, and the sul- 
 p tes of potassa and soda. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Acidi Carbonici; Calcis Murias; Calx; Liquor Calcii Chlo- 
 
 ri ! ; Potassae Bicarbonas; Sodae Bicarbonas. B. 
 
 I 
 
 MARRUBIUM. TJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Horehound. 
 
 he herb of Marrubium vulgare. U. S. 
 
 !arrube blanc, Fr.; Weisser Andorn, Germ.; Marrubio, Ital., Span. 
 
 Iarrubium. Sex. Su st. Didynamia Gymnospermia. — Nat. Ord. Lamiaceae 
 oi jabiatse. 
 
 Jen. Cli. Calyx salver-shaped, rigid, ten-streaked. Corolla with the upper 
 li] oifid, linear, and straight. 
 
470 
 
 Marrubium. — MaatieTie. 
 
 part : 
 
 Marrubium vulgare. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. Ill; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 33: 
 t. 118. White horehound has a perennial fibrous root, and numerous annu: 
 stems, which are quadrangular, erect, very downy, and from twelve to eightee 
 inches high. The leaves are roundish-ovate, dentate or deeply serrate, wrinkle: 
 veined, hoary on the under surface, and supported in pairs upon strong footstalk 
 The flowers are white, and in crowded axillary whorls. The calyx is tubula 
 and divided at the margin into ten narrow segments, which are hooked at tl 
 end. The corolla is also tubular, with a labiate margin, of which the upper li 
 is bifid, the under reflected and three-cleft, with the middle segment broad an 
 slightly scolloped. The seeds are four, and lie in the bottom of the calyx. Tl 
 plant is a native of Europe, but has been naturalized in this country, where 
 grows on the roadsides, and flowers in July and August. 
 
 The herb has a strong rather agreeable odour, which is diminished by dryin; 
 and is lost by keeping. Its taste is bitter and durable. The bitterness is e: 
 tracted by water and alcohol. It contains a volatile oil, bitter extractive, resii 
 tannin, and lignin. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Horehound is tonic, in large doses laxative, an 
 may be so given as to increase the secretion from the skin, and occasionally fro: 
 the kidneys. It was formerly considered a valuable deobstruent, and reeommendc 
 in chronic hepatitis, jaundice, menstrual obstructions, phthisis, and various e 
 chectic affections. By its gently tonic powers it may undoubtedly have prove 
 advantageous in some of these complaints ; but it exerts no specific influence ov< 
 any; and has now passed almost entirely from the hands of physicians in 
 domestic use. It is employed chiefly in catarrh, and other chronic affections < 
 the lungs attended with cough and copious expectoration. The infusion mac 
 in the proportion of an ounce of the herb to a pint of boiling water may be give 
 in wineglassful doses.* The dose of the powder is from thirty grains to a drachr 
 The medicine is also much used in the shape of syrup and candy. TV. 
 
 MASTICHE. Load., Ed., Dub. 
 
 MasticJi. 
 
 Pistacia Lentiscus. The resin flowing from incisions in the bark. Bond. Co 
 Crete resinous exudation. Pd., Dub. 
 
 Mastic, Fr.; Mastis, Germ.; Mastice, Ilal.; Almastiga, Span.; Sakes, Turk.; Arah, Arc 
 
 Pistacia. Sex. Syst. Dioecia Pentandria. — Mat. Or d. Anacardiaceae. 
 
 Gen.Ch. Male. Calyx five-cleft. Corolla none. Female. Calyx three-cle: 
 Corolla none. Styles three. Drupe one-seeded. Willd. 
 
 Pistacia Lentiscus. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 758; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 26, 1. 1 
 The lentislc is a shrub or small tree, seldom rising more than twelve feet 
 height, much branched towards the top, and furnished with petiolate, abrupt 
 pinnate leaves. The leaflets are from eight to twelve in number, usually alt( 
 nate, with the exception of the two upper which are opposite. They are oval 
 lanceolate, entire, obtuse, often mucronate, and sessile upon the common fix 
 stalk, which has a narrow foliaceous expansion on each side. The flowers a 
 dioecious, and very small. The male are iu an axillary ament; the females 
 arranged alternately upon a common peduncle, which is also axillary. 
 
 This tree is a native of the countries which border upon the Mediterranea 
 but does not yield mastich in all places. The island of Seio in the Grecian 2 
 chipelago is the place whence the drug is chiefly obtained. Incisions are ma 
 in the trunk and principal branches, from which the juice slowly exudes, a 
 either hardens in tears upon the bark, or drops on the ground, where it is sou 
 times received upon cloths, sometimes upon the bare earth, and concretes 
 irregular masses. The tears are most esteemed. They are of various sizes, o'. 
 
IRT I. 
 
 Mastiche. — 3fatico. 
 
 471 
 
 ofoundish, often compressed, smooth, semi-transparent, of a pale-yellow colour, 
 
 0 a shining fracture, friable, and usually covered with a whitish powder, occa- 
 sned by their friction against each other. The masses consist of yellowish 
 a$lutinated tears, with others of a darker colour and less translucent, and often 
 figments of wood, bark, or earthy matter intermingled. 
 
 Mastich is nearly inodorous, unless rubbed or heated, when it becomes fragrant. 
 
 1 taste is weak but agreeably terebinthinate, and, after long chewing, very 
 sghtly acrid. It is at first friable under the teeth, but soon becomes soft 
 ai ductile, and acquires a white opaque appearance. Its sp. gr. is 1 074. It 
 isfusible and inflammable by heat. Alcohol dissolves about four-fifths of it, 
 living a viscid substance which becomes brittle when dried, and for which the 
 nne of masticin has been proposed. This substance, though not dissolved by 
 abhol, softens and swells up in it, as gluten does in- water. According to Ber- 
 z< us, it possesses the same general properties as copal, and should be considered 
 a i variety of resin. Mastich is wholly soluble in ether, chloroform, and oil of 
 tipentine, scarcely soluble in the fixed oils, and insoluble in water. It consists 
 eefly of resin, with masticin, and a minute proportion of volatile oil, which 
 d scarcely be said to have been obtained in a separate state, though it imparts 
 fl our to alcohol and water distilled from the mastich, especially when this has 
 b:n previously triturated with an equal weight of carbonate of potassa. 
 
 Mastich is occasionally adulterated with olibanum, sandarach, and other resin- 
 o bodies; and, in seasons of scarcity, with sea-salt. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Mastich was formerly thought to possess pro- 
 pties analogous to those of the turpentines, and was used in debility of the 
 slrnaeh, haemoptysis from ulceration, leucorrhoea, chronic diarrhoea, &c. ; but 
 itVirtues were overrated; and it is at present scarcely ever given internally. It 
 isometimes employed to fill the cavities of carious teeth, for which purpose it 
 is veil fitted by its softness. Great quantities of it are consumed in Turkey, 
 Wire it is habitually chewed by the women, under the impression that it sweetens 
 tl breath, and preserves the gums and teeth. The alcoholic solution has been 
 enloyed as a styptic in bleeding from the nose, leech-bites, &c., being applied 
 b means of a camel’s hair pencil directly to the bleeding vessel. Dissolved in 
 abhol or oil of turpentine, it forms a brilliant varnish. A solution made by 
 liberating half an ounce of mastich and fifteen grains of caoutchouc in two 
 fltlounces of chloroform, and filtering in close vessels, forms a varnish highly 
 es emed by some microscopists. 
 
 i'he following mode of applying it to carious teeth is highly recommended. 
 D solve four parts of mastich in one part of ether, in a bottle well stopped. With 
 tl solution thus formed, which is of a yellow colour and oily consistence, satu- 
 ra l a small piece of cotton of the size of the carious cavity, and, having well 
 cl nsed and dried the cavity, introduce the cotton, without painful pressure, so 
 asio fill it exactly. The ether is soon evaporated, and the resin, remaining soft 
 ar adhesive, attaches itself to the diseased surface of the tooth, which it protects 
 fr i the action of the air, and of the food taken into the mouth. 
 
 ‘)ff. Prep. Tinctura Ammonias Composita. W. 
 
 ■ 
 
 MATICO. Dub. 
 
 Matico. 
 
 .rtanthe elongata. The leaves. Pub. 
 iper. See CUBEBA. 
 
 ‘‘per angustifolium. Ruiz and Pavon, Flor. Peruv. — Piper elongation. 
 ^ f — Arianthe elongata. Miquel; Dub. PJiarrn.; Bindley, Med. and CEconom. 
 B P- 133, fig. 195. This is a shrub with a jointed stem, about twelve feet 
 
472 
 
 Matico. — Matricaria. 
 
 PART 
 
 in height. In a dried specimen presented by Dr. Rusc-henberger, of the U. : 
 Navy, to one of the authors, the leaves are sessile or very shortly petiolate, ova 
 lanceolate, acuminate, two or three inches long by about an inch in breadth, brig] 
 green on the upper surface, paler and downy beneath, c-renate, minutely at 
 strongly reticulated, of an agreeable aromatic odour, and a strong spicy tast 
 The spikes arc solitary, opposite the leaves, and cylindrical. The bractes a 
 pellate or cucullate; the flowers hermaphrodite. The plant is a native of Per 
 
 The leaves, spikes and stalks are mixed together, and more or less c-oropresse 
 in the packages of the imported drug; and are all possessed of activity, thout 
 the leaves only are i-ecognised by the Dublin College. Their shape and gener 
 aspect have been described above, as well as their smell and taste. They a 
 readily pulverized, forming a light, greenish, absorbent powder. According 
 Dr. Hodges, they contain chloropbylle, a soft dark-green resin, brown and yello 
 colouring matters, gum, salts, lignin, a light-green, thickish volatile oil, and 
 peculiar bitter principle, soluble in water and alcohol, but not in ether, whit 
 he calls maticin. ( Philos . Mag., Sept. 1844, p. 206.) The volatile oil and m 
 tie-in are probably the active ingredients. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Matico is an agreeable aromatic tonic ai 
 stimulant, having a tendency, like cubebs, to act on the urinary passages, 
 has long been known as a medicine in Peru. Dr. Martius speaks of its use 1 
 the natives externally as a vulnerary, and internally as aphrodisiac ( Pliarm . Cei 
 Blatl, 1843, p. 12); and, according to Dr. Scrivener, who practised medicine 
 Lima, it is much employed in Peru locally for arresting hemorrhage, and in tl 
 treatment of ulcers. (Am. Journ. of Pliarm., xviii. 175.) In 1839 it was i 
 troduced into England, and was prescribed by Dr. Jeffreys, of Liverpool, wi 
 advantage, in diseases of the mucous membranes, as gonorrhoea, leucorrhee 
 menorrhagia, catarrh of the bladder, hemorrhoids, and epistaxis. Others ha 
 employed it with benefit in similar cases; and it is said to have proved useful 
 haemoptysis, haematemesis, dysentery, and hsematuria. Dr. Rusc-henberger giv 
 strong testimony in its favour in several of the diseases mentioned. Its me 
 useful internal application is probably as an alterative stimulant to the diseas 
 mucous membranes. If efficient as a haemostatic, it must be on principles sin 
 lar to those upon which the oil of turpentine acts; for it is not astringent. J 
 a local styptic it probably acts mechanically in the same manner as agaric. T 
 dose of the powder is from half a drachm to two drachms three times a day. T 
 infusion and tincture are officinal. (See In fusum Matico and Tinctura Matico. 
 
 The root of another species of Piper, P. methisticinn ( Macropiper methystieu: 
 Miquel), is used in the Sandwich Islands to form an intoxicating drink, und 
 the name of ava or Icava. See an article by Mr. Morson in the Pliarm. Jour 
 and Trans, (iii. 472), where the plant is figured. 
 
 Off. Prep. Iufusum Matico; Tinctura Matico. 17. 
 
 MATRICARIA. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 German Chamomile. 
 
 The flowers of Matricaria Chamomilla. U. S. 
 
 Matricaria. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia Superflua. — Mat. Ord. Compcsii- 
 Senecionideie, De (land. Asteracese, Bindley. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx flat, imbricate, with scales having scarious margins, i- 
 ceptacle naked, terete. Pappus none. 
 
 Matricaria Chamomilla. Linn. Sp. 1256. This is an annual plant, with 
 branching stem a foot or two in height, bearing alternate leaves about two inch 
 long, the lower ones tripinnate, the upper bipiunate or simply pinnate, and allf 
 them very green, and nearly or quite smooth. The leaflets are linear and vr 
 
IRT I. 
 
 Matricaria.— -Mel. 
 
 473 
 
 sail. The flowers appear singly at the ends of the stem and branches. They 
 a about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, with the ray spreading. The 
 sles of the calyx are obtuse, green in the middle, and whitish, membranous, 
 ad translucent at the margin. The ray florets are white, at first spreading, and 
 uimately reflected. The disk is of a deep-yellow colour, at first flat, but in the 
 el convex, and even somewhat conical. 
 
 The plant is a native of Europe, and is occasionally cultivated in our gardens. 
 4 parts of it are active ; but the flowers only are officinal. These shrink in 
 (king, so that they are scarcely half as large as in their recent state. Those 
 f. nd in our shops are imported from Germany. 
 
 The dried flowers of the Matricaria are considerably smaller than common 
 Ciimomile, and exhibit a larger proportion of the disk florets compared with those 
 othe ray. They have a strong, peculiar, rather unpleasant odour, and a disagree- 
 ae bitter taste. Their active constituents are volatile oil and bitter extractive, 
 vich are readily extracted by water and alcohol. The oil, which is obtained 
 b distillation with water, is thick, somewhat tenacious, of a dark-blue colour 
 loioming brown by age, and almost opaque in mass. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Matricaria is a mild tonic, very similar to cha- 
 n.mile in medical properties, and, like it, capable, in large doses, of producing 
 a emetic effect. It is esteemed also in Europe antispasmodic and anthelmintic. 
 Iis much employed in Germany; but in this country scarcely at all, unless by 
 she German practitioners. It may be given for the same purposes and in the 
 sie manner as chamomile. W. 
 
 MEL. U. S., Lond ., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Honey. 
 
 A liquid prepared by Apis mellifica. U. S. Juice of flowers deposited in the 
 c ib, clarified. Lond. A saccharine seci’etion. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Vliel, Fr.; Honig, Germ.; Miele, Ital.; Miel, Span. 
 
 Naturalists have not yet determined whether honey is a secretion of the bee, 
 Jis mellifica, or whether it exists already formed in plants. It is certain that 
 t nectaries of flowers contain a saccharine matter, which is extracted by the 
 iiset, and the fact is well known that the flavour and character of honey are 
 v y much affected by the nature of the plants which predominate in the vicinity 
 o;the hive; so much so, that when these plants are poisonous, the fluid some- 
 ties partakes of their noxious qualities. Several cases of poisoning, from eating 
 hiey from a particular source, are recorded in the New Jersey Med. Reporter 
 f; November, 1852 (p. 46). Still, it probably undergoes some change in the 
 
 0 ans of the bee ; as the saccharine matter of the nectaries, so far as it has been 
 Pjsible to examine it, wants some of the characteristic properties of honey. 
 
 Che finest honey is that which is allowed to drain from the comb. If ob- 
 t: red from hives that have never swarmed, it is called virgin honey. An infe- 
 rjjr kind is procured by submitting tbe comb to pressure; and, if heat be em- 
 pjyed previous to expression, the product is still more impure. 
 
 i Money is collected in different parts of the United States; but much also of 
 tit used in the shops is imported from the West Indies. 
 
 I'.n the recent state honey is fluid ; but, on being kept, it is apt to form a crys- 
 f ine deposit, and to be ultimately converted into a soft granular mass. In 
 t shops it is found of every consistence, from that of a viscid liquid like thin 
 8 up or oil, to that of lard or soft suet. Its colour is sometimes white, but 
 r ally yellowish, and occasionally of a brown or reddish tinge. It has a pecu- 
 
 1 1 agreeable odour, varying somewhat with the flowers from which it was col- 
 I :ed, and a very sweet feebly aromatic taste, which is followed by a slight prick- 
 
474 
 
 Mel. — Melissa. 
 
 PART 
 
 ling or sense of acrimony in the fauces. Its sp. gr. is about 1'333. (Duncan 
 Cold water dissolves it i-eadily, alcohol with less facility. It contains crystalliz 
 ble sugar analogous to that of grapes, and, according to Soubeiran, two oth 
 kinds of sugar, one of which is changed by acids, and has the property of turnii 
 to the right the rays of polarized light; and the other, not acted on by acid 
 aud possessed of a strong left-handed rotating power. The first of these tv 
 sugars is not always present in honey ; as there is reason to believe that it is 
 time wholly changed by acid into granular sugar. It is especially abundant 
 the honey taken from the comb. The second variety is very similar to the u 
 crystallizable sugar produced by the reaction of acids on cane sugar, being ide 
 tical with it in composition, and like it incapable of crystallizing, and very se 
 sitive to the action of alkalies. But it is distinguished by the impossibility 
 converting it into granular sugar, and by having nearly twice the rotating pow 
 of common uncrystallizable sugar. (Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., xvi. 252.) Horn 
 contains, besides these saccharine principles, an aromatic principle, an acid, wa 
 and, according to Gluibourt, a little mannite. The crystalline sugar may beo 
 tained by treating granular honey with a small quantity of alcohol, which wh< 
 expressed takes along with it the other ingredients, leaving the crystals near 
 untouched. The same end may be attained by melting the honey, saturatii 
 its acid with carbonate of lime, filtering the liquid, then setting it aside to crj 
 tallize, and washing the crystals with alcohol. Inferior honey usually contai: 
 a larger proportion of uncrystallizable sugar and vegetable acid. Diluted wi 
 water, honey undergoes the vinous fermentation. 
 
 In warm weather, honey, if not very pure, sometimes ferments, acquiring 
 pungent taste and a deeper colour. Starch is said to be occasionally added 
 the inferior kinds to give them a white appearance. The adulteration may 
 detected by dilution with water, which dissolves the honey and leaves the star< 
 at the bottom of the vessel. The nature of the deposit may be tested by t: 
 tincture of iodine. Water is said to be sometimes added to honey to inerea 
 its bulk. Its presence may be suspected from the greater thinness of the liqui 
 and its want of disposition to crystallize. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Honey possesses the same medical properti 
 with sugar, but is more disposed to run off by the bowels, and to occasion gripii 
 pain. Though largely consumed as an article of food, it is seldom employ 
 medicinally, except as the vehicle of more active substances. Its taste and c 
 mulcent qualities render it a useful addition to gargles; and it is sometimes ei 
 ployed as an application to foul ulcers, and in the form of enema. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Piperis ; Confectio Butte; Linimentum Hlruginis; 51 
 Boracis; Mel Despumatum; Mel Bosae; Oxymel; Oxymel Scillas ; PilulaeQuin 
 Sulphatis. W. 
 
 MELISSA U. S. Secondary, Ed. 
 
 Balm. 
 
 The herb of Melissa officinalis. U. S-, Pd. 
 
 Melisse, Fr.; Garten-Melisse, Germ.; Melissa, Ital.; Torongil. Span. 
 
 Melissa. Sex. Syst. Didynamia Gymnospermia. — Mat. Ord. Lamiacem ‘ 
 Labiatae. 
 
 Gen. CTi. Calyx dry, nearly flat above ; with the upper lip sub-fastigia 
 Corolla, upper lip somewhat arched, bifid; lower lip with the middle lobe c- 
 date. Wi.lld. 
 
 Melissa officinalis. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 146; Woodv. Med. Pot. p. 334, 
 119. Balm has a perennial root, which sends up annually several erect, quo 
 rangular stems, usually branched towards the base, and a foot or two in heig ■ 
 
prt I. Melissa. — Mentha Piperita. 475 
 
 le leaves are opposite, ovate or cordate, deeply serrate, pubescent ; the lower 
 o long footstalks, the uppermost nearly sessile. The flowers are white or yel- 
 k'ish, upon short peduncles, and in axillary whorls, surrounding only half the 
 s m. The calyx is tubular, pentangular, and bilabiate, with the upper lip tri- 
 ditate and flattened, the lower cut into two pointed teeth. The corolla is also 
 tnular and bilabiate, the upper lip less convex and notched, the lower three- 
 eft. The plant is a native of the South of Europe. It has been introduced 
 iio this country, where it is cultivated in gardens, and grows wild along the 
 f ees of our roads and lanes. For medical use the herb should be cut before 
 t appearance of the flowers, which begin to expand in July. 
 
 fn the fresh state, it has a fragrant odour very similar to that of lemons; but 
 hnearly inodorous when dried. The taste is somewhat austere, and slightly 
 amatic. The herb contains a minute proportion of a yellowish or reddish- 
 ylow essential oil, which has its peculiar flavour in a very high degree. It 
 c tains also tannin, bitter extractive, and gum. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Balm scarcely produces any remedial operation 
 u>n the system. The quantity of oil which it contains is not more than suf- 
 fi.ent to communicate an agreeable flavour to the infusion, which forms an 
 e client drink in febrile complaints, and when taken warm tends to promote 
 tlj operation of diaphoretic medicines. W. 
 
 MENTHA PIPERITA. U. 8, Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 Peppermint. 
 
 The herb of Mentha piperita. U. S., Ed., Dub. The herb in flower, recent 
 ai dried. Lond. 
 
 ilenthe poivree, Fr.; Pfeffermiinze, Germ.; Menta piperita, 'Ital.; Pimenta piperita, 
 
 At. 
 
 Jentha. Sex. Si/st. Didynamia Gymnospermia. — Nat. Ord. Lamiaceae or 
 Iiiatas. 
 
 den. Ch. Corolla nearly equal, four-cleft; the broader segment emarginate. 
 Hymens upright, distant. Willd. 
 
 Mentha piperita. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 79; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 336, t. 
 1*; Carson, Illust. of Med. Bot. ii. 16, pi. 63. Peppermint is a perennial 
 hbaceous plant, with a creeping root, and quadrangular, channeled, purplish, 
 si lewhat hairy stems, which are branched towards the top, and about two feet 
 iiieight. The leaves are opposite, petiolate, ovate, serrate, pointed, smoother 
 o the upper than the under surface, and of a dark-green colour, which is paler 
 b eath. The flowers are small, purple, and disposed in terminal obtuse spikes, 
 v eh are interrupted below. The calyx is tubular, furrowed, and five-toothed ; 
 tl corolla is also tubular, with its border divided into four segments, of which 
 tl uppermost is broadest, and notched at its apex. The anthers are concealed 
 vhin the tube of the corolla; the style projects beyond it, and terminates in 
 a ifid stigma. The four-cleft germ is converted into four seeds, which are 
 1( *ed iu the calyx. 
 
 ihis species of mint is a native of Great Britain, whence it has been conveyed 
 ti the continent of Europe and to this country. In some parts of the United 
 Stes, especially in New England, the western part of New York, Ohio, and New 
 Jsey, it is largely cultivated for the sake of its volatile oil. We occasionally 
 fi it growing wild along the fences of our villages. The cultivators of this herb 
 h e observed that, in order to maintain its flavour in perfection, it is necessary 
 ti'ransplant the roots every three years. It should be cut for medical use in dry 
 flier, about the period of the expansion of the flowers. These appear in August. 
 
476 Mentha Piperita. — Mentlia Viridis. — Menyanthes. part 
 
 For some interesting remarks in relation to the cultivation of peppermint 
 England, the reader is referred to the Am. Journ. of Pharm. (xxiii. 289). 
 
 The herb, both in the recent and dried state, has a peculiar, penetratin 
 grateful odour. The taste is aromatic, warm, pungent, glowing, camphoror 
 bitterish, and attended with a sensation of coolness when air is admitted in 
 the mouth. These properties depend on a volatile oil, which abounds in ti 
 herb, and may be separated by distillation with water. (See Oleum Menth 
 Piperitsei) The leaves are said to contain a little tannic acid. The virtues 
 the herb are imparted to water, and more readily to alcohol. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Peppermiut is a very grateful aromatic stim 
 lant, much used for all the purposes to which medicines of this class are applie 
 To allay nausea, to relieve spasmodic pains of the<6tomach and bowels, to exf 
 flatus, to cover the taste or qualify the nauseating or griping effects of other met 
 cines, are among the most common of these purposes. The fresh herb, bruis. 
 and applied over the epigastrium, often allays sick stomach, and is especial 
 useful in the cholera of children. The medicine may be given in infusion; but t 
 volatile oil, either alone, or in some state of preparation, is almost always preferre 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Menthae Piperitae ; Oleum Menthae Piperitae ; Spirit 
 Menthae. W. 
 
 MENTHA VIRIDIS. U. S., Loncl., Ed., Dub. 
 Spearmint. 
 
 The herb of Mentha viridis. U. S., Ed., Dub. The herb in flower, rece 
 and dried. Land. 
 
 Mentkea epi, Ft.; Grune Miinze, Germ.; Menta Romana, Ital.; Yerba buena puntiaga 
 Span. 
 
 Mentha. See MENTHA PIPERITA. 
 
 Mentha viridis. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 76; TToodv. Med. Bot. p. 888, 1. 12 
 Spearmint, sometimes called simply mint, differs from M. piperita chiefly 
 having sessile, or nearly sessile, lanceolate, naked leaves; elongated, interrupte 
 panicled spikes; setaceous bractes; and stamens louger than the tube of t 
 corolla. Like the two preceding species, it is a native of Europe. In this count 
 it is cultivated in gardens for domestic use, and in some places more largely i 
 the sake of its oil. It also grows wild in low grounds in parts of the count 
 which have been long settled. Its flowering season is August. According 
 Thomson, it should be cut in very dry weather, and, if inteuded for medical u. 
 just as the flowers appear; if for obtaining the oil, after they have expanded. 
 
 The odour of spearmint is strong and aromatic, the taste warm and sligb 
 bitter, less pungent than that of peppermint, but considered by some as nr 
 agreeable. These properties are retained for some time by the dried pla 
 They depend on a volatile oil, which rises on distillation with water, and; 
 imparted to alcohol and water by maceration. (See Oleum Menthae 1 iridis.) 
 
 Medical Properties. The virtues and applications of this plant are the sat 
 as those of peppermint. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Menthae Viridis ; Infusum Menthae Viridis; Oleum Meat ! 
 Viridis. W2 
 
 MENYANTHES. Ed. 
 
 Buclibean. 
 
 Leaves of Menyanthes trifoliata. Ed. 
 
 Bog-bean; Menyanthe, Tretie d'eau, Ft.; Bitterklee, Germ.; Trifogolio fibrin 6'; It I 
 Trifolio palustre, Span. 
 
PRT I. 
 
 Menyanthes. — Mezereum. 
 
 477 
 
 Menyanthes. Sex. Syst. PentandriaMonogynia. — Nat. Ord. Gentianaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla hirsute. Stigma bifid. Capsule one-celled. Willd. 
 
 Mcnyavtlies trifoliata. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 811; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 
 ii 55. The buckbean or marsh trefoil has a perennial, long, round, jointed, 
 h izontal, branching, dark-coloured root or rhizoma, about as thick as the finger, 
 a t sending out numerous fibres from its under surface. The leaves are ternate, 
 a l stand upon long stalks, which proceed from the end of the root, and are 
 finished at their base with sheathing stipules. The leaflets are obovate, obtuse, 
 e ire or bluntly denticulate, very smooth, beautifully green on their upper sur- 
 fs, and paler beneath. The scape or flower stalk is erect, round, smooth, from 
 s : to twelve inches high, longer than the leaves, and terminated by a conical 
 neme of whitish somewhat rose-coloured flowers. The calyx is five-parted ; 
 tl corolla funnel-shaped, with a short tube, and a five-cleft, revolute border, 
 ciered on the upper side with numerous long, fleshy fibres. The anthers are 
 ri and sagittate ; the gerin ovate, supporting a slender style longer than the 
 s'mens, and terminating in a bifid stigma. The fruit is an ovate, two-valved, 
 O'-celled capsule, containing numerous seeds. 
 
 This beautiful plant is a native both of Europe and North America, growing in 
 b;gy and marshy places which are always moist, and occasionally overflowed 
 \vh water. It prevails, in the United States, from the northern boundary to 
 Vginia. In this country the flowers appear in May, in England not till June 
 oluly. All parts of it arc efficacious, but the leaves only are officinal. 
 
 The taste of buckbean is intensely bitter and somewhat nauseous, the odour 
 oithe leaves faint and disagreeable. Its virtues depend on a bitter principle, 
 dominated menyanthin, which may be obtained sufficiently pure for use by 
 tilting the spirituous extract of the plant with hydrated oxide of lead, removing 
 t lead by hydrosulphuric acid, filtering and evaporating the liquor, exhausting 
 fi residue with alcohol, and again evaporating with a gentle heat. It has a 
 p e bitter taste, is soluble in alcohol and water, but not in pure ether, and is 
 comically neuter. ( Pharm . Cent. Blatt, A.D. 1843, p. 24.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. With the ordinary properties of the bitter tonics, 
 nayanthes unites a cathartic power, and in large doses is apt to vomit. It was 
 finerly held in high esteem in Europe as a remedy in numerous complaints, among 
 well were intermittents, rheumatism, scrofula, scurvy, dropsy, jaundice, and va- 
 r is cachectic and cutaneous affections. In most of these it was administered 
 uiler a vague impression of its alterative powers. It is little employed in this 
 c ; ntry; but, as it is a native plant, and applicable to cases where a combined 
 flic and purgative effect is demanded, it is desirable that our country practi- 
 ti'iers should be aware of its properties. 
 
 Che dose of the powdered leaves or root as a tonic is from twenty to thirty 
 g ins ; of an infusion, prepared with half an ounce to a pint of boiling water, 
 fi n one to two fluidounces; and of the extract ten or fifteen grains, to be repeated 
 t.ee or four times a day. A drachm of the powder, or a gill of the strong 
 doetion generally purges, and often occasions vomiting. W. 
 
 MEZEREUM. U. S., Loncl. 
 
 Mezereon. 
 
 The bark of Daphne Mezereum and Daphne Gnidium. U. S. Daphne Meze- 
 r m. Bark of the root. Land. 
 
 Off. Syn. MEZEREON. Root-bark of Daphne Mezereon. Ed., Dub. 
 
 5ois geatil, Fr.; Kellerlials, Germ.; Mezereo, Ital.; Mecereon, Span. 
 
 Iaphne. Sex. Syst. Octandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Thymelaceae. 
 
478 
 
 Mezereum. 
 
 PART 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx none. Corolla four-cleft, withering, enclosing the stamen 
 Drupe one-seeded. Willd. 
 
 All the species of Daphne are possessed of active properties; hut two onlyai 
 officinal — D. Mezereum and D. Gnidium — the former of which is recognise 
 in the British Pharmacopoeias, the latter in the French Codex, and both in tl 
 Pharmacopoeia of the United States. 
 
 1. Daphne Mezereum. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 415; Woody. Med. Bot. p. 71' 
 t. 245; Carson, I/lust, of Med. Bot. ii. 26, pi. 72. This is a very hardy skrul 
 three or four feet high, with a branching stem, and a smooth dark-gray bar] 
 which is very easily separable from the wood. The leaves spring from the enc 
 of the branches, are deciduous, sessile, obovate-lanceolate, entire, smooth, of 
 pale-green colour, somewhat glaucous beneath, and about two inches long. The 
 are preceded by the flowers, which appear very early in spring, and sometimf 
 bloom even amidst the snow. These are of a pale rose colour, highly fragran 
 and disposed in clusters, each consisting of two or three flowers, forming togethf 
 a kind of spike at the upper part of the stem and branches. At the base < 
 each cluster are deciduous floral leaves. The fruit is oval, shining, fleshy, of 
 bright red colour, and contains a single round seed. Another variety product 
 white flowers and yellow fruit. 
 
 This species of Daphne is a native of Great Britain and the neighbourin 
 continent, in the northern parts of which it is particularly abundant. It is c-u 
 tivated in Europe both for medicinal purposes and as an ornamental plant, an 
 is occasionally found in our own gardens. It flowers in February, March, c 
 April, according to the greater or less mildness of the climate. 
 
 2. D- Gnidium. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 420. In this species, called garou c 
 sain-lois by the French, the leaves are linear-lanceolate, acute, entire, smootl 
 and irregularly but closely set upon the branches. The flowers are white, down; 
 odoriferous, and disposed in terminal panicled racemes. The fruit is globula 
 dry, at first green, but ultimately black. D. Gnidium grows in dry uncult 
 vated places in the South of Europe, and flowers in June. In France its bar 
 is used indiscriminately with that of the former species. 
 
 Besides the officinal species above described, Daphne Laureola or spurge laure 
 is said to furnish a portion of the mezereon of commerce; but its product is ii 
 ferior in acrimony, and consequently in medicinal activity. 
 
 The bark of the root was the part formerly directed by theU. S. Pharmacopoei; 
 as it now is by the British Colleges; and it is said to be exclusively employed i 
 Great Britain. But the mezereon with which our markets are now supplied 
 evidently^- the bark of the stem ; and the Pharmacopoeia at present, therefor 
 very properly directs the bark, without designating the part from which it mu 
 be taken. British writers state that the bark of the root is the most activ 
 The berries and leaves of the plant are also active; and the former have som 
 times proved fatal to children who have been attracted by their beautiful colou 
 Pallas states that they are used as a purgative by the Russian peasants, and tli; 
 thirty berries are required to produce this effect. The French authors obser 
 that fifteen are sufficient to kill a Frenchman. Mezereon is brought to us chief 
 from Germany. 
 
 Properties. Mezereon, as it comes to us, is usually in strips, from two to for 
 feet long and an inch or less in breadth, sometimes flat, sometimes partial 
 rolled, and always folded in bundles, or wrapped in the shape of balls. It 
 covered externally with a grayish or reddish-brown wrinkled epidermis, very tk 
 andeasily separable from thebark. Beneath the epidermis is a soft greenish tissu 
 The inner bark is tough, pliable, fibrous, striated, and of a whitish colour. B kc 
 fresh it has a nauseous smell, but in the dry state is nearly inodorous. Its tas 
 is at first sweetish, but afterwards highly acrid and even corrosive. It yields i 
 virtues to water by decoction. Yauquelin ascertained the presence of a peculi 
 
Mezereum. 
 
 479 
 
 p,it I. 
 
 pnciple in the bark of Daphne Alpina. This has subsequently been discovered 
 in ther species, and has received the name of daphnin. Grtnelin and Bar found 
 it 1 the bark of D. Mezereum , associated with wax, an acrid resin, a" yellow 
 couring matter, a reddish-brown extractive matter, an uncrystallizable and fer- 
 mitable sugar, a gummy matter containing azote, ligneous fibre, malic acid, and 
 seiral malates. Daphnin is in prismatic crystals grouped together, colourless, 
 tnsparent, brilliant, slightly soluble in cold water, very soluble in boiling water, 
 et;r and alcohol, without odour, and of a bitter, somewhat austere taste. It is ob- 
 ta.ed by treating the alcoholic extract of the bark with water, decanting the 
 sc tion, precipitating with subacetate of lead, filtering, decomposing the excess 
 of he subacetate by sulphuretted hydrogen, again filtering, evaporating to dry- 
 no, submitting the residue to the action of anhydrous alcohol, and evaporating 
 th alcoholic solution to the point of crystallization. Though daphnin is pro- 
 bdy not inactive, it is not the principle upon which the virtues of mezereon 
 cl fly depend. Vauquelin thinks that in the recent plant these reside in an essen- 
 tii oil, which by time and exposure is changed into a resin, without losing its 
 acvity. The acrid resin observed by G-melin and Bar is probably the character- 
 ise principle to which the bark owes its vesicating properties. It is obtained 
 seirate by boiling mezereon in alcohol, allowing the liquor to cool in order that 
 it ray deposit some wax which it has taken up, then distilling off the alcohol, 
 ar treating the residue with water, which leaves the resin. This is of a dark- 
 gun, almost black colour, hard and brittle, and of an exceedingly acrid and per- 
 mient taste. In the isolated state it is slightly soluble in water, and much 
 m e so when combined with the other principles of the bark. It appears, how- 
 ev, not to be a pure proximate principle, but rather a resinoid combination of an 
 acd vesicating fixed oil with another substance. The acrid principle of meze- 
 re i is partially given off by decoction with water, as proved by the irritating 
 chacter of the vapour when inhaled; but none of it appears to escape when 
 thbark is boiled with alcohol. (Squire, Pharm. Transact, i. 395.) 
 
 hectical Properties and Uses. The recent bark applied to the skin produces 
 in.mmation followed by vesication, and has been popularly used as an epis- 
 ptic from time immemorial in some of the southern countries of Europe. The 
 did bark, though less active, is possessed of a similar property, and is occ-a- 
 si< ally employed in France by regular practitioners for the purpose of forming 
 is; es. A small square piece of the bark, moistened with vinegar, is applied to 
 tb skin, and renewed twice a day till a blister is formed, and occasionally after- 
 wds in order to maintain the discharge. It is slow in its operation, generally 
 re firing from twenty-four to forty-eight hours to vesicate. An irritant ointment 
 is repared from mezereon, which answers for application to blistered surfaces 
 in rder to maintain the discharge, and may be applied advantageously to obsti- 
 nt , ill-conditioned, indolent ulcers. (See Unguentum Mezereih) The alcoholic 
 ei act of mezereon has also been employed to communicate irritant properties 
 to isue peas. 
 
 iternally administered, mezereon is a stimulant capable of being directed to 
 bskin or kidneys, and in large doses apt to excite purging, nausea, and vomit- 
 in In overdoses it produces the fatal effects of the acrid poisons; and a 
 ca of apparently severe narcotic effects has been recorded. (. Am. Journ. of Med . 
 & , xxi. 518.) It had at one time much reputation as a remedy in the second- 
 ar stages of the venereal disease, and still enters as an ingredient into the 
 of inal compound decoction of sarsaparilla. It has also been thought to act 
 fa urably as an alterative in scrofulous affections, chronic rheumatism, and 
 ol inate diseases of the skin. For this purpose it is usually administered in 
 deletion. (See Decodum Mezerei .) Dr. Withering cured a case of difficult 
 sv lowing, arising from paralysis, by directing the patient to chew frequently 
 srll pieces of the root. The affection, which had continued three years, was 
 
480 
 
 Mezereum. — Monarda. — Mori Succus. 
 
 PART 
 
 removed in a month. The dose of the bark in substance may he stated at t< 
 grains, though it is seldom used in this way. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Mezerei ; Decoetum Sarsaparillae Compositum ; E 
 tractum Sarsaparillse Fluidum; Unguentum Mezerei. W. 
 
 MONARDA. U.S. 
 
 Horsemint. 
 
 The herb of Monarda punctata. U. S. 
 
 Monarda. Sex. Spat. Diandria Monogynia. — Nat. Orel. Lamiaceae or L 
 biatre. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-toothed, eylindrie, striate. Corolla ringent, with a lot 
 cylindric tube; upper lip linear, nearly straight and entire, involving the fil 
 ments; lower lip reflected, broader, three-lobed, the middle lobe longer. Xutta 
 
 Monarda punctata. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 126; Am. Med. Recorder , vol. ii. 
 496. This is an indigenous perennial or biennial plant, with herbaceous, obtuse 
 angled, downy, whitish, branching stems, which rise one or two feet in heigt 
 and are furnished with oblong-lanceolate, remotely serrate, smooth, punc-ta 
 leaves. The flowers are yellow, spotted with red or brown, and are disposed 
 numerous whorls, provided with lanceolate, coloured bractes, longer than the who! 
 
 The horsemint grows in light gravelly or sandy soils from Xew Jersey 
 Louisiana, and flowers from June to September. The whole herb is employe 
 It has an aromatic smell, and a warm, pungent, bitterish taste; and abounds 
 a volatile oil, which may be separated by distillation with water. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Horsemint is stimulant and carminative; but 
 seldom used in regular practice. In the state of infusion it is occasionally ei 
 ployed in families as a remedy for flatulent colic and sick stomach, and for oth 
 purposes to which the aromatic herbs are applied. It was introduced into t 
 primary catalogue of the United States Pharmacopceia on account of the volat: 
 oil which it affords. (See Oleum Monarclse.') 
 
 Off'. Prep. Oleum Monardae. IV. 
 
 MORI SUCCUS. Loud. 
 
 Mulberry Juice. 
 
 Morus nigra. The juice of the fruit. Lond. 
 
 Mures, Fr.; Schrvarze Maulbeeren, Germ.; Morone. Ital.; Moras. Span. 
 
 Mortjs. Sex. Syst. Monccc-ia Tetrandria. — Nat. Ord. Urticacese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Male. Calyx four-parted. Corolla none. Female. Calyx foi 
 leaved. Corolla none. Styles two. Calyx berried. Seed one. Willd. 
 
 Morus nigra. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 36 ; Woofdv. Med. Rot. p. 712, t. 243. T1 
 species of mulberry is distinguished by its cordate-ovate or lobed, unequa. 
 toothed, and scabrous leaves. It is a tree of middle size, supposed to have be 
 brought originally from Persia into Italy, and thence spread over Europe a 
 America. Its leaves afford food for the silk-worm ; and the bark of the ro 
 which is bitter and slightly acrid, has been employed as a vermifuge, especia 
 in cases of the tape-worm, in the dose of two drachms infused in eight oun<' 
 of boiling water. The juice of the fruit is the officinal portion. 
 
 The fruit is oblong-oval, of a dark reddish-purple almost black colour, a 
 consists of numerous minute berries united together aud attached to a comm, 
 receptacle, each containing a single seed, the succulent envelope of which > 
 formed by the calyx. It is inodorous, has a sweet, mucilaginous, aeidulo 
 
Pi.T I. 
 
 Mori Succus. — Moschus. 
 
 481 
 
 ta:9, and abounds in a deep-red juice. The sourish taste is owing, according 
 to fermbstadt, to the presence of tartaric acid. 
 
 ledical Properties and Uses. Mulberries are refreshing and laxative, and 
 se e to prepare a grateful drink well adapted to febrile cases. A syrup is made 
 fra their juice, and used as an agreeable addition to gargles in inflammation 
 of he throat. They are, however, more used as food than medicine. Our na- 
 tn mulberry, the fruit of Moms rubra, is quite equal to that of the imported 
 spies. Morns alba, originally from China, and now extensively cultivated 
 as source of food for the silk-worm, bears a white fruit, which is sweeter and 
 les grateful than the others. 
 
 iff. Prep. Syrupus Mori. W. 
 
 MOSCHUS. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Music. 
 
 peculiar concrete substance obtained from Moschus moschiferus. U. S. A 
 coirete substance found in the follicle of the prepuce. Lond. Inspissated secre- 
 tio in the follicles of the prepuce. Ed., Dub. 
 
 use, Fr. ; Bisam, Germ.; Muschio, Ital.; Almizcle, Span. 
 oschus. Class Mammalia. Order Pecora. 
 
 ien.Ch. Horns none. Fore teeth eight in the lower jaw. Tusks one on each 
 sid in the upper jaw, projecting out of the mouth. 
 
 fpschus moschiferus. Gmelin, Syst.Nat. i. 172; Reese’s Cyclopaedia. This 
 an ial bears a close resemblance to the deer in shape and size. It is usually 
 les han three feet in length, with haunches considerably more elevated than the 
 sh< lders. From its upper jaw two tusks project downwards out of the mouth, 
 ear about two inches long, curved backwards, and serving to extract the roots 
 wbh are used as food by the animal. The ears are long and narrow, and the 
 tariery short. The fleece, which consists of strong, elastic, undulated hairs, 
 vaiis in colour with the season, the age of the animal, and perhaps the place 
 whh it inhabits. The general colour is a deep iron-gray. The individual hairs 
 are rhitish near the root, and fawn-coloured or blackish towards the tip. The 
 mi; is contained in an oval, hairy, projecting sac, found only in the male, 
 sitited between the umbilicus and the prepuce, from two to three inches long, 
 am from one to two broad, communicating externally by a small hairy orifice 
 at ; anterior part, and marked posteriorly by a groove or furrow which corres- 
 poi s with the opening of the prepuce. It is lined internally by a smooth mem- 
 bra:, which is thrown into a number of irregular folds forming incomplete 
 pardons. In the vigorous adult animal, the sac sometimes contains six drachms 
 of isk; but in the old seldom more than two drachms, and none in the young. 
 Th tnusk is secreted by the lining membrane, and in the living animal forms a 
 cor stent mass, which, on the outside, is compact, and marked with the folds 
 of e membrane, but is less firm towards the centre, where there is sometimes 
 a Want space. As first secreted it is probably in the liquid state, and a portion 
 is c ;asionally forced out by the animal, to which it communicates its odour. 
 
 be musk deer inhabits the vast mountainous regions of central Asia, extend- 
 ing -om India to Siberia, and from the country of the Turcomans to China. It 
 is active and timid animal, springing from rock to rock with surprising agility, 
 ancfequenting the snowy recesses, and most inaccessible crags of the mountains. 
 Cofealing itself during the day, it chooses the night for roaming in search of 
 foo; and, though said to be abundant in its native regions, is taken with dif- 
 ficcy. It is hunted for its bide, as well as for the musk. As soon as the 
 am d is killed, the sac is cut off, and dried with its contents ; and in this state 
 is 6 ,t into the market. 
 
 81 
 
482 
 
 Moschus. 
 
 PAP.T 
 
 Musk varies in quality with the country inhabited by the animal. That p 
 cured from the mountains on the southeru borders of Siberia, and brought ii 
 the market through Russia, is comparatively feeble. The best is imported fr 
 China, and is said to be the product of Tonquin. A variety intermediate 
 tween these is procured in the Himalaya Mountains and Thibet, and sent 
 Calcutta. We derive our chief supply from Canton, though portions are oc- 
 sionally brought hither from Europe. 
 
 Two varieties are distinguished in the market, the Chinese and Russian. If 
 come in sacs, convex and hairy on one side, flat and destitute of hair on the otb 
 The hairs are brownish-yellow, grayish, or whitish, stiff and short, and arran; 
 concentrically around the orifice of the sac. The Chinese, which is the m, 
 highly valued, is in bags of a rounder shape, covered with brownish-yellow 
 reddish-brown hairs, and containing at most a drachm and a half of large-grain , 
 dark, strong-scented musk, having an ammoniacal odour. The Russian, wb. 
 is contained in longer and larger bags, is small-grained, of a light yellowi- 
 brown colour, of a weaker and more fetid odour, with less smell of ammonia 
 
 Properties. Musk is in grains or lumps concreted together, soft and unctU'i 
 to the touch, and of a reddish-brown or ferruginous colour, resembling thatf 
 dried blood. Some hairs of the pod are generally mixed with it. The ode 
 is strong, penetrating, and so powerfully diffusive, that one part of musk comr- 
 nicates its smell to more than 3000 parts of inodorous powder. {Fee.) In so; 
 delicate individuals it produces headache and other disagreeable symptoms, ;1 
 has even given rise to convulsions. The taste is bitter, disagreeable, and soi- 
 what acrid. The colour of the powder is reddish-brown. Musk is inflaminal, 
 burning with a white flame, and leaving a light spongy charcoal. It yiel, 
 upon analysis, a great number of proximate principles. Guibourt and Blonde 
 obtained water, ammonia, stearin, olein, cholesterin, an oily acid combined m 
 ammonia, volatile oil, muriate of ammonia, chlorides of potassium aud calcii, 
 an uncertain acid combined with ammonia, potassa and lime, gelatin, album, 
 fibrin, a highly carbonaceous mat ter soluble in water, a soluble calcareous salt si 
 a combustible acid, carbonate and phosphate of lime, hair, and sand. {Annalli 
 Chim. et de Flips., ix. 327.) Besides these principles, Geiger and Reinra 
 found a peculiar bitter resin, osmazome, and a peculiar substance in part c<- 
 bined with ammonia. According to Guibourt and Blondeau, it contains 47 r 
 cent, of volatile matter, thought by some to be chiefly ammonia, by otberso 
 be a compound of ammonia and volatile oil. Theimann obtained only fromO 
 to 15 per cent. But the quantity of volatile as well as of soluble matter va s 
 exceedingly in different specimens. Thus, Theimann found from 80 to 90 -i 
 cent, of matter soluble in water, Buchner, only 54‘5 per cent., and other chem.s 
 intermediate proportions. The proportion soluble in alcohol, as ascertained]? 
 different experimenters, varies from 25 to 62 percent. Ether is a good solvt. 
 The watery infusion has a yellowish-brown colour, a bitterish taste, astrg 
 smell of musk, and an acid reaction. The alcoholic tincture is transparent, d 
 of a reddish-brown colour, with the peculiar odour of the medicine. The ac»n 
 of potassa upon musk is accompanied with the extrication of ammonia, arnii 
 increase of its peculiar odour. By the influence of heat and moisture long > 
 tinued, ammonia is developed, which acts upon the fatty matter, produciia 
 substance resembling adipocire, but, according to Guibourt, without diminisl? 
 the activity of the medicinal principles. The correctness, however, of u 
 opinion, is perhaps questionable; and it is advisable to preserve the niusfc 
 much as possible unaltered. When kept in glass bottles, in a situation neier 
 moist nor very dry, it remains for a great length of time without material chae- 
 The odour of musk is very much diminished by mixing it with emulsion or sup 
 of bitter almonds, or cherry-laurel water. From the experiments of Wim ’. 
 it appears that musk loses its odour when rubbed with kermes mineral, or go^n 
 
IRT I. 
 
 Moschus. 
 
 483 
 
 sphur of antimony, and reacquires it on the addition of a little solution of 
 amonia to the mixture. ( Pharm . Cent. Blaft, A. D. 1843, p. 406.) Camphor 
 mbed up with musk is also said to have the effect of destroying its odour. {Am. 
 aim. of Pharm., xxiii. 85.) 
 
 Adulterations. The price of this medicine is so high, and its sources so limited, 
 a to offer strong temptations to adulteration ; and little of the genuine unmixed 
 nsk is to be found in the market. The sophistication commences with the Chi- 
 me, and is completed in Europe and this country. A common practice in the 
 1st is to open the sac, and to supply the place of the musk with an adulterated 
 nsture. Sometimes the scrotum of the animal is filled with this mixture, and 
 n unfrequently the sacs are manufactured out of the skin. Dried blood, from 
 itresemblance in appearance to musk, is among the most common adulterations; 
 b;, besides this, sand, lead, iron-filings, hair, animal membrane, tobacco, the 
 dig of birds, wax, benzoin, storax, asphaltum, and other substances are intro- 
 died. These are mixed with a portion of musk, the powerful odour of which 
 isliffused through the mass, and renders the discovery of the fraud sometimes 
 dicult. It is said that the Chinese sometimes mix the musk of Tonquin with 
 tit of Siberia. The hags containing the drug should have the characters before 
 dcribed as belonging to the natural sac, and should present no evidence of 
 h ing been opened. The slit is sometimes carefully sewed up, sometimes glued 
 tiether. The former condition may be discovered by close inspection, the latter 
 b immersion in hot water. When the bag is made from any other portion of 
 tl skin, the difference may be detected, according to Mr. Neligan, by a micro- 
 sipe which magnifies 300 diameters. The genuine hairs exhibit innumerable 
 co, which are wanting in the spurious. ( Chem. Gaz., Feb. 1846, p. 79.) Musk 
 wch burns with difficulty, which has a feeble odour, and a colour either pale 
 oi'entirely black, which feels gritty to the finger, is very moist, or contains 
 olious impurities, should be rejected. The Russian musk is said never to be 
 a< Iterated before leaving Russia. 
 
 Uedical Properties and Uses. Musk is stimulant and antispasmodic, increasing 
 tl vigour of the circulation, and exalting the nervous energy, without producing, 
 ei er as an immediate or secondary effect, any considerable derangement of the 
 piely cerebral functions. Its medical uses are such as may be inferred fropt its 
 g<eral operation. In almost all spasmodic diseases, so far as mere relaxation 
 olpasm is desirable, it is more or less efficacious; but peculiar advantage may 
 buxpected from it in those cases in which a prostrate condition of the system, 
 at.nded with great nervous agitation, or irregular muscular action, calls for the 
 ui ed influence of a highly diffusible stimulant and powerful antispasmodic. 
 S' h are very low cases of typhous disease, accompanied with subsultus tendinum, 
 tr lors, and singultus. Such also are many instances of gout in the stomach, 
 at other spasmodic affections of that organ. In very obstinate hiccough we 
 hi 3 found it more effectual than any other remedy; and have seen great ad- 
 V£;age from its use in those alarming and dangerous convulsions of infants 
 w :h have their origin in spasm of the intestines. It is said to have done much 
 gel, combined with opium, and administered in very large doses, in tetanus. 
 Eslepsy, hysteria, asthma, pertussis, palpitations, cholera, and colic, are among 
 tb numerous spasmodic affections in which circumstances may render the em- 
 pl mentof musk desirable. The chief obstacles to its general use are its high 
 pt 3, and the uncertainty in regard to it3 purity. Musk was unknown to the 
 anents. Aetius was the first writer who noticed it as a medicine. It was 
 in oduced into Europe through the Arabians, from whose language its name 
 w; derived. 
 
 ■ may be given in the form of pill or emulsion. The medium dose is ten 
 gt as, to be repeated every two or three hours. In the cases of children it may 
 be iven with great advantage in the form of enema. W. 
 
484 
 
 Mucuna. 
 
 PART 
 
 MUCUNA. TJ. S. Secondary, Load., Ed. 
 Cowhage. 
 
 The bristles of the pods of Mucuna pruriens. U. S. Bristles of the fruit. Lon 
 Hairs from the pod. Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. DOLICHOS. Mucuna pruriens. The hairy down of the pod; Du 
 
 Pois a gratter, Fr.; Kuhkratze, Germ.: Dolico Scottante, Ital. 
 
 Mucuna. Sex. Syst. Diadelphia Decandria. — Nat. Ord. Fabacese or Leg 
 minosse. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx campanulate, bilabiate; the lower lip trifid, with acute se 
 ments, the middle one longest; the upper lip broader, entire, obtuse. Carol 
 with the vexillum ascending, shorter than the wings and keel; the wings oblon 
 equal to the keel in length ; the keel oblong, straight, acute. Stamens diadelphor 
 with five anthers oblong-linear, and five ovate, hirsute. Legume oblong, toro. ; 
 bivalvular, with cellular partitions. Seeds roundish, surrounded circularly 1 
 a linear hilum. (De Candolle.) 
 
 Mucuna pruriens. De Cand. Prodrom. ii. 405; Lindley, Flor. Med. p. 254.- 
 Dolichos pruriens. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 1041; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 422.- 
 Stizolobium pruriens. Persoon. This is a perennial climbing plant, with ; 
 herbaceous branching stem, which twines round the trees in its vicinity, ai 
 rises to a considerable height. The leaves are pinnately trifoliate, and stand i 
 long footstalks, placed alternately on the stem at the distance of a foot fro 
 each other. The leaflets are acuminate, smooth on their upper surface, ai 
 hairy beneath. The lateral leaflets are oblique at the base, the middle one son 
 what rhomboidal. The flowers, which resemble those of the pea in form, a 
 large, of a red or purplish 'colour, usually placed in threes on short peduneb 
 and hang from the axils of the leaves in pendent spikes about a foot in lengt 
 The fruit is a coriaceous pod, shaped like the Italic letter /, about four inch 
 long, and covered with brown bristly hairs, which easily separate, and wh 
 handled stick in the fingers, producing an intense itching sensation. The pla 
 is a native of the West Indies, and other parts of tropical America. It has be 
 supposed to grow also in the East Indies; but the plant of that region is n< 
 considered a distinct species, and entitled Mucuna prurita. The part usual 
 imported is the pod, of which the hairs are the officinal portion. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The spicula are said to be possessed of power 
 vermifuge properties, and are thought to act mechanically, by penetrating t 
 worms. That they do act in this manner is evinced as well by the result ’ 
 direct experiment upon worms out of the body, as by the fact that neither t 
 tincture nor decoction is in the slightest degree anthelmintic. The medic-h 
 was first employed as a vermifuge by the inhabitants of the West Indies, ai 
 thence passed into British practice. The testimony in its favour is too strc: 
 to admit of any reasonable doubt as to its efficiency. It has been chiefly e- 
 ployed against the round worm ; but all the different species which infest » 
 alimentary canal have been expelled by its use. It is best administered mid 
 with some tenacious vehicle. The usual mode of preparing it is to dip the pc 
 into syrup or molasses, and scrape off the hairs with the liquid, which is in 
 proper state for administration when it has attained the consistency of ths 
 honey. The dose of this preparation is a tablespoonful for an adult, a teaspoonl 
 for a child three or four years old, to be given every morning for three days. ;1 
 then followed by a brisk cathartic. M. Blatin has proposed to employ cowlr£ 
 as an external irritant; seven grains being mixed with an ounce of lard, d 
 seven or eight grains of the ointment rubbed for ten, fifteen, or twenty minis 
 
i.RT i. Mucuna. — Myristica. — Myristicse Oleum. — Macis. 485 
 
 ( the skin. A stinging and burning sensation is produced, followed by white 
 ^rations, which soon disappear, leaving no unpleasant effect. (See Am. Journ. 
 c Med. Sci., N. S., xxvi. 191.) 
 
 The root of M. pruriens ( M. prurita) is said by Ainslie to be employed in the 
 1st Indies in the treatment of cholera; and both this part and the pods have 
 bn thought to possess diuretic properties. W. 
 
 MYRISTICA. U. S., Loud., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Nutmeg. 
 
 The kernels of the fruit of Myristica moschata. U. S., Dub. Myristica offici- 
 ilis. The seed deprived of the testa. Lond. Kernel of the fruit of Myristica 
 c cinalis. Ed. 
 
 Noix muscade, Ft.; Muskatnuss, Germ.; Noce moschata, Ital.; Nuez moscada, Span. 
 
 MYRISTICiE ADEPS. Ed. 
 
 Concrete Oil of Nutmeg. 
 
 Concrete expressed oil from the kernel of the fruit of Myristica officinalis. Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. MYRISTICiE OLEUM. Myristica officinalis. Concrete oil ex- 
 posed from the seed. Lond. 
 
 MACIS. TJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Mace. 
 
 The arillus of the fruit of Myristica moschata. IT. S. 
 
 Macis, Fr.; Muskatbliithe, Germ.; Macis, Ital.; Macias, Span. 
 
 VIyristica. Sex. Syst. Dicecia Monadelphia. — Nat. Ord. Myristicacem. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Male. Calyx none. Corolla bell-shaped, trifid. Filament columnar. 
 i thers six or ten united. Female. Calyx none. Corolla bell-shaped, trifid, 
 d iduous. Style none. Stigmas two. Drupe with a nut involved in an arillus 
 v h one seed. Willd. 
 
 Myristica moschata. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 869; Woodv. Med. Dot. p. 698, t. 
 21. — M. officinalis. Linn. Suppl. 265; Lindley, Flor. Med. p. 21. The nut- 
 ng tree is about thirty feet high, with numerous branches, and an aspect some- 
 v it resembling that of the orange tree. The leaves stand alternately on short 
 fitstalks, are oblong-oval, pointed, entire, undulated, obliquely nerved, bright 
 g en and somewhat glossy on their upper surface, whitish beneath, and of an 
 a matic taste. The flowers are male and female upon different trees. The 
 f< ner are disposed in axillary, peduncled, solitary clusters ; the latter are single, 
 S' tary, and axillary; both are minute and of a pale-yellowish colour. The fruit, 
 w ch appears on the tree mingled with the flowers, is round or oval, of the size 
 ok small peach, with a smooth surface, at first pale-green, but yellow when 
 rh, and marked with a longitudinal furrow. The external covering, which is 
 a first thick and fleshy, and abounds in an austere, astringent juice, afterwards 
 h ornes dry and coriaceous, and separating into two valves from the apex, dis- 
 ci ;es a scarlet reticulated membrane or arillus, commonly called mace, closely 
 nesting a thin, brown, shining shell, which contains the kernel or nutmeg. Not 
 W than eight varieties of this species are said by Crawford to be cultivated in 
 tl East Indies. 
 
 VIyristica moschata is a native of the Moluccas and other neighbouring islands, 
 a abounds especially in that small cluster distinguished by the name of Banda, 
 
486 Myristica. part : 
 
 » 
 
 whence the chief supplies of nutmegs were long derived. But the plant is no- 
 cultivated in Sumatra, Java, Singapore, Penang, and other parts of the Ea; 
 Indies; and has been introduced into the Isle of France and Bourbon, Cayenm 
 and some of the West India islands. 
 
 The tree is produced from the seed. It does not flower till the eighth c 
 ninth year; after which it bears flowers and fruit together, without intermissioi 
 and is said to continue bearing for seventy or eighty years. Little trouble is n 
 cjuisite in its cultivation. A branch of the female tree is grafted into all tt 
 young plants when about two years old, so as to insure their early fruitfulnes 
 In the Moluccas the tree yields three crops annually. The fruit is gathered t 
 the hand, and the outside covering rejected. The mace is then carefully sep. 
 rated, so as to break it as little as possible, is flattened, and dried in the sni 
 and afterwards sprinkled with salt water, with the view of contributing to ii 
 preservation. Its fine red colour is much impaired by drying. The nuts ai 
 dried in the sun or by ovens, and exposed to smoke, till the kernel rattles in tl 
 shell. They are then broken open; and the kernels, having been removed ar 
 steeped for a short time in a mixture of lime and water, probably in order 
 preserve them from the attack of worms, are next cleaned, and packed in casl 
 or chests for exportation. Dr. Lumsdaine has found them to keep better 
 rubbed over with dry lime than when prepared in the moist way. (See Ar 
 Journ. of 8c i. and Arts, Nov. 1851.) 
 
 Nutmegs are brought to this country either directly from the East Indies, ( 
 indirectly through England and Holland. They are also occasionally importt 
 in small quantities from the West Indies. 
 
 Properties. The nutmeg (nux moschala ) is of a roundish or oval shape, o 
 tuse at the extremities, marked with vermicular furrows, of a grayish colour, bar 
 smooth to the touch, yielding readily to the knife or the grater, but not vei 
 pulverulent. When cut or broken it presents a yellowish surface, varied wi 
 reddish-brown, branching, irregular veins, which give to it a marbled appea 
 ance. These dark veins abound in oily matter, upon which the medicinal pr 
 perties depend. The odour of nutmeg is delightfully fragrant, the taste wan 
 aromatic, and grateful. Its virtues are extracted by alcohol and ether. - 
 Bonastre obtained from 500 parts, 120 of a white insoluble oily substance, i 
 of a coloured soluble oil (olein), 30 of volatile oil, 4 of acid, 12 of fecula, 6 
 gum, 270 of lignin; and 20 parts were lost. The volatile oil is obtained by d 
 filiation with water. (See Oleum Myristicse.') By pressure with heat an oi 
 matter is procured from the kernels, which becomes solid on cooling, and is coi 
 monly though erroneously called oil of mace. 
 
 It is said that nutmegs are ofteu punctured and boiled in order to extract the 
 essential oil, and the orifice afterwards closed so carefully as not to be discov 
 able unless by breaking the kernel. The fraud may be detected by their great 
 levity. They are also apt to be injured by worms, which, however, attack p 
 ferably those parts which are least impregnated with the volatile oil. We : 
 told that the Dutch heat them in a stove in order to deprive them of the pow 
 of germinating, and thus prevent the propagation of the tree. The small a. 
 round nutmegs are preferred to those which are large and oval. They sboit 
 be rejected when very light, with a feeble taste and smell, worm eaten, mus, 
 or marked with black veins. 
 
 A kind of nutmeg is occasionally met with, ascribed by some to a variety? 
 M. moschata, by others to a different species, which is distinguished from tit 
 just described by its much greater length, its elliptical shape, the absence of ’’ 
 dark-brown veins, and its comparatively feeble odour, and disagreeable tai- 
 It has been called male or wild nutmeg, the other being designated as the fenn 
 or cultivated nutmeg. 
 
487 
 
 P3T i. Myristicx Adeps. — Macis. 
 
 The concrete or expressed oil of nutmeg (MyristiCvE Adeps, Ed. Myristic^e 
 Oeum, Lond .), commonly called oil of mace , is obtained by bruising nutmegs, 
 e.iosing them in a bag to the vapour of water, and then compressing them 
 singly between heated plates. A liquid oil flows out, which becomes solid 
 wan it cools. Nutmegs are said to yield from 10 to 12 per cent, of this oil. 
 Ta best is imported from the East Indies in stone jars. It is solid, soft, unc- 
 tvus to the touch, of a yellowish or orange-yellow colour more or less mottled, 
 wh the odour and taste of nutmeg. It is composed, according to Schrader, of 
 5:09 per cent, of a soft oily substance, yellowish or brownish, soluble in cold 
 aohol and ether; 43 '75 of a white, pulverulent, inodorous substance, insoluble 
 ir.hese liquids; and 4'16 of volatile oil. The pulverulent constituent, which 
 roived from Playfair the name of myristicin, has a silky lustre, melts at 88°, 
 ai. yields in saponification glycerin and myristicic acid. An inferior kind is 
 p pared in Holland, and sometimes found in the shops. It is in hard, shining, 
 scare cakes, lighter coloured than that from the East Indies, and with less 
 still and taste. It is supposed to be derived from nutmegs previously deprived 
 o most of their volatile oil by distillation. An artificial preparation is some- 
 ties sold for the genuine oil. It is made by mixing various fatty matters, 
 sih as suet, palm oil, spermaceti, wax, &c., adding some colouring substance, 
 a:i giving flavour to the mixture by the volatile oil of nutmeg. 
 
 Mace (Macis, U. S .) is in the shape of a flat membrane irregularly slit, 
 sooth, soft, flexible, of a reddish or orange-yellow colour, and an odour and 
 t;:e resembling those of nutmeg. It consists, according to M. Henry, of a 
 v atile oil in small quantity; a fixed oil, odorous, yellow, soluble in ether, in- 
 sable in boiling alcohol ; another fixed oil, odorous, red, soluble in alcohol and 
 e 'er in every proportion ; a peculiar gummy matter, analogous to amidin and 
 gn, constituting one-third of the whole; and a small proportion of ligneous 
 fie. Mace yields a volatile oil by distillation, and a fixed oil by pressure, 
 bimann found the former heavier than water. The latter is less consistent 
 tin the fixed oil of nutmeg. Mace is inferior when it is brittle, less than 
 a ally divided, whitish or pale-yellow, or with little taste and smell. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Nutmeg unites with the medicinal properties 
 o he ordinary aromatics, considerable narcotic power. In the quantity of two 
 
 0 bree drachms it has been known to produce stupor and delirium ; and dan- 
 gous if not fatal consequences are said to have followed its free use in India. 
 
 1 s employed to cover the taste or correct the operation of other medicines, but 
 n -e frequently as an agreeable addition to farinaceous articles of diet, and to 
 vjious kinds of drink in cases of languid appetite and delicate stomach. It is 
 u ally given in substance, and is brought by grating to the state of a powder, 
 ice possesses properties essentially the same with those of nutmeg; and, like 
 tit medicine, has been known, when taken in excess, to produce alarming sen- 
 sual disturbance. (G-. C. Watson, Prov. Med., and Surg. Journ., Jan. 26, 1848.) 
 I s, however, less used as a medicine. The dose of either is from five to twenty 
 g ins. As the virtues of nutmeg depend chiefly if not exclusively on the vola- 
 ti oil, the latter may be substituted, in the dose of two or three drops. The 
 e ressed oil is occasionally used as a gentle external stimulant, and is an ingre- 
 d.it in the Emplastrum Picis of the London and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias. 
 
 The ancients were wholly unacquainted with the nutmeg; and Avicenna is 
 s;|l to be the first author by whom it is noticed. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Nutmeg. Acetum Opii ; Coufectio Aromatica; Eleetuarium 
 C echu; Oleum Myristicse ; Pulvis Aromaticus; Pulvis Catechu Compositus ; 
 Pivis Cretse Compositus; Spiritus Armoraciae Comp.; Spiritus Lavandulae 
 hup.; Spiritus Myristicae; Syrupus Rhei Aromaticus; Trochisci Cretae; Tro- 
 c >ci Magnesias. 
 
 Off. Prep, of the Concrete Oil. Emplastrum Picis. W. 
 
488 
 
 Myrrha. 
 
 PART 
 
 MYRRHA. U. S., Loncl, Ed., Dub. 
 
 Myrrh. 
 
 The concrete juice of Balsamodendron Myrrha. U. S. Gum-resin exud 
 from the bark. Land. Gummy resinous exudation. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Myrrhe, Fr., Germ.; Mirra, Ilal., Span.; Murr, Arab.; Bowl, Jlindoost. 
 
 Though myrrh has been employed from the earliest periods of history, t 
 plant which yields it was not certainly known till a very recent date. T 
 Amyris Kataf of Forskhal, seen by that traveller in Arabia, was supposed "i 
 him to be the myrrh tree, but without sufficient evidence. More recently Ehre 
 berg, a German traveller, met on the frontiers of Arabia Felix with a plant, fro 
 the bark of which he collected a gum-resin precisely similar to the myrrh 
 commerce. From specimens of the plant taken by Ehrenberg to German 
 Nees von Esenbeck referred it to the genus Balsamodendron of Kunth, ai 
 named it Balsamodendron Myrrha. This genus was formed by Kunth frc 
 Amyris, and includes the Amyris Kataf of Forskhal, which may possibly al 
 produce a variety of myrrh. The new genus differs from Amyris, chiefly 
 having the stamens beneath instead of upon the germ. It was not thought 1 
 De Candolle sufficiently distinct. 
 
 Balsamodendron Myrrha. Fee, Cours d' Hist. Mat. Pharm. i. 641 ; Carso 
 Illust. of Med. Bot. i. 28, pi. 20. This is a small tree, with a stunted trun 
 covered with a whitish-gray bark, and furnished with rough abortive branch 
 terminating in spines. The leaves are ternate, consisting of obovate, blui 
 smooth, obtusely denticulate leaflets, of which the two lateral are much small 
 than the one at the end. The fruit is oval-lanceolate, pointed, longitudinal 
 furrowed, of a brown colour, and surrounded at its base by the persistent caly 
 The tree grows in Arabia Felix, in the neighbourhood of Gison, in dwarf 
 thickets, interspersed among the Acac-ise and Euphorbise. The juice exud 
 spontaneously, and concretes upon the bark. 
 
 Formerly the best myrrh was brought from the shores of the Red Sea by w; 
 of Egypt and the Levant, and hence received the name of Turkey myrrh; whi 
 the inferior qualities were imported from the East Indies, and commonly call 
 India myrrh. These titles have ceased to be applicable ; as myrrh of all qua 
 ties is now brought from the East Indies, whither it is carried from Arabia ai 
 the north-eastern coast of Africa. Aden in the former region, and Berbera 
 the latter would appear, from the statements of Mr. James Vaughan, to be t 
 chief entrepots of the trade. (Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xii. 226.) It is usual 
 imported in chests containing between one and two hundred weight. Sometim 
 the different qualities are brought separate; sometimes more or less mingle 
 Only the best kind should be selected for medical use. 
 
 Properties. Myrrh is in small irregular fragments or tears, or in larger masse 
 composed apparently of agglutinated portions differing somewhat in their sha 
 of colour. The pieces are exceedingly irregular in shape and size, being son 
 times not larger than a pea, and sometimes, though rarely, almost as large as t 
 fist. They are often powdery upon the surface. When of good quality, myr 
 is reddish-yellow or reddish-brown and translucent, of a strong peculiar son 
 what fragrant odour, and a bitter aromatic taste. It is brittle and pulverizab 
 presenting, when broken, a shining surface, which in the larger masses is ve’ 
 irregular, and sometimes exhibits opaque whitish or yellowish veins. In powc 
 it is of a light yellowish colour. Under the teeth it is at first friable, but so 
 softens and becomes adhesive. It is inflammable, but does not burn vigorous, 
 and is not fusible by heat. Its sp. gr. is stated at l'S6. The inferior kic 
 commonly called India myrrh, is in pieces much darker than those describe 
 more opaque, less odorous, and often abounding with impurities. We have se. 
 
irt r. Myrrha. 489 
 
 pees of India myrrh enclosing large crystals of common salt; as if the juice 
 nght have fallen from the tree and concreted upon the ground, where this 
 naeral abounds. Pieces of bdellium, and other gummy or resinous substances 
 ounknown origin, are often mixed with it. Among these is a product which 
 ny be called false myrrh. It is in pieces of irregular form, of a dirty reddish- 
 b'wn colour, a vitreous brownish-yellow fracture, semitransparent, of a faint 
 omr of myrrh, and a bitter balsamic taste. It is best to purchase myrrh in 
 nss ; as in powder it is very liable to adulterations not easily detected. 
 
 Myrrh is partially soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. Triturated with water 
 il'orms an opaque yellowish or whitish emulsion, which deposits the larger por- 
 tii upon standing. Its alcoholic tincture is rendered opaque by the addition 
 o.vater, but throws down no precipitate. According to Neumann, alcohol and 
 wer severally extract the whole of its odour and taste. By distillation a vola- 
 ti oil rises, having the peculiar flavour of myrrh, and leaving the residue in the 
 rort simply bitter. The gum-resin is soluble in solutions of the alkalies, and, 
 van triturated with them in a crystalline state, forms a tenacious liquid. Hence 
 cibonate of potassa may be used to facilitate its suspension in water. Bracon- 
 n found 2'5 per cent, of volatile oil, 23 of a bitter resin, 46 of soluble, and 12 
 o nsoluble gum. {Ann. de Chim., lxvii. 52.) Pelletier obtained 34 per cent, 
 o resin, with a small proportion of volatile oil, and 66 per cent, of gum. A 
 lire recent analysis by Ruickoldt gave in 100 parts 2‘183 of volatile oil, 44'760 
 o resin, 40'818 of gum or arabin, 1'475 of water, and 3'650 of carbonate of 
 lie and magnesia, with some gypsum and sesquioxide of iron. The resin, which 
 h calls myrrhin, is neuter, but acquires acid properties when kept for a short 
 tie in fusion. In the latter state, M. Ruickoldt proposes to call it myrrhic acid, 
 {.xhiv. der Pharm., xli. 1.) According to MM. Bley and Diesel, myrrh which 
 c< 'tains little volatile oil always has an acid reaction, which they ascribe to the 
 odation of the oil. They found formic acid in the specimen examined by 
 tin. {Ibid., xliii. 304.) 
 
 ’he same writers give as a test of myrrh the production of a transparent dirty- 
 yow liquid with nitric acid; while false myrrh affords a bright yellow solution 
 in he same fluid, and bdellium is not dissolved, but becomes whitish and opaque, 
 (to Am. Journ. of Pharm., xviii. 228.) According to M. Righini, when pow- 
 dod myrrh is rubbed for fifteen minutes with an equal weight of muriate of 
 aiaonia, and fifteen times its weight of water gradually added, if it dissolve 
 qi ;kly and entirely it may be considered pure. {Journ. de Chim. Med., 1844, p. 33.) 
 
 ■ledical Properties and Uses. Myrrh is a stimulant tonic, with some tendency 
 tc he lungs, and perhaps to the uterus. Hence it is employed as an expecto- 
 ra, and emmenagogue in debilitated states of the system, in the absence of 
 fe ile excitement or acute inflammation. The complaints in which it is usually 
 aciinistered are chronic catarrh, phthisis pulmonalis, other pectoral affections 
 in hich the secretion of mucus is abundant but not easily expectorated, chlorosis, 
 at norrhoea, and the various affections connected with this state of the uterine 
 fuiition. It is generally given combined with chalybeates or other tonics, and 
 inmenorrhcea very frequently with aloes. It is used also as a local application 
 to ! pongy gums, the aphthous sore mouth of children, and various kinds of un- 
 h<|thy ulcers. The dose is from ten to thirty grains, and may be given in the 
 fob of powder or pill, or suspended in water, as in the famous antihectic mix- 
 tu of Dr. Griffith, which has become officinal by the name of Mistura Ferri 
 Caposita. The infusion is also sometimes given, and an aqueous extract has 
 bi i recommended as milder than myrrh in substance. The tincture is used 
 cl fly as an external application. 
 
 . plaster of myrrh is made by rubbing together powdered myrrh, camphor, 
 ar balsam of Peru, of each an ounce and a half, then adding the mixture to 
 
490 
 
 PART 
 
 Myrrha. — Nux Vomica. 
 
 32 ounces of lead plaster previously melted, and stirring well until the plasti 
 thickens on cooling. It is then to be formed into rolls. This plaster may 1 
 employed in all cases where a gentle and long continued stimulant or rubef. 
 eient effect is desired. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Aloes Compositum; Decoctum Myrrhae; Mistura Fer 
 Comp.; Pilulse Aloes et Myrrhae; Pil. Assafcetidae, Ed.; Pil. Ferri Comp 
 Pil. Gfalbani Comp.; Pil. Rhei Comp.; Tinctura Myrrhae. W. 
 
 NUX VOMICA. TJ. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Nux Vomica. 
 
 The seeds of Strychnos Nux vomica. TJ. S., Land., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Noix vomique, Fr.; Kruhenaugen, Brechniisse, Germ.; Noce vomica, Ital.; Xuez \ 
 mica, Span. 
 
 Strychnos. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Apocynaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla, five-cleft. Berry one-celled, with a ligneous rind. Willd. 
 
 Strychnos Nux vomica. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1052; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 22 
 t. 79. This, tree is of a moderate size, with numerous strong branches, covered wi 
 a smooth, dark-gray bark. The young branches are long, flexuous, very smoot 
 dark-green, and furnished with opposite, roundish-oval, entire, smooth, and shi 
 ing leaves, having three or five ribs, and short footstalks. The flowers are sma 
 white, funnel-shaped, and disposed in terminal corymbs. The fruit is a roir 
 berry, about as large as an orange, covered with a smooth, yellow or oranc 
 coloured, hard, fragile rind, and containing many seeds embedded in a juicy pu. 
 
 The tree is a native of the East Indies, growing in Bengal, Malabar, on t 
 coast of Coromandel, in Ceylon, in numerous islands of the Indian Archipelat 
 in Cochin-china, and other neighbouring countries. The wood and root are ve 
 bitter, and are employed in the East Indies for the cure of intermittents. T 
 radices colubrinse and lignum colubrinum of the older writers, which have be 
 long known in Europe as narcotic poisons, have been ascribed to this species’ 
 Strychnos, under the impression that it is identical with Strychnos Colubrina, 
 which Linnaeus refers them. They have been ascertained by Pelletier and (■ 
 ventou to contain a large quantity of strychnia. The bark is said by Dr. O'Shaug 
 nessy' to answer exactly to the description given by authors of the false c- 
 gustura, and, like that, to contain a large quantity of brucia. The identity; 
 the two barks has been confirmed by Dr. Pereira, from a comparison of spt- 
 mens. (See Angustura. ) The only officinal portion of the plant is the seeds. 
 
 These are circular, about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, and two liis 
 in thickness, flat, or slightly convex on one side, and concave on the other. Tb 
 are thickly covered with fine, silky, shining, ash-coloured or yellowish-gray ha , 
 attached to a thin fragile coating, which closely invests the interior nudeusr 
 kernel. This is very hard, horny, usually whitish and semitransparent, soi- 
 times dark-coloured and opaque, and of very difficult pulverization. The powr 
 is yellowish-gray, and has a faint sweetish odour. The seeds are destitute f 
 odour, but have an acrid very bitter taste, which is much stronger in the ker 1 
 than in the investing membrane. They impart their virtues to water, but me 
 readily to diluted alcohol.' Nux vomica has been analyzed by several chemis 
 but most accurately by Pelletier and Caventou, who discovered in it two alkale 
 principles, strychnia and brucia, united with a peculiar acid which they nard 
 igasuric. Its other constituents are a yellow colouring matter, a concrete 1, 
 gutn, starch, bassorin, and a small quantity of wax. M. Desnoix has receiy 
 announced the discovery of another alkaloid, which he denominates igasu t- 
 These alkaloids are the active principles of nux vomica. 
 
 Strychnia was discovered by Pelletier and Caventou, A.D. ISIS, both in .e 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Nux Vomica. 
 
 491 
 
 m: vomica and bean of St. Ignatius, and received its name from the generic 
 tit of the plants ( Strychnos ), to which these two products belong. According 
 tonese chemists, it exists much more abundantly in the bean of St. Ignatius 
 thi in the nux vomica, the former yielding 1'2 per cent., the latter only 0'4 
 pecent. of the alkali. For an account of its properties and mode of preparation, 
 seii Strychnia, in the second part of this work. 
 
 ’racfa was discovered by Pelletier and Caventou, first in the bark called 
 fo 5 angustura, in combination with gallic acid, and subsequently, associated 
 wii strychnia in the form of igasurates, in the nux vomica and bean of St. 
 Igitius. It is crystallizable; and its crystals are said to contain 18*41 per 
 ce . of water. It is without smell, but of a permanent, harsh, very bitter taste; 
 soble in 850 parts of cold, and 500 of boiling water; very soluble in alcohol, 
 wither hot or cold; but insoluble in ether and the fixed oils, and only slightly 
 diolved by the volatile oils. It is permanent in the air, but melts at a tem- 
 pe ture a little above that of boiling water, and on cooling congeals into a mass 
 rambling wax. It forms crystallizable salts with the acids. Concentrated 
 ni c acid produces with bruc-ia or its salts an intense crimson colour, which 
 chiges to yellow by heat, and upon the addition of protochloride of tin becomes 
 viet. These effects are peculiar to brucia, and, if produced with strychnia, 
 evce the presence of the former alkali. According to MM. Larocque and Thi- 
 bi<ge, the chloride of gold produces, with solutions of the salts of brucia, pre- 
 ci] ates at first milky, then coffee-coloured, and finally chocolate-brown. ( Jo-urn . 
 del him. Med., Oct. 1842.) Brucia is analogous in its operation to strychnia, 
 bujpossesses, according to M. Andral, only about one-twelfth of its strength, 
 wIq the latter principle is entirely pure. It is therefore seldom employed. It 
 mi be procured from false Angustura bark, in a manner essentially the same 
 wi that in w r hich strychnia is procured from nux vomica; with this difference, 
 th the alcoholic extract, obtained from the precipitate produced by lime or 
 rnmesia, should be treated with oxalic acid, and subsequently with a mixture 
 of sctified alcohol and ether, which takes up the colouring matter, leaving the 
 ox ate of brucia. This is decomposed by magnesia, and the brucia is separated 
 by lcohol, which, by spontaneous evaporation, yields it in the state of crystals. 
 Aording to Dr. Fuss and Professor Erdmann, brucia is not a distinct alkali, 
 bu merely a compound of strychnia and resin. 
 
 t/asuria is found in the mother waters from which strychnia and brucia have 
 be precipitated by lime. It is readily crystallizable ; more soluble in water 
 an weak alcohol than the two other alkaloids; reddened by nitric acid even 
 nub intensely than brucia; rendered by sulphuric acid at first rose-coloured, 
 an afterwards yellowish and greenish-yellow; dissolved by the diluted acids, 
 wl h form with it easily crystallizable salts; precipitated from its solution by 
 tb ilkalies, and redissolved by them in excess, especially by potassa; preeipi- 
 tail yellow by bichloride of platinum, and white by tannic acid; slowly precipi- 
 tail by iodide of potassium in light reddish-yellow crystals; and thrown down 
 as -ystalline needles by bicarbonate of soda, in the presence of tartaric acid, in 
 wl h property it resembles strychnia, but differs from brucia. M. Desnoix infer- 
 rei'from his experiments on animals that it is intermediate in power between 
 th two other alkaloids of nux vomica. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxvi. 31.) 
 
 'edical Properties and Uses. Nux vomica is very peculiar in its action. In 
 ve small doses, frequently repeated, it is tonic, and is said to be diuretic, and 
 oc sionally diaphoretic and laxative. When it is given in larger doses, so as 
 to ing the system decidedly under its influence, its action appears to be directed 
 ch 3y to the nerves of motion, probably through the medium of the spinal mar- 
 ro Its operation is evinced at first by a feeling of weight and weakness, with 
 tr< blings in the limbs, and some rigidity on attempting motion. There seems 
 
492 
 
 Nux Vomica. 
 
 PART 
 
 to be a tendency to permanent involuntary muscular contraction, as in tetanu 
 but at the same time frequent starts or spasms occur, as from electric shod 
 These spasms are at first brought on by some exciting cause, as by a slight bk 
 or an attempt to move ; but, if the medicine is persevered in, they occur witho 
 extraneous agency, and are sometimes frequent and violent. In severe eas 
 there is occasionally general rigidity of the muscles. A sense of heat in t 
 stomach, constriction of the throat and abdomen, tightness of the chest, a: 
 retention of urine are frequently experienced, to a greater or less extent, aec-oi 
 ing to the quantity of the medicine administered. It sometimes, also, produc 
 pain in the head, vertigo, contracted pupil, and dimness of vision. Sensatio 
 on the surface analogous to those attending imperfect palsy, such as formieatic 
 tingling, &c., are often experienced. The pulse is not materially affected, thou 
 sometimes slightly accelerated. In over-doses, the medicine is capable of pi 
 ducing fatal effects. Given to the inferior animals in fatal doses, it produ< 
 great anxiety, difficult and confined breathing, retching to vomit, uni ven- 
 tre mors, spasmodic action of the muscles, and ultimately violent convulsioi 
 Death is supposed to take place from a suspension of respiration, resulting fix 
 a spasmodic constriction of the muscles concerned in the process. Yet it poiso 
 animals which have no lungs. {Am. Journ. of Med. Set., X. S., xviii. 361 
 Upon dissection, no traces of inflammatory action are observable, unless lar 
 quantities of the nux vomica have been swallowed, when the stomach appe; 
 inflamed. A division of the spinal marrow near the occiput does not preve 
 the peculiar effects of the medicine, so that the intervention of the brain is t 
 essential. That it enters the circulation, and is brought into contact with t 
 parts upon which it acts, is rendered evident by the experiments of Magern 
 and others. Chloroform has been recommended in cases of poisoning from n 
 vomica. In an instance recorded by Dr. Dresbach, of Tiffin, Ohio, two drachr 
 administered to a patient alarmingly ill from the effects of three grains 
 strychnia, produced complete relief in less than fifteen minutes. {Ibid., xix. 5-. 
 from the Western Lancet, Feb. 1850.) Strychnia, given to the inferior animc. 
 has been observed strikingly to lessen the bulk of the spleen. {Ibid., xviii. 3J-) 
 Nux vomica has long been employed in India, and was known as a medic:; 
 to the Arabian physicians. On the continent of Europe, it has at various tin; 
 been recommended as an antidote to the plague, and as a remedy in intermitter, 
 dyspepsia, pyrosis, gastrodynia, dysentery, diarrhoea of debility, colica pictonu, 
 worms, mania, hypochondriasis, hysteria, rheumatism, and hydrophobia. It’ 
 said to have effectually cured obstinate spasmodic asthma. Its peculiar influei) 
 upon the nerves of motion, to which the public attention was first called by J- 
 gendie, suggested to 31. Fouquier, a French physician, the application of e 
 remedy to paralytic affections; and his success was such as to induce him) 
 communicate to the public the result of his experience. Others have sul- 
 queutly employed it with variable success ; but the experience in its favour) 
 much predominates, that it may now be considered a standard remedy in pa - 
 It is a singular fact, that its action is directed more especially to the parahc 
 part, exciting contraction in this before it is extended to other muscles, 
 medicine, however, should be administered with judgment, and never given 
 cases depending on inflammation or organic lesion of the brain or spinal marr', 
 until after the removal of the primary affection by bleeding or other deplety 
 measures. It has been found more successful in general palsy and paraplegia t a 
 in hemiplegia, and has frequently effected cures in palsy of the bladder, inco i- 
 nence of urine from paralysis of the sphincter, amaurosis, and other easen 
 partial palsy, and has been employed with asserted success in prolapsus t 
 spermatorrhoea, and impotence. Upon the same principles it is said to be 
 proved useful in obstinate constipation from deficient contractility of the bow i 
 
P^T I. 
 
 JVux Vomica. — Olea. — Olea Fixa. 
 
 493 
 
 an is thought to promote the action of cathartics, when added to them in small 
 pnortion. It has recently been recommended in neuralgia, in chorea, and in 
 att ic dropsy. 
 
 ux vomica may be given in powder in the dose of five grains, repeated three 
 onur times a day, and gradually increased till its effects are experienced. In 
 th form, however, it is very uncertain; and fifty grains have been given with 
 lit j or no effect. It is most readily reduced to powder by filing or grating, and 
 tbraspings may be rendered finer by first steaming them, then drying them by 
 stce heat, and lastly rubbing them in a mortar. The Edinburgh College directs 
 th the seeds should be first well softened with steam, then sliced, dried, and 
 gr nd in a coffee-mill. It has been recommended that, before being pulverized, 
 th should be deprived of tbeir exterior coating, which is easily done when they 
 arexposed for a short time to the action of hot water. 
 
 he alcoholic extract is more convenient and more certain in its operation. 
 Frn half a grain to two grains may be given in the form of pill, repeated as 
 abe-mentioned, and gradually increased. (See Extractum Nucis Vomicae.) The 
 wa ry extract is comparatively feeble. 
 
 ' trychnia has recently been much used, and possesses the advantage of greater 
 ceninty and uniformity of action. Its effects are precisely similar. With the 
 ex ption of prussic acid, it is perhaps the most violent poison in the catalogue 
 of aedicines, and should, therefore, be administered with great caution. The 
 do is one-twelfth of a grain, repeated twice or three times a day, and gradually 
 inoased. Even the quantity mentioned sometimes produces spasmodic symp- 
 tom, and these generally occur when the dose is augmented to half a grain three 
 tics a day. The system is not so soon habituated to its impression as to that 
 of re narcotics generally; so that, after its effects are experienced, it is unne- 
 ce; try to go on increasing the dose. Strychnia has been applied externally 
 wi advantage in amaurosis. It should be sprinkled upon a blistered surface 
 ne the temples, in the quantity of half a grain or a grain, morning and even- 
 in; and the quantity may be gradually augmented. The best form of adminis- 
 trson is that of pill, in consequence of the excessive bitterness of the solution. 
 St ehnia may, however, be given, dissolved in alcohol, or in water by the in- 
 tei;ntion of an acid. 
 
 rucia may be used for the same purposes with strychnia in the dose of one 
 gra twice or three times a day. Dr. Dardsley found that the quantity of two 
 gras, three or four times a day, was seldom exceeded without the occurrence 
 of ie characteristic effects of the medicine. Magendie has found this alkali 
 ve useful in small doses as a tonic. He employed for this purpose one-eighth 
 of grain frequently repeated. It is very important, in reference to the dose, 
 th, it should contain no strychnia. 
 
 if. Prep. Extractum Nucis Vomicae; Strychnia; Tinctura Nucis Vomicae. 
 
 W. 
 
 OLEA. 
 
 Oils. 
 
 rese are liquid or solid substances, characterized by an unctuous feel, in- 
 flamability, and the property of leaving a greasy stain upon paper. They are 
 divled into two classes, the fixed and volatile , distinguished, as their names 
 imjy, by their different habitudes in relation to the vaporizing influence of 
 cal 1 ic. 
 
 1. OLEA FIXA. Fixed Oils. 
 
 lese are sometimes termed expressed oils, from the mode in which they are 
 pr ared. Though existing in greater or less proportion in various parts of 
 
494 
 
 Olea Fixa. 
 
 PART 
 
 plants, they are furnished for use exclusively by the fruit; and, as a genet 
 rule, are most abundant in the dicotyledonous seeds. They are obtained eitfc 
 by submitting the bruised seeds to pressure in hempen bags, or by boiling the 
 in water, and skimming off the oil as it rises to the surface. When pressure 
 employed, it is customary to prepare the seeds for the press by exposing the 
 to a moderate heat, so as to render the oil more liquid, and thus enable it 
 flow out more readily. 
 
 The consistence of the fixed oils varies from that of tallow to perfect fluidit 
 but by far the greater number are liquid at ordinary temperatures. They ; 
 somewhat viscid, transparent, and usually of a yellowish colour, which disappe; 
 when they are treated with animal charcoal. When pure they have little ta 
 or smell. They are lighter than water, varying in specific gravity from 0'9 
 to 0 936. (Berzelius.) They differ very much in their point of congelation, oli 
 oil becoming solid a little above 32° F., while linseed oil remains fluid at 
 below zero. They are not volatilizable without decomposition. At about 60 
 they boil, and are converted into vapour, which, when condensed, is found 
 contain a large proportion of oleic and margaric acids, together with benz 
 acid, another volatile acid, and an empyreumatic oil. Exposed to a red heat, 
 close vessels, they yield, among other products of the destructive distillation 
 vegetables, a large quantity of the combustible compounds of carbon and hyd 
 gen. Heated in the open air they take fire, burning with a bright flame, a 
 producing water and carbonic acid. When kept in air-tight vessels, they rent: 
 unchanged for a great length of time; but, exposed to the atmosphere, tb 
 attract oxygen, and ultimately become concrete. Some, in drying, lose th 
 unctuous feel, and are converted into a transparent, yellowish, flexible sol 
 These are called drying oils. Others, especially such as contain mueilagino 
 impurities,. become rancid, acquiring a sharp taste and unpleasant smell. T 
 change is owing to the formation of an acid, from which the oil may be fret 
 by boiling it for a short time with hydrate of magnesia and water. The fix 
 oils are insoluble in water, but are miscible with that fluid by means of mucila , 
 forming mixtures which are called emulsions. They are in general very sp- 
 ingly soluble in alcohol, but readily dissolved by ether, which serves to separ: 
 them from other vegetable proximate principles. By the aid of heat they disso; 
 sulphur and phosphorus. Chlorine aud iodine are converted by them into n- 
 riatic and hydriodic acids, which, reacting upon the oils, increase their cons- 
 ence, and ultimately render them as hard as wax. The stronger acids decomp; 
 them, giving rise, among other products, to the oleic and margaric acids. Boil 
 with diluted nitric acid, they are converted into malic aud oxalic acids, besi s 
 other substances usually resulting from the action of this acid upon vegetaz 
 matter. Several acids are dissolved by them without producing any sensiz 
 change. They combine with salifiable bases; but at the moment of combinati 
 undergo a change, by which they are resolved into a peculiar substance call 
 glycerin, and into the oleic and margaric acids, which unite with the base <• 
 ployed. The compounds of these acids with potassa and soda are called soa. 
 (See Sapo and Emplaxtrum Plumbi.) The fixed oils dissolve many of the orgac 
 alkalies, the volatile oils, resin, and other proximate principles of plants. T;y 
 consist of two distinct substances, one of which is liquid at ordinary temperatu-. 
 and therefore called olein, the other solid, and called moryarin. The more s«l 
 ingredient of the vegetable oils was originally called stearin, the name appal 
 to the analogous ingredient of the animal oils, with which it was supposed y 
 Chevreul, the discoverer of this complex constitution of oleaginous substanA 
 to be identical. It has, however, been found to be essentially different, yieldg 
 margaric acid in the process of saponification, while stearin yields stearic a ;- 
 For the mode of separating the liquid from the solid principles of oils, as vl 
 
PRT I. 
 
 Olea Fixa. — Olea Volatilia. 
 
 495 
 
 a for an account of their distinctive properties, the reader is referred to the 
 aide Adeps. Margarin is distinguished from stearin by its greater fusibility, 
 al by its solubility in cold ether; and the two principles may be separated by 
 t : action of boiling ether, which dissolves both, but deposits the stearin upon 
 cling, while it retains the margarin, and yields it by evaporation. These prin- 
 clcs, however, are thought by Berzelius not to be absolutely identical in the 
 d’erent oils, as they have different points of congelation and liquefaction, ac- 
 c.ding to the substance from which they are derived.* By the action of nitric 
 ai or nitrous acid fumes, olein is converted into a deep-yellow butyraceous 
 nss. If this be treated with warm alcohol, a deep orange-red oil is dissolved, 
 al a peculiar fatty matter remains, called ela'idin. It is white, fusible at 97°, 
 iioluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol, readily soluble in ether, and 
 civerted, in the process of saponification by the alkalies, into a peculiar acid, 
 diominated ela'idic acid, and into glycerin. ( Kune s Chemistry. ) The view now 
 ten oi the nature of olein, margarin, stearin, elaidin, and other similar fatty 
 ntters, is that they are compounds of the oleic, margaric, stearic, elaidic acids, 
 
 , with glycerin; and in the process of saponification, the alkali takes the oily 
 ad and sets glycerin free. The ultimate constituents of the fixed oils are carbon, 
 hlrogen, and oxygen; the hydrogen being in much larger proportion than is 
 messary to saturate the oxygen. Those which are least fusible contain most 
 ebon and least oxygen; and, according to De Saussure, their solubility in 
 aohol is greater in proportion to their amount of oxygen. ( Berzelius .) Some 
 othem contain a very minute proportion of nitrogen. 
 
 2. OLEA VOLATILIA. Volatile Oils. 
 
 These are sometimes called distilled oils, from the mode in which they are 
 mally procured ; sometimes essential oils, from the circumstance that they possess, 
 iii concentrated state, the properties of the plants from which they are derived. 
 
 They exist in all odoriferous vegetables, sometimes pervading the whole plant, 
 S'tetimes confined to a single part; in some instances contained in distinct cel- 
 libs, and preserved after desiccation, in others formed upon the surface, as in 
 nny flowers, and exhaled as soon as they are formed. Occasionally two or 
 lire are found in different parts of the same plant. Thus the orange tree pro- 
 dies one volatile oil in its leaves, another in its flowers, and a third in the rind 
 o ts fruit. In a few instances, when existing in distinct cellules, they may be 
 o*ained by pressure, as from the rind of the lemon and orange; but they are 
 g erally procured by distillation with water. (See Olea Destillata.') Some vola- 
 ti oils, as those of bitter almonds and mustard, are formed during the process 
 o listillation, out of substances of a different nature pre-existing in the plant. 
 
 Some interesting results in relation to the fixed oils were obtained by MM. Pelouze 
 a Boudet, and published in the Journ. de Fharm.., xxiv. 385. According to these clie- 
 n ts, the variable fusibility of the margarin and stearin of fixed oils, which has induced 
 S' e chemists to believe that they are severally not entirely identical as obtained from 
 dbrent oils, is owing to the existence of definite combinations of margarin and stearin 
 rt >eetively with olein ; and each of these principles, in a state of purity, is probably the 
 s; e from whatever source derived, whether from vegetable or from animal oils. Thus 
 tl] 7 found the same margarin in palm oil and in human fat. But there appear to be two 
 d inct kinds of olein, one existing in the drying oils, as linseed oil, the oil of poppies, &c., 
 tl other in the oils which are not drying, as in olive oil, almond oil, human fat, and lard. 
 T'se two forms of olein are different in their solubility in different menstrua, and in the 
 c: umstances that one is drying and the other not so, that one remains liquid under the 
 a ion of nitrous acid, while the other is converted by it into a solid substance called 
 tl tin. and finally that the former contains much less hydrogen than the latter. Besides, 
 tl oleic acid formed in the process of saponification from these two kinds of olein is de- 
 c dly different, inasmuch as, in the one case, it is converted by nitrous acid into elaidic 
 a 1, and in the other is not thus changed . — Note to the fourth edition. 
 
496 
 
 Olea Volatilia. 
 
 PART 
 
 The volatile oils are usually yellowish, but often brown, red, green, or blu 
 and occasionally colourless. There is reason, however, to believe that, in all i 
 stances, the colour depends on foreign matter dissolved in the oils. They ha' 
 a strong odour, resembling that of the plants from which they were procure 
 though generally less agreeable. Their taste is hot and pungent, and, whi 
 they are diluted, is often gratefully aromatic. The greater number are light 
 than water ; some are heavier ; and their sp. gr. varies from 0 847 to 1 "17. Th< 
 partially rise in vapour at ordinary temperatures, diffusing their peculiar odou 
 and are completely volatilized by heat. Their boiling point is various, general 
 as high as 320° F., and sometimes higher; but most of them rise readily wi 
 the vapour of boiling water. When distilled alone, they almost always under' 
 partial decomposition. They differ also in their point of congelation. A fi 
 are solid at ordinary temperatures, several become so at 32° F., and many rema 
 liquid considerably below this point. Heated in the open air, they take fire, ai 
 burn with a bright flame attended with much smoke. Exposed at ordinary tei 
 pevatures, they absorb oxygen, assume a deeper colour, become thicker and le 
 odorous, and are ultimately converted into resin. This change takes place mo 
 rapidly under the influence of light. Before the alteration is complete, tl 
 remaining portion of oil may be recovered by distillation. Some of them for 
 well characterized acids by combination with oxygen. 
 
 The volatile oils are very slightly soluble in water. Agitated with this flu 
 they render it milky; but separate upon standing, leaving the water impre 
 nated with their odour and taste. This impregnation is more complete wh 
 water is distilled with the oils, or from the plants containing them. Triturati 
 with magnesia or its carbonate renders them much more soluble, probably 
 consequence of their minute division. The intervention of sugar also great 
 increases their solubility, and affords a convenient method of preparing the 
 for internal use. Most of them are very soluble in alcohol, and in a degr 
 proportionate to its freedom from water. The oils which contain no oxygen a 
 scarcely soluble in diluted alcohol, and, according to De Saussure, their sol 
 bility generally in this liquid is proportionate to the quantity of oxygen whi 
 they contain. They are readily dissolved by ether. 
 
 The volatile oils dissolve sulphur and phosphorus with the aid of heat, ai 
 deposit them on cooling. By long boiling with sulphur they form brown, unet 
 ous, fetid substances, formerly called balsams of sulphur. They absorb cblorir 
 which converts them into resin, and then combines with the resin. Iodine pi 
 duces a similar effect. They are decomposed by the strong mineral acids, and un 
 with several of those from the vegetable kingdom. When treated with a caus 
 alkali, they are converted into resin, which unites with the alkali to form a ki 
 of soap. Several of the metallic oxides, and various salts which easily part wi 
 oxygen, convert them into resin. The volatile oils dissolve many of the pro ■ 
 mate principles of plants and animals, such as the fixed oils and fats, resii 
 camphor, and several of the organic alkalies. Exposed to the air and lig 
 they acquire a decolorizing property, analogous to that of chlorine, which 
 ascribed by Faraday to their combination with the ozone of the atmosphere. I 
 some interesting observations on this property of the volatile oils the reader- 
 referred to papers by Dr. J. L. Plummer, of Richmond, Indiana, in the A 
 Journ. of Pharm. (xxv. 398 and 508). 
 
 The volatile, like the fixed oils, consist of distinct principles, which are c<- 
 gealed at different temperatures, and may be separated by compressing the fro 2 i 
 oil between folds of bibulous paper. The solid matter remains within the fob: 
 and the fluid is absorbed by the paper, from which it may be separated by dis • 
 lation with water. The name of stearoptene has been proposed for the form, 
 that of eleoptene for the latter. The solid crystalline substances deposited ■ 
 
PRT I. 
 
 Olea Volaiilia. 
 
 497 
 
 citain volatile oils upon standing are also called stearoptenes. Some of these 
 a isomeric with the oils in which they are formed, others are oxides. Some 
 o under the influence of water, deposit crystalline bodies which appear to be 
 h bates of the respective oils. 
 
 Che ultimate constituents of the volatile oils are usually carbon, hydrogen, and 
 o:'gen. Some, as the oils of turpentine and copaiba, in their purest state, con- 
 ta only carbon and hydrogen. Several have nitrogen in their composition; 
 ai. the oils of horse-radish and mustard contain sulphur. 
 
 The volatile oils are often sophisticated. Among the most common adultera- 
 tes are fixed oils, resinous substances, and alcohol. The presence of the fixed 
 oi may be known bj 7 the permanent greasy stain which they leave on paper, 
 wle that occasioned by a pure volatile oil disappears entirely when exposed to 
 hit. They may also in general be detected by their comparative insolubility in 
 abhol. Both the fixed oils and resins are left behind when the adulterated oil 
 is istilled with water. If alcohol is present, the oil becomes milky when agitated 
 wa water, and, after the separation of the liquids, the water occupies more space 
 at the oil less than before. The following method of detecting alcohol has 
 bra proposed by M. Beral. Put twelve drops of the suspected oil in a perfectly 
 di watch-glass, and add a piece of potassium about as large as the head of a pin. 
 It he potassium remain for twelve or fifteen minutes in the midst of the liquid, 
 the is either no alcohol present, or less than four per cent. If it disappear in 
 fi minutes, the oil contains more than four per cent, of alcohol; if in less than 
 a inute twenty-five per cent, or more. M. Borsarelli employs chloride of cal- 
 cih for the same purpose. This he introduces in small pieces, well dried and 
 pt ectly free from powder, into a small cylindrical tube, closed at one end, and 
 alfit two-thirds filled with the oil to be examined, and heats the tube to 212°, 
 oc sionally shaking it. If there be a considerable proportion of alcohol, the chlo- 
 rii is entirely dissolved, forming a solution which sinks to the bottom of the 
 tu ; ; if only a very small quantity, the pieces lose their form, and collect at the 
 bdom in a white adhering mass; if none at all, they remain unchanged. ( Journ . 
 dpharm., xxvi. 429.) J. J. Bernoulli proposes as a test dry acetate of po- 
 ta i, which remains unaffected in a pure oil, but is dissolved if alcohol is pre- 
 se 1 ., and forms a distinct liquid. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm ., xxv. 82.) Some- 
 tits volatile oils of little value are mixed with those which are costly. The 
 tar; and smell afford in this case the best means of detecting the fraud. The 
 sp ific gravity of the oils may also serve as a test of their purity. When two 
 oi! of which one is lighter and the other heavier than water, are mixed, they 
 ari.eparated by long agitation with this fluid, and will take a place corresponding 
 toneir respective specific gravities; but it sometimes happens that an unadul- 
 tev ed oil may thus be separated into two portions. The difference of apparent 
 eff t produced by iodine with the several oils has been proposed as a test. Ac- 
 co ing to Liebig, when this element is made to act on a volatile oil, a portion of 
 it imbines with the hydrogen of the oil forming hydriodic acid, while another 
 pfion takes the place of the lost hydrogen. Oil of turpentine maybe detected 
 by ;maining in part undissolved, when the suspected oil is treated with three or 
 lor times its volume of alcohol of the sp. gr. 0 84 ; or, according to M. Mero, 
 bynusing the suspected oil, when agitated with an equal measure of poppy oil, 
 to main transparent, instead of becoming milky, as it would do if pure. The 
 latr test will not apply to the oil of rosemary. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e ser., 
 vii >03.) 
 
 blatile oils may be preserved without change in small well-stopped bottles, 
 en ely filled with the oil, and excluded from the light. W. 
 
 32 
 
498 
 
 Oleum Amygdalse. — Oleum Amygdalse Amarse. pari 
 
 OLEUM AMYGDALAE. U.S. 
 
 Oil of Almonds. 
 
 The fixed oil of the kernels of the fruit of Amygdalus communis. TJ. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. AMYGDALiE OLEUM. Amygdalus communis, vars. amara 
 duleis. The oil expressed from the seed. Loud. 
 
 Huile d’amandes, Fr.; MandelOl, Germ..; Olio di mandorle, It ah; Aceyte de almendrr 
 Span. 
 
 See AMYGDALA. 
 
 This oil is obtained equally pure from sweet and bitter almonds. In its pi 
 paration, the almonds, after having been deprived of a reddish-brown powd 
 adhering to their surface, by rubbing them together in a piece of coarse line 
 are ground in a mill resembling a coffee-mill, or bruised in a stone mortar, ai 
 then submitted to pressure in canvas sacks between plates of iron slightly heate 
 The oil, which is at first turbid, is clarified by rest and filtration. Sometim 
 the almonds are steeped in very hot water, deprived of their cuticle, and dri 
 in a stove previously to expression. The oil is thus obtained free from colour, b 
 in no other respect better. Bitter almonds, when treated in this way, are said 
 impart a smell of hydrocyanic acid to the oil. M. Boullay obtained 54 pereei 
 of oil from sweet almonds, Vogel 28 per cent, from bitter almonds. 
 
 Oil of almonds is clear and colourless, or slightly tinged of a greenish-yello 
 is nearly inodorous, and has a bland sweetish taste. It remains liquid at te 
 peratures considerably below the freezing point of water. Its sp. gr. is frc 
 0'917 to 0'92. From the statement of Braconnot, it appears to contain 76 j 
 cent, of olein and 24 of margarin. 
 
 It may be used for the same purposes.with olive oil; and, when suspended, 
 water by means of mucilage or the yolk of eggs and loaf sugar, forms a ve 
 pleasant emulsion, useful in pulmonary affections attended with cough. Fn. 
 a fluidrachm to a fluidounce may be given at a dose. 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Aquae Rosae. W. 
 
 OLEUM AMYGDALAE AMARiE. TJ. S. 
 
 Oil of Bitter Almonds. 
 
 The oil obtained by distilling with water the kernels of the fruit of Amygdas 
 communis — variety amara. U.S. 
 
 When bitter almonds are expressed, they yield a bland fixed oil; and the- 
 siduary cake, reduced to powder by grinding, and submitted to distillation wr 
 water, gives over a volatile oleaginous product, commonly called oil of biir 
 almonds. This does not pre-exist in the almond, but is produced by the reactn 
 of water upou the amygdalin contained in it, through the intervention of anotr 
 of its constituents denominated emulsin. (See Amygdala Amara.) It isobtaid 
 also by the distillation of the leaves of the cherry-laurel, and of various prodis 
 of the genera Amygdalus, Cerasus, Prunus, and others. (See note, page i) 
 Mr. Whipple obtained, as an average of twenty operations, from the grod 
 bitter almond cake 1 '85 per cent, of the oil. (Pharm . Journ. and Trans., x. 2£ 1 
 
 Oil of bitter almonds has a yellowish colour, a bitter, acrid, burning taste, 4 
 the peculiar odour of the kernels in a high degree. It is heavier than war, 
 soluble in alcohol and ether, slightly soluble in water, and deposits, upon str- 
 ing, a white crystalline substance consisting chiefly of benzoic acid. Besid a 
 peculiar volatile oil, it contains also hydrocyanic acid, with a small propor® 
 
p.iT I. Oleum Amygdalae Amarae. 499 
 
 oi)enzoic acid, and of a concrete principle called benzoine. It may be obtained 
 pie by agitating it strongly with hydrate of lime and a solution of protochloride 
 oiiron, submitting the mixture to distillation, and drying the oil which comes 
 ow by digestion with chloride of calcium. Thus purified it is colourless, but 
 stl retains its peculiar odour, with a burning, aromatic taste; and is destitute 
 of:he poisonous properties possessed by the oil in its original state, dependent 
 oriydrocyanic acid. The odour of the oil of bitter almonds has been erroneously 
 as'ibed to this acid, which, on examination, will be found to smell very differ- 
 eiyand more feebly. Like most other volatile oils, it is capable of producing 
 deterious effects if taken in very large quantities. Hippuric acid is found in 
 tl urine of animals to which it has been given freely. ( Ohem . Gaz., vi. 230.) 
 T' sp.gr. of the crude oil varies from 1'052 to 1'082, and is greater when the 
 oiis distilled from salt water than in the ordinary mode. (Redwood, Pharm. 
 Mm. and Trans., xi. 486.) That of the purified oil is 1’043, and its boiling 
 pelt 356°. Wohler and Liebig have shown that it probably consists of a com- 
 pend radical called benzyle (C 14 H 5 0 2 ) with one eq. of hydrogen, and is there- 
 in a hydruret of henzyle. This radical is capable of uniting with other bodies, 
 at forming a long series of compounds. The benzoic acid which the oil of bitter 
 alsmds deposits on standing does not pre-exist in the oil, but results from the 
 abrption of oxygen. The concrete substance above referred to by the name 
 off enzoine is isomeric with the oil, crystallizable in colourless shining prisms, 
 wiiout smell or taste, fusible at 248°, and volatilizable unchanged at a higher 
 teperature. It is formed abundantly in the original impure oil by the reaction 
 of Ikalies; but cannot be produced in it when deprived of hydrocyanic acid.* 
 eller mentions as characteristics of the officinal oil, by which its genuineness 
 afipurity may be known, its peculiar odour and high specific gravity; its ready 
 so bility in sulphuric acid, with the production of a reddish-brown colour, but 
 wi out visible decomposition; the slow action of nitric acid; the slow and par- 
 tissolution of iodine without further reaction; the want of action of chromate 
 of otassa upon it; and the production of crystals when it is dissolved in an 
 aluolic solution of potassa. (See Pliarm,. Journ. and Trans., ix. 575.) Mr. 
 Rttvood states that a very small proportion of alcohol may be detected in the 
 oil by the effervescence, with disengagement of nitrous vapours, which ensues 
 wli the oil, thus contaminated, is mixed with an equal volume of nitric acid of 
 thisp. gr. P5. With pure oil no other effect is obvious than a slight change of 
 coiir. (Ibid., xi. 486.) If sulphuric acid produce with the oil a bright-red, in- 
 ste l of a brownish-red colour, it indicates that the oil has probably been distilled 
 vi salt water, in which case it is apt, according to Mr. Jos. Ferris, to deposit 
 a 1 lod-red matter, occasionally complained of by druggists. (Ibid., p. 565.) 
 
 edical Properties and Uses. The unpurified volatile oih of bitter almonds, 
 wli h is the product directed by the Pharmacopoeia, operates upon the system in 
 
 * itrobenzole, or artificial oil of bitter almonds. This substance was discovered by Mitscher- 
 liclwho obtained it by the reaction of nitric acid on benzole , a carbohydrogen originally 
 pro ved by distilling benzoic acid with lime. (See Appendix.) It is characterized by having 
 au our closely resembling that of the oil of bitter almonds, for which it has recently been 
 sut ituted to a considerable extent in perfumery, in consequence of the discovery of ben- 
 zolt.mong the products of the distillation of coal tar, and the facility thus offered for 
 prtj.ring the nitrobenzole cheaply. In its preparation a large glass worm is used, bifur- 
 cat; at its upper end, so as to form two funnel-shaped tubes. Into one of these concen- 
 tra 1 nitric acid is poured, and into the other benzole, and the two, meeting at the point 
 of jj.etion of the tubes, form the compound in question, which is cooled as it passes through 
 the'urm, and is afterwards fitted for use by washing it with water, or dilute solution of 
 carinate of soda. Large quantities of it are said to be consumed, in London, for scenting 
 soa in confectionery, and for culinary purposes, to which it is even better adapted than 
 the -oper oil of bitter almonds, because free from hydrocyanic acid. (See Pharm. Journ. 
 and'rans., xi. 421.) — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
500 
 
 PARI ] 
 
 Oleum Bergamii. — Oleum Bubulum. 
 
 a manner closely analogous to that of hydrocyanic acid. A single drop is sufl 
 cient to destroy a bird, and four drops have occasioned the death of a dog ( 
 middle size. It might probably be substituted with advantage for mediein; 
 hydrocyanic acid ; as the acid contained in the oil is much less liable to decon 
 position, remaining for several years unaltered, if the oil is preserved in we 
 stopped bottles. According to Schrader, 100 parts of the oil contain sufficiei 
 acid for the production of 22 "5 parts of Prussian blue. From this fact it ms 
 be inferred that the oil is about four times as strong as our officinal hydrocyan 
 acid, and may therefore be given in the dose of from a quarter of a drop to 
 drop, to be gradually and cautiously increased till some effect upon the syste 
 is observed. It may be administered in emulsion with gum Arabic, loaf suga 
 and water. It has been employed externally, dissolved in water in the proportk 
 of one drop to a fluidounce, in prurigo senilis and other cases of troubleson 
 itching. To facilitate the solution in water, the oil may be previously dissolu 
 in spirit. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Amygdala; Amarae. TT. 
 
 OLEUM BERGAMII. TJ.S. 
 
 Oil of Bergamot. 
 
 The volatile oil of the rind of the fruit of Citrus Limetta. ( De Candolle.) U. 
 
 Off- Syn. BERGAMOT.E OLEUM. Volatile oil of the rind of the fruit 
 Citrus Limetta. Ed. 
 
 Huile de bergamotte, Fr.; BergamottOl, Germ.; Oleo di bergamotta, Ital. 
 
 Citrus. See AUllANTlI CORTEX. 
 
 Citrus Limetta. De Cand. Prodrom. i. 539. The bergamot tree has be 
 ranked by botanists generally among the lemons; but is now considered as 
 variety of the Citrus Limetta of Risso, and is so placed by De Candolle. It 1 
 oblong-ovate, dentate, acute, or obtuse leaves, somewhat paler on the under tb 
 the upper surface, and with footstalks more or less winged or margined. I 
 flowers are white, and usually small; the fruit pyriform or roundish, terminal, 
 by an obtuse point, with concave receptacles of oil in the rind. 
 
 The pulp of the fruit is sourish, somewhat aromatic, and not disagreeable) 
 the taste. The rind is shining, and of a pale-yellow colour, and abounds iu 
 very grateful volatile oil. This may be obtained by expression or distillate. 
 In the former case, it preserves the agreeable flavour of the rind, but is somew t 
 turbid ; in the latter, it is limpid but less sweet. The mode of procuring it; 
 expression is exactly that used for oil of lemons. (See Oleum Limonis .) I; 
 brought from the South of France, Italy, and Portugal. 
 
 The oil of bergamot, often called essence of bergamot, has a sweet, very agi~ 
 able odour, a bitter aromatic pungent taste, and a pale greenish-yellow color. 
 Its sp. gr. is 0'885, and its composition the same as that of the oil of lemc- 
 It is distinguished from the lemon and orange oils by readily dissolving in liqr 
 potassee, and forming with it a clear solution. (Zeller.) Though possessed of e 
 excitant properties of the volatile oils in general, it is employed chiefly, if 't 
 exclusively, as a perfume. 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Sulphuris Compositum. . V 
 
 OLEUM BUBULUM. TJ.S. 
 
 Neal s foot Oil. 
 
 The oil prepared from the bones of Bos domesticus. U. S. 
 
 Huile de pied de bceuf, Fr.; Ochsenfusselett, Germ. 
 
 Neats-foot oil is obtained by boiling in water for a long time the feet of 
 
IRT I. Oleum Bubulum. — Oleum Cajuputi. 501 
 
 o previously deprived of their hoofs. The fat and oil which rise to the surface 
 a removed, and introduced into a fresh portion of water heated nearly to the 
 b ling point. The impurities having subsided, the oil is drawn off, and, if 
 mired to be very pure, is again introduced into water, which is kept for 
 tmty-four hours sufficiently warm to enable the fat which is mixed with the 
 
 0 to separate from it. The liquid being then allowed to cool, the fat concretes, 
 a l the oil is removed and strained, or filtered through layers of small fragments 
 obkarcoal free from powder. 
 
 The oil is yellowish, and, when properly prepared, inodorous and of a bland 
 t;te. It thickens or congeals with great difficulty, and is, therefore, very useful 
 f< greasing machinery in order to prevent friction. 
 
 it was introduced into the officinal catalogue of the United States Pharma- 
 ctoeia as an ingredient of the ointment of nitrate of mercury. It has recently 
 bn used as a substitute for cod-liver oil in scrofulous diseases, and, according 
 t(Dr. C. R. Hall, of England, with very happy effects, especially in cases in 
 wich the latter does not agree with the stomach. It is apt to be laxative, and 
 inertain cases proves useful in this way. It is given in the same dose as the 
 c<-liver oil. (See Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., xxiv. 498.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis. W. 
 
 OLEUM CAJUPUTI. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Cajeput Oil. 
 
 ’he volatile oil of the leaves of Melaleuca Cajuputi. US. 
 
 Iff. Syn. CAJUPUTI. Melaleuca minor. Oil distilled from the leaves. Land.; 
 C JUPUTI OLEUM. Volatile oil of the leaves of Melaleuca minor. Ed.; 
 CJEPUTUM. Melaleuca Cajeputi. Volatile oil of the leaves. Dub. 
 
 Iuile de cajeput, Fr.; Kajeputol, Germ.; Olio dl cajeput, Ital.; Kayuputieli, Malay. 
 Jelaleuca. Sex. Syst. Polyadelphia Icosandria. — Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae. 
 ren.Ch. Calyx five-parted, semi-superior. Corolla five-petaled. Stamens about 
 foy-five, very long, conjoined in five bodies. Style single. Capsule three-celled. 
 S'ls numerous. Roxburgh. 
 
 t was long supposed that the oil of cajeput was derived from Melaleuca leu- 
 ctimdron ; but from specimens of the plant affording it, sent from the Moluccas, 
 at cultivated in the botanical garden of Calcutta, it appears to be a distinct 
 spies, which has received the name of M. Cajuputi. it corresponds with the 
 anr alba minor of Rumphius, and is a smaller plant than M. leucadendron. 
 It's possible, however, that the oil may be obtained from different species of 
 Maleuea; as M. Stickel, of Jena, succeeded in procuring from the leaves of 
 Mhy per id folio., cultivated in the botanical garden of that place, a specimeu of 
 
 01 rot distinguishable from the cajeput oil of commerce, except by a paler green 
 cour. (Annul, der Pharm., xix. 224.) 
 
 lelaleuca Cajuputi. Rumphius, Herbar. Amhoinense, tom. ii. tab. IT ; Rox- 
 bigh, Trans. Lond. Med. Pot. Soc. A. D. 1829 ; Journ. of the Phil. Col. of 
 P rnn. vol. i. p. 193. — Melaleuca minor. De Candolle. This is a small tree, 
 wi an erect but crooked stem, and scattered branches, the slender twigs of 
 Wi ;h droop like those of the weeping willow. The bark is of a whitish-ash 
 cour, very thick, soft, spongy, and lamellated, throwing off its exterior layer 
 fm time to time in flakes, like the birch tree. The leaves have short foot- 
 st; ;s; are alternate, lanceolate, when young sericeous, when full grown smooth, 
 de -green, three and five-nerved, slightly falcate, entire, from three to five 
 m es long, from one-half to three-quarters of an inch broad; and when bruised 
 ex de a strong aromatic odour. The flowers, which are small, white, inodorous, 
 an sessile, are disposed in terminal and axillary downy spikes, with solitary, 
 
502 Oleum Cajuputi. — Oleum Cinnamomi. part 
 
 lanceolate, three-flowered bractes. The filaments are three or four times long 
 than the petals, and both are inserted in the riin of the calyx. 
 
 This species of Melaleuca is a native of the Moluccas, and other neighbourir 
 islands. The oil is obtained from the leaves by distillation. It is prepari 
 chiefly in Amboyna and Bouro, and is exported from the East Indies in gla 
 bottles. The small proportion yielded by the leaves, and the extensive use ma' 
 of it in India, render it very costly. 
 
 Properties. Cajeput oil is very fluid, transparent, of a fine green colour, 
 lively and penetrating odour analogous to that of camphor and cardamom, ai 
 a warm pungent taste. It is very volatile and inflammable, burning without ai 
 residue. The sp.gr., according to Dr. Thomson, varies from 0'914 to 0‘9‘27 
 The oil is wholly soluble in alcohol. When it is distilled, a light colourle 
 liquid first comes over, and afterwards a green and denser one. The green c-olo 
 has been ascribed to a salt of copper, derived from the vessels in which the d 
 tillation is performed; and Guibourt obtained two grains and a half of oxide 
 copper from a pound of the commercial oil. But neither Brande nor GcertD 
 could detect copper in specimens which they examined; and M. Lesson, wi 
 witnessed the process for preparing the oil at Bouro, attributes its colour 
 chlorophylle, or some analogous principle, and states that it is rendered color 
 less by rectification. Guibourt, moreover, obtained a green oil by distilling t 
 leaves of a Melaleuca cultivated at Paris. A fair inference is that the oil 
 cajeput is naturally green ; but that, as fouud in commerce, it sometimes cc 
 tains copper, either accidentally present, or added with a view of imitating 
 maintaining the fine colour of the oil. The proportion of copper, however, 
 not so great as to interfere with the internal use of the oil ; and the metal m 
 be readily separated by distillation with water, or agitation with a solution ' 
 ferrocyanuret of potassium. (Guibourt.) 
 
 The high price of cajeput oil has led to its occasional adulteration. The 
 of rosemary, or that of turpentine, impregnated with camphor and colour 
 with the resin of milfoil, is said to be employed for the purpose. The best te 
 according to Zeller, is iodine, which, after a moderately energetic reaction, w : 
 little increase of temperature, and but a slight development of orange vapou, 
 occasions immediate inspissation into a loose coagulum, which soon become:, 
 dry, greenish-brown, brittle mass. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This oil is highly stimulant, producing wbi 
 swallowed a sense of heat, with an increased fulness and frequency of pul, 
 and exciting in some instances profuse perspiration. It is much esteemed by t; 
 Malays and other people of the East, who consider it a universal panacea. Tb 
 are said to employ it with great success in epilepsy and palsy. (A indie.) 1: 
 complaints to which it is Best adapted are probably chronic rheumatism, si 
 spasmodic affections of the stomach and bowels, unconnected with inflammati. 
 It has been extolled as a remedy in spasmodic cholera, and has been used alscs 
 a diffusible stimulant in low fevers. Diluted with an equal proportion of ob 
 oil, it is applied externally to relieve gouty and rheumatic pains. Like mt 
 other highly stimulating essential oils, it. relieves toothache, if introduced i) 
 the hollow of the carious tooth. The dose is from one to five drops, given t 
 emulsion, or upon a lump of sugar. W 
 
 OLEUM CINNAMOMI. U. S., Dub. 
 
 Oil of Cinnamon. 
 
 The volatile oil of the bark of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, and Cinnamomn 
 aromaticum. U. S. Of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. Pub. 
 
 Off. Syn. CINNAMOMI OLEUM. Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. Oil distill 
 
PRT I. 
 
 Oleum Cinnamomi. 
 
 503 
 
 fim the bark. Lond. ; CINNAMOMI OLEUM. Volatile oil of the bark of 
 Gnamomum Zeylanicum. CASSUE OLEUM. Volatile oil of the bark of Cin- 
 nnomum Cassia. Ed. 
 
 tuile de cannelle, F>\; Zimmtol, Germ.; Olio dicannella, Ital.; Aceyte de cannela, Span. 
 
 fee CINNAMOMUM. 
 
 Hie U. S. Pharmacopoeia includes, under the name of Oil of Cinnamon , both 
 tl oil procured from the Ceylon cinnamon, and that from the Chinese cinnamon 
 otassia. As these oils, though very different in price, and slightly in flavour, 
 hi e the same medical properties, are used for the same purposes, are often sold 
 b the same name, and are not unfrequently mixed together, there does not 
 sun to be sufficient ground for maintaining any officinal distinction between 
 tlm. Nevertheless, the Edinburgh College has given them distinct names, 
 d ignating the one as oil of cinnamon,' and the other as oil of cassia. 
 
 Oil of cinnamon of Ceylon is prepared in thit island from the inferior kinds 
 olunnamon, which are of insufficient value to pay the export duty. The fol- 
 ic ing account of the method of extraction is given by Marshall. The bark, 
 h: ing been coarsely powdered, is macerated for two days in sea- water, and then 
 sunitted to distillation. A light and a heavy oil come over with the water, 
 tl former of which separates in a few hours, and swims upon the surface, the 
 laer falls to the bottom of the receiver, and continues to be deposited for ten 
 oitwelve days. In future distillations, the saturated cinnamon water is em- 
 ptied in connexion with sea-water to macerate the cinnamon. Eighty pounds 
 oi he freshly prepared bark yield about two aud a half ounces of the lighter oil, 
 at five and a half of the heavier. From the same quantity kept for several 
 yds in store, about half an ounce less of each oil is obtained. The two kinds 
 ai probably united in the oil of commerce. 
 
 tecently prepared oil of cinnamon is of a light-yellow colour, becoming deeper 
 bpge, aud ultimately red. Pereira states that the London druggists redistil the 
 rc oil, and thus obtain two pale yellow oils, one lighter and the other heavier 
 tli water, with a loss of about ten per cent, in the process. The oil has the 
 fhbur of cinnamon in a concentrated state. When applied undiluted to the 
 to^ue, it is excessively hot and pungent. According to Dr. Duncan, it some- 
 ti is has a peppery taste, ascribable to an admixture of the leaves with the bark 
 iniie preparation of the oil. 
 
 hinese oil of cinnamon (oil of cassia ) is imported from Canton and Singapore. 
 L p the former variety it is pale-yellow, becoming red with age. Its flavour is 
 si lar to that of the Ceylon oil, though inferior; and it commands a much less 
 pi e. Zeller states that it is heavier, less liquid, and sooner rendered turbid 
 bj|t reduction of temperature; that in the Ceylon oil iodine dissolves rapidly, 
 w:;ji a considerable increase of heat, and the production of a tough residue, like 
 esjact; while in oil of cassia the reaction is slow, quiet, and with little heat, and 
 tli residue is soft or liquid. The following remarks apply to both oils. 
 
 I'il of cinnamon has the sp. gr. of about 1’035. Alcohol completely dissolves 
 it and, as it does not rise in any considerable quantity at the boiling tempera- 
 tuj of that liquid, it may be obtained by forming a tincture of cinnamon and 
 di lling off the menstruum. When exposed to the air, it absorbs oxygen, and 
 is .id to be slowly converted into a peculiar acid denominated cinnamic or cin- 
 nmonic acid, two distinct resins, and water. Cinnamic acid is colourless, crys- 
 ta ne, of a sourish taste, volatilizable, slightly soluble in water, readily dissolved 
 bi lcohol, and convertible by nitric acid with heat into benzoic acid. It is 
 so stimes seen in crystals in bottles of the oil which have been long kept. Like 
 be :oic acid, it is said when swallowed to occasion the elimination of hippuric 
 at by urine. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e sdr., iii. 64.) It may be obtained by dis- 
 til lg the balsam of Tolu. Of the two resins, one is soluble both in hot and 
 cc alcohol ; the other readily in the former, but sparingly in the latter. Oil 
 
504 
 
 Oleum Cinnamomi . — Oleum Limonis. 
 
 pam : 
 
 of cinnamon is almost wholly converted by nitric acid, slowly added, into a cry 
 talline mass, which is supposed to be a compound of the oil and acid. The r< 
 searches of Dumas and Peligot have led to the opinion, that there exists Id th 
 oil a compound radical, named cinnamyle (C 18 H 7 0 2 ), which unites with one e< 
 of hydrogen to form oil of cinnamon, and with one of oxygen to form anhydroi 
 cinnamic acid. Crystallized cinnamic acid contains, in addition, one eq. of wate 
 
 Oil of cinnamon is said to be frequently adulterated with oil of cloves, whicl 
 according to Ulex, cannot be detected by the smell or taste. When thus sophi 
 ticated, it is stated, on the same authority, to evolve a very acrid vapour when 
 drop is heated on a watch-glass, to swell up and evolve red vapours if treated wit 
 fuming nitric acid, to remain liquid with concentrated caustic potassa, and 
 assume an indigo-blue colour when protochloride of iron is added to its alcohol 
 solution ; none of which events happens when the oil is pure. ( Archiv . d< 
 Pliarm., Jan. 7, 1853.) It is s;fid also to be frequently adulterated with alcoh 
 and fixed oil, for the mode of detecting which, see the general observations c 
 volatile oils ( page 497). 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This oil has the cordial and carminative prope 
 ties of cinnamon, without its astriugency; and is much employed as an adjuva: 
 to other medicines, the taste of which it corrects or conceals, while it conciliat 
 the stomach. As a powerful local stimulant, it is sometimes prescribed in ga 
 trodynia, flatulent colic, and languor from gastric debility. The dose is one 
 two drops, and may be most conveniently administered iu the form of emulsio 
 Mitscherlich found six drachms to kill a moderate-sized dog in five hours, ai 
 two drachms in forty hours. Inflammation and corrosion of the gastric at 
 intestinal mucous membrane were observed after death. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Cinnamomi; Essentia Cinnamomi; Mistura Spiritus Vi 
 Gallic! ; Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus; Spiritus Cinnamomi. W. 
 
 OLEUM LIMONIS. U.S. 
 
 Oil of Lemons. 
 
 The volatile oil of the rind of the fruit of Citrus Limonum. U. S. 
 
 Off.Syn. LIMONUM OLEUM. Citrus Limonum. Volatile oil expressed fre 
 the rind of the fruit. Lond. Volatile oil of the rind of the fruit of Citrus medic 
 Ed. ; CITRUS LIMONUM. The volatile oil. Dub. 
 
 Huile de citron, Fr. ; Citronenol, Germ.; Olio di limone, It at.; Acevte de limon, Spa > 
 
 See LIMON. 
 
 The exterior rind of the lemon abounds in an essential oil, which, as it is cc 
 tained in distinct cellules, maybe separated by simple expression. The rind, 
 first grated from the fruit, and then submitted to pressure in a bag of fine dot 
 The oil thus obtained is allowed to stand till it becomes clear, when it is c 
 canted, and preserved in stopped bottles. By a similar process, the oil call! 
 by the French huile de cedrat is procured from the citron. (See Oleinn Bcnjarr- 
 and Limon. ) These oils may also be obtained by distillation; but thus procure, 
 though clearer, and, in consequence of the absence of mucilage, less liable > 
 change on keeping, they have less of the peculiar flavour of the fruit; and t? 
 mode by expression is generally preferred. They are brought originally fr>> 
 Italy, Portugal, or the South of France. 
 
 Properties. Oil of lemons is a very volatile fluid, having the odour of the fn, 
 and a warm, pungent, aromatic taste. As ordinarily procured it is yellow, al 
 has the specific gravity 0'8517 ; but by distillation it is rendered colourless, ai, 
 if three-fifths only are distilled, its sp.gr. is reduced to 0‘847, at 71° F. I ? 
 soluble in all proportions in anhydrous alcohol. When pure, it consists exc- 
 sively of carbon and hydrogen, and is identical in composition with pure oil! 
 turpentine, or camphene; its formula being C 10 H S . In this state it is caps 3 
 
P;;T I. 
 
 Oleum Limonis. — Oleum Lini. 
 
 505 
 
 of bsorbing almost half its weight of muriatic acid gas, by which it is converted 
 in a crystalline substance, and a yellow oily fuming liquid. The crystalline 
 suttance is analogous to the artificial camphor produced by the action of mu- 
 ri; c acid upon oil of turpentine, and is a compound of the oil and acid. The 
 oiiif lemons is said to consist of two isomeric oils. 
 
 i is often adulterated by the fixed oils and by alcohol. (See yw <70 497.) But 
 in his country the most frequent sophistication is with the oil of turpentine, 
 wl-h is difficult of detection from its similar composition and specific gravity. 
 Poaps the best means of ascertaining the presence of this oil is the terebinthi- 
 na: smell produced when the adulterated oil is evaporated from heated paper. 
 Oiof lemons, procured by expression, is apt to let fall a deposit, and to undergo 
 clinical change. Mr. J. S. Cobb has found no method so effectual to obviate 
 tli result, and at the same time to retain unimpaired the flavour of the oil, as 
 to aake it with a little boiling water, and allow the mixture to stand. A muci- 
 lajious matter separates and floats on the surface of the water, from which the 
 pufied ojl may be decanted. {Annals of Pharm., ii. 86 .) 
 
 fedical Properties and Uses. Oil of lemons has the stimulant properties of the 
 araatics; but is chiefly used to impart a pleasant flavour to other medicines. It 
 kabeen commended as an application to the eye in certain cases of ophthalmia. 
 
 )ff. Prep. Liquor Potassae Citratis; Spiritus Ammonise Aromaticus; Syrupus 
 AdiCitrici; Trochisci Acidi Tartarici ; Unguentum Yeratri Albi. W. 
 
 OLEUM LINI. U. S. 
 
 Flaxseed Oil. 
 
 be oil of the seeds of Linum usitatissimum. U. S. 
 
 'ff. Syn. LINI OLEUM. Linum usitatissimum. Oil expressed from the 
 secs. Land., Ed. LINUM USITATISSIMUM. The Oil expressed from the 
 sets. Dub. 
 
 nseed oil; Huile de lin, Fr.; Leinol, Germ.; Olio di lino, Ital.; Aceyte de linaza, Span. 
 
 >e LINUM. 
 
 pis oil is obtained by expression from the seeds of Linum usitatissimum, or 
 co non flax. In its preparation on a large scale, the seeds are usually roasted 
 be re being pressed, in order to destroy the gummy matter contained in their 
 ex rior coating. The oil is thus obtained more free from mucilage, but more 
 liij ly-coloured and more acrid than that procured by cold expression. For medi- 
 cal ise, therefore, it should be prepared without heat; and, as it is apt to become 
 rapid quickly on exposure to the air, it should be used as recently expressed 
 as pssible. It may, however, be rendered sweet again by agitation with warm 
 wa r, rest, and decantation. Flaxseed oii has a yellowish-brown colour, a dis- 
 agpble odour, and a nauseous somewhat acrid taste; is of the sp. gr. 0'932 ; boils 
 at )0°F. ; does not congeal at zero; dissolves in forty parts of cold and five of 
 bohg alcohol, and in one part and a half of ether ( Christison’s Dispensatory ) ; 
 an has the property of drying, or becoming solid on exposure to the air. Its 
 act aony is owing to the presence of a small proportion of an acrid oleo-resin. 
 Or .ccount of its drying property, it is highly useful in painting, and the forma- 
 tin' of printers’ ink. 
 
 edkal Properties and Uses. It is laxative in the dose of a fluidounce; but 
 on ccount of its disagreeable taste is seldom given internally. It has, however, 
 bp! highly recommended as a cure for piles in the dose of two ounces of the 
 fre oil morning and evening. It is sometimes added to purgative euemata ; 
 bu ts most common application is externally to burns, usually in combination 
 wi lime-water. 
 
 if. Prep. Ccratum Resinse Compositum ; Linimentum Calcis. W. 
 
506 
 
 Oleum Morrhuae. 
 
 PART 
 
 OLEUM MORRHUAE. U.S.,Dub. 
 
 Cod- 1 leer Oil. 
 
 A fixed oil obtained from the liver of Gadus Morrhua. U. S. Morrhua v 
 garis. The oil obtained from the liver. Dub. 
 
 Off. Syv. MORRHTL® OLEUM. Gad us Morrhua. The oil obtained fr< 
 the liver. Lond. 
 
 Oleum jecoris Aselli ; Iluile de morue, Fr.; Stockfischleberthran, Germ. 
 
 Gadus. Class Pisces. Order Jugulares. Linn. Malacopterygii Subbraebi; 
 Family Gad i da3. Cuvier. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Recognised by the ventrals attached under the throat, and attei 
 ated to a point. 
 
 Gadus Morrhua. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. Gmelin, i. p. 1162; Cuvier, Rb 
 Animate, ii. 212; Bloch. Ichthyologfe, pi. Ixiv. — Morrhua vulgaris. Stor 
 Synops. of Fishes of N. Am. p. 216. The common cod is usually between t 
 and three feet long, with brown or yellowish spots on the hack. The body 
 moderately elongated and somewhat compressed, and covered with soft rath 
 small scales, of which the head is destitute. Of the fins, which are soft, th< 
 are three on the back, two anal, and a distinct caudal ; and the fin under t 
 throat is narrow and pointed. The jaws are furnished with pointed irregu' 
 teeth, in several ranks. The gills are large with seven rays. This species ' 
 cod inhabits the Northern Atlantic, and is especially abundant on the banks ’ 
 Newfoundland, where it finds food adapted to its w r ants. 
 
 Besides the common cod, several other species of Gadus, frequenting the so 
 of Northern Europe and America, contribute to furnish the cod-liver oil ofco- 
 merce. Among these Be Jongh mentions Gadus callarias or dorsch [Morrh 
 Americana of Storer), G. carbonarius or coal-fsh, and G. pollachius or polio , 
 as atfording the oil on the coast of Norway; while, from information obtaitl 
 by Professor Procter, there is reason to believe that, on our own coast, in addit i 
 to the pollock above mentioned, it is obtained also from the hake ( G. merlucci) 
 and the haddock ( G. jEylifnus') . 
 
 Preparation. Fishermen have long been in the habit of collecting this 
 which is largely consumed in the arts, particularly 7 in the preparation of leath. 
 Lipon the coasts of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, aud New England, the bos 
 which fish near the shore, being small, soon obtain a load, and running in) 
 land, deliver their cargoes to persons whose business it is to cleanse and salt 3 
 fish. The oil is prepared either in the huts of the fishermen, or more largeht 
 establishments to which the livers are conveyed in quantities. These are ;t 
 into a boiler with water, and heated until they are broken up into a pultace s 
 mass, which is thrown upon a strainer covering the top of a cask or tub. L 
 liquid portion passes, and upon standing separates into two parts, the oil risi 
 to the surface of the water. The oil is then drawn off, and, having been ag) 
 strained, is prepared for the market. Another and improved method, which s 
 come into use since the extensive employment of the oil as a medicine, is to bt 
 the livers in a large tin vessel by means of steam externally applied. The ] • 
 taceous mass resulting is drained as before mentioned; the livers themsels 
 containing, besides oil, a considerable portion of watery fluid, which passesff 
 with it in the form of emulsion, and separates on standing. The oil thus p- 
 cured is called shore oil , and is the purest kind. The crews of the larger bos, 
 which fish upon the banks far from land, cleanse the fish on board, aud throwg 
 the offal into the sea, put the livers into barrels or other receptacles, where tjy 
 undergo a gradual putrefactive decomposition, the oil rising to the surface a.t 
 
P4T I. 
 
 Oleum MorrTiuae. 
 
 507 
 
 espes from the disintegrating tissue. The oil which first rises, before putre- 
 faion has very decidedly commenced, approaches in purity to the shore oil, but 
 is omewhat darker and less sweet. This is sometimes drawn off, constituting 
 tb straits oil of the fishermen. The remaining mass, or the whole, if the portion 
 wlch first rises be not separated, remains exposed a variable length of time to 
 thheat of the sun, undergoing putrefaction, until the boat, having completed 
 he cargo, returns to port. The contents of the casks are then put into boilers, 
 heted with water, and treated as already described. Before being finally put 
 in barrels, the oil is heated to expel all its water. Thus prepared, it is denomi- 
 ns;d banks oil, and is of the darkest colour, and most offensive to the taste and 
 soil. Much of the oil prepared by the fisherman is collected by the wholesale 
 deers, who keep it in very large reservoirs of masonry in their cellars, where 
 it ecomes clarified by repose, and is pumped into barrels as wanted for sale. By 
 tk further exposure, however, which it thus undergoes, it acquires a still more 
 ofisive odour; while that which has been orignally introduced into barrels, and 
 thi kept excluded from the air, is better preserved. The above facts in relation 
 to be collection of cod-liver oil have been mainly derived from a very interesting 
 pap by Professor Procter in the Am. Journ. of Pharm. (xxiii. 97). To the 
 sae journal (xxvi. 1) the reader is referred for an account by Dr. E. H. Bobin- 
 so of Nova Scotia, of the method in which the oil is prepared by the fishermen 
 of hat Province. 
 
 he oil is sometimes procured by expression. Mr. Donovan recommends the 
 foiwing plan, which affords a very fine oil. The livers, perfectly sound and 
 fan, are to be placed in a clean iron pot over a slow fire, and stirred until they 
 as me the condition of a pulp, care being taken that the mass be not heated 
 bemd 192°. When this temperature is attained, the pot is to be removed 
 frn the tire, and its contents introduced into a canvas bag, through which 
 w^r and oil will flow into a vessel beneath. After twenty-four hours, the oil 
 is be decanted and filtered through paper. In this state it is pale-yellow, with 
 lit e odour, and a bland not disagreeable taste. 
 
 Properties. Three varieties of cod-liver oil are known in the market, the 
 wl e or pale-yellow, the brownish-yellow , and the darh-broion, corresponding to 
 th three commercial varieties already alluded to. These differ in no essential 
 chacter, but simply from the mode of preparation; the pale being prepared 
 frn fresh sweet livers, the dark-brown from livers in a state of putrefaction, 
 an the brownish-yellow from those in an intermediate state ; and the three 
 va eties run together by insensible shades. The colour of the pale is from the 
 sli itest tint of transparent yellow, to a fine golden yellow, that of the light- 
 br m very similar to the colour of Malaga wine, that of the dark-brown what 
 its ame implies, with opacity in mass, but transparency in thin layers. They 
 arof the usual consistence of lamp-oil, and have a peculiar odour and taste by 
 wlh they may be distinguished from all other oils. This smell and taste are 
 fail liar to most persons, being very similar to those of shoe-leather, at least as 
 pr ared in this country, where the curriers make great use of the cod-liver oil. 
 W regard these sensible properties as the most certain test of the genuineness 
 ot he oil. They are much less distinguishable in the pale than in the dark- 
 br m varieties, but we have met with no specimen which did not possess them 
 m mie degree. In the purest they are scarcely repulsive, in the dark-brown 
 th are very much so. When a decided smell of ordinary fish-oil is perceived, 
 th medicine may always be suspected. It is quite distinct from that peculiar 
 to ie cod-liver oil. The taste of all the varieties is more or less acrid, and in 
 th nost impure is bitterish and somewhat empyreumatic. The sp.gr. at 72° 
 B. is ascertained by Prof. Procter, varied from 0'915 to 0'9195 ; the first being 
 th of the hake oil, the second that of the haddock, while the sp. gr. of the 
 
508 
 
 Oleum MorrTiux. 
 
 PARI 
 
 purest oil from the common cod was 0'917. De Jongh found the sp.gr., 
 63° F., of the pale 0'923, of the light-brown 0'924, of the dark-brown 0 928 
 From an analysis of the oil by De Jongh, it appears to consist of a peeul 
 substance named gaduin; oleic and margaric acids with glycerin ; butyric a 
 acetic acids ; various biliary principles, as fellinic, cholic, and bilifellinic aci 
 and bilifulvin ; a peculiar substance soluble in alcohol ; a peculiar substai 
 insoluble in water, alcohol, or ether ; iodine, chlorine, and traces of bromii 
 phosphoric and sulphuric acids, phosphorus, lime, magnesia, soda, and ir 
 These were found in all the varieties, though not in equal proportion in all; 
 it is quite uncertain whether the difference had any relation to their degree ; 
 efficacy. Gaduin is obtained by saponifying the oil with soda, decomposing • 
 soap by acetate of lead, and treating the resulting lead soap with ether, wh 
 dissolves the oleate of lead and gaduin, leaving the margarate of lead behi . 
 The ethereal solution, which is dark-brown, is decomposed by sulphuric ac , 
 which liberates the brown oleic acid. This owes its colour to gaduin, to sepan 
 which soda is added in excess; the resulting oleate of soda, which is insolu: 
 in an excess of the alkali, is dissolved in alcohol; and the alcoholic solution 
 cooled below 32°, by which means the oleate of soda is separated, the gad i 
 remaining in solution. This is precipitated from its solution by the addition f 
 sulphuric acid. Gaduin is a dark-brown substance, brittle and pulveriza; 
 when dry, without odour or taste, quite insoluble in water, and in great meas; 
 soluble in ether and alcohol. It is insoluble in nitric and muriatic acids, bus 
 dissolved by sulphuric acid, giving a blood-red colour to the solution, from whi 
 it is precipitated by water and the alkalies. It is soluble in alkaline solutio . 
 Chlorine decolorizes it. Its formula is C 33 H„ s O a . Gaduin itself is yellow, t 
 becomes brown by exposure to the air. It has not been ascertained to bei 
 any degree connected with the virtues of the oil. It is not improbable that s 
 biliary principles associated with the oil are concerned in its peculiar infiuenc; 
 as it is by their presence mainly that this differs from other oils. It has bi 
 thought that gaduin itself is of biliary origin. Winckler has inferred from s 
 researches that cod-liver oil is an organic whole, differing from all other fi 1 
 oils. Thus, it yields no glycerin upon saponification, but, in place of it a pe.- 
 liar body which he denominates oxide of propyle. The fatty acids generated e 
 the oleic and margaric. By reaction with ammonia in distillation, the oil yiis 
 a peculiar volatile alkali, called propylamin, which has a strong pungent ode, 
 recalling that of herring-pickle, of which the same alkali is an ingredient, o 
 other officinal fatty oil yields a similar product. (See Am. Journ. of Pliar-, 
 xxiv. 343.) Some have been disposed to ascribe the virtues of the oil to s 
 iodine and bromine ; but these are iu too small proportion for much effect, and e 
 oil has produced results which have never been obtained from iodine and broue 
 themselves. The presence of iodine cannot be detected by the usual tests. I s 
 necessary to convert the oil into a soap, and to carbonize this before it will ge 
 evidence of iodine. The proportion never exceeds 0 05 per cent, or 1 parn 
 2000. The oil is capable of dissolving a larger proportion; and, if any speciin 
 contain more, there is reason to suppose that it has been fraudulently added 
 Tests of Purity. In consequence of the great demand for this oil it has it 
 unfrequently been adulterated with other fixed oils, and occasionally others H 
 been fraudulently substituted for it. The importance, therefore, is obviount 
 ascertaining some mode of testing its purity and genuineness. There is reasoto 
 believe that all the oils from the livers of the Gadidae have analogous properts 
 They have been indiscriminately used ; and upon the results of their einpy- 
 ment is based, in part, the present reputation of the medicine. They may. t be- 
 fore, be considered as in fact one oil. so far as their medicinal use is concern- 
 Unfortunately chemistry has yet discovered no perfectly reliable test. ie 
 
Pi T I. 
 
 Oleum Morrhuse. 
 
 509 
 
 fu best that it has yet gone is to point out certain reactions which may be con- 
 sicred as evidences of the presence of biliary principles in the oil, thus indi- 
 ca.ig its hepatic origin. Among these probably the most characteristic is that 
 of ulphuric acid, a drop of which, added to fresh cod-liver oil, causes a fine 
 viot colour, soon passing into yellowish or brownish-red. Sometimes, instead 
 ofssuming the violet hue, the colour immediately becomes a clear red, or dark 
 br»nish-red. This is said to be especially the case with those specimens of the 
 oil vhich have been prepared by boiling the livers with water. Strong nitric 
 ac produces instantly, when agitated with the oil, a pinkish colour, which soon 
 be mes brown. According to Winc-kler, the oil should afford the smell of herring- 
 pkle when heated with potassa, lime, and muriate of ammonia. But the most 
 reible tests are the sensible properties of odour and taste. If there be none 
 of le peculiar shoe-leather smell and taste, or if a strong lamp-oil odour is per- 
 cejible, the oil may be suspected. Little of importance can be inferred from 
 thoolour. Some have been disposed to prefer the dark offensive oil ; but our 
 o« experience accords with that of those who have found the pale or light- 
 brm equally efficient; and for facility of administration and acceptability to 
 thistomach the latter is greatly preferable. 
 
 is important that the oil should be secluded from the air, which effects a 
 griual change, no doubt impairing its efficiency. Hence, the vessels containing 
 it ould be full; and apothecaries ought to keep it in bottles well stopped, hold- 
 injabout the quantity generally wanted for use at one time. 
 
 • 'edical Properties and Uses. Cod-liver oil has been long popularly employed 
 in orthern Europe in rheumatic and strumous diseases. It was first brought 
 to ne notice of the profession generally by German practitioners, and bad 
 ae< ired great reputation on the continent before it was used to any extent in 
 Gut Britain. At Manchester, in England, it was employed by the medical 
 prossion in the treatment of chronic rheumatism and gout, as early as 1766. 
 Bi it was not until the appearance of the treatise of Professor Bennet, of Edin- 
 bu h, in 1841, that it came into general notice in Great Britain and the United 
 St: is. It is at present one of the most esteemed remedies in the catalogue 
 of le Materia Medica. The diseases in which it has proved most efficient are 
 ch nic rheumatism and gout, and the various morbid affections connected with a 
 sci'ulous diathesis, such as external glandular scrofula, diseases of the joints 
 an spine, carious ulcers, tabes mesenterica, rickets, and phthisis. It has been 
 foid useful also in chronic cutaneous eruptions, lupus, ulcers of the mouth, some 
 vaeties of palsy, chronic pectoral complaints not tuberculous, obstinate consti- 
 pa m, intestinal worms, and incontinence of urine ; and may be employed with 
 the hope of good iu all chronic cases in which the disease appears to consist 
 nuly in impaired digestion, assimilation, and nutrition. In another publication, 
 on of the authors has stated that he had employed the oil occasionally in phthisis, 
 bu ivith no other observable effect than to nauseate the stomach. This uu- 
 fayrable experience was owing to a too hasty abandonment of the medicine, 
 aft. a trial iu each case of only two or three weeks. His opinion of its virtues 
 La pince changed ; and he is now prepared to say that it has far exceeded iu 
 eff, cy, in his hands, any other remedy or combination of remedies that he has 
 hiterto employed in phthisis. It is necessary, however, to persevere for four 
 or A weeks before looking for any decidedly favourable result, though the 
 ch: ge does often begin earlier. In most cases remarkable temporary relief is 
 affded; in many, the disease is favourably modified, and its fatal termination 
 poponed; and in some, cures appear to have been effected. Time, however, is 
 ye Wanted fully to determine its merits. 
 
 s to its mode of action, there has been much difference of opinion. Some 
 coi der it merely as a nutritive agent, having the advantage over other oleagi- 
 
510 Oleum Morrliuse. — Oleum Myristicse. part 
 
 nous substances of a readier entrance into the system, and more easy assimilatic 
 But we cannot agree with this opinion. Other oleaginous substances, certain 
 not less nutritious, have not been equally efficient, though taken in much larg 
 quantities. If this be the true explanation, persons living chiefly on milk whi 
 abounds in oil, or on fat pork, ought to show a special exemption from scrofulo 
 complaints. The probability appears to us to be that, in consequence of soi 
 peculiar principle or principles it contains, it exercises a stimulant and alterati 
 impression on the processes of assimilation and nutrition; thereby causing t 
 production of healthy tissue, instead of that abortive material which is deposit 
 by the blood-vessels in scrofula and phthisis. With our views of the mod 
 operandi of cod-liver oil, it would of course be contra-indicated in all cases whf 
 there is existing plethora, or a strong tendency to it. The medicine has be 
 accused of having occasionally produced serious congestion of the lungs. 
 
 The dose is a tablespoonful three or four times a day for adults, a teaspoon: 
 repeated as frequently for children, which may be gradually increased as the s 
 maeh will permit, and continued for a long time. It may be taken alone, 
 mixed with some vehicle calculated to conceal its taste, and obviate nauseati 
 effects. For this purpose recourse may be had to any of the aromatic waters, 
 the aromatic tinctures, as the tincture of orange peel, diluted with water, or t 
 bitter infusion, as that of quassia. It may be given floating on the vehicle, 
 mixed with it by means of gum and sugar, in the form of an emulsion. Perh; 
 the best vehicle, when not contra-indicated, is the froth of porter. Let a tab 
 spoonful of porter be put into the bottom of a glass, upon the surface of this the c 
 and over all some of the froth of the porter. It is recommended to chew a sm 
 piece of orange-peel before and after taking the medicine. The oil i3 sometin 
 applied externally by friction, and, in eases of ascarides or lumbricoides, is 
 jected into the rectum. It has been recommended locally in chronic articu 
 affections, paralysis, various chronic cutaneous eruptions, and opacity of t 
 cornea, after the subsidence of inflammation. In the last-mentioned affect! 
 one or two drops of the oil are applied by means of a pencil to the cornea, a 
 diluted, if found too stimulating, with olive or almond oil. It is said, when lo; 
 used internally, to occasion sometimes an exanthematous or eczematous en- 
 tion. W. 
 
 OLEUM MYRISTICSE. TJ. S., Dub. 
 
 Oil of Nutmeg. 
 
 The volatile oil of the kernels of the fruit of Myristica moschata. TJ. S. Fri 
 the seeds or fruit. Dub. 
 
 Off. Syn. MYRISTICiE OLEUM. Volatile oil from the kernels of i; 
 fruit of Myristica officinalis. Ed. 
 
 See MYRISTICA. 
 
 This oil is obtained from powdered nutmegs by distillation with water. Its 
 colourless or of a pale straw colour, limpid, lighter than water, soluble in alcol 
 and ether, with a pungent spicy taste, and a strong smell of nutmeg. It eons:- 
 of two oils, which may be separated by agitation with water, one rising to the s- 
 face, the other sinking to the bottom. Upon standing it deposits a crystal! 3 
 stearoptene, which is called by John myristicin. The oil may be used for - 
 same purposes as nutmeg, in the dose of two or three drops; but is notoft 
 employed. 
 
 Off. Prep. Spiritus Ammonias Aromaticus. W 
 
Pi T I. 
 
 Oleum Olivse. 
 
 511 
 
 OLEUM OLIVEE. U. &, Bub. 
 
 Olioe Oil. 
 
 lie oil of the fruit of Olea Europoea. U. S. Oil obtained from the pericarp. 
 
 Zb. 
 
 Iff. Syn. OLIVJE OLEUM. Olea Europoea. Oil expressed from the fruit. 
 Led. Expressed oil of the pericarp. Eel. 
 
 uile d’oliye, Ft.; Olivenol, Germ.; Olio delle olive, Ital.; Aceyte de olivas, Span. 
 
 LEA. Sex. Syst. Diandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Oleaceae. 
 
 , ]en. Ch. Corolla four-cleft, with subovate segments. Drupe one-seeded. 
 
 m 
 
 lea Europoea. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 44; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 280, t. 98. 
 Th valuable tree is usually from fifteen to twenty feet in height, though it 
 soiitimes attains a much greater size, particularly in Greece and the Levant. 
 It as a solid, erect, unequal stem, with numerous straight branches, covered 
 wi a grayish bark. The leaves, which stand opposite to each other on short 
 foe talks, are evergreen, firm, lanceolate, entire, two or three inches in length, 
 wi the edges somew’hat reverted, smooth and of a dull-green colour on their 
 up r surface, whitish and almost silvery beneath. The flowers are small, whitish, 
 amdisposed in opposite axillary clusters, which are about half as long as the 
 lea;s, and accompanied with small, obtuse, hoary bractes. The fruit or olive 
 is smooth, oval drupe, of a greenish, whitish, or violet colour, with a fleshy 
 pei arp, and a very hard nut of a similar shape. Clusters of flowers containing 
 notess than thirty yield only two or three ripe olives. 
 
 lie olive tree, though believed by some to have been originally from the Le- 
 vai flourishes at present in all the countries bordering on the Mediterranean, 
 am lias been cultivated from time immemorial in Spain, the South of France, 
 am Italy. It begins to bear fruit after the second year, is in full bearing at six 
 ye:;, and continues to flourish for a century. There are several varieties, dis- 
 tin lished by the form of the leaves, and the shape, colour, and size of the fruit. 
 Th variety lonyifolia of Willdenow is said to be chiefly cultivated in Italy and 
 thelouthof France, and the latifolia in Spain. The latter bears much larger 
 fru than the former; but the oil is less esteemed. 
 
 ' le leaves and bark of the olive tree have an acrid and bitterish taste, and 
 ha’ been employed as substitutes for cinchona, though with no great success. 
 In ot countries, a substance resembling the gum-resins exudes spontaneously 
 fro the bark. It was thought by the ancients to possess useful medicinal pro- 
 per 3S, but is not now employed. Analyzed by Pelletier, it was found to con- 
 taii resin, a little benzoic acid, and a peculiar principle analogous to gum, which 
 has eceived the name of olivile. But the fruit is by far the most useful product 
 of e tree. In the unripe state it is hard and insupportably acrid; but, when 
 niarated in water or an alkaline solution, and afterwards introduced into a 
 sol ion of common salt, it loses these properties, and becomes a pleasant and 
 kig y esteemed article of diet. The pericarp, or fleshy part of the ripe olive, 
 abends in a fixed oil, which constitutes its greatest value, and for which the 
 tre s chiefly cultivated in the South of Europe. The oil is obtained by first 
 bn ing the olives in a mill, and then submitting them to pressure. The pro- 
 duc varies much, according to the state of the fruit, and the circumstances of 
 the roc-ess. The best oil, called virgin oil , is obtained from the fruit picked 
 bet e perfect maturity, and immediately pressed. It is distinguished by its 
 gre iish hue. The common oil used for culinary purposes, and in the manu- 
 fac re of the finest soaps, is procured from very ripe olives, or from the pulp 
 
512 
 
 Oleum Olivae. 
 
 PART 
 
 of those which have yielded the virgin oil. In the latter case, the pulp isthro\ 
 into boiling water, and the oil removed as it rises. An inferior kind, employ 
 in the arts, especially in the preparation of the coarser soaps, plasters, unguen 
 &c., is afforded by fruit which has been thrown into heaps, and allowed to fi 
 merit for several days, or by the marc left after the expression of the finer kin 
 of oil, broken up, exposed to the fermenting process, and again introduced ir 
 the press. 
 
 Olive oil is imported in glass bottles, or in flasks surrounded by a kind of n 
 work made of grass, and usually called Florence flasks. The best comes fn 
 the South of France, where most care is exercised in the selection of the frui 
 
 Properties. The pure oil is an unctuous liquid, of a pale-yellow or green! 
 yellow colour, with scarcely any smell, and a bland, slightly sweetish taste, 
 sp. gr. is 0'9153. It is soluble in twice its volume of ether, but is only p 
 tially soluble in alcohol, at least unless this liquid be in very large proportb 
 It begins to congeal at 38° F. At a freezing temperature a part of it bec-on 
 solid, and the remainder, retaining the liquid consistence, may be separated 
 pressure, or by the agency of cold alcohol, which dissolves it. The concn 
 portion has been found by MM. Pelouze and Boudet to be a definite compou 
 of margarin and olein; the liquid portion is uncombined olein. According 
 Braconnot, the oil contains 72 per cent of oleiu, and 28 of margarin. Olive 
 is solidified by nitrous acid and by nitrate of mercury, and converted into a 
 culiar fatty substance, which has received the name of e/aldin. The olein of 
 oils which have not the drying property undergoes the same change, when act 
 on by nitrous acid; and the singular fact is stated by MM. Pelouze and Boud 
 that the margarin of olive oil, combined as it is with olein, is converted by tl; 
 acid into elaidin, while the same principle, in a state of purity, is not affect 
 by it. {.Journ. de Pharm., xxiv. 391.) 
 
 Olive oil, when exposed to the air, is apt to become rancid, acquiring a c- 
 agreeable smell, a sharp taste, a thicker consistence, and a deeper colour; al 
 the change is promoted by heat. It is frequently adulterated with the cheap 
 fixed oils, especially with that of poppies; but the adulteration may be eas' 
 detected by reducing the temperature to the freezing point. As other oils a 
 less readily congealed than the olive oil, the degree of its purity will be indical 
 by the degree of concretion. Another mode has been indicated by M. Pout, 
 founded on the property possessed by the supernitrate of mercury of solidify! 
 the oil of olives, without a similar influence upon other oils. Six parts of m- 
 cury are dissolved at a low temperature in seven and a half parts of nitric al 
 of the sp. gr. 1*35; and this solution is mixed with the suspected oil in the p- 
 portion of one part to twelve, the mixture being occasionally shaken. If 3 
 oil is pure, it is converted after some hours into a yellow solid mass; if it c - 
 tains a minute proportion, even so small as a twentieth of poppy oil, the rest- 
 ing mass is much less firm; and a tenth prevents a greater degree of consisted 
 than oils usually acquire when they 7 concrete by cold. M. Gobel has invend 
 an instrument which he calls the elaiometer, by which the smallest quantity f 
 poppy oil can be detected. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xvi. 24.) M. Diesel stss 
 that pure olive oil is coloured green by common nitric acid; whereas, if mid 
 with rape oil, it is rendered of a yellowish-gray colour. {Arch, der Phar, 
 xlvi. 287.) According to M. Behrens, whose statement is confirmed by B. 
 Guibourt and Reveil, the presence of oil of sesamum is known by the beau* 1 
 deep-green colour immediately produced, when the suspected oil is added n 
 equal weight, to a mixture composed of equal parts of sulphuric and nitric aci ; 
 which acids cause with the pure oil, at first, a bright-yellow colour. {Journ. c 
 Pharm., 3e ser., xxiv. 351.) Immense quantities of lard oil are said to bet- 
 ported from this country to France, and employed in the adulteration of oe 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Oleum Olivse. — Oleum Ricini. 
 
 513 
 
 oil; The reaction with nitric acid would probaby serve to detect this adultera- 
 tic, which, however, in a pharmaceutical point of view, is of little inconvenience. 
 
 fedical Properties and Uses. Olive oil is nutritious and mildly laxative, and 
 is jcasionally given in cases of irritable intestines, when the patient objects to 
 moe disagreeable medicines. Taken into the stomach in large quantities, it 
 seres to involve acrid and poisonous substances, and mitigate their action. It 
 halalso been recommended as a remedy for worms, and is a very common ingre- 
 diit in laxative enemata. Externally applied, it is useful in relaxing the 
 sk, and sheathing irritated surfaces from the action of the air; and is much 
 enloyed as a vehicle or diluent of more active substances. In the countries 
 bo ering on the Mediterranean, it is thought, when smeared over the skin, to 
 affd some protection against the plague; and applied warm, by means of fric- 
 tio over the surface, is said to be useful as a remedy in the early stages of that 
 coiplaint. But the most extensive use of olive oil is in pharmacy, as aconsti- 
 tu(t of liniments, ointments, cerates, and plasters, 
 he dose as a laxative is from one to two fluidounces. 
 if. Prep. Enema Catharticum. W. 
 
 OLEUM RICINI. U. S., Dub. 
 
 Castor Oil. 
 
 he oil of the seeds of Ricinus communis. U. S., Pub. 
 f. Syn. RICINI OLEUM. Ricinus communis. Oil obtained from the seeds 
 by hat or pressure. Loud. Expressed oil of the seeds. Ed. 
 
 Jiile de ricin, Fr.; Ricinusol, Germ.; Olio di ricino, Ital.; Aceyte de ricino, Span. 
 Icinus. Sex. Syst. Monoecia Monadelphia. — Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae. 
 t ri. Oh. Male. Calyx five-parted. Corolla none. Stamens numerous. Fe- 
 ma). Calyx three-parted. Corolla none. Styles three, bifid. Capsules three- 
 eel] 1. Seed one. Wittd. 
 
 i icinus communis. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 564; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 624, 
 t. 21. The castor oil plant, or palma Christi, attains in the East Indies and 
 Afija the character of a tree, and rises sometimes thirty or forty feet in height. 
 Iu e temperate latitudes of North America and Europe it is an annual plant; 
 tlio h it is stated by M. Achille Richard that, in the South of France, in the 
 vici ty of Nice, on the seacoast, he saw a small wood consisting entirely of this 
 specs of Ricinus. The following description applies to the plant as cultivated 
 in cl latitudes. The stem is of vigorous growth, erect, round, hollow, smooth, 
 glatbus, somewhat purplish towards the top, branching, and from three to eight 
 feet or more iu height. The leaves are alternate, peltate or supported upon 
 foot alks inserted into their lower disk, palmate with seven or nine pointed ser- 
 ratepbes, smooth on both sides, and of a bluish-green colour. The flowers are 
 mor oious, stand upon jointed peduncles, and form a pyramidal terminal raceme, 
 of rich the lower portion is occupied by the male flowers, the upper by the 
 fem 3. Both are destitute of corolla. In the male flowers the calyx is divided 
 mto ve oval, concave, pointed, reflected, purplish segmenfs; and encloses nume- 
 routitamens, which are united into fasciculi at their base. In the female the 
 cal) has three or five narrow lanceolate segments ; and the ovary, which is 
 roui'ish and three-sided, supports three linear, reddish stigmas, forked at their 
 aper The fruit is a roundish glaucous capsule, with three projecting sides, 
 coved with tough spines, and divided into three cells, each containing one 
 seed which is expelled by the bursting of the capsule. 
 
 Tjs species of Ricinus is a native of the East Indies and Northern Africa, 
 has come naturalized in the West Indies, and is cultivated in various parts of 
 33 
 
514 
 
 Oleum Ricini. 
 
 PART 
 
 the world, in no country perhaps more largely than in the United States. X( 
 Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, and the States upon the right bank of t 
 Ohio, are the sections in which it is most abundant. The flowers appear 
 July, and the seeds ripen successively in August and September. A decoct! 
 of the leaves is said to be employed effectively, in the Cape Verde Islands, at 
 local application to the breast, for the purpose of promoting lactation. T 
 officinal part is the fixed oil extracted from the seeds. 
 
 1. The Seeds. These are about as large as a small bean, oval, compresst 
 obtuse at the extremities, very smooth and shining, and of a grayish or a 
 colour, marbled with reddish-brown spots and veins. At one end of the seed 
 a small yellowish tubercle, from which an obscure longitudinal ridge procee 
 to the opposite extremity, dividing the side upon which it is situated into t 
 flattish surfaces. In its general appearance the seed is thought to resemble t 
 insect called the tick, the Latin name of which has been adopted as the gene 
 title of the plant. Its variegated colour depends upon a very thin pellic- 
 closely investing a hard, brittle, blackish, tasteless, easily separable shell, witl 
 which is the kernel, highly oleaginous, of a white colour, and a sweetish ta 
 succeeded by a slight degree of acrimony. The seeds easily become rancid, a 
 are then unfit for the extraction of the oil, which is acrid aud irritating. 
 100 parts of the seeds Geiger found, exclusive of moisture, 23'82 parts of t 
 velope, and 69'09 of kernel. These 69‘09 parts contained 4619 of fixed ( 
 2'40 of gum, 20’00 of starch and lignin, and 0’50 of albumen. 
 
 Taken internally the seeds are powerfully cathartic, and often emetic. T 
 or three are sufficient to purge, and seven or eight act with great violence. T 
 property depends upon an acrid principle, which has by some been thought > 
 exist exclusively in the integuments, by others in the embryo. But it ism 
 satisfactorily ascertained that the integuments are inert ; and Guibourt ma- 
 tains that the principle alluded to pervades the whole kernel, in connexion w. 
 the oil. This principle is considered by some as volatile, and is said to be c- 
 sipated by the heat of boiling water. According to MM. Soubeirau and Mial, 
 it is of a resinous character. ( Jmmi . de Plicmn., 3e sec., vi. 225.) M. Callo , 
 however, considers it neither oily nor resinous; having found the residue of ; 
 seeds, after expression of the oil, aud treatment with pure alcohol, to be pom 
 fully emetic in the quantity of thirty grains, taken in two doses. {Ibid., xiv. 19) 
 M. Parola states that ether also is incapable of extracting the acrid emetic pi- 
 ciple from the seeds. At a temperature much above 212° the oil itself becois 
 altered, and acquires acrid properties. 
 
 2. The Oil. This may be extracted from the seeds in three ways; l.f 
 decoction, 2. by expression, and 3. by the agency of alcohol. 
 
 The process by decoction, which has been practised in the East and IV 
 Indies, consists in bruising the seeds, previously deprived of their husk, 1 
 then boiling them in water. The oil, rising to the surface, is skimmed or strai i 
 off, and afterwards again boiled with a small quantity of water to dissipate e 
 acrid principle. To increase the product it is said that the seeds are someti:s 
 roasted. The oil is thus rendered brownish and acrid ; and the same rent 
 takes place in the second boiling, if care is not taken to suspend the proos 
 soon after the water has been evaporated. Hence it happens that the West Iu 
 oil has generally a brownish colour, an acrid taste, and irritating properties. 
 
 The oil is obtained, in this country, by expression. The following, as we H 
 been informed, are the outlines of the process usually employed by those >u 
 prepare it on a large scale. The seeds, having been thoroughly cleansed f ui 
 the dust and fragments of the capsules with which they are mixed, are conved 
 into a shallow iron reservoir, where they are submitted to a gentle heat insufficai 
 to scorch or decompose them, and not greater than can be readily borne byte 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Oleum Ricini. 
 
 515 
 
 ha:l. The object of this step is to render the oil sufficiently liquid for easy 
 ex ession. The seeds are then introduced into a powerful screw press. A 
 whish oily liquid is thus obtained, which is transferred to clean iron boilers, sup- 
 plil with a considerable quantity of water. The mixture is boiled for some 
 tin, and, the impurities being skimmed off as they rise to the surface, a clear 
 oil ; at length left upon the top of the water, the mucilage and starch having 
 bet dissolved by this liquid, and the albumen coagulated by the heat. The 
 latir ingredient forms a whitish layer between the oil and the water. The clear 
 oil : now carefully removed; and the process is completed by boiling it with a 
 mi ate proportion of water, and continuing the application of heat till aqueous 
 vajur ceases to rise, and till a small portion of the liquid, taken out in a vial, 
 prerves a perfect transparency when it cools. The effect of this last operation 
 is t clarify the oil, and to render it less irritating by driving off the acrid volatile 
 mam. But much care is requisite not to push the heat too far, as the oil then 
 accrues a brownish hue, and an acrid peppery taste. After the completion of 
 the>rocess, the oil is put into barrels, and thus sent into the market. There is 
 rean, however, to believe that much of the American oil is prepared by merely 
 allcing it to stand for some time after expression, and then drawing off the 
 sup natant liquid. One bushel of good seeds yields five or six quarts, or about 
 twefcy-five per cent, of the best oil. If not very carefully prepared, it is apt to 
 depot a sediment upon standing; and the apothecary often finds it necessary to 
 filtt it through coarse paper before dispensing it. Perhaps this may be owing to 
 the lan just alluded to of purifying the oil by rest and decantation.* We have 
 bee told that the oil in barrels occasionally deposits a copious whitish sediment 
 in Oid weather, which it redissolves when the temperature rises. A large pro- 
 porta of the drug consumed in the eastern section of the Union is derived, by 
 wajif New Orleans, from Illinois and the neighbouring States, where it is so 
 abulant that it has sometimes been used for burning in lamps. 
 
 ]je process for obtaining castor oil by means of alcohol has been practised in 
 Fralie; but the product is said to become rancid more speedily than that pro- 
 cun in the ordinary mode. Such a preparation has been employed in Italy, and 
 is abrted to be less disagreeable to the taste, and more effective than the common 
 oil dained by expression. According to M. Parola, an ethero-alcoholic extract, 
 and a ethereal or alcoholic tincture of the seeds, operate in much smaller doses 
 thaihe oil, and with less disposition to irritate the bowels or to cause vomiting. 
 (Selim. Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., xiii. 143.) 
 
 Rperties. Pure castor oil is a thick, viscid, colourless liquid, with little or no 
 odor and a mild though somewhat nauseous taste, followed by a slight sense of 
 acri my. As found in the shops it is often tinged with yellow, and has an 
 unp tsant smell ; and parcels are sometimes though rarely met with, of a brownish 
 colo , and hot acrid taste. It does not readily congeal by cold. When exposed 
 
 * 3 find the following sentence in Christison’s Dispensatory, p. 793. “ If the state- 
 
 mentiade above on the authority of Boutron-Charlard, be correct [that no niargarin is 
 depot ed by castor oil previously heated to 212°], this circumstance [the deposition of a 
 crystline matter by castor oil in cold weather], instead of being an objection, is strong 
 proojif the American oil being really cold drawn, and not prepared by dry beat and 
 ebuL’jon as Drs. Wood and Bache have represented.” In reply to this observation we 
 have'nlyto say, that we have ourselves witnessed the arrangements above described, 
 and jd the account of the steps of the process from the manufacturers, as it was at the 
 time Inducted in this city. But it may be observed that we do not state that the oil is 
 preps; id by dry heat; the warmth first employed, merely to render the oil fluid, not de- 
 serve to be so called. That American castor oil is also prepared by mere expression, 
 rest, | d decantation, we have stated in the text; but we are disposed to give the preference 
 to thj prepared by the former process, as freer from impurities, and therefore likely to 
 keep tter, and as milder in its action in consequence of the volatilization of a portion of 
 the a d principle. 
 
516 
 
 Oleum Ricini. 
 
 PARI 
 
 to the air it slowly thickens, without becoming opaque, and it ranks among i 
 drying oils. It is heavier than most of the other fixed oils, from which itdjff 
 also in being soluble in all proportions in cold absolute alcohol. Weaker al 
 hoi, of the sp. gr. 0'8425, takes up about three-fifths of its weight. It ] 
 been supposed that adulterations with other fixed oils might thus be detected, 
 the latter are much less soluble in that fluid ; but Pereira has shown that cas ■ 
 oil has the property of rendering a portion of other fixed oils soluble in alcoh, 
 so that the test cannot be relied on. (Phnrm. Journ. and Trans., ix.498.) 81 . 
 adulterations, however, are seldom practised in this country. Castor oil is a. 
 soluble in sulphuric ether. Its proximate composition is but imperfectly unr • 
 stood. When distilled, it yields, according to MM. Bussyand Lecanu, 1. a • 
 lourless, highly odorous volatile oil, which crystallizes by cold, 2 . two oleagini 
 acids, denominated ricinic and ricin-oleic, which are excessively acrid and near 
 concrete, and 3. a solid spongy residue, amounting to two-thirds of the oil i- 
 ployed. Supposing these acids to be developed by heat, we can readily acco t 
 for the injurious influence of too high a temperature in the preparation of 3 
 oil. By the action of nitrous acid, it is converted into a peculiar oleagin s 
 substance called palmin, which } 7 ields palmic acid and glycerin when saponif . 
 Alkalies unite with castor oil forming soaps, and determine the formation f 
 three acids, the ricinic, ricin-oleic, and ricino-stearic acids, which can be obtai i 
 separate. Hence it has been inferred that the oil consists of three princip , 
 for which the names of ricin, ricinolein, and ricino-stearin have been propo.-.. 
 ( Kane s Chemistry.') These principles, however, have not been isolated. .. 
 Lefort. gives the formula C^II^Os as representing the composition of castor !. 
 {Journ. de Pharm., 3e sir., xxiii. 348.) Its purgative property is supposed;? 
 MM. Bussy and Lecanu to belong essentially to the oil itself, and not to re.e 
 in any distinct principle which it may hold in solution. 
 
 Castor oil which is acrid to the taste may sometimes be rendered mild y 
 boiling it with a small proportion of water. If turbid, it should be clarifieoy 
 filtration through coarse paper. On exposure to the air, it is apt to bee'.e 
 rancid, and is then unfit for use. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Grood castor oil is a mild cathartic, speed n 
 its action, usually operating with little griping or uneasiness, and evacuatingie 
 contents of the bowels without much increasing the alvine secretions. Heneit 
 is particularly applicable to cases of constipation from collections of iudur.'d 
 feces, and to those cases in which acrid substances have been swallowed, or aid 
 secretions have accumulated in the bowels. From its mildness it is also especily 
 adapted to diseases attended with irritation or inflammation of the bowel as 
 colic, diarrhoea, dysentery, and enteritis. It is habitually resorted to in easiof 
 pregnant and puerperal women ; and is decidedly, as a general rule, the st 
 and safest cathartic for children. Infants usually require a larger relative $e 
 than adults, probably because they digest a larger proportion' of the oil. 
 
 The dose for an adult is about a fluidounce, for an infant from one to threor 
 four fluidrachms. It is sometimes of exceedingly difficult administration, ir so 
 much from any peculiarly disagreeable taste, as from the recollection of fiver 
 nausea, or other uneasiness which it may have produced, and from its clamm 
 and unpleasant adhesiveness to the mouth. In a few cases, the disgust whi it 
 excites is utterly unconquerable by auy effort of resolution. It is desirable, tire- 
 fore, to obviate this inconvenience as far as possible by the mode of exhibit- 
 A common method is to give it floating on the surface of mint or cinnamon w?r; 
 but that which we have found upon the whole the least offensive, is to mix ititli 
 a cup of hot sweetened coffee, by which it is rendered more fluid, and its ste 
 considerably disguised. Some take it in wine, or spirituous liquors, or the itli 
 of porter; but these are often contra-indicated in the cases to which the mediae 
 
PitT I. 
 
 Oleum Ricini. — Oleum Rosse. 
 
 517 
 
 is pplicable. When the stomach is unusually delicate, the oil may he made 
 in an emulsion with mucilage or the yolk of an egg, loaf sugar, and some aro- 
 mic water. Tragacanth has been recommended as producing a better emulsion 
 th 1 gum Arabic. Laudanum may be added to the mixture in cases of intestinal 
 in.ation. M. De Rudder proposes to give the oil in the air-bladders of fishes, 
 wish maybe preserved in alcohol for the purpose. Castor oil may also be bene- 
 ficlly used as an enema, in the quantity of two or three fluidounces, mixed with 
 soe mucilaginous liquid. It has been recommended as a local application to 
 th breasts of nursing women, to promote the secretiou of milk. 
 
 'hough apt to become rancid by itself, it loses much of this susceptibility when 
 med with lard; and some apothecaries are said to use it as a substitute for 
 ole oil in unguents and cerates. But the slightly irritating properties of even 
 th mildest castor oil render it unfit for those preparations which are intended 
 to deviate irritation. 
 
 Iff. Prep. Pilulae Calomelanos Composite. W. 
 
 OLEUM ROS^E. U. S., Dub. 
 
 Oil of Roses. 
 
 he volatile oil of the petals of Rosa centifolia. U. S., Dub. 
 
 fff. Syn. ROSiE OLEUM. Volatile oil of the petals of Rosa centifolia. Ed. 
 
 ee ROSA CENTIFOLIA. 
 
 ;his is commonly called attar , otto, or essence of roses. It is prepared on a 
 laps scale in Egypt, Persia, Cashmere, India, and other countries of the East, 
 byistilling the petals of the rose with water. The oil concretes and floats upon 
 th surface of the water when it cools. The precise species of rose from which 
 thoil is extracted is not in all instances certainly known; but it is said to be 
 ob ined from R. damascena in Northern India, R. moschata in Persia, and R. 
 ce, folia (provincial is) in the North of European Turkey. It is furnished in 
 ve minute proportion ; not more than three drachms having been obtained by 
 Conel Polier, in Hindostan, from one hundred pounds of the petals. It is 
 us lly imported in small bottles, and is very costly. 
 
 il of roses is said to be prepared in Macedonia by crushing the petals in mills, 
 ex essing the fluid part, filtering it, and then exposing it to the sun in small 
 glo vessels. The oil gradually collects on the surface of the liquid, and is 
 remved. (Pharm. Cent. Platt, 1847, p. 783.) 
 
 landerer states that, at Damascus and other parts of Asia Minor, the oil is 
 pr'ared by dry distillation. The buds being collected before sunrise are placed 
 in glass retort; and the distillation is effected by a salt-water bath, care being 
 ta! n so to regulate the heat as not to scorch the petals. The water of the fresh 
 ro, ; and their oil come over together, and the latter, floating on the top, is sepa- 
 ra 1 in the usual mode. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiii. 336.) 
 
 il of roses is nearly colourless, or presents some shade of green, yellow, or 
 ref but, according to Polier, the colour is no criterion of its value. It is con- 
 crls below 80°, and becomes liquid between 84° and 86°. Its odour is very 
 pc prful and diffusive. At 90° its sp. gr. is 0'832. Alcohol dissolves it, though 
 nojfreely when cold. It consists of two oils, one liquid, the other concrete at 
 omary temperatures. These may be separated by freezing the oil, and com- 
 prsing it between folds of blotting paper, which absorbs the liquid oil or eleop- 
 tei , and leaves the concrete or stearoptefie. The latter consists exclusively of 
 ca an and hydrogen ; the former, of these and oxygen. 
 
 mdal-wood oil, other volatile oils, fixed oils, spermaceti, &c., are said to be 
 ad d as adulterations. The volatile additions may be detected by not being 
 
518 
 
 Oleum Sesami. — Oleum Terebinthinde. 
 
 PART 
 
 cdhcrete; the fixed, by the greasy stain they leave on paper when heated. Gu 
 bourt has offered certain tests by which he thinks the purity of the oil may ] 
 determined. The reader may find an account of them in the American Journ 
 of Pharmacy (xxi. 318). It is said that the oil of one of the sweet-scent* 
 Pelargoniums, perhaps the rose-geranium, is much employed in Turkey for tl 
 purpose of adulteration, to which it is adapted by its odour, and by the circui 
 stauce that it concretes like the oil of roses. (A T . Y. Journ. of Pharm., i. 47 
 
 Oil of roses may be added, as a very grateful perfume, to various spirituo 
 preparations for internal use, and to cerates and ointments. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aquas Posse. AU 
 
 OLEUM SESAMI. U. S. Secondary . 
 
 Benne Oil. 
 
 The oil of the seeds of Sesamum Iudicum and Sesamum orientale. U. S. 
 See SESAMI FOLIA. 
 
 OLEUM TEREBINTHINDE. U. S., Dub. 
 
 Oil of Turpentine. 
 
 The volatile oil distilled from the turpentine of Pinus palustris and oth 
 species of Pinus. U. S. From the turpentine of Pinus sylvestris. Dub. 
 
 Off. Syn. TEREBINTHINAE OLEUM. Pinus palustris, and P. Teed: 
 Oil distilled from the turpentine and rectified. Lond. A T olatile oil of the luju 
 resinous exudation of various species of Pinus and Abies. Ed. 
 
 Huile volatile de terbbenthine, Fr.; Terpentkinol, Germ.; Olio della trementina, Ita 
 Aceyte de trementina, Span. 
 
 See TEREBINT HINA. 
 
 This oil is commonly called spirits or spirit of turpentine. It is prepared by d 
 filiation from our common turpentine, though equally afforded by other varied* 
 It may be distilled either with or without water; but in the latter case a mu 
 higher temperature is required, and the product is liable to be empyreumat 
 To obtain it absolutely pure it should be redistilled from a solution of caus 
 potassa. The turpentine of the Pinus palustris is said to yield about 17 per c-ei 
 of oil; while the common turpentine of Europe affords 24 per cent. Lar 
 quantities of the oil are distilled in North Carolina for exportation. 
 
 Pure oil of turpentine is perfectly limpid and colourless, of a strong, pei 
 trating, peculiar odour, and a hot, pungent, bitterish taste. It is much light 
 than water, having the sp. gr. 0'86 at 72° F. ; is highly volatile and inflammah! 
 boils at a temperature somewhat higher than 300°; is very slightly soluble j 
 water, less soluble in alcohol than most other volatile oils, and readily soluble 
 sulphuric ether. Boiling alcohol dissolves it with facility, hut deposits most 
 the oil upon cooling. One hundred parts of alcohol of 0 84 dissolve 13 ’5 pa: 
 of the oil at 72°. As found in commerce, it always contains oxygen; but.wh. 
 perfectly pure, it consists exclusively of carbon and hydrogen, and is thought' 
 be isomeric with the radical of camphor. Hence it has been denominated ca- 
 phene. (See page 162.) According to Blanchet and Sell, it consists of t 1 
 distinct isomeric oils, which, by the absorption of oxygen, are converted into t > 
 distinct resins, corresponding to those found by Unverdorben in colophon 
 (Journ. de Pharm., xx. 226.) But there is reason to believe that these c> 
 are the results of chemical reaction; as, when isolated, they have boiling poi) 
 higher than that of the original oil. Heated in close vessels to 482° F., oil? 
 
P IT I. 
 
 Oleum Terebinthinse. 
 
 519 
 
 tnentine undergoes certain changes in properties, without any discoverable 
 clnge of composition. ( Ibid ., 3c ser., xxiv. 428.) It absorbs muriatic acid, 
 fcuing with it two compounds, one a red dense liquid, the other a white crys- 
 taine substance resembling, camphor, and hence called artificial camphor. The 
 her consists of the unaltered oil (camphene) combined with the acid, and is 
 tlrefore muriate of camphene. In the former the oil appears to have under- 
 go some molecular change, being converted into an oil isomeric with the oil 
 oiurpentine, but differing from it in its action on polarized light, and in form- 
 in a liquid compound with muriatic acid. If the muriate of camphene be dis- 
 ti id with lime, the acid is retained, and an oil comes over, differing from pure 
 oiof turpentine in having no action on polarized light, and from the oil just 
 mitioned in forming a solid compound with muriatic acid. These three oils 
 ai said to be isomeric. (Soubeiran and Capitaine, Jonrn. de Pharm., xxvi. 11.) 
 Nric acid converts oil of turpentine into resin, and by long boiling into turpen- 
 ti'c acid. Mixed with water and chloride of lime, and submitted to distillation, 
 tl oil yields a liquid which M. Chautard found to be identical with chloroform. 
 fiirn. de Pharm., 3e sdr., xxi. 88.) On exposure to the air and light, it de- 
 pots a white solid matter in acic-ular crystals, which are without taste or smell, 
 imluble in cold water, but soluble in ether and alcohol. (Boissenot, Journ. de 
 Cim. Med., ii. 143.) White crystals of stearoptene, heavier than water and 
 fu ble at 20°, separate from the oil at the temperature of 18° below zero. These 
 ai probably a hydrate of the oil. 
 
 Exposed to the air the oil absorbs oxygen, becomes thicker and yellowish, and 
 lcs much of its activity, owing to the formation of resin. A small proportion 
 oiormic acid is said also to be generated. Hence the Edinburgh College directs 
 a 'ocess for the rectification of the oil, consisting in distilling it with about four 
 insures of water. But the process is difficult, in consequence of the great in- 
 fl; imability of the vapour, and its rapid formation, which causes the liquid to 
 b< over. In this country it is scarcely necessary; as the recent oil can be ob- 
 ta ed at an expense less than that which would be incurred by its redistillation 
 on small scale. Another mode of purifying the oil is to agitate it with one- 
 ehth of alcohol, which dissolves the resinous portion. About one-fifth of the 
 al hoi is retained by the oil, but is readily separated by agitation with water. 
 
 dedical Properties and Uses. Oil of turpentine is stimulant, diuretic, occa- 
 si ally diaphoretic, anthelmintic, in large doses cathartic, and externally rube- 
 fajent. When swallowed in moderate quantities it produces a sense of warmth 
 in he stomach, accelerates the circulation, and increases the heat of the skin, 
 w lout especially affecting the functions of the brain. In small doses, fre- 
 qmtly repeated, it stimulates the kidneys, augmenting the secretion of urine, 
 ai often producing, especially if long continued, painful irritation of the urinary 
 plages, amounting sometimes to violent strangury. At the same time it im- 
 pbs the odour of violets to the urine; and this effect is also produced by its 
 eternal application, or even by breathing the air of an apartment impregnated 
 wi its vapours. In large doses it occasions slight vertigo, or a sense of fulness 
 in he head, sometimes amounting to intoxication, attended frequently with 
 msea, and succeeded generally, though not always, by speedy and brisk ea- 
 tb'sis. When this effect is experienced, the oil is carried out of the bowels, 
 ai , no time being allowed for absorption, is less apt to irritate the kidneys and 
 Elder than when taken in small and repeated doses. In some constitutions it 
 pi luces, even when taken internally, an erythematic eruption on the skin. 
 P sons who inhale its vapour are liable to strangury and even bloody urine. 
 T author has seen cases of hsematuria in seamen from on board vessels loaded 
 w i turpentine. 
 
 'he oil is employed in numerous diseases. As a stimulant it is useful in low 
 
520 
 
 Oleum Terebinthinse. 
 
 PART 
 
 forms of fever, particularly in cases -where there is reason to suspect ulceratio 
 of the mucous membranes. There is a particular state of fever usually attende 
 with much clanger, in which we have found this remedy almost uniformly su> 
 cessful. The condition of things alluded to, is one which occurs in the latte 
 stages of typhoid fever, or lingering remittents, in which the tongue, bavin 
 more or less completely thrown off its load of fur in patches, has suddenly b 
 come dry and brownish. The skin is at the same time dry, the bowels distende 
 with flatus, and the patient sometimes affected with stupor or delirium. Unfit 
 the use of small doses of oil of turpentine frequently repeated, the tongue become 
 moist and again coated, the tympanitic state of the bowels disappears, and tb 
 patient goes on to recover as in a favourable case of fever. We have also foun 
 it extremely useful in the advanced stages of typhoid fever when the tongue : 
 dry, independently of the special condition referred to ; and are disposed t 
 ascribe the effect to a healthy change produced by the oil in the ulcerated surfat 
 of the intestines. The medicine has been recommended as a counter-irritant! 
 yellow and puerperal fevers; and may undoubtedly be given with advantage i 
 the latter stages of these diseases, and in other instances of gastric and enteri 
 inflammations, which require a resort to stimulation. In chronic rheumatisn 
 particularly sciatica and lumbago, the oil has often been given with great benefi 
 It has also been much extolled as a remedy in neuralgia, in epilepsy and tetanu 
 in passive hemorrhages, particularly from the bowels, in disordered conditioi 
 of the alimentary canal attended with sallow countenance, foul tongue, tumi 
 abdomen, sour or fetid eructations, and general depravation of health, in ol 
 structions of the bowels, in chronic dysentery and diarrhoea, in obstinate glee 
 and leucorrboea, in suppression of urine and retention and incontinence of uric 
 from debility, and in chronic nephritic and calculous affections. In certain cast 
 of dysentery whether acute or chronic, when the tongue is quite dry, and smoot 
 as if from defect of the papillary structure, no remedy has proved so efficient i 
 our hands as oil of turpentine. We have seen it also very beneficial in haem' 
 ptysis. As a vermifuge it is highly esteemed, especially in cases of taenia, 
 appears, by its poisonous operation, to destroy or debilitate the worm, whicl 
 losing its hold upon the bowels, is then easily discharged. In cases of worms i 
 the stomach it is often very useful. The worms, in this instance, are destroye 
 and digested as any other dead animal matter. In dropsies with feeble actic 
 the oil may sometimes be advantageously given as a diuretic; and in ameno 
 rhcea from torpor of the uterine vessels it is occasionally useful. As a local stinr 
 lant or carminative it may be given beneficially in some instances of flatulei 
 colic, and gout in the stomach. 
 
 The dose for ordinary purposes is from five to thirty drops, repeated every hoi 
 or two in acute, and three or four times a day in chronic diseases. In rheum 
 tism it is recommended by some in the dose of a fluidrachm every four hour 
 As a remedy for the tape- worm it is given in the quantity' of one or two flui- 
 ounces, and should be followed by castor oil if it do not operate in three nr foi 
 hours. It has also proved successful in taenia in the dose of half a drachm, twi 
 a day, continued for a considerable time. In ordinary cases of worms, the usu 
 dose may be given. It may be administered on sugar, or in emulsion with gu 
 Arabic, loaf sugar, and cinnamon or mint water. 
 
 In the form of enema, the oil has been employed in amenorrhoea, and to pr 
 mote uterine contraction in child-birth, and is highly' useful in cases of ascarifie 
 obstinate constipation, and distension of the bowels from accumulation of ai 
 No remedy is more effectual in tympanites than injections of the oil of turpe 
 tine. From half a fluidounce to two fluidounces may be administered in tl 
 way, suspended by the yolk of eggs in half a pint or a pint of water, or son 
 mucilaginous fluid. 
 
PAT I. 
 
 521 
 
 Oleum Terebinthinae . — Oleum Tiglii. 
 
 ixternally applied, the oil of turpentine irritates and speedily inflames the 
 sk ; and, in low forms of fever with coldness of the surface, is when heated 
 on of the most efficacious rubefacients. It is also used as a liniment in rheu- 
 rmic and paralytic affections, and various internal inflammations. It should 
 ge;rally, in mild cases, be diluted with olive oil; and in some constitutions, 
 evi in this state, produces such violent inflammation of the skin, with extensive 
 entions, as to render its external use in any shape improper. Mixed with 
 soe mild oil and introduced on cotton into the ear, it is sometimes beneficial 
 in eafness arising from a deficient or unhealthy secretion of wax. Applied to 
 rent burns, it is thought by some to be highly useful in allaying the burning 
 pa , and promoting a disposition to heal. For this purpose, however, it is 
 usilly mixed with the resin cerate ( basilicon ointment), so as to form a liniment 
 ea ble of being spread upon linen rags. (See Linimentum Terebinthinae.)* 
 
 il of turpentine has been recommended in the form of bath, in affections in 
 wbh its constitutional impression is desired. For this purpose Dr. T. Smith, 
 of Ibeltenham, England, employs from five to ten fluidounces of the oil, with 
 ha a fluidounce of the oil of rosemary, and two pounds of carbonate of soda in 
 ea bath. The breath becomes strongly impregnated with the terebinthinate 
 odir. (Braithwaite’s Retrospect, xxi. 355.) Baths of the vapour of turpentine 
 ar> stated to be very beneficial in chronic rheumatism. They are said to be 
 bo e well, for twenty-five minutes, at a temperature from 140° to 160° F. 
 Cell. Gen., 4e ser., xxviii. 80.) 
 
 Iff. Prep. Confectio Terebinthinae; Emplastrum Hydrargyri; Enema Tere- 
 biihinae; Linimentum Cantharidis ; Linimentum Crotonis ; Linimentum Tere- 
 biihinae; Oleum Terebinthinae Purificatum. W. 
 
 OLEUM TIGLII. U. S. 
 
 Croton Oil. 
 
 he oil of the seeds of Croton Tiglium. U. S. 
 
 iff. Syn. TIGLII OLEUM. Croton Tiglium. Oil expressed from the seeds. 
 Led.; CROTONIS OLEUM. Expressed oil of the seeds of Croton Tiglium. 
 E< ; CROTON OIL. Croton Tiglium. The expressed oil of the seeds. Dub. 
 
 uile de Croton, Fr.; Crotonol, Germ.; Nervalum unnay, Tamool. 
 
 ioton. See Casc-arilla. 
 
 roton Tiglium. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 543 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. 3d cd., vol. 
 5, 71. This species of Croton is a small tree or shrub, with a few spreading 
 bnehes, bearing alternate petiolate leaves, which are ovate, acuminate, serrate, 
 sm ith, of a dark -green colour on the upper surface, paler beneath, and furnished 
 wi two glands at the base. The flowers are in erect terminal racemes, scarcely 
 as ng as the leaf — the lower being female, the upper male, with straw-coloured 
 pe s. The fruit is a smooth capsule, about tbe size of a filbert, with three 
 cel, each containing a single seed. 
 
 ae tree is a native of Hindostan, Ceylon, the Moluccas, and other parts of 
 cor nental and insular India. It is pervaded throughout by an acrid purgative 
 pruple, which is probably analogous to that found in other plants belonging 
 to ,e family of Euphorbiacese. Rumphius says that the root is employed in 
 A) loyna, in the dose of a few grains, as a drastic purge in dropsy ; and, ae- 
 
 ’ Che following is the formula adopted by the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy for 
 thf ireparation of the rubefacient liniment, so much sold under the name of British oil. 
 R. dei Terebinth, f^viij, Olei Liui fijviij, Olei Succini fijiv, Olei Juniperi f'^iv, Petrolei 
 ha idensis fgiij, Petrolei Americani (Seneca oil) fSj. Misce. (Journ. of the Phil. Col. of 
 Than., v. 29.) 
 
522 
 
 Oleum Tiglii. 
 
 PART : 
 
 cording to the same author, the leaves are so acrid that, when chewed and swa 
 lowed, they excite inflammation in the lips, mouth, throat, and along the whoi 
 course of the alimentary canal. The wood is said in small doses to be diapli. 
 retie, in larger, purgative and emetic. But the seeds are the most active portic 
 of the plant. These have been long employed in India as a powerful purgativ 
 and were introduced so early as the year 1630 into Europe, where they we; 
 known by the names of Grana Molucca and Grana Tiglia. But in consequent 
 of their violent effects they passed into neglect, and had ceased to be ranke 
 among medicines, when, at a recent period, attention was again called to the 
 by the writings of some English physicians in India. They are now imporU 
 for the sake of their oil, which is the only product of the plant considered officina 
 
 These seeds are rather larger than a grain of coffee, of an oblong form, roundt 
 at the extremities, with two faces, the external considerably more convex the 
 the internal, separated from each other by longitudinal ridges, and each divide 
 by a similar longitudinal ridge, so that the whole seed presents an irregul 
 quadrangular figure. Sometimes, as in the grain of coffee, their internal surfa 
 is flat with a longitudinal groove, owing to the presence of only two seeds in tl 
 capsule, the groove being produced by the central column or axis. The sh( 
 is covered with a soft yellowish-brown epidermis, beneath which the surface 
 black and smooth ; and, as the epidermis is often partially removed by fricti< 
 during their carriage, the seeds as they come to us are frequently of a mottled a 
 pearance, and sometimes nearly black. The kernel or nucleus is of a yellowis 
 brown colour, and abounds in oil. In India the seeds are prepared for use 1 
 submitting them to slight torrefaction, by which the shell is rendered moreeasi 
 separable. In the dose of one or two grains the kernel purges with great activit 
 
 The oil is obtained by expression from the seeds, previously deprived of f 
 shell. It may also be separated by decoction in water, or by the action of etlu 
 which dissolves the oil, and leaves it behind when evaporated. Guibourt recoi 
 mends, after the first expression, to digest the residue with alcohol at a tei 
 perature of 120° to 140° F., and then submit it to a new expression. T 
 alcohol is to be separated by distillation from the oil, which is then to be mix 
 with the first product. According to Dr. Nimmo, the seeds consist of 64 pai 
 of kernel, and 36 of envelope in the hundred. From the seeds imported in 
 England, about 22 per cent, of oil is obtained by simple expression. Guibou 
 by his process, obtained 52 per cent, from the kernels, equivalent to about 
 per cent, of the seeds. Croton seeds yielded to Braudes upon analysis, inf 
 pendeutly of the shell, traces of a volatile oil, fixed oil, a peculiar fatty a< 
 called crotonic acid, an alkaloid which he called erotonin, resin, stearin, w; 
 extractive, sugar, starch, gum, albumen, gluten, lignin, and salts. The crotoi 
 has been subsequently found to be nothing more than a magnesian soap with 
 alkaline reaction. The crotonic acid is the most interesting ingredient, is thouj. 
 to be the active principle of the seeds, and is separated along with the oil i 
 expression. It may be obtained by treating the oil with solution of potas, 
 decomposing the resulting soap by tartaric acid, filtering and distilling the so- 
 tion, neutralizing the product with baryta water, evaporating to dryness, deco- 
 posing the salt of baryta with strong phosphoric acid, and again distillii- 
 ( Christison’s Dispensatory.') The acid solidifies at 23° F., is highly volatile, k 
 a verjf acrid taste, is very irritating to the nostrils, and forms salts with alkal: 
 bases called crotonates. It is this principle, probably, which causes the dt 
 and exhalation from the croton seeds sometimes to excite excessive irritation! 
 the mucous surfaces of those who prepare them for expression, or otkerve 
 work among them. 
 
 Properties. Croton oil, as found in the shops, varies from a pale yellow ta 
 dark reddish-brown. That imported from India is usually pale, that expressed 
 
P.IT I. 
 
 523 
 
 Oleum Tiglii. 
 
 E'ope dark like the deepest coloured sherry. Its consistence is rather viscid, 
 ar is increased by time. Its smell is faint, but peculiar, its taste hot and acrid, 
 lefing in the mouth a disagreeable sensation which continues for many hours. 
 T oil is wholly soluble in sulphuric ether and oil of turpentine. Its relations 
 tmure alcohol differ somewhat with the variety of the oil. That obtained by 
 eiression in England is wholly and readily soluble, forming a solution which is 
 penauent at ordinary temperatures; while the India or pale oil forms an opaque 
 m ture, which becomes clear and uniform upon being heated, but separates on 
 st ding into two portions, one consisting of alcohol somewhat diminished in 
 bu, the other of the oil correspondingly increased in bulk by retaining a por- 
 tii of the alcohol. It is probable that the difference in colour, and in their 
 retions to alcohol, between the India and English oils, is owing to a change in 
 tkkeruels from being kept. 
 
 ome croton oil examined by M. Dublanc, of Paris, when agitated with ten times 
 itweight of alcohol, was separated into two parts, one of which amounting to 6 
 peicent. was dissolved by the alcohol, the other remained undissolved, but re- 
 taed 50 per cent, of alcohol. The latter, upon being repeatedly treated with 
 al hoi, lost all its acrimony; while the portion dissolved was extremely acrid. 
 Fun these observations it would appear that the acrid and probably active prin- 
 c-i ? of the oil is dissolved by the alcohol; while a bland fixed oil, which con- 
 states the chief part of it, is not taken up by that liquid. (See Am Juurn. of 
 Ppm., xxv. 56.) It is difficult to reconcile the different results here stated, 
 wiiout supposing that different kinds of oil were employed. 
 
 t is thought that croton oil is often adulterated with other fixed oils. The 
 Enburgh College gives the following test of its purity. “ When agitated with 
 imwn volume of pure alcohol and gently heated, it separates on standing, with- 
 ou having undergone any apparent diminution.” This, however, is not true of 
 th oil expressed in England. The test was intended to detect the presence of 
 c-aDr oil, which would be dissolved by the alcohol, and thus occasion a diminu- 
 tic of the bulk. 
 
 Fe were told by the late Dr. M. Burrough, who was for some time in India, that 
 m h of the oil there prepared for exportation, under the name of croton oil, is 
 deved from the seeds of a plant different from the Croton Tiglium. From a 
 pa el of these seeds presented to him by Dr. Burrough, Dr. K. E. Griffith pro- 
 du d a plant which proved to be the Jatropha Cureas, the seeds of which are 
 knvn by the name of Barbcidoes nuts. (See Tapioca .) This oil, though weaker 
 th; the genuine, was said by Dr. Burrough to be an efficient cathartic in the 
 do: of three or four drops. It is stated by Dr. Hamilton that croton seeds are 
 aff ded by the Groton Pavana, growing in Ava and the Eastern parts of Bengal; 
 an it is highly probable that a portion of the croton oil of commerce is obtained 
 frc; these seeds. ( Trans . Lin. Soc., xiv. 257.) These facts may explain some 
 ofie discrepancies in reference to the effects of alcohol above mentioned. 
 
 edical Properties and Uses. Croton oil is a powerful hydragogue purgative, 
 ac .ig, for the most part, when given in moderate doses, with ease to the patient, 
 buin large doses apt to excite vomiting and severe griping pain, and capable, 
 if imoderately taken, of producing fatal effects. It acts with great rapidity, 
 frerently evacuating the bowels in less than an hour, and generally exciting a 
 ru, fling sensation in half that period. It possesses also great advantage in the 
 mi iteness of the dose, on account of which it may frequently be given when 
 we hould fail with more bulky medicines, as in mania, coma, and the cases of 
 ch :ren. A drop placed on the tongue of a comatose patient will generally 
 op ite. Though long used in India, and known more than a century ago to the 
 Di h physicians, it did not attract general notice till about 1820, when it was 
 ml duced into England by Mr. Conwell. It is chiefly employed in cases of ob- 
 
524 
 
 Oleum Tiglii . — Opium. 
 
 PARI 
 
 stinate constipation, in which it often produces the happiest effects after the failu: 
 of other medicines ; but it may also be advantageously employed in almost all casi 
 in which powerful and speedy purging is demanded. Dropsy, apoplexy, mani 
 and visceral obstructions, are among the complaints in which it has been partic- 
 larly recommended. It has recently been employed with great asserted benel 
 in neuralgia, epilepsy, and spasm of the glottis, and has been supposed to ha' 
 powers in these affections independent of its purgative property. The see< 
 are said to have been used with great success in India in amenorrhoea. Applie 
 externally, the oil produces inflammation of the skin, attended with a pustul; 
 eruption, and has been used in this way in rheumatism, gout, neuralgia, glandul 
 and other indolent swellings, and in laryngeal and pulmonary diseases. It shou 
 be diluted with three parts of olive oil, soap liniment, oil of turpentine, or oth 
 convenient vehicle, and applied as a liniment twice or oftener in the twenty-fo- 
 hours. Sometimes the insusceptibility of the skin is such as to require its a 
 plication undiluted. For further information on this subject the reader is referr 
 to the Amer. Journ. of Med. Sciences, xv. 240. The oil may also be appli 
 externally, in the form of a plaster, made by incorporating one part of it wi 
 four parts of lead plaster melted by a very gentle heat. Sometimes it aj)pea 
 to produce inflammation in parts distant from those to which it was directly a 
 plied. It has been said that four drops of the oil, applied externally by fricti- 
 around the umbilicus, will produce a purgative effect ; but this is denied by I 
 Barlai, of Tuscany, who states that it is only when the oil is applied to the sk 
 divested of the cuticle that it will operate upon the bowels. (See Journ. 
 Pharm., 3e sir., xx. 298.) 
 
 The dose for an adult is one or two drops, and is most conveniently administer 
 in the form of pill. Avery safe and convenient plan is to make two drops in 
 four pills with crumb of bread, and to give one every hour till they operate. T 
 oil may also be given in emulsion. The form of tincture may be advantageous 
 resorted to when a minute quantity of the medicine is required; as it affords t 
 means of readily dividing the dose. 
 
 Off. Prep. Linimentum Crotonis. W. 
 
 OPIUM. U. S., Loud., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Opium. 
 
 The concrete juice of the unripe capsules of Papaver somniferum. U. S., 
 Pub. Juice emitted from the unripe incised fruit, hardened in the air. Lo>. 
 
 Opium, Fr.; Opium, Mohnsaft, Germ.; Oppio, Ital.; Opio, Span.; Affioni, Turk.; Ufyo, 
 Arab.; Sheerikhaskash, Persian; Ufeem, Hindoo. 
 
 Papaver. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Monogynia. — JVat. Ord. Papaveracese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla four-petaled. Calyx two-leaved. Capsule one-eelled, op- 
 ing by pores under the persistent stigma. Willd. 
 
 Opium is at present generally believed to be derived exclusively from 3 
 Papaver somniferum ; though every species of poppy is capable of yielding 
 to a greater or less extent, and some authors have indicated the Papaver on- 
 tale as its real source. The British and French Pharmacopoeias unite with r 
 own in recognising only the first-mentioned species. 
 
 Papaver somniferum. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1147; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. o > 
 t. 138. There are several varieties of this species, of which the two most im- 
 minent are distinguished by the titles of the white and black poppy, derived fin 
 the colour of their seeds. It is the former which is usually described as « 
 proper opium plant. The white poppy is an annual plant, with a round, smot-, 
 erect, glaucous, often branching stem, rising two or three feet in height, d 
 
P ilT I. 
 
 525 
 
 Opium. 
 
 saetimes attaining five or even six feet in favourable situations. The leaves 
 ai large, variously lobed and toothed, and alternately disposed upon the stem, 
 wicli they closely embrace. The flowers are terminal, very large, and of a white 
 otsilver gray colour. In India they appear in February, in Europe and the 
 L'ited States not earlier than June, July, or August. The calyx is smooth, 
 a| composed of two leaves, which fall when the petals expand. These are 
 u.ally four in number; but there is a variety in which the flower is double. 
 T? germen, which is smooth and globular, supports a radiated stigma, and is 
 sirounded by numerous short and slender filaments, with erect, oblong, com- 
 posed anthers. The capsule is smooth and glaucous, of a rounded shape, from 
 tv to four inches in diameter, somewhat flattened at the top and bottom, and 
 owned with the persistent stigma, the diverging segments of which are arranged 
 ill circle upon the summit. It contains numerous minute white seeds, which, 
 k;h perfectly ripe, escape through small openings beneath the stigma. In the 
 hick poppy, the flower, though sometimes white, is usually violet coloured or 
 re, the capsule is somewhat smaller and more globular, and the seeds are of a 
 b:wn or blackish colour. 
 
 11^ parts of the poppy contain a white, opaque, narcotic juice; but the leaves, 
 w2n analyzed by M. Blondeau, yielded none of those active principles by which 
 0 ]am is characterized. ( Journ . de Pharm., vii. 214.) It is in the capsule that 
 tl juice most abounds, and the virtues of the plant chiefly reside. Hence 
 tli part is sometimes employed medicinally. (See Papaver .) The seeds are 
 dtitute of narcotic properties, and are even used as food in many parts of the 
 wld. The Romans employed them in the preparation of various dainties. 
 T;y abound with a bland oil, which may be extracted by expression, and has 
 up of the useful properties of olive oil. It is an article of much importance 
 o4he continent of Europe, particularly in France, in the northern departments 
 owhich the black poppy is very extensively cultivated for the seed alone. The 
 o: is employed for culinary and pharmaceutic purposes, in painting, and the 
 nnufacture of soap, and in other ways as a substitute for olive oil, which is 
 Si l to be frequently adulterated with it. The poppy does not appear to elabo- 
 r; i the milky fluid in which its narcotic properties reside, before a certain period 
 o ts growth ; for we are told that, in Persia, the young plants which are pulled 
 u to prevent too thick a crop are used as pot-herbs; and the firjxuv of the Greeks, 
 w ch is believed to be identical with the Papaver somniferum, is said by Hip- 
 p rates to be nutritive. 
 
 Ihough generally believed to be a native of Asia, this species of poppy grows 
 w 1 in the South of Europe, and even in England, whither its seeds are sup- 
 ped to have been brought at a very early period. It was cultivated by the 
 avient Greeks, and is mentioned by Homer as a garden plant. It is at present 
 cyivated very extensively in India, Persia, Egypt, and Asiatic Turkey, for 
 oflim; and in several parts of Europe, especially in France, not only for this 
 p duct, but also for the seed and capsules. In this country it is found only in 
 oj gardens as an ornamental flower. 
 
 ’he process for procuring opium from the poppy, as practised by the modern 
 h abitants of India and Persia, according to the reports of Kerr and of Kcempfer, 
 isery nearly the same with that described by Dioscorides as employed in his 
 o]i times, about eighteen hundred years since; and the accounts of Belon, 
 Grier, and Texier, as to the modes of collection in Asia Minor, are not mat-e- 
 ri ly different. As the capsules abound most in the narcotic juice, it is from 
 tljse that the opium is procured. According to Texier, a few days after the 
 ft of the flower, men and women proceed to the fields, and make horizontal 
 it sions in the capsule, taking care not to penetrate its cavity. A white juice 
 e des, aijd appears in the form of tears upon the edges of the incisions. The 
 
 
526 
 
 Opium. 
 
 PART 
 
 field is left in this state for twenty-four hours, after which the juice is scrapf 
 off by means of large blunt knives. A portion of the epidermis of the eapsu 
 is also removed, and constitutes about one-twelfth of the whole product. Eat 
 poppy-head affords opium but once. Thus collected, the opium is in the sta 
 of an adhesive and granular jelly. It is placed in small earthen vessels, whe 
 it is beaten, and at the same time moistened with saliva. When of a prop' 
 consistence, it is wrapped in leaves and sent into the market. ( Journ . de Phan 
 xxi. 196.) Considerable quantities of good opium have been obtained in En 
 land by scarifying the capsules of the poppy.* Similar success has been m 
 with in France; and the drug obtained by incisions, in both countries, has bee 
 found nearly if not quite equal to that imported from the East. In the D> 
 tionnaire des Drogues it is stated that a specimen of opium, collected in tb 
 way in the vicinity of Provins, gave sixteen per cent, of the active prineipl 
 while a good commercial specimen, examined by M. Petit, afforded only eig 
 per cent. 
 
 Another method of extracting the virtues of the capsules is to select such 
 have ceased to yield their juice by exudation, to beat them with a small propc 
 tion of water, and inspissate the liquid thus obtained by artificial heat* T1 
 ancient Greeks were acquainted with both processes, as appears from the writin: 
 of Bioscorides. The term omov, derived from 0 , 105 , juice, they applied to ti 
 substance procured by incisions, which answers precisely to the modern opiut 
 The inspissated expressed juice they called p^xunov, from p^xuv, the name 
 the plant. Tournefort states that it is the latter preparation which is export' 
 from Turkey as opium, the former being much more valuable, and theref" 
 retained in the country for the use of the great and wealthy. This error h 
 been copied by many writers on the materia medic-a ; and, till within a compar 
 tively few years, opium was generally believed to be an extract obtained 1 
 evaporating either the expressed juice, or a decoction of the capsules. 
 
 Commercial History. Commerce is supplied with opium chiefly from Hi 
 dostan, Persia, Egypt, and the Asiatic dominions of Turkey. Immense qua 
 tities are produced in the Indian provinces of Bahar and Benares, and in ti 
 more interior province of Malwa. The opium of Hindostan is distributed e 
 
 * So early as the year 1790, a premium was awarded by the Society for the Encourag 
 meat of Arts, to Mr. Ball, for a specimen of British opium ; and in 1823, Messrs. Cowl 
 and Stains collected 196 pounds, which sold for nearly seven dollars a pound, from lit' 
 more than twelve acres of land. This product, however, was by no means equal to tli 
 obtained in Scotland by Mr. John Young. From one acre of ground planted with poppi 
 and potatoes, he procured fifty-six pounds of opium, valued at 450 dollars, while the win 
 expense was more than repaid by the potatoes, and the oil expressed from the seeds. F 
 papers on the subject of the cultivation of the poppy in England, see Edin. Philo soph. Jour. 
 vol. i. p. 258, and the Quarterly Journal of Science, vol. iv. p. 69. 
 
 M. Aubergier lias cultivated opium in France, with encouraging results. Instead of alio 
 ing the juice after the incision to inspissate on the capsule, he collected it immediately, a 
 dried it by artificial heat. One workman collected in a day 300 grammes (9 04 troy ounce 
 of juice, which yielded one-quarter of its weight of opium. The product differed iu serene 
 very greatly, according to the variety of poppy used; the yield of morphia having vari 
 from 3 to 17-8 per cent. He gives the preference to the purple poppy. (Ann. de Thera, 
 A. D. 1852, p. 29.) See also the same work (A. 1). 1853. p. 1) for an elaborate report 
 M. Aubergier’s Memoir, by a committee consisting of MM. Bayer, Orfila, and others. 
 
 In Armenia, where opium is largely produced, four varieties of seeds are used, t 
 white, yellow, black, and sky-blue. The flower produced by the white seeds is wki 
 that by the yellow is red, that by the black is black, and that by the sky-blue, is de 
 purple. The white and sky-blue seeds yield large somewhat oblong capsules, likecitrc 
 in shape ; the yellow' and black, small and round capsules. For an extent of grou 
 forty paces square, forty drachms of seeds are required. Each head yields about a gri 
 of opium. The operators, not accustomed to the work, are apt to become intoxicated 
 stupefied during the period of harvest. (Gaultier de Claubry, Journ. de Phurm., 3e it 
 xiii. 105.) 
 
P.tT I. 
 
 527 
 
 Opium. 
 
 teiively through continental and insular India, where it is habitually employed 
 in he place of spirituous liquors. Great quantities are also sent to China, into 
 wch it finds an easy entrance, notwithstanding prohibitory laws. Much was 
 foherly imported by the East India Company into England, through which a 
 sn 11 portion reached our own country; but it was so far inferior to that from 
 They, that it was at length excluded from the market, and none is now brought 
 di ctlyfrom the East. The great demand for it in the Indian Archipelago and 
 inlhina, and its consequent high price, have probably contributed even more 
 tbi its reputed inferiority to this result. Indeed, Ainslie explicitly states that 
 Iria opium is inferior to none ; and it is probable that the specimens from which 
 ^description was drawn up that was formerly current among authors upon the 
 ineria medica, were the refuse of the Eastern market. We know that the 
 drj was formerly very much and variously adulterated by the natives. Among 
 th impurities mentioned by authors are the extract of the poppy procured by 
 deletion, the powdered leaves and stems of the plant made into a paste with 
 milage, oil of sesamum, catechu, and even cow-dung. But a more careful 
 suirintendence by the officers of the Company has resulted in a great improve- 
 m t of the India opium. Of that produced in Persia, very little is brought to 
 thjeountry; and it is scarcely known in our market as a distinct variety. Much 
 w; formerly produced in Upper Egypt, especially in the district of ancient 
 TI|bes, which was supposed to yield it in greatest perfection. It was in fact for a 
 lo ; time generally known by the name of Opium Thebaicum, and laudanum 
 is till frequently directed in prescriptions as Tinctura Thebaica. Its cultiva- 
 te has recently been again introduced into Egypt; and considerable quantities 
 arnow exported. 
 
 urkey opium is produced in Anatolia, and shipped chiefly from the port of 
 Si'rna, It is brought to the United States, either directly from the Levant, 
 ondirectly through different European ports. From the treasury returns for 
 th years from 1827 to 1845 inclusive, according to a table prepared by Ur. J. 
 B.iiddle, and published in the American Journal of Pharmacy for April, 1847, 
 it ipears that the average value of the annual importations for the period referred 
 to, as from Turkey 128,137 dollars, from England 13,744, from France 4,470, 
 an from all other places 6,607 dollars. Of this amount so much was exported 
 as ‘ leave for the average annual consumption of the country the value of 66,809 
 do trs. Turkey opium usually comes to us in masses of irregular size and shape, 
 ge'rally more or less flattened, covered with leaves, or the remains of leaves, 
 an with the reddish capsules of some species of Rumex, which are said to be 
 abjnt in the inferior kinds, and may therefore be considered as affording some 
 iniljation of the purity of the drug. We may account for this circumstance 
 upji the very probable supposition, that these capsules are removed during the 
 opation which the masses sometimes undergo in the hands of the merchants, 
 aft' leaving those of the cultivators. We are told by the French writers that 
 exinsive frauds are practised at Marseilles in this branch of commerce. The 
 op m taken thither from the Levant is first softened, and then adulterated 
 wi various matters which are incorporated in its substance. To use a strong 
 ex'ession of M. Guibourt, they make the opium over again at Marseilles. Our 
 trips to the Mediterranean would do well to bear this assertion in mind. 
 Aording to Dr. A. T. Thomson, one-fourth part of Turkey opium generally 
 co: ists of impurities. Sand, ashes, the seeds of different plants, extracts of 
 thi poppy, Lactuca virosa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Chclidonium glaucum, 
 gu Arabic, tragacanth, salep, aloes, even small stones, and minute pieces of 
 le? and iron, are mentioned among the substances employed in the sophistication 
 of e drug. Mr. Landerer, of Athens, was informed by a person who had been 
 
528 
 
 Opium. 
 
 PART 
 
 engaged in the extraction of opium, that grapes freed from their seeds a 
 crushed, were almost universally mixed with the poppy juice, and that anotl 
 adulteration consisted of the epidermis of the capsules and stem of the pla 
 pounded in a mortar with the white of eggs. (See Am. Joum. of P harm., : 
 238.) In England a sophisticated opium was a few years since prepared, 
 nearly resembling good Turkey opium in appearance, that by the eye alone 
 was difficult to detect the fraud, and yet wholly destitute of the active princi 
 of this drug. Portions of it were sent into the markets both of France andt 
 country. It was probably the genuine drug, deprived of its morphia by so 
 process which did not materially disturb the visible arrangement of its particle 
 ( Am . Joum. of P harm., x. 261.) 
 
 * The great importance of opium renders it desirable that all its commercial variet 
 should be accurately described, and their relative value so far as possible ascertained. 1 
 following statement has been drawn up from the most recent published accounts of the dr 
 and from the personal observations of the author. The papers of Guibourt in France, Cliri 
 son in Great Britain, and Merck and Martius in Germany, have been consulted. (See Jou 
 de Pharm., xvii. 714, and xxi. 542 ; and Annalen der J’liarm., xviii. 79, and xxiv. 56.) 
 
 The varieties of this drug may be arranged, according to the countries in which they 
 produced, under the heads of Turkey , Egyptian, India, and Persia opium. 
 
 I. TURKEY OPIUM. This title belongs to the opium produced in the Turkish prove 
 of Anatolia, and exported from Smyrna and Constantinople. According to some authoriti 
 there is no essential difference bet ween the parcels of the drug brought from these twopoi 
 Others maintain that they are distinct varieties, differing in their interior structure, t. 
 probably also in the precise place of their production, and the mode of their collection. 1 
 truth probably is, that most of the opium shipped at Constantinople is produced in • 
 northern parts of Anatolia, while that from Smyrna is collected in the provinces morec- 
 venient to the latter city ; and, though it is possible that an identical drug may be occasion;' 
 brought from the two ports, yet there seems to be good ground in general for arranging 
 under different varieties, as derived from these different sources. 
 
 1. Smyrna Opium. This is the variety which is, beyond all comparison, most abund ; 
 in our markets : and it is from this that the ordinary descriptions of opium are drawn . 
 It comes to us in masses of various size, usually from half a pound or somewhat less t. 
 pound in weight, sometimes, though rarely, as much as two or even three pounds, or- 
 nally, perhaps, of a globular form, but variously indented, and rendered quite irregulfui 
 shape, by the pressure to which they' have been subjected, while yet soft, in the cases whi 
 contain them. Sometimes they are even pressed out into flat cakes. As brought i > 
 market, the lumps are usually hard on the outside, but still soft within. They are cove 1 
 externally with the remains of leaves, and with the reddish capsules of a species of Rum. 
 which have no doubt been applied in order to prevent the surfaces from adhering. N- 
 withstanding, however, this coating, the masses sometimes stick together, and two or m; 
 become consolidated into one. In this way the fact may be accounted for. that the se? 
 of the Rumex are occasionally found in the interior of the masses. In the finer parcehf 
 Smyrna opium, the colour internally is light-brown : in the inferior it is darker. A pecu r 
 character of this variety is, that when a lump of it is cut into and then carefully torn. - 
 merous minute shining tears are observable, particularly' under a microscope; beariug scs 
 resemblance to small seeds, but readily distinguishable by pressure between the fing<. 
 They are undoubtedly formed from the drops of juice which escape from the ineision.-i 
 the capsules, and which, according to B41on, are allowed to concrete before they areremov. 
 From the account of the same author it appears that, after the juice has been collected 
 is not subjected to the process of kneading or beating, as in the case of other varieties 
 opium; so that the tears preserve their original shape in the mass. It is probably ow; 
 to the peculiar mode of collecting Smyrna opium, that minute pieces of the skin of e 
 poppy capsules are found intermingled in the mass; these being separated in the pro>? 
 of removing the adhering tears. In the finer specimens of Smyrna opium, these fragmd 
 of the capsules are the only impurities. This variety of the drug is of very different qu^- 
 ties, the finest kinds yielding, according to Merck, as much as 13 per cent, of pure morp , 
 while from some very bad parcels he could not procure more than 3 or 4 per cent. In tL e 
 inferior specimens the colour is darker, the smell is often musty, and there is very go- 
 rally more or less mouldiness both upon the surface, aud in the interior of the nnss 
 indicating perhaps too much moisture in the opium originally, or its subsequent exp- 1 ; 6 
 to an injurious degree of dampness. Good Smyrna opium ought to yield 10 or 11 per d~ 
 
PAT I. 
 
 529 
 
 Opium. 
 
 Ipium is regarded as inferior when it has a blaekish colour; a weak or em- 
 pjiumatic smell; a sweet or slightly nauseous and bitter taste; a soft, viscid, 
 or^reasy consistence; a dull fracture; or an irregular, heterogeneous texture, 
 ar ng from the intermixture of foreign substances. It should not impart a 
 
 of orpkia. Dr. Christison, however, states that he has not been able to procure more 
 th: 9 per cent, from the finest Smyrna opium.* 
 
 Constantinople Opium. Most of the Constantinople opium is in lumps from half a pound 
 to ro and a half pounds in weight, and scarcely distinguishable in exterior appearance 
 frc: those of the former variety, being equally irregular in shape, and in like manner 
 co red with the capsules of the Rumex. It differs, however, strikingly from the Smyrna 
 op m in its interior constitution, being, according to Merck, wholly destitute of the tears 
 wbh characterize that variety. This would indicate some difference in the mode of 
 colcting and preparing the juice. In the case of the Constantinople opium, it is proba- 
 bhither removed from the capsules before concretion, or subjected to pressure after- 
 was. Merck says that he has not discovered, in this variety, those minute portions of 
 thooppy capsules which are usually present in the Smyrna opium. The average quality 
 of :e Constantinople opium, as above described, is about equal to that of the drug from 
 Sff'na; ljut it appears to be occasionally purer; as Merck obtained from one specimen 
 as uch as 15 per cent, of pure morphia. Notwithstanding what has been above stated, 
 were not yet in possession of facts to prove that this is not, as some have supposed it to 
 be, he better sort of Smyrna opium selected and sent to the capital. 
 
 ( ibourt describes another variety of Constantinople opium of much inferior character. 
 “Domes,” he observes, “in small flattened cakes, sufficiently regular and of a lenticular 
 shsj, from two to two and a half inches in diameter, and always covered with a poppy 
 lea the midrib of which divides the surface into two equal parts. It has an odour similar 
 to at of the preceding variety, but feebler, and it blackens and dries in the air. It is 
 mo mucilaginous than Smyrna opium, and contains only half as much morphia.” These 
 cha.cters are obviously those of Egyptian opium ; and, though the parcels which came 
 utie the notice of Guibourt may have been imported directly from Constantinople, it is 
 hig y probable that they were originally from Alexandria. Mr. Stettner, of Trieste, 
 tko;h well acquainted with the opium commerce of that port, admits no such Constanti- 
 nop opium as that described by Guibourt. ( Annal . der Pharm., xxiv. 65.) 
 
 I EGYPTIAN OPIUM. This is in flat roundish cakes, of various dimensions, some- 
 tim as much as six inches in diameter, and a pound in weight, usually, however, much 
 smi.sr, and sometimes not weighing more than half an ounce. These cakes are either 
 wrned in a poppy leaf, so placed that the midrib divides the surface into two equal 
 par or exhibits vestiges of such a covering. Occasionally the brown colour of the opium 
 is s n through the leaf, and the surface appears as if uncovered, while the leaf is still 
 pre ot. This variety of opium is always destitute of the Rumex capsules, and differs 
 froithe Smyrna opium also in heing brittle instead of tenacious, and equally hard in the 
 cen ! as at the surface of the mass. Its fracture is conchoidal and of a waxy lustre, and 
 sms : fragments of it are translucent. Its colour is usually redder than that of Smyrna 
 opii ., though it is sometimes dark. Some of the pieces, on exposure to the air, become 
 dan and sticky on the outer surface, indicating the fraudulent addition of some deli- 
 que ;nt substance. The odour is similar to that of Smyrna opium, but weaker. It is 
 an erior variety; as the best of it, examined by Merck, yielded only 6 or 7 per cent, 
 ofn -phia; and a specimen of it was found by Mr. J. Evans, of Philadelphia, to contain 
 not ore than 3-55 per cent. Egyptian opium, therefore, should never be dispensed by 
 the othecary, or employed in the preparation of his tinctures ; as the prescription of the 
 phyi.ian is based upon the strength of good Smyrna opium, which is about twice that of 
 the qyptian. 
 
 II INDIA OPIUM. Little if any of this opium reaches our market. There appear 
 to b :wo chief varieties of it, one produced in Bahar and Benares, in the Bengal Presi- 
 
 * wording to Landerer, little of the opium is produced in the immediate neighbourhood of Smyrna; the 
 Creatj portion being brought to that port, on the backs of camels, from a distance of from ten to eighteen days’ 
 jourr . ( Jnurn . de Pharm., Ze ser., xxiii. 33.) The same writer states that the opium is chiefly prepared at 
 Kara lissur, near Magnesia. The incisions are generally made before sunrise. The.juiee is partly caught in 
 uinss diells. and dried in the sun. This is considered the best. Every evening tlie juice which has dried upon 
 the c ules is scraped off, with a portion of the epidermis. The poppy is then cut down, and stripped of its 
 ieavdvhieh are boiled in water ; and the liquid is evaporated to the consistence of an extract. With this the 
 inspil.ted juice is incorporated, and tile mixture is then formed into cakes, wrapped in poppy-leaves, and 
 place n shelves to dry. (See Am. Jnurn. of Pharm.., xxiii. 251.) It is very evident, from the interior structure 
 of tlr Smyrna opium, that it has not been prepared in the way described by Landerer; though his account 
 b P n bly true in reference to inferior varieties of the drug . — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
 84 
 
530 
 
 PART 
 
 Opium. 
 
 deep-brown colour to the saliva, nor leave a dark uniform trace when dra 
 over paper, nor form with water a thick viscid solution. 
 
 Properties. Good opium has a peculiar strong narcotic odour, and a bitt 
 somewhat acrid taste. "When long chewed it excites much irritation in the 1* 
 
 dency, and called Bengal opium , the other in the interior provinces, and designated by ; 
 name of Malwa opium. 
 
 1. Bengal Opium. For a minute account of the cultivation and preparation of 'j 
 variety of opium, the reader is referred to elaborate papers by Dr. Eatwell, of Calcu , 
 contained in the eleventh and twelfth volumes of the London Pharmaceutical Journal l 
 Transactions, an abstract of which will be found in the Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 1. 
 and in the last edition of Pereira’s Materia Medica (vol. ii. p. 1001), Am. ed.). fieri 
 opium is identical with the variety sometimes called Patna opium. It is in round b: . 
 weighing three pounds and a half, invested by a coating half an inch thick, compose'!’ 
 agglutinated leaves and poppy-petals. The interior of the mass is of a brownish-bli 
 colour, of the consistence of a stiff paste, and possessed in a high degree of the charac - 
 istic odour and taste of opium. The proportion of active matter in this opium va s 
 somewhat with the season, and in the different specimens. From a table given by . 
 Eatwell, it appears that the percentage of morphia varies from 2-17 to 3 t>7. and tha f 
 narcotina from 3-85 to 5-70. Prof. Procter found a specimen of Patna opium to yi 
 about 5 per cent, of morphia. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxi. 194.) It is, therefore, mb 
 inferior to the best Smyrna opium in its yield of morphia, while it is richer in narcot . 
 Yet Christison states that all the India opium which he has seen is exempt from the r- 
 ture of leaves, seeds, and fragments of poppy capsules so abundant in Smyrna opi .. 
 Its inferior character is in some degree probably owing to the juice, after collection, big 
 kept for some time before it is made up, and consequently undergoing fermentation. 
 
 The India opium examined by Dr. A. T. Thomson was apparently of inferior charac. 
 As described by that author, it was in round masses, covered with the petals of thepoy 
 in successive layers, to the thickness of nearly one-fourth of an inch. It had a strg 
 empyreumatic smell, with little of the peculiar heavy odour of Turkey opium. Its t e 
 was more bitter and equally nauseous, but less acrid. Its colour was blacker. ancA 
 texture, though as tenacious, was less plastic. It was more friable, and when triturd 
 with water, was wholly suspended or dissolved, leaving none of that plastic residue wh 
 is afforded by the other variety'. It yielded to Dr. Thomson more narcotina than Tury 
 opium, but only about one-third the quantity of morphia. All these are the characteiaf 
 an extract of the poppy heads, rather than of their inspissated juice. The absence olie 
 plastic principle analogous to caoutchouc is strong evidence in favour of this view o ts 
 nature; for it is obvious that water would not extract this principle from the capsi?. 
 while it is hardly probable that the juice is destitute of it. Besides, the strength indicA 
 by Dr. Thomson is very nearly the same with that of the extract of the capsules prep A 
 in France. The Bengal opium is at present a superior drug to that here described, tk'h 
 still inferior to the Smyrna opium. 
 
 There is a variety of Patna or Bengal opium, called garden Patna opium, whiehas 
 described in the fifth edition of this work, on the authority of Dr. Christison, as .M fa 
 opium. Dr. Christison has subsequently ascertained its true origin. It is prepan in 
 Baliar with peculiar care, from juice which has not been suffered to undergo fermentan. 
 It is in cakes three or four inches square, and about half an inch thick, which are pael 
 in cases with a layer of mica between them. These cakes are without covering, I’d 
 dry, and brittle, of a uniform shining fracture, and not unlike an extract in appean.'e. 
 The colour is sometimes almost black, and sometimes of a light-brown, not unlike tb of 
 Egyptian opium. Dr. Christison states that it is much superior to the globular Bird 
 opium, and that some specimens are little inferior to Turkey opium in the proporti of 
 morphia. 
 
 2. Malwa Opium. This is in flat, roundish cakes, five or six inches in diameter ad 
 from four to eight ounces in weight. They are commonly quite hard, dry, and britt of 
 a light-brown colour, a shining fracture, a compact homogeneous texture, and free on 
 mechanical impurities. The quality is superior to that of common Bengal opium. (C 11 ' 
 tison’s Dispensatory.) A specimen of Malwa opium described by Dr. Carson (Aw. J n - 
 of Pharm., xxi. 195) broke with a short rough fracture, which was of a blackish-twn 
 colour, here and there showing irregular oily spots. Trof. Procter obtained from '■* 
 per cent, of morphia. 
 
 IV. PERSIA OPIUM. A variety of opium under this name has sometimes exist in 
 the markets of London, and has even found its way to this country, though it is veryire- 
 It is described as being in cylindrical pieces, about three and a half inches long ami®- 1 
 
P IT I. 
 
 531 
 
 Opium. 
 
 ai tongue, and even blisters the mouth of those unaccustomed to its use. Its 
 cour is reddish-brown or deep-fawn; its texture compact; its sp.gr. 1'336. 
 Then drawn over paper it usually leaves an interrupted trace of a light- 
 biwn colour. It is often soft in the interior of the mass, and in this state is 
 tetcious; but when exposed to the air it gradually hardens, and ultimately 
 homes brittle, breaking with a shining fracture, and affording, when pulverized, 
 a ellowish-brown powder, which becomes adhesive upon a slight elevation of 
 teperature. It readily inflames upon the application of a lighted taper. It 
 yi-ds its virtues to water, alcohol, and diluted acids, but not to ether. To all 
 the menstrua it imparts a deep-brown colour. Alcohol dissolves about four- 
 fifis of it. Pelletier states that the proportion taken up by water varies in all 
 spimens. He never found the quantity of extract prepared with cold water 
 toxceed 12 parts out of 16. ( Journ . de Pharm ., Nov. 1832.) 
 
 luch attention has been devoted to the chemical constitution of opium; and 
 ve? interesting results have been obtained. It was by their researches into 
 tb nature of this substance that chemists were led to the discovery of those 
 vetable alkaloids, which, as the active principles of the plants in which they 
 arfound, have attracted so much attention, and been applied so advantageously 
 inbe treatment of disease. To Serturner, an apothecary at Eimbeck, in Han- 
 ov, certainly belongs the credit of having opened this new and most important 
 fie. of experiment. In the year 1803, M. Derosne made known the existence 
 of. crystallizable substance which he had discovered in opium, and which he 
 erneously believed to be the active principle. In the following year, Seguin 
 di overed another crystallizable body, which subsequent experience has proved 
 toe the true narcotic principle of opium; but he did not fully investigate its 
 noire, and no immediate practical advantage was derived from his excellent 
 anysis. About the same time Serturner was engaged in a similar investiga- 
 tic’, the results of which, very analogous to those obtained by Seguin, were 
 pn ished in a Herman journal, without, however, attracting general attention. 
 Iuhis state the subject remained till the year 1817, when Serturner announced 
 tb existence of a saline compound in opium, consisting of a peculiar alkaline 
 pr ciple united with a peculiar acid, and clearly demonstrated the precise nature 
 of substance, which, though before discovered both by Seguin and by himself, 
 habeen hitherto but vaguely known. To the alkaloid, in which he correctly 
 coieived the narcotic powers of the opium to reside, he gave the name of mor- 
 ph vi, which has been subsequently changed to morphia, in order to render it 
 an Dgous to the titles of the other alkalies. The acid he called meconic, a term 
 de ’ed from the Greek name of the poppy. The correctness of the statements 
 of jertiirner was confirmed by Robiquet, who also satisfactorily demonstrated 
 th; the substance obtained by Derosne, and called by him the salt of opium , 
 walk principle altogether distinct from morphia, though supposed to possess 
 
 an ch thick, wrapped in glossy paper, and tied with a cotton thread. It is of a uniform 
 conjitence, but exhibits, nevertheless, under the microscope, small agglutinated tears, 
 mu less than those of the Smyrna opium. It has the liver-brown colour of Egyptian 
 opi i, a virose, musty odour, and a very bitter taste ; and, like Egyptian opium, softens 
 in i noist atmosphere. It is said to have been brought to England from Trebizond on the 
 Bla Sea; but its origin is not known. It is of inferior quality. From the report of a 
 trii jn the city of New York, published in the Journal of Commerce, it appears that a 
 paG of Persia opium imported into that city from London in August, 1835, was in small 
 rouf balls, and contained only 3 per cent, of morphia. 
 
 I s highly important that the real value of these commercial varieties of opium should 
 be own to the physician and apothecary ; as otherwise, there can be no certainty in 
 reh jn to the strength of the preparations which may be made from them. In the pre- 
 par on of laudanum and the other tinctures into which opium enters, it is understood 
 tka he drug employed should have the average quality of good Smyrna opium. The 
 mh jr kinds should be used only for the extraction of morphia. 
 
532 
 
 PART 
 
 Opium. 
 
 very considerable influence over the system. In the belief of its narcotic power 
 Robiquet denominated it narcotin , a title which it still retains. Several oth 
 peculiar principles have since been discovered; though it is difficult to resist tl 
 impression, that some of them may be the result of the processes to which opiu 
 is submitted for their extraction. According to the views of its constitution 
 present admitted, opium contains, 1. morphia; 2. narcotin or narcotina; 3. c 
 deia; 4. paramorphia; 5. narcein; G. meconin; 7. porphyroxin ; 8. mec-onic ar 
 sulphuric acids; 9. a peculiar acid, not yet fully investigated; 10. extracti 
 matter; 11. gum; 12. bassorin ; 13. a peculiar resinous body insoluble in eth 
 and containing nitrogen; 14. fixed oil; 15. a substance resembling caoutehou 
 16. an odorous volatile principle; besides lignin, and a small proportion of acel 
 acid, sulphate of lime, sulphate of potassa, alumina, and iron. Besides the 
 principles, Pelletier announced the discovery of another which he called pseud 
 morphia, but which appears to be only an occasional constituent of opium. ($ 
 Journ. dt Pharm., xxi. 575.}* In relation to their optical properties, all t 
 
 * Besides the components of opium mentioned in the text, notice has been given of t 
 discovery of two other alkaloids, named respectively papaverine (papaverina) and opian 
 ( opiania }, of which we shall here give a brief notice; though further and repeated expe 
 meuts will be necessary’ to establish their claims. 
 
 1. Papaverina (papaverine). The discovery of this alkaloid was announced by Dr. 
 Merck. It is crystallizable in needles, insoluble in water, very sparingly soluble in c< 
 alcohol or ether, more soluble in these liquids boiling hot, and deposited by them on co 
 ing. With acids it forms salts most of which are very sparingly dissolved by water. T 
 muriate crystallizes with extraordinary facility. The alkaloid is readily dissolved by n 
 derately concentrated muriatic acid, from which, on the addition of more acid, the muris 
 separates, assuming the form of an oily layer at the bottom of the vessel, which is read 
 converted on standing into a mass of acicular crystals. These crystals are very sparin; 
 soluble in cold water. The muriate yields with chloride of platinum a yellow precipit; 
 which is insoluble in boiling water or alcohol. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., ix. oil.) I 
 paverina is prepared by precipitating the aqueous infusion of opium with soda, exhausti 
 the precipitate with alcohol, evaporating the tincture to dryness, treating the residue w 
 a dilute acid, filtering, precipitating by ammonia, dissolving the precipitate in muria 
 acid, mixing with the solution the acetate of soda, and treating with boiling ether the 
 suiting precipitate. The ethereal solution deposits the papaverina on cooling. A cl 
 racteristic property of this alkaloid is that its crystals, when moistened with concentra 
 sulphuric acid, acquire a dark-blue colour. It consists of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, a 
 oxygen; its formula being NC, 0 H 2] O s . ( Chem . Gaz., March 15, 1850, from Liebig's Annate 
 
 2. Opiania (opianine). This was found by Dr. Ilinterberger in some supposed narcoti. 
 which had been obtained by Engler, an apothecary of Vienna, from a parcel of Egypt 
 opium which he was working for morphia. An infusion of the opium was precipitated 
 ammonia, and the precipitate, having been washed first with water and then with coldaleol 
 was dissolved in hot alcohol, and decolorized by animal charcoal. A crystalline mass was th 
 obtained consisting apparently of morphia and narcotina. By repeated solutions in hot • 
 cohol and crystallization, the former was separated, remaining in the alcohol, while the ? • 
 posed narcotina was obtained in crystals. These, upon being examined by Dr. Hinterbere, 
 proved to be a new alkaloid, to which he gave the name of opianine. It is in long, colo- 
 less, transparent needles, belonging to the prismatic system. When precipitated by 
 monia from the solution of the muriate, it is in the form of a soft white powder. fit 
 without smell, and in alcoholic solution has a strong and durable bitter taste. At J 
 temperature of 212° F. it remains unchanged. It is insoluble in water, and requires r 
 solution a large quantity of boiling alcohol, from which it is entirely thrown down. u;i 
 Pooling, in the state of crystals. In alcoholic solution it has a strong alkaline reach ; 
 and from this solution both opiania itself and its salts are thrown down by alkalies. Conc- 
 trated sulphuric acid dissolves without changing it; nitric acid renders it yellow, ancf 
 added to its sulphuric acid solution, blood-red, but after a short time changing to lit- 
 yellow. Its formula, according to Ilinterberger, is N 2 ^ 66 ^ 36 ^ 2 r From experiments p- 
 formed with it on the lower animals, it has been inferred to be powerfully narcotic, amo 
 resemble morphia in its action. About one-tenth of a grain of each of these alkaloids s 
 given to two cats, one to one cat, and the other to the other, with very similar effet 
 which were decidedly narcotic, and continued for a considerable time, but had cease’ t 
 the expiration of 24 hours, without fatal effects. (Chem. Gaz., Dec. 1, 1852. p. 441. 1 3 
 the Proceedings of the Acad, of Set. at Vienna, vii. part 3.) — Xoteto the tenth edition. 
 
PAT I. 
 
 533 
 
 Opium. 
 
 orinic bases of opium have the property of deviating to the left the rays of 
 pc.rized light. (M M. Bouchardat and Felix Boudet, Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., 
 xji. 294.) 
 
 •f the principles above mentioned morphia is by far the most important. It 
 is merally admitted to exist in opium united with meconic acid in the state of 
 nnonate, and to a certain extent also as a sulphate. Of morphia and its prepa- 
 ra ms we shall treat at large under another head. (See Morphia . ) 
 
 r arcotina or narcotin receives one or the other of these names according as 
 it considered alkaline or neuter; they who rank it among the alkalies giving 
 it le former name, they who deny it such a position, the latter. It exists in 
 op m, chiefly, at least, in the free state, and is left behind in considerable quan- 
 tit when the drug is macerated with water. It is white, tasteless, and inodor- 
 ou and crystallizes in silky flexible needles, usually larger than the crystals 
 of lorphia, fusible at a moderate elevation of temperature, insoluble in cold 
 war, soluble in 400 parts of boiling water, in 100 parts of cold and 24 of boil- 
 intileohol which deposits it upon cooling, and very soluble in ether. The fixed 
 am volatile oils, and the diluted acids also dissolve it. As it exerts no alkaline 
 res ion upon vegetable colours, and does not prevent the acids from reddening 
 litns paper, there would appear to be some reason for denying it the rank of 
 an lkali. But it unites with some of the acids forming definite compounds, 
 wkh maybe procured in a separate state; and Bobiquet obtained the sulphate 
 am muriate of narcotina well crystallized. [Journ. de Pharm., xvii. 639, and 
 xis 59.) Hence many chemists, among whom is Berzelius, consider it alkaline; 
 am perhaps, this view of it is the most convenient. It must be admitted, how- 
 eve; to have a very feeble neutralizing power. With acetic acid it does not 
 appir to form a permanent combination; for, though dissolved by cold acetic 
 acii it is separated by heating the solution. Narcotina consists of nitrogen, 
 ear n, hydrogen, and oxygen; and its received formula is NC 43 H 24 0 4S . It may 
 be stinguished from morphia by its insipidity, solubility in ether, and insolu- 
 bili in alkaline solutions, by not affecting vegetable colours, by assuming a 
 yelwish instead of a blood-red colour under the action of strong nitric acid, by 
 nobecomposiug iodic acid, and by not producing a blue colour with the salts 
 of :m. It is however, reddened by a mixture of nitric and sulphuric acids. 
 He e, if to a mixture of it with strong sulphuric acid a small piece of nitre be 
 add,, a deep blood-red colour is produced; while morphia, under the same cir- 
 cun.ances, yields a brownish or olive-green colour. It gives a greasy stain to 
 pap when heated upon it over a candle. Heated with an excess of sulphuric 
 acic'nd deutoxide of manganese, it is converted into an acid called opianic acid, 
 and nto a substance of feeble alkaline properties, which has received the name 
 of chrnine ( cotarnia ). [Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., vi. 99.) When subjected to 
 distjation with potassa, it yields a colourless volatile liquid having alkaline pro- 
 perty, with the strong smell of herring-pickle together with that of ammonia. 
 Thi; s thought to be a peculiar alkaloid, and has received the name of pro- 
 fylodne. (Wertheim, Pharm. Cent. Blatt, June 1, 1850, p. 421, and Dee. 
 17, >31, p. 918.)* Water extracts narcotina partially from opium, in con- 
 duce of the acid which the latter contains, either free or combined with 
 
 ; iere would seem, from the observations of Wertheim and Hinterberger, to be four 
 hom' gous modifications of narcotina, having a fixed relation to each other in composition, 
 ther'uberof eqs. of nitrogen and oxygen being the same in all, while those of carbon and 
 hydr' en increase by 2 eqs. in regular progression. Thus 1. normal narcotina (Hinterber- 
 ger) J s the formula NC 42 H' 2I 0 14 ; 2. methylic narcotina (Wertheim) NC 44 H ffl 0 14 ; 3. aethylic 
 narcha (Wertheim) NC 46 H 25 0 14 ; and 4 . propylic narcotina (Wertheim) NC 4S H 27 0 14 . An- 
 otheiiiteresting point is that each of these yields a peculiar volatile alkali by distillation 
 with itassa; and the several products bear to each other the same chemical relation as 
 exist >etween the fixed alkaloids from which they are derived. They are ammonia from 
 
534 
 
 Opium. 
 
 PART 
 
 the narcotina. It is usually obtained mixed with morphia in the processes 1 
 procuring that principle; and may be separated by the action of sulphuric etb 
 which dissolves it without affecting the morphia, and yields it upon evaporatic 
 It may also be obtained by digesting opium in sulphuric ether, and slowly e' 
 porating the ethereal solution, which deposits crystals of narcotina, Anotl 
 mode of procuring it is to treat opium, which has been exhausted by previc 
 maceration in water, with dilute acetic acid, to filter the solution, precipitate 
 an alkali, wash the precipitate with water, and purify it by solution in boili 
 alcohol, from which it crystallizes as the liquid cools. Should it still be impu 
 the solution in alcohol and crystallization may be repeated. 
 
 The proportion of this principle found in opium varies extremely in the c 
 ferent varieties, and in different specimens of the same variety. Thus in Srnyt 
 opium it has been found, according to different observers, in quantities varyi 
 from 1*30 per cent. ( Schindler ) to 9'36 per cent., in one of the specimens 
 amined by Mulder. 
 
 Though narcotina itself is tasteless, its salts are very bitter, even more sotb. 
 those of morphia, (j B erzelius.') Their solution reddens litmus, and affords p- 
 cipitates with the alkalies and infusion of galls. They have not been very ac- 
 rately investigated. It has already been stated that Robiquet obtained u 
 sulphate and muriate crystallized. 
 
 Different opinions have been advanced relative to the action of narcotina i 
 the system. Derosne believed it to be the active principle of opium; thou, 
 upon experimenting with it, he obtained effects but little stronger than those p- 
 duced by an equal dose of opium itself. Magendie found it to act powerfu 
 upon dogs. One grain dissolved in oil was sufficient to throw the animal h 
 a state of stupor, terminating in death in twenty-four hours. This stupor ’s 
 wholly different from the composed sleep produced by morphia and its prep?- 
 tions. He inferred that, while the latter principle exercises the remedial, a>- 
 dyne, and soporific virtues of opium, the injurious excitant operation of e 
 medicine is ascribable to the narcotina. Both Derosne and Magendie founds 
 unpleasant effects to be modified or prevented by its conjunction with acetic ac.. 
 According to Magendie, twenty-four grains, dissolved in vinegar, may be giveio 
 a dog without destroying life. M. Baily prescribed it in the dose of sixty gras, 
 both in the solid state and dissolved in muriatic acid, without observing front 
 any sensible effect. In the same state, Orfila found that it might be taken y 
 man in very large doses with impunity; and thirty grains of it, dissolved in ae,c 
 acid, produced no effect upon several patients to whom it was administered. I n 
 dogs, he informs us that it is without action when dissolved in nitric or nmriic 
 acid; but held iu solution by acetic or sulphuric acid, or by olive oil, thirtnr 
 forty grains of it were sufficient to produce fatal effects. A singular circu- 
 stance noticed by the same experimenter was, that the solution in acetic or 1- 
 phuric acid occasioned violent excitement; while the contrary condition uniforiy 
 resulted from the use of the solution in olive oil. On the whole, we may a- 
 elude that narcotina, either in the solid form or dissolved in acids, is not s- 
 sessed of any considerable narcotic powers; and that the effects of a nartic 
 character which have been attributed to it, have probably arisen from the n- 
 ployment of a preparation not entirely freed from other principles eontaineua 
 the opium. Dr. O’Shaughnessy, Professor of Chemistry iu the Medical ColK 
 
 the first, methyhimine from the second, wthylamine from the third, and propylamine an 
 the fourth. The last of these volatile alkaloids has been referred to in the text as ring 
 the smell of herring-pickle. It is said to be produced also by distilling ergot with pots*- 
 Methylamine was procured by Wertheim The other products are, we believe, tin a 
 hypothetical. ( Pharm . Cent. Blatt. Dec. 17, 1851, p. 918; and Journ. de Pkarm., 
 xxiii. 154 .) — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
PRT I. 
 
 535 
 
 Opium. 
 
 o Calcutta, recommends narcotina very highly in intermittent fever, and believes 
 tit he has discovered in it even stronger antiperiodic properties than those of 
 qnia. In the cases reported by him, it was employed in combination with 
 nriatic acid. Given in this form, though powerfully febrifuge, it was found 
 n» to produce narcotic effects, not to constipate the bowels, and never to occasion 
 tit distressing headache and restlessness which sometimes follow the use of 
 q nia. It proved, moreover, powerfully sudorific. It was given in doses of three 
 gins, three times a day. Dr. O’Shaughnessy was induced to recommend its 
 eialoyment to his medical friends in India, from a knowledge that it had proved 
 eictual in mild agues, in the hands of Dr. Roots and Mr. Jetson in England.* 
 Codeia was discovered in 1832 byRobiquet in the muriate of morphia pre- 
 p;ed according to the process of Gregory. It exists in opium combined like 
 nrphia with meconic acid, and is extracted along with that alkali in the pre- 
 p;ation of the muriate. (See Morphia.) When the solution of the mixed muriates 
 otuorphia and codeia is treated with ammonia, the former alkali is precipitated, 
 ai the codeia, remaining in solution, may be obtained by evaporation and crys- 
 tal zation. It may be purified by treating the crystals with hot ether, which 
 di olves them, and yields the codeia in colourless crystals by spontaneous evapo- 
 raon. This alkaline product melts at 300° without decomposition. It is solu- 
 bl in water, which takes up 1'26 per cent, at 60°, 3'7 at 110°, and 5'9 at 212°. 
 lien added in excess to boiling water, the undissolved portion melts and sinks 
 tohe bottom, having the appearance of an oil. It is soluble also in alcohol and 
 et|r, but is insoluble in alkaline solutions. Hence, it may be separated from 
 m pkia by a solution of potassa or soda, which dissolves the morphia, and leaves 
 th codeia. It has an alkaline reaction on test paper, and combines with acids 
 to arm salts, some of which are crystallizable, particularly the nitrate. Its capa- 
 ci of saturation is almost identical with that of morphia. According to Robiquet, 
 1 irt of muriatic acid is saturated by 7'837 of codeia, and by 7 "88 of morphia. 
 Its distinguishable, however, from the latter principle, by the different form of 
 its crystals, which are octohedral, by its solubility in boiling ether, greater solu- 
 bi y in water, and insolubility in alkaline solutions, and by not assuming a red 
 colur with nitric acid, nor a blue one with the salts of the sesquioxide of iron. 
 {pirn. de Pharm., xix. 91.) Tincture of galls precipitates from its solutions 
 a nnate of codeia. Crystallized from a watery solution, it contains about six per 
 ce<. of water, which is driven off at 212°. The crystals obtained from a solution 
 in'ther contain no water. Like most of the other organic alkalies, it consists 
 of itrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen ; its received formula being NC 35 H ao 0 5 , 
 an its combining number consequently 284. According to Dr. Anderson, how- 
 ev , the formula of the anhydrous alkaloid is NC 3(! H 21 0 6 , with the addition of 
 tw eqs. of water in the hydrate. ( Month . Journ. of Med. Sci., May, 1850, p. 
 4S) Dr. Gregory tried the effects of nitrate of codeia upon himself and seve- 
 ra if his pupils, and found that, in a dose of three grains or less, it produced 
 no bvious effect, but, in the quantity of from four to six grains, accelerated the 
 pus, occasioned a sense of heat in the head and face, and gave rise to an agree- 
 ab excitement of the spirits like that resulting from intoxicating drinks, which 
 wa attended with a sense of itching upon the skin, and, after lasting for several 
 hcl s, was followed by an unpleasant depression, with nausea and sometimes 
 vo iting. No tendency to sleep was observed, except in the state of depression. 
 In no or three cases the medicine produced a slight purgative effect; but in 
 
 The different effects, obtained by different experimenters from narcotina, are readily 
 ex; cable, should the statements, contained in previous notes (see pages 532 and 533), 
 as I the existence of a powerful alkaloid (opiania), which may have been mixed with the 
 na itina, and of several different modifications of narcotina itself, prove to be correct. — 
 Nc to the tenth edition. 
 
536 
 
 PART 
 
 Opium. 
 
 others it appeared to exercise no peculiar influence on the bowels. M. Bartiif 
 of Amiens, administered codeia uncombined in numerous cases, and observ 
 that, in the dose of one or two grains, it acted on the nervous system, and a 
 peared to be directed especially to the great sympathetic; as it relieved paini 
 affections having their origin apparently in disorders of this nerve, while it e 
 erted no influence over pains of the back and extremities supplied by nerves frc 
 the spinal marrow. He did not find it to affect the circulation, to disturb digi 
 tion, or to produce constipation. In sufficient quantity, it induced sleep, withe 
 occasioning those marks of cerebral congestion occasioned by opium. Dr. 3 
 randa, of Havana, employed it with great advantage in several bad cases 
 dyspepsia. On the whole, there can be no doubt that this principle has a decid 
 action on the animal economy, and is among those upon which opium depeD 
 for its peculiar powers. 
 
 Paramorphia (thebaina) is the name given by Pelletier to a principle, d 
 covered by him in the precipitate thrown down from an infusion of opium treal 
 with milk of lime. The precipitate being washed with water till the liquid ca' 
 away colourless, and then treated with alcohol, instead of affording morphia 
 this solvent, as was anticipated, yielded a new alkaline principle, which v 
 obtained separate by evaporating the alcohol, acting on the residue with eth 
 allowing the ethereal solution to evaporate spontaneously, and then purifying 1 
 resulting crystalline mass by dissolving it in an acid, precipitating by ammor 
 and recrystallizing by means of alcohol or ether. Pelletier named it paramorpb 
 from its close analogy in composition with morphia, from which, however, it; 
 quite distinct in properties. It is white, crystallizable in needles, of an aci 
 and styptic rather than bitter taste, fusible at about 300°, scarcely soluble; 
 water, very soluble in alcohol and ether even when cold, and still more sowh 
 heated, and capable of combining with the acids, with which it forms salts :t 
 crystallizable from their aqueous solution. Alkalies precipitate it from itsal 
 solutions, and, unless in very concentrated solution, do not dissolve it when add 
 in excess. It is not, like morphia, reddened by nitric acid, nor does it becot 
 blue with solutions of the salts of sesquioxide of iron. From codeia it dills 
 in never being in large crystals, in not forming crystallizable salts, in bej 
 always precipitated from its acid solutions by ammonia, and in not melting in cy 
 drops. From narcotina, which it most resembles, it may be distinguished bys 
 shorter crystals, which want the pearly appearance of those of narcotina, bys 
 different taste,' by its much greater solubility in cold alcohol, of which 10 pa 
 will dissolve 1 of this principle, while narcotina requires 100 parts, and by e 
 action of nitric acid, which converts it into a resin-like matter before dissolvg 
 it, while the same acid instantly dissolves narcotina. It consists of nitrog, 
 carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, its formula being NC^H^Og (Kane), and its ca- 
 bining number consequently 202. Dr. Anderson gives the formula NCjgEFs- 
 (See Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser . , xxiv. 233.) The name of thebain was proped 
 for it by M. Couerbe, who was disposed to give the credit of its discovery too 
 Thiboumery, the director of Pelletier’s laboratory 7 . According to Magendiut 
 is closely analogous, in its effects on the system, to strychnia and brucia, 'in- 
 ducing tetanic spasms in the dose of a grain. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm. ,\in. *■) 
 
 jVurcein, discovered by Pelletier in 1832, is white, in silky acicular cryst?. 
 inodorous, of a slightly bitter taste, fusible at 197° F., soluble in 375 partial 
 cold and 220 of boiling water, soluble also in alcohol, and insoluble in ether.lt 
 forms a bluish compound with iodine, the colour of which is destroyed by ht 
 and the alkalies. It is rendered blue by the action of mineral acids so fardibd 
 as not to decompose it; but does not, like morphia, become blue by the ac>n 
 of the salts of iron, nor red by that of nitric acid. It is dissolved by the at s, 
 but does not neutralize them, and, though at first thought to be alkaline by ?■«* 
 
PAT I. 
 
 537 
 
 Opium. 
 
 tic- is not so considered at present. It resembles the organic alkalies, how- 
 ev , in its constitution, consisting of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. 
 Itgormula is NC^H^O^, or, according to Dr. Anderson, NC 40 H 29 O 18 . Pelletier 
 obdned it in the course of his analysis of opium. Having formed an aqueous 
 exact of opium, he treated it with distilled water, precipitated the morphia by 
 anhonia, concentrated the solution, filtered it, threw down the meconic acid by 
 ba'ta water, separated the excess of baryta by carbonate of ammonia, drove oif 
 thexcess of the ammoniacal salt by heat, evaporated the liquor to the consistence 
 of jrrup, set it aside till a pulpy matter formed containing crystals, separated and 
 ex^essed this pulpy matter, then treated it with alcohol, and concentrated the 
 aliholic solution. This, upon cooling, deposited crystals of narcein , which were 
 ealy purified by repeated solution and crystallization. When mixed with me- 
 coln, which often crystallizes with it, the latter may be separated by the agency 
 of ther. It has not been ascertained to have any influence upon the system. 
 T\ grains of it have been introduced into the jugular vein of a dog without any 
 ob.rvable effect. 
 
 teconin, the existence of which was announced in 1882 by M. Couerbe, is 
 idijtical with a substance discovered several years previously by M. Dublanc, 
 ju, but of which no account was published. It is perfectly white, in the form 
 of cicular crystals, soluble in about 265 parts of cold and 18 of boiling water, 
 ve soluble in ether, alcohol, and the essential oils, fusible at 195°, volatilizable 
 wiiOut change, and possessed of a degree of acrimony which favours the suppo- 
 sitjn that it may not be without action upon the system. It is neither acid nor 
 all line, and contains no nitrogen. Meconin is obtained by precipitating the 
 aq'jious infusion of opium with ammonia, washing the precipitate with water 
 uni the latter nearly ceases to acquire colour, mixing the watery fluids, evapo- 
 ra ig them to the consistence of molasses, setting them aside for two or three 
 wees, during which a mass of granular crystals is formed, then decanting the 
 lie id, expressing the mass, and drying it with a gentle heat. The meconin may 
 beeparated from the mass by treating it with boiling alcohol of 36° Baum4, 
 eviorating so as to obtain crystals, dissolving these in boiling water with animal 
 eb eoal, filtering the liquid while hot, and subjecting the crystals which form 
 upi the cooling of the solution to the action of ether, which dissolves the me- 
 co n, and yields it in a state of purity by spontaneous evaporation. ( Journ . de 
 -Ppm, Dec. 1832.) 
 
 ’o rphyroxin {opine, Berzelius), according to Merck, may be obtained by 
 tnjting powdered opium (previously exhausted by boiling ether, and then made 
 in a pulp by means of water) with carbonate of potassa, agitating it with ether, 
 ev iorating the ethereal solution, dissolving the residue in dilute muriatic acid, 
 an precipitating with ammonia. Paramorphia and porphyroxin are thus ob- 
 tahd together. These are to be dissolved in ether, which, by spontaneous 
 evioration, deposits the former in crystals, and the latter in the form of resin. 
 T1 porphyroxin is separated by the cautious use of alcohol, and is obtained by 
 th evaporation of the alcoholic solution. It is neuter, crystallizable in shining 
 ue lies, insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and ether, and characterized by 
 th property of assuming a purple-red or rose-colour when heated in dilute 
 nr iatic acid. {Journ. de Pliarm., 3e sh\, xiv. 187.) 
 
 f pseudomorphia, as it is found in opium only as an occasional ingredient, 
 an, is not generally present, it is scarcely necessary to treat in detail. An 
 iniresting fact, however, in relation to it, and one of some toxicological im- 
 pedance, is that it possesses two properties considered characteristic of morphia, 
 the namely of being reddened by nitric acid, and of striking a blue colour with 
 thisalts of iron, and yet is without any poisonous influence upon the animal 
 ec omy. (See Am. Journ. of Phann., viii. 77, or Journ. de Pha-nn., xxi. 575.) 
 
538 
 
 Opium. 
 
 PART 
 
 But it differs in not forming salts with the acids, and in not decomposing io 
 acid. It consists of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. 
 
 Meconic acid is in white crystalline scales, of a sour taste followed by bitt 
 ness, fusible and volatilizable by heat, soluble in four parts of boiling wat 
 soluble also in cold water and alcohol, with the property of reddening vegeta 
 blues, and forming salts. Its compounds with the earths and heavy metal 
 oxides are generally insoluble in water. Its characteristic properties are, that 
 produces a blood-red colour with the salts of sesquioxide of iron, a green p 
 cipitate with a weak solution of ammoniated sulphate of copper, and white p 
 cipitates soluble in nitric acid, with acetate of lead, nitrate of silver, and chlor 
 of barium. It is obtained by macerating opium in water, filtering the infusi< 
 and adding a solution of chloride of calcium. Meconate and sulphate of li 
 are precipitated. The precipitate, having been washed with hot water and w 
 alcohol, is treated with dilute muriatic acid at 180°. The meconate of lime; 
 taken up, and, upon the cooling of the liquid, bimeconate of lime is deposit 
 This is dissolved in warm concentrated muriatic acid, which deposits pure mecot 
 acid when it cools. It may be freed from colouring matter by neutralizing 
 with potassa, decomposing the crystallized meconate thus obtained by muria 
 acid, and again crystallizing. Meconic acid has little or no action on the syste, 
 and is not used separately in medicine; but its natural relation to morphia requi ; 
 that it should be understood. 
 
 Incompatibles. All the substances which produce precipitates with opium > 
 not necessarily affect its medical virtues ; but the alkalies, and all vegeta 
 infusions containing tannic and gallic acids, are strictly incompatible; the form 
 separating and precipitating the active principle, the latter forming with it . 
 insoluble compound. 
 
 The proportion of morphia which any particular specimen of opium v. 
 furnish, may be considered as the best test of its value, except that of actu 
 trial upon the system. Good opium should yield ten or twelve per cent, of 1: 
 impure morphia precipitated from the infusion by ammonia with alcohol, - 
 cording to the process of the United States Pharmacopoeia. (See Jlorphia.) li 
 Edinburgh College gives the following test. “A solution from 100 grains f 
 fine opium macerated twenty-four hours in two fiuidounces of water, filtered, al 
 strongly squeezed iu a cloth, if treated with a cold solution of half an ouncef 
 carbonate of soda in two waters, yields a precipitate, which weighs, when d, 
 at least ten grains, and dissolves entirely in solution of oxalic acid.” 
 
 M. Guilliermond gives the following mode of estimating the strength ofopiu, 
 as tested by the amount of morphia which it will yield. Take 15 parts of opiu, 
 cut it in pieces, rub it up with bO parts of alcohol at 160°, drain the mixte 
 on linen and express, treat the residue with 40 parts of alcohol at the same te- 
 perature, unite the tinctures in a vessel with a large mouth into which 4 pus 
 of solution of ammonia ('2'2° Cartier) have been introduced, and allow the m- 
 turc to stand 12 hours. The crystals which form are to be put upon linen, wasll 
 repeatedly with water to separate the meconate of ammonia, and then introdud 
 into a small vessel of water. The crystals of uarcotina beiug very light, rerni 
 suspended in the water, and may be decanted along with it, while those of m- 
 phia, remaining at the bottom, may be collected and weighed. Good opii 
 treated in this way will yield for the 15 parts employed from 1'25 to 1*5 pas 
 of the crystals of morphia. ( Journ . de C him. et de Pharm., xvi. 18.)* 
 
 * As the morphia obtained in the above process is not quite free from nareotina, M.* 
 Vry proposes the following modification. The mixture of morphia and nareotina, pr - 
 pitated from the alcoholic solution by ammonia, after being washed, is to he heated A 
 a slight excess of sulphate of copper dissolved in pure water. The nareotina has no ae a 
 on the sulphate of copper, which is decomposed by the morphia, producing sulphate! 
 
PAT I. 
 
 539 
 
 Opium. 
 
 1 'ests of Opium. It is sometimes highly important to he able to ascertain 
 th presence or absence of opium in any suspected mixture. As meconic acid 
 an morphia have been found only in the products of the poppy, if either or 
 boj of them be shown to exist in any substance, very strong evidence is afforded 
 ofae presence of opium in that substance. Our tests should, therefore, be ap- 
 pl 1 iu reference to the detection of these two principles. If an aqueous infu- 
 sic of the substance examined yield a red colour with the tincture of chloride 
 of'on, there is presumptive evidence of the presence of meconic acid. Greater 
 ce ainty may be obtained by the following process. Add in excess to the filtered 
 licor a solution of acetate of lead. If opium be present, there will be a preci- 
 pice of meconate of lead, and the acetates of morphia and lead will remain in 
 sojtion. The precipitate is then to be suspended in water, and decomposed, 
 eiter by adding a little diluted sulphuric acid, which forms the sulphate of lead 
 an leaves the meconic acid in solution, or by passing through it a stream of 
 suimretted hydrogen, removing by filtration the precipitated sulphuret of lead, 
 animating the clear liquor so as to drive off the sulphuretted hydrogen. With 
 th clear liquor thus obtained, if it contain meconic acid, the tincture of chloride 
 offon will produce a striking red colour, the ammoniated sulphate of copper a 
 grin precipitate, and acetate of lead, nitrate of silver, and chloride of barium, 
 wl:e precipitates soluble in nitric acid. Sulphocyanuret of potassium, which, 
 ac rding to Dr. Wright, is an invariable constituent of saliva ( Simon’s Chemis- 
 frlii. 6), produces a i’ed colour with the salts of sesquioxide of iron, resembling 
 th produced by meconic acid; but, according to Mr. Everitt, this colour is 
 enrely and at once destroyed by a solution of corrosive sublimate, which has 
 ik fleet on the red colour of the meconate of iron. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., 
 xi 88.) On the contrary, chloride of gold reddens a solution of hydrosulpho- 
 cy lie acid or a sulphocyanuret, but not of meconic acid. Pereira says the ace- 
 ta 5 also redden the salts of sesquioxide of iron ; but they do not afford the 
 re Its above mentioned with acetate of lead and chloride of barium. To test 
 th presence of morphia, the liquid from which the meconate of lead has been 
 pripitated, and which maybe supposed to contain the acetates of morphia and 
 lea, must be freed from the lead by a stream of sulphuretted hydrogen, and 
 th'i from the sulphuretted hydrogen by heat; after which, the following re- 
 a dits may be applied : — viz. 1. nitric acid, which colours the morphia red ; 2. 
 io® acid, which is decomposed by the morphia with the extrication of iodine, 
 wlbh colours the liquid reddish-brown, and, if starch is present, unites with it 
 to >rm a blue compound ; 3. solution of ammonia, which, if carefully added so 
 as lot to be in excess, throws down a precipitate of morphia soluble in a great 
 ex|ss of that alkali or of potassa ; and 4. tannic acid, which precipitates an 
 in luble tannate of morphia. If the precipitate thrown down by ammonia 
 afi d a deep-red colour, becoming yellow, with nitric acid, and a blue colour 
 wiji the sesquichloride of iron, the proof may be considered as complete.* 
 
 m< bhia and tribasic sulphate of copper. The latter and the nareotina remain undissolved, 
 an a solution is obtained containing 1 sulphate of morphia with a little sulphate of copper. 
 Tl; being filtered is treated first with sulphuretted hydrogen, which precipitates the 
 cojer, and afterwards with ammonia which throws down the morphia. {Pharm. Journ. 
 at JP 'rang., x. 77.) 
 
 Merck has proposed a test of opium, founded on the property which characterizes 
 po hyroxin of assuming a red colour when heated in dilute muriatic acid. The suspected 
 lie d is first to be carefully evaporated, a few drops of solution of potassa are to be added, 
 an; the mixture agitated with ether. The ethereal solution being filtered off, a slip of 
 urijjed paper is to be dipped into it and dried ; and the moistening and drying should be 
 related several times. The paper thus prepared is to be moistened with dilute muriatic 
 ac:, and then exposed to the vapour of boiling water. If it become reddened, opium may 
 hejiferred to exist in the liquid tested. M. Ileusler states that this test is not applicable 
 
540 
 
 Opium. 
 
 PART 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Opium is a stimulant narcotic. Taken bt 
 healthy person, in a moderate dose, it increases the force, fulness, and frequeii 
 of the pulse, augments the temperature of the skin, invigorates the museu 
 system, quickens the senses, animates the spirits, and gives new energy to t 
 intellectual faculties. Its operation, while thus extending to all parts of t 
 system, is directed with peculiar force to the brain, the functions of which 
 excites sometimes even to intoxication or delirium. In a short time this exci 
 tion subsides; a calmness of the corporeal actions, and a delightful placidity 
 mind succeed ; and the individual, insensible to painful impressions, forgetti 
 all sources of care and anxiety, submits himself to a current of undefined a 
 unconnected, but pleasing fancies; and is conscious of no other feeling th 
 that of a quiet and vague enjoyment. At the end of half an hour or an hr 
 from the administration of the narcotic, all consciousness is lost in sleep. I 
 soporific effect, after having continued for eight or ten hours, goes off, and is gei 
 rally succeeded by more or less nausea, headache, tremors, and other sympto 
 of diminished or irregular nervous action, tvhieh soon yield to the recuperati 
 energies of the system; and, unless the dose be frequently repeated, and t 
 powers of nature worn out by over-excitement, no injurious consequences u 
 matcly result. Such is the obvious operation of opium when moderately take 
 but other effects, very important in a remedial point of view, are also expe 
 enced. All the secretions, with the exception of that from the skin, are eitl 
 suspended or diminished; the peristaltic motion of the bowels is lessened; p; 
 and inordinate muscular contraction, if present, are allayed; and general nerve 
 irritation is composed, if not entirely relieved. 
 
 In doses insufficient to produce the full soporific effect, the stimulant influer 
 upon the mental functions continues longer, and the subsequent calming efft 
 is sustained for hours; sleep being not unfrequently prevented, or rendered ■ 
 light and dreamy that, upon awaking, the patient will scarcely admit that he 1. 
 slept at all. When large doses are taken, the period of excitement and exhilarati 
 is shorter; the soporific and anodyne effects are more iutense and of longer du- 
 tion ; and the succeeding symptoms of debility are more obvious and alarmii 
 
 From quantities sufficient to destroy life, after a brief excitement, the pulse; 
 reduced in frequency though not in force, muscular strength is diminished, a. 
 feelings of languor and drowsiness supervene, which soon eventuate in a de> 
 apoplectic sleep. A stertorous respiration ; a dark suffusion of the countenanc 
 a full, slow, and labouring pulse; an almost total insensibility to external i- 
 pressions; and — when a moment of consciousness is obtained by violent agi- 
 tion, or irritating applications — a confused state of intellect, and an irresistil- 
 disposition to sink back into comatose sleep, are symptoms which, for the fi; 
 few hours, attend the operation of the poison. Though not signs of an elevat. 
 condition of the bodily powers, neither do they imply a state of pure, unmix. 
 debility. The pulse is, indeed, slow; but it is often so full and strong as evem 
 call for the use of the lancet. In the space, however, of a few hours, varyi; 
 according to the quantity of the narcotic taken, and the powers of the patien; 
 constitution, a condition of genuine debility ensues; and this condition will 1 
 hastened in point of time, though it will be more under the control of remedi, 
 if the opium be evacuated from the stomach. Called to an individual label- 
 ing under the influence of a fatal dose of opium, at a period from six to eig 
 hours after it has beeu swallowed, the practitioner will generally find himw; 
 a cool, clammy skin; cold extremities; a pallid countenance; a feeble, thre;- 
 
 to the aqueous solution or extract of opium, because porphyroxin is insoluble in wat. 
 but Mr. Robertson, of Rotterdam, has found it to succeed with the watery extract. : 
 infers that the porphyroxin is so combined in opium as to render it in some mea;0 
 soluble. ( Journ . 4? Pharm., 3c ser. , xxii. 190.) — Xole to the tenth edition. 
 
P.AT I. 
 
 Opium. 
 
 541 
 
 lit scarcely perceptible pulse; a slow, interrupted, almost gasping respiration; 
 an a torpor little short of absolute, death-like insensibility. Death soon fol- 
 low , unless relief is afforded. 
 
 o appearances are revealed by the dissection of those who have died of the 
 im ediate effects of opium, which can be considered as affording satisfactory 
 evence of its mode of operation. The redness occasionally observed in the 
 mious membrane of the stomach is not constantly present, and is ascribable 
 as mch to the irritating effect of remedies prescribed, or to the spirituous 
 vecle in which the poison has been swallowed, as to the action of the poison 
 its f- Such at least is the inference drawn by Nyston from his experiments 
 an observations; and Orfila states that the stomachs of dogs which he had 
 kild by opium, internally administered, did not present the slightest vestige 
 of flammation. The force of the medicine is directed to the cerebral and nerv- 
 ou; unctions; and death is produced by a suspension of respiration, arising from 
 thcvant of due influence from the brain. The section of the par vagum on both 
 sidi has not been found to prevent or retard the death of animals to which 
 lan doses of opium have been given, nor even materially to modify its narcotic 
 effits. (. Nysten , quoted by Orfila.') It would seem, therefore, that the active 
 priiiple is conveyed into the circulation, and operates upon the brain, and pro- 
 baly upon the nervous system at large, by immediate contact. It is an error 
 to tribute the anodyne, sedative, and soporific effects of the medicine to the 
 prdous excitement. They are, as much as this very excitement, the direct results 
 of 3 action upon the brain. It is in the state of exhaustion and collapse which 
 enta after the peculiar influence of the opium has ceased, that we are to look for 
 an lustration of that principle of the system, by which any great exaltation of 
 its lergies above the natural standard is followed by a corresponding depression. 
 Winay be permitted to advance the conjecture, that the excitement which almost 
 im adiately supervenes upon the internal use of opium, may be in some degree 
 prorced by means of nervous communication; while the succeeding narcotic 
 efffs are attributable to its absorption and entrance into the circulation; and the 
 prc ration of all the powers of the system which ultimately takes place, is a 
 necisary consequence of the previous agitation of the various organs. 
 
 'i some individuals opium produces very peculiar effects, totally differing from 
 theirdinary results of its operation. In very small quantities it occasionally 
 giv rise to excessive sickness and vomiting, and even spasm of the stomach; in 
 otlr cases it produces restlessness, headache, and delirium ; and we have known 
 it, ;en in large doses, to occasion obstinate wakefulness. The headache, want 
 of ipetite, tremors, &e., which usually follow, in a slight degree, its narcotic 
 opc tion, are uniformly experienced by some individuals to such an extent, as 
 to :ader the use of the medicine very inconvenient. It is possible that some 
 of ese disagreeable effects may arise not from the meconate of morphia con- 
 taiid iu the opium, but from some other of its ingredients, and those which do 
 res t from the meconate may not be produced by other salts of morphia. It has, 
 ind d, been found that the operation of opium may often be favourably modified 
 by angingthe state of combination in which its active principle naturally exists. 
 Disj-lved in vinegar or lemon juice, it had been known to act in some instances 
 mo; pleasantly and effectually than in substance, or in the state of tincture, long 
 bet e physicians had learned to explain the fact by referring it to the production 
 of acetate or citrate of morphia. When upou the subject of morphia, we 
 sba 1 take occasion to treat of the medical properties of this principle in its va- 
 rioi combinations. 
 
 a occasional effect of opium, which has not yet been alluded to, is a dis- 
 agr able itching or sense of pricking in the skin, which is sometimes attended 
 wit. a species of miliary eruption. We have fouud the effect to result equally 
 froi all the preparations of this narcotic. 
 
542 
 
 Opium. 
 
 PART 
 
 The general operation of opium may be obtained by injecting it into the recta 
 or applying it to the surface of the body, especially upon a part denuded of t 
 cuticle. It has appeared to us, when thus applied, to produce less general c 
 citement, in proportion to its other effects, than when administered by the mout 
 but we do not make the statement with entire confidence. It is said that, wh 
 introduced into the cellular membrane, it acts with great energy; and, wh 
 thrown into the cavity of the peritoneum, speedily produces convulsions a 
 death. Injected into the cavity of the heart, it impairs or altogether destrc 
 the powers of that organ. 
 
 The local effects of opium are similar in character to those which follow 
 general operation. An increased action of the part is first observable; thei 
 diminution of its sensibility and contractility; and the latter effect is mi 
 speedy, more intense, and of longer continuance, the larger the quantity in wh 
 the narcotic is applied. 
 
 In all parts of the world, opium is habitually employed by many with a vi 
 to its exhilarating and anodyne influence. This is particularly the case amc 
 the Mahomedans and Hindoos, who find in this narcotic the most pleasing si- 
 stitute for those alcoholic drinks which are interdicted by the precepts of tlr 
 religion. In India, Persia, and Turkey, it is consumed in immense quantith; 
 and many nations of the East smoke opium as those of the West smoke tobae. 
 This is not the place to speak of the fearful effects of such a practice upon bu 
 the intellectual and bodily faculties. 
 
 The use of opium as a medicine can be clearly traced back to Diagoras, to 
 was nearly contemporary with Hippocrates; and it was probably employed bef; 
 his time. It is at present more frequently prescribed than perhaps any of: 
 article of the materia medica. Its extensive applicability to the cure of disea 
 will be rendered evident by a view of the indications which it is calculated) 
 fulfil. 1. It is excitant in its primary action. In low or typhoid complaii, 
 requiring a supporting treatment, it exalts the actions of the arterial and nerv 3 
 systems, and, in moderate doses frequently repeated, may be employed with - 
 vantage in conjunction or alternation with other stimulants. 2. It relieves pi 
 more speedily and effectually than any other known medicine, with the excepti 
 of ether and chloroform. If possessed of no other property than this, it wol 
 be entitled to high consideration. Not to mention cancer, and other incurae 
 affections, in which the alleviation afforded by opium is of incalculable value, e 
 have numerous instances of painful diseases which are not only temporav 
 relieved, but entirely cured by the remedy; and there is scarcely a couipkt 
 in the catalogue of human ailments, in the treatment of which it is not ou- 
 sionally demanded for the relief of suffering, which, if allowed to continue, mist 
 aggravate the disorder, and protract if not prevent a cure. 3. Another vv 
 important indication, which, beyond any other narcotic, it is capable of fulfill . 
 is the production of sleep. For this purpose it is given in a great variety!' 
 diseases; whenever, in fact, morbid vigilance exists, not dependent on ate 
 inflammation of the brain. Among the complaints in which it proves mt 
 serviceable in this way is delirium tremens, or the mania of drunkards, in wlh 
 it is frequently sufficient of itself to effect a cure. Opium produces sleep in 0 
 ways; first, by its direct operation on the brain, secondly, by allaying >t 
 morbid nervous irritation upon which wakefulness generally depends. In ie 
 latter case it may frequently be advantageously combined with camphor or If- 
 mann’s anodyne. 4. Opium is powerfully autispasmodic. No medicine no 
 efficient in relaxing spasm, and in controlling those irregular muscular m e- 
 meuts which depend on unhealthy nervous action. Hence its great imports 
 as a remedy in tetanus;, colic; spasm of the stomach attending gout, <h>pej a i 
 and cholera; spasm of the ureters in nephritis, and of the biliary ducts du>£ 
 
P^T I. 
 
 543 
 
 Opium. 
 
 tbpassage of calculi; and in various convulsive affections. 5. Probably depend- 
 enupon a similar influence over the nervous system, is the property which it 
 poesses of allaying general and local irritations, whether exhibited in the nerves 
 or iloodvessels, provided the action do not amount to positive inflammation; 
 an even in this case it is often prescribed with advantage. Hence its use in 
 exposing restlessness, quieting cough, and relieving nausea, tenesmus, and 
 stiagury. 6. In suppressing morbid discharges, it answers another indication 
 whh fits it for the treatment of a long list of diseases. This effect it is, per- 
 ha; enabled to produce by diminishing the nervous energy upon which secretion 
 an muscular motion depend. Upon this principle it is useful in diarrhoea, when 
 thiiomplaint consists merely in increased secretion into the bowels, without high 
 aeon or organic derangement; in consumption, chronic catarrh, humoral asthma, 
 an other cases of morbidly increased expectoration ; in diabetes, and in certain 
 fons of hemorrhage, particularly that from the uterus, in combination with other 
 readies. 7. It remains to mention one other indication ; that, namely, of produc- 
 ingoerspiration, in fulfilling w’hich, opium, conjoined with small doses of emetic 
 mticines, is pre-eminent. No diaphoretic is so powerful as a combination of 
 opm and ipecacuanha; and none is so extensively employed. We shall speak 
 nice fully of this application of the remedy under the head of Pulvis Ipecacuanhas 
 et pci. It is here sufficient to say, that its beneficial effects are especially ex- 
 peinced in rheumatism, the bowel affections, and certain pectoral diseases. 
 
 rom this great diversity of properties, and the frequent occurrence of those 
 mepid conditions in which opium affords relief, it is often prescribed in the same 
 disise to meet numerous indications. Thus, in idiopathic fevers, we frequently 
 me; with morbid vigilance and great nervous irritation, combined with a low 
 coiition of the system. In typhous pneumonia, there is the same depression 
 of e vital powers, combined often with severe neuralgic pains, and much nervous 
 irr ition. In diarrhoea, besides the indications presented by the spasmodic pain 
 amincreased discharge, there is a strong call for the diaphoretic operation of 
 thopium. It is unnecessary to multiply instances. There is hardly a com- 
 ph t which does not occasionally present a complication of symptoms demanding 
 thuse of this remedy. 
 
 it a medicine possessed of such extensive powers may do much injury, if 
 imyperly directed; and conditions of the system frequently occur, in which, 
 thigh some one of the symptoms calls for its use, others, on the contrary, are 
 iiic iipatible with it. Thus, opium is contra-indicated by a high state of inflam- 
 ma ry excitement, which should be reduced before we can with propriety venture 
 up its employment; and when there is any doubt as to the sufficiency of the 
 region, the opium should be given in combination with tartarized antimony or 
 ipecuanha, which modify its stimulant operation, and give it a more decided 
 tet jney to the skin. It is also contra-indicated by inflammation of the brain, 
 or rong determination of blood to the head, by deficient secretion from inflamed 
 mnus membranes, as in the early stages of bronchitis, and generally by eon- 
 sti tion of the bowels. When, however, the constipation depends upon intestinal 
 spm, as in colic, it is sometimes relieved by the antispasmodic action of the 
 opin ; and the binding effects of the medicine may generally be counteracted 
 by le use of laxatives. 
 
 oium is usually administered in substance or in tincture. In the former 
 sta it is given in the shape of pill, which, as a general rule, should be formed 
 ouiif powdered opium, as it is thus more readily dissolved in the liquors of the 
 sto ach, and therefore operates more speedily and effectually than when made, 
 as sometimes is, immediately from the plastic mass. There is no medicine of 
 wb h the dose is more variable, according to the habits of the patient, the nature 
 of Is complaint, or the purpose to be effected. While in catarrh and diarrhoea 
 we ften prescribe not more than one-fourth or one-third of a grain, in tetanus 
 
 
544 
 
 Opium. 
 
 PARI 
 
 and some other nervous affections, it has been administered, without abating 
 violence of the symptoms, in the enormous quantity of two drachms in twen. 
 four hours; and in a case of cancer of the uterus, under the care of the late I 
 Monges and La Roche, of this city, the quantity is stated to have been gradus- 
 increased till the amount taken during one day, either in the shape of tincture 
 in substance, was equivalent to more than three ounces. The medium dose. i 
 ordinary cases of disease, to produce the anodyne and soporific effects of the rat- 
 cine, is one grain. 
 
 Experience has shown that the action of opium is sometimes favourably i. 
 dified by employing only those of its constituents which are soluble in wa . 
 Hence the watery extract is sometimes advantageously substituted for the d r 
 itself, and an infusion for the tincture.* (See Extractum Opii.) 
 
 Opium may often be administered with great advantage by the rectum. 1 
 this way it operates most advantageously in cases of obstinate vomiting, of pd. 
 ful nephritic and uterine affections, of strangury from blisters, and of dysento 
 tenesmus. It may be employed as a suppository, or in the form of enema m 3 
 with laudanum and a small quantity of viscid liquid, as flaxseed tea, mucil 3 
 of gum Arabic, or starch prepared with hot water. The quantity, as a gend 
 rule, may be three times that administered by the mouth; but the relative s- 
 ceptibility of the stomach and rectum in different persons is not always the sar ; 
 and the effects produced by the narcotic, given by injection, are sometimes m i 
 greater than was anticipated. The practitioner, moreover, should take into c- 
 sideration the previous habits of the patient. In an individual who has hg 
 been accustomed to take opium internally, and whose stomach will receive lae 
 doses with impunity, it is possible that the rectum may not have lost, in a ]>- 
 portionate degree, its absorbing power or susceptibility; and that serious a- 
 sequences might result by adhering, in such a case, to the general rule as to e 
 relative quantity to be given in the way of enema or suppository. 
 
 In some one of its liquid preparations, opium is often used externally asa 
 addition to collyria in ophthalmia, to injections in gonorrhoea, and to loti s 
 and cataplasms in various complaints of the skin, and external pains, as ti e 
 of gout and rheumatism. It is also employed in substance as a local anodv, 
 in the form of a plaster or cataplasm made from the powder. But its extenl 
 use requires some caution, especially when the skin is deprived of the cutie. 
 Death is said to have resulted from a cataplasm, containing a large quantitaf 
 lauda-num, applied to the epigastrium. (Ann. de The rap , 1843, p. 5.) 
 
 When opium has been taken in an overdose, the only effectual mode of rc4 
 is immediately to evacuate the stomach, either by means of the stomach-pin, 
 or, when this is not attainable, by the more active emetics, such as tartard 
 antimony, sulphate of zinc, or sulphate of copper, conjoined with ipecacuaia. 
 Emetics are preferable to the stomach-pump, when opium has been swalloid 
 in substance; as the capacity of the tube is insufficient to admit of the pas-re 
 of the masses in which the poison is sometimes taken. The operation of *e 
 emetic should be promoted by a very free use of warm drinks, by irritating ie 
 fauces with a feather, by keeping the patient in motion, and, if the iususeti- 
 bility to the action of the remedy is very great, by dashing cold water upome 
 
 * A good extemporaneous infusion of opium cannot well be prepared. Hence, to otin 
 the etfects of this preparation it is best to dissolve the extract in water. Mr. Eugene Du v. 
 of New York, first prepares an infusion, and then adds alcohol enough to preserve it so 
 that the preparation may be kept ready made by the apothecary, to be used as a snbst te 
 for laudanum. He takes ten drachms of opium, reduces it to a thin pulp with w t. 
 allows the mixture to stand 48 hours, then percolates with water so as to obtain tvte 
 fluidounces of infusion, to which four tluidounces of alcohol of 95 per cent, are added. 
 preparation is intended to be of about the same strength as laudanum. Consequently 
 dose should be from twelve to fifteen minims, or about as many drops. {Am. JouroJ 
 Pharm., xxiii. 211.) 
 
P.tT I. 
 
 545 
 
 Opium . — Origanum. 
 
 hid and shoulders, thus counteracting, for a moment, the narcotic influence of 
 tl opium upon the brain, and enabling this organ to receive and transmit the 
 n<essary impressions. Advantage will sometimes accrue from a moderate loss 
 ofblood, which tends to diminish the cerebral congestion, and thus not only 
 avken susceptibility to the impression of the emetic, but obviate also the 
 d;ger of hemorrhagic effusion ; but the bleeding should not be carried far, in 
 ccsequence of danger from the subsequent debility. For the same purpose of 
 fafmring the emetic action, it has been recommended to pass a current of 
 elltricity through the brain. After the evacuation of the poison, the chief 
 i ik cation is to obviate the debility which generally supervenes, and which, 
 wm the quantity of the narcotic has been large, or has remained long in the 
 stnach, is sometimes alarming and even fatal. For this purpose the carbonate 
 ofunmonia, or the aromatic spirit of ammonia, with wine whey, may be em- 
 pl/ed internally, and sinapisms and stimulant frictions applied to the surface. 
 Ti practitioner should not despair even if called at the last moment. The 
 staach tube may be applied at any period; and it is possible that, even without 
 equation of the stomach, a little aid may enable the system to resist the pros- 
 tring influence of the poison, if not taken in an overwhelming dose. The 
 el tro-magnetic battery was employed with great advantage in a case of pros- 
 trion of this kind by I)r. Page, of Valparaiso; and the practice has been 
 mated in Europe and this country. Strong coffee, under these circumstances, 
 hi been found useful, and is obviously suggested in all cases by its powerful 
 inience in producing wakefulness. Should other measures fail, resort may be 
 hi: to artificial respiration, by -which the functions of the lungs and heart may 
 pc.ibly be sustained till the brain has struggled through its conflict with the 
 naotic, and is enabled to resume its healthful action. Brodie has demon- 
 stjted that death from many of the narcotics results from a suspension of the 
 cebral influence necessary to sustain the respiratory function, and that the 
 hej't ceases to act in consequence of the cessation of respiration. If this can 
 be estored artificially before the contractions of the heart have entirely ceased, 
 tb circulation may continue, and life be supported for a time without aid from 
 tb brain, which now receives a supply of arterial blood, and is thus better 
 ended to rise above the repressing action of the opium. As this narcotic 
 do: not produce a structural derangement, but operates chiefly upon the nerv- 
 oupower, a favourable result is more likely to be experienced than in cases of 
 penning from some other articles of the same class. Several cases are on record, 
 in hich patients, apparently in the very last stage, were saved by a resort to 
 auiicial respiration. (See A r . Am. Med. and Surg. Journ., iii. 277, and Am. 
 Jc[n. of the Med. Sci., xx. 450.) 
 
 W.Prep. Acetum Qpii; Confectio Opii; Electuarium Catechu; Emplastrum 
 Oj ; Extraetum Opii; Linimentum Opii; Morphia; Morphias Murias; Pilulae 
 Cajmelanos et Opii; Pil. Opii; Pil. Plumbi Opiatae; Pil. Saponis Composite; 
 Pi Styracis Comp.; Pulvis Cretae Compositus cum Opio; Pulvis Ipecacuanhas 
 et I pii ; Pulvis Kino Compositus; Tinctura Opii; Tinct. Opii Acetata; Tinct. 
 Oji Ammoniata; Tinct. Opii Camphorata ; Trochisci Glyeyrrhizae et Opii; Uu- 
 guatum Gall® Compositum; Unguentum Opii; Vinum Opii. W. 
 
 ORIGANUM. US., Ed. 
 
 Origanum. 
 
 be herb of Origanum vulgare. U. S., Ed. 
 
 •igan, Fr.; Gemeiuer Dosten, Wohlgemuth, Germ.; Origano, Ttal.; Oregano, Span. 
 euganum. Sex. Sy st. Didynamia G-ymnospermia. — Mat. Ord. Lamiace® or 
 La. at®. 
 
 85 
 
546 
 
 Origanum. — Os. 
 
 PARI 
 
 Gen. CJi. Strobile four-cornered, spiked, collecting the calyces. Corolla w 
 the upper lip erect and flat, the lower three-parted, with the segments equ 
 Will, l . 
 
 Two species of Origanum have been used in medicine, 0. Majorana or sw 
 marjoram, and 0. vulyare or common marjoram. The former, however, havi 
 been discarded from the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, which was the last to retain 
 is no longer officinal. It grows wild in Portugal and Andalusia, and is c-u 
 vated as a garden herb in other parts of Europe, and in the United Stat 
 Some authors, however, consider 0. Majoranoides, which is a native of B 
 bary, and closely allied to 0. Majorana , as the type of the sweet marjoram ' 
 our gardens. Sweet marjoram has a pleasant odour, and a warm, aroma 
 bitterish taste, which it imparts to water and alcohol. By distillation with wa- 
 it yields a volatile oil, which is directed by the Edinburgh College among th- 
 preparations, probably by mistake, as the plant has been rejected. It is to; 
 and gently excitant, but is used more as a condiment in cookery than as a i- 
 dicine. In domestic practice, its infusion is much employed by the vulgar • 
 hasten the tardy eruption in measles and other exanthematous diseases. 
 
 Origianum vulgare. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 135; Woodv. J led. Bot. p. 3 , 
 t. 123. Origanum or common marjoram is a perennial herb, with erect, p- 
 plish, downy, four-sided, trichotomous stems, which rise about eighteen inc- • 
 high, and bear opposite, ovate, entire, somewhat hairy leaves, of a deep yellowi- 
 green colour. The flowers are numerous, of a pinkish-purple or rose colour, <- 
 posed in roundish, panicled spikes, and accompanied with ovate reddish brae 1 , 
 longer than the calyx. This is tubular and five-toothed, with nearly equal s- 
 ments. The corolla is funnel-shaped, with the upper lip erect, bifid, and obti , 
 the lower trifid, blunt, and spreading. The anthers are double, the stigma bi , 
 and reflexed. 
 
 The plant is a native of Europe and America. In this country it grows ak 
 the road sides, and in dry stony fields and woods, from Pennsylvania to V- 
 ginia, aud is in flower from June to October; but it is not very abundant, ;1 
 is seldom collected for use. It has a peculiar, agreeable, aromatic odour, aDa 
 warm, pungent taste. These properties it owes to a volatile oil, which is e 
 part chiefly employed. It may be separated by distillation ; but is mostly t- 
 ported from Europe. (See Oleum Origani. ) 
 
 Medical Properties and. Uses. Origanum is gently tonic and excitant, ;d 
 has been used in the form of infusion as a diaphoretic and emmenagogue, d 
 externally as a fomentation ; but it is at present scarcely employed. 
 
 Off. Prep. Oleum Origani. W 
 
 OS. u.s. 
 
 Bone. 
 
 Off. Syn. OSSA. Bones of the ox, or Bos Taurus. Dub. 
 
 Os, Fr.; Knocken, Germ.; Ossa, hat.; Huesos, Span. 
 
 Bones are employed in several pharmaceutical processes, and those der -d 
 from the domestic quadrupeds, especially the ox, are the kind intended x 
 officinal use. They have been expunged from the officinal list of the Edinbilb 
 College, though used by the College for preparing phosphate of soda. 
 
 Properties, &c. They are solid, white, and of a lamellated texture, and n- 
 stitute the skeleton of the superior orders of animals, of which they are&c 
 hardest and densest parts. They consist of a cellular gelatinous tissue, the ci- 
 ties of which are filled up with certain earthy salts, to be mentioned preseij 
 When subjected to destructive distillation, in close vessels, they are decomp =d 
 
P.IT I. 
 
 Os. 
 
 547 
 
 wbout alteration of shape, lose about three-sevenths of their weight, become 
 b) tie, and are converted into a black carbonaceous substance, containing the 
 eahy salts of the bone, and constituting the species of animal charcoal called 
 bee-black. (See Carlo Animalis.) The portions which distil over consist of 
 tt usual ammoniaeal products derived from animal matter. (See Ammonise 
 A Has.) When calcined in open vessels they lose more of their weight in con- 
 serence of the dissipation of the charcoal, and are converted into a white friable 
 sifstance, consisting of the incombustible part, and commonly called bone-earth, 
 ovone-ash ; and a similar residue is obtained by calcining horn. (See Cornu 
 bum.) Treated with boiling water, a small portion of the gelatinous matter 
 is issolved ; but, when acted on by water in a Papin’s digester, the whole of it 
 isrken up, and the earthy salts, deprived of their cement, crumble into powder, 
 ar become diffused through the solution. When subjected to the action of 
 dite muriatic acid, the earthy salts are dissolved, and^the bone softens without 
 loag its shape, and becomes semitransparent and flexible. The portion re- 
 in ning unattacked by the acid is the gelatinous tissue, which may be converted 
 in gelatin by long boiling. This portion of bone is nutritious, and has been 
 pnared so as to form a wholesome aliment by M. d’Arcet. His process for 
 ohining it consists in digesting bones in weak muriatic acid for seven or eight 
 dak occasionally renewing the acid, plunging them for a few moments in boiling 
 wur, and then subjecting them to a strong current of cold water. The pure 
 acual matter, thus procured, is made into cakes, called portable soup (tablettes 
 (k'ouillon), by dissolving it in water, concentrating the solution until it gela- 
 tines, and drying the matter obtained. 
 
 Composition. The bones of different animals, and of the same animal at dif- 
 fer t ages, vary somewhat in their composition. Dry ox-bones, according to 
 Bnelius, consist of bone-gelatin (cartilage of bone) 33 '3, bone-phosphate of 
 lii with a little fluoride of calcium 57 "35, carbonate of lime 3 '85, phosphate 
 ofjtagnesia 2'05, soda with a very little chloride of sodium 3'45 = 100. Dour- 
 er and Vauquelin’s results give a larger proportion of animal matter and car- 
 bo'ite of lime, and a smaller of bone-phosphate. Fossil bones have the same 
 geral composition. Human bones differ somewhat in the proportions of their 
 co tituents, and in containing ti'aces of iron and manganese. According to Dr. 
 WSeintz, however, bones exhausted with water, so as to remove the colouring 
 niter of blood, contain not a trace of iron. Marchand found one per cent, of 
 flu ide of calcium in human bone. Bone-phosphate of lime consists, according 
 to '.itscherlich, of one eq. of acid and three of lime. This analysis makes it a 
 tri sic phosphate, and the same composition has been assigned to it by Dr. 
 Hutz. ( Chem . Gaz., June 15, 1819.) 
 
 lies. Bones are applied to numerous uses. Burnt to whiteness, they fur- 
 nis bone-phosphate of lime, from which phosphorus and all its compounds are 
 eit r directly or indirectly obtained. (See Phosphorus.) Subjected to destructive 
 de lation in close vessels, they yield impure carbonate of ammonia and empy- 
 reuatic oil; and a carbonaceous residue is left, called bone-black. Calcined, 
 pu irized, and washed, they form the material of which cupels are made. As 
 boij-dust, they form an excellent manure. Deprived of their earthy salts by 
 wej acids, they furnish a nutritious article of diet. By proper treatment with 
 wa;r they furnish gelatin, applicable not only to the purposes of size and com- 
 mo glue, but also to those of the finer sorts of gelatin, called isinglass, in 
 ina ng animal jellies, and for the fining of wines. (See Ichthyocolla and Cornu.) 
 Th hoof bones of the ox, when boiled with water, furnish a peculiar oil, called 
 ne;j-foot oil. (See Oleum Bubulum.) 
 
 f. Prep. Calcis Phosphas Praecipitatum ; Sodae Phosphas. B. 
 
548 
 
 Ovum. 
 
 PART 
 
 OVUM. U. S., Ed., Bui. 
 
 The egg of Phasianus Gallus. U. S., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Off. Syn. OVI ALBUMEN. Gallus Bankiva, var. domesticus. The white 
 the egg. OVI VITELLUS. The yolk of the egg. Load. 
 
 (Euf, Fr.; Ei, Germ.; Ovo, Ital.; Huevo, Span. 
 
 The common dunghill fowl is supposed to have come originally from Inch 
 where it is found in a wild state. It is now domesticated in almost all parts 
 the globe. 
 
 The egg, which is the only officinal product, consists of 1. an exterior cover! 
 called the shell; 2. a white, semi-opaque membrane, lining the internal surfa 
 of the shell; 3. the whit^ 4. the yolk. Other distinct parts are recognised' 
 the comparative anatomist, but they have no peculiar interest for the practic 
 physician or pharmaceutist. 
 
 1. The shell — testa ovi or putamen ovi — consists, according to Vauqueli 
 chiefly of carbonate of lime, with animal matter, and a minute proportion 
 phosphate of lime, carbonate of magnesia, oxide of iron, and sulphur. Wh 
 exposed to a high degree of heat in the open air, the carbonic acid is driven c 
 the animal matter consumed, and lime is left nearly pure. 
 
 2. The membrane lining the shell appears to be of an albuminous nature. 
 
 3. The white — albumen ovi — is a glairy viscid liquid contained in very de 
 cate membranes, without odour or taste, readily soluble in water, coagulable 
 the stronger acids, by alcohol, and by a heat of 160° F. Exposed in thin lays 
 to a current of air, it becomes solid, retaining its transparency and solubility 
 water. By coagulation it is rendered sapid, white, opaque, and insoluble. A 
 temperature of 212°, one part of it renders one thousand parts of water in whi 
 it has been dissolved opaque. It contains, according to Dr. Bostock, in c 
 hundred parts, 85 of water, 12 of pure albumen, 2 '7 of mucus or uncoagulal 
 matter, and 0 3 of saline substances, including soda with traces of sulphur. T 
 white of egg is precipitated by chloride of tin, chloride of gold, subacetate of le;. 
 sulphate of copper, corrosive sublimate, and tannin. When kept in the fluid sta 
 it soon putrefies; but, if carefully dried without coagulation, it may be long p- 
 served without change, and may be applied in a state of solution to the sa :: 
 purposes as in its original condition. 
 
 4. The yolk — vitellus ovi — is inodorous, of a bland oily taste, and forms i 
 opaque emulsion when agitated with water. By heat it is coagulated into a g- 
 nular solid, which yields a fixed oil by expression. According to M. Gobley, 1) 
 parts of it contain 51‘486 of water, 15'760 of a peculiar albuminous princri 
 denominated vitellin, 21 304 of margarin and olein, 0'438 of cholesterin, 7'-) 
 of oleic and margaric acids, 1 200 of phosphoglyceric acid, 0'034 of muriatef 
 ammonia, 0'277 of chlorides of sodium and potassium and sulphate of potas , 
 1'022 of phosphates of lime and magnesia, 0’400 of animal extract (extraitee 
 viande), and 0'553 of colouring matter, traces of iron, traces of lactic acid, • 
 ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e ser., xii. 12.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Eggs are applied to various purposes in m< - 
 cine and pharmacy. The shells, powdered and levigated, may be used beneficky 
 as an antacid in diarrhoea. In common with oyster-shells, they possess the l- 
 vantage of uniting intimately animal matter with carbonate of lime, the pai- 
 cles of which are thus more thoroughly" isolated, and prove more acceptable 
 the stomach than chalk, in the finest state of division to which the latter care 
 brought by mechanical means. The dose and mode of preparation are the sae 
 with those of oyster-shell. (See Testa.) 
 
PRT I. 
 
 Ovum. — Panax. 
 
 549 
 
 The white of the egg is used chiefly for the clarification of liquids, -which it 
 ejjcts by involving, during its coagulation, the undissolved particles, and rising 
 wh them to the surface or subsiding. It is highly recommended as an antidote 
 corrosive sublimate and sulphate of copper, with which it forms insoluble 
 ail comparatively inert compounds. It is sometimes also used for the suspen- 
 sii of insoluble substances in water, but is inferior for this purpose to the yolk, 
 a l even to mucilage of gum Arabic. Agitated briskly with a lump of alum it 
 cigulates, at the same time dissolving a portion of the alum, and thus forming 
 a; astringent poultice, which may be advantageously applied between folds of 
 g'ze over the eye, in some states of ophthalmia. 
 
 Che yolk in its raw state is thought to be laxative, and is a popular remedy 
 iijjaundiee. If beneficial in this complaint, it is probably in consequence of 
 aii-ding a mild nutritious diet, acceptable to the stomach and easily digested. 
 Iidyspepsia it is, from this cause, highly useful. The late Dr. Jos. Parrish, of 
 P ladelphia, found great advantage in that complaint from the habitual use of 
 tl yolk of egg, beat up with water and a little ginger. In pharmacy, the yolk 
 isiigkly useful as an intermedium between water and insoluble substances, 
 sih as the balsams, turpentine, oils, &c. It is a mistake to employ the white, 
 iread of the yolk of eggs, in preparing emulsions. 
 
 Off. Prep. Enema Terebinthinae; Mistura Spiritus Vini Gallici. W. 
 
 PANAX. US. Secondary. 
 
 Ginseng. 
 
 'he root of Panax quinquefolium. U. S. 
 
 inseng, Fr., Germ., Span.; Ginsen, Ital. 
 
 ’anax. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. (Polygamia Dioecia, Linn.') — Nat. 
 01. Araliacese. 
 
 pen. Ch. Flowers polygamous. Umbel simple. Calyx five-toothed. Corolla of 
 fk petals. Berry inferior, subcordate, two, sometimes three-seeded. Calyx in 
 th.male flower entire. Nuttall. 
 
 I anax quinquefolium. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 1124; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 
 14 t. 58; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. ii. 82. The ginseng has a perennial root, 
 wljih sends up annually a smooth round stem, about a foot high, and divided at 
 tk summit into three leafstalks, each of which supports a compound leaf, con- 
 sis ag of five, or more rarely of three or seven petiolate, oblong-obovate, acurni- 
 na , serrate leaflets. The flowers are small, greenish, and arranged in a simple 
 ural, supported by a peduncle, which rises from the top of the stem in the 
 ce re of the petioles. The fruit consists of kidney-shaped, scarlet berries, 
 cr -ned with the styles and calyx, and containing two and sometimes three seeds. 
 
 he plant is indigenous, growing in the hilly regions of the Northern, Middle, 
 an Western States, and preferring the shelter of thick, shady woods. The root 
 is 'e part employed. This is collected in considerable quantities in Ohio and 
 W tern Virginia, and brought to Philadelphia and other cities on the sea-board 
 fos :he purpose of exportation to China, where it is highly valued. Some sup- 
 po; the ginseng plant of Chinese Tartary to be the same as ours; others believe 
 it 1 be the Panax Schinseng of Nees Von Esenbeck; while by others, again, 
 thigh acknowledged to be a Panax, it is thought to be a different species from 
 eitju- of those mentioned. While supplied with this drug exclusively from their 
 ow native sources, which furnished the root only in small quantities, the Chi- 
 ne* entertained the most extravagant notions of its virtues, considering it as a 
 re idy for all diseases, and as possessing almost miraculous powers in preserving 
 he> h, invigorating the system, and prolonging life. It is said to have been 
 
550 
 
 PARI 
 
 Panax. — Panis. — Papaver. 
 
 worth its weight in gold at Pekin ; and the first shipments made from Nor 
 America to Canton yielded enormous profits. But the subsequent abundance 
 supply has greatly diminished its value. 
 
 The root is fleshy, somewhat spindle-shaped, from one to three inches lot 
 about as thick as the little finger, and terminated by several slender fibres. F: 
 quently thetfe are two portions, sometimes three or more, connected at their upj 
 extremity, and bearing a supposed, though very remote resemblance to the huto 
 figure, from which circumstance it is said that the Chinese name ginseng orig 
 ated. When dried, the root is yellowish-white and wrinkled externally, a 
 within consists usually of a hard central portion, surrounded by a soft whit: 
 hark. It has a feeble odour, and a sweet, slightly aromatic taste, somewl 
 analogous to that of liquorice root. It has not been accurately analyzed, but 
 said to be rich in gum and starch. It is sometimes submitted, before bei 
 dried, to a process of clarification, which renders it semitransparent and bon 
 and enhances its value as an article of export. The extraordinary medical v 
 tues formerly ascribed to ginseng had no other existence than in the imaginatio 
 of the Chinese. It is little more than a demulcent, and in this country is s: 
 employed as a medicine. Some persons, however, are in the habit of chewi 
 it, having acquired a relish for its taste; and it is chiefly to supply the wants i 
 these that it is kept in the shops. W. 
 
 PANIS. Lond, 
 
 Bread. 
 
 Wheaten Bread. Lond. 
 
 See FARINA. 
 
 Off. Prep. Cataplasma Carbonis. 
 
 PAPAVER. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 Poppy-heads. 
 
 The ripe capsules of Papaver somniferum. U. S. The ripe fruit. Lond. O 
 sules not quite ripe. Ed. The dried capsules. Dub. 
 
 Capsules des pavots, Fr.; Kapseln des weisseu Mohns, Germ.; Capidel papavero. 1 ■; 
 Cabezas de amapola, Span. 
 
 See OPIUM. 
 
 In England the poppy is cultivated chiefly for its capsules, which are gatbed 
 as they ripen, and taken to market enclosed in bags. The Edinburgh Cope 
 directs them to be collected before they are quite ripe, as they then contain n:e 
 of the active milky juice ; but, cut at this period, they are apt to lose their j ce 
 through the wounded surface, unless carefully kept inverted upon their cm 
 when drying ; and, even when thus treated, they are, according to the obsea- 
 tions of Buchner, less active than the capsules collected after perfect matuiy, 
 while they contain more of useless saccharine and mucilaginous matter. (Bh- 
 ner’s Repert., 3 R., viii. 289 and 326.) M. Meurein states, as the resulof 
 his experiments, that the richest are those collected just before the matvty 
 of the seeds, when the capsules have passed from their glaucous-green a 
 yellowish-green colour. (Journ. de Pharm.,3e sdr., xx iii. 341.) They are oa- 
 sionally imported into this country; but as no effect is produced by them wA 
 cannot be as readily obtained from opium, or some one of its preparations, cy 
 are little employed. 
 
 The dried poppy capsules vary in size from the dimensions of a small esto 
 those of the fist. They differ also in shape according to the variety of tbep'P. v 
 
PRT I. 
 
 551 
 
 Papaver. — Pareira. 
 
 fim which they are procured. On the continent two sub-varieties of the white 
 pipy are recognised, the long, and the round or depressed. Of these, according 
 tciubergier, the long are richest in morphia, and his conclusions are confirmed 
 bMeurein, who has also found the largest capsules most efficient. Those com- 
 nnly found in our shops are of a spheroidal shape, flattened below, and sur- 
 nanfed by a crown-like expansion — the persistent stigma — which is marked 
 b numerous diverging rays that rise somewhat above its upper surface, and 
 ajjear to be prolongations of partial septa, or partitions, proceeding along the 
 irerior circumference of the capsule from the top to the bottom. In the recent 
 site, the seeds, which are very numerous, adhere to these septa; but in the 
 d ;d capsule they are loose in its cavity. The capsules of the black poppy are 
 snller and more globular than those of the white, and contain dark instead of 
 liit-coloured seeds. There appears to be no essential difference in their pro- 
 P' ties. Both kinds, when fresh, are glaucous, but when dry, as directed in the 
 Prrmacopoeias, are of a dirty white or purplish-brown colour, have a consistence 
 suewhat like that of paper, are without smell, and have little taste, unless long 
 clwed, when they are decidedly bitter. Submitted to analysis, they are found 
 tc'eontain principles similar to those of opium, which they yield to water by 
 dmction. They have been employed in France for obtaining morphia. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Dried poppy-heads, though analogous to opium 
 irnedical properties, are exceedingly feeble. They are sometimes employed in 
 tl form of decoction, as an external emollient and anodyne application ; and, in 
 tl shape of emulsion, syrup, or extract, are often used internally by European 
 petitioners to calm irritation, promote rest, and produce generally the narcotic 
 elets of opium. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Papaveris ; Extractum Papaveris ; Syrupus Papaveris. 
 
 W. 
 
 PAREIRA. U. S. Secondary , Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Pareira Brava. 
 
 'he root of Cissampelos Pareira. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 ksSAMPELOS. Sex. Syst. Dioecia Monadelphia. — Nat.Ord. Menispermaceae. 
 len. Ch. Male. Calyx four-leaved. Corolla none. Nectary rotate. S ta- 
 rn s four, with connate filaments. Female. Calyx one-leaved, ligulate round- 
 is Corolla none. Styles three. Berry one-seeded. 
 
 lissampelos Pareira. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 861; Woodv. Med. Bot. 3d ed. 
 p.l67,t. 65. This is a climbing plant, with numerous slender, shrubby stems, 
 am roundish, entire leaves, indented at the top, covered with soft hair upon their 
 uwer surface, and supported upon downy footstalks, which are inserted into the 
 bf|c of the leaf. The flowers are very small, and disposed in racemes, of which 
 th];e in the female plant are longer than the leaves. The plant is a native of 
 tllWest Indies and South America, and is supposed to be the source of the root 
 bl ight from Brazil, under the name of pareira brava. According to Auguste 
 Si Hilaire, however, the true pareira is obtained from another species of the 
 sa e genus, growing in Brazil, and denominated C. glaberrima ; while by Aublet 
 it i referred to a species of Abuta, belonging to the same natural family. 
 
 he root comes in pieces from the thickness of the finger to that of the arm, 
 fr 1 i a few inches to two or more feet in length, cylindrical, sometimes contorted 
 ororked, and covered with a thin, firmly adhering, grayish-brown bark. The 
 or r surface is marked with longitudinal and annular wrinkles, and sometimes, 
 in he larger pieces, with knotty excrescences. The interior is ligneous, yel- 
 lojsh, very porous, marked by irregular concentric circles, inodorous, and of a 
 sv etish, nauseous, bitter taste. The root imparts its virtues readily to water. M. 
 F eulle found in it a soft resin, a yellow bitter principle, a brown substance, 
 
 
552 
 
 Pareira. — Petroleum. 
 
 PART 
 
 an azotized substance, fecula, acidulous malate of lime, nitrate of potassa, a; 
 various other salts. He considers the yellow bitter substance as the active pri 
 ciple. It is soluble in water and alcohol, and precipitated from its solution ' 
 tincture of galls. Wiggers announced, in 1838, the existence in pareira bra 
 of an organic alkali, for which he proposed the name of cissampelina. He pi 
 cured it by boiling the root with water acidulated with sulphuric acid, prec-i] 
 tating by carbonate of potassa, dissolving the precipitate again in water acidulat 
 with sulphuric acid, treating the solution with animal charcoal, precipitating am 
 with carbonate of potassa, drying and pulverizing the precipitate, treating 
 repeatedly with ether, and evaporating the ethereal solution. The alkali th 
 obtained may be rendered entirely pure by dissolving it in diluted acetic ae: 
 precipitating with carbonate of potassa, and washing and drying the precipita 
 (Annal. der Phann., xxvii. 29.) Wiggers did not describe this alkali. It 
 probably the chief ingredient of the bitter substance obtained by Feneulle. I 
 retti of Home and Pelletier afterwards separated an alkali from the root, whi 
 was characterized by assuming a beautiful purple colour by contact with stro 
 nitric acid. ( Journ . de Pharm., xxvi. 162.) In Christison’s Dispensatory it 
 stated to be uncrystallizable, insoluble in water, soluble in ether, alcohol, and t 
 acids, and of an intensely bitter and sweetish taste. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Pareira brava is said to be tonic, aperient, a 
 diuretic. It was introduced into European practice so long ago as 1688, and 
 one time enjoyed considerable reputation as a lithontriptic. It has been reco- 
 mended in calculous affections, chronic inflammation and ulceration of thekidne^ 
 and bladder, leucorrhcea, dropsy, rheumatism, and jaundice. The purpose ;■ 
 which it is at present chiefly employed is the relief of chronic diseases of fc 
 urinary passages. Sir Benjamin Brodie found it very useful in chronic infla- 
 mation of the bladder, in allaying irritability of that organ, and correcting t; 
 disposition to profuse mucous secretion; and it has subsequently come into;- 
 neral use in the same affections. Advantage may often be derived from eo- 
 biuing it, in this complaint, with one of the narcotics, as opium or hyoscyam 
 In Brazil, it is used in the cure of the bites of poisonous serpents; a vinous 
 fusion of the root being taken internally, while the bruised leaves of the pkt 
 are applied to the wound. The dose of pareira brava in substance is from thi# 
 grains to a drachm. The infusion, however, is more convenient. (See Infnsn 
 Pareirae .) A tincture, made by macerating one part of the root in five pa? 
 of alcohol, has been given in the dose of a fluidrachm. The aqueous extrt 
 may be given in the dose of from ten to thirty grains. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Pareirae; Extractum Pareins; Infusnm Pareirae. W 
 
 PETROLEUM. Loud., Ed. 
 
 Petroleum. 
 
 A blackish liquid bitumen, flowing spontaneously from the earth. Lond. 
 
 Barbadoes tar, ltock oil; Petrole, Huile de Gabian, Fr.; Steindl, Germ.; Petrolio, It; 
 Petroleo, Span. 
 
 Petroleum belongs to the class of native inflammable substances, called b - 
 mens. These are liquids or readily fusible solids, which emit, when heateca 
 peculiar smell, burn easily, and leave a very small carbonaceous residue. Tiy 
 are of two kinds, one liquid, called naphtha, the other solid, denominated p- 
 phaltum. Naphtha is a transparent, yellowish-white, very light and inflatun- 
 ble, limpid liquid, which is found abundantly in Persia. It has been used vk 
 asserted advantage in Asiatic cholera, particularly by Dr. Andreosky, of e 
 Russian army. The dose is from ten to twenty drops, given in half a glasot 
 white wine, or in mint-water. It consists exclusively of carbon and hydrog- 
 
PAr i. 
 
 Petroleum. 
 
 553 
 
 As>xygen does not enter into its composition, it may be advantageously em- 
 plcsd for preserving potassium. From the tar formed in the manufacture of 
 coagas, an artificial naphtha, is obtained, -which by rectification is rendered 
 eqvjlly light and limpid with the natural substance. Thus purified, it was 
 ford by Mr. James Syme, of Edinburgh, to possess the property of dissolving 
 caqtchouc; and the solution has beeu usefully applied to the purpose of forming 
 vanus surgical instruments of that material. This solution has also been em- 
 plc.sd, at the suggestion of Mr. Mackintosh, of Glasgow, for rendering cloth and 
 otfr fabrics water-proof. They are varnished with the solution on one side, and 
 thwarnished surfaces are applied to each other, and made to adhere by power- 
 fuloressure. Asphaltum is solid, black, dry, friable, and insoluble in alcohol. 
 The two varieties of bitumen often exist in a state of mixture in nature. When 
 thusphaltum predominates it takes the name of maltha or mineral tar; when 
 tkuaphtha is in the larger proportion it is called petroleum. 
 
 ocalities. Petroleum is found principally at Amiano in Italy, at Gabian in 
 Free, upon the borders of the Caspian Sea, near Rangoon in the Birman Em- 
 pir and in Barbadoes, Trinidad, and other West India Islands. An interesting 
 accjmt of the pitch lake of Trinidad, by Mr. Barling, is contained in the ninth 
 vo me of the Pharm. Journal and Transactions. The wells of petroleum in 
 Biaah are said to produce four hundred thousand hogsheads annually. 
 
 i the United States, petroleum is found in various localities, the principal of 
 wlrh are on the Kenhawa in Virginia ; near Scottsville in Kentucky; in Western 
 Peisylvania; on Duck Creek in Ohio; and on the shores of Seneca Lake in 
 Ne| York. That found in the latter locality is usually called in this country 
 Seba oil; and similar varieties of petroleum from other domestic sources are 
 kn!?n by the same name. 
 
 arhadoes petroleum is a black, nearly opaque, inflammable liquid, of the 
 existence of molasses, unctuous to the touch, and possessing a bituminous 
 tas, and strong and tenacious odour. Its sp.gr. varies from 0'730 to 0'878. 
 Win subjected to distillation, it yields naphtha, and leaves a solid residue of 
 asjaltum. It is little affected by alcohol, acids, or alkalies, but dissolves in 
 etljr and in the fixed and volatile oils. It consists chiefly of carbon and hy- 
 dnjen, associated with a little nitrogen and oxygen. Rangoon petroleum has a 
 rerisk-black colour, a strong, rather fragrant odour, and the consistence of lard 
 in immer. When heated to 90°, it becomes a reddish-brown very mobile liquid. 
 DrUhristison obtained from it by distillation, first, a large quantity of naphtha, 
 an afterwards a crystalline principle, which he ascertained to be identical with 
 pa iSfin. In the naphtha Dr. Gregory subsequently discovered eupione. It is 
 pn able, as Dr. Christison remarks, that this petroleum is more active than the 
 Ba iadoes. 
 
 11 of turpentine may be detected in petroleum, according to M. Saladin, by 
 tri rating the suspected sample with iodide of potassium and water, when, if 
 tkoil be present, the petroleum will instantly acquire a yellow colour, which 
 is a deeper tint, in proportion to the quantity of the adulterating oil. 
 
 | edical Properties and Uses. Petroleum is accounted a stimulating anti- 
 spanodic and sudorific. It is occasionally given in disorders of the chest, when 
 nolttended with inflammation. In Germany it has been extolled as a remedy 
 forjape-worm. Schwartz’s formula in such cases was a mixture of one part of 
 pe oleum with one and a half parts of tincture of assafetida, of which forty 
 dr<p were given three times a day. Externally, petroleum is employed in 
 ch lains, chronic rheumatism, affections of the joints, paralysis, and diseases of 
 th kin. It is an ingredient in the popular remedy called British oil. (See 
 page 521.) The dose of petroleum is from thirty drops to a small tea- 
 sp'nful, given in any convenient vehicle. 
 
 ie New York petroleum , called Seneca oil, is used to a considerable extent 
 
554 
 
 P etroleum . — P etroselinum. 
 
 PAET 
 
 as an external application in domestic practice. It is lighter coloured, thinn 
 in consistence, and less sapid and odorous than the Barbadoes petroleum, a 
 probably contains more naphtha. B. 
 
 PETROSELINUM. U.S. Secondary. 
 
 Parsley Root. 
 
 The root of Petroselinum sativum. U. S. 
 
 Persil, Fr.; Petersilie, Germ.; I’rezzemolo, Ilal.; Perexil, Span. 
 
 Petroselinum. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Orel. Apiaceae 
 Umbelliferae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Umlels compound. In volucres, partial of many, general of few bract 
 Calyx obsolete. Fruit ovate, contracted at the sides. Ridges five, narrow, equ 
 the lateral on the edge. Yittge one to each furrow. Albumen plano-convt 
 Lindley. 
 
 Petroselinum sativum. Hoffmann, Umb. i. t. 1, f. 2; Lindley, Flor. Merl. 
 35.- — Apium Petroselinum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1475; Woodv. Med. Bot. 
 118, t. 45. Parsley has a biennial root, with an annual, round, furrowed, joint: 
 erect, branching stem, which rises about two feet in height. The radical lea) 
 are compound, pinnated in ternaries, with the leaflets smooth, divided into th: 
 lobes, and notched at the margin. In the cauline leaves, the segments of t 
 leaflets are linear and entire. The flowers are small, pale-yellow, and dispos 
 in terminal compound umbels, with a one or two-leaved general involucre, a 
 partial ones composed of six or eight leaflets. The petals are five, roundish, a 
 inflexed at their apex. The seeds (half fruits) are small, ovate, flat on one si< 
 convex on the other, of a dark-green colour, and marked with five longitudii 
 ridges. They have a strong, terebinthinate odour, and a warm aromatic tast 
 
 The plant is a native of Sardinia, and other parts of Southern Europe, and; 
 cultivated everywhere in gardens. All parts of it contain an essential oil,) 
 which it owes its medicinal virtues, as well as its use in seasoning. M. H. B 
 connot obtained from the herb a peculiar gelatinous substance, resembling pec: 
 acid in appearance, which he named apiin. It differs from pectin in being ml: 
 soluble in alcohol than cold water, in not being precipitated by alcohol from • 
 watery solution, and in being separated by acids from its alkaline solutions i- 
 altered, whereas pectin is under these circumstances converted into peciic ac. 
 I Jour n. de Pharm., 3e sir., xix. 448.) It is procured by boiling the herbi 
 water, straining the liquor, and allowing it to cool. The apiin then formi 
 gelatinous mass, which requires only to be washed with cold water. (P/< <1 os. Mo, 
 xxiv. 155.) The seeds are said to contain a peculiar principle, which has bn 
 named apiol, upon which their medicinal activity depends. (See Journ.e 
 Pharm., 3e sdr., xxii. 84.) The root is the part directed by the Pharmacopa, 
 though the fruit is at least equally efficient. 
 
 The root is spindle-shaped, about as thick as the finger, externally white,;! 
 marked with close annular wrinkles, internally fleshy and white, with a yellowi 
 central portion. It has a pleasant smell, and a sweetish slightly aromatic tas; 
 but loses these properties by long boiling, and by the action of time. It shod 
 be employed in the recent state. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Parsley root is said to be aperient and diure', 
 and is occasionally used in nephritic and dropsical affections, in connexion va 
 more active medicines. It was highly recommended by Professor Chapman. - e 
 usual form of administration is that of strong infusion. The juice of the frh 
 herb has been employed as a substitute for quinia in intermsttents ; and e 
 seeds, as well as their supposed active principle, have been employed with X 
 asserted effect in the same complaint. ^ 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Phosphorus. 
 
 555 
 
 PHOSPHORUS. Lond. 
 
 Phosphorus. 
 
 jiosphore, Fr.; Phosphor, Germ.; Fosforo, Ital., Span. 
 
 'iis non-metallic element was discovered in 1669 by Brandt, an alchemist 
 of [amburg ; and the process by which it was made remained a secret until 
 17;'. At first it was obtained from putrid urine, and was exceedingly scarce 
 amcostly. In 1769, Grahn discovered it in bones, and shortly afterwards pub- 
 lisld a process by which it might be extracted from them; and his method has 
 bet. followed to the present time. 
 
 reparation. Powdered calcined bones, which consist principally of bone-phos- 
 ph;3 of lime, are digested for twenty-four hours with two-thirds of their weight 
 of rong sulphuric acid, previously diluted with twelve times its weight of water. 
 Th sulphuric acid separates the greater part of the lime from the phosphoric 
 aci and precipitates as sulphate of lime ; while a superphosphate of lime remains 
 in lution. The liquid is then strained through a linen cloth to separate the 
 suhate of lime, and afterwards submitted to evaporation, which causes a fresh pre- 
 cipition of sulphate, requiring to be separated by a new straining. The strained 
 sol ion of superphosphate is evaporated to a syrupy consistence, and then tho- 
 roihly mixed with half its weight of powdered charcoal, so as to form a soft 
 ma , which is dried by being heated to dull redness in an iron pot. The mass 
 whi cool is quickly transferred to a coated earthenware retort, furnished with 
 an lopter of copper, bent downwards at right angles, so as to enter a bottle with 
 a l;ge neck containing water, which should rise about two lines above the orifice 
 of lie adopter. The bottle is closed round the adopter with a cork, which is 
 tra rsed by a small glass tube, to give exit to the gaseous products. The retort 
 is lated in a furnace, furnished with a dome, in the most gradual manner, so 
 as occupy about four hours in bringing it to a red heat. Afterwards the heat 
 is ] shed vigorously, so long as any phosphorus drops into the water ; and this 
 tak: place generally for from twenty-four to thirty hours. During this part of 
 the rocess, the excess of acid in the superphosphate is decomposed; its oxygen 
 coruning with the charcoal, and the liberated phosphorus distilling over. A 
 qu: tity of the materials sufficient to fill a quart retort will yield about a pound 
 of -osphorus. The calcined bones of the sheep are preferred ; as they contain 
 mo phosphate of lime, and are more readily acted on by the acid. 
 
 . r. Donovan recommends the following process, in which the calcining of the 
 boi 5 is avoided. Digest ten avoird. pounds of bones, broken into small pieces, 
 in i of commercial nitric acid, diluted with five gallons (Imp. meas.) of water, 
 for few days. Strain the liquor, and add eight pounds of acetate of lead, dis- 
 sol d in water. There result acetic acid and nitrate of lime in solution, and 
 ph abate of lead which precipitates. Wash and dry the precipitate, and redfice 
 its dk to one-half, by heating it red-hot in a crucible. Mix the ignited powder 
 wit one-sixth of its weight of fine charcoal powder, and distil from a coated 
 ear ernvare retort in the usual way. The bones, in this process, having the phos- 
 ph; } of lime dissolved out of them by the nitric acid, are reduced to soft, flexible, 
 car [aginous masses, which may be manufactured into size or glue. The process 
 maffie conducted on a smaller scale with unburnt hartshorn shavings, which 
 corjiin twice as much phosphate of lime as bone, by using the following pro- 
 porons: shavings a pound avoirdupois, nitric acid seventeen ounces in a gallon 
 of iter, and of acetate of lead twenty-four ounces. From the residue of the 
 slu, ngs in this process may be obtained a nutritious jelly. (See an abstract of 
 Mi Donovan’s paper in the Am. Journ. of P harm., xxiv. 167.) 
 
556 
 
 Phosphorus. 
 
 part 
 
 Properties. Phosphorus is a semitransparent solid, without taste, but possess! 
 an alliaceous smell. When perfectly pure it is colourless; but as usually p 
 pared it is yellowish or reddish-yellow. It is flexible, and when cut exhibits a wa 
 lustre. It is insoluble in water, but dissolves sparingly in alcohol and the o 
 and more freely in ether and bisulphuret of carbon. Its sp. gr. is 1 '84, and 
 equivalent number 32 (31'02 Schroetter). It takes fire at 100°, melts at 10: 
 and boils at 550°, air being excluded. During its combustion, it combines w 
 the oxygen of the air, and forms dry phosphoric acid. On account of its great 
 flammability, it must be kept under water. When exposed to the air it underg, 
 a slow combustion, emitting white vapours, which are luminous in the dark, 
 was found by Wohler, in one instance, to contain one-half of one per cent, 
 arsenic ; and, therefore, when used in forming medicinal preparations, should 
 tested for that metal. It also occasionally contains antimony and sulphur. I 
 latter impurity renders it brittle. 
 
 Prof. Schroetter, of Vienna, has discovered an allotropic form of phosphor 
 which he calls red amorphous phosphorus. It is formed when ordinary ph 
 phorus is kept for a long time at a temperature between 419° and 482° F., 
 atmospheres which have no action on it, or in closed glass tubes. Eed phosphoi 
 is much more indifferent than the ordinary substance, and is more dense. It 
 not acted on by the air, and is insoluble in bisulphuret of carbon, alcohol, a 
 ether, in which ordinary phosphorus is soluble. When solidified from the fir 
 state, it is brittle, and breaks with a conchoidal fracture. Its hardness is c 
 siderable. When obtained by distillation in a non-acting gas, it is mixed w 
 ordinary phosphorus, from which it may be freed by bisulphuret of carbon, vrh 
 dissolves the ordinary phosphorus, and leaves the modification as a deep-: 
 amorphous powder. Amorphous phosphorus is not poisonous. It is applica 
 to the manufacture of lucifer matches, and, as it does not take fire by friction 
 ordinary temperatures, may be transported with the greatest safety. 
 
 Phosphorus forms with oxygen the hypophosphorous, phosphorous, andph- 
 phoric acids, and three varieties of the latter acid, distinguished by their c • 
 taining, severally, three, two, and one equivalents of water. The only offiei 
 combinations containing phosphorus are the “diluted phosphoric acid” of 
 London College, and the phosphates of iron, lime, and soda. 
 
 Medical Properties. Phosphorus, exhibited in small doses, acts as a power, 
 general stimulant; in large doses, as a violent irritant poison. Its action see; 
 directed particularly to the kidneys and genital organs, producing diuresis, cl 
 excitation of the venereal appetite. The latter effect has been conclusively prod 
 by the experiments of Alphonse Leroy, Chenevix, and Bertrand-Pelletier. Fn 
 its peculiar physiological action, it is considered applicable to diseases attend 
 with extreme prostration of the vital powers. It has been recommended in drop, 
 impotency, typhoid and typhus fevers, phthisis, marasmus, chlorosis, paraly, 
 amaurosis, mania, &c. Those who work in phosphorus, as the manufacturer-! 
 lubifer matches, are liable to necrosis of the jaw-bones, the consequence of pi- 
 ostitis. The affection is probably produced by the long-continued breathing! 
 air contaminated with phosphorus vapour, which has a local action on the tee, 
 gums, and jaws, and a general deteriorating effect on the blood. 
 
 The usual form for exhibiting phosphorus is in oily solution. The Oleum PI- 
 phoratum or phosphorated oil of the Prussian Pharmacopoeia is made as folio- 
 Take of phosphorus twelve grains ; almond oil, recently prepared, an out- 
 Melt the phosphorus in the oil by the heat of warm water, and agitate untit 
 appears to be dissolved. The ounce of oil takes up about four grains of pb- 
 phorus ; and the dose of the solution is from five to ten drops, mixed with see 
 mucilaginous liquid. An aromatic flavour may be given to the phosphorated 1 
 by the addition of a few drops of oil of bergamot. Dr. 11. 31. Glover has p- 
 
PAF I. 
 
 55T 
 
 Phosphorus. — Phytolaccse Baccse. 
 
 post’ to give phosphorus, dissolved in chloroform or cod-liver oil. Chloroform 
 furnhes a non-inflammable solution, containing one-fourth of its weight of phos- 
 phois. Of this solution Dr. Glover gave four or five minims, twice a day, with 
 a dichm of ether in a wineglassful of port wine, in typhoid fever. The solu- 
 tionn the cod-liver oil is effected by adding the phosphorus in chips, to the oil 
 con ined in a bottle, in the proportion of half a grain to the ounce. The bottle 
 is t in immersed in hot water, and the solution effected by shaking. This mode 
 of ;ving phosphorus was used by Dr. Glover in strumous cases. (See Braith- 
 wai's Retrospect, Am. ed., xxvii. 246.) 
 
 Gat caution is necessary in the exhibition of phosphorus, and its effects 
 shod be closely watched. It ought never to be given in substance; as, when 
 thundministered, it is apt to produce violent irritation of the stomach. When 
 tak< in substance in a poisonous dose, two or three grains of tartar emetic 
 shod be given to dislodge it. If swallowed in the state of solution, copious 
 draihts of cold water, containing magnesia in suspension, should be adminis- 
 tere in order to prevent the combustion of the phosphorus, and to neutralize 
 anycid which may have been formed. Duflos has proposed, as an antidote, a 
 mix re of one part of magnesia and eight of chlorine water. From experiments 
 madon rabbits by A. Bechert, it may be inferred that this mixture would prove 
 usef . In a case of chronic poisoning from the copious inhalation of phos- 
 phos vapour, the principal results were a gradual decay of the sexual function, 
 pararsis, and death at the end of three years. (Arc/i. Gen., Feb. 1853.) 
 
 C. Prep Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum. B. 
 
 PHYTOLACCA BACCA. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Poke Berries. 
 
 T: berries of Phytolacca decandra. U. S. 
 
 PHYTOLACCA RADIX. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Poke Root. 
 
 T ; root of Phytolacca decandra. TJ. S. 
 
 Pytolacca. Sex. Syst. Deeandria Decagynia. — Nat. Orel. Phytolacceae. 
 
 Gi.Ch. Calyx none. Petals five, calycine. Berry superior, ten-celled, ten- 
 seed 1. Willd. 
 
 Jr/tolacca decandra. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 822 ; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. i. 
 39; larton, Med. Bot. ii. 213. This is an indigenous plant with a very large 
 pereiial root, often five or six inches in diameter, divided into two or three 
 prinpal branches, soft, fleshy, fibrous, whitish within, and covered with a 
 brovish cuticle. The stems, which are annual, frequently grow to the height 
 of s or eight feet, and divide into numerous spreading branches. They are 
 romi very smooth, green when young, but purple after the berries have ripened. 
 The saves are scattered, ovate-oblong, entire, pointed, smooth, ribbed beneath, 
 and ipported on short footstalks. The flowers are numerous, small, and grow 
 in leg racemes, which are sometimes erect, sometimes drooping. The corolla 
 cons is of five ovate, concave petals, folding inwards, and of a whitish colour. 
 The erm is green. There are ten stamens, and the same number of pistils. 
 The tceme of flowers becomes a cluster of dark purple, almost black, shining 
 berr ?, flattened above and below, and divided into ten cells, each of which 
 cont'as one seed. 
 
 T poke is abundant in all parts of the United States, flourishing along fences, 
 
558 Phytolaccse Bacese. — Phjtolaccse Radix. past 
 
 by the borders of woods, and especially in newly-cleared and uncultivated fiel 
 It also grows spontaneously in the North of Africa and the South of Euro 
 where, however, it is supposed to have been introduced from America. Its flow 
 begin to appear in July, and the fruit ripens in autumn. The magnitude of i 
 poke-weed, its large rich leaves, and its beautiful clusters of purple berries, of 
 mingled upon the same branch with the green unripe fruit, and the flowers s 
 in bloom, render it one of the most striking of our native plants. The yot 
 shoots are much used as food early in the spring, boiled in the manner of spina 
 The ashes of the dried stems and leaves contain a very large proportion ' 
 potassa, yielding, according to Brac-onnot, not less than forty-two per cent. ’ 
 the pure caustic alkali. In the plant the potassa is neutralized by an a 
 closely resembling the malic, though differing from it in some respects. 1 
 leaves, berries, and root are used in medicine, but the two latter only are m 
 tioned in the Pharmacopoeia. The root is most active. It should be dug 
 late in November, cut into thin transverse slices, and dried with a mdder- 
 heat. As its virtues are diminished by keeping, a new supply should be [■ 
 cured every year. The berries should be collected when perfectly ripe, and ■ 
 leaves about the middle of summer, when the footstalks begin to redden. 
 
 The berries contain a succulent pulp, and yield upon pressure a large quani- 
 of fine purplish-red juice. They have a sweetish, nauseous, slightly acrid tas. . 
 with little odour. The colouring principle of their juice is evanescent, and can t 
 be applied to useful purposes in dyeing, from the difficulty of fixing it. Al- 
 lies render it yellow; but the original colour is restored by acids. The ju; 
 contains saccharine matter, and, after fermenting, juelds alcohol by distillati. 
 
 The dried root is of a light yellowish-brown colour externally, very mu 
 wrinkled, and, when in transverse slices, exhibits on the cut surface numers 
 concentric rings, formed by the projecting ends of fibres, between which i 
 intervening matter has shrunk in drying. The structure internally in the olr 
 roots is firm and almost ligneous; the colour yellowish-white, alternating wi 
 darker circular layers. There is no smell; the taste is slightly sweetish, anct 
 first mild, but followed by a sense of acrimony. The active matter is imparl 
 to boiling water and alcohol. From the analysis of Mr. Edward Donelly, e 
 root appears to contain tannic acid, starch, gum, sugar, resin, fixed oil, ;1 
 lignin, besides various inorganic principles. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xv. It) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Poke is emetic, purgative, and somewhat r- 
 cotic. As an emetic it is very slow in its operation, frequently not beginng 
 to vomit in less than one or two hours after it has been taken, and then o 
 tinuing to act for a long time upon both the stomach and bowels. The vomitg 
 produced by it is said not to be attended with much pain or spasm; but name 
 effects have been observed by some physicians, such as drowsiness, vertigo, 1 
 dimness of vision. In over-doses it produces excessive vomiting and purge, 
 attended with great prostration of strength, and sometimes with convulsions, 
 case is recorded in the Stethoscope, for March, 1852 (ii. 134), by Pr. Geo.. 
 Terrill, of Hanover Co., Va., in which death was produced iu a woman by ealg 
 a double handful of the berries. Free purgation followed upon the first tf, 
 after which coma set in, with great prostration, though death did not occur uil 
 after the sixth day. Poke has been proposed as a substitute for ipeeac-uan ; 
 but the slowness and long continuance of its action, and its tendency to pu ?, 
 wholly unfit it for the purposes which that emetic is calculated to fulfil, n 
 small doses it acts as an alterative, and has been highly recommended in 
 treatment of chronic rheumatism. The dose of the powdered root, as an erne’, 
 is from ten to thirty grains ; as an alterative, from one to five grains. A s i- 
 rated tincture of the berries, prepared with diluted alcohol, may be given in rh- 
 matic cases, in the dose of a fluidrachm, three times a day. A strong infill 
 
pai’ r. 
 
 559 
 
 Phytolaccse Radix. — Pimenta. 
 
 of |e leaves or root has been recommended in piles. An ointment, prepared 
 by fixing a drachm of the powdered root or leaves, with an ounce of lard, has 
 bee used with advantage in psora, tinea capitis, and some other forms of cuta- 
 neos disease. It occasions at first a sense of heat and smarting in the part to 
 whii it is applied. An extract made by evaporating the expressed juice of the 
 recat leaves has been used for the same purposes, and acquired at one time 
 conderable repute as a remedy in cancer. W. 
 
 PIMENTA. U. S., Land., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Pimento. 
 
 de unripe berries of Myrtus Pimenta, TJ.S. Eugenia Pimenta. The unripe 
 frui Lond. The unripe berries, Pd., Pub. 
 
 Aspice, Jamaica pepper; Piment, Poivre de la Jamaique, Fr.; Nelkenpfeffer, Germ..; 
 Pimjti, Ital.; Pimienta de la Jamaica, Span. 
 
 3 TITUS. Sex. Syst. Icosandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Myrtaeeae. 
 
 On. Ch. Calyx five-cleft, superior. Petals five. Berry two to five-celled, 
 mar -seeded. Willd. 
 
 Artus Pimenta. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 973 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 541, t. 194. 
 — Jkjenia, Pimenta. De Cand. Pvodrom. iii. 285; Lindley, Flor. Med. p. 76. 
 Thiias a . beautiful tree, about thirty feet high, with a straight trunk, much 
 brained above, and covered with a very- smooth gray bark. Its dense and ever- 
 vercnt foliage gives it at all times a refreshing appearance. The leaves, which 
 are etiolate, vary in shape and size; but are usually about four inches long, 
 ellij; cal, entire, blunt, or obtusely pointed, veined, and of a deep shining green 
 colo . The flowers are small, without show, and disposed in panicles upon tri- 
 ckotmous stalks, which usually terminate the branches. The fruit is a spherical 
 berr crowned with the persistent calyx, and when ripe is smooth, shining, and 
 of alack or dark-purple colour. The tree exhales an aromatic fragrance, es- 
 pecily during the summer months, when it is in flower. 
 
 Its a native of the West Indies, Mexico, and South America, and is abun- 
 dantjn Jamaica, whence its fruit received the name of Jamaica pepper. The 
 berr s are the officinal part. They are gathered after having attained their full 
 size,ut while yet green, and are carefully dried in the sun. When sufficiently 
 dry,rey are put into bags and casks for exportation. 
 
 JF perties. The berries, as they reach us, are of different sizes, usually about 
 as kqe as a small pea, round, wrinkled, umbilicate at the summit, of a brownish 
 coloq and when broken present two cells, each containing a black hemispherical 
 seed ' They have a fragrant odour, thought to resemble that of a mixture of cin- 
 nam i, cloves, and nutmeg. Hence the name of allspice, by which they are best 
 knot in this country. Their taste is warm, aromatic, pungent, and slightly 
 astrigent. They impart their flavour to water, and all their virtues to alcohol. 
 The ifusion is of a brown colour, and reddens litmus paper. They yield a vola- 
 tile by distillation. (See Oleum Pimentse .) By a minute analysis, Bonastre 
 obtahd from them a volatile oil, a green fixed oil, a fatty substance in yellowish 
 flake' tannin, gum, resin, unerystallizable sugar, colouring matter, malic and 
 galli Acids, saline matters, moisture, and lignin. The green oil has the burning 
 aroniic taste of pimento, and is supposed to be the acrid principle. Upon this, 
 therijire, together with the volatile oil, the medical properties of the berries de- 
 pended, as these two principles exist most largely in the shell or cortical por- 
 tion, ris part is most efficient. According to Bonastre, the shell contains 10 
 per c it. of the volatile, and 8 of the fixed oil, the seeds only 5 per cent, of the 
 form;, and 2 '5 of the latter. Berzelius considers the green fixed oil of Bonastre 
 as a ixture of volatile oil, resin, fixed oil, and perhaps a little chlorophylle. 
 
560 
 
 PAR' 
 
 Pimenta. — Piper. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Pimento is a warm, aromatic stimulant u 
 in medicine chiefly as an adjuvant to tonics and purgatives, the taste of wl 
 it serves to cover, while it increases their warmth, and renders them more - 
 ceptable to the stomach. It is particularly useful in cases attended with m 1 
 flatulence. It is, however, much more largely employed as a condiment than 
 a medicine. The dose is from ten to forty grains. A tincture of pimento ; 
 been recommended as a local application in chilblains. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Pimentae; Oleum Pimentae; Spiritus Pimentae; Syras 
 Rhamni. ^ 
 
 PIPER. US. 
 
 Black Pepper. 
 
 The berries of piper nigrum. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. PIPER NIGEUM. Piper nigrum. The unripe fruit. Land.. Dd 
 unripe berries. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Poivre, Fr.; Schwarzer Pfeifer, Germ.; Gemeine peper. Dutch: Pepe nero, ltd ..I- 
 mienta negra, Span.: Fifil uswud, Arab.; Lada, Malay ; Mancha, Javan.; Sahan, P. i- 
 bang. 
 
 Piper. See CUBEBA. 
 
 Piper nigrum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 159; "Woodv. Med. Dot. p. 721, t. 2 ; 
 Carson, lllust. of Med. Bot. ii. 38, pi. 83. The pepper vine is a perennial pit, 
 with a round, smooth, woody, articulated stem, swelling near the joints, branc- 1, 
 and from eight to twelve feet or more in length. The leaves are entire, br 1- 
 ovate, acuminate, seven-nerved, coriaceous, very smooth, of a dark-green coir, 
 and attached by strong sheath-like footstalks to the joints of the branches. ie 
 flowers are small, whitish, sessile, covering thickly a cylindrical spadix, .d 
 succeeded by globular berries, which are of a red colour when ripe. 
 
 The plant grows wild in Cochin-china and various parts of India. It is J- 
 tivated on the coast of Malabar, in the peninsula of Malacca, in Siam,Snm:i, 
 Java, Borneo, the Philippines, and many other places in the East. We are Id 
 by Crawford, that the best pepper is produced in Malabar ; but Europe and 1 e- 
 rica derive their chief supplies from Sumatra and Java. The plant is pi li- 
 gated by cuttings, and is supported by props, or by trees of various kinds plaid 
 for the purpose, upon which it is trained. In three or four years from theped 
 of planting, it begins to bear fruit. The berries are gathered before theue 
 all perfectly ripe, and, upon being dried, become black and wrinkled. 
 
 White pepper is the ripe berry, deprived of its skin by maceration in rer 
 and subsequent friction, and afterwards dried in the sun. It has less ofhe 
 peculiar virtues of the spice than the black pepper, and is seldom emploviin 
 this country. 
 
 Properties. The dried berries are about as large as a small pea, extertiy 
 blackish and wrinkled, internally whitish, of an aromatic smell, and a hot, in- 
 gent, almost fiery taste. They yield their virtues partially to water, entire to 
 alcohol and ether. Pelletier found them to contain a peculiar crystalline niter 
 called piperin, an acrid concrete oil or soft resin of a green colour, a bal-otc 
 volatile oil, a coloured gummy substance, an extractive matter like that tnd 
 in leguminous plants capable of being precipitated by infusion of galls, apoon 
 of bassorin, uric and malic acids, lignin, and various salts. Piperin waflit- 
 covered by Professor (Ersted, of Copenhagen, who considered it an ortnc 
 alkali, and the active principle of pepper. Pelletier, however, utterly died 
 its alkaline nature and medical activity, and ascribed all the effects, suppod-to 
 have been obtained from it, to a portion of the acrid concrete oil with wln't 
 is mixed when not very carefully prepared. When perfectly pure, piperin m 
 
PAT I. 
 
 561 
 
 Piper. 
 
 cohrless transparent crystals, according to Pelletier without taste, fusible at 
 21 r, insoluble in cold water, slightly soluble in boiling water which deposits it 
 upi cooling, soluble in alcohol, ether, and acetic acid, decomposed by the con- 
 certed mineral acids, with the sulphuric becoming of a blood-red colour, with 
 thaitric, first of a greenish-yellow, then orange, and ultimately red. Christison, 
 hoover, states, in his Dispensatory, that the whitest crystals he had been able 
 to >tain were still acrid, and emitted an irritating vapour when thrown on 
 hetsd iron. As ordinarily procured the crystals are yellow. Piperin consists of 
 nit gen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; and its formula, according to Wertheim, 
 is lC 70 H 37 O 10 .* It is obtained by treating pepper with alcohol, evaporating the 
 tin are to the consistence of an extract, submitting the extract to the action of 
 an kaline solution by which the oleaginous matter is converted into soap, wash- 
 inghe undissolved portion with cold water, separating the liquid by filtration, 
 trei.ng the matter left on the filter with alcohol, and allowing the solution thus 
 obtned to evaporate spontaneously, or by a gentle heat. Crystals of piperin 
 are eposited, and may be purified by alternate solution in alcohol or ether, and 
 cryallization. The taste and medicinal activity of pepper probably depend 
 mailyon the concrete oil or resin, and on the volatile oil. The concrete oil is 
 of sleep-green colour, very acrid, and soluble in alcohol and ether. The volatile 
 oil : limpid, colourless, becoming yellow by age, of a strong odour, and of a taste 
 less c-rid than that of the pepper. It consists of 10 eqs. of carbon and 8 of 
 bydigen, and forms a liquid, but not a concrete compound with muriatic acid. 
 
 idical Properties and Uses. Black pepper is a warm carminative stimulant, 
 capale of producing general arterial excitement, but acting with greater propor- 
 tion energy on the part to which it is applied. From the time of Hippocrates 
 it k been employed as a condiment and medicine. Its chief medicinal appli- 
 cadi. is to excite the languid stomach, and correct flatulence. It was long since 
 ocesonally administered for the cure of intermittent.?; but its employment for 
 this urpose had passed from the profession to the vulgar, till a few years since 
 revijd by an Italian physician, to be again consigned to forgetfulness. Piperin 
 has so been employed in the same complaint, and has even been thought superior 
 to siphate of quinia; but experience has not confirmed this favourable opinion. 
 Tka in its impure state, when mixed with a portion of the acrid principle, it will 
 occaonally cure intermittents, there can be no doubt; but it is not comparable 
 to tl preparations of bark, and is probably less active than the alcoholic extract 
 of piper. In intermittent fever, when the stomach is not duly susceptible to the 
 actio of quinia, as sometimes in drunkards, pepper may be found a useful adju- 
 vantjo the more powerful febrifuge. The dose of pepper is from five to twenty 
 giaii. It may be given whole or in powder; but is more energetic in the latter 
 state Piperin has been given in doses varying from one to six or eight grains. 
 
 0 Prep. Confectio Piperis; Confectio Hut®; Emplastrum Cantharidis Com- 
 positin; Extractum Piperis Fluidum. W. 
 
 - interesting chemical investigation into the nature of piperin has been made by 
 b ert Jim, the result of which is that it probably consists of a volatile alkaline manciple 
 (SCI), combined with an electro-negative compound (NC 5i H 30 O l0 ), which, however, is 
 thus r hypothetical. The former is obtained by distilling piperin mixed with soda and 
 Imho of lime, at a temperature between 300° and 320°. It is considered by Wertheim 
 as id<j;ical with picoline, previously obtained by Dr. Anderson from the reaction of nitric 
 acid < piperin, and described by him in a paper presented at the meeting of the British 
 Assocltion, at Edinburgh in 1850. (Chem. Gaz., Aug. 1849, p. 309, from Liebig's Anna- 
 dn.) . Cahours has since repeated the experiments of Wertheim, and obtained the same 
 alkali', principle, which he names piperidine, and for which he gives the formula NC |(J H n , 
 correbirding precisely with that given by Dr. Anderson for picoline. According to M. 
 Cahor i, it is a colourless liquid, having a mixed odour- of ammonia and pepper, a very 
 caust .taste, and a strong alkaline reaction. It is soluble in water in all proportions, and 
 formslrystallizable salts with several acids. ( Ibid ., May 1, 1852, p. 1G7.) 
 
 8(j 
 
562 
 
 Piper Longum. — Pix. — Pix Burgundica. 
 
 PART 
 
 PIPER LONGUM. Lond., Ed. 
 
 Long Pepper. 
 
 Piper longum. The unripe fruit. Lond. The dried spikes. EJ. 
 
 Poivre longue, Ft.; Langer Pfeffer, Germ.; Pepe lungo, Ital.; Pimienta larga, Span 
 
 Piper. See CUBEBA. 
 
 Piper longum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 161; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 724, t. 2- 
 This species of Piper differs from its congeners in having its lower leaves cord; 
 petiolate, seven-nerved, its upper oblong-cordate, sessile, and five-nerved; ; 
 flowers in dense, short, terminal, and nearly cylindrical spikes; and its fn 
 consisting of very small one-seeded berries or grains, embedded in a pulpy mat;. 
 It is a native of South-eastern Asia, and is produced abundantly in Bengal ;i 
 other parts of Hindostan. The fruit is green when immature, and becomes [ 
 as it ripens. It is gathered in the former state, as it is then hotter than w i 
 perfectly ripe. The whole spike is taken from the plant and dried in the st 
 
 Long pepper is cylindrical, an inch or more in length, indented on its surf;, 
 of a dark-gray colour, a weak aromatic odour, and a pungent fiery taste. . 
 Dulong found its chemical composition to be closely analogous to that of bli 
 pepper. Like that it contains piper in, a concrete oil or soft resin upon wh 
 its burning acrimony depends, and a volatile oil to which it probably owes s 
 odour. Its medical virtues are essentially the same as those of black pepj ; 
 but it is considered inferior to that spice, and is seldom used. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Opii ; Pulvis Cinnamomi Compositus; Pulvis Cretse Ci- 
 positus; Tinctura Cinnamomi Composita. T\ 
 
 PIX. Lond. 
 
 Pitch. 
 
 Dry bitumen prepared from tar. Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. PIX ABIDA. Pitch : from various species of Pinus and Abies, i 
 
 Tiiis is the solid black mass left after the evaporation of the liquid partof 
 tar. It was formerly called pix nigra or black pitch. It has a shining fracte, 
 softens and becomes adhesive with a moderate heat, melts in boiling water, id 
 consists of the resin of the pine unaltered, and of various empyreumatic r<n- 
 ous products which have received the name of pry retin. ( Berzelius , Traiide 
 Chim., vi. 641 and 680.) It appears to be very gently stimulant or tonic, id 
 has been used internally in ichthyosis and other cutaneous diseases, and reeely 
 with great advantage in piles. The dose is from ten grains to a drachm gen 
 in pills. Pitch is also used externally in the form of ointment. 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Picis. I 
 
 PIX BURGUNDICA. U. 8 ., Lond., Ed., Pith. 
 Burgundy Pitch. 
 
 The prepared concrete juice of Abies excelsa. U. S. Impure resin preped 
 from the turpentine. Lond. Concrete resinous exudation, probably in a eat 
 measure from Abies excelsa. Ed. Abies excelsa. Bunrundy pitch. Dub. 
 
 Poix de Bourgogne, Poix jaune, Poix blanche, Ft.; Burguudisches Pech. Genii. 
 
 The genus Pinus of Linnasus has been divided into three genera, viz.. I ! '-S 
 Abies, and Larix; the first including the pines, the second the firs and sppeb 
 
pat i. Pix Burgundica. 563 
 
 an the third the larches. We follow the Pharmacopoeias in adopting this divi- 
 sic. 
 
 bies. Sex. Syst. Monoecia Monadelphia. — Nat. Ord. Pinaceae or Coniferae. 
 
 \en. Oh. Male flowers. Catkins solitary, not racemose ; Scales stamini- 
 feris at the apex. Stamens two, with one-celled anthers. Females. Catkins 
 sinde. Ovaries two. Stigmas glandular. Cone with imbricated scales, which 
 art .hi n at the apex, and rounded. Cotyledons digitate-partite. Leaves solitary 
 in ich sheath. De Cand. 
 
 biesexcelsa. De Candolle. — A. communis. Loudon’s Encyc. of Plants . — 
 Pits Ahies. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 506; Woodv. Med. Pot. p. 4, t. 2. The 
 Ncpay spruce is a very lofty tree, rising sometimes one hundred and fifty feet 
 in light, with a trunk from three to five feet in diameter. The leaves, which 
 stal thickly upon the branches, are short, obscurely four-cornered, often curved, 
 of Husky green colour, and shining on the upper surface. The male aments 
 arelurple and axillary, the female of the same colour, but usually terminal. 
 Tkfruit is in pendent, purple, nearly cylindrical strobiles, the scales of which 
 areval, pointed, and ragged at the edges. 
 
 bis tree is a native of Europe and Northern Asia. Though designated as 
 themree of Burgundy pitch, it furnishes but a part of the substance sold under 
 thaname by the druggists. Tingley asserts that the real Burgundy pitch is 
 obt’ped from the Abies picea, or European silver fir tree; and the same fact is 
 stall by Fee. According to G-eiger, who is probably correct, it is procured from 
 hot .species. To obtain the pitch, portions of the bark are removed so as to lay 
 bar the wood, and the flakes of concrete resinous matter which form upon the 
 surfse of the wound, having been detached by iron instruments, are melted 
 witl water in large boilers, aud then strained through coarse cloths. It is called 
 Buiundy pitch from the province of that name in the East of France. We are 
 told hat the greater portion is collected in the neighbourhood of Neufchatel. 
 
 Inn various species of pine, in different parts of Europe, a similar product 
 is oained and sold by the same name. It is prepared by removing the juice 
 wbi concretes upon the bark of the tree, or upon the surface of incisions, 
 calk galipot by the French, and purifying it by melting and straining, either 
 tbregh cloth or a layer of straw. A factitious Burgundy pitch is made by 
 metmg together common pitch, resin, and turpentine, and agitating the mixture 
 witlyater, which gives it the requisite yellowdsh colour. Its odour is different 
 fronthat of the genuine. 
 
 Abrought to this country, Burgundy pitch is generally mixed with impurities, 
 whii require that it should be melted and strained before being used. In its 
 pure' t ate it is hard, brittle, quite opaque, of a yellowish or brownish-yellow 
 colo , and a weak tcrebinthinate taste and odour. It is very fusible, and at the 
 heat >f the body softens and becomes adhesive. It differs from turpentine in 
 confining a smaller proportion of volatile oil. 
 
 T'js. Frankincense. Linder the name of Thus, the London and Dublin 
 Colbes direct the concrete juice of the spruce fir, as taken immediately from 
 tbe irk of the tree without any preparation. The London College recognises 
 also nus palustris as one of its sources. As sold in London it is in all proba- 
 bilitfferived chiefly if not exclusively from the latter tree, being in fact nothing 
 mort han our common turpentine, perfectly dry and brittle. (See Terelin/hina.) 
 E is i solid, brittle tears, of a yellowish or brownish-yellow colour on the out- 
 side, nd paler within, and emits an agreeable odour when burned. It softens 
 and comes adhesive at the temperature of the body. 
 
 M ical Properties and Uses. Applied to the skin in the shape of a plaster, 
 Burdody pitch acts as a gentle rubefacient, producing a slight degree of inflam- 
 ed'. and serous effusion without separating the cuticle. Sometimes it excites 
 
564 
 
 PART 
 
 Pix Burgundica. — Fix Canadensis. 
 
 a papillary or vesicular eruption ; and we have known it to act upon the surfs 
 as a violent poison, giving rise to severe pain, swelling, and redness, followed 
 vesication and even ulceration. It is used chiefly in slight chronic pains of 
 rheumatic character, or in chronic affections of the chest or abdomen, which c- 
 for a gentle but long-continued revulsion to the skin. The resinous exudati 
 of the spruce fir ( thus or frankincense') is used only as an ingredient of plaste 
 
 Off. Prep, of Burgundy Pitch. Einplastrum Cantharidis Compositum; E 
 plast. Ferri; Emplast. Galbani Comp.; Emplast. Opii; Emplast. Pic-is; E 
 plast. Picis Burgundicae; Emplast. Picis cum Cautharide; Pix Burgundica Pr 
 parata. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Frankincense. Thus Praeparatum. TV. 
 
 PIX CANADENSIS. U. S. 
 
 Canada Pitch. 
 
 The prepared concrete juice of Abies Canadensis. U. S. 
 
 Abies. See PIX BURGUNDICA. 
 
 Abies Canadensis. Michaux, N. Am. Sylv. iii. 185. — Pinus Cannden. 
 Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 505. This is the hemlock spruce of the United States e. 
 Canada. When of full growth it is often seventy or eighty feet high, wit. 
 trunk two or three feet iu diameter, and of nearly uniform dimensions for tv 
 thirds of its length. The branches are slender, and dependent at their exi- 
 mities. The leaves are very numerous, six or eight lines long, flat, denticukj, 
 and irregularly arranged in two rows. The strobiles are ovate, little longer tli 
 the leaves, pendulous, and situated at the ends of the branches. 
 
 The tree is abundant in Canada, Nova Scotia, and the more northern part. 1 f 
 New England ; and is found in the elevated and mountainous regions of 3 
 Middle States. Its bark abounds in the astringent principle, and is much ul 
 for tanning in the northern parts of the United States. It contains much less jm 
 than some other of the Pinaceae ; and very little flows from incisions made io 
 its trunk. But in the trees which have attained their full growth, and are abt 
 or have begun to decay, the juice exudes spontaneously, and hardens upon e 
 bark, in consequence of the partial evaporation or oxidation of its volatile 1. 
 The bark thus incrusted is stripped from the tree, broken into pieces of convi- 
 ent size, and boiled iu water. The pitch melts, rises to the surface, is skimid 
 off, and is still further purified by a second boiling in water. It is broughio 
 Philadelphia from the north of Pennsylvania, in dark-coloured brittle mass, 
 which, on being broken, exhibit numerous minute fragments of bark, interspe:d 
 through their substance. From these it is purified in the shops by melting d 
 straining through linen or canvas. (Ellis, Journ. of Phil. Col. of P harm., ii- ■) 
 
 Thus prepared it is hard, brittle, quite opaque, of a dark yellowish-br n 
 colour, which becomes still darker by exposure to the air, of a weak pecur 
 odour, and scarcely any taste. It softens and becomes adhesive with a modete 
 heat, and melts at 198° F. Its constituents are resin and a minute proporticof 
 volatile oil. It is commonly known by the iucorrect name of hemlock gum 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Canada pitch is a gentle rubefacient, c-lcly 
 analogous to Burgundy pitch in its properties, and employed for precisely^ 
 same purposes. It is, however, more readily softened by heat, and is somet es 
 almost too soft for convenient application at the temperature of the body. A 
 volatile oil obtained from Abies Canadensis, and called oil of hemlock, has so 
 employed to produce abortion, with the effect of endangering the life ofhe 
 female. (J. S. Paige, N. ¥ Journ. of Med., viii. 184.) ' V 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Pix Liquida. 
 
 565 
 
 PIX LIQUIDA. U. S., Loud., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Tar. 
 
 he impure turpentine procured by burning from the wood of Pinus palustris 
 an' other species of Pinus. U. S. Pinus sylvestris and other species. Liquid 
 bitmcn prepared from the wood by fire. Land. Tar from various species of 
 Pi is and Abies. Ed. Tar from Pinus sylvestris. Dub. 
 imdron, Fr.; Tlieer, Germ.; Pece liquida, Ilal.; Alquitran, Span. 
 he tar used in this country is prepared from the wood of various species of 
 pii, particularly Pinus palustris of the Southern States, the P. australis of 
 Miiaux. (See Terebinthina.) The dead wood is usually selected, because, 
 wbi vegetation ceases, the resinous matter becomes concentrated in the interior 
 lajS: The wood is cut into billets of a convenient size, which are placed 
 
 togther so as to form a large stack or pile, and then covered with earth as in 
 thorocess for making charcoal. The stack is built upon a small circular mound 
 of irth previously prepared, the summit of which gradually declines from the 
 cir inference to the centre, where a small cavity is formed, communicating by 
 a ciduit with a shallow ditch surrounding the mound. Fire is applied through 
 anpening in the top of the pile, and a slow combustion is maintained, so that 
 thaesinous matter may be melted by the heat. This runs into the cavity in 
 theentre of the mound, and passes thence by the conduit into the ditch, whence 
 it transferred into barrels. Immense quantities of tar are thus prepared in 
 Noih Carolina and the south-eastern parts of Virginia, sufficient, after supplying 
 ouiWn consumption, to afford a large surplus for exportation. 
 
 (nsiderable quantities of tar have also been prepared in the lower parts of 
 Ne Jersey, in some portions of New England, and in Pennsylvania west of the 
 Alghany mountains, from the Pinus rigicla, or pitch pine, and perhaps from 
 soul other species. 
 
 soperties. Tar has a peculiar empyreumatic odour, a bitterish, resinous, 
 sou what acid taste, a colour almost black, and a tenacious consistence inter- 
 me ate between that of a liquid and solid. It consists of resinous matter, 
 uni d with acetic acid, oil of turpentine, and various volatile empyreumatic 
 pro icts, and coloured with charcoal. By distillation it yields an acid liquor 
 cal] l pyroligneous acid (see Acidum Aceticum ), and an empyreumatic oil called 
 oil c tar ; and what is left behind is pitch. The empyreumatic oil has been 
 ase tained by Dr. Reichenbach, of Moravia, to contain, besides oil of turpentine, 
 six istinct principles, which he has named para ffine, eupione, creosote, picamar, 
 cap imor, and pittaca.l. Of these, only picamar and creasote merit particular 
 attetion; the former as the principle to which tar owes its bitterness, the latter 
 as je one upon which it probably depends chiefly for its medical virtues. (See 
 Crlsotum.) Tar yields a small proportion of its constituents to water, which 
 is t is rendered medicinal, and is employed under the name of tar water. It 
 is c solved by alcohol, ether, and the volatile and fixed oils. 
 
 pdical Properties and Uses. The medical properties of tar are similar to 
 thoj of the turpentines. It. is occasionally used with advantage in chronic 
 cafij-hal affections, and complaints of the urinary passages. Little benefit can 
 he tpected from it in genuine phthisis, in the treatment of which it was formerly 
 rec|imended. Dr. Bateman employed it advantageously as an iuternal remedy 
 m ithyosis. Its vapour, inhaled into the lungs, has been found serviceable 
 in i merous cases of bronchial disease. Its effects in this way are most eon- 
 veniQtly obtained by placing a cup containing tar or oil of tar in a small water- 
 bat over a common nurse-lamp, and thus impregnating the air of the chamber. 
 
566 
 
 PART 
 
 Pix Liquida. — Plumbum. 
 
 Externally applied, in tlie state of ointment, tar is a very efficient remedy 
 tinea capitis or scaldhead, and in some cases of psoriasis; and has been used wi 
 advantage in foul or indolent ulcers, and some other affections of the skin. 
 
 It may be used in the form of tar water, or in substance made into pills wi 
 wheat flour, or mixed with sugar in the form of an electuary. The dose is frc 
 half a drachm to a drachm, and may be repeated so as to amount to three 
 four drachms daily. 
 
 Tar water (Aqua Picis Liquid se) may be prepared by stirring a pint of t 
 with half a gallon of water for fifteen minutes, then allowing the tar to subsit 
 and straining the liquid. Water takes from tar a small portion of acetic ac 
 empyreumatic oil, and resinous matter, acquiring a sharp empyreumatic tas 
 and the colour of Madeira wine. Thus impregnated it is stimulant and diuret 
 and may be taken in the quantity of from ojie to two pints daily. It is a 
 used as a wash in chronic cutaneous affections, and is said to have proved bei 
 ficial, by injection into the bladder, in some cases of chronic cystitis.* 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Picis Liquidae. W. 
 
 PLUMBUM. 
 
 Lead. 
 
 Plomb, Fr.; Blei, Germ.; Lood, Dutch; Plombo, Ital.; Plomo, Span.; Ckurnbo, Fort 
 
 Lead is not officinal in its metallic state ; but enters into a number of import;, 
 medicinal preparations. It occurs in nature in three principal states — as an oxi 
 as a sulphuret called galena, and in saline combination, forming the native ;• 
 phate, phosphate, carbonate, chromate, molybdate, tungstate, and arseniateof le. 
 The oxide is rare, but galena is exceedingly abundant and diffused, and is ? 
 ore from which nearly all the lead of commerce is extracted. The process!’ 
 extraction consists in melting the ore in contact with charcoal. Mines of gala 
 occur in different parts of the world, but the richest and most extensive are fotl 
 in this country. The lead region of the United States extends in length fn 
 the Wisconsin in the north to the Red river of Arkansas in the south, andi 
 breadth about one hundred and fifty miles. 
 
 Properties. Lead is a soft, bluish-gray, and very malleable metal, presentg 
 a bright surface when newly melted or cut. It has a perceptible taste, ana 
 peculiar smell when rubbed. It undergoes but little change in the air, bus 
 acted on by the combined influence of air and water, which give rise to a • 
 clrated protoxide, which is afterwards changed, in part, into carbonate, by >- 
 sorbing carbonic acid from the atmosphere. This chemical effect on the nil 
 is greater in proportion as the water is purer. (See page 110.) Its sp. grs 
 11'4, melting point about 612°, and equivalent number 103'6. Exposed ;a 
 stream of oxygen on ignited charcoal, it burns with a blue flame, throwing# 
 dense yellow fumes. The best solvent of lead is nitric acid; but the presencpf 
 sulphuric acid destroys, and that of muriatic acid lessens its solvent power.n 
 
 * Tar Beer or Wine of Tar. A preparation under this name has been used to 8>e 
 extent in Philadelphia in pulmonary affections. The following is the formula recoromeed 
 by Prof. Procter. Take of ground malt, honey, and tar, each a pound ; yeast half a i t. 
 Mix the malt and honey with six pints of water in an earthen vessel: keep the nnsre 
 for three hours, with occasional stirring, at the temperature of 150° F. : then allow to 
 cool to 80° F., and add the yeast. Sustain the fermentation for thirty-six hours by a at 
 between 70° and 80°, then decant the supernatant liquid, add the tar gradually toae 
 dregs, stirring constantly, so as to make a uniform mixture, and return the deeaed 
 fluid to the vessel. Stir the whole occasionally for a week, adding water so as to pre;w 
 the original measure; then strain with strong expression, allow the expressed liqui to 
 stand until it becomes nearly clear by subsidence, and finally filter through paper. ('»• 
 Journ. of P harm. xxii. 111.) 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Plumbum. 
 
 567 
 
 ac-iunt of the insolubility of the sulphate and chloride of lead. Lead forms 
 fiv oxides, a dioxide, protoxide, sesquioxide, deutoxide, and red oxide. The 
 cluule consists of two equivalents of lead and one of oxygen. The protoxide, 
 ca ;d in commerce massicot, may he obtained by calcining, in a platinum cruci- 
 bl< the subnitrate of lead, formed by precipitating a solution of the nitrate by 
 anionia. On a large scale it is manufactured by exposing melted lead to the 
 ac >n of the air. Its surface becomes encrusted with a gray pellicle, which, 
 beg scraped off, is quickly succeeded by another; and the whole of the metal, 
 be g in this way successively presented to the air, becomes converted into a 
 gr-nish-gray powder, consisting of protoxide and metallic lead. This, by ex- 
 poire to a moderate heat, absorbs more oxygen, and is converted entirely into 
 proxide. This oxide has a yellow colour, and is the only oxide of lead capable 
 of arming salts with the acids. It consists of one eq. of lead 103'6, and one 
 of jygen 8= 111‘6. A variety of the protoxide called litharge is very much 
 US' in pharmacy, and is officinal in all the Pharmacopoeias. (See Plumbi 
 O.dum Semivitreum.) The sesquioxide, discovered by Winckelblech, is unim- 
 poant. The deutoxide, called also puce oxide from its y?ea-brown colour, may 
 behtained by treating red lead with nitric acid. The acid takes up the pro- 
 to:le and leaves the deutoxide, which may be purified by washing with boiling 
 wa r. It is a tasteless powder, of a dark-brown colour. When heated to red- 
 ne it loses half its oxygen and becomes protoxide. It consists of one eq. of 
 lea 103 "6, and two of oxygen 16 = 119*6. The red oxide , called in commerce 
 in rum or red lead, is described under another head. (See Plumbi Oxidum 
 Rirum .) Lead combines with iodine, forming the officinal iodide of lead. 
 TL acetate, carbonate, and nitrate are also officinal. 
 
 ae best tests of lead are sulphuretted hydrogen, and a solution of iodide of 
 po psium. The former produces a black precipitate of sulphuret of lead, .the 
 lat r, a yellow one of iodide of lead. 
 
 edical Properties and Uses. The effects of lead in its various combinations 
 arc hose of a sedative and astringent. It is used internally for the purpose of 
 reccing vascular action, and restraining inordinate discharges; and externally 
 as i abater of inflammation. When introduced into the system in a gradual 
 miner, either by working in the metal, or by taking it in small and frequently 
 repited doses, it acts injuriously on the nervous system, producing a peculiar 
 col, called lead colic, sometimes apoplectic symptoms, and occasionally palsy, 
 whh is almost always partial, and affects for the most part the upper extremi- 
 ties In some instances salivation is produced, and, according to Dr. Henry 
 Bunn, the constitutional effects of the metal are indicated by a narrow lead- 
 bli line at the edge of the gum, round two or more of the teeth, as a constant 
 amearly sign. According to Mialhe lead gains access to the circulation by 
 me is of the chlorides of the alkalifiable metals in the alimentary canal, which 
 for!! with the lead, a soluble double chloride of lead and potassium or of lead and 
 socjim. The treatment necessary in lead colic is given under carbonate of lead. 
 Le . palsy is usually attended with dyspepsia, constipation, tendency to colic, 
 lasbude, and gloominess of mind; and is best treated by tonics, aperients, ex- 
 erce, and avoidance of the cause of the disease. The poisonous effects of an 
 ovodose of the lead preparations are to be combated by emetics, if free vomit- 
 ingias not previously occurred, by the exhibition of sulphate of magnesia or 
 sul iate of soda, and by opium. The sulphates mentioned as purgatives have 
 Ley recommended, under the impression that they acted as antidotes by forming 
 sufiate of lead. It is probable that they lessen the poisonous effects of the 
 sol ile salts of lead; but the sulphate, though insoluble in water, may be, to 
 soij extent, soluble in the gastric juice; and, so far as its external use in the 
 fob of ointment is concerned, it has been found by Flandin to prove poisonous 
 to e inferior animals. 
 
568 
 
 Plumbum. 
 
 PART 
 
 In chronic poisoning by lead, warm sulphuretted baths, formed by dissolvir 
 four ounces of sulphuret of potassium in thirty gallons of water, in a woode 
 tub, are useful. These baths cause discoloration of the skin, from the formatk 
 of sulphuret of lead, and should be repeated every few days, until this effe 
 ceases to be produced. During each bath, the patient should be well rubbf 
 with a flesh-brush, and soap and water, in order to remove the discoloration. I 
 proceeding in this way, the lead on the skin, or in its pores, is rendered insoli 
 ble and inert, and at the same time removed. Dr. Melsens praises iodide 
 potassium in chronic lead poisoning, the medicine having the effect of renderit 
 the lead soluble, and of eliminating it from the system principally by the urin 
 
 Orfila has determined, by experiments on dogs, the appearance exhibited 1 
 the mucous membrane of the stomach, after the use of small doses of the sal 
 of lead. After the action of such doses for two hours, dull white points a 
 visible on the membrane, sometimes in rows and sometimes disseminated, at 
 evidently consisting of the metal, united with the organic tissue. If the anim 
 be allowed to live for four days, the same spots may be seen with the magnifie 
 and if sulphuretted hydrogen be applied to the surface, they are instantly blac- 
 ened. ( Archives Gen., 3e sirie, iv. 244.) 
 
 According to M. Gendrin, sulphuric acid, prepared like lemonade, and usi 
 both internally and externally, is a prophylactic against the poisonous effects 
 lead, especially the lead colic. It may be supposed to act by forming the coi 
 paratively inert sulphate of lead with the poison. Mr. Benson, a manager 
 white lead works at Birmingham, has tried this acid, and finds it a prevents 
 of lead colic in his establishment, where it was exceedingly prevalent before i 
 employment. He uses it as an addition to ginger beer, to which biearbona 
 of soda is also added to render it brisk, but not in sufficient quantity to preve 
 a considerable portion of the acid remaining in excess. ( London Lancet, De( 
 1842.) On the other hand, the powers of sulphuric acid in preventing the p> 
 sonous effects of lead are positively denied by Dr. A. Grisolle, Dr. Melsen 
 and other authorities. Dr. Grisolle recommends that workmen employed 
 lead manufactories should use frequent baths, avoid intemperance, and alwa 
 eat before they enter upon their work in the morning. He supposes that, in 
 great majority of cases, the metal is introduced into the system through tl 
 stomach by means of the saliva or food. After acute poisoning by lead, t 
 metal has been found in the liver and brain. Indeed, it may be detected in ; 
 the organs, a long time after the ingestion of the poison. 
 
 The following table embraces all the officinal preparations of lead. 
 
 Plumbi Oxidum Rubrum. Ed. 
 
 Plumbi Oxidum Semivitreum, U. S.; Plumbi Oxidum, Land.; Lithargyru 
 Ed., Dub. Anglice, Litharge. 
 
 Emplastrum Plumbi, U. S., Land. ; Emplastrum Lithargyri, Ed., D> 
 Anglice, Lead plaster. Litharge plaster. 
 
 Unguentum Plumbi Compositum, Loud. 
 
 Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis, I .S.; Liquor Plumbi Diaeetatis, Lorn 
 Plumbi Diaeetatis Solutio, Ed. ; Plumbi Subacetatis Liqu 
 Dub. Anglice, Goulard's extract. 
 
 Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus, U.S.; Liquor Plumbi Bin- 
 tatis Dilutus, Loud.; Plumbi Subacetatis Liquor Composit, 
 Dub. Anglice, Lead-water. 
 
 Ceratum Plumbi Subacetatis, U. S. ; Ceratum Plumbi Composite 
 Lond. Anglice, Goulard’s cerate. 
 
 Ceratum Sapouis, U S-; Ceratum Saponis Compositum, Lond. 
 
 Plumbi Iodidum, U. S., Land., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Unguentum Plumbi loclidi, Load., Dub. 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Plumbum. — Plumbi Aeetas. 
 
 569 
 
 (umbi Aeetas, U. S., Land., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Ceratum Plumbi Acetatis, Land . ; Unguentum Plumbi Acetatis, Ed., Dub. 
 
 Pilulae Plumbi Opiatae, Ed. 
 
 iumbi Carbonas, U.S., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Unguentum Plumbi Carbonatis, U. S., Ed., Dub. 
 
 jumbi Nitras, U. S., Ed., Dub. B. 
 
 PLUMBI ACETAS. U.S., Loncl., Eel, Dub. 
 
 Acetate of Lead. 
 
 {fear of Lead ; Sacchavum Saturni, Cerussa acetata, Lat.; Acetate de plomb, Sucre de 
 ploii, Selde Saturne, Fr.; Essigsaures Bleioxyd, Bleizucker, Germ.; Zucchero di Saturno, 
 ha'll Azucar de plomo, Span. 
 
 (' the Pharmacopoeias commented on in this work, the Edinburgh alone gives 
 a fcnula for preparing this salt. In the other Pharmacopoeias it is more pro- 
 per placed in the catalogue of the Materia Medica. 
 
 ■ separation. Sugar of lead is obtained by two methods. By one method, thin 
 pla 3 of lead are placed in shallow vessels filled with distilled vinegar, in such 
 a naner as to have a part of each plate rising above the vinegar; and these are 
 tur. d from time to time, so as to bring different portions of the metallic surface 
 in (htact with the air. The metal, after becoming protoxidized, dissolves in the 
 vin ar to saturation, and the solution is evaporated to the point of crystallization. 
 Thiprocess is a slow one, but furnishes a salt which is perfectly neutral. The 
 oth> method consists in dissolving, by the assistance of heat, litharge, or the 
 pro side of lead obtained by calcination, in an excess of distilled vinegar or of 
 pur;ed pyroligneous acid, contained in leaden boilers. The oxide is quickly 
 dissved, and, when the acid has become saturated, the solution is transferred 
 to dier vessels to cool and crystallize. The crystals having formed, the mother 
 wat s are decanted, and, by a new evaporation, made to yield a new crop. These 
 are merally yellow, but may be rendered white by repeated solutions and crys- 
 tallitions. 
 
 Sear of lead is extensively manufactured in Germany, Holland, France, and 
 Engnd, as well as in the United States. It is principally consumed in the arts 
 of (ieing and calico-printing, in which it is employed to form with alum the 
 acete of alumina, to act as a mordant. 
 
 Ipperties. Acetate of lead is a white salt, crystallized in brilliant needles, 
 wki have the shape of long prisms, terminated by dihedral summits. Its taste 
 is a irst sweet and afterwards astringent. Exposed to the air it effloresces 
 slow/. It dissolves in four times its weight of cold, and in a much smaller 
 qua ity of boiling water. It is soluble also in alcohol. Its solution in common 
 wati is turbid, in consequence of the formation of carbonate of lead with the 
 cart iic acid which such water always contains. This turbidness may be removed 
 by tb addition of a small proportion of vinegar, or of dilute acetic acid. In 
 pure listilled water, free from carbonic acid, it ought to dissolve entirely, and 
 form clear solution. Sulphuric acid, when added to a solution of acetate of 
 leadoroduces instantly a precipitate of sulphate of lead; and the disengaged 
 acet; acid gives rise to vapours having the smell of vinegar. The salt, when 
 heat‘1, first fuses and parts with its water of crystallization, and afterwards is 
 decc posed, yielding acetic acid and pyroacetic spirit (acetone), and leaving a 
 reside of charcoal and reduced lead. Au important property of sugar of lead 
 is it power of dissolving a large quantity of protoxide of lead. (See Liquor 
 Dlu 'n Subaceta/is.) It consists of one eq. of acetic acid 51, one of protoxide 
 of h i 1116, and three of water 27 = 189'6. 
 
 L mipatibles. Acetate of lead is decomposed by all acids, and by those soluble 
 Balts the acids of which produce with protoxide of lead insoluble or sparingly 
 
570 
 
 Plumbi Acetas. 
 
 PAEI 
 
 soluble compounds. Acids of this character are the sulphuric, muriatic, citr 
 and tartaric. It is also decomposed by lime-water, and by ammonia, potas 
 and soda; the last two, if added in excess, dissolving the precipitate at fi 
 formed. It is decomposed by hard water, in consequence of the sulphate of lii 
 and common salt which such water usually contains. With sulphuretted hyd 
 gen, it gives a black precipitate of sulphuret of lead ; with iodide of potassiu 
 a yellow one of iodide of lead; and with a carbonated alkali, a white one ofc 
 bonate of lead. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Acetate of lead, in medicinal doses, is a power 
 astringent and sedative; in over-doses, an irritant poison. It has sometimes b(. 
 given in pretty large doses in regular practice without any bad effects, and ca, 
 are on record where a quarter of an ounce has been swallowed without prov:; 
 fatal. On the other hand, it sometimes produces colica pictonum when given i 
 medicinal doses, though taken with acetic acid to ward off its deleterious effec 
 It is proper to remark, however, that the immediate effects of an over-dose : 
 often escaped by prompt and spontaneous vomiting ; and that the remote con - 
 tutional effects are not apt to occur, so long as the evacuations from the bow; 
 are not materially diminished. The principal diseases in which it has bn 
 exhibited are hemorrhages, particularly from the lungs, intestines, and uter. 
 Its effect in restraining the discharge of blood is admitted to be very powerl. 
 It has also been used w ! ith advantage in certain forms of dysentery and diarrhi , 
 and has been recommended in particular stages of cholera infantum. Combitl 
 with opium, it is well suited to the treatment of the diarrhoea occurring in phthi . 
 It sometimes proves a valuable remedy in checking vomiting. Dr. Irvine.f 
 Charleston, recommends it to compose the irritability of the stomach in yelk 
 fever; and Dr. Davis, of Columbia, S. C., used it with benefit in the irritae 
 stomach attendant on bilious fever. It has been much extolled by the Germ 
 practitioners in dothinenteritis, or the typhoid fever attended with ulceration; f 
 the intestines. In some of these cases it was advantageously combined na 
 carbonate of ammonia. The same practitioners have strongly recommendeu 
 in aneurism of the aorta, and Dupuytren, on their report of its efficacy, triect 
 in several cases, and with marked effect in diminishing the size of the aneurisil 
 tumour. (Archives Gen., 3 es6r., v. 445.) One of the authors has imitated e 
 practice in aneurism of the aorta, and in enlargement of the heart, and wh 
 encouraging results. It has been employed by Drs. Xeuhold and Hasserbrc;, 
 with remarkable success, in strangulated hernia, used in enemata, containing n 
 grains of the salt dissolved in six fluidounees of tepid water, and repeated evy 
 two hours. In mercurial salivation, M. Brachet, of Lyons, found sugar of Id 
 very efficacious, administered in grain pills, night and morning. Several c;ts 
 of severe salivation of several months’ duration, which had resisted the usof 
 opium, purgatives, &c., were speedily relieved by the remedy. The solutions 
 frequently used as a collyrium ; and, applied by means of cloths, or mixed xli 
 crumb of bread, it forms a good application to superficial inflammation, hs 
 sometimes advantageous to associate opium with the solution, in which easeie 
 meconate of morphia of the opium is decomposed, with the result of formg 
 acetate of morphia in solution, and meconate of lead which precipitates. A la- 
 vement lotion, containing an excess of acetate of lead, may be formed by auog 
 four grains of the acetate and four of opium to a fluidounce of water. 
 
 When employing this medicine, the practitioner should always bear in nil 
 that, when long continued in small doses, it is apt to produce dangerous in- 
 stitutional effects. These are chiefly of two kinds; 1. an affection of theli- 
 mentary canal, attended with severe pain and obstinate constipatiou, called cca 
 pictonum, or lead colic; 2. a chronic affection of the muscles, especially of ae 
 extensors of the upper extremities, characterized by an excessive wastinp 
 
paT i. 
 
 Plumbi Acetas. — Plumbi Carbonas. 
 
 571 
 
 tlse organs, and denominated lead palsy. Both these affections are apt to be 
 e:ited in those artisans who work in lead. The approach of these dangerous 
 crstitutional symptoms is said to be indicated by a narrow lead-blue line at the 
 ere of the gums. (See page 567.) 
 
 The dose of sugar of lead is from one to three grains, in the form of pill, 
 Treated every two or three hours. It is generally given combined with opium. 
 T? solution for external use may be made by dissolving from two to three 
 dckms in a pint of water; and if it be wanted clear, a fluidrachm of vinegar, 
 o of dilute acetic acid may be added, which immediately dissolves the carbonate 
 dead, to which its turbidness is owdng. When the skin is denuded of the 
 ciicle, the solution should be weaker. The usual strength of the solution as a 
 c<|yrium is from one to two grains to the fiuidounce of distilled water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acidum Aceticum ; Acidum. Acetic-urn Glaciale; Liquor Plumbi 
 Soacetatis; Pilulae Plumbi Opiatae; Plumbi Iodidum; Unguentum Plumbi 
 Aitatis; Zinci Acetas. B. 
 
 PLUMBI CARBONAS. U.S., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Carbonate of Lead. 
 
 fhite lead, Ceruse; Ceruse, Carbonate de plomb, Blanc de plomb, Blanc de ceruse, 
 F Bleiweiss, Germ.; Cerussa, Lat., Ital.; Albayalde, Span. 
 
 Preparation. Carbonate of lead is prepared by two principal methods. By 
 oil method it is obtained bypassing a stream of carbonic acid through a solution 
 oiubacetate (trisaeetate) of lead. The carbonic acid combines with the excess 
 ohrotoxide and precipitates as carbonate of lead, while a neutral acetate remains 
 involution. This, by being boiled with a fresh portion of protoxide, is again 
 blight to the state of subacetate, when it is treated with carbonic acid as before. 
 Indus way the same portion of acetate repeatedly serves the purpose of being 
 ccverted into subacetate, and of being decomposed by carbonic acid. The car- 
 bate obtained is washed, dried with a gentle heat, and thrown into commerce. 
 T 5 process, which produces white lead of the first quality, was invented and 
 mie public by Thenard, about the year 1802, and is that which is usually pur- 
 sujjl in France and Sweden. 
 
 . modification of the process of Thenard is now pursued by some manufac- 
 tu rs in England. , It consists in mixing litharge with a hundredth part of 
 ac ate of lead, and subjecting the mixture, previously moistened with very little 
 Wijir, to a stream of carbonic acid. ( Pelouze .) 
 
 he other method, which consists in exposing lead to the vapours of vinegar, 
 or inated in Holland, and is usually pursued in England and the United States ; 
 bi in England, with some modifications which are not well known. We shall 
 deiribe this process as pursued by our own manufacturers. The lead is cast 
 in thin sheets, made by pouring the melted lead over an oblong sheet-iron 
 sh el, with a flat bottom, and raised edges on its sides, which is held in a slant- 
 in direction over the melting-pot. As many of these sheets are then loosely 
 ro :d up as may be sufficient to form a cylinder five or six inches in diameter, 
 an seven or eight high, which is placed in an earthen pot containing about half 
 a at of vinegar, and having within, a few inches from the bottom, three equi- 
 di mt projecting portions in the earthenware, on which the cylinder of lead is 
 suborted, in order to keep it from contact with the vinegar. The pots thus pre- 
 pa^ are placed side by side, in horizontal layers, in a building roughly con- 
 sulted of boards, with interstices between them. The first layer is covered with 
 bcffis, on which a stratum of tan or refuse straw from the stables is strewed; 
 an, fresh layers of pots, boards, and straw are successively placed until the whole 
 
572 
 
 Plumbi Carbonas. 
 
 par: 
 
 building is filled. The sides also are enclosed with straw. The layers of js 
 contained in one building, called a stack, are allowed to remain undisturbed r 
 about six weeks, at the end of which time they are unpacked, and the cyliDr 
 of sheet-lead in each pot, though still retaining its shape, is found almost entiiy 
 converted into a flaky, white, friable substance, which is the white lead. ] 3 
 is separated from the lead yet remaining in the metallic state, ground in wa -, 
 whereby it is washed and reduced to fine powder, and finally dried in long si - 
 low reservoirs, heated by steam. 
 
 Pelouze has succeeded in explaining all these processes on the same gen<.l 
 principles. In Thenard’s process, it is admitted that the same portion of ace e 
 of lead repeatedly unites with protoxide, and gives it up again to carbonic ac-i o 
 form the carbonate. In the modified English process, referred to above, be im- 
 poses that the one per cent, of acetate of lead combines with sufficient lithre 
 to convert it into subacetate, which immediately returns to the state of neml 
 acetate, by yielding up its excess of base to form the carbonate with the carbee 
 acid. The acetate is now ready to combine with a fresh portion of litharge :o 
 be transferred to the carbonic acid as before; and thus this small proportion! 
 acetate, by combining with successive portions of the litharge, finally causesie 
 whole of it to unite with the carbonic acid. In the Dutch process, Pelouze is 
 rendered it almost certain, that none of the oxygen or carbonic acid of the r- 
 bonate is derived from the vinegar. Here he supposes that the heat, gener; d 
 by the fermentation of the straw or tan, volatilizes the vinegar, the acetic .d 
 of which, with the assistance of the oxygen of the air, forms with the lead a si ll 
 portion of subacetate. This, by reacting with the carbonic acid resulting fm 
 the decomposition of the straw or tan, or derived from the atmosphere, fops 
 carbonate of lead, and is reduced to the state of neutral acetate. The neual 
 acetate returns again to the state of subacetate, and, by alternately combing 
 with and yielding up the protoxide, causes the whole of the lead to be finly 
 converted into carbonate. 
 
 The temperature of the stacks of pots in the Dutch process is about 113° If 
 it fall below 95°, a part of the lead escapes corrosion, and if it rise above 1:°, 
 the product is yellow. The form of acetic acid usually employed in this pross 
 is common vinegar ; but the variable nature of that liquid as to strength id 
 purity is an objection to its use; and, accordingly, other forms of the acid Ire 
 been substituted for it with advantage, as, for example, the purified acetic id 
 from wood in a diluted state. For further information in relation to thediffent 
 processes proposed or pursued for making white lead, the reader is referred a 
 paper by Prof. J. C. Booth, in the Journal of (he Franklin Institute for Jan. L'2. 
 
 Properties. Carbonate of lead is a heavy, opaque substance, in powdeor 
 friable lumps, insoluble in water, of a fine white colour, inodorous and nely 
 insipid. Its beauty as a pigment depends in a great measure on the puritof 
 the lead from which it is manufactured. It is wholly soluble, with effervesc- ce 
 in dilute nitric acid. Exposed to heat it becomes yellow, and with c-harcc; is 
 reduced to the metallic state. It is sometimes adulterated with the sulpl es 
 of baryta, lime, and lead, particularly the former. M. Louyet has examed 
 samples of French white lead, containing considerably more than half oir 
 weight of sulphate of baryta. These sulphates, if present, are left undissced 
 by nitric acid. Chalk or whiting is another adulteration. This may be deteed 
 by adding to the nitric solution of the white lead an excess of potassa, well 
 will redissolve the protoxide of lead first thrown down, but leave a white poler 
 of lime. Neutral carbonate of lead consists of one eq. of carbonic acid ud.na 
 one of protoxide of lead 111'6 = 133 , 6 Commercial white lead is a comped 
 of the carbonate and hydrate of lead. Mulder and Hochstetter make its for;ih 
 
 to be 2(PbO,CO,) + PbO,HO. 
 
Pj:T I. 
 
 Plumbi Carbonas. — Plumbi Nitras. 
 
 573 
 
 [cdical Properties and Uses. White lead is ranked in the materia medica 
 asn astringent and sedative. It is employed externally only, being used, in 
 th.form of ointment, as an application to ulcers, and to inflamed and excoriated 
 su'aces. (See Unguentum Plumbi Carbonatis .) It is recommended in scalds 
 ar burns by Prof. Gross, and Dr. Henry, of Iowa, bears testimony to its 
 eflacy. The white lead is first brought to the consistence of cream by linseed 
 oi and then brushed over the inflamed surface. ( Boston Med. and Surg. Journ., 
 xl. 73.) Its external use, however, is viewed by many practitioners as danger- 
 ou on account of the risk of absorption ; but the danger is certainly overrated, 
 as r e have the testimony of respectable physicians that they frequently employ 
 it this way, without the least unpleasant result. 
 
 I the different preparations of lead, the carbonate is considered to be the 
 mt poisonous. Being extensively manufactured for the purposes of the arts, 
 it i that preparation which, by slow absorption, most frequently produces the 
 pediar spasmodic colic, called colica pictonum. This disease is characterized 
 Main about the region of the navel, and by obstinate constipation, attended 
 wi. a frequent desire to evacuate the bowels, aud is supposed to depend upon 
 a ;asmodic constriction of the intestinal tube, particularly of the colon. The 
 prcipal indications in the treatment are, first to relax the spasm, and then to 
 evuate the bowels by the gentlest means. Opium and mild aperients, used 
 alrnately, are accordingly the best remedies, and among the latter castor oil 
 anisulphate of magnesia are to be preferred. Indeed, the latter appears pecu- 
 liay adapted to the case; for, while it acts as an aperient, it operates to some 
 exnt as a counterpoison, by forming the sulphate of lead with any soluble com- 
 poid of the metal which it may meet with in the bowels. Calomel is often 
 usd; and, if it happen to induce ptyalism, the complaint immediately yields. 
 Byome practitioners alum is deemed almost a specific in colica pictonum. 
 
 If. Prep. Unguentum Plumbi Carbonatis. B. 
 
 PLUMBI NIT R AS. U S., Ed., Did h. 
 
 Nitrate of Lead. 
 
 ibis salt has been introduced into the Materia Medica of the U. S. Pharma- 
 coba, chiefly as one of the substances employed in the preparation of iodide of 
 led) The Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges give processes for its preparation. 
 
 Take of Litharge four ounces and a. half ; Diluted Nitric Acid a pint [Im- 
 ped measure]. Dissolve the Litharge to saturation with the aid of a gentle 
 he Filter, and set the liquor aside to crystallize. Concentrate the residual 
 liqjd to obtain more crystals.” Ed. 
 
 Take of Litharge, in fine powder, five ounces [avoirdupois]; Pure Nitric 
 Ac two fluidounces; Distilled Water three pints [Imp. meas.] ; Dilute Nitric 
 Ac;, a sufficient quantity. To the litharge, placed in a porcelaiu dish, add the 
 ac-i with a pint and a half of the water, and, applying a sand heat, and occa- 
 sic.lly stirring the mixture, evaporate the whole to dryness. Upon the residue 
 bo the remainder of the water, clear the solution by filtration, and, having 
 acnlated it by the addition of a few drops of the dilute nitric acid, evaporate 
 un a pellicle begins to form. The heat being now withdrawn, crystals will 
 foi on the cooling of the solution, which should be dried on blotting paper in 
 a irm atmosphere, and preserved in a close bottle.” Dub. 
 
 these processes the nitric acid unites directly with the protoxide of lead to 
 foi the nitrate. This is in beautiful white, nearly opaque, tetrahedral or octo- 
 ke il crystals, which are permanent in the air, of a sweet astringent taste, 
 sol fie in seven and a half parts of water, and in alcohol, and composed of one 
 e fi f acid 54, and one of protoxide 111'6=165'6, without water of crystallization. 
 
574 
 
 Plumbi Nitras. — Plumli Oxidum Rubrum. 
 
 PARI 
 
 The following characteristics are given in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. “ ; 
 solution is precipitated black by sulpbohydrate of ammonia, white by ferro- 
 anuret of potassium, and yellow by iodide of potassium. When nitrate of In 
 is triturated with sulphuric acid, the mixture colours morphia red, and if hea t 
 evolves nitrous fumes.” 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. The effects of this salt upon the system are the sa ■ 
 as those of the other soluble salts of lead ; but, though formerly employed, i; , 
 now quite out of use as an internal remedy. Externally it is occasionally appl 1 
 to excoriated surfaces; and a solution made in the proportion of ten grains to i 
 ounce of water, and coloured probably with alkanet, has been used on the c - 
 tinent of Europe, as a secret remedy, in sore nipples, chopped hands, crac-ll 
 lips, &c. It has recently been found useful in the correction of fetid odo 3 
 dependent on the presence of sulphuretted hydrogen or hydrosulphate of 1 - 
 monia, which it decomposes. It is employed for this purpose in solution, win 
 may be sprinkled in apartments, or applied to putrescent ulcers, or mixed wi 
 offensive discharges, the odour of which it is desirable to correct. It will t 
 prevent the putrefaction of animal substances; and there is no reason to suppe 
 that it is capable of rendering contagious or marsh miasms innoxious. Le<lm/os 
 disinfecting fluid is a solution of nitrate of lead in the proportion of a draei 
 to an ounce. Should the salt be used internally, the dose would be from 9 
 fourth to the half of a grain. 
 
 Dr. Ogier Ward has found a solution extremely useful as an injection d 
 lotion in cases of fetid discharges from the uterus and vagina, in gleety disc-hars 
 from the urethra, in sloughing and indolent ulcers, and in chronic impetigins 
 affections of the skin. He prepares the solution extemporaneously by dissolve 
 a scruple of carbonate of lead in sufficient diluted nitric acid for solution, d 
 adding a pint of distilled water. The application is to be made twice or the 
 times daily. ( Prov . Med. and Surg. Journ., Oct. 15, 1851.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Plumbi Iodidum. W 
 
 PLUMBI OXIDUM RUBRUM. Ed. 
 
 lied Oxide of Lead. 
 
 Red lead. Minium; Peutoxide de plomb, Oxide rouge de plornb, Minium, Fr.; Men:, 
 Germ.; Miuio. Ital., Span. 
 
 Preparation. Red lead is prepared on the large scale in a furnace, with e 
 floor slightly concave and the roof arched, presenting a general resemblance! 
 a baker’s oven. The lead is placed on the floor, and gradually raised to a d 
 heat, whereby it melts and becomes covered with a pellicle of protoxide, wbh 
 is removed by means of a long iron scraper; and the pellicles, as they successuy 
 form, are scraped off, until the whole of the metal has been converted into thu. 
 The product is subjected to further calcination with occasional stirring, for se e 
 time, with a view to oxidize any particles of metallic lead. It is thus rended 
 yellow, and constitutes the protoxide of lead or massicot. This is taken oupf 
 the furnace and thrown upon a level pavement, and cooled by being sprinld 
 with water. It is next reduced to fine powder by trituration and levigation, d 
 dried; and in this state is introduced into large, shallow, square tin boxes, will 
 are placed in another furnace, closed from the air, and heated nearly to redue; 
 the heat being allowed gradually to fall during a period of from twenty-fou o 
 thirty hours. At the end of this time the protoxide of lead will have combi d 
 with an additional quantity of oxygen, and become the red oxide. This is tan 
 out, and having been passed through a fine wire sieve, is packed in barrels r 
 the purposes of commerce. 
 
P.lT I. 
 
 Plumbi Oxidum Semivitreum. 
 
 575 
 
 'he above is an outline of the French process for making red lead. In England 
 ar the United States, the calcination of the protoxide is not performed in tin 
 bees, but by returning it to the furnace in which it was first calcined. To save 
 th first calcination, litharge is generally used for making the red lead of com- 
 ince, which consequently is liable to contain the impurities of that substance, 
 cosisting of iron, copper, a little silver, and silica. Copper is hurtful in red 
 le when used for making glass, to which it communicates colour. In order to 
 his red lead of good quality, it should be made in large quantities at a time. 
 Iti also important that it be slowly cooled; for, as the absorption of oxygen by 
 wch it is formed takes place during a particular interval of temperature only, 
 it necessary that the heat within that interval should be maintained sufficiently 
 lo: to allow all the protoxide to absorb its appropriate dose of oxygen. 
 
 Properties, &c. Red lead is in the form of a heavy, scaly powder, of a bright 
 re colour, with a slight shade of orange. Its sp. gr. is about 9. When exposed 
 toeat it gives off oxygen, and is reduced to the state of protoxide. It is some- 
 tins adulterated with red oxide of iron, or red bole, substances which may be 
 de cted by treating the red lead with nitric acid, and testing the nitric solution 
 wii tincture of galls. This reagent will produce a black precipitate, in c-onse- 
 qnce of the iron being dissolved by the nitric acid. If brick-dust be present, 
 it ill be left undissolved upon boiling the suspected specimen in water, with 
 su.r and a small quantity of nitric acid. When free from impurities, it is com- 
 pl ely reduced on charcoal, by means of the blowpipe, into a globule of metallic 
 le:. It is completely soluble in highly fuming nitrous acid. (Ed. Pharm.) 
 Wn treated with nitric acid, it is resolved into protoxide which dissolves, and 
 deoxide which remains in the form of a dark-brown powder. 
 
 he red lead of commerce may be considered as a mixture of what may be 
 ca d the true red oxide, and variable proportions of protoxide. That this is its 
 na re is proved by the action of cold dilute acetic acid, not used in excess, which 
 ta s up a variable quantity of protoxide, leaving a portion unchanged in colour, 
 wl h may be deemed the pure red oxide. This latter, when analyzed by nitric 
 ac. has been proved, by tbe coincident results of Dalton, Dumas, and Phillips, 
 to insist of three eqs. of lead, and four of oxygen, equal to 2PbO,PbOo (Dumas), 
 or bO,Pb 2 0 3 (Winekelblecb). According to Mulder, red lead has usually the 
 fo’wing composition: Pb 4 0 s =3Pb0,Pb0 2 , or 2Pb0.Pb a 0 3 . (Chem. Gaz., Jan. 
 151851.) 
 
 ed lead enters into no officinal preparation. It is employed by the Edinburgh 
 Ce?ge in preparing Acidum Aceticum and Chlorinei Aqua. In the arts it is 
 us chiefly as a paint, and as an ingredient of flint glass. B. 
 
 PLUMBI OXIDUM SEMIVITREUM. U. & 
 
 Semivitrified Oxide of Lead. 
 
 ff. Sjn. PLUMBI OXIDUM. Plumbi Oxidum semivitreum. Lond. LI- 
 TURGYRUM. Ed., Dub. 
 
 tharge; Oxide de plomb fondu, Litharge, Fr.; Bleiglatte, Germ..; Litargirio, Ital.; 
 Ahjrtaga, Span. 
 
 hen the protoxide of lead is rendered semi-crystalline by incomplete fusion, 
 it comes the semivitrified oxide, or litharge. Almost all the litharge of corn- 
 nice is obtained, as a secondary product, in the process for extracting silver from 
 ar; itiferous galenas. After extracting the argentiferous lead from the ore, the 
 all is calcined in the open air; whereby the lead becomes oxidized, and by 
 fu: n passes into the state of litharge, while the silver remains unchanged. The 
 fol wing is an outline of the process. The lead containing the silver is placed 
 
576 
 
 Plumbi Oxidum Semivitreum. 
 
 PAR' 
 
 upon an oval slightly excavated dish, about three feet long and twenty inc g 
 wide, called a test, made by beating pulverized bone-ash, made into a paste vli 
 water, into a mould, the sides of which are formed of an elliptical band of i 
 and the bottom of strips of sheet iron, placed at short distances apart. The tecs 
 of such a size as exactly to fit an opening in the floor of a reverberatory fura ■, 
 where it is placed and adjusted to the level of the floor. On one side of the it 
 the fire-place is situated, and exactly opposite, the chimney; while at oneextreny 
 of it the pipe of a strong bellows is placed, and at the other a vertical hole ism;:, 
 communicating with a gutter leading from the centre of the test. The fume 
 is now lighted, and shortly afterwards the bellows is put in motion. The id 
 fuses and combines wdth oxygen, and the resulting oxide, melting also, fora a 
 stratum which swims on the surface, and which is driven by the blast of e 
 bellows, along the gutter and through the vertical hole, into a recipient beb, 
 where, upon solidifying, it crystallizes in small scales, which form the lithaj. 
 In proportion as the lead is oxidized and blown off the test, fresh portions -e 
 added, so as to keep it always sufficiently full. The process is continued for e it 
 or ten days, after which no more lead is added. The operation is now eonfi d 
 to the metal remaining on the test; and, the oxidation proceeding, a periout 
 last arrives when the whole of the lead has run off as litharge, and the silver, kmn 
 to be pure by its brilliant appearance in the fused state, alone remains. This 
 then removed, and the process repeated on a fresh portion of argentiferous Id. 
 
 Properties. Litharge is in the form of small, brilliant, vitrified scales, sue 
 presenting a red, and others a yellow colour. In mass it has a foliac-eous stc- 
 ture. It is devoid of taste or smell. It slowly attracts carbonic acid fromie 
 air, and contains more of this acid the longer it has been prepared. It ion 
 this account that it commonly effervesces slightly with the dilute acids. It is 
 the property of decolorizing wines, when agitated with them. When heed 
 with the fats and oils, in connexion with water, it saponifies them. (See a- 
 plastrum Plumbi.) In dilute nitric acid it should be almost entirely solue. 
 As it occurs in commerce, it usually contains iron, copper, and a little silver d 
 silica. The English litharge is most esteemed; that from Germany being g<e- 
 rally contaminated with iron and copper. In choosing litharge, samples slnld 
 be selected which are free from copper, and from fragments of vegetable mair. 
 Copper is detected, if, upon adding ferrocyanuret of potassium to a nitric solum 
 of the litharge, a brown instead of a white precipitate is produced. Two v;e- 
 ties of litharge are distinguished in commerce, uamed from their colour, id 
 dependent on differences in the process for making it. Sometimes it has a le 
 yellow colour and silvery appearance, and is then denominated silver litharpi 
 yellow litharge ; at other times it is of a red colour, and is known under the me 
 of g old litharge or red litharge. The latter has been said to owe its colouto 
 the presence of a portion of red lead; but 31. Leblanc has shown that theft) 
 varieties of litharge differ in colour, structure, and density only, and noin 
 chemical composition. In composition, litharge is essentially identical withre 
 protoxide of lead. (See Plumbum.') The carbonic acid which it contains is via- 
 ble; but its average amount is about four per cent. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses, d'c. Litharge is never used internally, but is empEd 
 in several pharmaceutical operations, and forms an ingredient in various exteal 
 applications, used for abating inflammation, and for other purposes. By u 1 - 
 tion with olive oil it forms the Emplastrum Plumbi, which is the basis of my 
 of the Plasters. (See Emplastra.) In the arts it is employed in the glazinof 
 pottery, in painting to reuder oils drying, and as an ingredient in flint glas- 
 Off. Prep. Ceratum Saponis Compositum; Emplastrum Plumbi; Liter 
 Plumbi Subacetatis; Plumbi Acetas; Plumbi nitras. I 
 
PiT I. 
 
 Podophyllum. 
 
 577 
 
 PODOPHYLLUM. U.S. 
 
 May-apple. 
 
 he rhizoma of Podophyllum peltatum. U. S. 
 
 odophyllum. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Ranunculi, 
 Ji. ; Podophyllcse, Lindley. 
 
 fen. Ch. Calyx three-leaved. Corolla nine-petalled. Berry one-celled, 
 cn ned with the stigma. Willd. 
 
 } pdophyllum peltatum. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1141; Barton, Med. Bot. ii. 9; 
 Caon, Illust. of Med. Bot. i. 18, pi. 11. The may-apple, known also by the 
 nae of mandrake, is an indigenous herbaceous plant, and the only species of 
 thlgenus. The root (rhizoma) is perennial, creeping, usually several feet in 
 lei th, about one-quarter of an inch thick, of a brown colour externally, smooth, 
 joked, and furnished with radicles at the joints. The stem is about a foot 
 hi;, erect, round, smooth, divided at top into two petioles, and supporting 
 at ie fork a solitary one-flowered peduncle. Each petiole bears a large, peltate, 
 paiateleaf, with six or seven wedge-shaped lobes, irregularly incised at the 
 ex amity, yellowish-green on their upper surface, paler and slightly pubescent 
 be atk. The flower is nodding. The .calyx is composed of three oval, obtuse, 
 coiave, deciduous leaves. The corolla has from six to nine white, fragrant 
 pe' s, which are obovate, obtuse, concave, with delicate transparent veins. The 
 sta ens are from thirteen to twenty, shorter than the petals, with oblong, yellow 
 amps, of twice the length of the filaments. The stigma is sessile, and ren- 
 deil irregular on its surface by numerous folds or convolutions. The fruit is 
 a lge oval berry, crowned with the persistent stigma, and containing a sweetish 
 fleiy pulp, in which about twelve ovate seeds are embedded. It is, when ripe, 
 of lemon-yellow colour, diversified by round brownish spots. 
 
 ie plant is extensively diffused throughout the United States, growing luxu- 
 ria ly in moist shady woods, and in low marshy grounds. It is propagated by 
 its keeping root, and is often found in large patches. The flowers appear about 
 thc'nd of May and beginning of June; and the fruit ripens in the latter part 
 of jptember. The leaves are said to be poisonous. The fruit has a subacid, 
 swi ish, peculiar taste, agreeable to some palates, and may be eaten freely with 
 inanity. From its colour and shape, it is sometimes called wild lemon. The 
 rods the officinal portion, and is said to be most efficient when collected after 
 the filing of the leaves. It shrinks considerably in drying. 
 
 ■operties. The dried root is in pieces about two lines in thickness, with 
 swung, broad, flattened joints at short intervals. It is much wrinkled length- 
 wis is yellowish or reddish-brown externally, and furnished with fibres of a 
 siiiiir, but somewhat paler colour. The fracture is short and irregular, and 
 thenternal colour whitish. The powder is light yellowish-gray, resembling 
 tha if jalap. The root in its aggregate state is nearly inodorous; but in powder 
 has sweetish not unpleasant smell. The taste is at first sweetish, afterwards 
 hit ■, nauseous, and slightly acrid. Both the decoction and tincture are bitter ; 
 bul lcohol is said to be the best solvent of the active matter. A bitter sub- 
 sta e was extracted from the root by William Hodgson, jun., of Philadelphia, 
 by dling it with quicklime in water, straining the decoction, precipitating the 
 lim with sulphate of zinc, evaporating the clear solution to the consistence of 
 an tract, treating this with cold alcohol of 0'817, filtering and evaporating the 
 ale olic solution, and treating the residue with boiling distilled water, which 
 dep fited the substance referred to on cooling. ( Journ . of the Phil. Col. of 
 Ph 'm., iii. 273.) Though the alcoholic solution of this substance is very bitter, 
 
578 
 
 Podophyllum. — Poly gala Rubella. par], 
 
 it has upon trial been found not to be the purgative principle of the root A - 
 lyzed by Mr. John R. Lewis, podophyllum yielded albumen, gum, starch, - 
 tractive, lignin, gallic acid, fixed oil, traces of volatile oil, salts of potassa ;1 
 lime, and two resinous principles, one soluble in alcohol and ether, and 3 
 other soluble in alcohol only. Both resins were found to possess the active 
 perties of the root. Six grains operated as a drastic cathartic, with some enrc 
 effect. (Am. Journ. of Pharrn., xix. 165.) Dr. Manlius Smith recomme s 
 that the resin should be prepared by forming an alcoholic tincture of the n , 
 evaporating the tincture till most of the alcohol is driven off, and throwing e 
 residue into water, by which the resin is precipitated. The concentration shed 
 not be carried too far; as otherwise the resin separates in clots, which canno'e 
 easily washed. According to Dr. Smith, the resin, when pure, is white, and pui 3 
 actively in the dose of two or three grains. It is called by some podophult. 
 (Ibid., xxiv. 306.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Podophyllum is an active and certain cathaii, 
 producing copious liquid discharges without much griping, or other unpleaat 
 effect. In some cases it has given rise to nausea and even vomiting, but e 
 same result is occasionally experienced from every active cathartic. Its op i- 
 tion resembles that of jalap; but is rather slower, and is thought by some tee 
 more drastic. It is applicable to most inflammatory affections which req' e 
 brisk purging; and is much employed in various parts of the country, especiy 
 combined with calomel, in bilious fevers and hepatic congestions. It is also 
 quently used in connexion with bitartrate of potassa in dropsical, rheumatic, d 
 scrofulous complaints. 
 
 The dose of the powdered root is about twenty grains. An extract is prepr d 
 from it possessing all its virtues in a smaller bulk. (See Extra ctum Pod opliy ) 
 In minute doses, frequently repeated, podophyllum is said to diminish the e- 
 quency of the pulse, and to relieve cough ; and for these effects is someties 
 used in haemoptysis, catarrh, and other pulmonary affections. 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum Podophylli. H 
 
 POLYGALA RUBELLA. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Bitter Poly gala. 
 
 The root and herb of Polygala rubella. U. S. 
 
 Polygala. See SENEGA. 
 
 Polygala rubella. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 875; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot'\\. 
 129. — P. polygama. Walter, Flor. Car. 179; Pursh, Flor. Am. Sept -5. 
 This species of Polvgala is an indigenous, perennial plant, with a branc-Lg, 
 somewhat fusiform root, which sends up annually numerous simple, smooth, nd 
 angular stems, from four to eight inches in height. The leaves are scatted, 
 sessile, obovate or linear-lanceolate, attenuated towards the base, obtuse. d! 
 mucronate. The flowers are purple, and in elongated terminal racemes. I® 
 the base of the stem proceed other racemes, which lie upon the ground, 0 are 
 partially buried under it, and bear incomplete but fertile flowers, the ealy of 
 which is without wings. 
 
 This plant is found in many parts of the United States, preferring a dry s.dy 
 or gravelly soil, and flowering in June and July. The whole plant is offical. 
 It has a strong and permanent bitter taste, which it yields to water and ale<ol. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. In small doses bitter polygala is tonic, in laer, 
 laxative and diaphoretic. The infusion of the dried plant has been usually m- 
 ployed to impart tone to the digestive organs. (Bigelow.) It appears ybe 
 closely analogous in medical virtues to the Polygala amara of Europe, well 
 is used for a similar purpose. ^ 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Potassium. — Potassae Bichromas. 
 
 579 
 
 POTASSIUM. 
 
 Potassium. 
 
 ptassium, Fr.; Kalium, Kalimetall, Germ.; Potassio, Ital.; Potasio, Span. 
 
 ptassium is a peculiar metal, forming the radical of a number of important 
 me cinal preparations. It was discovered in 1807 by Sir H. Davy, who obtained 
 it decomposing hydrate of potassa by galvanic electricity. It was afterwards 
 prured in larger quantity by Gay-Lussac and Thenard, by bringing the fused 
 all i in contact with white-hot iron, which attracted the oxygen and set free 
 thmetal. The best process is that of Brunner, as modified by Wohler, which 
 cor sts in decomposing potassa in the state of carbonate, mixed with charcoal. 
 Tli mixture of carbonate and charcoal is obtained by heating cream of tartar to 
 recess in a covered crucible. For an account of some improvements in Brun- 
 ner process by MM. Mareska and Donny, see Am. Journ. of P harm., xxv. 70. 
 
 otassium is solid, softer and more ductile than wax, easily cut with a knife, 
 am, if a silver-white colour. A newly cut surface is brilliant ; but the metal 
 quidy tarnishes by combining with the oxygen of the air, and assumes the 
 apprance of lead. It possesses a remarkably strong affinity for oxygen, and 
 is oable of taking that element from every other substance. On account of 
 thi oroperty it must be kept in liquids, such as naphtha, which are devoid of 
 oxien as a constituent. Its sp. gr. is 0'865, its melting point 136°, its equi- 
 valt number 39‘2, and symbol K. When thrown upon water it swims, takes 
 firemd burns with a rose-coloured flame, combining with oxygen, and gene- 
 rate potassa which dissolves in the water. It forms numerous combinations, 
 unSag with most of the non-metallic elements, and with several of the metals. 
 It inbines in two proportions with oxygen, forming a protoxide (dry potassa) 
 of i;ray, and a teroxide of a yellowish-brown colour. It also unites with chlo- 
 rim and forms officinal compounds with iodine, bromine, sulphur, cyanogen, 
 ancerrocyanogen, under the names of iodide, bromide, sulphuret, cyanuret, 
 ancerrocyanuret of potassium. Its protoxide (dry potassa) is a strong sali- 
 fiat base, existing in nature always in combination, and forming with acids 
 a n aerous and important class of salts. Of these, the acetate, bichromate, 
 car nate, bicarbonate, chlorate, citrate, hydrate (caustic potassa), nitrate, sul- 
 pha, sulphuretted sulphate, bisulphate, tartrate, and bitartrate are officinal, 
 and ill be described under their respective titles, to which, for their properties, 
 the iader is referred. B. 
 
 POTASSiE BICHROMAS. Dub. 
 
 Bichromate of Potassa. 
 
 II chromate of potassa; Kali chromicum rubrum, Lat.; Bichromate de potasse, Fr.; 
 Zwc- ,ch chromsaures kali, Germ. 
 
 d s salt is most conveniently prepared from the neutral or yellow chromate 
 of jtassa, by acidulating its solution with sulphuric acid, and setting it aside 
 for ;lay or two. The acid withdraws one eq. of potassa from two of the neutral 
 chr< iate, thus generating one eq. of the bichromate, which separates in orange- 
 red ystals. The yellow chromate is obtained by igniting four parts of pow- 
 der;" chrome-iron ore (FeO,Cr 2 0 3 ) with one part of nitre, and lixiviating the 
 resting mass with water. The solution, by evaporation, yields the yellow salt 
 in c stals. In this process, the nitric acid of the nitre furnishes oxygen to 
 con ’rt the sesquioxide of chromium into chromic acid, which then unites with 
 the dassa of the same salt. The iron, in the mean time, is sesquioxidized and 
 
580 
 
 Potassse Bichromas. — Potassse Bitartras. 
 
 PARS. 
 
 rendered insoluble. Sometimes impure carbonate of potassa (pearlash) is s . 
 stituted for part of the nitre in the calcination. It is said that, recently, 1; 3 
 has been used with economical results, instead of the nitre and pearlash, in ] - 
 forming the ignition. When lime is employed, chromate of lime is forn 
 which is extracted by lixiviation, and decomposed by a soluble salt of pota 
 When desired, the bichromate may be obtained directly from the solution f 
 chromate of potassa, derived from the treatment of the ore, by acidulating t 
 with sulphuric acid, without first crystallizing it. 
 
 Bichromate of potassa is in the form of orange-red, anhydrous, prism c 
 crystals, soluble in ten parts of cold and much less boiling water, but insoh e 
 in alcohol. Its taste is cooling and bitter. Exposed to a red heat, it fu 5 , 
 without decomposition, into a red liquid, which congeals on cooling into a c-- 
 talline mass, and then falls to powder. It consists of two eqs. of chromic ;d 
 and one of potassa, and its formula is KO,2CrO s . 
 
 Medical Properties , &c. Bichromate of potassa, in small doses, is alterat 3 , 
 in larger emetic. Externally it acts as an irritant and caustic. It was ;t 
 used internally, in 1850, by M. Robin, who gave it in secondary syphilis; d 
 Prof. Heyfelder, of Erlangen, afterwards employed it in the same disease th 
 encouraging results. It acts like the mercurials on the syphilitic poison, it 
 without producing salivation. It was recommended, in 1S27, by Dr. Cumir.n 
 saturated solution, as a caustic application to tubercular elevations, excrescejes 
 and warts, and more recently (1850) by M. Puche in syphilitic vegetatis. 
 It causes the morbid parts to shrivel and fall off. The dose as an alteratius 
 one-fifth of a grain daily, in the form of pill made with extract of gentiarto 
 be increased gradually to five or six pills a day. As an emetic the dose is t ee 
 quarters of a grain. It may be used as a caustic in the form of powder. 
 
 Bichromate of potassa is an energetic poison. When the stomach does ot 
 relieve itself by vomiting, bicarbonate of soda, magnesia, or a solution of up 
 should be immediately given as an antidote. 
 
 Bichromate of potassa is manufactured largely for the use of calico-prin - s. 
 The workmen engaged in making it are liable to painful ulcerations of he 
 hands. It was introduced into the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850, not a 
 therapeutic agent, but to be used in forming artificial valerianic acid by reacog 
 with fusel oil ( Alcohol Amylicum ), as a step in the process for preparing de- 
 riauate of soda. (See Sodas Valerianas.') 1 
 
 POTASSaE BITARTRAS. U S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 Bitartrate of Potassa. 
 
 Supertartrate of potassa, Crystals of tartar, Cream of tartar ; Cremor tartari, it.; 
 Tartrate acide de potasse, Creme de tartre, Fr.; Doppelt weinsaures Kali, Weinsteiaran, 
 Germ.; Cremore di tartaro, Ital.; Cremor de tartaro, Span. 
 
 During the fermentation of wines, especially those that are tart, a peciar 
 matter is deposited on the bottom and sides of the casks, forming a crystane 
 crust, called crude tartar or argol. That deposited from red wines is of aed- 
 dish colour, and called in commerce red tartar ; while that derived from titc 
 wines is of a dirty white colour, and denominated white tartar. Both lids 
 consist of potassa, united with an excess of tartaric acid, formiug bitartraj of 
 potassa, rendered impure by tartrate of lime, more or less colouring mattered 
 the lees and other matters which are deposited during the clarification othe 
 wine. The deposition of the tartar is thus explained. The bitartrate csts 
 naturally in the juice of the grape, held in solution by saccharine matter. lion 
 the juice is submitted to fermentation in the process for converting it into nq 
 the sugar disappears, and is replaced by alcohol, which, not being compete to 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Potassee Bitartras. 
 
 581 
 
 disilve the salt, allows it to precipitate as a crystalline crust. It is from this 
 suitance that bitartrate of potassa is obtained by a process of purification. 
 
 he process is conducted on a large scale at Montpellier, in France, and is 
 folded upon the greater solubility of bitartrate of potassa in hot than in cold 
 war. The tartar, previously pulverized, is boiled with water in copper boilers. 
 Th] solution, when saturated, is transferred to earthen pans, where it deposits 
 on holing a crystalline layer, nearly free from colour. This is redissolved in 
 boiag water; and the solution, having been mixed with four or five per cent. 
 of pe-clay, is evaporated to a pellicle. The clay precipitates with the colouring 
 masr, and the clear solution, as it cools, deposits white crystals in crusts, which, 
 up< being exposed to the air on linen for several days, acquire an increased 
 depe of whiteness. These constitute the crystals of tartar of pharmacy. The 
 salhowever, as met with in the shops, is generally, for greater convenience, in 
 theorm of powder, to which the name of cream of tartar is properly applied. 
 
 roperties. Bitartrate of potassa occurs in commerce in white crystalline 
 crus, or masses of aggregated crystals, and is received in that state from France 
 by lr wholesale druggists, who procure its pulverization for the use of the 
 apoecaries. In crystals it is hard and gritty between the teeth, and dissolves 
 sloiy in the mouth ; in powder it has a white colour. It is a permanent salt, 
 of acid not ungrateful taste, and acid reaction, soluble in 184 parts of cold, 
 and 8 of boiling water, but insoluble in alcohol. When exposed to a red heat 
 it idecomposed, exhales a peculiar odour, gives rise to a solid pyrogenous acid, 
 and he usual products of the destructive distillation of vegetable matter; and 
 carinate of potassa, mixed with charcoal, is left. Its solution is precipitated 
 by lutions of baryta, strontia, and lime, which form insoluble tartrates, and 
 by state of lead, forming tartrate of lead. With salifiable bases which form 
 sole e tartrates, it gives rise to double salts, consisting of neutral tartrate of 
 pat; a, and the tartrate of the base added. Several of them are important 
 mecines, and will be described under their respective titles. Cream of tartar, 
 tboih sparingly soluble in water, becomes abundantly so by the addition of 
 bore or boracic acid. (See Sodas Boras.) 
 
 1: cream of tartar of commerce is not a pure bitartrate of potassa. It usually 
 coni ns from two to five per cent, of tartrate of lime, which should not be viewed 
 as ; adulteration. But it is said to be purposely mixed with various sub- 
 stan s, among which are sand, clay, gypsum, flour, chalk, alum, and sulphate 
 of j assa. Sand, clay, and gypsum may be detected by their insolubility in a 
 hot lution of potassa; flour, by striking a blue colour with iodine; chalk, by 
 its c.rvescing with dilute acids; alum, an unlikely sophistication, probably by 
 itsaringent taste; and any soluble sulphate, by a precipitate being produced 
 by c oride of barium, not entirely soluble in nitric acid. The action of the 
 last mentioned test is explained by the fact, that the tartrate of baryta is soluble 
 in n ic acid, but not the sulphate. The best security against fraud is to pur- 
 chas the crystals, which are not subject to the same adulterations as the powder. 
 
 Opposition. Cream of tartar consists of two eqs. of tartaric acid 132, one 
 °f p assa 47'2, and one of water 9=188'2. The water cannot be expelled 
 with it decomposing the salt, and is supposed to act the part of a base. 
 
 h-'ical Properties and Uses. Bitartrate of potassa is cathartic, diuretic, and 
 refri rant. In small doses it acts as a cooling aperient, in large ones as a bydra- 
 gogi cathartic, producing copious watery stools; and from this latter property, 
 ns w as its tendency to excite the action of the kidneys, it is very much used 
 in dpsical affections. It is frequently prescribed in combination with senna, 
 snip, r, or jalap. (See Pulvis Jalapse Compositus.) Its solution in boiling water, 
 swee oed with sugar and allowed to cool, forms an acid, not unpleasant, refri- 
 gera drink, advantageously used in some febrile affections, and frequently 
 
582 Potassse Carbonas Impurus. pari 
 
 employed as a domestic remedy. The beverage called imperial ( potus imperia ) 
 is a drink of this kind, made by dissolving half an ounce of the salt in th; 
 pints of boiling water, and adding to the solution four ounces of white sue ; 
 and half an ounce of fresh lemon peel. Cream of tartar whey is prepared j 
 adding about two drachms of the bitartrate to a pint of milk. It may be gk , 
 diluted with water, in dropsical complaints. The dose of cream of tartar ia 
 drachm or two as an aperient ; and from half an ounce to an ounce as a hydrago e 
 cathartic, mixed with molasses or suspended in water. As a diuretic in di> 
 sical cases, it may be given in the dose of a drachm and a half or two drach <, 
 several times a day. 
 
 In pharmacy, cream of tartar is employed to obtain the neutral tartrate of >- 
 tassa (soluble tartar), tartrate of potassa and soda (Rochelle salt), tartratof 
 antimony and potassa (tartar emetic), and tartrate of iron and potassa (tar 
 ized iron). Deflagrated with nitre, or incinerated alone, it is converted in a 
 pure form of carbonate of potassa, called salt of tartar. (See Potassse Carlas 
 Purus.) In the laboratory it is used to procure potassa in a pure state, and ir 
 making black and white flux. Black flux is prepared by deflagrating creamf 
 tartar with half its weight of nitre; and white flux, by deflagrating it with tv:e 
 its weight of the same salt. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acidum Tartaricum ; Antimonii et Potassse Tartras; Confeio 
 Sulphuris; Decoctum Scoparii; Ferri et Potassae Tartras; Potassse Carbtis 
 Purus; Potassse Tartras; Pulvis Jalapse Compositus ; Pulvis Scammonii Ci- 
 positus ; Sodse et Potassse Tartras. I 
 
 POTASSiE CARBONAS IMPURUS. U.S. 
 
 Impure Carbonate of Potassa. 
 
 The impure carbonate of potassa known in commerce by the name of pci- 
 ash. U. S. 
 
 Off.Syn. LIXIVUS CINIS. Impure Potash; Pearlash. Dub. 
 
 Pearlash, Pearlashes, Impure potassa, Impure subearbonate of potassa : Potassdu 
 commerce, Fr.; Robe Pottascbe, Germ.; Potascb, Dutch; Potaske, Dan.; Potaska, Si; 
 Potassa del commercio, Ital.; Cenizas claveladas, Span. 
 
 The alkali potassa, using this term in its strict sense, is the protoxide ofhe 
 metal potassium. (See Potassium.') It exists in various states of combinson 
 and purity. In its most impure state, it is the common potash of commoe. 
 This, subjected to calcination, becomes somewhat purer, and is then called p fl- 
 ash, the form of the alkali intended to be designated by the officinal nan: at 
 the head of this article. 
 
 Natural State and Preparation. Potash and pearlash of commerce arero- 
 cured from the ashes of wood by lixiviation, and the subsequent evaporatii of 
 the solution obtained. The alkali exists in the wood, principally in the sta of 
 acetate; and, being of a fixed and incombustible nature, is left behind aftehe 
 incineration. The wood is burnt on the ground, in a place sheltered fron.'he 
 wind. The ashes consist of a soluble and insoluble portion. The solubleart 
 is made up of carbonate of potassa, together with the sulphate, phosphate .nd 
 silicate of potassa, and the chlorides of potassium and sodium; the insoble 
 portion, of carbonate and subphosphate of lime, alumina, silica, oxidized ron 
 and manganese, and a little carbonaceous matter that has escaped combu.-on. 
 The ashes are lixiviated in barrels with the addition of a portion of lime, anthe 
 soluble substances above mentioned are taken up. The lixivium is then e pi- 
 rated in large iron kettles, which for several days are kept constantly full, fhe 
 evaporation is continued until the mass has become of a black colour, and <tl:e 
 consistence of brown sugar. It is now subjected to as powerful a heat as c. he 
 
583 
 
 ;.rt I. Potassse Carbonas Imjourus. 
 
 ilsed by the best wood fire for a number of hours, by which it is fused. During 
 1,3 progress of the fusion, the combustible impurities are for the most part burnt 
 <t, and a gaseous matter is emitted, which agitates the more fluid part. When 
 (s fusion is complete, the liquid becomes quiescent, and looks like melted iron. 
 1 is now transferred, by means of large iron ladles, to iron pots, where it con- 
 pis in cakes. These are broken up and packed in tight barrels, and constitute 
 h potash of commerce. (Dr. G. A. Rogers , in Silliman’s Journal.) 
 
 If it be intended to make pearlash, the pi-ocess is varied. In this case the 
 lick matter, above mentioned as of the consistence of brown sugar, called black 
 its by our manufacturers, instead of being fused, is transferred from the kettles 
 la large oven-shaped furnace, so constructed that the flame may be made to 
 py over the alkaline mass, which in the mean time is stirred by means of an 
 in rod. The ignition is in this way continued, until the combustible irnpuri- 
 ts are burnt out, and the mass, from being black, becomes of a dirty bluish- 
 \ ite colour. (Rogers.) 
 
 The ashes of plants amount generally to not more than a few parts in the 
 Indred ; and of these a portion only consists of potassa. The different parts 
 ctlie same vegetable, and, fora stronger reason, different plants, furnish variable 
 cintities of ashes. Ligneous plants yield less than herbaceous, the trunk less 
 t.n the branches, and the branches less than the leaves. The bark yields more 
 a>es than the wood; and the leaves of trees which drop their foliage in winter 
 ire than the leaves of evergreens. The following table gives the quantity of 
 passa contained in the ashes of one thousand parts of the undernamed plants : 
 
 Bje 
 
 
 
 
 
 0-45 
 
 I )lar 
 
 
 
 
 
 0-75 
 
 tch 
 
 
 
 
 
 1-29 
 
 I cli 
 
 
 
 
 
 1-45 
 
 C: 
 
 
 
 
 
 2-03 
 
 Q: bark 
 
 
 
 
 
 2-08 
 
 E: 
 
 
 
 
 
 2-26 
 
 V low 
 
 
 
 
 
 2-85 
 
 I den 
 
 
 
 
 
 3-27 
 
 Eli 
 
 
 
 
 
 3-9 
 
 IN Die 
 
 
 
 
 
 3-9 
 
 V >at straw . 
 
 
 
 
 
 4-18 
 
 Ek i 
 
 
 
 
 
 5-0 
 
 Ejh 
 
 
 
 
 
 508 
 
 C imon thistle 
 
 
 
 
 
 5-37 
 
 T s branches . 
 
 
 
 
 
 5-5 
 
 Barley straw . . . . .5-8 
 
 Beech bark . . . . .6-0 
 
 Fern . . . . . .6-2 
 
 Stalks of Indian corn . . .17-5 
 
 Sun-flower stalks . . . .19-4 
 
 Dry oak leaves . . . .24-0 
 
 Common nettle . . . .25-0 
 
 Black elder . . . . .25-5 
 
 Vetch ...... 27-5 
 
 Poke 45-6 
 
 Wheat stalks, young . . .47-0 
 
 Dried stems of potatoes . . . 55-0 
 
 Wormwood . . . . .73-0 
 
 Fumitory ..... 790 
 
 Angelica 96-2 
 
 Commercial History. Potash and pearlash are made in those countries in 
 v ch forests abound. Accordingly, the alkali is extensively manufactured in 
 C.ada and the United States, and constitutes a very important export of this 
 cmtry. It is prepared chiefly in the State of New York, which is supposed 
 t( urnish three-fourths of our exports of this alkali. It is also produced in 
 cisiderable quantities in the northern countries of Europe, especially in Russia, 
 ai on the shores of the Baltic. It is of different qualities as it occurs in com- 
 it 'ce; and is distinguished by the country or place of manufacture, as Ame- 
 r 'n, Russian, Dantzic potash, &c. 
 
 Properties. Potash is in the form of fused masses of a stony appearance and 
 b Iness, and caustic burning taste. Its colour is variegated ; but reddish and 
 d t-brown are the predominant hues. When exposed to the air it absorbs 
 n sture and deliquesces; and, if sufficiently long exposed, finally becomes liquid. 
 Dr lash is of a white colour, with usually a tinge of blue. As it occurs in com- 
 it ce, it is in tight casks, containing about three hundred and fifty pounds, in 
 w ch it forms one entire, hard, concrete mass. In the shops it is found in coarse 
 
584 Potassse Carbonas Impurus. par' . 
 
 powder, intermingled with lumps as dug out of the casks, presenting an opa e 
 granular appearance, like table salt or Havana sugar. It is a deliquescent s;, 
 and has a burning alkaline taste. It is soluble in water, with the exceptionf 
 impurities. The soluble matter in one hundred grains of the salt of med:n 
 quality will neutralize about fifty-eight grains of sulphuric acid. It differs fin 
 potash principally in containing less combustible impurities, and in being ;s 
 caustic and deliquescent. The colouring matter of both these forms of alia is 
 derived from carbonaceous impurities, and small portions of iron and mangan ;. 
 
 Composition. The basis of both pot and pearlash is carbonate of pota*sa; t 
 this is associated with certain salts, and with insoluble impurities. Several i- 
 rieties of potash found in commerce were analyzed by Vauquelin, whose princil 
 results are contained in the following table. The quantity examined of each I d 
 was 1152 parts. 
 
 Kinds of Potash. 
 
 Caustic 
 Hydrate of 
 Potassa* 
 
 Sulphate 
 of Potassa,. 
 
 Chloride of 
 Potassium. 
 
 Insoluble 
 
 Residue. 
 
 Carbonic A 
 and Wat 
 
 American potash . 
 
 857 
 
 154 
 
 20 
 
 2 
 
 119 
 
 Russian potash . . . 
 
 772 
 
 65 
 
 5 
 
 56 
 
 254 
 
 Pearlash 
 
 754 
 
 80 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 308 
 
 Dantzic potash . . . 
 
 603 
 
 152 
 
 14 
 
 79 
 
 304 
 
 These results, calculated for 100 parts, show that the American potash a- 
 tains 74 per cent, of pure hydrated alkali, and the Russian 67 per cent. Pel- 
 ash, it is seen, is more rich in carbonic acid than potash; and this resubf 
 analysis corresponds with the qualities of the two substances as prepared in le 
 United States; potash being known to be far more caustic than pearlash. e- 
 sides the impurities shown by the table, silicate of potassa is present. Accorog 
 to Mr. Stevenson Macadam, the potashes of commerce contain iodine andats-e 
 of bromine, which shows that the forest trees from which the alkali is obtaisd 
 must contain a very minute proportion of these non-metallic elements. {Chi. 
 Gaz., Aug. 2, 1852, p. 284.) 
 
 As the potash of commerce is valuable in the arts in proportion to the qm- 
 tity of real alkali which it contains, it is important, in so variable a substae, 
 to possess an easy method of ascertaining its quality in that respect. The o- 
 cess by which this is accomplished is called alkalimetry , and the instruct 
 used an alkalimeter. The best mode of proceeding, which is applicable tote 
 commercial forms of soda as well as those of potassa, is that proposed by Faray, 
 and described by Turner as follows. Take a cylindrical tube, sealed at one d, 
 nine and a half inches long, and three-quarters of an inch in diameter, and jar 
 into it one thousand grains of water, marking with a file the point at whichae 
 water stands. Divide the space occupied by the water into one hundred e,al 
 parts, graduating from above downwards; and, opposite to the numbers 234, 
 48'96, 54'63, and 65, severally write the words soda, potassa, carbonate of sa, 
 and carbonate of potassa. Then prepare a dilute sulphuric acid having the >e- 
 cific gravity 1T27, which may be formed by adding to the strong acid about ur 
 times its volume of distilled water. An acid of this strength, if added to the be 
 so as to reach to any one of the heights denoted by the above numbers, wijbe 
 just sufficient to neutralize one hundred grains of the alkali written opposit to 
 it. Suppose, for example, that the dilute acid be added until it stands oppi te 
 to the word carbonate of potassa, we shall then have the exact quantity nes- 
 sary to neutralize one hundred grains of that carbonate; and if we add re 
 water, until the liquid reaches to 0, or the beginning of the scale, it is evi at 
 that the acid has been brought to the bulk of a hundred measures, each of web 
 
p it r. Potasses Carbonas Impurus. — Potassse Chloras. 
 
 585 
 
 wild be competent to neutralize one grain of the carbonate in question. All 
 tb is now necessary, in order to ascertain the quality of any commercial sample 
 of'his carbonate, is to dissolve one hundred grains of it in warm water, filter 
 th solution to remove insoluble impurities, and add by degrees the dilute acid 
 fra the tube until the solution is exactly neutralized, as shown by litmus paper. 
 T number of divisions of acid, expended in attaining this point, may be read 
 ofrom the tube; and for each division one grain of pure carbonate is indicated. 
 
 'his method of testing the potash of commerce indicates its alkaline strength, 
 as.ming this to be dependent solely on potassa; but soda, a cheaper alkali, may 
 boresent as an adulteration, and its proportion is important to be known. To 
 soe this problem, M. 0. Henry proposes that the saturating power of a given 
 wght should be first determined in relation to sulphuric acid, and afterwards 
 th proportion of carbonate of potassa in an equal weight, by first converting it 
 in an acetate, and then precipitating the potassa by hyperchlorate (oxychlorate) 
 ofoda, the reacting salts being in alcoholic solution. The precipitated hyper- 
 chrate of potassa indicates the proportion of carbonate of potassa. The amount 
 ofhe latter determines how much of the sulphuric acid was expended in satu- 
 ra lg the potassa ; and the soda is indicated by the amount of this alkali, equiva- 
 le to the remainder of the acid. ( Journ . de Pliarm., vii. 214.) Another 
 in nod of detecting soda in the potash of commerce, proposed by Pagenstecher, 
 is i convert the suspected alkali into a sulphate, and wash the sulphate formed 
 wi a saturated solution of sulphate of potassa. If the whole of the saline 
 ni;:er be sulphate of potassa, the washing will cause no loss of weight; but if 
 pa of it be sulphate of soda, this will be washed away, on account of its solu- 
 bi y in a saturated solution of sulphate of potassa. ( Journ . de Pharm., Mars, 
 181,239.) Fremy has proposed the metantimoniate of potassa as a test for soda 
 in Dtash. In applying this test, the potash is converted into a neutral chloride 
 of jtassium, and treated with a recent solution of the metantimoniate. If the 
 allli examined contain two or three per cent, of soda, a precipitate is almost 
 in: ntly formed. If a less proportion of soda be present, time and agitation will 
 beecessary to effect the precipitation. Fremy states that, by this test, he can 
 de ;t the half of one per cent, of soda in commercial potash. {Phil. Mag., Oct. 
 181, 325.) 
 
 harmaceutical Uses. Pearlash is never used as a medicine, being considered 
 as o impure. It is directed to be purified in the U. S., Edinburgh, and Dublin 
 FI macopoeias, in order to form the carbonate of potassa. 
 
 \f. Prep. Potassae Carbonas. B. 
 
 POTASSiE CHLORAS. U. S., Land . , Dub. 
 
 Chlorate of Potassa. 
 
 rperoxymuriate of potassa; Chlorate de potasse, Fr.; Chlorsaures Kali, Germ. 
 
 llorate of potassa may be prepared by passing an excess of chlorine through 
 a s ation of caustic hydrate or carbonate of potassa. At first two eqs. of chlorine 
 re£ with two eqs. of potassa, so as to form one eq. of chloride of potassium, 
 an.me eq. of hypochlorite of potassa (2C1 and 2K0=KC1 and K0,C10). After- 
 wa s, by the further action of the chlorine, more chloride of potassium is formed, 
 an he oxygen separated from the potassa converts the hypochlorous acid into 
 th( hloric, and consequently the hypochlorite into chlorate of potassa. Thus, 
 1C reacting with 4K0 and K0,C10, will form 4KC1 and K0,C10 5 . The chlorate, 
 be: ; but sparingly soluble in water, is separated from the chloride of potas- 
 siu by priority of crystallization. When carbonate of potassa is used, the 
 cai >nic acid is first transferred from a part of the alkali to the remainder, and 
 fin y evolved. 
 
586 
 
 Potassae Chloras. 
 
 PAE i. 
 
 Graham has devised an improved process for obtaining this salt. It con ts 
 in mixing the carbonate of potassa with an equivalent quantity of hydrate of] e 
 before submitting it to the action of chlorine. The gas is absorbed with avky, 
 and the mass becomes hot, while water is given off. The lime converts ie 
 carbonate into caustic potassa, and the reaction then takes place between ix 
 eqs. of potassa and six of chlorine, with the result of forming five eqs. of co- 
 ride of potassium, and one of chlorate of potassa. (6KO and 6Cl = 5KClid 
 K0,C10 5 .) The products are, therefore, carbonate of lime, chloride of p<s- 
 siurn, and chlorate of potassa. The chloride and chlorate are separated fromae 
 carbonate by solution in hot water, and the chlorate from the chloride by pri< ty 
 of crystallization as before. 
 
 In the above process, a large proportion of the potassa is lost by being o- 
 verted into chloride of potassium. Prof. F. C. Calvert, of Manchester, has 'abet 
 entirely avoided this loss by his new process, in which he reacts upon one e of 
 caustic potassa, mixed with five and a half eqs. of lime, with a stream of co- 
 rine. The potassa is dissolved in sufficient water to form a solution, contahg 
 1(H per cent, of the alkali (sp. gr. 1110), and mixed with the lime; anche 
 mixture, after having been gradually heated to 122°, is subjected to a iid 
 current of chlorine to saturation, the reaction caused by which raises the n- 
 perature to about 194°. The product is then evaporated nearly to dryness he 
 residue dissolved in boiling water, and the solution filtered and set aside tors- 
 tallize. The strength of the solution of potassa and the temperature, empled 
 in Prof. Calvert’s process, determine the combination of part of the c-hlcne 
 with calcium, instead of potassium; and the oxygen from the lime converkhe 
 remaining chlorine into chloric acid. A higher or lower density of the po<sa 
 solution was found not to give as favourable results. This process has been ed 
 on a large scale, and is said to have perfectly succeeded. While the old press 
 gives but 43 parts of chlorate to 100 of anhydrous potassa, the new yields 60 
 parts. 
 
 Properties. Chlorate of potassa is a white anhydrous salt, of a coolingnd 
 slightly acerb taste. It crystallizes in rhomboidal plates of a pearly lustre. It 
 is soluble in 10 parts of water at 60°, and in two and a half parts of boiling wer. 
 When thrown on burning coals, it augments their combustion remarkably, sis 
 property is due to the presence of oxygen, which may be evolved from thealt 
 in the proportion of nearly 39 per cent., by heating it a little above its poi of 
 fusion. The residue is chloride of potassium. 
 
 Chlorate of potassa is characterized by giving out oxygen upon fusion. nd 
 leaving a residue of chloride of potassium; by becoming first yellow, and :en 
 red by admixture with a little sulphuric acid, and by the action of that cid 
 evolving chlorous acid gas (quadroxide of chlorine), known by its yellow cour, 
 and explosive property when heated ; by its bleaching power when mixed rst 
 with muriatic acid and then with water; and by its property of explodingdo- 
 lently when triturated with a small portion of sulphur or phosphorus. Its mal 
 impurity is chloride of potassium, which may be detected hy a precipita of 
 chloride of silver being produced on the addition of nitrate of silver. This est 
 does not precipitate the chlorine of the chloric acid. Chlorate of potassa eoi.sts 
 of one eq. of chloric acid 75'42, and one of potassa 47 ’2 = 12262. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Chlorate of potassa is ranked as a re frig m; 
 and diuretic. From experiments made by Dr. O Shaughnessy and othe, it 
 gives a bright scarlet colour to the venous blood, and passes undeeomposedmo 
 the urine. The first trials made with it as a medicine were founded upoitbe 
 supposition that it would prove an oxidizing remedy; and hence it was empiM 
 in scurvy, which was supposed to depeud upon a deficiency of oxygen iitbe 
 system, and in syphilis and liver complaint as a substitute for mercury, vicb 
 
P.IT I. 
 
 Potassae Chloras. — Potassse Nitras. 
 
 587 
 
 mjeral was held by some to act in these affections by imparting oxygen. In 
 scwy it appears to have acted beneficially, but not on the principle which in- 
 dvsd its trial ; as it would seem not to be decomposed in the system. It has 
 ba employed by Dr. Stevens and others as a remedy for certain fevers, and for 
 mignant cholera, to supply a supposed deficiency of saline matter in the blood. 
 D Henry Hunt recommends it strongly in cancrum oris, given in solution, in 
 dided doses, to the amount of from twenty to sixty grains in twenty-four hours, 
 aqnrding to the age of the child. It lessens the fetor and salivation attendant 
 oi he disease, and promotes the granulation of the sores. (BraithwaiJe’ s Retro- 
 apt, viii. 148.) A similar practice in this disease was followed by Dr. J. H. 
 B'ington, of Ireland, with great success. (See Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., April, 
 113, p. 491.) Dr. B. L. Scruggs, of Germantown, Tenn., praises its effects, 
 usl internally and as a mouth-wash, in the erysipelatous inflammation of the 
 mith and fauces, which occurs in the disease called black tongue. ( Med . Exam,., 
 Ail, 1849.) The dose of chlorate of potassa is from ten to thirty grains. The 
 mith-wash may be made by dissolving a teaspoonful of the salt in four fiuid- 
 oiees of water. 
 
 hlorate of potassa is used to obtain pure oxygen; to make matches which 
 ta : fire by friction, or when dipped in sulphuric acid; and to prepare priming 
 fo ;an non and fire-arms. B. 
 
 POTASSiE NITRAS. U. S., Pond,, Ed., Dub. 
 
 Nitrate of Potassa. 
 
 itre, Saltpetre ; Nitrate de potasse, Azotate de potasse, Saltpetre, Fr. ; Salpetersaures 
 K; , Salpeter, Germ., Dutch, Dan., Swed.; Nitro, Ital., Span., Fort. 
 
 itre or saltpetre is both a natural and artificial production. It is found ready 
 foied in many countries, existing in the soil on which it forms a saline efflo- 
 re snce, in the fissures of calcareous rocks, and in caves. It has been found in 
 di rent parts of Europe, in Egypt, and in Peru; but the country in which it is 
 mt abundantly produced is India, whence the principal part is furnished for 
 tblemands of commerce. In the United States it is found, for the most part, 
 iniverns situated in limestone rock, called saltpetre caves, and is associated 
 w nitrate of lime. The earths contained in them* are lixiviated, and yield, 
 ac rding to their richness, from one to ten pounds of crude nitre to the bushel. 
 Tl.se caves are particularly numerous in Kentucky, and furnished a large pro- 
 pc ion of the nitre consumed in the United States during the last war with 
 E land. It exists also in the vegetable kingdom, having been found in borage, 
 to ceo, bugloss, parietaria, hemlock, and the sun-flower. The artificial sources 
 of itre are certain mixtures of animal and vegetable substances with wood-ashes 
 aficalcareous matter, called nitre-beds; and certain materials, impregnated with 
 sabetre, consisting principally of plaster rubbish, derived from the demolition 
 of id buildings. 
 
 (reparation from its Natural Sources. In India the saline earth, which on 
 afverage contains seven parts of nitre in a thousand, is lixiviated in large 
 m . filters, lined with stiff clay, and furnished with false bottoms of bamboo, 
 cojred with grass mats, on which wood-ashes are laid. The filters being then 
 fil l with the saline earth, water is added, and the solution filters through the 
 Wi bashes, with the effect of converting any nitrate of lime present, which 
 ap unts to nearly one per cent., into nitrate of potassa. The solution obtained 
 isjaporated in earthen pots, filtered, and set aside to crystallize. The impure 
 m i thus obtained contains from 45 to 70 per cent, of the pure salt. It is 
 fe ssolved and crystallized by the native merchants, and thrown into commerce 
 ui ;r the name of crude nitre, or crude saltpetre. 
 
588 
 
 Potassse Nitras. 
 
 PAE i. 
 
 Artificial Preparation. The plan of forming saltpetre in artificial nitre-tta 
 is principally practised in Germany; while the method of obtaining it from d 
 plaster rubbish is followed in France. Artificial nitre-beds are formed of ani il 
 and vegetable remains, together with ashes and calcareous earth, which are mi d 
 up with a portion of loose soil and placed under sheds, to shelter the mix -e 
 from the rain ; while the sides are left open to permit the free access of air. ' e 
 mixture is disposed in little ranges or heaps, which are frequently turned or 
 with a spade, and sprinkled with urine, as a substance containing a large qu- 
 tity of nitrogen. At the end of two or three years the nitrogen is conveid 
 into nitric acid, and this, by uniting with the potassa existing in the vegetoe 
 remains, forms nitre. When the contents of the bed contain about four ouos 
 of the salt for every cubic foot of the materials, they are deemed fit to be li- 
 viated. The lixiviation is performed with boiling water, which is repeat! y 
 thrown upon fresh portions of the mass, until the solution obtained is suffieiery 
 strong. The lixivium is of a brown colour, and contains chiefly the nitrat jf 
 potassa; but at the same time more or less of the nitrates of lime and magnei, 
 and of common salt. The earthy nitrates are then decomposed by a solutionf 
 wood-ashes, the potassa of which converts them into nitre, and precipitates le 
 earths. The solution being further evaporated, the common salt rises to ,e 
 surface as a scum, and is removed. The solution is then allowed to cool, d 
 the nitrate crystallizes in dirty white crystals, calletl crude nitre. 
 
 Nitrate of lime may be converted into nitre by adding it to a solution of jl- 
 phate of potassa. Sulphate of lime is precipitated, and nitrate of potassa reams 
 in solution. 
 
 When obtained from old plaster rubbish, the material is reduced to pow'r 
 and lixiviated, in order to exhaust it of everything soluble. The solutions 
 found to contain the nitrates of potassa and lime, and common salt, and is tread 
 with wood-ashes, which convert the nitrate of lime into nitrate of potassa, uli 
 precipitation of the earth as a carbonate. The liquor is separated from the ]e- 
 cipitate and concentrated by heat ; and the common salt, as it rises to the surfs, 
 is skimmed off. When the solution is so strong as to mark 45° of Raume s je- 
 ometer, it is allowed to cool and crystallize; and the crystals form the c-rle 
 nitre of this process. The salt obtained in this way generally contains from5 
 to 88 per cent, of pure nitre; the remainder being made up of chloride of sodin, 
 and certain deliquescent salts. The details of this process, as practised in Pas, 
 are given by Thenard. 
 
 The artificial preparation of saltpetre is carried on to a considerable extenn 
 Hungary, Prof. Szabo, of Pesth, describes three kinds : — gay saltpetre, b- 
 tained by washing the earth, dug from the earth floors of the huts of the poer 
 classes; plantation saltpetre . , generated in uncovered heaps, composed of to- 
 thirds washed gay earth, and one-third ashes; and hehr saltpetre, which isfornB, 
 in certain districts, in the surface soil, prepared by strewing it, from tim:o 
 time, with ashes. ( Client . Gaz., Feb. 2, 1852, p. 47.) 
 
 Theory of Nitrification. It is now generally admitted that the continms 
 formation of nitre in nitre earths, and in artificial nitre-beds, depends uponie 
 oxidation of the nitrogen of ammonia, thus generating nitric acid, the forma >n 
 of which is facilitated by the presence' of alkaline and earthy bases, with wl k 
 the acid unites. The ammonia is derived, for the most part, from the orgac 
 remains in the nitre earths, and from the animal matter which is an essenal 
 ingredient in the artificial mixtures. 
 
 Purification. Nitrate of potassa, as first obtained, either from naturabr 
 artificial sources, is called in commerce crude saltpetre, and requires to be pi- 
 tied or refined before it can be used in medicine, or in most of the arts. ie 
 process, which is founded principally on the fact that nitre is more soluble tin 
 
P4T I. 
 
 Potassse Nitras. 
 
 589 
 
 comon salt in hot water, is conducted in the following manner in France. 
 Ttty parts of the saltpetre are boiled with six parts of water, and the portion 
 wth remains undissolved, or is deposited, consisting of common salt, is carefully 
 renved. As the ebullition proceeds, a little water is added from time to time, 
 to old the nitre in solution. When common salt ceases to be separated, the 
 sol ion is clarified with glue, and more water is added at intervals, until the 
 wle amounts, including that previously added, to ten parts. The clear solu- 
 tio is now transferred to large, shallow copper coolers, where it is agitated with 
 wolen instruments to hasten the cooling, and to cause the nitre to crystallize 
 in nail grains. The purification is completed by washing the salt with water, 
 or saturated solution of nitre, in a kind of wooden hopper, with holes in the 
 boom stopped with pegs. The liquid employed is allowed to remain in con- 
 tacsvith the nitre for several hours, at the end of which time it is permitted to 
 dra off by taking out the pegs. The salt being now dried, its purification is 
 conleted. 
 
 ' Sweden, the process of purification is conducted in a different manner. The 
 sol ion of the crude nitre is boiled, until a saline crust (common salt) forms on 
 itsirface, and until it is so far concentrated that a small portion of it crystal- 
 lizt upon cooling. The crust being removed, the solution is filtered, and di- 
 lut with l-48th of water, with a view to retain in solution the common salt, 
 win, being somewhat less soluble in cold than in boiling water, would other- 
 wit be in part precipitated on refrigeration. The solution is now allowed to 
 coc and, at the moment crystals begin to form, is stirred constantly to cause the 
 sal to crystallize in small grains. The granular salt is then washed after the 
 Fri ih method, as above described, dried, and, being fused, is cast in sheet iron 
 mods so as to form masses, each weighing from ten to twenty pounds. The 
 pre. ration of nitre in this manner by fusion is, according to Berzelius, attended 
 wit several advantages; such as its occupying less space, its losing nothing by 
 wa! : in transportation, and its presenting, in this state, an obvious index of 
 its lality. This index is the character of its fracture. When the salt is per- 
 fec pure, the fracture is radiated, the radii being generally large. The pre- 
 sen of l-80th of common salt renders the radii smaller; and of l-40th, or a larger 
 qu; ity, produces a zone in the substance of the mass, devoid of the radiated 
 stri ure, or causes this structure to disappear entirely. On the other hand, 
 tberoeess by fusion has the disadvantage of converting the salt in part into 
 by; fitrite, when heated too high, and of rendering it difficult to pulverize. 
 
 i mmercial History. Nitre is received in this country from Calcutta in the 
 stai of crude saltpetre, packed in grass cloth bags, containing from one hundred 
 and ftv to one hundred and seventy-five pounds. The greater portion of it 
 arri s in Boston. Its quality varies considerably. That which comes in dirty 
 yel v crystals is called crude saltpetre; while the finer lots, in small, compara- 
 tive clear crystals, approaching to white, are called East India refined. Ye rv 
 litt. crude saltpetre is at present obtained from native sources in the United 
 Sta i, on account of the low price of that from India. The refined saltpetre is 
 almt eaclusivelv prepared by our own chemists; and a considerable portion of 
 it if xported. 
 
 J connected with the subject of saltpetre, it may be proper in this place to 
 not : what is incorrectly called South American saltpetre, considerable quan- 
 titn of which have been received within a few years from Peru and Chili. It 
 is 7i 'ate of soda, and comes in bags containing about two hundred and seventy 
 pouisof the salt in the crude state. This nitrate is coming into use with our 
 mai facturing chemists, and is better suited than nitre for preparing nitric and 
 sul] aric acids, on account of the greater proportional quantity of acid which 
 it c itains. It is, however, not applicable to the purpose of making gun- 
 pov r, from its tendency to absorb moisture. 
 
590 
 
 Potassse Nitras. 
 
 PAR' , 
 
 Nitrate of soda may be decomposed, so as to yield nitre, by means of cay'c 
 American potash (red potash of commerce), by Mr. Rotc-h’s patented proc 
 This process gives a nitre equal in purity to the East India refined. For e 
 details see the Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xi. 36. The same salt will furih 
 nitre by double decomposition with carbonate of potassa (pearlash). (Ibid., i. 
 236, from Pharm. Cent. Blatt.) Mr. Hill decomposes nitrate of soda by me 5 
 of chloride of potassium, forming, by double decomposition, nitrate of potassa <1 
 chloride of sodium. The latter is got rid of, in the usual manner, by the evi- 
 ration of the solution of the mixed salts. 
 
 Properties. Nitre is a white salt, possessing a sharp, cooling, and sligly 
 bitterish taste, and generally crystallized in long, striated, semi-transparent, j- 
 sided prisms, with dihedral summits. It dissolves in four or five times its weiit 
 of cold, and in about two-fifths of its weight of boiling water. It is spark y 
 soluble in rectified spirit, but insoluble in absolute alcohol. It undergoes 
 alteration in the air, unless this be very moist. It yields a yellow precipi :e 
 with chloride of platinum, showing that potassa forms its base. It contaimio 
 water of crystallization; but is apt to hold a portion of liquid, mechanic.v 
 lodged within the substance of the crystals. This is particularly the case vh 
 the large crystals, and, according to Berzelius, is a source of impurity; asie 
 liquid in question is a portion of the mother-waters in which they were forni. 
 It is on this account that Berzelius recommends that the solution of the pur d 
 salt should be stirred during crystallization, so as to cause it to shoot into sidl 
 crystals. When exposed to heat, nitre fuses without losing weight at about 6f°. 
 The fused mass, when cast in moulds, or formed into little circular cakes, n- 
 stitutes that form of nitre, kept in the shops under the name of crystal minal 
 or sal prunelle.* If the heat be increased, the salt is decomposed, evolves jre 
 oxygen, and is reduced to the state of hyponitrite, which, when rubbed to pv- 
 der, emits orange-coloured fumes of nitrous acid and nitric oxide, on the addiin 
 of sulphuric acid. Upon a further continuance of the heat, the hyponitrous id 
 itself is decomposed, and a large additional quantity of oxygen is evolved, n- 
 taminated, however, with more or less nitrogen. On account of the large o- 
 portion of oxygen w T hich it contains, nitre increases the combustion of my 
 substances in a remarkable degree. When thrown on burning coals, it deflagies 
 with bright scintillations. Nitre may be readily recognised by its effecin 
 increasing the combustion of live coals, when thrown upon them; and by evolag 
 white or reddish vapours on the addition of sulphuric acid. Its most u.al 
 impurity is common salt, which is seldom entirely absent, and which injur it 
 for the manufacture of gunpowder. The presence of this salt or of ehlorit of 
 potassium will cause a precipitate with nitrate of silver. If a sulphate be prent, 
 a precipitate will be formed with chloride of barium. One hundred grains oihe 
 pure and dry salt, treated with sixty grains of sulphuric acid, and the w>le 
 iguited until it ceases to lose weight, yield eighty-six grains of sulphate of pot.-a. 
 If the residue weighs less, part of it is probably sulphate of soda, and the i re 
 tested may be assumed to have contained nitrate of soda. The refined or jri- 
 fied saltpetre of commerce is sufficiently pure for medical use. Nevertheless lie 
 Dublin College, with needless refinement, has given a formula for its purific-am. 
 (See Potassse Nitras Puruni .) Nitrate of potassa is composed of one eq. of me 
 acid 54, and one of potassa 47'2 = 101'2. 
 
 * Sal prunelle, as directed to be made in the French Codex, is a mixture of nitratind 
 sulphate of potassa. It is prepared by fusing nitre in a Hessian crucible, adding 1- Sth 
 part of sulphur, and pouring out the product on a smooth marble slab, where it is olKed 
 to congeal. The sulphur immediately takes fire. and. by combining with oxygen from ran 
 of the nitric acid of the nitre, becomes sulphuric acid, which then unites with a smalor- 
 tion of potassa, to form sulphate of potassa. 
 
pa? i. 
 
 Potassse Nitras. 
 
 591 
 
 jdical Properties. Nitre is considered refrigerant, diuretic, and diaphoretic, 
 ancs much used in inflammatory diseases. It is known to be a powerful anti- 
 sep’. It generally promotes the secretion of urine and sweat, lessens the heat 
 of ie body and tbe frequency of the pulse, and has a tendency to keep the bowels 
 in soluble condition. When taken in health, in quantities increasing gradually 
 froi one to five drachms daily, for the space of from eight to twelve days, it was 
 foul by F. Lofiler to produce general weakness, lowness of spirits, constant dis- 
 pos.on to sleep, and slow and weak pulse. Towards the end of the experiment, 
 the ulse several times fell to twenty beats in the minute. During the use of 
 the ledicine, the appetite and digestion continued good, and the bowels were 
 regar; though, occasionally, some pain was experienced in the abdomen, fol- 
 low! by purging. The blood, drawn at the end of the period, resembled cherry 
 juic in colour, exhibited paler blood corpuscles than in health, coagulated very 
 qui lly, forming a clot of diminished firmness, was more watery than natural, 
 and iminished in the proportion of its fat. ( Am.Journ.of Med. Sci., xviii. 204, 
 froi Schmidt’s Jahrh.) 
 
 lire is very frequently prescribed with tartar emetic and calomel, forming a 
 conination usually called the nitrous powder , which promotes most of the 
 sections, particularly those of the liver and skin, and which in many cases is 
 advjitageously employed in lessening and modifying febrile excitement. The 
 fornla usually preferred is eight or ten grains of nitre, the eighth of a grain 
 of ttar emetic, and from the fourth to the half of a grain of calomel, exhibited 
 eve two or three hours. Nitre is frequently given in active hemorrhages, par- 
 ticurly haemoptysis, and is a useful ingredient of gargles, in certain stages of 
 infhunatory sorethroat. Dr. Frisi, an Italian physician, found it very efficacious 
 iu aase of obstinate spasmodic asthma, in affording speedy relief, and cutting 
 slioi the attack as often as it was repeated. In the same disease, nitrous fumi- 
 gati has been found useful, performed by inhaling for a quarter of an hour 
 the mes from burning touch paper, prepai-ed by dipping blotting paper in a 
 sate ted solution of nitre, and afterwards drying it. In the form of sal prunelle, 
 it is libbed on chapped lips. The dose is from ten to fifteen grains, dissolved 
 in mer or some mucilaginous liquid, and repeated every two or three hours. 
 Fro one to three drachms may be exhibited in the course of the day. If giveix 
 too jjxely, or for too long a period, it is apt to excite pain in the stomach. In 
 an ordose (half an ounce to an ounce or more), taken in concentrated solution, 
 it cr ses heat and pain in the stomach, vomiting and purging of blood, great 
 prosition, convulsions, and sometimes death. On dissection, the stomach and 
 internes are found inflamed. The treatment consists in the speedy removal of 
 the ison from the stomach, and in the administration of mucilaginous drinks, 
 laud um to allay pain and irritation, and cordials to sustain the system. No 
 anti' te is known. 
 
 N withstanding the toxical pi’operties of nitre when taken in a large dose in 
 cone itrated solution, it may be given, in divided doses, to the extent of one or 
 two mces in twenty-four hours, provided it be largely diluted with water. It 
 is pi cipally in acute rheumatism that large doses of this salt have been given ; 
 andith M. Gendrin and M. Martin-Solon bear testimony to its remarkable effi- 
 cacy i that disease, after ample experience with its use in two of the hospitals 
 of 1 is. Dr. Henry Bennett, of London, also speaks highly of its efficacy in 
 the i ne disease. It may be given in quantities, varying from six to sixteen 
 draoxs in twenty-four hours, dissolved in sweetened barley water, in the pi-o- 
 port i of half an ounce of the salt to a pint and a half or two pints of the liquid. 
 Aduiiistered in this way, the principal action of the salt is that of a sedative on 
 the i culation, decreasing the force and frequency of the pulse. 
 
 F mnaceutical Uses, &c. In pharmacy nitre is employed to form crocus of 
 
592 
 
 PABL 
 
 Potassse Niiras. — Potassae Sulphas. 
 
 antimony, and to procure nitric acid. It is also used in the formula of the IS. 
 Pharmacopoeia for obtaining sweet spirit of nitre. It enters into the compos tn 
 of inoxa, and is employed in preparing the sulphate of potassa with sulphi of 
 the Edinburgh College. In the laboratory it is used as an oxidizing agent, id 
 to yield oxygen at a red heat. In the arts it is employed in the productk.of 
 aqua fortis (common nitric acid), the manufacture of sulphuric acid, anche 
 fabrication of gunpowder. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acidurn Nitricum Purum ; Collodiutn; Potassae Xitras Puin; 
 Potassae Sulphas cum Sulphure; Spiritus PEtheris Xitriei; Unguentum fi. 
 phuris Compositum. 
 
 POTASSiE SULPHAS. U. S., Lond., Ed., Bui. 
 Sulphate of Potassa. 
 
 Vitriolated tartar: Tartarum vitriolatum, Arcanum duplicatum, Sal de duobns, it.: 
 Sulfate de potasse, Potasse vitriolee, Fr.; Scliwefelsaures Kali, Vitriolisirtir Wein-in, 
 Germ.; Solfato di potassa, Ilal. 
 
 Several chemical processes give rise to sulphate of potassa as a secondarjro- 
 duct. Thus, it is produced in the distillation of nitric acid from a mixtu of 
 nitre with sulphuric acid; in the decomposition of sulphate of magnesia b'ar- 
 bonate of potassa, in one of the processes for preparing carbonate of magnia; 
 during the combustion of the mixture of nitre and sulphur in the manufaare 
 of sulphuric acid ; and in the decomposition of tartrate of potassa by suljate 
 of lime. (See Aculum Nitricum , Acidurn Sulphuricum, and Acidurn Taitri- 
 cum.) When nitric acid is obtained by calcining a mixture of nitre andul- 
 phate of iron, the residue consists of sesquioxide of iron and sulphate of po«sa, 
 the latter of which, being alone soluble, is separated by means of watennd 
 crystallized from its solution. The residue of the combustion of sulphuind 
 nitre, in making sulphuric acid, is an impure sulphate of potassa mixedrith 
 sulphur, which is sold to the alum makers. 
 
 The U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias place sulphate of potassa in th list 
 of the Materia Mediea; the Edinburgh and Dublin, among the preparams, 
 obtaining it from the salt which remains after the distillation of nitric cid. 
 This salt is a supersulphate of potassa, and must be so treated as to bring to 
 the neutral state. The Edinburgh College brings it to that state by rem ing 
 the excess of acid by the addition of white marble, which converts it if an 
 insoluble sulphate of lime. The Dublin College saturates the supersalt in biing 
 solution with slaked lime; strains the solution to separate the sulphate of ae; 
 adds carbonate of potassa at the boiling temperature, to remove lime ansul- 
 phate of lime; strains again ; exactly neutralizes the strained li<juor with dited 
 sulphuric acid ; and, finally, having evaporated it to a pellicle, sets it asi for 
 tw T enty-four hours to crystallize. 
 
 The manufacturer of tartaric acid who avails himself of sulphate of lie to 
 decompose the tartrate of potassa, forms sulphate of potassa as a collatertpro- 
 duct. For the manner in which the latter salt may be economically crysttizol 
 for use in the arts, see Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiii. 343. 
 
 Properties. Sulphate of potassa is a white, anhydrous salt, in the foi of 
 small, aggregated, transparent, very hard crystals, permanent in the air. Wing 
 the shape usually of short six-sided prisms, terminated by six-sided pyraids, 
 and possessing a nauseous, somewhat bitter taste. Insoluble in alcohoD is 
 slowly soluble in about nine and a half times its weight of cold, and in les ban 
 four times its weight of boiling water. (Gay-Lussac .) Its solution is pcipi- 
 tated yellow by chloride of platinum, and white by chloride of barium. -Ided 
 to a solution of sulphate of alumina, it generates alum, recoguised by tkxto- 
 
PAI I. Potassse Sulphas. — Potassii Ferrocyanuretum. 
 
 593 
 
 h&al shape of its crystals. It is decomposed by tartaric acid, which forms 
 bit trate of potassa, and by the soluble salts of baryta, strontia, lime, silver, 
 an lead, forming insoluble or sparingly soluble sulphates. This salt is not 
 subct to adulteration. It consists of one eq. of sulphuric acid 40, and one of 
 poi-sa 47*2=87*2. 
 
 edical Properties and Uses. Sulphate of potassa is a mild purgative, ope- 
 ratg without heat, pain, or 'other symptoms of irritation. In small doses of 
 frc a scruple to half a drachm, it operates as an aperient, and is useful in 
 renving obstructions ; in larger doses, of four or five drachms, it acts slowly 
 as purge. Combined with rhubarb, in the proportion of about a drachm of the 
 saLo ten grains of the root, Dr. Fordyce found it an excellent alterative cathartic 
 in e visceral obstructions of children, characterized by a tumid abdomen, and 
 deistive digestion and nutrition ; and we can bear testimony to its efficacy in 
 the cases. The late Dr. A. T. Thomson found this salt, in combination with 
 rh'arb or aloes, “ more useful than any of the other saline purgatives, in jaun- 
 dic and dyspeptic affections.” On the continent of Europe it is frequently 
 gin as an aperient after delivery, and for the purpose of drying up the milk. 
 It iters into the composition of Dover's powder. 
 
 ^withstanding the general sentiment of practitioners as to the mildness and 
 saf y of sulphate of potassa as a purgative, several cases have been reported in 
 thfJournals of supposed poisoning from its use. M. Moritz attributed the 
 poi nous effects of the salt, in the case which came under his notice, to the pre- 
 set! of a notable quantity of sulphate of zinc; but his explanation cannot be 
 adi tted as adequate. In other cases, the salt, though found to be pure, seemed 
 to t as a poison. Still, we are not disposed to admit that sulphate of potassa 
 is isonous. In the cases in which it apparently acted as such, its effects may 
 be tributed sometimes to the largeness of the dose in which it was adminis- 
 ter, and perhaps also to the insufficiency of the water used to dissolve it; at 
 off times, where the dose used was moderate, to the existence of a predis- 
 pofion to gastric inflammation. For further information in relation to this 
 sulct, the reader is referred to a paper by Dr. T. Homey n Beck, in the Amer. 
 Jem. of the Med. Sci., N. S., vii. 88. 
 
 f. Prep. Pilulse Colocyntliidis Composite ; Pilulae Opii sive Thebaicae ; 
 Fossae Bisulphas; Pulvis Ipecacuanhae et Opii; Pulvis Salinus Compositus. 
 
 B. 
 
 POTASSII FERROCYANURETUM. U.S. 
 
 Ferrocyanuret of Potassium. 
 
 ■>. Syn. POTASSII FERROCYANIDUM. Land,, Ed., Dub. 
 
 J 'rocyanide of potassium, Ferrocyanate of potassa, Ferroprussiate of potassa, Prus- 
 sia! if potassa; Proto-cyanure jauue de fer et de potassium, Fr. ; Cyaneisenkalium, Germ. 
 
 - is is the yellow double cyanuret of potassium and iron, the salt from which 
 the yanuret of potassium is obtained by calcination at a low red heat. (See 
 Porsii Cyanuretum.') 
 
 Irrocyanuret of potassium is prepared on a large scale by calcining animal 
 ma rs, such as dried blood, hoofs, chips of horn, woollen rags, old leather, the 
 refi! of tallow-chandlers, called greaves , and other substances rich in nitrogen, 
 wit he pearlash of commerce, in an egg-shaped iron pot, called a shell, dissolv- 
 lughe calcined mass, after cooling, in water, and evaporating the solution so 
 tba crystals may form. The requisite iron for forming the salt is derived from 
 the ots and stirrers used in the process. Occasionally iron filings are added. 
 
 - new process for manufacturing this salt, carried into successful operation 
 at . w Castle-on-Tyne by MM. Possoz and Boissiere, dispenses with the use of 
 
 38 
 
594 
 
 Potassii Ferrocyanuretum. 
 
 PAI I. 
 
 animal matters; the necessary nitrogen being obtained by a current of a to- 
 spheric air. In this process fragments of charcoal, impregnated with thirt ,er 
 cent, of carbonate of potassa, are heated to white redness in a cylinder, thrU 
 which a current of air is drawn by a suction pump. For further details in la- 
 tion to this process, see the paper of Mr. Ambrose Smith on the manufai.re 
 of this salt, contained in the Am. Journ. of Pharmacy, for July, 1848, p. '8. 
 
 Properties. Ferrocyanuret of potassium is in large, beautiful, transpa it, 
 permanent, four-sided, tabular crystals, of a lemon-yellow colour, devoid of otir. 
 but possessing a sweetish, yet somewhat bitter, saline taste. It dissolve in 
 between three and four times its weight of cold water, and in about its m 
 weight of boiling water, but is insoluble in alcohol. It acts but slightly, at 
 all, on turmeric paper. The alkaline reaction, when it occurs, is probably o ng 
 to the presence of a little free potassa retained by the water of crystallizam. 
 When heated to 140° it loses its water of crystallization, amounting to !'6 
 per cent., and becomes white. When ignited, the insoluble residue amoun to 
 18'7 per cent, of sesquioxide of iron, resulting from the oxidation of the in of 
 the salt. It is characterized by striking a deep blue colour with the sal of 
 sesquioxide of iron, a deep brown one with the salts of copper, and a white ne 
 with those of zinc, the several precipitates formed being ferrocyanurets ot he 
 respective metals. Heated with eight or ten times its weight of concentred 
 sulphuric acid, a large quantity of pure carbonic oxide is evolved. (Fows.) 
 When boiled with dilute sulphuric acid, it emits the smell of hydrocyanic id. 
 Ferrocyanuret of potassium consists of two eqs. of cyanuret of potassium If 4, 
 one of cyanuret of iron 54, and three of water 27 = 211'4. The water prent 
 is just sufficient to convert the iron and potassium into protoxides, and theca- 
 nogen into hydrocyanic acid. Apart from the water present, it is genelly 
 considered to consist of a compound radical, called ferrocyanogen, forme of 
 three eqs. of cyanogen and one of iron (tercyanuret of iron), united witkwo 
 eqs. of potassium. Hence its officinal name. This salt is remarkably pn as 
 it occurs in commerce. 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. Judging from the experiments of the German p si- 
 cians, this salt possesses but little activity. Callies, as quoted by Pereira, f.nd 
 the commercial salt slightly poisonous, but the pure salt unproductive of irm 
 in the dose of several ounces. It should be borne in mind that it is the >m- 
 mercial salt which is used medicinally. Westrumb and Hering proved tl: it 
 passed with rapidity into the blood and urine. 
 
 Notwithstanding these statements, the late Dr. Burleigh Smart, of Kenmee, 
 Maine, found this salt to possess active medicinal powers. [Am. Journ. of led. 
 Sri., xv. 362.) Its primary effect was that of a sedative, diminishing the fuess 
 and frequency of the pulse, and allaying pain and irritation. It acted also, ider 
 favourable circumstances, as a diaphoretic and astringent. Dr. Smart us. it 
 with success in a case of chronic bronchitis in a child, with the effect, in Few 
 days, of diminishing the frequency of the pulse, and of lessening the sweeng, 
 cough, and dyspnoea. It sometimes acted as a diaphoretic, but only in ses 
 attended with excessive vascular action and increased heat of skin. 4 an 
 astringent its power was most conspicuous in the colliquative sweats of ebnic 
 bronchitis and phthisis. The same power was evinced in several cases oteu- 
 corrhoea cured by its use. It sometimes produced ptyalism, unattended, ow- 
 ever, by swelling of the salivary glands or fetor of the breath. Its prop tie; 
 as an anodyne and sedative rendered it applicable to cases of neuralgic painand 
 whooping cough, in which diseases, especially the latter. Dr. Smart foul it 
 useful. When given in an overdose he stated that it occasioned vertigo, col 
 and numbness, with a sense of gastric sinking. 
 
 The form of administration which Dr. Smart preferred was that of solutii. ia 
 the proportion of two drachms to the fluidounce of water. Of this the dose ran 
 
P 4 T I. Potassii Ferrocyanuretum. — Prinos. 595 
 
 ad t was from 30 to 45 drops, equivalent to from 10 to 15 grains of the salt, 
 rejated every four or six hours. 
 
 bis salt is manufactured on a large scale, chiefly for the use of dyers and 
 calo-printers. In pharmacy it is employed to prepare diluted hydrocyanic acid, 
 Pr:sian blue, and the cyanurets of potassium and silver. 
 
 ■ff. Prep. Acidum Hydrocyanicum Dilutum; Argenti Cyanuretum; Ferri 
 Fcoeyanuretum; Potassii Cyanuretum. B. 
 
 PRINOS. TJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Black Alder. 
 
 fie bark of Prinos verticillatus. TJ. S. 
 
 S.IN.OS. Sex. Syst. Hexandria Monogynia. — Xat. Ord. Aquifoliacese. 
 
 pi. C'h. Ccdyx small, six-cleft. Corolla monopetalous, subrotate, six-parted. 
 Bey six-seeded ; seeds nuciform. Nuttall. 
 
 Hnos verticillatus. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 225 ; Bigelow, Am. Bled. Pot. iii. 
 14 Barton, Med. Pot. i. 203. The black alder is an indigenous shrub, with 
 a sm six or eight feet high, furnished with alternate, spreading branches, and 
 cored with a bluish-gray bark. The leaves, which stand alternately or irregu- 
 lar on short petioles, are oval, pointed, tapering at the base, acutely serrate, 
 of dark-green colour, smooth on their upper surface, but downy on the veins 
 betith. The flowers are small, white, nearly sessile, and grow three or four 
 tog her at the axils of the leaves. They are often dioecious. The calyx is per- 
 sisl it ; the segments of the corolla obtuse; the stamens usually six in number, 
 anc’urnished with oblong anthers; the germ large, green, roundish, and sur- 
 mo'ited by a short style, terminating in an obtuse stigma. The fruit when 
 rip> consists of glossy, scarlet, roundish berries, about the size of a pea, con- 
 taii ig six cells and six seeds. Several of these berries are clustered together 
 so ; to form little bunches at irregular intervals on the stem. In the latter 
 par of autumn, after the leaves have fallen, they still remain attached to the 
 stei and render the shrub a striking object in the midst of the general naked- 
 nesof vegetation. Hence the plant has received the name of winter-berry, by 
 win it is frequently designated. 
 
 Rrows in all parts of the United States, from Canada to Florida, frequenting 
 low et places, such as swamps, and the borders of ponds, ditches, and streams. 
 Its >wers appear in June. The berries, which have a bitter, sweetish, some- 
 wh; acrid taste, are sometimes used medicinally for the same purposes with the 
 bar. which is the officinal portion. 
 
 4 3 dried bark is in slender pieces, more or less rolled, brittle, greenish-white 
 inte ally, and covered with a smooth epidermis, easily separable, and of a 
 whi k-ash colour, alternating or mingled with brown. It has no smell, but a 
 bitt and slightly astringent taste. Boiling water extracts its virtues. 
 
 idical Properties and Uses. Black alder is usually considered tonic and 
 ast-rlgent; and is among the remedies proposed as substitutes for Peruvian bark, 
 witl vhick, however, it has very little analogy. It has been recommended in 
 inte iittent fever, diarrhoea, and other diseases connected with debility, espe- 
 eial gangrene and mortification. It is a popular remedy in gangrenous or flabby 
 and 1-conditioned ulcers, and in chronic cutaneous eruptions, in which it is 
 give internally, and applied locally in the form of a wash or poultice. It may 
 he ijd in substance or decoction. The dose of the powder is from thirty grains 
 to ajrachm, to be repeated several times a day. The decoction, which is usually 
 prefued both for internal and external use, may be prepared by boiling two 
 oun:; of the bark with three pints of water to a quart, and given in the dose of 
 two • three fluidounces. A saturated tincture, as well of the berries as of the 
 bar] is sometimes employed. W. 
 
596 
 
 Prunum. — Prunus Virginiana. 
 
 PAR 
 
 PRUNUM. U.S., Land. 
 
 Prunes. 
 
 The dried fruit of Primus domestica. U. S. The prepared fruit. Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. PRIJNA. Dried fruit of Prunus domestica. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Pruneaux, Ft.; Pflaumen, Germ.; Pruni, Ital.; Ciruelas secas, Span. 
 
 Prunus. Sex. Syst. Icosandria Monogynia. — Nat. Orel. Amygdaleae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx inferior, bell-shaped, deciduous, with five obtuse, conre 
 segments. Petals five, roundish, concave, spreading, larger than the segmts 
 of the calyx, into the rim of which they are inserted. Filaments awl-sha 1, 
 nearly as long as the corolla, from the rim of the calyx within the petals, zi- 
 thers short, of two round lobes. Ovary superior, roundish. Style of the lei :h 
 of the stamens. Stigma orbicular, peltate. Drupe roundish or elliptical, ut 
 hard, somewhat compressed, of one cell, and two more or less distinct sutes 
 with an intermediate furrow. Leaves rolled up when young. ( Lindley .) i 
 
 Prunus domestica. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 995 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 520, t. 7. 
 The cultivated prune or plum tree is so well known as to render a minutee- 
 scription unnecessary. We merely give the specific character. “ Peduncles ib- 
 solitary; leaves lanceolate-ovate, couvolute; branches not spiny.” The varices 
 of the tree produced by cultivation are very numerous. Nearly one hundrecre 
 to be found in the British gardens. Though at present growing wild in vams 
 parts of Europe, it is thought to have been brought originally from Asia Mor 
 and Syria. It is the dried fruit only that is officinal. 
 
 The prunes brought to our market come chiefly from the South of France he 
 best from the port of Bordeaux. They are derived from the variety of the ee 
 named Juliana by Linnaeus. The fresh fruit, called Prune de Saint Juliet] 
 the French, is of an oval shape, nearly an inch in length, and of a deep net 
 colour. It is prepared by drying in the sun, after having been exposed tche 
 heat of an oven. The finest prunes, used on the tables in France, are preped 
 from the larger kinds of plums, such as the Saint Catharine and Peine-Chde 
 or green-gage. An inferior sort is brought from Germany. 
 
 Prunes have a feeble odour, and a sweet mucilaginous taste, which is gene :ly 
 also somewhat acid. They contain uncrystallizable sugar, malic acid, andiu- 
 cilaginous matter. In Germany there is obtained from this fruit a kind of braly, 
 which in some districts is largely consumed. Bonneberg, a German chemistias 
 extracted from prunes crystallizable sugar, equal to that of the cane. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Prunes are laxative and nutritious, and st ed 
 with water form an excellent diet in costiveness, especially during convalesce 
 from febrile and inflammatory diseases. Imparting their laxative property to iter 
 in which they are boiled, they serve as a pleasant and useful addition to purgive 
 decoctions. Their pulp is used in the preparation of laxative confections, loo 
 largely taken in a debilitated state of the digestive organs, they are apt to ca- 
 sion flatulence, and griping pain in the stomach and bowels. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pruni Pulpa. 
 
 PRUNUS VIRGINIANA. U. S. 
 
 Wild-cherry Baric. 
 
 The bark of Cerasus serotina (De Cand.'), Cerasus Yirciniana (Michaux). $■ 
 Cerasus. See LAURO-CERASUS. 
 
 This genus, which is now generally admitted, includes a large numb of 
 species formerly embraced in the genus Prunus of Linnaeus. 
 
p/,T I. Prunus Virginiana. 597 
 
 Jerasus serotina. I)e Candolle. Prodrom. ii. 540; Torrey and Gray, Flora of 
 Ml merica, i. 410. — Cerasus Virginiana. Michaux, N. Am. Sylv. ii. 205. Ac- 
 coling to Torrey and Cray, the name Prunus Virginiana, which has frequently 
 ba applied to this species, was given by Linnaeus to the choke-cherry, a small 
 tr> or shrub, growing in the Northern States, and bearing a dark-red, globular, 
 asingent fruit, about as large as that of the wild-clierry. This is described in the 
 F. 'a of N. America of these authors, under the name of Cerasus Virginiana. The 
 qf inal species, or wild-cherry tree, is, according to Michaux, one of the largest 
 pi luctions of the American forest. Individuals were seen by that botanist on the 
 bars of the Ohio from eighty to one hundred feet high, with trunks from twelve 
 tofteen feet in circumference, and undivided to the height of twenty-five or 
 thty feet. But, as usually met with in the Atlantic States, the tree is much 
 sailer. In the open fields it is less elevated than in forests, but sends out more 
 nuerous branches, which expand into an elegant oval summit. The trunk is 
 reilarly shaped, and covered with a rough blackish bark, which detaches itself 
 se icircularly in thick narrow plates, and by this peculiar character serves as a 
 di nguishing mark of the tree, when the foliage is too high for inspection. 
 T) leaves are oval-oblong, or lanceolate-oblong, acuminate, unequally serrate, 
 snoth on both sides, of a beautiful brilliant green, and supported alternately 
 upi petioles, which are furnished with from two to four reddish glands. The 
 fleers are small, white, and collected in long erect or spreading racemes. They 
 apiarin May, and are followed by globular drupes about the size of a pea, and 
 win ripe of a shining blackish-purple colour. 
 
 his tree grows throughout the Union, flourishing most in those parts where 
 thsoil is fertile and the climate temperate, and abounding in the Middle Atlantic 
 Stes, and in those which border on the Ohio. In the neighbourhood of Phil- 
 ad phi a, it affects open situations, growing solitarily in the fields and along 
 feies, and seldom aggregated in woods or groves. It is highly valued by the 
 ca net-makers for its wood, which is compact, fine-grained, susceptible of polish, 
 an of a light-red tint, which deepens with age. Tbe fruit has a sweetish, astrin- 
 ge , bitter taste; and is much employed in some parts of the country to impart 
 flaiur to spirituous liquors. The inner bark is the part employed in medicine, 
 aD is obtained indiscriminately from all parts of the tree, though that of the 
 ro;? is thought to be most active. Mr. J. S. Perot has ascertained that it is 
 nr h stronger when collected in autumn than in the spring. Thus, from a por- 
 tic gathered in April he obtained 0478 per cent, of hydrocyanic acid, and 
 fri . another in October ‘1436 per cent,., or about three times as much from the 
 lai r as the former. The parcels tried were taken from the same tree, and the 
 sa ; part of the tree. (Am. Journ. of P harm., xxiv. 111.) The bark should 
 be referred recently dried, as it deteriorates by keeping. 
 
 ioperties. Wild-cherry bark, as kept in the shops, is in pieces of various 
 sis , more or less curved laterally, usually destitute of epidermis, of a lively 
 redsh-cinnamon colour, brittle, and pulverizable, presenting a reddish-gray 
 fn ure, and affording a fawn-coloured powder. In the fresh state, or when 
 tn ed with water, it emits an odour resembling that of peach leaves. Its taste is 
 ag eably bitter and aromatic, with the peculiar flavour of the bitter almond. It 
 itt'irts its sensible properties to water, either cold or hot, producing a clear red- 
 di: infusion, closely resembling Madeira wine in appearance. Its peculiar flavour 
 as ell as medical virtues are injured by boiling, in consequence partly of the 
 vo dlization of the principle upon which they depend, partly upon a chemical 
 cb ge effected by the heat. From an analysis by Dr. Stephen Procter, it appears 
 to mtain starch, resin, tannin, gallic acid, fatty matter, lignin, red colouring 
 nr er, salts of lime and potassa, and iron. He obtained also a volatile oil, 
 as iiated with hydrocyanic acid, by distilling the same portion of water succes- 
 
598 
 
 Prunus Virginiana. — Pulegium. 
 
 PAP, I. 
 
 sively from several different portions of the bark. This oil was of a light-si w 
 colour, and very analogous in its properties to the volatile oil of bitter almo s. 
 
 In the quantity of two drops it proved fatal to a cat in less than five mim s. 
 Journ. of the Phil. Col. of Pharm., vi. 8.) Prof. William Procter proved tt, 
 as in the case of bitter almonds, the volatile oil and hydrocyanic acid do notest 
 ready formed in the bark, but are the result of the reaction of water upon aD y. 
 dalin, which he ascertained to be one of its constituents. In order, hower, 
 that this change may take place, the agency of another principle, probably aD). 
 gous to if not identical with emulsin, or the synaptase of Robiquet, is also essenli; 
 and, as this principle becomes inoperative at the boiling temperature, we n 
 understand how decoction may interfere with the virtues of the bark. [Am. Jo, t. 
 of Pharm., x. 197.) The conjecture was advanced, in former editions of is 
 work, that wild-cherry bark might contain also phloridzin, a bitter princle 
 proved to exist in the bark of the apple, pear, cherry, and plum trees. (:e 
 Phloridzin in the Appendix.) But Mr. Perot sought for this principle, witht 
 success, in specimens of the bark of different ages, and taken from different pts 
 of the tree; so that the tonic property, which is undoubtedly possessed byie 
 bark, must reside either in the portion of amygdalin which may remain undeeti- 
 posed, in the pure volatile oil resulting from its reaction with water, or in s.ie I 
 yet undiscovered principle. The sedative properties of the bark depend un 
 the hydrocyanic acid which it yields. {Ibid., xxiv. 111.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This bark is among the most valuable of .r 
 indigeuous remedies. Uniting with a tonic power the property of calming ii- 
 tation and diminishing nervous excitability, it is admirably adapted to thetrt- 
 ment of diseases in which debility of the stomach, or of the system, is un d 
 with general or local irritation. When largely taken it is said to diminish e 
 action of the heart, an effect ascribable to the hydrocyanic acid. Pr. Eb'.e 
 found copious draughts of the cold infusion, taken several times a day, and n- 
 tinued for nearly two weeks, to reduce his pulse from seventy^-five to fifty strces 
 in the minute. The remedy is highly useful, and has been much emplod 
 in this country, in the hectic fever of scrofula and consumption. In the genul 
 debility which often succeeds inflammatory diseases, it is also advantageous; id 
 it is well adapted to many cases of dyspepsia. It has been given suocessfulhn 
 intermittent fever, but is much inferior to cinchona. 
 
 It may be used in powder or infusion. The dose of the powder is from th:y 
 grains to a drachm. The infusion is properly directed by our national Phan- 
 copoeia to be prepared with cold water. (See Infusvm Pruni 1 irymiaiix.) i 
 syrup of wild-cherry bark was introduced into the last edition of the Pharms- 
 poeia, and is considerably used. (See Syrupus Pruni. Virginianae.') 
 
 Off. Prep. Iufusum Pruni Virginianae ; Syrupus Pruni Virginianae. W 
 
 PULEGIUM. Loncl, Ed., Dub. 
 
 European Pennyroyal. 
 
 Mentha Pulegium. The herb in flower, recent and dried. Lond. The ho. 
 Ed., Pub. 
 
 Menthe-pouliot, Pouliot, Fr.; Polevmunze, Germ.; Puleegio, Ital.; Poleo, Span. 
 
 Mentha. See MENTHA PIPERITA. 
 
 Mentha Pulegium. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 82; Woodv. Med. Pot. p. 342.'. 
 122. This species of mint is distinguished by its roundish prostrate stems, s 
 ovate, obtuse, somewhat crenate leaves, and its verticillate flowers. It is a naie 
 of Europe, and neither cultivated nor employed in this country. Our uate 
 pennyroyal belongs to a different genus. (See Hedeoma Pulegioides.) Puleg'.n 
 
pa:c i. 
 
 Pyrethrum. — Quassia. 
 
 599 
 
 possses similar properties, and is employed for the same purposes with the 
 otb‘ mints. 
 
 f. Prep. Aqua Pulegii ; Oleum Pulegii. W. 
 
 PYRETHRUM. U. S. Secondary, Lond., Ed. 
 
 Pellitory. 
 
 t.e root of Anacyelus Pyrethrum. U. S., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Irttlire, Fr.; Bertram IVurzel, Germ.; Piretro, Ilal.; Pelitre, Span. 
 
 JfACYCljUS. Differing from Anthemis by its winged and obcordate Achcenia. 
 Liiley. See ANTHEMIS. 
 
 j.acyclus Pyrethrum. De Cand. Prodrom. vi. 15 . — Anthemis Pyrethrum. 
 Wil. Sp. Plant, iii. 2184; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 50, t. 20. The root of this 
 pla is perennial, and sends up numerous stems, usually trailing at the base, 
 ere in their upper portion, eight or ten inches high, and terminated by one large 
 flow. The leaves are doubly pinnate, with narrow nearly linear segments of a 
 paQreen colour. The florets of the disk are yellow; the rays white on their 
 upg surface, and reddish or purple beneath and at their edges. 
 
 Te plant is a native of the Levant, Barbary, and the Mediterranean coast of 
 Eu pe. The root is the part used under the name of pellitory, or pellitory of 
 Spiri. According to Hayne, the pellitory of the shops is derived from the 
 Anyclus ojfcinarum , a plant cultivated in Thuryngia for medical purposes. 
 Thfremark, however, can apply only to Germany. 
 
 loperties. The dried root of A. Pyrethrum is about the size of the little 
 flap, cylindrical, straight or but slightly curved, wrinkled longitudinally, of 
 an la-brown colour externally, whitish within, hard and brittle, and sometimes 
 fondled with a few radicles. It is destitute of odour, though, when fresh, of 
 a d agreeable smell. Its taste is peculiar, slight at first, but afterwards acidu- 
 
 louisaline, and acrid, attended with a burning and tingling sensation over the 
 win mouth and throat, which continues for some time, and excites a copious 
 flovf saliva. Its analysis by Koene gives, in 100 parts, 0'59 of a brown, very 
 acri substance, of a resinous appearance, and insoluble in caustic potassa; 1'60 
 of dark-brown, very acrid fixed oil, soluble in potassa; 0'35 of a yellow acrid 
 oil, so soluble in potassa; traces of tannin; 9'40 parts of gum; inulin; 7'60 
 par of sulphate and carbonate of potassa, chloride of potassium, phosphate and 
 carl late of lime, alumina, silica, &c.; and 19'80 of lignin, besides loss. (See 
 AmJourn. of P harm., viii. 175.) 
 
 i Heal Properties and Uses. Pellitory is a powerful irritant, used almost 
 exc lively as a sialagogue in certain forms of headache, rheumatic and neuralgic 
 affe ons of the face, toothache, &c., or as a local stimulant in palsy of the tongue 
 or float, and in relaxation of the uvula. For these purposes it may be chewed, 
 or e ployed as a gargle in decoction or vinous tincture. The dose as a masti- 
 cate is from thirty grains to a drachm. An alcoholic extract is sometimes 
 empyed by dentists as a local application to carious teeth, with a view to its 
 ben abing effect before plugging. W. 
 
 QUASSIA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Quassia. 
 
 a 3 wood of Siiliaruba excelsa. U.S. Picrsena excelsa. The wood. Lond., 
 Du, Wood chiefly of Picraena excelsa, seldom of Quassia amara. Ed. 
 
 I sde quassie, Fr.; Quassienholz, Germ.; Leguo della quassia, Ital.; Leno de quassia, 
 
600 Quassia. par 1 ;. 
 
 Quassia. Sex. Syst. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Simarubaces. 
 
 Gen.C'h. Calyx five-leaved. Petals five. Nectary five-leaved. Drupes i;, 
 distant, bivalve, one-seeded, inserted into a fleshy receptacle. Willd. 
 
 Of the species included by Linnaeus in this genus, some, as Quassia ctmcL 
 are hermaphrodite ; others, as Q. excelsa and Q. Simaruba, are monoeciou ir 
 polygamous. The latter have been associated together by De Candolle, : a 
 distinct genus, with the title Simaruba. This has been again divided by Line y 
 into Simaruba with monoecious, and Picrsena with polygamous flowers, o 
 the last-mentioned genus the proper quassia plant, the Q. excelsa of Linna 3 , 
 belongs. 
 
 The medicine was formerly thought to be obtained from Quassia amara; it 
 more than twenty years since, Lamarck stated that, in consequence of ie 
 scarcity of this tree, Quassia excelsa had been resorted to as a substitute, d 
 the Pharmacopoeias at present agree in acknowledging the latter as the officii 
 plant. Martius, however, thinks that the genuine quassia plant of Surinanis 
 the Q. amara ; and we shall, therefore, give a brief description of both spec?. 
 
 Quassia excelsa. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 569. — Simaruba excelsa, De Cri. 
 Prodrom. i. 733 ; Hayne, Darstel. unci Beschreib. &c. ix. 16 . — Picrsena exem. 
 Lindley, Flor. Med. 208. As its name imports, this is a lofty tree, attaiig 
 sometimes not less than one hundred feet in height, with a straight, smou, 
 tapering trunk, which is often three feet in diameter near its base, and coved 
 with a smooth gray bark. The leaves are pinnate, with a naked petiole, d 
 oblong pointed leaflets standing upon short footstalks, in opposite pairs, wii a 
 single leaflet at the end. The flowers are small, of a yellowish-green colour, d 
 disposed in panicles. They are polygamous and peutandrous. The fruit a 
 small black drupe. This species inhabits Jamaica and the Caribbean islais, 
 where it is called bitter ash. The wood is the officinal portion. 
 
 Quassia amara. Willd. Sp>. Plant, ii. 567 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 57 it. 
 204. The bitter quassia is a small branching tree or shrub, with alternate lea s, 
 consisting of two pairs of opposite pinnae, with an odd one at the end. The lealts 
 are elliptical, pointed, sessile, smooth, of a deep-green colour on their upper r- 
 face, and paler on the under. The common footstalk is articulated, and ed;d 
 on each side with a leafy membrane. The flowers, which are herinaphrote 
 and decandrous, have a bright-red colour, and terminate the branches in hg 
 racemes. The fruit is a two-celled capsule, containing globular seeds. Quaia 
 amara is a native of Surinam, and is said also to grow in some of the Yst 
 India islands. Its root, bark, and wood were formerly officinal. They arer- 
 cessively bitter, as in fact are all parts of the plant. It is uncertain wheur 
 any of the produce of this tree reaches our markets. 
 
 Quassia comes in cylindrical billets of various sizes, from an inch to De a 
 foot in diameter, and several feet in length. These are frequently invested vh 
 a whitish smooth bark, brittle, and but slightly adherent, and possessing i at 
 least an equal degree the virtues of the wood. Their shape and structure clely 
 evince that they are derived from the branches or trunk, and not, as some Le 
 supposed, from the root of the tree. In the shops they are usually kept sit 
 into small pieces', or rasped. 
 
 Properties. The wood is at first whitish, but becomes yellow by exposure. It 
 is inodorous, and has a purely bitter taste, surpassed by that of few other ;b- 
 stances in intensity and permanence. It imparts its active properties, witlts 
 bitterness and yellow colour, to water and alcohol. Its virtues depend up< a 
 peculiar bitter crystallizable principle, denominated quassia, which was first s- 
 covered by Winckler. It may be obtained pure by the following procesot 
 Wiggers. A filtered decoction of quassia is evaporated to three-quarters oflie 
 weight of the wood employed, slaked lime is added, and the mixture hang 
 
PRT I. 
 
 Quassia. 
 
 601 
 
 bn allowed to stand for a day, with occasional agitation, is again filtered. A 
 c'siderable quantity of pectin, besides other substances, is thus separated. The 
 car liquor is evaporated nearly to dryness, and the resulting mass exhausted 
 balcohol of the sp. gr. 0'835, which leaves behind gum, common salt, nitre, 
 in large amount, and dissolves quassin with some common salt and nitre, 
 a: an organic substance of a brown colour. In order to separate the quassin 
 fin these latter principles, which are soluble in water, the solution is evapo- 
 r$d to dryness, the resulting mass is dissolved in the least possible quantity of 
 alolute alcohol, a large proportion of ether is added, and the liquor, previously 
 SBrated by filtration from the brown mass which the ether has thrown down, 
 isvaporated to dryness; and this process is repeated till the quassin remains 
 bond quite colourless, and affords no evidence of the presence of the above- 
 nntioned salts. Lastly, in order to obtain it in a crystalline form, to which it 
 isiot strongly disposed, pour the alcoholic solution mixed with ether upon a 
 file water, and allow it to evaporate spontaneously. Quassin is white, opaque, 
 udterable in the air, inodorous, and of an intense bitterness, which in the solu- 
 ti s of this principle is almost insupportable. The bitterness is pure, and re- 
 sembles that of the wood. When heated, quassin melts like a resin. It is but 
 sljptly soluble in water, 100 parts of which at 54° dissolve only 0’45, and that 
 si dy. By the addition of salts, especially of those with which it is associated 
 in uassia, its solubility is strikingly increased. It is also but slightly soluble 
 intker, but is very soluble in alcohol, more so in that liquid hot than cold, and 
 tbrnore so the purer it is. Quassin is perfectly neuter, though both alkalies 
 ai acids increase its solubility in water. It is precipitated by tannic acid from 
 itslqueous solution, which is not disturbed by iodine, chlorine, corrosive subli- 
 m }, solutions of iron, sugar of lead, or even the subacetate of lead. Its ulti- 
 mo constituents are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. 
 
 I edical Properties and Uses. Quassia has in the highest degree all the pro- 
 peies of the simple bitters. It is purely tonic, invigorating the digestive organs, 
 wi little excitement of the circulation, or increase of animal heat. It has not 
 be very long known as a medicine. About the middle of the last century, a 
 ne o of Surinam, named Quassi, acquired considerable reputation in the treat- 
 m<!t of the malignant fevers of that country, by a secret remedy, which he was 
 indeed to disclose to Mr. Rolander, a Swede, for a valuable consideration. 
 Spimens were taken to Stockholm by this gentleman in the year 1756; and 
 tb nedicine soon became popular in Europe. The name of the negro has been 
 pe etuated in the generic title of the plant. But the quassia of Surinam is 
 no iow in use, having been superseded by the product of Quassia excelsa, from 
 thWest Indies. This medicine is useful whenever a simple tonic impression 
 is ;sirable. It is particularly adapted to dyspepsia, and to that debilitated 
 sta ! of the digestive organs which sometimes succeeds acute disease. It may 
 alshe given with advantage in the remission of certain fevers in which tonics 
 an emanded. No one at present would expect from it any peculiar controlling 
 ml mce over malignant fevers. It is said to be largely employed in England 
 by le brewers, to impart bitterness to their liquors. 
 
 is most conveniently administered in infusion or extract. (See Infusum 
 Qi'isise and Extractum Quassise .) The difficulty of reducing the wood to powder 
 is objection to its use in substance. It may, however, be employed in a dose 
 vai ng from a scruple to a drachm, repeated three or four times a day. Some 
 dy eptic patients, who have become habituated to its bitterness, chew the wood 
 oclionally with benefit. 
 
 f-Prep. Extractum Quassise; Infusum Quassise; Tinctura Quassise ; Tinctura 
 Qu sise Composita. W. 
 
602 
 
 Quercus Alba. — Quercus Tinctoria. 
 
 PAE] 
 
 QUERCUS ALBA. TJ.S. 
 
 While-oak Bark. 
 
 The bai'k of Quercus alba. U. S. 
 
 QUERCUS TINCTORIA. U.S. 
 
 Black-oak Bark. 
 
 The bark of Quercus tinctoria. U. S- 
 
 Off. Syn. QUERCUS. Quercus pedunculata. The bark. Land., Du; 
 QUERCUS CORTEX. Bark of Quercus pedunculata. Ed. 
 
 Ecorce de chene, Fr. ; Eichenrinde, Germ.; Corteccia della quercia, Ital.; Corteza e 
 roble, Span. 
 
 Quercus. Sex. Syst. Monoecia Polyandria. — Eat. Ord. Amentaceae, Jw ; 
 Cupuliferae, Richard; Corylaceae, Lindley. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Male. Calyx commonly five-cleft. Corolla none. Stamens fmo 
 ten. Female. Calyx one-leafed, entire, rough. Corolla none. Styles twco 
 five. Nut coriaceous, surrounded at the base by the persistent calyx. WiUo 
 
 This extensive genus comprises not less than eighty species, of which betwa 
 thirty and forty are within the limits of the United States. Many of these e 
 applied to important practical purposes. In the northern hemisphere, the |k 
 is the most valuable, as it is the most widely diffused of all forest trees. X- 
 withstanding the great number of species, few, comparatively, have found a pie 
 in the officinal catalogues. Q. robur, or common European oak, was formey 
 recognised by the British Colleges; but at present they admit only Q. jxch- 
 culata, or European white oak. As these do not grow in the United States, id 
 their products are not imported, it is unnecessary to treat of them particulay 
 in this work. According to Michaux, they grow in the same countries, 3- 
 quently together, constituting the greater part of the forests of Europe, d 
 spreading over almost the whole northern section of Asia, and the nortbn 
 coast of Africa. Q. pedunculata is the common British oak, celebrated as dl 
 for its majestic growth and the venerable age which it attains, as for the strenh 
 and durability of its timber. Our own Pharmacopoeia recognises only Q. oa 
 or white oak, and Q. tinctoria or black oak; but several other species afford bra 
 which are equally useful, and perhaps as much employed. Such are Q.falca 
 or Spanish oak, Q. primes or white chestnut oak, and Q. montuna or ik 
 chestnut oak. The remarks which follow in relation to the white-oak bark, 11 
 apply also to that of the three last-mentioned species. The bark of Q. tindea 
 is somewhat peculiar. 
 
 1. Quercus alia. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 448; Michaux, N. Am. Sylv. i- 1. 
 Of all the American species, the white oak approaches nearest, in the eharajsr 
 of its foliage, and the properties of its wood and bark, to the Q. pedunadaM 
 Great Britain. When allowed to expand freely in the open field, it divideat 
 a short distance from the ground into numerous widely spreading branches, id 
 attains under favourable circumstances a magnificent size. Its trunk and lge 
 branches are covered with a whitish bark, which serves to distinguish it fm 
 most of the other species. The leaves are regularly and obliquely divided to 
 oblong, obtuse, entire lobes, which are often narrowed at their base. When'll 
 grown, they are smooth and light green on their upper surface, and glamas 
 beneath. Some of the dried leaves remain on the tree during the whole wirr. 
 The acorns are large, ovate, contained in rough, shallow, grayish cups, and p- 
 ported singly or in pairs upon peduncles nearly an inch in length. 
 
P/.T I. 
 
 Quercus Alba . — Quercus Tinctoria. 
 
 603 
 
 he white oak abound^ in the Middle States, and extends also through the 
 wile Union, though comparatively rare in the northern, southern, and western 
 sei ons. It is the most highly valued for its timber of all the American oaks, 
 wi the exception of the live oak(Q. virens), which is preferred in ship-building. 
 T1 hark is sometimes used for tanning, but that of the red and Spanish oaks 
 is ’eferred for this purpose. All parts of the tree, with the exception of the 
 epermis, are more or less astringent, but this property predominates ill the 
 fn and bark. 
 
 Uiite-oak bark, deprived of its epidermis, is of a light-brown colour, of a 
 cone fibrous texture, and not easily pulverized. It has a feeble odour, and a 
 roih, astringent, and bitterish taste. Water and alcohol extract its active pro- 
 pe es. The chief soluble ingredients are tannin, gallic acid, and extractive 
 m;er. It is upon the tannin that its medical virtues, as well as its use in the 
 pmration of leather, chiefly depend. The proportion of this ingredient varies 
 wi the size and age of the tree, the part from which the bark i3 derived, and 
 ev( the season when it is gathered. It is most abundant in the young bark; 
 amthe English oak is said to yield four times as much in spring as in winter. 
 Sirl. Davy found the inner bark most abundant in tannin, the middle portion 
 or llular integument much less so, and the epidermis almost wholly destitute 
 as :11 of this principle as of extractive. 
 
 erber has discovered, in European oak bark, a peculiar bitter principle upon 
 whi he has conferred the name of quercin. It is obtained by boiling the bark 
 wit water acidulated with one hundredth of sulphuric acid, adding first milk of 
 lira until the sulphuric acid is removed, and then a solution of carbonate of 
 potsa so long as a white precipitate is produced, filtering the liquor, evaporating 
 to 3 consistence of a thin extract, adding alcohol, and finally evaporating the 
 spi:uous solution down to a small volume, and allowing it to rest for some days. 
 Ye w crystals form, which may be obtained colourless by repeated erystalliza- 
 tioi Quercin thus obtained is in small white crystals, inodorous, very bitter, 
 rea y soluble in water, less so in alcohol containing water, insoluble in abso- 
 lute lcohol, ether, and oil of turpentine, and without acid or alkaline reaction. 
 (Mi. der Pharm., xxxiv. 167.) 
 
 S Quercus tinctoria. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 444; Michaux, N. Am. Spiv. i. 
 91. The black oak is one of our largest trees, frequently attaining the height 
 of ghty or ninety feet. Its trunk is covered with a deeply furrowed bark, of 
 ab. k or dark-brown colour. The leaves are ovate-oblong, pubescent, slightly 
 sine ed, 'with oblong, obtuse, mucronate lobes. The fructification is biennial. 
 The corn is globose, flattened at top, and placed in a saucer-shaped cup. 
 
 1'ck-oak bark has a more bitter taste than that of the other species, and 
 majie distinguished also by staining the saliva yellow when it is chewed. Its 
 cell ir integument contains a colouring principle, capable of being extracted by 
 boil g water, to which it imparts a brownish-yellow colour, which is deepened 
 by £ alies and rendered brighter by acids. Under the name of quercitron, large 
 qua ties of this bark, deprived of its epidermis and reduced to coarse powder, 
 are at from the United States to Europe, where it is used for dyeing wool and 
 silk ■ a yellow colour. The colouring principle is called quercitrin, or, from 
 its operty of combining with salifiable bases, qverciiric acid. When quite 
 purtt is colourless, but becomes yellow by absorbing oxygen. It is sweetish, 
 witl hitter after-taste, and is very soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. M. 
 Treter obtained it by precipitating the tannin of a decoction of the bark by 
 mea of gelatin, filtering the liquor, adding a very little hydrated oxide of lead, 
 whii produced a brown precipitate, decanting the golden-yellow liquid left, pre- 
 cipn ing with an additional quantity of the hydrated oxide, and decomposing 
 the : ulting quercitrate of lead by hydrosulphurio acid. A colourless liquid re- 
 
604 Quercus Alba . — Quercus Tinctoria. — Ranunculus. par ;. 
 
 mained, which, evaporated in vacuo, yielded white needle-shaped crystal: jf 
 pure quereitrin. {.Jo urn. de Pharm. et de Chirn., v. 251.) Besides this pi- 
 ciple, the bark contains also much tannin ; but it is less used in tanning t n 
 the other barks, in consequence of the colour which it imparts to the leathe: 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Oak bark is astringent and somewhat to;. 
 It has been given with advantage in intermittent fever, obstinate chronic cr- 
 rhoea, and certain forms of passive hemorrhage; but it is not much empkd 
 as an internal remedy. Externally applied it is often productive of benefit. ie 
 decoction may be advantageously used as a bath, particularly for children, w n 
 a combined tonic and astringent effect is desirable, and the stomach is not s- 
 posed to receive medicines kindly. It has been employed in this way in mss- 
 mus, scrofula, intermittent fevers, chronic diarrhoea, and cholera infantum, u 
 an injection in leucorrhoea, a wash in prolapsus ani and hemorrhoidal affecti s, 
 and as a gargle in slight inflammation of the fauces, attended with prolapd 
 uvula, the decoction is often highly useful. It has also been recommende<as 
 an injection into dropsical cysts. Reduced to powder and made into a poule, 
 the bark was recommended by the late Dr. Barton as an excellent applies® 
 in cases of external gangrene and mortification ; and the infusion obtained 1m 
 tanners’ vats has been used beneficially as a wash for flabby, ill-eonditiod 
 ulcers. The bark may be given internally in the form of powder, extractor 
 decoction. The dose of the powder is from thirty grains to a drachm, of the ext ct 
 about half as much, of the decoction two fluidounces. (See Decoctum Quern.) 
 
 Black-oak bark is considered inferior to the white-oak bark as an inteal 
 remedy, in consequence of being more disposed to irritate the bowels. 
 
 Acorns, besides the bitter and astringent principles of the bark, contain so 
 a peculiar saccharine matter, which is insusceptible of the vinous fermenta n. 
 {Journ. de Pliarm., 3e ser., xx. 335.) They are sometimes used as a ton or 
 astringent; and a decoction made from roasted acorns has been long empled 
 in Germany as a remedy in scrofula. Before roasting they should be depied 
 of their shells ; and the cotyledons, according to Dausse, should lose, dung 
 the process, 140 parts of their weight out of 500. ( Pliarm . Cent. B>%, 
 
 Oct. 9, 1850, p. 687.) From half an ounce to an ounce may be prepare as 
 coffee, and the whole taken at breakfast with cream and sugar. {Richter.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Quercus Albas. I 
 
 RANUNCULUS. TJ.S. Secondary. 
 
 Crowfoot. 
 
 The cormus and herb of Ranunculus bulbosus. U. S. 
 
 Ranunculus. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Polygynia. — Nat. Ord. Ranunculi*. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-leaved. Petals five, having the inner side of each aw 
 furnished with a melliferous pore. Seeds naked, numerous. Nuttall. 
 
 Most of the plants belonging to this genus have the same acrid propees. 
 Several of them grow together in our fields and pastures, and, from their ose 
 resemblance, are confounded under the common name of butter-cup, appli to 
 them from the colour and shape of their flowers. Those which are most abuiant 
 are believed to have been introduced from Europe. Such are R. bulbosuE ■ 
 acris, and R. repens, which, with R. sceleratus, may be indiscriminately ed- 
 In Europe, R. sceleratus appears to have attracted most attention ; in this tin- 
 try, R. bulbosus. The latter is the only one designated by our Pkarmaco?«. 
 R. acris and R. Flammula were formerly directed by the Dublin College but 
 were discarded from their Pharmacopoeia at the last revision. 
 
 Ranunculus bidbosirs. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1324; Bigelow, Am. Med3ot. 
 iii. 60. This species of crowfoot is perennial, with a solid, fleshy root (corns)) 
 
PAI I. 
 
 Ranunculus. — Resina. 
 
 605 
 
 wbh sends up annually several erect, round, and branching stems, from nine 
 to ighteen inches high. The radical leaves, which stand on long footstalks, 
 arcernate or quinate, with lobed and dentate leaflets. The leaves of the- stem 
 aresessile and ternate, the upper more simple. Each stem supports several 
 soliry, bright-yellow, glossy flowers, upon furrowed, angular peduncles. The 
 leais of the calyx are reflexed, or bent downwards against the flowerstalk. The 
 pet s are obcordate, and arranged so as to represent a small cup in shape. At 
 thdnside of the claw of each petal is a small cavity, which is covered with a 
 mi ite wedge-shaped emarginate scale. The fruit consists of numerous naked 
 see!, in a spherical head. The stem, leaves, peduncles, and calyx are hairy. 
 
 ' the months of May and June our pastures are everywhere adorned with 
 thJich yellow flowers of this species of Ranunculus. Somewhat later R. acris 
 and?. repens begin to bloom, and a succession of similar flowers is maintained 
 tilbeptember. The two latter species prefer a moister ground, and are found 
 mo abundantly in meadows. R. sceleratus is found in ponds and ditches. In 
 all iese species, the whole plant is pervaded by a volatile acrid principle, which 
 is tjsipated by drying or by heat, and may be separated by distillation. Dr. 
 billow found that water distilled from the fresh plant had an acrid taste, and pro- 
 dud when swallowed a burning sensation in the stomach ; and that it retained 
 the;! properties for a long time, if kept in closely stopped bottles. The plant 
 itsc, when chewed, excites violent irritation in the mouth and throat; inflaming 
 anc ven excoriating the tongue and inside of the cheeks and lips, if not quickly 
 dis ;arged. Both the root and herb of R. bulbosus are officinal. 
 
 . Mical Properties and Uses. Crowfoot, when swallowed in the fresh state, 
 projices heat and pain in the stomach, and, if the quantity be considerable, 
 ma excite fatal inflammation. It is, however, never used internally; though 
 the lice and distilled water of some species of Ranunculus are said to act as a 
 projpt and powerful emetic. The property for which it has attracted the atten- 
 tiornf physicians is that of inflaming and vesicating the skin ; and, before the 
 inti luction of the Spanish fly into use, it was much employed for this purpose. 
 Bupe uncertainty and occasional violence of its action have nearly banished 
 it jim regular practice. While on some individuals it appears to produce 
 scaiily any effect, on others it acts very speedily, exciting extensive and trou- 
 bles^ inflammation, which sometimes terminates in deep and obstinate ulcers. 
 It pbably varies in strength with the season; and, in the dried state, or boiled 
 wit water, is wholly inert. The decoction, moreover, is inert in consequence 
 of la escape of the acrid principle. Nevertheless, the plant has been very 
 pro rly retained in the Pharmacopoeia, in the catalogue of medicines of second- 
 ary aportance ; as occasions may occur when the practitioner in the country 
 ma; :nd advantage in having recourse to its powerful rubefacient and epispastic 
 ope tion. W. 
 
 EESINA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Resin. 
 
 1 } residuum after the distillation of the volatile oil from the turpentine of 
 Pin; palustris and other species of Pinus. U. S. The residue of turpentine 
 afte the oil has been distilled. Lond. Residue of the distillation of the tur- 
 pen ies of various species of Pinus and Abies. Ed. Resin from the turpentine 
 of 1 ius sylvestris. Dub. 
 
 Ijine blanche, Resine jaune, Fr.; Fichtenkarz, Germ.; Ragea di pino, Ital.; Resina 
 <le jjp, Span. 
 
 i er the distillation of the volatile oil from the turpentines (see Terebinthina), 
 a- re rous matter remains, which on the continent of Europe is called colophony, 
 
606 
 
 Resina. 
 
 pae r. 
 
 but in our language is commonly known by the name of rosin. It is tbe Res a 
 of the U. S. and British Pharmacopoeias. It is sometimes called resina flavn 
 yellow resin. When this, in a state of fusion, is strongly agitated with wate it 
 acquires a distinct appearance, and is now denominated resina alba or white n\i. 
 Before describing this officinal substance, it may be proper to enumerate ie 
 characteristic properties of the proximate principles denominated resins. 
 
 llesins are solid, brittle, of a smooth and shining fracture, and generally a 
 yellowish colour and semitransparent. When perfectly pure, they are prob.ly 
 inodorous and often insipid ; but, as usually found, they have a slight odour, id 
 a somewhat acrid or bitterish taste. Their sp.gr. varies from0'92 to 1'2. By 
 are fusible by a moderate heat, decomposed at a higher temperature, and ime 
 open air take fire, burning with a yellow flame and much smoke. Insolublin 
 water, they are dissolved by ether and the volatile oils, and generally by ;o- 
 hol ; and their alcoholic and ethereal solutions afford precipitates upon the addim 
 of water. With pure potassa and soda they unite to form soaps, which are sol le 
 in water ; and the same result takes place when they are heated with solutas 
 of the alkaline carbonates. Concentrated sulphuric acid dissolves them th 
 mutual decomposition ; and nitric acid converts them into artificial tannin. Ty 
 readily unite hy fusion with wax and the fixed oils. 
 
 Common or yellow resin , in its purest state, is beautifully clear and pelhd, 
 but much less so as commonly found in the shops. Its odour and taste are usuly 
 in a slight degree terebinthinate; its colour yellowish-brown with a tinge of o e, 
 and more or iess dark according to its purity, and the degree of heat to whit it 
 has been exposed in its preparation. Sometimes it is almost black. It is raer 
 heavier than water. At 276° F. it fuses, is completely liquid at 306°, bens 
 to emit bubbles of gas at 316°, and is entirely decomposed at a red heat, ts 
 ultimate constituents are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, in variable proportiis. 
 It appears, from the researches of Unverdorben, to contain three distinct resims 
 bodies, two of which, denominated pinic and sylvic acids, pre-existed in theu- 
 pentine, and the third, called coluphonic acid, is formed by the agency of he 
 heat in the process of distillation. The pinic acid is dissolved by cold spin of 
 the sp. gr. 0'865, and is thus separated from the sylvic acid. It is obtained .re 
 by adding to the solution a spirituous solution of acetate of copper, dissolug 
 the precipitated pinate of copper in strong boiling alcohol, decomposing thisilt 
 with a little muriatic acid, and adding water, which throws down the pinic id 
 in the form of a resinous powder. The sylvic acid is obtained by treatinghe 
 residue of the common resin with boiling spirit of 0'865, which dissolves it. ad 
 lets it fall upon cooling. Both of these resinous acids are colourless. Piuic id 
 is soluble in weak cold alcohol; sylvic acid is insoluble in the same menstrtm 
 when cold, but is dissolved by it when boiling hot, and by strong alcohol sail 
 temperatures. The salts which they form with the alkalies are soluble, t>se 
 with the earths and metallic oxides, insoluble in water. Colophonic acid ders 
 from the others in having stronger acid properties, and in being less solub in 
 alcohol. It is of a brown colour; and common resin is more or less eolourcin 
 proportion to the quantity of this acid which it contains. ( Kane’s Chemts /. ) 
 The experiments of Unverdorben were made with European colophony. i» 
 somewhat uncertain whether exactly the same results would be afforded by he 
 common resin of this country, which is obtained from a different species of ue. 
 By the destructive distillation of resin an oleaginous product is obtained, eked 
 resin oil, which in various degrees of purity is employed in currying lea er, 
 lubricating machinery, preparing printers’ ink, &c. 
 
 White resin differs from the preceding only in being opaque and of a wbish 
 colour. These properties it owes to the water with which it is incorporatedhd 
 which gradually 7 escapes upon exposure, leaving it more or less transparent 
 
Resina. — Rhamni Baccee. 
 
 607 
 
 pn i. 
 
 Medical Uses. Resin is important as an ingredient of ointments and plasters, 
 bi is Dever used internally. According to Professor Olmsted, it has the pro- 
 poyof preventing the oxidation of fatty substances, and thus contributes to the 
 piservation of ointments. (Am,. Journ. of P harm,., xxii. 325.) 
 
 Iff. Prep. Ceratum Cantharidis ; Ceratum Resinae; Ceratum Resinae Com- 
 pctum; Emplastrum Cantharidis; Emplastrum Cantharidis Comp.; Emplast. 
 Firi; Emplast. Hydrargyri ; Emplast. Picis; Emplast. Resinae; Emplast. Sa- 
 pc:s; Emplast. Simplex; Unguentum Infusi Cantharidis; Unguent. Picis. 
 
 W. 
 
 RHAMNI BACCAE. Ed. 
 
 Buckthorn Berries. 
 
 y. r 
 
 fruit of Rhamnus catharticus. Ed. 
 
 RHAMNI SUCCUS. Loud, 
 
 Buckthorn Juice. 
 
 harnnus catharticus. The juice of the fruit. Land. 
 
 "lies du nerprun, Fr.; Kreutzbeeren, Germ,.; Bacclie del spino cervino, Ital.; Bay as 
 de rano catartico, Span. 
 
 HAMNUS. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Rhamnaceae. 
 
 | en. Ch. Calyx tubular. Corolla scales defending the stamens, inserted into 
 thqalyx. Berry. Willd. 
 
 , Jiamnus catharticus. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1092; Woodv.il. led.Bot. p. 594, t. 
 21 The purging buckthorn is a shrub seven or eight feet high, with branches 
 ter inating in a sharp spine. The leaves are in fascicles, on short footstalks, 
 ovl, serrate, veined. The flowers are usually dioecious, in clusters, small, 
 greiish, peduncled, with a four-cleft calyx, and four very small scale-like petals, 
 plaid in the male flower, behind the stamens, which equal them in number. 
 Ih fruit is a four-seeded berry. 
 
 e shrub is a native of Europe, and is said to have been found growing wild 
 is country. It was first discovered in the Highlands of New York by Dr. 
 itt. ( Eaton’s Manual.) It flowers in May and June, and ripens its fruit in 
 itter part of September. The berries and their juice are officinal. When 
 hey are about the size of a pea, round, somewhat flattened on the summit, 
 blal, smooth, shining, with four seeds, surrounded by a green, juicy paren- 
 chyma. Their odour is unpleasant, their taste bitterish, acrid, and nauseous. 
 Th expressed juice has the colour, odour, and taste of the parenchyma. It is 
 red ned by the acids, and from deep-green is rendered light-green by the alka- 
 lies Upon standing it soon begins to ferment, and becomes red in consequence 
 of e formation of acetic acid. Evaporated to dryness, with the addition of 
 limor an alkali, it forms the colour called by painters sap green. The dried 
 fruipf another species, R. infectorius, yields a rich yellow colour, for which it 
 is r, ch employed in the arts under the name of French berries. 
 
 1 !gel obtained from the juice of the berries a peculiar colouring matter, acetic 
 acic mucilage, sugar, and a nitrogenous substance. Hubert found green colour- 
 mg latter, acetic and malic acids, brown gummy matter, and a bitter substance 
 whi he considered as the purgative principle. M. Fleury obtained a peculiar 
 cry: lhzable principle, which is contained both in the expressed juice and the 
 e remaining after expression, and for which he proposed the name of 
 ■iin; but he did not ascertain whether it possessed cathartic properties. 
 (Se hum. de Pharm., xxvii. 666.) Winckler obtained from the ripe fruit a 
 
 in i 
 Ba 
 the! 
 rip. 
 
 resi 
 
 rha 
 
608 
 
 Rhamni Baccae. — Rheum. 
 
 par i. 
 
 principle which he called catharfin, and believes that the rhamnin of Fie 
 which was obtained from the unripe berries, is converted into that principle id 
 grape sugar as the fruit matures. (6 'hem. Gaz., viii. 232.) The cathartic 
 tVinckler, which must not be confounded with the substance of the same me 
 at one time supposed to be the purgative principle of senna, may be produce* y 
 evaporating the expressed juice of the berries to the consistence of syrup, trea n? 
 this repeatedly with boiling absolute alcohol till it ceased to yield bitter ss 
 to the menstruum, mixing the tinctures, allowing the liquor to become id, 
 filtering, adding a large excess of ether, allowing the mixed liquids to std, 
 then filtering, evaporating in a water-bath, and repeating the process withae 
 residue. The cathartin thus obtained is a pale-yellow powder, very bitter, . u- 
 ble in water and alcohol but not in ether, and actively cathartic in a dose of : m 
 one to three grains. (See JV. Y. Journ. of Rharm., April, 1853, and Am. Jo n. 
 of Rharm., xxv. 526.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Both the berries and the expressed juice re 
 actively purgative; but, as they are apt to occasion nausea and severe gripg, 
 with much thirst and dryness of the mouth and throat, they are now littlem- 
 ployed. They formerly enjoyed considerable reputation as a hydragogue ea rn 
 tic in dropsy; and were given also in rheumatism and gout. The onlyspe 
 in which they are used in this country is that of the syrup, which is someties, 
 though rarely, added to hydragogue or diuretic mixtures. (See Syrupus Rhar. i.) 
 The dose of the recent berries is about a scruple, of the dried a drachm, ai of 
 the expressed juice a fluidounce. 
 
 Under the name of cortex frangulse , the bark of Rhamnus Frangula is s:e- 
 times used in Germany as a cathartic. Buchner found in this bark a peciar 
 yellow volatile colouring principle which he called rhamnoxanthin ; and wch 
 may be obtained by subjecting the alcoholic and ethereal extract to distillaon. 
 (Journ. dg Rharm., 3e sir., xxiv. 293.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Syrupus Rhamni. 
 
 RHEUM. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Rhubarb. 
 
 The root of Rheum palmatum, and other species of Rheum. U. S. Ro of 
 an undetermined species of Rheum. Ed., Lond.. Dub. 
 
 Rhabarbarum ; Rhubarbe, Fr.; Rhabarber, Germ.; Rabarbaro, Ital. ; Ruibarbo, an.; 
 Hai-lioung, Chinese; Schara-modo, Thibet. 
 
 Rhedm. Sex.Syst. Enneandria Trigynia. — Eat. Ord. Polygonaceas. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx petaloid, six-parted, withering. Stamens about nim in- 
 serted into the base of the calyx. Styles three, reflexed. Stigmas peltate, eire. 
 Achenium three-cornered, winged, with the withered calyx at the base. Ewyo 
 in the centre of the albumen. ( Lindley .) 
 
 Notwithstanding the length of time that rhubarb has been in use, it ha not 
 yet been determined from what precise plant the Asiatic drug is derived. The 
 remoteness of the region where it is collected, and the jealous care with nich 
 the monopoly of the trade is guarded, have prevented any accurate information 
 the subject. All that we certainly know is that it is the root of one or lore 
 species of Rheum. The U. S. Pharmacopoeia refers it to R. Palmatum ,*ith 
 other species not designated. The British Colleges recognise at present npar- 
 ticular species. 
 
 The terms rlia and rheon, from the former of which were derived the imes 
 rhabarbarum and rhubarb, and from the latter the botanical title Rheunaae 
 applied by the ancients to a root which came from beyond the Bosphoru aud 
 which is supposed, though upon somewhat uncertain grounds, to have be< the 
 
P.tT I. 
 
 Rheum. 
 
 609 
 
 piluct of the Rheum Rhaponticum, growing on the banks of the Caspian Sea 
 at the Wolga. This species was also at one time believed to be the source of 
 thnedicine now in use; but the true rhubarb has long been known to be wholly 
 di: net from the Rhapontic, and derived from a different source. It was not 
 til the year 1732 that any probable information was obtained as to its real origin. 
 At hat time plants were received from Russia by Jussieu in France, and Rand 
 in Ingland, which were said to be of the species which afforded the genuine 
 rh iarb, and were named by Linnaeus, under this impression, Rheum Rhabar- 
 la m, a title which has since given way to Rheum undulatum. At a subse- 
 qu t period, Kauw Boerhaave obtained from a merchant, who dealt in the 
 rhiarb of Tartary, some seeds which he said were those of the plant which 
 praiced the root he sold. These seeds, having been planted, yielded two 
 sptes of Rheum, R. undulatum, and another which Linnaeus named R. palma- 
 tui Seeds transmitted by Dr. Mounsey from St. Petersburg to Dr. Hope, 
 amplanted in the botanic garden at Edinburgh, produced the latter species; and 
 theiame was also raised at Upsal from a root received by Linnaeus from De 
 Goer, and was described A. D. 1767 by the younger Linnaeus, two years after 
 theppearance of Dr. Hope’s paper in the Philosophical Transactions. Thus 
 far lie evidence appears equally in favour of R. palmatum and R. undulatum. 
 Tholaims of another species were afterwards presented. Pallas, upon exhibit- 
 inghe leaves of R. palmatum to some Bucharian merchants of whom he was 
 ma ag inquiries relative to the rhubarb plant, was told that the leaves of the 
 lattj were entirely different in shape; and the description he received of them 
 cor pponded more closely with those of R. compactum, than of any other known 
 spe|s. Seeds of this plant were, moreover, sent to Miller from St. Petersburg, 
 as t >se of the true Tartarian rhubarb. A few years since the attention of na- 
 tuflsts was called to a fourth species, for which the same honour has been 
 clai ?d. Dr. Wallich, superintendent of the botanical garden at Calcutta, re- 
 ceiv I seeds which were said to be those of the plant which yielded the Chinese 
 l'liu vb, growing on the Himalaya mountains and the highlands of Tartary. 
 The produced a species not previously described, which Dr. Wallich named 
 R. .nodi, from the native title of the plant. It is the R. australe of Mr. Don 
 and ? Colebrooke, and has been ascertained to afford a root which, though pur- 
 gaff, is very unlike the officinal rhubarb. Other species have been found to 
 groi n the Himalaya mountains, from which a kind of rhubarb used by the 
 caffs is said to be procured; but none of it reaches the markets of this country 
 or pope. From what has been said, it is obvious that no species yet men- 
 tion 1 can be considered as the undoubted source of commercial rhubarb; the 
 plan raving, in no instance, been seen and examined by naturalists in its native 
 plac Sievers, an apothecary, sent to Siberia in the reign of Catharine II., 
 withllhe view of improving the cultivation of the native rhubarb, asserts from 
 the formation given him by the Bucharians, that all the seeds procured under 
 the :me of true rhubarb are false, and pronounces “all the descriptions in the 
 Mat|a Medicas to be incorrect.” This assertion, however, has no relation to 
 R- d'trale which has been subsequently described; but it is said that the roots 
 of tli plant, dried by the medical officers of the British army, differ from true 
 rhukb in appearance and power. 
 
 A; the plants of this genus are perennial and herbaceous, with large branching 
 rootsyhich send forth vigorous stems from four to eight feet or more in height, 
 Bumhded at their base with numerous very large petiolate leaves, and termi- 
 natn in lengthened branching panicles, composed of small and very numerous 
 flowc|, resembling those of the Rumex or dock. There is some difficulty in 
 #rrat ug the species, in consequence of the tendency of the cultivated plants to 
 form y brids ; and it is frequently impossible to ascertain to which of the wild 
 39 
 
610 
 
 Rheum. 
 
 par [. 
 
 types the several garden varieties are to he referred. The following descript is 
 are from the Flora Medica of Dr. Lindley. 
 
 Rheum palmatum. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 489; Lindley, Flor. Med. p. 
 Carson, Illust. of Med. Bot. ii. 22, pi. 69. “Leaves roundish-cordate, half p; a- 
 ate; the lobes pinnatifid, acuminate, deep dull-green, not wavy, but uneven id 
 very much wrinkled on the upper side, hardly scabrous at the edge, minuy 
 downy on the under side; sinus completely closed; the lobes of the leaf stanug 
 forwards beyond it. Petiole pale green, marked with short purple lines, te e, 
 obscurely channeled quite at the upper end. Flowering stems taller than t se 
 of any other species.” This species is said to inhabit China in the vicinit of 
 the great wall. It has been cultivated in England and France for the sal of 
 its root, which is generally admitted to approach more nearly in odour, t: -e, 
 and the arrangement of its colours, than that of any other known specie to 
 the Asiatic rhubarb. 
 
 R. undulatum. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 489; Lindley, Flor. Med. p. el; 
 "Woodv. Med. Bot. 3d ed. v. 81. “Leaves oval, obtuse, extremely wavy, c’p- 
 green, with veins purple at the base, often shorter than the petiole, distir ly 
 and copiously downy on each side, looking as if frosted when young, scab us 
 at the edge; sinus open, wedge-shaped, with the lower lobes of the leaves tued 
 upwards. Petiole downy, blood-red, semi-cylindrical, with elevated edges tche 
 upper side, which is narrower at the upper than the lower end.” This; a 
 native of Siberia, and probably of Tartary and China. It was cultivated by he 
 Russian government as the true rhubarb plant; but the culture has been a.n- 
 doned. It contributes to the rhubarb produced in France. 
 
 R. compactum. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 489; Lindley, Flor. Med. p. 8; 
 Carson, Illust. of Med. Bot. ii. 24, pi. 71. “Leaves heart-shaped, obtuse, ry 
 wavy, deep-green, of a thick texture, scabrous at the margin, quite smooton 
 both sides, glossy and even on the upper side; sinus nearly closed by the pen- 
 chyma. Petiole green, hardly tinged with red except at the base, setni ciu- 
 drical, a little compressed at the sides, with the upper side broad, flat, borced 
 by elevated edges, and of equal breadth at each end.” This plant is said be 
 a native of Tartary and China. It is one of the garden rhubarbs, and is ilti- 
 vated in France for its root. 
 
 R. australe. Don, Prod. Flor. Nepal, p. 75. — R. Emodi. Wallic-h; Liney, 
 Flor. Med. p. 354; Carson, Illust. of Med. Bot. ii. 24, pi. 70. “ Leaves eonte, 
 acute, dull-green, but little wavy, flatfish, very much wrinkled, distinctly regh, 
 with coarse short hairs on each side; sinus of the base distinctly open, not wge- 
 shaped but diverging at an obtuse angle, with the lobes nearly turned upwds. 
 Petioles very rough, rounded-angular, furrowed; with the upper side deprt ed, 
 bordered by an elevated edge, and very much narrower at the upper tbaithe 
 lower end.” The root of this species was at one time conjectured to b the 
 source of officinal Asiatic rhubarb; but has been found to have scarcely ar re- 
 semblance to it. The plant has been cultivated both in Europe and this courry, 
 and its petioles answer well for tarts, &c. 
 
 R. Rhaponticum. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 488; Lindley, Flor. Med. p. ,57; 
 Loudon’s Encyc. of Plants, p. 335. “Leaves roundish-ovate, cordate, ohse, 
 pale-green, but little wavy, very concave, even, very slightly downy on the der 
 side, especially near the edge, and on the edge itself; scabrous at the inarm; 
 sinus quite open, large, and cuneate. Petiole depressed, channeled on the >p« 
 side, with the edges regularly rounded off, pale green, striated, scarcely s cabas. 
 Panicles very compact and short, always rounded at the ends, and never £ as 
 in the other garden species. Flowering stem about three feet high. Tbc 
 Rhapontic rhubarb grows upon the banks of the Caspian Sea, in the desei be- 
 tween the Wolga and the Oural, and in Siberia. It is said also to grow-P<m 
 
PRT I. 
 
 Rheum. 
 
 611 
 
 t]i borders of the Euxine. It is cultivated as a garden plant in Europe and 
 tjg country; and large quantities of the root are produced for sale in France. 
 I s said by Royle to be the source of the English rhubarb. 
 
 3esides the species above described, R. leucorrhizum, growing in the Kirghese 
 dart in Tartary, R. Caspicum from the Altai mountains, R. Wehbianum, R. 
 sjiiforme, and R. Moorcraftianum, natives of the Himalaya mountains, and 
 % crassinervium and R. hybridum, cultivated in Europe, but of unknown 
 oilin, yield roots which have either been employed as purgatives, or possess 
 pperties more or less analogous to those of officinal rhubarb, though they have 
 n- entered into general commerce. 
 
 ihe leafstalks of the different species of Rheum have a pleasant acid taste, 
 ai are used for making tarts and pies, which are not unlike those made with 
 gcgeberries. It is for this purpose only that the plants are cultivated in the 
 U ted States. Lindley states that R. Rhaponticum, R. hybridum, and R. com- 
 p;;um, and hybrid varieties of them, are the common garden rhubarbs. 
 
 n relation to the culture and preparation of rhubarb, our information is almost 
 asincertain as on the subject of its natural history. The accounts received 
 fra the Bucharian merchants are very discordant, and few intelligent travellers 
 h;e penetrated into the country where the medicine is collected. We shall 
 pient, however, a brief abstract of what we have been able to collect upon the 
 suect from the authorities we have consulted. 
 
 hubarb is produced abundantly in the elevated lands of Tartary, about the 
 la Koko Norr, and is said to be cultivated in the neighbouring Chinese province 
 of hen-see, and in that of Setchuen. From these sources it is generally supposed 
 th our supplies of Russian and Chinese rhubarb are exclusively derived ; but 
 th root is also collected in Boutan and Thibet, on the north of the Himalaya 
 m ntains; and it is probable that the plant pervades the whole of Chinese Tar- 
 ta: . It flourishes best in a light sandy soil. We are told by Mr. Bell, who, 
 on journey from St. Petersburg to Pekin, had an opportunity of observing it 
 in growing state, that it is not cultivated by the Tartars, but springs up spon- 
 tanusly in tufts at uncertain distances, wherever the seeds have fallen upon the 
 he s of loose earth thrown up by the marmots. In other places the thickness 
 of le grass prevents their access to the soil. The root is not considered suffi- 
 ce ly mature for collection till it has attained the age of six years. It is dug 
 np vice a year in Tartary, in the spring and autumn ; in China not till the winter. 
 Ai r removal from the ground, it is cleaned, depi’ived of its cortical portion and 
 of e smaller branches, and then divided into pieces of a convenient size. These 
 aroored with holes, and strung upon cords to dry, according to Mr. Bell, about 
 thonts and on the horns of sheep ; according to Sievers, under sheds, by which 
 tbt ays of the sun are excluded, while'the air has free access. The Chinese are 
 sai arst to place the pieces on a stone slab heated by fire beneath, and afterwards 
 to mplete the drying process by exposing them to the sun and air. In Boutan 
 ths oots are hung up in a kind of drying room, in which a moderate and regular 
 he; is maintained. Much time and attention are devoted to the preparation of 
 the oot ; and Sievers states that a year sometimes elapses from the period of its 
 col etion, before it is ready for exportation. A very large proportion of its weight 
 is ’It in drying, according to some accounts four-fifths, to others not less than 
 sey -eighths. It is probably in order to favour the drying that the bark is 
 reeved. The trade in rhubarb is said to centre in the Chinese town of Si-nin, 
 wh:j a Bucharian company or family is established, which possesses a monopoly 
 of 'is trade, in consideration of a certain tribute paid to the government. To 
 tki. ;ity the rhubarb is brought from the various places of its collection, and, 
 haVg been duly assorted, and undergone further preparation, is transmitted 
 PM7 to Russia, partly to the coast of China; so that the drug which reaches 
 
612 
 
 Rheum. 
 
 PAEl 
 
 us through St. Petersburg is procured from the same neighbourhood with t! 
 imported from Canton. But it will soon be seen that there are differences betwf. 
 the Russian and Chinese rhubarb, which would seem to indicate a different c. 
 gin, and might authorize doubts as to the entire accuracy of the above aecour 
 It is at least probable that the drug produced in the province of Setchuen, whei ■ 
 the best China rhubarb is said to be brought, takes a more direct route to t 
 coast than that through the town of Si-nin. Besides the two commercial variet ; 
 just mentioned, a third occasionally comes to us from Europe, where the eu- 
 vation of rhubarb has been carried on for some time with success, especially! 
 France, Belgium, and Great Britain. Of these three varieties we shall trt 
 under different heads. 
 
 1 . Chinese Rhubarb. 
 
 LicUa Rhubarb. Rlieum Sinense vel Indicum. Much the largest proport 1 
 of rhubarb consumed in this country is brought from Canton. Though somew t 
 inferior to the Russian, its comparative cheapness gives it a decided preferee 
 in our markets ; and, when of good quality, it does not disappoint the exf - 
 tations of the physician. 
 
 It is in cylindrical or roundish pieces, sometimes flattened on one or both sic , 
 of a dirty brownish-yellow colour externally, appearing as if the cortical porta 
 of the root had been removed by scraping, and the surface rendered smooth d 
 somewhat powdery by attrition. The best pieces are heavier than the Russa 
 rhubarb, have a texture rather close and compact, and when broken presera 
 ragged uneven surface, variegated with intermingled shades of dull-red, yell - 
 ish, and white, which are sometimes diversified or interrupted by darker colon. 
 The pieces are generally perforated with small holes, intended for conveniee 
 of suspension during the drying process; and portions of the suspending cd 
 are not unfrequently found remaining in the holes. Chinese rhubarb haa 
 peculiar somewhat aromatic smell, and a bitter astringent taste, is gritty wn 
 chewed, imparts a yellow colour to the saliva, and affords a yellowish powr 
 with a reddish-brown tinge. With the pieces of good quality others often cue 
 mingled, which are defective from decay or improper preparation. These v 
 usually lighter, and of a dark or russet colour. Like all the other varietieaf 
 rhubarb, this is liable to be attacked by worms; and in almost every large pael 
 pieces may be found which have suffered from this cause. The want of prcer 
 care in its selection by the Chinese merchants, and the exposure incident 4 a 
 long sea-voyage, are causes which contribute to its inferiority to the Rus.n 
 rhubarb. As the whole contents of the chest imported are usually powded 
 together, including the worst as well as the best pieces, it follows that the jt- 
 der is inferior in efficacy to the selected and sound pieces. 
 
 In former editions of this work, we have noticed a variety of rhubarb impo:d 
 from Canton, which was evidently prepared, before leaving China, so as to resenle 
 the Russian, having an angular surface as if pared with a knife. The pieces arc 
 obviously selected with great care, as they were remarkably free from def< s. 
 But in most of those which came under our notice, the small penetrating lc 
 was observable, which characterizes the Chinese rhubarb, though it had in sac 
 instances been filled with the powdered root, so as in some measure to conceal. 
 Besides, the colours were not quite so bright as those of Russia rhubarb, 'its 
 is undoubtedly the variety described by Pereira, under a distinct head, as be 
 Dutcli-trimmed or Batavian rhubarb, and considered by him as probablyfu- 
 charian or Russian rhubarb of inferior quality, sent by the way of Canton. A 
 sufficient proof, we think, that this is not the case, is the presence in most j t: 
 of the small penetrating hole, occasionally filled with remains of the cord, a- 
 
]RT I. 
 
 Rheum. 
 
 613 
 
 i 'some pieces almost shaved away in the paring process. We have never seen 
 ska hole in any piece of true Russian rhubarb, which does not appear to be 
 s mg up like the Chinese when dried. 
 
 Under the title of Canton stick rhubarb, Pereira describes a variety of which 
 sail quantities have been imported from Canton into London. It bears much 
 remblance to the English stick rhubarb, and is supposed to be derived from 
 tl branches of the root of the plant which yields the true Chinese rhubarb. 
 
 2. Russian Rhubarb. 
 
 Turkey Rhubarb. Bucharian Rhubarb. Rheum Russicum vel Turcicum. The 
 rlbarb taken to Russia from Tartary undergoes a peculiar preparation, in con- 
 foiity with the stipulations of a contract with the Bucharian merchants who 
 finish the supply. The best is selected, and each piece perforated in order to 
 asrtain whether it is sound in the centre. From Si-nin it is conveyed by the 
 B karian merchants to the frontier town of Kiachta, where it undergoes a rigid 
 inection by an apothecary stationed at that place by the Russian government. 
 A those pieces which do not pass examination are committed to the flames; and 
 th i'emainder is sent to St. Petersburg. This variety is sometimes called Turkey 
 rharb, from the circumstance that it was formerly derived from the Turkish 
 pop, whither it is said to have been brought from Tartary by caravans through 
 Pda and Natoiia. The circumstance of the identity of the Russian and Turkey 
 rk arb, and their decided difference from the Chinese, would appear to indicate 
 a c tinct origin for the two varieties. Inferior parcels of the root, which will 
 noiass the inspection of the Russian authorities, are said to enter Russia by 
 Takkent, and to be known to the druggists of that country by the name of 
 Tahkent rhubarb. 
 
 le pieces of Russian rhubarb are irregular and somewhat angular, appearing 
 as the bark had been shaved off longitudinally by successive strokes of a knife, 
 ami portion of the interior substance removed with each shaving. They have 
 a ctner and fresher appearance than the Chinese, and their colour both inter- 
 nal 1 and externally, though of the same general character, is somewhat more 
 live r . They are less compact and heavy; and are cut with less facility, owing 
 to dr giving away before the knife. Another distinction is the character of 
 the erforations, which in the Russian rhubarb are large, frequently reaching 
 onlto the centre, and evidently made for the purpose of inspection; while in 
 the hinese they are small, penetrate completely through the pieces, and were 
 intc led for the passage of a suspending cord. The taste and smell of the 
 fort r closely resemble those of the latter, except that the Russian is rather 
 moi aromatic. There is the same crackling under the teeth, and the same yel- 
 low ain imparted to the saliva ; but the colour of the powder in this variety is 
 abi ht yellow, without the brownish tinge exhibited by the Chinese. When 
 thit dices, previously boiled in water, are examined by the microscope, they 
 exk it numerous clusters of minute crystals of oxalate of lime. Mr. Quekett 
 fout between 35 and 40 grains of them in 100 grains of the root. They are 
 obswed both in the Russian and Chinese rhubarb. 
 
 1 care which renders the Russian rhubarb so free from defects, tends greatly 
 to e ance its price, and consequently to limit its consumption. Its great com- 
 pare re value in the market has led to frequent attempts at adulteration ; and 
 the reces of Chinese rhubarb are sometimes cut down and prepared so as to 
 rese fle the Russian. The fraud, however, may be detected by adverting to 
 the iculiarities in texture, colour, and weight, by which the varieties are dis- 
 ting iked, and to the occasional presence of the small penetrating hole or ves- 
 tigei f it. We have seen a specimen in which the hole was enlarged at its two 
 
614 
 
 Rheum. 
 
 PAR] 
 
 extremities, and closed by powder in the middle, with the view of imitating 3 
 larger perforations of the Prussian pieces. Sometimes the worm-eaten pie? 
 are made to resemble the sound, by filling up the holes with a mixture of j - 
 verized rhubarb and mucilage, and covering over the surface with the powc 
 By removing this, the fraud is at once revealed. 
 
 3. European Rhubarb. 
 
 In various parts of Europe, particularly in England, France, Belgium, d 
 Germany, the rhubarb plants have been cultivated for many years; and o 
 siderable quantities of the root are annually brought into the market. 1 .3 
 imported into this country from England and France. 
 
 English Rhubarb. This formerly came in two forms. In one the root .s 
 cut and perforated in imitation of the Russian. The pieces were of varits 
 shape and size, sometimes cylindrical, but more commonly fiat, or someffit 
 lenticular, and of considerable dimensions. We have for a long time seen me 
 of this variety in our markets. In the other, the pieces are somewhat cyi- 
 drical, five or six inches long by an inch or less in thickness, and more or a 
 irregular upon the surface, as if they had shrunk unequally in drying. Th is 
 called stick rhubarb in England, and is still occasionally met with in our shs. 
 English rhubarb is lighter than the Asiatic, more spongy, and often somevrt 
 pasty under the pestle. It is of a redder colour, and when broken exhibi a 
 more compact and regular marbling ; the pinkish lines being arranged i a 
 radiated manner from the centre towards the circumference. The powder so 
 has a deeper reddish tint. The odour is feeble and less aromatic than thaof 
 the Asiatic varieties; the taste is astringent and mucilaginous with little hi r- 
 ness ; and the root, when chewed, scarcely feels gritty between the teeth, id 
 but slightly colours the saliva. Few crystals of oxalate of lime are discover le 
 by means of the microscope. Most of the commercial English rhubarb is iff 
 cultivated near Banbury, and is said to be the product of R. Rhaponticum. 
 
 French Rhubarb. Rhapontic Rhubarb. Krimea Rhubarb. The rhurb 
 produced in France is at present, according to Guibourt, chiefly from R. la- 
 ponticum, R. uhdulatum, and R. compactum ; that of R. palmatum, meh 
 most closely resembles the Asiatic, having been found to degenerate so mb, 
 as not to be a profitable object of culture. Most of the French rhubarb is:o- 
 duced in the neighbourhood of L’ Orient, in the department of Morbihan;nd 
 the spot where it grows has, from this circumstance, received the name of Rhm- 
 pole. Two kinds are described by Guibourt, both under the name of Rhapitic 
 root. One proceeds from the R. Rhaponticum, growing in the gardens irbe 
 environs of Paris; the other, from this and the two other species above ac- 
 tioned, cultivated at Rheumpole. The former is in pieces of the size of those 
 or smaller, ligneous in their appearance, of a reddish-gray colour on the outle, 
 internally marbled with red and white arranged in the form of crowded ijs 
 proceeding from the centre to the circumference, of an odour like that of Attio 
 rhubarb, but more disagreeable, of a mucilaginous and very astringent tastaot 
 crackling under the teeth, but tinging the saliva yellow, and affording a redsh- 
 yellow powder. The pieces of the latter are irregularly cylindrical, thri or 
 four inches long, and from one to two or even three inches thick, less ligrous 
 in appearance than the preceding, and externally of a pale or brownish-yioff 
 colour less inclining to redness. In exterior aspect, this variety bears conaer- 
 able resemblance to Chinese rhubarb ; but may be distinguished by its ore 
 disagreeable odour, its astringent and mucilaginous taste, its want of erac-nG 
 under the teeth, and its radiating fracture, in which properties it is similar tthe 
 preceding variety. Considerable quantities of this drug have been importednto 
 
PRT I. 
 
 Rheum. 
 
 615 
 
 tl United States from France, under the name of Krimea rhubarb ; and it is 
 soetimes employed, we fear, to adulterate the powder of the Chinese rhubarb. 
 Iippears to have displaced in France the Rhapontic root formerly imported from 
 tl Euxine. Whether from difference in species, or from the influence of soil and 
 cl late, none of the European rhubarb equals the Asiatic in purgative power.* 
 Jhoiee of Rhubarb. In selecting good rhubarb, without reference to the 
 cc mercial variety, those pieces should be preferred which are moderately heavy 
 ai compact, of a lively colour, brittle, presenting when broken a fresh appear- 
 aie, with reddish and yellowish veins intermingled with white, of an odour 
 dcdedly aromatic, of a bitter and astringent not mucilaginous taste, feeling 
 gity and staining the saliva yellow when chewed, and affording a powder either 
 hi lit yellow, or yellow with but a slight reddish-brown tinge. When very light, 
 rlioarb is usually rotten or worm-eaten; when very heavy and compact, it is of 
 inrior species, culture, or preparation. Rotten, worm-eaten, or otherwise in- 
 feor rhubarb, is often powdered and coloured yellow with turmeric; and the 
 sb'ings left when Chinese rhubarb is trimmed for powdering, or to imitate the 
 Esian, are applied to the same purpose. 
 
 'hemical Properties. Rhubarb yields all its active properties to water and 
 alihol. The infusion is of a dark reddish-yellow colour, with the taste and 
 odirof rhubarb; and the residue, after sufficient maceration, is whitish, inodor- 
 ou and insipid. By long boiling the virtues of the medicine are impaired. 
 M y attempts have been made to analyze the root, with various results. 
 Ailing them, are those of the two Henrys and Caventou of Paris, Brande of Lon- 
 do Perettiof Rome, and Hornemann, Brandes, and Schlossberger and Dopping 
 of ermany. Brandes found in 100 parts of Chinese rhubarb, 2 of pure rhabar- 
 ba]z acid, 7‘5 of the same acid impure, 2‘5 of gallic acid, 9'0 of tannin, 3‘5 of 
 co wing extractive, 11‘0 of uncrystallizable sugar with tannin, 4'0 of starch, 
 14 of gummy extractive, 4 0 of pectic acid, 11 of malate and gallate of lime, 
 11 of oxalate of lime, 1‘5 of sulphate of potassa aud chloride of potassium, 
 l'( if 'silica, 0'5 of phosphate of lime and oxide of iron, 25'0 of lignin, and 2'0 
 of iter. The most recent elaborate analysis which has come to our notice is 
 th; of Schlossberger and Dopping. Besides extractive, tannic and gallic acids, 
 su;.r, starch, pectin, lignin, oxalate of lime, and various inorganic salts, they 
 dis vered three colouring principles, holding an intermediate place between resin 
 am ^tractive matter, being freely soluble in alcohol, and slightly soluble in water. 
 Tw of these were uncrystallizable, and denominated brown resin and red resin, 
 or 'seoretin and erythroretin, the other crystallizable in granular crystals, and 
 idejieal with the chrysophanic acid, previously discovered by Rochleder and 
 
 Resides the varieties of rhubarb above described, others are noticed by writers. Pallas 
 spe 1 s of a white rhubarb, brought to Kiachta by the Bucharian merchants who conveyed 
 to fj.t place the drug for Russian commerce. It was white as milk, of a sweet taste, and 
 equi to the best rhubarb in quality. It is supposed to be the product of R. leucorrhizum. 
 At esent, however, it is unknown at St. Petersburg. The Himalaya rhubarb is produced 
 by | australe, and other species mentioned in the text as growing in the Himalaya 
 mo) r .ains. According to Dr. Royle, it makes its way to the lower countries in Hindostan, 
 wlii it sells for one-tenth of the price of the best rhubarb. Mr. Twining tried it in the 
 Ho; tal at Calcutta, and found it superior as a tonic and astringent to Russian rhubarb, 
 and early equal to it in purgative power. A variety known in Russia as Bucharian 
 rhit.'b, differing from the variety which we call Russian, and which is known in Russia 
 as (: nese rhubarb, is imported into that country from Tartary, and reaches St. Peters- 
 bur by Nishny. Parcels of it are said also to reach Vienna, by the way of Brody in 
 Gallia. Still another variety is that called Siberian rhubarb, which is known in Russia by 
 the y .me of Siberian rhapontic root. As these are inferior kinds, and probably never reach 
 ourjarkets, we have not thought it necessary to swell our pages with descriptions of them. 
 lh( ;ader who wishes further information is referred to papers by Pereira, in the London 
 Pht laceulical Journal, republished in the Am. Journ. of Pharm., xviii. 63, and 123. 
 
616 
 
 Rheum. 
 
 par 
 
 Heldt in the yellow lichen, or Parmelia parietina of Sprengel. Another rei- 
 ous substance was also obtained, which was named aporetin; but, as it was ins i- 
 hie in the alcohol from which it had been precipitated by ether, and wasisom.c 
 with phseoretin, there is reason to think that it was a product of the operate 
 The three principles above referred to were obtained by exhausting rhubarb r h 
 alcohol, evaporating the tincture, exhausting the extract with water, dissob g 
 the residue in the least possible quantity of alcohol, and treating this sola n 
 with ether. A precipitate was produced, a portion of which (aporetin) wasi- 
 soluble in alcohol, and the remainder was obtained separate by solution in it 
 fluid and evaporation. This was phseoretin. It is a yellowish-brown pow r, 
 very slightly soluble in water and ether, freely soluble in alcohol and in alkaie 
 solutions, with which it produces an intense reddish-brown colour, and from wlk 
 it is thrown down yellow by the mineral acids. The ethereal solution of le 
 alcoholic extract, after all the aporetin and phaeoretin had been separated, is 
 allowed to evaporate spontaneously, and a large quantity of crystalline grans 
 was obtained, of a beautiful yellow colour. These .being washed with ether a- 
 stituted the chrysoplianic acid. When the ethereal solution showed no lour 
 a disposition to deposit crystals, it was evaporated, and yielded a product ka’ig 
 all the properties of the resins, and forming beautiful purple combinations ",h 
 potassa and ammonia. This was the erythroretin, or red resin of rhubarb, le 
 matter dissolved by water from the alcoholic extract was found to have the oar 
 and taste of rhubarb in a high degree. In this no doubt was contained the e- 
 culiar active principle or principles of rhubarb; but Schlossberger and Doppg 
 were not more successful than their predecessors in isolating it. They obta ;d 
 a slightly bitter extractive matter; but it had not the flavour of rkubb. 
 ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., iv. 136, 232, 318, and viii. 190.) 
 
 Many distinguished chemists have sought for the purgative ingredient of u- 
 barb, and some not without supposed success ; but scarcely has the new prinde 
 been described and named, before the fallacy of its claim has been determi d. 
 The caphopicrite of Henry, the rhttharbarin of Pfaff and others, the rheiimloi 
 Hornemann, the rhabarbaric acid of Brandes, and, lastly, the rliein of Profeor 
 Dulk, have all been shown to be bodies more or less complex; and c-ertainlao 
 one of them can be admitted to be the peculiar purgative principle. The as n- 
 gency of rhubarb, there can be no doubt, resides iu its tannic acid. Some he 
 supposed that the tonic and cathartic properties reside in different princi] s; 
 but we are disposed to think, from the correspondence of the bitterness witlhe 
 purgative property, that they reside in the same substance; and, from the .ct 
 that exposure to heat diminishes the cathartic power, there is reason to be;ve 
 that this substance when isolated will prove to be more or less volatile. 
 
 Chrysophanic acid is at present one of the most interesting eonstituits. 
 Most of the hitherto supposed active principles have been mixtures of this th 
 other substances. The rhabarbaric acid of Braudes probably approaches nenst 
 to it in character. When pure it is beautifully yellow, without smell and tie, 
 disposed to an imperfect granular crystallization, almost insoluble in cold war, 
 more soluble in hot water and in ether, but most freely so in alcohol, ben 
 heated it emits yellow vapours. Alkaline solutions dissolve it with the prcre- 
 tion of a beautiful red colour; but the solution with potassa, when evapored, 
 changes first to violet, aud then to blue. It is probably the chief ingredieun 
 the fine yellow colouring matter which is produced by the reaction of nitric-ad 
 on rhubarb, andwhich, in consequence of the magnificent purples which it profits 
 with the alkalies, M. Gfarot has recentlj' proposed, under the name of erythro. ^to 
 introduce into the arts as a dyestuff. (See Journ. de Pharm. et de Clum., xvi:5.) 
 
 There are other interesting principles in rhubarb. Some have been dispscd 
 to ascribe its odour to a volatile oil; but this has not been isolated. Tanniccid 
 is an important constituent. It is of that variety which precipitates the sa ■ ot 
 
PiT I. 
 
 Rheum. 
 
 617 
 
 sesaioxide of iron of a greenish colour. The oxalate of lime is interesting from 
 its uantity, and from the circumstance that, existing in distinct crystals, it 
 ocoions the grittiness of the rhubarb between the teeth. The proportion seems 
 to ry exceedingly in different specimens. According to Scheele and Henry, 
 it nstituted nearly one-third, and Quekett found, as already stated, between 
 35 ad 40 per cent.; while Brandes obtained only 11, and Schrader only 4'5 
 par in the hundred. Little or no difference of composition has been found 
 betaen the Kussian and Chinese rhubarb. The European contains but a small 
 prortion of oxalate of lime, and is therefore less gritty when chewed. It- has, 
 hovver, more tannin and starch than the Asiatic. 
 
 ’ben powdered rhubarb is heated, odorous yellow fumes rise, which are pro- 
 bat' in part the vapour of c-hrysophanic acid. Its infusion is reddened by the 
 alkies, in consequence of their union with this acid, and their reaction on the 
 oth colouring principles. It yields precipitates with gelatin, most of the acids, 
 thealts of sesquioxide of iron, acetate of lead, nitrate of protoxide of mercury, 
 niti:e of silver, protochloride of tin, lime-water, and solutions of quinia. Nitric 
 aciioccasions at first a turbidness, and afterwards the deposition of a yellow pre- 
 eipi te. The substances producing precipitates may be considered as incompatible 
 wit the infusion. 
 
 j.dical Properties and Uses. The medical properties of rhubarb are peculiar 
 andaluable. Its most remarkable singularity is the union of a cathartic with 
 an tringent power; the latter of which, however, does not interfere with the 
 fornr, as the purgative effect precedes the astringent. It is also tonic and 
 stoi.ehic; invigorating, in small doses, the process of digestion. It is not 
 profile that these properties reside in a single proximate principle; and, as 
 rhu.rb owes its chief value to their combination, it is not to be expected that 
 che'cal analysis will be productive of the same practical advantages in this, as 
 in sae other medicines, the virtues of which are concentrated, in one ingredient. 
 Ini purgative operation rhubarb is moderate, producing fecal rather than watery 
 disc irges, and appearing to affect the muscular fibre more than the secretory 
 ves; s. It sometimes occasions griping pains. Its colouring principle is absorbed, 
 andaay be detected in the urine. By its long continued use, the perspiration, 
 espt ally that of the axilla, is said to become yellow, and the milk of nurses to 
 accp-e a purgative property. It gives a yellow colour to the alvine discharges. 
 
 lb circumstances of disease to which it is applicable may be inferred from 
 its ; mliar properties. "When the stomach is enfeebled, or the bowels relaxed, 
 at tj same time that a gentle cathartic is required, rhubarb, as a general rule, 
 is p ’erable to all others. Hence its use in dyspepsia attended with constipation, 
 iu d 'rhcea when purging is indicated, in the secondary stages of cholera infantum, 
 iu c onic dysentery, and in almost all typhous diseases when fecal matter has 
 acei ulated in the intestines, or the use of cathartic medicine is necessary to 
 previt such accumulation. When employed in cases of habitual constipation, 
 its i ringent tendency should be counteracted by combining it with soap. Mag- 
 nesias also an excellent associate in disorders of the stomach and bowels. By 
 com nation with other cathartics, rhubarb frequently acquires additional activity, 
 whi-it gives increased efficiency to the substance with which it is associated. 
 A nature of calomel and rhubarb is a brisk and powerful cathartic, much used 
 in t commencement of our bilious fevers. As a general rule, rhubarb is not 
 app; able to cases attended with much inflammatory action. Its griping effect 
 made counteracted by combining it with aromatics. 
 
 I ■ dose of rhubarb as a purgative is from twenty to thirty grains, as a laxa- 
 tive id stomachic from five to ten grains. European rhubarb must be given in 
 dou : or treble the dose to produce an equal effect. Few medicines are used in 
 a fffter variety of forms. It is most effectual in substance. It is frequently 
 
618 
 
 Rheum. — Rhoeas. — Rhus CTlabrum. 
 
 PAI i. 
 
 given in the shape of pill, combined with an equal proportion of soap, whe ts 
 laxative effect is desired. The infusion is much used in cases of delicate stoir h 
 and is peculiarly adapted to children. The syrup and tincture are also hi ly 
 useful preparations. They are all officinal. 
 
 By the roasting of rhubarb its cathartic property is diminished, probabl jy 
 the volatilization of the purgative principle, while its astringency remains n- 
 affected. This mode of treatment has, therefore, been sometimes resorted ! in 
 cases of diarrhoea. By long boiling the same effect is said to be produced. 
 
 Powdered rhubarb has been usefully applied to indolent and sloughing ul-$. 
 It is said to have proved purgative when sprinkled over a large ulcerated surl e; 
 and the same effect is asserted to have been produced by rubbing it, mingled th 
 saliva, over the abdomen. 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum Rhei ; Extract. Rhei Fluidum ; Infusum Rhei; Pila 
 Rhei; Pil. Rhei Comp.; PulvisRhei Comp.; Syrupus Rhei; SyrupusRhei ;o- 
 maticus; Tinctura Rhei; Tinctura Rhei Comp. ; Tinctura Rhei et Aloes; Tincra 
 Rhei et Gentian®; Tinctura Rhei et Sennae; Vinum Rhei. I 
 
 RHCEAS. Lond Ed. 
 
 Red Poppy. 
 
 Papaver Rhoeas. The recent petals. Lond. The petals. Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. PAP AYER RHCEAS. The petals. Dub. 
 
 Coquelicot, Fr.; Wilder Mohn, Klapperrose, Germ,.; Rosolaccio, Ilal.; Amapola, .in. 
 
 Papaver. See OPIUM. 
 
 Papaver Rhoeas. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1146; IVoodv. Med. Bot. p. 38 t. 
 139. The red or corn poppy is distinguished by its hairy stem, which is brash- 
 ed and rises about a foot in height, by its incised pinnatifid leaves, by its m- 
 shaped capsule, and by the full, bright, scarlet colour of its petals. It is na- 
 tive of Europe, where it grows wild in great abundance, adorning espec-iallyhe 
 fields of grain with its brilliant flower. It has been introduced and natura:ed 
 in this country. 
 
 Its capsules contain the same kind of milky juice as that found in P. m- 
 niferum, and an extract has been prepared from them having the properti of 
 opium ; but the quantity is too small to repay the trouble of its preparation.il 
 Tilhoi has shown that the extract contains morphia, but in a proportion exed- 
 ingly minute compared with that in which it exists in opium. ( Journ . dePhrm. 
 et de Chim ., ii. 513.) The petals are the officinal portion. They have a nantic 
 smell, and a mucilaginous, slightly bitter taste. By drying, they lose their o«ur, 
 and assume a violet-red colour. Chevalier detected a very minute proporth of 
 morphia in an extract obtained from them ; but their operation on the systa is 
 exceedingly feeble, and they are valued more for their beautiful scarlet ccur, 
 which they communicate to water, than for their medical virtues. Aceojmg 
 to Leo Meier, the colouring principles of the flowers are two acids, whit ho 
 denominates rhceadic and papaver ic acids. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., mi. 
 211.) A syrup is prepared from them, which was formerly prescribed ; an 
 anodyne in catarrhal affections; but is now little esteemed, except for its c-our. 
 
 Off. Prep. Syrupus Rhceados. 
 
 RHUS GLABRUM. TJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Sumach. 
 
 The fruit of Rhus glabrum. TJ. S. 
 
 Rhus. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Trigynia. — Eat. Ord. Anacardiaceao. 
 
PA 1 1. 
 
 Rhus Crlabrum. 
 
 619 
 
 en. Ch. Calyx five-parted. Petals five. Berry small, with one nuciform 
 gee' Nuttall. 
 
 if this genus there are several species -which possess poisonous properties, and 
 shcld be carefully distinguished from that here described. For an account of 
 the the reader is referred to the article Toxicodendron. 
 
 hits glabrum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1478. This species of Rhus, called 
 vai usly smooth sumach, Pennsylvania sumach, and upland sumach, is an indi- 
 geius shrub from four to twelve feet high, with a stem usually more or less 
 heii and divided into straggling branches, covered with a smooth light-gray or 
 sorwhat reddish bark. The leaves are upon smooth petioles, and consist of 
 may pairs of opposite leaflets, with an odd one at the extremity, all of which 
 aveinceolate, acuminate, acutely serrate, glabrous, green on their upper surface, 
 ancvhitish beneath. In the autumn their colour changes to a beautiful red. 
 Th dowers are greenish-red, and disposed in large, erect, terminal, compound 
 thjies, which are succeeded by clusters of small crimson berries covered with 
 a s::y down. 
 
 he shrub is found in almost all parts of the United States, growing in old 
 negated fields, along fences, and on the borders of woods. The flowers appear 
 in ,dy; and the fruit ripens in the early part of autumn. The bark and leaves 
 arestringent, and said to be used in tanning leather and in dyeing. Mr. W. 
 J. atson found in the bark of the root, albumen, gum, starch, tannic and 
 gal; acids, caoutchouc, resin, colouring matter, and evidences of volatile oil. 
 (A Journ. of Pharm., xxv. 194.) Excrescences are produced under the 
 lea s resembling galls in character, and containing large quantities of tannic 
 andjiallic acids. These have been used as a substitute for the imported galls 
 by r. Walters, of New York, who thought them, in every respect, preferable. 
 Th< may be collected at little expense, as they are produced very abundantly, 
 espially in the Western States. (A. W. Ives’s edition of Paris’s Pharmacolo- 
 <jia The only officinal part of the plant is the berries. 
 
 ese have a sour, astringent, not unpleasant taste, and are often eaten by 
 the Duntry people with impunity. According to Mr. Cozzens, of New York, 
 thecid to which they owe their sourness is the malic, and is contained in the 
 pul icence which covers their surface; as, when it is washed away by warm water, 
 theerries are wholly free from acidity. Professor W. B. Rogers, of Virginia, 
 fou l the acid combined with lime, in the state of bimalate.* Mr. W. J. Watson 
 asc :ained that free malic acid and bimalate of lime coexist in the berries, which 
 con in also, upon the same authority, tannic and gallic acids, fixed oil, extractive, 
 red;flouring matter, and a little volatile oil. 
 
 ■hdical Properties and Uses. Sumach berries are astringent and refrigerant; 
 and heir infusion has been recommended as a cooling drink in febrile complaints, 
 and; pleasant gargle in inflammation and ulceration of the throat. By Dr. 
 Fal estock an infusion of the inner bark of the root, employed as a gargle, is 
 con lered almost as a specific in the sore mouth attending inordinate mercurial 
 sali tion. (Am. Journ. of Med. Sciences, v. 61.) W. 
 
 sou- 
 
 boil 
 
 ’rof. Rogers suggested that malic acid might be advantageously procured from this 
 Prof. Procter informs us that he has obtained it by the following process. Pour 
 ; water on the ripe berries ; macerate for twelve hours ; strain, evaporate to one- 
 foui , and again strain ; resume the evaporation and continue it till the liquid assumes 
 the nsistence of thin syrup; then set it aside to crystallize. Wash the crystals of bi- 
 nial >, of lime with a little water, and recrystallize from a boiling solution. Dissolve the 
 salt hot water, and decompose it with a solution of acetate of lead. Wash the precipi- 
 tate malate of lead, suspend it in watex - , and pass sulphuretted hydrogen through the 
 liqu until the whole of the lead is separated. Lastly, filter and evaporate to dryness, 
 m porcelain vessel. Malic acid thus obtained may be used in preparing the malates of 
 iTOi id of manganese, both of which have been employed medicinally in Europe. 
 
620 
 
 Rosa Canina. — Rosa Centifolia. 
 
 PA i. 
 
 ROSA CANINA. Load. 
 
 Bog Rose. 
 
 Rosa c-anina. The recent fruit. Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. ROSiE FRUCTUS. Hip of Rosa canina and of several tied 
 species deprived of the carpels. Hips. Ed. 
 
 Rose sauvage, Fr. ; Hundsrose, Germ. 
 
 Rosa. See ROSA CENTIFOLIA. 
 
 Rosa canina. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1077 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 493, t. 77. 
 The cloy rose, wild briar, or heptree, is a native of Europe, and distinguish as 
 a species by its glabrous ovate germs, its smooth peduncles, its prickly am 
 and petioles, and its ovate, smooth, rigid leaves. It is eight or ten feet in heht, 
 and bears white or pale-red flowers, having usually five obcordate fragrant p.Js. 
 The plant has been introduced into this country, but is not much cultivate. 
 
 The fruit is fleshy, smooth, oval, red, and of a pleasant, sweet, acidulous tte; 
 and contains sugar, and uncombined citric and malic acids. 
 
 The pulp, separated from the seeds and the silky bristles in which the ire 
 embedded, is employed in Europe for the preparation of a confection, inteLed 
 chiefly as an agreeable vehicle for other medicines. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Rosae Caninae. 1 
 
 ROSA CENTIFOLIA. US., Load., Ed., Dab. 
 Hundred-lea red Roses. 
 
 The petals of Rosa centifolia. U S-, Pd., Pub. The recent petals. Lon 
 
 Roses a cent feuilles, Fr. ; tlundertblatterige Rose, Germ.; Rosa pallida,- Ital; Rc de 
 Alexandria, Span. 
 
 Rosa. Sex. Syst. Icosandria Polygynia. — Mat. Ord. Rosaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Petals five. Calyx urceolate, five-cleft, fleshy, contracted at the i:k. 
 Seeds numerous, hispid, attached to the inner side of the calyx. Willd, 
 
 Rosa centifolia. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1071; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 4£ r. 
 178. This species of rose has prickly stems, which usually rise from thr to 
 six feet in height. The leaves consist of two or three pairs of leaflets, wit an 
 odd one at the end, closely attached to the common footstalk, which is rc:b, 
 but without spines. The leaflets are ovate, broad, serrate, pointed, and liry 
 on the under surface. The flowers are large, with many petals, usually ’ a 
 pale-red colour, and supported upon peduncles beset with short bristly Irs. 
 The germ is ovate, and the segments of the calyx semi-pinnate. The variies 
 of R. centifolia are very numerous, but maybe indiscriminately employed, 'he 
 plant is now cultivated in gardens all over the world; but its original cocry 
 is not certainly known. It has sometimes been mistaken for the damask se, 
 which is a distinct species. 
 
 The petals are the officinal portion. They are extremely fragrant, and we 
 a sweetish, slightly acidulous, somewhat bitterish taste. Their odour is sa to 
 be increased by iodine. It depends on a volatile oil, which may be sepated 
 by distillation with water. (See Oleum Rosae .) They should be collected aten 
 the flower is fully expanded, but has not begun to fall. Their fragrance Im- 
 paired but not lost by drying. They may be preserved fresh, for a consideble 
 time, by compressing them with alternate layers of common salt in a well-e.sed 
 vessel, or beating them with twice their weight of that substance. 
 
 The petals are slightly laxative, and are sometimes administered in the jrm 
 of syrup combined with cathartic medicines; but their chief use is in the re- 
 paration of rose water. (See Aqua Rosae.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Rosse; Syrupus Rosae ; Syrupus SarsaparilleeCompositus. A 
 
PAI I. 
 
 Rosa Gallica. — Rosmarinus . 
 
 621 
 
 ROSA GALLICA. U. S., Loud., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Red Roses. 
 
 I; petals of Rosa Gallica. U.S., Ed., Dub. The unexpanded petals, recent 
 andried. Land. 
 
 Ees rouges, Fr.; Franzosiclie Rose, Essig rosen, Germ.; Rosa domestica, Lai.; Rosa 
 rubr 3 Castillara, Span. 
 
 Esa. See ROSA CENTIFOLIA. 
 
 ha Gallica. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1071 ; Woodv. J led. Bot. p. 498, t. 179. 
 This pecies is smaller than R. cent if alia, but resembles it in the character of 
 its fiage. The stem is beset with short bristly prickles. The flowers are very 
 larg with obcordate widely spreading petals, which are of a rich crimson colour, 
 and iss numerous than in the preceding species. In the centre is a crowd of 
 yellc anthers on thread-like filaments, and as many villose styles bearing 
 papiiry stigmas. The fruit is oval, shining, and of a firm consistence. The 
 red se is a native of the South of Europe, and is cultivated in gardens through- 
 out e United States. 
 
 T: petals, which are the part employed, should be gathered before the flower 
 has own, separated from their claws, dried in a warm sun or by the fire, and 
 kepti a dry place. Their odour, which is less fragrant than that of R. centi- 
 folic is improved by drying. They have a velvety appearance, a purplish-red 
 - color , and a pleasantly astringent and bitterish taste. Their constituents, 
 accoing to M. Cartier, are tannin, gallic acid, colouring matter, a volatile oil, 
 a fix^ oil, albumen, soluble salts of potassa, insoluble salts of lime, silica, and 
 oxid of iron. (Journ. de Pliarni., vii. 531.) Their sensible properties and 
 med.l virtues are extracted by boiling water. Their infusion is of a pale red- 
 dish dour, which becomes bright red on the addition of sulphuric acid. As 
 theii olour is impaired by exposure to light and air, they should be kept in 
 opaq: well-closed bottles or canisters. 
 
 h'ical Properties and Uses. Red roses are slightly astringent and tonic, and 
 werebrmerly thought to possess peculiar virtues. They are at present chiefly 
 empked in infusion, as an elegant vehicle for tonic and astringent medicines. 
 
 OPrep. Confectio Rosae ; Infusunr Rosse Compositum j MelRosse; Syrupus 
 EossTallicre. IV. 
 
 ROSMARINUS. U. S., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Rosemary. 
 
 T1 tops of Rosmarinus officinalis. US., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Rcavin, Fr.; Rosmarin, Germ.; Rosmarino, Ital.; Romero, Span. 
 
 R'Marinus. Sex. Spst. Diandria Monogynia. — Eat. Orel. Lamiaceae or 
 
 Labi b. 
 
 G . Ch. Corolla unequal, with the upper lip two-parted. Filaments long, 
 curvi , simple, with a tooth. Willd. 
 
 Ryiarmus officinalis. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 126 ; Woody. Med. Bot. p. 329, 
 h 11 Rosemary is an evergreen shrub, three or four feet high, with an erect 
 stem livided into many long, slender, ash-coloured branches. The leaves are 
 num- ms, sessile, opposite, more than an inch long, about one-sixth of an inch 
 Goai 1 linear, entire, obtuse at the summit, turned backward at the edges, of a 
 Srtn nsistence, smooth and green on the upper surface, whitish and somewhat 
 lowr beneath. The flowers are pale-blue or white, of considerable size, and 
 place in opposite groups at the axils of the leaves, towards the ends of the 
 
622 
 
 Rosmarinus. — Rubia. 
 
 PAI I. 
 
 branches. The seeds are four in number, of an oblong shape, and naked inne 
 bottom of the calyx. 
 
 The plant grows spontaneously in the countries which border on the Med r- 
 ranean, and is cultivated in the gardens of Europe and this country, ae 
 flowering summits are the officinal portion. They have a strong balsamic oar 
 which is possessed, though in a less degree, by all parts of the plant. 1 j r 
 taste is bitter and camphorous. These properties are imparted partially to w;r 
 completely to alcohol, and depend on a volatile oil which may be obtaineoy 
 distillation. (See Oleum Rosmarini.) The tops lose a portion of their semle 
 properties by drying, and become inodorous by age. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Rosemary is gently stimulant, and has en 
 considered emmenagogue. In the practice of this country it is scarcely u i ; 
 but in Europe, especially on the continent, it enters into the compositic of 
 several syrups, tinctures, &c., to which it imparts its agreeable odour and ci- 
 tant property'. It is sometimes added to sternutatory powders, and is used e n- 
 nally in connexion with other aromatics in the form of fomentation. In ne 
 countries it is employed as a condiment; and its flowers, which are much soht 
 after by the bees, impart their peculiar flavour to the honey of the district in 
 which the plant abounds. 
 
 Off. Prep. Oleum Rosmarini ; Spiritus Rosmarini. I 
 
 RUBIA. TJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Madder. 
 
 The root of Rubia tinctorum. U. S. 
 
 Garance, Fr.; Krappwurzel, Germ.; Eobbia. Ital.; Kubia de tintoreros, Granza, Sp. 
 
 Rubia. Sex. Si/st. Tetrandria Monogynia. — Mat. Ord. Rubiaceae. Jus 
 
 Gen. Cli. Corolla one-petalled, bell-shaped. Berries two, one-seeded. J'ld. 
 
 Rubia tinctorum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 603 ; AVoodv. Med. Bot. p. 173, til. 
 The root of the dyers madder is perennial, and consists of numerous long,ic- 
 culent fibres, varying in thickness from the size of a quill to that of the tie 
 finger, and uniting at top in a common head, from which also proceed side-ots 
 that run near the surface of the ground, and send up many annual stems, lese 
 are slender, quadrangular, jointed, procumbent, and furnished with short priles 
 by which they adhere to the neighbouring plants upon which they climb, 'he 
 leaves are elliptical, pointed, rough, firm, about three inches long and njrly 
 one inch broad, having rough points on their edges and midrib, and standi: at 
 the joints of the stem in whorls of four, five, or six together. The branes 
 rise in pairs from the same joints, and bear small yellow flowers at the su nk 
 of each of their subdivisions. The fruit is a round, shining, black berry. 
 
 The plant is a native of the South of Europe, and the Levant, and is lti- 
 vated in France and Holland. It is from the latter country that counrce 
 derives its chief supply. The root, which is the part used, is dug up in the :ird 
 summer, and, having been deprived of its cuticle, is dried by artificial heatmd 
 then reduced to a coarse powder. In this condition it is packed in barrelstnd 
 sent into the market. Madder from the Levant is in the state of the wholeMt, 
 from the South of France, either whole or in powder. The plant is also |lti- 
 vated in this country, in the States of Delaware and Ohio. 
 
 The root consists of a reddish-brown bark, and a ligneous portion within. He 
 latter is yellow in the recent state, but becomes red when dried. The pojkr, 
 as kept iu the shops, is reddish-brown. 
 
 Madder has a weak peculiar odour, and a bitterish astringent taste; an im- 
 parts these properties, as well as a red colour, to water and alcohol. It conins. 
 
PAC I. 
 
 Rubia. — Rubus Trivialis. — Rubus Villosus. 
 
 623 
 
 aec-'ding to M. Range, five distinct colouring substances; a red, a purple, an 
 ora^e, a yellow, and a brown. According to M. Decaisne, only yellow colouring 
 masr is found in the recent root; and it is under the influence of atmospheric 
 air iat this changes to red. The most interesting of the colouring substances 
 is t s alizarin of Robiquet and Collin. This is of an orange-red colour, inodorous, 
 ins id, crystallizable, capable of being sublimed without change, scarcely soluble 
 in ild water, soluble in boiling water, and very readily so in alcohol, ether, the 
 ikeoils, and liquid alkalies. The alcoholic and watery solutions are rose-coloured; 
 thethereal, golden-yellow; the alkaline, violet and blue when concentrated, but 
 viofc-red when sufficiently diluted. A beautiful rose-coloured lake is produced 
 by ecipitating a mixture of the solutions of alizarin and alum. Rochleder finds 
 a die analogy between alizarin and the chrysophanic acid of rhubarb. (See Chem. 
 Ga, A.D. 1852, p. 243.) Madder also contains sugar; and Dobereiner suc- 
 ceed in obtaining alcohol from it by fermentation and distillation, without 
 affeing its colouring properties. It is much used by the dyers. 
 
 j’dical Properties and Uses. Madder was formerly thought to be emmena- 
 go°jp and diuretic; and was used in amenorrhoea, dropsy, jaundice, and visceral 
 obs actions. It is still occasionally prescribed in suppressed menstruation; but 
 plncians generally have no confidence in its efficacy in this or any other corn- 
 plat. When taken into the stomach it imparts a red colour to the milk and 
 urii, and to the bones of animals, without sensibly affecting any other tissue. 
 Thcffect is observable most quickly in the bones of young animals, and in those 
 neast the heart. Under the impression that it might effect some change in the 
 ossi as system, it has been prescribed in rachitis, but without any favourable 
 resiv The dose is about half a drachm, repeated three or four times a day. 
 
 W. 
 
 RUBUS TRIVIALIS. U. S. Secondary. 
 Dewberry-root. 
 
 Die root of Rubus trivialis. U. S. 
 
 RUBUS VILLOSUS. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 B lackberry-root. 
 
 ■Nun?-. 
 
 le root of Rubus villosus. U. S. 
 
 I bus. Sex. Syst. Icosandria Polygynia. — Nat. Ord. Rosacem. 
 
 in. Ch. Calyx five-cleft. Petals five. Berry compound, with, one-seeded 
 acii Willd. 
 
 0 this extensive genus not less than twenty species are indigenous in the 
 Uni,d States, where they are called by the various names of raspberry, black- 
 btr\ dewberry , cloudberry, &c. Most of them are shrubby or suffruticose briers, 
 withstringent roots and edible berries ; some have annual stems without prickles. 
 The July officinal species are the R. trivialis and R. villosus, which, so far as 
 relajs to their medical properties, are so closely alike as not to require a sepa- 
 rate escription. 
 
 1 Rubus trivialis. Michaux, Flor. Americ. i. 296. The dewberry, sometimes 
 alsqalled low blackberry, or creeping blackberry, has a slender, prickly stem, 
 whi runs along the ground, and occasionally puts forth roots. The leaves are 
 peti ate, and composed of three or five leaflets, which are oblong-oval, acute, 
 uaejially serrate, and somewhat pubescent. The stipules are awl-shaped. The 
 flov s are large, white, and nearly solitary, with elongated pedicels, and peduncles 
 
624 
 
 H ub us Trivialis. — Rubus Villosus. 
 
 par i. 
 
 which, like the leafstalks, are armed with recurved, hispid prickles. The pels 
 are generally obovate, and three times longer than the c-alyx. In one variety t v 
 are orbicular. The plant grows abundantly in old fields and neglected grot Is 
 in the Middle and Southern States. Its fruit is large, black, of a very plea it 
 flavour, and ripens somewhat earlier than that of R. villosus. According to ' r- 
 rey and Gray, the dewberry of the Northern States is the Rubus Canadem if 
 Linn., or R. trivialis of Pursh. ( Flor . of N. Am. i. 455.) 
 
 2. R. villosus. Willd. £);>. Plant, ii. 1085; Bigelow, Am. Med. Rot. ii. li : 
 Barton, Med. Bot. ii. 151. The stem of the blackberry is somewhat shrul r, 
 from three to seven feet high, branching, more or less furrowed and angular, d 
 armed with strong prickles. The smaller branches and young shoots are he a- 
 ceous. The leaves are ternate or quinate ; the leaflets ovate, acuminate, i- 
 equally and sharply serrate, and pubescent on both sides; the footstalk and mi b 
 usually armed with short recurved prickles. The flowers are large, white, 4 
 in erect racemes, with a hairy, prickly stalk. The calyx is short, with acumi te 
 segments. The fruit is first green, then red, and, when perfectly ripe, of a sliii.. 
 black colour and very pleasant taste. It is a compound berry, consistin' af 
 numerous pulpy one-seeded globules or acini attached to the receptacle. 1 is 
 species of Iiubus is, perhaps, the most abundant of those indigenous in ie 
 United States, growing in neglected fields, along fences, on the borders of wos, 
 in forest glades, and wherever tillage or too much shade and moisture does it 
 interfere with it. Its flowers appear from May to July, and its fruit is rip n 
 August. 
 
 The berries of both these species of Iiubus are much used as food; and a j i 
 made from them is in great esteem as an article of diet, and even as a re mein 
 dysenteric affections. The roots only are oflk-inal. 
 
 The blackberry root is branching, cylindrical, of various dimensions, from new 
 an inch in thickness down to the size of a straw, ligneous, and covered with a in 
 bark, which is externally of a light-brownish or reddish-brown colour, and ime 
 dried root is wrinkled longitudinally. The dewberry root is usually sma r. 
 without the longitudinal wrinkles, but with transverse fissures through the W- 
 dermis, and of a dark-ash colour, without any reddish tinge. Both are inodoris. 
 The bark in both has a bitterish strongly astringent taste, and the ligneous ir- 
 tion is nearly insipid, and comparatively inert. The smaller roots, therefe. 
 should be selected for use; or, if the thicker pieces are employed, the corral 
 part should be separated, and the wood rejected. Their virtues are extracteoy 
 boiling water, and by diluted alcohol, and depend chiefly, if not exclusively,!® 
 tannin, which experiment has proved to be an abundant constituent. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Dewberry and blackberry roots are tonic id 
 strongly astringent. They have long been a favourite domestic remedy in be el 
 affections; and from popular favour have passed into regular medical use. Gon 
 in the form of decoction, they are usually acceptable to the stomach, witlut 
 being offensive to the taste; and may be employed with great advantage in c-es 
 of diarrhoea from relaxation of the bowels, whether in children or adults, t 
 can add our own decided testimony to that of others who have spoken favour .ly 
 of their use in this complaint; and there is no doubt that they are applicab.to 
 all other cases in which the vegetable astringents are found serviceable, be 
 decoction may be prepared by boiling an ounce of the smaller roots, or of&e 
 bark of the larger, in a pint and a half of water down to a pint; of which 
 one to two fiuidouuces may be given to an adult three or four times, or ire 
 frequently, during the twenty-four hours. The dose of the powdered re 15 
 twenty or thirty grains. -I M-l 
 
Pi,T I. 
 
 Rumex Britannica. — Rumex Obtusifolius. 
 
 625 
 
 RUMEX BRITANNICA. TJ.S. Secondary. 
 
 Water Dock. 
 
 he root of Rumex Britannica. U. S. 
 
 RUMEX OBTUSIFOLIUS. U.S. Secondary. 
 Blunt-leaved Dock. 
 
 ie root of Rumex obtusifolius. U. S. 
 
 omex. Sex. Syst. Hexandria Trigynia. — Nat. Ord. Polygonacese. 
 
 en. Ch. Calyx three-leaved. Petals three, converging. Seed one, three- 
 sidl. Willd. Calyx six-parted, persistent, the three interior divisions petaloid, 
 convent- Seed one, three-sided, superior, naked. Stigmata multifid. Nuttall. 
 
 veral species of Rumex have acid leaves, and are distinguished by the com- 
 mcname of sorrel from the others, which are called dock. Of the former, Pri- 
 me Acetosa or common English sorrel , has but recently been dismissed from the 
 Lo Ion and Dublin Pharmacopoeias. R. Acetosella is the common sorrel of our 
 fief, though supposed to have been originally introduced from Europe. The 
 lea s of both these plants are agreeably sour to the taste, and owe their acidity 
 to noxalate of potassa with a little tartaric acid. They quite lose this taste in 
 drj'ig. They are refrigerant and diuretic, and may be used advantageously as 
 au tide of diet in scorbutic complaints. For this purpose they are prepared 
 in e form of salad. The juice of the leaves forms with water an agreeable 
 act lous drink, sometimes used in fevers. Taken very largely, the leaves are 
 sail to have produced poisonous effects. (See Wood’s Quarterly Retrospect, i. 
 10b) R. scutatus also ranks among the sorrels. 
 
 < the proper docks, though two only are recognised by the Pharmacopoeia, 
 sev al others have been used. The roots of R. Patientia and R. Alpinus, Eu- 
 ropn plants, and of R. aquaticus, R. crispus, R. acutus, and R. sanguineus, 
 bel ging both to Europe and the United States, may be employed indiscrimi- 
 nate with those of the officinal species. R. Hydrolapathum {Hudson), which 
 is t R. aquaticus of the late Dublin Pharmacopoeia, is thought to be the Herba 
 Br nniea of the ancients, celebrated for the cure of scurvy and diseases of the 
 ski: The docks are herbaceous plants with perennial roots. Their flowers are 
 in 1 minal or axillary panicles. Some of the species are dioecious; but those 
 her described have perfect flowers. 
 
 1 R. Britannica. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 250. This species is distinguished 
 m t; vernacular language by the name of yellow-rooted water dock. The root 
 is 1 be, dark on the outside, and yellow within. The stem is two or three feet 
 big and bears broad-lanceolate, smooth, flat leaves, with the sheathing stipules 
 sligdy torn. The spikes of the panicle are leafless; the valves entire and all 
 graferous. The plant is indigenous, inhabiting low, wet places, and flowering 
 in t,ae and July. 
 
 2;i?. obtusifolius. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 254; Loudon’s Encyc. of Plants, p. 
 293 The root of the blunt-leaved dock is externally brown, internally yellow; 
 the em two or three feet high and somewhat rough; the radical leaves ovate- 
 corc;e, obtuse, and very large; the valves dentate, and one of them conspicu- 
 ous. graniferous. It is a common weed in our rich grounds and pastures, but 
 is s posed to have been introduced from Europe. Its flowers appear in June 
 and uly. 
 
 I :k root, from whatever species derived, has an astringent, bitter taste, with 
 
 40 
 
626 Rumex Britannica. — Rumex Obtusifolius. — Ruta. part, 
 
 little or no smell. It readily yields its virtues to water by decoction. Acc 1- 
 ing to Kegel, the root of 7?. obtusifolius contains a peculiar principle ca d 
 rumicin , resin, extractive matter resembling tannin, starch, mucilage, album, 
 lignin, sulphur, and various salts, among which are the phosphate of lime, d 
 different acetates and malates. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e sir., i. 410.) Kuna n 
 is probably, like rhabarbaric acid, an impure form of ckrysophanie acid. ( :e 
 Rheum.') The leaves of most of the species are edible, and are occasion y 
 used as spinage. They are somewhat laxative, and form an excellent die n 
 scorbutic cases. The roots are used to dye a yellow colour. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The medical properties of dock root are ti-e 
 of an astringent and mild tonic. It is also supposed to possess an alteram 
 property, which renders it useful in scorbutic disorders, and cutaneous erupti s, 
 particularly the itch, in the cure of which it enjoyed at one time consider le 
 reputation. It is said to have proved useful in scrofula and syphilis, r. 
 Thomson found a decoction of the root of R. Patientia very efficacious in o i- 
 nate ichthyosis. R. aquaticus and R. Britannica are the most astringent. ie 
 roots of some species unite a laxative with the tonic and astringent proper, 
 resembling rhubarb somewhat in their operation. Such are those of R. crin 
 and R. obtusifolius ; and R. Alpinus has in some parts of Europe the nairof 
 mountain rhubarb. This resemblance of properties is not singular, as the:o 
 genera belong to the same natural family. Dock root is given in powder oie- 
 coction. Two ounces of the fresh root bruised, or one ounce of the dried, iy 
 be boiled in a pint of water, of which two fluidounces may be given at a dose, id 
 repeated as the stomach will bear it. The root has often been applied exterriy 
 in the shape of ointment, cataplasm, and decoction, to the cutaneous eruptas 
 and ulcerations for which it has been used internally. The powdered m is 
 recommended as a dentifrice, especially when the gums are spongy. M 
 
 RUTA. U. S. Secondary, Lond., Ed. 
 
 Rue. 
 
 The leaves of Ruta graveolens, US., Bond. Leaves and unripe fruit, d. 
 
 Hue odorante, Fr.; Garten-Raute, Germ.; Ruta, Ital.; Ruda, Span. 
 
 Ruta. Sex. Syst. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Rutaceae. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Calyx five-parted. Petals concave. Receptacle surrounded byen 
 melliferous points. Capsule lobed. Willd. 
 
 Ruta graveolens. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 542; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 487, t. 4. 
 Common rue is a perennial plant, usually two or three feet high, with se ,- al 
 shrubby branching stems, which, near the base, are woody and covered wi a 
 rough bark, but in their ultimate ramifications are smooth, green, and herbacus. 
 The leaves are doubly pinnate, glaucous, with obovate, sessile, obscurely c-reite, 
 somewhat thick and fleshy leaflets. The flowers are yellow, and disposed i a 
 terminal branched corymb upon subdividing peduncles. The calyx is persisat. 
 with four or five acute segments; the corolla consists of four or five conve 
 petals, somewhat sinuate at the margin. The stamens are usually ten, but sre- 
 times only eight in number. The plant is a native of the South of Europeat 
 cultivated in our gardens. It flowers from June to September. The whole ;rb 
 is active; but the leaves are usually employed. 
 
 These have a strong disagreeable odour, especially when rubbed. Their ste 
 is bitter, hot, and acrid. When recent, and in full vigour, they have so rwii 
 acrimony as to inflame and even blister the skin, if much handled; but thesn- 
 mony is diminished by drying. Their virtues depend chiefly on a volatiloil, 
 which is very abundant, and is contained in glandular vesicles, apparent cer 
 
Pj;T I. 
 
 R uta. — Sabadilla. 
 
 627 
 
 th whole surface of the plant. (See Oleum Rutee.) They contain, also, accord- 
 in to Mahl, chlorophylle, albumen, an azotized substance, extractive, gum, 
 stiph or inulin, malic acid, and lignin; and, according to Borntrager, a peculiar 
 ac which he calls rutinic acid. (See Client. Gazette, Sept. 1845, p. 385.) 
 Bu alcohol and water extract their active properties. 
 
 ledical Properties and Uses. Iiue is stimulant and antispasmodic, and, like 
 me other substances which excite the circulation, occasionally increases the 
 sections, especially when deficient from debility. It appears to have a tend- 
 en to act upon the uterus; in moderate doses proving emmenagogue, and in 
 lai:r doses producing a degree of irritation in that organ which sometimes de- 
 tei ines abortion. Taken very largely it acts as an acrid narcotic poison. Three 
 cac are recorded by Dr. Helie in which it was taken by pregnant women, with 
 thieffect of producing dangerous gastro-intestinal inflammation and cerebral 
 dengement, which continued for several days, but from which the patients 
 ultiately recovered. In each instance miscarriage resulted. Great depression 
 anclowness of the pulse attended the narcotic action of the poison. In one of 
 thoases, three fresh roots of the size of the finger were used in the form of 
 dection. (Ann. d’ Hi/g. Pub. et de Med. Leg., xx. 180.) A case is recorded by 
 I)r x. F. Cooper in the Nashville Journ. of Med. and Surg., in which a man, 
 coidescent from dysentery, having added some ‘brandy to a haudful of the 
 breed herb, expressed it, and took the whole of the liquor with fatal effects. 
 Tharominent symptoms were vomiting, violent tormina, tenesmus, with bloody 
 sto s, abdominal distension with -tenderness, and severe strangury. (Med. 
 Em., N. S., ix. 720.) Rue is sometimes used in hysterical affections, worms, 
 fiat ent colic, and amenorrhoea, particularly in the last complaint. The ancients 
 em oyed it as a condiment, and believed it to possess, besides other valuable 
 pretties, that of resisting the action of poisons. Its excitant and irritating 
 prerties require that it should be used with caution. The dose of the powder 
 is t m fifteen to thirty grains two or three times a day. The medicine is also 
 giv in infusion and extract. 
 
 L Prep. Confectio Rutae; Oleum Rutae. W. 
 
 SABADILLA. U.S., Ed. 
 
 CevadiUa. 
 
 lie seeds of Yeratrum Sabadilla. US. Fruit of Yeratrum Sabadilla, Helo- 
 nia; ifficinalis, and probably of other Melanthacese. Ed. 
 
 C| adille, Fr.; Sabadillsame, Germ.; Cebadilla, Span. 
 
 Hare has been much uncertainty in relation to the botanical origin of ceva- 
 dill At one time, it was generally believed to be derived from Yeratrum 
 Satditta, which is recognised in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. But Schiede, during 
 bis javels in Mexico, ascertained that it was, in part at least, collected from a 
 diftisnt plant, of the same natural order of Melanthacem, growing upon the 
 eastn declivity of the Mexican Andes. This was considered by Schlec-htendahl 
 as a )ther species of Yeratrum, by Don as a Helonias, and by Bindley as be- 
 long to a new genus which he named Asagrasa. Hence it has been variously 
 den floated Yeratrum officinale, Helonias officinal is, and Asagrsea officinalis. 
 The' Edinburgh College recognises this plant, under Don’s title of Helonias 
 offie alis, as one of the sources of cevadilla, but refers the drug also to Vera- 
 tru® Sabadilla, and admits other plants of the same order as probable sources 
 of i More exact information, however, is wanted before we can determine its 
 prec3 origin. It has been adopted in the Pharmacopoeias solely on account 
 
628 
 
 Sabadilla. 
 
 PAP, 
 
 of its employment in the preparation of veratria. It is brought from Va 
 Cruz.* 
 
 Cevadilla seeds usually occur in commerce mixed with the fruit of the pi t. 
 This consists of three coalescing capsules or follicles, which open above, d 
 present the appearance of a single capsule with three cells. It is three or it 
 lines long and a line and a half in thickness, obtuse at the base, light-hrom ir 
 yellowish, smooth, and in each capsule contains one or two seeds. A resi- 
 blance existing or supposed between this fruit and that of barley, is said to 1 e 
 given rise to the Spanish name cevadilla, which is a diminutive of barley. ie 
 seeds are elongated, pointed at each end, flat on one side and convex on e 
 other, somewhat curved, two or three lines long, wrinkled, slightly wind, 
 black or dark-brown on the outside, whitish within, hard, inodorous, and okn 
 exceedingly acrid, burning, and durable taste. Cevadilla was found by P e- 
 tier and Caventou to contain a peculiar organic alkali which they named verat i, 
 combined with gallic acid; fatty matter, consisting of olein, stearin, and a pa- 
 liar volatile fatty acid denominated cevadic or salad illic acid; wax ; yellow col r- 
 ing matter; gum; lignin; and salts of potassa and of lime, with a little si a. 
 From 100 parts of the seeds, separated from their capsules, Meissner obta' d 
 0‘58 of veratria. M. Couerbe discovered another alkaloid in the seeds wliiche 
 denominated sabadiUin. Besides the principles above mentioned, a pecur 
 acid was discovered by Merck, called vevatric acid, which is in colourless c-rys s, 
 fusible and volatilizable without decomposition, but slightly soluble in cold w;r, 
 more soluble in hot water, soluble in alcohol, insoluble in ether, having the o- 
 perties of reddening litmus paper, and forming soluble salts with the alkas. 
 For an account of the mode of preparing veratria, its properties, and remeal 
 applications, and for a more particular notice of sabadillin ( saladillia ), seete 
 article Veratria in the second part of this work. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Cevadilla is an acrid drastic emeto-catha.c, 
 operating occasionally with great violence, and in over-doses capable of produig 
 fatal effects. It was made known as a medicine in Europe so early as the ar 
 1572; but has never bedn much employed. It has been chiefly used as an anel- 
 mintic, especially in cases of taenia, in which it has been given in doses varflg 
 
 * Until more definite information is obtained on the subject, we give in a note a ief 
 description of the two plants above referred to. 
 
 Veralrum Sabadilla. Retzius, Obs. i. 31; Carson, lllust. of Med Bot. ii. 50, pi. 94.1ee 
 Veratrum Album. The leaves of tliis plant are numerous, ovate-oblong, obtuse, witlnm 
 eight to fourteen ribs, glaucous beneath, and all radical. The flower-stem is erect, side, 
 and round, rises three or four feet in height, and bears a spreading, simple, or but sli tly 
 branched panicle of somewhat nodding flowers, supported upon very short pedicels, 'he 
 flowers, which are of a blackish-purple colour, approximate in twos and threes, the file 
 turning at length to one side, and the sterile falling off. The segments of the coroll me 
 ovate-lanceolate, and without veins. The capsules occupy only one side of the stem, his 
 plant grows in Mexico and the West Indies, and was cultivated by Descour tilz at SaDo- 
 mingo, from seeds obtained in Mexico. 
 
 Jisagraea officinalis. Lindley, Bolan. Beg., June. 1839.— Veratrum-officinale. Schlecen- 
 dalil, Linnasa, vi. 45. — Helonias officinalis. Don. Ed. New Phil. Journ., October, 181 p- 
 234. The following is the generic character given by Lindley. “Flowers polygaius, 
 racemose, naked. Perianth six-partite; segments linear, veinless, almost equal, wr a 
 nectariferous excavation at the base, equal to the stamens. Stamens alternately sheer; 
 anthers cordate as if unilocular, after dehiscence shield-shaped. Ovaries three, jibe 
 simple, attenuated into an obscure stigma. Follicles three/acuminate, papery: ed s 
 scimitar-shaped, corrugated, winged. Bulbous herbs, with grass-like leaves, and f All, 
 pale, and densely racemed flow'ers.” The A. officinalis, which is the only known sp ie => 
 has linear, acuminate, subcarinate leaves, roughish at the margin, and four feet in lgth 
 by three lines in breadth, and a round flower stem, about six feet high, terminatinui a 
 very dense, straight, spike-like raceme, eighteen inches long. The flowers arewhitenth 
 yellow anthers. 
 
Pi.T I. 
 
 Sabadilla. — Sabbatia. 
 
 629 
 
 fr<i five to thirty grains. It has also been given in different nervous affections. 
 It j the principal ingredient of the pulvis Capucinorum , sometimes used in 
 Eope for the destruction of vermin in the hair. It is considered by the natives 
 of lexico useful in hydrophobia, and was employed by M. Fouilhoux, of Lyons, 
 in supposed case of that disease, in the dose of about nine grains, with asserted 
 sufflss. Externally applied, it is highly irritating, and is even said to be cor- 
 rore. Its chief employment at present is for the preparation of veratria. 
 ff. Prep. Yeratria. W. 
 
 SABBATIA. U.S. 
 
 American Centaury. 
 
 ie herb of Sabbatia angularis. U. S. 
 
 lbbatia. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. Orel. Gentianaceae. 
 en. Ch. Calyx five to twelve-parted. Corolla rotate, five to twelve-parted. 
 Strnas two, spiral. Anthers at length revolute. Capsule one-celled, two- 
 valid, many-seeded. Nuttall. 
 
 kbbatha angularis. Pursh, Flor. Am. Sept. 137 ; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 
 iii. 47 ; Barton, Med. Bot. i. 255. — Chironia angularis. Linn. The American 
 cerairy is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant, with a fibrous root, and an 
 ere, smooth, four-sided stem, winged at the angles, simple below, sending off 
 op] site axillary branches above, and rising one or two feet in height. The 
 lea s, which vary considerably in length and width, are ovate, entire, acute, 
 net ;d, smooth, opposite, and sessile, embracing half the circumference of the 
 ste at their base. The flowers are numerous, growing on the ends of the 
 brathes, and forming altogether a large terminal corymb. The calyx is divided 
 intfive lanceolate segments, considerably shorter than the corolla. This is 
 deey five-parted, with obovate segments of a beautiful delicate rose-colour, 
 wh i is paler and almost white in the middle of their under surface. The 
 aut rs are yellow, and, after shedding their pollen, become revolute. The 
 sty which .is bent downward, and is longer than the stamens, terminates in 
 twe inear stigmas, which become spirally twisted together. 
 
 e plant is widely diffused through the Middle and Southern States, growing 
 in 1 7 meadow grounds, and in wet seasons upon uplands, in woods and neglected 
 fiel , It flowers in July and August. In its general aspect as well as medical 
 pro rties, it bears a close resemblance to Erythrsea Centaurium, or European 
 cen ary, for which it was mistaken by the earlier settlers. The whole herb is 
 em; iyed, and should be collected when in flower. 
 
 j 1 parts of it have a strongly bitter taste, without any admixture of astrin- 
 gen -, or other peculiar flavour. Both alcohol and water extract its bitterness, 
 tog aer with its medical virtues. 
 
 j dical Properties and Uses. American centaury has the tonic properties of 
 the m pie bitters, and is very analogous in its action to the other plants belong- 
 ing > the same natural family. It has long been popularly employed as a pro- 
 phyctic and remedy in our autumnal intermittent and remittent fevers ; and 
 was ormerly much esteemed by some physicians in the latter of these eom- 
 plai s. The condition to which it was considered applicable, was that existing 
 bet en the paroxysms, when the remission was such as to call for the use of 
 ton;;, but was not deemed sufficient to justify a resort to the preparations of 
 Fer/ian bark. It is occasionally useful, during the progress of a slow con- 
 vak hence, by promoting appetite and invigorating digestion ; and may be 
 em| iyed for the same purpose in dyspepsia and diseases of debility. 
 
 - e most convenient form for administration is that of infusion. A pint of 
 
630 
 
 Sabbatia. — Sabina. 
 
 PAR' 
 
 boiling water poured on an ounce of the herb and allowed to cool, maybe gin 
 in the dose of two fluidounces, repeated every hour or two during the remis a 
 of fevers, and less frequently in chronic affections. The dose of the powde .3 
 from thirty grains to a drachm. The decoetion, extract, and tincture are 0 
 efficient preparations. M 
 
 SABINA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Savine. 
 
 The tops of Juniperus Sabina. U. S., Ed., Dub. The recent and dried t?. 
 Lond. 
 
 Sabine, Fr.; Sevenbaum, Germ.; Sabina, Ital., Span. 
 
 Juniperus. See JUNIPERUS. 
 
 Juniperus Sabina. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 852 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. ), 
 t. 5. This is an evergreen shrub, from three to fifteen feet in height, \ h 
 numerous erect, pliant branches, very much subdivided. The bark of the yo g 
 branches is light-green, that of the trunk rough and reddish-brown. The leas, 
 which completely invest the younger branches, are numerous, small, erect, f 1 , 
 smooth, pointed, dark-green, glandular in the middle, opposite, and imbrieod 
 in four rows. The flowers are male and female on different trees. The fru is 
 a blackish-purple berry, of an ovoid shape, marked with tubercles and le 
 remains of the calyx and petals, and containing three seeds. 
 
 The savine is a native of the South of Europe and the Levant, and is saito 
 grow wild in the neighbourhood of our north-western lakes. The ends of le 
 branches, and the leaves by which they are invested, are collected for mecal 
 use in the spring. When dried they fade very much in colour. 
 
 There is reason to believe that the tops of Juniperus Virginiana, or comm 
 red cedar, are sometimes substituted in the shops for the savine, to which i;y 
 bear so close a resemblance as to be with difficulty distinguished. The ro 
 species, however, differ in their taste and smell. In J. Virginiana, moreor, 
 the leaves are sometimes ternate. 
 
 The tops and leaves of the savine plant have a strong, heavy, disagreed 
 odour, and a bitter, acrid taste. These properties, which are less striking inae 
 dried than in the recent leaves, are owing to a volatile oil, which is obtaineoy 
 distillation with water. (See Oleum Sabinse.) The leaves impart their vires 
 to alcohol and water. From an imperfect analysis by Mr. C. H. Needles, ?v 
 appear to contain volatile oil, gum, tannic or gallic acid, resin, chlorophylle, led 
 oil, bitter extractive, lime, and salts of potassa. {Am. Journ. o/Pharm., xiii. >.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Savine is highly stimulant, increasing mo:of 
 the secretions, especially those of the skin and uterus, to the latter of w-'h 
 organs it is supposed to have a peculiar direction. It has been much use in 
 amenorrhoea, and occasionally as a remedy for worms. Dr. Chapman strovly 
 recommended it in chronic rheumatism; and it is employed in Germany, th 
 internally and externally, in chronic gout. In overdoses it is capable of in- 
 ducing dangerous gastro-intestinal inflammation, and should therefore he ed 
 with caution. In no case should it be employed when much general or ,tal 
 excitement exists. In pregnancy it should always be given with great cautn; 
 though it has recently been recommended as an effective remedy in certain fins 
 of menorrhagia, and is asserted to prove occasionally useful in preventing th it- 
 ened abortion. (See Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., viii. 475.) It is nst 
 conveniently administered in the form of powder, of which the dose is frouive 
 to fifteen grains, repeated three or four times a day. 
 
 As an external irritant it is useful, in the form of cerate, for maintaini: a 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Sabina. — Saccharum. 
 
 631 
 
 di barge from blistered surfaces; but, as tbe preparation sold in this country 
 mer the name of savine ointment is often feeble, either from the age of the 
 dr;, or the substitution of red cedar, it has in some measure fallen into dis- 
 reate. (See Ceratum Sabinge.) In powder or infusion, savine is used in Europe 
 as a application to warts, indolent, carious, and gangrenous ulcers, psora, and 
 tin capitis; and the expressed juice of the fresh leaves, diluted with water, is 
 soAimes applied to similar purposes. 
 
 iff. Prep. Ceratum Sabinas ; Oleum Sabinas ; Unguentum Sabinae. W. 
 
 SACCHARUM. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Sugar. 
 
 he sugar of Saccharum officinarum, refined. U. S. The prepared, purified, 
 crtalline juice of the stem. Lond. 
 
 "f. Syn. SACCHARUM PURUM. Ed. SACCHARUM PURIFICATUM. 
 
 D, 
 
 hite Sugar; Sucre pur, Sucre en pains, Fr.; Weisser Zucker, Germ.; Zucchero en 
 pai. Ital.; Azucar de pilon, Azucar refinado, Span. 
 
 SACCHARUM COMMUNE. Ed. 
 
 Brown Sugar. 
 
 ipure sugar, from Saccharum officinarum. Muscovado. Ed. 
 
 if. Syn. BROWN SUGAR. Dub. 
 
 ,w or muscovado sugar; Sucre brut, Cassonade rouge, Moseouade, Fr.; Gemeiner 
 Zuor, Germ,.; Zucchero brutto, Ital.; Azucar negro, Span. 
 
 SACCHARI F JEX. Lond,, Ed, 
 
 Molasses. 
 
 ccharum officinarum. The impure prepared juice. Lond. The concentrated 
 un fstallizable juice. Ed. 
 
 fi Syn. THERIAGA. Treacle. Dub. 
 
 ■lasse, Fr.; Zuckersatz, Zuckersyrup, Germ.; Melazzo, Ital.; Melaca, Span. 
 
 te saccharine principles distinguished by the chemist are cane sugar, or sugar 
 prcjirly so called, derived from the sugar cane, the beet, and the sugar maple; 
 gltuse or grape sugar, with which the crystallizable sugar of honey, starch sugar, 
 atu liabetic sugar are identical; uncrystallizable sugar, or fruit sugar, called by 
 Soieiran chulariose (from ^Mapior, syrup) ; sorbin, or the sugar of the berries of 
 the iountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia)) lactin, or sugar of milk; sugar of ergot, 
 iuroperly called mushroom sugar; mannite ; and glycerin. Glucose or grape 
 say; is less sweet than cane sugar. It is also less soluble in water, and much 
 mo soluble in alcohol. It has the sp. gr. of 1'886. Obtained from a concen- 
 tre 1 aqueous solution, it forms crystalline grains. Strong mineral acids hardly 
 act 1 grape sugar, but destroy cane sugar with facility. On the other hand, grape 
 sug is destroyed by alkalies, with which cane sugar forms definite compounds. 
 Dihlved in water and subjected to prolonged ebullition, grape sugar undergoes 
 vei little alteration. Its solution rotates the plane of polarization of polarized 
 lig to the sight, and is capable of undergoing the vinous fermentation directly, 
 wit >ut passing through any intermediate state. Uncrystallizable sugar exists 
 in ney and the juice of fruits, and is generated from cane sugar by solution in 
 
632 
 
 Saccharum. 
 
 par i. 
 
 water or weak acids, and long boiling. Hence it is present in molasses, e 
 view of Liebig that uncrystallizable sugar, whether derived from fruits, or g 3. 
 rated by weak acids, is really a combination of ordinary sugar with an acid, is 
 been disproved by Soubeiran, who obtained it exempt from acid, and, theref e, 
 considers it a distinct kind of sugar. An aqueous solution of this sugar tr is 
 the plane of polarization to the left, and, like grape sugar, is susceptible of e 
 vinous fermentation without an intermediate change. Uncrystallizable sugsis 
 transformed into grape sugar, when it is made to assume a crystalline struct L 
 but not by mere solidification. ( Soubeiran .) A solution of cane sugar, like 1 it 
 of grape sugar, has a rotating power to the right. When it ferments, it is 
 as is generally supposed, first converted into grape sugar. It is found bothy 
 Mitscherlich and Soubeiran to be first changed into uncrystallizable sugar; pi, 
 as the change proceeds, the rotating power to the right of the cane sugar gradu y 
 lessens and disappears, and is replaced by the rotating power to the left of e 
 uncrystallizable sugar formed. Sorbin was discovered by M. Pelouze. It i n 
 perfectly transparent crystals, having the same taste as cane sugar, but is it 
 susceptible of fermentation. Lac tin or sugar of milk is now officinal with e 
 Dublin College, Pharm. of 1850. (See Saccharum Lactis.) For a descripin 
 of mannite and glycerin , see the articles Manna and Glycerina. 
 
 Cane sugar is manufactured extensively on the continent of Europe from e 
 beet, and in considerable quantities, in Canada and the north-western parts of e 
 United States, from the sap of the sugar maple ( Acer Saccharinum). In ra- 
 tion to maple sugar, see a paper by Dr. George D. Gibb, in the Brit. Am. Jon. 
 of Med. Sci. for July, 1851. Cane sugar may also be obtained from eornstas. 
 (II. L. Ellsworth.) In India, it is made from the sap of different species of pai. 
 In 1844, more than 6000 tons of crude palm sugar, called Jaggary, were mai- 
 factured. It is more easily refined, and at less cost than the sugar from e 
 cane. (Stevens.) But the supply of sugar from these sources is insignificit 
 when compared with that obtained from the sugar cane itself, which is eva- 
 sively cultivated in the East and West Indies, Brazil, and some of our Southn 
 States, particularly Louisiana. This plant is the Saccharum officinarumi 
 botanists, and is the source of the officinal sugars of the Pharmacopoeias. 
 
 Saccharum. Sex. Syst. Triandria Digynia. — Mat. Orel. Graminaceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx two-v.alved, involucred, with long down. Corolla two-vald. 
 
 wm. 
 
 Saccharum qfficinarum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 321 ; Phil. Trans. Ixix. 
 The sugar cane is an herbaceous plant, possessing a jointed, succulent root, fill 
 which arise several shining, jointed, solid stems, from an inch to two inchem 
 diameter, and from six to twelve feet high, and containing a white and juicy pi. 
 The colour of the stem is yellow, greenish-yellow, purple, or striped. The jots 
 are about three inches apart, and give origin to the leaves, which embrace e 
 stem at their base, are three or four feet long and about an inch wide, flat, acui- 
 nate, longitudinally striated, furnished with a white midrib, glabrous, fiuy 
 dentate, and of a green colour inclining to yellow. The flowers are pink 1, 
 surrounded by a long silky down, and disposed in a large, terminal, nearly pu- 
 midal panicle, composed of subdivided spikes, and two or three feet in leap. 
 The plant has a general resemblance to the Indian corn. Four varieties - e 
 mentioned; 1. the common, with a yellow stem; 2. the purple, with a pure 
 stem and richer juice ; 3. the gigantic, with a very large light-coloured stem ; A 
 4. the Otaheitan, which was introduced into the West Indies from the island 
 Tahiti (Otaheite) by Bougainville and Bligh, and is distinguished by its grecr 
 height, the longer intervals between its joints, and by the greater length of -8 
 hairs which surround the flowers. 
 
PAC I. 
 
 Saccharum 
 
 633 
 
 'ie sugar cane is cultivated by cuttings, -which are planted in rows, and which, 
 by ring rise to successive shoots, furnish five or six crops before the plants 
 reqre to be renewed. At the end of a year the plant generally flowers, and 
 in :rr or five months afterwards the canes are completely ripe, at which time 
 the have a yellowish colour, and contain a sweet viscid juice. The quantity of 
 sug- which they yield is variable. According to Avequin, of New Orleans, the 
 proution of cane sugar in the recent stalk is about 10 per cent., of uncrystal- 
 liza e sugar from 34 to 4 per cent. Cane-juice is usually stated to contain from 
 sev teen to twenty-three per cent, of crystallizable sugar, though scarcely seven 
 perent. is extracted in practice. 
 
 separation and Purification. The canes, when ripe, are cut down close to 
 theirtk, topped, and stripped of their leaves, and then crushed between vertical 
 irorollers in a kind of mill. The juice, constituting ninety per cent, of the 
 can though fifty per cent, is scarcely obtained in practice, is of a pale-greenish 
 colcr, sweet taste, and balsamic odour, and has a sp.gr. varying from l'OBS 
 to 1-06. As it runs out it is received in suitable vessels, and, being quickly 
 reared, is immediately mixed with lime, in the form of milk of lime, in the 
 pro rtion of about one part of the earth to eight hundred of the juice, and heated 
 in noiler to 140°. The exact proportion of the lime cannot be determined, 
 as t; juice varies in quality in different seasons ; but the manufacturer should 
 aim! making the liquor neutral, or very slightly alkaline. The gluten and 
 albuen rise to the top, and form a thick scum, from underneath which the 
 liqv is drawn off by a cock into a copper boiler, where it is concentrated by 
 ebu tion, the scum being carefully skimmed off as it forms. Filtering the juice 
 thrigh cloth filters before heating it is advantageous. When sufficiently con- 
 cen !ed, the juice is transferred to shallow vessels called coolers, from which, 
 befo it cools, it is drawn off into wooden vessels, with perforated bottoms, the 
 hob in which are temporarily plugged. At the end of twenty-four hours, the 
 liqu is strongly agitated with wooden stirrers, in order to accelerate the granu- 
 lath of the sugar, which is completed in six hours. The stoppers are now re- 
 morl, and the syrup is allowed to drain off from the sugar, which in this state 
 is gaular, of a yellowish colour, and moist. It is next dried in the sun, and, 
 beii introduced into hogsheads, forms the brown sugar of commerce. The 
 syri , by a new evaporation, furnishes an additional portion of sugar ; and the 
 liqu which finally remains, incapable of yielding more sugar with advantage, 
 iscsed molasses. Eight pounds of the juice yield, on an average, one pound 
 of bwn sugar. In the process of extraction, it is important that the juice 
 shot! be concentrated by a moderate heat, which prevents the cane sugar from 
 beifi converted into uncrystallizable sugar, and, therefore, lessens the amount 
 of t: molasses. Sometimes the brown sugar undergoes an additional prepara- 
 tionconsisting in boiling it with lime-water, and, after sufficient concentration, 
 alio ug the syrup to crystallize in large inverted conical vessels, pierced at the 
 ape: md plugged. The surface of the crystalline mass being covered with a thin 
 mix re of clay and water, the plug is removed, and the water from the clay, 
 percating the mass, removes the coloured syrup, which flows out at the hole. 
 Theagar, as thus prepared, approaches to the white state, and constitutes the 
 day sugar of commerce, usually called in this country Havana sugar. 
 
 I re is no doubt that a large proportion of the sugar is lost in the ordinary 
 proc s of manufacture; and several plans have been proposed to prevent this 
 loss. In December 1847, Dr. John Scoffern, of England, took out a patent for 
 the’e of subacetate of lead as a purifying agent, added to the cane-juice in 
 the oportion of one-sixth of one per cent.* As applied to cane-juice, it sepa- 
 
 * is alleged that Mr. Sievier took out a patent for the same process in July, 1847, 
 fire ntks before the date of Dr. Scoffern’s patent, and that the former employed the 
 
634 
 
 Saccliarum. 
 
 PAI I. 
 
 rates the impurities completely, thus avoiding the labour of skimming, id 
 furnishes the whole of the sugar, instead of about one-third, as by the ordi ry 
 process. When used in refining operations, it enables the refiner to wor ip 
 residues, which would not furnish sufficient sugar to repay the cost of the Id 
 process. The lead is finally removed from the sugar solutions in the for of 
 sulphite of lead, by the action of sulphurous acid gas, forced through t m 
 by mechanical means. In this way Dr. Scoffern alleges that the whole ofae 
 lead may be separated; but even if it is not, he believes that a minute por- 
 tion of sulphite of lead in the sugar would not prove injurious. In this opim 
 he is supported by several eminent chemists and physicians ; but the positi< is 
 controverted by others equally eminent, and, we think, on just grounds; are 
 should feel doubt of the wholesomeness of an aliment, so extensively use as 
 sugar, containing a proportion of lead, however minute. Such is the view 1 211 
 in France, where the process of Dr. Scoffern has been prohibited. Ancer 
 patented process for the defecation of cane-juice, and of the syrups of suga-e- 
 fineries, is that of R. & J. Oxland, in which acetate of alumina is used, he 
 details of the process are given in the Chem. Gazette for Nov. 16, 1849, to weh 
 the reader is referred. M. Melsens, Professor of Chemistry at Brussels, has 0 - 
 posed a third process, which consists in the use of bisulphite of lime. This ilt 
 is said to act as an antiseptic, preventing the operation of any ferment; aaa 
 absorber of oxygen, opposing the action of that gas on the juice; as a clara, 
 rendering insoluble at 212° all coagulable matters ; as a bleacher of pre-exmg 
 colouring matters, and a preventive of the formation of new ones; and, la y, 
 as a substance furnishing a base to neutralize hurtful acids, which unite th 
 the lime, displacing the weaker sulphurous acid. M. Melsens acknowle.es 
 that he has made his experiments, on the sugar-cane, on a small scale t.y, 
 and, therefore, leaves the application of the principles of his method to he 
 intelligence of the manufacturers themselves. {Chem. Gaz., Jan. 15, 185C 
 
 Therefiningof brown sugar forms a distinct branch of business, and the met ds 
 pursued have undergone many improvements. By the original process, he 
 sugar was boiled with lime-water, and clarified by heating it with bullocks’ bid. 
 The clarified syrup was then strained through cloth filters, whereby it was;n- 
 dered limpid. It was next transferred to a boiler, where it was subjected© 
 ebullition, until it was brought to a proper concentration; when it was alhed 
 to cool in conical moulds, and to drain for the separation of the molasses. Tis 
 last boiling required to be continued so long, that the action of the fire amir 
 frequently decomposed the sugar to such an extent as to cause a loss of twcy- 
 five per cent, in molasses. This disadvantage led to the abandonment of ro- 
 longed boiling; and now the sugar refiners boil the syrup in shallow bo rs, 
 which are suspended in such a way as to admit of their being emptied witi he 
 greatest quickness, without putting out the fire. 
 
 The process of refining was still further improved by Messrs. Philip Taylomd 
 Howard. The former introduced the improvement of heating the syrup itli 
 great rapidity by means of steam, made to pass through a series of tubes trac- 
 ing the boiler ; and the latter devised the plan of causing the syrup to boil uier 
 a diminished pressure, created by a suction pump, set in motion by a steam en ae, 
 while it was heated by steam circulating round the boiler. In this way be 
 syrup was made to boil at a lower temperature, and with a diminished conta ot 
 the air; and the loss of the cane sugar, by its conversion into unerystalhbh 
 sugar, was in a great measure avoided. 
 
 latter as a professional chemist to perfect the details of the process. (Pharm. Jourrin 
 Trans., ix. 220, Nov. 1849.) Subsequently Mr. Sievier compromised with Dr. Sc ern 
 in regard to their conflicting claims, leaving to the latter undisputed possession c e 
 patent. 
 
pa:? i. 
 
 Saccharum. 
 
 635 
 
 |ter the syrup is sufficiently concentrated by any one of these methods, it is 
 traiferred to coolers, where it is agitated to cause it to granulate. In this state 
 it iboured into unglazed earthenware moulds of a conical shape, with a hole in 
 theipex, which is stopped with a paper plug. The moulds are placed, with the 
 ape downwards, above stone-ware pots, intended to receive the uncrystallizable 
 syrw. When the mass has completely concreted, the moulds are unstopped, to 
 alio the coloured syrup to drain off. To remove the remains of this syrup, the 
 ope fion called claying is performed. This consists in removing from the base 
 of t; loaf a layer of the sugar, about an inch thick, and replacing it with pure 
 sug! in powder, which is covered with a mixture of pipe clay and water, of 
 abo the consistence of cream. The water gradually leaves the clay, dissolves 
 the are sugar, and percolates the mass as a pure syrup, removing in its progress 
 the oloured syrup. Sometimes the purification is performed without the use 
 of ay, by allowing a saturated solution of pure sugar to percolate the loaf. 
 Whi all the coloured syrup is removed, the loaf is taken out of the mould and 
 placl in stoves to dry. It now constitutes white or purified sugar. The syrup 
 whi drains from the loaves contains a considerable quantity of cane sugar, 
 ands used in subsequent operations. The syrups of lowest quality are em- 
 plojl in forming inferior white sugar, from which a syrup finally drains, con- 
 taing so little cane sugar as not to repay the expense of extracting it. This 
 consjtutes sugar house molasses. Good brown sugar, in the process of refining, 
 yiel about 70 per cent, of white sugar. 
 
 0 the several forms of sugar above mentioned, three only, white and brown 
 sugi and molasses, are officinal in the British and United States Pharmaco- 
 pceij, and these are designated by the Latin names placed at the head of this 
 artio. The United States Pharmacopoeia recognises white sugar only, giving 
 it tliname of Saccharum ; the use of brown sugar and molasses being replaced 
 by t; employment of an officinal syrup of known strength. (See Syrupus.') 
 Thefcondon Pharmacopoeia recognises white sugar and molasses; and the Edin- 
 bur< and Dublin Colleges admit not only these, but also brown sugar. 
 
 Cnmercial History. Sugar has been known from the earliest ages, and was 
 orig ally obtained from Asia. About the period of the Crusades, the Venetians 
 broth t it to Europe; but at that time it was so scarce as to be used exclusively 
 as a lediciue. Upon the discovery of the Cape of Good-Hope and the mari- 
 timeoute to the East Indies, the commerce in sugar passed into the hands of 
 the Portuguese. Subsequently, the cultivation of the cane was extended to 
 Arab, Egypt, Sicily, Spain, and the Canaries, and finally, upon the discovery 
 of tlinew world, to America, where it was pursued with the greatest success, and 
 contues to be so to the present day. In America it is produced most abun- 
 dant] in the West Indies, which supply the greater part of the consumption of 
 Eur e, little comparatively being taken thither from Brazil or the East Indies. 
 The msumption of the United States is more than half supplied by Louisiana 
 and me of the neighbouring States. The crop of sugar of Louisiana, in 1847, 
 washimated at 240,000 hogsheads; in 1853, at 322,000. The crop of Cuba 
 for t ; latter year is supposed to have reached 600,000 hogsheads. Within a 
 rece period, our planters have introduced into Louisiana the variety of cane 
 calk tlie Otaheite cane, which is hardier and more productive than the common 
 cane ind better suited to the climate of our Southern States. 
 
 Piper lies. Sugar, in a pure state, is a solid of a peculiar grateful taste, per- 
 man t in the air, phosphorescent by friction, and of the sp. gr. 1'6. It dis- 
 solvi readily in half its weight of cold water, and to almost an unlimited extent 
 m being water. The solution, when thick and ropy, is called syrup. An aqueous 
 solu n of sugar possesses the property of dissolving a large quantity of hydrate 
 
636 
 
 Saccharum. 
 
 .PAI L 
 
 of lime, forming a compound, called syrup of lime. When a concentrated s ap 
 is gently heated, and spirit added to it, the liquid, on cooling, forms white ni, 
 transparent crystals of hydrated sugar, having the shape of oblique four-. ed 
 prisms, and called sugar candy. Sugar is nearly insoluble in absolute ale ol, 
 but dissolves in four times its weight of boiling alcohol of the sp. gr. 0*83. Ven 
 heated to 365°, it melts into a viscid, colourless liquid, which, on being sude ly 
 cooled, forms a transparent amorphous mass, called barley sugar. At a hi er 
 temperature (between 400° and 420°) it loses two eqs. of water, and is convted 
 into a black porous mass, having a high lustre like anthracite, called care el. 
 At a still higher heat it yields combustible gases, carbonic acid, empyreunic 
 oil, and acetic acid; and there remains one-fourth of its weight of charcoal, w:h 
 burns without residue. Sugar renders the fixed and volatile oils to a ce in 
 extent miscible with water, and forms with the latter an imperfect combinaoi, 
 called in pharmacy oleo-saecharum. When in solution, it is not precipitate by 
 subacetate of lead, a negative property which distinguishes it from mostc.er 
 organic principles. 
 
 Cane sugar may be distinguished from grape sugar by the combined acti of 
 sulphate of copper and caustic potassa. If solution of cane sugar be mixed th 
 solution of sulphate of copper, and potassa be added in excess, a deep-blue bad 
 is obtained, which, on being heated, lets fall a little red powder after a ne. 
 Solution of grape sugar, similarly treated, yields, when heated, a copious g-n- 
 ish precipitate, which rapidly changes to scarlet, and eventually to dark-red. )r. 
 Donaldson’s test for sugar in the animal fluids is formed of five parts of c, do- 
 nate of soda, five of caustic potassa, six of bitartrate of potassa, four of sulfite 
 of copper, and thirty-two of distilled water. A few drops of this solution, lag 
 added to an animal fluid, and the mixture heated over a spirit-lamp, a yello’-h- 
 green colour is developed, if sugar be present. 
 
 Action of Acids and Alkalies, &c. The mineral acids act differently on ne 
 sugar, according as they are concentrated or dilute. Strong nitric acid, Lth 
 the assistance of heat, converts it into oxalic acid. (See Oxalic Acid in theqj- 
 pendix.) The same acid, when weak, converts it into saccharic acid, confou.ed 
 by Scheele with malic acid. Concentrated muriatic or sulphuric acid c-hai it. 
 Treated, in fine powder, with a mixture of sixteen parts of sulphuric and :ht 
 of nitric acid, cooled to the temperature of 60°, it is converted, in a few seeds, 
 into a pasty substance, which, after having been washed with cold water and is- 
 solved in alcohol, furnishes, on the addition of an excess of carbonate of potas to 
 the alcoholic solution, a peculiar explosive and inflammable substance, resem ng 
 common rosin in its physical properties, and, like it, insoluble in water, but lu- 
 ble in alcohol, ether, and the volatile oils. ( L . Thompson.) Diluted rnu.tic 
 acid, when boiled with cane sugar, converts it into a solid, brown, gelat )us 
 mass. Weak sulphuric acid, by a prolonged action at a high temperare, 
 converts cane sugar, first into uncrystallizable sugar, afterwards into grape star, 
 and finally into two substances, analogous to ulmin and ulmic acid, called ac- 
 chulmin and sacchulmic acid. Vegetable acids are supposed to act in a si’lar 
 way. If the boiling be prolonged for several days in open vessels, oxyg' is 
 absorbed, and, besides these two substances, formic acid is generated. Soubran 
 admits the change of the uncrystallizable into grape sugar, but attributes to 
 a molecular transformation of the sugar, independently of the action of the id; 
 as, according to his observation, the conversion takes place only after rest. In 
 confirmation of his views, this chemist states that he found the same ch;ges 
 to be produced by boiling sugar with water alone. 
 
 Cane sugar unites with the alkalies and some of the alkaline earths, taring 
 definite combinations which render the sugar less liable to change. Itdso 
 unites with protoxide of lead. Boiled for a long time with aqueous solution of 
 
PAT !• 
 
 Saccharum. 
 
 6 37 
 
 potsa, lime, or baryta, the liquid becomes brown, formic acid is produced, and 
 twaew acids are generated ; one brown or black and insoluble in water, called 
 ■meissic acid, the other colourless and very soluble, named glucic acid. 
 
 : e account above given of the action of acids and alkalies on sugar explains 
 the ay in which lime acts in the manufacture and refining of sugar. The acids, 
 nat ally existing in the saccharine juice, have the effect of converting the cane 
 sug into uhctystallizable sugar, by which a loss of the former is sustained. 
 Thase of lime, by neutralizing these acids, prevents this result. An excess of 
 lim however, must be carefully avoided; as it injures the product of cane sugar 
 hot in quantity and quality. The change in the sugar which precedes fer- 
 meiation points to the necessity of operating before that process sets in ; and 
 hem the advantage of grinding the canes immediately after they are cut, and 
 boil g the juice with the least possible delay. 
 
 ]e following is a description of the several forms of officinal sugar. 
 
 irified or white sugar, as obtained on a large scale, is in concrete, somewhat 
 pors masses, called loaves, consisting of an aggregate of small crystalline 
 gras. When carefully refined, it is brittle and pulverulent, perfectly white, 
 inoirous, and possessed of the pure saccharine taste. Cane sugar is sometimes 
 adulated with starch sugar, which may be detected by adding to a concentrated 
 soli on of the suspected sugar, first a small portion of fused potassa, and after- 
 war , at the boiling temperature, a few drops of nitrate of cobalt. This test, 
 if t sugar be pure, will produce a violet-blue precipitate, a reaction prevented 
 by e presence of a small proportion of starch sugar. (Dr. G. Reich.) 
 
 . li purified or brown sugar is in the form of a coarse powder, more or less 
 moi and sticky, consisting of shining crystalline grains, intermixed with lumps, 
 havg an orange-yellow colour, more or less deep, a sweet, cloying taste, and 
 hea peculiar smell. It varies very much in quality. The best sort is nearly 
 dry n large sparkling grains of a clear yellow colour, and possesses much less 
 sme than the inferior kinds. It consists of cane sugar, associated with variable 
 quaities of gummy and colouring matter, and a small proportion of lime and 
 tani ; acid. By keeping, it becomes soft and gummy, and less sweet ; a change 
 attr.ated to the lime. 
 
 Masses is of two kinds, the West India and sugar house. West India mo- 
 lass is a black ropy liquid, of a peculiar odour, and sweet erapyreumatic taste. 
 Wh mixed with water and the shimmings of the vessels used in the manu- 
 fact e of sugar, it forms a liquor, which, when fermented and distilled, yields 
 run Sugar house molasses has the same general appearance as the West India. 
 It i: however, thicker, and has a different flavour. Its sp.gr. is about 1'4, and 
 it c< tains about 75 per cent, of solid matter. Both kinds of molasses consist 
 of i erystallizable sugar, more or less cane sugar which has escaped separation 
 in I j process of manufacture or refining, and gummy and colouring matter. 
 Wh} the molasses from cane sugar is treated with a boiling, concentrated solu- 
 tion f bichromate of potassa, and boiled, a violent reaction takes place, and the 
 liqu becomes green ; but if it be adulterated with only an eighth of starch sugar 
 wolves, the reaction is prevented, and the colour is not changed. (Dr. G. Reich.') 
 
 (imposition. The following formulas express the composition of the different 
 vari;ies of sugar, so far as known. Cane sugar, Cane sugar, as it 
 
 exis in combination with two eqs. of protoxide of lead (caramel ? anhydrous 
 sug;],?), C 13 H e 0 9 . Grape sugar, C^H^O,,,. Grape sugar aud uncrystallizable 
 sugt dried at 212°, C 13 H 13 0 12 . Sorbin, C J2 H 13 0, 3 . ( Pelouze .) The theory of 
 the inversion of sugar, during the vinous fermentation, into alcohol and car- 
 bon acid, will be explained under absolute alcohol. (See Alcohol, Ed., Dub., 
 ln t second part of this work.) 
 
 if. and Rharm. Uses, &c. The uses of sugar as an aliment and condiment 
 
638 
 
 Saccharum. — Saccharum Lactis. 
 
 PAR C. 
 
 are numerous. It is nutritious, but not capable of supporting life when ta n 
 exclusively as aliment, on account of the absence of nitrogen in its composit 1. 
 It is a powerful antiseptic, and is beginning to be used for preserving meat d 
 fish ; for which purpose it possesses the advantage of acting in a much less qi > 
 tity than is requisite of common salt, and of not altering the taste, nor impair 
 the nutritious qualities of the aliment. Prof. Marchand has ascertained th a 
 solution of sugar has no action on the teeth out of the body. It may hene oe 
 inferred that the popular notion that sugar is injurious to the teeth is unfound. 
 
 The medical properties of sugar are those of a demulcent, and as such j is 
 much used in catarrhal affections, in the form of candy, syrup, &c. Accon g 
 to M. Provencal, it acts as a powerful antaphrodisiac, given in the quantitof 
 a pound or more daily, dissolved in a quart of cold water. In pharmacy :is 
 employed to render oils miscible with water, to cover the taste of medicinelo 
 give them consistency, to preserve them from change, and to protect from osa- 
 tion certain ferruginous preparations. Accordingly it enters into the cornpi- 
 tion of several infusions and mixtures, of nearly all the syrups and confectis, 
 and of all the troches. It is directed by the Edinburgh College for purifig 
 the commercial sulphuric acid from nitrous acid. Molasses is used to give le 
 proper consistence to pills, in ten London formulae, six Dublin, and one Tn- 
 burgh. It is well fitted for forming pills, preserving them soft and free im 
 mouldiness, on account of its retentiveness of moisture and antiseptic quaffs. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Saccharum. Syrupus. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Saccharum Commune. Confectio Sennas ; Infusum Sennas Cn- 
 positum. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Sacchari Feex. Syrupus Sennas. 1 
 
 SACCHARUM LACTIS. Dub. 
 
 Sugar of Milk. 
 
 Lactose; Sucre de lait, Fr.; Milclizucker, Germ. 
 
 Sugar of milk, or lactin, is found only in milk, of which it forms aboutve 
 per cent. ( Boussingavlt .) It is manufactured largely in Switzerland as an ar le 
 of food. In preparing it, milk is first coagulated by the addition of a l ie 
 dilute sulphuric acid, and the resulting whey is evaporated to a syrupy 'D- 
 sistence, and set aside for several weeks, in a cool place, to crystallize, he 
 crystals, which constitute the sugar of milk, are then decolorized by an al 
 charcoal, and repeated crystallizations. 
 
 Sugar of milk is a hard, somewhat gritty, white substance, crystallize in 
 four-sided prisms, and possessing a slightly sweet taste. In commerce it soe- 
 times occurs in cylindrical masses, in the axis of which is a cord, around well 
 the crystals have been deposited. It dissolves slowly in six parts of cold ad 
 three of boiling water, without forming a syrup. It is insoluble in ether, nd 
 but slightly soluble in alcohol. Its sp. gr. is 1'54. It is not susceptible oihe 
 vinous fermentation by the direct influence of yeast, but, after the actio of 
 dilute acids, which first convert it into grape sugar, it is capable of furnishi; a 
 spirituous liquor. It is well known that both mares’ and cows' milk, aftepe- 
 coming sour, is capable of forming an intoxicating drink by fermentation. By 
 the action of nitric acid, sugar of milk is converted into mucic (saclactic) id- 
 When anhydrous it consists of Co 4 H 10 0, g ; when crystallized, of €.,411,5015 + 510. 
 
 Sugar of milk has been proposed by Dr. Turnbull, of England, as a 'Q- 
 nitrogenous article of diet, in consumption and other pulmonary diseases, dr. 
 Ruschenberger used it with good effect as nourishment in a case of extremerrt- 
 lability of stomach, following profuse loss of blood from menorrhagia. ( Trim <;/ 
 the Phil. Col. of Pliys., ii. 48.) 
 
PAI I. 
 
 Sagapenum. — Sago. 
 
 639 
 
 SAGAPENUM. Loncl. 
 
 Sagapenum. 
 
 .1 uncertain plant. The gum resin. Loud. 
 
 Sgapenum, Fr. ; Sagapen, Germ.; Sagapeno, Ital., Span.; Sugbeenuj, Arab. 
 
 . 1 that is known in relation to the source of this gum-resin is, that it is the 
 corete juice of a plant, probably umbelliferous, growing in Persia. The plant 
 is njectured to be a species of Ferula, and Willdenow supposed it to be F. 
 Peica, but without sufficient evidence. The drug is brought from Alexandria, 
 Snrna, and other ports of the Levant. 
 
 ] is in irregular masses, composed of agglutinated fragments, slightly trans- 
 luc t, of a brownish-yellow, olive, or reddish-yellow colour externally, paler 
 intaally, brittle, of a consistence somewhat resembling that of wax, and often 
 rnhi with impurities, especially with seeds more or less entire. An inferior 
 varty is soft, tough, and of uniform consistence. It has an alliaceous odour, 
 lesslisagreeable than that of assafetida, and a hot, nauseous, bitterish taste. It 
 sofiis and becomes tenacious by the heat of the hand. The effect of time and 
 expure is to harden and render it darker. It is inflammable, burning with a 
 wk flame and much smoke, and leaviug a light spongy charcoal. Pure alcohol 
 andrater dissolve it partially, diluted alcohol almost entirely. Distilled with 
 wat it affords a small quantity of volatile oil; and the water is strongly im- 
 pre ated with its flavour. According to Pelletier, it contains, in 100 parts, 
 54'i of resin, 31 - 94 of gum, l'O of bassorin, 0'60 of a peculiar substance, 0’40 
 of Idulous malate of lime, and 11'80 of volatile oil including loss. Brandes 
 fou: 3 73 per cent, of volatile oil. This is pale-yellow, very fluid, lighter than 
 wat, and of a disagreeable alliaceous odour. 
 
 ■ idical Properties and Uses. Sagapenum is a moderate stimulant, resembling 
 ass? tida, but much inferior, and usually considered as intermediate between that 
 ginmin and galbanum. It has been given as an emmenagogue and antispas- 
 moo in amenorrhcea, hysteria, chlorosis, &c., but is now seldom used. It was 
 knca to the ancients ; and Dioscorides speaks of it as being derived from Media. 
 Thdose is from ten to thirty grains, and may be given in pill or emulsion. 
 Sagienum is also considei’ed discutient, and has been occasionally applied ex- 
 ten ly, in the form of plaster, to indolent tumours. 
 
 ('.Prep. Sagapenum Pneparatum. W. 
 
 SAGO. U.S., Loncl, Ed., Dab. 
 
 1 ' 
 
 Sago. 
 
 7? prepared fecula of the pith of Sagus Rumphii. U. S. Sagus Isevis, S. 
 Runhii, and other species of palms. The fecula of the stem. Land. Farina 
 froi the iuterior of the trunk of various Palmaceae and species of Cycas. Ed. 
 Cyc circinalis and other species of Cycas, and various Palmaceae. The farina 
 froithe interior of the trunk. Dub. 
 
 S ou, Fr.; Sago, Germ., Ital.; Sagu, Span. 
 
 Imerous trees, inhabiting the islands and coasts of the Indian Ocean, con- 
 tarn i farinaceous pith, which is applied to the purposes of nutriment by the 
 natps. Such are Sagus Rumpliii, Sagus leevis, Sagus Ruffia, Saguerus Rum- 
 phi ind Phoenix farinifera, belonging to the family of palms; and Cycas circi- 
 nal Cycas revoluta, and Zamia lanuginosa, belonging to the Cycadacese. Of 
 the; Sagus Rumphii, Sagus Isevis, and Saguerus Rumphii probably contribute 
 
640 
 
 Sago. 
 
 PAI i. 
 
 to furnish the sago of commerce. Crawford, in his History of the Indian A: d- 
 pelago, states that it is derived exclusively from Metroxyhn Sagu, identical th 
 Sagus Rumphii ; but Roxburgh ascribes the granulated sago to S. hern, id 
 one of the finest kinds is said by Dr. Hamilton to be produced by the Sayi. vs 
 Rumphii of Roxburgh. The farinaceous product of the different species of 0 is 
 sometimes called Japan sago, does not enter into general commerce. 
 
 Sagus. Sex. Syst. Monoecia Hexandria. — Nat. Ord. Palmacese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Common spathe one-valved. Spadix branched. Male. Cyx 
 three-leaved. Corolla none. Filaments dilated. Female. Calyx three-lea d, 
 ■with two of the leaflets bifid. Corolla none. Style very short. Stigma sin ie' 
 Nut tessellated-imbricated, one-seeded. Willd. 
 
 Sagus Rumphii. Willd. Sp. Riant, iv. 404; Carson, I/lust, of Med. Be ii. 
 44, pi. 88. The sago palm is one of the smallest trees t>f the family to weh 
 it belongs. Its extreme height seldom exceeds thirty feet. The trunk is ;o- 
 portionably very thick, quite erect, cylindrical, covered with the remains o he 
 old leafstalks, and surrounded by a beautiful crown of foliage, consistin of 
 numerous very large, pinnate leaves, extending in every direction from he 
 summit, and curving gracefully downwards. From the basis of the leaves ro- 
 ceed long, divided and subdivided flower and fruit-bearing spadices, the branes 
 of which are smooth. The fruit is a roundish nut, covered with a cheeked 
 imbricated coat, and containing a single seed. 
 
 The tree is a native of the East India islands, growing in the Peninsu of 
 Malacca, Sumatra, Borneo, Celebes, the Moluccas, and a part of New Guja. 
 It flourishes best in low and moist situations. Before attaining maturity he 
 stem consists of a shell usually about two inches thick, filled with an enornus 
 volume of spongy medullary matter like that of elder. This is gradually absoed 
 after the appearance of fruit, and the stem ultimately becomes hollow, he 
 greatest age of the tree is not more than thirty years. At the proper peril of 
 its growth, when the medullary matter is fully developed, and has not yet bun 
 to diminish, the tree is felled, and the trunk cut into billets six or seveneet 
 long, which are split in order to facilitate the extraction of the pith. Th is 
 obtained in the state of a coarse powder, which is mixed with water in a tregh, 
 having a sieve at the end. The water, loaded with farina, passes tbroughhe 
 sieve, and is received in convenient vessels, where it is allowed to stand til.he 
 insoluble matter has subsided. It is then strained off; and the farina wkiiis 
 left may be dried into a kind of meal, or moulded into whatever shape m; be 
 desired. For the consumption of the natives it is usually formed into cak of 
 various sizes, which are dried, and extensively sold iu the islands. The >m- 
 mercial sago is prepared by forming the meal into a paste with water, andub- 
 bing it into grains. It is produced in the greatest abundance in the Moiras, 
 but of the finest quality on the eastern coast of Sumatra. The Chinese of Macca 
 refine it so as to give the grains a fine pearly lustre. Malcolm states thatc is 
 also refined in large quantities at Singapore. In this state it is called pearl go, 
 and is iu great repute. It is said that not less than five or six hundred pads 
 of sago are procured from a single tree. {Crawford.) 
 
 Pearl sago is that which is now generally used. It is in small grains, :out 
 the size of a pin’s head, hard, whitish, of a light-brown colour, iu some inst ees 
 translucent, inodorous, and with little taste. It may be rendered perfectly life 
 by a solution of chloride of lime. Common sago is iu larger and browner gms- 
 of more unequal size, of a duller aspect, and frequently mixed with more oiess 
 of a dirty-looking powder. 
 
 Sago meal is imported into England from the East Indies; but we kavmet 
 with none in the markets of this country*. It is iu the form of a fine amylaous 
 powder, of a whitish colour, with a yellowish or reddish tint, and of a fainbut 
 somewhat musty odour. 
 
PiT I. 
 
 Sago. — Salix. 
 
 641 
 
 ommon sago is insoluble in cold water, but by long boiling unites with that 
 ]iq d, becoming at first soft and transparent, and ultimately forming a gelatinous 
 sollion. Pearl sago is partially dissolved by cold water, probably owing to beat 
 use in its preparation. Chemically considered, it has the characters of starch. 
 Uner the microscope the granules of sago meal appear oval or ovate, and often 
 trusted so as to be more or less mullar-shaped. Many of them are broken, 
 am n most the surface is irregular or tuberculated. They exhibit upon their 
 suice concentric rings, which, however, are much less distinct than in potato 
 sta h. The hilum is circular when perfect, and cracks either with a single slit, 
 or ;?ross, or in a stellate manner. The granules of pearl sago are of the same 
 for: but are all ruptured, and exhibit only indistinct traces of the annular lines, 
 bang been altered in the process employed in preparing them. Those of the 
 comon sago are very similar to the particles of sago meal, except that they are 
 perps rather less regular and more broken. (Pereira.) 
 
 1 tato starch is sometimes prepared in Europe so as to resemble bleached 
 pea sago, for which it is sold. But, when examined under the microscope, it 
 exbits larger granules, which are also more regularly oval or ovate, smoother, 
 lessbroken, and more distinctly marked with the annular rugae than those of 
 sag and the hilum often cracks with two slightly diverging slits. 
 
 fro is used exclusively as an article of diet. Being nutritive, easily digesti- 
 ble, id wholly destitute of irritating properties, it is frequently employed in febrile 
 cast and in convalescence from acute disorders, in the place of richer and less 
 inment food. It is given in the liquid state, and in its preparation care should 
 be ken to boil it long in water, and stir it diligently, in order that the grains 
 majse thoroughly dissolved. Should any portion remain undissolved, it should 
 be narated by straining; as it might offend a delicate stomach. A tablespoon- 
 ful the pint of water is sufficient for ordinary purposes. The solution may 
 be slsoned with sugar and nutmeg or other spice, and with wine, where these 
 are lit contra-indicated. W. 
 
 SALIX. TJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Willow. 
 
 T bark of Salix alba. TJ. S. 
 
 C Syn. SALICIS CORTEX. Bark of Salix Caprea. Ed. 
 
 Ekce de saule, Fr.; Weidenrinde, Germ,.; Corteccia di salcio, Ital. ; Corteza de sauce, 
 mlM 1 -v - ~ ' .« 
 
 S|ix. Sex. Syst. Dicecia Diandria. — Nat. Ord. Salieaceae. 
 
 G .Ch. Male. Amentum cylindrical. Calyx a scale. Corolla none. Glands 
 of tl base nectariferous. Female. Amentum cylindrical. Calyx a scale. Co- 
 wa one. Style two-cleft. Capsule one-celled, two-valved. Seeds downy. Willd. 
 
 T I is a very extensive genus, comprising, according to Nuttall, not less than 
 one ndred and thirty species, which, with very few exceptions, are natives of 
 Eiurc ;, and of the northern and temperate parts of North America. Though 
 most f them are probably possessed of similar medical properties, only two are 
 now pognised as officinal in the Pharmacopoeias of the U. States and Great 
 brit;i; viz., S. alba and S. caprea; of which Salix alba only has been intro- 
 duce into this country. N. Russell iana, which has been introduced from 
 hurt :, is said by Sir James Smith to be the most valuable species. S. pur- 
 p.ure, which is a European species, is said by Lindley to be the most bitter, and 
 
 p tandra is preferred by Nees von Esenbeck. Many native species are in 
 a l| pi lability equally active with the foreign ; but they have not been sufficiently 
 tried i regular practice to admit of a positive decision. The younger Michaux 
 
642 
 
 Scilix. 
 
 PAE 
 
 speaks of S. nigra or Uaclc willow as affording in its root a strong bitter, id 
 in the country as a preventive and cure of interiuittents. In consequence of e 
 pliability of the young branches or twigs, the willow is well adapted for the m; i- 
 facture of baskets and other kinds of wicker-work; and several species, na e 
 and introduced, are employed for this purpose in the United States. S. B < /- 
 lonica or weeping willow is a favourite ornamental tree. The degree of bitter ;s 
 in the bark is probably the best criterion of the value of the different spec-i 
 Salix alba. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 710; Smith, Flor. Brit. 1071. Theci- 
 mon European or white willow is twenty-five or thirty feet in height, 
 numerous round spreading branches, the younger of which are silky. The I k 
 of the trunk is cracked and brown, that of the smaller branches smooth ,d 
 greenish. The leaves are alternate, upon short petioles, lanceolate, poinl, 
 acutely serrate with the lower serratures glandular, pubescent on both sides, id 
 silky beneath. There are no stipules. The flowers appear at the same lie 
 with the leaves. The amenta are terminal, cylindrical, and elongated, ':h 
 elliptical-lanceolate, brown, pubescent scales. The stamens are two in numr, 
 yellow, and somewhat longer than the scales; the style is short; the stigas 
 two-parted and thick. The capsule is nearly sessile, ovate, and smooth, le 
 white willow has been introduced into this country from Europe, and is w 
 very common. It flowers in April and 31ay; and the bark is easily separle 
 throughout the summer. 
 
 That obtained from the branches rolls up when dried into the form of a qll, 
 has a brown epidermis, is flexible, fibrous, and of difficult pulverization. Wbw 
 bark has a feebly aromatic odour, and a peculiar bitter astringent taste. It y:ds 
 its active properties to water, with which it forms a reddish-brown decocn. 
 Pelletier and Caventou found among its ingredients tannin, resin, a bitter year 
 colouring matter, a green fatty matter, gum, wax, lignin, and an organic id 
 combined with magnesia. The proportion of tannin is so considerable thathe 
 bark has been used for tanning leather. A crystalline principle has also en 
 obtained from it, which, having the medical virtues of the willow, has receed 
 the name of salicin. When pure, it is in white, shining, slender crystals, 10 - 
 dorous, but very bitter, with the peculiar flavour of the bark. It is solub in 
 cold water, much more so in boiling water, soluble in alcohol, and insolub in 
 ether and the oil of turpentine. It neutralizes neither acids nor salifiable bis; 
 and is not precipitated by any reagent. Concentrated sulphuric acid deeomjses 
 it, receiving from it an intense and permanent bright-red colour, and proding 
 a new compound called rululin. Muriatic and dilute sulphuric acids convt it 
 into grape-sugar, and a white, tasteless, insoluble powder named saliretin. ‘is- 
 tilled with bichromate of potassa and sulphuric acid, it yields, among otkerro- 
 ducts, a volatile oleaginous fluid, identical with one of the components of i of 
 spiraea, and, from its acicl properties, denominated salicylous acid. Tb is 
 considered by Dumas as consisting of a peculiar compound radical called sahjle 
 and hydrogen. The formula of salicin is C^H^CU,. ( Turners Chemistry .)tbe 
 honour of its discovery is claimed by Buchner, of Germany, and Fontanmd 
 Bigatelli, of Italy; but M. Leroux, of France, deserves the credit of havingrst 
 accurately investigated its properties. Braconnot procured it by adding suce- 
 tate of lead to a decoction of the bark, precipitating the excess of lead byul- 
 phuric acid, evaporating the colourless liquid which remains, adding neaithe 
 end of the process a little animal charcoal previously washed, and filterin the 
 liquor while hot. Upon cooling it deposits the salicin in a crystalline nn. 
 (Journ. de Chimie Medicate , Jan. 1^31.) The following is the proce of 
 Merck. A boiling concentrated decoction of the bark is treated with litlrge 
 until it becomes nearly colourless. Gum. tannin, and extractive matter, tab 
 would impede the crystallization of the salicin, are thus removed from the libd; 
 
P;LT I. 
 
 Salix. — Salvia. 
 
 643 
 
 wl e a portion of the oxide is dissolved in union probably with the salicin. To 
 se rate this portion of oxide, sulphuric acid is first added and then sulphuret 
 ofarium, and the liquor is filtered and evaporated. Salicin is deposited, and 
 m: be purified by repeated solution and crystallization. ( Turner’s Chemistry.') 
 Emann has given another process. Sixteen ounces of the bark are macerated 
 for wenty-four hours in four quarts of water mixed with two ounces of lime, 
 an the whole is then boiled for half an hour. The process is repeated with the 
 reflue. The decoctions having been mixed, and allowed to become clear by 
 sulidence, the liquor is poured off, concentrated to a quart, then digested with 
 eig.: ounces of ivory -black, filtered, and evaporated to dryness. The extract is 
 exlusted by spirit containing 28 per cent, of alcohol, and the tincture evaporated 
 so at the salicin may crystallize. This is purified by again dissolving, treating 
 wit ivory-black, and crystallizing. ( Christison’s Dispensatory.) Merck ob- 
 tai d 251 grains from 16 ounces of the bark and young twigs of Salix helix, 
 anclrdmann 300 grains from the same quantity of the bark of Salix pentandra. 
 It ay probably be obtained from any of the willow barks having a bitter taste. 
 Brrbnnot procured it from various species of Populus, particularly P. tremula 
 or iropean aspen. 
 
 .idical Properties and Uses. The bark of the willow is tonic and astringent, 
 anaas been employed as a substitute for Peruvian bark, particularly in inter- 
 mit nt fever. It has attracted much attention from the asserted efficacy of 
 salia in the cure of this complaint. There seems to be no room to doubt, from 
 theestimony of numerous practitioners in France, Italy, and Germany, that 
 thinrinciple has the property of arresting intermittents ; though the ascription 
 to i'jof equal efficacy with the sulphate of quinia was certainly premature. The 
 bar may be employed in substance or decoction, in the same doses and with 
 the toe mode of preparation as cinchona. The dose of salicin is from two to 
 eigl grains, to be so repeated, that from twenty to forty grains may be taken 
 dail or in the interval between the paroxysms of an intermittent. Magendie 
 has pen fevers cut short in one day by three doses of six grains each. The 
 deciion of willow has been found beneficial as an external application to foul 
 andidolent ulcers. W. 
 
 SALVIA. U.S. Secondary. 
 
 Sage. 
 
 T>< leaves of Salvia officinalis. U. S. 
 
 Sige, Fr.; Salbey, Germ.; Salvia, Ital., Span. 
 
 S ,via. Sex. Syst. Diandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Lamiaceae or Labiatse. 
 
 C i.Ch. Corolla unequal. Filaments affixed transversely to a pedicel. WUld. 
 
 <Si via officinalis. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 129; Woody. Med. Bot. p. 352, t. 
 127 Common garden sage is a perennial plant, about two feet- high, with a 
 quat'mgular, pubescent, branching, shrubby stem, furnished with opposite, 
 peticj te, ovate-lanceolate, crenulate, wrinkled leaves, of a grayish-green colour, 
 somi mes tinged with red or purple. The flowers are blue, variegated with 
 wkit.and purple ; and are disposed on long terminal spikes, in distant whorls, 
 each omposed of few flowers, and accompanied with ovate, acute, deciduous 
 brae s. The calyx is tubular and striated, with two lips, of which the upper 
 has • -ee acute teeth, the under two. The corolla is tubular, bilabiate, ringent, 
 with ie upper lip concave, the lower divided into three rounded lobes, of which 
 the tddle is the largest. The filaments are supported upon short pedicels, to 
 whicjthey are affixed transversely at the middle. 
 
 Si ; grows spontaneously in the South of Europe, and is cultivated abund- 
 ant!; i o Ur gardens. There are several varieties, differing in the size and colour 
 
644 
 
 Salvia. — Sambucus. 
 
 par: 
 
 of their flowers, but all possessed of the same medical properties. The flower? 
 period is in June, at which time the plant should be cut and dried in a sh y 
 place. The leaves are the officinal portion. 
 
 Both these and the flowering summits have a strong fragrant odour, an a 
 warm, bitterish, aromatic, somewhat astringent taste. They abound in a vi- 
 tile oil, which may be obtained separate by distillation with water, and cont; s 
 a considerable proportion of camphor. Sulphate of iron strikes a black coir 
 with their infusion. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Sage unites a slight degree of tonic power d 
 astringency with aromatic properties. By the ancients it was highly esteem ; 
 but it is at present little used internally, except as a condiment. In the s:e 
 of infusion it may be given in debility of the stomach with flatulence, an is 
 said to have been useful in checking the sweats of hectic fever. But its r st 
 useful application is as a gargle in inflammation of the throat, and relaxa n 
 of the uvula. For this purpose it is usually employed in infusion, with hey 
 and alum, or vinegar. The dose of the powdered leaves is from twenty to th y 
 grains. The infusion is prepared by macerating an ounce of the leaves a 
 pint of boiling water, of which two fluidounces may be administered at oe. 
 When intended merely as a pleasant drink in febrile complaints, or to aty 
 nausea, the maceration should continue but a very short time, so that all 
 bitterness of the leaves may not be extracted. 
 
 Two other species of salvia — S. pratensis and S. Sclarea — are ranked amig 
 officinal plants in Europe. The latter, which is commonly called clarry, as 
 been introduced into our gardens. Their medical properties are essentiallyie 
 same as those of the common sage ; but they are less agreeable, and are ot 
 much used. In Europe, the leaves of S. Sclarea are said to be introduced to 
 wine in order to impart to it a muscadel taste. V 
 
 SAMBUCUS. TJ. S. Secondary, Land., Ed. 
 
 Elder Flowers. 
 
 The flowers of Sambucus Canadensis. U. S. Sambucus nigra. The rent 
 flowers. Land. Flowers of Sambucus nigra. Ed. 
 
 Sureau, Fr.; Hollunder, Germ,.; Sambuco, ltal.; Sauco, Span. 
 
 Sambucus. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Trigynia. — Nat.Ord. Caprifoliace®. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-parted. Corolla five-cleft Berry three-seeded. IT//. 
 
 Sambucus Canadensis. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1494. Our indigenous comon 
 elder is a shrub from six to ten feet high, with a branching stem, which is coved 
 with a rough gray bark, and contains a large spongy pith. The small branes 
 and the leafstalks are very smooth. The leaves are opposite, pinnate, someties 
 bipinnate, and composed usually of three or four pairs of oblong-oval, aeumi te, 
 smooth, shining, deep-green leaflets, the midribs of which are somewhat ]be- 
 scent. The flowers are small, white, and disposed in loose cymes, having out 
 five divisions. The berries are small, globular, and deep-purple when ripe 
 
 The shrub grows in low moist grounds, along fences, and on the horde ot 
 small streams, in all parts of the United States, from Canada to Carolina It 
 flowers from May to July, and ripens its berries early in autumn. The flo’n. 
 which are the officinal portion, have a somewhat aromatic, though rather Iwy 
 odour. The berries as well as other parts of the plant are employed in dou-tic 
 practice, and answer the same purposes as the corresponding parts of the ]m>- 
 pean elder, to which this species bears a close affinity. 
 
 Sambucus nigra. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1495; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 596. t.lb 
 The common elder of Europe differs from the American most obviously lta 
 size, which approaches to that of a small tree. The stem is much brauchi to- 
 
PBT I. 
 
 Sambucus. — Sanguinaria. 
 
 645 
 
 \rds the top, and has a rough whitish bark. The leaves are pinnate, consisting 
 u ally of five oval, pointed, serrate leaflets, four of which are in opposite pairs, 
 ai the fifth terminal. The flowers are small, whitish, and in five-parted cymes. 
 T: berries are globular, and of a blackish-purple colour when ripe. 
 
 deflowers have a peculiar sweetish odour, which is strong in their recent 
 st:e, but becomes feeble by drying. Their taste is bitterish. They yield their 
 acve properties to water by infusion, and when distilled give over a small pro- 
 pibion of volatile oil, which on cooling assumes a butyraceous consistence, 
 liter distilled from them contains an appreciable portion of ammonia. The 
 beies are nearly inodorous, but have a sweetish, acidulous taste, dependent on 
 tt saccharine matter and malic acid which they contain. Their expressed juice 
 is isceptible of fermentation, and forms a vinous liquid used in the North of 
 Eope. It is coloured violet by alkalies, and bright red by acids; and the 
 ccuring matter is precipitated blue by acetate of lead. The inner bark is with- 
 oi smell. Its taste is at first sweetish, afterwards slightly bitter, acrid, and 
 n£3eous. Both water and alcohol extract its virtues, which are said to reside 
 eslcially in the green layer between the liber and epidermis. According to 
 Sion, the active principle of the inner bark of the root is a soft resin, which 
 nr be obtained by exhausting the powdered bark with alcohol, filtering the tinc- 
 tu , evaporating to the consistence of syrup, then adding ether, which dissolves 
 th active matter, and finally evaporating to the consistence of a thick extract. 
 0 his, twenty grains produce brisk vomiting and purging. (Annal. der Pliarm., 
 xii. 262.) The bark, analyzed by Kramer, yielded an acid called by him vi- 
 bviie acid, but which has proved to be the valerianic, traces of volatile oil, 
 al men, resin, an acid sulphurous fat, wax, chlorophylle, tannic acid, grape-sugar, 
 go, extractive, starch, pectin, and various alkaline and earthy salts. ( Chem . 
 G ., May, 1846, from Archiv. der Pharm.) 
 
 ■edical Properties and Uses. The flowers are gently excitant and sudorific, 
 bo are seldom used except externally, as a discutient in the form of poultice, 
 foimtation, or ointment. The berries are diaphoretic and aperient; and their 
 in: issa ted juice has enjoyed some reputation as a remedy in rheumatic, gouty, 
 entire, and syphilitic affections. Its dose as an alterative diaphoretic is one or 
 tw drachms, as a laxative half an ounce or more. The inner bark is a hydra- 
 go e cathartic, acting also as an emetic in large doses. It has been employed 
 in -opsy, and as an alterative in various chronic diseases. An ounce may be 
 bo d with two pints of water to a pint, and four fluidounces of the decoction 
 gin for a dose. It is also sometimes used in vinous infusion. The leaves are 
 no vithout activity, and the young leaf-buds are said to be a violent and even 
 un fe purgative. The juice of the root has been highly recommended in dropsy 
 as hydragogue cathartic, sometimes acting as an emetic, in the dose of a table- 
 spuful, repeated every day, or less frequently if it act with violence. 
 
 f. Prep. Aqua Sambuci ; Unguentum Sambuci. "W. 
 
 SANGUINARIA. U.S. 
 
 Blood root. 
 
 ie rhizoma of Sanguinaria Canadensis. U. S. 
 
 .nguinaria. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Papaveraceae. 
 
 °.n.Ch. Calyx two-leaved. Petals eight. Stigma sessile, two-grooved. Cap- 
 swl iuperior, oblong, one-celled, two-valved, apex attenuated. Receptacles two, 
 fib m, marginal. Nuttall. 
 
 inguinaria Canadensis. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1140; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 
 i- i ; Barton, Med. Bot. i. 31 . The bloodroot, or, as it is sometimes called, puc- 
 coc is an herbaceous perennial plant. The root (rhizoma) is horizontal, abrupt, 
 
646 
 
 Sanguinaria. 
 
 PAR; 
 
 often contorted, about as thick as the finger, two or three inches long, fleshy f 
 a reddish-brown colour on the outside, and brighter red within. It is furnis 1 
 with numerous slender radicles, and makes offsets from the sides, which suc-ei 
 the old plant. From the end of the root arise the scape and leafstalks, f- 
 rounded by the large sheaths of the bud. These spring up together, the fol 1 
 leaf enveloping the flower-bud, and rolling back as the latter expands. r e 
 leaf, which stands upon a long channeled petiole, is reniform, somewhat he - 
 shaped, deeply lobed, smooth, yellowish-green on the upper surface, paler r 
 glaucous on the under, and strongly marked by orange-coloured veins. r e 
 scape is erect, round, and smooth, rising from a few inches to a foot in heiy, 
 and terminating in a single flower. The calyx is two-leaved and deciduous. e 
 petals, varying from seven to fourteen, but usually about eight in number, e 
 spreading, ovate, obtuse, concave, mostly white, but sometimes slightly tin d 
 with rose or purple. The stamens are numerous, with yellow filaments sho r 
 than the corolla, and orange oblong anthers. The germ is oblong and ex- 
 pressed, and supports a sessile, persistent stigma. The capsule is oblong, ac e 
 at both ends, two-valved, and contains numerous oval, reddish-brown seeds. e 
 whole plant is pervaded by an orange-coloured sap, which flows from every j-t 
 wdien broken, but is of the deepest colour in the root. 
 
 The bloodroot is one of the earliest and most beautiful spring flowers of Nch 
 America. It grows abundantly throughout the whole United States, delightg 
 in loose rich soils, and shady situations, and flowering in March and April. A r 
 the fall of the flower, the leaves continue to grow, and, by the middle of sumnr, 
 have become so large as to give the plant an entirely different aspect. All p :s 
 of the plant are active, but the root only is officinal. 
 
 This, when dried, is in pieces from one to three inches long, from a qua?r 
 to half an inch or more in thickness, flattened, much wrinkled and twisted, oin 
 furnished with abrupt offsets and numerous short fibres, of a reddish-brown co.'ir 
 externally, with a spongy uneven fracture, the surface of which is at first bri;t- 
 orange, but becomes of a dull-brown by long exposure. The colour of the pow'r 
 is a brownish orange-red. Sanguinaria has a faint narcotic odour, and a bitte h 
 very acrid taste, the pungency of which remains long in the mouth and faus. 
 It yields its virtues to wrnter and alcohol. The late Dr. Dana, of New Yfc, 
 obtained from it a peculiar alkaline principle, denominated by him sanguinary 
 upon which the acrimony, and perhaps the medical virtues of the root depd. 
 It may be procured, according to Dana, by infusing the finely powdered room 
 hot water or diluted muriatic or acetic acid, precipitating with water of ammoa, 
 collecting the precipitated matter, boiling it in water with pure animal chard, 
 filtering off the water, exposing the residue left upon the filter to the actio ot 
 alcohol, and finally evaporating the alcoholic solution. (Ann. Ltjc. of Nat. hi., 
 New York, ii. 250.) It may also be conveniently procured by a process siaar 
 to that employed by Probst for obtaining chelerythrin from celandine, ds 
 consists in forming a strong ethereal tincture of the root; passing through is 
 muriatic acid gas, drying the precipitated muriate which is insoluble in et r, 
 dissolving it in hot water, filtering, precipitating by ammonia, drying the e- 
 cipitate, dissolving it in ether, decolorizing by animal charcoal, again precipitate 
 by means of muriatic acid gas, and decomposing the muriate as before. (CM. 
 Gaz., i. 145.) Sanguiuarina, thus obtained, is a white pearly substance, oin 
 acrid taste, very sparingly soluble in water, soluble in ether, and very solub.m 
 alcohol. With the acids it forms salts soluble in water, all of which have sue 
 shade of red, crimson, or scarlet, and form beautiful red solutions. Thevre 
 acrid and pungent to the taste, particularly the muriate and acetate. From t se 
 facts it would appear that the red colour and acrid properties of the blood ot 
 may be owing to the presence of some native salt of sanguinarina, which ism- 
 
Pi IT I. 
 
 Sanguinaria. — Santalum. 
 
 647 
 
 ec posed by ammonia in the separation of the organic alkali. The formula of 
 saruinarina is NC 37 H 16 0 8 . A principle has been extracted from bloodroot by 
 R^el analogous to the porphyroxin found by Merck in opium. ( (Jheni. Gaz., 
 iv 198.) The virtues of the root are said to be rapidly deteriorated by time. 
 
 ledical Properties and Uses. Sanguinaria is an acrid emetic, with stimulant 
 an narcotic powers. In small doses it excites the stomach, and accelerates the 
 einlation ; more largely given, produces nausea and consequent depression of 
 th pulse; and in the full dose occasions active vomiting. The effects of an 
 ovdose are violent emesis, a burning sensation in the stomach, tormenting 
 that, faintness, vertigo, dimness of vision, and alarming prostration. Four 
 peons lost their lives at Bellevue Hospital, New York, in consequence of 
 dr king largely of tincture of bloodroot, which they mistook for ardent spirit. 
 (A Journ. of Med, Sci., N. S., ii. 506.) Snuffed up the nostrils, bloodroot 
 ex;es much irritation, attended with sneezing. Upon fungous surfaces it acts 
 as i escharotic. It has been given in typhoid pneumonia, catarrh, pertussis, 
 cnp, phthisis pulmonalis, scarlatina, rheumatism, jaundice, dyspepsia, hydro- 
 tkax, and some other affections, either as an emetic, nauseant, or alterative; 
 an its virtues are highly praised by many judicious practitioners. Dr. Mothers- 
 he , of Indianapolis, speaks in the strongest terms of its efficacy as an excitant 
 to e liver, given in alterative doses. (See Wood’s Quart. Retrosp,, ii. 80.) 
 
 he dose with a view to its emetic operation is from ten to twenty grains, given 
 in >wder or pill. The latter form is preferable, in consequence of the great irri- 
 tatn of throat produced by the powder when swallowed. For other purposes 
 thtlose is from one to five grains, repeated more or less frequently according to 
 tkiffect desired. The medicine is sometimes given in infusion or decoction, in 
 thc'i-oportion of half an ounce to the pint. The emetic dose of this preparation 
 is im half a fluidounce to a fluidounce. The tincture is officinal. An infusion 
 in aegar has been employed advantageously, as a local application, in obstinate 
 cutieous affections; and Dr. R. G. Jennings has found it more efficient as a gargle 
 in e sorethroat of scarlatina than any other that he has employed. ( Stethoscope , 
 ii. j!2.) Dr. Stevens, of Ceres, New York, has found the powder useful as an 
 errne, in coryza, combined with cloves and camphor. [N. Y. Journ. of Med., 
 N. , iv. 358.) 
 
 f. Prep. Tinctura Sanguinariae. W. 
 
 j e wood of Pterocarpus santalinus. U. S. 
 
 ?■ Syn. PTEPiOCARPUS. Pterocarpus santalinus. The wood. Lond., Ed. 
 latal rouge, Ft.; Santelkolz, Germ. 
 
 Ierocarpus. Sex. Syst. Diadelphia Decandria. — Nat. Ord. Fabaceae or 
 Le; minosae. 
 
 _ 4 *. Oh. Calyx five-toothed. Legume falcated, leafy, varicose, girted by a 
 wir not gaping. Seeds solitary. Willd. 
 
 - erocarpus santalinus. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 906; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 
 43(t. 156. This is a large tree with alternate branches, and petiolate ternate 
 lea each simple leaf being ovate, blunt, somewhat notched at the apex, entire, 
 vei l, smooth on the upper surface, and hoary beneath. The flowers are yellow, 
 m illary spikes, and have a papilionaceous corolla, of which the vexi/lum is 
 obc date, erect, somewhat reflexed at the sides, toothed and waved, the alee 
 spr ling with their edges apparently toothed, and the carina oblong, short, and 
 son ,vhat inflated. The tree is a native of India, attaining the highest perfection 
 
 SANTALUM. US. 
 
 Red Saunders. 
 
648 
 
 Santalum. — Sapo. par L 
 
 in mountainous districts, and inhabiting especially the mountains of Coromaifi 
 and Ceylon. Its wood is the true officinal red saunders, though there is re; a 
 to believe that the product of other trees is sold by the same name. 
 
 The wood comes in roundish or angular billets, internally of a blood-red coir 
 externally brown from exposure, compact, heavy, and fibrous. It is kept inie 
 shops in the state of small chips, raspings, or coarse powder. 
 
 Red saunders has little smell or taste. It imparts a red colour to alee 1 
 ether, and alkaline solutions, but not to water; and a test is thus affordeoy 
 which it may be distinguished from some other colouring woods. The aleotic 
 tincture produces a deep-violet precipitate with the sulphate of iron, a see at 
 with the bichloride of mercury, and a violet with the soluble salts of lead. ie 
 colouring principle, which was separated by Pelletier, and called by him santen, 
 is of a resinous character, scarcely soluble in cold water, more so in boiling w; r, 
 very soluble in alcohol, ether, acetic acid, and alkaline solutions, but slightlin 
 the fixed and volatile oils, with the exception of those of lavender and rosemy, 
 which readily dissolve it. It is precipitated when acids are added to the infum 
 of the wood prepared with an alkaline solution. Weyermann and Hoefferly ]?e 
 found it to be possessed of acid properties. The wood has no medical virt s, 
 and is employed solely for the purpose of imparting colour. 
 
 Off. Prep. Spiritus Lavandulae Compositus; Tinctura Cinchonas Compoa; 
 Tiuctura Rhei et Senuae. I' 
 
 SAPO. TJ. S., Lond. 
 
 Soap. 
 
 Soap made with soda and olive oil. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. SAPO PURUS, Ed., Dub. Spanish or Castile soap, made th 
 olive oil and soda. Ed. 
 
 Savon blanc, Ft.; Oel-sodaseife, Germ.; Sapone duro, Ital.; Xabon, Span. 
 
 SAPO VULGARIS. TJ. S. 
 
 Common Soap. 
 
 Soap made with soda and animal oil. U. S. 
 
 Savon de suit, Savon de graisse, Fr.; Talgseife, Germ. 
 
 SAPO MOLLIS. Lond., Ed. 
 
 Soft Soap. 
 
 Soap made with olive oil and potash. Lond., Ed. 
 
 Savon mou, Savon vert, Savon a base de potasse, Fr.; Schmierseife, Kaliseife. 
 
 Soaps, in the most extended signification of the term, embrace all those m- 
 pounds which result from the reaction of salifiable bases with fats and oils, ats 
 and oils, as has been explained under the titles Adeps and Olea, consist of 'res 
 principles, two solid, differing in fusibility, called stearin and mdrgarin, anone 
 liquid, called olein, of which there are two varieties. Stearin charac-terizethe 
 fats which are firm and solid, as tallow ; margarin, those that are soft like d; 
 and olein the oils. When the fats and oils undergo saponification by reaioa 
 with a salifiable base, these three principles are decomposed into oily acids cu- 
 liar to each, discovered by Chevreul, and called stearic, margaric, and oleic J ds. 
 which unite with the base to form the soap, and into a sweet principled 
 
P/T I. 
 
 649 
 
 Sapo. 
 
 sa nifiable, called glycerin, which is set free. Hence it is inferred that stearin 
 is stearate, margarin a margarate, and olein an oleate of glycerin, and that the 
 fat and oils are mixtures of these three oily salts. Hence, also, it is obvious 
 th; soaps are mixed stearates, margarates, and oleates of various bases. Stearic 
 ad is a firm white solid, fusible at 167°, greasy to the touch, pulverizable, 
 solble in alcohol, very soluble in ether, but insoluble in water. In the impure 
 sta- it is used as a substitute for wax, for making candles. Margaric acid has 
 tbappearance of fat, and is fusible at 140°. Oleic acid is au oily liquid, 
 inf uble in water, soluble in alcohol and ether, lighter than water, crystallizable 
 in 3edles a little below 32°, and having a slight smell and pungent taste. Gly- 
 cen will be described under a separate head. (See Glycerina .) 
 
 )aps are divided into the soluble and insoluble. The soluble soaps are com- 
 biitions of the oily acids with soda, potassa, and ammonia; the insoluble consist 
 of ie same acids united with earths and metallic oxides. It is the soluble soaps 
 on that are detergent, and to which the name soap is generally applied. Several 
 of ie insoluble soaps are employed in pharmacy ; as, for example, the soap of 
 thorotoxide of lead, or lead plaster, and the soap of lime, or lime liniment. 
 (S Emplastrum Plumbi and Linimentum Calais.) 
 
 he consistency of the fixed alkaline soaps depends partly on the nature of 
 thioil or fat, and partly on the alkali present. Soaps are harder the more 
 steate and margarate they contain, and softer when the oleate predominates; 
 an as it respects the alkali present, they are harder when formed with soda, 
 an softer when containing potassa. Hence it is that of pure soaps, considered 
 as Its, stearate of soda is the hardest and least soluble, and oleate of potassa 
 thooftest and most soluble. 
 
 le officinal soaps, here described, embrace three varieties; namely, two soda 
 so:;, one made with olive oil (Castile soap), the other with animal oil (common 
 so:); and one potassa soap (soft soap). The soap of ammonia is noticed under 
 an :er head. (See Linimentum Ammoniee) 
 
 reparation. The following is an outline of the process for making soap. The 
 oil r fat is boiled with a solution of caustic alkali, until the-whole forms a thick 
 m: , which can be drawn out into long clear threads. After the soap is com- 
 ple ly formed, the next step is to separate it from the excess of alkali, the 
 ghirin, and redundant water. This is effected by adding common salt, or a 
 ve strong alkaline lye, in either of which the soap is insoluble. The same 
 en may be attained by boiling down the solution, until the excess of alkali 
 fois a strong alkaline solution, which acts the same part in separating the soap 
 as e addition of a similar solution. As soon as the soap is completely sepa- 
 rate it rises to the surface, and, when it has ceased to froth in boiling, is ladled 
 ou nto wooden frames to congeal, after which it is cut into bars by means of a 
 wi The soap, as first separated, is called grain soap. It may be purified by 
 dis lving it in an alkaline lye, and separating it by common salt. During this 
 pri;ss the impurities subside, and the soap combines with more water; and 
 he e it becomes weaker, although purer and whiter. If the grain soap be not 
 pu ied it forms marbled soap, the coloured streaks arising principally from an 
 ins uble soap of oxidized iron. Sometimes the marbled appearance is produced 
 bydding to the soap, as soon as it is completely separated, a fresh portion of 
 1}'< md immediately afterwards a solution of sulphate of iron. The black oxide 
 of on is precipitated, and gives rise to dark-coloured streaks, which, by expo- 
 se to the air, become red, in consequence of the conversion of the black into 
 tin esquioxide of iron. 
 
 ie officinal soap (Sapo) of the U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias is an olive 
 oil )da soap, made on the same general plan as that just explained. It is the 
 *So Durus of the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges. 
 
650 
 
 Sapo. 
 
 PAR' 
 
 Common Soap (Sapo Vulgaris) is also a soda soap; but instead of olivi t 
 contains concrete animal oil. This soap corresponds with the white soap f 
 Northern European countries and of the United States, and is formed usuy 
 from barilla and tallow. In Scotland it is manufactured from kelp and talk. 
 It was introduced into the list of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia as the only prc r 
 soap for making opodeldoc. (See Linimentum Saponis Camphoratum.) 
 
 Soft Soap (Sapo Mollis) is prepared on the same general principles as bd 
 soap ; potash being employed as the alkali, and a fatty matter, rich in olein s 
 the oil. The French soft soap is made with the seed oils, such as rape seed, hop 
 seed, &c.; the Scotch and Irish, with fish oil and some tallow; and our ch 
 with refuse fat and grease. A lye of wood-ashes is the form of potash usu;y 
 employed. In forming this soap it is necessary that it should continue dissold 
 in the alkaline solution, instead of being separated from it. Hence soft soa's 
 a soap of potassa, completely dissolved in the solution of its alkali, which is c 
 sequently present in excess. A soap of potassa is sometimes made with a vv 
 to its conversion into a soda soap. This conversion is effected by the addiin 
 of common salt, which, by double decomposition, generates a soap of soda, d 
 chloride of potassium in solution. After this change is effected, the additionf 
 a further portion of salt separates the soda soap formed. 
 
 Besides the officinal soaps of the United States and British Pharmacopoe?, 
 there are many other varieties, more or less used for medicinal or ec-onomd 
 purposes. The officinal soap of the French Codex, called amygdaline 
 ( almond oil soap), is formed of caustic soda and almond oil, and is directedo 
 be kept for two months exposed to the air, before being used. Starkey’s so, 
 also officinal in the Codex, is prepared by uniting, by trituration, equal partof 
 carbonate of potassa, oil of turpentine, and Venice turpentine. Beef’s mano 
 soap is a fine animal oil soap, also included in the French standard of pharmsi. 
 Windsor soap is a scented soda soap, made of one part of olive oil and nine pas 
 of tallow. Eau de luce ( aqua luciae) is a kind of liquid soap, formed by rnixg 
 a tincture of oil of amber and balsam of Gilead with water of ammonia. Trcs- 
 parent soap is prepared by saponifying kidney fat with soda free from foren 
 salts, drying the resulting soap, dissolving it in alcohol, filtering and evaporatg 
 the solution, and running it into moulds wheu sufficiently concentrated, '.e 
 soap is yellow or yellowish-brown, and preserves its transparency after desiu- 
 tion. Palm soap is prepared from soda and palm oil, to which tallow is add 
 to increase its firmness. If it be wanted white, the palm oil must be bleacd 
 by sulphuric acid, by chlorine, or by exposure to the sun. This soap has a 1- 
 lowish colour, and the agreeable odour of violets, derived from the oil. Sp 
 balls are prepared by dissolving soap in a small quantity of water, and tn 
 forming it with starch into a mass of the proper consistence. Common yet'-c 
 soap (rosin soap) derives its peculiarities from an admixture of rosiu and a li.e 
 palm oil with the tallow employed ; the oil being added to improve its colcr. 
 Large quantities of lard oil (nearly pure olein) are manufactured into soap. 
 
 All the varieties of soap, except a few of the fancy sort and the olive il 
 soaps, are manufactured in the United States. The latter, which are cliiy 
 used for medicinal purposes, are imported from France. 
 
 Properties. Soap, whatever may be its variety, has the same general pret- 
 ties. Its aspect and consistence are familiar to every one. Its smell is peculr, 
 and taste slightly alkaline. It is somewhat heavier than water, and therefe 
 sinks in that liquid. Exposed to heat it quick]}’ fuses, swells up, and is deei- 
 posed. It is soluble in water, and more readily in hot than in cold. Pot; :; a 
 soaps and those containing oleic acid are far more soluble than the soda so;s, 
 especially those in which the stearates and margarates predominate. Acs. 
 added to an aqueous solution of soap, combine with the alkali, and set free te 
 
PAP I. 
 
 651 
 
 Sapo. 
 
 oil’icids, whic-b, being diffused through the water, give it a milky appearance, 
 Itsecomposition is also produced by metallic salts, which invariablygive rise 
 to 'soluble soaps. Soap is soluble in cold, and abundantly in boiling alcohol. 
 Th: solution constitutes the tincture of soap, and forms a very convenient test 
 for iscovering lime in natural waters. The efficacy of soap as a detergent 
 depids upon its power of rendering grease and other soiling substances soluble 
 in 'iter, and, therefore, capable of being removed by washing. Various adul- 
 tenlons in soap are lime, gypsum, heavy spar, steatite, and pipe-clay, in which 
 casijit will not be entirely soluble in alcohol. According to Dr. Riegel, glue 
 is aoccasional adulteration in Spanish soap, discoverable also by its insolubility 
 in Ejioho]. The same impurity is found in other soaps. 
 
 Vive oil soda soap (Sapo), otherwise called Castile or Spanish soap, is a 
 har soap, and is presented under two principal varieties, the white and the 
 mailed. White Castile soap, when good, is of a pale grayish-white colour, 
 incrkble of giving an oily stain to paper, devoid of rancid odour or strong alka- 
 linepialities, and entirely soluble both in water and alcohol. It should not 
 feellreasy, nor grow moist, but, on the contrary, should become dry by exposure 
 to ip air, without exhibiting any saline efflorescence. This variety of soap 
 con ins about twenty-one per cent, of water. Sometimes it contains a larger 
 pro rtion of water, with which the soap is made to combine by the manufac- 
 ture with the fraudulent intention of increasing its weight. Soap, thus adul- 
 terad, is known by its unusual whiteness, and by its suffering a great loss of 
 weiit in a dry air. The proportion of water may be ascertained by introducing 
 the lap into a saturated solution of chloride of sodium and boiling; when the 
 soapnearly free from water, concretes into a solid mass. Marbled Castile soap 
 is h der, more alkaline, and more constant in its composition than the other 
 varijy. It contains about fourteen per cent, of water. Containing less water 
 that .he white Castile, it is a stronger and more economical soap; but at the 
 samtime less pure. The impurity arises from the veins of marbling, which 
 con: t of ferruginous matter, as already explained. 
 
 A'mal oil soda soap (Sapo Vulgaris) is a hard soap, of a white colour, 
 ipcl ing to yellow. It is made from tallow and caustic soda. This soap pos- 
 sess the same general properties as the olive oil soda soap. 
 
 St soap (Sapo Mollis), as made in this country, is semi-fluid, slippery, 
 capne of being poured from one vessel to another, and of a dirty brownish- 
 yell r colour. This soap always contains an excess of alkali, which causes 
 it edict more powerfully as a detergent than hard soap, it also contains the 
 glye in of the fatty matters, which is always separated from hard soap. The 
 bon n and Edinburgh Colleges direct it to be made from olive oil and potash; 
 but r. Pereira states that he has not been able to meet with it in England. 
 Tha vhich is made in France has a greenish colour and the consistence of soft 
 oint :nt, and is composed of hemp seed oil and potash. It is called in the French 
 Cod- , savon vert. Sometimes it is manufactured from the dregs of olive oil. 
 
 Compatibles. Soap is decomposed by all the acids, earths, and earthy and 
 metaic salts. Acids combine with the alkali, and set free the oily acids of the 
 soap the earths unite with the oily acids and separate the alkali ; while the 
 eart; and metallic salts give rise, by double decomposition, to an insoluble soap 
 of tl ir base, and a saline combination between their acid and the alkali of the 
 soap Hard waters, in consequence of their containing salts of lime, decompose 
 and ardle soap. They may be rendered soft and fit for washing, by adding 
 suffi nt carbonate of soda, or of potassa, to precipitate all the lime. 
 
 C [position. It has been already explained that soap consists of certain oily 
 acid united with an alkali. As olive oil is a compound of margarin and olein, 
 so tl officinal “ soap” is a mixed margarate and oleate of soda. The officinal 
 
652 
 
 PAI I. 
 
 Sapo. — Sarsaparilla. 
 
 “common soap” is principally a stearate of soda, and “soft soap,” asde ri 
 by the London and Edinburgh Colleges, is a mixed margarate and oleat of 
 potassa. The most important soaps have the following composition in ae 
 hundred parts. Marseilles white soap , — soda 10 24, margaric acid 9'20, -ic 
 acid 59'20, water 2136. ( Braeonnot .) Castile soap, very dry. — soda, 9 0, It 
 acids 76 5, water 14'5. ( Ure. ) Glasgow soft soap , — potassa 9'0, oily acids 1 7 
 water 47'3. (Ure.) French soft soap , — potassa 9'5, oily acids 44, water 5. 
 ( Theriard ,) Most soaps, it is perceived, contain a large proportion of watc 1 
 
 Medical Properties. Soap possesses the properties of a laxative, antacid, ad 
 antilithic. It is seldom given alone, but frequently in combination with u- 
 barb, the astringenc-y of which it has a tendency to correct. Thus combine it 
 is frequently administered in dyspepsia, attended with constipation and tcor 
 of the liver. As it is readily decomposed by the weakest acids, which comne 
 with the alkali, it has proved useful in acidity of the stomach, and has en 
 recommended as a remedy in the uric acid diathesis; but it possesses no p er 
 to dissolve calculi, as was once supposed. Externally, soap is a stimulating is- 
 cutient, and as such has been used, by friction, in sprains and bruises, he 
 late Dr. A. T. Thomson found much benefit to result from rubbing the ti id 
 abdomen of children in mesenteric fever, morning and evening, with a stag 
 lather of soap. In constipation of the bowels, particularly when arising >m 
 hardened feces in the rectum, a strong solution of soap, especially of soft ; p, 
 forms a useful enema. When the latter is used, two tablespoonfuls may beis- 
 solved in a pint of warm water. In pharmacy, soap is frequently employefor 
 the purpose of giving a proper consistence to pills; but care must be takenot 
 to associate it with a substance which may be decomposed by it. It is alsan 
 ingredient in some liniments and plasters. In toxicology it is used as a covnr- 
 poison for the mineral acids, and should always be resorted to in poisoninby 
 these agents without a moment’s delay, and its use continued until magnia, 
 chalk, or the bicarbonate of soda or of potassa can be obtained. The mot of 
 administration, in these cases, is to give a teacupful of a solution of soap, ide 
 by dissolving it in four times its weight of water, every three or four min os, 
 until the patient has taken as much as he can swallow. The dose of so: is 
 from five grains to half a drachm, given in the form of pill. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Soap. Ceratum Saponis ; Emplastrum Resinae; Emplasm 
 Saponis; Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum ; Linimentum Opii ; Pike 
 Aloes; Pil. Aloes et Assafoetidae ; Pil. Assafoetidae ; Pil. Cambogiae; Pil. *lo- 
 cynthidis Comp. ; Pil. Opii ; Pil. Rhei; Pil. Rhei Comp. ; Pil. Saponis Co ).; 
 Pil. Seillas Comp. ; Tinctura Saponis Camphorata. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Common Soap. Linimentum Saponis Campkoratum. 
 
 Off. Prep, of Soft Soap. Enema Colocynthidis; Linimentum Terebinths; 
 Pilula Aloes cum Myrrha; Pil. Aloes cum Sapone ; Pil. Cambogiae Compo:a; 
 Pil. Colocynthidis Comp. ; Pil. G-albani Comp. ; Pil. Rhei Comp. ; Pil. Sajnis 
 Comp. ; Pil. Scillae Comp. ; Unguentum Sulphuris Compositum. 
 
 SARSAPARILLA. tJ. S., Dab. 
 
 Sarsaparilla. 
 
 The root of Smilax officinalis and of other species of Smilax. U. S. Sqax 
 officinalis. Jamaica Sarsaparilla. The root. Pub. 
 
 Off. Syn. SA11SA. Smilax officinalis. The root. Lond.; SARZA. Ro oi 
 Smilax officinalis, and probably other species. Pd. 
 
 Salsepareille, Fr.; Sarsaparille, Germ.; Sftlsapariglia, It at.: Zarzaparrilla, Span. 
 
 &MILAX. Sex. Sj/st. Dicecia Hexandria. — Mat. Ord. Smilacem. 
 
PA q i. Sarsaparilla. 653 
 
 , ;n .Ch. Male. Calyx six-leaved. Corolla none. Female. Calyx six-leaved. 
 (j 0 Jla none. Styles three. Berry three-celled. Seeds two. Wittd. 
 
 Jrmerly, Smilax Sarsaparilla was admitted by most of the standard autho- 
 viti as the source of this drug ; but it is doubtful whether any of the sarsa- 
 par a of the shops was ever obtained from that species. S. Sarsaparilla is a 
 nat 'e of the United States ; and the medicine has never, within our knowledge, 
 bee collected in this country. It is not among the eleven species of Smilax 
 desibed by Humboldt, Bonpland, and Kunth, who indicate S. officinalis, S. 
 syplitica, and S. Cumanensis, especially the first, as the probable sources of 
 the rug exported from Mexico and the Spanish Main. In the present state of 
 ournowledge, it is impossible to decide with certainty from what species the 
 sevnl commercial varieties of the drug are respectively derived. This much 
 is ctain, that they do not proceed from the same plant. Of the many species 
 bebgiug to this genus, few possess any medicinal power; and Hancock states 
 tha of the six or eight which he found growing in the woods of Guiana, only 
 oneiresented in any degree the sensible properties of the genuine sarsaparilla, 
 the est being insipid and inert. The root (rhizoma) of Smilax China, a native 
 of ( ina and Japan, has been employed under the name of China root for similar 
 purises with the officinal sarsaparilla. As it occurs in commerce, it is in pieces 
 frolj three to eight inches long and an inch or two thick, usually somewhat 
 flat red, more or less knotty, often branched, of a brownish or grayish-brown 
 cohr externally, whitish or of a light flesh-colour internally, without odour, 
 andf a taste flat at first, but afterwards very slightly bitterish and somewhat 
 acr; like that of sarsaparilla. The root of Smilax aspera is said to be em- 
 ploid in the South of Europe as a substitute for sarsaparilla; but it has little 
 rep ation. The East India sarsaparilla, which was at one time referred to this 
 specs of Smilax, is now known to be the product of Hemidesmus Indicus. (See 
 Hendesmus.) We shall briefly describe S. Sarsaparilla, on account of its 
 fori r officinal rank, and afterwards such other species as are believed to yield 
 anyortion of the drug. All of these species are climbing or trailing plants, with 
 pricy stems; a character expressed in the name of the medicine, which is derived 
 froitwo Spanish words (zar'za and parilla), signifying a small thorny vine. 
 
 iiilax Sarsaparilla. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 776; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 161, 
 t. 6 The stem of this plant is long, slender, shrubby, angular, and beset with 
 prides. The leaves are unarmed, ovate-lanceolate with about five nerves, 
 sonvhat glaucous beneath, and supported alternately upon footstalks, at the 
 bas' of which are long tendrils. The flowers usually stand three or four together, 
 upc a common peduncle, which is longer than the leafstalk. This species is 
 ind mous, growing in swamps and hedges in the Middle and Southern States. 
 
 & officinalis. Hurnb. and Bonpl. Plant. SEquinoet. i. 271. In this species 
 the tern is twining, angular, smooth, and prickly ; the young shoots are un- 
 artrl; the leaves ovate-oblong, acute, cordiform, five or seven-nerved, coria- 
 ceot , smooth, twelve inches long and four or five broad, with footstalks an inch 
 Ion; smooth, and furnished with tendrils. The young leaves are lanceolate- 
 oblig, acuminate, and three-nerved. According to Humboldt, the plant 
 abo ids on the river Magdalena, in New Granada, where it is called zarzaparilla 
 by p natives. Large quantities of the root are sent down the river to Mompox 
 and iarthagena. 
 
 * Syphilitica. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 780. The stem is round and smooth ; 
 am 1 at the joints with from two to four thick, straight prickles; and furnished 
 wit oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, three-nerved, coriaceous, shining leaves, 
 whi are a foot in length, and terminate by a long point. The plant was seen 
 by umboldt and Bonpland in New Granada, upon the banks of the river Cas- 
 si(|i re, and by Martius in Brazil, at Yupura and near the Rio Negro. It has 
 bee supposed to yield the Brazilian sarsaparilla. 
 
654 
 
 Sarsaparilla. 
 
 PAR i. 
 
 S. Papyracea. Poiret, Encyc. Meth. iv. 467. This is an under-shrub wi a 
 compressed stem, angular below, and furnished with spines at the angles, ts 
 leaves are elliptical, acuminate, and three-nerved. It inhabits Cayenne d 
 Brazil, chiefly upon the banks of the Amazon and its tributaries, and is thout 
 to yield the variety of sarsaparilla denominated Brazilian. (Am. Journbf 
 Pharm., sv. 277.) A particular description of a specimen of Smilax, supp 'd 
 to belong to this species, is given by Professor Bentley in the London Plum. 
 Journ. and Trans, (x. 470). It was obtained from Guatemala, and was ie 
 source of a variety of commercial sarsaparilla, recently introduced into ie 
 market, which Professor Bentley proposes to name Guatemala sarsaparilla. 
 
 S. medico.. Schlechtendahl, in Linnsea , vi. 47 ; Carson, Illust. of Med. _t. 
 ii. 51, pi. 95. This species has an angular stem, armed with straight prie?s 
 at the joints, and a few hooked ones in the intervals. The leaves are smoi, 
 bright-green on both sides, shortly acuminate, five-nerved, 'with the veins pn i- 
 nent beneath. They vary much in form, the lower being cordate, auricuh- 
 hastate ; the upper cordate-ovate. In the old leaves, the petiole and midribs 
 armed with straight subulate prickles. The inflorescence is an umbel of fa 
 eight to twelve flowers, with a smooth axillary peduncle, and pedicels aht 
 three lines loug. Schiede found this plant on the eastern declivity of ie 
 Mexican Andes, where the root is collected to be taken to Vera Cruz. 
 
 The medicinal species of Smilax grow in Mexico, Guatemala, and thewn 
 latitudes of South America. The roots are very long and slender, and origins 
 in great numbers from a common head or rhizoma, from which the stems of le 
 plant rise. The whole root with the rhizoma is usually dug up, and as brought :o 
 market exhibits not unfrequently portions of the stems attached, sometimes su- 
 ral inches in length. The sarsaparilla of commerce comes from different sours, 
 and is divided into varieties according to the place of collection or shipment 
 
 Honduras Sarsaparilla is the variety most used in this country. I is 
 brought from the bay of Honduras , and comes in bundles two or three feet log, 
 composed of several roots folded lengthwise, and secured in a compact formy 
 a few circular turns. These are packed in bales imperfectly covered with sks, 
 each bale containing one hundred pounds or more. The roots are usually o 
 nected at one extremity in large numbers in a common head, to which port is 
 of the stems are also attached. In some bundles are many small fibres eitr 
 lying loose, or still adhering to the roots. The colour of the roots externallis 
 a dirty grayish or reddish-brown ; and the cortical portiou beneath the epideris 
 often appears amylaceous when, broken. 
 
 The Jamaica or red sarsaparilla of foreign writers is little known by ut 
 name in the United States. The island of Jamaica is merely its ehannebf 
 exportation to Europe, and it is probably derived originally from Central Ae- 
 rica. It does not materially differ in properties from Honduras sarsapari.; 
 its chief peculiarity being the reddish colour of the epidermis, which is so 
 sometimes found in that variety. It is said also to yield a larger proportion 
 extract, and to contain less starch. As found in commerce, it is in bunes 
 twelve or eighteen inches long, by four or five in thickness, consisting of lg 
 slender roots folded up, with numerous radical fibres attached. 
 
 Considerable quantities of the drug are imported from the Mexican portof 
 Vera Cruz and Tampico. The Vera Cruz sarsaparilla comes in large, rat;r 
 loose bales, weighing about two hundred pounds, bound with cords or leatr 
 thongs, and usually containing the roots folded upon themselves, and separa'J 
 packed. These, as in the Honduras sarsaparilla, consist of a head or cam* 
 with numerous long radicles, which, however, are somewhat smaller than in tit 
 variety, and have a thinner bark. They are often also much soiled with eai. 
 This variety is not highly esteemed; but from the acrid taste which it possess, 
 
PAP I. Sarsaparilla. 655 
 
 it probably not inferior in real virtues to the other kinds. It is probably 
 dered from the Smilax medica. 
 
 jiotber variety is the Caracas sarsaparilla, brought in large quantities from 
 La uayra. It is in oblong packages, of about one hundred pounds, surrounded 
 wit broad strips of hide, which are connected laterally with thongs of the same 
 ma rial, and leave much of the root exposed. The roots, as in the last variety, 
 areeparately packed, but more closely and with greater care. The radicles are 
 oftt very amylaceous internally, in this respect resembling the following. 
 
 Ije Brazilian , or, as it is sometimes called in Europe, the Lisbon sarsapa- 
 rill'i is less used in the United States than in Europe, where it has commanded 
 a hber price. Within a few years, however, it has been imported in consider- 
 ablquantities. It comes from the ports of Para and Maranham, in cylindrical 
 buues of from three to five feet in length, by about a foot in thickness, bound 
 abo by close circular turns of a very flexible stem, and consisting of unfolded 
 root destitute of caudex (rhizoma) and stems, and having few radical fibres. It 
 is t variety of which Hancock speaks as celebrated throughout South America 
 by je name of sarsa of the Rio Negro, aud is considered as the most valuable 
 variy of the drug. It is distinguished by the amylaceous character of its 
 inteor structure, and has considerable acrimony. It was said by Martius to 
 be (rived from Smilax syphilitica; but Dr. Hancock considers that portion of 
 it w.ch comes from the Rio Negro, and is shipped at Para, as the product of 
 an (described species, certainly not S. syphilitca. According to Richard, it 
 has sen ascertained to be the product of the S. papyracea of Poiret. (See Am. 
 Jou . of Pharm., xv. 277.) 
 
 Ip variety described by Professor Bentley under the name of Guatemala 
 saniarilla was collected in the province of Sacatepeques, about ninety miles 
 fronthe sea. It is in cylindrical bundles about two feet eight inches long 
 by i ir inches in diameter, composed of separate roots, arranged in parallel 
 orde without rootstalk, and bound together by a few turns of the flexible stem 
 of aaonocotyledonous plant. The bundles resemble the Brazilian in arrange- 
 men but are much less compact. It is amylaceous, has considerable acrimony, 
 and | probably one of the most efiicient varieties. Professor Bentley ascribes 
 it tel. papyracea. For a particular description of the root, the reader is refer- 
 red the Pharm. Journ. and Trans, (xii. 472). 
 
 ki eh sarsaparilla has been imported into England from Lima, Valparaiso, 
 andither places on the Pacific coast of South America. It is described by 
 Perf a as bearing a close resemblance to Jamaica sarsaparilla, but yielding a 
 sma 'r proportion of extract. It is in bundles of about three feet long and nine 
 inch thick, consisting of the roots folded with their heads or rhizoma attached. 
 The pidermis is brown or grayish-brown. Sometimes roots of a light clay 
 colo are found in the bundles. 
 
 Lperties. The dried sarsaparilla roots are several feet in length, about the 
 thiejess of a goose-quill, cylindrical, more or less wrinkled longitudinally, 
 flexile, and composed of a thick exterior cortical portion, covered with a thin 
 easif separable epidermis, of an inner layer of ligneous fibre, and of a central 
 pith The epidermis is of various colours, generally ash-coloured, grayish- 
 brov , or reddish-brown, and sometimes very dark. The cortical portion is in 
 somi.speeimens whitish, in others brown, and not unfrequently of a pink or 
 1- osy re. It is occasionally white, brittle, and almost powdery like starch. The 
 worn part is usually very thin, and composed of longitudinal fibres, which allow 
 the )t to be split with facility through i,ts whole length. The central medulla 
 oftei (bounds in starch. 
 
 Sfiaparilla in its ordinary state is nearly or quite inodorous, but in decoc- 
 tion epnres a decided and peculiar smell. To the taste it is mucilaginous and 
 
656 
 
 Sarsaparilla. 
 
 par: 
 
 very slightly bitter, and, when chewed for some time, produces a disagrees a 
 acrid impression, which remains long in the mouth and fauces. The rools 
 efficient in proportion as it possesses this acrimony, which is said by some auth s 
 to be confined to the cortical portion, while the ligneous fibre and medully 
 matter are insipid and inert. Hancock avers that all parts are equally ad 
 and efficacious. The truth is probably between the two extremes; and, asi 
 most medicinal roots, it must be admitted that the bark is more powerful t a 
 the interior portions, while these are not wholly inactive. The virtues of e 
 root are communicated to water cold or hot, but are impaired by long boili . 
 (See Decoctum Sarsapari/lse.) They are extracted also by diluted alcol. 
 According to Hancock, the whole of the active principle is not extracted y 
 water. He observes in his paper upon sarsaparilla, published in the Lon-% 
 Medico- Botanical Transactions, when speaking of the sarsaparilla from Para d 
 the Rio Negro, “after exhausting half a pound of this sort by two digestic;, 
 boiling, and pressure, I added to the dregs half a pint of proof spirit, and digesd 
 this with a gentle heat for a few hours in a close vessel, then affusing hot w;r 
 to the amount of that taken off from the first boiling, and pressing again, Ip- 
 cured by the last operation about four pints of an infusion which possessed e 
 acrid properties of the sarsa in a much higher degree even than that obtaid 
 by the first decoction with simple water.” It appears that in South Americlt 
 is the custom to prepare sarsaparilla by digestion in wine or spirit, or by it.- 
 sion in water with additions which may produce the vinous fermentation, d 
 thus add alcohol to the menstruum. The same result, as to the superior effic-y 
 of alcohol as a solvent of the acrid principle of sarsaparilla, has been obtaid 
 by the French experimentalists. (Soubeiran, Journ. de Phann., xvi. 38.) 
 
 According to M. Thubeuf, sarsaparilla contains, 1. a peculiar crystalline si- 
 stance, which is probably the active principle of the root, 2. a colouring substan, 
 3. resin, 4. starch, 5. lignin, 6. a thick, aromatic, fixed oil, 7. a waxy substai;, 
 and 8. chloride of potassium and nitrate of potassa. It is said also to contaia 
 minute proportion of volatile oil, and Batka found gum, bassorin, albuna, 
 gluten and gliadine, lactic and acetic acids, and various salts. The proporln 
 of starch is large. Chatin found iodine in Honduras sarsaparilla; but •. 
 Winckler, not having succeeded in detecting this principle in any one root, thi:s 
 it probable that the specimen examined by Chatin had been exposed to sea-war. 
 ( Pharm . Cent. Blatt , May 7, 1852.) 
 
 Sarsaparittin. ( Smilacin . Pariglin. Salseparine. PariUinic acid.) 'e 
 crystalline principle in which the virtues of sarsaparilla reside should be ca d 
 sarsaparittin. It was first discovered by Hr. Palotta, who described it in 14 
 under the name of pariglin. Subsequently, M. Folchi supposed that be d 
 found another principle which he called smilacin. In 1831, M. Thubeuf 1 * 
 nounced the discovery of a new substance in sarsaparilla which he nard 
 salseparine, from the French name of the root. Finally, Batka, a German chi- 
 ist, towards the end of 1833, published an account of a principle which he d 
 discovered in the root, and which, under the impression that it possessed id 
 properties, he called parillinic acid. M. Poggiale, however, has shown that the 
 substances are identical, though procured by different processes. Thefollovg 
 is the process of M. Thubeuf. The root is treated with hot alcohol till deprial 
 of taste. The tincture is submitted to distillation, and seven-eighths of >0 
 alcohol drawn off. The remainder is treated with animal charcoal, and filted 
 at the end of twenty-four or forty-eight hours. The sarsaparillin is depos d 
 in the form of a granular powder. This is dissolved in a fresh portion of alctol 
 and crystallized. The alcoholic mother liquors may be deprived of that pom 
 of the principle which they retain by evaporating to dryness, dissolving 
 product in water, filtering, again evaporating to dryness, redissolving in alcol, 
 
pai I. Sarsaparilla. 657 
 
 amcrystallizing. Sarsaparittin is white, inodorous, almost tasteless in the 
 sol state, but of a bitter, acrid, nauseous taste, when dissolved in alcohol or 
 war. It is very slightly soluble in cold water, but more readily in boiling 
 war, which deposits it on cooling. It is very soluble in alcohol, especially at 
 a b ling temperature. Ether and the volatile oils also dissolve it. Its aqueous 
 sol ion has the property of frothing very much by agitation. M. Beral states 
 thahe has procured it pure by distilling, by means of a salt-water bath, a tinc- 
 turof sarsaparilla prepared with very dilute alcohol. In that case it must be 
 volile, and we can understand why sarsaparilla suffers in decoction. ( Am . 
 Join, of Pharm., xii. 245, from Journ. tie Chim. Mecl.) The solutions of 
 sar. parillin are without acid or alkaline reaction. Batka erred in considering 
 it a acid. M. Poggiale found it both in the cortical and medullary part of the 
 roobut most largely in the former. Pallotta gave it internally in doses vary- 
 ing’om two to thirteen grains, and found it to produce nausea, and to diminish 
 then-ce of the circulation. It is probably the principle upon which sarsaparilla 
 demds chiefly, if not exclusively, for its remedial powers. (Journ. de Pharm., 
 J. 53 and 679.) 
 
 le sarsaparilla of the shops is apt to be nearly if not quite inert, either from 
 agevr from having been obtained from inferior species of Srailax. This ine- 
 qua'y of the medicine, with the improper modes of preparing it long in vogue, 
 has robably contributed to its variable reputation. The only criterion of good 
 sarnarilla to be relied on is the taste. If it leave a decidedly acrid impression 
 in t; mouth after having been chewed for a short time, it may be considered 
 efficnt; if otherwise, it is probably inert. 
 
 Ldical Properties and Uses. Few medicines have undergone greater changes 
 of rotation. About the middle of the sixteenth century it was introduced into 
 Eune as a remedy for the venereal complaint, in which it had been found very 
 usel in the recent Spanish settlements in the West Indies. After a time it fell 
 intc isrepute, and was little employed till about a century ago, when it was again 
 broi ht into notice by Sir William Fordyce and others, as a useful adjuvant 
 and orrigent of mercury in lues venerea. Since that period very different 
 opii ns have been entertained of its efficacy. Some, among whom was Dr. 
 Cul i, considered it wholly inert; others, on the contrary, have had the most 
 unb nded confidence in its powers. The probable cause of much of this dis- 
 crep icy has been already mentioned. Experience, both among regular practi- 
 tion 3 and empirics, would seem to have placed its efficacy beyond reasonable 
 dou Its most extensive and useful application is to the treatment of second- 
 ary philis and syphiloid diseases, and that shattered state of .the system which 
 som mes follows the imprudent use of mercury in these affections. It is also 
 emp yed, though with less obvious benefit, in chronic rheumatism, scrofulous 
 affecons, certain cutaneous diseases, and other depraved conditions of health. 
 Its nde of action is less evident than its ultimate effects. It is said to increase 
 the ] inspiration and urine; but, allowing it to possess this power, the amount of 
 effecis too trifling to explain its remedial influence; and the diaphoretic and 
 diur c action which it appears to evince may perhaps be as justly ascribed^ to 
 the :dicines with which it is generally associated, or the liquid in which it is 
 exhi ted. In this ignorance of its precise modus operandi we call it an altera- 
 tive^ those medicines are named which change existing morbid actions, with- 
 out ' vious influence over any of the functions. 
 
 S; aparilla may be given in powder, in the dose of half a drachm three or 
 four imes a day. The medicine, however, is more conveniently administered^ 
 m t form of infusion, decoction, syrup, or extract. (See the several officinal 
 prep ations in Part II.) A beer, made by fermenting an infusion of the drug 
 42 " 
 
658 
 
 Sassafras Medulla. — Sassafras Radicis Cortex. par 
 
 with molasses, is said to be a popular remedy in South America.* The sm.e 
 of sarsaparilla has been highly recommended in asthma. ( Journ . de Pham ■■{ 
 de Chim ., xviii. 221.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Sarsaparillae; Decoctum Sarsaparillae Composite; 
 Extractum Sarsaparillae; Extractum Sarsaparillae Fluidum; Infusum Ssi- 
 parillae; Infusum Sarsaparillae Comp.; Syrupus Sarsae; Syrupus Sarsapar * 
 Comp. V\ 
 
 SASSAFRAS MEDULLA. U.S. 
 
 Sassafras Pith. 
 
 The pith of the stems of Sassafras officinale. IT. S. 
 
 SASSAFRAS RADICIS CORTEX. U.S. 
 
 Bark of Sassafras Root. 
 
 The hark of the root of Sassafras officinale. U. S. 
 
 Off. Si/ n. SASSAFRAS. Sassafras officinale. The root. Lond., Ed. SAS- 
 SAFRAS ROOT. Sassafras officinale. The root. Dub. 
 
 Sassafras, Fr., Germ. - Sassafras, Sassafras®©, Lai.; Sasafras, Span. 
 
 In the new distribution of the species composing the genus Laurus of n- 
 naeus, the sassafras tree has been made the type of a distinct genus, denomined 
 Sassafras, which has been admitted into the last edition of our Pharmacopa. 
 
 Sassafras. Sex. Syst. Enneandi ia Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Lauraceas. 
 
 Gen. Oh. Dioecious. Calyx six-parted, membranous; segments equal, ?r- 
 manent at the base. Males. Fertile stamens nine, in three rows, the tee 
 inner with double stalked distinct glands at the base. Anthers linear, four-ce:d, 
 all looking inwards. Females, with as many sterile stamens as the mahor 
 fewer; the inner often co*nfluent. Fruit succulent, placed on the thick flhy 
 apex of the peduncle, and seated in the torn unchanged calyx. (. Lindley .) I 
 
 Sassafras officinale. Nees, Laurin. 488 . — Laurus Sassafras. Willd. \p. 
 Plant, ii. 485; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. ii. 142 ; Michaux, N. Am. Sylv. ii. 14 
 This is an indigenous tree of middling size, rising in favourable situations :>m 
 thirty to fifty feet in height, with a trunk about a foot in diameter. lake 
 Southern States it is sometimes larger, and in the northern parts of NewEngnd 
 is little more than a shrub. The bark which covers the stem and large branes 
 is rough, deeply furrowed, and grayish; that of the extreme branches or iig ; 
 is smooth and beautifully green. The 'leaves, which are alternate, petiolate nd 
 downy when young, vary much in their form and size even upon the same ee. 
 Some are oval and entire, others have a lobe on one side ; but the greater mCer 
 are three lobed. Their mean length is four or five inches. The flowers, rich 
 are frequently dioecious, and appear before the leaves, are small, of a pale greesk- 
 yellow colour, and disposed in racemes which spring from the branches 1 ovr 
 the leaves, and have linear bractes at their base. The corolla is divided nto 
 six oblong segments. The male flowers have nine stamens; the hermaplmite, 
 
 * The following is a formula recommended by Hancock. “Take of Rio N’egro rsa. 
 bruised, 21b. ; bark of guaiac, powdered, 8oz. ; raspings of guaiac wood, anise seed and 
 liquorice root, each 4oz. ; mezereon, bark of the root, 2oz. : treacle [molasses] 21b.: id a 
 dozen bruised cloves ; pour upon these ingredients about four gallons of boiling wateard 
 ^shake the vessel thrice a day. When fermentation has well begun, it is tit tor usovol 
 may be taken in the dose of a small tumblerful twice or thrice a day.” This font a is 
 worthy of attention; but the bark of guaiacum, which is not kept in the shops. mi:t ' e 
 omitted, or replaced by the wood. 
 
Pi.T I. 
 
 Sassafras Radicis Cortex. 
 
 659 
 
 wbh are on a different plant, have only six, with a simple style. The fruit is 
 anval drupe, about as large as a pea, of a deep-blue colour when ripe, and sup- 
 posd on a red pedicel, which enlarges at the extremity into a cup for its 
 reiption. 
 
 be sassafras is common throughout the United States, and extends into Mexico. 
 It said also to grow in Brazil and Cochin China ; but the plants observed in 
 the places are probably not of the same species. In this country the sassafras 
 is und both in woods and open places, and is apt to spring up in the neighbour- 
 ho. of cultivation, and in neglected or abandoned fields. In Pennsylvania and 
 Nt York, it blooms in the beginning of May; but much earlier at the South. 
 Th fresh flowers have a slightly fragrant odour, and almost all parts of the 
 pkt are more or less aromatic. The root is directed by the British Pharma- 
 copias; the bark of the root, and the pith of the twigs or extreme branches, by 
 thi of the United States. The root is exported, and is the part chiefly used in 
 Brsh pharmacy. It consists of a brownish-white wood, covered with a spongy 
 ba; divisible into layers. The latter portion is by far the most active, and is 
 usilly kept separate in our shops- 
 
 Sassafras Pith. This is in slender cylindrical pieces, very light and spongy, 
 wi a mucilaginous taste, and in a slight degree the characteristic flavour of the 
 sas.fras. It abounds in a gummy matter, which it readily imparts to water, 
 foring a limpid mucilage, which, though ropy and viscid, has much less tena- 
 cit than that of gum Arabic, and will not answer as a substitute in the suspen- 
 siofof insoluble substances. It differs also from solutions of ordinary gum, in 
 rerining limpid when added to alcohol. This mucilage is much employed as 
 a rid and soothing application in inflammation of the eyes ; and forms an agree- 
 abland useful drink in dysenteric, catarrhal, and nephritic diseases. It may 
 be 'epared by adding a drachm of the pith to a pint of boiling water. 
 
 ' Park of Sassafras Root. As found in the shops, this is usually in small 
 irrular fragments, sometimes invested with a brownish epidermis, sometimes 
 panlly or wholly freed from it, of a reddish or rusty cinnamon hue, very brittle, 
 anoresenting when freshly broken a lighter colour than that of the exposed 
 sui ces. Its odour is highly fragrant, its taste sweetish and gratefully aromatic. 
 Th 3 properties are extracted by water and alcohol. They reside in a volatile 
 oil. Inch is obtained by distillation with water. (See Oleum Sassafras.) Ac- 
 cor ag to Dr. Reinsch, the bark contains a heavy and light volatile oil, cam- 
 phi rus matter, fatty matter, resin, wax, a peculiar principle resembling tannic 
 aci called sassafrid, tannic acid, gum, albumen, starch, red colouring matter, 
 lig: 1 , and salts. (See Am. Journ. of P harm., xviii. 159.) 
 
 ,'dical Properties and Uses. The bark of sassafras root is stimulant, and 
 per .ps diaphoretic; though its possession of any peculiar tendency to the skin, 
 ind 'endently of its mere excitant property, is quite doubtful. It is used almost 
 excriively as an adjuvant to other more efficient medicines, the flavour of which 
 it i proves, while it renders them more cordial to the stomach. The complaints 
 for' hich it has been particularly recommended are chronic rheumatism, cuta- 
 neoi eruptions, and scorbutic and syphiloid affections. As a remedy in lues 
 ver.'ea, in which it formerly had a high reputation, it is now universally eon- 
 skied as in itself wholly inefficient. It is most conveniently administered in 
 the >rm of infusion. The oil may also be given. 
 
 Prep, of the Pith. Infusum Sassafras Medullas. 
 
 r . Prep, of the Bark of the Root, or of the Root. Decoctum G-uaiaci ; De- 
 coc'm Sarsaparilbe Compositum; Extractum Sarsaparillae Fluidum; Oleum 
 Sasfras. W. 
 
660 
 
 Scammonium. 
 
 PAR] 
 
 SCAMMONIUM. TJ. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 Scammony. 
 
 The concrete juice of the root of Convolvulus Scammonia. U. S. The gi . 
 resin emitted from the root cut off. Load. Gummy-resinous exudation fn 
 incisions into the root. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Scammon6e, Fr.; Scammonium, Germ.; Scamonea, Ilal.; Escamonea, Span. 
 
 Convolvulus. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Convoh- 
 laceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla campanulate, Style one. Stigmas two, linear-cylindri 1, 
 often revolute. Ovary two-celled, four-seeded. Capsule two-celled. ( Lindl ) 
 
 Convolvolus Scammonia. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 845; Woodv. Med. Bot i. 
 243, t. 86 ; Carson, Illust. of Med. Bot. ii. 14, pi. 62. This species of Convolve 
 has a perennial, tapering root, from three to four feet long, from nine to tw< e 
 inches in circumference, branching towards its lower extremity, covered wi;a 
 light-gray bark, and containing a milky juice. The stems are numerous, slen r, 
 and twining, extending sometimes fifteen or twenty feet upon the ground, oin 
 neighbouring plants, and furnished with smooth, bright-green, arrow-shad 
 leaves, which stand alternately upon long footstalks. The flowers are placem 
 pairs, or three together upon the peduncles, which are round, axillary, solity, 
 and of nearly twice the length of the leaf. 
 
 The plant is a native of Syria, Anatolia, and certain islands of the Archipelo. 
 No part is medicinal except the root, which, when dried, was found by Dr. Reel 
 to be a mild cathartic. Scammony is the concrete juice of the fresh root, at is 
 collected, according to Russel, in the following manner. In the month of Jie, 
 the earth is cleared away from about the root, the top of which is cut off obliqdy 
 about two inches from the origin of the stems. The milky juice which exies 
 is collected in shells, or other convenient receptacle, placed at the most depenog 
 part of the cut surface. A few drachms only are collected from each root, le 
 juice from several plants is put into any convenient vessel, and concretes By tie. 
 In this state it constitutes genuine scammony, but is very seldom exported. It 
 is generally prepared for the market by admixture, while it is yet soft, withae 
 expressed juice of the stalks and leaves, with wheat flour, ashes, fine sand, 
 and it has been supposed that scammony sometimes consists wholly or in gat 
 part of the expressed juice of the root, evaporated to dryness by exposure tohe 
 sun, or by artificial heat. The drug is exported chiefly from Smyrna, thigh 
 small quantities are said to be sent out of the country at Alexandretta, the a- 
 port of Aleppo. Dr. Pereira was informed by a merchant who had residein 
 Smyrna, that it is brought upon camels in a soft state into that city, and air- 
 wards adulterated by a set of individuals called scammony makers. The alli- 
 teration appears to be conducted in conformity with a certain understood sjle, 
 more or less foreign matter being added according to the price. The mateib 
 employed are chiefly chalk and some kind of flour or meal. Very little un- 
 paratively is exported perfectly pure. We obtain scammony either directly urn 
 Smyrna, or indirectly through some of the Mediterranean ports.* 
 
 * An interesting account of the collection and preparation of scammony in Anatol m 
 the vicinity of Smyrna, has been communicated by Mr. S. H. Maltass to the London Phene- 
 ceulical Journ. and Trans, (xiii. 264). The juice is collected in the same manner as descaed 
 by Russel in reference to Syria. The product, however, of each plant is somewhat's--- 
 In some districts, according to Maltass, ten plants produce only a drachm of scammy: 
 in others the average from each root is a drachm ; and in a good soil a plant four ars 
 old will yield two drachms. The juice received in the shells is mixed with another prion 
 scraped from the cut surface of the root; and this mixture is the pure or lachryma eni- 
 mony. Only a small quantity of this is taken to Smyrna ; the greater part being adulteted 
 
PAr i. 
 
 Scammonium. 
 
 661 
 
 ie name of Aleppo scammony was formerly given to the better kinds of the 
 dri, and of Smyrna scammony to those of inferior quality; the distinction 
 bang probably originated in some difference in the character of the scammony 
 obtned at these two places. But no such difference now exists; as scammony 
 is 1 night from Smyrna of every degree of purity. It has been customary in this 
 cortry to designate the genuine drug of whatever quality as Aleppo scammony; 
 wh; the name of Smyrna scammony has been given to a spurious article manu- 
 fac red in the South of France, and to other factitious substitutes. It is quite 
 tin that these terms should be altogether abandoned. We shall treat of the 
 dri under the heads of genuine and factitious scammony. 
 
 ermine Scammony. This is sent into commerce in drums or boxes, and is 
 eitiir in irregular lumps, in large solid masses of the shape of the containing 
 ves 1 into which it appears to have been introduced while yet soft, or in circular, 
 flalsh or plano-convex cakes. It seldom reaches us in an unmixed state. For- 
 me y small portions of pure scammony were occasionally to be met with in 
 Einpe, contained in the shells in which the juice was collected and dried. This 
 vaity, denominated scammony in shells, is now scarcely to be found. The pure 
 dri. as at present known in the shops of London, and occasionally brought to 
 thi country, is called virgin scammony. It is in irregular pieces, often covered 
 wit a whitish-gray powder, friable and easily broken into small fragments be- 
 twa the fingers, with a shining grayish-green fracture soon passing into greenish- 
 bla:, and exhibiting under the microscope minute air-cells, and numerous gray 
 ser.transparent splinters.* It is easily pulverized, affording a pale ash-gray 
 pover. When rubbed with water it readily forms a milky emulsion. It has 
 a r her strong, peculiar odour, which has been compared to that of old cheese. 
 Th aste is feeble at first, and afterwards somewhat acrid, but without bitterness. 
 It res no evidence, when the requisite tests are applied, of the presence of 
 •stab or carbonate of lime, leaves but a slight residue when burned, and yields 
 abr, 80 per cent, of its weight to ether. 
 
 he form of scammony chiefly found in our markets is that in circular cakes. 
 Th 3 are sometimes flattish on both sides, but generally somewhat convex on 
 omide and flat on the other, as if dried in a saucer, or other shallow vessel. 
 Th are from four to six inches in diameter, and from half an inch to an inch 
 anc half, or even two inches thick in the centre. As found in the retail shops, 
 the are often in fragments. They are hard and heavy, with a faintly shining 
 rouiish fracture; and when broken exhibit in general a structure very finely 
 
 by i peasants before it reaches the market. Sometimes the juice is worked up with a 
 decjdon of the roots, in which case it is black, heavier than the preceding, and not so easily 
 broja. Sometimes they add a calcareous earth, in a proportion varying from 10 to 150 
 per :nt. The kind thus prepared is usually kept for some time in Smyrna, and is apt to 
 fen nt, so as to become porous and lose its gloss. It is in irregular lumps, and is the kind 
 usu y sold in London as lachryma scammony. Another kind sold in London in rough 
 lum , and probably under the same name, is prepared in the interior of the country by 
 mixg the juice with wheat starch, ashes, earthy matters, gum arabic or tragacanth, and 
 son'imes wax, yolk of egg, pounded scammony roots and leaves, flour, or resin. A kind 
 mu used in Great Britain is prepared by the Jews in Smyrna, and is in the form of cakes as 
 des bed in the text. It is of two qualities. The first quality is prepared by mixing skilip 
 (wlh is an inferior kind of scammony prepared at Anjora, and consists of 30 to 40 per 
 cen jf juice and 60 to 70 of starch) with 60 per cent, of inferior scammony from the 
 nei; oourhood of Smyrna; the second quality by mixing skilip with about 30 per cent, of 
 the. ter kind, and adding about 10 per cent, of gum arabic and black-lead. The first quality 
 eon, ns usually about 50 per cent, of resin, the second about 30 per cent. For an account 
 of s eral specimens of scammony sent by Mr. Maltass from Smyrna, see a paper by Mr. 
 Dai 1 Hanbury in the Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xiii. 268. — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
 1 ccording to Maltass, the purest scammony has a reddish-black fracture, unless it 
 has sen mixed with water in its preparation, in which case it is black and very glossy. 
 (Pi •m. Journ. and Trans., xiii. 266.) 
 
662 
 
 Scammonium. 
 
 par 
 
 porous, sometimes almost compact, and in a very few instances cavernous. T j 
 colour externally is a dark ask or dark olive, or slate colour approaching to bk • 
 internally somewhat lighter and grayish, with an occasional tinge of gree: ir 
 yellow, but deepening by exposure. The small fragments are sometimes slig y 
 translucent at the edges. The mass, though hard, is pulverizable without git 
 difficulty, and affords a light-gray powder. It imparts to water with which is 
 triturated a greenish milky appearance. The smell is rather disagreeable, id 
 similar to that of the pure drug. The taste, very slight at first, becomes fe> y 
 bitterish and acrid. This kind of scammony is never quite pure, and mac If 
 it is considerably adulterated. In some of the cakes carbonate of lime is the cef 
 impurity; in others the adulterating substance is probably meal, as evidenetof 
 the presence of starch and lignin are afforded; and in others again both t se 
 substances are found. Christison discovered in the chalky specimens a propoi m 
 of carbonate of lime varying from 15 to 38 per cent.; in the amylaceous, im 
 13 to 42 per cent, of impurity. It was probably to the flat, dark-coloured, < n- 
 pact, difficultly pulverizable, and more impure cakes that the name of Smna 
 scammony was formerly given. These have been erroneously ascribed by tae 
 to the Periploca Secamone, a plant growing in Egypt.* 
 
 Scammony is ranked among the gum-resins. It is partially dissolved by w; r, 
 much more largely by alcohol and ether, and almost entirely, when purely 
 boiling diluted alcohol. Its active ingredient is resin, which constitutes 1 m 
 
 * Dr. Pereira, in his work on Materia Medica, describes tbe varieties of scammo; as 
 they exist in the London market. As these have interest for the druggist, we introdu a 
 notice of them. 
 
 1. Virgin Scammony. Pure Scammony. Lachryma Scammony. The description of Sis 
 corresponds with that of pure scammony given in the text. In addition, the follcng 
 particulars may be mentioned. The whitish powder often found upon the surface er- 
 vesces with muriatic acid, and consists of chalk, in which the lumps have probably en 
 rolled. The sp. gr. of the masses is 1'210. In the same pieces it sometimes happennat 
 certain portions are shining and black, while others are dull-grayish. Virgin seanrnv 
 readily takes fire, and burns with a yellowish flame. This variety is now much jre 
 abundant in the shops of London than formerly. 
 
 2. Scammony of second quality. This is called seconds in commerce. It is in two fas. 
 1. In irregular pieces. This, in external appearance, brittleness, odour, and taste, resales 
 virgin scammony; but is distinguished by its greater sp. gr., which is 1-463, by its dull ;ry 
 slightly shining fracture, and its grayish colour. The freshly broken surface effervesces ith 
 muriatic acid, but the cold decoction does not give a blue colour with iodine. Ittheiore 
 contains chalk, but not fecula. 2. In large regular masses. This has the form of the um 
 or box in which it was imported, and into which it was probably introduced while sof It 
 has a dull grayish fracture, and the sp. gr. 1 -359. It exhibits, with the appropriate its, 
 evid’ence of the presence both of chalk and fecula. It is sometimes found of a soft or c esy 
 consistence. 
 
 3. Scammony of third quality. This is called thirds in commerce. It is in circuit flat 
 cakes, about five inches in diameter and one inch thick. The cakes are dense, hearind 
 more difficult to break than the preceding varieties. The fracture is sometimes re; ous 
 and shining, sometimes dull, and exhibits air cavities, and numerous white specks, iich 
 consist of chalk. The colour is grayish or grayish-black. The sp. gr. varies from - 
 to 1 -543. Both chalk and flour are detected by tests. In five different cakes, the qu.-tity 
 of chalk employed in the adulteration was stated by the importer to be. in 100 parts tbe 
 cakes respectively, 13-07, 23-1, 25-0, 31-05, and 37-54, numbers which correspond erv 
 closely, in the two extremes, with the results obtained by Christison. This is the v iety 
 of scammony referred to in the text as the one chiefly used in the United States. 
 
 A valuable paper by Dr. Carson, on the varieties of scammony imported into this eo'.try. 
 was published in the Am. Journ. of Pharm. (xx. i.), to which the reader is referred Be- 
 sides the kinds described in the text, namely the virgin scammony, and those whi> are 
 adulterated with chalk or meal or both, Dr. Carson describes two, under the names ot gvnu 
 and black gummy scammony, in which the chief adulteration appears to be tragaean. < r 
 some analogous substance, which is associated in the dark variety with bone-black, key 
 afforded from 6 to 13 per cent, of resin. They are in circular cakes, hard, comp;- w 
 difficult pulverization, and viscid when moistened. — Note to the eighth edition. 
 
PAT I. 
 
 iScammonium. 
 
 663 
 
 80 ■> 90 per cent, of pure dry scammony. The gum-resin has been analyzed 
 byirious chemists, but the results are somewhat uncertain; as the character 
 of e specimens examined is insufficiently determined by the terms Aleppo and 
 Smrna scammony, employed to designate them. Thus, Bouillon-Lagrange and 
 Yo'l obtained, from 100 parts of Aleppo scammony, 60 of resin, 3 of gum, 2 
 of tractive, and 35 of insoluble matter; from the same quantity of Smyrna 
 scamony, 29 parts of resin, 8 of gum, 5 of extractive, and 58 of vegetable 
 reams and earthy substances. It is obvious that both the specimens upon 
 wh i they operated were very impure. Marquart found in pure scammony 
 (saimony in shells ) 81‘25 per cent, of resin, 3 - 00 of gum with salts, 0'75 of 
 wa: 4*50 of extractive, 1'75 of starchy envelopes, bassorin, and gluten, 1'50 of 
 albnen and lignin, 3'75 of ferruginous alumina, chalk, and carbonate of mag- 
 nes, and 3 '50 of sand. Christison found different specimens of pure scammony 
 to intain, in 100 parts, from 77 to 83 parts of resin, from 6 to 8 of gum, from 
 3'2o 5 of lignin and sand, and from 7'2 to 12'6 of water, with occasionally a 
 litt starch, probably derived accidentally from the root, and not in sufficient 
 fjuitity to cause a cold decoction of the gum-resin to give a blue colour with 
 iode. Mr. Hanbury, of London, found in the purest scammony in shells 91 '1 
 perent. of resin ; and Mr. B. W. Bull, of New York, 86'88 per cent, in a spe- 
 cial in irregular lumps, received from Constantinople as Aleppo Scammony. 
 (NY. Journ. of Pharm., June, 1852.) For the character of the resin, see 
 Ex ictum sive Resina Scammonii. As already stated, scammony is seldom 
 or ver quite pure as found in our shops. Much of it contains not more than 
 50 t cent, of the resin, some not more than 42 per cent., and the worst varie- 
 ties little as 10 per cent., or even less.* Sometimes the cakes are of good 
 qWity on the outside, and inferior within. (Bull, IP. Y. Journ. of Pharm., i. 7.) 
 It b been suggested, in this uncertainty as to the strength of the scammony of 
 tkerops, whether it might not be best to abandon its internal use altogether, 
 anc o substitute its resin, which is of uniform strength. 
 
 e Edinburgh College gives the following signs of pure scammony, “ Fracture 
 glkning, almost resinous, if the specimen be old and dry; muriatic acid does 
 not rase effervescence on its surface ; the decoction of its powder, filtered and 
 coo l, is not rendered blue by tincture of iodine. Sulphuric ether separates at 
 leas eighty per cent, of resin dried at 280°.” Effervescence with muriatic acid 
 indites the presence of chalk, a blue colour with iodine that of starch in the 
 fori of flour. 
 
 ftitious Scammony. Montpellier Scammony. Much spurious scammony 
 is ij-.nufactured in the South of France, said to be made from the expressed 
 juiojof Cynanchum Monspdiacum, incorporated with various resins, and other 
 pur dive substances. f It has been occasionally imported into the United States, 
 and old as Smyrna scammony. It is usually in flat semicircular cakes, four or 
 fivebches in diameter, and six or eight lines thick, blackish both externally and 
 
 *;he following table is given by Dr. 
 
 unristison as tne result 
 
 
 
 
 Calcareous. 
 
 Amylaceous. 
 
 Calcareo-amyla^eous. 
 
 P] 
 
 in. 
 
 64-6 
 
 56-6 
 
 43-3 
 
 37-0 62-0 
 
 42-4 
 
 6j 
 
 a, 
 
 6-8 
 
 50 
 
 8-2 
 
 9-0 7-2 
 
 7-8 
 
 c 
 
 Ik, 
 
 17-6 
 
 25-0 
 
 31-6 
 
 
 
 18-6 
 
 F 
 
 'ula, 
 
 
 
 1-4 
 
 4-0 
 
 20-0 10-4 
 
 13-2 
 
 1 
 
 bin and sand, 
 
 5-2 
 
 7-1 
 
 7-8 
 
 22-2 13-4 
 
 9-4 
 
 V 
 
 ;er, 
 
 6-4 
 
 5-2 
 
 6-4 
 
 1.2-0 7-5 
 
 10-4 
 
 
 
 100-6 
 
 100-3 
 
 101-3 
 
 100-2 100-5 
 
 101-8 
 
 t 
 
 liis statement as 
 
 to the employment of Cynanchum Monspeliacum is made on 
 
 aut 
 
 • ity of Guibourt. 
 
 M. Thorel, 
 
 a pharmaceutist of Ayallon, denies that this pi 
 
664 
 
 Scammonium. — Scilla. 
 
 PAR 
 
 within, very hard, compact, rather heavy, of a somewhat shining and resir 3 
 fracture, a feeble balsamic odour wholly different from that of genuine seammc ; 
 and a very bitter nauseous taste. When rubbed with the moistened fingfrt 
 becomes dark-gray, unctuous, and tenacious. We have seen another substf e 
 sold as Smyrna scammony, which was obviously spurious, consisting of black 1 
 circular, flat cakes, or fragments of such cakes, rather more than half anih 
 thick, very light, penetrated with small holes as if worm eaten, and when bro n 
 exhibiting an irregular, cellular, spongy texture. Dr. Pereira describes a f; i- 
 tious substance sold as Smyrna scammony , which is in circular flat cakes, aht 
 half an inch thick, blackish, and of a slaty aspect, breaking with difficulty, a 
 dull black fracture, and of the sp.gr. 1'412. Moistened and rubbed it has .e 
 smell of guaiac, which may also be detected by chemical tests. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Scammony is an energetic cathartic, apt to 01 - 
 sion griping, and sometimes operating with harshness. It was known to le 
 ancient Greek physicians, and was much employed by the Arabians, who it 
 only gave it as a purgative, but also applied it externally for the cure of vans 
 cutaneous diseases. It may be used in all cases of torpid bowels, when a powefl 
 impression is desired; but on account of its occasional violence is seldom I- 
 ministered, except in combination with other cathartics, the action of whiciit 
 promotes, while its own harshness is mitigated. It should be given in emul® 
 with mucilage, sugar, almonds, liquorice, or other demulcent ; and its disposi;® 
 to gripe may be counteracted by the addition of an aromatic. The dose is frn 
 five to fifteen grains of pure scammony, from ten to thirty of that commdy 
 found in the market. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Scammonii ; Extractum Colocynthidis Composit i; 
 Extractum sive Resina Scammonii; Pilulae Colocynthidis Comp.; Pulvis Scn- 
 monii Comp. 
 
 SCILLA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 /Squill. 
 
 The bulb of Scilla maritima. U.S. Urginea Scilla. Recent bulb. Zone?, be 
 bulb. Dub. Bulb of Squilla maritima. Ed. 
 
 Scille, Ft.; Meerzwiebel, Germ.; Scilla, Ital.; Cebolla nlbarrana. Spun. t 
 
 Scilla. Sex. Syst. Hexandria Monogynia. — Xat.Ord. Liliaceae. 
 
 Gen. Cli. Corolla six-petaled, spreading, deciduous. Filaments thread-.:e. 
 
 mud. 
 
 Scilla maritima. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. P25; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 745, t. :5. 
 — Squilla maritima. Steinheil ; Bindley, Flor. Med. p. 591; Carson, Hint of 
 Med. Bot. ii. 46, pi. 89. This is a perennial plant, with fibrous roots proceeog 
 from the bottom of a large bulb, which sends forth several long, lanceote, 
 pointed, somewhat undulated, shining, deep-green leaves. From the mid of 
 the leaves a round, smooth, succulent flower- stem rises, from one to three .’et 
 high, terminating in a long, close spike of whitish flowers. These are dest ite 
 of calyx, and stand on purplish peduncles, at the base of each of which is a him 
 twisted, deciduous floral leaf. 
 
 The squill grows on the sea-coast, of Spain, France, Italy, Greece, andbe 
 other countries bordering on the Mediterranean. The bulb is the officinal op- 
 tion. It is generally dried for use ; but is sometimes imported into this con ry 
 in the recent state packed in sand. 
 
 Properties. The fresh bulb is pear-shaped, usually larger than a man s.st. 
 • sometimes as large as the head of a child, and consisting of fleshy scales attiu- 
 ated at their edges, closely applied over each other, and invested by exterior s ies 
 so thin and dry as to appear to constitute a membranous coat. There are wo 
 
PAI I. 
 
 Scilla. 
 
 665 
 
 varlies, distinguished as the red and white squill. In the former, the exterior 
 coaig is of a deep reddish-brown colour, and the inner scales have a whitish 
 rosjir very light pink epidermis, with a yellowish-white parenchyma; in the 
 latt , the whole bulb is white. They do not differ in their medicinal virtues. 
 Theoulb abounds in a viscid, very acrid juice, which causes it to inflame and 
 eve excoriate the skin when much handled. By drying, this acrimony is very 
 mu( diminished, with little loss of medicinal power. The bulb loses about 
 fouiiftks of its weight in the process. Vogel found 100 parts of fresh squill to 
 be duced to 18 by desiccation. The process is somewhat difficult, in conse- 
 que« of the abundance and viscid character of the juice. The bulb is cut 
 into bin transverse slices, and the pieces dried separately by artificial or solar 
 beai The outer and central scales are rejected, the former being dry and des- 
 titu of the active principle, the latter too fleshy and mucilaginous. The Lon- 
 don ollege gives directions for the slicing and drying of the recent bulb. 
 
 led squill, as found in our shops, is in irregular oblong pieces, often more 
 or Is contorted, of a dull yellowish-white colour with a reddish or rosy tint, 
 somimes entirely white, slightly diaphanous, brittle and pulverizable when per- 
 fect dry, but often flexible from the presence of moisture, for which they have 
 a grit affinity. Occasionally a parcel will be found consisting of vertical slices, 
 somof which adhere together at the base. The odour is very feeble, the taste 
 bitt, nauseous, and acrid. 
 
 I; virtues of squill are extracted by water, alcohol, and vinegar. According 
 tolgel, it contains a bitter principle named by him scillitin, gum, tannin, 
 citr; ; of lime and saccharine matter, lignin, and an acrid principle which he 
 wasnable to isolate. Water distilled from it had neither taste nor smell, and 
 was rank by Vogel to the amount of six ounces without effect. From the 
 esp< ments of Duncan and Buchner, it appears that tannin, if it exists in squill, 
 is ii ery small proportion. The scillitin of Vogel was soluble in water, alcohol, 
 and inegar; but was considered by M. Tilloy, of Dijon, to be a compound of 
 the oper active principle of squill with gum and uncrystallizable sugar. The 
 scitt n, obtained by the latter experimenter, was insoluble in water and dilute 
 acid soluble in alcohol, exceedingly acrid and bitter, and very powerful in its 
 inflnce on the system. A single grain produced the death of a strong dog. 
 Therocess of Tilloy may be seen in former editions of this work. The scillitin 
 obtc ed by him was still impure. Labourdais believed that he had obtained it in 
 an ilated state by means of animal charcoal. A decoction of squill was first 
 tread with acetate of lead to separate the viscid matters, was then filtered and 
 agited in the cold with purified animal charcoal in fine powder, and afterwards 
 alloid to rest. The charcoal gradually subsided, carrying with it the bitter 
 and flouring principles. The liquid being decanted, the solid matter was dried, 
 and/eated with hot alcohol, which acquired an insupportable bitterness. The 
 alco 1 being distilled off, left a milky liquid, which was allowed to evaporate 
 spoi neously. The scillitin thus procured was solid, uncrystallized, easily de- 
 comisable by heat, almost caustic to the taste, not deliquescent, neuter, but 
 sligi y soluble in water, to which, however, it imparted a very great bitterness, 
 ven oluble in alcohol, and dissolved, but at the same time decomposed by con- 
 cen ted sulphuric and nitric acids, imparting to the former a purple colour, 
 inst tly becoming black. {Ann. de Therap., 1849, p. 145.) L. F. Bley suc- 
 ceec l in obtaining scillitin, by the process of Labourdais, in long flexible needle- 
 sha] 1 crystals, by simply allowing the last alcoholic solution to evaporate 
 spoi neously. {Arch, der Pharm., Ixi. 141.) Landerer obtained a crystalline 
 prir pie from fresh squill, by treating the bruised bulb with dilute sulphuric 
 acid oncentrating the solution, neutralizing it with lime, drying the precipitate, 
 exh sting this with alcohol, and evaporating the tincture, which, on cooling, 
 dep; ted the substance in question in prismatic crystals. It was bitter, but not 
 
666 
 
 Scilla. — Scoparius. par 
 
 acrid, insoluble in water or the volatile oils, slightly soluble in alcohol, and > 
 cording to Landerer, capable of neutralizing the acids. ( Christison’s Dispc 
 tory.) Wittstein inferred from his experiments that the bitterness and ac-rim y 
 of squill reside in distinct principles. (See Pharm. Journ. and Tram., x. 3 .) 
 Tilloy has recently made a new analysis of squill, which he finds to contain, a 
 resinoid substance very acrid and poisonous, soluble in alcohol and not in etr, 
 2. a very bitter principle, yellow, and soluble in water and alcohol, 3. a f y 
 matter soluble in ether and not in alcohol, 4. citrate of lime, and 5. muei:e 
 and sugar. The acrid principle, in the dose of about three quarters of a gi a, 
 killed a dog. The bitter principle is much less powerful. Both are conta :d 
 in the matters extracted from squill by means of animal charcoal. The citte 
 of lime is in the form of minute, silky, acicular crystals, interspersed thrcrh 
 the parenchyma of the bulb. {Journ. de Pharm., 3e sir., xxiii. 410.) 
 
 When kept in a dry place, squill retains its virtues for a long time; b if 
 exposed to moisture it soon becomes mouldy. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Squill is expectorant, diuretic, and in he 
 doses emetic and purgative. In over-doses it has been known to occasion hyr- 
 catharsis, strangury, bloody urine, and fatal inflammation of the stomach id 
 bowels. The Greek physicians employed it as a medicine; and it has retaid 
 to the present period a deserved popularity. As an expectorant, it is used ;h 
 in cases of deficient and of superabundant secretion from the bronchial mu as 
 membrane; in the former case usually combined with tartar emetic or ipec u- 
 anha, in the latter frequently with the stimulant expectorants. In both installs, 
 it operates by stimulating the vessels of the lungs; and, where the inflammiry 
 action in this organ is considerable, as in pneumonia and severe catarrh, the se 
 of squill should be preceded by the lancet. In dropsical diseases it is ry 
 much employed, especially in connexion with calomel, which is supposed tox- 
 cite the absorbents, while the squill increases the secretory action of the kidirs. 
 It is thought to succeed best, iu these complaints, in the absence of geiral 
 inflammatory excitement. On account of its great uncertainty and occas ial 
 harshness, it is very seldom prescribed as an emetic, except in infantile croi or 
 catarrh, in which it is usually given in the form of syrup or oxymel. Ten 
 given in substance, it is most conveniently administered iu the form of pill, he 
 dose, as a diuretic or expectorant, is one or two grains repeated two or three ties 
 a day, and gradually increased till it produces slight nausea, or evinces its a on 
 upon the kidneys or lungs. From six to twelve grains will generally vnit. 
 The vinegar and syrup of squill are officinal, and much used. An acetic exact 
 has been prepared by Mr. F. D. Niblett, by digesting a pound of squill with ree 
 fluidounces of acetic acid and a pint of distilled water, with a gentle hea for 
 forty-eight hours, then expressing, and, without filtration, evaporating to a ro- 
 per consistence. One grain is equal to about three of the powder. (Phtn. 
 Journ. and Trans., xii. 138.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Acetum Scillae; Pilulre Digitalis et Sc-illfe; Pil. Ipecacuanha;^ 
 Scilla; Pil. Scillre Comp.; Syrupus Scillae Comp.; Tinetura Scillae. 
 
 SCQPARIU'S. U. S. Secondary, Lond. 
 
 Broom. 
 
 The fresh tops of Cytisus Scoparius. U. S. Cytisus Scoparius. Recenana 
 dried top. Lond. 
 
 Off- Syn. SCOPARIUM. Tops of Cytisus Scoparius. Ed.. Duh 
 
 Genet a balais, Fr.; Gemeine Besenginster, Germ.; Scoparia, Itah: Return, Spaa. 
 
 Cytisus. Sex. Syst. Diadelphia Decandria. — Xat.OrJ. Fabaceae or .'gu* 
 minosse. 
 
PAI I. 
 
 667 
 
 Scoparius. — Senega. 
 
 ( n.Ch ■ Calyx bilabiate, upper lip generally entire, lower somewhat three- 
 toot:d. Vexittum ovate, broad. Carina very obtuse, enclosing the stamens 
 and istils. Stamens monadelphous. Legume piano-compressed, many-seeded, 
 not (landular. {De Cand.) 
 
 Cisus Scoparius. De Cand. Prodrom. ii. 154. — Spartivm Scoparium. 
 Wil. Sp. Plant, iii. 933; Woodv. Med. Pot. p. 413, t. 150. This is a common 
 Eunean shrub, cultivated in our gardens, from three to eight feet high, with 
 nuiprous straight, pentangular, bright-green, very flexible branches, and small, 
 oblog, downy leaves, which are usually ternate, but on the upper part of the 
 plat are sometimes simple. The flowers are numerous, papilionaceous, large, 
 shot, of a golden-yellow colour, and supported solitarily upon short axillary 
 pedicles. The seeds are contained in a compressed legume, which is hairy at 
 the tures. 
 
 T; whole plant has a bitter nauseous taste, and, when bruised, a strong pecu- 
 liar lour. The tops of the branches are the officinal portion; but the seeds are 
 alsosed, and, while they possess similar virtues, have the advantage of keeping 
 bett . Water and alcohol extract their active properties. According to Cadet 
 de (ssicourt, the flowers contain volatile oil, fatty matter, wax, chlorophylle, 
 yell' colouring matter, tannin, a sweet substance, mucilage, osmazome, albumen 
 andjgnin. Dr. Stenhouse has separated from them two principles, one of which 
 cAUscoparin he believes to be the diuretic principle, and the other, named spar- 
 teing be narcotic. The former is in stellate crystals, easily dissolved by boiling 
 watt and alcohol, and is obtained by purifying a yellow gelatinous substance 
 deputed upon the evaporation of the decoction. It may be given in the dose 
 of fir or five grains. The latter was obtained by distillation from the mother 
 watci of the scoparin. It is a colourless liquid, having a peculiar bitter taste, 
 and 11 the properties of a volatile organic base. It appears to have narcotic 
 pro; ties. But we need more definite information on the subject. {Ann. de 
 TMp., A.D. 1853, p. 153.) 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Broom is diuretic and cathartic, and in large 
 doseemetic, and has been employed with great advantage in dropsical com- 
 plain, in which it was recommended by Mead, Cullen, and others. Cullen 
 presibed it in the form of decoction, made by boiling half an ounce of the 
 freslnops in a pint of water down to half a pint, of which he gave a fluidounce 
 ever hour till it operated by stool or urine. It is a domestic remedy in Great 
 Brit a, but is seldom used in this country. The seeds may be given in powder, 
 in ti dose of ten or fifteen grains. 
 
 f Prep. Decoctum Scoparii; Decoctum Scoparii Compositum. W. 
 
 SENEGA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Seneka. 
 
 T root of Polygala Senega. U. S., Loncl., Ed., Dub. 
 
 I’ 1 gale de Virginie, Fr.; Klapperschlangenwurzel, Germ.; Poligala Tirginiana, Ital. 
 
 P .ygala. Sex. Syst. Diadelphia Octandria. — Nat. Ord. Polygalaceae. 
 
 Ci. Ch. Calyx five-leaved, with two leaflets wing-shaped, and coloured. 
 Leg le obcordate, two-celled. Willd. 
 
 B ides P. Senega, two other species have attracted some attention in Europe — 
 L. aara and P. vulgaris — as remedies in chronic pectoral affections; but as they 
 are it natives of this country, and are never used by practitioners here, they 
 do r merit particular notice. 
 
 1 ygala Senega. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 894; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. ii. 
 
 . 1 ; arton, Med. Bot. ii. 111. This unostentatious plant has a perennial brandi- 
 ng ot, from which several erect, simple, smooth, round, leafy stems annually 
 rise, "om nine inches to a foot in height. The stems are occasionally tinged 
 
668 
 
 Senega. 
 
 pap. : 
 
 with red or purple below, but are green near the top. The leaves are alternat * 
 scattered, lanceolate, pointed, smooth, bright-green on the upper surface, p j 
 beneath, and sessile or supported on very short footstalks. The flowers -e 
 small and white, and form a. close spike at the summit of the stem. Thecix 
 is their most conspicuous part. It consists of five leaflets, two of which -e 
 wing-shaped, white, and larger than the others. The corolla is small andclcji 
 The capsules are small, much compressed, obcordate, two-valved, and two-ce'i, 
 with two oblong-ovate, blackish seeds, pointed at one end. 
 
 This species of Polygala, commonly called Seneka snakeroot, grows wild ii 11 
 parts of the United States, but most abundantly in the southern and wesn 
 sections, where the root is collected for sale. It is brought into market in lea 
 weighing from fifty to four hundred pounds. 
 
 Properties. As the root occurs in commerce, it is of various sizes, from at 
 of a straw to that of the little finger, presenting a thick knotty head, w:h 
 exhibits traces of the numerous stems. It is tapering, branched, varicly 
 twisted, often marked with crowded annular protuberances, and with a prat- 
 ing keel-like line, extending along its whole length. The epidermis is c< 11 - 
 gated, transversely cracked, of a yellowish-brown colour in the young roots.ad 
 brownish gray in the old. In the smaller branches the colour is a lighter yeiw. 
 The bark is hard and resinous, and contains the active principles of the tt. 
 The central portion is ligneous, white, and quite inert, and should be rejted 
 in the preparation of the powder. The colour of this is gray. The odo of 
 seneka is peculiar, strong in the fresh root, but faint in the dried. The tas is 
 at first sweetish and mucilaginous, but after chewing becomes somewhat pun lit 
 and acrid, leaving a peculiar irritating sensation in the fauces. These prope es, 
 as well as the medical virtues of the root, are extracted by boiling water, an bv 
 aleohol. Diluted alcohol is an excellent solvent. The root has been anaked 
 by Gehlen, Pesehier of Geneva, Feneulle of Cambray, Dulong D’ Astafort, Fchi, 
 and Trommsdorff, and more recently by M. Quevenne. Gehlen was supped 
 to have found the active principle in the substance left behind, when the co- 
 holic extract is treated successively with ether and water ; and thenameofsei/oi 
 was accordingly conferred upon it. But it does not seem to have any just i.im 
 to the rank assigned to it, though it probably contains the active principle aimg 
 its constituents. From a comparison of the results obtained by the above-on- 
 tioned chemists, it would appear that seneka contains, 1. a peculiar acrid 'in- 
 ciple, which M. Quevenne considers to be an acid, and has named polygalic ad; 
 2. a yellow colouring matter, of a bitter taste, insoluble or nearly so in v:er, 
 but soluble in ether and alcohol; 3. a volatile principle, considered by sob as 
 an essential oil, but thought by Quevenne to possess acid properties, and naed 
 by him virgincic acid ; 4. pectic acid or pectin; 5. tannic acid of the v;ety 
 which precipitates iron green; 6. gum; 7. albumen; 8. cerin; 9. fixed oil It 1 , 
 woody fibre; and 11. saline and earthy substances, as the carbonates, sulpltes, 
 and phosphates of lime and potassa, chloride of potassium, alumina, mag sia, 
 silica, and iron. The virtues of seneka appear to reside chiefly, if not abu- 
 sively, in the acrid principle which M. Quevenue called polygalic acid, anduich 
 he considered closely analogous to saponin. He obtained it pure by the flow- 
 ing process. Powdered seneka is exhausted by alcohol of 33°, and so mu of 
 the alcohol is distilled off as to bring the resulting tincture to the consisted of 
 syrup. The residue is treated with ether, in order to remove the fatty niter. 
 The liquid upon standing deposits a precipitate, which is separated by filtrion, 
 and is then mixed with water. To the turbid solution thus formed aleo'l is 
 added, which facilitates the production of a white precipitate, consisting c.efly 
 of polygalic acid. The liquid is allowed to stand for several days, that thpre- 
 cipitate may be fully formed. The supernatant liquid being decanted, thlpre- 
 
PAT I. 
 
 669 
 
 Senega. 
 
 cipite is drained upon a filter, and, being removed while yet moist, is dissolved 
 by is aid of heat in alcohol of 36°. The solution is boiled with purified animal 
 chaoal, and filtered while hot. Upon cooling it deposits the principle in ques- 
 tion n a state of purity. Thus obtained, polygalic acid is a white powder, 
 inocrous, and of a taste at first slight, but soon becoming pungent and acrid, 
 androducing a very painful sensation in the throat. It is fixed, unalterable 
 in t air, inflammable, soluble in water slowly when cold and rapidly with the 
 aid beat, soluble in all proportions in boiling absolute alcohol, which deposits 
 mosof it on cooling, quite insoluble in ether and in the fixed and volatile oils, 
 andossessed of the properties of reddening litmus and neutralizing the alkalies. 
 Its mstituents are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. M. Quevenne found it, when 
 give to dogs, to occasion vomiting and much embarrassment in respiration, and 
 in lige quantities to destroy life. Dissection exhibited evidences of inflamma- 
 tionf the lungs, and frothy mucus was found in the stomach, oesophagus, and 
 supeor portion of the trachea, showing the tendency of this substance to in- 
 crea the mucous secretion, and explaining in part the beneficial influence of 
 senei in croup. ( Journ . de Phnrrn., xxii. 449, and xxiii. 227.) 
 
 Fm the experiments of M. Quevenne it also appears that seneka yields its 
 virtis to water, cold or hot, and to boiling alcohol ; and that the extracts obtained 
 by mans of these liquids have the sensible properties of the root. But, under 
 the fluence of heat, a portion of the acrid principle unites with the colouring 
 mat - and coagulated albumen, and thus becomes insoluble in water; and the 
 deccion, therefore, is not so strong as the infusion, if time is allowed, in the 
 form ion of the latter, for the full action of the menstruum. If it be desirable 
 to oun the virtues of the root in the form of an aqueous extract, the infusion 
 shoe be prepared on the principle of displacement; as it is thus most concen- 
 trate and consequently requires less heat in its evaporation. In forming an 
 infu >n of seneka, the temperature of the water, according to M. Quevenne, 
 shot not exceed 104° F. ( Ibid .) 
 
 T roots of Panax quinquefolium or ginseng are frequently mixed with the 
 sene , but are easily distinguishable by their shape and taste. Another root 
 has en occasionally observed in parcels of seneka, supposed to be that of Gil- 
 lenis rifoliata. This would be readily distinguished by its colour and shape 
 (see Hllenia), and by its bitter taste without acrimony. One of the most cha- 
 ractcstic marks of seneka is the projecting line running the whole length of 
 the ])t, and appearing as though a thread were placed beneath the bark, and, 
 bein ittached at the upper end, were drawn at the lower, so as to give the root 
 a courted shape. 
 
 M'ical Properties and Uses. Seneka is a stimulating expectorant and diuretic, 
 and large doses emetic and cathartic. It appears indeed to excite more or 
 less 1 the secretions, proving occasionally diaphoretic and emmenagogue, and 
 inerd ing the flow of saliva. Its action, however, is especially directed to the 
 lung and its expectorant virtues are those for which it is chiefly employed. 
 It w; introduced into practice about a century ago by Dr. Tennant, of Virginia, 
 who commended it as a cure for the bite of the rattlesnake, and in various 
 pecti d complaints. As an expectorant it is employed in cases not attended 
 withjmte inflammatory action, or in which the inflammation has been in great 
 meas -e subdued. It is peculiarly useful in chronic catarrhal affections, the 
 secoi iry stages of croup, and in peripneumonia notha after sufficient depletion, 
 hy 1. Archer, of Maryland, it was recommended in the early stages of croup; 
 but jtder these circumstances it is now seldom given, unless in combination 
 with quill and an antimonial, as in the Syrupus Scillee Compositus. Em- 
 ploy. so as to purge and vomit, it has proved useful in rheumatism; and some 
 cases f dropsy are said to have been cured by it. It has also been recom- 
 meni 1 in amenorrhoea. 
 
670 
 
 Senega. — Senna. 
 
 pap> r, 
 
 The dose of powdered seneka is from ten to twenty grains; but the mediie 
 is more frequently administered in decoction. (See Decoctum Senegas.) T e 
 is an officinal syrup. An extract is prepared by macerating sixteen ouno of 
 coarsely powdered senega, for two days, in three pints of a liquid consistinof 
 one measure of alcohol and two of water; then putting the mixture into a pi o- 
 lator, and pouring upon it a similar fluid until six pints of filtered liquor re 
 obtained; and, lastly, evaporating by means of a water-bath to the consist c-e 
 of an extract. The dose is from one to three grains. ( Am . Journ. of Pbai ., 
 xiv. 287.) A tincture may also be prepared, but is not much employed, ly- 
 galic acid may be employed in the dose of from the fourth to the half of a g a, 
 dissolved iu hot water, with the addition of gum and sugar. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Senegae; Electuarium Opii ; Iufusum Senegae; Syr os 
 Scillae Compositus; Syrupus Senegae. T 
 
 SENNA. US., Dub. 
 
 Senna. 
 
 The leaflets of Cassia acutifolia (Defile), Cassia obovata (De Candolle ).nd 
 Cassia elongata (Lemaire). U. S. Cassia acutifolia. Alexandrian Senna, he 
 leaves. Cassia elongata. Tinuevelly senna. The leaves. Dub. 
 
 Off. Syn. SENNA ALEXANDRIA A. Loncl., Eel. Cassia acutifolia ar C. 
 obovata. The leaf. Loncl. Leaves of various species of Cassia, probably C. 
 lanceolata, C. acutifolia, and C. obovata. Ed. SENNA INDICA. Lond.yd. 
 Cassia acutifolia ? The leaf. Land. Leaves of Cassia elongata. Ed. 
 
 Send, Fr.; Sennesblatter, Germ.; Senna, Ital., Port.; Sen, Span. 
 
 Cassia. See CASSIA FISTULA. 
 
 The plants which yield senna belong to the genus Cassia, of which sera! 
 species contribute to furnish the drug. These were coufounded together by.in- 
 nasus in a single species, which he named Cassia Senna. Since his timthe 
 subject has been more thoroughly investigated, especially by Delile, who aom- 
 panied the French expedition to Egypt, and had an opportunity of examing 
 the plant iu its native country. Botanists at. present distinguish at least ree 
 species, C. acutifolia, C. obovata, and C. elongata, as the sources of commend 
 senna; and it is probable that two others, C. lanceolata of Forskhal ai C 
 jEthiopica of Guibourt, contribute towards it. The first three are recogsed 
 by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 1. Cassia acutifolia. Delile, Flore d' Eyi/pte, lxxv. tab. 27, f. 1 — C.lanceata. 
 De Candolle; Carson, Illust. of Med. Bot. i. 34, pi. 27. This is describees a 
 small undershrub, two or three feet high, with a straight, woody, branching, wtish 
 stem; but, according to Landerer, the senna plant attains the height of eigt or 
 ten feet in the African deserts, and affords the natives shelter from the suu. Joe 
 Am. Journ. of Pharm. , xvni. 174.) The leaves are alteruate and pinnatevith 
 glandless footstalks, and two small narrow pointed stipules at the base. The 
 leaflets, of which from four to six pairs belong to each leaf, are almost ssile, 
 oval-lanceolate, acute, oblique at their base, nerved, from half an inch to amok 
 long, and of a yellowish-green colour. The flowers are yellow, and in aslary 
 spikes. The fruit is a flat, elliptical, obtuse, membranous, smooth, grayish-tom, 
 bivalvular legume, about an inch long and half an inch broad, scarcely if t all 
 curved, and divided into six or seven cells, each containing a hard, heart-s(ped, 
 ash-coloured seed. C. acutifolia grows wild in great abuudance in Lpper ;yp : 
 near Sienne, in Nubia, Sennaar, and probably in other parts of Africa Ring 
 similar qualities of soil aud climate. This species furnishes the greater ]rt ot 
 that variety 7 of senna, known iu commerce by the title of Alexandria sent- 
 
PA!? I. 
 
 Senna. 
 
 671 
 
 c . Cassia obovata. Colladon, Monographie des Casses; De Cand. Prodrom. ii. 
 49: Carson, Must, of Med. Bot. i. 35, pi. 28. The stem of this species is rather 
 shoar than that, of C. acutifolia, rising to the height of only a foot and.a half. 
 Theeaves have from five to seven pairs of leaflets, which are obovate, very obtuse, 
 somimes mucronate, in other respects similar to those of the preceding species. 
 Thelowers are in axillary spikes, of which the peduncles are longer than the 
 leav; of the plant. The legumes are very much compressed, curved almost into 
 the idneyform,of a greenish-brown colour, and covered with a very short down, 
 wki is perceptible only by the aid of a magnifying glass. They contain from 
 ekdto ten seeds. The C. obtusata of Hayne, vVith obovate, truncated, emarginate 
 leaf s, is probably a mere variety of this species. The plant, which according 
 to mat is annual, grows wild in Syria, Egypt, and Senegambia; and is said to 
 liavoeen cultivated successfully in Italy, Spain, and the West Indies. It yields 
 the iriety of senna called in Europe Aleppo senna, and contributes to the pack- 
 ages! the Alexandrian. 
 
 3 Cassia elongata. Lemaire, Journ. de Pliarm. vii. 345 ; Fee, Journ. de Chim. 
 Mean. 232; Carson, Illust. of Med. Bot. i. 36, pi. 29. This name was conferred 
 by J Lemaire upon the plant from which the India senna of commerce is derived. 
 Theotanical description was completed by M. Fee, from dried specimens of the 
 leav and fruit found by him in unassorted parcels of this variety of senna. Dr. 
 Wabh has subsequently succeeded in raising the plant from seeds found in a 
 pare of senna taken to Calcutta from Arabia; and it has been described by Dr. 
 Roy, "Wight & Arnott, and Dr. Lindley. As usually grown, it is annual; but 
 wit blare it may be made to live through the year, and then assumes the character 
 of aundershrub. It has an erect, smooth stem, and pinnate leaves, with from 
 four o eight pairs of leaflets. These are nearly sessile, lanceolate, obscurely 
 muc nate, oblique at the base, smooth above and somewhat downy beneath, with 
 the ins turned inwards so as to form a wavy line immediately within the edge 
 of tl leaflet. The most striking character of the leaflet is its length, which 
 variifrom an inch to twenty lines. The petioles are without glands; the stipules 
 minn, spreading, and semi-hastate. The flowers are bright yellow, and arranged 
 in a. lary and terminal racemes, rather longer than the leaves. The legume is 
 oblo , membranous, tapering abruptly at the base, rounded at the apex, and an 
 inch id a half long by somewhat more than half an inch broad. This plant is 
 a na e of the southern parts of Arabia. It has been said also to grow in the 
 inteir of India, and is at present cultivated at Tinnevelly for medical use. 
 
 B des the three officinal species above described, the C. lanceoiata of Forskhal, 
 foun by that author growing in the deserts of Arabia, is admitted by Lindley 
 and tjiers as a distinct species. Some difference, however, of opinion exists upon 
 this int. De Candolle considered it only a variety of the C. acutifolia of Delile, 
 from ie ordinary form of which it differs chiefly in having leaflets with glandular 
 peticis; and, as Forskhal’s description was prior to that of Delile, he designated 
 the skies by the name of C. lanceoiata. Forskhal’s plant has been supposed 
 hy soe to be the source of the India and Mocha senna; but the leaflets in this 
 wie, are much longer than those of C. lanceoiata, from which the plant differs 
 also having no gland on the petiole. Niebuhr informs us that he found the 
 Aiextdria senna growing in the Arabian territory of Abuarish, whence it is 
 takeipy the Arabs to Mecca and Jedda. This is probably the C. lanceoiata of 
 Rors al. It is highly probable that this species is the source of a variety 
 °f S£ pa which has been brought to this market under the name of Mecca 
 senn: 
 
 Tl Cassia JEthiopica of Guibourt ( C. ovata of Merat), formerly confounded 
 . acutifolia, is considered by Dr. Lindley as undoubtedly a distinct species. 
 Lgirsin Nubia, Fezzan to the south of Tripoli, and probably, according to 
 
672 
 
 Senna. 
 
 PAP, L 
 
 Guibourt, throughout Ethiopia. It is from this plant that the Tripoli senntf 
 commerce is derived.* 
 
 Commercial History. Several varieties of this valuable drug are known in m- 
 merce. Of these, four have been received in America, the Alexandria, ie 
 Tripoli, the India, and the Mecca senna. 
 
 1. Alexandria Senna. Though the name of this variety is derived frome 
 Egyptian port at which it is shipped, it is in fact gathered very far in the inte >r. 
 The Alexandria senna does not consist exclusively of the product of one spes 
 of Cassia. The history of its preparation is not destitute of interest. Thesna 
 plants of Upper Egypt yield two crops annually, one in spring and the otbin 
 autumn. They are gathered chiefly in the country beyond Sienne. The na ee 
 cut the plants, and, having dried them in the sun, strip off the leaves and )k 
 which they pack in bales, and send to Boulac, in the vicinity of Cairo, the pat 
 entrepot for this article of Egyptian commerce. This senna from Upper Ept, 
 consisting chiefly though not exclusively of the product of C. acutifolia, was ere 
 formerly mixed with the leaflets of C. obovata, brought from other parts of E pt, 
 and even from Syria, with the leaves of Cynanchum oleaefoliinn ( C . Arg of 
 Delile), known commonly by the name of argel or arguel, and sometimes ith 
 those of the Tephrosia Apol/inea of De Candolle, a leguminous plant growi in 
 Egypt and Nubia. According to M. Royer, the proportions in which the ree 
 chief constituents of this mixture were added together, were five parts C. 
 acutifolia, three of C. obovata, and two of Cynanchum. Thus preparedihe 
 senna was again packed in bales, and transmitted to Alexandria. But at prent 
 there is no such uniformity in the constitution of Alexandria senna; and, thigh 
 the three chief ingredients may still sometimes be found in it, they are not ithe 
 same fixed proportions; and not unfrequently the Cynanchum leaves are willy 
 wanting. This commercial variety of senna is often called in the French phiina- 
 c-eutic works sene de la palthe, a name derived from an impost formerly laidpon 
 it by the Ottoman Porte. 
 
 A parcel of Alexandria senna, as it was formerly brought to market, con ted 
 of the following ingredients: — 1. The leaflets of C. acutifolia, characterize by 
 their acute form, and their length almost always less than an inch; ‘2. the Islets 
 of C. obovata, known by their rounded very obtuse summit, which is somemes 
 furnished with a small projecting point, and by their gradual diminutii in 
 breadth towards their base; 3. the pods, broken leafstalks, flowers, and fhnrag- 
 ments of other parts of one or both of these species; 4. the leaves of Cynamuni 
 oleaefolium, which are distinguishable by their length, almost always morthan 
 an inch, their greater thickness and firmness, the absence of any visible leral 
 nerves on their Under surface, their somewhat lighter colour, and the regard}' 
 of their base. In this last character they strikingly differ from the genuine moa 
 leaflets, which, from whatever species derived, are always marked by obliqi y a: 
 their base, one side being inserted in the petiole at a point somewhat lowedian 
 
 * The following is the botanical description of the two species last mentioned, not hierw 
 officinally recognised. 
 
 1. C. lanceolata. Forskhal; Lindley, Flor. iled. p. 259. ‘‘Leaflets in four or firs airs, 
 never more ; oblong, and either acute or obtuse, not at all ovate or lanceolate, and ptect.y 
 free from downiness even when young : the petioles have constantly a small roundrowa 
 gland a little above the base. The pods are erect, oblong, tapering to the base, tuse, 
 turgid, mucronate, rather falcate, especially when young, at which time they are sptng.v 
 covered with coarse scattered hairs.” {Lindley.) 
 
 2. C. TEthiopica. Guibourt, Hist. Ab. des Drogues, <5"c. ii. 219; Lindley, Flor. Mtdi. - A 
 The plant is about eighteen inches high. The footstalks have a gland at the ba. and 
 another between each pair of leaflets. There are from three to five pairs of leafletsvlrA 
 are pubescent, oval-lanceolate, from seven to nine lines in length, aud three or ur in 
 breadth, rather shorter and less acute than those of C. acutifolia. The legume is flat. ; noth, 
 not reniform, rounded, from eleven to fifteen lines long, with from three to five ses- 
 
P/.T I. 
 
 Senna. 
 
 673 
 
 th other, and at a different angle. The discrimination between this and the 
 otr ingredients is a matter of some consequence, as the cynanchum must be 
 coiidered an adulteration. It is said by the French writers to occasion hyper- 
 ca arsis and much irritation of the bowels; but was found by Christison and 
 M er to occasion a griping, and severe protracted nausea, with little purgation. 
 Ti flowers and fruit of the Cynanchum were also often present, the former of 
 a iite colour, and in small corymbs, the latter an ovoid follicle rather larger 
 th an orange seed. Besides the above constituents of Alexandria senna, it 
 ocsionally contained leaflets of genuine senna, much longer than those of the 
 ac ifolia or obovata, equalling in this respect the cynanchum, which they also 
 so ewhat resembled in form. They were distinguishable, however, by their 
 grter thinness, the distinctness of their lateral nerves, and the irregularity of 
 th' base. The leaflets and fruit of Te.phrosia Apollinea, which have been an 
 ocsional impurity in this variety of senna, may be distinguished, the former 
 byheir downy surface, their obovate-oblong, emarginate shape, their parallel 
 un anched lateral nerves, and by being usually folded longitudinally’ ; the latter, 
 by is dimensions, being from an inch to an inch and a half long, and only, two 
 lie; broad. As now imported, the Alexandria senna is often quite free from 
 tbi eaves of the Cynanchum, and may have few or none of the leaflets of the 
 ob ate senna. It is probably brought directly to Alexandria from Upper Egypt, 
 wi out having undergone any intermixture at Boulac or other intervening places 
 Inlurope, this senna is said to have been sometimes adulterated with the leaf- 
 letof ■Collutea arborescens or bladder senna, and the leaves of Coriaria nxyrti- 
 foi a plant of Southern Europe, said to be astringent and even poisonous. 
 Aijiccount of the former of these plants is given in the Appendix. The leaflets 
 of lie Coriaria are ovate-lanceolate, grayish-green with a bluish tint, and are 
 re; ly known, when not too much broken up, by their strongly marked midrib, 
 an two lateral nerves running from the base nearly to the summit. They are 
 chiically distinguished by giving a whitish precipitate with solution of gelatin, 
 an i bluish-black one with the salts of sesquioxide of iron, proving the presence 
 of nnin. Their poisonous properties are denied by Peschier. According to 
 Bckardat, they are closely analogous to strychnia in their effect. (Ann. de 
 Tl ap., 1843, p. 55.) 
 
 Tripoli Senna. Genuine Tripoli senna consists in general exclusively of 
 thceaflets of one species of Cassia, which was formerly considered as a variety 
 of acuti/olia, but is now admitted to be distinct, and named C. AEthiopica. 
 Th leaflets, however, are much broken up; and it is probably on this account 
 the the variety is usually less esteemed than the Alexandrian. The aspect given 
 to by this state of comminution, and by the uniformity of its constitution, 
 ernes the eye at once to distinguish it from the other varieties of senna. The 
 lea ts, moreover, are shorter, less acute, thinner, and more fragile than those 
 of e C. acutifolia in Alexandria senna; and their nerves are much less distinct. 
 Tk general opinion at one time was, that it was brought from Sennaar and 
 No a to Tripoli in caravans; but it is reasonably asked by M. Fee, how it could 
 be forded at a cheaper price than the Alexandrian, if thus brought on the 
 bach of camels a distance of eight hundred leagues through the desert. It is 
 prCibly collected in Fezzan, immediately south of Tripoli, and brought to that 
 toy for exportation. 
 
 ' India Senna. This variety is in Europe sometimes called Mocha senna, 
 pre ibly because obtained originally from that port. It derives its name of India 
 sen from the route by which it reaches us. Though produced in Arabia, it is 
 breght to this country and Europe from Calcutta, Bombay, and possibly other 
 P°i of Hindostan. It consists of the leaflets of Cassia elongata, with some of 
 the eafstalks and pods intermixed. The eye is at once struck by the great 
 
674 
 
 Senna. 
 
 par 
 
 length and comparative narrowness of the leaflets, so that no difficulty can e 
 experienced in distinguishing this variety. The pike-like shape of the le; -t 
 has given rise to the name of sene de la pique, by which it is known in Freh 
 pharmacy. Many of the leaflets have a yellowish, dark-brown, or blaci h 
 colour, probably from exposure after collection ; and this variety has in ma a 
 dull tawny hue which is not found in the others. It is generally considi d 
 inferior in pui’gative power. 
 
 A variety of India senna has recently reached this country, which is the o- 
 duce of Hindostan, being cultivated at Tinnevelly, and probably other placcn 
 the South of the Peninsula. The plant was originally raised from seeds b- 
 tained from the Red Sea, and is the same as that from which the common I ia 
 senna is derived. The drug is exported from Madras to England, where is 
 known by the name of Tinnevelly senna. It is a very fine unmixed variety, n- 
 sisting of unbroken leaflets, from one to two or more inches in length, and si.e- 
 times half an inch in their greatest breadth, thin, flexible, and of a fine gen 
 colour. 
 
 4. Mecca Senna. Since the publication of the fifth edition of this Dispea- 
 tory, a variety of senna has been imported under the name of Mecca senna, cor st- 
 ing of the leaflets, pods, broken stems, and petioles of a single species of Gaia. 
 The leaflets are oblong-lanceolate, on the average longer and narrower than trae 
 of C. acutifolia, and shorter than those of C. elongata. The variety in masuas 
 a yellowish or tawny hue, more like that of India than that of Alexandria seia. 
 May it not be the product of the C. lanceolata of Forskhal? Landerer, w- 
 ever, speaks of a valuable variety of senna, characterized by the large size o lie 
 leaflets, and sold under the name of Mecca senna, which he says comes fronhe 
 interior of Africa. 
 
 Commercial senna is prepared for use by picking out the leaflets, and reje.ng 
 the leafstalks, the small fragments, and the leaves of other plants. The nds 
 are also rejected by some apothecaries ; but they possess considerable catHic 
 power, though said to be milder than the leaves. 
 
 Properties. The odour of senna is faint and sickly; the taste slightly her, 
 sweetish, and nauseous. Water and diluted alcohol extract its active prineies. 
 Pure alcohol extracts them but imperfectly. (Bley and Diesel, Pharm. Ct'ral 
 Blatt., Feb. 1849, p. 126.) The leaves are said to yield about one-thi of 
 their weight to boiling water. The infusion is of a deep reddish-brown cour, 
 and has the odour and taste of the leaves. When exposed to the air for a ion 
 time, it deposits a yellowish insoluble precipitate, supposed to result fronthe 
 union of extractive matter with ox} r gen. The nature of this precipitate, ow- 
 ever, is not well understood. Decoction also produces some chauge in the rin- 
 ciples of senna, by which its medicinal virtues have been supposed to b im- 
 paired ; but some experiments of B. Heerlein would seem to show tha this 
 opinion is incorrect. An extract prepared by boiling down an infusion, dis- 
 solving the residue, and again boiling down to a solid consistence, was ford to 
 operate actively in a dose equivalent to a drachm of the leaves. (Pharm. lent. 
 Blatt, A. D. 1851, p. 909.) To diluted alcohol it imparts the same reph- 
 brown colour as to water; but rectified alcohol and ether digested upon thoow- 
 dered leaves become of a deep olive-green. The analysis of senna by MMLas- 
 saigne and Feneulle furnished the following results. The leaves contain- 1- s 
 peculiar principle called cathartin; 2. chlorophylle or the green colouring utter 
 of leaves ; 3. a fixed oil ; 4. a small quantity of volatile oil; 5. albumen 6- & 
 yellow colouring matter; 7. mucilage; 8. salts of the vegetable acids viz., 
 malate and tartrate of lime and acetate of potassa; and 9. mineral salts. The 
 pods are composed of the same principles, with the exception of the chloropy He, 
 the place of which is supplied by a peculiar colouring matter. (Journ. dePBrn ., 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Senna. 
 
 675 
 
 vii.148, and is. 58.) Catliartin was at one time believed to be the active 
 priiiple of senna; but upon trial it has proved to possess little power of affect- 
 inghe system; and it is now believed to be a complex body, consisting, accord- 
 ing o Bley and Diesel, of a mixture of resinous and extractive matter. It is 
 an icrystallizable substance, having a peculiar smell, a bitter, nauseous taste, 
 and reddish-yellow colour; is soluble in every proportion in water and alcohol, 
 butrsoluble in ether; and in its dry state attracts moisture from the air. It 
 is p pared in the following manner. To a filtered decoction of senna the solution 
 of a tate of lead is added; and the precipitate which forms is separated. A stream 
 of 1 drosulphuric acid (sulphuretted hydrogen) is then made to pass through 
 the ijuor in order to precipitate the lead, and the sulphuret produced is removed 
 by tration. The liquid is now evaporated to the consistence of an extract ; 
 the roduct is treated with rectified alcohol; and the alcoholic solution is evapo- 
 rate : To the extract thus obtained sulphuric acid diluted with alcohol is 
 
 add , in order to decompose the acetate of potassa which it contains ; the sul- 
 pha of potassa is separated by filtration ; the excess of sulphuric acid by ace- 
 tateif lead; the excess of acetate of lead by hydrosulphuric acid; and the 
 sulpjret of lead by another filtration. The liquid being now evaporated yields 
 catl'tin. Bley and Diesel found in senna a peculiar yellow resin which they 
 MiVLcliri/soretin, a brown resin and brown extractive wbic-h they could not fully 
 sepate, pectin, gummy extractive, chlorophylle, fatty matter, and various salts. 
 {Finn. Cent. Blatt, Feb. 1849, p. 126.) 
 
 liompatibles. Many substances produce precipitates with the infusion of 
 sent; but it does not follow that they are all medicinally incompatible; as 
 theynay remove ingredients which have no therapeutical effect, and leave the 
 acti principles untouched. Cathartin is precipitated by the infusion of galls 
 and ie solution of subacetate of lead. Acetate of lead and tartarized antimony, 
 whi< disturb the infusion, have no effect upon the solution of this principle. 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Senna was first used as a medicine by the 
 Arams. It was noticed in their writings so early as the ninth century; and 
 the ane itself is Arabic. It is a prompt, eificient, and very safe purgative, 
 well alculated for fevers and febrile complaints, and other cases iu which a 
 decldbut not violent impression is desired. An objection sometimes urged 
 agai t it is that it is apt to produce severe griping. This effect, however, may 
 be o iated by combining with the senna some aromatic, and some one of the 
 alka ie salts, especially bitartrate of potassa, tartrate of potassa, or sulphate of 
 magjsia. The explanation which attributes the griping property to the oxi- 
 dizec :xtractive, and its prevention by the saline substances to their influence 
 in p; noting the solubility of that principle, is not entirely satisfactory. The 
 purgive effect of senna is considerably increased by combination with bitters; 
 afacvvhich was noticed by Cullen, and has been abundantly confirmed by the 
 expe mee of others. The decoction of guaiac is said to exert a similar influence. 
 The )se of senna in powder is from half a drachm to two drachms; but its 
 hulk mders it of inconvenient administration ; and it is not often prescribed in 
 this tte. Besides, the powder is said to undergo decomposition, and to become 
 moul/ on exposure to a damp air. The form of infusion is almost universally 
 P r efe : ed. (See Infusum Sennse.) The medicine is also used in the forms of 
 eonfe ion, fluid extract, syrup, and tincture, all of which are officinal. 
 
 Seja taken by nurses is said to purge sucking infants, and an infusion 
 1D jec 1 into the veins operates as a cathartic. 
 
 Qi Prep. Confectio Sennae ; Enema Catharticum ; Extractum Sennae Flui- 
 dum Extract. Spigeliae et Sennas Fluidum ; Infusum Sennae ; Infusum Sennae 
 “ om l dtum ; Syrupus Sarsaparillae Comp. ; Syrupus Sennae ; Tinctura Rhei et 
 *-enn ; Tinctura Sennae Comp. ; Tinctura Sennae et Jalapae. W. 
 
676 
 
 Serpentaria. 
 
 PAl I. 
 
 SERPENTARIA. U. S., Land., Ed., Dub. 
 Virginia Snakeroot. 
 
 The root of Aristolochia Serpentaria, A. reticulata, and other species of is- 
 tolochia. U. S. Aristolochia Serpentaria. The root. Land., Ed.. Dvb. 
 
 Serpentaire de Virginie, Fr. ; Virginianische Schlangenwurzel, Germ.; Serpentari: 'ir- 
 giniana, Ilal., Span. 
 
 Aristolochia. Sex. Syst. G-ynandria Hexandria. — Nat. Ord. Arista hi- 
 aceae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx none. Corolla one-petaled, ligulate, ventricose at the se. 
 Capsule six-celled, many-seeded, inferior. Willd. 
 
 Numerous species of Aristolochia have been employed in medicine, ihe 
 roots of all of them are tonic and stimulant, and, from their supposed possrion 
 of emmenagogue properties, have given origin to the name of the genus A. 
 Clematitis , A. lonya, A. rotunda , and A. Pistolocliia are still retained in any 
 officinal catalogues of the continent of Europe, where they are indigenous. Ihe 
 root of A. Clematitis is very long, cylindrical, as thick as a goosequill or thier, 
 variously contorted, beset with the remains of the stems and radicles, of a gr ish- 
 brown colour, a strong peculiar odour, and an acrid bitter taste; that 4. 
 longa is spindle-shaped, from a few inches to a foot in length, of the thicjiess 
 of the thumb or more, fleshy, very brittle, grayish externally, brownish-;; low 
 within, bitter, and of a strong disagreeable odour when fresh; that of A. ronda 
 is tuberous, roundish, heavy, fleshy, brownish on the exterior, grayish- Aw 
 internally, and similar to the preceding in odour and taste ; that of A. ttolo- 
 chia consists of numerous slender yellowish or brownish fibres, attache®) a 
 common head, and possessed of an agreeable aromatic odour, with a taste it ter 
 and somewhat acrid. Many species of Aristolochia growing in the West Hies, 
 Mexico, and South America, have attracted attention for their medicinal pper- 
 ties, and some, like our own snakeroot, have acquired the reputation of aulotes 
 for the bites of serpents. In the East Indies, A. Indica is employed for .ailax 
 purposes with the European and American species ; and the Arabians a) said 
 by Forskhal to use the leaves of A. snnpervirens as a counter-poison. Whave 
 1 in the United States six species, of which four — A. Serpentaria, A. hirsu,A. 
 hastata, and A. reticulata — contribute to furnish the snakeroot of the sh<s. 
 
 Aristolochia Serpentaria. W illd. Sp. Plant, iv. 159 ; Bigelow, Am.Me<Bot. 
 iii. 82; Barton, Med. Bot. ii. 41. This species of Aristolochia is an herbeous 
 -plant with a perennial root, which consists of numerous slender fibres proediag 
 from a short horizontal caudex. Several stems often rise from the satcroot. 
 They are about eight or ten inches in height, slender, round, flexuose, intea 
 at irregular distances, and frequently of a reddish or purple colour at tb base. 
 The leaves are oblong-cordate, acuminate, entire, of a pale yellowish-green dour, 
 and supported on short petioles at the joints of the stem. The flowers weed 
 from the joints near the root, and stand singly on long, slender, round, anted 
 peduncles, which are sometimes furnished with one or two small scales, ai bend 
 downwards so as nearly to bury the flower in the earth or decayed leaves. There 
 is no calyx. The corolla is purple, monopetalous, tubular, swelling at tl base, 
 contracted and curved in the middle, and terminating in a labiate bord wu- 
 lanceolate lips. The anthers — six or twelve in number — are sessile, at tied to 
 the under part of the stigma, u-hich is roundish, divided into six parts, ai sup- 
 ported by a short fleshy style upon an oblong, angular, hairy, inferio germ. 
 The fruit is a hexangular, six-celled capsule, containing several small fl; seeds. 
 
 The plant grows in rich, shady woods, throughout the Middle, Southo, and 
 
PA! I. Serpentaria. 677 
 
 Weern States, abounding in the valley of the Ohio, and in the mountainous 
 regiis of our interior. It flowers in May and June. The root is collected in 
 Weiru Pennsylvania and Virginia, in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, and is 
 hroi ht eastward chiefly by the routes of Wheeling and Pittsburg. As it reaches 
 Phi ielphia, it is usually in bales containing about one hundred pounds, and 
 is ol'.n mixed with the leaves and stems of the plant, and with dirt from which 
 it h. not been properly cleansed at the time of collection. 
 
 /.hirsuta. Muhlenberg, Catalogue, p. 81; Bridges, Am. Journ. of Pharm., 
 xiv. 21. In Muhlenberg’s Catalogue this species was named without being 
 descbed; and botanists, supposing from the name that it was identical with A. 
 tomiosa, have generally confounded the two plants. But they are entirely 
 distbt. A description of A. hirsuta in the handwriting of Muhlenberg, and a 
 labe:d specimen of the plant, in the possession of the Academy of Natural 
 Scie:es of this city, have been found to correspond with a dried specimen 
 recesd by one of the authors of this work from Virginia. A. tomentosa is a 
 climng plant, growing in Louisiana on the banks of the Mississippi, ascending 
 to tl summit of the highest trees. A plant in the garden of the author has a 
 thiclereeping root, entirely different in shape from that of the officinal species, 
 thorn possessed of an analogous odour. A. hirsuta has a root like that of A. 
 Sermtaria, consisting of a knotty caudex, sending out numerous slender simple 
 fibre sometimes as much as six inches in length. From this arise several 
 jointl, flexuose, pubescent stems, less than a foot high, with one or two pubes- 
 centractes, and several large roundish-cordate leaves, of which the lower are 
 obtu , the upper abruptly acuminate, and all pubescent on both sides and at the 
 niarji. From the joints near the root originate from one to three solitary 
 pedides, each bearing three or four leafy bractes and one flower. The pedun- 
 cles, ractes, and corolla are all hairy. This species grows in Virginia, and 
 probly other parts of the Western and Southern States. There is reason to 
 belie; that it contributes to afford the serpentaria of commerce, as its leaves, 
 at oi time mistaken for those of A. tomentosa, have been found in bales of the 
 drug 
 
 Aastata. Nuttall, Gen. of N. Am. Plants, p. 200. — A. sagittata. Muhl. 
 Cak This species, if indeed it can be considered a distinct species, differs 
 fromr. Serpentaria in having hastate, acute, somewhat cordate leaves, and the 
 lip o the corolla ovate. It flourishes on the banks of the Mississippi, in the 
 Caro ms, and elsewhere. Its root scarcely differs from that of the officinal plant, 
 and frequently mixed with it, as proved by the presence of the characteristic 
 leavfflof A. hastata in the parcels brought into market. 
 
 A eticulata. Nuttall; Bridges, Am. Journ. of Pharm. xvi. 118; Carson, 
 Illus of Med. Bot. ii. 32, pi. 77. This plant w r as probably first observed by 
 Jlr. attall ; as a specimen labelled “A. reticulata, Bed river,” in the hand- 
 writi ; of that botanist, is contained in the Herbarium of the Academy of Natural 
 Sciei ;s of Philadelphia. From this specimen, as well as from others found in 
 parce of the drug brought into market, a description was drawn up by Hr. 
 liobt Bridges, and published in the Amer. Journ. of Pharmacy. From a 
 mot, milar to that of A. serpentaria, numerous short, slender, round, flexuose, 
 joint stems arise, usually simple, but sometimes branched near the root. The 
 older stems are slightly villous, the young densely pubescent. The leaves, 
 whie 1 stand on very short villous petioles, are round or oblong-cordate, obtuse, 
 reticiite, very prominently veined, and villous on both sides, especially upon 
 tbe vps. From the lower joints of the stem four or five hairy, jointed pedun- 
 cles x-eed, which bear small leafy villous bractes at the joints, and several 
 flowe on short pedicels. The flowers are small, purplish, and densely pubes- 
 cent, specially at the base and on the germ. The hexangular capsule is deeply 
 
678 
 
 Serpentaria. 
 
 par 
 
 sulcate. This species grows in Louisiana, Arkansas, and probably in the Ini n 
 Territory west of that State; but its geographical range has not been ascertain. 
 
 Bales of a new variety of serpentaria have within a few years been brout 
 to Philadelphia, which is certainly the product of this species; as specimerff 
 all parts of the plant have been found in the bales, and the roots, which d?r 
 somewhat from those before known, are homogeneous in character. On of 
 these bales was brought from New Orleans, and was said to have come dm 
 the Bed river, and to have been collected by the Indians. The chief differ ee 
 between this and ordinary Virginia snakeroot is in the size of the radicles, w:-h 
 are much thicker and less interlaced in the new variety. Each root has usiiy 
 a considerable portion of one or more stems attached to the caudex. The ctur 
 is yellowish. The odour and taste are scarcely, if at all distinguishable m 
 those of common serpentaria ; and there is no doubt that the root is eqijy 
 effectual as a medicine. From a chemical examination by Mr. ThomaS. 
 Wiegand, it appears to have the same constituents, and to differ only in in- 
 taining a somewhat larger proportion of gum, extractive, and volatile oil. (m. 
 Journ. of Pharm., xvi. 16.) 
 
 Properties. Virginia snakeroot, as found in the shops, is in tufts of ig, 
 slender, frequently interlaced, and brittle fibres, attached to a short, contced, 
 knotty head or caudex. The colour, which in the recent root is yello sh, 
 becomes brown by time. That of the powder is grayish. The smell is st ig, 
 aromatic, and camphorous; the taste warm, very bitter, and also camphous. 
 The root yields all its virtues to water and alcohol, producing with the faer 
 a yellowish-brown infusion, with the latter a bright greenish tincture, wh:. is 
 rendered turbid by the addition of water. Chevallier found in the root votile 
 oil, a yellow bitter principle soluble in water and alcohol, resin, guui, slch, 
 albumen, lignin, and various salts. Buchholz obtained from 1000 parts, Of a 
 green, fragrant volatile oil, 28.5 of a yellowish-green resin, 17 of extractive:^- 
 ter, 181 of gummy extract, 624 of lignin, and 144'5 of water. The active gre- 
 dients are probably the volatile oil, and the yellow bitter principle of Chewier, 
 which that chemist considers analogous to the bitter principle of quassia. Thtola- 
 tile oil passes over with water in distillation, rendering the liquid milky, arim- 
 pregnating it with the peculiar odour of the root. Dr. Bigelow states that the juid 
 on standing deposits around the edges of its surface small crystals of canqor. 
 
 The roots of Spigelia Marilandica are sometimes found associated wit ser- 
 pentaria. They may be distinguished by the absence of the bitter tastetnd, 
 when the stem and foliage are attached, hy the peculiar character of thesearis 
 of the plant. (See Spigelia .) We have occasionally seen the young ros of 
 Polygala Senega mixed with serpentaria. Independently of their differed in 
 odour and taste, they may be readily distinguished by being single, and the 
 projecting line running from one end to the other of the root. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Serpentaria is a stimulant tonic, acting :o as 
 a diaphoretic or diuretic, according to the mode of its application. Too 1'gelv 
 taken, it occasions nausea, griping pains in the bowels, sometimes vomitii and 
 dysenteric tenesmus. It is admirably adapted to the treatment of t-boid 
 fevers, whether idiopathic or symptomatic, when the system begins to ft the 
 necessity for support, but is unable to bear active stimulation. In e^ts-- 
 matous diseases in which the eruption is tardy or has receded, and the gdeof 
 action is low, it is thought to be useful by promoting the cutaneous aflnon. 
 It has also been highly recommended in intermittent fevers ; and thought 
 generally inadequate to the cure of the complaint, often proves service^ as 
 an adjunct to Peruvian bark or sulphate of quinia. With the same remuesa 
 is frequently associated in the treatment of typhous diseases. It is sontmie? 
 given in dyspepsia, and is employed as a gargle in malignant sorethroat. 
 
PAT I. 
 
 679 
 
 Serpentaria. — Sesami Folia . — Oleum Sesami. 
 
 he dose of the powdered root is from ten to thirty grains ; but the infusion 
 is lmost always preferred. (See Infusum Serpentarise.) The decoction or 
 exact would be an improper form ; as the volatile oil, upon which the virtues 
 of le medicine partly depend, is dissipated by boiling.* 
 
 )ff. Prep. Infusum Serpentarise; Tinctura Cinchonse Composita; Tinctura 
 Sejentarise. W. 
 
 SESAMI FOLIA. TJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Benne Leaves. 
 
 he leaves of Sesamum Indicum, and of Sesamum orientale. U. S. 
 
 OLEUM SESAME U.S. Secondary. 
 
 Benne Oil. 
 
 ie oil of the seeds of Sesamum Indicum, and of Sesamum Orientale. U.S. 
 
 Isame, Fr.; Sesam, Germ.; Sesamo, Ital.; Anjonjoli, Span. 
 
 'jsamum. Sex. Syst. Didynamia Angiospermia. — Nat. Orel. Bignonise, 
 Ju ; Pedaliaceae, R. Brown, Bindley. 
 
 few. Ch. Calyx five-parted. Corolla bell-shaped, five-cleft, with the lower 
 lot; largest. Stamens five, the fifth a rudiment. Stigma lanceolate. Capsule 
 focpelled. Willd. 
 
 I isamum orientale. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 358 ; Rheed. Hort. Malab. ix. 
 54r Leaves ovate, oblong, entire.” 
 
 Isamum Indicum. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 359 ; Curtis, Bot. Mag. vol. xli. 
 t. ,88. “Leaves ovate-lanceolate, the inferior three-lobed, the superior undi- 
 vidl. Stem erect.” There is reason to believe that this species is the one 
 chi y cultivated in our Southern States. At least we have found plants, raised 
 in . tiladelphia from seeds obtained from Georgia, to have its specific character, 
 as yen by Willdenow. 
 
 |e benne plant of our Southern States is annual, with a branching stem 
 fem or five feet high, and bearing opposite, petiolate leaves, varying consider- 
 abl in their shape. Those on the upper part of the plant are ovate-lanceolate, 
 irrularly serrate, and pointed; those near the base three-lobed and some- 
 tini ternate; and lobed leaves are not uncommon at all distances from the 
 gro id. The flowers are of a reddish-white colour, and stand solitarily upon 
 she peduncles in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is an oblong capsule, con- 
 taii ig small, oval, yellowish seeds. 
 
 ■* 1|ese two species of Sesamum are natives of the East Indies, and have been 
 cu Gated from time immemorial in various parts of Asia and Africa. From 
 the atter continent it is supposed that seeds were brought by the Negroes to 
 the 'nited States, where, as well as in the West Indies, one or both species are 
 nor ultivated to a considerable extent. It has been found that the plant above 
 desi bed will grow vigorously in the gardens so far north as Philadelphia, 
 tho,|;h it does not usually ripen its seeds in this vicinity. 
 
 *|[r. J. B. Savery proposes a, fluid extract of serpentaria , made in the following manner. 
 Eig ounces of the powdered root are macerated for a day or two in a pint of alcohol ; 
 and ie mixture is then submitted to percolation, diluted alcohol being poured upon it 
 ant our pints have passed. The tincture thus obtained is evaporated by a gentle heat, 
 witl onstant agitation, to twelve fiuidounces, in which eight ounces of poYvdered sugar 
 are ssolved, and the Yvhole strained through flannel. Ajiuidounce contains the virtues 
 efli an ounce of the root. From half a fluidrachm to a fluidrachm may be given for a 
 “ 0Sl [Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiii. 120.) 
 
680 
 
 Sevum. — Silex Contritus. 
 
 PAR] 
 
 The seeds are employed as food by the negroes, who parc-h them over the f 
 boil them in broths, make them into paddings, and prepare them in vari 3 
 other modes. By expression they yield a fixed oil, which, as well as the lea? 
 of the plant, has been introduced into the secondary catalogue of our natic 1 
 Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 1. Benne Leaves. These abound in a gummy matter, which theyrea(y 
 impart to water, forming a rich, bland mucilage, much used in the South a 
 States as a drink in various complaints to which demulcents are applicable 3 
 in cholera infantum, diarrhoea, dysentery, catarrh, and affections of theuriny 
 passages. The remedy has attracted attention also in the North, and has tn 
 employed with favourable results in Philadelphia. One or two fresh leave; if 
 full size, stirred about in half a pint of cool water, will soon render it sufficieiy 
 viscid. In their dried state they should be introduced into hot water, '.e 
 leaves also serve for the preparation of emollient cataplasms. 
 
 2. Benne Oil. This is inodorous, of a bland, sweetish taste, and will kp 
 
 long without becoming rancid. It bears some resemblance to olive oil in its 0 - 
 perties, and may be used for similar purposes. It was known to the ancit 
 Persians and Egyptians, and is highly esteemed by the modern Arabs and Ofer 
 people of the East, both as food and as an external application to promote t- 
 ness of the skin. Like olive oil, it is laxative in large doses. Ti 
 
 SEVUM. U. S., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Suet. 
 
 The prepared suet of Ovis Aries. U. S., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Suit’, Graisse de mouton, Fr.; Hammelstalg, Germ.; Grasse duro. Ital.; Sebo, Spa 
 
 Suet is the fat of the sheep, taken chiefly from about the kidneys. It isre- 
 pared by cutting the fat into pieces, melting it with a moderate heat, and straing 
 it through linen or flannel. In order to avoid too great a heat, the crude let 
 is sometimes purified by boiling it in a little water. 
 
 Mutton suet is of a firmer consistence, and requires a higher temperaturfor 
 its fusion than any other animal fat. It is very white, sometimes brittkin- 
 odorous, of a bland taste, insoluble in water, and nearly so in alcohol. Bong 
 alcohol, however, dissolves it, and deposits it upon cooling. It consists, acrd- 
 ing to Chevreul, of stearin, olein, and a small proportion of hircin. Fean 
 account of the two first-mentioned principles, the reader is referred to the aide 
 Adeps. Hircin is a liquid like olein, from which it differs in being much ore 
 soluble in alcohol, and iu yielding hircic acid by saponification. 
 
 Suet acquires by time an unpleasant smell, and becomes unfit for phrna- 
 ceutic purposes. It is employed to give a proper consistence to ointimts, 
 cerates, and plasters, and sometimes as a dressing to blisters. y 
 
 SILEX CONTRITUS. Lond. 
 
 Pulverized Silex. 
 
 Powdered flint, Silica, Silicic acid; Silice, Fr.; Kieselerde, Germ. 
 
 In operations of pharmacy, substances are sometimes employed whose non 
 is exclusively mechanical. Thus, in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, sand is usl in 
 preparing oil of amber and the fluid extract of rhubarb, and carbonate of mag- 
 nesia in forming several of the medicated waters. The use of the same carbate 
 was also directed in the London Pharmacopoeia of 1836, in alternative presses 
 for preparing several of these waters. Mr. It. Warington has objected the 
 
PAC I. 
 
 Silex Contritus. — Simarula. 
 
 681 
 
 usof this carbonate, as being dissolved to an injurious extent, and proposed to 
 sulitute porcelain clay, or pulverized silica, glass, or pumice stone. ( Chem . 
 Go,, March 1, 1845 ) The London College, probably influenced by this ob- 
 jeon, has, in its Pharmacopoeia of 1851, abandoned the use of carbonate of 
 ma icsia, and substituted finely pulverized silex, under the name of Silex Con- 
 trili. 
 
 bis powder may be conveniently obtained from colourless quartz or rock- 
 cry al. In order to render it more easily pulverizable, it is advantageous to 
 hea it to redness, and quench it in water. It may then be reduced to fine 
 pover in a porphyry or agate mortar. 
 
 Idverized silex is a harsh, white, tasteless powder, insoluble in water and 
 mo other solvents. Its sp. gr. is 2 '66. In composition it is generally con- 
 sid sd to be a teroxi.de of silicon, consisting of one eq. of silicon 2 1 "3, and three 
 of :ygen 24=45 '3. 
 
 be London College directs the use of pulverized silex in preparing all the 
 meoated waters, except two, from the volatile oils of the plants, in addition to 
 thenethod of distillation with water from the plants themselves. In the ex- 
 cepd cases (rose and elder water), distillation is alone allowed. The oil is 
 ruled up first with the silex and then with the water, and the whole is filtered. 
 Thsilex acts as a mechanical agent in minutely dividing the oil and diffusing 
 it t-ough the water, and, by the subsequent filtration, is entirely removed. 
 
 B. 
 
 SIMARUBA. U. S. Secondary, Lond., Ed. 
 
 Simaruba. 
 
 e bark of the root of Simaruba officinalis. U. S. Root-bark of Simaruba 
 ami. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Arce de simarouba, Fr. ; Simarubarinde, Germ.; Corteccia di simaruba, Ital.; Cor- 
 tez; e simaruba, Span. 
 
 Cassia. See QUASSIA. 
 
 ( assia Simaruba. Willd. Sp.Plant. ii 568 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 569, t. 203. 
 — maruba officinalis. De Cand. Prodrom. i. 733. — S. amara. Aublet ; Lind- 
 lejFlor. Med. p. 207. As this plant is unisexual, it belongs to the genus Si- 
 ma ba of De Candolle and Lindley, those only being placed by these botanists 
 in 3 genus Quassia which are hermaphrodite. But as the Linnsean arrange- 
 me was adhered to in the case of Quassia excelsa, we continue to adhere to it 
 in ation to this plant. (See Quassia.) It is a tree of considerable height and 
 tlii ness, having alternate branches, with a bark which in the old tree is black 
 amsomewhat furrowed, in the young is smooth, gray, and marked here and 
 the with broad yellow spots. The leaves are alternate and abruptly pinnate, 
 wit a naked petiole, to which the leaflets are alternately attached by short foot- 
 sta 3 . The leaflets are nearly elliptical, on the upper surface smooth and of a 
 dee green colour, on the under whitish. The flowers are yellow, and disposed 
 in ig axillary panicles. In some descriptions they are stated to be monoecious, 
 in i iers dioecious. According to Dr. Wright, the female flowers are never found 
 in maica on the same tree with the male. The number of stamens is ten. 
 
 ' e tfee is found in the West Indies and Guyana. In Jamaica it is called 
 that oimtain damson. The Simaruba amara of Aublet, which grows in Guyana, 
 andias generally been considered identical with Q. simaruba, is believed by 
 Hsie to be a distinct species; the Jamaica plant having dioecious, while this 
 has mnoecious flowers. The bark of the root is the part employed; the wood 
 its; being nearly tasteless and inert. 
 
 naruba bark is in long pieces, some inches in breadth, folded lengthwise, 
 
682 
 
 Simaruba. — Sinapis. PAR' 
 
 light, flexible, tenacious, very fibrous, externally of a light brownish-yellow cob ■ 
 rough, warty, aud marked with transverse ridges, internally of a pale yellow, t 
 is without smell, and of a bitter taste. It readily imparts its virtues, at o.- 
 nary temperatures, to water and alcohol. The infusion is at least equally hi r 
 with the decoction, which becomes turbid as it cools. Its constituents, accii- 
 ing to M. Morin, are a bitter principle identical with quassin, a resinous mat- 
 a volatile oil having the odour of benzoin, malic acid, gallic acid in very mit e 
 proportion, an ammoniacal salt, malate and oxalate of lime, some mineral sj s 
 oxide of iron, silica, ulmin, and lignin. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Simaruba possesses the same tonic properties 
 other simple bitters, and may be employed for the same purposes. In large d ;s 
 it is said to purge and vomit. It was introduced into France in the year 1 3 
 from Guyana, where it had previously been used as a remedy for dysentery, n 
 the treatment of this disease and of obstinate diarrhoea it afterwards obta -d 
 much credit in Europe; but Cullen was right in denying to it any specific o- 
 trol over these complaints. It operates simply as a tonic; and, though it iy 
 be occasionally beneficial in relaxed and debilitated states of the alimentary ea.l. 
 it would do much harm if indiscriminately prescribed in dysenteric cases. >n 
 account of its difficult pulverization, it is seldom given in substance. The st 
 mode of administration is by infusion. The dose is from a scruple to a dracn. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Simarubae. A 
 
 SINAPIS. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Mustard. 
 
 The seeds of Sinapis nigra and Sinapis alba. U. S-, Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. SINAPI. Flour of the seeds of Sinapis nigra, generally mixed th 
 those of Sinapis alba, and deprived of fixed oil by expression. Ed. SIXAIN 
 ALBA and SINAPIS NIGRA. The flour of the seeds. Dub. 
 
 Moutarde, Fr.; Senf'samen, Germ.; Senapa, Ital.; Mostaza, Span. 
 
 Sinapis. Sex. Syst. Tetradynamia Siliquosa. — Nat. Ord. Brasicaceae or :u- 
 ciferae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx spreading. Corolla with straight claws. Glands betweeihe 
 shorter stamens and pistil, and between the longer stamens and calyx. Wil. 
 
 Sinapis nigra. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 555; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 403, 1. 16. 
 Common or black mustard is an annual plant, with a stem three or four fe in 
 height, divided and subdivided into numerous spreading branches. The Ice? 
 are petiolate and variously shaped. Those near the root are large, rough, lyte- 
 pinnate, and unequally toothed; those higher on the stem are smooth andess 
 lobed; aud the uppermost are entire, narrow, smooth, and dependent. The fleer^ 
 are small, yellow, with a coloured calyx, and stand closely together upon pedu les 
 at the upper part of the branches. The pods are smooth, erect, nearly pa .lel 
 with the branches, quadrangular, furnished with a short beak, and occupie by 
 numerous seeds. 
 
 Sinapis alba. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 555; Smith, Flor. Brit. 721. The rite 
 mustard is also annual. It is rather smaller than the preceding species, .he 
 lower leaves are deeply pinnatifid, the upper sublyrate, and all irregularly tooed, 
 rugged, with stiff hairs on both sides, and pale- green. The flowers are in raeoes, 
 with yellow petals, aud linear, green, calycine leaflets. The pods are spreang, 
 bristly, rugged, roundish, swelling in the position of the seeds, ribbed, ancrio- 
 vided with a very long eusiform beak. 
 
 Both plants are natives of Europe and cultivated in our gardens; and S. " 
 has become naturalized in some parts of this country. Their flowers appem 
 
P^T I. 
 
 683 
 
 Sinapis. 
 
 Jie. The seeds are kept in the shops both whole and in the state of very fine 
 pcder, as prepared by the manufacturers for the table. 
 
 ’lack mustard seeds are small, globular, of a deep-brown colour, slightly rugose 
 on he surface, and internally yellow. In the entire state they are inodorous, but 
 haa a distinct smell in powder, and when rubbed with water or vinegar exhale 
 a rong pungent odour, sufficient in some instances to excite a flow of tears. 
 Tlir taste is bitterish, hot, and pungent, but not permanent. White mustard 
 secs are much larger, of a yellowish colour, and less pungent taste. Both afford 
 a flow powder, which has a somewhat unctuous appearance, and cakes when 
 copressed. This is commonly called flour of mustard, or simply mustard, and 
 is repared by crushing and pounding the seeds, and then sifting them; the 
 pisst flour being obtained by a second sifting. Both the black and the white 
 se s are used in its preparation. It is often adulterated with wheat flour coloured 
 bj urmeric, to which red pepper is added to render the mixture sufficiently hot. 
 T1 skin of white mustard seeds contains a mucilaginous substance, which is 
 exacted by boiling water. When bruised or powdered, both kinds impart their 
 acre properties wholly to water, but in a very slight degree to alcohol. They 
 yii upon pressure a fixed oil, called oil of mustard, of a greenish-yellow colour, 
 fits smell, and a mild not unpleasant taste; and the portion which remains is 
 evi more pungent than the unpressed seeds. The fixed oil of mustard yields, 
 up saponification, a peculiar acid, for which the name of erucic acid has been 
 pnosed. (Darby, Chem. Gaz., vii. 163, from Liebig’s Annalen.) 
 
 It has been long known that black mustard seeds yield by distillation with 
 w::r a very pungent volatile oil, containing sulphur. Guibourt conjectured, 
 at Robiquet and Boutron proved, that this oil does not pre-exist in the seeds, 
 br is produced by the action of water. Hence the absence or very slight degree 
 of lour in the seeds when bruised in a dry state, and their great pungency 7 when 
 w:;r is added. It seemed reasonable to suppose that the reaction in this case 
 W; similar to that exercised by water upon bitter almonds (see Amygdala Amara ); 
 at this has been proved to be the fact by the experiments of Simon, Bussy, 
 B tron, and Eremy. According to M. Bussy, there are two peculiar principles 
 in lack mustard seeds, one named by him myronic acid, which exists in the 
 se s in the state of myronate of potassa ; the other myrosyne, closely analogous 
 inharacter to the albuminous constituent of almonds called emulsin. When 
 tv; r is added to black mustard seed, the myrosyne, acting the part of a ferment, 
 de rrnines a reaction between the water and myronate of potassa, which results 
 in le production of the volatile oil. The same thing happens when any one of 
 tb myronates is brought into contact with water and myrosyne. The presence 
 of.ie last-mentioned principle is essential. Like emulsin, it becomes inoperative 
 win coagulated by heat, alcohol, or the acids; and, if black mustard seeds be 
 su ected to either of these agencies previously to the addition of water, they 
 wi yield no volatile oil. The myrosyne, however, sometimes partially recovers 
 itaower by continued contact with water. This substance is found also in white 
 m tard seeds, but without the myronate of potassa. If, therefore, white mustard 
 se s be added to the black in which the myrosyne has been coagulated, the vola- 
 til oil will be generated on the application of water. Though closely analogous 
 to nulsin, myrosyne is yet a distinct principle, as its place cannot be supplied 
 bj mulsin with the same effect. ( Journ . de Pharm., xxvi. 39.) Simon obtained 
 re Its somewhat different from those of M. Bussy. The former chemist suc- 
 ce ed in procuring a peculiar crystalline principle from the seeds which he called 
 si'pisin, and which, upon contact with rvater and the albuminous principle of 
 tb seeds, emitted the odour of the oil of mustard. The whole subject requires 
 fu aer investigation. 
 
 he volatile oil of mustard is usually obtained from seeds which have been 
 d< ived of their fixed oil by pressure. It is a colourless or pale-yellow liquid, 
 
684 
 
 Sinapis. 
 
 PART 
 
 rather heavier than water, of an exceedingly pungent odour, and an acrid burni; 
 taste. It boils at about 298°; is slightly soluble in water, and readily so 
 alcohol and ether; with alkaline solutions yields sulphocyanurets; and coDsis 
 according to M. Lbwig and Dr. Will, of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and sulpha 
 its formula being NC s II 5 S 2 . Dr. Will considers it a sulphocyanuret of alb 
 (C 8 H 5 ), the compound radical of oil of garlic, which is considered a sulphuret 
 allyle. ( Chem . Gaz., No. 62 and 64.) It is the principle upon which bla 
 mustard seeds depend for their activity. 
 
 White mustard seeds do not yield volatile oil when treated with water; I 
 an acrid fixed principle is developed, which renders these seeds applicable to t 
 same purposes as the other variety. MM. Robiquet and Boutron, who ase< 
 tained this fact, concluded that the acrid principle resulted from the reaction’ 
 water upon sulpha-sinapism, discovered in the seeds by MM. Henry, Jun., a 
 Grarot. Their reason for this belief was that mustard, which had been depriv. 
 of this ingredient, was incapable of developing the acrid principle. The my • 
 syne or emulsin is equally essential to the change here, as to that which oco; 
 in black mustard; and the reaction equally fails, if this principle be previou- 
 rendered inert by heat, alcohol, or the acids. MM. Boutron and Fremy st> 
 that not only the acrid principle of white mustard, but hydrosulphocyanic a 1 
 also results from the reaction above explained; and this observation renders si 
 closer the analogy between the changes that take place, upon contact with wat, 
 in mustard seeds and bitter almonds. ( Journ . de Pharm., xxvi. 50.)* 
 
 * As some may desire to push these investigations further, we give the propertied 
 these peculiar principles, and the modes of procuring them. 
 
 Myronic acid is a fixed inodorous substance, of a bitter and sour taste, and acid react! . 
 When obtained separate from its bases, it forms a colourless solution, which by evaporata 
 becomes of a thick consistence like molasses, without crystallizing. It is soluble inwir 
 and alcohol, but not iu ether; and forms soluble salts with the alkalies, baryta, lime. 1 
 the oxides of lead and silver, all of which yield volatile oil of mustard, when mixed vh 
 an aqueous solution of myrosyne. It contains sulphur, besides nitrogen, carbon, hydro';, 
 and oxygen. It is obtained from the myronate of potassa by adding to 100 parts of tt 
 salt 38 parts of crystallized tartaric acid, concentrating the solution by evaporation, d 
 then adding weak alcohol, which precipitates the bitartrate of potassa and retains the r- 
 ronic acid in solution. To obtain myronate of potassa from black mustard seeds, the powr, 
 having been dried at 212°, and deprived of its fixed oil by pressure, is treated with strg 
 alcohol in a displacement apparatus, and, when thus nearly exhausted of everything soli e 
 in that liquid, is pressed and treated with water. The aqueous solution is evaporated. ;i. 
 before it is too much concentrated, weak alcohol is added, which precipitates a glutins 
 matter. The solution, being then carefully evaporated, deposits crystals of myronat f 
 potassa, which may be obtained very pure and white by washing the mass with dilW 
 alcohol. This salt is easily crystallizable in fine large, transparent crystals, is unalter ,e 
 in the air, very soluble in water, insoluble in pure alcohol, aud of a bitter taste. 
 
 Myrosyne, when dry, has the character of an albuminous substauce. It is solubla 
 water, forming a viscid solution which froths when agitated, and is coagulated by bt, 
 alcohol, and the acids. It is obtained by treating white mustard seed with cold w; r. 
 filtering the solution, evaporating it by a heat not exceeding 100°, and. when it is ofie 
 consistence of syrup, carefully adding alcohol, which causes a precipitate easily separie 
 by decantation. If this be dissolved in water, and the solution evaporated as before, m;o- 
 syne is obtained, though not entirely pure. (Journ. de Pharm., xxvi. 39.) 
 
 The sinapisin of Simon is in brilliant, white, scaly crystals, sublimable by heat, soke 
 in alcohol, ether, and the fixed and volatile oils, but insoluble in acids and alkalies. 1 
 obtain it he exhausted black mustard seed with strong alcohol, distilled off the greater it 
 of the alcohol, treated the residue several times with four or five times its weight of et r. 
 from the ethereal solutions distilled off all the ether, treated the extract again with a sm er 
 quantity of ether so as to leave behind insoluble substances, and repeated this process tu 
 the extract formed a perfectly clear solution without residue. The extract was then. 5- 
 solved in cold strong alcohol, and the solut ion, having been decolorized with animal char u- 
 was allowed to evaporate in the air. Simon obtained front 55 pounds of the seeds onk" 
 grains of crystallized sinapisin. ( Annal . der Pharm., xxviii. 291.) 
 
 Sulpho-sinapisin, the peculiar ingredient of white mustard seed, is white, crystalliz :■?, 
 
P IT I. 
 
 685 
 
 Sin ap is. 
 
 i’rom the above account of the chemical relations of mustard, it is obvious that 
 anixture with alcohol or the acids, or the application of a boiling heat, can only 
 hie the effect of impairing its medical virtues, and that the best vehicle, whether 
 foexternal or internal use, is water at common temperatures. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Mustard seeds swallowed whole operate as a 
 laitive, and have acquired some reputation as a remedy in dyspepsia, and in 
 ot:r complaints attended with torpid bowels and deficient excitement. The white 
 sels are preferred, and are taken in the dose of a tablespoonful once or twice a 
 dr, mixed with molasses, or previously softened and rendered mucilaginous by 
 inlersion in hot water. They probably act in some measure by mechanically 
 stiulating the bowels. The bruised seeds or powder, in the quantity of a large 
 tepoonful, operate as an emetic. Mustard in this state is applicable to cases 
 ot;reat torpor of stomach, especially that resulting from narcotic poisons. It 
 roses the gastric susceptibility, and facilitates the action of other emetics. In 
 seller quantities it is useful as a safe stimulant of the digestive organs; and, 
 ast is frequently determined to the kidneys, has been beneficially employed in 
 dnsy. Whey, made by boiling half an ounce of the bruised seeds or powder 
 in pint of milk and straining, is a convenient form for administration. It may 
 bciven in the dose of a wineglassful repeated several times a day. But mustard 
 ia lost valuable as a rubefacient. Mixed with water in the form of a cataplasm, 
 ar applied to the skin, it very soon produces redness with a burning pain, which 
 iniss than an hour usually becomes insupportable. When a speedy impression 
 is ot desired, especially when the sinapism is applied to the extremities, the 
 peder should be diluted with an equal portion of rye meal or wheat flour. 
 Ce should be taken not to allow the application to continue too long, as vesi- 
 capn with obstinate ulceration, and even sphacelus may result. This caution 
 is irticularly necessary in cases where the patient is insensible, and the degree 
 of ain can afford no criterion of the sufficiency of the action. The volatile oil, 
 w ;h is powerfully rubefacient, and capable of producing speedy vesication, has 
 be 1 considerably used in Germany. For external application as a rubefacient, 
 BUrops may be dissolved in a fluidounce of alcohol, or 6 or 8 drops in a flui- 
 di hw of almond or olive oil. It has been given internally in colic, two drops 
 bt g incorporated with a six-ounce mixture, and half a fluidounce given for a 
 dc . (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xi. 9.) In overdoses it is highly poisonous, 
 
 in orous, bitter, and soluble in alcohol and water, forming a yellow solution. It was at 
 fir thought by MM. Henry and Garot to be an acid, but they afterwards ascertained that 
 it is neuter. It consists of sulphur, nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It may 
 bebtained from white mustard seeds, previously deprived of the fixed oil by expression, 
 by oiling them in water, evaporating the decoction to the consistence of honey, mixing 
 th -esidue with 6 or 8 times its volume of anhydrous alcohol which precipitates various 
 su tances, then distilling off the alcohol, and setting aside the syrupy residue to crystal- 
 lizi The crystals may be purified by repeated solution and crystallization in alcohol. 
 (Hzelius, TraitS de Chimie.) This principle, which has also been called sinapin, is con- 
 siij ed by L. von Babo and Hirschbrunn to be the sulphocyanuret of an alkaloid, to which 
 th propose to confine the name of sinapin, and for which they give the formula NC 32 H Z6 O i2 . 
 T1 sulphocyanuret of sinapin is obtained from seeds, already so far exhausted by cold 
 ah iol as to yield only a pale-yellow colour to that liquid, by boiling them in alcohol of 
 thj.jt.gr. 0-833, evaporating the liquor, and crystallizing. It has an appearance like that 
 of ystallized sulphate of quinia, is soluble with difficulty in cold water and alcohol, but 
 relly in both liquids when hot, and is nearly insoluble in ether. When boiled with alkalies, 
 it fids an acid called sinapic acid. It is difficult to separate the organic base sinapin from 
 it,j;cause this is decomposed by alkalies. It does not appear that sulphocyanuret of 
 siiifin yields with synaptase the acrid principle developed in white mustard seeds by water; 
 hi he authors state that another substance rich in sulphur has been ascertained by Simon 
 tojast in white mustard seeds, which plays an important part in the production of the 
 pi ;ent matter. (See Chem. Gaz., March 1, 1853, p. 81.) 
 
686 
 
 Sodium. — Sodse Acetas. 
 
 PART 
 
 producing gastro-enteric inflammation, and probably perverting the vital p 
 cesses by pervading the whole system. Its odour is perceptible in the blo< 
 and it is said to impart the smell of horseradish to the urine. 
 
 Off. Prep. Cataplasma Sinapis; Emplastrum Cantharidis Compositum: ] 
 fusum Armoraciae. W. 
 
 SODIUM. 
 
 Sodium. 
 
 Sodium, Fr.; Natrium, Natronmetall, Germ.; Sodio, Ital., Span. 
 
 Sodium is a peculiar metal, forming the radical of the alkali soda. It v , 
 discovered by Sir H. Davy in 1807, who obtained it in minute quantity by ■ 
 composing the alkali by the agency of galvanic electricity. It was afterwa:’ 
 procured in much larger quantities by Gay-Lussac and Thenard, by bring’; 
 the alkali in contact with iron turnings heated to whiteness. The iron bec-a: 
 oxidized, and the metallic radical of the soda was liberated. It is now obtaiil 
 by the cheaper process of Schoedler, which consists in converting, by igniti , 
 the commercial acetate of soda into carbonate and charcoal, and heating 2 
 product to whiteness in an iron mercury-bottle, mixed with an additional port 1 
 of charcoal. 
 
 Sodium is a soft, malleable, sectile solid, of a silver-white colour. It possess 
 the metallic lustre in a high degree when protected from the action of the:, 
 by which it is quickly tarnished and oxidized. Its sp.gr. is 0'97, fusing pot 
 about 200°, equivalent number 23 '3, and symbol Na. Its chemical affini;s 
 resemble those of potassium, but are less energetic. Like potassium it haa 
 strong attraction for oxygen. When thrown upon cold water it instantly fus 
 into a globule without inflaming, and traverses the surface in different direc-tbs 
 with rapidity; on hot water it inflames. In both cases the water is decompose 
 hydrogen is liberated, and a solution of soda generated. It combines also wj 
 a larger proportion of oxygeu than exists in soda, forming a sesquioxide. Is 
 oxide is always formed when the metal is burnt in the open air. 
 
 Sodium is an ingredient iu a number of important medicinal preparations, id 
 is briefly described in this place as an introduction to these compounds, s 
 protoxide only is salifiable, constituting the alkali soda, which, united to ac- s, 
 gives rise to a numerous class of compounds, called salts of soda. These e 
 characterized by their communicating to the blowpipe flame a rich yellow cola', 
 and by not being precipitable by any reagent, except the metantimoniatof 
 potassa. (See paye 585.) Protoxide of sodium (dry soda) consists of one \. 
 of sodium 23'3, and one of oxy^gen 8=31'3. United with one eq. of wate:', 
 it forms hydrate of soda (caustic soda), weighing 40'3. 
 
 The officinal combinations containing sodium are chloride of sodium, thesi- 
 tions of soda and chlorinated soda, the acetate, borate, carbonate, bicarbone, 
 phosphate, sulphate, and valerianate of soda, and the tartrate of potassa and $(*• 
 The description of a part of these combinations will immediately follow; wle 
 the remainder will be noticed, under their respective titles, in the second ]rt 
 of this work. I 
 
 SODaE ACETAS. U S., Dub. 
 
 Acetate of Soda. 
 
 Terra foliata tartari, Lat.; Acetate de soude, Fr.; Essigsaurcs Natron, Germ.: Accto 
 di soda, Ital. 
 
 Acetate of soda is included among the Preparations by the Dublin Coll <e; 
 but, as it is obtained on a large scale by the manufacturing chemist, it is nre 
 
pai i. Sodae Acetas. — Sodas Boras. 687 
 
 pro rly placed in the catalogue of the Materia Medica in the United States 
 Phsnacopceia. 
 
 Separation. The Dublin College obtains this salt by the following process. 
 “T;e of Crystallized Carbonate of Soda of commerce one pound [avoirdupois], 
 or sufficient quantity; Acetic Acid of commerce (sp. gr. 1 044) one pint [Imp. 
 meajj. To the Acid, placed in a porcelain capsule, add by degrees the Car- 
 bone of Soda, and, taking care that there shall be a slight excess of Acid, 
 evajrate the resulting solution till a pellicle begins to form on its surface, and 
 set by to crystallize. The crystals, when drained of the mother liquor, and 
 drie by a short exposure to air on a porous brick, should be enclosed in a well 
 stop:d bottle.” Dub. 
 
 Atate of soda is prepared by the manufacturer of crude pyroligneous acid, 
 for e purpose of being decomposed so as to yield the officinal acetic acid by the 
 actiij of sulphuric acid. The steps of the process by which it is made from 
 tbe ude acid have already been given under the head of Acidum Aceticum, 
 pagel8. 
 
 Ifperties, &c. Acetate of soda is a white salt, crystallized in long striated 
 pris s, and possessing a sharp, bitterish, not disagreeable taste. Exposed to 
 a dr air it effloresces slowly, and loses about forty per cent, of its weight. It 
 is sible in about three parts of cold water, and in twenty-four of alcohol. 
 Subpted to heat it undergoes first the aqueous and then the igneous fusion, 
 and finally decomposed ; the residue being a mixture of carbonate of soda and 
 cbanal. By the affusion of sulphuric acid it is decomposed, the acetic acid 
 bein liberated, known by its acetous odour, and sulphate of soda formed. The 
 salt iould be perfectly neutral to test paper, and not precipitated by chloride of 
 bari i, nitrate of silver, or chloride of platinum. The non-action of these tests 
 prop: the absence of sulphates, chlorides, and salts of potassa. For the proper 
 acti< of the nitrate of silver test, the solution should be dilute ; for if it be strong, 
 ther will be a crystalline precipitate of acetate of silver, which dissolves on the 
 addi)n of water. Acetate of soda consists, when crystallized, of one eq. of 
 acet acid 51, one of soda 3 1 '3, and six of water 54=136'3. 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Acetate of soda is diuretic, and possesses 
 gem.lly the same medical properties as acetate of potassa, to which article the 
 read is referred. It is, however, more convenient for exhibition than the latter 
 salt,,; it is not deliquescent. The dose is from a scruple to two drachms. It 
 is erloyed principally to yield acetic acid by the action of sulphuric acid. 
 
 B. 
 
 SODiE BORAS. U. S. 
 
 Borate of Soda. 
 
 C Syn. BORAX. Land., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Batede soude. Borax, Fr. ; Boraxsaures Natron, Borax, Germ.; Borace, Ital.; Borrax, 
 Span Boorak, Arab. 
 
 B ax was known to the ancients, but its chemical nature was first ascertained 
 By Ooffroyin 1732. It exists native, and may be obtained by artificial means. 
 It O' irs in several localities in Europe, in Peru, and in beds associated with 
 bora of li me in the district of Iquique, iu the Republic of Ecuador. This mine- 
 ral, analyzed by M. Le Canu, contained from 13 to 19 per cent, of borate of 
 sodamd from 23 to 26 per cent, of borate of lime. ( Journ . de Pharm., July, 
 U5' p. 22.) It has already become an article of commerce. Borax is found 
 abut mtly in certain lakes of Thibet and Persia, from which it is obtained by 
 spoaneous evaporation. The impure borax concretes on the margins of these 
 lake 1 and is dug up in lumps, called in commerce tincal or crude borax. In this 
 
688 
 
 Sodse Boras. 
 
 par: . 
 
 state it is in the form of crystalline masses, which are sometimes colourless, so ■ 
 times yellowish or greenish, and always covered with an earthy coating, greas o 
 the touch, and having the odour of soap. The greasy appearance is deri ] 
 from a fatty matter, saponified by soda. The tincal thus obtained in the inte r 
 is transferred to the seaports of India, especially Calcutta, from which it is 
 ported to this country in chests. Besides Indian tincal, there is another ci- 
 mercial variety of borax which comes from China, and which is partially refill. 
 Both varieties require to be purified before being used in medicine or the 
 
 Purification. The method of refining borax was originally possessed : a 
 secret by the Venetians and Dutch, but is now practised in several Euro] n 
 countries. The process pursued in France, as reported by Bobiquet and I:r- 
 chand, is as follows. The tincal is placed in a large woodeD vessel, and coved 
 to the depth of three or four inches with water; in which state it is alloweito 
 remain for five or six hours, being agitated from time to time. Slaked linns 
 now added, in the proportion of one part to four hundred of the impure salt; id 
 the whole, being thoroughly mixed, is allowed to remain at rest till the succd- 
 ing day. The salt is next separated by means of a sieve, the crystals being cin- 
 bled between the hands, and placed so as to drain. The object of this t it- 
 ment is to separate the soapy matter, with which the lime forms an insoble 
 soap; and at the same time sulphate of soda and chloride of sodium are rented, 
 with only a minute loss of the borax. The borax being drained is next dissold, 
 by the assistance of heat, in two and a half times its weight of water, andbe 
 solution treated with one-fiftieth of its weight of chloride of calcium, in ord'to 
 complete the separation of the soapy matter; after which it is strained thruh 
 a coarse bag. The liquor is then concentrated by heat, and run into woeu 
 vessels, lined with lead, having the shape of an inverted quadrangular pyraid. 
 If care be taken that the cooling proceeds very gradually, distinct crystals ill 
 be obtained, such as are found in commerce; otherwise, crystalline crustsill 
 be formed. The Chinese borax is purified in a similar manner; but, beingess 
 impure than the common tincal, does not require to be washed. 
 
 Preparation of Artificial Borax. Large quantities of borax are now nde 
 by the direct combination of native lioracic acid with soda. The acid is find 
 in solution in certain lagoons in Tuscany, from which hot vapours are ejeed, 
 and which are situated within a space of ten or twelve miles. The water ctbe 
 lagoons is economically concentrated by the hot vapours themselves. In 116, 
 the product of these lagoons was estimated by M. Larderel, the original Dim- 
 facturer of the acid, at three millions of Tuscan pounds. As here proeureitbe 
 acid contains from 17 to 20 per cent, of impurities, consisting principally ctbe 
 sulphates of ammonia, magnesia, lime, and alumina, muriate of ammonia, do- 
 ride of iron, and clay, sand, and sulphur. It is added to saturation toadu- 
 tion of carbonate of soda, heated by steam, and the liquor, after boilii. is 
 allowed to stand for ten or twelve hours. It is then drawn off into w Jen 
 vessels lined with lead, where it crystallizes. The impure crystals, thus obtaed, 
 are refined by dissolving them in water heated by steam, adding carbonate oloda 
 to the solution, and crystallizing. The merit of introducing the proce: for 
 obtaining artificial borax belongs to Cartier and Payen, who succeeded insta- 
 blishing its manufacture in France, notwithstanding the strong prejudiefik 
 against the use of the artificial salt. In the process for artificial borax ■ M. 
 Koehnke, a solution of caustic soda is used, extemporaneously obtained 1 the 
 action of lime. For the details of his process, see the AnuJoum. of Firm ., 
 xvii. p. 111. 
 
 Properties. Borax is a white salt, generally crystallized in flattened 
 hedral prisms, terminated by triangular pyramids, and possessing a swtisb. 
 feebly alkaline taste, and an alkaline reaction. It dissolves in twelve tins 
 
PAI I. 
 
 Sodse Boras. 
 
 689 
 
 weiit of cold, and twice its weight of boiling water. Exposed to the air it 
 efflosces slowly, and the surface of the crystals becomes covered with a white 
 power. Subjected to a moderate heat it undergoes the aqueous fusion, swells 
 con.derably, and finally becomes a dry porous mass, with loss of half its weight. 
 Abes a red heat it melts into a limpid liquid, and, after cooling, concretes into 
 a tr sparent solid, called <jlass of borax, much used as a flux in assays with the 
 blov ipe. Borax has been found, in the English market, adulterated to the 
 extet of twenty per cent, with phosphate of soda. The foreign salt may be de- 
 tect by exposing the suspected borax to the heat of a drying room for a few 
 Lou when the phosphate, if present, will effloresce, and may be picked out. 
 Sulj uric acid, added to a saturated solution of the salt, unites with the soda, 
 and recipitates the boracic acid in white, shining, scaly crystals, possessing the 
 propty of imparting a green colour to the flame of burning alcohol. Boracic 
 acidousists of one eq. of boron 1 0 '9, and three of oxygen 24=34'9. 
 
 Bax has the property of rendering cream of tartar very soluble in water, and 
 forira combination with it called soluble cream of tartar , which is sometimes 
 used n medicine. This preparation is made by boiling six parts of cream of 
 tart; and two of borax in sixteen of water for five minutes, allowing the solution 
 to cd, and then filtering to separate some tartrate of lime. Soluble cream of 
 tsrtsfattraets moisture from the air, and is soluble in its own weight of cold, 
 and alf its weight of boiling water. A similar preparation may be made by 
 subs uting boracic acid for the borax, the proportions being four parts of cream 
 of tear to one of the acid. This combination is even more soluble than the 
 othe It has not been well ascertained what is the nature of these compounds. 
 Therrd has thrown out the suggestion, that the former consists of two double 
 salts artrate of potassa and soda (Rochelle salt), and tartrate of potassa and 
 bora; acid, the boracic acid acting the part of a base; and Berzelius inclines 
 to tl opinion that the latter is a double tartrate of potassa and boracic acid. 
 Accdiug to the formula of the Paris Codex, soluble cream of tartar is made 
 with 'oracic acid. Four hundred parts of cream of tartar and one hundred of 
 the fid are dissolved in a silver basin, at the temperature of ebullition, in 2400 
 partsjf water. The solution is kept boiling until the greater part of the w T ater 
 is co umed. The fire is then moderated, and the solution continually stirred 
 whih he evaporation proceeds. When the matter has become very thick, it is 
 remo d by portions, which are flattened in the hand, completely dried by the 
 heat ' a stove, reduced to powder, and kept in well stopped bottles. 
 
 exposition. Borax consists of two eqs. of boracic acid 69 '8, and one of soda 
 31'3 lOl’l. It ordinarily crystallizes in prisms, and contains ten eqs. of water 
 (prkatic borax)-, but a variety of the salt exists, ■which crystallizes in octo- 
 hedre,, and contains only five eqs. of water (octohed ra I borax) . The latter is 
 obtai d in the artificial production of borax, by crystallizing from a concentrated 
 solut : i at a temperature between 174° and 133°. When a solution of borax 
 is evsorated at 212°, the salt is left as an amorphous, transparent, brittle mass, 
 contajing four eqs. of water. ( Schweitzer .) From the composition of borax in 
 equivents, it is evidently a biborate, though sometimes called a subborate on 
 aceou,, of its possessing an alkaline reaction. 
 
 Mi'cal Properties and Uses. Borax is a mild refrigerant and diuretic. It 
 >s supsed also to exercise a specific influence over the uterus, promoting men- 
 strua .n, facilitating parturition, and favouring the expulsion of the placenta. 
 (Vog Pharma lead ynamik, cited by Pereira.) Dr. Binswanger, in a prize 
 essay ublished in 1848, denies its specific power of exciting uterine contrac- 
 tions, r promoting menstruation. Nevertheless Dr. Daniel Stahl, of Indiana, 
 fount t useful in dysmenorrhoea, occurring in sanguineous constitutions, vene- 
 sectic being premised. He gives it in doses of about nine grains ever}' two 
 
690 
 
 Sodse Boras. — Sodse Carbonas. 
 
 PAR' 
 
 hours in a tablespoonful of flaxseed tea, for two days before the time of the > 
 pected return of the menses. (See Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., xx. 536.) Y:y 
 deemed it aphrodisiac ; and, according to Dr. J. C. Hubbard, it is eminently i, 
 when used in the form of enema. {New York Journ. of Med., for Nov. 1Y, 
 from the Annalist.) Binswanger considers borax as the best remedy that care 
 used in nephritic and calculous complaints, dependent on an excess of uric a 1. 
 It probably acts in such cases as an alkali, the soda of the salt neutralizing e 
 uric acid, occurring in the urinary passages, and the boracic acid being set (g. 
 The dose is from thirty to forty grains. Cream of tartar, rendered soluble y 
 borax or boracic acid, is a convenient preparation, where it is desirable to i- 
 minister large quantities of the former salt. Externally the solution of bora is 
 used as a wash in scaly cutaneous eruptions. A solution formed by dissoh » 
 a drachm of the salt in two fluidounces of distilled vinegar has been found, :h 
 by Dr. Abercrombie and Dr. Christison, an excellent lotion for ringworm ohe 
 scalp. Borax is very much used as a detergent in aphthous affections of re 
 mouth in children. When employed for this purpose, it is generally applie in 
 powder, either mixed with sugar in the proportion of one part to seven, or ruisd 
 up with honey. (See Mel Boracis.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Mel Boracis. 1 
 
 SODAS CARBONAS. US., Lond., Ed. 
 Carbonate of Soda. 
 
 Off. Syn. SODiE CARBONAS CRYSTALLIZATUM. Dub. 
 
 Carbonate de soude, Fr.; Einfach Kohlensaures Natron, Germ.; Carbonato di la, 
 Ital.; Carbonato de soda, Span. 
 
 In the U. S. Pharmacopoeia this salt has been always placed in the list c:be 
 Materia Medica ; the crystallized carbonate of soda, obtained on a large ale 
 by the manufacturing chemist, being a nearly pure salt, and that which isold 
 in the shops of our apothecaries. The same position is now given to it bthe 
 three British Colleges; the officinal processes for preparing it having ten 
 abandoned by the Edinburgh College in 1839, and by the Dublin and Lclon 
 Colleges in their recent Pharmacopoeias of 1850 and 1851. 
 
 Before entering upon the consideration of the carbonate of soda as a purealt, 
 we shall speak generally of the sources of the alkali soda. 
 
 The sources of carbonated soda may be divided into the natural and artiial. 
 The natural sources are the minerals of native soda, and certain marine j.nts 
 which yield the alkali in their ashes; the artificial are certain salts which finish 
 it by chemical decomposition. 
 
 Native soda, sometimes called natron, is found chiefly in Hungary, Epb 
 and South America, and exists, in these countries, either in the earth t the 
 surface, which often exhibits a saline efflorescence, or in solution in small kes, 
 from which it is extracted by taking advantage of the drying up of theater 
 during the heats of summer. That from Egypt, called trona by the nati's. ts 
 a sesquicarbonate ; while that from South America is less carbonated. Hive 
 soda, iu the form of a sesquicarbonate, has been found in a soda lake in tl ter- 
 ritory of the Nizam, India. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., July, 1853, p. 50.) 
 
 Impure soda, derived from the ashes of plants growing on the surhe or 
 borders of the sea, is called barilla or kelp, according to the character the 
 plants incinerated. Barilla is obtained from several vegetables, prinoally 
 belonging to the genera Salsola, Salicornia, and Chenopodium. In earn, 
 Sicily, and some other countries, the plants are regularly cultivated for thpnr- 
 pose of yielding soda by their combustion. When ripe, they are cut owD) 
 
pa:c i. 
 
 Sodse Carbonas. 
 
 691 
 
 dr!, and burnt in heaps. The ashes form a semi-fused, hard, and compact 
 salii mass, which is broken up into fragments by means of pickaxes, and 
 thrm into commerce. Kelp, called vareck in France, is procured by the incine- 
 ratii of various kinds of sea-weeds, principally the algae and fuci, which 
 gro.-'on the rocky coasts of many countries. The Orkneys and Hebrides, and 
 the )cky coasts of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, furnish large quantities of these 
 wees. The plants are allowed to ferment in heaps, then dried, and afterwards 
 bur, to ashes in ovens, roughly made with brick or stone, and built in the 
 gro id. The alkali in the ashes melts, and forms the whole into one solid mass. 
 Wh cold, it is broken up with iron instruments into large heavy masses, in 
 whii state it is found in commerce. About twenty-four tons of sea-weeds are 
 reqjred to produce one of kelp. 
 
 1\ villa, when of good quality, is in hard, dry, porous, sonorous, grayish-blue 
 mans, which become covered with a saline efflorescence after exposure to the 
 air.lt possesses an alkaline taste and peculiar odour. Spanish barilla contains 
 froitwenty-five to forty per cent, of real carbonated alkali ; the residue being 
 mac up of sulphate of soda, sulphuret and chloride of sodium, carbonate of 
 lim, alumina, silica, oxidized iron, and a small portion of charcoal which has 
 escEjad combustion. Before the introduction of artificial soda, barilla formed 
 the ource of the crystallized carbonate employed in medicine. At present 
 baria is principally used in the manufacture of soap. 
 
 l ] p is in hard, vesicular masses, of a dark-gray, bluish, or greenish colour, 
 suljurOus odour, and acrid, caustic taste. It is still less pure than barilla, 
 con ning only from five to eight per cent, of carbonated soda ; the rest being 
 mac up of a large proportion of the sulphates of soda and potassa, and the 
 chimes of potassium and sodium, a small quantity of iodide of sodium, and 
 insc ble and colouring matters. Large quantities of kelp were formerly manu- 
 fact ed in Great Britain and the neighbouring islands, particularly the Orkney 
 Islals ; but the demand and production have greatly fallen off, since the intro- 
 duc in of artificial soda at a comparatively low price. At present kelp is used 
 prir pally in the manufacture of iodine. (See Iodinium.) 
 
 M'ificial Soda. Several plans have been proposed for obtaining soda by 
 c-hefcal decomposition; but none are at present used, except that of decom- 
 posi; sulphate of soda. This salt is procured from the manufacturers of chlo- 
 rinad lime (bleaching powder), or, what is more usual on account of the insuf- 
 fieie supply from that source, is made expressly for the purpose, by decomposing 
 oontjon salt (chloride of sodium) by sulphuric acid. The dried sulphate is 
 nnx with its own weight of ground limestone, and half its weight of small coal, 
 grovd and sifted, and the whole is heated in a reverberatory furnace, where 
 it fibs and forms a black mass, called black ash, soda ball, or British barilla. 
 Thejoal-, at the temperature employed, converts the sulphate of soda into sul- 
 phut of sodium. This reacts with the limestone, so as to form sulphuret of 
 calcm and carbonate of soda (NaS and CaO,CO a =CaS and NaO,C0 2 .) If this 
 com >und were digested in water, sulphuret of sodium and carbonate of lime 
 wou be reproduced. To prevent this result a large excess of lime is used, 
 whii gives rise to the formation of an oxysulphuret of calcium (3CaS,CaO), 
 whi is insoluble in water, and without action on carbonate of soda. British 
 bari . contains about 36 per cent, of alkali, imperfectly carbonated on account 
 of H high heat used; the remainder being principally oxysulphuret of calcium, 
 caus'3 lime, and coaly matter. It is next digested in warm water, which takes 
 U P 3 alkali and other soluble matters, and leaves the insoluble impurities, 
 calk soda v:aste. The solution is evaporated to dryness, and the mass obtained 
 is e aued with one-fourth of its weight of sawdust, in order to convert the 
 ■dlu fully into carbonate, by means of the carbonic acid resulting from the 
 
692 
 
 Sodse Carbonas. 
 
 PAR!! 
 
 combustion of the sawdust. The product is redissolved in water, and the s< - 
 tion evaporated to dryness. The alkali, in this stage of its purification, conks 
 about 50 per cent, of carbonate of soda and is called soda-ash. It is brou t 
 to the state of crystallized carbonate of soda by dissolving it in water, strain 
 the solution, evaporating it to a pellicle, and setting it aside to crystallize, a 
 the subject of the products of the soda manufacture, see the elaborate pape [f 
 John Brown, Esq , in the Land., Ed., and Dub. Philos. Mag. for Jan. 18-1 
 
 The chemical process here described for obtaining carbonated soda was i. 
 covered in 1784 by Le Blanc and Dize. It is at present pursued on an u 
 mense scale in Great Britain, especially at Liverpool and Glasgow; and s 
 product is so cheap that its use has nearly superseded that of barilla and Ip 
 as sources of soda. 
 
 Carbonate of soda may also be obtained by the patented process of Mr. Hey 
 Pemberton, of Philadelphia. This consists in converting sulphate of soda o 
 sulphuret of sodium in the usual manner, and decomposing the latter by runs 
 of a stream of carbonic acid, derived from the chimneys of furnaces in wlh 
 coal or wood is used as fuel. By the aid of the elements of water, carboi :e 
 of soda is formed, and sulphuretted hydrogen disengaged. A patent for le 
 same process was subsequently obtaiued, in England, by Mr. W. E. Nevn 
 (Nov. 1852). In Mr. Newton’s plan, the sulphuretted hydrogen is decompoi, 
 so as to furnish sulphur or sulphurets. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxvi. -.) 
 
 The different kinds of impure carbonate of soda, whether barilla, kelp, or sa- 
 ash, being exceedingly variable in composition, it is important to have a rely 
 method of determining the quantity of real carbonated alkali which theyconta. 
 The mode in which this is done, by means of an instrument called an sz- 
 limeter, has been already explained. (See page 584.) These various fornof 
 carbonated soda are largely consumed in the manufacture of soap and glass, id 
 in dyeing and bleaching. 
 
 The following are descriptions of the different grades of artificial soda, kDrn 
 under the names of British barilla, soda-ash, and crystallized carbonate of sa. 
 
 British barilla , so called to distinguish it from Spanish barilla, which ha ts 
 source in the ashes of maritime plants, is a blackish-brown substance, becong 
 darker by exposure to the air. When broken it exhibits an imperfect metallicis- 
 tre, and a close striated texture. Its taste is caustic and hepatic. By exposu to 
 a moist atmosphere, it becomes covered with a yellow efflorescence, and quily 
 falls to powder, with disengagement of heat and sulphuretted hydrogen; aiiie 
 same time increasing in weight by the absorption of carbonic acid and watt 
 
 Soda-ash is in white or gray compact masses, and contains about half its wcht 
 of foreign salts, consisting principally of chloride of sodium and sulphate of da. 
 
 Crystallized carbonate of soda is a colourless salt, possessing an alkalinend 
 disagreeable taste, and crystallizing usually in large oblique rhombic pr:as, 
 which speedily effloresce and fall into powder when exposed to the air. is 
 soluble in twice its weight of cold water, but insoluble in alcohol, and display an 
 alkaline reaction with tests. When heated it undergoes the aqueous fu;>n; 
 and, if the heat be continued, it dries and finally suffers the igneous fusion, 'he 
 most usual impurities are sulphate of soda and common salt, which may bde- 
 tected by converting the salt into a nitrate, and testing separate portions o: his 
 severally with the chloride of barium and nitrate of silver. Common s; is 
 seldom entirely absent, but good specimens are free from sulphate of soda. ben 
 badly prepared, it is liable to contain a portion of sulphuret of sodium, rich 
 may be detected by the production of the smell of sulphuretted hydrogen oon 
 dissolving the salt iu water. Carbonate of soda is incompatible with ;ds, 
 acidulous salts, lime-water, muriate of ammonia, and earthy and metallic Its 
 It consists of one eq. of carbonic acid 22, and one of soda ol o=5o'3. V jen 
 
pa:: i. 
 
 693 
 
 Sodae Carbonas. — Sodse Sulphas. 
 
 full crystallized it contains ten eqs. of water 90, giving as the number repre- 
 sen ag the crystallized salt 143 '3. It is thus perceived that this salt, when 
 perbtly crystallized, contains nearly two-thirds of its weight of water; but the 
 quality actually present in it, as found in the shops, is variable, being dependent 
 on e extent to which it may have undergone efflorescence. 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Carbonate of soda is antacid, ant-ilithic, and 
 resc-ent. It is given principally in diseases attended with acidity of the sto- 
 ma<; such as gout, uric acid gravel, and certain forms of dyspepsia. It is more 
 free ently exhibited than carbonate of potassa, as, from its less acrid taste, it is 
 mor easily takeu. It has also been recommended in hooping-cough, scrofula, 
 andmonchocele. In the latter disease, Dr. Peschier, of Geneva, considers it 
 moiefficacious than iodine. It is also employed with advantage, internally and 
 extiaally, in skin diseases, especially those of a papular and scaly character. 
 A 1 ion suitable for these cases may be formed by dissolving from two to three 
 drauns of the carbonate in a pint of water. For a bath, from eight to sixteen 
 oun s of the salt may be dissolved in the necessary quantity of water. The 
 ointlent should vary in strength from eight to sixty grains to the ounce of lard, 
 acceding to the character of the affection. Carbonate of soda is given in doses 
 of iim ten grains to half a drachm, either in powder, or in solution in some 
 bitt infusion. In consequence of the variable state in which it exists in the 
 sho], as to the amount of water of crystallization which it contains, the dose 
 canljt be indicated with precision. It is on this account that the salt is most 
 con uiently administered in the dried state, which admits of its being given in 
 the lular form. (See Sodas Carbonas Exsiccatus . ) When taken in an over- 
 dosed acts as a corrosive and irritant poison. The best antidotes are fixed oils, 
 acet: acid, and lemon juice. 
 
 harm. Uses. Carbonate of soda is used as a chemical agent by the Edinburgh 
 Ool|e in preparing sulphate of quinia, and by the London College in making 
 amt nio-citrate of iron. 
 
 C. Prep. Calcis Carbonas Praecipitatus; Ferri Carbonas Saccharatum ; Ferri 
 Subybonas; Liquor Sodae; Liquor Sodae Chlorinatae; Magnesiae Carbonas; 
 Maisise Carbonas Ponderosum; Pilulae Ferri Carbonatis; Pil. Ferri Compo- 
 sitaejSodas Acetas ; Sodae Bicarbonas; Sodse Carbonas Exsiccatus; Sodae Car- 
 bons Liquor; Sodae et Potassse Tartras; Sodae Phosphas; Zinci Carbonas 
 Pral pitatus. B. 
 
 SODiE SULPHAS. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Sulphate of Soda. 
 
 V iolated soda, Glauber’s salt; Sulfate de soude, Fr.; Schwefelsaures Natron, Glau- 
 bers: , Germ.; Solfato di soda, Ital.; Sulfato de soda, Sal de Glaubero, Span. 
 
 S phate of soda, in small quantities, is extensively diffused in nature, and 
 is ol lined artificially in several chemical operations. It exists in solution in 
 man mineral springs, among which maybe mentioned those of Cheltenham and 
 Carl} ad; and it is found combined with sulphate of lime, constituting a distinct 
 min |d. Many ponds containing this salt are found in the country between 
 San Fe and the head waters of the Arkansas, and on the route to the Rocky 
 Mor pins. The water in one of these ponds forms a solution so highly con- 
 cent ted that, in dry weather, the salt crystallizes on the surface to the depth 
 of sjeral inches, so as to have the appearance of limpid ice. (Am. Journ. of 
 Phifi., xii. 110.) As an artificial product, it is formed in the processes for 
 obta ling muriatic acid and chlorine, and in the preparation of muriate of am- 
 moo 1 from sulphate of ammonia and common salt. It may also be procured 
 fron pea-water, in which its ingredients are present. 
 
694 
 
 Sodas. Sulphas. 
 
 PAM 
 
 Of the Pharmacopoeias commented on in this work, the Edinburgh is the o i 
 one which gives a formula for preparing this salt. It is directed to be obtaiil 
 from the salt, left after the distillation of muriatic acid, by the following proe< . 
 Dissolve two pounds of the salt, which is a supersulphate of soda, in three p .? 
 (Imp. meas.) of boiling water. Then saturate the excess of acid with powdei 
 white marble, and, having boiled the liquid and filtered it, wash the insole e 
 matter with boiling water, and add the washings to the original liquid. La p 
 concentrate the solution to a pellicle, and set it aside to crystallize. In ; 3 
 process the excess of acid is removed by converting it into the insoluble sulpl e 
 of lime. 
 
 Immense quantities of sulphate of soda are made in Great Britain and Fra e 
 by the process of decomposing common salt by sulphuric acid, for the purposrf 
 being manufactured into soda-ash and carbonate of soda; and, so far from e 
 generated muriatic acid being a product of value, its absorption in a couvemt 
 way, so as to avoid the nuisance of its escape into the atmosphere in a gasus 
 state, is an object of importance to the manufacturer. (See Acidum Muriaticu.) 
 MM. Thomas, Dellisse, and Boucard have proposed a new process for prepaig 
 sulphate of soda, by double decomposition between chloride of sodium and 1- 
 phate of iron. It is stated that this process furnishes the salt cheaply; anc'it 
 the same time, it avoids the production of muriatic acid vapours. 
 
 The residuum of the process for obtaining chlorine, by the action of sulphic 
 acid and deutoxide of manganese on common salt, is a mixture of sulphate of da 
 and sulphate of protoxide of manganese. (See Chlorinii Liquor.) Large quant es 
 of this residuum are formed in manufacturing chlorinated lime (bleaching sr); 
 and the sulphate of soda in it, roughly purified, supplies a part of the consumpm 
 of this salt in making soda-ash and carbonate of soda. (See Sodee Curbona- 
 
 In the process for obtaining muriate of ammonia from sulphate of ammia 
 and common salt, water is decomposed, and a double decomposition takes pie, 
 resulting in the formation of sulphate of soda and muriate of ammonia, ly 
 exposing the mixed salts to heat, the muriate of ammonia sublimes, and he 
 sulphate of soda remains behind. (See Ammonias Murias.) 
 
 In some of our Northern States, particularly Massachusetts, a portion of Gu- 
 ber’s salt is procured from sea-water in the winter season. The circumsta es 
 under which it is formed have been explained by Mr. Daniel B. Smith, in a p'er 
 published in the fourth volume of the Journal of the Philadelphia Colleiof 
 Pharmacy. The constituents of a number of salts exist in sea-water; anclie 
 binary order in which these constituents will precipitate during evaporam, 
 depends on the temperature. During the prevalence of rigorous cold, sulpite 
 of soda is the least soluble salt which can be formed out of the acids and lies 
 present, and consequently separates in the form of crystals. 
 
 Properties. Sulphate of soda is a colourless salt, possessing a cooling, w- 
 seous, very bitter taste, and crystallizing with great facility in six-sided str.ed 
 prisms. When recently prepared, it is beautifully transparent; but by espure 
 to the air it effloresces, and the crystals become covered with an opaque \ite 
 powder. By long exposure it undergoes complete efflorescence, and fal to 
 piowder with loss of more than half its weight. It is soluble in three tiunits 
 weight of cold water, and in its own weight of boiling water, but is insolut m 
 alcohol. Subjected to heat, it dissolves in its water of crystallization, then <es, 
 and afterwards, by the application of a red beat, melts, with the loss of 55 per 
 cent, of its weight. Occasionally it contains an excess of acid or alkali, wich 
 may be discovered by litmus or turmeric paper. The presence of commoralt 
 may be detected by sulphate of silver; that of iron by ferrocyanuret of potasum 
 or tincture of galls. This salt is not subject to adulteration. It is incomp; hie 
 with carbonate of potassa, chloride of calcium, the salts of baryta, aeetatcind 
 
PA1 1 I. 
 
 695 
 
 Sodas Sulphas. — Sodii Chloridum. 
 
 subetate of lead, and with nitrate of silver if the solutions are strong. It con- 
 sist )f one eq. of sulphuric acid 40, one of soda 3 1 ' 8 , and ten of water 90 = 161‘3. 
 
 Jdical Properties and Uses. Sulphate of soda, in doses of from half an ounce 
 to a ounce, is an efficient cathartic; in smaller doses, largely diluted, an aperient 
 and iuretic. When in an effloresced state, the dose must be reduced one-half, 
 on count of its having lost about one-half of its weight in water. It is much 
 less sed than formerly, having been almost entirely superseded by sulphate of 
 magesia, which is less disagreeable to the palate. Its nauseous taste, however, 
 mayie readily disguised by the admixture of a little lemon-juice or cream of 
 tart, or the addition of a few drops of sulphuric acid. It is an ingredient in 
 the ’tificial Cheltenham salt. (See Appendix .) The only use of sulphate of 
 sod; n the arts is to make carbonate of soda, and as an ingredient in some kinds 
 of giss. It has no officinal preparations. B. 
 
 SODII CHLORIDUM. U. S., Lond., Dub. 
 
 Chloride of Sodium. 
 
 C. Syn. SODiE MURIAS. Ed. 
 
 IV date of soda. Sea salt. Common salt; Cklorure de sodium, Hydro-chlorate de soude, 
 Sel l rin, Fr.; Cklornatrium, Koclisalz, Germ.; Salt, Dan., Sired.; Chloruro di sodio, Sal 
 comiine, Ital.; Sal, Span. 
 
 Is mineral production, so necessary to mankind-, is universally distributed 
 oveihe globe, and is the most abundant of the native soluble salts. Most ani- 
 malaave an instinctive relish for it; and from its frequent presence in the solids 
 and aids of the animal economy, it may be supposed to perform an important 
 parti nutrition and assimilation. 
 
 Mural State. Common salt exists in nature, either in the solid state or in 
 solu m. In the solid state, called rock salt, fossil salt, and sal gemmae, it is often 
 four forming extensive beds, and even entire mountains, from which it is ex- 
 trac 1 in blocks or masses by mining operations. Its geological position is very 
 consnt, occurring almost invariably in secondary formations, associated with 
 clay ad gypsum. In solution it occurs in certain springs and lakes, and in the 
 watt; of the ocean. The principal salt mines are found in Poland, Hungary, 
 and ussia; in various parts of Germany, particularly the Tyrol; in England 
 in tl county of Cheshire; in Spain; in various parts of Asia and Africa; and 
 in Bn, and other countries of South America. In the United States there are 
 no st mines, but numerous salt springs, which either flow naturally, or are pro- 
 duce artificially by sinking shafts to various depths in places where salt is known 
 to est. These are found principally in Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, 
 Pen ylvania, Virginia, and New York. In the last-mentioned State the springs 
 are 3 most productive; the chief ones being situated at Salina, Montezuma, 
 and alen. In Virginia an important salt region exists, extending fifteen miles 
 on l h sides of the great Ivenhawa river. Rock salt is always transparent or 
 tranicent; but it often exhibits various colours, such as red, yellow, brown, 
 viol; blue, &e., which are supposed to be derived from iron and manganese. 
 
 fraction. Mines of salt are worked in two ways. When the salt is pure it 
 is nrely dug out in blocks and thrown into commerce. When impure it is 
 dissi-;ed in water, and extracted afterwards from the solution by evaporation. 
 B hi' the salt is naturally in solution, the mode of extraction depends upon the 
 £tre; th of the brine, and the temperature of the place where it is found. When 
 the .ter contains from fourteen to fifteen per cent, of salt, it is extracted by 
 eva; 'ation in large iron boilers. If, however, it contains only two, three, four, 
 °i' fi per cent., the salt is obtained in a different manner. If the climate be 
 
696 
 
 Sodii Cliloridum. 
 
 PARI 
 
 warm it is procured by spontaneous evaporation, effected by the heat of the s’ • 
 if temperate, by a peculiar mode of evaporation to be mentioned presently, 1 
 the subsequent application of artificial heat. 
 
 Sea-water is a weak saline solution, containing 2'7 per cent, of common s 
 which is extracted by the agency of solar heat in warm countries. Salt thus obt; - 
 ed is called bay salt. The extraction is conducted in Europe principally on 3 
 shores of the Mediterranean, the waters of which are salter than those of e 
 open ocean. The mode in which it is performed is by letting the sea-water io 
 shallow dikes, lined with clay, and capable, after being filled, of being shut off f: a 
 the sea. In this situation the heat of the sun gradually concentrates thewa;, 
 and the salt is deposited. In temperate climates, weak brines are first conu- 
 trated in buildings, called graduation houses. These are rough wooden sta- 
 tures open on the sides, ten or eleven yards high, five or six wide, and three r 
 four hundred long, and containing an oblong pile of brushwood somewhat sum 
 than the building itself. The brine is pumped up into troughs full of he?, 
 placed above the brushwood, upon which it is allowed to fall ; and in its desiiit 
 it becomes minutely divided. This operation, by greatly increasing the sur:e 
 of the brine, promotes its evaporation ; and being repeated several times, ie 
 solution is at last brought to the requisite degree of strength to permit of ts 
 final concentration in iron boilers by artificial heat. Sometimes, to save fuelpe 
 last concentration is performed by allowing the brine to trickle down a numbof 
 vertical ropes, on the surface of which the salt is deposited in the form of a cit. 
 
 Properties. Chloride of sodium is white, without odour, and of a pecnr 
 taste called saline. It is usually crystallized in cubes ; but by hasty evapa- 
 tion it often assumes the form of hollow quadrangular pyramids. When re 
 it undergoes no change in the air; but, when contaminated with chlorid of 
 magnesium, as not unfrequently happens, it is deliquescent. Water ato4F. 
 dissolves 36 per cent, of this salt, aud at the boiling temperature, 40 per cit. 
 ( Fehling ..) It is but sparingly soluble in alcohol. One hundred parts of tis 
 liquid (sp. gr. 0'815) dissolve, at the temperature of 59°, only 0174 part of 
 common salt. (i?. Wagner.') Exposed to a gradually increasing heat, it st 
 decrepitates from the presence of interstitial moisture, next melts, and fir lv 
 volatilizes in white fumes without decomposition. It is decomposed by seval 
 of the acids, particularly the sulphuric aud nitric, which disengage vapouiof 
 muriatic acid ; by carbonate of potassa with the assistance of heat; and byhe 
 nitrates of silver and of the protoxide of mercury. 
 
 Several varieties of common salt are distinguished in commerce; as stored It, 
 fishery salt, bay salt, &c. ; but they are characterized by the size and comjct- 
 ness of the grains, rather than by any difference in composition. 
 
 Composition. Common salt, in its pure state, consists of one eq. of chime 
 8542, and one of sodium 23'3 = 58’72. It contains no water of crvstallizam. 
 When in solution it is by some supposed to become muriate of soda, in c-ise- 
 quence of the decomposition of water, the hydrogen and oxygen of wkichre 
 alleged to convert the chlorine and sodium into muriatic acid and soda, be 
 common salt of commerce, besides pure chloride of sodium, contains, genelly 
 speaking, insoluble matter, and usually more or less of the sulphates of me 
 and magnesia, aud chlorides of calcium and magnesium. When pure it not 
 precipitated by carbonate of soda, chloride of barium, or ferrocyanuret of p as- 
 sium. Chloride of calcium is generally present in very small amount: butbe 
 chloride of magnesium sometimes amounts to 28 parts in 1000. Sulpha of 
 lime is usually present, constituting variously from 1 to 23A parts in 1000 >mi 
 sulphate of magnesia is sometimes present and sometimes absent. To sepate 
 the earths, a boiling solution of carbonate of soda must be added, as long a any 
 precipitate is formed. The earths will fall as carbonates, and must be sepated 
 
PA I I. 
 
 697 
 
 Sodii Chloridum. — Solidago. 
 
 by i ration, and the sulphate of soda and chloride of sodium, resulting from the 
 don e decomposition, will remain in solution. The sulphate of soda may then 
 be (composed by the cautious addition of chloride of barium, which will gene- 
 rate-hloride of sodium and insoluble sulphate of baryta. 
 
 helical Properties and Uses. Chloride of sodium, in small doses, acts as a 
 stinlant tonic and anthelmintic ; in larger ones as a purgative and emetic. It 
 certnly promotes digestion, and the almost universal animal appetency for it, 
 pro s it to be a salutary stimulus in health. When taken in larger quantities 
 thaiusual with food, it is useful in some forms of dyspepsia. According to the 
 expiments of M. Plouviez, made upon himself, at intervals, during twenty-five 
 moilas, a saline regimen has the effect of increasing the weight and strength of 
 thejpdv. He began with a teaspoonful daily, which he increased to a table- 
 spoijful, continuing to take this dose for a period of three or four months. The 
 regien appeared to produce plethora. The blood, analyzed while under the 
 fullffects of the salt, was found to contain more of the globules and salts, but 
 lessf the albumen and water. 
 
 ( the sudden occurrence of haemoptysis, common salt is usefully resorted to 
 as a typtic, in the dose of a teaspoonful, taken dry, and often proves successful 
 in spping the flow of blood. Externally applied in solution it is stimulant, 
 andiay be used either locally or generally. Locally, it is sometimes employed 
 as aomentation in sprains and bruises ; and as a general external application, 
 it f ms the salt-water bath, a valuable remedy as a tonic and excitant in 
 dep lved conditions of the system, occurring especially in children, and supposed 
 to Independent on the scrofulous diathesis. A pound of salt dissolved in four 
 gall is of water, forms a solution of about the strength of sea-water, and suitable 
 for bath. It is frequently used as an ingredient in stimulating enemata. The 
 doseas a tonic, is from ten grains to a drachm ; as a cathartic, though seldom 
 usec’or that purpose, from two drachms to half an ounce. In doses of from 
 lialiij.ii ounce to an ounce, dissolved in four or five times its weight of water, it 
 freqptly proves a prompt and efficient emetic, invigorating rather than de- 
 p retug the powers of the system. As a clyster, it may be used in the amount 
 of fim one to two tablespoon fuls, dissolved in a pint of water. 
 
 1; uses of common salt in domestic economy as a condiment and antiseptic 
 are ill known. In agriculture it is sometimes employed as a fertilizer, and in 
 the ts to prepare muriate of ammonia, as also to form sulphate of soda, with 
 a vi r to the conversion of the latter into carbonate of soda. 
 
 C oride of sodium, in concentrated solution, is employed by the Edinburgh 
 Collge, as a chemical agent, to prepare biniodide of mercury. 
 
 C. Prep. Acidum Muriaticum Purum ; Chlorinei Aqua ; Ilydrargyri Chlo- 
 ride Corrosivum ; Hydrargyri Chloridum Mite j Liquor Sodae Chlorinatae ; 
 SodjMurias Purum. B. 
 
 SOLIDAGO. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Golden-rod. 
 
 T; leaves of Solidago odora. U. S. 
 
 Sjdago. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia Superflua. — Nat. Ord. Composite Aste- 
 roids, De Candolle ; Asteraceae, Lindley. 
 
 C'l.Ch. Calyx imbricated, scales closed. Radical florets about five, yellow. 
 Recltacle naked, punctate. Pappus simple pilose. Nuttall. 
 
 I s is a very abundant genus, including, according to Eaton’s enumeration, 
 upv;ds of sixty species belonging to this country. Of these S. odora only is 
 offical. S. Yirgaurea, which is common to the United States and Europe, was 
 
698 
 
 Solidago. — Spigelia. 
 
 PART 
 
 formerly directed by the Dublin College, but has been omitted. It is astride, 
 and has been supposed to possess lithontriptic virtues. 
 
 Solidago odora. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 2061 ; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot.\.\ 
 The sweet-scented golden-rod has a perennial creeping-root, and a slender, ere , 
 pubescent stem, which rises two or three feet in height. The leaves are sess , 
 linear-lanceolate, entire, acute, rough at the margin, elsewhere smooth, ;| 
 covered with pellucid dots. The flowers are of a deep golden-yellow colour, 1 1 
 are arranged in a terminal, compound, panicled raceme, the branches of whi 
 spread almost horizontally, are each accompanied by a small leaf, and support 3 
 flowers on downy pedicels, which put forth from the upper side of thepeduu, 
 and have small linear bractes at their base. The florets of the ray are ligul; , 
 oblong, and obtuse; those of the disk, funnel-shaped, with acute segments. 
 
 The plant grows in woods and fields throughout the United States, and isi 
 flower from August to October. The leaves, which are the officinal portion, he 
 a fragrant odour, and a warm, aromatic, agreeable taste. These properties - 
 pend on a volatile oil, which may be separated by distillation with water. Is 
 of a pale greenish-yellow colour, and lighter than water. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Golden-rod is aromatic, moderately stimult 
 and carminative, and, like other substances of the same class, diaphoretic w n 
 given in warm infusion. It may be used to relieve pain arising from flatulen, 
 to allay nausea, and to cover the taste or correct the operation of unpleasan >r 
 irritating medicines. For these purposes it may be given in infusion. The vi- 
 tile oil dissolved in alcohol is employed in the Eastern States. According 0 
 Pursh, the dried flowers are used as a pleasant and wholesome substitute ir 
 common tea. TV 
 
 SPIGELIA. U. S., Ed. 
 
 Pinhroot. 
 
 The root of Spigelia Marilandica. U. S., Pd. 
 
 Spigelie du Maryland, Fr. Spigelie, Germ.; Spigelia, Ital. 
 
 Spigelia. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Mat. Ord. Gentians, Ji ; 
 Spigeliacese, Martins, hindleg. 
 
 Gen. Gh. Calyx five-parted. Corolla funnel-shaped, border five-cleft, eqd. 
 Capsule didymous, two-celled, four-valved, many’-seeded. Kuttall. 
 
 Two species of Spigelia have attracted attention as anthelmintics, S.An /- 
 mia of South America and the West Indies, and S '■ Marilandica of this couny- 
 The former is an annual plant, used only in the countries where it grows.ae 
 latter is much employed, both in this country and in Europe. 
 
 Spigelia Marilandica. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 825 ; Bigelow, Am. Med. B i i. 
 142; Barton, Med. Bot. ii. 75. The Carolina pink is an herbaceous plant th 
 a perennial root, which sends off numerous fibrous branches. The stems, seval 
 of which rise from the same root, are simple, erect, four-sided, nearly suidb, 
 and from twelve to twenty inches high. The leaves are opposite, sessile, ove- 
 lanceolate, acuminate, entire, and smooth, with the veins and margins sligly 
 pubescent. Each stem terminates in a spike, which leans to one side, and ip- 
 ports from four to twelve flowers with very short peduncles. The calyx is ’r- 
 sistent, with five long, subulate, slightly serrate leaves, reflexed in the ripe f it. 
 The corolla is funnel-shaped, and much- longer than the calyx, with the be 
 inflated in the middle, and the border divided into five acute, spreading segnflts. 
 It is of a rich carmine colour externally, becoming paler at the base, and ontre- 
 yellow within. The edges of the segments are slightly tinged with green, be 
 Stamens, though apparently very short, and inserted iuto the upper part ot he 
 
pai: i. 
 
 699 
 
 Spigelia. 
 
 tub between the segments, may be traced down its internal surface to the base. 
 Tlinnthers are oblong, heart-shaped; the germ superior, ovate; the style about 
 the 'Dgth of the corolla, and terminating in a linear fringed stigma, projecting 
 conierably beyond it. The capsule is double, consisting of two cohering, 
 glollar, one-celled portions, and containing many seeds. 
 
 'l,e plant is a native of our Southern and South-western States, being seldom 
 if enr found north of the Potomac. It grows in rich soils on the borders of 
 woes, and flowers from May to July. The root is the only part recognised in 
 the harmacopoeias. The drug was formerly collected in Georgia and the neigb- 
 bouug States by the Creek and Cherokee Indians, who disposed of it to the 
 whi traders. The whole plant was gathered and dried, and came to us in 
 bale or casks. After the emigration of the Indians, the supply of spigelia 
 froi this source very much diminished, and has now nearly if not entirely failed. 
 Theonsequence was for a time a great scarcity and increase in the price of ^he 
 dru but a new source of supply was opened from the Western and South-wesiern 
 Stau, and it is now again plentiful. As we receive spigelia at present, it con- 
 sist; kiefly if not exclusively of the root, without the stem and leaves. We have 
 bee informed that most of it comes in casks or bales from St. Louis by the way 
 otCw Orleans. That contained in casks is to be preferred, as less liable to be 
 dau and mouldy. 
 
 hperties. Pinkroot consists of numerous slender, branching, crooked, 
 wri: led fibres, from three to six inches long, attached to a knotty head or 
 cau x, which exhibits traces of the stems of former years. It is of a brownish 
 or ) lowish-brown colour externally, of a faint, peculiar smell, and a sweetish, 
 sligly bitter, not very disagreeable taste. Its virtues are extracted by boiling 
 wat The root, analyzed by M. Feneulle, yielded a fixed and volatile oil, a 
 sma quantity of resin, a bitter substance supposed to be the active principle, a 
 luuciginous saccharine matter, albumen, gallic acid, the malates of potassa and 
 limi&c., and woody fibre. The principle upon which the virtues of the root are 
 thoiht to depend, is brown, of a bitter nauseous taste, like that of the purgative 
 luatr of the leguminous plants, and, when taken internally, produces vertigo 
 aud kind of intoxication. 
 
 li stalks of the dried plant are oval below the first pair of leaves, and then 
 beeve obscurely four-sided. The leaves, when good, have a fresh greenish 
 colo. , and an odour somewhat like that of tea. In taste they resemble the 
 root md afforded to M. Feneulle nearly the same principles. The quantity, 
 how er, of the bitter substance was less, corresponding with their inferior effi- 
 cacy This circumstance should cause their rejection from the shops ; as the 
 iueedity in power of the two portions of the plant would lead to uncertainty 
 in t result, when they are both employed. 
 
 T;! roots are sometimes mixed with those of other plants, particularly of a 
 sma vine which twines round the stem of the Spigelia. These are long, slender, 
 croc/d, yellowish, thickly set with short capillary fibres, and much smaller and 
 hgk r-coloured than the pinkroot. They should be separated before the latter 
 ls u b The activity of spigelia is somewhat diminished by time. 
 
 h heal Properties and Uses. Pinkroot is generally considered among the 
 mo?!powerful anthelmintics. In the ordinary dose it usually produces little 
 sens le effect on the system ; more largely given it acts as a cathartic, though 
 une ‘ al and uncertain in its operation ; in overdoses it excites the circulation, 
 aud.etermines to the brain, giving rise to vertigo, dimness of vision, dilated 
 pup , spasms of the facial muscles, and sometimes even to general convulsions. 
 Spa iodic movements of the eyelids have been observed among the most common 
 atte ants of its narcotic action. The death of two children, who expired in 
 concisions, was attributed by Dr. Chalmers to the influence of spigelia. The 
 
700 
 
 PAR] 
 
 Spigelia. — Spiraea. 
 
 narcotic effects are said to be less apt to occur when the medicine purges, ; 1 
 to be altogether obviated by combining it with cathartics. The danger from 5 
 employment cannot be great; as it is in very general use in the United Sta 
 both in regular and domestic practice, and we never hear at present of seris 
 consequences. Its effects upon the nervous system have been erroneously c - 
 jectured to depend on other roots sometimes mixed with the genuine, 'e 
 vermifuge properties of spigelia were first learned from the Cherokee Indi; 
 They were made known to the medical profession by Drs. Lining, Garden, i 
 Chalmers, of South Carolina. The remedy has also been recommended in inu- 
 tile remittents and other febrile diseases; but is entitled to little c-onfidencea 
 these complaints. 
 
 It may be given in substance or infusion. The dose of the powdered root* 
 a child three or four years old, is from ten to twenty grains, for an adult f:n 
 one to two drachms, to be repeated morning and evening for several days ;> 
 cessively, and then followed by a brisk cathartic. The practice of preceding s 
 use by an emetic has been generally abandoned. It is frequently given in ci- 
 bination with calomel. The infusion, however, is a more common form of 1- 
 ministration. (See Infusum Spigeliae.) It is usually combined with senn >r 
 some other cathartic, to ensure its action on the bowels. A preparation go- 
 rally kept in the shops and much prescribed by physicians, under the narurf 
 worm tea , consists of pinkroot, senna, manna, and savine, mixed togethei n 
 various proportions, to suit the views of different individuals. Spigelia is ;o 
 very often given in the form of fluid extract. 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum Spigeliae et Sennae Fluidum; Infusum Spigeliae. 
 
 SPIRAEA. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Hardback. 
 
 The root of Spiraea tomentosa. U. S. 
 
 Spir.ea. Sex Syst. Icosaudria Pentagynia. — Nat. Ord. Rosac-eae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx spreading, five-cleft, inferior. Petals five, equal, rounch. 
 
 Stamens numerous, exserted. Capsules three to twelve, internally bivre, 
 each one to three-seeded. Nuttall. 
 
 Spiraea ulmaria, queen of the meadow, or meadow-siceet, which is a E'O- 
 pean plant, though introduced into this country, has been found by 31. Teser, 
 of Lyons, to possess valuable diuretic properties, united with those of a 10 - 
 derate tonic and astringent. All parts of it are active. 31. Tessier empl ed 
 it in the form of decoction, of which he gave a quart daily. See, for ere 
 extended observations in relation to this medicine, Bouchardat's Annuavde 
 Therapeutique (A. D. 1852, p. 119). 
 
 Spiraea tomentosa. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1056 ; Rafinesque, Med. Flor.ol. 
 ii. This is an indigenous shrub, two or three feet high, with numerous sink, 
 erect, round, downy, and purplish stems, furnished with alternate leaves clely 
 set upon very short footstalks. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, unequallyer- 
 rate, somewhat pointed at both ends, dark-green on their upper surface, whish 
 and tomentose beneath. The flowers are beautifully 7 red or purple, and dispel 
 in terminal, compound, crowded spikes or racemes. 
 
 The hardback flourishes in low grounds, from New England to Carolinaout 
 is most abundant in the Northern States. It flowers in July and August. AH 
 parts of it are medicinal. The root, though designated in the Pharmacoyia, 
 is, according to Dr. A. W Ives, the least valuable portion. The taste ode 
 plant is bitter and powerfully 7 astringent. Among its constituents are ta in, 
 gallic acid, and bitter extractive. Water extracts its sensible properties'^ 
 medicinal virtues. 
 
PAI I. 
 
 701 
 
 Spir sea. — Spiritus Pyroxilicus. 
 
 idical Properties and Uses. Spiraea is tonic and astringent, and may be 
 use'in diarrhoea, cholera infantum, and other complaints in which astringents 
 are idicated. In consequence of its tonic powers it is peculiarly adapted to 
 easel of debility; and, from the same cause, should not be given during the 
 exisince of inflammatory action, or febrile excitement. It is said to have been 
 empyed by the aborigines of our country; but was first brought to the notice 
 of t|! medical profession by Dr. Cogswell, of Hartford, Connecticut. It is said 
 to Hess apt to disagree with the stomach than most other astringents. 
 
 Te form in which it is best administered is that of an extract, prepared by 
 eva] rating the decoction of the leaves, stems, or root, or an infusion of the same 
 pari made by percolation. The dose is from five to fifteen grains, repeated 
 seval times a day. A decoction, prepared by boiling an ounce of the plant in 
 a pi. of water, may be given in the dose of one or two fluidounces. W. 
 
 SPIRITUS PYROXILICUS. Dub. 
 
 Pyroxylic Spirit. 
 
 P-oligneous spirit. Wood spirit, Pyroligneous ether, Wood naphtha, Pyroxylic alcohol, 
 Wooalcohol, Methylic alcohol, Hydrated oxide of methyle, Bihydrate of methylene; 
 Espi: pyroxylique, Esprit de bois, Alcool methylique, Ft. 
 
 I s substance was discovered in 1812 by P. Taylor, and was afterwards ex- 
 ami d by Macaire and Marcet, Liebig, Dumas and Peligot, Kane, and others. 
 
 lien wood is subjected to destructive distillation, there is formed, besides 
 acet: acid, tar, and other products (see page 18), about one per cent, of an 
 infli mable, volatile liquid, which, when separated and purified, constitutes 
 pyri ylic spirit. The crude liquor, derived from the wood, separates on standing 
 into vo liquids; the lighter containing the tarry matters, and the heavier con- 
 sisti; of water, acetic acid, pyroxylic spirit, &c. The heavier liquid is satu- 
 rate with lime, and subjected to distillation, whereby the impure pyroxylic 
 spir first comes over, mixed, however, with various compounds, among which 
 are .jlehyd and pyroacetic spirit (acetone). This, after having been redistilled, 
 and eprived of water by repeated rectifications from lime, forms the pyroxylic 
 spir of commerce. The spirit of commerce is purified by adding to it as much 
 chicle of calcium as it can dissolve, and allowing the mixture to stand for a 
 few.iys. The pyroxylic spirit unites with the chloride of calcium, and the 
 comjiund formed is subjected to distillation to separate certain contaminating 
 subf nces, which distil over. Finally, the pyroxylic spirit is separated from 
 the loride of calcium by the addition of water and a new distillation, and from 
 watt by rectification from dry lime. 
 
 Pperties. Pure anhydrous pyroxylic spirit is a mobile, colourless liquid, 
 hav: r a hot and pungent taste, and a peculiar aromatic smell, recalling that of 
 acet ether. It mixes in all proportions with water, alcohol, and ether, without 
 havijr its transparency disturbed. It burns like alcohol, but with a less lumin- 
 ous me. Its sp. gr. as a liquid is 0'798; as a vapour, 1*041. ( Regnault .) It 
 hoilnt 140°, and during ebullition its vapour causes concussions, which render 
 its (Filiation difficult, and which may be prevented by placing in the bottom of 
 the ■ ssel a layer of mercury. It forms a set of compounds precisely analogous 
 to trie of the alcohol series; and from this circumstance, and from its being 
 sup) ied to contain a compound radical called metlxyle (C a H 3 ), it is called methylic 
 alcpl. As a solvent it resembles alcohol, all bodies soluble in that menstruum 
 bein likewise soluble in pyroxylic spirit. It consists of two eqs. of carbon 12, 
 four f hydrogen 4, and two of oxygen 16=32; and its empirical formula is 
 C 3 L * 3 . Considered as a hydrated oxide of methyle, its formula is C 2 H 3 ,0 + HO. 
 Vie d as a bihydrate of methylene, it is represented by C 2 H a +2HO. Accord- 
 
702 
 
 Spiritus Pyroxilicus. — Spiritus Vini Gallici. pap,' 
 
 ing to Mr. Reuben Phillips, pyroxylic spirit usually contains sulphur, not ea, 
 separated from it. ( Chern . Gaz., July 1, 1852, p. 252.) 
 
 The officinal pyroxylic spirit is directed by the Dublin College to have e 
 sp.gr. 0‘846. The density, thus recognised, shows that the College cont.- 
 plated, not the pure, but the commercial pyroxylic spirit, which has astr- 
 yellow colour, and a powerful odour of wood-smoke. But the commercial spir x 
 often too impure for medicinal use. According to Mr. Morson, of London, it ’y 
 be purified “ by largely diluting it with water, when an oily substance sepam;, 
 after the removal of which the spirit may be recovered by distillation.” ?. 
 roxylic spirit has been confounded with pyroacetic spirit. They may be disi- 
 guished, according to Mr. Scanlan, by chloride of calcium, which is witlit 
 action on the latter, but dissolves in the former. In applying the test, a op 
 or two of a saturated solution of chloride of calcium is added to the douhl 
 liquid in a test tube. This solution is immiscible with pyroacetic spirit, sa- 
 rating after agitation, but dissolves instantly in pyroxylic spirit. The Md 
 examined must be sufficiently pure not to separate into two layers, nor to bee ie 
 milky on the addition of water. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans. April, 1850.) 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. Pyroxylic spirit, under the incorrect name of napba, 
 was introduced as a therapeutic agent, some years ago, by Dr. John Hasti s, 
 who proposed it as a remedy for pulmonary consumption. It exerts no cunte 
 power over this disease, but may be usefully employed to palliate the cough id 
 lessen the febrile excitement which attend it. The therapeutic propertieof 
 pyroxylic spirit have not as yet been fully investigated ; but so far as observam 
 has gone, it may be ranked as a narcotic, sedative, and anti-emetic. As an ti- 
 emetic remedy in chronic vomiting, whether dependent on functional or orgiic 
 disease, Dr. Christison has found it useful, having frequently seen the vonrag 
 arrested or greatly mitigated by its use. Dr. D. W. Yandell speaks favoutly 
 of its efficacy as a remedy in diarrhoea and dysentery. The dose is from te to 
 forty drops, three times a day, sufficiently diluted with water. At one tin it 
 was doubtful whether the substance, used by Dr. Hastings under the nam of 
 naphtha, was pyroxylic or pyroacetic spirit; but it is now decided to have ea 
 the former, both by the admission of Dr. Hastings, and by a careful examimon 
 of the medicinal agent currently employed. 
 
 Crude pyroxylic spirit, varying in density from 0'846 to 0‘890. is empled 
 by hatters and varnish-makers for dissolving resinous substances, and byhe- 
 rnists for burning in lamps as a substitute for alcohol. 
 
 SPIRITUS YIN I GALLICI. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Brandy. 
 
 Eau de vie, Fr.; Brantwein, Germ.; Acquavite, Ital.; Aqua ardiente. Span. 
 
 All liquids which have undergone the alcoholic fermentation, yield an aent 
 spirit by distillation. (See Alcohol, page 60.) V\ hen the alcoholic liqu is 
 wine, the product of the distillation is brandy. This ardent spirit is subjr: to 
 variation, according to the character of the wine from which it is distilled. The 
 most esteemed French brandies are those of Cognac and Armagnac. 
 
 Brandy has an agreeable, vinous, aromatic odour, and a peculiar, well k<wn 
 taste. Its sp. gr. varies from 0'902 to 0*941, and it contains on an avage 
 about 53 per cent, by measure of alcohol of the density' 0'S25. Besides abaol, 
 water, and volatile oil, it contains colouring matter, tannin, oenantbic :ber 
 described under wine, and a little acetic ether. Brandy is distinguished it* 
 colour into the pale and high-coloured. Pale brandy has a yellow eour, 
 
PAI I. 
 
 703 
 
 Spirit us Vini Gfallici. — Spongia. 
 
 der : ?d from the cask in which it is kept. High-coloured brandy has its deep- 
 red dour given to it, before importation, by burnt sugar (caramel), which is 
 saido impart a more agreeable flavour. Factitious brandy is sometimes made 
 by iding acetic ether to alcohol, deprived of fusel oil, and reduced to the proper 
 prot by water, in the proportion of one or two drachms to the quart. The 
 prop 1 colour is then given to the mixture by burnt sugar. The spurious liquid 
 maioe known by its leaving on evaporation a residue, containing sugar and 
 no nnin ; the absence of the latter being shown by its not striking a black 
 cole 1 with the salts of sesquioxide of iron. 
 
 J diced. Properties. Brandy is esteemed cordial and stomachic, and is fre- 
 que ly given, in the form of toddy or milk punch, in the sinking stages of low 
 fevei. The only officinal preparation of it is the Mistvra Spiritus Vini Gal/ici 
 oft London College, which is an imitation of the compound known under the 
 nan of egg-flip. 
 
 C Prep. Mistura Spiritus Vini Gallici. B. 
 
 SPONGIA. U. S., Ed. 
 
 Sponge. 
 
 Smgia officinalis. U. S., Ed. 
 
 I)Dge, Fr. ; Badeschwamm, Germ.; Spugna, Ital. ; Esponja, Span.; Isfung, Arab. 
 le sponge is now generally admitted to be an animal. It is characterized 
 as flexile, fixed, torpid, polymorphous animal, composed either of reticulate 
 fibr* or masses of small spires interwoven together, and clothed with a gelatinous 
 fleshull of small mouths on its surface, by which it absorbs and ejects water.” 
 Moij than two hundred and fifty species have been described by naturalists, of 
 whi several are probably employed, though Spongia officinalis is the only 
 one esignated in the Pharmacopoeias. Sponges inhabit the bottom of the sea, 
 whe they are fixed to rocks or other solid bodies; and are most abundant 
 with the tropics. They are collected chiefly in the Mediterranean and Red 
 Sea: and in those of the East and West Indies. In the Grecian Archipelago 
 mat persons derive their support altogether from diving for sponges. When 
 coll ted they are enveloped in a gelatinous coating, which forms part of the 
 anil 1, and is separated by first rubbing them with fine sand ( Lander er ), and 
 theivashing them with water. Large quantities of the coarser kinds are im- 
 port! from the Bahamas; but the finest and most esteemed are brought from 
 the editerranean. 
 
 Smge, as found in commerce, is in yellowish-brown masses of various shape 
 and ize, light, porous, elastic, and composed of fine, flexible, tenacious fibres, 
 inte r oven in the form of cells and meshes. It usually contains numerous minute 
 frag ents of coral or stone, or small shells, from which it must be freed before 
 it ea be- used for ordinary purposes. Sponge is prepared by macerating it for 
 sevej 1 days in cold water, beating it in order to break up the concretions which 
 it ci- tains, and dissolving what cannot thus be separated of the calcareous matter 
 by liriatic acid diluted with thirty parts of water. By this process, it is ren- 
 ders perfectly soft, and fit for surgical use. It may be bleached by steeping 
 it 1 water impregnated with sulphurous acid, or by exposure in a moist state 
 to t> action of chlorine. When intended for surgical purposes, the softest, 
 fine, and most elastic sponges should be selected ; for forming burnt sponge, 
 the arser will answer equally well. 
 
 Aording to Mr. Hatchett, the chemical constituents of sponge are gelatin, 
 coaglated albumen, common salt, and carbonate of lime. Magnesia, silica, iron, 
 su k ir, and phosphorus have been detected in it ; as also have iodine and bromine, 
 
704 Spongia. — Stannum. par', 
 
 combined with sodium and potassium. From the experiments of Mr. Crooc . 
 wit, it would appear that sponge is closely analogous to, if not identical with e 
 fibroin of Mulder, differing from it only in containing iodine, sulphur, and pb. 
 phorus. (Annul. cler Chem. und Pharm., xlviii. 43.) Fibroin is an aoi 1 
 principle found by Mulder in the interior of the fibres of silk. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Sponge, in its unaltered state, is not emplo 1 
 as a medicine; but) in consequence of its softness, porosity, and property 
 imbibing liquids, it is very useful in surgical operations. From the same qii- 
 ties it may be advantageously applied over certain ulcers, the irritating sa -s 
 from which it removes by absorption. Compressed upon a bleeding vessel, .3 
 sometimes useful for promoting the coagulation of the blood, especially in Len r- 
 rhage from the nostrils. In the shape of sponge tent it is also useful for dila a 
 sinuses. This is prepared by dipping sponge into melted wax, compressinit 
 between two flat surfaces till the wax hardens, and then cutting it into piece if 
 a proper form and size. By the heat of the body the wax becomes soft, and e 
 sponge, expanding by the imbibition of moisture, gradually dilates the woumr 
 sinus in which it may be placed. After having been partially charred by ht, 
 sponge has long been used as a remedy in goitre. (See Spongia Usta.) Its i- 
 cacy in this complaint, formerly considered doubtful by many physicians, is 
 been generally admitted since the discovery of iodine. 
 
 Off. Prep. Spongia Usta. h 
 
 STANNUM. U S., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Tin. 
 
 Etain, Fr. ; Zinn, Germ..; Staglio, Ttal. ; Estanno, Span. 
 
 Tin is one of those metals which have been known from the earliest atres It 
 exists generally as an oxide ( tin stone and wood tin), rarely as a sulphuret in 
 pyrites), and is by no means generally diffused. It is found in England, Spn, 
 Germany, Bohemia, and Hungary, in Europe; in the island of Banca amihe 
 peninsula of Malacca in Asia; and in Chili and Mexico. Tin mines are r- 
 ticularly abundant and rich in the Tenasserim provinces of British India. (V. 
 Royle.) A valuable tin ore has been discovered in the United States, at Jac-kn. 
 New Hampshire. The Cornwall mines are the most productive, but thosof 
 Asia furnish the purest tin. The metal is extracted from the native ode. 
 When this occurs in its purest state, in detached roundish grains, called strm 
 tin, the reduction is effected by heating with charcoal. When the oxide c;ed 
 mine tin, is extracted from mines, it requires to be freed, by pounding nd 
 washing, from the adhering gangue; after which it is roasted to drive off sulpir, 
 arsenic, and antimony, and finally reduced in furnaces by means of stone al. 
 The metal, as thus obtained, is not pure. To render it so, it requires (be 
 subjected to a geutle heat, whereby the pure tin enters first into fusion, ai is 
 thus separated from the impurities, which consist of tin united with co|er, 
 arsenic, iron, and antimony. The pure metal, thus obtained, is called grain n; 
 while the impure residue, after being fused, constitutes block-tin. 
 
 Properties. Tin is a malleable, rather soft metal, of a silver-white colour It 
 may be beaten out into thin leaves, called tin-foil. It undergoes a supeijial 
 tarnish in the air. Its taste is slight, and when rubbed it exhales a peciar 
 smell. Its ductility and tenacity are small; and, when beut to and fro, it t its 
 a crackling noise, which is characteristic of this metal. Its sp. gr. is 7 -9. me ng 
 point 442°, equivalent number 58‘9, and symbol Su. It forms three oxid. a 
 protoxide, sesquioxide, and deutoxide. The protoxide is of a grayish-hck 
 colour, and consists of one eq. of tin 58’9, and one of oxygen s=(36 9. I' eD 
 
PA]' i. Stannum. — Staphisagria. 705 
 
 perptly pure it has, according to Dr. lloth, a red colour. The sesquioxide is 
 grai and is composed of two eqs. of tin 117’8, and three of oxygen 24 = 141 - 8. 
 Th(f leutoxide ( stannic acid ) is of a white colour, and constitutes the native 
 oxii. It consists of one eq. of tin 58'9, and two of oxygen 16=74'9. 
 
 le tin of commerce is often impure, being contaminated with other metals 
 intiluced by fraud, or present in consequence of the mode of extraction from 
 the re. A high specific gravity is an indication of impurity. When its colour 
 has bluish or grayish cast, the presence of copper, lead, iron, or antimony may 
 be fspected. Arsenic renders it whiter, but at the same time harder; and lead, 
 cop r, and iron cause it to become brittle. Pure tin is converted by nitric acid 
 intcf white powder ( deutoxide ), without being dissolved. Boiled with muriatic 
 acidit forms a solution which gives a white precipitate with ferrocyanuret of 
 potilium. A blue precipitate with this test indicates iron; a brown one, copper; 
 and violet-blue one, both iron and copper. If lead be present, a precipitate 
 willie produced by sulphate of magnesia. The Malacca aud Banca tin, and the 
 Ent.sk grain tin are the purest kinds found in commerce. Banca tin, from 
 rece: analyses by Mulder, is particularly pure, containing only A,th of one per 
 ceniof foreign metals. Block tin and the metal obtained from Germany are 
 alw;s of inferior quality. 
 
 bs. Tin enters into the composition of bronze, bell-metal, pewter, and 
 plumpers’ solder. It is used also in making tin-plate, which is sheet-iron coated 
 within, in silvering looking-glasses, and iu forming the solution of bichloride 
 of t , a combination essential to the perfection of the scarlet dye. It is em- 
 plof in fabricating various vessels and instruments, useful in domestic economy 
 and \e arts. Being unaffected by weak acids, it forms a good material for vessels 
 inteled for boiling operations in pharmacy. For its medical properties, see 
 Sta H Palvis. 
 
 C. Prep. Stanni Pulvis. B. 
 
 STAPHISAGRIA. Lond., Ed. 
 
 Stavesacre. 
 
 Dphinium Staphisagria. The seed. Lond., Ed. 
 
 Siihisaigi'e, Fr.; Stephanskvaut, Lausekraut, Germ.; Stafisagria, Ilal.; Abarraz , Span. 
 
 Dlphinium. See DELPHINIUM. 
 
 Luhinium Stapliisayria. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1231; Woodv. Med. Bot. 
 p. 4|, t. 168. Stavesacre is a handsome annual or biennial plant, one or two 
 feet Sigh, with a simple, erect, downy stem, and palmate, five or seven-lobed 
 leavi 1 supported on hairy footstalks. The flowers are bluish or purple, in 
 tern; al racemes, with pedicels twice as long as the flower, and bracteoles in- 
 serts at the base of the pedicel. The nectary is four-leaved and shorter than 
 the j tals, which are five in number, the uppermost projected backward so as to 
 form spur, which encloses two spurs of the upper leaflets of the nectary. The 
 seed ire contained in straight, oblong capsules. The plant is a native of the 
 Soutiof Europe. 
 
 Fxperties. Stavesacre seeds are about as large as a grain of wheat, irregu- 
 larWriangular, wrinkled, externally brown, internally whitish and oily. They 
 have; slight but disagreeable odour, and an extremely acrid, bitter, hot, nause- 
 ous j;te. Their virtues are extracted by water aud alcohol. Analyzed by MM. 
 Lass gne and Feneulle, they yielded a brown and a yellow bitter principle, a 
 fola j oil, a fixed oil, albumen, an azotized substance, a mucilaginous saccharine 
 ma h , mineral salts, and a peculiar organic alkali called delphine or delpMnia r 
 whi(! exists in the seeds combined with an excess of malic acid. It is white, 
 
706 Staphisagria. — Statice. pari 
 
 pulverulent, inodorous, of a bitter acrid taste, fusible by beat and becoming h 1 
 and brittle upon cooling, slightly soluble in cold water, very soluble in alcohol ; l 
 ether, and capable of forming salts with the acids. It is obtained by boilin i 
 decoction of the seeds with magnesia, collecting the precipitate, and treatim t 
 with alcohol, which dissolves the delphinia, and yields it upon evaporati . 
 According to M. Couerbe, it is impure as thus obtained, consisting of three - 
 tinct principles — one of a resinous nature separated from its solution in dilu i 
 sulphuric acid by the addition of nitric acid, another distinguished by its ina - 
 bility in ether, and named by M. Couerbe staphisain, and the third soluble hi 
 in alcohol and ether, and considered as pure delphinia. ( Journ . de Pho:, 
 xix. 519.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The seeds were formerly used as an emetic d 
 cathartic, but have been abandoned in consequence of the violence of their act i. 
 Powdered and mixed with lard, they are employed in some cutaneous disea s, 
 and to destroy lice in the hair. An infusion in vinegar has been applied to e 
 same purpose. A preparation made by mixing three parts of the seeds in ie 
 powder with five parts of lard, and maintaining the mixture at the tempera -e 
 of 212° for twenty-four hours, is recommended by Dr. Bourguignon as vy 
 efficacious in the itch. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e seV., xviii. 421.) M. Bazin is 
 obtained good effects from the external and internal use of stavesacre in eezea. 
 He gave the extract in the dose of a grain and a half from four to twelve ties 
 a day. (Ann. de Therap., A. D. 1851, p. 18.) Dr. Turnbull states that be is 
 employed a strong tincture with advantage as an embrocation in rheumatic a c- 
 tions. In some countries the seeds are used to intoxicate fish in the same in- 
 ner as Cocculus Indicus. 
 
 Delphin ia is highly poisonous, exerting its effects chiefly on the nervous sys n. 
 Experiments made by Drs. Falck and Bbrig on the lower animals show that n- 
 troduced into the rectum, the cellular tissue, or the veins, it produces deatiby 
 asphyxia, preceded by symptoms of local irritation, convulsive movements, ad 
 extreme anaesthesia, without apparent disturbance of the cerebral functions \ til 
 the moment before death. Introduced into the stomach, it caused salivam, 
 vomiting, and diarrhoea without other signs of absorption. (Arch. Gen.,ier 
 xxx. 482.) Dr. Turnbull, in his work “ On the Medical Properties of the'a- 
 nunculaceos,” states that pure delphinia may be given to the extent of tbre or 
 four grains a day, in doses of half a grain each, without exciting vomiting nd 
 without producing much intestinal irritation, though it sometimes purges. In 
 most instances it proves diuretic, and gives rise to sensations of heat and tin: ng 
 in various parts of the body. Externally employed, it acts like veratria, at is 
 applicable to the same complaints; but, according to Dr. Turnbull, prooees 
 more redness and burning, and less tingling than that substance. He ha.-m- 
 ployed it in neuralgia, rheumatism, and paralysis. It may be applied by fricon, 
 in the form of ointment or alcoholic solution, in proportions varying from 0 to 
 thirty grains of the alkaloid to an ounce of the vehicle; and the friction sluld 
 be continued till a pungent seusation is produced. 
 
 STATICE. U.S. 
 
 Marsh Rosemary. 
 
 The root of Statice Caroliniana. U. S. 
 
 Statice. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Pentagynia. — Mat. Ord. Plumbagineae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx one-leaved, entire, plaited, scariose. Petals five. Seed ue, 
 superior. Muttall. 
 
 Statice Caroliniana. Walter, Flor. Car. 118; Bigelow, Am. Med.Bot. 51- 
 
PAI I. 
 
 Statice. — Stilling ia. 
 
 707 
 
 Thi s considered by Nuttall, Torrey, and some other botanists, as a mere variety 
 of t : Statice Limoniwm of Europe. Pursh, Bigelow, and others follow Walter 
 in cisidering it as a distinct species. It is an indigenous maritime plant with 
 a piennial root, sending up annually tufts of leaves, which are obovate or 
 cunform," entire, obtuse, mucronate, smooth, and supported on long footstalks. 
 The differ from the leaves of S. Limonium in being perfectly flat on the mar- 
 gin, hile the latter are undulated. The flower-stem is round, smooth, from a 
 fewiiches to a foot or more in height, sending off near its summit numerous 
 alte ate subdividing branches, which terminate in spikes, and form altogether a 
 loospanicle. The flowers are small, bluish-purple, erect, upon one side only 
 of t; common peduncle, with a mucronate scaly bracte at the base of each, a 
 five-igled, five-toothed calyx, and spatulate, obtuse petals. 
 
 Jrsh rosemary grows in the salt marshes along the seacoast, from New En- 
 gl air to Florida, and flowers in August and September. The root, which is the 
 offical porfion, is large, spindle-shaped or branched, fleshy, compact, rough, 
 andf a purplish-brown colour. It is bitter and extremely astringent to the 
 tasti but without odour. Mr. Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia, found it to 
 contn tannic acid, gum, extractive, albumen, volatile oil, resin, caoutchouc, 
 colo ing matter, lignin, and various salts, among which were common salt and 
 the lphates of soda and magnesia. The proportion of tannic acid was 12 '4 
 per jjnt. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xiv. 116.) 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Statice is powerfully astringent, and in some 
 part of the United States, particularly in New England, is much employed. 
 It ny be iiscd for all the purposes for which kino and catechu are given ; but 
 its cief popular application is to aphthous and ulcerative affections of the mouth 
 and uces. Dr. Baylies, of Massachusetts, found it highly useful in cynanche 
 nialiia, both as an internal and local remedy. It is employed in the form of 
 infu m or decoction. W. 
 
 STILLINGIA. U.S. 
 
 Queens-root. 
 
 T root of Stillingia sylvatica. U. S. 
 
 S'llingia. Sex. Syst. Monoecia Monadelphia. — Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae. 
 
 G .Cli. Male. Involucre hemispherical, many-flowered, or wanting. Calyx 
 tubu r, eroded. Stamens two and three, exserted. Female. Calyx one-flowered, 
 infeijr. Style trifid. Capsule three-grained. Nuttall. 
 
 F m the fruit of Stillingia sebifera, the Chinese procure a vegetable tallow 
 m la e quantities, which is said to be almost pure stearin, and is much used in 
 Diak g candles. It exists between the shell of the seeds, and the outer husk ; 
 the rnel, contained within the shell, yielding a liquid oil by expression. 
 (Ph m. Journ. and Trans., xii. 73.) 
 
 S lingia sylvatica. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 588. This is an indigenous peren- 
 nial ant, commonly called Queen’s delight, with herbaceous stems, two or three 
 feet gh, and alternate, sessile, oblong or lanceolate-oblong, obtuse, serrulate 
 leavi tapering at the base, and accompanied with stipules. The male and fe- 
 male owers are distinct upon the same plant. They are yellow, and arranged 
 in ti form of a spike, of which the upper part is occupied by the male, the 
 lowe by the female flowers. The male florets are scarcely longer than the 
 nracjil scales. 
 
 T plant grows in pine barrens from Virginia to Florida, flowering in May 
 and me. When wounded, it emits a milky juice. The root, which is the part 
 u sed is large, thick, and woody. A specimen presented to us by Dr. J. B. 
 
708 Stillingia. — Stramonii Folia. — S. Radix. — S. Semen, pap / , 
 
 Holmes, of Charleston, S. C., is in long cylindrical pieces, from a third of a 
 inch to more than an inch thick, wrinkled from drying, of a dirty yellow \. 
 brown colour externally, and, when cut across, exhibiting an interior soft jel t- 
 ish ligneous portion, surrounded by a pinkish-coloured bark. The odou is 
 slight, peculiar, and somewhat oleaginous, but in the recent root is said by r. 
 Frost to be strong and acrimonious. The taste is bitterish and pungent, lea' a 
 an impression of disagreeable acrimony in the mouth and fauces. It impart y 
 virtues to water and alcohol. Dr. Frost thinks that the active principle is see- 
 what volatile, and states that the root loses much of its activity when long k t. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. In large doses, stillingia is emetic and catha c, 
 in smaller doses alterative, with some influence over the secretions. It has bn 
 long popularly used in South Carolina; but was first introduced to the notic of 
 the profession by Dr. Thomas Young Simons, in a paper published in the A r- 
 ican Medical Recorder for April, 1828 (vol. xiii. p. 312), as a valuable ala- 
 tive remedy in syphilitic affections, and others ordinarily requiring the u. of 
 mercury. Dr. Simons’s statements have been confirmed and extended by >r. 
 A. Lopez, of Mobile, [N. Orleans Med. and Surg. Journ ., iii. 40), and DrI. 
 11. Frost, of Charleston, S. C. [South. Journ. of Med. and Phann. for No n- 
 ber, 1846). From the reports in its favour there seems no reason todbt 
 the efficacy of this medicine in secondary syphilis, scrofula, cutaneous dise;s, 
 chronic hepatic affections, and other complaints ordinarily benefitted by aba- 
 tive medicines. It may be given in substance, decoction, or tincture; buthe 
 two latter forms are preferable. The dose of the powder is stated at from filen 
 to thirty grains. The decoction, made by slowly boiling an ounce of the bried 
 root in a pint and a quarter of water to a pint, may be given in the quanti of 
 one or two fluidounces three or four times a day, increased as the stomach ill 
 bear it. The dose of a tincture made with two ounces of the root and a pi of 
 diluted alcohol is about a fluidrachm. Stillingia is sometimes advantageisly 
 combined with sarsaparilla and other alteratives. \ 
 
 STRAMONII FOLIA. U.S. 
 
 Stramonium Leaves. 
 
 The leaves of Datura Stramonium. U. S. 
 
 Off. Syn. STRAMONII FOLIUM. Datura Stramonium. The leaf. lid. 
 STRAMONIUM. Herb of Datura Stramonium. Thornapple. Pd. 
 
 STRAMONII RADIX. U. S. 
 
 Stramonium Root. 
 
 The root of Datura Stramonium. U. S. 
 
 STRAMONII SEMEN. U.S.,Lond . 
 Stramonium Seed. 
 
 The seeds of Datura Stramonium. U. S. Lond. 
 
 Off. Syn. STRAMONIUM. Datura Stramonium. The seeds. Dub. 
 
 Thornapple; Stramoine, l'omme epineuse, Fr.; Steckapfel, Germ.: Stramonio tA 
 Estramonio, Span. 
 
 Datuka. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Mat. Ord. Solanace®. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Corolla funnel-shaped, plaited. Calyx tubular, angular, deeicoui. 
 Capsule four-valved. Willd. 
 
PA I I. 
 
 Stramonii Folia. — S. Radix. — S. Semen. 
 
 709 
 
 j itura Stramonium. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1008; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 
 i. 1 Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 197, t. 74. The thornapple is an annual plant, of 
 raniand vigorous growth, usually about three feet high, but in a rich soil some- 
 timi rising six feet or more. The root is large, whitish, and furnished with 
 nuDrous fibres. The stem is erect, round, smooth, somewhat shining, simple 
 belc, dichotomous above, with numerous spreading branches. The leaves, 
 whii stand on short round footstalks in the forks of the stem, are five or six 
 inch long, of an ovate-triangular form, irregularly sinuated and toothed at the 
 edgi, unequal at the base, of a dark-green colour on the upper surface, and pale 
 heath. The flowers are large, axillary, solitary, and peduncled; having a 
 tubur, pentangular, five-toothed calyx, and a funnel-shaped corolla with a long 
 tubond a waved plaited border, terminating in five acuminate teeth. The 
 upp portion of the calyx falls with the deciduous parts of the flower, leaving 
 its be, which becomes reflexed and remains attached to the fruit. This is a 
 larg .fleshy, roundish-ovate, four-valved, four-celled capsule, thickly covered 
 witlsharp spines, and containing numerous seeds, attached to a longitudinal 
 rece.acle in the centre of each cell. It opens at the summit. 
 
 Drc are two varieties of this species of Datura, one with green stems and 
 whi flowers; the other with a dark-reddish stem minutely dotted with green, 
 andurplish flowers striped with deep purple on the inside. The latter, how- 
 eveiis considered by some botanists as a distinct species, being the D. Tatida 
 oflmaeus. The properties of both are the same. 
 
 Lis doubtful to what country this plant originally belonged. Many Euro- 
 peamotanists refer it to North America, while we in return trace it to the old 
 content. Nuttall considers it as having originated in South America or Asia; 
 and is probable that its native country is to be found in some portion of the 
 Eas Its seeds, being retentive of life, are taken in the earth put on shipboard 
 for Hast from one country to another, not unfrequently springing up upon the 
 pass;e, and thus propagating the plant in all regions which have any commer- 
 cial mnexion. In the United States it is found everywhere in the vicinity of 
 cultition, frequenting dung-heaps, the road-sides and commons, and other 
 plac where a rank soil is created by the deposited refuse of towns and villages. 
 Its iwers appear from May to July or August, according to the latitude. 
 Wk 3 the plant grows abundantly, its vicinity may be detected by the rank 
 odoi which it diffuses to some distance around. All parts of it are medicinal. 
 The erbaceous portion is directed by the Edinburgh College; the seeds by that 
 of Iblin; the leaves and seeds by the London College; and the leaves, root, 
 and jeds by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The leaves may be gathered at any 
 timcrom the appearance of the flowers till the autumnal frost. In this country 
 the ant is generally known by the name of Jamestown weed, derived probably 
 fron ts having been first observed in the neighbourhood of that old settlement 
 in \ ginia. In great Britain it is called thornapple. 
 
 1 1’he fresh leaves when bruised emit a fetid narcotic odour, which they lose 
 upoilrying. Their taste is bitter and nauseous. These properties, together 
 witl heir medical virtues, are imparted to water and alcohol. Water distilled 
 fron them, though possessed of their odour in a slight degree, is destitute of 
 thei ic'tive properties. They coutain, according to Promnitz, 0'58 per cent, of 
 guaO’6 of extractive, 0'64 of green starch, 0T5 of albumen, 0‘12 of resin, 
 0'2Lf saline matters, 5T5 of lignin, and 91'25 of water. The leaves, if care- 
 full; fried, retain their bitter taste. 
 
 - The seeds are small, kidney-shaped, flattened on the sides, of a dark -brown 
 aim black colour, inodorous, and of the bitter nauseous taste of the leaves, 
 witl some degree of acrimony. They were analyzed by Brandes, who found, 
 besi g a peculiar alkaline principle called daturia, a glutinous matter, albumen, 
 
710 
 
 Stramonii Folia. — S. Radix. — S. Semen. 
 
 PAR i 
 
 gum, a butyraeeous substance, green wax, resin insoluble in ether, fixed oil, 
 sorin, sugar, gummy extractive, orange-coloured extractive, and various sste 
 and earthy substances. Chemists, however, have failed to obtain the daturbf 
 Brandes by his own process; and Berzelius states that it has been admitted, ( n 
 by that chemist himself, to be nothing more than phosphate of magnesia. (Ti U 
 de Chimie, vi. 319.) But Geiger and Hesse succeeded in isolating an alkaie 
 principle, to which the same name has been given, and which Trommsdorff is 
 repeatedly procured by their process. 
 
 As described by Geiger and Hesse, dciturin crystallizes in colourless, modor s, 
 shining prisms, which, when first applied to the tongue, are bitterish, but :i- 
 mately have a flavour like that of tobacco. It is dissolved by 280 parts of d, 
 and 72 of boiling water, is very soluble in alcohol, and less so in ether. It is 
 been shown to have a poisonous action upon animals, and strongly dilates le 
 pupil. Crystals of it are asserted to have been obtained from the urine a 
 person fatally poisoned by stramonium. (See Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., i. 
 485.) It may be procured from the seeds in the same manner as hyoscyaia 
 from those of Hyoscyamus niger. (See Hyoscyamusd) The product is excel- 
 ingly small. In the most favourable case, Trommsdorff got only of oncer 
 cent. [Anval. der Pharm., xxxii. 275.) Mr. Morries obtained a poisons 
 empyreumatic oil by the destructive distillation of stramonium. Accordiito 
 Dr. A. Yon Planta, daturia is identical with atropia, its formula being NC M H) 6 . 
 (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiii. 38.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Stramonium is a powerful narcotic. Tim 
 taken in quantities sufficient to affect the system moderately, it usually prod es 
 more or iess cerebral disturbance, indicated by vertigo, headache, dimneior 
 perversion of vision, and confusion of thought, sometimes amounting to s ;ht 
 delirium or a species of intoxication. At the same time peculiar dera ed 
 sensations are experienced about the fauces, oesophagus, and trachea, inerted 
 occasionally to a feeling of suffocation, and often attended with nausea. Ap- 
 position to sleep is sometimes but not uniformly produced. The pulse isiot 
 materially affected. The bowels are rather relaxed than confined, and the sre- 
 tions from the skin and kidneys not unfrequently augmented. These e c-ts 
 pass off in five or six hours, or in a shorter period, and no inconvenien is 
 subsequently experienced. In poisonous doses, this narcotic produces cardie ia, 
 excessive thirst, nausea and vomiting, a sense of strangulation, anxiety nd 
 faintness, partial or complete blindness with dilatation of the pupil, someties 
 deafness, flushing and swelling of the face, headache, vertigo, delirium somelies 
 of a furious, sometimes of a whimsical character, tremors of the limbs, psy, 
 and ultimately stupor and convulsions. From all these symptoms the paent 
 may recover; but they have frequently terminated in death. To evacuatthe 
 stomach by emetics or the stomach pump is the most effectual remedy. 
 
 Though long known as a poisonous and intoxicating herb, stramoniunras 
 first introduced into regular practice by Baron Stdrck, of Vienna, who find 
 some advantage from its use in mania and epilepsy. Subsequent observion 
 has confirmed his estimate of the remedy; and numerous cases are on rec-c. in 
 which benefit has accrued from it in these complaints. Other diseases in tick 
 it has been found beneficial are neuralgic and rheumatic affections, dysmenonea, 
 syphilitic pains, cancerous sores, and spasmodic asthma. In the last compint 
 it has acquired considerable reputation. It is employed only during the parojun, 
 which it very often greatly alleviates or altogether subverts. The praetiewas 
 introduced into Great Britain from the East Indies, where the natives are i the 
 habit of smoking the dried root and lower part of the stem of Datura Jen. m 
 the paroxysms of this distressing complaint. The same parts of D. Stramoum 
 were substituted, and found equally effectual. To prepare the roots for use '.iey 
 
711 
 
 pat I. Stramonii Folia. — S. Radix. — S. Semen. — Styrax. 
 
 arquickly dried, cut into pieces, and beat so as to loosen the texture. The 
 dr l leaves answer the same purpose. They are smoked by means of a common 
 toleco-pipe. These and other narcotic leaves have also been used in the shape 
 of gars. The smoke produces a sense of heat in the lungs, followed by copious 
 ex ctoration, and attended frequently with temporary vertigo or drowsiness, and 
 sobtimes with nausea. The remedy should never be used in plethoric cases, 
 unss preceded by ample depletion, and in no case where there is determination 
 to le head. Dangerous and even fatal consequences have resulted from its 
 inutious or improper use; and General Gent, who was instrumental in intro- 
 dung the practice into England, is said at last to have fallen a victim to it. 
 Stioionium has sometimes been given by the stomach in the same complaint. 
 It used by Dr. H. D. W. Pawling in the treatment of delirium tremens, and, 
 as presented in the inaugural dissertation of his pupil Dr. G. W. Holstein, with 
 grit success. Dr. Pawling employs a decoction of the leaves. 
 
 sternally the medicine is used advantageously as an ointment or cataplasm in 
 irrible ulcers, inflamed tumours, swelling of the mammae, and painful hemor- 
 rhdal affections. Dr. J. Y. Dortch, of North Carolina, has found it very useful 
 in rea capitis. ( Thesis, Feb. 1846.) By American surgeons it is very frequently 
 ap led to the eye, in order to produce dilatation of the pupil, previously to the 
 opation for cataract; and is found equally efficacious with belladonna. For 
 thipurpose the extract, mixed with lard, is generally rubbed over the eyelid, 
 or solution of it dropped into the eye. 
 
 f the parts of the plant employed, the seeds are the most powerful. They 
 me be given in the dose of a grain twice a day; and an extract made by evapo- 
 rat g the decoction, in one quarter or half the quantity. The dose of the pow- 
 de;l leaves is two or three grains. The inspissated juice of the fresh leaves, 
 wl h is the officinal extract, is more commonly prescribed than any other prepa- 
 raln, and may be administered in the quantity of one grain. (See Extractum 
 St monii.) There is also an officinal tincture, to which the reader is referred. 
 Tblose should be gradually increased till the narcotic operation becomes evident, 
 or lief from the symptoms of the disease is obtained. Fifteen or twenty grains 
 of ie powdered leaves, and a proportionate amount of the other preparations, 
 ha often been given daily without unpleasant effects. 
 f. Prep, of the Leaves. Extractum Stramonii Foliorum. 
 ff. Prep. of the Seeds. Extractum Stramonii Seminis; Tinctura Stramonii. 
 
 W. 
 
 STYRAX. U.S., Land., Ed. 
 
 Storax. 
 
 ie concrete juice of Styrax officinale. TJ. S. Balsamic exudation. Ed. An 
 un rtaiu plant. The liquid balsam. Land. 
 orax, Fr., Germ.; Storace, Ital.; Estoraque, Span. 
 
 ’yrax. See BENZOINUM. 
 
 'yrax officinale. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 623 ; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 291, t. 
 10 This species of Styrax is a tree which rises from fifteen to twenty-five feet 
 in tight, sends off many branches, and is covered with a rough gray bark. The 
 lea es are alternate, petiolate, entire, oval, pointed, bright-green on their upper 
 su ce, white with a cotton-like down upon the under, about two inches in 
 lef:h, and an inch and a half in breadth. The flowers are united in clusters 
 of iree or four at the extremities of the branches. They are white, and bear 
 co’ derable resemblance to those of the orange. 
 
 lis tree is a native of Syria and other parts of the Levant, and has been 
 na ralized in Italy, Spain, and the South of France, where, however, it does 
 
712 
 
 Styrax. 
 
 PART 
 
 not yield balsam. This circumstance has induced some naturalists to dm 
 whether Styrax officinale is the real source of storax; and, as the Liqvidamb 
 styraciflua of this country affords a balsam closely analogous to that under c • 
 sideration, Bernard de Jussieu conjectured that the latter might be derived fr 
 another species of the same genus, the L. orientale of Lamarck, which is m ; 
 abundant in Syria than the Styrax. 
 
 Storax is obtained in Asiatic Turkey by making incisions into the trunk f 
 the tree. Several kinds are mentioned in the books. The purest is the star, 
 in yrains , which is in whitish, yellowish-white, or reddish-yellow tears, ah; 
 the size of a pea, opaque, soft, adhesive, and capable of uniting so as to forri 
 mass. Another variety, formerly called styrax calamita, from the eireumstan , 
 as is supposed, that it was brought wrapped in the leaves of a kind of reed, c- 
 sists of dry and brittle masses, formed of yellowish agglutinated tears, in 5 
 interstices of which is a brown or reddish matter. The French writers cal! t 
 storax amygdalo'ide. Both this and the preceding variety have a very pleas t 
 odour like that of vanilla. Neither of them, however, is brought to our mark. . 
 
 A third variety, which is sometimes sold as the styrax calamita, is in brci 
 or reddish-brown masses of various shapes, light, friable, yet possessing a certi 
 degree of tenacity, and softening under the teeth. Upon exposure, it becois 
 covered upon the surface with a white efflorescence of benzoic acid. It evideny 
 consists of sawdust, united either with a portion of the balsam, or with otr 
 analogous substances. As found in our shops, it is usually in the state oa 
 coarse, soft, dark-coloured powder, mingled with occasional light friable lurs 
 of various magnitude, and containing very little of the balsam. When goodt 
 should yield, upon pressure between hot plates, a brown resinous fluid, havg 
 the odour of storax. 
 
 Another variety, found in our market, is a semi-fluid adhesive matter, eaid 
 liquid storax, which is brown or almost black upon the surface exposed to e 
 air, but of a slightly greenish-gray colour within, and of an odour somewhat le 
 that of the Peruvian balsam, though less agreeable. It is kept in jars, ants 
 the most employed. What is the source of liquid storax is not certainly knot. 
 Some suppose it to be derived by decoction from the young branches of Liqil- 
 ambar styraciflua ; but some of the genuine juice of this plant, brought fin 
 New Orleans, which we have had an opportunity of inspecting, has an odtr 
 entirely distinct from that of the substance under consideration. According 
 Landerer, who resides in Greece, liquid storax is obtained, in the islands of is 
 and Rhodes, from the bark and young twigs of Styrax officinale, by subjectg 
 them to pressure. The plant, according to the same authority, grows alson 
 the mainland of Greece, but in that situation does not yield balsam. 
 
 General Properties. Storax has a fragrant odour and aromatic taste. It 
 melts with a moderate heat, and when the temperature is raised takes fire d 
 burns with a white flame, leaving a light spongy carbonaceous residue. It 11 - 
 parts its odour to water, which it renders yellow and milky. Its active eori- 
 tuents are dissolved by alcohol and ether. Newmann obtained from 480 gras 
 of storax 120 of watery extract; and from an equal quantity, 360 graius of ao- 
 holic extract. Containing volatile oil and resin, and yielding benzoic or c-iia- 
 mic acid by distillation, it is entitled to be ranked as a balsam. Besides oil, ren, 
 and benzoic acid, Reinsch found in styrax calamita, gum, extractive, ligni a 
 matter extracted by potassa, water, and traces of ammonia. Simon founoin 
 liquid storax, cinnamic acid, and a resinous substance which he considered i>n- 
 tical with the styracine of Bonastre. According to Toel, styracine is a corupoid 
 of cinnamic acid with a peculiar substance which he calls styrone, and inn 
 composition perfectly analogous to the natural fats. ( Chem . Gaz., July 2. 18 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This balsam is a stimulating expectorant, id 
 was formerly recommended in phthisis, chronic catarrh, asthma, and ame>r- 
 
pa]: i. 
 
 Styrax .■ — Succinum. 
 
 713 
 
 rko ; but it is very seldom used at present, except as a constituent of the com- 
 poul tincture of benzoin. Liquid storax has been recommended in gonorrhoea 
 andeucorrhoea as equally effectual with copaiba, and less disagreeable. From 
 ten 3 twenty grains may be given twice a day, and the dose gradually increased. 
 
 if. Prep. Styrax Purificata. W. 
 
 SUCCINUM. U.S.yDub. 
 
 Amber. 
 
 Sscin, Ambre jaune, Karabe, Fr.; Bernstein, Germ.; Ambra gialla, Succino, Ital.; Suc- 
 cino^aa. 
 
 Jiber is a kind of fossil resin,, derived, probably, from extinct coniferte, 
 occu’ing generally in small detached masses, in alluvial deposits, in different 
 pari of the world. It is found chiefly in Prussia, either on the sea-shore, where 
 it ishroyra up by the Baltic, or underneath the surface, in the alluvial forma- 
 tionalong the coast. It occurs also in considerable quantities near Catania, in 
 Sici. It is most frequently associated with lignite, and sometimes encloses 
 inses and parts of vegetables. In the United States, it was found in Maryland, 
 at Cite Sable, near Magothy river, by Dr. Troost. In this locality it is associated 
 witl rou pyrites and liguite. It has also been discovered in New Jersey. The 
 ami' consumed in this country, however, is brought from the ports of the Baltic. 
 
 bperties. Amber is a brittle solid, generally in small irregular masses, 
 peri uent in the air, having a homogeneous texture and vitreous fracture, and 
 suscotible of a flue polish It becomes negatively electric by friction. Its 
 colo is generally yellow, either light or deep ; but is occasionally reddish-brown 
 or e n deep-brown. It has no taste, and is inodorous unless heated, when it 
 exhlis a peculiar, aromatic, not unpleasant smell. It is usually translucent, 
 thoi a occasionally transparent or opaque. Its sp.gr. is about I 'OT. Water 
 and ( cohol scarcely act ou it. When heated in the open air, it softens, melts 
 at 51°, swells, and at last inflames, leaving, after combustion, a small portion 
 of a;es. Subjected to distillation in a retort furnished with a tubulated receiver, 
 ityils, first, a yellow acid liquor; and afterwards a thin yellowish oil, with a 
 yelli waxy substance, which is deposited in the neck of the retort and the 
 uppi, part of the receiver. This waxy substance, exhausted by cold ether of 
 the rt soluble in that menstruum, is reduced to a yellow micaceous substance, 
 idenjal with the chrysene of Laurent. A wdiite crystalline substance, identical 
 witkjtie idrialine of Dumas, may be separated from the micaceous substance 
 by Ming alcohol. Both chrysene and idrialine are carbohydrogens. (Pelletier 
 and 'alter, Journ. de Pliarm., v. 60.) As the distillation proceeds, a con- 
 sidenle quantity of combustible gas is given off, which must be allowed to 
 esca; from the tubulure of the receiver. By continuing the heat, the oil gra- 
 dual deepens in colour, until, towards the end of the distillation, it becomes 
 blaclind of the consistence of pitch. The oil obtained is called oil of amber, 
 and e acid liquor is a solution of impure succinic acid. When amber is dis- 
 tillerepeatedly from nitric acid, it yields an acid liquor, from which, after it 
 has ten neutralized with caustic potassa, ether separates pure camphor. (Doep- 
 ping/oMHi. de Pharm., vi. 168.) Camphor is also obtained by distilling to 
 dryn's powdered amber with an extremely concentrated solution of caustic 
 potau. (G-. Reich, Ibid.., xiii. 33, Jan. 1848.) 
 
 C l position. According to Berzelius, amber consists of 1. a volatile oil of 
 an abeable odour in small quantity; 2. a yellow resin, intimately united with 
 a vo.dle oil, very soluble in alcohol, ether, and the alkalies, easily fusible, and 
 resending ordinary resins; 3. another resin, also combined with volatile oil, 
 solul ! in ether and the alkalies, sparingly soluble in cold, but more soluble in 
 
714 
 
 Succinum. — Sulphur. 
 
 PAR 
 
 boiling alcohol; 4. succinic acid; 5. a bituminous principle insoluble in alcol 
 ether, and the alkalies, having some analogy to the lac resin of John, and i- 
 stituting more than four-fifths of the amber. It also contains a strongly odor % 
 bright-yellow substance, which hardens by time, but preserves in part its odr. 
 The ultimate constituents of amber are carbon 80'59, hydrogen 7 31, oxj a 
 6‘73, ashes (silica, lime, and alumina) 3 '27 =97 '90. ( Brassier , cited in Pern's 
 Elem. of Mat. Med . ) 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses, &c. Amber was held in high estimation by the a- 
 cients as a medicine; but at present is employed only in pharmacy and the ; s. 
 In pharmacy it is used to prepare oil of amber and succinic acid. (See 01 m 
 Succini and Succinic Acid in the Appendix.) In the arts it is made to 
 ornaments, and employed in preparing varnishes. When put to the latter se 
 it requires to be first subjected to roasting, whereby it is rendered soluble a 
 mixture of linseed oil and oil of turpentine. This solution forms amber var.h. 
 
 Off. Prep. Oleum Succini. j 
 
 SULPHUR. U. S., Loud., Ed. 
 
 Sulphur. 
 
 Sublimed sulphur. US., Lond. Sulphur entirely sublimed by heat, and -ee 
 from acidity. Ed. 
 
 Off. Sjjn. SULPHUR SUBLIMATUM. Dub. 
 
 SULPHUR LOTUM. U. S. 
 
 Washed Sulphur. 
 
 Sublimed sulphur, thoroughly washed with water. U. S. 
 
 Off. Si/n. SULPHUR SUBLIMATUM. Ed. 
 
 Brimstone; Soufre, Fr.; Scliwefel, Germ.; Zolfo, Ital.; Azufre, Span. 
 
 The officinal forms of sulphur are the sublimed, the washed, and the prepi- 
 fated. The sublimed sulphur is designated in the United States and Lolon 
 Pharmacopoeias by the single word Sulphur; the washed sulphur in the U ted 
 States Pharmacopoeia by the name Sulphur Lotum. The Dublin Colleghas 
 dismissed washed sulphur as an officinal preparation ; and the Edinburgh Ccege 
 only recognises sulphur which is free from acidity; calling it “Sulphur £bli- 
 matum” under the Preparations, and “Sulphur” in the Materia Medieaist. 
 Sublimed sulphur and washed sulphur will be noticed in this place; the pripi- 
 tated sulphur in Part II, under the Preparations. 
 
 Natural States. Sulphur is very generally disseminated throughou the 
 mineral kingdom, and is almost always present, in minute quantity, in amal 
 and vegetable matter. Among vegetables, it is particularly abundant i the 
 cruciform plants, as for example in mustard. It occurs in the earth, either itive 
 or in combination. When native it is found in masses, translucent or oppue, 
 or in the powdery form mixed with various earthy impurities. In combii'-ion 
 it is usually united with certain metals, as iron, lead, mercury, antimony, opet 
 and zinc, forming compounds called sulphurets. Native sulphur is mostanw- 
 ant in volcanic countries, and is hence called volcanic sulphur. The m os cele- 
 brated mines of native sulphur are found at Solfatara in the kingdom of Ales, 
 in Sicily, and in the Roman States. It occurs, also, in different localities the 
 United States. 
 
 Extraction, &c. Sulphur is obtained either from sulphur earths, or fro the 
 native sulphurets of iron and copper, called iron and copper pyrites. T1 sul- 
 phur earths are placed in earthen pots, set in oblong furnaces of briciork. 
 
p^.t i. Sulphur. 715 
 
 Fun the upper and lateral part of each pot proceeds a tube, whieh communi- 
 ea;3 with the upper part of another pot, situated outside the furnace, and per- 
 foited near its bottom to allow the melted sulphur to flow out into a vessel 
 coaming water, placed beneath. Fire being applied, the sulphur rises in 
 vaiur, leaving the impurities behind, and, being condensed again, flows from 
 ^perforated pot into the vessel containing the water. Sulphur, as thus ob- 
 taiid, is called crude sulphur , and contains about one-twelfth of its weight of 
 eaiy matter. For purification, it is generally melted in a cast iron vessel. 
 Win the fusion is complete, the impurities subside, and the purer sulphur is 
 di] ed out and poured into cylindrical wooden moulds, which give it the form 
 of olid cylinders, about an inch in diameter, called in commerce roll sulphur 
 mine brimstone. The dregs of this process, ground to powder, constitute a 
 ve impure kind of sulphur, of a gray colour, known in the shops by the name 
 of dphur vivum or horse brimstone. 
 
 he above process purifies the sulphur but imperfectly. At the same time 
 it uses a considerable loss; as the dregs just mentioned contain a large propor- 
 tio of sulphur. A more eligible mode of purification consists in distilling the 
 one sulphur from a large cast iron still, set in brick-wmrk over a furnace, and 
 finished with an iron head. The head has two lateral communications, one 
 wi a chamber of brick-work, the other with an iron receiver, immersed in 
 war, which is constantly renewed to cool it sufficiently to cause the sulphur to 
 coiense in the liquid form. When the tube between the still and receiver is 
 sh , and that communicating with the chamber is open, the sulphur condenses 
 on s walls in the form of an impalpable powder, and constitutes sublimed sulphur 
 or lowers of sulphur. If, on the other hand, the communication with the 
 ch iber be closed and that with the receiver opened, the sulphur condenses in 
 thi after in the fused state, and, w'hen cast in cylindrical moulds, forms the 
 mmlphur of commerce. 
 
 le extraction of sulphur from the bisulphuret of iron (iron pyrites) is per- 
 foied by distilling it in stoue-ware cylinders. Half the sulphur contained in 
 thoisulphuret is volatilized by the heat, and conducted, by means of an adopter, 
 int vessels containing water, where it condenses. The residue of the mineral is 
 em oyed for making sulphate of iron, or green vitriol, by exposure to air and 
 meture. In the island of Anglesea, large quantities of sulphur are obtained 
 fro copper pyrites in the process for extracting that metal. The furnaces in 
 wbh the ore is roasted are connected by horizontal flues with chambers, in 
 wbh the volatilized sulphur is condensed. Each chamber is furnished with a 
 dor through which the sulphur is withdrawn once in six weeks. 
 
 ^cording to Berzelius, a very economical method of extracting sulphur from 
 iro pyrites is practised in Sweden, which saves the expenditure of fuel. The 
 py.es is introduced into furnaces with long horizontal chimneys, of which the 
 pai next to the furnace is of brick-work, while the rest is formed of wood. The 
 py es is kindled below 7 , and continues to burn of itself; and the heat generated 
 caus the stratum immediately above the part kindled to give off half its sul- 
 ph , which becomes condensed in flowers in the wooden chimney. As the fire 
 ad' aces, the iron and the other half of the sulphur enter into combustion, and, 
 hy *e increase of heat thus generated, cause the volatilization of a fresh portion 
 of Iphur. In this manner the process continues until the whole of the pyrites 
 is usunied. The sulphur thus obtained is pulverulent and very impure, and 
 ret. res to be purified by distillation from iron vessels. 
 
 ude sulphur is employed by the manufacturers of sulphuric acid; and, as 
 it , very variable in quality, it becomes important to ascertain its exact value. 
 Th may be done by drying a given weight of it, and submitting it to combus- 
 ts The weight of the incombustible residue, added to that lost by desiccation, 
 gh the amount of impurity. 
 
716 
 
 PART 
 
 Sulphur. 
 
 Crude sulphur comes to this country principally from Trieste, Messina 
 Sieily, and the ports of Italy, being imported for the use of the sulphuric a. 
 manufacturers. Roll sulphur and the flowers are usually brought from M 
 eeilles. Good Sicilian sulphur does not contain more than three per cent. ’ 
 impurity, consisting chiefly of earths. 
 
 Properties. Sulphur is an elementary non-metallic brittle solid, of a pale y 
 low colour, permanent in the air, and exhibiting a crystalline texture and shin ' 
 fracture. It has a slight taste, and a perceptible smell when rubbed. Wli 
 pure, its sp. gr. is about 2; but it varies a little in density, according to its t- 
 lecular state. {Charles Brume.) Occasionally, from impurity, its sp.gr. is 5 
 high as 2'35. Its equivalent number is 16, and symbol S. It is a bad c- 
 ductor of heat, and becomes negatively electric by friction. It is insoluble 1 
 water, but soluble in alkaline solutions, petroleum, the fixed and volatile 0, 
 and, provided it be in a finely divided state, in alcohol and ether. Upon be: 
 heated, it begins to volatilize at about 180°, when its peculiar odour is perceiv ; 
 it melts at 225°, and, at 600°, in close vessels, boils and rises in the form oa 
 yellow vapour, which may be condensed again, either in the liquid or pulverul t 
 form, according as the temperature of the recipient is above or below the m- 
 ing point of the sulphur. When heated to 340°, it becomes brownish and vis' , 
 and, by continuing the heat, is rendered more and more so until the temperate 
 reaches to between 450° and 500°. If, in this state, it be suddenly cooled y 
 throwing it into water, it is converted into an allotropic modification of sulpb, 
 called brown viscid suflhur, which is used for taking impressions of coins, se;, 
 &c. The same allotropic modification is obtained by precipitation, by actinon 
 sulphuret of copper by aqua regia, which dissolves the copper, and sets the bi\n 
 sulphur free. In open vessels, sulphur takes fire at about the temperatur >f 
 300°, and burns with a blue flame, combining with the oxygen of the air, d 
 giving rise to a peculiar gaseous acid, called sulphurous acid. The coiubinatiis 
 of sulphur are numerous, and among the most powerful agents of ckemisy. 
 It forms with oxygen four principal acids, the hyposulp hurous, sulphurous, hp- 
 sulphuric, and sulphuric, with hydrogen, sulphghydric arid (hyd rdkulphuric cd 
 or sulphuretted hydrogen ), and with the metals, various sulphurets. Som )f 
 the sulphurets are analogous to acids, others to bases; and these different I- 
 phurets, by combining with each other, form compounds analogous to salts, id 
 called by Berzelius su/pho-salts. 
 
 Sulphur, when obtained by roasting the native sulphurets, sometimes conris 
 arsenic, and is thereby rendered poisonous. Sicilian sulphur, being volcani is 
 not subject to this impurity. The common English roll sulphur is someties 
 made from irou pyrites, and is then apt to contain orpiment {tersulphurm 
 arsenic). This impurity may be detected by heating the suspected sulphurth 
 nitric acid. The arsenic, if present, will be converted into arsenic acid; ri 
 the nitric solution, diluted with water, neutralized with carbonate of soda, id 
 acidulated with muriatic acid, will give a yellow precipitate of quintosulpket 
 of arsenic with a stream of sulphuretted hydrogen. Sulphur, when perft ly 
 pure, is wholly volatilized by heat, and soluble without residue in oil of tura- 
 tine. According to Dr. Playfair, nitroprusside of sodium is a delicate test or 
 the soluble sulphurets, producing with them a delicate violet tint. Prof. J .) • 
 Bailey, of West Point, N. Y., has employed the same test for detecting - 
 phur in any compound. The substance suspected to contain it is heated t 
 carbonate of soda, with the addition of carbouaceous matter if necessary. - 
 small portion of the fused mass, containing the sulphur as sulphuret of sod in, 
 if added to a drop of the nitroprusside, will occasion the characteristic y ef 
 tint. {Silliman’s Journ., May 1851, p. 851.) B. '. 
 
 Sublimed sulphur, usually called flowers 0 / sulphur ( flores sulphuru,. lL 
 the form of a crystalline powder of a fine yellow colour. It is always con fin 
 
PAT I. 
 
 717 
 
 Sulphur . — Tabacum. 
 
 nail with a little sulphuric acid, which is formed at the expense of the oxygen 
 of e air contained in the subliming chambers. It is on this account that sub- 
 lind sulphur always reddens litmus; and, if the acid be present in considerable 
 qiutity, it sometimes cakes. It may be freed from acidity by careful ablution 
 wit hot water, when it becomes the officinal washed sulphur. 
 
 'ashed sulphur is placed in the list of the Materia Medica in the U. S. Phar- 
 mailpoeia, with an explanatory note, that it is sublimed sulphur, thoroughly 
 wa.ed with water. The Edinburgh College includes it among the Preparations, 
 andirects it to be prepared by subliming “ sulphur,” and washing the powder 
 obtned with boiling water until it is freed from acid taste. Washed sulphur 
 hashe general appearance of sublimed sulphur, and is wholly volatilized by 
 he; When properly prepared it does not affect litmus, and undergoes no change 
 by yposure to the atmosphere. 
 
 I diced Properties and Uses. Sulphur is laxative, diaphoretic, and resolvent. 
 It supposed to be rendered soluble by the soda of the bile. It evidently passes 
 offy the pores of the skin; as is shown by the fact that silver, worn in the 
 pocsts of patients under a course of it, becomes blackened with a coating of 
 suljuret. The stools which it occasions are usually solid, and it is gentle in 
 its deration, unless it contain a good deal of acid, when it causes griping; and 
 theiability of the sublimed sulphur to contain acid, renders it less eligible for 
 exbition than the washed sulphur, from which all acidity is removed. The 
 disses in which sulphur is principally used are hemorrhoidal affections, chronic 
 rhenatism and catarrh, atonic gout, asthma, and other affections of the respi- 
 rat y organs unattended with acute inflammation. It is also much employed, 
 bot internally and externally, in cutaneous affections, especially scabies, for the 
 cur of which it is considered a specific. In these affections, as well as in chronic 
 rhe natism, it is sometimes applied as an air bath, in the form of sulphurous 
 aciigas, the head being protected from its effects. The dose of sulphur is 
 fro 'one to three drachms, mixed with syrup or molasses, or taken in milk. 
 It often combined with bitartrate of potassa or with magnesia. 
 
 J;cording to M. Hannon, of Belgium, brown viscid sulphur, recently pre- 
 part, possesses valuable therapeutic properties, not as a laxative, but as a 
 stinlant to the circulation, lungs, and skin, far more active than ordinary sul- 
 pln The dose of the brown sulphur, obtained by fusion, is from twenty to 
 lift grains; of the precipitated, which is more active, from five to twenty grains, 
 botigiven in the form of pill. (Ann. de Therap., 1852, p. 186.) 
 
 f lphur is consumed in the arts, principally in the manufacture of gunpowder 
 anoulphuric acid. 
 
 J. Prep, of Sulphur. Confectio Sulphuris; Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum 
 Hy argyro; Emplast. Hydrargyri; Ferri Sulphuretum; Hydrargyri Sulphu- 
 red; Nigrum; Hydrargyri Sulphuretum Rubrum ; Potassse Sulphas cum Sul- 
 plu. 1 ; Potassii Sulphuretum; Sulphur Praecipitatum ; Sulphuris Iodidum; 
 Un .enturn Sulphuris ; Unguent. Sulphuris Composition. B. 
 
 I 
 
 TABACUM. U.S., Loncl, Ed., Dub. 
 
 Tobacco. 
 
 '■ e leaves of Nicotiana Tabacum. U. S., Land., Ed., Bub. 
 
 i >ac, Ft.; Tabak, Germ.; Tobacco, Ital.; Tobaco. Spent. 
 
 Icotiana. Sex. Spst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Solanaccae. 
 
 1 p. Ch. Corolla funnel-shaped, with the border plaited. Stamens inclined. 
 Canutes two-valved, two-celled. Wil/d. 
 
 icotiana Tabacum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1014; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 
 h- 1; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 208, t. 77. The tobacco is an annual plant, with 
 
718 
 
 Tabacum. 
 
 PARI 
 
 a large fibrous root, and an erect, round, bairy, viscid stem, which branches n • 
 the top, and rises from three to six feet in height. The leaves are numero. 
 alternate, sessile, and somewhat decurrent, very large, ovate-lanceolate, point 
 entire, slightly viscid, and of a pale-green colour. The lowest are often two ft 
 long, and six inches broad. The flowers are disposed in loose terminal panic , 
 and are furnished with long, linear, pointed bractes at the divisions of the pedum . 
 The calyx is bell-shaped, hairy, somewhat viscid, and divided at its summit i ) 
 five pointed segments. The tube of the corolla is twice as long as the calyx f 
 a greenish hue, swelling at top into an oblong cup, and ultimately expand; 
 into a five-lobed, plaited, rose-coloured border. The whole corolla is very vis<* 
 The filaments incline to one side, and support oblong anthers. The pistil c- 
 sists of an oval germ, a slender style longer than the stamens, and a cleft stigi . 
 The fruit is an ovate, two-valved, two-celled capsule, containing numerous r< - 
 form seeds, and opening at the summit. 
 
 There is good reason to believe that this plant is a native of tropical Amer , 
 where it was found by the Spaniards upon their arrival. It is at present cu- 
 vated in most parts of the world, and nowhere more abundantly than within e 
 limits of the United States. Virginia is, perhaps, the region most celebratedir 
 its culture. The young shoots, produced from seeds thickly sown in beds, e 
 transplanted into the fields duriug the month of May, and set in rows witkn 
 interval of three or four feet between the plants. Through the whole perioof 
 its growth, the crop requires constant attention. The development of the lef? 
 is promoted by removing the top of each plant, and thus preventing it from li- 
 ning into flower and seed. The harvest is in August. The ripe plants, ha\ g 
 been cut off above their roots, are dried under cover, and then stripped of t’ir 
 leaves, which are tied in bundles, and packed in hogsheads. 
 
 Two varieties of this species are mentioned by authors, one with narrow, ie 
 other with broad leaves; but they do not differ materially in properties. Gbt 
 diversity in the quality of tobacco is produced by difference of soil and modaf 
 cultivation; and several varieties are recognised in commerce. Other spec-ieof 
 Nicotiana are also cultivated, especially N. rustica aud A T . paniculata, the forer 
 of which is said to have been the first introduced into Europe, and is thouglto 
 have been cultivated by the aborigines of this country, as it is naturalized ;ar 
 the borders of some of our small northern lakes. The A r . quotin' vahis of Psb 
 affords tobacco to the Indians of the Missouri and Columbia rivers; and X.J'c- 
 ticosa, a native of China, was probably cultivated in Asia before the disco rv 
 of this continent by Columbus. 
 
 Properties. Tobacco, as it occurs in commerce, is of a yellowish-brown cohr, 
 a strong narcotic penetrating odour which is less obvious in the fresh leaves, id 
 a bitter, nauseous, and acrid taste. These properties are imparted to water ai 
 alcohol. They are destroyed by long boiling; and the extract is, therefore, fe'le 
 or inert. An elaborate analysis of tobacco was made by Vauquelin, whois- 
 covered in it, among other ingredients, an acrid, volatile, colourless substeee, 
 slightly soluble in water, very soluble in alcohol, aud supposed to be the awe 
 principle. It was separated by a complicated process, of which, however be 
 most important step was the distillation of tobacco juice with potassa. Irhe 
 results of this distillation Vauquelin recognised alkaline properties, whic|be 
 ascribed to ammonia, but which were, in part at least, dependent upon the add 
 principle alluded to. To this principle the name of nicotin was given; huts 
 alkalinity was not ascertained till a subsequent period. Another substance'^ 
 obtained by ITermstadt b}' simply distilling water from tobacco, and allowin be 
 liquid to stand for several days. A white crystalline matter rose to the suue, 
 which, upon being removed, was found to have the odour of tobacco, ai to 
 resemble it in effects. It was fusible, volatilizable, similar to the nicot of 
 
PAI I. 
 
 Tahacum. 
 
 719 
 
 Varuelin in solubility, and without alkaline or acid properties. It was called 
 n icoaniri by Hermstadt, and appears to partake of the nature of volatile oils. 
 Twclerman chemists, Posselt and Reimann, subsequently analyzed tobacco, and 
 asceained the alkaline nature of its active principle, which, however, neither 
 thejior Yauquelin obtained in a state of purity. According to these chemists, 
 10,(0 parts of the fresh leaves contain 6 parts of an alkaline substance, which 
 thejsall nicotin, 1 of the nicotianin of Hermstadt, 287 of slightly bitter ex- 
 trac/e, 174 of gum mixed with a little malate of lime, 26'7 of green resin, 26 
 of anmen, 104'8 of a substance analogous to gluten, 51 of malic acid, 12 of 
 mal ;3 of ammonia, 4'8 of sulphate of potassa, 6.3 of chloride of potassium, 9'5 
 of passa, which was combined in the leaves with malic and nitric acids, 16'6 
 of posphate of lime, 24’2 of lime which had been combined with malic acid, 
 8 - 8 ' silica, 496'9 of lignin, traces of starch, and 8828 parts of water. (Ber- 
 zelii Traite, de Chimie.) According to M. E. Goupet, tobacco also contains 
 a lita citric acid. ( Chem . Gaz., Aug. 1846, p. 319.) The nicotin obtained by 
 Vauielin, and by Posselt and Reimann, was a colourless, volatile liquid, and, 
 as si sequently ascertained by MM. Henry and Boutron, was in fact an aqueous 
 solum of the alkaline principle in connexion with ammonia. It was reserved 
 for < 2 se chemists to obtain nicotin, or nicotia, as it should now be called, in a 
 statof purity. It exists in tobacco combined with an acid in excess, and in 
 this tate is not volatile. The following is the process employed by the last- 
 menoned chemists. Five hundred parts of smoking tobacco were exposed to 
 distortion, in connexion with about 6000 parts of water and 200 parts of caustic 
 soda the heat applied being at first very moderate, and afterwards increased to 
 the iling point. The product of the distillation was received in a vessel con- 
 taiaig about 30 or 40 parts of sulphuric acid, diluted with three times its weight 
 of wer; and the process was continued till nearly one-half of the liquid bad 
 comover. The product, in which care was taken to preserve a slight excess of 
 acid ?as evaporated to about 100 parts, and was then allowed to cool. A slight 
 depct which had formed was separated by filtration, an excess of caustic soda 
 was ded, and the liquor again distilled. A colourless, very volatile, acrid liquid 
 now tme over, which, being concentrated under the receiver of an air-pump, 
 lost e ammonia which accompanied it, and assumed a syrupy consistence, and 
 moror less of the colour of amber. In this liquid, after a few days, minute 
 crys line plates formed; but, in consequence of their great affinity for moisture, 
 it w; difficult to isolate the crystals. This product was pure nicotia. 
 
 Motia. ( Nicotina . Nicotin.) This is a colourless or nearly colourless fluid; 
 oftbsp.gr. T048 ; remaining liquid at 22° F. ; of little smell when cold; of 
 an e^eedingly acrid burning taste, even when largely diluted ; entirely vola- 
 tile !e, and, in the state of vapour, very irritant to the nostrils, with an odour 
 reca. ag that of tobacco; inflammable; very soluble in water, alcohol, ether, 
 the f ad oils, and oil of turpentine ; strongly alkaline in its reaction ; and capable 
 of fining crystallizable salts with the acids. These salts are deliquescent, 
 have, burning and acrid taste, and, like the salts of ammonia, lose a portion 
 of tl ir base by heat. Nicotia contains a much larger proportion of nitrogen 
 than lost of the other organic alkalies. Its formula is N^^H,.,, and combining 
 nunyr consequently 162. In its action on the animal system, it is one of the 
 most irulent poisons known. A drop of it in the state of concentrated solution 
 was fficient to destroy a dog; and small birds perished at the approach of a 
 tube mtaining it. Tannin forms with it a compound of but slight solubility, 
 mid ight be employed as a counter-poison. It exists in tobacco in small pro- 
 portiji. Henry and Boutron found different varieties of tobacco to give pro- 
 ductj’arying from 3'8 to 11'28 parts in 1000. It has been found in the seeds, 
 and very small proportion in the root. (See Journ. de Pharm., xxii. 689.) 
 
720 
 
 Tabacum. 
 
 par i. 
 
 There can be little doubt that tobacco owes its activity to this alkali.* It 13 
 been employed as a poison. For a very interesting account of it in all its ;j. 
 cological relations, the reader is referred to a memoir by Orfila, translate' >y 
 Dr. Lee, and published in the N. Y. Journ. of Med. (N. S-, ix. 112, 219, id 
 369). It has the remarkable property of resisting decomposition in thedeeaig 
 tissues of the body, and it was detected by Orfila in the bodies of ani ,1s 
 destroyed by it two or three months after their death. 
 
 Nicotianin is probably the odorous principle of tobacco. Posselt and Bernm 
 prepared it by distilling six pounds of the fresh leaves with twelve pounc of 
 water, till one half of the liquid passed over, then adding six pounds moi of 
 water, and again distilling, and repeating this process three times. The ;o- 
 tianin was obtained to the amount of eleven grains, floating on the surfac of 
 the water. It was a fatty substance, having the smell of tobacco-smoke, an an 
 aromatic somewhat bitter taste. It was volatilizable by heat, insoluble inw?r, 
 soluble in alcohol and ether, and not affected by the dilute acids, but dissred 
 by solution of potassa. This was not obtained by MM. Henry and Bourn. 
 According to Landerer, it does not exist in the fresh leaves, but is general in 
 the drying process. It produces sneezing when applied to the nostrils, al a 
 grain of it swallowed by Hermstadt occasioned giddiness and nausea. 
 
 When distilled at a temperature above that of boiling water, tobacco airds 
 an empyreumatic oil, which Mr. Brodie proved to be a most virulent poisoi A 
 single drop injected into the rectum of a cat occasioned death in abouiive 
 minutes, and double the quantity, administered in the same manner to a og, 
 was followed by the same result. This oil is of a dark-brown colour, ai an 
 acrid taste, and has a very peculiar smell, exactly resembling that of toeeo 
 pipes which have been much used. It has been shown to contain uicotia. (nn. 
 de Cliim. et de Phys., 3c sir., ix. 465.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Tobacco unites with the powers of a sec ive 
 narcotic, those of an emetic and diuretic; and produces these effects to a gnter 
 or less extent to whatever surface it may be applied. In addition, when srffed 
 up the nostrils, it excites violent sneezing and a copious secretion of nrus; 
 when chewed, it irritates the mucous membrane of the mouth, and increascthe 
 flow of saliva; and, when injected into the rectum, it sometimes operates a 
 cathartic. Moderately taken, it quiets restlessness, calms meutal and corjreal 
 inquietude, and produces a state of general languor or repose, which hasreat 
 charms for those habituated to the impression. In larger quantities, it ires 
 rise to confusion of the head, vertigo, stupor, faintness, nausea, vomitinsaad 
 general debility of the nervous and circulatory functions, which, if incrsed, 
 eventuates in alarming and even fatal prostration. The symptoms of its ces- 
 sive action are severe retching, with the most distressing and continued n sea, 
 great feebleness of pulse, coolness of the skin, fainting, and sometimes evul- 
 sions. It probably operates both through the medium of the nervous stem, 
 
 * M. Schloesing obtained a much larger proportion than that stated above by t fol- 
 lowing process. Tobacco is exhausted by boiling water, the infusion evaporated to enn- 
 solid consistence, and the extract shaken with twice its volume of alcohol of 36°. Two 
 layers form, of which the upper contains all the nicotia. This is decanted, most: the 
 alcohol evaporated, and alcohol anew added in order to precipitate certain matters The 
 extract is treated with a concentrated solution of potassa, and, after cooling, is aken 
 with ether, which dissolves the nicotia. To the ethereal solution powdered oxalic -id is 
 added, which unites with the nicotia, and separates in the form of a syrupy mass. Has 
 being washed with ether, treated with potassa, taken up by water, and distilled in; salt- 
 water bath, yields the nicotia, which may be obtained pure by rectification in a nvnt 
 of hydrogen. (Journ. de Pharm., 8e ser., xii. 157.) Orfila, in hismetnoiron nicotia tue.- 
 that Havana tobacco yields 2 per cent, of this alkaloid. Maryland, 2-3 per cent-, a Tir- 
 ginia 6-9 per cent. 
 
PAT I. 
 
 Tabacum. 
 
 721 
 
 ancjy entering the circulation. As its local action is stimulant, we can thus 
 accint for the fact, that it excites the functions of the kidneys, at the same 
 tim that it reduces the nervous and secondarily the arterial power. The experi- 
 meip of Brodie lead to the inference that the function of the heart is affected 
 by bacco, through the medium of the nervous system ; for in a decapitated 
 aniial in which the circulation was sustained by artificial respiration, the infu- 
 siornjected into the rectum did not diminish the action of the heart; while, 
 on e contrary, this organ almost immediately ceased to contract, when an equal 
 dosaf the poison was administered to a healthy animal. Mr. Brodie observed 
 a markable difference between the operation of the infusion and that of the 
 emjreumatic oil. After death from the former the heart was found completely 
 quieent, while it continued to act with regularity for a considerable time after 
 appent death from the latter. We may infer from this fact, either that there 
 are p poisonous principles in tobacco, or that a new narcotic product is formed 
 duri'g its destructive distillation. In cases of poisoning from tobacco, the indica- 
 tioD;are, after the evacuation of the poison, to support the system by external and 
 inteial stimulants, and to allay irritation of stomach by the use of opiates. 
 
 'Je use of tobacco was adopted by the Spaniards from the American Indians. 
 In e year 1560, it was introduced into France by the ambassador of that 
 cou ry at the court of Lisbon, whose name — Nicot — has been perpetuated in 
 the meric title of the plant. Sir Walter Laleigh is said to have introduced 
 the :actice of smoking into England. In the various modes of smoking, chew- 
 ing, nd snuffing, the drug is now largely consumed in every country on the 
 glol It must have properties peculiarly adapted to the propensities of our 
 natik to have thus surmounted the first repugnance to its odour and taste, and 
 to lire become the passion of so many millions. When employed in excess, it 
 enfedes digestion, produces emaciation and general debility, and lays the 
 fountion of serious nervous disorders. The late Dr. Chapman informed us that 
 he H met with several instances of mental disorder, closely resembling delirium 
 trenas, which resulted from its abuse, and which subsided in a few days after 
 it h; been abandoned; and Dr. Kirk bride, in the Annual Report of the Penn- 
 sylvda Hospital for the Insane for 1850, refers to four cases of insanity, the 
 orig of which was ascribed to the abuse of tobacco. 
 
 Fremedial employment is less extensive than might be inferred from the 
 variw of its powers. The excessive and distressing nausea which it is apt to 
 occalqn, interferes with its internal use; and it is very seldom administered by 
 the iomach. As a narcotic it is employed chiefly to produce relaxation in 
 spaspdic affections. For this purpose, the infusion or smoke of tobacco, or the 
 leaf substance in the shape of a suppository, is introduced into the rectum in 
 case: of strangulated hernia, obstinate constipation from spasm of the bowels, 
 and jtention of urine from a spasmodic stricture of the urethra. For a similar 
 purpe, the powdered tobacco, or common snuff, mixed with simple cerate, as 
 reco nended by the late Dr. Grodman, is sometimes applied to the throat and 
 brea in cases of croup; and Dr. Chapman directed the smoking of a cigar 
 m tl same complaint, with decided benefit. One of the worst cases of spasm 
 of thlrima glottidis which we have seen, and which resisted powerful depletion 
 by t lancet, yielded to the application of a tobacco cataplasm to the throat. 
 A siilar application to the abdomen is highly recommended in painters’ colic, 
 a, id s proved useful in hysterical convulsions. Tetanus is said to have been 
 cure by baths made with the decoction of the fresh leaves. The relaxation 
 prod ed by smoking, in a person unaccustomed to it, was very happily resorted 
 to b; Or. Physick, in a case of obstinate and long-continued dislocation of the 
 jaw ind the same remedy has frequently been found useful in the paroxysm 
 ci s ; smodic asthma. Tobacco has been highly recommended, in the form of 
 
722 
 
 Tabacum. — Tamarindus. 
 
 PAR'. 
 
 cataplasm, in articular gout and rheumatism ; and has been employed in e 
 same way, as well as by injection, in cases of obstinate verminose affections, s 
 an emetic it is seldom employed, unless in the shape of a cataplasm to the L 
 gastrium, to assist the action of internal medicines in cases of great insensib: y 
 of stomach. As a diuretic it was used by Fowler in dropsy and dysury; bat e 
 practice is not often imitated. There is no better errhine than tobacco, for e 
 ordinary purposes for which this class of medicines is employed. As ash- 
 gogue, it is beneficial in rheumatism of the jaws, and often relieves tooth; e 
 by its anodyne action. It is also used externally in the shape of catapln, 
 infusion, or ointment, in cases of tinea capitis, psora, and some other cutanus 
 affections. The empyreumatic oil mixed with simple ointment, in the prcr- 
 tion of twenty drops to the ounce, has been applied with advantage, by Amer.n 
 practitioners, to indolent tumours and ulcers; but, in consequence of its liab :y 
 to be absorbed, and to produce unpleasant effects on the system, it shoube 
 used with great caution. (See Oleum Tabaci.) This remark is applicable t ill 
 the modes of employing tobacco; particularly to the injection of the infon 
 into the rectum, which has in several instances caused the death of the pat it 
 It is even more dangerous than a proportionate quantity introduced into he 
 stomach ; as, in the latter case, the poison is more apt to be rejected, lea 
 the external application of the leaves or powder is not without danger, espec ly 
 when the cuticle is removed. A case of death is on record, occurring in a ild 
 eight years old, in consequence of the application of the expressed juice olhe 
 leaves to the head, for the cure of tinea capitis. Death has also been proded 
 in several instances by the inhalation of the smoke. 
 
 Five or six grains of powdered tobacco will generally act as an emetic put 
 the remedy is not given in this shape. The infusion used in dropsy by Fcler 
 was made in the proportion of an ounce to a pint of boiling water, and giv in 
 the dose of sixty or eighty drops. The officinal infusion, which is employefor 
 injection, is much weaker. (See Infusum Tabaci.) A wine and an ointmetof 
 tobacco are directed by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Tabaci; Oleum Tabaci; Unguentum Tabaci; Tinunra- 
 baci. 
 
 TAMARINDUS. U. S., Lond., Ed. 
 Tamarinds. 
 
 The preserved fruit of Tamarindus Indica. U. S. Pulp of the fruit, j mi. 
 Pulp of the pods of Tamarindus indica. Pd. 
 
 Off- Syn. PULP OF TAMARINDS. Tamarindieus Indica. The pulp .the 
 pods. Dub. 
 
 Tamurins, Ft.; Tamarinden, Germ.; Tamarind!, Ital.; Tamarindos, Span. 
 
 Tamarindus. Sex. Syst. Monadelphia Triandria. — Nat. Ord. Fabace or 
 Leguminosae. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx four-parted. Petals three. Nectary with two short Files 
 under the filaments. Legume filled with pulp. Willd. 
 
 Tamarindus Indica. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 577; Woodv. Med. Bot. pPb 
 t. 161. The tamarind tree is the only species of this genus. It rises torreat 
 height, sends off numerous spreading branches, and has a beautiful appeanee. 
 The trunk is erect, thick, and covered with a rough, ash-coloured bark, lb 
 leaves are alternate and pinnate, composed of many pairs of opposite ld eti ! 
 which are almost sessile, entire, oblong, obtuse, unequal at their base, but 
 half an inch long by a sixth of an inch broad, and of a yellowish-green tour. 
 The flowers, which are in small lateral racemes, have a yellowish caly auu 
 petals which are also yellow, but beautifully variegated with red veins. Re 
 
PAE I. 
 
 Tamarindus . — Tanacetum. 
 
 728 
 
 fruils a broad, compressed, reddish ash-coloured pod, very much curved, from 
 two six inches long, and with numerous brown, flat, quadrangular seeds, con- 
 tain! in cells formed by a tough membrane. Exterior to this membrane is a 
 ligktoloured acid pulpy matter, between which and the shell are several tough 
 ligntus strings, running from the stem to the extremity of the pod, the attach- 
 men >f which they serve to strengthen. The shells are very fragile and easily 
 sepated. 
 
 Tnarindus Indica appears to be a native of the East and West Indies, Egypt, 
 and .-abia, though believed by some authors to have been imported into America. 
 De (ndolle is doubtful whether the East and West India trees are of the same 
 speck The pods of the former are much larger than those of the latter, and 
 conta a greater number of seeds. At least such is the statement made by au- 
 thorspffio inform us that East India tamarinds contain six or seven seeds, those 
 frombe West Indies rarely more than three or four. We found, however, in 
 a paid of the latter in our possession, numerous pods with from eight to ten 
 seedsind the number generally exceeded four. The fruit is the officinal portion. 
 
 Taiarinds are brought to us chiefly, if not exclusively, from the West Indies, 
 wherthey are prepared by placing the pods, previously deprived of their shell, 
 in la rs in a cask, and pouring boiling syrup over them. A better mode, some- 
 time; iractised, is to place them in stone jars, with alternate layers of powdered 
 sugar They are said to be occasionally prepared in copper boilers. 
 
 Pnerties. Fresh tamarinds, which are sometimes, though rarely, brought 
 to th country, have an agreeable sour taste, without any mixture of sweetness. 
 As w usually find them, in the preserved state, they form a dark-coloured ad- 
 kesiv'jmass, consisting of syrup mixed with the pulp, membrane, strings, and 
 seeds f the pod, and of a sweet acidulous taste. The seeds should be hard, 
 clean ind not swollen, the strings tough and entire, and the smell without 
 must ;ss. From the analysis of Vauquelin, it appears that in 100 parts of the 
 pulp tamarinds, independently of the sugar added to them, there are 9'40 
 parts 7 citric acid, 155 of tartaric acid, 0'45 of malic acid, 3'25 of bitartrate 
 of possa, 4’70 of gum, 6'25 of jelly, 34'35 of parenchymatous matter, and 
 27'5Sif water; so that the acidity is chiefly owing to the presence of citric acid. 
 It is sd that copper may sometimes be detected in preserved tamarinds, derived 
 from e boilers in which they are occasionally prepared. Its presence may be 
 ascerl ned by the reddish coat which it imparts to the blade of a knife immersed 
 in tbi amarinds. 
 
 Me cal Properties and Uses. Tamarinds are laxative and refrigerant, and 
 infust in water form a highly grateful drink in febrile diseases. Convalescents 
 often id the pulp a pleasant addition to their diet, and useful by preserving 
 the bi els in a loose condition. It is sometimes prescribed in connexion with 
 other ild cathartics, and is one of the ingredients of the confection of senna. 
 Thou; frequently prescribed with the infusion of senna to cover the taste of 
 that idicine, it is said to weaken its purgative power; and the same observation 
 has bill made of its influence upon the resinous cathartics in general. From a 
 drack to an ounce or more may be taken at a dose. 
 
 Off kep. Confectio Sennae; Infusum Sennas Compositum; Tamarindi Pulpa. 
 
 W. 
 
 TANACETUM. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Tansy. 
 
 Thtjerb of Tanacetum vulgare. U. S. 
 
 tan ie, Fr.; Gemeiner Rheinfarrn, Wurmkraut, Germ ; Tanaceto, Ilal., Span. 
 
 Ta, cetum. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia Superflua. — Nat. Ord. Compositm- 
 oenec lideae, De Candolle; Asteraceae, Lindley. 
 
724 
 
 Tanacetum . — Tapioca. 
 
 PAB I. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Receptacle naked, Pappus somewhat margioate. Calyx imbrue 
 hemispherical. Corolla rays obsolete, trifid. Willd. 
 
 Tanacetum vulgare. Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 1814; Woodv. J led. Bot. p. 6 
 t. 27. This is a perennial herbaceous plant, rising two or three feet in he ,t. 
 The stems are strong, erect, obscurely hexagonal, striated, often reddish, bran ;d 
 towards the summit, and furnished with alternate, doubly pinnatifid leaves &e 
 divisions of which are notched or deeply serrate. The flowers are yellow, id 
 in dense terminal corymbs. Each flower is composed of numerous floret of 
 which those constituting the disk are perfect and five-cleft, those of the ray ry 
 few, pistillate, and trifid. The calyx consists of small, imbricated, lance ite 
 leaflets, having a dry scaly margin. The seeds are small, oblong, with fi or 
 six ribs, and crowned by a membranous pappus. 
 
 Tansy is cultivated in our gardens, and grows wild in the roads and bid 
 fields; but was introduced from Europe, where it is indigenous. It is in fber 
 from July to September. 
 
 There is a variety of the plant with curled leaves, which is said to be ire 
 grateful to the stomach than that above described, but has less of the peciar 
 sensible properties of the herb, and is probably less active. 
 
 The odour of tansy is strong, peculiar, and fragrant, but much diminisht by 
 drying; the taste is warm, bitter, somewhat acrid, and aromatic. These ro- 
 perties are imparted to water and alcohol. According to Pesc-hier, the Ives 
 contain volatile oil, fixed oil, wax or stearin, chlorophylle, yellow resin, row 
 colouring matter, tannic and gallic acids, bitter extractive, gum, lignin, da 
 peculiar acid which he calls tanacelic , and which precipitates lime, baryta, ide 
 of lead, and oxide of copper. The medical virtues of the plant depend ctbe 
 bitter extractive and volatile oil. The latter, when separated by distillatio has 
 a greenish-yellow colour, with the flavour of the plaut, is lighter than wateand 
 deposits camphor upon standing. The seeds contain the largest proportion the 
 bitter principle, and the least of volatile oil. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Tansy has the medical properties common the 
 aromatic bitters. It has been recommended in intermittents, hysteria, amenor tea, 
 and as a preventive of arthritic paroxysms; but at present it is chiefly useds an 
 anthelmintic, and in this country is scarcely employed, for any purpose, in mlar 
 practice. The seeds are said to be most effectual as a vermifuge. The de of 
 the powder is from thirty grains to a drachm two or three times a day; b the 
 infusion is more frequently administered. A fatal case of poisoning wit half 
 an ounce of oil of tansy is recorded in the Medical Magazine for November, >34. 
 Frequent and violent clonic spasms were experienced, with much disturbae of 
 respiration ; and the action of the heart gradually became weaker till deat took 
 place from its entire suspension. No inflammation of the stomach or bowe was 
 discovered upon dissection. (Am. Journ. of the Med. Sci., xvi. 256.) Tw< tfcer 
 fatal cases have since been recorded, one in which more than a fluidoun was 
 taken, the other only a fluidraehm. In both death followed speedily, prfeded 
 by coma and violent convulsions. In two of the three cases above refer-! to, 
 the oil seems to have been taken with the view of producing abortion, t no 
 such effect followed in either. {Ibid., xxiii. 136, and xxiv. 279.) 
 
 The fecula of the root of Janipha Manihot. U. S., Pd., Pub. 
 Janifha. Sex. Sust. Monoecia Monadelnhia. — Mat. Ord. Euphorbias. 
 
 TAPIOCA. U. S., EcL, Bub. 
 Tapioca. 
 
PAI I. 
 
 Tapioca. 725 
 
 sho:?r. Stigmas three, many-lobed. Fruit three-celled, with solitary seeds. 
 (Li: ley, Med. and BSconom. Bot., 82.) 
 
 Itanists have generally followed Kunth in separating this genus from Ja- 
 tropi. Its name was derived from the Indian designation of another species. 
 
 JnipJia Manihot. Curtis’s Bot. Mag. 3071. — Jatropha Manihot. Willd. Sp. 
 Plat iv. 562. This is the cassava plant of the West Indies, the mandioca or 
 tapva of Brazil. It is a shrub about six or eight feet in height, with a very 
 larg white, fleshy, tuberous root, which often weighs thirty pounds. The stem 
 is ri nd, jointed, and furnished at its upper part with alternate petiolate leaves, 
 deep divided into three, five, or seven oval-lanceolate, very acute lobes, which 
 are mewhat wavy upon their borders, of a deep-green colour on their upper 
 surle, glaucous and whitish beneath. The flowers are in axillary racemes. 
 
 Jiipha Manihot is a native of South America, and is cultivated extensively 
 in t; West Indies, Brazil, and other parts of tropical America, for the sake of 
 its nt, which is much employed as an article of food. The plant is of quick 
 grovh, and the root arrives at perfection in about eight months. There are two 
 variies, distinguished by the names of sweet and bitter. The root of the former 
 majie eaten with impunity; that of the latter, which is most extensively culti- 
 vate; abounds in an acrid milky juice, which renders it highly poisonous if eaten 
 in t recent state. By MM. Henry and Boutron-Charlard it has been ascer- 
 tain that the bitter cassava owes its poisonous properties to the presence of 
 hyd.cyanic acid. ( Journ . de Fharm., xxii. 119.) Both varieties contain a large 
 prop rtion of starch. The root is prepared for use by washing, scraping, and 
 gratg or grinding it into a pulp, which, in the case of the bitter variety, is sub- 
 mittl to pressure so as to separate the deleterious juice. It is now in the state 
 of nil or powder, which is made into bread, cakes, or puddings. As the poi- 
 soner principle is volatile, the portion which may have remained in the meal is 
 enti ty dissipated by the heat employed in cooking. The preparation denomi- 
 natetapioca- among us is obtained from the expressed juice. This, upon standing, 
 depi ts a powder, which, after repeated washings with cold water, is nearly pure 
 star. It is dried by exposure to heat, which renders it partly soluble in cold 
 watt; and enables it to assume the consistence by which it is characterized. 
 Whi dried without heat, it is pulverulent, and closely resembles the fecula of 
 arroi'root. 
 
 T ioca is in the form of irregular, hard, white, rough grains, possessing little 
 tasfiipartially soluble in cold water, and affording a fine blue colour when iodine 
 is aid to its filtered solution. The partial solubility in cold water is owing to the 
 ruptie of the starch-granules by heat. Examined under the microscope, the gra- 
 nulelippear partly broken, partly entire. The latter are muller-shaped, about the 
 two- ousandth of an inch in diameter, more uniform in size than the granules 
 ot n.st other varieties of fecula, with a distinct hilum which is surrounded by 
 ring and eracks in a stellate manner. The tapioca meal, called sometimes 
 Brarian arrow-root, and by the (French moussache, is the fecula dried without 
 lieat: Its granules are identical with those already described. Being nutritious, 
 and the same time easy of digestion, and destitute of all irritating properties, 
 tapiu forms an excellent diet for the sick and convalescent. It is prepared for 
 use boiling it in water. Lemon juice and sugar will usually be found grate- 
 ful ditions; and, in low states of disease or cases of debility, it may be ad- 
 vant ;eously impregnated with wine and nutmeg or other aromatic. 
 
 A ictitious tapioca is found in the shops, consisting of very small, smooth, 
 sphe cal grains, and supposed to be prepared from potato starch. It is sold under 
 the me of pearl tapioca. W. 
 
726 
 
 Taraxacum. 
 
 PAR 
 
 TARAXACUM. U. S., Lond., Ed. 
 
 Dandelion. 
 
 The root of Leontodon Taraxacum . V . S. Taraxacum Dens-leonis. Thereat 
 root. Lond. The root of Taraxacum Dens-leonis. Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. TARAXACUM DEXS-LEONIS. The root. Dub. 
 
 Pissenht, Dent de lion, Ft.; Lowenzahn, Germ.: Tarassaco, Ilal.; Diente de leon, A 
 
 Leontodon. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia ^Uqualis. — Nat. Ord. Compose- 
 Cichoraceae, De Candolle; Cichoraeeae, Lindley. 
 
 Gen.Cli. Receptacle naked Calyx double. Seed-down stipitate, hi; 
 Willd. 
 
 Leontodon Taraxacum . Willd. Sp. Plant, iii. 1544; Woodv. Med. Bo p. 
 39, t. 16. — Taraxacum Densdeonis. De Cand. Prodrom. vii. 145. The n- 
 delion is an herbaceous plant, with a perennial fusiform root. The leaves, wh 
 spring immediately from the root, are long, pinnatifid, generally runcinate, th 
 the divisions toothed, smooth, and of a fine green colour. The common me 
 of the plant was derived from the fancied resemblance of its leaves to the t th 
 of a lion. The flower-stem rises from the midst of the leaves, six inches or ire 
 in height. It is erect, simple, naked, smooth, hollow, fragile, and termined 
 by a large golden-coloured flower, which closes in the evening, and expands th 
 the returning light of the sun. The calyx is smooth and double, with the cer 
 scales bent downwards. The florets are very numerous, ligulate, and too ed 
 at their extremities. The receptacle is convex and punctured. The seed-era 
 is stipitate, and at the period of maturity is disposed in a spherical form, ai is 
 so light and feathery as to be easily borne away by the wind, with the sds 
 attached. 
 
 This species of Leontodon grows spontaneously in most parts of the globe It 
 is abundant in this country, adorning our grass-plats and pasture-grounds ith 
 its bright-yellow flowers, which, in moist places, show themselves with therst 
 opening of spring, and continue to appear till near the close of summer. All rts 
 of the plant contain a milky bitterish juice, which exudes when they are brok or 
 wounded. The leaves, when very young, and blanched by the absence of rht 
 during their growth, are tender and not unpleasant to the taste, and on theon- 
 tinent of Europe are sometimes used as a salad. When older and of their naral 
 colour, they are medicinal. The Pharmacopoeias recognise only the root, vich 
 is by far the most efflcacious part. It should be full grown when collected^ 
 should be employed in the recent state, as it is then most active. It does.ot, 
 however, as stated by Duncan, lose nearly all its bitterness by drying; an the 
 root dug up in the warmer seasons might, if dried with care, be employed ith 
 propriety in the succeeding winter. The juice of the root is thin and wate in 
 the spring; milky, bitter, and spontaneously coagulable in the latter ps of 
 summer and autumn; and sweet and less bitter in the winter, when affect' by 
 the frost. The months of J uly, August, and September are, therefore, the pper 
 period for collecting it. 
 
 The fresh full-grown root of the dandelion is several inches in length, as iek 
 as the little finger or thicker, round and tapering, somewhat branched, of a ;ht- 
 brown colour externally, whitish within, having a yellowish ligneous cord mi- 
 ning through its centre, and abounding in a milky juice. In the dried ste it 
 is much shrunk, wrinkled longitudinally, brittle, and when broken presits a 
 shining somewhat resinous fracture. It is without smell, but has a sweish, 
 mucilaginous, bitterish, herbaceous taste. Its active properties are yield* to 
 water by boiling, and do not appear to be injured in the process. The Ay 
 
PAI' I. 
 
 Taraxacum. — Terebinthina. 
 
 727 
 
 juic examined by John, was found to contain bitter extractive, gum, caout- 
 cholf, saline matters, a trace of resin, and a free acid. Besides these ingre- 
 dien, starch or inulin, and saccharine matter exist in the root. Mannite, 
 whi . has been found in the infusion of the root, has been demonstrated by the 
 Mes’s. Smith, of Edinburgh, not to pre-exist in the root, but to be formed by 
 spouneous changes consequent on exposure. ( Pharrn . Journ. and Trans., viii. 
 481 A crystallizable principle has been extracted from the juice of the root 
 by i. Pollex, who has named it taraxacin. It is bitter and somewhat acrid, 
 fusie but not volatile, sparingly soluble in cold water, but very soluble in boiling 
 wati, alcohol, and ether. It is obtained by boiling the milky juice in distilled 
 wati, filtering the concentrated liquor, and allowing it to evaporate spontane- 
 ous! in a warm place. The taraxacin crystallizes, and may be purified by re- 
 peatl solution and crystallization in alcohol or water. ( Pharm . Journ. and 
 Trasact., i. 425.) 
 
 li root of Aspargia hispida has been largely substituted for dandelion in 
 Enc.nd by the herb gatherers ( Pharrn . Journ. and Trans., xi. 107); and we 
 are formed that a similar fraudulent substitution is not unfrequent, in this 
 couiry, of the root of Cichorium Intibus, or chicory. This is distinguishable 
 fronthe genuine root by its lighter colour, and greater bitterness. 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Taraxacum is slightly tonic, diuretic, and 
 apeint, and is thought to have a specific action upon the liver, exciting it 
 whelanguid to secretion, and resolving its chronic engorgements. It has been 
 muc employed in Germany, and is a popular remedy with many practitioners 
 in 1 3 country. The diseases to which it appears to be especially applicable, 
 are lose connected with derangement of the hepatic apparatus, and of the 
 digeive organs generally. In congestion and chronic inflammation of the liver 
 and >leen, in cases of suspended or deficient biliary secretion, and in dropsical 
 affecons dependent on obstruction of the abdominal viscera, it appears to be 
 caps e of doing good, if employed with a due regard to the degree of excite- 
 men Our own experience is in its favour. An irritable condition of the 
 stonjh and bowels, and the existence of acute inflammation, contra-indicate its 
 empyment. It is usually given in the form of extract or decoction, though 
 som prefer the infusion. (See these preparations in the second part of this 
 worl) Bitartrate of potassa is sometimes added to the decoction when an 
 aperut effect is desired; and aromatics will occasionally be found useful in 
 corr ting a tendency to griping or flatulence. The root is sometimes prepared 
 and ound with coffee, the taste of which covers that of the dandelion. ( Pharm . 
 Jou,. and Trans, xii. 505.) 
 
 C Prep. Decoctum Scoparii Compositum; Decoctum Taraxaci; Extractum 
 Taraci; Infusum Taraxaci. W. 
 
 I.''#, ! ;?• . •• ^ y. \ ,. ■? • 7 • . 
 
 TEREBINTHINA. U. K, Loud., Dub. 
 
 Turpentine. 
 
 T juice of Pinus palustris, and other species of Pinus. U. S. Pinus palus- 
 tns d P. Taeda. An oleo-resin effused from the stem on the removal of the 
 bark Lond. Pinus sylvestris. Common turpentine. Pub. 
 
 TEREBINTHINA CANADENSIS. U.S. 
 
 Canada Turpentine. 
 
 T juice of Abies balsamea. U. S. 
 
 C Syn. BALSAMUM CANADENSE. Fluid resinous exudation of Abies 
 bals iea; Canada balsam. Ed. 
 
728 
 
 Terebinthina. 
 
 PAST 
 
 TEREBINTHINA CHIA. Lond., Ed. 
 
 Chian Turpentine. 
 
 Pistacia Terebinthus. An oleo-resin effused from the incised stem. Lo 
 Liquid resinous exudation of Pistacia Terebinthus. Ed. 
 
 TEREBINTHINA YENETA. Ed. 
 
 Venice Turpentine. 
 
 Liquid resinous exudation of Abies Larix. Ed. 
 
 Tfirebenthine, Fr. ; Terpentin, Germ.; Trementina, Ital., Span. 
 
 The term turpentine is now generally applied to certain vegetable juices, liql 
 or concrete, which consist of resin combined with a peculiar essential oil, call 
 oil of turpentine. They are generally procured from different species of pi, 
 fir, or larch, though other trees afford products which are known by the sa; 
 general title, as for instance the Pistacia Terebinthus, which yields the Chi 
 turpentine. Some of the French writers extend the name of turpentine to otr 
 juices consisting of resin and essential oil, without benzoic or cinnamic acid s 
 copaiba, balm of Gilead, &c. We shall describe particularly, in this place, oy 
 the officinal turpentines. A brief botanical view of the plants from which ty 
 are respectively derived, will be in accordance with the plan of this work. Is 
 proper first to observe that the original genus Pinus of Linnaeus has been 
 vided into the three genera, Pinus, Abies, and Larix, which are now verygo 
 rally recognised, though Lindley unites the two latter in his Flora Medica. 
 
 Pinus. Sex. Syst. iMonoecia Monadelphia. — Nat. Ord. Pinacese or Conife:. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Flowers monoecious. Males. Catkins racemose, compact, and .*• 
 minal; squamose; the scales staminiferous at the apex. Stamens two; the antes 
 one-celled. Females. Catkins or cones simple, imbricated with aeumii.e 
 scales. Ovaries two. Stigmas glandular. Scales of the cone oblong, c> 
 shaped, woody; umbilicato-angular at the apex. Seeds in pairs, covered rh 
 a sharp-pointed membrane. Cotyledons digitato-partite. Leaves two or mu, 
 in the same sheath. ( Pereira’s Mat. Med. from Bot. Gall.') 
 
 1. Pinus palustris. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 499. — P. Australis. Michs, 
 
 N. Am. Sylv. iii. 133. “ Leaves in threes, very long; stipules pinnatifid, rani- 
 
 taceous, persistent; strobiles subeylindrieal, armed with sharp prickles.'’ 
 
 This is a very large indigenous tree, growing in dry, sandy soils, from ie 
 southern part of Virginia to the Gulf of Mexico. Its mean elevation is s :y 
 or seventy feet, and the diameter of its trunk about fifteen or eighteen imes 
 for two-thirds of this height. The leaves are about a foot in length, of a brillat 
 green colour, and united in bunches at the ends of the branches. The naes 
 by which the tree is known in the Southern States are long-leaved pine, yenc 
 pine, and pitch pine; but the first is most appropriate, as the last two are appd 
 also to other species. This tree furnishes by far the greater proportion ofie 
 turpentine, tar, &c., consumed in the United States, or sent from this to oer 
 countries. (See Pix Liquida.) 
 
 2. Pinus Tseda. AVilld. Sp. Plant, iv. 498; Michaux, A 7 ! Am. Sylv. iii. 6. 
 “Leaves in threes, elongated, with elongated sheaths; strobiles oblong-cond, 
 deflexed, shorter than the leaf; spines inflexed.” 
 
 This is the loblolly, or old field pine of the Southern States. It is abumnt 
 in Virginia, where it occupies the lands which have been exhausted by cul > 
 tion. It exceeds eighty feet in height, has a trunk two or three feet in diamer, 
 
PAE I. 
 
 Terebinthina. 
 
 729 
 
 and rpands into a wide spreading top. The leaves are abont sis inches long, 
 and f a light-green colour. It yields turpentine in abundance, but less fluid 
 that hat which flows from the preceding species. 
 
 S', Finns sybiestris. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 494; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 1, 1. 1; 
 Miclux, N. Am. Sylv. iii. p. 125. “Leaves in pairs, rigid; strobiles ovate- 
 conill, of the length of the leaves; scales echiuate.” 
 
 Tjs species of pine, when of full size, is eighty feet high, with a trunk four 
 or ft feet in diameter. It inhabits the northern and mountainous parts of 
 Eure. In Great Britain it is called the wild pine, or Scotch fir; the latter 
 nam having been applied to it from its abundance in the mountains of Scotland. 
 It y ds a considerable proportion of the common European turpentine. 
 
 Bides the pines above described, various others yield medicinal products. 
 Pin, maritima (P. Pinaster of Aiton and Lambert), growing in the southern 
 and ; aritime parts of Europe, yields much of the turpentine, pitch, and tar con- 
 sum in France, and is admitted among the officinal plants in the French 
 Codt. From the branches of Pinus Pumilio, which inhabits the mountains 
 of Istern and South-eastern Europe, a terebiuthinate juice exudes sponta- 
 neouy, called Hungarian l/alsam. Pinus Cembra, or the Siberian stone-pine 
 oft! Alps and Carpathian mountains, is said to afford the product called Car- 
 path n balsam ; and the seeds both of that species, and of Pinus Pinea, ox stone- 
 pine' the South of Europe and North of Africa, are used in Europe in desserts, 
 undethe name of pine nuts. The Pinus rigida, or pitch pine of this country, 
 and robably others besides those mentioned, are sometimes employed in the 
 prep ation of tar. 
 
 Aes. See P1X BURGUNDICA. 
 
 Acs balsamea. Lindley, Flo'r. Med. p. 554. — A. balsamifera. Miehaux, N. 
 Amdylv. iii. 191. — Pinus balsamea, Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 504. “ Leaves soli- 
 tary. iat, emarginate or entire, glaucous beneath, somewhat pectinate, sub-erect 
 aboy recurved, spreading; cones cylindrical, erect; bractes abbreviate, obovate, 
 cons ;uously mucronate, sub-serrulate.” 
 
 T i is the American silver fir, or balm of Gilead tree, inhabiting Canada, 
 Nov;dcotia, Maine, and the mountainous regions further to the south. It is 
 anegant tree, seldom rising more than forty feet in height, with a tapering 
 trun. and numerous branches, which diminish in length in proportion to their 
 heig , and form an almost perfect pyramid. The leaves are six or eight lines 
 long nserted in rows on the sides and tops of the branches, narrow, flat, rigid, 
 brigl green on their upper surface, and of a silvery whiteness beneath. The 
 cone:'ire large, erect, nearly cylindrical, of a purplish colour, and covered with 
 a reajous exudation which gives them a glossy, rich, and beautiful appearance. 
 It is fom this tree that the Canada balsam is obtained. 
 
 Sepal other species of Abies are officinal. Abies excelsa of Europe, and A. 
 Can ’ensis of the United States, have already been described as the sources 
 respc- ively of Burgundy and Canada pitch. (See Pic Burgundica and Pix 
 Oani’ensis.) The A. Picea ( Abies pectinata of De Candolle, A. taxifolia of 
 tbe bn eh Codex, Pinus Picea of Linnaeus), or European silver fir, growing in 
 the i untainous regions of Switzerland, Germany, and Siberia, yields the Stras- 
 bitnjr.rpentine, which is much used in some parts of Europe. The Abies nigra 
 {Fen, nigra), or black spruce of this country, yields a product, which, though 
 not l ognised by the Pharmacopoeia, is considerably employed. The substance 
 allucj to is the essence of spruce, prepared from the young branches by boiling 
 theuiQ water, and evaporating the decoction. It is a thick liquid, having the 
 coloi and consistence of molasses, with a bitterish, acidulous, astringent taste. 
 It is auch used in the preparation of the beverage commonly known by the 
 
730 
 
 Terebinthina. 
 
 Pae 
 
 name of spruce beer, which is a pleasant and wholesome drink in summer, d 
 useful in long sea-voyages as a preventive of scurvy.* 
 
 Larix. Sex.Syst. Monoecia Monadelphia. — Nat.Ord. Pinaceae or Conif<;. 
 
 Gen. Ch. As in Abies, except that the cotyledons are simple, and n r 
 lobed ; the cones lateral ; the leaves, when first expanding, in tufted fascl s 
 becoming somewhat solitary by the elongation of the new branch. {Perec’s 
 Mat. Med. from Bot. Gall.) 
 
 Larix Europsea. De Cand. Flor. Fr. 2064. — Abies Larix. Lamb. 777u-t. 
 785, f. 2. — Pinas Larix. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 503; Woodv. Med. Bot. j ], 
 t. 4. “ Leaves fascicled, deciduous ; cones ovate-oblong; margins of the sees 
 
 reflexed, lacerated ; bractes panduriform.” 
 
 The European larch is a large tree, inhabiting the mountains of Siberia, St- 
 zerland, Germany, and the East of France. It yields the Venice turpendnni 
 commerce, and a peculiar sweetish substance, called in France Brianconma i, 
 which exudes spontaneously, and concretes upon its bark. When the l:h 
 forests of Russia take fire, a juice exudes from the trunk during their coms- 
 tion, which concretes, and is called Orenburgh gum. It is wholly soluhl in 
 water. (Lindlei/, Flor. Med.) 
 
 Pistacia. See MASTICHE. 
 
 Pistacia Terebinthus. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 752; Woodv. Med. Bot. p 9, 
 t. 12. This is a small tree with numerous spreading branches, bearing altente 
 pinnate leaves, which consist of three or four pairs of ovate-lanceolate, erne, 
 acute, smooth, and shining leaflets, with an odd one at the end. The malead 
 female flowers are dioecious, small, and in branching racemes. This is a n ve 
 of Barbary and Greece, and flourishes in the islands of Cyprus and Ohio he 
 latter of which has given its name to the Chian turpentine obtained from he 
 tree. A gall produced upon this plant by the puncture of an insect, has en 
 used in Eastern Europe in pectoral affections. 
 
 We shall treat of the several varieties of turpentine under distinct heads 
 
 1. White Turpentine. 
 
 Terebenthine de Boston, Fr. 
 
 The common American or white turpentine ( Terebinthina , F. S., Lona is 
 procured chiefly from Pinus palnstris, partly also from Pin us Tseda, and penps 
 some other species inhabiting the Southern States. In former times, large (an- 
 tities were collected in New England; but the turpentine trees of that selon 
 of the Uniou are said to be nearly exhausted ; and our commerce has been itil 
 recently almost exclusively supplied from North Carolina, and the south-eaern 
 parts of Virginia. Within a few years, however, attention has been turned tthe 
 collection of this valuable product in Georgia and Florida ; and there is no tubt 
 that, iu time, an abundant supply will be derived from the vast pine forests % ich 
 occupy the southern portion of our country bordering on the Gulf of Mdco. 
 The following is the process for obtaining the turpentine as described by Miclux. 
 During the winter months, excavations of the capacity of about three pin are 
 made in the trunk of the tree three or four inches from the ground. Into iese 
 the juice begins to flow about the middle of March, and continues to flow thr gh- 
 out the warm season, slowly at first, rapidly in the middle of summer, and ore 
 slowly again in the autumnal months. The liquid is removed from these rea- 
 vations as they fill, and transferred into casks, where it gradually thickensand 
 
 * The following is the formula usually followed. Take of essence of spruce halt nst; 
 pimento bruised, ginger bruised, hops, each, four ounces; water, three gallons. B < uT 
 Eire or ten minutes; then strain, and add of warm water eleven gallons: yeast i>mt, 
 molasses six pints. Mix, and allow the mixture to ferment for twenty-four hours. 
 
PAH I. 
 
 TerebintJiina. 
 
 731 
 
 ultijately acquires a soft solid consistence. Very large quantities are thus 
 anmlly procured, sufficient not only to supply the whole consumption of this 
 cou ry, but also to furnish a valuable export. 
 
 Ihite turpentine, as found in our shops, is yellowish-white, of a peculiar 
 somWhat aromatic odour, and a warm, pungent, bitterish taste. It is somewhat 
 traifucent, and of a consistence which varies with the temperature. In the 
 mime of summer it is almost semi-fluid and very adhesive, though brittle ; in 
 the inter it is often so firm and hard, as to be incapable of being made into 
 pillyithout heat. Exposed to the air it ultimately becomes perfectly hard and 
 dry In the recent state it affords about seventeen per cent, of volatile oil. 
 It iiipt to contain small pieces of bark, wood, or other impurity. 
 
 2. Common European Turpentine. 
 
 ijebenthine de Bordeaux, Terdbentbine commune, Ft.; Gemeiner Terpentin, Germ.; 
 Treijntina comune, Ital.; Trementina cornua, Span. 
 
 Tis is the Terebinthina Vulgaris of the former London Pharmacopeia. It 
 is finished by several species of pine; but chiefly by P. sy/vestris and P. mari- 
 tirru From the latter tree it is obtained largely in the maritime districts of 
 the mth-west of France, especially in the department of the Landes, and is 
 expjted from Bordeaux. Hence it is called in commerce Bordeaux turpentine. 
 The rocess for procuring it consists simply in making incisions into the trunk, 
 or inoving portions of the bark, and receiving the juice which flows out in 
 sma troughs, or in holes dug at the foot of the tree. It is purified by heating, 
 ancfltering it through straw, or by exposing it to the sun in a barrel, through 
 holeljin the bottom of which the melted turpentine escapes. Thus prepared, it 
 is w tish, turbid, thickish, and separates, upon standing, into two parts, one 
 liqu and transparent, the other of a consistence and appearance like those of 
 thic ned honey. As found in European commerce it often consists wholly of 
 this itter portion. It speedily hardens upon exposure to the air in thin layers. 
 The lost liquid specimens are completely solidified by the addition of one part 
 of ugnesiato thirty-two of the turpentine. (Gruibourt, Journ. de Pharm., xxv. 
 499 It is scarcely ever given internally, but furnishes large quantities of oil 
 ot ti'pentine and resiu. We do not import it into this country. The substance 
 whil the French call galipot or hurras, is that portion of the turpentine which 
 conltes upon the trunk of the tree when wounded, and is removed during the 
 win!'. ( Thenard .) This, when purified by melting with water and straining, 
 take the name of yellow or white pitch, or Burgundy pitch. When turpentine 
 has pen deprived of its oil by distillation, the resin which remains is called 
 WU and sometimes colophony, from the Ionian city of that name, where it was 
 fornrly prepared. It is the resin ( resina ) of the Dublin College, and is some- 
 tnnecalled yellow resin ( resina flava). White resin ( resina alba) is prepared 
 by i'orporating this, while in fusion, with a certain proportion of water. Tar 
 ( pi^quida ) is the turpentine extracted from the wood by a slow combustion, and 
 cherpally altered by the heat. Common pitch (pix, pix nigra , or resina nigra) 
 is tl solid residue left after the evaporation by boiling of the liquid parts of tar. 
 
 3. Canada Turpentine. . 
 
 Ci idabalsam, Balsam of fir ; Baume de Canada, Fr.; Canadischer Balsam, Canadischer 
 Terp tin, Germ.; Trementina del Canada, Ital. 
 
 T s is the product of Abies balsamea, and is collected in Canada and the 
 Stat if Maine. It is procured by breaking the vesicles which naturally form 
 upoitke trunk and branches, and receiving their liquid contents in a bottle. 
 '' b fresh, it is colourless or slightly yellowish, transparent, of the consistence 
 
732 
 
 Terehintldna. 
 
 PAR' 
 
 of thin honey, very tenacious, of a strong, agreeable odour, and a bitterish, so 
 what acrid taste. By time and exposure it becomes thicker and more yell-, 
 and at last assumes a solid consistence. It is usually brought into marken 
 bottles, and is kept in the shops under the name of Canada balsam or bahai,f 
 fir. In Europe, it is sometimes called balm of Gilead , from its supposed refi- 
 nance to that celebrated medicine. The term balsam, as at present underst 1 
 is improperly applied to it ; as it contains no benzoic or cinnamic acid, and i n 
 fact a true turpentine, consisting chiefly of resin and volatile oil. Bona-e 
 obtained from 100 parts of Canada turpentine, 18 '6 parts of volatile oil, - 0 
 of resin easily dissolved by alcohol, 33'4 of sub-resin of difficult solubilit.n 
 that fluid, 4'0 of caoutchouc similar to sub-resin, and 4'9 of bitter extrarre 
 and salts, besides traces of acetic acid. There is reason to believe that Strath 
 turpentine is sometimes sold for it in the shops. 
 
 4. Venice Turpentine. 
 
 Ter6benthine de mtileze, T6rebentliine de Venise, Fr.; Venetianischer Terpentin. G i.; 
 Trementina di Venezia, Ilal.; Trementina de Venecia, Span. 
 
 This turpentine received its name from the circumstance that it was fora ly 
 an extensive article of Venetian commerce. It is procured in Switzerland. ad 
 the French province of Dauphiny, from the Larix Europeea or larch, wch 
 grows abundantly upon the Alps and the Jura mountains. The peasants ire 
 holes into the trunk about two feet from the ground, and conduct the juicby 
 means of wooden gutters into small tubs, placed at a convenient distance, is 
 afterwards purified by filtration through a leather sieve. Genuine Veniceor- 
 pentine is a viscid liquid, of the consistence of honey, flowing with diffiety, 
 cloudy or imperfectly transparent, of a yellowish or slightly greenish c-olo , a 
 strong not disagreeable odour, and a warm bitterish and very acrid taste. It 
 does not readily concrete on exposure, is not solidified by one-sixteenth of ag- 
 nesia, and is entirely soluble in alcohol. (Guibourt, Journ. de Pharm.,xxx. , : 0.) 
 What is sold under the name of Venice turpentine in our shops, is usually ate 
 brown, and is said to be a factitious substance, prepared by dissolving ros in 
 oil of turpentine. Dr. A. T. Thomson states that much of the Venice turpeine 
 of the shops of London is obtained from America. It is probably the me 
 preparation as that which passes under the name in this country. 
 
 5. Chian Turpentine. 
 
 Terebenthine de Ohio, Fr.; Cyprischer Terpentin, Germ.; Trementina Cipria, It 
 
 This variety of turpentine is collected chiefly in the island of Chio or Sc, by 
 incisions made during the summer in the bark of Pistacia Terebinthus. The 
 juice, flowing from the wounds, falls upon smooth stones placed at the ft of 
 the tree, from which it is scraped with small sticks, and allowed to drojinto 
 bottles. The annual product of each tree is very small; and the turpeme, 
 therefore, commands a high price even in the place where it is procured, cry 
 little of it reaches this country. It is said to be frequently adulterated wii the 
 other turpentines. It is a thick, tenacious liquid, of a greenish-yellow cour, 
 a peculiar penetrating odour more agreeable than that of the other substau sof 
 the same class, and a mild taste without bitterness or acrimony. Itlemsa 
 glutinous residue when treated with strong alcohol. {Guibourt. ) On expure 
 to the air it speedily thickens, and ultimately becomes concrete and hard, i con- 
 sequence of the loss of its volatile oil. 
 
 Besides the turpentines mentioned, various others are noticed in bocs on 
 materia medica, though not found in the shops of this country. There a the 
 Strasburg turpentine, much used in France, and obtained from the Abies u-ta 
 
pat i. 
 
 TerebintJiina. 
 
 733 
 
 (A'es pedinata of De Candolle), or European silver fir, which grows on the 
 mcatains of Switzerland and Germany, and bears a close resemblance, as well 
 in :• appearance as its product, to the Abies balsamea of Canada;* the Damarra 
 tur’n/ine, which speedily concretes into a very hard resin, and is derived from 
 thePtVivs Damarra of Lambert, the Agathis Damarra of Richard, growing in 
 thodlast India islands; and the Dombeya turpentine, a glutinous, milky-looking 
 flu , of a strong odour and taste, derived from Dombeya excelsa, the Araucaria 
 Dcibeyi of Richard, which inhabits Chili, and is said to be identical with the 
 Noolk Island pine. These, with one or two other turpentines scarcely known, 
 or iving a doubtful claim to the title, are all that belong properly to this class 
 of igetable products. 
 
 ■eneral Properties. The turpentines resemble each other in odour and taste, 
 thcgh distinguished by shades of difference. Liquid at first, they become thick, 
 anqradually solid by exposure, in consequence partly of the volatilization, partly 
 of e oxidation of their essential oil. They are rendered more liquid or softened 
 by ;at, and at a high temperature take fire, burning with a white flame and much 
 sm:e. Water extracts only a minute proportion of their volatile oil. They are 
 alost wholly soluble in alcohol and ether, and readily unite with the fixed oils. 
 Th r yield by distillation a volatile oil, well known as the oil of turpentine, and 
 lea' a residue consisting exclusively of resin. (See Oleum Terebinthinae and 
 Rena.) A minute proportion of succinic acid passes over with the oil. From 
 tkexperiments of M. Faure, of Bordeaux, it appears that some of the liquid 
 tuimtines, like copaiba, may be solidified by the addition of magnesia ( Journ . 
 de him. Med., 1830, p. 94); and, according to M. Thierry, the same result is 
 obtned by the addition of one part of hydrate of lime to thirty-two parts of 
 thcommon European turpentine. (Journ. de Pharm., 3c ser., i. 315.) 
 
 ledical Properties and Uses. The effects of the turpentines upon the system 
 are ependent entirely on their volatile oil. They are stimulant, diuretic, an- 
 thcaintic, and in large doses laxative. When taken internally, or applied to 
 the kin, they communicate a violet odour to the urine, and, if continued for 
 sot time, produce an irritation of the mucous membrane of the urinary passages, 
 aimnting frequently to strangury. The last effect is less apt to be experienced 
 wbi they operate upon the bowels. Externally applied they act as rubefa- 
 cie s. Their medical virtues were known to the ancients. At present they 
 are ass used than formerly, having been superseded by their volatile oil. They 
 are however, occasionally prescribed in leucorrhoea, gleet, and other chronic 
 disses of the urinary passages ; in piles and chronic inflammation or ulceration 
 of ie bowels; in chronic catarrhal affections; and in various forms of rheuma- 
 tic especially sciatica and lumbago. The white turpentine is usually employed 
 in 'is country. 
 
 ' ley may be given in the shape of pill made with powdered liquorice root; 
 in jaulsion with gum Arabic or yolk of egg, loaf sugar, and water; or in electu- 
 ary'ormed with sugar or honey. Their dose is from a scruple to a drachm. In 
 thquantit-y of half an ounce or an ounce, triturated with the yolk of an egg, 
 am mixed with half a pint of mucilaginous liquid, they form an excellent in- 
 jec m in cases of asearides, and of constipation attended with flatulence. 
 
 ' ?his turpentine is described by Guibourt as being nearly as liquid as olive oil, at first 
 tur 1 and whitish, but becoming by filtration or long standing transparent and almost 
 col rless. Its odour is very agreeable, analogous to that of the citron, and its taste 
 moirately acrid and bitter. It dries quickly in the air, is solidified by a sixteenth of 
 ma esia, and is not entirely soluble in alcohol. It is procured, like the Canada turpen- 
 tin by incisions into the vesicles which form upon the surface of the tree, beneath the 
 ouii bark. According to Guibourt, this is the true Venice turpentine, while that described 
 ln ! text, and generally recognised by authors as Venice turpentine, is in fact the Stras- 
 bu,': (S ee Journ. de Pharm., xxv. 487 .) — Note to the eighth edition. 
 
734 
 
 Testa . — Tormentilla. 
 
 PAR' 
 
 The vapour of turpentine, employed as a vapour-bath, has recently hj 
 highly recommended in the treatment of obstinate chronic rheumatism, 
 cording to M. A. Chevandier, it is borne well for about twenty-five minu 
 at a temperature of from 140° to 160° F., producing acceleration of the pv, • 
 and copious sweating, sometimes accompanied with a confluent eruption, (d 
 Gen., 4e ser., xxviii. 80.) 
 
 Off- Prep. Ceratum Resinse Compositum ; Emplastrum Cantharidis Corr • 
 Emplastrum G-albani Comp.; Unguentum Elemi; Unguentum Infusi Can i- 
 ridis. If 
 
 TESTA. U.S 
 
 Ouster-shell. 
 
 The shells of Ostrea edulis. U. S. 
 
 Ecailles des liuitres, Ft.; Austersclialen, Germ.; Gusci della ostriclie, Ital.; Cases s, 
 Span. 
 
 The common oyster is the Ostrea edulis of naturalists, an animal belonjg 
 to the class Vermes , order Testacea. It is found in many parts of the wei, 
 and is particularly abundant on our own coast, and in the bays of our l;;e 
 rivers. It consists of a soft pulpy portion, comprising the vital organs of le 
 animal, enclosed in a hard bivalve shell, of the nature of mother-of-pearl. ie 
 flesh of the oyster forms a very digestible and nutritious article of food, part a- 
 larly suited to convalescents; but the shell only is officinal. 
 
 Properties. Oyster-shells are too familiarly known to require descripta. 
 They are made up, like other mother-of-pearl shells, of alternate layers of ea ly 
 matter, and of animal matter of the nature of coagulated albumen. Accorog 
 to the analysis of Bucholz and Brandes, their exact constituents are carbo te 
 of lime 98'6, phosphate of lime 1'2, animal matter 0'5, alumina (accider 1) 
 0'2 = 100'5. Thus it appears that the animal matter is present in but sill 
 amount. When calcined or burnt, the animal matter and carbonic acid are:s- 
 sipated, and the shells are converted into a species of lime, called oyster-shell l\t 
 
 Crabstones, called crabs’ eyes, and crabs’ claws are both forms of carbona of 
 lime, resembling oyster-shell in containing a small proportion of animal ma r. 
 They were formerly officinal in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, but were ry 
 properly omitted on the last revision of that work. They will be noticed inhe 
 Appendix. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. Oyster-shells require to be reduced to an impalpile 
 powder, before they are fit for medicinal employment; and their preparatioin 
 this way constitutes their sole pharmaceutical use. When thus prepared ey 
 form Testa Prseparata, under which head their medicinal properties wilbe 
 noticed. 
 
 Off. Prep. Testa Praeparata. 
 
 TORMENTILLA. U.S. Secondary, Load., Ed. 
 Torment'd. 
 
 The root of Potentilla Tormentilla. U. S., Ed. The rhizoma. Loud. 
 
 Tormentille, Ft.; Tormentillwurzel, Germ.; Tormentilla, ltal.; Tormentila, Span. 
 
 Potentilla. Sex. Syst. Icosandria Polygynia. — Eat. Ord. Rosace®. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx with a concave tube, a four or five-cleft limb, and foi or 
 five bractlets. Petals four or five. Stamens numerous. Carpels numerous, ith 
 a lateral style, on a procumbent, persistent, capitate, juiceless receptacle, ed 
 appended. Herbs or undershrubs, with compound leaves, stipules adnatetiie 
 petiole, and white, yellow, rarely red flowers. ( De Candolle.) 
 
PA]' I. 
 
 Tormentilla . — Toxicodendron. 
 
 735 
 
 i t.entilla Tormentilla. Sibthorp. FI. Ox. 162; Lindley, Flor. Med. 225. — 
 Tmentilla erecta. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1112; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 503, t. 
 1 8 p| — T 7 . officinalis. Smith, Flor. Brit. The tormentil, or septfoil, is a small 
 pennial plant, very common throughout Europe. The stems, which rise about 
 six • eight inches in height from a woody root, are slender, more or less erect, 
 braihing towards the top, and furnished with sessile leaves, which on the stalk 
 usuly consist of seven, on the branches of five, digitate, elliptical, villous, deeply 
 sen ed leaflets, three of which are larger than the others. The flowers are 
 sma, yellow, and solitary upon axillary peduncles. All parts of the plant are 
 astrgent, especially the root, which is the part employed. It is gathered in 
 sprip 
 
 loperties. The root of tormentil is cylindrical or roundish, rather larger 
 abo than at the lower extremity, an inch or two in length, about as thick as 
 the Qger, knotty, sometimes contorted, brown or blackish externally, and red- 
 dislrithin. It has a slight aromatic odour, and a very astringent taste. Tan- 
 nin an abundant constituent. There is also a red colouring principle, soluble 
 inaohol, but insoluble in water. Besides these ingredients Meissner found 
 resi cerin, myricin, gummy extractive, gum, extractive, lignin, water, and a 
 trac'of volatile oil. The root is said to be used for tanning leather in the 
 Orksys and Western Islands of Scotland, and for staining leather red by the 
 Lap nders. It yields all its medical virtues to boiling water. 
 
 ildical Properties and Uses. Tormentil is a simple and powerful astringent, 
 app able to all cases of disease in which this class of medicines is indicated. We 
 seldn, however, employ it in this country, having indigenous plants of equal 
 virt:. It may be given in substance, decoction, or extract. The dose of the 
 pow ;r is from thirty grains to a drachm. 
 
 (’. Prep. Decoctum Tormentillae; Pulvis Cretre Compositus. W. 
 
 TOXICODENDRON. U. S. Secondary. 
 
 Poison-oak. 
 
 I; leaves of Rhus Toxicodendron. U. S. 
 
 S iach veneneux, Fr.; Gift-Sumach, Germ.; Albero del veleno, Ital. 
 
 I us. See RHUS GLABRUM. 
 
 I mitting,as appears generally to be done at present, that Rhus Toxicodendron 
 and ’A us radicans of Linnaeus are mere varieties of the same plant, there are 
 tbre indigenous species of Rhus which possess poisonous properties — the one 
 abo’ mentioned, R. vernix, commonly known by the name of swamp sumach 
 or fson sumach, and R. pumilum of the Southern States. Though the first 
 onlj s designated in the Pharmacopoeia, we shall briefly describe the three spe- 
 cies as their medical effects are probably similar, and their operation upon the 
 syst i such that the plants should be known to every practitioner. 
 
 1 Rlius radicans. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1481; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. iii. 17. 
 — 1 Toxicodendron. Pursh, FI. Am. Sept. p. 205. Though Elliott and Nuttall 
 com er R. radicans and R. Toxicodendron as distinct species, the weight of 
 botacal authority is on the other side, and Bigelow declares that he has “fre- 
 que y observed individual shoots from the same stock, having the characters 
 of 1 ,h varieties.” The difference, however, in their appearance is sufficiently 
 stril ig to have led to the adoption of different common names, R. radicans being 
 usu: y called poison vine, and R. Toxicodendron, poison oak. The former ha 3 
 a cl bing stem, rising to a great height upon trees, rocks, and other objects, to 
 whi; it adheres by strong rooting fibres, which it throws out from its sides. The 
 leat , which stand upon long footstalks, are ternate, with broad-ovate or rhom- 
 boic , acute leaflets, smooth and shining on both sides, sometimes slightly hairy 
 
736 
 
 Toxicodendron. 
 
 pak 
 
 on the reins beneath, entire, or irregularly lobecl and toothed. The flowers e 
 small, greenish-white, dioecious, and grow in lateral, usually axillary panicle ,r 
 compound racemes. The male flowers have five stamens, and the rudiment jf 
 a style; the female, which are of only half the size and on a different plant, i e 
 abortive stamens, and a short erect style, standing on a roundish germ, and r- 
 minating in three stigmas. The fruit consists of roundish, pale-green or wh ;h 
 berries. 
 
 R. Toxicodendron, or poison-oak, has the form of a shrub from one to tie 
 feet high, with leaflets angularly indented, and pubescent beneath. But is 
 character of the foliage is probably not constant; and the stunted growth iy 
 be owing to peculiarities of situation. Dr. Bigelow states that the young pi ts 
 of R. radicans do not put forth rooting fibres until they are several years old id 
 that they are influenced in this respect by the contiguity of supporting obj 5 . 
 
 This species of Rhus grows in woods, fields, and along fences from Canac to 
 Georgia. It flowers in June and July. When wounded, it emits a milky j -e, 
 which becomes black on exposure to the air, and leaves upon linen or other ■ th 
 a stain, which cannot afterwards be removed by washing with soap and wat< or 
 by alcohol either hot or cold, but deepens by age. It has been proposed ran 
 indelible ink. Ether dissolves it. 
 
 The juice applied to the skin frequently produces inflammation and vesica n; 
 and the same poisonous property is possessed by a volatile principle which esAes 
 from the plant itself, and produces in certain persons when they come in' its 
 vicinity an exceedingly troublesome erysipelatous affection, particularly 0 he 
 face. Itching, redness, a sense of burning, tumefaction, vesication, and ultiite 
 desquamation, are some of the attendants of this poisonous action. The sweng 
 of the face is sometimes so great as almost entirely to obliterate the feates. 
 The effects are experienced soon after exposure, and usually begin to deine 
 within a week. A light cooling regimen, with saline purgatives, and the cal 
 use of cold lead-water, are the best remedies. All persons are not equally ;ble 
 to the affection, and the great majority are wholly insusceptible of it fromny 
 ordinary exposure. 
 
 2. Rhus vernix. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1479; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. 96. 
 The swamp sumach is a beautiful shrub or small tree, usually ten or fifteei’eet 
 high, but sometimes rising thirty feet. The bark of the trunk is dark-gr;, of 
 the branches lighter, of the extreme twigs and petioles beautifully red. The 
 leaves are pinnate, with four or five pairs of opposite leaflets, and an odd ter nal 
 one. These are oblong or oval, entire or slightly sinuated, acuminate, smth, 
 and, except the one at the end, nearly sessile. The flowers, as in the precing 
 species, are dioecious. They are very small, greenish, and arranged in >ose 
 axillary panicles. The berries are small, roundish, and greenish-white. 
 
 The tree grows in swamps and low grounds, from Canada to Carolimand 
 flowers in June and July. It is thought to be identical with a species of bus 
 which grows in Japan, and furnishes a fine black varnish, much used irthat 
 country. Dr. Bigelow found that the opaque whitish juice which exudesrom 
 our native plant when wouuded, and which becomes permanently black c ex- 
 posure, may be made to afford a brilliant, glossy, durable varnish, by bong 
 sufficiently before applying it. 
 
 Rhus vernix produces, much more powerfully than R. radicans, the poinons 
 effects already^ described. Persons coming within its influence are mucboore 
 apt to be affected with the poison, and generally suffer more severely. The bote 
 body is sometimes enormously swollen, and the patient for many days seedy 
 able to move; but the complaint almost always spontaneously subsides waout 
 destroying life. As in the former instance, the susceptibility to the influev of 
 the poison is exceedingly various, and some persons handle the plant with jxfect 
 impunity. 
 
PAE L 
 
 Toxicodendron . — Tragacantha. 
 
 737 
 
 8 Rhuspumilum. Michaux, Flor. Americ. i. 182. This is a southern species, 
 grong in upper Carolina, and not more than a foot in height. It is characterized 
 by i pubescent branches and petioles; its pinnate leaves, with many pairs of 
 ovahearly acuminate, incised-dentate leaflets, downy beneath; and by its silky 
 fruit According to Pursh, it is the most poisonous of the genus. 
 
 Its probable that all parts of Rhus radicans (R. Toxicodendron) are possessed 
 of a< ve properties; but the leaves only are directed in the Pharmacopoeia, under 
 the le of Toxicodendron. These are inodorous, have a mawkish acrid taste, 
 and eld their virtues to water. The presence of tannic and gallic acids has 
 beenletected in them. 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. These leaves appear to be stimulant and narcotic, 
 prodfing when swallowed more or less irritation of the stomach and bowels, and 
 pronting the secretory function of the skin and kidneys. Orfila found them to 
 act i the manner of the acrid poisons, and to produce a stupefying effect upon 
 the irvous system. They were successfully used by Du Fresnoy, in France, in 
 the ere of obstinate cutaneous diseases. Dr. Anderson, of Hull, in England, 
 effecd cures with the medicine in several cases of palsy. A sense of heat and 
 priclig, with irregular twitchings, was excited by it in the affected parts. Dr. 
 Horseld, and other physicians of this country, have used it in consumption and 
 drop , but with little success. 
 
 T1 dose of the leaves recommended by Dr. Anderson was half a grain or a 
 grairhree times a day; but this is much too small. Dr. Duncan gave them in 
 large doses, with little other than a laxative .effect. Dr. Horsfield administered 
 a teaipful of the strong infusion without disadvantage. In France, the extract 
 isrecnmended in doses of fifteen or twenty grains, repeated two or three times 
 a da; and gradually increased to one or two drachms. Some of Du Fresnoy’s 
 paties took an ounce without effect. The probability is, that the active prin- 
 ciple, volatile, and that the extract is less efficient than the leaves themselves. 
 The k of experiencing the poisonous effects of the plant upon the system, will 
 probdy prevent its extensive employment as a remedy, unless it should prove 
 muclnore useful than the trials hitherto made give us reason to expect. 
 
 W. 
 
 TKAGACANTHA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 Tragacanth. 
 
 Th concrete juice of Astragalus verus. U. S. Juice exuded from the bark, 
 hardffed in the air. Lond. Gummy exudation from Astragalus gummifer and 
 probe y A. verus, and other species. Ed. Astragalus gummifer. The gummy 
 exud; on. Dub. 
 
 Go ne Adraganthe, Fr. ; Tragant .Germ.; Dragante, Ital.; Gomo tragacanto, Span. 
 
 As iagalus. Sex. Syst. Diadelphia Decandria. — Nat. Ord. Fabaceae or Le- 
 gumi sae. 
 
 Go Ch. Legume two-celled, more or less gibbous, with the lower suture 
 turne inwards. Carina blunt. Loudon s Encyc. of Plants. 
 
 Nu erous species belonging to this genus yield a gummy matter having the 
 propc:ies of tragacanth. The drug known in commerce by that name was at 
 first c oneously supposed to be obtained from A. Tragacantha of Linnaeus (A. 
 mass^nsis of Lamarck), which grows in the South of Europe and North of Africa, 
 and ii iow said to yield no gum. It was afterwards ascribed, on the authority of 
 loun :ort, to a species (A. Creticus of Lamarck) which grows in Crete and Ionia, 
 and, '| that of Olivier, to A. verus , which inhabits Asia Minor, Armenia, and 
 Aortl n Persia. Labillardibre described a species by the name of A. gummifer, 
 whiet lejound growing on Mount Libanus in Syria, and from which tragacanth 
 
738 
 
 Tragacantha. 
 
 pah 
 
 exudes, though not that of commerce. Sieber denies that any one of these 3 . 
 cies yields the officinal tragacanth, which he ascribes to A. aristotus gnn » 
 in Anatolia, especially upon Mount Ida, where the gum is most abundantly \. 
 lected. This plant, however, is not the A. aristatus of Villars, which, accorog 
 to Sibthorp, furnishes tragacanth in Greece. (Mrrot and De Lens.) Profor 
 Lindley received two specimens of plants, said to be those which furnish tra- 
 canth in Turkistan, one of which proved to be A. gummifer of Labillard e, 
 which was said to yield a white variety, and the other a new species whic- ie 
 called A. strobififerus, and which was said to yield a red and inferior proct. 
 The fact seems to be, that the commercial drug is collected from various souis; 
 and it is affirmed that all the species of Astragalus with thorny petioles are ca- 
 ble of producing it. These form a natural group, and so closely resemble :h 
 other that botanists have found some difficulty in distinguishing them. A I. 
 verus is designated in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States, and that ot he 
 London College, we shall briefly describe it. 
 
 Astragalus verus. Olivier, Voy. dans V Empire Ottoman , v. 342, pi. 1 . 
 This is a small shrub, not more than two or three feet high, with a stem an eh 
 in thickness, and numerous very closely crowded branches, covered with iiri- 
 cated scales, and spines which are the remains of former petioles. The less, 
 which are little more than half an inch long, consist of several pairs of oppUe, 
 villous, stiff, pointed leaflets, with a midrib terminating in a sharp yellash 
 point. The flowers are papilionaceous, small, yellow, axillary, aggregate nd 
 furnished with cottony bractes. This species yields the gum collected in P< ia, 
 and thence transmitted southward to India through Bagdad and Bassora, nth- 
 ward to Russia, and westward to Aleppo. 
 
 Tragacanth exudes spontaneously during the summer from the stems.nd 
 branches, hardening as it exudes, and assuming various forms according tithe 
 greater or less abundance of the juice. 
 
 Properties. It is in tortuous vermicular filaments, rounded or flattened, tied 
 up or extended, of a whitish or yellowish-white colour, somewhat transient, 
 resembling horn in appearance. Sometime^ the pieces are irregularly oblo: or 
 roundish, and of a slightly reddish colour. It is hard and more or less frile, 
 but difficult of pulverization, unless exposed to a freezing temperatui or 
 thoroughly dried, and powdered in a heated mortar. The powder is verfine 
 and white. Tragacanth has no smell and very little taste. Its sp.gr. is 1 84. 
 Introduced into water it absorbs ascertain proportion of that liquid, swelbery 
 much, and forms a soft adhesive paste, but does not dissolve. If agitatecbth 
 an additional quantity of water, this paste forms a uniform mixture; but the 
 course of one or two days the greater part separates, and is deposited, leavg a 
 portion dissolved in the supernatant fluid. Tragacanth is wholly insolue ia 
 alcohol. It appears to be composed of two different constituents, one solue in 
 water and resembling gum Arabic, the other swelling iu water, but not d olv- 
 ing. The former is said to differ from gum Arabic in affording no prec-'tate 
 with silicate of potassa or sesquic-hloride of iron. ( Pereira's Mat. Mol.) The 
 latter, which, according to Bueholz, constitutes 43 per cent, of tragac-au, is 
 ranked by some among the peculiar proximate principles with the title of vja- 
 canthin. It is probably identical with bassorin. It has the property of beeamg 
 blue with iodine, which is not the case with bassoriu ; but this proptj 
 ascribed to the presence of a small quantity of insoluble starch. Accorog to 
 M. Guerin, 100 parts of tragacanth contain 533 parts of arabin or purerum, 
 33T of bassorin and insoluble starch, and 11 1 of water, and yield when lrned 
 2 5 parts of ashes. To separate the soluble entirely from the insoluble pt, re- 
 quires agitation with separate portions of water, which are to be decant and 
 filtered; and the process is to be continued till water ceases to dissolve amUDg. 
 
PAP I. 
 
 Tragacantha. — Triosteum . — Ulmus. 
 
 739 
 
 Ber lius considers tragacanth as a variety of mucilage. (See Linum.) Ex- 
 arniid by Dr. Kiitzing, by means of the microscope, it was found to consist of 
 orgaized cells, having thick walls sometimes of several concentric layers, and 
 filleiwith starch granules. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxv. 87.) 
 
 Aiical Properties and Uses. Tragacanth is demulcent, but, on account of its 
 diffidt solubility, is not often given internally. The great viscidity which it 
 imp:ts to water, renders it useful for the suspension of heavy insoluble powders; 
 and is also employed in pharmacy to impart consistence to troches, for which 
 it anvers better than gum Arabic. 
 
 C. Prep. Confectio Opii; Mucilago Tragacanth* ; Pilulae Ferri Iodidi; 
 Pubs Tragacanth* Compositus. W. 
 
 TRIOSTEUM. TJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Fever-root. 
 
 T root of Triosteum perfoliatum. U. S. 
 
 Tosteum. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Caprifoliace*. 
 
 Gi.Ch. Calyx five-cleft, persistent, nearly the length of the corolla; seg- 
 men linear, acute. Corolla tubular, five-lobed, sub-equal; base, nectariferous, 
 gibbis. Stiyma somewhat five-lobed, capitate. Berry three-celled, three-seeded, 
 crowed with the calyx. Nuttatt. 
 
 Tosteum perfoliatum. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 990; Bigelow, Am. Afcd. Bot. 
 i. 90 Barton, Ahd. Bot. i. -59. This plant is indigenous and perennial. Several 
 stem usually rise from the same root. They are simple, erect, round, hairy, 
 fistups, herbaceous, and from one to four feet high. The leaves are opposite, 
 large, mostly connate, oval, acuminate, entire, abruptly narrowed at the base, 
 and ibescent on their under surface. The flowers are of a dull-purple colour, 
 axilly, sessile, rarely solitary, sometimes in pairs, generally in triplets or five 
 togeier in the form of whorls. The germ is inferior, and the style projects 
 beyo 1 the corolla, into the tube of which the stamens are inserted. The berry 
 is ov, and of a deep-orange colour, and contains three hard, bony seeds. 
 
 Fy.r-root, fever- wort, or wild ipecac, as this plant is variously called, though 
 not ry abundant, is found in most parts of the United States, preferring a 
 limeMne soil and shady situations. Its flowers appear in June. The whole 
 plan) as a bitter taste; but the root is most active, and is the only officinal part. 
 
 It ji horizontal, long, about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, thicker 
 and (berculated near the origin of the stem, of a yellowish or brownish colour 
 extei illy, whitish within, and furnished with fibres which may be considered 
 as br ches of the main root. When dry it is brittle and easily pulverized. It 
 bas sickening odour, and a bitter nauseous taste. Both water and alcohol take 
 up it active properties, which are retained in the extract. 
 
 M ical Properties and Uses. Fever-root is cathartic, and in large doses emetic. 
 The 1 e Professor Barton observed it also to produce a diuretic effect. The bark 
 of th root is the part which has been usually employed. In the quantity of 
 tweu or thirty grains it ordinarily acts upon the bowels; and may be given 
 alonqr in combination with calomel at the commencement of fevers. The ex- 
 tract ay be given in half the dose. W. 
 
 ULMUS. Loud. 
 
 Elm Baric. 
 
 i 
 
 El as campestris. The interior bark. Lend. 
 
 Ec' 1 e d’orme, Fr.; Ulmenrinde, Germ..; Scorza del olma, Ital.; Corteza de olmo, Span. 
 
 bi us. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Digynia. — Nat. Ord. Ulmace*. 
 
740 
 
 Ulmus. 
 
 PA] I. 
 
 Gen.Ch. Calyx five-cleft. Corolla none. Capsule (samara) compressed i m- 
 branaceous. Willd. 
 
 Ulmus campestris. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1324; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 71 t. 
 242. This species of elm is characterized by its doubly serrate leaves, uncial 
 at their base, by its nearly sessile, clustered, pentandrous flowers, and its sd ith 
 fruit. It is a large tree, with strong spreading branches, and a rough, erred 
 bark. It is a native of Europe, where the wood is highly esteemed for cf tin 
 purposes in the arts. 
 
 The inner bark of its young branches, which is the oflicinal portion, is in, 
 tough, of a brownish-yellow colour, inodorous, and of a mucilaginous, bittsh, 
 and very slightly astringent taste. It imparts to water its taste and mueij in- 
 ous properties. The tincture of iodine indicates the presence of starch nd 
 Davy found somewhat more than two per cent, of tannin. A peculiar vegc ble 
 principle called ulmin or ulmic acid, now believed to be a constituent of ost 
 barks, was first discovered in the matter which spontaneously exudes frorthe 
 bark of the European elm. It is a dark-brown almost black substance, wiout 
 smell or taste, insoluble in cold water, sparingly soluble in boiling water ' ich 
 it colours yellowish-brown, soluble in alcohol, and readily dissolved by all ine 
 solutions. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The bark of the European elm is demu nt, 
 and very feebly tonic and astringent, and is said also to be diuretic. It haseen 
 recommended in cutaneous affections of the leprous character. Dr. Sigrnd 
 speaks in strong terms of its efficacy in all the varieties of lepra, in lichous 
 eruptions, and in tinea capitis, employed both internally and externally. ( liko - 
 Bot. Trans., i. 169.) It is usually given in the form of decoction, and in cbnic 
 cases must be long continued to produce beneficial results. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Ulmi. 
 
 ULMUS. U.S. 
 
 Slippery Elm Bark. 
 
 The inner bark of Ulmus fulva. U.S. 
 
 Ulmus. See ULMUS. Bond. 
 
 Ulmus fulva. Michaux, Flor. Americ. i. 172. — Ulmus rubra. F. Airev 
 Michaux, N. Am. Sylv. iii. 89. The slippery elm, called also red elm, is tofty 
 tree, rising fifty or sixty feet in height, with a stem fifteen or twenty incs in 
 diameter. The bark of the trunk is brown, that of the branches rougand 
 whitish. The leaves are oblong-ovate, acuminate, nearly equal at the ba; un- 
 equally serrate, pubescent and very rough on both sides, four or five incs m 
 length by two or three in breadth, and supported on short footstalks. Tie 
 buds, a fortnight before their development, are covered with a dense use: 
 down. The flowers, which appear before the leaves, are sessile, and in c-sters 
 at the extremity of the young shoots. The bunches of flowers are summed 
 by scales, which are downy like the buds. The calyx also is downy. Treis 
 no corolla. The stamens are five in number, short, and of a pale-rose lour. 
 The fruit is a membranaceous capsule or samara, enclosing in the midi: one 
 round seed, destitute of fringe. 
 
 This species of elm is indigenous, growing in all parts of the United fates 
 north of Carolina, but most abundantly west of the Alleghauy mountaii b 
 flourishes in open, elevated situations, and requires a firm, dry soil. Fm the 
 white elm, U. Americana , it is distinguished by its rough branches, its rgcr, 
 thicker, and rougher leaves, its downy buds, and the character of its flowc ana 
 seeds. Its period of flowering is in April. The inner bark is the parusea, 
 and is brought to the shops separated from the epidermis. 
 
PAB I. 
 
 Ulmus . — Uva Passa. 
 
 741 
 
 Its in long, nearly flat pieces, from one to two lines in thickness, of a fibrous 
 text’e, a tawny colour which is reddish on the inner surface, a peculiar sweetish, 
 not apleasant odour, and a highly mucilaginous taste when chewed. By grind- 
 ing,!; is reduced to a light, grayish fawn-coloured powder. It abounds in mu- 
 cilagious matter, which it readily imparts to water. The mucilage is precipi- 
 tately solutions of acetate and subacetate of lead, but not by alcohol. 
 
 Mch of the bark recently brought into the market is of inferior quality, im- 
 part g comparatively little mucilage to water. It has the characteristic odour 
 of tl; genuine bark, but is much less fibrous and more brittle, breaking abruptly 
 whebent, instead of being capable, like the better kind, of being folded length- 
 wise/ithout breaking. To what this inferiority is owing, whether to difference 
 in tl species or the age, or to circumstances in the growth of the tree producing 
 it, vare unable to determine. 
 
 D C. W. Wright, of Cincinnati, in a communication to the Western Lancet, 
 state that slippery elm bark has the property of preserving fatty substances 
 fronrancidity ; a fact derived originally from the Indians, who prepared bears’ 
 fat l melting it with the bark, in the proportion of a drachm of the latter to a 
 pour of the former, keeping them heated together for a few minutes, and then 
 straing off the fat. Dr. Wright tried the same process with butter and lard, 
 and rand them to remain perfectly sweet for a long time. (. Am . Journ. of 
 Phan., xxiv. 180.) 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Slippery elm bark is an excellent demulcent, 
 appl able to all cases in which this class of medicines is employed. It is espe- 
 ciall Recommended in dysentery, diarrhoea, and diseases of the urinary passages. 
 Like he bark of the common European elm, it has been employed in cutaneous 
 erupras; but neither in these, nor in any other complaints, does it probably 
 exerfmy greater powers than such as belong to the demulcents generally. Its 
 mucige is highly nutritious; and we are told that it has proved sufficient for 
 the pport of life in the absence of other food. The instance of a soldier is 
 men >ned, who lived for ten days in the woods on this bark and sassafras; and 
 the .dians are said to resort to it for nutriment in extreme emergencies. 
 
 It usually employed as a drink in the form of infusion. (See Infusum Ulmi.) 
 The )wder may be used, stirred in hot water, with which it forms a mucilage, 
 moror less thick according to the proportion added. The bark also serves as 
 an eminent application in cases of external inflammation. For this purpose the 
 powilr may be formed into a poultice with hot water, or the bark itself may be 
 appl 1, previously softened by boiling. Dr. McDowell, of Virginia, has recom- 
 memd the use of slippery elm bark for the dilatation of fistulas and strictures. 
 (Me( Examiner, i. 244, from the West. Journ. of Med. and Pliys. Sci .) 
 
 Oi Prep. Infusum Ulmi. W. 
 
 UYA PASSA. U.S. 
 
 Raisins. 
 
 Tl dried fruit of Vitis vinifera. U. S. 
 
 L Syn. UVA. Vitis vinifera. The prepared fruit. LoruL; UVAE PASSiE. 
 Dne fruit of Vitis vinifera. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Ri ins secs, Fr.; Rosinen, Germ.; Uve passe, Ital.; Pasas, Span. 
 
 • "V ts. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Mat. Ord. Vitaceae. 
 
 G . Ch. Petals cohering at the apex, withering. Berry five-seeded, superior. 
 Will 
 
 1 $ vinifera. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1180; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 144, t. 57. 
 Ike ue is too well known to require description. This particular species is 
 
742 
 
 Uva Passa. 
 
 PAJ (, 
 
 distinguished by the character of its leaf, which is lobed, sinuated, and nod 
 or downy. The leaves and tendrils are somewhat astringent, and were fonrly 
 used in diarrhoea, hemorrhages, and other morbid discharges. The juice w h 
 flows from the stem was also thought to be possessed of medicinal virtues, d 
 the prejudice still lingers among the vulgar in some countries. The uc« 
 fruit has a harsh sour taste, and yields by expression a very acid liquor, c; d 
 verjuice, which was much esteemed by the ancients as a refreshing drink, \ ; q 
 diluted with water. It contains malic and tartaric acids, and another calle )y 
 some chemists racemic acid, by Berzelius paratartaric acid, from its resembl ee 
 to the tartaric, with which it agrees in composition, though differing from in 
 properties. The grape, when quite ripe, is among the most pleasant andgra 'ul 
 fruits brought upon the table, and is admirably adapted, by its refreshing o- 
 perties, to febrile complaints. If largely taken, it proves diuretic and gt ly 
 laxative. The ripe fruit differs from the unripe in containing more sugar id 
 less acid, though never entirely destitute of the latter. The plant is supped 
 to have been derived originally from Asia; but it has been cultivated in Erpe 
 aud Northern Africa from the remotest antiquity, and is now spread ove all 
 the temperate civilized regions of the globe. The fruit is exceedingly influe ed 
 by soil and climate, and the varieties which have resulted from culture or sia- 
 tion are innumerable. Those which yield the raisins of commerce are coned 
 to the basin of the Mediterranean. 
 
 Raisins are prepared either by partially cutting the stalks of the buries 
 before the grapes are perfectly ripe, and allowing them to dry upon the \e; 
 or by picking them in their mature state, and steeping them for a short ne 
 previously to desiccation in an alkaline ley. Those cured by the first me od 
 are most highly esteemed. 
 
 Several varieties of raisins are known in commerce. The best of those brqbt 
 to this country are the Malaga raisins, imported from Spain. They are - ge 
 and fleshy, of a purplish-brown colour, and sweet agreeable taste. Those re- 
 duced in Calabria are similar. The Smyrna raisins are also large, but of t el- 
 lowish-brown colour, slightly musky odour, and less agreeable flavour, ley 
 are originally brought from the coast of Syria. The Corinthian raisins, ow- 
 rants as they are commonly called in this country, are small, bluish-black, f a 
 fatty appearance, with a vinous odour, and a sweet slightly tartish taste, heir 
 name was derived from the city in the vicinity of which they were formerl cul- 
 tivated. At present they are procured chiefly from Zante, Cephalonia, anthe 
 other Ionian Islands. In the older Pharmacopoeias they are (listinguishc by 
 the title of uvse passee minores. 
 
 Raisins contain a larger proportion of sugar than recent grapes. This rin- 
 ciple, indeed, is often so abundant that it effloresces on the surface, or conotes 
 in separate masses within the substance of the raisin. The sugar of gip® 
 differs slightly from that of the caue, and is said to be identical with thaore- 
 duced by the action of sulphuric acid upon starch. It is less sweet than coinon 
 sugar, less soluble in cold water, much less soluble in alcohol, and forms a rep 
 of less consistence. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The chief medical use of raisins is to fl our 
 demulcent beverages. Taken in substance they are gently laxative ; bt are 
 also flatulent and difficult of digestion, and, wheu largely eaten, sometimeero- 
 duce unpleasant effects, especially in children. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Guaiaci; Decoctum Hordei Compositum ; Mistui Al- 
 thaeas; Tinctura Cardamomi Composita; Tiuctura Quassim Comp.; Tittura 
 Rhei et Sennae; Tinctura Senuae Comp. 
 
PAI 1 I. 
 
 Uva Ur si. 
 
 743 
 
 UVA URSI. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Uca Ur si. 
 
 fie leaves of Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi. U. S-, Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Ejserole, Raisin d’ours, Ft.; Biirentraube, Germ.; Corbezzolo, Uva Ursina, Ital. ; 
 Gay ia. Span. 
 
 1 'ctostaphylos. Sex. Syst. Decandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Ericaceae. 
 
 (}n. Oh. Drupe with five distinct, one-seeded stones. Corolla urceolate, with 
 are lute limb. Stamens included. Anthers with two spurs at the back. (Lindley, 
 Meaand AEcon. Dot., 106.) 
 
 Atostophylos Uva Ursi. Sprengel, Syst. ii. 287; Carson, Illust. of Med.Bot. 
 i. 6*1. 5 "2. — Arbutus Uva Ursi. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 618; Bigelow, Am. Med. 
 Bot'. 66. The uva ursi, or bearberry, is a low evergreen shrub, with trailing 
 stent the young branches of which rise obliquely upwards for a few inches. The 
 leavi are scattered upon short petioles, obovate, acute at the base, entire, with a 
 routed margin, thick, coriaceous, smooth, shining, of a deep-green colour ou 
 theiupper surface, paler and covered with a network of veins beneath. The 
 flow;s, which stand on short reflexed peduncles, are collected in small clusters 
 at t ends of the branches. The calyx is small, five-parted, of a reddish colour, 
 andjjersistent. The corolla is ovate or urceolate; reddish- white, or white with 
 a re lip, transparent at the base, contracted at the mouth, and divided at the 
 marlin into five short reflexed segments. The stamens are ten, with short fila- 
 mer and bifid anthers; the germ round, with a style longer than the stamens, 
 and simple stigma. The fruit is a small, round, depressed, smooth, glossy, red 
 ben containing an insipid mealy pulp, and five cohering seeds. 
 
 fils humble but hardy shrub inhabits the northern latitudes of Europe, Asia, 
 and merica. It is also found in the lofty mountains of Southern Europe, such 
 as fi; Pyrenees and the Alps; and, on the American continent, extends from 
 Hunn’s Bay as far southward as New Jersey, in some parts of which it grows 
 in gat abundance. It prefers a barren soil, flourishing on gravelly hills, and 
 elev ed sandy plains. The leaves are the only part used in medicine. They 
 are ported from Europe; but are also collected within our own limits; and the 
 mar :t of Philadelphia is supplied to a considerable extent from New Jersey. 
 The should be gathered in autumn, and the green leaves only selected. 
 
 I [Europe the uva ursi is often adulterated with the leaves of Vaccinium Vitis 
 Ihc, which are wholly destitute of its peculiar properties, and may be distin- 
 guis id by their rounder shape, their revolute edges which are sometimes slightly 
 tooted, and the appearance of their under surface, which is dotted, instead of 
 beitj reticulated as in the genuine leaf. Leaves of the Chimaphila umbellata 
 are metimes found among the uva ursi as it exists in our markets. They may 
 be l dily detected by their greater length, their cuneiform-lanceolate shape, and 
 thei'-errate edges. 
 
 Ib leaves of the uva ursi are inodorous when fresh, but acquire a smell not 
 unli ; that of hay when dried and powdered. Their taste is bitterish, strongly 
 astrgent, and ultimately sweetish. They afford a light-brown, greenish-yellow 
 power. Water extracts their active principles, which are also soluble in officinal 
 alcoSil. Among their ingredients are tannic and gallic acids, bitter extractive, 
 resi gum, fatty matter, a volatile oil, and salts of potassa and lime. The tannic 
 acid i so abundant that the leaves are used for tanning in some parts of Russia. 
 
 Nei 
 
 Ida. 
 
 r this principle nor gallic acid exists in the leaves of the Vaccinium Vitis 
 A crystallizable principle was extracted from uva ursi by Mr. J. 0. C. 
 Huj es, by the following process. An aqueous extract of the leaves was treated 
 witl itrong alcohol, and submitted for twenty-four hours to the action of purified 
 
744 
 
 Uva Ursi . — Valeriana. 
 
 par:, 
 
 animal charcoal. The tincture was filtered and evaporated, and the resi 3 
 redissolved in alcohol and treated with animal charcoal as before. After filtrat 
 the liquid was allowed to evaporate spontaneously, and yielded colourless, tr; - 
 parent, needle-shaped crystals, soluble in alcohol, ether, and dilute acids, insolie 
 in the fixed and volatile oils, neutral to test-paper, and combustible. Its wai j 
 solution is precipitated by subacetate of lead and carbonate of potassa, but t 
 by lime-water, or tincture of chloride of iron. One grain of it acted as a powe J 
 diuretic. Mr. Hughes proposed for this substance the name of ursin. (Am.Jor. 
 of Pharm., xix. 90.) Kawalier obtained a crystalline substance, named arhu •, 
 by precipitating the decoction with acetate of lead, filtering, treating the lied 
 with sulphuretted hydrogen, again filtering, evaporating to the consistence if 
 syrup, and allowing the resulting product to stand for several days. Thisgra- 
 ally assumed the form of a crystalline jelly, which, being placed upon line 0 
 as to allow the mother liquor to drain off, and then pressed, yielded nearly col r- 
 less crystals, which were purified by solution in boiling water, and treatment'll 
 animal charcoal. Arbutin thus obtained is in long, acicular, colourless crys s, 
 united in tufts, and of a bitter taste. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and et r, 
 unchanged apparently by a heat of 2 1 ' 2 °, but fusible at a high temperature, witlit 
 action on vegetable colours, and not precipitated by sesquisalts of iron, ony 
 acetate or subacetate of lead. Its formula is C 32 H„ 4 0 21 . ( Chem . Gaz., Feb. 5 , 
 1853, p. 61.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Uva ursi is astringent and tonic, and is tbout 
 by some to have a specific direction to the urinary organs, for the complaint^ 
 which it is chiefly used. Others deny that, it possesses any peculiar tendencof 
 this kind, and ascribe all its effects to its astringent and tonic action. It a rs 
 the colour of the urine, and its astringent principle has been detected in at 
 secretion. It probably, therefore, exerts a direct influence on the kidneys id 
 urinary passages. Though known to the ancients, it had passed into all st 
 entire neglect, till its use was revived by De Haen about the middle of the st 
 century. It has acquired some reputation as an antilithic, and has undoubt ly 
 been serviceable in gravel, partly, perhaps, by a direct action on the kidrs, 
 partly by giving tone to the digestive organs, and preventing the aceumukon 
 of principles calculated to produce a secretion or precipitation of calculous ma?r. 
 In chronic nephritis it is also a popular remedy, and is particularly reconmieied 
 when there is reason to conjecture the existence of ulceration in the kidrrs, 
 bladder, or urinary’ passages. Diabetes, catarrh of the bladder, ineontinemof 
 urine, gleet, leucorrhcea, and menorrhagia, are also among the diseases in wch 
 it has occasionally proved serviceable; and testimony is not wanting to its he- 
 ficial effects in phthisis pulmonalis. Dr. E. G. Harris, of Fayette, Alabia, 
 believes it to have the property of promoting uterine contraction, and hasm- 
 ployed it with supposed advantage as a substitute for ergot in tedious labers. 
 (Med. Exam., N. S., ix. 727, from South. Med. and Surg. Journ.) These 
 of the powder is from a scruple to a drachm, to be repeated three or four ties 
 a day; but the form of decoction is usually preferred. (See Decoctum l use l <•) 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Uvas Ursi; Extractuin Uvae Ursi. 
 
 VALERIANA. U. S., Land., Ed., Dub. 
 Valerian. 
 
 The root of Valeriana officinalis. U. S-, Ed. Root of the wild plant. L d., 
 Pub. ... . , 
 
 Valtiriane, Fr.; Wilde Baldrianwurzel, Germ.; Valeriana silvestre, It al.; Valeris n!- 
 vestre, Span. 
 
 Valeriana. Sex. Sgst. Triandria Monogynia. — Eat. Ord. Valerianace 
 
PAB I. 
 
 Valeriana. 
 
 745 
 
 (n. Ch. Calyx very small, finally enlarged into a feathery pappus. Corolla 
 monoetalous, five-lobed, regular, gibbous at the base. Capsule one-celled. (Lou- 
 don Encyc. of Plants . ) Stamens exserted, one, two, three, and four. (Nutt all.') 
 
 1 \eriana officinalis. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 177; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 77, t. 
 32. The officinal, or great icild valerian, is a large handsome herbaceous plant, 
 with, perennial root, and an erect, round, channeled stem, from two to four feet 
 high urnished with opposite pinnate leaves, and terminatinginfloweringbranc-hes. 
 The saves of the stem are attached by short broad sheaths, the radical leaves are 
 large and stand on long footstalks. In the former the leaflets are lanceolate and 
 partly dentate, in the latter elliptical and deeply serrate. The flowers are small, 
 whit or rose-coloured, agreeably odorous, and disposed in terminal corymbs, inter- 
 spers'd with pear-shaped pointed bractes. The number of stamens is three. The 
 fruits a capsule containing one oblong-ovate, compressed seed. 
 
 T plant is a native of Europe, where it grows either in damp woods and 
 meai ws, or on dry elevated grounds. As found in these different situations, it 
 presets characters so distinct as to have induced some botanists to make two 
 variies. Dufresne makes four, of which three prefer marshy situations. The 
 varii? which affects a dry soil ( sylvestris , L. Ph.) is not more than two feet high, 
 and distinguished by its narrow leaves. It has been generally believed to be 
 supeor to the others in medicinal virtue; but, from experiments of A. Buchner, 
 it ap jars that the dried roots of the variety which grows in low moist grounds 
 are i no respect inferior, and that the general opinion to the contrary is a pre- 
 judii; (Pharm. Cent. Blatt, June 16, 1852, p. 429.) 
 
 T. root, which is the officinal portion, is collected in spring before the stem 
 begi to shoot, or in the autumn when the leaves decay. It should be dried 
 quicy, and kept in a dry place. It consists of numerous long, slender, cylin- 
 dridfibres, issuing from a tuberculated head or rhizoma. As brought to this 
 couny it frequently has portions of the stem attached. The English is superior 
 to th brought from the continent of Europe. Within a few years valerian of very 
 good quality has been produced by the Shakers at Enfield, New Hampshire. 
 (Garrner, New York Journ. of Med., N. S., iv. 190.) From our own observa- 
 tion,, e know that the plant grows luxuriantly under culture in this country. 
 
 B oerties. The colour of the root is externally yellowish or brown, internally 
 whit The powder is yellowish-gray. The odour, which in the fresh root is 
 sligh 1 in the dried is strong and highly characteristic, and, though rather plea- 
 sant many persons, is very disagreeable to others. Cats are said to be strongly 
 attra ed by it. The taste is at first sweetish, afterwards bitter and aromatic. 
 Yalem yields its active properties to water and alcohol. Trommsdorff found 
 't to nsistof 1'2 parts of volatile oil; 12‘5 of a peculiar extractive matter, solu- 
 ble ii rater, insoluble in ether and alcohol, and precipitated by metallic solutions; 
 18'7 of gum ; 6'25 of a soft odorous resin ; and 63 of lignin. Runge found in 
 it a puliar fixed acid, which produced with bases white salts, becoming green 
 on e:osure to the air. (Chem. Gaz., No. 170, p. 452.) Of these constituents 
 the list important is the volatile oil, in which the virtues of the reot chiefly 
 resid It is of a pale-greenish colour, of the sp. gr. 0'934, with a pungent odour 
 of varian, and an aromatic taste. It becomes yellow and viscid by exposure. 
 Iroriisdorff ascertained that it contains a peculiar volatile acid, upon which the 
 nanu f valerianic acid or valeric acid has been conferred. This, when separated 
 from ie oil, is a colourless liquid, of an oleaginous consistence, having an odour 
 analpus to that of valerian, and a very strong, sour, disagreeable taste. It is 
 solul in thirty parts of water, and in all proportions in ether and alcohol. It 
 comls.es with salifiable bases, .forming soluble salts, which retain, in a diminished 
 degr the odour of the acid. (Journ. de Pharm., xx. 316.) From the experi- 
 menl of MM. Cozzi and Thirault, it would appear that the acid does not pre- 
 
746 
 
 Valeriana. 
 
 pap.: 
 
 exist in the root, but results from the oxidation of the volatile oil. (Ibid., 3es 
 xii. 162.) Valerianic acid is obtained by distilling the impure oil from carbor e 
 of magnesia, decomposing by sulphuric acid the valerianate of magnesia wl a 
 remains, and again distilling. M. Rabourdin, of Orleans, believing that a he 
 proportion of the valerianic acid remains fixed in the root by union with a b ■ 
 and does not come over by distillation alone, procures it by adding sulphuric . d 
 to the root with a sufficient quantity of water, distilling, separating the ob- 
 turating the liquor with carbonate of soda, evaporating, adding a slight ex s 
 of sulphuric acid, and again distilling. (Ibid., vi. 310.) The following pro s 
 by Messrs. T. and H. Smith, of Edinburgh, avoids the inconvenience of dis 1- 
 ing so bulky a root as valerian, while it answers the same purpose as that of:. 
 Rabourdin. Boil the root for three or four hours with rather more than itsl k 
 of water, in which an ounce of carbonate of soda is dissolved for every poun if 
 the root, replacing the water as it evaporates. Express strongly, and boil ie 
 residuum twice with the same quantity of water, expressing each time as bele. 
 Mix the liquids, add two fluidrachms of strong sulphuric acid for every pour :f 
 the root, and distil till three-fourths of the liquid have passed over. Xeutnze 
 this with carbonate of soda, concentrate the liquid, decompose the valerianaiof 
 soda contained in it by sulphuric acid, and separate the valerianic acid nonet 
 free, either by a separatory, or by distillation. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., :ii. 
 253.) A similar process was also proposed by Prof. Procter, of Philadelp a. 
 (Ibid., xvii. 3.) M. J. Lefort proposes to obtain the acid by the rapid (ra- 
 tion of the volatile oil. His plan is to distil 100 parts of the root with 5C of 
 water, 10 of sulphuric acid, aud 6 of bichromate of potassa. In this wayhtas 
 procured a larger proportion of acid than by any other process. (Journ. dePhai., 
 Se sir., x. 194.)* 
 
 The roots of the Valeriana Phu and V. dioica are said to he sometimes mired 
 with those of the officinal plant; but the adulteration is attended with noseius 
 consequences; as, though much weaker than the genuine valerian, theyposs 
 similar properties. The same cannot be said of the roots of several of the 'u- 
 nunculacese, which, according to Ebermayer, are sometimes fraudulently sniti- 
 tuted in Germany. They may be readily detected by their want of the pec-iar 
 odour of the officinal root. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Valerian is gently stimulant, with an espial 
 direction to the nervous system, but without narcotic effect. In large dos it 
 produces a sense of heaviness aud dull pain in the head, with various other e cts 
 indicating nervous disturbance. It is useful in cases of irregular nervous aeon, 
 when not connected with inflammation, or an excited condition of the syim. 
 Among the complaints in which it has been particularly recommended areys- 
 teria, hypochondriasis, epilepsy, hemicrania, and low forms of fever attendedith 
 restlessness, morbid vigilance, or other nervous disorder. It has also beensed 
 in intermittents, combined with Peruvian bark. At best, however, it is an wer- 
 tuin remedy. It may be given in powder or infusion. In the latter forint is 
 said by Professor Joerg, of Leipsic, who has experimented with it, to be lesapt 
 to irritate the alimentary canal than when administered in substance. Tlncse 
 of the powder is from thirty to ninety' grains, repeated three or four times raj- 
 
 * Recently valerianic acid has been obtained from various sources as a result of eh'ical 
 reaction. A relation has been discovered between it and fusel oil ( Alcohol 
 Dub.), similar to that which exists between acetic acid and alcohol. Amyle Vio^i 15 
 compound radical, which by uniting with one eq. of oxygen and one of water fururu-o 
 oil ((J^'HjjO-f-HO). This, by the absorption of two eqs. of oxygen and the loss ' tw0 
 eqs. of hydrogen, is converted into hydrated valerianic acid (0 10 H g O s -{- HO). 3 
 change may be effected by exposing the fusel oil to various oxidizing influences. A e 
 Alcohol Amylicum and Sodre Valerianae in the second part of this work. ) — Aote to th t»< 
 edition. 
 
PA]' I. 
 
 Valeriana . — Veratrum Album. 
 
 747 
 
 Thctlncture is also officinal. As the virtues of valerian reside chiefly in the 
 volile oil, the medicine should not be given in decoction or extract. The dis- 
 tills! water is used on the continent of Europe; and the volatile oil is occasionally 
 sub ituted with advantage for the root. The dose of the oil is four or five drops. 
 
 if. Prep. Extractum Valerianae Fluidum ; Infusum Valerianae; Oleum Va- 
 leri;®; Tinctura Valerianae; Tiuctura Valerianae Ammoniata. W. 
 
 VERATRUM ALBUM. TJ.S. 
 
 White Hellebore. 
 
 le rhizoma of Veratrum album. U. S. 
 
 C. Syn. VERATRUM. Veratrum album. The rhizoma. Lone]., Ed. 
 
 Eibore blanc, Ft.; Weisse Niesswurzel, Germ.; Eleboro bianco, Ital.; Veratro bianco, 
 Spail 
 
 \ratrum. Sex.Syst. Polygamia Monoecia. — Nat. Ord. Melanthaceae. 
 
 (n. Ch. Hermaphrodite. Calyx none. Corolla six-petaled. Stamens six. 
 Pm three. Capsules three, many-seeded. Male. Calyx none. Corolla six- 
 petaid. Stamens six. Pistils a rudiment. Willd. 
 
 Blanists who reject the class Polygamia of Linnaeus, place this genus in the 
 clasand order Hexandria Trigynia, with the following character. “ Polyga- 
 moU; Corolla six-parted, spreading, segments sessile and without glands. 
 Status inserted upon the receptacle. Capsules three, united, many-seeded." 
 
 A uml. 
 
 Xsatrum album. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 895; Woodv. Med. Pot. p. 754, t. 
 257 This is an herbaceous plant, with a perennial, fleshy, fusiform root or 
 rhizia, yellowish-white externally, pale yellowish-gray within, and beset with 
 long ylindrical fibres of a grayish colour, which constitute the true root. The 
 stems three or four feet high, thick, round, erect, and furnished with alternate 
 leavj, which are oval, acute, entire, plaited longitudinally, about ten inches 
 longbv five in breadth, of a yellowish-green colour, and embrace the stem at 
 thei base. The flowers are greenish, and arranged in a terminal panicle. 
 
 T: white hellebore is a native of the mountainous regions of continental Eu- 
 rope md abounds in the Alps and Pyrenees. All parts of the plant are said 
 to b acrid and poisonous; but the root (rhizoma) only is officinal. This is 
 broujit to us from Germany in the dried state, in pieces from one to three inches 
 long y an inch or less in mean diameter, cylindrical or in the shape of a trun- 
 cate! bone, internally whitish, externally blackish, wrinkled, and rough with the 
 reams of the fibres which have been cut off near their origin. Sometimes the 
 fibre continue attached to the root. They are numerous, yellowish, and of the 
 size a crow’s quill. White hellebore deteriorates by keeping. 
 
 Fmerties. The fresh root has a disagreeable odour, which is lost by drying. 
 The ste is at first sweetish, afterwards bitterish, acrid, burning, and durable. 
 The owdered root is grayish. Analyzed by Pelletier and Caventou, white 
 hellebre was found to contain an oily matter consisting of olein, stearin, and a 
 vola e acid; supergallate of veratria, a yellow colouring matter, starch, gum, 
 ligni silica, and various salts of lime and potassa. The medicinal properties 
 ot tl root reside in the veratria, which was first discovered in the seeds of Ve- 
 ratr 'i Sabadilla, and probably exists in other plants belonging to the same 
 fa rail. Por an account of this alkaloid, see the article Veratria, among the 
 pi'epjations. Simon believed that he had found two new vegetable alkalies in 
 whit hellebore, one of which was named barytina, from being precipitated, like 
 Tary, from its solution in acetic or phosphoric acid by sulphuric acid or the 
 snip tes; the other jervina, from the Spanish name for a poison obtained from 
 the :>t of white hellebore. ( Pliarm . Cent. Platt, 1837, p. 191.) 
 
748 
 
 Yeratrum Album . — Yeratrum Viride. 
 
 PARI 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. White hellebore is a violent emetic and cathar 
 capable of producing dangerous and fatal effects when incautiously administer. 
 Even in small doses it has sometimes occasioned severe vomiting, hypercatha j 
 with bloody stools, and alarming symptoms of general prostration. Like mi? 
 other acrid substances, it appears, in small doses, to be a general stimulan r 
 the secretions. Applied externally upon a portion of the surface denuded of j 
 cuticle, as upon ulcers, for example, it gives rise to griping pain in the bow , 
 and sometimes violent purging. When snuffed up the nostrils, it occasions g> t 
 irritation with violent sneezing, and its use in this way is not free from dam-. 
 It was employed by the ancients in dropsy, mania, epilepsy, leprosy, eleph- 
 tiasis, and other obstinate disorders, not without occasional advantage; but e 
 severity of its operation has led to its general abandonment as an internal rernt -. 
 It is sometimes used as an errhine, diluted with some mild powder, in case if 
 gutta serena and lethargic affections; and, in the shape of decoction, or of ct- 
 ment prepared by mixing the pulverized root with lard, has been found bed- 
 cial as an external application in the itch, and other cutaneous eruptions. Fn 
 the resemblance of its operation to that of the eau medicinale d’ Hasson, soie- 
 brated for the cure of gout, it was at one time, though erroneously, conjectid 
 to be the chief constituent of that remedy. A mixture of the wine of wte 
 hellebore and the wine of opium, in the proportion of three parts of the foier 
 to one of the latter, was introduced into use by Air. Moore, of London, as a b- 
 stitute for the eau medicinale, and was considerably employed in gouty id 
 rheumatic affections. 
 
 In whatever way white hellebore is used, it requires cautious managenit. 
 It has been given in doses varying from one grain to a scruple. Not more an 
 two grains should be administered at first. When employed as an enbir it 
 should be mixed with five or six parts of pulverized liquorice root, or othein- 
 active powder. Ten or twelve grains of the mixture may be snuffed nphe 
 nostrils at one time. Veratria acts in a similar manner with the white tie- 
 bore, but is much more powerful. From one-twelfth to one-sixth of a grain ay 
 be given in pill or alcoholic solution, and repeated three or four times iishe 
 tw T enty-four hours, till it nauseates or purges. For an account of its praical 
 applications the reader is referred to Veratria, among the Preparations, klie 
 second part of this work. 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Sulphuris Compositum; Unguentum Ycratri .bi; 
 Yinum Veratri Albi. 
 
 YERATRUM VIRIDE. U. S. 
 
 American Hellebore. 
 
 The rhizoma of Yeratrum viride. U. S. 
 
 Yeratrum. See VERATRUM ALBUM. 
 
 Yeratrum viride. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 896; Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot. ii -1. 
 The American hellebore, known also by the names of Indian poke , pokroot, 
 and swamp hellebore, has a perennial, thick, fleshy root or rhizoma, the 'pu 
 portion of which is tunicated, the lower solid, and beset with numerous wtisb 
 fibres or radicles. The stem is annual, round, striated, pubescent, and hd, 
 from three to six feet in height, furnished with green bright leaves, and rau- 
 nating in a panicle of greenish-yellow 1 flowers. The leaves gradually deease 
 in size as they ascend. The lower are from six inches to a foot long, ova acu- 
 minate, plaited, nerved, and pubescent; and embrace the stem at their basethus 
 affording it a sheath for a considerable portion of its length. Those on theppet 
 part of the stem, at the origin of the flowering branches, are oblong- lane law- 
 
PAI I. 
 
 Veratrum Viride. 
 
 749 
 
 Thepanicle consists of numerous flowers, distributed in racemes with downy 
 pedicles. Each flower is accompanied with a downy pointed bract*, much 
 lon<r than its pedicel. There is no calyx, and the corolla is divided into six 
 ovalicute segments, thickened on the inside at their base, with the three alter- 
 nateegments longer than the others. The six stamens have recurved filaments, 
 andoundish two-lobed anthers. The germs are three, with recurved styles as 
 lonjas the stamens. Some of the flowers have only the rudiments of pistils. 
 The on the upper end of the branchlets are barren, those on the lower portion 
 friii |il. The fruit consists of three cohering capsules, separating at top, open- 
 ing i the inner side, and containing flat imbricated seeds. 
 
 Tis indigenous species of Veratrum is found from Canada to the Carolinas, 
 inciting swamps, wet meadows, and the banks of mountain streamlets. Early 
 in tl spring, before the stem rises, it bears a slight resemblance to the Sipn- 
 plocrpus foetidus, with which it is very frequently associated ; but the latter 
 sen( forth no stem. From May to July is the season for flowering. The root 
 shoil be collected in autumn, and should not be kept longer than one year, as 
 it dieriorates by time. 
 
 Te root of the American hellebore has a bitter acrid taste, leaving a perma- 
 nen mpression in the mouth and fauces. In sensible properties it bears a close 
 reseblance to white hellebore and from this circumstance, as well as from the 
 stro; botanical affinity of the two plants, it is highly probable that it contains 
 veraia. The experiments of Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Worthington, of Philadel- 
 phiago to strengthen this probability. (See Am. Journ. of Pharrn., ix. 181, 
 and . 89.) 
 
 Mical Properties avcl Uses. American hellebore has been thought to re- 
 sem e its European congener in its effects upon the system, though asserted by 
 Dr. sgood to be wholly destitute of cathartic properties. In addition to its 
 erne; action, which is often violent and long-continued, it is said to increase 
 mosof the secretions, and, when freely taken, to exercise a powerful influence 
 ora he nervous system, indicated by faintness, somnolency, vertigo, headache, 
 dim ss of vision, and dilated pupils. According to Dr. Osgood, it reduces the 
 freq ncy and force of the pulse, sometimes, when taken in full doses, as low as 
 thir five strokes in the minute. It may be safely substituted for the European 
 root i most cases in which the latter is employed ; and is highly recommended 
 as a.ibstitute for colchicum by Dr. Tully, of New Haven. Gouty, rheumatic, 
 and mralgie affections are those to which it appeared best adapted. For an 
 acco it of its medical properties and applications, the reader is referred to a 
 pape by Dr. Charles Osgood, of Providence, in the American Journal of the 
 Medal Sciences, vol. xvi. p. 296. It may be used in substance, tincture, or 
 extr t. Dr. Osgood states the dose in which it will generally prove emetic at 
 honour to six grains of the powder, one or two fluidrachms of a tincture made 
 in tl proportion of six ounces of the fresh root to a pint of alcohol, and one or 
 two runs of an extract made by inspissating the juice of the root. The medi- 
 cine lowever, should, in most cases, be given in doses insufficient to vomit. 
 
 See the publication of the last edition of this work, various communications 
 lave ppeared in our Southern medical journals, tending to prove that American 
 hell lore is applicable to the treatment of numerous febrile and inflammatory 
 affeojms, in which an indication is offered for reducing the frequency of the 
 puls; The credit of calling public attention to it is due more especially to Dr. 
 W. Norwood, of Cokesbury, South Carolina, who has employed it with great 
 suets in pulmonary inflammation, typhoid fever, &c., and believes that it 
 affoi ; the means of reducing the frequency of the pulse at will. He employs 
 a sa rated tincture made by macerating eight ounces of the dried root in sixteen 
 oun 'H of alcohol for at least two weeks. Of this he gives to an adult man eight 
 
750 
 
 Vinum. 
 
 PAR' . 
 
 drops, and repeats the dose every three hours, increasing by one drop atea 
 dose, until the pulse is reduced, or nausea and vomiting are occasioned, when s 
 to be diminished one-half, and continued so long as may be necessary to pre\ t 
 a return of the symptoms. ( Charleston Med. Journ. and Rev., vii. 768.) Otl-s 
 have found the commencing dose of Dr. Norwood somewhat too large. Fn 
 its powerful emetic properties, and the prostration resulting from excessive dc < 
 it should always be used with great caution, and its effects carefully obserl. 
 Its nauseating and depressing effects are best counteracted by opiates and 
 holic stimulants. 
 
 VINUM ALBUM. U. S., Ed. 
 
 White IT me. 
 
 Sherry wine. U. S., Ed. 
 
 Off. Syn. VINUM XERICUM. Land.; VINUM ALBUM HlSPil- 
 CUM. Sherry wine. Dub. 
 
 Yin blanc, Fr.; Weisser Wein, Germ.; Vino bianco, Ilal.; Yino bianco, Span. 
 
 VINUM RUBRUM. US. 
 
 * 
 
 Bed Wine. 
 
 Port wine. U. S. 
 
 Vin rouge, Fr.; Rother Wein, Germ.; Yino vermiglio, Ilal. ; Yino rubro. Span. 
 
 Wine is the fermented juice of the grape, the fruit of Vitis vinifera of b n- 
 ists, the description of which will be found under another bead. (See Eva Pai.) 
 The juice of sweet grapes consists of a considerable quantity of grape sug. a 
 peculiar matter of the nature of ferment or yeast, and a small portion of extct- 
 ive, tannic acid, bitartrate of potassa, tartrate of lime, common salt, and sulfite 
 of potassa; the whole dissolved or suspended in a large quantity of water, ar 
 grapes contain, in addition, a peculiar acid isomeric with the tartaric, c ed 
 paratartaric add. (See page 53.) Grape juice, therefore, embraces alfche 
 ingredients essential to the production of the vinous fermentation, and reqres 
 only the influence of the atmosphere and a proper temperature to convert into 
 wine. (Seepage 60.) 
 
 Preparation. When the grapes are ripe, they are gathered, and trolen 
 under foot in wooden vessels with perforated bottoms, through which the jee, 
 called the must, runs into a vat placed beneath. The temperature of th air 
 being about 60°, the fermentation gradually takes place in the must, an be- 
 comes fully established after a longer or shorter period. In the mean timetbe 
 must becomes sensibly warmer, and emits a large quantity of carbonic 'id, 
 which causes the more solid parts to be thrown to the surface in a mass of oth 
 having a hemispherical shape, called the head. The liquor from being : eet 
 becomes vinous, and assumes a deep-red colour if the product of red grapes, ter 
 a while the fermentation slackens, when it becomes necessary to accelerate bv 
 thoroughly mixing the contents of the vat. When the liquor has acquip a 
 strong vinous taste, and become perfectly clear, the wine is considered foied, 
 and is racked off into casks. But even at this stage of the process, the ferrnt- 
 ation continues for several months longer. During the whole of this perl, a 
 frothy matter is formed, which for the first few days collects round the iDg, 
 but afterwards precipitates along with colouring matter and tartar, formg a 
 deposit which constitutes the wine-lees. 
 
 Division and Nomenclature. Wines, according to their colour, are dided 
 
PAI I. 
 
 Vinum. 
 
 751 
 
 intothe red and white; and, according to their taste and other qualities, are 
 eith 1 spirituous, sweet, dry, light, sparkling, still, rough, or acidulous. Red 
 win. are derived from the must of black grapes, fermented with their husks ; 
 whi [vines, from white grapes, or from the juice of black grapes fermented 
 apaifrom their skins. The other qualities of wines, above enumerated, depend 
 on 13 relative proportions of the constituents of the must, and on the mode in 
 whi i the fermentation is conducted. The essential ingredients of the must as 
 a feientable liquid are water, sugar, and a ferment. If the juice be very sac- 
 chane, and contain sufficient ferment to sustain the fermentation, the conver- 
 sion f the sugar into alcohol will proceed until checked by the production of a 
 certa amount of the latter, and there will be formed a spirituous or generous 
 win If, while the juice is highly saccharine, the ferment be deficient in quan- 
 tity he production of alcohol will be less, and the redundancy of sugar propor- 
 tion )ly greater, and a sweet wine will be formed. When the sugar and ferment 
 are 1 considerable amount, and in the proper relative proportions for mutual 
 decuposition, the wine will be strong bodied and sound, without any sweetness 
 or adity, and of the kind called dry. A small proportion of sugar can give 
 risenly to a small proportion of alcohol, and consequently the less saccharine 
 grajs will generate a comparatively weak, or light wine, which will be sound 
 and table in its constitution, in case the ferment is not in excess, but otherwise 
 liab to pass into the acetous fermentation and become acescent. In case the 
 winis bottled before the fermentation is fully completed, the process will pro- 
 ceec lowly in the bottles, and the carbonic acid generated, not having vent, will 
 impgnate the wine, and render it effervescing and sparkling. The rough or 
 astrigent wines owe their flavour to a portion of tannic acid derived from the 
 bus) of the grape ; and the acidulous wines to the presence of carbonic acid or 
 an lusual proportion of tartar. Several of the above qualities often co-exist. 
 Thu a wine may be spirituous and sweet, spirituous and rough, sweet and rough, 
 ligh md sparkling, &c. 
 
 Wes are made in many countries, and are known in commerce by various 
 nam , according to their source. Thus, Portugal produces port and lisbon; 
 Spop sherry, saint lucar, malaga, and tent; France , champagne, burgundy, 
 heritage, vin de grave, sauterne, and claret; Germany, hock and moselle; 
 Eutary, tokay; Sicily, marsala or Sicily madeira, and lissa; the Gape of Good 
 Eoj. constantia; Madeira and the Canaries, madeira and teneriffe. 
 
 I: the United States the first attempt to manufacture wine, on an extended 
 seal was made towards the close of the last century, at Spring Mill, near Phila- 
 delp a, by Mr* Peter Legaux, agent of the Pennsylvania Vine Company, and 
 prov l unsuccessful. The native grape found most suitable, after the foreign 
 had iled on account of the climate, was the Schuylkill muscadel grape. The 
 nexnttempt was made by the Swiss at Vevay, Indiana, with the Schuylkill 
 grapandwas partially successful; a rough red wine being manufactured which 
 met -ith a ready sale in the neighbouring States. In a few years the manu- 
 factije of this wine languished, being superseded by foreign wines. For a con- 
 side ble period, investigations have been in progress to determine the adaptation 
 of 0 : various native grapes for making wine. The Catawla grape, introduced 
 to p.dic notice by Major Adlum, of Washington city, about the year 1825, is a 
 supeor wine grape, producing a wine resembling hock. Mr. N. Longworth, of 
 Cinunati, considers it, undoubtedly, a native grape. The Herhemont and Mis- 
 sour u-e both good wine grapes, the latter producing a wine resembling madeira. 
 The!>V«pper«o»i (7 grape, indigenous to North Carolina, yields a hard dry wine 
 like ock ; and the vine is a very abundant bearer. According to Mr. It. Bu- 
 obai a, this grape produces from two to three thousand gallons of wine per acre. 
 (Tr Use on the Cultivation of the Grape. Cincinnati, 1850.) The climate of 
 
752 
 
 Vinum. 
 
 paii. 
 
 Texas is peculiarly favourable to the growth of the grape vine. The El so 
 grape, is found in the vicinity of the falls of the Rio Grande, and the < at 
 mustang grows luxuriantly in every part of the State, and yields a superio r] 
 wine. (See Patent Office Report for 1847.) 
 
 Properties. Wine, considered as the name of a class, may be characters as 
 a spirituous liquid, the result of the fermentation of grape-juice, and contaiig 
 colouring matter, and some other substances, which are either combined or ti- 
 mately blended with the spirit. All its other qualities vary with the natu of 
 each particular wine. The principal wines used for medicinal purposes an he 
 officinal wines, sherry and port, together with madeira, teneriffe, claret, nd 
 champagne. 
 
 Sherry (Vinum Album) is of a deep-amber colour, and when goodposs-es 
 a dry aromatic flavour and fragrancy, without any acidity. It ranks amoD: he 
 stronger white wines, and contains between 19 and 20 per cent, by ineasu of 
 alcohol of sp. gr. 0'825. The United States and British Pharmacopoeias :ree 
 in indicating it as the officinal white wine. It is prepared in the vicini of 
 Xeres in Spain, and hence its English name sherry. This wine is suppos to 
 have been the sack of Shakspeare, so called from the word sec (dry), in all on 
 to its being a dry wine. 
 
 Port (Vinum Rubrum) is of a deep-purple colour, and, in its new states a 
 rough, strong, and slightly sweet wine. When kept a certain time in botf , it 
 deposits a considerable portion of its astringent matter, loses the greater art 
 of its sweetness, acquires more flavour, and retains its strength. If too mg 
 kept, it deposits Ehe whole of its astringent and colouring matter, and becaes 
 deteriorated. Considerable quantities of brandy are usually added to it, rich 
 causes its heating quality on the palate. It is the strongest of the win in 
 common use. It was first made officiual in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 18b 
 
 Madeira is the strongest of the white wines in general use. It is a sli tly 
 acid wine, and, when of proper age and in good condition, has a rich, rty, 
 aromatic flavour. As it occurs in the market, however, it is of very vaible 
 quality, on account of the adulterations and mixtures to which it is subjted 
 after importation. The madeira consumed in this country is generally l:ter 
 than that used in England; its adulteration being practised to a less extenfith 
 us, and our climate being more favourable to the improvement of the win 
 
 Teneriffe is a white wine, of a slightly acid taste, and, when of good quity, 
 of a fine aromatic flavour. Its average strength is about the same as tit of 
 sherry. It is made from the same grape as madeira, to which it bears a lose 
 resemblance. 
 
 Claret, called in France tin de Bordeaux, from its being produced nea bat 
 city, in the district of Medoc, is a red wine, and from its moderate stren h is 
 ranked as a light wine. It has a deep-purple colour, and, when good, a dc:aie 
 taste, in which the vinous flavour is blended with slight acidity and astrinpey. 
 The most esteemed kinds are the clarets called Chateau- Maryaux, ChiitcaLa- 
 fite , and Chateau- Latour. Another celebrated variety is the Chateaxdnul 
 Brian of the Pays de Grave. Claret is the variety of French wine most 'ten- 
 sively consumed in the United States. 
 
 Adulterations. Wines are very frequently adulterated, and counterfeit mi tores 
 are often palmed upon the public as genuine wine. Free sulphuric acid red 
 wines cannot be detected by barytic salts; for all wines contain a small qmtity 
 of the soluble sulphates. It may be discovered, however, by dropping tbsus- 
 pected red wine on a piece of common glazed paper, containing starch. the 
 wine be pure, the spot, when dry, will be violet-blue, and the paper unaltedin 
 texture; but if the wine contain. even a thousandth part of sulphuric aci the 
 paper will be spotted rose-red, and prove brittle and friable when slightly r)bed 
 
PAI I. 
 
 Vinum. 
 
 753 
 
 betven the fingers. ( Lassaigne , 0. Henri, and Bayard. ) Formerly the wine 
 deal's were in the habit of putting litharge into wines that had become acescent. 
 Thexide of lead formed with the acetic acid acetate of lead, which, being sweet, 
 corr ted 1 the defect of the wine, but at the same time rendered it poisonous. At 
 the esent day, this criminal practice is wholly abandoned. The adulteration 
 is reply detected by sulphuretted hydrogen, which causes a black and flocculent 
 preclitate. Mr. Brande assures us that, among the numerous samples of wine 
 of sfepected purity which he had examined, he had not found one containing 
 anyioisonous ingredient fraudulently introduced. Lead, in minute quantity, 
 acceding to this writer, may sometimes be detected in wines; but it is derived in- 
 vari >ly from shot in the bottle, or from some analogous source. Rhenish wines, 
 whe acid from the presence of free tartaric or acetic acid, may be restored by 
 the idition of neutral tartrate of potassa, which gives rise to the formation of 
 crea of tartar. ( Andrew Ure .) Spurious mixtures, frequently containing very 
 littlof the fermented juice of the grape, and which are sold as particular wines, 
 mayot be poisonous; but are, notwithstanding, highly pernicious in their effects 
 upoitke stomach, and always produce mischief and disappointment, when de- 
 pemjl on as therapeutic agents. The wines most frequently imitated are port 
 and adeira; and cider is the chief ingredient in the spurious mixtures. English 
 port) sometimes made of a small portion of real port, mixed with cider, juice 
 of e’jpr berries, and brandy, and rendered astringent with logwood and alum. 
 
 imposition. Wines consist mainly of water and alcohol. They contain, also, 
 grap sugar, gum, extractive, colouring matter, tannic, malic, and carbonic acids, 
 bita'-ate of potassa (tartar), tartrate of lime, volatile oil, and oenanthic ether. 
 Thejolatile oil has never been isolated, but is supposed to be the cause of the 
 delioie flavour and odour of wine, called the bouquet. According to Dr. F. L. 
 Winder, the bouquet depends upon the presence of a nitrogenous compound 
 of aplatile organic acid with a volatile base, which has a different smell in dif- 
 feren wines. ( Enanthic ether ( oenanthate of ether, oenanthate of oxide of ethyle) 
 was scovered by Pelouze and Liebig. It is obtained towards the end of the 
 distlition of wine on the great scale for making brandy. It forms only about 
 one art in ten thousand of the wine. It is a mobile, oily, colourless liquid, 
 havi; the peculiar unpleasant smell which is perceived in a bottle which has 
 cont aed wine. Its sp. gr. is 0'862, and boiling point 435°. Its formula is 
 C 13 I O 3 — C 14 Hj 30 2 (oenanthic acid) +C 4 H 5 0 (ether). (Enanthic ether must 
 not confounded with the substance upon which the bouquet of wine is sup- 
 pose to depend. The other ingredients of wine, above enumerated, are not to 
 be s posed present in every wine. Thus, sugar is present in sweet wines, tannic 
 acid 1 rough wines, and carbonic acid in those that effervesce. The different 
 kindjof wine derive their various qualities from the mode of fermentation, the 
 natu of the grape, and the soil and climate in which it may have grown. The 
 alcoljl in pure wine is that which results from the vinous fermentation, and is 
 intir tely united with the other ingredients of the liquid; but with almost all 
 the iiaes of commerce a portion of brandy is mixed, the state of union of which 
 is pr ably different from that of the natural alcohol of the wine. By the British 
 custji-house regulations ten per cent, of brandy may be added to wines after 
 lmpt ation; but to good wines not more than four or five per cent, is added. 
 
 T intoxicating ingredient in all wines is the alcohol which they contain; 
 and nee their relative strength depends upon the quantity of this substance 
 ente tg into their composition. The alcohol, however, naturally in wine, is so 
 Men d with its other constituents, as to be in a modified state, which renders it 
 less toxicating and less injurious than the same quantity of alcohol, separated 
 byd, illation and diluted with water. Mr. Brande published in 1811 a very 
 intei ting table, giving the per centage by measure of alcohol of the sp. gr. 0'825 
 48 
 
754 
 
 Vinum. 
 
 PAH;. 
 
 in different kinds of wine. Similar tables have since been published bj [. 
 Julia-Fontenelle, and by Dr. Christison. An abstract of their results is g n 
 in the following table, the proof spirit of Dr. Christison’s table (0"920) b,g 
 reduced, for the sake of comparison, to the standard of 0’825, the density die 
 spirit adopted by Mr. Brande. The results of Julia-Fontenelle are distingui _-d 
 by the letter J.; those of Dr. Christison by the letter C. The rest are Mr. Bran s. 
 
 Table of the Proportion by Measure of Alcohol (sp. gr. 0"825) cmtaine in 
 100 parts of different Wines. 
 
 Lissa (mean) 
 
 25-41 
 
 Vidonia .... 
 
 Raisin wine (mean) 
 
 2512 
 
 Alba flora 
 
 Marsala [Sicily madeira] 
 
 
 Zante .... 
 
 (mean) 
 
 25-09 
 
 Malaga .... 
 
 Port, strongest 
 
 25 83 
 
 White hermitage 
 
 mean 
 
 22 96 
 
 Rousillon (mean) 
 
 weakest 
 
 19-00 
 
 Claret, strongest 
 
 strongest (C.) 
 
 20-49 
 
 mean 
 
 mean (C.) 
 
 18-68 
 
 weakest 
 
 weakest (C.) 
 
 16-80 
 
 ditto (J.) . 
 
 White port (C.) 
 
 17-22 
 
 vin ordinaire (C.) 
 
 Madeira, strongest 
 
 24-42 
 
 Chateau-Latour, 1825, (C.) 
 
 mean 
 
 22.27 
 
 first growth, 1811, (C.) 
 
 weakest 
 
 19-24 
 
 Malmsey madeira 
 
 strongest (C.) 
 
 2035 
 
 Ditto (C.) 
 
 Sercial madeira 
 
 21-40 
 
 Lunel .... 
 
 Ditto (C.) 
 
 18-50 
 
 Ditto (J.) 
 
 Sherry, strongest 
 
 19-81 
 
 Sheraaz .... 
 
 mean 
 
 19-17 
 
 Ditto (C.) 
 
 weakest 
 
 18-25 
 
 Syracuse .... 
 
 strongest (C.) 
 
 1931 
 
 Sauterne 
 
 mean (C.) 
 
 18-47 
 
 Burgundy (mean) 
 
 weakest (C.) 
 
 1696 
 
 Hock (mean) 
 
 Amontillado (C.) 
 
 1518 
 
 Nice .... 
 
 Teneriffe 
 
 19-79 
 
 Barsac .... 
 
 Ditto (C.) 
 
 1661 
 
 Tent .... 
 
 Colares .... 
 
 19-75 
 
 Champagne (mean) . 
 
 Lachryma Christi 
 
 1970 
 
 Ditto (J.) 
 
 White constantia 
 
 19-75 
 
 Red hermitage . 
 
 Red constantia 
 
 1892 
 
 Vin de Grave (mean) 
 
 Lisbon .... 
 
 18-94 
 
 Frontignac (Rives Altes) . 
 
 Ditto (C.) 
 
 1909 
 
 Ditto (J.) 
 
 Bucellas .... 
 
 18-49 
 
 Ditto (C.) 
 
 Red madeira (mean) 
 
 20 35 
 
 Cote rotie 
 
 Cape muschat 
 
 1825 
 
 Tokay 
 
 Cape madeira (mean) 
 
 20 51 
 
 Rudesheimer, first qua! , (C.) 
 
 Grape wine 
 
 18-11 
 
 inferior (C.) 
 
 Calcavella (mean) 
 
 18-65 
 
 Hambacher, first quality, (C.) 
 
 115 
 
 126 
 
 105 
 
 126 
 
 143 
 
 113 
 
 111 
 
 110 
 
 191 
 
 173 
 
 142 
 
 38 
 
 32 
 
 1- 40 
 :-60 
 :-52 
 
 :-io 
 
 ••52 
 
 i'56 
 
 :-28 
 
 •22 
 
 •57 
 
 :-08 
 
 :*63 
 
 [•86 
 
 ;-30 
 
 !-61 
 
 >■20 
 
 2- 32 
 187 
 >•79 
 1-80 
 2-29 
 2'32 
 9'88 
 014 
 835 
 888 
 
 The alcoholic strength of wines may be ascertained, with sufficient presion, 
 by the ebullioscope of Oonaty, or the di/atometer of Silbermann; the indi tions 
 of the former instrument depending upon the determination of the boilin point 
 of the wine; of the latter, upon its dilatation, when heated through a gin in ' 
 terval of temperature. For a description of these ingenious instrumeD, tn e 
 reader is referred to the Journ. de Pharmacie, for Feb. 1849. 
 
PAI I. 
 
 Vinum. 
 
 755 
 
 I. Christison considers it a mistake to suppose that wines become stronger 
 by ing kept a long time in cask. His experiments appear to prove the 
 revcse. While, however, the wine is not rendered more alcoholic by age, its 
 flav r is improved, and its apparent strength increased. 
 
 Bides the grape, a number of other fruits yield a juice susceptible of tbe 
 vines fermentation. The infusion of malt, also, is capable of undergoing this 
 proos, and becomes converted into the different kinds of porter and ale. The 
 procct in all these cases, though not commonly called a wine, is nevertheless a 
 vines liquor, and may be classed among the wines properly so called. The 
 folk ing is a list of these vinous liquors, together with the per centage of alco- 
 hol nich they contain, as ascertained by Mr. Brande: — Currant wine, 20 '55 ; 
 goonerry wine, 11'84; orange wine, 11'26; elder wine, 8‘79; cider, from 5 '21 
 to9 7; perry, 7'26; mead, 7'32; Burton ale, 8'88; Edinburgh ale, 6'20 ; brown 
 stou 6‘80; London porter, 4'20; small beer, 1'28. According to L. Hoffmann 
 Burn ale consists, in the 100 parts, of carbonic acid 0‘04, absolute alcohol 
 6'62extract of malt 14‘97, and water 78 ‘37 ; and pale ale, of carbonic acid 0‘07, 
 abscite alcohol 5'57, extract of malt 4'62, and water 89'74. 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Wine is consumed in most civilized countries; 
 but a state of health is at least useless, if not absolutely pernicious. The 
 degi; of mischief which it produces depends on the character of the wine. Thus 
 the Hit wines of France are comparatively harmless ; while the habitual use of 
 the fonger wines, such as sherry, port, madeira, &c., even though taken in mo- 
 derajon, is always injurious, as having a tendency to induce gout and apoplexy, 
 and her diseases dependent on plethora and over-stimulation. All wines, how- 
 ever vhen used habitually in excess, are productive of bad consequences. They 
 wealn the stomach, produce disease of the liver, and give rise to dropsy, gout, 
 apop xy, tremors, and not uufrequently mania. Nevertheless, wine is an im- 
 port t medicine, productive of the best effects in certain diseases. As an article 
 of tl materia medica, it ranks as a stimulant and antispasmodic. In the con- 
 vale, 3nce from protracted fever, it is frequently the best remedy that can be 
 empyed. In certain stages of typhoid fevers, and in extensive ulceration and 
 gangne, this remedy, either alone, or conjoined with bark and opium, is often 
 our lin dependence. In low febrile affections, if it increase the fulness and 
 lessc the frequency of the pulse, mitigate delirium, and produce a tendency to 
 sleep its further use may be deemed proper; but, on the contrary, if it render 
 the pise quicker, augment the heat and thirst, produce restlessness, or increase 
 delii ra, it should be immediately laid aside as injurious. In some convulsive 
 diseejs, as for example tetanus, wine, liberally given, has often proved useful. 
 
 We, when used medicinally, should be good of its kind; for otherwise it 
 will jsagree with the stomach, and prove rather detrimental than useful. The 
 indidual wine selected for internal exhibition must be determined by the 
 natu of the disease, and the particular object in view. Sherry, when in good 
 cond on, is a fine wine, and, being free from all acid, is to be preferred when- 
 ever le stomach is delicate, or has a tendency to dyspeptic acidity. Good ma- 
 dein s the most generous of the white wines, particularly adapted to the pur- 
 pose f resuscitating debilitated constitutions, and of sustaining the sinking 
 eneres of the system in old age. The slight acidity, however, of pure madeira 
 caus it to disagree with some stomachs, and renders it an improper wine for 
 gout, persons. Tenerife is a good variety of white wine for medicinal use, 
 beiniff about a medium strength, and agreeing very well with most stomachs. 
 FWi generally used in cases of pure debility, especially when attended with 
 a loc state of the bowels, unaccompanied by inflammation. In such cases it 
 oftei .cts as a powerful tonic as well as stimulant, giving increased activity to 
 all t! functions, especially digestion. Claret is much less heating, and is often 
 
756 
 
 Vinum . — Viola. 
 
 PART 
 
 useful on account of its aperient and diuretic qualities. Champagne is applica 
 to the sinking stage of low fevers, and is often useful in the debility of the atr 
 All the acidulous wines are contra-indicated in the gouty and uric acid c • 
 thesis ; as they are apt to convert the existing predisposition into disease. 
 
 The quantity of wine which may be given with advantage in disease isvr 
 variable. In low fevers, it may be administered, to the extent of a bottle r 
 more in twenty-four hours, either pure, or in the form of wine-whey. This 3 
 made by adding to a pint of boiling milk from a gill to half a pint of white wi , 
 straining without pressure to separate the curd, and sweetening the clear w v 
 with loaf sugar. Wine-whey forms a safe and grateful stimulus in typti 
 fevers, and in other febrile affections, which, after depletion, may tend to a si e 
 of deficient action, and be accompanied with a dry skin. Under these circn- 
 stances, it often acts as a diaphoretic, and, when used of moderate strenji, 
 without stimulating the system injuriously. 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. White wine is employed as a menstruum to ext tt 
 the virtues of several plants, and the preparations thus formed are called vim 
 tinctures or medicated wines. Tartar emetic and iron are the only mineral :> 
 stances prepared in a similar manner. (See Vinum Anti monii and Vinum Fer.) 
 For the peculiar powers of wine as a menstruum, see Vina Medicata. I 
 
 YIOLA. TJ. S. Secondary, Lond., Ed. 
 
 Violet. 
 
 The herb of Viola pedata. U.S. Viola odorata. The recent petal. Li. 
 The flowers. Ed. 
 
 Violette odorante, Ft.; Wohlriecliendes Veilclien, Germ.; Violetta. Ital; Yioleta, Sp. 
 
 Viola. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Monogynia. — Eat. Orel. Violaeese. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx five-leaved. Corolla five-petalled, irregular, horned at he 
 back. A7ithers cohering. Capsule superior, three-valved, one-celled. 
 
 This genus includes numerous species, of which, though perhaps all or ncly 
 all are possessed of analogous properties, two only are recognised as offical, 
 Viola odorata, by the London and Edinburgh Colleges, and Viola pedate by 
 our National Pharmacopoeia. Viola ovata, an indigenous species, has been rem- 
 mended as a remedy for the bite of the rattle-snake. (See a paper bylr. 
 Williams in the Am. Journ. of the Med. Scien., xiii. 310.) 
 
 Viola odorata. Willd. Sp. 'Plant, i. 1163; Woodv. Med. Bot. p. 251, 69. 
 This is a small, pretty, creeping plant, the runners of which are furnished ith 
 fibrous roots, and send up annually tufts of leaves and flowers. The leaveare 
 heart-shaped, crenate, and supported on long petioles. The flowers are a the 
 summit of delicate, quadrangular, channeled, radical peduncles. The leau of 
 the calyx are shorter than the petals, which are obovate, obtuse, unequahnd 
 of a bluish-purple or deep-violet colour, except at the claws, which are wh sh. 
 The two lateral petals are spreading and bearded towards the base, the in nor 
 furnished with a large spur, and the two upper reflected. In the centre aithe 
 stamens with very short filaments, and anthers slightly cohering by an orige- 
 coloured membranous expansion. 
 
 The sweet violet is a native of Europe, growing in woods, hedges, and hor 
 shady places. It is cultivated in gardens both for its beauty and for m ical 
 use ; and has been introduced into this country. It is valued chiefly t 113 
 flowers, which appear in April and May. 
 
 The flowers of this species of violet, besides their beautiful colour. Ire a 
 peculiar agreeable odour, and a very slightly bitter taste. These properties bey 
 yield to boiling water ; and their infusion affords a very delicate test forcia* 
 
P/T I. 
 
 Viola . — Wintera. 
 
 757 
 
 an alkalies, being reddened by the former, and rendered green by the latter. 
 Tlir odour is destroyed by desiccation ; and the degree to which they retain 
 thr fine colour depends upon the care used in collecting and drying them. 
 Tly should be gathered before being fully blown, deprived of their calyx, and 
 rajily dried, either in a heated room, or by exposing them to a current of very 
 dr air. The flowers of other species are often mingled with them, and, if of 
 tbsarne colour, are equally useful as a chemical test. 
 
 l the root, leaves, flowers, and seeds of Viola odorata, M. Boulay discovered 
 a ]culiar alkaline principle, bearing some resemblance to emetia, but possessing 
 dif net properties. He called it violine; but violia is its proper title, in accord- 
 an with the nomenclature adopted in this work. It is white, soluble in alco- 
 lio scarcely soluble in water, and forms salts with the acids. It exists in the 
 plit combined with malic acid, and may be obtained by treating with distilled 
 W£r the alcoholic extract of the dried root, decomposing by means of magnesia 
 thmalate of violia contained in the solution, and extracting the alkali from the 
 pripitated matters by alcohol, which yields it on evaporation. To obtain it 
 enrely pure, a more complicated process is necessary. Orfila has ascertained 
 th it is exceedingly active and even poisonous. It is probably contained in 
 mit of the other species of Viola. 
 
 : iola pedata. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1160 ; Curtis, Bot. Mag. 89. This is an 
 ingenous species, without stems, glabrous, with many parted often pedate 
 le:2S, the segments of which are linear-lanceolate, obtuse, and nearly entire. 
 T1 flowers are large and of a beautiful blue colour, often more or less varie- 
 gad. The divisions of the calyx are linear and acute. The stigma is large, 
 co pressed at the sides, obliquely truncate and perforate at the apex. The plant 
 gr rs in dry sandy hills and fields, and rocky woods, from New England to Caro- 
 lir and flowers in May and J une. 
 
 fedical Properties, &c. of the Violets. The herbaceous parts of different species 
 of olet are mucilaginous, emollient, and slightly laxative ; and have been used 
 in rntoral, nephritic, and cutaneous affections. Much was formerly thought of 
 th Viola tricolor, or pansy, as a remedy in crusta lactea. A decoction in milk 
 of handful of the fresh herb was taken morning and evening, and a poultice 
 mi 2 with the same decoction was applied to the affected part. Cures in numerous 
 ini mces are said to have been effected by this treatment persevered in for some 
 tir . Our own Viola pedata is considered a useful expectorant and demulcent 
 in ;ctoral complaints. ( Bigelow .) 
 
 i Europe, a syrup prepared from the fresh flowers of Viola odorata is much 
 enloyed as an addition to demulcent drinks, and as a laxative for infants. (See 
 Sytpus Violas.) The seeds were formerly considered useful in gravel, but are 
 no now employed. The root, which has a bitter, nauseous, slightly acrid taste, 
 ac in the dose of from thirty grains to a drachm as an emetic and cathartic. 
 It probable that the same property is possessed by the roots of all the violets, 
 as is known to be by several species of Ionidium, which belong to the same 
 na ral family. The existence in small proportion of the emetic principle, upon 
 wl h the powers of the root probably depend, in the leaves and flowers, accounts 
 foi he expectorant properties long attributed to these parts of the plant. 
 
 he bark of Drimys Winteri. U. S. 
 
 inrr.fi rip Winter, Dr.; Winterscke Rinde, Germ.; Corteccia Vinterana, Ital.; Corteza 
 
 "ff. Prep. Syrupus Violas. 
 
 W. 
 
 WINTERA. TJ. S. Secondary. 
 Winter s Bark. 
 
758 
 
 Winter a. — Xanthorrhiza. 
 
 PARI 
 
 Drimys. Sex. Syst. Polyandria Tetragynia. — Nat. Orel. Magnoliacese, Jui ; 
 Winteraceas, Lindley. 
 
 Gen. Ch. Calyx with two or three deep divisions. Corolla with two or the 
 petals, sometimes more numerous. Stamens with the filaments thickened at 3 
 summit, and anthers having two separate cells. Ovaries from four to ei» 
 changing into the same number of small, many-seeded berries. A. Richard. 
 
 Drimys Winter i. De Cand. Prod. i. 78; Carson, lllust. of Med. Bot. i. 
 pi. 5. — Wintera aromatica. Willd. Sp. Plant, ii. 1239; Woodv. Med. Bot 
 647, t. 226. This is an evergreen tree, varying very much in size, sometirs 
 rising forty or fifty feet in height, sometimes not more than six or eight fi . 
 The bark of the trunk is gray, that of the branches green and smooth. 3 
 leaves are alternate, petiolate, oblong, obtuse, somewhat coriaceous, entire 
 smooth, green on their upper surface, of a pale-bluish colour beneath, with b 
 caducous stipules at their base. The flowers are small, sometimes solitary, 'it 
 more frequently in clusters of three or four, upon the summit of a comm 
 peduncle about an inch in length, simple, or divided into as many pediceks 
 there are flowers. The tree is a native of the southern parts of South Ameri, 
 growing along the Straits of Magellan, and extending as far north as Ch. 
 According to Martius it is found also in Brazil. The bark of the tree 13 
 brought to England, in the latter part of the sixteenth century, by Capti 
 Winter, who attended Brake in his voyage round the world, and while in e 
 Straits had learned its aromatic and medicinal properties. Since that perioct 
 has been occasionally employed in medicine. 
 
 It is in quilled pieces, usually a foot in length, and an inch or more in c- 
 meter, appearing as if scraped or rubbed on the outside, where the colouis 
 pale-yellowish or reddish-gray, with red elliptical spots. On the inside e 
 colour is that of cinnamon, though sometimes blackish. The pieces are son- 
 times flat and very large. The bark is two or three lines in thickness, hardd 
 compact, and when broken exhibits on the exterior part of the fracture a grajh 
 colour, which insensibly passes into reddish or yellowish towards the inter’. 
 The powder resembles in colour that of Peruvian bark. The odour is aroma 1 , 
 the taste spicy, pungent, and even burning. 
 
 Winter’s bark was found by M. Henry to contain resin, volatile oil,colourg 
 matter, tannic acid, several salts of potassa, malate of lime, and oxidized in. 
 The presence of tannic acid and oxide of iron serves to distinguish it fin 
 canella alba, with which it has often been confounded. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. It is a stimulant aromatic tonic, and was 6 - 
 ployed by Winter as a remedy for scurvy. It may be used for similar purpex 
 with cinnamon or canella alba, but is scarcely known in the medical practiced 
 this country. The dose of the powder is about half a drachm. Another spec;, 
 the Drimys Chiletisis of De Candolle, growing in Chili, yields a bark havg 
 similar properties. (Carson, Am. Journ. of Pharm., xix. 81.) W 
 
 XANTHORRHIZA. U. S. Secondary. 
 Yellow-root. 
 
 The root of Xanthorrhiza apiifolia. U. S. 
 
 Xanthorrhiza. Sex. Syst. Pentandria Polygynia. — Nat. Ord. Ranum- 
 laceae. 
 
 Gen.Ch. Calyx none. Petals five. Nectaries five, pedicelled. Capsules e 
 to eight, one-seeded, semibivalve. Nuttall. 
 
 Xanthorrhiza apiifolia. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 1568; Barton, Med. Bot.i. 
 203. — X. tinctoria. Woodhouse, N H Med. Repos, vol. v. This is an indie- 
 
PA C I. 
 
 Xanthorrhiza. — Xanthoxylum. 
 
 759 
 
 nov shrub, two or three feet in height, with a horizontal root, which sends 
 off umerous suckers. The stem is simple, rather thicker than a goose-quill, 
 wit a smooth bark, and bright-yellow wood. The leaves, which stand thickly 
 at ie upper part of the stem, are compound, consisting of several ovate-lan- 
 ceote, acute, doubly serrate leaflets, sessile upon a long petiole, which embraces 
 theitem at its base. The flowers are small, purple, and disposed in long, droop- 
 inodivided racemes, placed immediately below the first leaves. The nectaries 
 arebovate and bilobed, the styles usually about six or eight in number. 
 
 'ie yellow-root grows in the interior of the Southern, and in the Western 
 Stas. Nuttall says that it is abundant on the banks of the Ohio. It flowers 
 in pril. The root is the part directed by the Pharmacopoeia; but the bark of 
 thdtem possesses the same virtues. 
 
 ie root is from three inches to a foot in length, about half an inch in thick- 
 ner of a yellow colour, and of a simple but extremely bitter taste. It imparts 
 its flour and taste to water. The infusion is not affected by a solution of sul- 
 ph 3 of iron. By the late Professor Barton the bark of the root was con- 
 sided more bitter than its ligneous portion. 
 
 edical Properties and Uses. Xanthorrhiza possesses properties closely 
 anogous to those of columbo, quassia, and the other simple tonic bitters ; and 
 hk be used for the same purposes, and in the same manner. Dr. Woodhouse 
 eir oyed it in the dose of two scruples, and found it to lie easily upon the 
 stcach. W. 
 
 XANTHOXYLUM. JJ. S. Secondary. 
 
 Prickly Ash. 
 
 ie bark of Xanthoxylum fraxineum. U. S. 
 
 anthoxylum. Sex. Syst. Dioecia Pentandria. — Nat. Ord. Terebintaceae, 
 Jb ; Xanthoxylaceae, Lindley. 
 
 en. Ch. Male. Calyx five-parted. Corolla none. Female. Calyx five-parted. 
 Cvlla none. Pistils five. Capsules five, one-seeded. Willd. 
 
 anthoxylum fraxineum. Willd. Sp. Plant, iv. 757; Bigelow, Am. Med. 
 Bi iii. 156. X. Americanum. Miller; Torrey and Gray, FI. of N. Am. 
 i. 4. The prickly ash is a shrub from five to ten feet in height, with alter- 
 na branches, which are covered with strong, sharp, scattered prickles. The 
 le;:;s are alternate and pinnate, consisting of four or five pairs of leaflets, and 
 an dd terminal one, with a common footstalk, which is sometimes prickly on 
 th nack, and sometimes unarmed. The leaflets are nearly sessile, ovate, acute, 
 sliitly serrate, and somewhat downy on their under surface. The flowers, 
 wl h are small and greenish, are disposed in sessile umbels near the origin of 
 th poung shoots. The plant is polygamous, some shrubs bearing both male 
 an perfect flowers, others only female. The number of stamens is five, of the 
 pi Is three or four in the perfect flowers, about five in the pistillate. Each 
 fn ful flower is followed by as many capsules as it had germs. These capsules 
 ar ffipitate, oval, punctate, of a greenish-red colour, with two valves, and one 
 ov blackish seed. 
 
 his species of Xanthoxylum is indigenous, growing in woods and in moist 
 sh y places throughout the Northern, Middle, and Western States. The flowers 
 a; iar in April and May, before the foliage. The leaves and capsules have 
 ai romatic odour recalling that of the oil of lemons. The bark is the officinal 
 prion. 
 
 his, as found in the shops, is in quilled pieces, from one or two lines to 
 
760 
 
 Xanthoxylum. — Zincum. 
 
 par: 
 
 nearly an inch in diameter, rather thin, externally of a darkish-gray coir 
 diversified by whitish patches, with the epidermis in many pieces marked 7 
 closely set transverse cracks, internally finely striated longitudinally and soi . 
 what shining, and, when derived from the smaller branches, exhibiting ocl- 
 sionally remains of the prickles. The bark is very light, brittle, nearly or cpe 
 inodorous, and of a taste which is at first sweetish and slightly aromatic, ti 1 
 bitterish, and ultimately acrid. The acrimony is imparted ta boiling water .1 
 alcohol, which extract the virtues of the bark. Its constituents, according o 
 Dr. Staples, besides fibrous substance, are volatile oil, a greenish fixed oil, re; , 
 gum, colouring matter, and a peculiar crystallizable principle which he c s 
 xanthoxylin, but of which the properties are not designated. ( Journ . of the P 
 Col. of Pharm., i. 165.) It is probably identical with the bitter crystall e 
 principle found by MM. Chevallier and Pelletan in the bark of Xanthoxyli 
 Clava Herculis, and named by them xanthopicrite. 
 
 A specimen of bark has been shown to us, collected on the shores of 3 
 Chesapeake Bay, and said to be the product of Xanthoxylum Clava Heron;, 
 though probably derived from the trunk of the plant under consideration, s 
 the X. Clava Herculis is a native of the West Indies, and not of the Unil 
 States, and the X. fraxineum was considered by Linnaeus as a variety of 1 1 
 species. The specimen referred to resembles the bark above described consic- 
 ably in its general characters, but differs in consisting of irregular fragmentsf 
 a bark of larger dimensions, flat, or but slightly rolled, and exhibiting on 3 
 outer surface of some of the fragments, large conical, corky eminences, whi 
 serve as the bases of the spines, and no doubt give to the trunk of the tree 3 
 rough, knotty appearance, which obtained for its congener the name of the C b 
 of Hercules. 
 
 Dr. Bigelow states that the Aralia spinosa , or angelica tree, which grows 1 
 the Southern States, is occasionally confounded with X. fraxineum, in con' 
 quence partly of being sometimes called, like the latter, prickly ash. Its ba, 
 however, in appearance and flavour, is entirely different from the xanthoxylu. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Xanthoxylum is stimulant, producing, wh 
 swallowed, a sense of heat in the stomach, with more or less general artei 1 
 excitement, and a tendency to diaphoresis. It is thought to resemble mezera 
 and guaiac in its remedial action, and is given in the same complaints. Aa 
 remedy in chronic rheumatism, it enjoys considerable reputation in this count . 
 The dose of the powder is from ten grains to half a drachm, to be repeated the 
 or four times a day. A decoction, prepared by boiling an ounce in three pis 
 of water down to a quart, may be given in the quantity of a pint, in divid 
 doses, during the twenty-four hours. The powder has sometimes been emplod 
 as a topical irritant; and the bark, used as a masticatory, is a popular remty 
 for toothache, and has been recommended in palsy of the tongue. W. 
 
 ZINCUM. U. S., Lond., Eel, Dub. 
 
 Zinc. 
 
 Speltre; Zinc, Fr.; Zink, Germ.; Zinco, Ilal., Span. | 
 
 Zinc occurs native in two principal states; as a sulphuret, called blende, ai 
 as a carbonate or silicate, denominated calamine. It is found in various pas 
 of the world, but most abundantly in Germany, from which country the I ni 1 
 States are principally supplied. The metal is extracted generally from calami . 
 This is roasted and mixed with charcoal powder, and the mixture heated in in 
 cylinders placed horizontally over a furnace. When the reduction of the zic 
 
PAP I. 
 
 Zincum. 
 
 761 
 
 com ences, iron receivers are adapted to the opening of the cylinder to receive 
 the datilized metal as it condenses. The metal is then melted and run into 
 mods, and forms speltre, or the zinc of commerce. In this state it contains 
 ironmd traces of lead, cadmium, arsenic, copper, sulphur, and charcoal. To 
 puri it from these substances, it must be subjected to a second distillation in 
 a cr ible, furnished with a tube passing through its bottom, and open at both 
 end; its upper extremity reaching a little more than half way up the interior 
 of t crucible, and its lower end terminating above a vessel of water. The 
 imp'ezinc being placed in the crucible, the cover luted on, and the fire applied, 
 the ire zinc is volatilized, and, passing down the tube by a descending distil- 
 latic condenses in the water below. 
 
 Fperties. Zinc has a bluish-white colour, a peculiar taste, and a perceptible 
 BUielwhen rubbed. Its texture is laminated, and its fracture crystalline. Its 
 mall bility and ductility are not very great. When perfectly pure, it may be 
 redud to thin leaves at ordinary temperatures; but the zinc of commerce re- 
 quire to be heated to a temperature between 212° and 300° to render it suf- 
 ficieiy laminable to be rolled into sheets. The softness of zinc is peculiar, as 
 is shra by the circumstance that it clogs the file when the attempt is made to 
 redu it to filings ; and hence, if it be desired to have it in the divided form, it 
 is nessary to submit it to fusion, and to triturate it at the moment of solidifi- 
 catio Its sp.gr. is about 6'8, its equivalent number 32'3, and symbol Zn. 
 By ereriments instituted to determine the point, Favre makes its equivalent 
 32'9! and Erdmann, 32'527. Subjected to heat, it fuses at 773°. At full 
 redan it boils, and in close vessels may be distilled over; but in open ones it 
 takes re, and burns with a dazzling white flame, giving off dense white fumes. 
 It dr fives in most of the acids with disengagement of hydrogen, and precipi- 
 tates 1 the metals either in the metallic state, or in that of oxide. It forms 
 but <3 well-characterized oxide (a protoxide), and but one sulphuret. A per- 
 oxide >f uncertain composition was obtained by Thenard. The protoxide is 
 officii !, and will be described under another head. (See Zinci Oxiclum.') 
 
 Zi; of good quality dissolves in dilute sulphuric acid, with the exception of 
 a scary grayish-black residuum. If absolutely pure, it would be wholly dis- 
 solver The solution is colourless, and yields white precipitates with ferrocya- 
 nuret ? potassium and hydrosulphate of ammonia. Ammonia throws down from 
 this i ution a white precipitate, which is wholly dissolved when the alkali is 
 added n excess. If copper be present, the solution will be rendered blue by 
 the aiaonia; and if iron be an impurity it will be thrown down by this alkali, 
 but n redissolved by its excess. Arsenic may be detected, unless present in 
 very :nute proportion, by dissolving the zinc in pure dilute sulphuric acid in 
 a self- gulating reservoir for hydrogen ; when arsenuretted hydrogen will be 
 forme recognisable by its flame producing a dark stain on a white plate. 
 
 Zin is extensively employed in the arts. It is the best metal that can be 
 used, conjunction with copper, for galvanic combinations. Combined with 
 tin an mercury, it forms the amalgam for electrical machines. Its solution in 
 dilute dphuric acid furnishes the readiest method for obtaining hydrogen. With 
 copper t forms brass, and, in the form of sheet zinc, it is employed to cover the 
 roofs - houses, and for other purposes. It should never be used for culinary 
 vessel as it is soluble in the weakest acids. 
 
 Tht ompounds of zinc are poisonous, but not to the same extent as those of 
 'he oxide of zinc, at present used in painting as a substitute for white 
 i capable of producing a colic, resembling that caused by lead, and called 
 It attacks workmen, exposed to the dust of the oxide while engaged 
 
 lead. 
 
 zmccc,. 
 
 m pac rg it in barrels, and yields to the remedies appropriate to the treatment 
 °f ieac (flic, (See Chem. Gaz., Sept. 16, 1850.) 
 
762 
 
 Zincum. — Zingiber. 
 
 PAR 
 
 Pharmaceutical Uses. Zinc is never used as a medicine in the metallic st :• 
 but is employed in this state to form the officinal preparations, acetate, sulpte, 
 and chloride of zinc. In combination it forms a number of important medical 
 preparations, a list of which, with the synonymes, is subjoined. 
 
 Zinc is employed medicinally, 
 
 I. Oxidized. 
 
 Zinci Oxidum, U. S., Loncl., Ed.; Zinci Oxydum, Dub. 
 
 Unguentum Zinci Oxidi, U. S. ; Unguentum Zinci, Load., 
 Unguentum Zinci Oxydi, Dub. 
 
 II. Combined with chlorine. 
 
 Zinci Chloridum, U. S., Land., Dub. 
 
 Zinci Chloridi Liquor, Dub. 
 
 III. Oxidized and combined with acids. 
 
 Zinci Acetas, U. S., Dub. 
 
 Zinci Carbonas Praecipitatus, US. ; Zinci Carbonas, Dub. 
 
 Ceratum Zinci Carbonatis, U. S. 
 
 Calamina, U. S. ; Anglic^, Calamine. 
 
 Calamina Praeparata, U S., Land., Ed. 
 
 Ceratum Calaminae, U. S., Land., Ed.; Anglice, Turner' s cate. 
 Zinci Sulphas, U. S., Loud., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Liquor Aluminis Compositus, Lond. 
 
 Zinci Valerianas, Dub. 
 
 ZINGIBER. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Ginger. 
 
 The rhizoma of Zingiber officinale. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. 
 
 Gingembre, Fr.; Ingwer, Germ.; Zenzero, dial.; Gengibre, Span. 
 
 Zingiber. Sex. Syst. Monandria Monogynia. — Nat. Ord. Scitamine, R- 
 Brown; Zingiberaceae, Lindley. 
 
 Gen.Ch. Flowers spathaceous. Inner limb of the corolla with one lipabi- 
 ther double, with a simple recurved horn at the end. Germen inferior, ityk 
 enclosed in the furrow formed by the anther. Loudon's Eicyc. of Plan. 
 
 Zingiber officinale. Poscoe, Trans. Linn. Soc. viii. 348; Carson, Hit. of 
 Med. Dot. ii. 55, pi. 98. — Amomum Zingiber. Willd. Sp. Plant, i. 6; Todv. 
 Med. Bot. p. 731, t. 250. The ginger plant has a biennial or perennial, creting, 
 tuberous root or rhizoma, and an annual stem, which rises two or three et m 
 height, is solid, round, erect, and enclosed in an imbricated membranous scath- 
 ing. The leaves are lanceolate, acute, smooth, five or six inches long by bout 
 an inch in breadth, and stand alternately on the sheaths of the stem. The 
 flower-stalk rises by the side of the stem from six inches to a foot high, ai The 
 it is clothed with oval, acuminate sheaths; but it is without leaves, and terrnates 
 in an oval, obtuse, bracteal, imbricated spike. The flowers are of a dingy Low 
 colour, and appear two or three at a time between the bracteal scales. 
 
 The plant is a native of Ilindostan, and is cultivated in all parts of Inc . It 
 is also cultivated in the West Indies, whither it was transplanted from thEa.-t. 
 and at Sierra Leone in Africa. The flowers have an aromatic smell, al the 
 stems, when bruised, are slightly fragrant ; but the root is the portion icvbKti 
 the virtues of the plant reside. This is fit to be dug up when a year ol 
 the West Indies, the ginger crop is gathered in January and February, aer me 
 stems have withered. After having been properly cleansed, the root is Laea 
 
PAP I. 
 
 Zingiber. 
 
 763 
 
 in tiling water, in order to prevent germination, and is then rapidly dried. 
 Thu prepared, it constitutes the ordinary ginger of commerce, or black ginger 
 as its sometimes called from the darkish colour which it acquires in the process. 
 It i imported into this country chiefly from Calcutta, and is known to the 
 drufists by the name of East India ginger ; but recently considerable quanti- 
 ties ive been brought from Africa, and some probably reaches us from the West 
 Indi. In Jamaica another variety is prepared by selecting the best roots, 
 depring them of their epidermis, and drying them separately and carefully in 
 the n. This is called in the books white ginger , and is most highly valued. 
 It rohes us from England, where it is said to undergo some further prepara- 
 tion. >y which its appearance is improved. It is usually called in our markets 
 Jamica ginger. The root is also at present imported from the East Indies 
 depred of the epidermis. Considerable quantities are brought immediately 
 fromhe West Indies in a recent state, and sold by the confectioners. A pre- 
 serve s made from ginger by selecting the roots while young and tender, de- 
 prive them of their cortical covering, and boiling them in syrup. This is 
 occaunally imported from the East and West Indies. When good it is trans- 
 luce] and tender. 
 
 T1 recent root is from one to four inches long, somewhat flattened on its upper 
 and der surface, knotty, obtusely and irregularly branched or lobed, externally 
 of a rht-ash colour with circular rugae, internally fleshy and yellowish-white. 
 It soetimes germinates when kept in the shops. 
 
 T1 common or black ginger is of the same general shape, but has a dark ash- 
 colot :d wrinkled epidermis, which, being removed in some places, exhibits 
 patch of an almost black colour, apparently the result of exposure. Beneath 
 tliec dermis is a brownish, resinous, almost horny cortical portion. The inte- 
 rior penchyma is whitish and somewhat farinaceous. The powder is of a light 
 yello sk-brown colour. This variety is most extensively used throughout the 
 
 COUD r. 
 
 T1 Jamaica or white ginger differs in being entirely deprived of epidermis, 
 and i ite, or yellowish-white on the outside. The pieces are rounder and thin- 
 ner, consequence of the loss of substance in their preparation. They afford 
 when alverized a beautiful yellowish-white powder, which is brought from Liver- 
 pool jars. This variety is firm and resinous, and has more of the sensible 
 quali s of ginger than the black. The uncoated ginger of the East Indies 
 resen es the Jamaica, but is darker. There is reason to believe that a portion 
 at leal of the white ginger of commerce has been subjected to a bleaching pro- 
 cess, which not only the exterior, but also the internal parts are rendered 
 whitejhhan in the unprepared root. Trommsdorff found in a specimen which 
 he expined, evidences of the presence of chlorides, sulphates, and lime ; and 
 couched that the bleaching was effected by chlorine, or by chloride of lime 
 and sbhuric acid. Having macerated some black ginger in water, deprived it 
 of the artical portion, treated it for twenty-four hours with sulphuric acid diluted 
 with ie times its weight of water, and finally placed it in a mixture of chloride 
 of liri and water, in which it was allowed to remain for two days, he found it, 
 upon ing washed and dried, to present an appearance closely resembling that 
 of th> finest white ginger, both on the surface and internally. ( Annul . der 
 Phan, xvii. 98.) According to Brande, ginger is often washed in whiting 
 and wjer; and Pereira states that it is sometimes bleached by exposure to the 
 fumes.! burning sulphur. 
 
 Ge al Properties. The odour of ginger is aromatic and penetrating, the 
 taste cy, pungent, hot, and biting. These properties gradually diminish, and 
 ore ul uately lost by exposure. The virtues of ginger are extracted by water 
 and a. hoi. Its constituents, according to M. Morin, are a volatile oil; a resin- 
 
764 
 
 Zingiber. 
 
 PAB I, 
 
 ous matter, soft, acrid, aromatic, and soluble in ether and alcohol; a sub-] in 
 insoluble in ether; a little osmazome; gum; starch; a vegeto-animal ma r 
 sulphur; acetic acid; acetate of potassa; and lignin. The peculiar flavor of 
 the root appears to depend on the volatile oil, its pungency partly on the resi us 
 or resino-extractive principle. A considerable quantity of very pure white si ch 
 may be obtained from it. The volatile oil, examined by A. Papousek, was el- 
 low, of the odour of ginger, and of a hot aromatic taste. Its sp. gr. was 0 i3 
 and boiling point 475° F. Deprived of water by distillation with anhyous 
 phosphoric acid, it consisted of carbon and hydrogen, with the formula C 10 H f nd 
 therefore belongs to the camphene series. (See C'liem. Gaz., Jan. 1, 1853, p. 2.) 
 
 Those pieces of ginger which are very fibrous, light and friable, or worm-em, 
 should be rejected. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Ginger is a grateful stimulant and carmimve, 
 and is often given in dyspepsia, flatulent colic, and the feeble state of tbili- 
 mentary canal attendant upon atonic gout. It is an excellent addition to iter 
 infusions and tonic powders, imparting to them an agreeable, warming, ancor- 
 dial operation upon the stomach. When chewed it produces much irritati of 
 the mouth, and a copious flow of saliva; and when snuffed up the nostrils n a 
 state of powder, excites violent sneezing. It is sometimes used as a loc re- 
 medy in relaxation of the uvula, and paralysis of the tongue and fauces. Ex- 
 ternally applied it acts as a rubefacient. It may be given in powder or infi on. 
 The dose of the former is from ten grains to a scruple or more. The inf.iou 
 may be prepared by adding half au ounce of the powder or bruised root to )int 
 of boiling water, and may be given in the dose of one or two fluidounces. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum; Confectio Opii; Conctio 
 Scammonii; Infusum Sennas ; Infusum Zingiberis ; Pilula Cambogiae Compita; 
 Piluhe Sc-illae Composite; Pulvis Aromatic-us; Pulvis Cinnamomi Comporus; 
 Pulvis Jalapae Comp.; Pulvis Rhei Comp.; Pulvis Scammonii Comp.; Sy.pus 
 Rhamni; Syrupus Zingiberis; Tinctura Cinnamomi Composita; Tinct. Ihei 
 Comp.; Tinct. Zingiberis; Yinum Aloes. (. 
 
PAET II. 
 
 PREPARATIONS. 
 
 Te preparation of medicines, which constitutes the art of Pharmacy, comes 
 with the peculiar province of the apothecary. It is for his guidance that the 
 vari'is formulae of the Pharmacopoeia have been arranged, and to him that 
 thei directions are especially addressed.* 
 
 iew general observations, therefore, of an explanatory nature, calculated to 
 faci ate the progress of the pharmaceutical student, will not be misplaced under 
 the resent head. The duty of the apothecary is to obtain a supply of good 
 mecines, to preserve them with care, to prepare them properly for use, and to 
 dispise them. Our remarks will embrace each of these points. 
 
 I substances obtained from the mineral and animal kingdoms, and those 
 funked by the chemical manufacturer, are of a nature to admit of no general 
 preots as to their proper condition, which would not be suggested by the com- 
 moi ense of the purchaser. He must receive them as offered, and judge of 
 thei fitness for his purposes by his knowledge of the peculiar properties of each. 
 Theame remark applies to vegetable substances from abroad ; but with respect 
 to iligenous plants, the apothecary is frequently called upon to exercise his 
 judjient in relation to their collection and desiccation, and will derive advantage 
 fronome brief practical rules upon the subject. 
 
 C jLECting and Drying of Plants. The proper mode of proceeding varies 
 acccling to the nature of the part used. The different parts of plants are to 
 be ; bered at the period when the peculiar juices of the plant are most abund- 
 ant i them. In the roots of annual plants this happens just before the time 
 of firering; in the roots of biennials, after the vegetation of the first year has 
 ceas . ; and in those of perennials, in the spring before vegetation has corn- 
 met d. They should be washed, and the small fibres, unless they are the part 
 emf yed, should be separated from the fleshy solid part, which is to be cut in 
 slici previously to being dried. Bulbs are to be gathered after the new bulb 
 is p fected, and before it has begun to vegetate, which is at the time the leaves 
 dec; Barks whether of the root, trunk, or branches, should be gathered in 
 the tumn or early in the spring. The dead epidermis, and the decayed parts 
 are be separated. Of some trees, as the slippery elm, it is the inner bark only 
 thal 5 preserved. Leaves are to be gathered after their full development, before 
 
 * iese preliminary observations to the second part of the work were originally pre- 
 pan; by Mr. Daniel B. Smith, President of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. They 
 havi ;om time to time been somewhat modified since their first appearance ; but never 
 to tl; same extent as in the present edition. The alterations now made are such as the 
 nap ements in Pharmacy have suggested, and were deemed necessary to render the work 
 >i pt er exponent of the present state of knowledge upon the subject. The authors are 
 hop to acknowledge their obligations, in the revision of this introduction, to Professor 
 hill n Procter, of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy . — Note to the ninth edition. 
 
766 
 
 Collecting and Drying of Plants. 
 
 PAH I. 
 
 the fading of the flower. The leaves of biennial plants do not attain their >r- 
 feet qualities until the second year. Flowers should in general be gathere at 
 the time of their expansion, before or immediately after they have fully oped' 
 and some, as the Rosa Gallica, while in the hud. Aromatic herbs are ’be 
 gathered when in flower. Leaves, flowers, and herbs are to be gathered in >ar 
 dry weather, in the morning, after the dew is exhaled. Stalks and twign re 
 collected in autumn; seeds at the period of their full maturity. 
 
 Vegetables should be dried as rapidly as is consistent with their perfect re- 
 servation. Those collected in the warm months and during dry weather, iv, 
 except in a few instances, be dried by spontaneous evaporation in a well-v ti- 
 lated apartment; and some, as roots and barks, may be exposed to the dect 
 rays of the sun. In spring and autumn, and especially in damp foggy, or iny 
 weather, the drying room should be artificially heated, and furnished with er- 
 tures near the top for the escape of the moist warm air, and others benea in 
 the direction of the prevailing wind so as to command a current of air. he 
 arrangements for supplying heat, which may consist of a small stove, or a am 
 connected with a stove in another apartment, should be capable of regulatk so 
 that the temperature may range between 70° and 100° Fahr. at will. Theib- 
 stances to be dried should be supported on wicker or tinned wire hurdles, arraied 
 horizontally above each other, so that the ascending and lateral currents oair 
 may pass over and through every part. Fibrous roots may be dried in them, 
 or at a heat of from 65° to 80° in the drying room. Fleshy roots should b :ut 
 in transverse slices not exceeding half an inch in length, and, during the drug 
 process, should be stirred several times to prevent moulding ; the heat bei. at 
 first maintained at about 100°. Bulbs must have the outer membranes pled 
 off : in other respects they are to be treated like fleshy roots. Barks, wds, 
 and twigs readily dry in thin layers in the open air. Leaves, after separion 
 from the stalks, should be loosely strewed over the hurdles, and their posion 
 changed twice a day till they become dry. When very succulent they retire 
 more care, in order to prevent discoloration. For dry and thin leaves the eat 
 need not exceed 70°; for the succulent, it may be gradually raised to 100°. 4»- 
 nual plants, and tops, if not too juicy, may he tied loosely in small bundleand 
 strung on lines stretched across the drying room. Flowers must be driedire- 
 fully and rapidly so as to preserve their colour. They should be spread loely 
 on the hurdles and turned several times by stirring. When flowers or Ives 
 owe their virtues to volatile oils, greater care is necessary. Succulent frw, as 
 berries, may be dried when in bunches by suspending them in the drying om. 
 
 The following table, taken from the Edinburgh Dispensatory, present the 
 amounts yielded by 1000 parts of the vegetables respectively mentioned, fter 
 being dried. 
 
 Roots of Angelica Archangelica 
 Aspidium Filix Mas 
 Inula Helenium . 
 Valeriana sylvestris 
 Bark of the Oak 
 
 Elder . 
 
 Elm 
 
 Twigs of Solanum Dulcamara 
 Leaves of Atropa Belladonna 
 Conium maculatum 
 Datura Stramonium 
 
 268 Leaves of Digitalis purpurea 
 500 Hyoscyamus niger 
 
 187 Melissa officinalis 
 
 816 Salvia officinalis 
 
 410 Tops of Mentha piperita . 
 292 Flowers of Anthemis nobilis 
 375 Borago officinalis 
 
 308 Lavandula vera 
 
 140 Sambucus Ebulus 
 
 185 Petals of Papavar Rhoeas 
 110 Rosa rubra 
 
 135 
 
 220 
 
 220 
 
 215 
 
 338 
 
 96 
 
 510 
 
 256 
 
 84 
 
 330 
 
 Preservation of Medicines. The proper preservation of medicines? an 
 object of the greatest importance to the apothecary. The apartment destinl tor 
 
PA]' II. Preservation of Medicines.— Weights and Measures. 767 
 
 a s re room should be quite dry, and capable of being ventilated at will, and 
 proved from vermin. As a general rule drugs should be excluded from the 
 ligl and not packed away until thoroughly dry. New parcels should not be 
 puti old receptacles until these have been examined, and freed from dust and 
 insets. Barrels and boxes well fitted with movable covers, are suitable for most 
 rooi barks, and woods, and for some herbs, leaves, and seeds. They should be 
 paind externally, and are less liable to harbor insects when varnished inside 
 wit a solution of shellac, imbued with aloes, wormwood, or colocynth. Roots 
 and ulbs, which are to be preserved fresh, should be buried in dry sand. Aro- 
 ma i haves and those containing alkaloids, flowers, most seeds, and some roots, 
 esp< ally liable to the attacks of insects, should be kept in tin canisters or in 
 lighboxes lined with lead, tin, or zinc, or in opaque glass, or earthenware ves- 
 sels They should be frequently examined in order to prevent deterioration from 
 inses or moisture. When insects are discovered in a drug, the best means of 
 desnying them, according to Lutrand, is to suspend an open vial containing 
 chloform in the canister, which is to be closed securely, so that the atmosphere 
 of ti vessel may become saturated with the vapour. Cantharides and ergot may 
 be tis treated. Bundles of aromatic herbs, the leaves of which are very friable, 
 as s;e, marjoram, &c., should be wrapped loosely in refuse paper, so as to pre- 
 sen a due proportion between stems, leaves, and flowers. Gum-resins, unless 
 in cginal packages, should be kept in earthen jars or tinned boxes. Fixed and 
 wide oils should be kept in canisters or bottles, in a cool dark place, where 
 the mrage temperature is about 60°. Substances in the form of fecula should 
 be Ipt in oak barrels, or in canisters, and carefully examined from time to time 
 to eject and remove insects. 
 
 ( rbling or Drugs. Drugs frequently require to be garbled before they are 
 in a roper state for use. Senna is to be separated from the stalks and legumes; 
 cetr ia from moss, leaves, and sticks; myrrh from bdellium, &c. ; gum Senegal 
 froiBassora gum and a terebinthinate resin; flaxseed from clover and garlic 
 seer seneka from ginseng; spigelia from the stems and leaves, and both it and 
 ser^iana from adhering dirt. Seroons of cinchona should be examined, and 
 the irks assorted before they are put by for use. Gums and gum-resins should 
 be i -bled, and the tears preserved separately. 
 
 I :ights and Measures. A precise acquaintance with the recognised mea- 
 sun of weight and capacity is essential to the operations of the apothecary. The 
 wei: ts used by him in compounding medicines are the troy pound and its divi- 
 sion those by which he buys and sells, the avoirdupois pound and its divisions. 
 Thnrmer contains 5760 grains, the latter 7000 grains; so that 11 troy pounds 
 are arly equivalent to 9 pounds avoirdupois. The troy pound contains 12 ounces 
 of 4) grains; the avoirdupois pound 16 ounces of 437v grains; eleven of the 
 form being nearly equal to twelve of the latter. The troy ounce is divided, for 
 the le of the apothecary, into 8 drachms of 60 grains each; and the drachm into 
 o sc pies of 20 grains each. The United States and British Pharmacopoeias, 
 that f the Dublin College excepted, recognise the troy weights; and whenever, 
 | n 1 5 work, any term is used expressive of weight, when not otherwise stated, 
 it >s o be understood as being of this denomination. The Dublin Pharmacopoeia 
 °f t)0 recognises the avoirdupois pound and ounce; dividing the ounce into 8 
 chai ns of 54'68 grains each; and the drachm into 3 scruples of 18 '22 grains each. 
 
 I I measures used by the apothecary, in this country, are the wine pint and 
 the lion. The wine pint contains 28'875 cubic inches. The weight of a pint 
 of dilled water, at 62° Fahrenheit and 30 inches of the barometer, is 7289'7 
 8 rai , or 1 pound 3 ounces 1 drachm 29'7 grains troy, or 1 pound 289'7 grains 
 avo 1 upois. The gallon is divided into 8 pints, the pint into 16 fluidounces, the 
 uuiiunce into 8 fluidrachms, and the fluidrachm into 60 minims. The weight of a 
 
768 Weights and Measures. — Specific Gravity. PAR’ i. 
 
 fluidounce of water is 455 i grains, being 18 grains more than an avoirduig 
 ounce. A drop is generally though incorrectly considered as equivalent a 
 minim. Drops vary in size according to the nature of the fluid, and the sizfad 
 shape of the lip from which they fall. A drop of water nearly equals amim. 
 A fluidrachm of antimonial wine will make, on an average, about 72 drops ne 
 of laudanum 120 drops, one of alcohol 138 drops, one of ether 150 drops nd 
 one of chloroform more than 200 drops. For a table showing the relative ’ue 
 of minims and drops, see the Appendix. The measures recognised by al he 
 British Pharmacopoeias are the Imperial gallon of 70,000 grains of distilled ' ter 
 or 277 cubic inches, and its divisions. The gallon is divided into 8 pints (20 
 fluidounces each. The fluidounce is divided as that of wine measure, but d ers 
 from it in value, containing precisely an ounce avoirdupois or 437 '5 grai of 
 distilled water. Measures are employed, both in the United States and Biish 
 Pharmacopoeias, to express the quantity of liquids in nearly all their forn *. 
 
 Liquids are to be dispensed from graduated measures, of which those ho .n» 
 from a fluidounce to a pint are hollow inverted cones; and those holding aui- 
 drachm, and graduated to every five minims, are cylindrical. For smaller tan- 
 tities than five minims, a slender tube holding a fluidrachm may be used, hang 
 the aliquot parts divided off, and marked with a diamond. Alsop’s mininer, 
 which consists of a slender glass syringe graduated into sixty parts, each ual 
 to a minim, is the most convenient and accurate instrument for measuring-ac- 
 tions of a fluidrachm. Care should be taken to verify these instruments, he 
 following approximate measures are used in prescribing medicines; viz., a ne- 
 glassful containing two fluidounces, a tablespoonful containing half a fluidoice, 
 a dessertspoonful two fluidrachms, and a teaspoonful a fluidrachm. 
 
 Specific Gravity. The specific gravity of liquids affords one of theiest 
 tests of their purity. The instrument commonly used by the apothecai for 
 ascertaining this is Baume’s hydrometer . This is a glass bulb loaded at emend, 
 and drawn out at the other into a tube on which the scale is marked, hat 
 used for alcohol is graduated by loading it until it sinks to the foot of theeem 
 (which is marked zero) in a solution of one part of common salt in nine pas of 
 water. It is then put into water, and the place to which it sinks marked 1 0 of 
 the scale, which is constructed from these data. The hydrometer for liiids 
 heavier than water is made by loading it, so that in distilled water it shal dnk 
 nearly to the top of the stem. The place to which it sinks in a solution 15 
 parts of salt in 85 parts of water is then marked 15°, and the scale divid< off. 
 For a table exhibiting the value of these scales in specific gravities, sc the 
 Appendix. Hydrometers are made specially for syrups, acids, and salineolu- 
 tions. Those for syrups should have a very short tube, graduated from 1° to 
 40° of Baume’s scale for heavy liquids. The advantage of a short stemkthat 
 the instrument may be used in small vessels.* 
 
 The hydrometers commonly imported are so carelessly made that scarce any 
 two will agree, and little dependence is to be placed on their accuracy. Atoore 
 certain method consists in weighing the liquid at a uniform temperatui in a 
 bottle, the capacity of which, in grains of distilled water, has been prevusly 
 ascertained. If a bottle is selected which will hold exactly 1000 grains of ater 
 at 00°, the weight in grains of the quantity of any liquid which it will hoi will 
 be the specific gravity of that liquid. Such bottles are sold in the shop h 
 
 * For some very interesting observations in reference to tbe inaccuracy of tbeasOng 
 tables of specific gravities corresponding to the several degrees of Baume’s hydri<t e1 ' 
 to the uncertainty of the hydrometer in use, and to a mode of remedying these 11 ’ ,n ‘ 
 veniences, the reader is referred to a paper by Mr. Henry Pemberton in the Aw-P 1 ' 
 of Pharm. (xxiv. i.) ; and for a good and accurate method of graduating hydromers .0 
 a communication from Dr. W. H. Pile, in the same Journal (xxiv. 310). 
 
PAI II. 
 
 Mechanical Division. 
 
 769 
 
 one; not attainable, an ordinary vial may be used, and the specific gravity ob- 
 tainl by dividing the weight of the liquid examined by the weight of the water. 
 Tbeiperation is rendered more accurate by fitting a smooth cork to the vial, 
 passg a pin transversely through it so as to rest on the lips of the vial, and 
 theiiutting a small vertical groove into the side of the cork so as to admit of 
 the cape of the excess of liquid, when the cork is inserted. 
 
 Gy Lussac’s centesimal alcoholmeter is a very useful instrument, being gra- 
 dua 1 so as to indicate the per centage of absolute alcohol in any mixture of 
 pun spirit and water. 
 
 I; specific gravity of a solid is ascertained by first weighing it in air and 
 ther n water, and dividing the former weight by the difference between the two. 
 If 1 liter than water, it should first be weighed in the air, then in air and in 
 watt in connexion with a heavier body, which has itself been previously weighed 
 in a and in water; and the weight of the lighter body in the air, should be 
 divi d by the excess of the difference between the weights in air and water of 
 the io conjoined, over that of the weights in air and water of the heavier body 
 aloe If the body be soluble in water, its relative weight to that of some other 
 liqu of known specific gravity should be ascertained, in the manner above 
 dire 3d, and this weight multiplied by the specific gravity of that liquid. 
 
 T) specific gravity of insoluble powders heavier than water, as calomel, may 
 be earned by introducing 100 grains into a thousand grain bottle, filling it 
 carelly with distilled water, so as to disengage all the air, ascertaining the 
 weijt of the contents in grains, subtracting the number of grains exceeding 
 100 from the weight of the powder in air, and dividing the latter by the differ- 
 ence When the powder is soluble or lighter than water, another liquid, as 
 alco 1, ether, or oil of turpentine maybe used, the necessary allowance being 
 mad.’or the difference in specific gravity. Very accurate thousand grain bottles 
 are w made in Philadelphia. 
 
 J5 3HANICAL Division. One of the simplest methods of preparing medicines 
 is tl'r reduction, by mechanical means, to a state of minute division. This is 
 effec d by the operations of slicing, bruising, rasping, filing, triturating, grind- 
 ing, fting, levigation, and elutriation. When the result is a fine powder, the 
 proc.;3 or processes employed are called pulverization. 
 
 T more important drugs which are sold in the state of powder are pulverized 
 byp sons who pursue that occupation for a livelihood. Owing to the readiness 
 with hich fraud can be perpetrated in this operation, the apothecary cannot be 
 too I eful to place his drugs in honest hands. In sending drugs to the pow- 
 dere i certain per centage of powder is sometimes required, without regard to 
 the edition of the drugs, as to moisture, extraneous admixture, &c., which per 
 cent, e often cannot be obtained without the addition of foreign matter. This 
 procure on the part of the druggist is one of the chief sources of dishonesty 
 io tl powderer, and is highly reprehensible. The loss of weight during the 
 proc ;es of pulverization is due to the evaporation of moisture, the unavoidable 
 esca; of dusty particles, and the useless residue called gruffs. The following 
 state ent has been abbreviated from a table prepared by MM. Henry and 
 Guil art. One thousand parts of the substances mentioned yielded, when pul- 
 verisl — 
 
 Roots. 
 
 Jalaj . 
 ltliul b 
 Coluij o 
 Liqu ce root 
 Vale, u 
 
 Elecapane . 
 Gent i . 
 
 49 
 
 
 Florentine orris 
 
 850 
 
 Cinchona, red 
 
 880 
 
 940 
 
 Rhatany 
 
 850 
 
 , yellow 
 
 900 
 
 920 
 
 Calamus 
 
 840 
 
 Cinnamon 
 
 890 
 
 900 
 
 Virginia snake root 
 
 800 
 
 Angustura 
 
 825 
 
 900 
 
 Ipecacuanha . 
 
 750 
 
 Leaves. 
 
 
 860 
 
 Squill (bulb) . 
 
 820 
 
 Hemlock 
 
 800 
 
 850 
 
 Barks. 
 
 
 Savine 
 
 800 
 
 850 
 
 Cinchona, pale 
 
 875 
 
 Digitalis 
 
 790 
 
770 
 
 Contus ion. — Grinding. 
 
 PAR' 2. 
 
 Belladonna 
 
 Senna 
 
 Henbane 
 
 Flowers. 
 Chamomile 
 Saffron . 
 
 Fruits. 
 
 Mustard 
 Black pepper . 
 
 785 
 
 720 
 
 530 
 
 850 
 
 800 
 
 950 
 
 900 
 
 Nux vomica 
 Colocynth 
 
 Vegetable Products. 
 
 Aloes 
 
 Tragacanth 
 Opium . 
 
 Gum Arabic . 
 Scammony 
 Catechu . 
 
 Liquorice (extract) 
 
 850 
 
 500 
 
 960 
 
 940 
 
 930 
 
 925 
 
 915 
 
 900 
 
 810 
 
 Animal Substances. 
 Castor ... >00 
 
 Spanish flies . . 50 
 
 Mineral Substances. 
 Red oxide of mercury <go 
 Red sulphuret of mer- 
 cury . . . )50 
 
 Arsenious acid . I ), 50 
 
 Sulphuret of antimony )50 
 Tin ... 625 
 
 The apothecary often finds it necessary to pulverize drugs in small quant es. 
 For this purpose he should be provided with mortars of iron, brass, Wedgood 
 ware, glass, and marble, sieves of several degrees of fineness, at least one nd 
 mill, one or more cutting knives, a rasp, and a pair of pruning shears. 
 
 Contusion should be performed in an iron or brass mortar, the latter 1 ng 
 used for astringent substances. The curve of the interior surface of the beam 
 should be elliptical, and that of the pestle should be of the same kind, b of 
 shorter radius, so that when the pestle stands vertically in the mortar theiinr- 
 faces may approximate pretty closely for some distance around the poi of 
 actual contact. Powdering by contusion is much facilitated by using a rge 
 mortar, with the pestle suspended on a spring so as to assist in elevating it In 
 powdering acrid substances, as well as to prevent loss in those that are dur, a 
 leathern cover should be attached to the pestle, and held tightly aroumthe 
 edge of the mortar by a circular wooden frame. The operator should jard 
 himself against the fine particles of very acrid substances, like canthanes, 
 euphorbium, &c., by standing with his back to a current of air, and coying 
 his nostrils with a wet cloth. He should be careful not to impede the press 
 by introducing too large a quantity of tbe material so as to clog the p tie. 
 After the pestle has been in action a certain time, the fine particles accum.ate 
 so as to hinder the reduction of the coarser. At this point the sieve sbou be 
 brought into requisition. Sieves for powders are constructed of woven ‘ass 
 wire, and silk cloth (bolting cloth). The best arrangement for the apotheefy s 
 use is that known as the box or drum sieve, being cylindrical, with a 'ver 
 above, and a receptacle below for the powder. After introducing tbe counts 
 of the mortar, a jerking circular motion should be given to the sieve, wi out 
 much jarring, so that none but the finest particles shall pass. The coarsepor- 
 tion should then be returned to the mortar to be again acted on. A set of stple 
 sieves, formed by tacking pieces of woven wire, with meshes varying froi tie 
 twentieth to the fourth of an inch, to square wooden frames, should be preded 
 to prepare drugs for percolation and other modes of solution. When tbe tan- 
 tity of material to be sifted is large, recourse may be advantageously hi to 
 
 Harris’s patent sieve, which b; tbe 
 merits of the drum sieve, witbreat 
 facility of use. (See Am. Jou.. of 
 Pharrn., xxv. 31.) A figure ctbis 
 instrument is given in the mara. 
 
 Grinding. The hand mill ex- 
 ceedingly useful for the coarse om- 
 minution of drugs, especially ofoose 
 which from their acrimony m; an- 
 noy the operator in the proco of 
 contusion. Swift’s drug mil(see 
 following page), is one of tbenost 
 useful and manageable of tbe ind. 
 It does not answer well for frous 
 
PAR II. 
 
 T71 
 
 Trituration. — Levigation. — Elutriation. 
 
 druo like slippery elm and sarsa- 
 parO, unless sliced transversely in 
 shor sections. 
 
 T'uration is the effect produced 
 whei a circular motion, accompanied 
 bypssure, is communicated to the 
 pestl and is applied most generally 
 to frjple substances, or to powders 
 obta ed by other means with a view 
 to t|ir further and more regular 
 cominution. The operation is ac- 
 celered by alternately increasing 
 and onnishing the circular move- 
 men' so as to bring the pestle in 
 contifc with all portions of the sur- 
 face ' the mortar. Dover’s powder 
 and d oxide of mercury are in- 
 stand requiring this operation; and 
 in p scriptions for powders, where 
 a va;ty of substances of variable 
 moledar condition are associated, 
 
 this ocess is employed to bring them to a uniform state of division. 
 
 Legation, or porphyrization as it was formerly called, is a kind of tritura- 
 tion ected between the flat surfaces of a slab and muller. As the surfaces are 
 equiltant at all parts, a substance subjected to their action has its particles 
 moruniformly divided, than between the curved surfaces of a mortar and 
 pestl It is usual to moisten the powder with water or alcohol (in which it 
 shou be insoluble) so as to bring it to a pasty consistence. The slab and 
 mull are made of glass, porphyry, Wedgwood ware, or marble. 
 
 E t nation bears the same relation to trituration and levigation that sifting 
 does ) contusion. It consists in agitating a powder, obtained by those pro- 
 cesse in a large quantity of water, allowing the coarser particles to subside, 
 and uring off the supernatant liquid, holding the finer particles in suspension, 
 that ley may settle separately. The pasty thick mass, left when the clear 
 liqui is decanted, is put into a funnel, and dropped in small portions on a chalk 
 stone o as to form small conical masses. The fineness of the powder depends 
 on it specific gravity, and the length of time which elapses before the liquid 
 from kich it subsides is drawn off. 
 
 V : ous means are used to facilitate the operation of powdering. All vegetable 
 subs; ices must be carefully and thoroughly dried. No part of the business of the 
 powder requires more care than this, especially in relation to those substances 
 whic owe their activity to volatile principles. The heat derived from steam, regu- 
 lated elow 100 ° for aromatic substances, and below 140° for others not injured 
 there) 7 , is the most appropriate. Resins, gum-resins, and gums must be pow- 
 dereen cold frosty weather. Tragacanth and nux vomica must be dried in a 
 stove . eat, and powdered while hot. The fibrous roots, as liquorice and marsh- 
 mall , should be previously cut into thin transverse slices. Agaric is to be 
 powered by heating it into a paste with water, then drying, and triturating it. 
 Cloy and the aromatic seeds may be ground in a hand mill, and afterwards 
 tritu ed. Squill and colocynth, the comminution of which is sometimes aided 
 kj si ring them in mucilage of tragacanth and then drying, are best powdered 
 m a fy atmosphere, after being thoroughly dried by a stove heat. Camphor 
 r ®qu s the addition of a few drops of alcohol. The efflorescent salts may be ob- 
 tain< in the state of fine powder by exsiccation ; and those which are insoluble 
 
772 
 
 Separation of Solids from Liquids. 
 
 PAE II. 
 
 in alcohol may be precipitated by it, in an impalpable powder, from their ae- 
 ous solutions. Vanilla, mace, and other oily aromatic substances, may be med 
 to powder with sugar; magnesia and white lead, by friction on a wire siev 
 
 Care should be taken, in powdering, to separate previously the inert ponDs 
 and impurities, and to mix intimately the whole of the powder which is res red 
 for use. The central woody fibre of ipecacuanha and of other roots, the viaes 
 of which reside in the bark, is to be rejected. The first portions of those rks 
 to which lichens, and the dead epidermis adhere, are inert; as are also th ust 
 particles of the fibrous roots and barks. 
 
 Ivory, horn, nux vomica, wood, and iron are prepared for pharmaceutic ur- 
 poses by filing and rasping; guaiacum wood and quassia by turning in a hie; 
 roots, stalks, and dried herbaceous plants by cutting with a large pair of shrs. 
 or with a large knife, fixed in a frame at one end and furnished with ain? 
 handle at the other. Tin and zinc are granulated by melting them, and str gly 
 agitating while they are cooling, and carbonate of potassa by stirring with rod 
 the concentrated solution as it hardens. Earthy insoluble substances art on- 
 veniently reduced to powder by levigation. 
 
 Separation of Mixed Substances. Various mechanical operations fc:his 
 purpose are resorted to in practical pharmacy. Some of these have referee to 
 the separation of solids from liquids, others to the separation of one liquid 'om 
 another. 
 
 Separation of Solids from Liquids. This includes the processes of denta- 
 tion, filtration, straining, expression, clarification, &c. 
 
 Decantation. Solids may be separated from liquids, when there exis no 
 chemical action between them, by being allowed to subside. The supenant 
 liquid may then be carefully poured off; or it may? be drawn off by a syphi, or 
 separated by filtering. The last operation, or expression by a stronger ton, is 
 necessary to separate the whole of the liquid. 
 
 Jars larger at bottom than at the top, and furnished with a lip for porng, 
 called precipitating jars , are sold in the shops, and are proper for decantion, 
 precipitation, and the receiving of filtering liquids. When the decanted [uid 
 is the object of the process, and the powder subsides very slowly, the precipition 
 may be greatly hastened by the addition of a small quantity of solution of ge tin. 
 Decantation by pouring is facilitated by holding vertically against the lip alass 
 rod, which attracts and gives a direction to the current, and prevents itrom 
 running down the sides of the vessel. The syphon is a tube bent like the tier 
 U having one limb longer than the other. When it is filled with liquicand 
 the shorter end is inserted in the fluid to be decanted, a current is estabhed 
 towards the longer limb owing to the greater weight of its contents, whicbou- 
 tinues as long as the shorter limb is kept below the surface of the liquid. 
 
 Filtration consists in pouring a mixture of solid and fluid matter on a poos 
 surface, called a filter or strainer, which admits of the passage of the fluidniy, 
 and is designed either to clarify the liquid, or to separate the solid froi the 
 associated liquid by washing and draining. 
 
 Filters or strainers are made of unsized paper, cotton, linen, and woollen oth, 
 charcoal, glass, and sand. The apothecary should be provided with several inds 
 of filtering paper, one of which should be white and free from matter soluein 
 dilute acids, especially oxides of iron. Paper filters are plain or plaited. The 
 plain filter is made by folding a square piece of paper twice, so as to brie the 
 four corners together, aud then separating one of the layers from theotherhree 
 so as to form a hollow cone, wEich is inserted in a funnel. Such filters ai best 
 for precipitates; but when rapid filtration is required, the plaited filter, b pre- 
 senting a much greater extent of surface, and numerous channels for thedcect 
 
PAB II. 
 
 Filtration. 
 
 773 
 
 of tl liquid, is to preferred. The paper is folded 
 into. 2 triangular surfaces, all the points meeting 
 in t; centre, and the edge presenting a zig-zag 
 outl e as in the figure. In some cases it may be 
 nect ary to place a small cone of the same material 
 outs' e of the large one to strengthen it. When 
 the i uid is too viscid to pass readily through paper, 
 a coon or woollen bag of a conical shape may be 
 used Cotton flannel with a thick nap is well suited 
 for frups. Acids may be filtered through a layer 
 of £; siliceous sand, supported in the neck of a 
 glasj’unnel by pieces of glass gradually decreasing in size. Castor oil, syrups, and 
 oxyiils may be readily filtered through coarse paper, made entirely of woollen 
 shreq but the best material for fixed oils is hatters’ felt, in the conical form in 
 whidiit is prepared in the making of hats. This may be attached to a tin ring, and 
 suspided over a suitable vessel. Melted fats, resins, wax, and plasters may be 
 strand through muslin stretched over a 
 squ?: frame, or a hoop. Hair cloth or 
 wireauze is better suited for plasters than 
 mush Small sieves of fine bolting cloth 
 serv for straining emulsions, decoctions 
 and lfusions; and a temporary strainer 
 for tpe purposes may be made by fasten- 
 ing piece of muslin between the upper 
 and wer parts of a common pill box, and 
 then utting off the ends so as to leave the 
 rim dy of the box around the muslin. 
 
 The itration of viscid substances is facili- 
 tate! y heat. Filtration through bone black 
 is piitised for muddy or dark coloured li- 
 quid Much inconvenience is often expe- 
 riem 1 in the filtration of hot saturated sa- 
 line lutions, by the cooling of the liquid, 
 andasequentcrystallization of the salt, in 
 the fer and neck of the funnel. To obviate this, the tin apparatus represented in 
 theahve wood cut was contrived by Professor Hare. The vessel is filled with hot 
 wate which is kept 
 at a iling heat by 
 lamp placed 
 the cavity 
 the shape of 
 an iigrted funnel. 
 
 A gl 3 funnel with 
 a filt is placed in 
 her cavity, 
 
 3 liquid pass- 
 es tl ngh rapidly. 
 
 In fil ring alcohol- 
 ic so. .ions, it is ne- 
 cess; - to protect 
 
 aspi 
 
 und( 
 
 havi 
 
 the 
 
 and 
 
 the 1 uid from the flame of the lamp, and for this purpose the partition under- 
 neat aas been added. No apothecary should be without this useful apparatus. 
 
 je 'angementof Dr. Hare has been simplified by having a funnel with double 
 !>Kei is in the figure, with a hollow cylindrical projection at the lower part, to 
 
774 
 
 Expression. — Clarification. — Precipitation. pap ii. 
 
 which a spirit lamp heat may be applied, while the funnel is supported on a Lp 
 stand; the space between the sides being filled with water. Frames of vabus 
 sizes for holding funnels and filters will be found very useful; the wood e re- 
 presents the one commonly used. The efflorescence of saline solutions o] the 
 edge of the filtering paper may be prevented by dipping it in melted tallow oi.rd. 
 
 The filtration of liquids which are altered by exposure to the air requires ich 
 caution. A very simple method of accomplishing it is to insert a slendeiabe 
 of glass into the funnel, long enough to reach below the neck, while the ;per 
 part is nearly as high as the top of the funnel. The space between the tulmd 
 the neck must be filled with bits of glass and fine sand so as to form a ood 
 filtering bed; the liquid is then poured in, and the top of the funnel cored 
 with a plate of glass. If this be luted on, and the funnel luted into the eck 
 of a bottle, the process will be performed with perfect accuracy. Anotheray 
 of performing this operation, in relation both to liquors altered by the caimic 
 acid of the air, and to those which are very volatile, as ethereal and ammoacal 
 solutions, consists in covering the funnel with a sheet of tin foil, or moist lad- 
 der, and putting a small tube within and against the side of the funnel, exteiing 
 nearly to the top, so as to form a communication between the atmosphere the 
 receptacle and that of the funnel. By such an arrangement ordinary fil ring 
 through paper can be conducted with perfect success with ether or soluta of 
 ammonia. The filtration of large quantities of liquids is facilitated by brag 
 a self-supplying apparatus, so that the level of liquid in the filter may hcon- 
 stant. This is effected by inserting a tube, with a bore of a quarter of anrch, 
 through the cork of a large bottle containing the liquid to be filtered, an sup- 
 porting the bottle in an inverted position over the filter, as at page 783, s that 
 the tube shall dip slightly below the surface of the liquid. As this desceis its 
 place is supplied from the bottle above. Another arrangement, in which a sdion 
 is used, is figured in the following page. 
 
 Expression is required to separate the last portions of tinctures and inf ions 
 from the dregs. A screw-press is used for this purpose. The substanc-eo be 
 pressed is put into a cylinder of strong sheet tin, the sides of which are greed 
 with small holes. This is placed on a square tray of tin having a lip for po'ing. 
 A block of wood, which fits into the cylinder, like a piston, is placed on tl top, 
 and the whole is put under the screw-press, the pressure of which is graially 
 brought to bear upon it. 
 
 This press is to be used for expressing the juices of fresh plants, whic 1 pre- 
 viously to being pressed, must be well beaten in a mortar, water being add to 
 those which are hard and dry. The juices of succulent fruits, as strawbries, 
 raspberries, &c., are most advantageously extracted by filling several strong nnel 
 bags about two-thirds full, without bruising them, laying these in a pilon a 
 suitable tray, placing a strong block over the whole, and gradually bringij the 
 press to bear upon them. The expressed oils are obtained by bruising th-eeds 
 which contain them, and enclosing the bruised mass in strong bags, wb 1 are 
 placed in a firm hollow frame, and subjected to strong sudden pressure by c viog 
 up a wedge. Expressed oils are clarified from mucilage by boiling thei with, 
 water. 
 
 The clarification of liquids may be effected by the addition of some coaplable 
 substance, such as milk or an aqueous solution of ichthyocolla. The whit of an 
 egg beaten up with water will coagulate with a gentle heat, and clarify anyquid 
 with which it has been mixed. The vegetable acids will clarify many • the 
 expressed juices of plants; and the juice of sour cherries will cause thecoplete 
 separation of the pectin of currant and raspberry juice, so as to fit them for rups. 
 
 Precipitation is sometimes mechanical, as in the process of Irrigating al e< ■ 
 triating chalk, and sometimes chemical, as in the preparation of the preci tatea 
 
PAJ’ II. Separation of Liquids. — Application of Heat. 
 
 775 
 
 carinate of lime by decomposing chloride of calcium. When a precipitant is 
 dirced to be added until no further precipitation takes place, the fact may be 
 ascoained by taking a drop of the liquid on a glass plate, and trying it with 
 tke'reeipitant. The formation of a precipitate is often much assisted by agi- 
 tatii, or by heat. The separation of the supernatant liquid from the precipitate 
 is nst effectually accomplished by means of a syphon. When the liquid is a 
 sail; solution, it is necessary to wash the precipitate until the water exhibits no 
 trac of the salt. In doing this great care must be taken to select the purest 
 andlearest water, and the ultimate drying of the precipitate must be performed 
 in alter, or on a porous stone. 
 
 ]e apparatus figured in the margin is very con- 
 vennt for procuring a constant and gentle stream 
 of ’ ter, in washing precipitates and in clearing 
 erynls of the impurities of their mother-water. It 
 consts of a syphon having legs of equal length, 
 onef which is inserted in an air-tight bottle nearly 
 fille with water, and the other dips into the funnel. 
 
 A slight open tube is also inserted in the bottle, 
 the wer end of which is about half an inch or an 
 incl.bove the end of the syphon. It is obvious that 
 theater will run from the syphon no longer than 
 till [e water in the funnel is level with the end of the 
 stra ht tube. The same effect may be produced by using an inverted bottle and 
 tubas described in the preceding page. 
 
 , faration of Liquids. Liquids which 
 havino chemical affinity, and differ in 
 spec.c gravity, may be separated by 
 alio ng them to remain at rest in the 
 sept .ting funnel represented in the an- 
 nex figure, and then drawing off the 
 heaur fluid. Another very convenient 
 met d of separating fluids is by means 
 of 3 separatory figured in the wood 
 cut 1 the margin. The last drops of 
 the eavier fluid may be drawn off by 
 mea; of this instrument. 
 
 Plication op Heat. The most efficient and economical means of obtaining 
 heal $ a subject of great importance to the pharmaceutist, on 
 acccit of the variety of processes in which it is required. 
 
 I ;h the small furnaces, which are now made of fire clay, of 
 vari s patterns and sizes, almost all the operations of the labora- 
 tory hich require heat can be performed. The fuel used is 
 chai al, although anthracite will burn in those of a larger size, 
 aud to be preferred where a uniform heat is necessary for 
 sevel hours. The apothecary should be provided with a com- 
 plet set of these useful utensils, including one with a dome for 
 a re rberatory furnace. By adding a pipe several feet in length 
 to t|i, and urging the fire with a pair of double bellows, the heat 
 way e raised to that of an air furnace. A small pipe of sheet 
 iron ith a cone at the lower end, as in the figure, to fit on the 
 furn e, will be found an excellent means of obtaining an intense 
 heal i those of the smallest size. For operations on a smaller 
 seal i convenient means of obtaining heat is by alcohol lamps. 
 
 Ale fi burns without smoke or smell, and is almost as cheap a 
 fuel oil, to which it is on every other account preferable. The 
 
 r 
 
 
 
776 
 
 Application of Heat . — Gas Burners. 
 
 par II. 
 
 annexed figures represent the usual form of spirit lamps. The larger one -ill 
 
 be found very useful in at- 
 ing spatulas for spre; ng 
 plasters. 
 
 Gas burners afford ; yet 
 more eligible and econo cal 
 means of applying heatian 
 alcohol lamps. When'oal 
 gas is mixed with a duero- 
 portion of atmospheri air 
 before ignition, it burns with a bluish flame and produces but little ihnv 
 smoke. The gas burner consists of a cylinder of sheet or tinned iron fra 2 
 
 to 4 inches in diameter, and 6 or eight i hes 
 long, open at the inferior end, whil the 
 upper end, which is slightly flared, is colred 
 with a piece of number 70 brass wire gaze, 
 fastened on with wire. This burner sup- 
 ported vertically over an ordinary gas t in 
 any convenient position, and the gas on ing 
 allowed to issue into it, rises from its tpe- 
 rior levity, mixes with the air, and is ig ted 
 by means of a taper above the gauze, dhe 
 heat can be managed by regulating thdow 
 of gas, and by using burners of dif-ent 
 sizes. The left of the two figures i the 
 margin exhibits this arrangement. Tkon 
 the right, in which a tube conveying g (a) 
 enters the cylinder horizontally while te air 
 passes in at b below, is an arrangemensug- 
 gested by Dr. Bridges, and may be adapted to the common bat-wing or fis-tail 
 gas burner. 
 
 For supporting the substance to be heated, iron tripods, of various bgbts 
 
 and sizes, must be provided. These shod be 
 furnished with sets of concentric rings, s in 
 the figure, for vessels of different size; A 
 very convenient support is the stand ancring 
 figured in the wood cut, which w ill answ for 
 a spirit lamp, i for 
 a small furnaceiade 
 from a black let cru- 
 cible, as in the lure. 
 
 The tempeture 
 required in pb'ma- 
 ceutical process sel- 
 dom exceeds red 
 heat; and the vssels 
 used are erueics of 
 silver, porceiin, 
 W edgwood are, 
 black lead, ar fir® 
 
 clay (Hessian crucibles). Silver is used for the fusion of potassa, porceln for 
 nitrate of silver, and black lead and Hessian crucibles for the metals, g» 0 
 antimony, sulphuret of potassium, and the ordinary operations which redrew 
 great heat. They are each liable to objections; silver fuses too readily; one- 
 
PASO II. 
 
 Evaporation. — Distillation. 
 
 777 
 
 lainnd Wedgwood ware do not bear sudden changes of temperature ; black 
 leai which bears these changes, is destroyed by saline substances, and burns in 
 a c rent of air; and the Hessian crucibles are so porous as to absorb and waste 
 mu. of the fused substance. The crucibles should be covered with a lid or an 
 inv ted crucible, and should be supported at a little distance from the bottom 
 of (3 grate, and surrounded and covered with ignited coals. 
 
 iquef action is performed in open earthen, copper, or iron vessels, and care 
 mu be taken not to raise the heat so as to char or inflame the substance. 
 
 isand bath is an indispensable part of the pharmaceutic apparatus. It is 
 usuly an iron pot, or a shallow vessel of sheet iron capable of holding sand to 
 the epth of four or six inches. It serves to regulate the action of the heat on 
 ves Is which do not bear a rapid change of temperature. It is sometimes heated 
 to red heat as in preparing the mineral acids, though more frequently used for 
 thevaporation of saline solutions and vegetable juices. 
 
 laporation is one of the most important operations of the pharmaceutical 
 labUtory, and on its proper management depends the value of a large number 
 of pparations. The readiness with which organic matter is modified by direct 
 hea has caused the invention of various means and apparatus to effect evapo- 
 ratii under the most favourable circumstances, as with the water bath, steam 
 hat', solution bath, vacuum pans, etc. 
 
 :e water bath is to be used in all cases where a heat above that of boiling 
 wat would be injurious. A convenient one consists of two copper vessels, the 
 upp one of which is well tinned. It is still more convenient to have the water 
 bat/jonstructed as a hollow vessel with one opening at the top for the escape of 
 stea and for the introduction of the water, as in 
 the pure. By inserting a cork in the aperture, the 
 con its of the inner vessel may be poured out as 
 froia dish without spilling the water. It may be 
 mao of tinned iron, or preferably of tinned copper. 
 
 Wli e a temperature above that of boiling water, 
 andot exceeding 228° is required, the water bath 
 mapie filled with a saturated solution of common 
 salt ulphate of soda, or chloride of calcium, the 
 
 last lentioned salt communicating a heat as high as 240° when desired. 
 
 i am baths are by far the most useful and easily regulated of the arrange- 
 mei for indirect heating. When steam heat is applied in a double-sided 
 vest like the water bath, it is called a steam jacket, and must have two openings, 
 one r the ingress of the steam, the other for the exit of the air, and for drawing 
 off (;! condensed water. When the steam jacket is strongly made, a heat of 300° 
 mar e readily commanded. A more economical and easily applied arrangement 
 com ts in placing a coil of tube in the vessel containing the liquid to be evapo- 
 rate and causing a strong current of steam to circulate through it. For further 
 remks on apparatus for evaporation, including the vacuum pan, see Extracts. 
 
 I; apothecary should be provided with a set of evaporating vessels, of porce- 
 lain lazed iron, tinned iron, and copper. For metallic solutions vessels of Berlin 
 por< ain are the most useful. In most cases of surface evaporation, where the 
 pro'At is uncrystallizable, the process should be hastened by stirring. 
 
 1 ■•tillation consists in vaporizing a fluid in one vessel, and conducting the 
 yap r into another vessel, where it is condensed and collected. The process 
 m u 1 for separating a liquid from solid substances which it may hold in solu- 
 tion «■ with which it may be mixed ; for separating a more volatile liquid, as 
 etbi and alcohol, from one less so; for impregnating a liquid with the volatile 
 pw pies of plants to the exclusion of other principles, as in the preparation of 
 ar °i tic spirits and waters ; and for separating by means of aqueous vapour, the 
 
778 
 
 Distillation. 
 
 PAR" I. 
 
 essential oils and volatile proximate principles of the vegetable kingdom. 3e 
 process for separating one liquid from another is termed rectification. Tim 
 in the last two processes, the distillation is repeated with the same liquid a a 
 fresh quantity of the plant, the operation is called cohohation. Distillati* is 
 also used for obtaining the volatile products which result from the deeomposon 
 by heat of substances of animal or vegetable origin. The oils which are obtaed 
 in this manner are called empyreumatic oils. Sometimes the result is an d, 
 as the succinic acid, and sometimes a volatile alkali, as in the destructive is- 
 tillation of animal substances. 
 
 The common still and worm , the vessels in general use for distillation , ar oo 
 well known to need description. A convenient still or alembic for small ora- 
 tions, which may be heated by a spirit lamp, is figured in the wood cut. he 
 top of the head is kept filled with cold water, and all escape of vapour is re- 
 vented by having an inner ledge to the still, and filling the space in which he 
 head fits with water. The condensation of all the vapour is secured by adajng 
 a worm, or a long tube to the apparatus. The boiler of this still may holc«ne 
 or two gallons, and it will be found a very uful 
 means of recovering the alcohol in making alcodic 
 extracts. It may easily be converted into a iter 
 bath by fitting on the top of the boiler, a vess of 
 convenient form. These stills are easily adapt' to 
 the common cylindrical anthracite stoves, usecfor 
 heating, by means of a sheet iron collar, thr.gh 
 which the boiler of the still is made to pass, ar on 
 which it is supported. 
 
 When the common glass retort and receive are 
 used for the distillation of liquids, care should be teen 
 not to apply the luting until the atmospheric i is 
 expelled, unless the receiver has a tubulure fc its 
 escape. The chief objects to be aimed at are toeep 
 the body of the retort hot, and the neck and receiver cool. A hood of pte- 
 board or tin, as represented in the figure, will much facilitate the former and 
 
 the latter will be gained by keeping theeck 
 and receiver wrapped in wet cloths, on rich 
 a stream of cold water is kept running, 'his 
 may be conveniently done by meansf a 
 syphon made by dipping one end of atrip 
 of cotton or woollen cloth in a ves; of 
 water, and allowing the other end toang 
 down upon cloths bound loosely arounthe 
 receiver and the neck of the retort. The 
 
 
 apparatus figured in the margin is one of tlioest 
 for the condensation of ethereal vapour, in 
 regaining the ether in the process for m ing 
 ethereal extracts. It consists of a close blow 
 cylindrical tin vessel, having a large neck ove 
 for the insertion of the neck of a retort or a ibe; 
 and a small tube below for the escape of theon- 
 densed ether. This vessel sits in a largone 
 open at top, which is kept filled with cold ’ ter, 
 constantly renewed by a tube descending the 
 bottom. 
 
 When certain liquids are boiled in glasves- 
 sels, ‘sudden jars or succussions are apt to eur, 
 
SI T II. 
 
 Sublimation. — Lutes. 
 
 779 
 
 wbh are often inconvenient, and sometimes interrupt tlie process. These may- 
 be bviated by giving a metallic coating to the lower portion of the interior sur- 
 fai of the vessel. Mr. Redwood recommends for this purpose the process of 
 Dyton. He introduces into the flask or retort as much ammoniacal solution 
 ofilver as may cover the part to be coated, precipitates the silver by the addi- 
 tic of essential oils, and afterwards thoroughly cleanses the vessel by boiling 
 it successive portions of alcohol, until the silver becomes perfectly bright and 
 allmell of the oil is removed. A coating of platinum may also be obtained, 
 tb gh less perfect, by precipitating a solution of the chloride of that metal by 
 fonic acid and afterwards boiling. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm. xx. 333.) These 
 suussions are moderated and sometimes prevented by putting in the retort a 
 nuber of small angular fragments of glass or quartz crystal. The most con- 
 yeent and effectual apparatus for distillation in small quantities, is the flask 
 an Liebig’s condenser, figured in page 793 ; and with such an arrangement 
 thbontents of the flask are less likely to be driven over, so as to mix with the 
 dished liquid. 
 
 Ten the object of distillation is to preserve the residuum, and this is liable 
 to jury from heat, as is the case with vegetable extracts, the operation is best 
 pe'irmed in vacuo. For this purpose the still and recipient are made so as to 
 for. an air-tight apparatus, and the latter is furnished with a stop-cock which 
 is ;pt open until the whole of the atmospheric air is expelled by the vapour. 
 It then closed, and a vacuum formed and maintained in the recipient by sur- 
 ro ding it with cold water. The distillation is carried on in this manner at a 
 mih lower temperature than under ordinary circumstances, and the heat may 
 be pplied by a water or steam bath, with greater certainty of obtaining an un- 
 bred product. For a more extended account of vacuum apparatus, see Ex- 
 tras. 
 
 Mimation. The vapours of some volatile solids have the property of con- 
 de ing into the solid form, either in mass or in a state of minute division. The 
 op ition in which this occurs is called sublimation. When the product is com- 
 pact is called a sublimate, when slightly cohering it is called flowers. The 
 opi ition is generally performed in a sand bath ; and the apparatus consists of 
 tw vessels fitting each other, one being inverted over the other. The shape, 
 siz material, and depth of the vessels, and the degree of heat to be applied are 
 reflated by the nature of the substance operated on. For the details of this 
 pri iss see the articles corrosive sublimate, camphor, and benzoic acid. 
 
 :itcs. The most precious material for the chemist is glass, the transparency, 
 ins ubility and hardness of which fit it for almost every purpose. It is often 
 neusary to strengthen it by means of lutes which will bear a heat at which 
 gif would soften ; and the application of lutes for this purpose, and for securing 
 tin tinctures of tubes and vessels, is an important part of the pharmaceutic art. 
 The lutes which are required for coating vessels exposed to a great heat, are 
 ma ! of Stourbridge clay. The clay is made into a paste with water, mixed 
 wn chopped straw or cut hemp, and successive coats applied as they become 
 Dr. Hare recommends the fine wool-like turnings of iron for this purpose 
 ms id of chopped straw. Earthenware vessels may be rendered impervious to 
 airr vapours by brushing over them a thin paste made of slaked lime and a 
 sol ion of borax containing an ounce to the half pint. This is allowed to dry, 
 am he vessel is then coated with slaked lime and linseed oil, beaten till the 
 mi ire becomes plastic. Earthenware retorts, thus coated, may be safely used 
 me than once, the coating being renewed every time. 
 
 f lute is applied to the joinings of apparatus to prevent the escape of cor- 
 ros 3 vapours. It is made like glaziers’ putty, pipe clay being substituted for 
 ng. It will bear a considerable heat, and great care must be taken that 
 
780 
 
 Chemical Operations. — Solution. 
 
 PART 
 
 the part where it is applied be perfectly dry. If it he exposed to heat, slip if 
 moistened bladder must be wrapped around it and secured with twine. 
 
 Roman cement and plaster of Paris may be applied in the same manner 
 fire-clay. When used for securing the joinings of apparatus a coating of oi>r 
 wax will render them air-tight. 
 
 A very useful lute is formed by beating the white of an egg thoroughly a h 
 an equal quantity of water, and mixing it with some slaked lime in the stat of 
 fine powder so as to form a thin paste. This must be spread immediate!’ n 
 strips of muslin and applied to the cracks or joinings intended to be luted." It 
 soon hardens, adheres strongly, and will bear a heat approaching to redss 
 without injury. A leak in this lute is readily stopped by the application < a 
 fresh portion. Solution of glue, or any liquid albuminous matter, maybe i;d 
 in place of the white of eggs. 
 
 An excellent cement for surfaces of iron consists of one part of sulphur, ro 
 of sal ammoniac, and eighty of iron filings, mixed together and slightly m ;t- 
 ened. It is rammed or caulked into the joints, and solidifies perfectly in t e. 
 
 White lead ground in oil is an excellent cement for broken glass. Spid 
 upon linen it forms a good coating for a cracked surface, but dries sloy. 
 Strips of bladder macerated in water, adhere well to glass and are very usel. 
 
 A mixture of whiting and paste or gum water, spread upon strips of pair, 
 forms an excellent luting for joinings not exposed to acrid vapours or a gat 
 heat. 
 
 A useful lute is formed by spreading a solution of glue on strips of cloth, ad 
 coating them, after they are applied, with drying oil. 
 
 Linseed meal, beaten into a uniform mass with milk, lime water, rye p:;e, 
 or thin glue, and applied in thick masses, adheres well ; and when dry ill 
 resist most vapours. 
 
 Cap cement is made of six parts of resin, one part of yellow wax, and or of 
 Venetian red. It is a very useful cement for fastening metals or wood to gss, 
 and for rendering joints impervious to water. Soft cement is used for the me 
 purposes, and is made of yellow wax, melted with half its weight of turpenpe, 
 and coloured with a little Venetian red. It is very useful for renderinghe 
 stoppers of bottles perfectly air-tight. 
 
 Chemical Operations. Some of the chemical processes, conducted bj he 
 apothecary, have been explained in the former part of this Introduction. It 
 remains to notice others in constant or frequent use. 
 
 Solution. The act of solution, in which solid substances assume the lid 
 state through the agency of liquids, is one of the most important operatioi of 
 practical pharmacy. The process has received a variety of names ac-cordii to 
 the mode of applying the menstruum and the degree of heat employed as 
 maceration, infusion, digestion , decoction, displacement or percolation, anc nr- 
 culatory displacement. 
 
 Two classes of substances are the subject of solution ; those which dis Ive 
 entirely in the menstruum, as salts, gum, &c., and those which consist of soble 
 and insoluble matter, as roots, leaves, barks, etc. The former yield simple A- 
 tions ; the latter infusions, decoctions, tinctures, urines, etc. Solution is sne- 
 times accompanied "by chemical reaction, as when metals are dissolved ineid 
 solutions. Mechanical division facilitates solution by increasing the exte: of 
 surface. Heat as a general rule favours solubility. All aqueous solutio! of 
 solid bodies are denser than water. A solution is said to be saturated whe tho 
 dissolved substance ceases to be taken up at common temperatures. A satuted 
 solution of one salt will dissolve other salts, a fact taken advantage of iu pU>‘ 
 ing nitre, and other saline bodies in powder, by percolating them with their wn 
 
PA C II. 
 
 Infusion. — Decoction. — Lixiviation. 
 
 781 
 
 satiated solutions. Rapid solution when unaccompanied by chemical reaction 
 cans a reduction of temperature; hence in such cases, where dense solutions 
 are squired, heat should be employed to counteract that effect. In dissolving 
 a stance wholly soluble in the amount of liquid used, a convenient method 
 is treduce it to powder in a mortar, add the liquid in portions, and decant 
 unt the whole is dissolved. Capsules and flasks are the most suitable vessels 
 for jrforming solution when heat is necessary. If the solid softens before dis- 
 solug, as iu the case of the extracts, a capsule should be used, with constant 
 stirog. When effervescence occurs a flask should be used inclined to one side 
 to : oid loss; or, if the capsule be employed, an inverted funnel should be 
 plad over it. When the quantity of a substance is large, and time permits, 
 therocess called circulatory displacement affords the best means, especially in 
 mahg saline solutions. This is performed by suspending the salt enclosed in 
 a pi:e of gauze or other porous tissue near the surface of the liquid. The solu- 
 tiomroceeds rapidly; as the liquid in contact with the salt, by becoming satu- 
 rate and heavier, descends to give place to less saturated portions, so as to 
 cau: a kind of circulation of the solvent. This process is applied in the arts, 
 and as been suggested in making infusions and tinctures. 
 
 Fusion is the subjecting of a substance containing soluble principles to the 
 acti of a menstruum, which is usually water. Hot infusions are made by 
 pouig boiling water on the substance, and allowing it to remain in a covered 
 vesi till cold. Cold infusions are made with cold water, and require several 
 kou to attain their full strength. Maceration is the term employed to denote 
 the stion of liquids upon medicines, when allowed to remain upon them for 
 somtirae, at a heat from 60° to 90°. Digestion is the name given to the same 
 opeiion, when conducted at a temperature between 90° and 100°. This 
 procs is sometimes effected at higher temperatures, but the heat is uniform 
 duri ; the operation, and always below the boiling point of the liquid. It is 
 comanly performed in glass bottles or flasks, and a common fire or stove heat 
 isenloyed. When digestion is performed with alcohol and ether at temper- 
 atur 1 near their boiling points, the vessel should be connected with a refrigerated 
 wortor other condenser to save the vaporized portion. Soubeiran places the 
 won above the digesting vessel, so that the condensed fluid runs back at once 
 into ;ie vessel. 
 
 L oction, or boiling, is sometimes employed in extracting the virtues of plants ; 
 but often disadvantageous, as most of the proximate principles of vegetables 
 are tered by it, especially when long-continued. When it is practised, the 
 ebul ion should generally be continued for a few minutes ouly, and the liquid 
 be a! wed to cool slowly in a close vessel. For further remarks on infusions and 
 decoiions see the preliminary notices to these classes of preparations. 
 
 L iviation is a process used to separate a soluble from a porous insoluble body. 
 It exists in placing the substance to be lixiviated in a vessel, the bottom of 
 wkic is covered with straw, sand, &c., pouring water upon it, allowing the water 
 to n ; ain until saturated, and then drawing it off through an opening at the 
 botfaj. of the vessel. It is found that if fresh water is poured on without dis- 
 turb^ the mixture in the vessel, it does not mix with the liquid already there, 
 but rcolates the solid particles, driving the saturated liquid before it ; so that, 
 for (imple in lixiviating wood ashes, if a gallon of water had been poured on 
 the ; ies, and allowed to become saturated with the alkali, we shall obtain, by 
 this tde of proceeding, a gallon of strong ley, and immediately thereafter the 
 wate vill become almost tasteless. This fact has been applied to the service of 
 the farmaceutist, and has led to some valuable improvements in the mode of 
 extr; ing the medicinal qualities of plants. 
 
782 
 
 Percolation. 
 
 PAEl 
 
 The operation referred to is called by the French the method of displacem ■ 
 but the terms percolation for the process, and pe L 
 lator for the instrument in which it is performed, e 
 f more appropriate in our language. The figure in e 
 
 margin represents Boullay's filter, or percolator, < 1 - 
 structed on this principle. It consists of a lon» n 
 vessel, nearly cylindrical, but narrower at the lo;r 
 end, which has a funnel shaped termination, for ie 
 purpose of being inserted in the neck of a bo - 3 . 
 A metallic plate, or diaphragm, pierced with he s, 
 like a colander, and having a handle in the ceD 3 , 
 fits accurately in the lower part of the cylinr. 
 Upon this, previously covered with a thin layeof 
 carded cotton, tow, or a piece of cotton flannel k 
 placed the substance upon which it is intendeto 
 operate, and which should be coarsely powdereior 
 ground in a mill. It must then be saturated 'ch 
 the menstruum, which is done by pouring on th li- 
 quid from time to time until it will absorb no more, and then allowing theito 
 remain for a few hours in contact. On the top of the powdtis 
 placed another similarly pierced plate, and fresh portions of ae 
 menstruum are gradually and successively added, until theprcs3 
 is completed. The first portion, that with which the powder as 
 mixed, flows off very highly concentrated, while the next is neh 
 less so, and the successive infusions rapidly become weaker. A 
 stop-cock near the lower end of the instrument, as represente in 
 the second figure, will be convenient for regulating the dischge 
 of the fluid. A single example will show the value of this pross. 
 The Messrs. Boullay, by subjecting four ounces of bruised einclna 
 to percolation with half a pint of water, and then adding fouralf 
 pints in succession, obtained the following results. 
 
 1st Half pint yielded 0 drs. 48 grs. dry extet. 
 
 2d 
 
 Do. 
 
 “ 1 dr. 5 grs. 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 3d 
 
 Do. 
 
 “ 15 grs. 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 4th 
 
 Do. 
 
 “ 9 grs. 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 5th 
 
 Do. 
 
 “ 7 grs. 
 
 Do. 
 
 
 Cylinders 14 inches long by 2| 
 
 in wid 
 
 at 
 
 the base, 14 inches by 4, and 17 by 6, areon- 
 venient sizes for ordinary use. Queensare 
 percolators are now to be procured fronthe 
 druggists, and are useful for acid or astriient 
 solutions. In a large proportion of the ses 
 of percolation small vessels only are reqied. 
 The common glass cones, used as lampgb^s, 
 figured in the margin, when inverted, vh a 
 piece of close cauvass or flannel tied ovethe 
 smaller end, form convenient percolators and 
 their transparency enables the operati to 
 assure himself that the powder is prc.'riy 
 stratified before adding the menstruum A 
 tin percolator, formed with a double rim.nto 
 which the rim of the lid is inserted, the 
 
PA I II. 
 
 Percolation . — Crystallization. 
 
 783 
 
 intetice being filled with water so as to make an air-tight juncture,) and fur- 
 nisllwith an open vertical tube extending from the top through the diaphragm 
 belo, is used when volatile 
 liqus, as ether, alcohol, and 
 spir of ammonia, are used as 
 meurua. It is figured in the 
 precling page. When it is 
 wisl i to operate upon a fine 
 powir, it will be found ad- 
 visa e to increase the height 
 of tie column of liquid by 
 mak g the top of the cylinder 
 air ght., and inserting a tin 
 tube several feet long, which 
 musbe kept filled with the 
 liqu. All the substantial ad- 
 vances of this method may, 
 how er, be generally obtained 
 withit pressure, by using the 
 filte»f Boullay. For operat- 
 ing very small quantities of 
 a su.tance, an adapter or the 
 necif a broken retort may be 
 used by loosely stopping the 
 lowe and smaller end with a 
 piecof cotton. 
 
 Sibeiran has adapted to 
 Bou y’s filter a receiver of 
 tin, ’om which the filtered 
 liqu< may be drawn off by a stop-cock at the most dependent part. An appa- 
 ratus this kind is represented above. One of the most important points in 
 cond ting the displacement process is to keep the ingredients constantly satu- 
 ratec with a stratum of the displacing liquid over them. To avoid the neces- 
 sity constant supervision to effect this, the arrangement in the right-hand 
 hgur above maybe used. An ordinary bottle containing the menstruum, with 
 a tul of a quarter of an inch bore passing through the cork, is inverted over 
 tke i 'colator with the end of the tube dipping in the liquid above the ingre- 
 dieni 
 
 C itaUization. Numerous chemical substances, in becoming solid when their 
 solut as are evaporated, take on certain regular forms. The bodies having such 
 form are called crystals, and the process for obtaining them, crystallization. 
 Ike Dst usual method is by the evaporation of solutions, either spontaneously, 
 or bs he application of heat. The extent to which the evaporation should be 
 cam ' depends on the solubility of the substance. The proper degree of con- 
 centr ion is attained, when a drop of the solution removed to a cool glass plate 
 depcu s well formed crystals. When set aside to crystallize, a solution should 
 Dot 1 disturbed until the deposition ceases. The crystals are large in propor- 
 tl0n tke slowness of the cooling of the solution, to effect which the vessel is 
 some nes set in the drying closet, and sometimes left to cool with the sand bath, 
 -too position of crystals is facilitated by suspending some insoluble substance, 
 13 Wl 1, or sheet lead in the solution, or crystals of the same substance, which 
 are t s increased in size. When it is desirable to have small acieular crystals, 
 rtion should be cooled rapidly and stirred constantly meanwhile, 
 br tallization is one of the best means of purifying many substances ; the im- 
 
 the 
 
784 Effects of Heat. — Dispensing of Medicines. par’ j, 
 
 purities remaining wholly or chiefly in the residual liquid called mother w r. 
 Fine silky crystals which retain their mother water by capillary attraction, :i$t 
 be dried by strong expression in a linen bag. The finest silky crystals mabe 
 entirely freed from their adhering liquid, by placing them in a funnel which? 
 closely to one of the necks of a double mouthed bottle, and fitting a tube ti be 
 other, through which air is drawn. The current of air, in passing throuhhe 
 funnel, carries the water with it, and dries the crystals perfectly. 
 
 The operations which require a heat greater than that used in digestimre 
 liquefaction, fusion, calcination, ustulation, incineration, distillation, subha- 
 tion, and reduction. 
 
 Liquefaction is the melting of those substances that become soft previ< sly 
 to fusion, as wax, tallow, plaster, &c. The heat employed is always belowiat 
 at which charring takes place. 
 
 Fusion is the melting of those substances which pass immediately fronihe 
 solid to the fluid state. It is employed in pharmacy in preparing the niate 
 of silver and caustic potassa for casting into cylinders. The former mu be 
 melted in a porcelain, the latter in an iron crucible. The moulds in which iey 
 are cast are formed of two thick plates of cast iron, with semi-cylindrical gr ves 
 that fit accurately to each other. Fusion is also used in preparing the gin of 
 antimony. 
 
 Calcination is a term applied to the changes produced in mineral subst ces 
 by intense heat, not attended with fusion, and leaving a solid residue, a. is 
 often synonymous with oxidation. The term ustulation is restricted t the 
 metallurgic operations of roasting ores, to drive off the volatile matters, a ar- 
 senic, &c. Calcination is often used to express the ustulation or burni' of 
 carbonate of magnesia. This is to be performed in an earthen vessel at red 
 heat. Exposure to the heat of a potter’s furnace during the burning of theiln, 
 is an excellent mode of performing the operation. More commonly the ca>on- 
 ate is burnt in an iron pot, which is objectionable, as the heat soon oxtzes 
 the iron, and the oxide scales off and mixes with the magnesia, which is sdom 
 free from iron when prepared in this way. 
 
 Incineration, as the name expresses, is the operation of burning subslices 
 for the sake of their ashes. It is performed in obtaining phosphate of 15 e — 
 the Cornu Ustum of the London Pharmacopoeia. The bones are burnt in arpen 
 fire until all the combustible matter is consumed. 
 
 Reduction is that operation by which certain binary compounds of the r tals 
 are brought to the metallic state, by heating them alone, or with some subsnee 
 capable of attracting the combined substance and setting the metal at li rty. 
 Arsenious acid is thus reduced by heating it with charcoal, and oxide of in, in 
 the state of powder, by heating it iu a current of hydrogen. When, in t; re- 
 duction of metallic compounds, some third substance interferes with the press, 
 as silica, a substance capable of combining with this is added called a flic 
 
 Dispensing of Medicines. A large portion of the operations of thapo- 
 thecary is performed in the shop extemporaneously. In dispensing meciues 
 from the counter, he is continually called upon to put his previous knov.hge 
 in practice, and often to substitute extemporaneous for the regular offioinabrm- 
 ulae. There is no part of his business which requires, for its proper perfortjnce, 
 so much ready knowledge and so accurate a judgment. A few direction sug- 
 gested by running the eye over the list of preparations of the PkarmaC'ffia, 
 may be found useful. 
 
 It may sometimes be necessary for the apothecary to make extemporannsly 
 an aromatic water, not usually kept iu the shops. In this case he is to ppare 
 it by rubbing two drops of essential oil with from four to six grains of car uate 
 of magnesia for every fluidounce of water, and filtering. 
 
PAI II. 
 
 Dispensing of Medicines. 
 
 785 
 
 For the description of an ap- 
 
 Iis sometimes desirable to apply plasters prepared from the narcotic herbs. 
 The: may be made extemporaneously by mixing the soft extract of the plant, 
 witlibout twice its weight of melted adhesive plaster. The most suitable ma- 
 ted. on which to spread plasters is soft white leather. A margin of half an 
 inchhould be allowed to remain around the plaster. The plaster iron or spatula 
 majie heated over the large spirit lamp, figured in page 77b. A skilful apothe- 
 eanvill be able to spread the plaster uniformly and evenly, without overheat- 
 ing so as to corrugate or penetrate the leather. A convenient instrument for 
 detenining the size and preserving a straight 
 edg consists of two squares made of tin and 
 gradated to inches, as in the annexed figure; or 
 piec of paper may be cut out and pasted on 
 the ather so as to enclose a space of the re- 
 quill dimensions. The plaster should first be 
 ioel 1 on a piece of brown paper, and then 
 tranerred to the leather, in order to prevent 
 its Ing applied at too great a heat. For all 
 the dcinal plasters the apothecary should have 
 sma tin trays open on one side, on which to 
 mel hem. If the plaster to be spread is a very 
 largme, it is better to liquefy the material in 
 a einule, and add it to different parts of the 
 leatlir as it is wanted, till the whole is covered, 
 para s for spreading plasters, see Emplastra. 
 
 Dioctions and infusions are often ordered in prescriptions in the quantity 
 of a.sw ounces. A very convenient vessel for preparing them is the common 
 nursy lamp, which consists of a cylindrical vessel, open at one side to receive 
 a sp t lamp, and at the top to receive a teapot or tin boiler. The infusion mug 
 of }■ Alsop of London (see Infuso ), which consists of a queensware vessel, 
 with, perforated diaphragm of the same material resting on a ledge at one-third 
 of it height from the top, is the best instrument for this purpose. The mate- 
 rial be infused is placed on the diaphragm and the boiling water poured on 
 till rises over the ingredients. No stirring is necessary, and the process is 
 acco: dished rapidly. Infusions and decoctions may be kept during the hot 
 weat r, and for many months by straining them while lwt, and pouring them 
 at or i into bottles provided with accurately ground stoppers. The bottle must 
 be ei rely filled; the stopper being made to displace its own bulk of the liquid. 
 A eemon bottle with a perforated cork stopper may be used, provided the hole 
 be i; antly closed, and the cork covered with sealing wax. The hotter the 
 bffn and the freer from air bubbles, the better will the infusion be preserved. 
 
 Fdral mixture is known to be saturated perfectly, when it does not affect 
 btiui paper either in its blue state, or when reddened by an acid. For pre- 
 parir the effervescing draught it is advisable to keep in the shop a solution of 
 carbate of potassa containing an ounce to the pint. The silica which this salt 
 conta 3 precipitates after a few weeks, and leaves a perfectly clear solution; 
 whei’)s that prepared at the time it is to be used always becomes turbid after 
 beinsaturated. The carbonic acid, extricated in the preparation of the neutral 
 mis tp, combines at first, without effervescence, with the remaining carbonate, 
 au 'I 1 ms a bisalt. This circumstance may lead, unless the solution be tested, 
 to th supposition that the mixture is saturated. 
 
 In reparing extemporaneous mixtures by direction of the physician, it is of 
 the fi , importance to mix the ingredients in the manner best calculated to insure 
 a sm h and readily miscible compound, without any grittiness or imperfectly 
 comr mted portions, when a part of the constituents are insoluble. Kino and 
 
786 
 
 PAI II. 
 
 Dispensing of Medicines. 
 
 extract of rhatany should be first dissolved in boiling water, when admisde. 
 If an aromatic water is directed, they should be rubbed to powder, mixed ith 
 the insoluble ingredients, if any, and the water gradually added, the whole in? 
 triturated till smoothly mixed. Emulsions of the gum-resins should he ribed 
 till all the particles are softened, and then strained, if any extraneous mat r is 
 present. Water can be saturated with camphor by means of carbonate of am- 
 nesia, and an aqueous mixture of any strength may be made with it, by itu- 
 rating the camphor with magnesia, and shaking the mixture before usi it. 
 Camphor softens the gum-resins, and solid fats and oils, and may be reared 
 permanently miscible with water, in considerable quantity, by trituration vha 
 fifth part of myrrh. In preparing oily emulsions in which gum Arabic, op 
 and sugar are the medium, a sufficient quantity of water must be added (;ne- 
 rally about twice their weight) to convert them into a thick mucilage fore 
 adding the oil, which must then be thoroughly mixed with the mucilagand 
 the remaining water added gradually with great care. Ether is rendered lore 
 soluble in water by trituration with spermaceti. The mixture should be fired 
 to separate the superfluous spermaceti. If elaterium is to be incorporate in a 
 mixture, it should be first rubbed with a little alcohol, then with sugar or ,rup, 
 and lastly with the other ingredients. When a few drops of croton oil e to 
 be suspended in a mixture, the latter will be more permanent if a little oli oil 
 be added with the croton oil to increase its quantity. Mixtures that conts the 
 resinous tinctures, should also contain syrup, with which the tincture sho i be 
 first mixed, and the water then added very gradually. If a mixture coains 
 laudanum and a fixed oil, the former should be first mixed with the syru and 
 the oil afterwards incorporated, and lastly the water. The mixture wi not 
 otherwise be uniform. When a considerable quantity of sugar is adde to a 
 mixture it is best to use syrup, employing a fluidrachm of syrup for each dchm 
 of sugar, and making allowance for the water contained in the syrup, which juals 
 half its bulk. 
 
 Powders are often mixed together with difficulty, by means of a pest and 
 mortar, on account of their differing greatly in weight, or of their softne and 
 compressibility, as charcoal and magnesia, or rhubarb and magnesia. Irhese 
 cases the mixing should be completed with a spatula on a sheet of pape In 
 dividing powders into doses it is very desirable ( fold 
 the packages neatly and of a uniform size. The jwder 
 folder represented in the figure is very useful f this 
 purpose. It may be made of mahogany or othe bard 
 wood. Instruments of this kind with a movable peek, 
 so as to be widened or contracted by a screw, anenade 
 of brass, are used in some of the shops. When datile 
 or deliquescent substances, as camphor and carboite of 
 potassa, are prescribed in several powders, these lould 
 be enveloped separately in tin foil or waxed paper; and when the nuner of 
 doses is more than two they should be enclosed in a paper box. 
 
 In ordering pills care must be taken to avoid the use of deliquescent sa;, and 
 to deprive those which are efflorescent of their water of crystallization. T) mas; 
 must be thoroughly incorporated previously to being divided; and this ■ par- 
 ticularly important when extracts of different degrees of hardness enter i o the 
 composition. A section of the mass should be throughout of uniform eohr and 
 consistency. Pills are to be rolled and preserved in powdered liquori root, 
 which ought to be kept for use in a tin box with a perforated lid, like aepper 
 box. When pills are of too soft a consistence, a little liquorice powder ay be 
 incorporated with them to render them more firm. Pills, into the corn siuon 
 of which gum Arabic enters, should be softened with syrup, and not witlvater. 
 
PAB n. Dispensing of Medicines. 787 
 
 as tl latter renders the mass difficult to roll. For further remarks relative to 
 the rmation of masses for pills, see Pilulae 
 
 T proper cleanliness of his vessels is an object of great importance to the 
 apot^ary. Open vessels, as mortars and measures, are easily cleansed, and 
 shou- be wiped dry immediately after being washed. Fats and resins are readily 
 remted by pearlash, or tow and damp ashes, or sand; red precipitate and other 
 luefeic substances by a little nitric or muriatic acid; Prussian blue by means 
 of prlash. Bottles may be cleansed from the depositions which accumulate 
 on tjir sides and bottom from long use in the shop, by a few shreds of grocers’ 
 pape and a little clean water. They are to be shaken so as to give the paper 
 and iter a centrifugal motion, which effectually removes the dirt from the sides. 
 Themay be freed from oil by a little strong nitric acid, after the action of which 
 watewill thoroughly cleanse them. Long sticks armed with sponge, or dry 
 linenr cotton cloth, should be provided for wiping dry the interior of flasks and 
 bottl A wire bent at the end into a sort of hook will be found useful for 
 gettijg corks out of bottles. Wire instruments with three prongs are made 
 specily for this purpose. In the absence of these, a loop of twine will often 
 be fnd a convenient means of effecting the same object. When the glass 
 stopjr of a bottle is fast, it may often be loosened by gently tapping its sides 
 alter tely with the handle of a spatula. Sometimes a drop or two of oil, alco- 
 hol, water, will soften the cementing substance. It will sometimes answer to 
 wrap he stopper in a cloth, insert it in a crevice or hole, in a table or door, and 
 twisthe bottle gently and dextrously. Sometimes the stopper may be loosened 
 by q ckly expanding the neck in the flame of a lamp, and tapping the stopper 
 befoi the heat has reached it. The bottle should be constantly turned in the 
 hand uring the heating process, to avoid unequal expansion and fracture. In 
 the lienee of a flame, a piece of twine turned twice around the neck and drawn 
 hack ad forward rapidly will soon heat it sufficiently, in most instances. When 
 thespper of a bottle containing caustic alkali adheres in consequence of the 
 neck ot having been wiped thoroughly dry, it is almost impossible to loosen it, 
 and 3 neck must be cut off. 
 
 Tl apothecary should be provided with spatulas of wood, whalebone, and 
 horn ,s well as of steel. It should be an invariable rule to clean every knife 
 and iiduated measure immediately after it is used, and to put the dirty mortars 
 apart -om those which are clean. Too much particularity and order in all the mi- 
 nute tails of the shop cannot be practised. The counters should be cleaned every 
 day, id wiped as often as they become dusty. The scales should be thoroughly 
 clean ..every week, and wiped always after using them for dusty substances; 
 and t]i prescription balance should be kept carefully enclosed in a glass case, and 
 the ( lies wiped after each time of using. The beam should occasionally be 
 wipewith a soft cotton or silk cloth. The mortar stand should pass through 
 the f ir and cellar, into the ground, so as not to jar the counter during the con- 
 tusiopf substances, and thus injure the balance. Bottles should be replaced 
 as sa after being taken down and used as possible, and should on no account 
 he chiged from their accustomed place on the shelf. For the proper preserva- 
 tion < leaves, flowers, aromatic powders, calomel, and other medicines to which 
 light: injurious, the bottles should be coated with tin foil or black varnish. 
 
 N( pothecary should be unprovided with a set of troy weights, as without them 
 
 *T 
 be rei 
 kerne 1 ! 
 matte 
 Chim. 
 effect 
 
 odour of volatile oils, and other strong smelling substances, such as musk, may 
 ved from bottles, mortars, &c., by means of the pulp of bitter almonds or peach 
 bruised peach leaves, or other substances containing hydrocyanic acid. But fatty 
 should first be removed by an alkaline solution, and resins by alcohol. ( Journ . de 
 ,'ed., 1845, p. 535.) It is asserted that the powder of black mustard has the same 
 Ibid., 2eser., iii. 727.) 
 
788 
 
 General Officinal Direction s. 
 
 PA1 II. 
 
 he will find it difficult to comply with the officinal directions for the prepa:ion 
 of his medicines; and the drawer in which his smaller weights are kept s.ald 
 be clean and free from dust, so that the weights may be accurate. In dispi ;ino 
 medicines, no vial or parcel should be suffered to leave the shop without : ap- 
 propriate label, and this, in the case of prescriptions, should always be thilhy- 
 sician’s direction as to the manner of taking it, and not the name of themeqine, 
 unless it be so directed by him. The prescription, or a copy of it, shoi. be 
 retained and numbered, and the same number marked on the parcel or tie. 
 Everything connected with the shop, and the dispensing and putting 3 of 
 medicines and parcels, should be characterized by neatness, accuracy, systet and 
 competent knowledge. 
 
 The apprentice who desires to qualify himself for his business, should are- 
 fully study Turner’s, Graham’s, or Fownes’ Elements of Chemistry, Mol and 
 Redwood’s Practical Pharmacy, and Faraday’s Treatise on Chemical Marini &■ 
 tion, which may be termed the hand-books of his profession. D. B 0 . 
 
 General Officinal Directions. 
 
 As all the processes of the United States and British Pharmacopoeias are ther 
 described or fully detailed in the following pages, it is proper that the prt tory 
 explanations of the several Pharmacopoeias should be introduced in this lace, 
 in order that the reader may be prepared to understand the precise signif.tion 
 of the terms employed. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeias recognised in this work, excepting that of the iiblin 
 College, unite in the use of the troy or apothecaries’ pound, and its divisas of 
 ounces, drachms, scruples, and grains, for the expression of weights. Up' this 
 subject the United States Pharmacopoeia has the following note, to whi. the 
 attention of apothecaries is particularly invited. “ It is highly importai that 
 t hose eugaged in preparing or dispensing medicines should be provided wit Trey 
 weights of all denominations; but, when these are not to be had, the sac end 
 may be attained by calculating the Avoirdupois pound at 7000 Troy grai, and 
 the Avoirdupois ounce at 437 '5 grains, and making the requisite alloance. 
 Thus 42 '5 grains added to the Avoirdupois ounce will make it equal to tlTrcv 
 ounce, and 1240 grains deducted from the Avoirdupois pound will redu it to 
 the Troy pound.” As the common weights of the country are the avoirapois 
 weights, and every apothecary is in possession of the lower denomination;! the 
 apothecaries’ weight, viz. grains, scruples, and drachms, there can be no dic-ulty 
 in complying with the officinal directions. The Dublin College, in -t lad 
 edition of their Pharmacopoeia, have abandoned the troy weights, and substoted 
 the avoirdupois pound and ounce, in common use, but make a new div on of 
 the ounce into drachms and scruples, which are different in value from y de- 
 nomination of weight hitherto used. Thus their ounce is divided int eight 
 drachms of 54'68 graius each, and the drachm into three scruples ofi s -- 
 grains each. The difference in value of these weights from others of tl same 
 denomination, and the fractions of grains contained in them, are likely lead 
 to much confusion and inconvenience. [ 
 
 Both in the United States and British Pharmacopoeias, the quantity ofluids 
 is generally indicated by the liquid measure, consisting of the gallon id its 
 divisions of pints, fluidouuces, fluidrac-hms, and minims. It is highly nassary 
 that the apothecary should understand that this distinction is rigidly ohse ed in 
 all the details which follow, and that whenever the simple terms pound, out 1 , and 
 drachm are employed, they must be considered as belonging to the denoniiation 
 of troy weight. This caution is the more necessary, as these terms are of n con- 
 founded with the corresponding divisions of liquid measure, viz. tt p in b 
 
PAB'H. Greneral Officinal Directions. 789 
 
 fluid nee, and fluidrachm. (See tables of weights and measures in the Appen- 
 dix.) 
 
 At the British Colleges have adopted the Imperial gallon and its divisions 
 instei' of the wine gallon which they before employed. In the United States 
 Pharacopoeia the wine gallon is still retained. This discrepancy is very un- 
 fortuite, as no one denomination of the imperial measure corresponds exactly 
 withie same denomination of the wine measure; and the formulae, therefore, 
 of to British Colleges, so far as measures are concerned, when they agree in 
 term nth those of the United States Pharmacopoeia, differ from them in reality; 
 whikn other cases, though differing in terms, they may be quite or very nearly 
 idental. It is very important that the apothecary should bear this distinction 
 in mid; and, when he has occasion to carry into effect one of the foreign form- 
 ula, at he should make the due allowances. He will find, among the Tables 
 in th Appendix of this work, a statement of the relative value of the several 
 denoi nations of the Imperial and wine measures, and by consulting this state- 
 ment 'ill be enabled to convert the former into the latter without difficulty. 
 The nasures kept in the shop should be graduated according to the divisions 
 of thwine gallon ; as this is recognised by our own officinal standard. 
 
 In ie Pharmacopoeia of the United States, and in that of the Edinburgh 
 Collei, when the specific gravity of a body is given, it is considered to be at the 
 tempiture of 60°, of Fahrenheit; in the London Pharmacopoeia, at 62°. 
 
 Th United States and London Pharmacopoeias explain the term gentle heat 
 as sif lying a temperature between 90° and 100°. Fahrenheit’s scale is re- 
 ferret ,o by all the officinal standards. 
 
 Th London College directs that, when not otherwise ordered, glass, porcelain, 
 or steware vessels shall be used for preparing and preserving medicines, at 
 the sue time guarding especially against the employment of earthen vessels 
 glazet vith lead. The same College also directs that acid, alkaline, and metallic 
 prepations, and salts of every kind, be kept in stopped glass bottles, which, 
 for chain substances, should be of black or green glass. 
 
 W1 never, in the United States and London Pharmacopoeias, an acid or an 
 alkali i directed to be saturated, the point of saturation is to be ascertained by 
 mean: of litmus or turmeric. For this purpose litmus or turmeric paper is 
 usual employed, the latter being rendered brown by the alkalies, the former 
 being sddened by the acids, and having its blue colour restored by the alkalies. 
 (See icmus and Curcuma .) The London College provides that, when the 
 soluti of carbonate of soda is employed to saturate an acid, all the carbonic 
 acid 1 driven off by heat, before the test is applied. It directs, moreover, that 
 in ma ng experiments no other water than the distilled should be used ; and 
 that, less otherwise ordered, white bibulous paper should be employed both 
 for fil -ing liquids and drying crystals. 
 
 Th< London College uses Hessian or Cornish crucibles exclusively. It de- 
 fines Daterbath to be an arrangement by which anything, contained in its own 
 vessels exposed either to hot water itself, or to the vapour of boiling water; 
 :md a nd bath, as consisting of sand to be gradually heated, in which anything, 
 contai d in its own vessel, is placed. 
 
 PeMation, or Filtration by Displacement. In relation to this process, the 
 follow g directions are given in the United States Pharmacopoeia. “The kind 
 ot filt.don commonly designated as the process of displacement, which is em- 
 ploye:, n many of the processes of this Pharmacopoeia, is to be effected in the 
 follow. g manner, unless otherwise specially directed. A hollow cylindrical 
 instru eat, called a Percolator, is to be used, somewhat conical towards the 
 inferil extremity, having a funnel-shaped termination so as to admit of being 
 nsert into the mouth of a bottle, and provided internally, near the lower end, 
 
790 
 
 General Officinal Directions. 
 
 PAI II. 
 
 with a transverse partition or diaphragm, pierced with numerous minute les. 
 or, in the absence of such a partition, obstructed with some insoluble and.ert 
 substance, in such a manner that a liquid poured into the cylinder may periate 
 slowly. [See page 782.] The substance to be acted upon, having been re ced 
 to a coarse powder, and mixed with enough of the menstruum to moist it 
 thoroughly, is, after a maceration of some hours, to be introduced into the i tru- 
 ment, and slightly compressed upon the diaphragm. Any portion of the icer- 
 ating liquid which may not have been absorbed by the powder, is afterwasto 
 be poured upon the mass in the instrument, and allowed to percolate. Suiient 
 of the menstruum is then to be gradually added to drive before it, or displac the 
 liquid contained in the mass; the portion introduced is in like mannenbe 
 displaced by another portion ; and so on till the required quantity of fired 
 liquor is obtained. If the liquor which first passes should be turbid, it in be 
 again introduced into the instrument. Care must be taken that the powrbe 
 not, on the one hand, too coarse or loosely pressed, lest it should allow the quid 
 to pass too quickly, nor, on the other, too fine or compact, lest it should or an 
 unnecessary resistance. Should the liquor flow too rapidly, it is to be re raed 
 to the instrument, which is then to be closed beneath for a time, in ordt that 
 the finer parts of the powder may subside, and thus cause a slower pereolnn.” 
 The Edinburgh College gives directions for percolation unc the 
 head of Tinctures. According to that College, “ the solid marials, 
 usually in coarse or moderately fine powder, are moistened th a 
 sufficiency of the solvent to form a thick pulp; in twelve ho s, or 
 frequently without any delay, the mass is put into a cylinr of 
 glass, porcelain, or tinned iron, open at both ends, but obstru id at 
 the lower end by a piece of calico or linen, tied tightly over as a 
 filter (see figure in the margin ) ; and the pulp being packed tpres- 
 sure, varying as to degree with various articles, the remainder! the 
 solvent is poured into the upper part of the cylinder, and sowed 
 gradually to percolate. In order to obtain the portion of tl fluid 
 which is kept in the residuum, an additional quantity of the dvent 
 is poured into the cylinder, until the tincture which has assed 
 through, equals in amount the spirit originally prescribed.” 
 
 The advantages of the process of percolation or displacemet are, 
 that the active soluble principles of medicinal substances are i gene- 
 ral extracted by it more speedily, thoroughly, and economical than 
 by any other mode; that concentrated solutions of these principles ar more 
 easily obtained ; and that no portion of the impregnated menstruum ied be 
 lost by remaining in the solid mass. It is, however, liable to the obetion, 
 that considerable experience and skill are necessary to carry it prope:' into 
 effect, and that, if improperly performed, it must often result in prepatnras 
 very different from those contemplated in the formulae. It should notthere- 
 fore, be resorted to in the fulfilment of officinal directions, when any alterative 
 is given, unless by individuals who have acquired the requisite skill bmuch 
 practice. Hence, both the United States and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia when 
 directing displacement in any particular case, frequently give another ide of 
 accomplishing the same object, better adapted to inexperience in the ope.tor. 
 
 The sources of failure in this process are chiefly an improper degree com- 
 minution in the substance to be acted upon, and an improper conditioof the 
 mass after it has been introduced into the instrument. If the materiibe in 
 too flue a piowder, it resists or obstructs the passage of the fluid ; if tocoarse, 
 it allows the fluid to pass too rapidly, and at the same time opposes its caesura 
 to the solvent power of the menstruum. If merely bruised, especially ilibrous 
 pieces of some length are intermixed, it causes the fluid to make irregul; chan- 
 
PAB II. 
 
 General Officinal Directions. 
 
 791 
 
 nelsmd thus to act upon it partially. An improper packing of the material 
 occaons similar inconveniences. If too compact it impedes, if too loose it inju- 
 riouy facilitates the passage of the solvent, and if not uniform, it produces an 
 irrejlar flow which necessarily vitiates the result. The liquid, finding an 
 easir passage at one part than another, flows more rapidly in that direction, and 
 thustoakes channels by which it may in great measure or wholly escape, with 
 littlfnfluence upon the mass. Besides, the uniform progression by which each 
 aupeidded portion displaces that immediately beneath it is broken, the succes- 
 sive lyers become intermingled, and thus one of the peculiar advantages of the 
 proofs is lost. The following observations may be of some use in assisting the 
 opeijor to avoid these consequences. 
 
 Tfi solid material should in general be in the state of a uniform coarse 
 powir, to which it is most conveniently brought by grinding in a common 
 coffsiinill. If its texture, however, be very hard, firm, and not easily permeable 
 by nisture, as in certain barks, woods, and ligneous roots, it should be rather 
 fine! powdered. If, on the contrary, the texture be loose and spongy, and 
 espeally if the material be disposed to swell up and form a viscid mass with 
 watt so as to impede percolation, as in the case of gentian and squill, it may 
 be alisable merely to bruise it in a mortar; though care should be taken to do 
 thisits equably as possible ; and the substances which require this treatment 
 wbe water is used, may come under the general rule with another solvent, as 
 alco >1 or ether. 
 
 I s generally advisable, before introducing the material into the instrument, 
 to hi it with a portion of the solvent, and allow it to stand for some time in 
 anotpr vessel. It thus becomes more penetrable and more easily acted on by 
 the enstruum, admits of a more uniform packing, and, if liable to swell with 
 wat< undergoes this expansion where it cannot have the effect of checking per- 
 colairn. The quantity of liquid should be sufficient to form a soft pulp-like 
 maswith the powder. In general, a weight about half that of the solid mate- 
 rial ill be sufficient, though a much larger quantity may be used, if on any 
 acecit deemed advisable. The maceration may continue on the average about 
 twe| hours ; but a much shorter time will often answer. It has sometimes 
 beerecommended to perform this preliminary maceration in the displacement 
 Site its lower orifice being closed for a time. With some substances this may 
 bene without disadvantage; but in all those instances in which the material 
 is Me to swell considerably with water, and thus to choke the passage, the 
 maciiation should take place in another vessel. 
 
 I|! packing of the material in the instrument is that part of the process which 
 mos -equires experience in the operator, and about which the least precise rules 
 can e given. When mixed with a considerable portion of fluid, it will often 
 subi e of itself into the proper state ; but generally it requires some shaking or 
 pres re, and the degree of the latter must be in proportion to the looseness of 
 tcxte in the material; reference, however, being always had to its disposition 
 to s 11 with water. Certain substances in which this property is found, such 
 as g tian and rhubarb, must not be pressed compactly, when water is the solvent. 
 As i; percolation advances, and portions of the substance acted on are dissolved, 
 tbe jass often becomes too loose, and requires to be again pressed down. Sub- 
 star s which are apt to form with the menstruum an adhesive and impermeable 
 mas such as the resins and gum-resins, may be advantageously mixed, in the 
 stat >f coarse powder, with about half their weight of perfectly clean white 
 sand as suggested by the late Mr. Duhamel. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., x. 
 15.; The sand separates the particles of the mass, and allows the menstruum 
 a re ier access. 
 
 Aer the moistened material has been properly packed, the upper surface 
 
792 
 
 General Officinal Directions. 
 
 PAP/. I. 
 
 should he made quite level, and then covered with a circular disk of tin o Q. 
 tering paper pierced with numerous minute holes; and, if the disk be of pt r 
 it should be kept in its place by pieces of glass rod. The solvent is thus ma< to 
 enter into the mass equably, and prevented from forming partial passages by 1 . r . 
 ing upon one or a few points. The liquid is now tube introduced in succesve 
 portions, as stated in the officinal directions above given, and in the gei al 
 account of the process given at page 782. 
 
 The fluid which first passes is turbid, unless the diaphragm has been cored 
 by a close filtering material. Should it be turbid, it should be returned to 
 the instrument, before the addition of any displacing menstruum; and the sue 
 thing should continue to be done, until the liquid comes away perfectly cir. 
 If the percolation be too rapid, pressure may be made upon the upper diaphr m 
 so as to render the mass more compact, or the instrument may be closed b)w 
 for a time, as stated in the officinal direction. Hence the advantage of haij 
 a stop-cock near the lower end for regulating the discharge. In the absem of 
 a stop cock, a soft cork may be used, with a small groove cut lengthwise a 
 short distance from its smaller end. By withdrawing the cork until the grve 
 appears, a passage for the fluid can be opened at will. When the pereolatk is 
 too slow, it may be increased by the pressure of a column of liquid, and iis 
 plan may sometimes be advantageously resorted to when the powder is ry 
 fine, or large masses of material are operated upon. (See page 783.) Tien 
 the object is to keep up a constant supply of the percolating fluid, it mabe 
 accomplished by filling a long-necked bottle or matrass with the fluid, amin- 
 verting it over the filtering instrument, with its mouth beneath the surfa 1 of 
 the liquid in the latter. 
 
 Hot liquids may be used in the process as well as cold, and are sometiea 
 preferable when the substance yields its active principles more largely at anle- 
 vated temperature. But there is often an inconvenience in employing hot w: r; 
 as it dissolves or renders glutinous substances not affected by cold water, wch 
 are not requisite, and may even be injurious in the preparation, and which nd 
 to embarrass the process by filling up the interstices of the mass, and thus’n- 
 dering it less permeable. An instrument has been invented by Mr. C- A. Srth, 
 of Cincinnati, by which the menstruum is made to enter the contents of theer- 
 colator in the state of hot vapour, and, being condensed by means of a iri- 
 gerating vessel surrounding the percolator, passes out in the liquid form, hilly 
 impregnated with the soluble principles of the material operated on. (See m. 
 Journ. of Pliarm., xviii. 98.) 
 
 The first portion of filtered liquid is very strongly impregnated, and theor- 
 tions which subsequently come away, are successively less so. It is souieties 
 desirable to obtain the whole of the particular solvent employed. This end ay 
 he very nearly attained by adding, at the close of the process, enough of aimer 
 liquid to supply the place of that retained in the mass. It was Boullay s lea 
 that the whole of the liquid contained in the moist material might be thus dren 
 out of it or displaced by the one added, without any admixture of the two. ' is, 
 however, has been ascertained not to be exactly true; and, however care lly 
 the process may be conducted, some mixture will take place. Hence, it ire- 
 commended, when one liquid is added in order to displace another, to introice 
 first a shallow layer of the same liquid with that contained in the mass. In me 
 instances, the solvent, if consisting of two liquids, is resolved into these it be 
 process. Thus, when myrrh is subjected to percolation with proof spirit he 
 first liquid which comes away is alcohol holding the oil and resin of the nrrh 
 in solution. 
 
 There are very few substances to which the mode of filtration by displacement 
 will not be found applicable, if due attention be paid to the circumstances web 
 require variations in the process. 
 
PAI II. 
 
 Aceta. 
 
 793 
 
 htillation. In the preface to the last edition of the Edinburgh Pliarma- 
 copca, the following remarks are made in relation to this process. “In the 
 procss of distillation, complete success cannot he easily attained, especially on 
 
 the aall scale, without the substitution of a different apparatus for the retort 
 and eceiver commonly used. In all operations, except where inorganic acids 
 are be distilled, it is greatly preferable to use a globular matrass (a), to which 
 is fid with a cork a tube (be), cut obliquely at its lower end (b), curved 
 abo\ at a somewhat acute angle, and fitted at the other end to a refrigeratory. 
 Thirefrigeratory consists of a long narrow cylinder (c if) slightly inclined to 
 the irizon, and of a tube (ce) which passes along the centre of the cylinder, and 
 is fi:i at each end, so that the space between them is air-tight ; and by means 
 of amnel (<jh) entering at the lower end of this interspace, and an exit tube 
 (di')-om its upper extremity, a stream of cold water may be kept constantly 
 rum ig, by which refrigeration and the condensation of vapours within the inner 
 tubeire far more effectually accomplished than by any other mode that has 
 hith to been devised.” This is Liebig’s distillatory apparatus. The object of 
 the < lique ending of the tube at b, is to prevent any of the fluid which may be 
 driv against it, during the ebullition, from passing along the tube. The inner 
 tubef the refrigeratory should be made of glass or block-tin, the outer may 
 cons; of glass, brass, copper, or common tinned iron. The end e of the central 
 tubeii either straight, or curved downward so that it may be inserted into a 
 bott. when the liquid distilled is very volatile. By connecting the funnel with 
 achrn by means of a syphon, and allowing the water to flow out from the 
 bentabe di into a bucket or sink, the distillation may be allowed to go on for 
 a lot] time without supervision. Dr. Christison states that a refrigeratory, with 
 the iter tube a foot long, and an inch and a quarter in diameter, will be suf- 
 ficier to condense the whole vapour from a matrass holding two pints of alcohol 
 brisl • boiling. W. 
 
 ACETA. 
 
 Vinegars. 
 
 U er this title, in the United States Pharmacopoeia, are included both Dis- 
 tilleijfinegar and those preparations usually denominated Medicated Vinegars. 
 The tter are infusions or solutions of various medicinal substances in vinegar or 
 aceti acid. The advantage of vinegar as a menstruum is that, in consequence 
 of tl acetic acid which it contains, it will dissolve substances not readily solu- 
 ble, altogether insoluble, in water alone. It is an excellent solvent of the 
 or g a i! alkalies, which it converts into acetates, thereby modifying, in some 
 e j though not injuriously, the action of the medicines of which they are 
 in gryents. As ordinary vinegar contains principles which promote its decom- 
 pose a, it should be purified by distillation before being used as a solvent. In- 
 
794 
 
 Aceta. 
 
 PARI 
 
 fusions prepared with it, even in this state, are apt to spoil in a short time; d 
 a portion of alcohol is usually added to contribute to their preservation. As: 11 
 quantity of acetic ether is said to result from this addition; and, on the conti: it 
 of Europe, the place of the alcohol is frequently supplied by an equal amouiof 
 concentrated acetic acid. At present diluted acetic acid is generally prefeid 
 as the menstruum to distilled vinegar, as being of more uniform strength. In 
 consequence of their liability to change, the medicated vinegars should be nie 
 in small quantities, and kept but for a short time. V 
 
 ACETUM DESTILLATUM. U.S., Land., Ed. Distilled Vine j. 
 
 “Take of Vinegar a gallon. Distil the Vinegar, by means of a sand-1 h, 
 from a glass retort into a glass receiver. Discontinue the process when sen 
 pints shall have been distilled, and keep these for use.” U. S. 
 
 The London process is the same as that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, he 
 Edinburgh process is as follows. “ Take of Vinegar (French by prefere-e) 
 eight parts: distil over with a gentle heat, seven parts : dilute the produ if 
 necessary, with distilled water till the density is 1 005.” 
 
 Vinegar is a very heterogeneous liquid, containing colouring matter, <m, 
 sugar, alcohol, &c.; and the object of its distillation is to purify it. (See ce- 
 tum .) The first portion which distils contains alcohol and pyroacetic frit 
 (acetone), these being the most volatile ingredients; next the acetic acid oes 
 over much purified, but weaker than it exists in the vinegar, on account cits 
 being less volatile than water ; and, if the distillation be stopped when the ore 
 vinegar ceases to come over, there will be found in the retort a liquid of a cep- 
 brown colour, very sour and empyreumatic, and containing free tartartic.nd 
 malic acids, bitartrate of potassa, and other sirbstances. This statement espies 
 why the last portion (one-eighth) is not distilled; the seven-eighths whichrst 
 come over being alone preserved. The residuary liquid in the retort, if di ted 
 with an equal bulk of hot water, may be made to yield, by a fresh distillaon, 
 a quantity of weak acetic acid equal to the residuary liquid, and of abouthe 
 strength and purity of officinal distilled vinegar. 
 
 Wine vinegar furnishes a stronger and more aromatic distilled vinegar ban 
 malt or cider vinegar. The London College gives 1 0065 as the density odis- 
 tilled vinegar. The Edinburgh College, assuming that distilled vinegar-ill 
 have the sp. gr. of at least 1'005, directs that its density, when above that lin- 
 ber, shall be reduced to it. The U. S. Pharmacopceia does not give the deity, 
 on account of its being an uncertain criterion of strength. The saturating ]tver 
 is the proper test of the acid present. This is given in the different Phma- 
 copoeias as follows. A fluidounce is saturated by about 35 grains of cry staved 
 bicarbonate of potassa {U. S.) ; an Imperial fluidounce by 57 grains of cr.tal- 
 lized carbonate of soda ( Land .) ; and 100 minims by 8 grains of the sarnecar- 
 bonate {Ed.) The saturating power, thus given, of the different officinal dislled 
 vinegars indicates the following proportions of monohydrated acetic ae per 
 cent., assuming the sp. gr. of the U. S. distilled vinegar to be 1 005; — ■ 5 
 Pharmacopoeia 4‘5, London 5'4, Edinburgh 3'6. Considering the ordiuaryhar- 
 maceutical uses of distilled vinegar, variations in its strength, limited as hey 
 are by the qualities of different vinegars, are not very important. Its puiy is 
 the point of importance. If, however, precision be attempted, the satutmg 
 power and not the density must be indicated; and directions should be wen 
 for bringing a distilled vinegar, which varies from the standard of satu tmg 
 power, to that standard by the addition either of pure acetic acid, or of dialed, 
 water. The reason why density cannot be depended upon, is that the s cauc 
 gravity is not iu proportion to the strength. If the vinegar contain a goqdea 
 of alcohol and pyroacetic spirit, the distilled product will be light, but n ne- 
 cessarily weak. This remark applies particularly to distilled wine vinegar 
 
PA I II. 
 
 Aceta. 
 
 795 
 
 he U. S. Pharmacopoeia directs the distillation of vinegar to be conducted in 
 gkt vessels; but it is generally distilled in a copper alembic furnished with a 
 peier worm. The use of these metals, however, is hazardous, on account of 
 thdanger of metallic impregnation. Mr. Brande has suggested that the con- 
 de;er might be made of very thin silver, a metal not acted on by acetic acid of 
 an strength. If this cannot be procured, the head and worm should be of glass 
 or irthenware. Empyreuma is effectually prevented by distilling by means of 
 stem 
 
 roperties. Distilled vinegar is a limpid, colourless liquid, of a weak acetous 
 tas and smell, less agreeable than those of common vinegar. It is wholly vola- 
 tile by heat. It is not a perfectly pure solution of acetic acid in water; but 
 couins a portion of organic matter which rises in the distillation. It is on 
 acJint of the partial decomposition of this impurity that distilled vinegar, when 
 satiated with an alkali, is liable to become of a reddish or brownish colour. 
 W:n distilled in metallic vessels, it is apt to contain traces of copper, lead, and 
 tit Copper is detected, after saturating with ammonia, by the addition of fer- 
 roemuretof potassium, which produces a brown cloud; lead by iodide of potas- 
 siu , which occasions a yellow precipitate; and tin by a solution of chloride of 
 go; which causes a purplish appearance. The two latter metals are discovered 
 als by sulphuretted hydrogen, which occasions a dark-coloured precipitate. The 
 noaction of this gas proves the absence of metals generally. Distilled vinegar 
 sk Id have neither an empyreumatic taste nor a sulphurous smell. As usually 
 prared, however, it is somewhat empyreumatic. British malt vinegar is al- 
 loid by law to contain one-thousandth of sulphuric acid; but, when it is dis- 
 till, this acid does not come over. If, however, sulphuric acid should be 
 acdentally present in distilled vinegar, it may be detected by chloride of barium 
 orcetate of lead. If muriatic acid be present, it may be shown by a precipitate 
 beg formed with nitrate of silver; and if nitric acid be an impurity, the vine- 
 ga will possess the property, by digestion, of dissolving silver, which may be 
 de cted afterwards by muriatic acid. 
 
 edical Properties and Uses. The medical properties of distilled vinegar are 
 thsame as those of common vinegar (see Acetuni)-, but the former, being 
 pur, and not liable to spontaneous decomposition, is preferable for pharmaceu- 
 tic purposes. Still, it is less pure than the officinal diluted acetic acid, which 
 ha been substituted for it in a number of preparations. 
 
 ff. Prep. Acetum Colchici; Acetuni Opii; Acetum Scillae; Ammoniac 
 Ai'atis Aqua; Emplastrum Ammoniaci. B. 
 
 CETUM CANTHARIDIS. ( Epispasticum .) Lond. Acetum Can- 
 ti ridis. Ed ., Dub . Vinegar of Spanish Flies. 
 
 Take of Spanish Flies, in very fine powder, two ounces ; Acetic Acid a pint 
 [I aerial measure]. Macerate the Spanish Flies with the acid for eight days, 
 oc> jionally shaking. Finally express and filter.” Lond. 
 
 Take of Cantharides, in powder, three ounces; Acetic Acid five fluidounces; 
 P; (ligneous Acid fifteen fluidounces ; Euphorbium, in coarse powder, half an 
 ou e. Mix the acids, add the powders, macerate for seven days, strain and 
 excess strongly, and filter the liquor.” Ed. 
 
 Take of Spanish Flies, in fine powder, four ounces; Strong Acetic Acid four 
 fit'ounces; Acetic Acid of Commerce (sp. gr. 1‘044) sixteen fluidounces. Mix 
 tb Acids, and, having added the Flies, macerate in a close vessel for fourteen 
 da ; then strain through flannel with expression, and filter so as to obtain a 
 cl- • liquor.” Dub. 
 
 pis preparation is intended exclusively for external use, as a speedy epis- 
 P a c. It is said, when lightly applied by a brush, to act as a rubefacient; and, 
 wl,i rubbed freely upon the skin for three minutes, to be followed, in two or 
 
796 
 
 Aceta. 
 
 PART 
 
 three hours, by full vesication. The pain produced by the application, thou 
 more severe, is also more transient than that occasioned by the blistering cer; . 
 From' experiments made by Mr. Redwood, it may be inferred that the prel- 
 ration proves epispastic chiefly if not exclusively in consequence of its ac c 
 acid, and that it contains little of the active principle of the flies. {Loud. Pha 
 Journ. and Trans., Oct. 1841.) Prof. Procter finds that, by digestion aa 
 temperature of 212° F., the active principle of the flies is readily taken upy 
 officinal acetic acid, though a portion of the cantharidin is deposited upon Go- 
 ing. (Am. Journ. of Pharm. xxiv. 299.) It would seem, therefore, that e 
 vinegar of Spanish flies would be best prepared with the aid of heat. TV 
 
 ACETUM COLCIIICI. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Vinegar of O- 
 chicum. 
 
 “ Take of [dried] Colchicum Root, bruised, two ounces; Diluted Acetic id 
 two pints. Macerate the Colchicum Root with the Diluted Acetic Acid, i a 
 close glass vessel, for seven days; then express the liquor, and set it by tit 
 the dregs may subside ; lastly, pour off the clear liquor. 
 
 “ Vinegar of Colchicum may also he prepared by macerating the Colchicn 
 Root, in coarse powder, with a pint of Diluted Acetic Acid for two days, t n 
 putting the mixture into a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Dilnd 
 Acetic Acid until the quantity of filtered liquor equals two pints. 
 
 “ In the above processes, Distilled Vinegar may be substituted for Dilud 
 Acetic Acid.” U. S. 
 
 “ Take of dried Colchicum Cormus three drachms and a half; Diluted Acic 
 Acid a pint [Imperial measure]; Proof Spirit a fluidounce and a half, a- 
 cerate the Colchicum with the Acid in a covered vessel for three days; t:a 
 express, and set apart that the dregs may subside; lastly, add the spirit tore 
 filtered liquor.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Colchicum-bulb, fresh and sliced, one ounce; Distilled Vinegar r- 
 teen fluidounces ; Proof Spirit one fluidounce. Macerate the Colchicum in le 
 Vinegar for three days in a covered glass vessel; strain and express strong; 
 filter the liquors, aud add the spirit.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Colchicum Bulbs, dried and bruised, one ounce; Acetic Acicof 
 Commerce (sp. gr. 1'044 ) four fluidounces; Distilled Water twelve ounces [fld- 
 ounces ]. Iu the Acid, diluted with the Water, macerate the Colchicum, : a 
 close vessel for seven days; then straiu with expression, and filter." Dub. , 
 
 Of these processes the American and Dublin yield the strongest preparatn, 
 and on this account are preferable. They also agree in omitting the spit, 
 which, in the London and Edinburgh processes, is intended to retard the sn- 
 taneous decomposition to which this, like the other medicated vinegars, is li Re, 
 hut is of little use. 
 
 Vinegar is an excellent solvent of the active principle of colchicum ; andhe 
 organic alkali of the latter loses none of its efficacy by combination with he 
 acetic acid of the former. 
 
 Medical Uses. This preparation has been extolled as a diuretic in droy, 
 and may be given in gout, rheumatism, aud neuralgia ; but the wines of copi- 
 cum are usually preferred. It is recommended by Scudamore to be give in 
 connexion with magnesia, so as to neutralize the acetic acid of the menstrnn. 
 The dose is from thirty drops to two fluidrachms. ^ 
 
 ACETUM OPII. U. S., Ed., Dub. Vinegar of Opium. Black D p. 
 
 “ Take of Opium, in coarse powder, eight ounces; Xutmeg, in coarse pover, 
 an ounce and a half; Saffron half an ounce; Sugar twelve ounces; Diled 
 Acetic Acid a sufficient quantity. Digest the Opium, Xutmeg, and Saffron tli 
 a pint and a half of the Diluted Acetic Acid, on a sand-bath, with a gentle lat, 
 
P4T II. 
 
 Aceta. 
 
 797 
 
 foi’orty-eight hours, and strain. Digest the residue with an equal quantity of 
 thiDiluted Acetic Acid, in the same manner, for twenty-four hours. Then 
 puthe whole into a percolator, and return the filtered liquor, as it passes, until 
 it lines away quite clear. When the filtration has ceased, pour Diluted Acetic 
 Ac! gradually upon the materials remaining in the instrument, until the whole 
 quitity of filtered liquor equals three pints. Lastly, add the Sugar, and, by 
 mas of a water bath, evaporate to three pints and four fluidounces. 
 
 In the above process, Distilled Vinegar may be substituted for Diluted 
 Aciic Acid.” U. S. 
 
 Take of Opium four ounces; Distilled Vinegar sixteen fluidounces. Cut 
 thtdpium into small fragments, triturate it into a pulp with a little of the 
 Vi gar, add the rest of the Vinegar, macerate in a closed vessel for seven days, 
 am agitate occasionally. Then strain and express strongly, and filter the 
 licpr.” Ed. 
 
 Take of Opium, in coarse powder, one ounce and. a half ; Dilute Acetic 
 Ac one pint [Imperial measure]. Macerate for seven days in a close vessel, 
 wii occasional agitation; then strain with expression, and filter.” Dub. 
 
 he vinegar of opium has been introduced into the Pharmacopoeias as an imi- 
 tata of or substitute for a preparation, which has been long in use under the 
 na: ; of Lancaster or Quaker’s black drop, or simply black drop. The formula 
 of .e first edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia was so deficient in precision, and 
 so .certain in its results, that it was abandoned in the second edition ; but, as this 
 obj tion was obviated in a process by Mr. Charles Ellis, published in the Ameri- 
 caifournal of Pharmacy (vol. ii. page 202), and as the preparation continued 
 to joy a considerable degree of professional and popular favour, it was deemed 
 pror to restore it to its officinal rank at the subsequent revision of the Pharma- 
 copia. The U. S. formula above given is essentially that of Mr. Ellis. It is, 
 we fink, preferable to the Edinburgh and Dublin formulae. In the former of 
 the we cannot but suspect that there is some waste of opium, as it is the same 
 as jie old Dublin formula; and Dr. Montgomery, in his observations on the 
 for 3r Dublin Pharmacopoeia, states that twenty drops of the preparation are 
 eqi alent to thirty of the common tincture of opium, though, in making the 
 lati|, somewhat less than one-third the quantity of opium is used. Iu the 
 prent Dublin process, much less opium is employed, and the resulting vinegar, 
 is pibably of about the same strength as laudanum. In the last U. S. formula, 
 dili ;d acetic acid has been substituted for distilled vinegar. The advantages of 
 thejack drop over laudanum are, probably, that disturbing principles contain- 
 ed opium and soluble in alcohol are left behind by the aqueous menstruum 
 em pyed ; while the meconate of morphia is converted by the acetic acid into 
 thejeetate. In the original process, published by Dr. Armstrong, who found 
 it s.ong the papers of a relative of the proprietor in England, verjuice, or the 
 juie of the wild crab, was employed instead of vinegar. Other vegetable acids 
 alsifavourably modify the narcotic operation of opium; and lemon juice has 
 bee employed in a similar manner with vinegar or verjuice, and perhaps not less 
 ad\ itageously.* 
 
 * he following is the formula given in the first edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 “T e of Opium half a pound ; Vinegar three pints ; Nutmeg, bruised, one ounce and a half; 
 Safin half an ounce. Boil them to a proper consistence; then add Sugar four ounces ; 
 lea' one jiuidounce. Digest for seven weeks, then place in the open air until it becomes 
 « s; p; lastly, decant, filter, and bottle it up, adding a little sugar to each bottle.” The 
 hoilg to a proper consistence, the digestion in the open air until a syrup is formed, and the 
 addpn of a little sugar to each bottle, are all indefinite directions which must have led 
 to Certain results. Independently of this want of precision, the point in which the old 
 pro, ;s chiefly differs from that at present officinal is, that, in the former, fermentation is 
 aid :d by the addition of yeast. But fermentation is of very doubtful value in the pro- 
 ces; i at least its advantages have not been proved. 
 
798 
 
 Ac eta. 
 
 PART 
 
 The vinegar of opium may sometimes be advantageously used when op n 
 itself, or the tincture, in consequence of peculiarity in the disease or in the - 1 - 
 stitution of the patient, occasions so much headache, nausea, or nervous disor r 
 as to render its employment inconvenient if not impossible. It exhibits all ie 
 anodyne and soporific properties of the narcotic, with less tendency to proc;e 
 these disagreeable effects, at least in many instances. The U. S. preparaticis 
 of about double the strength of laudanum, six and a half minims containing ie 
 soluble parts of about one grain of opium, supposing the drug to be complely 
 exhausted by the menstruum. The dose may be stated at from seven to ;n 
 drops or minims. Y 
 
 ACETUM SCILLiE. U. S., Lond Ed., Dub. Yinegar of Sq U. 
 
 ‘‘Take of Squill, bruised, four ounces; Diluted Acetic Acid two pints, a- 
 eerate the Squill with the Diluted Acetic Acid, in a close glass vessel, for sen 
 days; then express the liquor, and set it by that the dregs may subside; lay, 
 pour off the clear liquor. 
 
 “ Vinegar of Squill may also be prepared by macerating the Squill, in cose 
 powder, with a pint of Diluted Acetic Acid for two days, then putting the mis re 
 into a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Acetic Acid until he 
 quantity of filtered liquor equals two pints. 
 
 “In the above processes, Distilled Vinegar maybe substituted for Dil ed 
 Acetic Acid.” U. S. 
 
 The London College directs two ounces and a half of recently dried squ:. a 
 pint (Imperial measure) of diluted acetic acid, a fluidounce and a half of pof 
 spirit, and maceration with a gentle heat for three days. The Edinburgh Ct-ge 
 directs five ounces of dried squill, tico pints (Imp. meas.) of distilled vinegar, ree 
 fiuidounces of proof spirit, and maceration for seven days. The Dublin Ctege 
 takes two ounces of dried squill, four fiuidounces of acetic acid of commeretsp. 
 gr. l’044),and twelve fiuidounces of distilled water; and macerates for seven <vs. 
 
 In the United States process by percolation, the whole of the diluted acid m- 
 ployed in the maceration, and introduced with the squill into the instrumt, 
 should be allowed to enter the mass, before the fresh portion is added, .’he 
 preparations of the several Pharmacopoeias are so nearly the same that, fall 
 practical purposes, they may be considered identical. In the present U. Sund 
 Dublin processes the alcohol has been omitted. Its only object is to retarthe 
 decomposition of the vinegar of squill; while its presence is medically injuons 
 by rendering the preparation too stimulating. It is best, therefore, to prare 
 the vinegar of squill frequently, and in small quantities, so as not to retire 
 alcohol for its preservation. In the preparation of the oxyrnel and syn of 
 squill, for which purpose the vinegar is chiefly used in this country, it shod he 
 employed without alcohol. The vinegar of squill deposits, upon standing, pre- 
 cipitate which consists, according to Vogel, of citrate of lime and tanniccid. 
 
 Medical Uses. This preparation has all the properties of the squill in ub- 
 stance, and is occasionally prescribed as a diuretic and expectorant in v; ous 
 forms of dropsy and of pulmonary disease ; but the oxyrnel and syrup are mally 
 preferred, as they keep better, and are less unpleasant to the taste. Thdose 
 is from thirty minims to two fluidrachms; but the latter quantity would 1 apt 
 to produce vomiting. It should be given in cinnamon water, mint wat, or 
 some other aromatic liquid calculated to conceal its taste and obviate naus. 
 
 Off. Prep. Oxyrnel Scillae; Syrupus Scillse. '■ 
 
 ACIDUM ACETICUM CAMPHORATUM. Ed., Dub. Carffio- 
 rated Acetic Acid. 
 
 “ Take of Camphor one ounce [half an ounce, Ed.']; Rectified Spirit onhnt- 
 drachm ; Strong Acetic Acid ten fiuidounces [Acetic Acid six fluidounce and 
 
pa:: ii. 
 
 Acida. 
 
 799 
 
 a hf, Ed,.']. Reduce the camphor to powder by means of the spirit; then add 
 thelcid, and dissolve.” Dub., Ed. 
 
 r _e use of the alcohol is simply to facilitate the pulverization of the camphor, 
 anoi few drops are sufficient. Acetic acid in its concentrated state readily dis- 
 S ol4 camphor. In this preparation, the whole of the camphor is taken up by 
 thecid. In consequence of the powerful chemical agency of the solution, and 
 its itreme volatility, it should be kept in glass bottles accurately fitted with 
 groid stoppers. 
 
 (mphorated acetic acid is an exceedingly pungent perfume, which, when 
 gnmd up the nostrils, produces a strongly excitant impression, and may be 
 benicially resorted to in cases of fainting or nervous debility. It is an officinal 
 subitute for Henry’s aromatic spirit of vinegar. 
 
 1 Apothecaries’ Hall, in London, an aromatic vinegar is prepared by dis- 
 solug the oils of cloves, lavender, rosemary, and calamus, in highly concen- 
 tratl acetic acid. It is used for the same purpose as the officinal camphorated 
 acei acid, being dropped on sponge and kept in smelling bottles. A similar 
 pre. ration may be made extemporaneously by adding to a drachm of acetate of 
 potoa, contained in a stoppered bottle, three drops of one or more of the aromatic 
 vokle oils, and twenty drops of sulphuric acid. ( Pereira’s Mat. Med . ) 
 
 /preparation called Marseilles vinegar, or thieves’ vinegar (vinaigre des 
 quaes voleurs ), consisting essentially of vinegar impregnated with aromatic 
 sub mces, was formerly esteemed a prophylactic against the plague and other 
 con gious diseases. It is said to have derived its name and reputation from 
 the rcumstance, that four thieves, who, during the plague at Marseilles, had 
 plui ered the dead bodies with impunity, confessed, upon the condition of a 
 paniQ, that they owed their safety to the use of it. The aromatic acetic acid 
 of tj former Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia was intended as a simplification of this 
 nosiirn. It was made by macerating for a week an ounce of rosemary, an 
 oun of sage, half an ounce of lavender, and half a drachm of cloves, with two 
 pou s of distilled vinegar, then expressing the liquor and filtering. Origanum 
 was ’terwards substituted for sage, and thirty fluidounces of acetic acid for the 
 two xmds of distilled vinegar. In the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia the 
 prepation was abandoned. In the present state of knowledge, it is hardly 
 nectary to observe that neither the original nostrum, nor its substitute, has 
 any her power of protecting the system against disease than such as may 
 depd on its slightly stimulant properties, and its influence over the imagina- 
 tion! #. 
 
 ACIDA. 
 
 Acids. 
 
 ids, in chemical classification, are compounds which are capable of uniting 
 m c inite proportions with alkalies, earths, and ordinary metallic oxides, with 
 the pet of producing a combination, in which the properties of its constituents 
 are rtually destroyed. Such combinations are said to be neutral, and are de- 
 nomated salts. Most acids have a sour taste, and possess the power of chang- 
 ing getable blues to red; and, though these properties are by no means constant, 
 jet ey afford a ready means of detecting acids, applicable in practice to most 
 ease The above explanation of the nature of an acid is that usually given ; 
 but, icording to strict definition, acids are compounds having a strong electro- 
 neg; ve energy, and, therefore, possessing a powerful affinity for electro-positive 
 com unds, such as alkalies, earths, and ordinary oxides. It is this antagonism 
 in t electrical condition of these two great classes of chemical compounds that 
 S 1T€ ’is® to their mutual affinity, which is so much the stronger as the contrast 
 
800 
 
 Acida. 
 
 pae ii, 
 
 in this respect is greater. In the majority of cases, the electro-negative m- 
 pound or acid is an oxidized body, but by no means necessarily so. Whi an 
 acid does not contain oxygen, hydrogen is usually present. These peculia ie; 
 in composition have given rise to the division of acids by some writers ato 
 oxacids and hydracids. Vegetable acids, for the most part, contain both h ro- 
 gen and oxygen. 
 
 The number of acids used in medicine is small ; but among these are be 
 found examples of the three kinds above mentioned. 
 
 ACIDUM ACETICUM DILUTUM. U. S., Lond., Dub. Vi ted 
 Acetic Acid. 
 
 “Take of Acetic Acid [sp.gr. 1'041] a pint ; Distilled "Water seven nts. 
 Mix them.” U. S. The sp. gr. of this acid is 1 004, and 100 grains of it sat -ate 
 7 '5 grains of crystallized bicarbonate of potassa. 
 
 “ Take of Acetic Acid [sp. gr. 1'048] twenty-three ffuidrachms [Imp. ms.], 
 Distilled Water a pint [Imp. meas .]. To the Acid add enough of the ’iter 
 to fill accurately the measure of a pint [Imp. meas.], and mix.” Lond. The 
 sp.gr. of this acid is 1 008, and an Imperial fluidounce of it is saturated 57 
 grains of crystallized carbonate of soda. 
 
 “ Take of Acetic Acid of Commerce (sp. gr. 1'044) one pint ; Distilled ’ater 
 seven pints. Mix.” Dub. The sp.gr. of this acid is l - 006. 
 
 The object of having this preparation is to possess a weak solution of mre 
 acetic acid, which may be substituted for distilled vinegar in all formulae in rich 
 nicety is required. Distilled vinegar contains a portion of organic matter, rich 
 is always darkened or precipitated when this acid is saturated with an alk , aa 
 occurrence which does not take place when the diluted acetic acid is empyel 
 The saturating strength of the diluted acids of the U. S. and London Pbrna- 
 copoeias indicates the same per centage of monohydrated acetic acid as ieon- 
 tained in the corresponding distilled vinegars; namely, 4‘5 U. S., and b’iLcdon.. 
 The Dublin diluted acid, being intermediate in density, may be assumedo be 
 intermediate in strength. While the London distilled vinegar and dilute acid 
 have precisely the same saturating strength, the former is lighter than thatter 
 in the proportion of 1‘0065 to 1 008. This arises from the fact that thepetic 
 acid in distilled vinegar is in part diluted with alcohol and pyroaeetic irit, 
 which are lighter than water. 
 
 The acetic acid diluted in making this preparation, is known in commee as 
 “ No. 8.” In all cases in which the apothecary is doubtful as to its being:" the 
 officinal strength, it will be his duty to ascertain its saturating power, d. if 
 this should vary from the standard, to vary the dilution accordingly. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acetum Colc-hici; Aeetum Opii ; Acetum Sc-ilke; Empkrum 
 Ammouiaci; Extractum Colchici Aceticum; Liquor Ammonite Acetati Sy- 
 rupus Allii ; Unguentum Plumbi Compositum. B. 
 
 ACIDUM BENZOICUM. V.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Benzoic did. 
 
 “ Take of Benzoin, in coarse powder, a pound. Put the Benzoin into suit- 
 able vessel, and, by means of a sand-bath, with a gradually increasing lies sub- 
 lime until vapours cease to rise. Free the sublimed matter from oil by p:ssure 
 in bibulous paper, and again sublime.” U. S. 
 
 The London College has transferred benzoic acid to the Materia Medi list, 
 directing, however, that it shall be prepared by sublimation. The Edawgh 
 College puts a convenient quantity of benzoin into a glass matrass, and orates 
 in the manner directed in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 “ Take of Benzoin any convenient quantity. Place it in a small c-ylindc pot 
 of sheet iron, furnished with a flange at its mouth; and having fitted the p: into 
 a circular hole in a sheet of pasteboard, interpose between the pasteboa and 
 
PA! II. 
 
 Acicla. 
 
 801 
 
 flan acollar of tow, so as to produce a nearly air-tight junction. Let a cylinder 
 of sff paper, open at one end, eighteen inches high, and having a diameter at 
 leas twice that of the pot, be now placed in an inverted position on the paste- 
 boar, and secured to it by slips of paper and flour paste. A couple of inches 
 oft. lower part of the pot being passed through a hole in a plate of sheet tin, 
 whi' is to be kept from contact with the pasteboard by the interposition of a 
 few irks, let a heat just sufficient to melt the benzoin (that of a gas-lamp answers 
 well|be applied, and continued for at least six hours. Let the product thus 
 obta'.ed, if not quite white, be enveloped in bibulous paper, then subjected to 
 powful pressure, and again sublimed.” Dub. 
 
 T: Pharmacopoeias now unite in procuring benzoic acid by sublimation. In 
 the rmer U. S. process, the benzoin was mixed with an equal weight of sand; 
 but lis was omitted in the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia, as not only 
 usel 3, but probably injurious by favouring the production of empyreumatic 
 subsnces. The acid, which exists in the benzoin combined with resin, is vola- 
 tile by the heat, and condensed in the upper part of the apparatus. Unless 
 the mperature is very carefully regulated, a portion of the resin is decomposed, 
 and j oily substance generated, which rises with the acid and gives it a brown 
 cob, from which it cannot be entirely freed by bibulous paper; and this result 
 som rues takes place even with the greatest caution. The process for sub- 
 limi : benzoic acid may be conducted in a glazed earthen vessel, surmounted 
 by a one of paper, or by another vessel with a small opening at top, and a band 
 of p|er pasted round the place of junction. After the heat has been applied 
 for ; hour, the process should be suspended till the condensed acid is removed 
 frondie upper vessel or paper cone, when it may be renewed, and the acid 
 agai removed, and thus alternately till coloured vapours rise. Mohr, after 
 man experiments, recommends the following plan as unobjectionable. In a 
 roue cast-iron vessel, eight or nine inches in diameter and two inches deep, a 
 poui or less of coarsely powdered benzoin is placed, and uniformly strewed 
 over pe bottom. The top of the vessel is closed by a sheet of bibulous paper, 
 whic is secured to the sides by paste. A cylinder of thick paper in the form 
 of a at, just large enough to fit closely around the sides of the pot, is then 
 placi over it, and in like manner secured by paste. A moderate heat is now 
 appl l by means of a sand-bath, and continued for three or four hours. The 
 vapo s pass through the bibulous paper, which absorbs the empyreumatic oil, 
 and 3 condensed within the hat in brilliant white flowers, having an agreeable 
 odoupf benzoin. ( Annal. cler Pharm., xxix. 178.) The remaining acid of the 
 benz i may be extracted, if deemed advisable, by treating the residue of the 
 bals; with lime or carbonate of soda. From the mode of preparing benzoic 
 acid }jr sublimation, it was formerly called flowers of benzoin. 
 
 A ,'ther mode of separating the acid from benzoin is by combining it with a 
 salifi le base, and precipitating with an acid. Such is the process of Scheele. 
 It exists in boiling the powdered benzoin with hydrate of lime and water, 
 filter g the solution of benzoate of lime thus obtained, and precipitating the 
 benz.; acid with muriatic acid. Carbonate of soda or of potassa may be sub- 
 stitujl for the lime, and sulphuric for the muriatic acid; and the precipitated 
 benze acid may be purified by dissolving it in boiling water, which will deposit 
 cooling. Stenhouse unites the process of Scheele with one proposed by 
 After concentrating the solution of benzoate of lime, procured by boiling 
 equa parts of benzoin and hydrate of lime with water, he adds a strong solution 
 ot ch ride of lime, and subsequently a slight excess of muriatic acid, and boils 
 till t chlorine is dissipated. The bleaching effect of the chlorine on the crys- 
 benzoic acid is thus obtained. The acid, however, requires to be still 
 purified by repeated crystallization from small portions of boiling water. 
 51 
 
 it uh 
 Lieb 
 
 tals 
 
 furtl 
 
802 
 
 Adda. 
 
 pabil 
 
 A little animal charcoal may be employed to render the crystals quite ccur- 
 less. These processes afford a purer product than that obtained by sublim; on 
 but not preferable in a medicinal point of view ; as the small quantity < oil 
 present in the sublimed acid adds to its stimulant properties, and at the me 
 time renders it pleasant to the smell. 
 
 Several other modes of extracting the acid have been recommended. Tie 
 following is the process of Stolze. One part of the balsam is dissolved in ree 
 parts of alcohol, the solution filtered and introduced into a retort, and tbt cid 
 saturated by carbonate of soda dissolved in a mixture of eight parts of wate .nd 
 three of alcohol. The alcohol is distilled off; and the benzoate of sodaon- 
 tained in the residuary liquid is decomposed by sulphuric acid, which precip.tes 
 the benzoic acid. This is purified by solution in boiling water, which leifall 
 the acid when it cools. By this process Stolze obtained 18 per cent, oi cid 
 from benzoin containing 19425 per cent. By the process of Scheele he obtaed 
 13‘5 per cent. ; by the agency of carbonate of soda, 12 per cent. ; by sulma- 
 tion only 7'6 per cent. Nevertheless, Mr. Brande says that the last procsis 
 on the whole the most economical. According to this author, good be.oin 
 affords by sublimation from 10 to 15 per cent, of the acid contaminatedrith 
 empyreumatic oil, and about 9 per cent, of the purified acid. Professor fiar- 
 ling has prepared benzoic acid by means of heated steam, and obtained per 
 cent. (Am. Journ. of Pliarm., xxiv. 236.) 
 
 Properties. Sublimed benzoic acid is in white, soft, feathery crystals )f a 
 silky lustre, and not pulverulent. From solution the acid crystallizes in ms- 
 parent prisms. When quite pure it is inodorous; but, prepared by sublintion 
 from the balsam, it has a peculiar agreeable aromatic odour, dependent (the 
 presence of an oil, which may be separated by dissolving the acid in al hoi, 
 and precipitating it with water. Its taste is warm, acrid, and acidulous, .t is 
 unalterable in the air, but at 230° melts, and at a somewhat higher tempeture 
 rises in suffocating vapours. It is inflammable, burning without residw It 
 is soluble in 200 parts of cold water ( Annals of Pharmacy, i. 206), al in 
 about twenty-four parts of boiling water, which deposits it upon coolmg. it is 
 soluble in alcohol, and in concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids, from hich 
 it is precipitated by water. The fixed oils also dissolve it. It is entire, dis- 
 solved by solutions of potassa, soda, ammonia, and lime, from which it is rec-i- 
 pitated by muriatic acid. Its solution reddens litmus paper, and it formsalts 
 with salifiable bases; but its acid properties are not powerful. Benzoiacid 
 consists of benzyle and oxygen, and in the uncombined state usually coains 
 water. The anhydrous acid has, however, been isolated by Gerhardt. (item. 
 Gaz. x. 237.) Benzyle consists of fourteen eqs. of carbon 84, five of kyogen 
 5, and two of oxygen 16 = 105. The crystallized acid contains one eq. cben- 
 zyle 105, one of oxygen 8, and one of water 9=122. It cannot be dewed 
 of its water by heat, but sometimes loses it in combination. Benzoic ac is a 
 characteristic constituent of the balsams, and has been found in various tiier 
 vegetable, and some animal products.* 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Benzoic acid is irritant to the alimentai mu- 
 cous membrane, and stimulant to the system, and has been thought to be cpec- 
 torant; but it is seldom used internally except as a constituent of one ' two 
 officinal preparations. It was proposed by Dr. Alexander Ure as a renter for 
 uric acid deposits in the urine, and for the chalk-like concretions, eonsistgof 
 
 * Benzyle, which was at first hypothetical, has been isolated. When benzoate ofpPP® 
 is cautiously distilled without water, it yields a product which crystallizes ou coolins it- 1 -' 
 
 substance has the smell of geranium, melts at loS° F.. and has a composition reprptea 
 by the formula C, 4 H 5 0 2 . 'When heated with hydrate of potassa. it is converted into nzoic 
 acid, with the escape of hydrogen. It is, therefore, benzyle. It was discovered by .t**% 
 and afterwards investigated by Stenhouse. (Foicne’s Chemistry, Am. Ed., 1S-53, p. d-) 
 
PAE'II. 
 
 Acida. 
 
 803 
 
 uratof soda, in the joints of gouty individuals. He supposed it to operate by 
 convting the uric into bippuric acid, and consequently the insoluble urates 
 into bluble hippurates. It appears, however, from the observations of Dr. 
 Garrl and Mr. Keller, that such a transformation of uric acid does not take 
 placfhut that the benzoic acid is itself converted into hippuric acid, which is 
 alwa found in the urine, when the former acid is taken freely. The quan- 
 tity uric acid in the urine remains undiminished. In consequence of the 
 acid bate of urine produced by benzoic acid, it has been found useful in the 
 phosiatic variety of gravel; though its beneficial influence, being purely chemi- 
 cal, (dtinues only during its use. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e ser., ii. 327, iii. 41, 
 iv. 3' .) It is said to have cured nocturnal incontinence of urine. Mr. White 
 Coop' has employed it with supposed advantage in a case of rheumatic sclero- 
 titis. See Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., xxv. 518.) A convenient mode of 
 exhiition is to give the acid with four parts of phosphate of soda, or one part and 
 a halof biborate of soda, which enable it to be readily dissolved by water. The 
 dose from 10 to 30 grains. It is an ingredient in some cosmetic washes, and 
 has fen employed by way of fumigation as a remedy in affections of the skin. 
 
 O^Prep. Tinctura Opii Ammoniata; Tinctura Opii Camphorata; Unguentum 
 Sulpiris Compositum. W. 
 
 AIDUM GALLICUM. U. S., Lond., Dub. Gallic Acid. 
 
 “' ke of Galls, in powder, three pounds; Distilled Water, Animal Charcoal, 
 each, sufficient quantity. Mix the Galls with sufficient Distilled Water to form 
 a thi paste, and expose the mixture to the air, in a shallow' glass or porcelain 
 vesse in a warm place, for a month, occasionally stirring it with a glass rod, and 
 addii from time to time sufficient Distilled Water to preserve the semi-fluid 
 consignee. Then submit the paste to expression, and, rejecting the expressed 
 liquc boil the residue in a gallon of Distilled Water for a few minutes, and 
 filter hile hot through Animal Charcoal. Set the hot liquor aside that crystals 
 may rm, which may be dried on bibulous paper. If the crystals be not suffi- 
 cient free from colour, they may be purified by dissolving them in boiling 
 Disti'd Water, filtering through a fresh portion of Animal Charcoal, and crys- 
 talling.” U.S. 
 
 T1 London College places Gallic Acid in its Materia Medica catalogue, di- 
 rectii simply that it be in crystals, and prepared from galls. 
 
 Tl Dublin College gives two processes, of which the first is essentially the 
 same i that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. It differs in requiring an exposure 
 of si weeks instead of a month, in not expressing the paste before boiling in 
 wateland in expressing the impure acid deposited from the filtered decoction, 
 befor redissolving it in boiling water. The second process is as follows. 
 
 “ike of powdered Galls one pound [avoirdupois]; Oil of Vitriol of Com- 
 ment 1 ioewty-s/x fluidounces ; Water five pints [Imp.meas.] and fourteen \_fiuid~] 
 ounce. Steep the galls for twenty-four hours in one part of the water, then 
 trans - them to a glass or porcelain percolator, and pour on a pint and a half of 
 tkew er in successive portions. Dilute five ounces of the oil of vitriol with an 
 equal ulk of water, and, when the mixture has cooled, add it to the infusion 
 obtai ; d by percolation, stirring well, so as to bring them into perfect contact. 
 Let tj|: viscid precipitate which forms be separated by a filter, and to the solu- 
 tion ich passes through add five ounces more of the oil of vitriol, which will 
 yield i additional precipitate. This being added to that previously obtained, 
 let bi i be enveloped in calico, and subjected to powerful pressure. Dissolve 
 the r due in the rest of the oil of vitriol, this latter being first diluted with 
 what; '.mains of the water; boil the solution for twenty miuutes, then allow it 
 to co and set it by for a week. Let the deposit which has formed at the end 
 °f tb period be pressed, dried, and then dissolved in three times its weight of 
 
804 
 
 Adda. 
 
 pap n. 
 
 boiling water, clearing the solution, if necessary, by filtration, and, when :as 
 cooled down to 80°, decant the liquid from the crystalline sediment whicaas 
 formed, and wash the latter with three ounces of ice-cold water. Finally, t it 
 be transferred to blotting paper, and when deprived by this of adhering I fid 
 let it be dried perfectly at a temperature not exceeding 212°. The gallic c-id 
 obtained may be rendered nearly white by dissolving it in twenty times its v »ht 
 of boiling distilled water, and causing the solution to traverse a stratum o ire- 
 pared animal charcoal spread upon a calico filter. When the liquid passes th igh 
 colourless it should be evaporated to one-sixth of its volume, and then su red 
 to cool in order to the separation of the crystallized acid.” Dub. 
 
 The U. S. process is founded upon the fact that, when galls in decoction 'in 
 the state of moistened powder, are exposed to the air, their tannic acid is r du- 
 ally converted into gallic acid, with the absorption, as generally believ,of 
 oxygen, and the escape of an equivalent quantity of carbonic acid. The illic 
 acid, being freely soluble in boiling but very sparingly in cold water, is ext ;ted 
 from the altered galls by decoction, and is deposited as the water cools. A?pe- 
 tition of the solution and deposition renders the acid more pure; but it c-.not 
 be obtained wholly free from colour unless by the aid of animal ebareoa la 
 the U. S. Pharmacopoeia it was neglected, no doubt through inadvertei-, to 
 direct purified animal charcoal. There are few processes in which it is lore 
 necessary that this decolorizing agent should be purified. The presence i the 
 slightest quantity of sesquioxide of iron interferes with the bleaching > the 
 acid; and it is even advisable to examine the filtering paper employed, st it 
 may contain sufficient of this substance to vitiate the results of the press. 
 The first crop of crystals in the U. S. process retains a very large proportn of 
 water; and it will be found convenient to subject them to strong expision 
 between folds of bibulous paper. 
 
 Dr. C. Wetherill, believing that gallic acid differs from the tannic simy in 
 containing water, conceived the idea of preparing the former from the latlr by 
 the fixation of water. This he effected through the agency of sulphumeid. 
 Having mixed 13 drachms of tannic acid with 22 fluidounces of sulphuriacid 
 and four times that bulk of water, he heated the mixture to the boiling hint, 
 and then allowed it to stand. In a few days an abundant precipitate of kite 
 gallic acid took place, amounting to 87‘4 per cent, of the tannic acid. (Se4»». 
 Journ. of Pharm., xx. 112.) Upon the same principle is based the secor pro- 
 cess of the Dublin College. Dr. Christison, in his Dispensatory, states tb the 
 process was originally suggested by Liebig. 
 
 Some new and interesting views have been advanced in relation to the rrna- 
 tion of gallic acid from the tannin of galls. The elder Eobiquet first suggest) that 
 galls contain a principle capable of converting tannic into gallic acid, wa the 
 presence of water, and in the absence of atmospheric air. M. Larocque roved 
 that this principle acts as a ferment, and that the change referred to is e re- 
 sult of a gallic acid fermentation in the galls. M. Edmund Eobiquet hasaowa 
 that galls contain pectose and pectase, the former of which, according to e ex- 
 periments of M. Fremy, is the principle out of which pectin is formed in ants, 
 and the latter a peculiar ferment which effects the transformation. It spears 
 that in galls the pectase, aided by a proper temperature and the presece of 
 water, changes not only pectase into pectin, but also tannic into gallij acid. 
 Strecker had previously advanced the opinion that tannic acid is a combation 
 of gallic acid and sugar, the latter of which is destroyed in the process f pr^ 
 curing gallic acid, which is thus simply set free from the combination. I voula 
 seem, if this view is correct, that the pectase acts upon the saccharine nEer oi 
 the tannic acid, causing its conversion into carbonic acid and alcohol, ai libe- 
 rating the gallic acid, and that the process is in fact au example of the meus 
 fermentation. M. E. Eobiquet admits the occasional transformation ofannie 
 
PAB II. 
 
 Acida. 
 
 805 
 
 acidnto gallic acid and sugar, but does not believe that the sugar pre-exists as 
 surf n the tannin ; and this point yet remains to be determined. ( Journ . de 
 Plum., Be ser., xxiii. 241.) Wittstein, in endeavouring to obtain gallic acid 
 fron Chinese galls (see page 357) by forming them into a paste with water, 
 four that but a very small proportion of the acid was generated at the end of six 
 weei. Thinking that this might have resulted from the want of the ferment 
 in tl Chinese galls, he added to these one-eighth of their weight of common 
 gall.'and at the end of three weeks obtained an amount of gallic acid nearly 
 equjto one-half the weight of the galls employed. The same result, though 
 mor slowly, followed the addition of yeast to the Chinese galls. "Wittstein 
 obtaed both carbonic acid and alcohol as products of this operation, thus 
 farming the views of Strecker as to the constitution of tannic acid. (See Am. 
 Jon., of Pliarm., xxv. 258.) 
 
 Jlperties. Gallic acid is in delicate, silky, acicular crystals, which, as ordi- 
 nari found in the shops, are slightly brownish, but when quite pure are colourless. 
 It ishodorous, and of a sourish astringent taste. It is soluble, according to 
 Bramnot, in 100 parts of cold and 3 of boiling water, is very soluble in alcohol, 
 and it slightly so in ether. It reddens litmus, and produces a deep bluish-black 
 colo with solutions of the salts of the sesquioxide of iron, which disappears 
 whe the solution is heated. It does not precipitate gelatin, or a solution of 
 sulp.te of protoxide of iron. On exposure to the air, its solution undergoes 
 sponsneous decomposition. The formula of gallic acid is C 7 H 3 0 5 , and its com- 
 biniy number 85. Heated to 420° it gives out carbonic acid, and is converted 
 intoi yrogallic acid * Thrown on red-hot iron it is entirely dissipated. 
 
 Mical Properties. Forming an ingredient in all astringent products contain- 
 ing llo-tannic acid, it was at one time supposed to be the active principle of 
 the getable astringents. This reputation it afterwards lost when the proper- 
 ties ; tannic acid became well known. But it has recently again come into 
 noth, and is now thought by many to be a very valuable astringent, having the 
 propty of arresting hemorrhages when taken internally, especially those from 
 the nrus and urinary passages. In all cases of hemorrhage in which the bleeding 
 vess'i must be reached through the route of the circulation, it is believed by 
 some o be more efficient even than tannic acid, as its chemical affinities do not 
 affortke same impediment to its absorption as those of the latter acid. But in 
 hem rhage from the alimentary mucous membrane or from any other part with 
 whic? tannic acid can be brought into direct contact, this astringent is by far the 
 wosi ffectual. Gallic acid is said not to constipate the bowels. The dose is 
 fromve to fifteen grains three or four times a day, and may be given in the 
 forndjf pill or powder. W. 
 
 A IDUM HYDROCYANICUM DILUTUM. U. S., Lond ., Bub. 
 Aci im Hydrocyanicum. Ed. Biluted Hydrocyanic Acid. Prussic 
 Acil Cyanohydric Acid. 
 
 “ ike of Ferrocyanuret of Potassium two ounces; Sulphuric acid an ounce 
 end half; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Mix the acid with four fluid- 
 °unc of Distilled Water, and pour the mixture, when cool, into a glass retort. 
 To t h add the Ferrocyanuret of Potassium, previously dissolved in ten fluid- 
 
 . [ consequence of the great sensitiveness of pyrogallic acid to light, in connexion 
 with Ttain metallic salts, it has come into use as an agent in photography. According to 
 Ltiwi it is best prepared by heating gallic acid, previously dried at 212° F., in a glass 
 retorjay means of a chloride of zinc bath, to 410° F., when pure pyrogallic acid sublimes. 
 R >sjhite, foliated, inodorous, very bitter, soluble in three and a half parts of water, 
 reaili dissolved by alcohol and ether, fusible at 239° F., and sublimable at 410° F., in 
 irnta ig vapours. Chlorine, iodine, and acids which readily yield oxygen decompose it 
 msta meously . — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
806 
 
 Acida. 
 
 PAR' I. 
 
 ounces of Distilled Water. Pour eight fluidounces of Distilled Water ir a 
 cooled receiver, and, having attached this to the retort, distil, by means of a s d- 
 batli, with a moderate heat, six fluidounces. Lastly, add to the product ve 
 fluidounces of Distilled Water, or as much as may be sufficient to rendei he 
 Diluted Hydrocyanic Acid of such strength, that 12'7 grains of nitrate of si ;r 
 dissolved in distilled water, may be accurately saturated by 100 grains of the Ld. 
 
 “ Diluted Hydrocyanic acid may also be prepared, when wanted for imme ite 
 use, in the following manner. 
 
 “ Take of Cyanuret of Silver fifty grains and a half; Muriatic Acid fort ne 
 grains ; Distilled Water a fluidounce. Mix the Muriatic Acid with the" is- 
 tilled Water, add the Cyanuret of Silver, and shake the whole in a well-stoed 
 vial. When the insoluble matter has subsided, pour off the clear liquor nd 
 keep it for use. Diluted Hydrocyanic Acid should be kept in closely sto ed 
 bottles from which the light is excluded.” U. S. 
 
 The process of the London College for diluted hydrocyanic acid is the sac as 
 that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia; the latter having been adopted from the forer. 
 The following is the Edinburgh formula, Imperial measure being used. 
 
 “ Take of Ferrocyanide of Potassium three ounces; Sulphuric Acid two fid- 
 ounces; Water sixteen fluidounces. Dissolve the salt in eleven fluidounc of 
 the Water, and put the solution in a matrass with a little sand: add the .id, 
 previously diluted with five fluidounces of the Water and allowed to cool: on- 
 nect the matrass with a proper refrigeratory : distil with a gentle heat, hymns 
 of a sand-bath or naked gas-flame, till fourteen fluidounces pass over, or tikhe 
 residuum begins to froth up. Dilute the product with distilled water t. it 
 measures sixteen fluidounces.” Ed. 
 
 The Dublin College, in its Pharmacopoeia of 1850, has abandoned the-m- 
 ployment of cyanuret of mercury and muriatic acid as the source of this id, 
 and adopted the use of ferrocyanuret of potassium and sulphuric acid, in i ita- 
 tion of the other British Pharmacopoeias. The process adopted is. virtuall the 
 same as those just given, and, therefore, need not be quoted. 
 
 Hydrocyanic acid was admitted into the French Codex in 1818, into the Uted 
 States Pharmacopoeia in 1820, into the Dublin in 1826, into the London in 136, 
 and into the Edinburgh in 1839. It is now made by one chief process; nauly, 
 from the ferrocyanuret of potassium by the action of sulphuric acid. It i ilso 
 obtained by an extemporaneous process, when wanted for immediate use, ithe 
 U. S. Pharmacopoeia, by decomposing the cyanuret of silver. When ferrya- 
 nuret of potassium is decomposed by sulphuric acid, the residue in the rett is 
 bisulphate of potassa, mixed with a compound of two eqs. of cyanuret otron 
 and one of cyanuret of potassium ( Everitt’s salt'). Two eqs. of ferrocyairet 
 2(FeCy + 2KCy), react with six eqs. of hydrated sulphuric acid 6(SO 3 +0), 
 and produce three eqs. of hydrated bisulphate of potassa 3(K0,2S0 3 + 0), 
 together with one eq. of Everitt’s salt 2FeCy +KCy, which remain in therort, 
 and three eqs. of hydrocyanic acid 3IICy, which distil over. Everitt’s sa, so 
 named from its discoverer, called bi ferrocyanuret of potassium by Dr. Pena, 
 is yellow according to Mr. Everitt; but Dr. Pereira, who prepared it wit the 
 greatest care, always found it white. Its constitution (2FeCy+ KCy) i pre- 
 cisely the converse of that of ferrocyanuret of potassium (FeCy+2KCy) 
 
 According to Mr. Phillips, the proportion of sulphuric acid, directed t the 
 Edinburgh College, is so large that there is great risk of the production of f uno 
 acid. ( Observations on the Ed. Pharm., dr. ) The acid, instead of exc-eling 
 the weight of the ferrocyanuret, should only form three-fourths of its wjht. 
 In relation to the most convenient method of bringing the hydrocyanic ai to 
 the standard strength, and to some other points in its preparation by the of inal 
 formula, the reader is referred to a paper by Prof. Procter, contained in the Jier. 
 Journ. of Pharmacy, xix. 259. 
 
PAC II. 
 
 Acida. 
 
 807 
 
 'ie rationale of the U. S. process for obtaining hydrocyanic acid extempo- 
 ranusly is exceedingly simple. The reacting materials are single equivalents 
 reslctively of cyanuret of silver and muriatic acid. These, by double decom- 
 posion, generate hydrocyanic acid which dissolves in the water, and chloride of 
 sihr which subsides, and from which the acid is poured off when clear. (See 
 Annti Cyanuretum.) The extemporaneous process is useful to country prac- 
 titijers ; because the acid will not generally keep. A portion of hydrocyanic 
 aci if procured by a practitioner, may spoil on his hands, before he has oeca- 
 siofo use it; but if he supplies himself with cyanuret of silver, he may readily 
 at y moment prepare a small portion of the acid, by following the directions 
 of lie formula. 
 
 be French Codex of 1837 gives the following process for hydrocyanic acid, 
 in ace of the three formerly contained in that work. Take of bicyanuret of 
 meury thirty parts; muriatic acid (sp.gr. 1T7) twenty parts. Reduce the 
 bicmuret to powder, and introduce it into a small tubulated glass retort, placed 
 ovt a furnace. Adapt to its neck a tube about 13 inches long, and half an inch 
 in ameter, and filled one-half with pieces of marble, and the remainder with 
 chi ide of calcium. To this tube, arranged nearly horizontally, adapt a smaller 
 onebent at a right angle, and plunging into a graduated tube, surrounded with 
 a rxture of common salt and pounded ice. The apparatus being thus arranged, 
 am he junctures well luted, add the muriatic acid; and, having allowed the action 
 to ke place for a few moments in the cold, apply the heat gradually. When 
 the ction is over, drive forward any acid which may have condensed in the large 
 tul by means of a live coal brought near to it, and passed along its whole 
 lenh. The quantity of acid found in the graduated tube is mixed with either 
 six mes its bulk, or eight and a half times its weight of distilled water. 
 
 be above process is Gay-Lussac’s, and, therefore, the same in principle as the 
 for 3r Dublin. In the first part of it, G-ay-Lussac’s strong acid is obtained in 
 thcraduated tube, and this is afterwards diluted to a given extent with water. 
 Th object of the marble and chloride of calcium is to detain, the former muriatic 
 aci the latter water. 
 
 mther process for obtaining medicinal hydrocyanic acid, proposed by Dr. 
 Cilice, and adopted by Mr. Laming, is by the reaction of tartaric acid on cyanu- 
 ret f potassium in solution. Laming’s formula is as follows. Dissolve twenty- 
 twigrains of the cyanuret in six fluidrachms of distilled water, and add fifty 
 gra's of crystallized tartaric acid, dissolved in three fluidrachms of rectified 
 spi . Crystallized bi tartrate of potassa precipitates, and each fluidrachm of 
 thelear decanted liquor contains one grain of pure hydrocyanic acid. The re- 
 act i in this process takes place between two eqs. of tartaric acid, one of cya- 
 uu:, of potassium, and one of water. The water is decomposed, and the tar- 
 tar acid, potassium, and oxygen unite to form the bitartrate, and the cyanogen 
 anoydrogen to form the hydrocyanic acid. Dr. Pereira considers this process 
 to ive several advantages, but very properly objects to it on account of the 
 tro Ie and expense of obtaining the cyanuret of potassium pure, and its liability 
 to dergo spontaneous decomposition. (See Potassii Cyanuretum.) 
 
 cbig recommends the decomposition of cyanuret of potassium with hydrated 
 sul uric acid. In this case the products of the double decomposition are sul- 
 ph; i of potassa and hydrocyanic acid. Any cyanate of potassa present as an 
 nn rity is at the same time decomposed, and the ammonia resulting from the 
 cyc.c acid unites with the sulphuric acid, so as to form a supersulphate. The 
 mc of proceeding is to distil one part of the cyanuret, dissolved in two parts 
 of iter, with one part of sulphuric acid, diluted with three parts of water. 
 Tbaydrocyanic acid obtained is much stronger than the medicinal acid ; but 
 it i y be reduced to any desired standard by the addition of the proper propor- 
 tion )f distilled water. 
 
808 
 
 Acida. 
 
 par: i. 
 
 The processes, thus far given, are intended to furnish a dilute hydrocj ic 
 acid for medicinal purposes. The methods of obtaining the anhydrous or re 
 acid are different. Vauquelin’s process for the pure acid is to pass a curre of 
 hydrosulphuric acid gas over the bicyanuret of mercury contained in a ,ss 
 tube, connected with a receiver kept cold by a freezing mixture of ice and It. 
 The first third only of the tube is filled with the bicyanuret ; the remai ag 
 two-thirds being occupied, half with carbonate of lead, and half with chide 
 of calcium ; the carbonate being intended to detain the hydrosulphuric acid is, 
 the chloride to separate water. Another process for the anhydrous acid is tb of 
 Gautier, the details of which are thus given by Berzelius. The ferrocyanur of 
 potassium is fused without access of air, whereby it is converted into a mb ire 
 of cyanuret of potassium and carburet of iron. The mass obtained, after hang 
 been pulverized and placed in a flask, is slightly moistened with water, nd 
 acted on with muriatic acid, added by small portions at a time. By a dole 
 decomposition between the cyanuret and muriatic acid, chloride of potasim 
 and hydrocyanic acid are formed. The flask is then plunged into hot wer, 
 which causes the hydrocyanic acid to be disengaged in the form of vapour, ais 
 is passed through a tube containing chloride of calcium, and finally receiv in 
 a small flask kept cool by a freezing mixture. 
 
 The process of Wohler for the anhydrous acid is substantially the sau as 
 that of Liebig. The cyanuret of potassium selected is a black cyanuret, foiled 
 by fusing together 8 parts of dry ferrocyanuret, 3 of ignited cream of tartar nd 
 1 of charcoal in fine powder in a covered crucible. This is better than Lies’s 
 cyanuret. which contains a large amount of cyanate of potassa. The cyanet, 
 while still warm, is exhausted by 6 parts of water, and the clear solution, p *ed 
 in a retort, is decomposed by cold dilute sulphuric acid, gradually added, 'he 
 hydrocyanic acid is condensed first in a U-shaped tube, containing c-hlorio of 
 calcium, and surrounded with ice-cold water, and afterwards in a small b:le, 
 connected with the U-shaped condenser by a narrow tube, and immersed i to 
 the neck in a mixture of ice and salt. After the acid has been condenseond 
 dehydrated in the U-tube, the cold water surrounding it is withdrawn y a 
 siphon, and replaced by water at a temperature between 85° and 90° Iir., 
 whereby the anhydrous acid is made to distil over into the small bottle. 
 
 Properties of the Medicinal Acid. Diluted hydrocyanic acid, of the pper 
 medicinal strength, is a transparent, colourless, volatile liquid, possessing a.ste 
 at first cooling, afterwards somewhat irritating, and a peculiar smell. It imirta 
 a slight and evanescent red colour to litmus. If it reddens litmus stronghold 
 permanently, the fact shows the presence of some acid impurity. It is nofed- 
 dened by the iodo-cyanuret of potassium and mercury. The non-action ofchis 
 test shows the absence of contaminating acids, which, if present, would dom- 
 pose the test, and give rise to the red iodide of mercury. It is liable toumrgo 
 decomposition if exposed to the light, but is easily kept if the bottle containg 
 it is covered with black paint, or black paper. Its most usual impuritic are 
 sulphuric and muriatic acids; the former of which may be detected by chlide 
 of barium, which will produce a precipitate of sulphate of baryta ; and the Iter, 
 by precipitating with nitrate of silver, when so much of the precipitate asaay 
 be chloride of silver will be insoluble in boiling nitric acid, while the cyaJiret 
 of silver is readily soluble. The presence of these acids in slight amou; is 
 injurious, only in so far as they render the strength of the acid uncertain. In- 
 deed, Mr. Barry, of London, adds a small proportion of muriatic acid to a Lis 
 medicinal hydrocyanic acid, in order to preserve it. ( Pereira . ) But tkeare- 
 sence of a mineral acid is not necessary for its preservation ; for Dr. Chri.-son 
 has known medicinal hydrocyanic acid from ferrocyanuret of potassium toeep 
 perfectly well, although nitrate of baryta, added to it, did not produc the 
 slightest muddiness. If lead be present, it may be detected by hydrosulpnic 
 
pai: ii. 
 
 Adda. 
 
 809 
 
 acic'gas, which will cause a blackish precipitate. Hydrocyanic acid is incom- 
 pat.le in prescriptions with nitrate of silver, the salts of iron and copper, and 
 mo: of the salts of mercury. 
 
 medicinal acid is of different strengths, as ordered by the different phar- 
 mautical authorities. Formerly its strength was indicated by its specific 
 gra :y, which is lower in proportion as it is stronger ; but this unprecise mode 
 of cimate has been generally abandoned. The Pharmacopoeias now, with the 
 exc tion of the Dublin, rely on the saturating power as an index of strength. 
 Accding to the United States formula, 100 grains of the acid must accurately 
 satnte 12‘7 (12.59, Load.) grains of nitrate of silver, dissolved in distilled 
 wat, and produce a precipitate (cyanuret of silver), which, when washed and 
 drie at a temperature not exceeding 212°, shall weigh 10 grains, and be wholly 
 solu.e in boiling nitric acid. An acid of this strength contains 2 per cent, of 
 the ure anhydrous acid. The test of entire solubility in boiling nitric acid, 
 app;d to the precipitate obtained by nitrate of silver, is intended to verify its 
 natie; for, if the hydrocyanic acid contain muriatic acid, part of this preci- 
 pita would be chloride of silver, not soluble in the boiling acid. The Edin- 
 bur< acid is directed to contain about 3’22 per cent, of anhydrous acid. The 
 moc laid down by the College for testing its strength by nitrate of silver, admits 
 of variation in this particular; the stronger allowable acid being one-tenth 
 stro;er than the weaker. The Dublin acid is directed to have the sp.gr. 
 0'91, and probably contains a little over 2 per cent, of the anhydrous acid. 
 Its turating strength is not given. Scheele’s medicinal hydrocyanic acid con- 
 tain ive per cent, of anhydrous acid; and, therefore, two minims of it are equal 
 to fi of the U. S. acid. The use of Scheele’s acid should be discouraged as 
 unn sssary, and as leading to mistakes. 
 
 M. Fordos and Gfelis have proposed as a test of the strength of the prepa- 
 ratii s containing cyanogen, an alcoholic solution of iodine of known strength; 
 as, f example, three grains to the fluidounce. The test solution is added, drop 
 by op, to the cyanogen compound, until a permanent yellowish tinge is pro- 
 duct The iodine unites with the cyanogen in the ratio of their equivalents ; 
 and mce the cyanogen present is easily calculated from the iodine expended. 
 This est is commended for its accuracy by Mr. James Roberton, of Manches- 
 ter. ?ee Am. Journ. of Pharm., Nov. 1853, p. 551.) 
 
 b perties of the Anhydrous Acid. Hydrocyanic acid, perfsltly free from 
 watt is a colourless, transparent, inflammable liquid, of extreme volatility, 
 boili; at 80°, and congealing at 5°. Its sp.gr. as a liquid is 0‘6969, at the 
 tempature of 61° ; and as a vapour 0'9423. Its taste is at first cooling, then 
 hurt g, with an after-taste in the throat like that of bitter almonds; but, 
 fromts extremely poisonous nature, it must be tasted with the utmost caution. 
 Its our is so strong as to produce immediate headache and giddiness; and its 
 vapo so deleterious that it cannot be inhaled without the greatest danger. Both 
 wate ind alcohol dissolve it readily. It is much more prone to undergo decom- 
 positn than the dilute acid. In the course of a few hours it sometimes begins to 
 assu ; a reddish-brown colour, which becomes gradually deeper, till at length 
 tbe i d is converted into a black liquid, which exhales a strong smell of ammo- 
 nia. It is a very weak acid in its chemical relations, and reddens litmus but 
 shgly. It does not form solid compounds with metallic oxides, but a cyanuret 
 of tl metal, the elements of water being exhaled. According to Sobero, hydro- 
 cyan acid is generated, in -sensible quantities, by the action of weak nitric acid 
 on t volatile oils and resins. Though a product of art, it exists in some 
 plan It is, however, a matter of doubt, in many cases in wdiich it is extracted 
 from egetables, whether it is an educt or a product. (See Amygdala. Amarad) 
 
 C ’position, &c. Hydrocyanic acid consists of one eq. of cyanogen 26, and 
 one hydrogen 1=27 ; or, in volumes, of one volume of cyanogen and one 
 
810 
 
 Adda. 
 
 PAR' I. 
 
 volume of hydrogen without condensation. Cyanogen is a colourless gas, a 
 strong and penetrating smell, inflammable, and burning with a beautiful bhlh- 
 purple flame. Its sp. gr. is 1’8157. It was discovered in 1815 byGuy-Luie 
 who considered it a compound radical, which, when acidified by hydrogen je- 
 couies hydrocyanic acid. It consists of two eqs. of carbon 12, and one of r -ei- 
 gen 14=26; or, in volumes, of two of carbon vapour, and one of nitnlm 
 condensed into one. The ultimate constituents of hydrocyanic acid are, t re- 
 fore, two eqs. of carbon, one of nitrogen, and one of hydrogen. 
 
 Hydrocyanic acid, in a dilute state, was discovered in 1780 by Scheele, ho 
 correctly stated its constituents to be nitrogen, carbon, and hydrogen; bu he 
 peculiar way in which they are combined was first pointed out by Gay-La ac. 
 by whom also the anhydrous acid was first obtained. 
 
 Medical and Toxicological Properties. Hydrocyanic acid is one of the ost 
 deadly poisons known, proving, in many cases, almost instantaneously fatal. 1c- 
 eording to Dr. Christison, a grain and a half of the anhydrous acid is eapahof 
 producing death in the human subject. In the opinion of Dr. Meyer, it ac by 
 paralysing the heart, being conveyed into the blood, and operating direct on 
 that organ. One or two drops of the pure acid are sufficient to kill a vigous 
 dog in a few seconds. Notwithstanding its tremendous energy as a poist, it 
 has been ventured upon in a dilute state as an anodyne and antispasnlic. 
 Though occasionally resorted to as a remedy previously to 1817, yet it dinot 
 attract much attention until that year, when Magendie published his ob.-va- 
 tions on its use in diseases of the chest, and recommended its employme to 
 the profession. When given in medicinal doses gradually increased, it proices 
 the following symptoms in different cases: — peculiar bitter taste; increaS' se- 
 cretion of saliva; irritation in the throat; nausea; disordered respiration ; >ain 
 in the head; giddiness; faintness; obscure vision; and tendency to sleep. The 
 pulse is sometimes quickened, at other times reduced in frequency. Oeeion- 
 ally salivation and ulceration of the mouth are produced. It has been khly 
 recommended and extensively used in complaints of the respiratory orgamand 
 is supposed to exert a control over pulmonary inflammation, after the excitdent 
 has been diminished by bloodletting; and there is no doubt that, in son in- 
 stances, it may be beneficial under such circumstances. Dr. Joseph Jobon, 
 of Charleston, S. C., has found it useful in pneumonia. ( Charleston Med. J>rn., 
 Sept. 1853, p.*643.) In phthisis it may be resorted to with advantagas a 
 palliative for the cough. In various other affections of the chest, attendees th 
 dyspnoea or cough, such as asthma, hooping-cough, and chronic catarrh, has 
 often been decidedly beneficial, by allaying irritation or relaxing spasu In 
 hypertrophy of the heart, and aneurism of the aorta, it has also been useiwith 
 advantage. In various affections of the stomach, characterized by pai and 
 spasm, and sometimes attended with vomiting, but unconnected with inflpma- 
 tion, it has proved beneficial in the hands of several practitioners. It h also 
 been administered as an anodyne in several painful affections, as cane, tic 
 douloureux, &c., but with doubtful advantage. Sometimes it is used exte ally, 
 diluted with water, as a wash in cutaneous diseases. The late Dr. A. T. oom- 
 son, from personal observation, insisted particularly on its efficacy in alying 
 the itching in impetiginous affections. 
 
 The dose of the medicinal hydrocyanic acid of the U. S. Pharmacopia. is 
 from two to six drops, dissolved in distilled water, or mixed with gum wer or 
 syrup. It requires to be administered with the greatest caution, on accent of 
 the minuteness of the dose, and the great variableness in strength of the id as 
 found in the shops. The proper plan, therefore, is to begin with a smaldose, 
 two drops, for example, and gradually to increase the quantity until soinobvi- 
 ous impression is produced. If giddiness, weight at the top of the headseuse 
 of tightness at the stomach, or faintness come on, its use should be discon med. 
 
PAr ir. 
 
 Acida. 
 
 811 
 
 In 11 cases in which a fresh portion of medicine is used, the dose should he 
 lovred to the minimum quantity, lest the new sample should prove stronger 
 tha that previously employed. When resorted to as a lotion, from thirty 
 mi ms to a fluidrachm may be dissolved in a fluidounce of distilled water. 
 
 hydrocyanic acid is so rapidly fatal as a poison that physicians have seldom 
 an bportunity to treat its effects. When not immediately fatal, the symptoms 
 prcaced are sudden loss of sense, trismus, difficult and rattling respiration, 
 col iess of the extremities, smell of the acid proceeding from the mouth, though 
 thi is sometimes absent, smallness of the pulse, swelling of the neck, dilatation, 
 imiibility, and sometimes contraction of the pupils, convulsions, &c. The anti- 
 dot and remedies most to be relied on, are chlorine, ammonia, cold affusion, 
 anurtificial respiration. Chlorine in the form of chlorine water, or weak solu- 
 tion of chlorinated lime or soda, may be exhibited internally, or applied exter- 
 nal. When chlorine is not at hand, water of ammonia, largely diluted, may 
 be ven, and the vapour arising from it cautiously inhaled. A case is related 
 in e Dublin Med. Journal, for Nov., 1835, of poisoning by this acid, in which 
 the iluted aromatic spirit of ammonia applied to the mouth, and the solid car- 
 bote assiduously applied to the nostrils, produced speedy and beneficial effects. 
 Col affusion was first proposed in 1828 by Herbst, of Gottingen, and its utility 
 was.bubsequently confirmed by Orfila. Its efficacy is strongly supported by 
 exp-imeDts performed in 1889 by Dr. Robinson and M. Lonyet, who quickly 
 resicitated rabbits, apparently dead from hydrocyanic acid, by pouring on their 
 beaand spine a stream of water artificially refrigerated. A case of poisoning 
 replied by Dr. Christison in Feb. 1850, in which the patient recovered, strongly 
 supirts the value as a remedy of a stream of cold water, poured upon the head 
 froia moderate height. Messrs. T. & FI. Smith, of Edinburgh, have recom- 
 meied as an antidote a mixture of the sulphates of the protoxide and sesqui- 
 oxi> of iron, swallowed after a solution of carbonate of potassa. So soon as the 
 antrte comes in contact with hydrocyanic acid, sulphate of potassa is formed, 
 and he poison is converted into Prussian blue. This antidote is proposed by 
 tbelessrs. Smith for the medicinal acid only. It may be prepared extempo- 
 ranpsly, according to the same chemists, by adding ten grains of sulphate of 
 provide of iron and a drachm of the tincture of chloride of iron to a fluidounce 
 of ter, contained in one vial, and twenty grains of carbonate of potassa to a 
 flui' unee or two of water in another vial. The patient is made to swallow the 
 solion of carbonate of potassa, and immediately afterwards the mixed ferra- 
 gini3 solution. The quantity of antidote, here mentioned, is estimated to be 
 sufl ent to render insoluble nearly two grains of the anhydrous acid. 
 
 4er death from suspected poison, it is sometimes necessary to ascertain 
 whder the event was caused by this acid. If death has taken place a long 
 tim it would be needless to search for so volatile a poison; but it has been re- 
 cog sed in one instance seven days after death. The best test is that proposed 
 by ebig in January 1847, consisting in the conversion of the hydrocyanic acid 
 mtc rlphocyanate of ammonia, which salt is then tested with a sesquioxide salt 
 of in. Two drops of the acid, so dilute as not to afford the least blue tint 
 witlihe salts of iron, upon being mixed with a drop of bihydrosulphate of am- 
 moi j'> and heated upon a watch-glass until the mixture is colourless, yields a 
 soli m of sulphocyanate of ammonia, which becomes of a deep blood-red colour 
 upo the addition of the sulphate of sesquioxide of iron, in consequence of the 
 forijtion of the sulphocyanuret of iron. ( Cherti. Gaz., April 1, 1847, from 
 hie ;’s Annalen.') This test is praised by Mr. A. S. Taylor, who found it to 
 act aracteristicaily on two grains of dilute hydrocyanic acid, containing only 
 1-d! Oth of a grain of anhydrous acid. To render the test thus delicate, Mr. 
 j Jj r deems it necessary to evaporate the liquid gently to dryness, after the 
 aud' on of the bihydrosulphate of ammonia, in order to bring the sulphocyanate 
 
812 
 
 Adda. 
 
 PAR] [, 
 
 to the solid state, before adding the iron test, a fractional part of a drop of w h 
 will commonly suffice to produce the characteristic colour. In case the aci is 
 mixed with organic matters, Mr. Taylor proposes a modification of Liebig’s st 
 as follows. Place the contaminated acid in a watch-glass, and invert ovc it 
 another, holding in its centre a drop -of the bihydrosulphate of ammonia, [a 
 from half a minute to ten minutes, without the application of heat, the bihj o- 
 sulphate will be converted into the sulphocyanate of ammonia; and upon rei v- 
 ing the upper glass, and evaporating its contents to dryness, the addition obe 
 iron test will produce the blood-red colour. I 
 
 ACIDUM MURIATICUM DILUTUM. U. S., Ed., Dub. Acr u 
 Hydrochloricum Dilutum. Lond. Diluted Muriatic Acid. 
 
 “Take of Muriatic Acid four fluidounces ; Distilled Water twelve fluidoues. 
 Mix them in a glass vessel. The specific gravity of Diluted Muriatic Ac is 
 1-046.” U.S. 
 
 The London and Edinburgh, directions are the same as those of the 1 S. 
 Pharmacopoeia. The London College gives the sp. gr. of the acid at 1 043 nd 
 states that a fiuidounce of it is saturated by 168 grains of crystallized carbute 
 of soda. The U. S. and London diluted acids are identical; but the Edinbgh 
 diluted acid is somewhat stronger (1 050), in consequence of the pure niuitic 
 acid of that College having a density of 1T7, instead of 1T6 ( U. S., Lot.). 
 The Dublin College mixes four fluidounces of pure muriatic acid with thi\ien 
 [ fluid~\ounccs of distilled water, and states the density of the acid to be 1(5. 
 
 It is convenient to have an officinal diluted muriatic acid, and, at presen all 
 the Pharmacopoeias give a formula for it. The acids of the different Phsna- 
 copoeias virtually agree in strength ; the variations being practically insignifint. 
 For an account of the medicinal properties of muriatic acid, see Acidum Mia- 
 ticum. The dose of the diluted acid is from twenty to sixty drops, mixed ith 
 water or other convenient vehicle. The Dublin College employs this acid.s a 
 chemical agent, in the preparation of Calcis Phosphas Prsecipitatum. 
 
 ACIDUM NITRICUM DILUTUM. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Di- 
 luted Nitric Acid. 
 
 “ Take of Nitric Acid [sp. gr. 142] a fiuidounce; Distilled Water six <t id- 
 ounces. Mix them in a glass vessel. The specific gravity of Diluted .trie 
 Acid is 1‘07 ; and 100 grains of it saturate 20 grains of crystallized bicarbiate 
 of potassa.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Nitric Acid [sp.gr. 1'42] three fluidounces ; Distilled Water ven- 
 teen fluidounces. Mix. The sp. gr. is 1‘082. A fiuidounce of the Ad is 
 saturated by 154 grains of crystallized carbonate of soda.” Lond. 
 
 “ Mix together one fiuidounce of Pure Nitric Acid (D. 1 ’500), and nine fid- 
 ounces of Distilled Water. If the Commercial Nitric Acid of D. 1'390 besed, 
 one fiuidounce and five fluidrachms and a half are required. The dens? of 
 this diluted acid is 1'077.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Pure Nitric Acid [sp.gr. 1'5] four fluidounces; Distilled ater 
 twenty -nine \_fluid~\ounces. Mix. The sp. gr. of this Acid is 1 092.’ Dm 
 
 All the Pharmacopoeias embrace Diluted Nitric Acid, for convenience i pre- 
 scribing. The acids of the U. S., London, and Edinburgh Pharmacopcei are 
 nearly of the same strength, being, for equal volumes with the strong ad, a 
 little more than one-tenth its strength. The acid of the Dublin College is >me- 
 what stronger. 
 
 The medicinal properties of the diluted acid are the same as those of the : - ong 
 acid. (See Acidum Nitricum.) The dose is from twenty to forty dropspree 
 times a day, sufficiently reduced with water at the time of taking it. A dated 
 nitric acid is used by the Edinburgh College for preparing the red oxide oner- 
 
pa:: ii. 
 
 Adda. 
 
 813 
 
 cur; but it is directed to have the density of 1'280, and is, therefore, not the 
 offi ral diluted acid of that College. 
 
 if, Prep. Plumbi Nitras. B. 
 
 .CIDUM NITRICUM PURUM. Pd., Dub. Pure Nitric Acid. 
 
 °urify Nitrate of Potash, if necessary, by two or more crystallizations till 
 mti:e of silver does not act on its solution in distilled water. Put into a glass 
 re tdt' equal weights of this purified Nitrate and of Sulphuric Acid ; and distil 
 inti cool receiver, with a moderate heat from a sand-bath or naked gas-flame, 
 so lig as the fused material continues to give off vapour. The pale-yellow Acid 
 thuobtained may be rendered colourless, should this be thought necessary, by 
 kealag it gently in a retort.” The density of this Acid is 15. Ed. 
 
 I preparing pure nitric acid, the Dublin College distils nitre with nearly an 
 equi weight of sulphuric acid ; but before the nitre is used, it is dissolved in 
 boil g water, and purified from common salt by the addition of nitrate of silver, 
 so lig as it produces a precipitate. The solution is then strained from the 
 chli.de of silver, and evaporated to dryness. The pure nitric acid obtained is 
 direed to have the sp.gr. 15. 
 
 le officinal pure nitric acid is colourless or pale-yellow. If previously diluted 
 witljdistilled water, it is not affected by solutions of nitrate of silver or nitrate 
 oflyta; the non-action of these tests showing the absence of muriatic and sul- 
 phuc acids. As an acid having the sp.gr. of 1’5, it is considered to he a ses- 
 quiidrate by Mr. Phillips; consisting of one eq. of dry acid 54, and one and 
 a b'eqs. of water 13'5=67'5. This acid is inconveniently strong, and might 
 witlidvantage be replaced by a pure acid of the density 1‘42. This substitu- 
 tion ;as been made in the U- S. and London Pharmacopoeias of 1850 and 1851. 
 
 } ric Acid has been fully treated of under Acidum Nitricum , page 40, to 
 whi article the reader is referred. 
 
 1 arm. Uses. Pure Nitric Acid is used merely as a chemical agent in pre- 
 pari; Calomelas; Ferri Oxidum Nigrum; Ferri Peroxydum Hydratum; Hy- 
 draiyri Oiydum Itubrum ; Sublimatus Corrosivus; Tinctura Ferri Acetatis; 
 Tin ara Ferri Sesquichloridi. 
 
 U Prep. Acidum Nitricum Dilutum; Acidum Nitro-muriaticum ; Argenti 
 Nitijij Bismuthi Subnitras; Ferri Pernitratis Liquor; Hydrargyri Pernitratis 
 Liq r; Plumbi Nitras; Spiritus Adtheris Nitrici; Unguentum Hydrargyri 
 Nitlis. B. 
 
 idIDUM NITROMURIATICUM. U.S., Dub. Nitromuriatic 
 Aa, 
 
 “ ake of Nitric Acid [sp. gr. 1'42] four fluid-ounces; Muriatic Acid eight 
 fluiknees. Mix them in a glass vessel, and, when effervescence has ceased, keep 
 the oduct in a well-stopped glass bottle, in a cool and dark place.” U. S. 
 
 “lake of Pure Nitric Acid one fluidounce; Pure Muriatic Acid two fluid- 
 ounr. Mix in a green glass bottle, furnished with an accurately ground stop- 
 per, jad keep in a cool place.” Dub. 
 
 Nromuriatic acid is the aqua regia of the earlier chemists, so called from its 
 prop ty of dissolving gold. Nitric and muriatic acids, when mixed together, 
 aiul lly decompose each other. According to the researches of Gay-Lussac 
 (Ju 1848), the reaction gives rise to two compounds, in variable proportions, 
 ofnic oxide and chlorine (N0 3 Cl 3 and NO a Cl), mixed with free chlorine; the 
 fora : being analogous in constitution to nitrous, the latter to hyponitrous acid. 
 Theijiower, however, of nitromuriatic acid to dissolve gold, and similar metals 
 bav: r a weak affinity for oxygen, is owing exclusively to the free chlorine pre- 
 sent md is in nowise dependent on the compounds above referred to, which 
 rem i entirely passive during the solution of the metal. ( Journ . de Pharm., 
 Aual848.) Adopting the views of Gay-Lussac, the proportion of the acids 
 
814 
 
 Adda. 
 
 pap: i. 
 
 for total mutual decomposition would be two eqs. of nitric and six of mui:ic 
 acid; and the products would be the two compounds of nitric oxide and ehlo'.e, 
 free chlorine, and water Assuming this proportion, it follows that a larg x- 
 cess of nitric acid is employed in the U. S. formula. According to the ne 
 views, the proportion of free chlorine must be variable, dependent upon he 
 relative proportion of the nitric oxide compounds to each other. For evenq. 
 of N0 a Cl 2 formed, one eq. of chlorine will be set free; while for every e of 
 NCLC1, two eqs. of chlorine will be evolved. The precise circumstances iat 
 determine the simultaneous formation of the two nitric oxide compounds nd 
 their constantly varying proportion to each other, have not been pointed 01 by 
 Gay-Lussac in the paper above referred to. When nitromuriatic acid is ide 
 from strong acids, there is always a loss of the nitric oxide compounds a of 
 free chlorine by effervescence, in consequence of these acids not containing uf- 
 ficient water to hold the gaseous products in solution. Hence the substition, 
 in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1850, of nitric acid of 1'42 for the acid othe 
 density 1'5 is an improvement. At the same time, as the measure of the :ric 
 acid is not increased, its relative excess in the old formula is diminished. 
 
 Properties. Nitromuriatic acid has a golden-yellow colour, and emits the lell 
 of chlorine. It possesses the power of dissolving gold and platinum. It s’uld 
 be kept in a cool dark place, on account of its liability 7 to lose chlorine by eat, 
 and to have it converted, by the action of light, into muriatic acid, thiigh 
 the decomposition of water. On account of its tendency to decompositi , it 
 should not be made by the apothecary until wanted for use, and then op ia 
 the quantity ordered ; care being taken not to transfer it to the bottle ntil 
 effervescence has ceased, lest the pressure within should drive out the irk. 
 Nitric and muriatic acids, as found in the shops, are sometimes so weak hat 
 when mixed they will not readily act on gold-leaf. In this case, their scent 
 power may be rendered effective by the addition of a little sulphuric acid, rich, 
 by its superior attraction for water, concentrates the other acids, and ases 
 immediate action.* 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Nitromuriatic acid was brought into note as 
 a remedy, in consequence of the favourable report of its efficacy as an exmal 
 remedy in hepatitis, made by Dr. Scott, formerly of Bombay. When thuem- 
 ployed, it produces a tingling sensation in the skin, thirst, a peculiar taste the 
 mouth, and occasional soreness in the gums and plentiful ptyalism; and the 
 same time stimulates the liver, as is evinced by an increased flow of bil It 
 is used either by sponging, or in the form of a local or general bath, hen 
 applied by sponging, the acid is first diluted so as to have the acidity of song 
 vinegar. When used as a foot-bath, three gallons of water, contained in deep 
 narrow wooden tub, may be acidulated with six fluidounces of the acid. ] this 
 the feet and legs are to be immersed for twenty minutes or half an hour. The 
 bath may be employed at first daily, and afterwards twice or thrice a weel and 
 the sponging may be used at the same time. The bath is said to beeffec'ein 
 promoting the passage of biliary calculi. The solution, prepared for a ba, as 
 above mentioned, may be used for a week, adding to it daily a pint of iter, 
 acidulated with two fluidrachms of the acid, to make up for the waste by apo- 
 ration. The bath should have a temperature of about 97° F., which cy be 
 attained by heating part of the acid solution, and throwing it back into t‘ re- 
 mainder. For some good directions for the preparation and use of the itro- 
 muriatic acid bath, by Mr. Ranald Martin, the reader is referred to th eFirm. 
 Journ. and Trans, for July, 1851, p. 38. 
 
 * In relation to nitromuriatic acid, see a paper in the third volume of the Jottal of 
 the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, by Daniel B. Smith. 
 
PAI 1 II. 
 
 Acida. 
 
 815 
 
 Jtromuriatic acid is also used internally, principally in hepatic and syphilitic 
 diseSea, and in the oxalic lithiasis. The dose in this case is three or four 
 droi, largely diluted with water. B. 
 
 jOIDUM PHOSPHORICUM DILUTUM. Land. Diluted Phos- 
 phcic Acid. 
 
 “’ake of Phosphorus six drachms; Nitric Acid [sp. gr. l - 42.] four fluid- 
 oun.s; Distilled Water eight fluidounces. Add the Phosphorus to the Acid, 
 prenusly mixed with the Water in a retort placed in a sand-bath; then apply 
 neauntil six fluidounces are distilled. Return these into the retort, and again 
 disti six fluidounces, which are to be rejected. Evaporate the remaining liquor 
 in a la tin um capsule until only two ounces remain. Lastly, add to the acid, 
 whe it is cold, as much distilled water as may be sufficient to make it accurately 
 mearre a pint, and mix.” Lond. The sp.gr. of this acid is 1 064. An Impe- 
 rial uidounce of it is saturated by 132 grains of crystallized carbonate of soda, 
 and tolling is thrown down. Imperial measure is used in this formula. 
 
 I 3 process for this officinal preparation of the London College may be thus 
 exp ned. Phosphorus, when added to strong nitric acid, decomposes it with 
 expliion and rapid combustion ; but when it is distilled with the diluted acid the 
 aetic takes place slowly, the phosphorus gradually melts and becomes oxidized, 
 and itric oxide is evolved. Before, however, the whole of the phosphorus is 
 acidjed, the nitric acid will have distilled over; and hence the necessity of re- 
 turng it into the retort, as directed by the College, in order to complete the 
 acid cation of the phosphorus. When this has been completed, all remains of 
 nitr acid are driven off by evaporation in the platinum capsule ; and the residue, 
 vliii contains all the phosphoric acid that can be generated from six drachms 
 of prsphorus, is brought to a standard degree of dilution, by the addition of 
 Buffimt distilled water to make it measure an Imperial pint. (See Acidum 
 Nitmim and Phosphorus.) 
 
 Pisphoric acid may be obtained more economically than by the above pro- 
 cess iy decomposing phosphate of lime (calcined bones) by sulphuric acid, 
 satu ting the superphosphate formed with carbonate of ammonia, which gene- 
 rate, ohosphate of ammonia in solution with precipitation of phosphate of lime, 
 and lally decomposing the phosphate of ammonia by a red heat in a platinum 
 crude. The ammonia is thus expelled, and the solid residuum will be mono- 
 lijd ed phosphoric acid (II0,P0 5 ), called also metaphosphoric acid, phosphate 
 of ttjjer, and glacial phosphoric acid from its resemblance to ice. Phosphoric 
 acid 1 this form is a white, transparent, fusible solid, slowly soluble in water, 
 and laracterized by producing a white precipitate in a solution of albumen. 
 Fort five and a half grains of this acid, dissolved in a fluidounce of distilled 
 watt form a solution of about the strength of the officinal acid. 
 
 Fperties. Diluted phosphoric acid is a colourless, inodorous, sour liquid, 
 aetii strongly on litmus, and possessing powerful acid properties. Although 
 evadated so as to become dense, it is not powerfully corrosive like the other 
 mind acids. According to the late Mr. Phillips, it contains 8 '7 per cent, of 
 won ydrated phosphoric acid. {Trans, of London Pliarm. of 1851, p. 71.) 
 The [Bernal acid is not precipitated by chloride of barium or nitrate of silver. 
 If ppipitates are produced, chloride of barium indicates sulphuric acid or a 
 sulplte; nitrate of silver, muriatic acid or a chloride. Strips of copper or 
 silva ire not affected by the acid, nor is it coloured by sulphuretted hydrogen. 
 If cremate of soda causes a precipitate, phosphate of lime, or some other phos- 
 pkat insoluble in water, is probably held in solution. The presence of one- 
 tent! )f phosphorous acid, or of a minute quantity of arsenic acid, renders the 
 wed nal acid poisonous. {Weigel and Krug.) Dry phosphoric acid consists 
 °f 01 eq. of phosphorus 32, and five of oxygen 40=72. 
 
816 
 
 Acida. 
 
 PAW I. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Diluted phosphoric acid is deemed tonic id 
 refrigerant. It is preferable in point of flavour to the diluted sulphuric : d 
 and is less apt to disturb the digestive functions. Various properties have bn 
 ascribed to it, such as allaying pain and spasm, strengthening the sexual ore,? 
 preventing the morbid secretion of bony matter, and correcting phosphati< e- 
 posits in the urine. The last two properties are attributed to its power of is- 
 solving phosphate of lime. It has been recommended in hysteria, in diabis. 
 and in leucorrhcea when the secreted fluid is thiu and acrid. In diabetes h! 
 Paris found it to allay the thirst more effectually than any other acid d k. 
 The dose is from twenty drops to a teaspoonful, diluted with water. 
 
 ACIDUM SULPHURICUM AROMATICUM. U. S., Ed., A. 
 
 Aromatic Sulphuric Acid. Elixir of Vitriol. 
 
 “Take of Sulphuric Acid three fluidounces and a half; Ginger, in cose 
 powder, an ounce ; Cinnamon, in coarse powder, an ounce and a half ; Alaol 
 a sufficient quantity. Add the Acid gradually to a pint of the Alcohol nd 
 allow the liquor to cool. Mix the Ginger and Cinnamon, and, having put cm 
 into a percolator, pour Alcohol gradually upon them until a pint of fil-ed 
 liquor is obtained. Lastly, mix the diluted acid and the tincture.” U.S. 
 
 “ Take of Sulphuric Acid (commercial) three fluidounces and a half; ec- 
 tified Spirit a pint and a half [Imp. meas.] ; Cinnamon, in moderatebine 
 powder, an ounce and a half; Ginger, in moderately fine powder, an c>ce. 
 Add the acid gradually to the spirit, let the mixture digest at a very gentkeat 
 for three days in a closed vessel ; mix the powders, moisten them with a :tle 
 of the acid spirit, let the mass rest for twelve hours, and then put it into oer- 
 colator and transmit the rest of the acid spirit. This preparation may al be 
 made by digesting the powders for six days in the acid spirit, and then straing 
 the liquor.” Ed. 
 
 The Dublin process is substantially the same as the second process cthe 
 Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, and therefore need not be copied. 
 
 Properties. Aromatic sulphuric acid is a reddish-brown liquid, of a pe liar 
 aromatic odour, and, when sufficiently diluted, of a grateful acid taste. 1 has 
 been supposed by some to be a kind of ether, its main ingredients just: ing 
 such a suspicion ; but the late Dr. Duncan, who originally held this opion, 
 satisfied himself that the alcohol and sulphuric acid, in the proportionsiere 
 employed, do not produce a single particle of ether. It must, therefo, be 
 viewed merely as sulphuric acid diluted with alcohol, and containing the ?en- 
 tial oils of ginger and cinnamon. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This valuable preparation, commonly lied 
 elixir of vitriol, is a simplification of Mynsicht's acid elixir. It is toni and 
 astringent, and affords the most agreeable mode of administering sulphuric cid. 
 It is very much employed in debility with night sweats, in loss of appetit- and 
 in the convalescence from fevers, especially those of the intermittent typ It 
 is often given in conjunction with cinchona, the taste of which it sers to 
 cover, and, by promoting the solubility of the febrifuge principles of the ark, 
 appears to increase its efficacy. (See Jnfusum Cinchonas Compositum. Ib 
 haemoptysis and other hemorrhages, when not attended with obvious ilam- 
 mation, it frequently proves useful in stopping the flow of blood. The ue is 
 from ten to thirty drops in a wineglassful of water, repeated two or threetmes 
 a day. Care must be taken that the teeth are not injured by the acid. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Cinchonae Compositum. 
 
 ACIDUM SULPHURICUM DILUTUM. U. S., Lond., Ed.?ub. 
 
 Diluted Sulphuric Acid. 
 
 “ Take of Sulphuric Acid a fluidounce ; Distilled Water thirteen fluidcncs. 
 Add the Acid gradually to the Water, in a glass vessel, and mix them. I Qe 
 
PAI II. 
 
 Adda. 
 
 817 
 
 specie gravity of this acid is 1'09 ; and 100 grains of it saturate 25 grains of 
 crysllized bicarbonate of potassa.” V. S. 
 
 “'ake of Sulphuric Acid fifteen fluidrachms [Imp. meas.] ; Distilled Water 
 a p\t [Imp. meas.]. Add the Acid gradually to half a pint of the Water; theu 
 pou: n sufficient of the remaining Water to fill accurately the measure of a pint, 
 andiix. The sp.gr. is 1'103; and a fluidounce [Imp. meas.] of the Acid is 
 satu.ted by 216 grains of crystallized carbonate of soda.” Land. 
 
 “jtix together one fluidounce of Sulphuric Acid and thirteen fiuidounces of 
 Wat - . The density of this preparation is about 1 '090.” Ed. 
 
 “ake of Pure Sulphuric Acid one fluidounce; Distilled Water thirteen 
 [ ( flu']ounces . Mix. The specific gravity of this acid is 1.084.” Dub. 
 
 Ts preparation is sulphuric acid, diluted to such an extent as to make it 
 connient for prescription. The U. S., Edinburgh, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias 
 agrein making the strong acid to the water as one to thirteen in volume, equi- 
 vale nearly to one to seven in weight; but unfortunately the formula of the 
 Lomu College gives an acid considerably stronger. The coincident processes 
 affor an acid containing about 13 per cent, of the strong liquid acid; while the 
 Lomu acid contains 15 per cent., and has a specific gravity as high as 1'103. 
 The :rong acid is added gradually to the water, to guard against the too sudden 
 prod.ition of heat, which might cause the fracture of the vessel. During the 
 dilmn, when commercial sulphuric acid is used, the liquid becomes slightly 
 turb,,and in the course of a few days deposits a grayish-white powder, which 
 is snhate of lead, and from which the diluted acid should be poured off for 
 use. This noxious salt is thus got rid of, but sulphate of potassa, another im- 
 puri in the strong acid, still remains in solution. To avoid these impurities, 
 the rblin College directs the dilution of pure sulphuric acid. The presence 
 of an all portion of sulphate of potassa will do no harm ; but if it should be 
 fraudently introduced into the strong acid to increase its specific gravity, its 
 amort may be ascertained by saturating the acid, after dilution, with ammonia, 
 and pelling by a red heat the sulphate of ammonia formed. Whatever sul- 
 phatof potassa is present will remain behind. 
 
 M deal Properties and Uses. Diluted sulphuric acid is tonic, refrigerant, and 
 astrbent. It is given in low typhoid fevers, and often with advantage. In 
 the mvalescence from protracted fevers, it often acts beneficially as a tonic, 
 excii g the appetite and promoting digestion. As an astringent, it is employed 
 in cliquative sweats, passive hemorrhages, and diarrhoeas dependent on a 
 reins l state of the mucous membrane of the intestines. In calculous affections 
 atter ed with phosphatic sediments, it is the proper remedy, being preferable to 
 murijic acid, as less apt, by continued use, to disorder the stomach. Exter- 
 nally t is used as an ingredient in gargles for ulcerated sorethroat and for 
 chec.pg excessive ptyalism, and as a wash for cutaneous eruptions and ill-con- 
 ditio d ulcers. The dose is from ten to thirty drops three times a day, in a 
 wine assful of plain or sweetened water. It is added with advantage to infu- 
 sions f cinchona, the organic alkalies of which it tends to hold in solution. As 
 it is. it to injure the teeth, it is best taken by sucking it through a quill. It 
 is m h less used in the United States than the elixir of vitriol, which possesses 
 near/ the same medical properties. An elegant form for giving it is the com- 
 pouD infusion of roses. (See Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum and Infusum 
 Rosa iompositum.) 
 
 In be summer of 1851, attention was called by Mr. Buxton, of London, to 
 theiaarkable efficacy of diluted sulphuric acid in several forms of diarrhoea, 
 espellly choleraic diarrhoea. In October, 1853, Dr. H. W. Fuller, of St. 
 Geoi ’s Hospital, published a paper in the London Medical Times and Gazette, 
 in w ;h he strongly recommends it in choleraic diarrhoea, from his own expe- 
 
818 
 
 Adda . 
 
 PAR II. 
 
 rience and that of his friends, in more than ninety eases, without a single fai re. 
 The dose employed is half a fluidrachm, diluted with water, given every tv ity 
 minutes in ordinary cases; every quarter of an hour in severe eases, he 
 vomiting, purging, and cramps usually cease after the third or fourth dose, ■or 
 bilious diarrhoea the acid is not a suitable remedy. 
 
 P liar vi. Uses. Diluted sulphuric acid is used as a chemical agent to pr are 
 Acidum Citrieum; Acidum Tartaricum ; Aconitia; Antimonii Sulphuretum se- 
 cipitatum; Strychnia. 
 
 Off. Prep. Atropiae Sulphas; Infusum Ros® Compositum; Morphiae Sul as; 
 Potass® Sulphas; Quin® Sulphas; Zinci Sulphas. 
 
 ACIDUM SULPHURICUM PURUM. Ed., Dub. Pure Sulpiric 
 Add. 
 
 “ If Commercial Sulphuric Acid contain nitrous acid, heat eight fiuido'.m 
 of it with between ten and fifteen grains of sugar, at a temperature not rite 
 sufficient to boil the acid, till the dark colour at first produced shall have r.rlv 
 or altogether disappeared. This process removes nitrous acid. Other impv ties 
 may be removed by distillation, which on the small scale is easily manag by 
 boiling the acid, with a few platinum chips, in a glass retort by means of a nd- 
 bath or gas flame, rejecting the first half ounce.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Oil of Vitriol of Commerce any convenient quantity. Introdu it 
 into a small plain retort, containing a few slips of platinum foil, and, passii the 
 beak of the retort into a Florence flask which is to be used as a receiver rith 
 the aid of a small charcoal fire or gas-lamp, distil over one-tenth of the cid. 
 This being rejected, and a fresh receiver of the same kind connected wii the 
 retort, let the distillation be resumed, and continued until no more than >out 
 an ounce of liquid remains behind. The distilled product should now be ms- 
 ferred to and preserved in a well-stopped bottle. The sp. gr. of this Ad is 
 1-846.” Dub. ^ 
 
 The object of these processes is the purification of commercial sulphuric cid. 
 This acid contains the sulphates of lead and potassa, amounting not unfreqiotly 
 to three or four per cent. ; and nitrous acid is almost always present. Thcalts 
 mentioned, not being volatile, are effectually got rid of by distillation, as dieted 
 in the formula. The manner of conducting the distillation is explained a iage 
 49, under the head of Acidum Sulphuricum. The mode of detecting nitroracid 
 is pointed out at page 48. If present in the commercial acid, the Edinugh 
 College directs, before distilling it, that it should be heated with a small proption 
 of sugar, according to the plan of Wackenroder. The acid impurity andagar 
 mutually decompose each other, and the products are dissipated by the heat The 
 acid is at first rendered dark and opaque, but gradually becomes pale-yeU, it 
 kept for two hours near the boiling point. Nitrous acid is hurtful to tl sul- 
 phuric, when the latter is used to obtain muriatic acid, which consequent be- 
 comes contaminated with chlorine. Hence the Edinburgh College usegwre 
 sulphuric acid in the formula for preparing muriatic acid. If the comnreial 
 sulphuric acid contain arsenic, it should not be distilled, but rejected. The 
 tests for this impurity are given at page 49. 
 
 The following tests are given by the Ed. College for pure sulphuriucid. 
 “ Density 1 '845: colourless: dilution causes no muddiness: solution of suhate 
 of iron shows no reddening at the line of contact, when poured over it.’ The 
 negative indication of the last mentioned test shows the absence of nitrouic-id. 
 
 It is, perhaps, an advantage to have an officinal pure sulphuric acid, to em- 
 ployed in making the preparations containing this acid; in order to avd the 
 danger of introducing lead into the system, through the use of the comrrcml 
 acid. It is true that the commercial acid, upon dilution, lets fall the sulp teot 
 
pa:c ii, 
 
 Adda. 
 
 819 
 
 ]ea< but can we be certain that the precipitate is always removed from the pre- 
 paring into which the acid enters? When the acid is required as a mere 
 cheical agent, or for forming sulphates, the commercial acid is sufficiently pure. 
 
 here is a want of precision in the nomenclature of the officinal sulphuric 
 aeic in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. The College adopts the names “ Acidum 
 Suhuricum” and “Acidum Sulphuricum Purum,” and translates them in three 
 wai in the formulas — “commercial sulphuric acid,” “pure sulphuric acid,” and 
 “snhuric acid.” The last name is ambiguous, and may mean either the com- 
 ma al or pure acid; but we shall assume that it is intended to designate the 
 comercial acid. 
 
 ^cording to the views here taken, pure sulphuric acid should be used espe- 
 cial in forming “diluted sulphuric acid” and “aromatic sulphuric acid.” Never- 
 theiss in neither of these preparations is it employed by the Edinburgh College. 
 Wire a dilute acid is required as a chemical agent, and not as a medicine, it 
 mijpbe directed, in the formula, to be formed by the addition of a determinate 
 quaity of water to the commercial acid. While the Edinburgh College has 
 omud to order “pure sulphuric acid” in making preparations into which the 
 acic uters as an ingredient, it has, with needless refinement, directed it for pre- 
 parig Acidum Aceticum and Acidum Muriaticum Purum ; though in these 
 probations it acts merely as a chemical agent. 
 
 C.Prep. Acidum Sulphuricum Aromaticum; Acidum Sulphuricum Dilutum; 
 Pots* Bisulphas. B. 
 
 /3IDUM TANNICUM. U. S., Lond , Pub. Tannic Acid. 
 
 “ake of Galls, in powder, Ether, each, a sufficient quantity. Put into a 
 glasadapter, loosely closed at its lower end with carded cotton, sufficient pow- 
 dert Galls to fill about one-half of it, and press the powder slightly. Then fit 
 the apter accurately to the mouth of a receiving vessel, fill it with Ether pre- 
 vious washed with water, and close the upper orifice so as to prevent the escape 
 of t Ether by evaporation. The liquid which passes separates into two un- 
 equ; portions, of which the lower is much smaller in quantity and much denser 
 thar he upper. When the ether ceases to pass, pour fresh portions upon the 
 Gall until the lower stratum of liquid in the receiver no longer increases. Then 
 sepate this from the upper, put it into a capsule, and evaporate with a mode- 
 rate sat to dryness. Lastly, rub what remains into powder. 
 
 “ le upper portion of liquid will yield by distillation a quantity of ether, 
 whit when washed with water, may be employed in a subsequent operation.” 
 
 T London College places Tannic Acid in the catalogue of the Materia Med- 
 ica, escribing that it shall be prepared from galls. The process of the Dub- 
 lin i liege is the same as that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. In relation to the 
 was! g of the ether, it gives the more precise direction to incorporate the ether 
 and iter by agitation in the proportion of 12 parts, by measure, of the former 
 to 1 the latter. 
 
 T; U. S. process is that of M. Pelouze. It may be conducted in an ordinary . 
 percutor. The ether employed should be that of the shops, containing a small 
 propltion of water, which has been considered necessary to the success of the 
 open on. It has therefore been advised, should the ether contain no water, 
 to w i it with that fluid, which answers the double purpose of depriving it of 
 alcol and rendering it sufficiently hydrous. To obtain the tannic acid quite 
 pure he lower stratum may be washed with ether after the separation of the 
 u PP e and evaporated in a vacuum with sulphuric acid. The explanation first 
 givei .f the process was that the water in the ether dissolves the tannic acid, to 
 the ( ilusion of all the other principles of the galls, and forms a saturated solu- 
 
820 
 
 Acida. 
 
 par ;i, 
 
 tion, which separates from the ether, and constitutes the lower stratum it he 
 receiver. But it has been satisfactorily proved that ether as well as wai is 
 present in the solution; and the idea was advanced by M. Beral that the tnic 
 acid, ether, and water form a definite compound, which is essentially li id. 
 and is decomposed during the evaporation ; the two fluids escaping, and the lid 
 tannic acid being left behind. M. E. Kobiquet considers the liquid not • a 
 definite compound of these ingredients, but simply as a “juxtaposition ofver. 
 tannic acid, and ether” in various proportions; founding his belief upot he 
 fact that, at 22° F. the liquid separates into two layers, of which one is ler 
 and the other a watery solution of tannin, while at about 130° F. it is res r ed 
 into dry tannin and common sulphuric ether. The upper and larger stratc in 
 the receiver consists of ether, holding colouring matter with a small propcion 
 of gallic and tannic acids in solution. From 30 to 35 per cent, of tannicad 
 may be obtained from galls by this process, if properly conducted. 
 
 According to Sandrock, the presence of water in the ether is unnecessary rad 
 crude ether acts better than the pure, in consequence of the small propcion 
 of alcohol contained in it. If pure ether mixed with one-sixteenth of al hoi 
 be employed as the menstruum, equally satisfactory results are obtained. Che 
 alcohol is supposed to operate by rendering the solution of tannin in ethe.ess 
 viscid, and thereby facilitating its percolation. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm. xv. 
 446.) Professor Procter informs us that his experience corresponds wit! hat 
 of Sandrock, but that the product is apt to contain a little of the brown enur- 
 ing matter. 
 
 For practical purposes it is unnecessary to obtain the tannic acid quite ire. 
 It is probably sufficiently so when extracted by the following simple procs of 
 Leeonnet, given in Christison’s Dispensatory. The powder of galls is maceted 
 in a bottle, with just enough ether to moisten it, for twenty-four hours, andlien 
 expressed in a powerful press; and the process of maceration and expressois 
 repeated, in the same way, until the powder is exhausted. The liquoi are 
 mixed, the ether distilled off, and the residue dried by means of a vapour ith. 
 It is stated that 60 per cent, of tannic acid, but very slightly coloured, nr be 
 got in this way. As gallic acid exists but in small proportion in galls, dug 
 chiefly produced by the reaction of atmospheric air upon tannic acid in thpro- 
 cess for extracting it, very little of that principle is found in the ethereal exact, 
 and the amount of colouring matter taken up by the ether, will scarcely intfere 
 with the medicinal efficacy of the preparation. 
 
 The term tannin was originally applied to a principle or principles exist g in 
 many vegetables, having a very astringent taste, and the property of produig a 
 white flocculeut precipitate with the solution of gelatin, and a black prec-itate 
 with the salts of the sesquioxide of iron. As obtained, however, from di:rent 
 plants, it was found to exhibit some difference of properties; and chemistuave 
 recognised two kinds, one existing in oak bark, galls, &c., distinguished bpro- 
 dneing a bluish-black precipitate with the salts of the sesquioxide of iroiand 
 the other existing in Peruvian bark, catechu, &c., and characterized hyproccmg 
 a greenish-black or dark-olive precipitate with the same salts. The fori r is 
 the one which has received most attention, and from an examination of kich 
 the characters of tannin have generall} - been given. It is the substance desibed 
 in this article. It will probably be found that the latter is essentially dciuct 
 from the tannin of galls, and probably different in different vegetables. 0 m 
 striking peculiarity of the tannin of galls is its facility of conversion intoallic 
 acid, which is wanting in some at least of the other varieties. Since the ubli- 
 cation of the experiments of M. Pelouze in relation to tannin, this subs tan' has 
 been universally admitted to rank with the acids, and is now, thereto, de- 
 nominated tannic acid. The ordinary variety procured from galls is call-;W r 
 
PAT II. 
 
 Acida. 
 
 821 
 
 theake of distinction, by some gdllo-tannic acid, and by others querci-tannic 
 aci 
 
 _• operties . Pure tannic acid is solid, uncrystallizable, white or slightly 
 yel wish, inodorous, strongly astringent to the taste without bitterness, very 
 sol'le in water, much less soluble in alcohol and ether, especially when anhy- 
 drcJ, and insoluble in the fixed and volatile oils. It may be kept unchanged 
 in fe solid state; but its aqueous solution, when exposed to the air, gradually 
 becnes turbid, and deposits a crystalline matter, consisting chiefly of gallic 
 aci" During the change, oxygen is absorbed, and an equal volume of carbonic 
 acidisengaged. But, according to M. E. Robiquet, this change does not always 
 takplace, and, when it does happen, is ascribable to the presence of pectase 
 in e tannin. (See Acidum Gallicum, page 804.) If the solution of tannic 
 acihe boiled for a long time, the pectase loses its property of acting as a fer- 
 ine, and the solution may be kept indefinitely without change. ( Journ . de 
 Pbm., April, 1858, p. 246.) Exposed to heat tannic acid partly melts, swells 
 up,lackens, takes fire, and burns with a brilliant flame. Thrown on red-hot 
 iroiit is entirely dissipated. Its solution reddens litmus, and it combines with 
 mo of the salifiable bases. With potassa it forms a compound but slightly 
 soli le, and is, therefore, precipitated by this alkali or its carbonates from a 
 sokion which is not too dilute, though a certain excess of alkali will cause the 
 pre pi tat e to be redissolved. Its combination with soda is much more soluble; 
 ancihis alkali affords no precipitate, unless with a very concentrated solution of 
 tanc acid. With ammonia its relations are similar to those with potassa. 
 Ba:ta, strontia, lime, and magnesia, added in the state of hydrates, form with 
 it cnpounds of little solubility. The same is the case with most of the metallic 
 oxi s, when presented, in the state of salts, to a solution of the tannate of po- 
 tas: Many of the metallic salts are precipitated by tannic acid even in the 
 
 umnbined state, especially those of lead, copper, silver, uranium, chromium, 
 me .ary, teroxide of antimony, and protoxide of tin. With the salts of sesqui- 
 oxi of iron it forms a black precipitate, which is a compound of tannic acid and 
 theisquioxide, and is the basis of ink. It does not disturb the solutions of the 
 pui salts of protoxide of iron. Several of the alkaline salts precipitate it from its 
 aqmus solution, either by the formation of insoluble compounds, or by simply 
 abs acting the solvent. Tannic acid unites with all the vegetable organic alkalies, 
 fori ng compounds which are for the most part of a whitish colour, and but very 
 slip ly soluble in water; though they are soluble in the vegetable acids, especially 
 theietic, and in alcohol, and in this latter respect differ from most of the com- 
 poujls which tannic acid forms with other vegetable principles. On account 
 of is property of tannic acid, it has been employed as a test of the vegetable 
 alk es; and it is so delicate, that it will throw down a precipitate from their 
 soli on, even when too feeble to be disturbed by ammonia. It has an affinity 
 for veral acids, and when in solution affords precipitates with the sulphuric, 
 nit) , muriatic, phosphoric, and arsenic acids, but not with the oxalic, tartaric, 
 lacl , acetic, or citric. The precipitates are compounds of tannic acid with the 
 resjptive acids mentioned, and are soluble in pure water, but insoluble in water 
 wit an excess of acid. Hence, in order to insure precipitation, it is necessary 
 to id the acid in excess to the solution of tannic acid. It precipitates also 
 soli ons of starch, albumen, and gluten, and forms with gelatin an insoluble 
 conound, which is the basis of leather. Its ultimate constituents are carbon, 
 bycjigen, and oxygen ; and its formula, according to Liebig, is C^H s O^ or 
 pis| 0 9 + 3HO. Mulder, however, from recent investigations, considers it 
 isoi vie with gallic acid, and gives its formula CagHgO^+HO. Strecker looks 
 upc it as a compound of gallic acid and sugar, the latter of which is destroyed 
 ia ; spontaneous change which moistened galls undergo by time. (See Acidum 
 Ga'cum, page 804.) 
 
822 
 
 Adda. — Aconitia. 
 
 par: i. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Tannic acid, being the chief principle of ve- 
 table astringents, is capable of exerting on the system the same effects with is 
 class of medicines, and may be given in the same complaints. It has an ad n- 
 tage over the astringent extracts in the comparative smallness of its dose, w;h 
 renders it less apt to offend an irritable stomach. In most of the vegeole 
 astringents, it is associated with more or less bitter extractive, or other prin >le 
 which modifies its operation, and renders the medicine less applicable tin it 
 otherwise would be to certain cases, in which there is an indication for puris- 
 tringency without any tonic power. Such is particularly the case in the a-ve 
 hemorrhages; and tannic acid, in its separate state, is in these cases prefenle 
 to the native combinations in which it ordinarily exists. Dr. Porta, an It: an 
 physician, employed it with great success in the treatment of uterine hemorrlre, 
 and published the results of his experience in 1827. M. Cavalier afterwards ed 
 it successfully in the same complaint, and found it effectual also in a case of b ;d- 
 ing from the rectum. It is, without doubt, a useful remedy in most forr of 
 hemorrhage, after a sufficient reduction of arterial action by depletory meases. 
 In diarrhoea it is probably more beneficial than ordinary astringents, as less ble 
 to irritate the stomach and bowels. It has been found beneficial in colliqu ve 
 sweats, in cases of chronic catarrh with excessive and debilitating expectorain, 
 in the advanced stages of hooping-cough, and in cystirrhoea. The dose fo or- 
 dinary purposes is from two to five grains, but in urgent cases it may be incrued 
 to ten grains. The only disadvantage which has been experienced from it, ven 
 taken in excess, is obstinate constipation. Locally, it may be used for al he 
 purposes to which galls or other vegetable astringents are applicable; as foie- 
 morrhages, relaxation of the uvula and chronic inflammation of the fauces, tth- 
 ache, aphthae, excessive salivation, leucorrhoea, gleet, gonorrhoea, flabby nd 
 phagedenic ulcers, piles, &c. As a wash it may be used in solution, in thero- 
 portion of five grains to a fluidounce of water. (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., AS', 
 ix. 192.) A Belgian surgeon, M. Hairion, recommends a strong solution, ide 
 in the proportion of one part of tannic acid to three of distilled water, s an 
 application in various ophthalmic affections; as acute and chronic inflammson, 
 ulcers and specks on the cornea, swelling of the conjunctiva, &c. (Jour de 
 Pharm. et de Chim., xviii. 449.) An ointment may be made from it byub- 
 bing two scruples first with twenty minims of water into a paste, and then ith 
 an ounce of lard. Given largely to a dog, it caused the urine to become <rk- 
 brown and opaque; and this secretion gave evidences of the presence of ;llio 
 and pyrogallic acids. (Chem. Gaz., No. 136, p. 231.) | 
 
 ACONITIA. U.S. 
 
 Aconitia. 
 
 “ Take of Aconite Boot, bruised, two pounds; Alcohol three gallons ; Di ted 
 Sulphuric Acid, Solution of Ammonia, Purified Animal Charcoal, each, aujfi- 
 dent quantity. Boil the Aconite Root with a gallon of the alcohol, in a ( di- 
 latory apparatus, for an hour. Pour off the liquor, and boil the root in the .me 
 manner, and for the same length of time, with another gallon of the Al hoi 
 and the portion distilled. Again pour off the liquor, boil as before wit the 
 remaining gallon of the Alcohol and the portion distilled, and decant, ah- 
 init the residue to expression, mix all the liquors, distil off the alcohol and 
 evaporate, by means of a water-bath, to the consistence of an extract, 'eat 
 this with distilled water, filter the resulting solution, and evaporate wa a 
 gentle heat to the consistence of syrup. To the residue add as much Pi. ted 
 Sulphuric Acid, mixed with distilled water, as may be sufficient to dissoh the 
 
PAI II. 
 
 Aconitia. 
 
 823 
 
 Accitia. Precipitate this with Solution of Ammonia, and dissolve the precipi- 
 tated Diluted Sulphuric Acid mixed with distilled water as before. Mix the 
 Anial Charcoal with the solution, shake the mixture frequently for fifteen 
 minbes, filter, again precipitate the Aconitia with Solution of Ammonia, and, 
 last, wash it with water, and dry it.” U. S. 
 
 /onitia probably exists in the plant combined with a vegetable acid, forming 
 a sable salt. In the above process, this is first extracted by alcohol, then taken 
 up pm the alcoholic extract by water, and afterwards converted into a sulphate 
 by >e addition of dilute sulphuric acid. The sulphate is decomposed by am- 
 nion, which precipitates the aconitia, and this is purified by being once more 
 comined with sulphuric acid, then decolorized by animal charcoal, and again 
 preoitated by ammonia. Care is requisite, in conducting the process, not to 
 addoo great an excess of the solution of ammonia, which diminishes the product 
 prolbly by dissolving the aconitia.* 
 
 loperties. Aconitia, when freshly precipitated, is said to be white and in 
 the rm of a hydrate; but it speedily parts with its water, and forms a brownish, 
 briti mass. (Soubeiran, Trait, de Pharm., ii. 716.) It is thought not to be 
 cryallizable. Obtained by evaporating its alcoholic solution, it is described as 
 beii in the form of a transparent, colourless mass, having a glassy lustre. In 
 
 * he following process, recommended by Mr. F. W. Headland, of London, as being the 
 mosjatisfactory and the most productive, of those tried by himself, is given in the second 
 edit: i of Royle’s Manual of Materia Medica, p. 288. “ Take of the root of Aconitum feroz, 
 
 coarly bruised, two pounds, of rectified spirit three gallons. Boil the Aconite with a gallon 
 of tl spirit for an hour, in a retort with a receiver adapted to it. Pour off the spirit. Boil 
 the fcidue with another gallon, and with that which distilled over. Pour off again, and 
 do t same a third time. Press the root, and mix the solutions. Filter. Distil off the 
 spir:from the tincture thus obtained until this is of the consistence of thin syrup. Then 
 poult out of the retort, and mix with twice its bulk of distilled water, and excess of sul- 
 phui acid. Filter carefully from the precipitate produced, until it is quite clear. Then 
 agai evaporate gently in a water-bath to the consistence of syrup. Pour this syrupy 
 liqu which should not exceed two fluidounces, into a stoppered bottle, of which it shall 
 occw about one-third. Add then an excess of strong solution of ammonia, and shake gently. 
 To t white mass produced add an equal bulk of pure ether. Insert the stopper tightly, 
 and, olding the bottle in a damp cloth, with a finger on the stopper, shake briskly for a 
 few nutes. Allow then a sufficient time for the ether to rise above the water, and, when 
 it hr completely separated, remove the stopper, and take up carefully the ethereal solution 
 fron he surface of the water with a pipette or common glass syringe. Pour it into an 
 openasin. Again shake up the watery solution with another equal bulk of ether, and 
 rem 2 this in the same manner. Do the same a third time. Let the ethereal solution 
 evapate spontaneously. The Aconitia is deposited. 
 
 “ us process is quick and certain. It is not difficult; but great care should be taken 
 thro hout, on account of the very dangerous nature of the product. 
 
 “ le Aconitia thus prepared is transparent and vitreous in appearance, and of a very 
 ligh ellow colour, like good gum Arabic. With the exception of this tinge of colouring 
 mat: it is quite pure. If required white, it may be again dissolved in a small quantity 
 of ai and water, precipitated by ammonia, and extracted by ether as before. But some 
 of it dll be lost bv so doincr, and there will be no increase in the medicinal virtue of the 
 proijit.” 
 
 A jrding to Mr. Headland, the process of the former London Pharmacopoeia, which is 
 the je adopted in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, and given in the text, has generally if not 
 invsiibly proved unsuccessful, even in skilful hands. The defects of this process are 
 mail • the employment of so large an amount of water, the repeated solutions, and the 
 use | animal charcoal, which has the property of absorbing the alkaloids. 
 
 T root of Aconitum feroz, from the E. Indies, is preferred in consequence of its greater 
 yieh A specimen of this, which we have had the opportunity of examining, was in single 
 root fusiform, from two and a half to three and a half inches long, from half an inch to 
 au i a and a half thick at the thickest part near the top, gradually tapering to a point, 
 une' illy wrinkled from drying, of a dark-brown colour externally, yellowish internally, 
 ban «rith a shining wax-like fracture, and the characteristic taste of the aconites in a high 
 <kgi . — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
824 
 
 Aconitia. 
 
 par ,i. 
 
 powder, it is white when quite pure. It is inodorous, and of a hitter and : id 
 taste, producing a benumbing impression on the tongue. The acrimony, w- 
 ever, is ascribed by some to a distinct principle associated with it, from whi it 
 maybe freed by repeated solution in dilute acids and subsequent precipitam. 
 It is unalterable in the air, and fusible by a gentle heat. At a high tenr-a- 
 ture it is decomposed, with the escape of ammonia, and by a continuant of 
 the heat is entirely dissipated. It is sparingly soluble in water, requirinpor 
 solution 150 parts of cold and 50 of boiling water. (Phillips.) Alcohoind 
 ether dissolve it readily. It neutralizes the acids; but its salts are not cnal- 
 lizable. Their solution produces a white precipitate with bichloride of plati: m, 
 a yellowish with terchloride of gold, and a yellowish-brown with freeioie. 
 That it contains nitrogen is proved by the evolution of ammonia, when it ile- 
 composed by heat. Dr. A. von Planta gives as its formula NC^H^O^. (See m. 
 Journ. of Pharm., xxiii. 40, from Liebig’s Annalen.) A spurious subsnce 
 has sometimes been sold under the sahae name, which is nearly or quite i rt; 
 and at best the alkaloid is apt to be of uncertain strength, as found in the sips. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This vegetable principle exercises a powful 
 influence over the animal economy. One-fiftieth of a grain dissolved in alnol 
 destroyed a sparrow in a few minutes; and the same quantity administer* to 
 au elderly female is said to have nearly proved fatal. In a case of poisoninby 
 aconitia, recorded by Dr. Golding Bird, though two grains and a half were treD, 
 the patient ultimately recovered. But, as vomiting almost immediately ened, 
 there is reason to believe that much of the poison was thus discharged fronhe 
 stomach. Besides extreme general prostration, indicated by a cold pale surce, 
 and a scarcely perceptible action of the heart, the prominent symptoms ere 
 convulsive vomiting, recurring every minute or two, and fearful spasms othe 
 throat, resembling those of hydrophobia, upon any attempt at swallowing. ]ere 
 was no paralysis, the pupils were sensible to light, and the intellect remaed 
 perfectly clear. The remedies were the hot bath, mustard to the epigasti m, 
 and enemata of oil of turpentine, laudanum, and nutriment. ( Lond . Med. (iz., 
 Jan. 1847.) Aconitia is not used internally as a remedy; but Dr. Turnbuhas 
 advantageously resorted to its external application. According to this writ, it 
 produces in the skin a sensation of heat and prickling, followed by num ess 
 and a feeling of constriction; and the effect continues, according to tbequaity 
 applied, from two to twelve hours or more. He found it not to act as a :be- 
 facient, or at least but slightly so. Applied very much diluted and in mate 
 quantity to the eye, it causes contraction of the pupil, with an almost intoleble 
 sense of heat and tingling. The affections in which Dr. Turnbull employ* it 
 with benefit, were neuralgia, gout, and rheumatism. He recommends it eher 
 in alcoholic solution, in the proportion of a grain to a fluidrachm, or in therm 
 of an ointment, made by rubbing up two grains of the alkali first with six iops 
 of alcohol, and then with a drachm of lard. These proportions are suffiei tly 
 large to begin with, but may be gradually increased to four or five, or even ght 
 grains to the drachm. The preparation should be applied by friction ovethe 
 part affected, which should be continued till the peculiar sensation above desebed 
 is produced, and may be repeated three or four times, or more frequently, dang 
 the day. No good can be expected unless the sensation alluded to be expensed 
 in a greater or less degree. Care should be taken not to apply the mediei' to 
 an abraded surface, or to a mucous membrane, for fear of dangerous con. ra- 
 tional effects. It is very seldom used, and all its beneficial effects can b ob- 
 tained from safer and cheaper preparations of aconite. 
 
PAK II. 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 825 
 
 tETHEREA. 
 
 Ethers. 
 
 E ers are peculiar, fragrant, sweetish, very volatile, and inflammable sub- 
 stam 3 , generated for the most part by the action of acids on alcohol. Their 
 comjsition varies with the acid employed in their formation. Sometimes this 
 men r acts as a chemical agent on the alcohol, without entering into the com- 
 positn of the ether generated; in which case the ether consists of etherine and 
 wate In other instances the acid employed unites with etherine and water 
 (the her just mentioned), or with etherine only. On the basis of these differ- 
 ence of composition, the medicinal ethers may be divided into three kinds: 1. 
 tkosi insisting of etherine and water; 2. those consisting of an acid, etherine, 
 and iter; and 3. those composed of an acid and etherine only. Hydric e'tker 
 is th only known ether of the first kind, hyponitrous ether is an example of the 
 secoi, and muriatic ether of the third. In medicine, the hydric and hyponi- 
 trous thers, and their modifications, are those most commonly employed ; though 
 occaonally the acetic and muriatic have been used. 
 
 E ers, from their extreme inflammability, should never be decanted in the 
 vieiffy of flame. Hence it is prudent not to pour them out near a lighted 
 cand. They should be kept in accurately stopped bottles in a cool place; 
 otheiise they are liable to considerable loss by evaporation. B. 
 
 ^CHER. U.S., Land. iETHER SULPHURICUS. Ed., Dub. 
 Eth . Sulphuric Ether. Hydric Ether. 
 
 “ ike of Alcohol four pints; Sulphuric Acid a pint; Potassa six drachms; 
 Disked Water three fluidounces. To two pints of the Alcohol, in an open ves- 
 sel, d gradually fourteen fluidouuces of the Acid, stirring them frequently. 
 Pour, lie mixture, while still hot, into a tubulated glass retort, placed upon a 
 sand ith, and connected by a long adapter with a receiver kept cold by ice or 
 wate then raise the heat quickly until the liquid begins to boil. When about 
 half pint of ethereal liquid has passed over, introduce gradually into the retort 
 the raainder of the alcohol, previously mixed with two fluidounces of the Acid, 
 takir care that the mixture shall enter in a continuous stream, and in such 
 quail y as shall supply the place, as nearly as possible, of the liquid which dis- 
 tils o r. This may be accomplished by connecting a vessel containing the alco- 
 holic iquid with the retort, by means of a tube provided with a stop-cock to 
 regu e the discharge, and passing nearly to the bottom of the retort, through 
 a coi accurately fitted into the tubulure. When all the Alcohol has been thus 
 addeuontinue the distillation until about three pints have passed over, or until 
 whiti/apours appear in the retort. To the product thus obtained add the po- 
 tassaq-eviously dissolved in the distilled Water, and shake them frequently. 
 At t! end of twenty-four hours, pour off from the alkaline solution the super- 
 aatai ether, introduce it into a retort, and, with a gentle heat, distil until two 
 pmts iave passed over, or until the distilled liquid has the specific gravity 
 
 “'ke of Rectified Spirit fifty fluidounces ; Sulphuric Acid ten fluidounces. 
 Pourwelve fluidounces of the Spirit gently over the Acid contained in an open 
 vesse, and then stir them together briskly and thoroughly. Transfer the mix- 
 ture mediately into a glass matrass connected with a refrigeratory, and raise 
 the Hit quickly to about 280°. As soon as the ethereal fluid begins to distil 
 over, ipply fresh spirit through a tube into the matrass in a continuous stream, 
 uud i such quantity as to equal that of the fluid which distils over. This is 
 best complished by connecting one end of the tube with a graduated vessel 
 
826 
 
 JEtlierea. 
 
 PAR' .1, 
 
 containing the spirit, — passing the other end through a cork fitted into the it- 
 rass, — and having a stop-cock on the tube to regulate the discharge. Yen 
 forty-two [fluidjounces have distilled over, and the whole spirit has beenac d 
 the process may be stopped. Agitate the impure ether with sixteen fluidoi;es 
 of a saturated solution of muriate of lime, containing about half an oum of 
 lime recently slaked. When all odour of sulphurous acid has been thus remind, 
 pour off the supernatant liquor, and distil it with a gentle heat so long a he 
 liquid which passes over has a density not above 0‘735. More ether of the ne 
 strength is then to be obtained from the solution of muriate of lime. Lm 
 the residuum of both distillations a weaker ether may be obtained in fall 
 quantity, which must be rectified by distilling it gently again.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Rectified Spirit three pints [Imp. meas.] ; Oil of Vitriol of Comrrce 
 eight Jiuidounces [Imp. meas.]; Fresh burned Lime, in fine powder, one nee 
 [avoirdupois]. Mix the Acid in ten ounces of the Spirit in a glass ma ,ss, 
 capable of holding a quart at least, and, without allowing the mixture to >ol, 
 connect the matrass with a Liebig’s condenser, and, applying a sufficient hs to 
 maintain the liquid in brisk ebullition, commence the distillation. As it ro- 
 ceeds, admit gradually, through a glass tube traversing the cork of the ma iss, 
 the remainder of the spirit, regulating its influx so that the boiling liquid wll 
 maintain a constant level; and, when the entire of it has been introduced, on- 
 tinue the application of the heat until the contents of the matrass become tek, 
 and show a tendency to froth over. (The tube through which the Spirit eers 
 should dip by its lower extremity, where its diameter is contracted, at leas mlf 
 an inch beneath the surface of the liquid in the matrass; and the eductionipe 
 of the reservoir for the Spirit, with which the exterior extremity of the ass 
 tube is connected, should be furnished with a stop-cock, to regulate the deent 
 of the Spirit. This reservoir also should be placed at least three feetabo\the 
 level of the boiling liquid.) The-crude Ether thus obtained is to be agited 
 with the pulverized quicklime, and then rectified; the distillation being on- 
 tinued as long as the product, on being well shaken, continues to have a spific 
 gravity lower than 0‘750. The resulting liquid should be preserved in cool 
 place in accurately stopped bottles. A fresh receiver being attached to thfur- 
 ther end of the condenser, and the distillation resumed, a product will be obtned 
 which may be substituted for Rectified Spirit in a subsequent ether process.” htb. 
 
 In the last sentence of the above process, a misprint occurs in the Dolin 
 Pharmacopoeia of the word “ reservoir” for receiver, which we have correcd. 
 
 The London College, in its Pharmacopoeia of 1851, has transferred etlr to 
 the list of the Materia Medica, giving the following explanatory note and-sts. 
 “ Ether prepared from alcohol by the action of sulphuric acid. It is freerom 
 colour, and its sp.gr. does not exceed 0'750. It wholly evaporates in tb air, 
 and reddens litmus slightly^ or not at all. A fluidounce requires for its conlete 
 solution ten fluidounces of water with which it quickly unites.” 
 
 The preparation of ether embraces two stages ; its generation, and its bse- 
 quent rectification to remove impurities. The formulas all agree in obtaiQg it 
 by the action of sulphuric acid on alcohol. In the United States process, aicb 
 is adopted, with modifications, from that of the French Codex, half the affiol 
 taken is mixed with seven-eighths of the acid, and, while still hot froi the 
 reaction, distilled from a glass retort, by a heat quicklj' applied, into a n ite- 
 rated receiver. When the distilled product equals one-fourth of this portu ot 
 the alcohol, the remainder of it, mixed with the reserved eighth of the ad. is 
 allowed to enter the retort in a continuous stream, the supply being so regaled 
 as to equal the amount of the liquid which distils over. By a complicate*: fac- 
 tion which will be explained presently, the acid converts the alcohol into her, 
 and, were it not that the acid becomes more and more dilute as the procespro- 
 
par: ii. 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 827 
 
 ceedf it would be able to etherize an unlimited quantity of alcohol. Although 
 the ad, before it becomes too dilute, is capable of determining the decomposi- 
 tion a certain amount of alcohol, yet it is not expedient to add this amount 
 at on; as a considerable portion of it would distil over undecomposed with 
 the tier. The proper way of proceeding, therefore, is that indicated in the 
 forma; namely, to commence the process with the use of part of the alcohol; 
 and, len the decomposition is fully established, and a portion of ether has dis- 
 tilledto add the remainder in a gradual manner, so as to replace that which, 
 everpoment during the progress of the distillation, is disappearing by its conver- 
 sion :to ether. As, however, the acid in the retort has already become some- 
 what eaker, it is considered advantageous to mix a small portion of acid with 
 the abhol which is thus gradually added. When a portion of ether has distilled, 
 equalo about three-fourths of the alcohol employed, or when white vapours 
 apperin the retort, the process is discontinued. These vapours indicate the com- 
 mencoent of a series of reactions different from those which generate the ether. 
 
 ^Edinburgh and Dublin processes for the generation of ether are, in their 
 genei features, the same with that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. In the Edin- 
 burgbrocess less than a fourth of the alcohol is placed in the distilling vessel, 
 previ sly mixed with the whole of the acid, which forms one-fifth of the bulk 
 of th alcohol, instead of one-fourth as in the U. S. formula. As soon as the 
 ether egins to distil by a quick heat, the remainder of the alcohol is added in 
 acomuous stream as in the U. S. process; and the distillation is continued 
 until quantity of ether has come over, equal to somewhat less than six-sevenths 
 of thoulk of all the alcohol. The ether is conveniently condensed by means 
 ofLitig’s excellent refrigeratory, described and figured at page 793. 
 
 Th ippearance of white vapours in the retort, or the passing over of a heavier 
 portic in the distillation, is the signal for discontinuing the process. If it were 
 contiied afterwards, the boiling point would gradually rise, very little ether 
 wouloe obtained, and at the temperature of 320° there would be generated, 
 in coiiquence of new reactions, sulphurous acid, heavy oil of wine, olefiant gas, 
 andairge quantity of resino-carbonaceous matter, blackening and rendefing 
 thick ie residuary liquid; all products arising from the decomposition of a por- 
 tion csulphuric acid, alcohol, and ether. Notwithstanding the process may be 
 stoppi in time, yet the ether obtained is contaminated with sulphurous acid, 
 heavy il of wine, alcohol, and water; and hence its purification becomes neces- 
 sary. This is conducted in various ways, according to the different Pharma- 
 copoei . The U. S. Pharmacopoeia directs for this purpose an aqueous solution 
 of pot sa, the Edinburgh a saturated solution of chloride of calcium (muriate of 
 lime).) which a portion of recently slaked lime has been added, and the Dublin 
 fresh .rned lime. In all cases, the crude ether is agitated with the purifying 
 agent nd submitted to a new distillation at a gentle heat, called the rectification. 
 
 Thourifying substances are potassa for sulphurous acid and water, and water 
 for aluol in the U. S. formula ; lime for acid, and a saturated solution of chlo- 
 ride oialcium for alcohol and water, in the Edinburgh ; and lime alone in the 
 Dubli The Edinburgh substances for purifying are stated by Dr. Christison 
 to be nvenient, and to act perfectly and promptly. The chloride of calcium 
 solutio , after having been used, yields, on distillation, a further portion of ether 
 of the fiicinal density; and by concentrating it, filtering while hot, and sepa- 
 rating ie crystals of sulphite of lime which form on cooling, the chloride may 
 be rec ered for future operations. 
 
 Thi orocess for forming ether is conducted with most advantage on a large 
 scale. At Apothecaries’ Hall, where the operation is performed in this way, 
 jbe aj iratus employed is thus described by Mr. Brande. It “ consists of a 
 leader till, heated by means of high pressure steam carried through it in a con- 
 
828 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 m ii. 
 
 torted leaden pipe. A tube enters the upper part of the still, for the pmse 
 of suffering alcohol gradually to run into the acid. The still-head is of peer 
 and is connected, by about six feet of tin pipe, with a very capacious condemn 
 apparatus, duly cooled by a current of water. The receivers are of pewter, ith 
 glass lids, and have a side tube to connect them with the delivering end c the 
 condensiug-pipe.” ( Manual of Chemistry , Ed. 1848.) 
 
 Properties. Ether is a colourless very limpid liquid, of a strong and eet 
 odour, and hot pungent taste. As prepared for medical use, it generally re ens 
 litmus slightly, though this is not a property belonging to the pure substc-e; 
 but if it reddens litmus strongly, it shows that the ether has been imperaly 
 prepared or too long kept. When perfectly pure it has the specific gvity 
 0'713, boils at 95°, and forms a vapour which has the density of 2 586. t is 
 not frozen by a cold of 166° below zero. (Faraday, Philos. Mag. and Jou . of 
 Sci. for March, 1845.) The officinal strength of the United States et r is 
 0'750; of the London, 0'750 or under; of the Edinburgh, 0'735 or undt. of 
 the Dublin, under 0'750. That sold in the shops varies from D 733 to ( "65. 
 Its sp.gr. as directed by the French Codex is 0'758. For medicinal puoses 
 its density should not be greater than 0'750. In the opinion of Dr. Cbrhson, 
 it should not exceed 0’735; because, according to that writer, commercial ther 
 is generally of this density, and may be obtained of such purity withoi dif- 
 ficulty. It is a very volatile liquid, and, when of the sp.gr. 0'720, b<s at 
 about 98°. Its extreme volatility causes it to evaporate speedily in theipen 
 air, with the production of a considerable degree of c-old. When good it apo- 
 rates from the hand without leaving a disagreeable odour. Its inflammality 
 is very great, and the products of its combustion are water and earboniacid. 
 In consequence of this property the greatest care should be used not to b ig it 
 in the vicinity of flame, as, for example, a lighted candle, for fear of its iing 
 fire. One of the great advantages of using steam as the source of heat that 
 it obviates, in a great measure, the danger of its accidental inflammation, hen 
 too long kept it undergoes decomposition, and is converted in part intocetic 
 acidt It dissolves iodine and bromine, and sulphur and phosphorus spangly. 
 The latter substance is generally exhibited in ethereal solution. (See PI f to- 
 rus.) Its power to dissolve corrosive sublimate makes it a useful agent i the 
 manipulations for detecting that poison. It is also a solvent of volatile an fixed 
 oils, many resins and balsams, tannic acid, caoutchouc, and most of the game 
 vegetable alkalies. It does not dissolve potassa and soda, in which res ct it 
 differs from alcohol. Water dissolves a tenth of its volume of ether, an reci- 
 procally ether takes up about the same proportion of water. When water di fives 
 more than a tenth of its volume, the ether is shown to contain an undue qintity 
 of water or alcohol, or both. Ether unites in all proportions with alcohc 
 
 Impurities and Tests. The impurities found in ether, besides acids an fixed 
 substances, are alcohol, water, and heavy oil of wine. Acids are deteed by 
 litmus and removed by agitation with potassa ; and fixed substances, b their 
 remaining upon the evaporation of the ether. Alcohol is an admissib sub- 
 stance in the officinal ethers; for it is contained in the Edinburgh ether, chich 
 has the lowest density of them all. If, however, it is present in too .'ge a 
 quantity, the density of the ether will be too high. It may be sepan'd by 
 washing the ether, as it is called; that is, agitating it with twice its Uk of 
 water, which will unite with the alcohol, forming a heavier stratum aftt rest, 
 from which the ether may be poured off. The ether by this treatment diohes 
 about a tenth of its bulk of water, from which it may be purified by ac atiou 
 with fresh burnt lime, and subsequent distillation. An easy method for ducting 
 and measuring any alcohol which may be present in ether, is that given y tnc- 
 Edinburgh College ; namely, to agitate it in a minim measure, with If 
 
PAR II. 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 829 
 
 volue of a concentrated solution of chloride of calcium. This will remove 
 the cohol, and the reduction of the volume of the ether, when it rises to the 
 surfs, will indicate the amount of the former. Heavy oil of wine may be dis- 
 coved by the ether becoming milky upon being mixed with water. 
 
 Cnposition, and Theory of its Production. Ether consists of four eqs. of 
 carbi, five of hydrogen, and one of oxygen, and its empirical formula is C 4 H 5 0. 
 In v'umes it consists of four volumes of carbon vapour, five volumes of hydro- 
 gen, nd half a volume of oxygen, condensed into one volume of ether vapour. 
 Its poximate constituents may be considered to be one eq. of etheriue and one 
 of wier; or, in volumes, one volume of etherine vapour and one volume of 
 aquep vapour, condensed into one volume. This view makes it a hydrate of 
 e there (C 4 H 4 -|-HO). The sp. gr. of its vapour, calculated on this constitution 
 in Yiime, is 2 '58 17, which is very near 2'586, the number obtained by experi- 
 men By the generality of chemists, however, the constituents of the etherine, 
 toge er with the hydrogen of the alleged water, are supposed to form a peculiar 
 radic , consisting of C 4 H 5 , to which the name of ethyle has been given. On 
 this ew, ether is an oxide of ethyle (C 4 H 5 -f-0). This view of its composition 
 is ctfirmed by Dr. E. Frankland, who has isolated ethyle by acting on iodide 
 of eyle with zinc. As described by him, it is a colourless, inflammable gas, 
 oftb sp.gr. 2, incondensible at zero, but condensible, under a pressure of 2'25 
 atmeiheres at 87'5° F., into a colourless, mobile liquid. Ether is generally 
 calle! sulphuric ether, in allusion to the sulphuric acid usually employed in its 
 prepition; but it contains no sulphuric acid, and an identical ether may be 
 obtai id. by the action of other substances on alcohol. Hence the epithet sul- 
 phur 1 is improperly applied to it; and, accordingly, its name has been changed 
 from 1 Ether Sulphuricus to JEther in the U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias of 
 185(,nd 1851. In allusion to the water which ether is supposed to contain, it 
 is so ;times called hydric ether. Etherine, considered as a constituent of ether, 
 is a pothetical 4-4 carbohydrogen (C 4 II 4 ). 
 
 Wjh a view to determine in what manner sulphuric acid acts upon alcohol in 
 order o convert it into ether, it is necessary that a comparison should be insti- 
 tutemetween the composition of the two latter. Now alcohol is a hydrated 
 oxidf if ethyle, and ether, oxide of ethyle without water. It follows, therefore, 
 that i convert alcohol into ether, it is only necessary to abstract the water of 
 the f nier. The agent in effecting this abstraction is evidently the sulphuric 
 acid, hich is known to have a strong affinity for water; but its action is not 
 direc as originally supposed, but intermediate, as was first pointed out by the 
 late.r, Hennell. This chemist found that, when two eqs. of sulphuric acid 
 and [ e of alcohol were merely mixed, the acid lost a portion of its saturating 
 powe and a new acid was formed, to which he gave the name of sulphovinic 
 ««</ he ether osvlphuric acid of Liebig). In view of its composition it may be 
 callei x bisulphate of alcohol, or, which is the same thing, a bisulphate of ether 
 with re eq. of water, that is, a double sulphate of ether and water. When one 
 eq. othis acid is heated it is decomposed; two eqs. of sulphuric acid with one 
 eq. n water remain in the retort, while one eq. of ether distils over. 
 
 If ie original proportion of acid and alcohol continued the same throughout 
 the vole of the distillation, all the alcohol would be resolved into ether and 
 wate ! but, during the progress of the process, the alcohol is constantly dimin- 
 ishin and of course the relative excess of the acid becoming greater; and at 
 last i )oint of time arrives when the excess of acid is so great that the gene- 
 ratio of ether ceases. As these results depend upon the relative deficiency of 
 abol, while the acid remains but slightly changed in amount, it is easy to 
 iand why it is advantageous to add alcohol gradually to the distilling 
 
 the 
 
 unde 
 
 vessel luring the progress of the distillation; for, by this addition, the proper 
 
830 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 PA] ii, 
 
 proportion of the alcohol to the acid is maintained. But the decomposing wer 
 of the acid has its limit ; as it becomes at last too dilute to act upon the al iol 
 notwithstanding a considerable portion of water, towards the close of th dis^ 
 tillation, passes over with the ether. 
 
 The theory here given of etherification is at present (1851) called in qudon. 
 Prof. Graham, of London, has succeeded in producing ether without distil ion 
 or the formation of sulphovinic acid, using a larger proportion of alcoho han 
 is ordinarily employed. The reaction was made to take place in sealed lass 
 tubes, heated for a short time to a temperature between 284° and 352°. The 
 sulphuric acid appears to act by mere contact with the alcohol, in deterndng 
 the production of ether, without combining with anything. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Ether is a powerful diffusible stimulan pos- 
 sessed also of expectorant, antispasmodic, and narcotic properties. In low vers 
 attended with subsultus tendinum, it proves beneficial as a stimulant anc.nti- 
 spasmodic. In these cases it is frequently conjoined with laudanum. It is eful 
 also in nervous headache unattended with vascular fulness, and genera? in 
 nervous and painful diseases which are unaccompanied by inflammatior In 
 nausea it is given as a cordial; and in cramp of the stomach and flatulent olio, 
 it sometimes acts with singular efficacy. It is also useful, given alone, or xed 
 with oil of turpentine, in relieving the pain and spasm caused by the pass e of 
 biliary calculi. According to Mr. Brande, a small teaspoonful of ether, xed 
 with a glass of white wine, is often an effectual remedy in sea-sickness, hen 
 externally applied it may act either as a stimulant or refrigerant. If its 'apo- 
 ration be repressed, it operates as a powerful rubefacient, and may even rebate; 
 but, when this is allowed to take place freely, it is refrigerant in conseque-e of 
 the cold which it produces. In the latter way it is sometimes emplod in 
 strangulated hernia, dropped on the tumour and allowed to evaporate. It ime- 
 times produces immediate relief when dropped into the ear in earache. For 
 external use, the unrectified ether may be employed. The dose of sul uric 
 ether is from fifty drops to a teaspoouful, to be repeated frequently wh the 
 full effect of the remedy is desired. When used habitually the dose mtbe 
 much larger, to produce a given effect. It may be perfectly incorporateiwith 
 water or any aqueous mixture, by first rubbing it up with spermaceti, empyed 
 in the proportion of two grains for each fluidrachm of the ether. (Duran) 
 
 Ether is conveniently administered in capsules, each containing four five 
 drops, according to the plan of M. Clertan, of Dijon. The ether capsul are 
 inodorous, will keep for a year at least without loss, and furnish the meis of 
 introducing ether into the stomach, without irritating the mouth and thro. 
 
 Ether may be exhibited by inhalation. Many years ago, its use in th way 
 was proposed by Drs. Beddoes, Pearson, and Thornton, in England, as a nedy 
 in certain diseases of the lungs. As early as 1805, Dr. Warren, of Bosto em- 
 ployed ethereal inhalation to relieve the distress attending the last stage 'pul- 
 monary inflammation. About the year 1812, in Philadelphia, at a time.’hen 
 the nitrous oxide was the subject of popular lectures, the vapour of eth was 
 frequently breathed from a bladder for experiment or diversion; audits fects 
 in producing a transient intoxication, analogous to that caused by the irous 
 oxide, were observed. It was not, however, until October, 1846, that attition 
 was particularly drawn to ethereal inhalation as a remedy for pain. I: that 
 month, Dr. Warren, of Boston, was applied to by Dr. W. T. G. Morton, (Qtist 
 of the same city, to ascertain by trial whether an agent which he had suess- 
 fully employed to render painless the extracting of teeth, would be equal suc- 
 cessful in preventing the pain of surgical operations. This agent is now. own 
 to have been the vapour of ether. Dr. Warren acceded to this reque; an! 
 shortly afterwards, at the Massachusetts General Hospital, performed 3 vere 
 
PAI II. 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 831 
 
 ope:tion, without pain to the patient, under the influence of ether, administered 
 by!’. Morton. A few days subsequently, Dr. C. T. Jackson, of Boston, in 
 con’rsation with Dr. Warren, claimed to have first made known to Dr. Morton 
 the se of ethereal vapour for the prevention of pain in dental operations. 
 
 Dm this beginning, the employment of ether by inhalation for the preven- 
 tion nd removal of pain, has spread throughout the civilized world. The elfect 
 proceed, called etherization , probably takes place through the medium of the 
 bloc It is sometimes partial, suspending sensibility, without abolishing con- 
 scioness; so that the patient, without feeling pain, is aware of everything that 
 is p sing around him. At other times, a perfect unconsciousness is produced. 
 
 Eierization is usefully resorted to in all severe operations, not merely as a 
 rem y for pain, but as a means of preventing the shock which the system would 
 othevise suffer as a consequence of pain. Under full etherization, even the 
 actu cautery may be extensively applied, without causing the least suffering. 
 In any cases, the incidental power of ethereal vapour as a relaxing agent is 
 usefly brought into play; as in the treatment of strictures of the urethra and 
 cesojagus, strangulated hernia, retention of urine, dislocations, fractures, an- 
 chylis, &c. In all these cases, the necessary surgical manipulations are very 
 muc- interfered with by the muscular contractions excited by pain. This is 
 part ilarly the case in dislocations, and in fractures attended with shortening 
 of t limb. In partial anchylosis, etherization enables the surgeon in many 
 casein break up the adhesions, without pain to the patient, or resistance from 
 the piscles. Even in lithotomy and lithotrity, the incidental advantage is gained 
 of parenting or lessening the inordinate contraction of the muscular coat of the 
 blad r. In short, in most cases in which the necessary surgical measures are 
 likel to involve severe pain, or to encounter resistance, as in children, etheriza- 
 tion ay be usefully employed. 
 
 Eerization has been employed for the detection of feigned diseases, as a 
 meat of suspending the operation of the will; in neuralgia, as a palliative; in 
 tetars and in the spasms produced by an over-dose of strychnia, as an anti- 
 spasiodic ; in asthma and chronic bronchitis, as an expectorant; and in dysme- 
 non ba, as an anodyne and relaxing remedy. Dr. Warren found it useful in 
 relie ag the agonizing sufferings which often attend the latter complaint. In 
 vivis tions, humanity calls for the use of ether vapour or other anaesthetic 
 agen 
 
 E irization, employed in midwifery as an anaesthetic, is growing in favour as 
 a saf agent ; and, while it does not seem materially to interfere with the due 
 contrition of the uterus, it promotes the relaxation and lubricating secretions 
 of tksoft parts. 
 
 El ;real vapour is most conveniently inhaled through a soft sponge, hollowed 
 out a one side to receive the projection of the nose, and saturated with ether 
 of tl purest quality. The sponge, thus prepared, is applied over the nostrils, 
 tkrmn which the inhalation should be made in preference to the mouth. 
 Whe 1 the inhalation is thus conducted through a sponge, the ethereal vapour 
 is co ously mixed with air, and there is no fear of inducing asphyxia. At 
 first short cough is generally produced, but this soon disappears; and after a 
 lapsef from two to five minutes, and the expenditure of about two fluidounces 
 of et r, the quantity being very variable in different cases, the patient becomes 
 mseu ble, and appears as if in a deep, almost apoplectic sleep. The usual signs 
 of th :ull effect of the ether are the closure of the eyelids, muscular relaxation, 
 and ’ " 
 the f 
 slow, 
 
 At ii , there is redness, afterwards paleness of the face and neck, succeeded by 
 
 loility to answer questions. During the whole process of etherization, 
 j;ers should be kept on the pulse; and, in case it becomes feeble and very 
 ie sponge should be removed until the circulation becomes more free. 
 
832 
 
 JEtherea . 
 
 PAI II. 
 
 cold perspirations. In case the etherization proves excessive, or convu ons 
 supervene, an event which rarely happens, the ether must be immediately th- 
 drawn, and cold water freely applied. This is the mode of proceeding in ;gj. 
 cal operations ; in midwifery cases, partial etherization is often sufficient, n a 
 few cases persons become unmanageable under the operation of the etl real 
 vapour ; and hence the propriety of a preliminary trial of its effects on a p : ; nt, 
 before submitting him to a surgical operation. Sometimes death has eued 
 from ethereal inhalation ; but the number of fatal cases has been small, con? red 
 with the great number of instances in which ether has been used in this-av. 
 (See the Treatise on Etherization, by John C. Warren, M. D., Boston, i£>.) 
 
 PTiarm. Uses. Ether is used as a chemical agent in preparing Acidum'an- 
 nic-um; Extractum Cubebae Fluidum; Extractum Piperis Fluidum; Extrium 
 Valeriana; Fluidum ; Morphia; Acetas. 
 
 Off. Prep. Collodium ; Spiritus rEtheris Compositus; Spiritus JEtheriSul- 
 phurici ; Tinctura Ergotae ^Etherea; Tinc-tura Lobelias xEtherea. !. 
 
 OLEUM iETIIEREUM. U. S. , Lond. Ethereal Oil. Heavy l of 
 Wine. Sulphate of Ether and Etherine. 
 
 “Take of Alcohol two pints; Sulphuric Acid three pints; Solution of I assa 
 half a fluid ounce; Distilled Water a fluidounce. Mix the Acid cautiousl with 
 the Alcohol, and allow the mixture to stand twelve hours; then pour it ; to a 
 large glass retort, to which a receiver kept cool by ice or water is adapte, and 
 distil by means of a sand-bath until a black froth rises, when the retort iio be 
 removed immediately from the sand-bath. Separate the lighter super tant 
 licjuid in the receiver from the heavier, and expose it to the air for a day then 
 add to it the Solution of Potassa previously mixed with the Distilled Wat and 
 shake them together. Lastly, separate the Ethereal Oil as soon as it ha sub- 
 sided. The specific gravity of Ethereal Oil is 1 096.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Rectified Spirit two pints [Imp. meas.] ; Sulphuric Acid thipsix 
 jluidov.nces [Imp. meas.]; Solution of Potassa, Distilled Water, each, aluid- 
 ounce [Imp. meas.], or as much as maybe sufficient. Mix the Acid caujmsly 
 with the Spirit. Let the liquor distil until a black froth arises; then ntec- 
 diately remove the retort from the fire. Separate the lighter supernatant ;uor, 
 and expose it to the air for a day. Add to this the Solution of Potassa preuusiy 
 mixed with the Water, and shake them together. Lastly, when sufficiently vslied, 
 separate the Ethereal Oil which subsides. The specific gravity is 105.” md. 
 
 When alcohol is distilled with a large excess of sulphuric acid, the sai pro- 
 ducts are generated as those mentioned in the last article as being formed thirds 
 the close of the distillation of ether. (Seepage 827.) These were state to be 
 sulphurous acid, heavy oil of wine, olefiant gas, and carbonaceous matti In 
 the U. S. process such an excess of sulphuric acid is employed, for the jrpc.se 
 of obtaining the oil. The product of the distillation is in two layers, a avier 
 one, consisting of water holding sulphurous acid in solution, and a lighter, gmed 
 of ether containing the oil of wine. The lighter liquid is separated td ex- 
 posed for twenty-four hours to the air, in order to dissipate the ether byjvapo- 
 ration; and the oil which is left is shaken with a dilute solution of possa to 
 deprive it of all traces of sulphurous acid ; after which, as soon as it susidts, 
 it is to be separated. The London process is substantially the same as iat ot 
 the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The differences are, that the London Collegiomits 
 to direct a prolonged contact between the alcohol and acid, and dispem with 
 a refrigerated receiver. 
 
 The nature and mode of formation of heavy oil of wine are not wellmder- 
 stood. It has been explained, in the preceding article that, in the ear stage 
 of the distillation of a mixture of sulphuric acid and alcohol, sulphovin acid, 
 or double sulphate of ether and water is formed. During its progress his is 
 
PAE II. 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 83B 
 
 deco.posed so as to yield ether. When, however, the alcohol is distilled with 
 a la e excess of sulphuric acid, the sulphovinic acid is decomposed so as to 
 fornb small quantity of the heavy oil of wine, now considered to be a double 
 sulpite of ether and etherine, having the formula C 4 H 5 0,S0 3 +C 4 H 4 ,S0 3 . It 
 is ccceived to be generated from two eqs. of sulphovinic acid (double sulphate 
 of e;er and water), which are resolved into one eq. of heavy oil of wine, two of 
 sulpiric acid, and three of water. When the heavy oil is gently heated with 
 fourbarts of water, sulphovinic acid is reproduced, and the separated etherine 
 floaton the surface as an oily substance, called, when thus isolated, light oil of 
 wine Light oil of wine, as thus obtained, consists of two substances, which are 
 sepajted from each other by time ; namely, a thick oil called etherole, and a 
 coDC- te substance in crystals, isomeric with it, called concrete oil of wine, or oil 
 cf u- e camphor, injudiciously denominated etherine by some chemists. 
 
 Ffperties. The officinal ethereal oil is a yellowish liquid, possessing an 
 -oleajjous consistency, a penetrating aromatic odour, and rather sharp and bitter 
 taste It boils at 540°. Its sp. gr. is, according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
 109 according to the London College, after Mr. Hennell’s results, 1'05. By 
 Dims and Serullas its density is stated to be as high as 1'133, which is pro- 
 Labl the more correct number for the pure oil. When dropped into water it 
 sink assuming the form of a globule. It is very sparingly soluble in water, but 
 read f dissolves in alcohol and ether. It is devoid of acid reaction, the sul- 
 phui acid present in it being completely neutralized by the ether and etherine 
 unit with it. The sulphuric acid present is not precipitated by the usual 
 reag ts; because they furnish a base, which, replacing the etherine, gives rise 
 to oi of the salts of sulphovinic acid, all of which are soluble in water and 
 liydris alcohol. The process by which the heavy oil of wine is formed yields 
 but umall product, being only about one part in weight to thirty-one of the 
 alcol; employed, even when performed on the large scale; and, when con- 
 duct' on the small scale of the Pharmacopoeias, the product is only one part 
 of tl oil to about seventy-five of the alcohol. Etherole is a pale-yellow oily 
 liqui having an aromatic odour. Its sp. gr. is 0'921, boiling point 500°, and 
 freezig point 31° below zero. It communicates a greasy stain to paper. Con- 
 crete il of wine crystallizes in long, transparent, brilliant, tasteless prisms, 
 solul in alcohol and ether, insoluble in water, fusible at 230°, boiling at 
 404° md having the sp.gr. 0'980. 
 
 exposition, &c. The officinal oil of wine is essentially the double sulphate 
 of etf.ir and etherine, or heavy oil of wine; but, as prepared by the officinal 
 form i, it always contains more or less light oil of wine, in addition to that 
 press, in the heavy oil. This fact accounts for the different densities assigned 
 to tli officinal oil by different authorities. 
 
 Tl article sold in our shops as ethereal oil, is generally a mixture of alcohol 
 and tier, with but a trace of the oil. Four samples of so-called ethereal oil, 
 as injorted from England, were examined by Mr. E. N. Kent, of New York, 
 and f nd to have the composition above stated. (W Y. Journ. of Fharm., i. 65.) 
 It is uch to be wished that our manufacturing chemists would make the offi- 
 cinal thereal oil for the apothecaries, who could then prepare the genuine 
 comp nd spirit of ether (Hoffmann’s anodyne) for themselves. 
 
 Ol Prep. Spiritus iEtheris Compositus. B. 
 
 ^SIRITUS iETHERIS SULPIIURICI. Ed. Spirit of Sulphuric 
 
 -4e of Sulphuric Ether a pint; Rectified Spirit two pints. Mix them. 
 Tbe |nsity of this preparation ought to be 0'809.” Ed. 
 
 Tb preparation is merely ether diluted with twice its volume of alcohol. 
 
834 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 pai ii. 
 
 When prepared with materials of proper strength, its sp.gr. is 0 '809. Its 
 medical properties are similar to those of ether. The dose is from one to ree 
 fluidrachms, given with a sufficient quantity of sweetened water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Tinctura Lobeliae ^Etherea. 
 
 SPIRITUS iETHERIS COMPOSITUS. U.S.fLond. SPIRITS 
 iETHEREUS OLEOSUS. I)ub. Compound Spirit of Ether. Iff. 
 mann’s Anodyne Liquor. 
 
 “ Take of Ether half a pint ; Alcohol a pint ; Ethereal Oil three fluidra ms 
 Mix them.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Ether eight fluidounces ; Rectified Spirit sixteen fluidounces ; the- 
 real Oil three fluidrachms. Mix them.” Land. 
 
 “ Take of Rectified Spirit one pint and a half [Imp. meas.] ; Oil of 1 riol 
 of Commerce one pint and a half [Imp. meas.] ; Sulphuric Ether fve nid- 
 ounces [Imp. meas.]. Mix the Oil of Vitriol with one pint of the RectifieSpi- 
 rit, iu a matrass of glass, and, connecting this with a Liebig’s condenser, oply 
 heat, and distil, till a black froth begins to rise. Separate the uppermt or 
 lighter stratum of the distilled liquid, and having exposed it in a caps' n for 
 twenty-four hours to the atmosphere, let the residual oil be transferred a 
 moist paper filter, and washed with a little cold water, so as to remov any 
 adhering acid. Let it now be introduced into a bottle, containing the remider 
 of the Spirit mixed with the Ether, and dissolved.” Bub. 
 
 This preparation is an alcoholic solution of ether, impregnated with et real 
 oil. In the U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias, determinate measures of her, 
 alcohol and oil are taken, the ether having half the volume of the alcoho In 
 the Dublin formula, the same relation is preserved between the ether anolco- 
 hol ; but as the Dublin College has no separate formula for ethereal oil, it fixes 
 five fluidounces of ether and ten fluidounces of alcohol with all the oil pnuced 
 by the reaction of thirty fluidounces of sulphuric acid on twenty of alcohol. The 
 objections to this process are that the quantity of ethereal oil produced is icer- 
 tain, aud that washing alone is employed for its purification. 
 
 Compound spirit of ether is a volatile liquid, having a burning, slightly reet- 
 ish taste, and the peculiar odour of ethereal oil. Its sp.gr. is 0'816, aceding 
 to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. When pure it is wholly volatilized by he; and 
 devoid of acid reaction. It becomes milky on being mixed with water, wing 
 to the precipitation of the ethereal oil; but this change does not prove itgood- 
 ness, as the same property may be given to the spirit of sulphuric ether r the 
 addition of various fixed oils. This sophistication may be detected, aceding 
 to Prof. Procter, by mixing the suspected preparation with water, dramg a 
 piece of paper over the surface of the liquid to absorb the oily globuk aud 
 exposing the paper to heat. If the globules are fixed oil, the greasy sta will 
 be permanent; if ethereal oil, the stain will disappear. 
 
 It is much to be regretted that our manufacturing chemists do not folk the 
 Pharmacopoeia in making Hoffmann’s anodyne. Iu rectifying crude eth, the 
 distillation is continued, so long as the ether comes over of the proper .ecibc 
 gravity; after which the receiver is changed, and an additional distillates ob- 
 tained, consisting of ether and alcohol, impregnated with ethereal oil. A’ it 
 this second distillate, variously modified by the addition of alcohol, ettr, or 
 water, so as to make it coufbrm iu taste, smell, opalescence, &c., to a stated 
 preparation, that the manufacturer sells as Hoffmann’s anodyne. (See ProlProc- 
 ter’s paper on Hoffmann’s anodyne in the Am. Journ. of Pharm. for JulyPo., 
 p. 213.) Nothing could be more uncertain in its results than a proceed ig like 
 tffris ; and we cannot be surprised that the medicine, as obtained from derent 
 apothecaries, varies very much in properties, and often disappoints the epecta- 
 
PAR II. 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 835 
 
 tionsif the physician. The chief excuse for the departure from the officinal 
 direcons is the costliness of the ethereal oil; but it can be shown that the oil 
 at nil dollars an avoirdupois pound would increase the cost of a pint and a half 
 of tl preparation only twenty-two cents. 
 
 Mieal Properties. This preparation is intended as a substitute for the ano- 
 dyneiquor of Hoffmann, which it closely resembles. In addition to the stimu- 
 late and antispasmodic qualities of the ether which it contains, it possesses 
 anodie properties, highly useful in nervous irritation, and want of sleep from 
 this use. These additional virtues are probably derived from the officinal oil 
 of w:3, which is a more important substance than is generally supposed. Mr. 
 Brans supposes that the only effect of it, in the preparation under notice, is to 
 alter he flavour of the ether. In this opinion he is certainly in error. Dr. 
 Hardin his Chemical Compendium, reports the opinion of Drs. Physick and 
 Dews in favour of the efficacy of the officinal oil of wine, dissolved in alcohol, 
 in ceiin disturbed states of the system, as a tranquillizing and anodyne remedy. 
 Sucbndeed are the generally admitted effects of Hoffmann’s anodyne, when 
 madeyith a due admixture of the ethereal oil. Hoffmann’s anodyne is on 
 manpccasions a useful adjunct to laudanum, to prevent the nausea which is 
 excitl by the latter in certain habits. Its dose is from one to two fluidrachms, 
 givern water sweetened with sugar. B. 
 
 S.tRITUS 2ETHERIS NITRICI. U. S., Lond., Ed. Spiritus 
 iEtiireus Nitrosus. Bab. Spiritus Nitri Dulcis. Spirit of Nitric 
 Etlu. Sweet Spirit of Nitre. 
 
 “|ke of Nitrate of Potassa, in coarse powder, two pounds ; Sulphuric Acid 
 apo\d and a half; Alcohol nine pints and a half; Diluted Alcohol a pint; 
 Carbate of Potassa an ounce. Mix the Nitrate of Potassa and the Alcohol 
 in a -ge glass retort, and, having gradually poured in the Acid, digest with a 
 gentlheat for two hours; then raise the heat and distil a gallon. To the dis- 
 tilled iquor add the Diluted Alcohol and Carbonate of Potassa, and again distil 
 a gab.” U.S. 
 
 ‘‘Ike of Rectified Spirit forty fluidounces ; Nitric Acid [sp gr. 1'42] three 
 fluidhices and a half. Add the Acid gradually to the Spirit and mix them ; 
 then stil twenty-eight fluidounces.” Lond. 
 
 “Ike of Rectified Spirit two pints and six fluidounces [Imperial measure]; 
 Pure itric Acid (D. 1'500) seven fluidounces [Imp. meas.]. Put fifteen fluid- 
 ouoc(|of the Spirit, with a little clean sand, into a two pint matrass, fitted with 
 a cor through which are passed a safety-tube terminating an inch above the 
 Spiri.md another tube leading to a refrigeratory. The safety -tube being filled 
 with |ire Nitric Acid, add through it gradually three fluidounces and a half of 
 the ad. When the ebullition which slowly rises is nearly over, add the rest of 
 the a< l gradually, half a fluidounce at a time, waiting till the ebullition caused 
 ly ea? portion is nearly over before adding more, and cooling the refrigeratory 
 with Atream of water, iced in summer. The ether thus distilled over, being 
 recehl in a bottle, is to be agitated first with a little milk of lime, till it ceases 
 to rebn litmus paper, and then with half its volume of concentrated solution 
 of mjiate of lime. The pure hyponitrous ether thus obtained, which should 
 have density of 0 899, is then to be mixed with the remainder of the Rectified 
 Spirit >r exactly four times its volume. Spirit of Nitric Ether ought not to be 
 kept lg, as it always undergoes decomposition, and becomes at length strongly 
 acid, jilts density by this process is 0’847.” Ed. 
 
 ‘lie of Rectified Spirit forty-eight fluidounces; Pure Nitric Acid three fluid- 
 ounce Water one [fluid]ounce ; Solution of Ammonia a sufficient quantify. 
 Place x [fluid]ounces of the Spirit in a glass matrass capable of holding forty 
 
836 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 par ii. 
 
 fluidounces, and connect this with a Liebig’s condenser, whose further extreity 
 is fitted loosely by a collar of tow into a thin eight ounce vial. Add Dovhe 
 Water to the Nitric Acid, and, having introduced half of the resulting sol ion 
 into the matrass, through a safety syphon tube, close the mouth of this ibe 
 with a cork, and apply for a few moments a gentle heat, so as to cause a an- 
 mencement of ebullition. When the action (which, shortly after commenng, 
 proceeds with much violence, and should be moderated by ihe external ap ca- 
 tion of cold water) has relaxed, introduce gradually the remainder of the id 
 so as to restore it. The action having entirely ceased, agitate the distillec .re- 
 duct with half its bulk of the Solution of Ammonia, allow the mixture t -est 
 for a few minutes, and, having separated the supernatant ethereal liquid nix 
 four [fluidjounces of it with the rest of the Spirit, and preserve the prodvin 
 small, strong, and accurately stopped bottles. In the performance of thore- 
 eeding distillation, the condenser should be fed with ice-cold water, and thaial, 
 in which the distilled liquid is received, should be surrounded by a mixtij of 
 one part salt and two of pounded ice; or, when ice cannot be procured, rh a 
 mixture of eight parts of sulphate of soda in small crystals and five of coner- 
 cial muriatic acid.” Dub. 
 
 The officinal spirit of nitric ether is a mixture, in variable proportions, < hy- 
 ponitrous ether and alcohol (rectified spirit). Hyponitrous ether is always :ne- 
 rated by the reaction of nitric acid and alcohol; and it matters not whetb the 
 alcohol be mixed with nitric acid directly, or with the materials for gene' ting 
 it, namely, nitre and sulphuric acid. When the materials for forming the her 
 contain an excess of alcohol, this distils over with the ether, and forms th pre- 
 paration under consideration. 
 
 The processes of the Pharmacopoeias differ considerably. The U. S. Phma- 
 copoeia obtains the requisite nitric acid by using the materials for generatir it ; 
 while the British Colleges mix the ac-id ready formed with the alcohol. The 
 London process, however, differs from the Edinburgh and Dublin in or im- 
 portant point ; namely, that while the London College distils the nitric aeicvith 
 an excess of alcohol, which comes over largely with the ether, forming, atnce, 
 the sweet spirit of nitre; the other Colleges form a concentrated hyporrous 
 ether, and dilute it with a determinate quantity of alcohol. 
 
 The United States formula is modeled after a recipe communicated by Mr ohn 
 Carter, manufacturing chemist, to the Philadelphia College of Pharmae. and 
 recommended for adoption by a committee of that body. The nitre and aobol 
 being mixed in the retort, the sulphuric acid is gradually added, and a mile 
 heat applied. Nitric acid is set free, and by reacting with a part of the cohol 
 produces the hyponitrous ether. Upon the subsequent increase of the he, the 
 ether and the remainder of the alcohol distil over as the sweet spirit of itre. 
 The distilled product, however, contains some acid, and hence is rectifiehya 
 distillation from carbonate of potassa. The diluted alcohol is added beforcom- 
 mencing this distillation, to enable the operator to obtain a quantity of cL illed 
 product equal to that procured at first, without distilling to dryness, which'ould 
 endanger the production of empyreuma. The alcohol is first mixed wii the 
 nitre, and the sulphuric acid afterwards gradually added. Were the alcoli and 
 sulphuric acid previously mixed, the risk would be run of generating eth , be- 
 fore their addition to the nitre in the retort. The retort should be of ich a 
 size as to be capable of holding twice the amount of the materials emplo d. 
 
 The above process, as conducted by Mr. Carter on a large scale, is perrmed 
 in a copper still of about twenty gallons capacity, and furnished with a ?wter 
 head and worm. The materials for the first distillation are IS pounds of j rifled 
 nitre, 12 gallons of alcohol of 34° Baume (0'847), and 12 pounds of supuric 
 acid; and 10 gallons are drawn cff. The distilled product is then rnixc with 
 
PAR II. 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 837 
 
 a gaon of diluted alcohol, and rectified by a new distillation from lime or a 
 carbiated alkali; the same quantity being distilled as at first. When large 
 quaities of this preparation are thus obtained, the several portions require to 
 be iued in a large glass vessel, to render the whole of uniform strength; as 
 the ]rtion which first comes over in the rectification is strongest in hyponitrous 
 ethe Previously to the redistillation, the head and worm must be washed 
 thonghly with water to remove a little acid which comes over in the first dis- 
 tillafn. ( Journ . of the Phil Col. of Pharm., i. 308.) 
 
 Ir he London process, nitric acid, ready formed, is mixed with the alcohol; 
 the joportion of acid to the spirit being as 7 to 80 in volume. The proportion 
 of li rated nitric acid to the alcohol in the IT. S. formula may be assumed to be 
 the [me as that in the London process; since the preparation obtained by the 
 two ocesses has the same specific gravity. The proportion of sweet spirit of 
 nitroy measure drawn off to the alcohol employed is seven-tenths in the Lon- 
 don rrnula, and about five-sixths in that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. When 
 the (.filiation is pushed too far, the product is high-coloured, specifically heavier 
 thant should be, very acid so as to act strongly on litmus paper, decomposes the 
 alkaie carbonates with effervescence, and contains aldehyd, which gives it a 
 punpt odour. (Dr. Gold in// Bird.) The impurities arising from a distillation 
 carril too far may, according to Dr. Bird, be entirely avoided by following the 
 diredons of the London Pharmacopoeia. The residue of the process, if further 
 distii'd, will yield a small additional portion of sweet spirit of nitre, nearly 
 purepf higher specific gravity than the officinal portion; but, on continuing 
 the peess, the hyponitrous ether ceases to come over, and about the same time 
 aide! d appears in the distilled product, and in the residue, oxalic acid, which 
 replfa the oxalhydric (saccharic) acid, formed at an earlier stage of the reaction. 
 Ada ting Dr. Bird’s results, it is probable that the sweet spirit of nitre which 
 com< over in the first distillation of the U. S. process will contain aldehyd; as 
 conserably more liquid is drawn over than is distilled in the London process. 
 Supping this to be the case, it is presumable that this impurity would be sepa- 
 ratecoogether with any contaminating acid, by the second distillation from car- 
 bons; of potassa. According to Mr. Alsop and Mr. Scanlan, of London, the 
 proc'5 of the London College is a precarious one, and at the same time not 
 econ heal. (Pharm. Journ. and Trans., iii. 425.) It is probably not eco- 
 nom d, but it gives a good preparation when the London College directions 
 are sjictly complied with. 
 
 T Edinburgh process for sweet spirit of nitre consists of two steps : first, 
 tbelmation of hyponitrous ether, and, secondly, its dilution with four times 
 its varne of alcohol. Dr. Christison, commenting on this process, states that 
 it m be conducted with safety and despatch, when the precautions are attended 
 tow eh are enjoined by the Edinburgh College. The conditions for success are 
 to at no more acid to the spirit at first than what is necessary to commence the 
 actic; to wait until the ebullition thus arising shall have ceased; to add the 
 rest the acid in small successive portions; to let the acid drop from the height 
 of a ut an inch into the spirit; to have some clean sand in the bottom of the 
 raati.s; and to employ a refrigeratory, such as that figured at page 793. Should 
 the ullition increase too rapidly, it may be repressed by blowing cool air across 
 the i trass. The presence of the sand prevents the dangerous succussions arising 
 from he sudden liberation of ethereal vapour. The ethereal product is first agi- 
 tatednth milk of lime to separate acid, and then with half its volume of a con- 
 cent ed solution of chloride of calcium, to remove water and alcohol. The 
 densy given for this hyponitrous ether is 0'899, which is lower than that of 
 the re ether. The last step in the process is to mix this ether with the pi - e- 
 scril l quantity of alcohol, which gives a sweet spirit of nitre of the density of 
 
838 
 
 JEtlierea. 
 
 PAR' I. 
 
 0'847. The hyponitrous ether of this process may be presumed to measuron 
 an average, 7 1 fluidounces, and, consequently, the sweet spirit of nitre obtaed 
 from it 38 1 fluidounces. The degree of dilution was fixed, so as to mal it 
 conform in ethereal strength with the same preparation of the former I n- 
 burgh Pharmacopoeia. The preparation is intended to contain one- fifth o its 
 volume of ether, and is probably between three and four times a3 strong a: he 
 sweet spirit of nitre of the U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias. For makinofls 
 preparation, Dr. Christison prefers the present plan of the Edinburgh Col.>e, 
 of diluting the pure hyponitrous ether to a determinate degree, on the gr nd 
 that it secures a pure and uniform preparation. Many years ago the same an 
 was proposed by Dr. Hare. 
 
 The Dublin process proceeds on the same principle as the Edinburgh; narly, 
 that of forming hyponitrous ether, and diluting this with alcohol. But he 
 dilution is carried to a much greater extent ; four fluidounces of the ether tng 
 mixed with forty- two fluidounces of alcohol, or in the proportion of one to ternd 
 a half. This dilution makes it a little less than two-fifths as strong in hyponi ms 
 ether as the Edinburgh preparation. The sp.gr. of sweet spirit of nitre hot 
 given by the Dublin College; but it may be presumed that the dilution orders hy 
 the College makes it conform in density to the London spirit. 
 
 Theory of the Production of Hyponitrous Ether, &c. One eq. of nitric id, 
 by reacting with one eq. of alcohol, forms one eq. of hyponitrous acid, one e of 
 aldehyd (C 4 H 4 0 3 ), and two eqs. of water. Thus N0 5 and C 4 H 6 0 2 =X0 3 nd 
 C 4 II 4 0 3 and 2IIO. The hyponitrous acid, as soon as formed, reacts with a send 
 eq. of alcohol, so as to form one eq. of hyponitrous ether, with separation otme 
 eq. of water. It has, however, been shown by Dr. Golding Bird that, whean 
 excess of alcohol is used, oxcdhydric ( saccharic ) acid is first formed, and at, 
 when the formation of the hyponitrous ether has nearly ceased, aldehyd ap ars 
 in the distilled product, and simultaneously oxalic acid in the contents o the 
 retort, before which time the latter cannot be discovered. All these proicts 
 result from the oxidizing action of the nitric acid upon the alcohol, inere;:ng 
 the proportion of oxygen in the substances formed, either by removing thry- 
 drogen, or by abstracting this element and adding oxygen at the same time. Che 
 reader who may wish to pursue this subject, is referred to an interesting pper 
 by' Dr. Bird, in the Land, and Ed. Philos. May., xiv. 324, for May, 183 
 
 Properties of Hyponitrous Ether. Pure hyponitrous ether is pale-yellowias 
 the smell of apples and Hungary wines, boils at 02° (below 65° Hare), anmas 
 the sp. gr. 0'947 at 60°. The density of its vapour is 2 627. Litmus inot 
 affected by it. When it is mixed with an alcoholic solution of potassa, Ipo- 
 nitrite of potassa and alcohol are formed, without producing a brown cour, 
 showing the absence of aldehyd. It is soluble in 48 parts of water, and all 
 proportions in alcohol or rectified spirit. It is highly inflammable, and bus 
 with a white flame without residue. The impure ether, as obtained by thel.in- 
 burgh and Dublin processes for subsequent dilution to form sweet spirit of ::re. 
 boils at 70°, and has the density' of 0‘886 at 40°. The specific gravity assned 
 to it by the Edinburgh College is 0 899. Mixed with an alcoholic solution (po- 
 tassa, it becomes dark-brown, with production of aldehyd resin. (See payeP 
 This discoloration shows the presence of aldehyd. When kept it becomesadd 
 in a short time, as shown by litmus; and nitriij oxide is given off, which ten 
 causes the bursting of the bottle. Its tendency to become acid is rented 
 greater by the action of the air, and depends on the absorption of oxygen t the 
 aldehyd, which thereby becomes acetic acid. These facts show the propri a ot 
 preserving this ether in small, strong bottles, kept full and in a cool place. Iy- 
 ponitrous ether consists of one eq. of hyponitrous acid and one of ether, ai its 
 formula is C 4 II 5 0,N0 3 . It is, therefore, improperly called nitrous and trie 
 
par:ii. 
 
 JEtlierea. 
 
 839 
 
 ether Considered as a salt its proper name would be Jujponitrite of ether. In 
 its pie or concentrated state it is never used in medicine. 
 
 Pioerties of Spirit of Nitric Ether. This is a colourless volatile liquid, of 
 a frajant ethereal odour, and pungent, aromatic, sweetish, acidulous taste. It 
 slighv reddens litmus, and does not effervesce with carbonate of soda. The 
 Edinargh preparation is yellow, and contains twenty per cent, of hyponitrous 
 ether Its officinal sp. gr. is 0'834 U. S., Loud.; 0‘847 Ed. High density is 
 not icessarily an index of deficient strength; as it may arise, as in the Edin- 
 burg preparation, from containing a large proportion of hyponitrous ether. 
 Whelheated by means of a water-bath, the U. S. sweet spirit of nitre begins to 
 boil 1 160°. It mixes with water and alcohol in all proportions. It is very 
 infl aim able, and burns with a whitish flame. 
 
 hurities and Tests. Sweet spirit of nitre, when the product of a distillation 
 too hg continued, at first contains aldehyd, which afterwards becomes acetic 
 acid • the absorption of oxygen — rapidly if the preparation be insecurely kept. 
 The esence of aldehyd may be detected by its imparting a pungent odour and 
 acridavour, and by the preparation containing it assuming a yellow tint on the 
 additn of a weak solution of potassa, owing to the formation of aldehyd resin. 
 Anotu test for aldehyd is the addition of an equal volume of sulphuric acid to 
 the s jet spirit of nitre. If the sample be good, the change of colour will be 
 sligh and the mixture will become considerably viscid ; but if it contain much 
 aldehl, it will become dark-coloured. If water or spirit be present in undue 
 propc ion, the viscidity will be less. [Phillips.') As aldehyd appears to be the 
 chief 'ource of impurity in sweet spirit of nitre, and as it is detected by pro- 
 ducic a characteristic colour with a solution of potassa, it would seem easy to 
 makehis test available as an index when the distillation should be discontinued. 
 For ij the distilled product were made to pass through a small portion of this 
 alkale solution, it would probably give indications of the first appearance of 
 aldehl, and thus enable the operator to stop the distillation in time. Acetic 
 acid, well as other acids (usually nitrogen acids) that may happen to be present, 
 may discovered by the taste, by their acting on litmus strongly, and by their 
 decor osing the alkaline carbonates or bicarbonates with effervescence. These 
 acids iften operate injuriously by their chemical reactions with other substances, 
 when associated in mixtures. Thus they liberate iodine from iodide of potas- 
 sium gradually decolorize compound infusion of roses, and, in the compound 
 mixtil; of iron, hasten the conversion of the protoxide into the sesquioxide of 
 iron. To obviate these effects, Mr. Harvey, of Leeds, keeps the sweet spirit of 
 nitre ,anding on crystals of bicarbonate of potassa, and states that, if the pre- 
 paratji be of full strength, no appreciable portion of the alkali will be dissolved. 
 [Than. Journ. and Trans., Jan. 1842.) When acid sweet spirit of nitre is 
 rectifl from calcined magnesia, it becomes acid again in a short time; but, 
 accor ng to M. Klauer, when rectified from neutral tartrate of potassa, it con- 
 tinue unchanged for months. The rationale of the action of this salt, however, 
 is noi bvious. A deep-olive colour being produced with the sulphate of pro- 
 toxid of iron, shows the presence of a nitrogen oxide or acid, and a blue tint 
 with icture of guaiac, passing through various shades of green, a nitrogen acid. 
 
 Aclrding to Mr. Bastick, sweet spirit of nitre contains about one-fifth of one 
 per c it. of anhydrous hydrocyanic acid, when made from hyponitrous ether, 
 ionm by impregnating alcohol with hyponitrous acid, evolved by the action of 
 nitric, cid on starch, according to the process of Liebig. The same contaminat- 
 mg all has been detected by M. Dalpaiz, in the preparation made according to 
 the I idon Pharmacopceia, though not found in it by Mr. Bastick. 
 
 All hoi and water are often fraudulently added to sweet spirit of nitre. "When 
 ia ur ie proportion, they may be detected in the Edinburgh preparation, as 
 
840 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 par: i. 
 
 stated by the College, by agitating it with twice its volume of a concentred 
 solution of chloride of calcium. If the sweet spirit of nitre be of the full stre th 
 of this College, twelve per cent, of ether will slowly separate; showing thai he 
 chloride of calcium has taken up eight per cent., together with eighty per . it. 
 of alcohol and water. If less ether separates, it shows the presence of toorck 
 alcohol and water. This test is hardly applicable to the U. S., London, ad 
 Dublin preparations, which are much weaker than the Edinburgh. Dr. Cis- 
 tison states that the London sweet spirit of nitre, when subjected to it, hasi er 
 yielded in his trials more than four per cent, of ether. But it must be recoil ed 
 that, when it yields by this treatment four per cent., it really contains tv re 
 per cent. ; for eight per cent, has been absorbed by the chloride of calcium st. 
 Specific gravity is no criterion of the goodness of the preparation as obts ed 
 by any formula. The addition of water will raise its density; and so will he 
 addition of hyponitrous ether. A high density, in connexion with defint 
 ethereal qualities, would, of course, show the presence of free acids, or an e: ess 
 of water, or both. A specific gravity lower than the U. S. and London starird 
 would probably indicate the presence of alcohol stronger than it shoulcoe, 
 which might be either in proper amount or in too large proportion. 
 
 The fraudulent dilution of sweet spirit of nitre with alcohol and water - a 
 great evil, considering the extensive use of the medicine, and its valuable me- 
 dial properties w T hen pure. We have been informed, on good authority, tl: it 
 is variously diluted with twice, thrice, and even four times its weight of al hoi 
 and water. In some shops a strong and a weak preparation are kept, to suirbe 
 views of customers as to price. Some of the wholesale druggists are in the bit 
 of diluting it, either upon the plea that the physician’s prescriptions are witen 
 in view of the use of a weak preparation, or for the purpose of affording it t a 
 low price. All these evils would be corrected, if the different manufaet’ing 
 chemists in the Union would comply with the recommendation of the lila- 
 delphia College of Pharmacy, and adopt for preparing it the formula othe 
 United States Pharmacopoeia. A uniform preparation being in this waj’ur- 
 nished to the druggists, all that would be necessary on their part, would ■ to 
 refrain from weakening it by the admixture of alcohol and water. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Sweet spirit of nitre is diaphoretic, diureticmd 
 antispasmodic. It is deservedly much esteemed as a medicine, and is extern ely 
 employed in febrile affections, either alone, or in conjunction with tartar ertie, 
 for the purpose of promoting the secretions, especially those of sweat and une. 
 It often proves a grateful stimulus to the stomach, relieving nausea and rem mg 
 flatulence, and not unfrequently quiets restlessness and promotes sleep. On 
 account of its tendency to the kidneys, it is often conjoined with other diuiics, 
 such as squill, digitalis, acetate of potassa, nitre, &c., for the purpose obro- 
 moting their action in dropsical complaints. The late Dr. Duncan praid a 
 combination of it with a small proportion of aromatic spirit of ammoa as 
 eminently diaphoretic and diuretic, and well suited to certain states of f rile 
 disease. The dose is about a teaspoonful, given every two or three bour n a 
 portion of water. When used as a diuretic, it should be given in larger <ses. 
 
 Off. Prep. Mistura Glycyrrkizue Composita. *■ 
 
 CHLOROFORMUM. l T . S., Pub. Chloroformyl. Lond. Con- 
 form. Tercliloride of Forrnyle. 
 
 “Take of Chlorinated Lime ten pounds; Water three gallons and a hah Al- 
 cohol two pints. Mix the Chlorinated Lime first with the Water, and tbeivith 
 the Alcohol, in a distillatory vessel having the capacity of about six gams. 
 Distil with a brisk heat into a refrigerated receiver, and, when the tempo ture 
 approaches to 176°, withdraw the fire, in order that the distillation may pi ; a-d 
 by the heat derived solely T from the reaction of the materials. V\ hen th dis- 
 
FA1 1 II. 
 
 fEtherea. 
 
 841 
 
 tillajon slackens, hasten it by a fresh application of heat, and continue to distil 
 imt the liquid ceases to come over with a sweet taste. Separate the heavier 
 lays of liquid in the receiver from the lighter by decantation, and, having 
 wasp it first with water, and then with a weak solution of carbonate of soda, 
 agitjle it thoroughly with powdered chloride of calcium, and distil it off by 
 mess of a water-bath, stopping the distillation when eleven-twelfths of the 
 liqu have come over. The residue, together with the light liquid of the first 
 dist ation, may be reserved for use in a second operation.” U. S. 
 
 ‘"ake of Chlorinated Lime four pounds; Rectified Spirit half a pint [Imp. 
 rues]; Water ten pints [Imp. rneas.]; Chloride of Calcium, broken into pieces, 
 a ci\chm. Put the Chlorinated Lime, previously mixed with the Water, in a 
 retd, and add the Spirit, the retort being of such a size as to be only one-third 
 fille Heat by means of a sand-bath, and so soon as ebullition begins, quickly 
 witlraw the fire, that the retort may not break from a sudden increase of heat. 
 Dis the liquor into a receiver until nothing comes over, renewing the fire if 
 necisary. To the distilled liquor add four parts of water, and shake the whole 
 wel'ogether. Separate carefully the heavier part which subsides, and add to 
 it tl Chloride of Calcium, shaking occasionally during an hour. Lastly, again 
 dist the liquor from a glass retort into a glass receiver.” Land. 
 
 “ake of Chloriuated Lime ten pounds [avoirdupois]; Fresh-burned Lime 
 ficeounds [avoird.]; Water four gallons [Imp. meas.]; Rectified Spirit twentij- 
 jivejmces [avoird.] ; Peroxide of Manganese, in fine powder, two drachms [Dub- 
 lin light]. Slake the lime with two pints [Imp. meas.] of the water, first raised 
 to t boiling temperature, and, having placed the slaked Lime and Chlorinated 
 Lin in a sheet iron or copper still, pour on the residue of the Water first mixed 
 wit) he Spirit, and raised to the temperature of 100°. Connect now the still 
 with condenser, and apply heat, which, however, must be withdrawn the mo- 
 rnerthe distillation commences. The distilled product, the bulk of which need 
 not tceed two pints [Imp. meas.], will occur in two distinct strata, the lower 
 of Tich is the crude chloroform. Let this be agitated, twice in succession, with 
 an ( aal volume of distilled water, and then, in a separate bottle, with half its 
 volijie of pure sulphuric acid. Lastly, let it be shaken in a matrass with the 
 Per ide of Manganese, and rectified from off this at a very gentle heat. The 
 lighr liquid which distils over with the chloroform, and the water used in 
 wasjog the latter, should be preserved with the view of their being introduced, 
 with new charge, into the still in a subsequent process. The specific gravity 
 of ( loroform is 149%” Dub. 
 
 I these processes, by the reaction of the chlorinated lime with the alcohol, 
 chic form is generated under the influence of a moderate heat. By a calcu- 
 late it will be fouud that, while for ten pounds of chlorinated lime, the U. S. 
 forr la calls for thirty-two fluidounces of alcohol, the London and Dublin Col- 
 lege take about twenty-three and a half fluidounces. The water varies in the 
 diffent formulae from twenty-eight ( O. S) to thirty-two pints (Dub.). The 
 cubiform, as first distilled, is found as a dense yellow layer, forming the lower 
 Portn of the distillate, and is quite impure. In order to purify it, the U. S. 
 Phajaacopceia directs it to be washed with water to separate alcohol, agitated 
 wit.ii weak solution of carbonate of soda to remove chlorine, and rectified by 
 dist ation from chloride of calcium to free it from water. This distillation is 
 stopd when eleven-twelfths of the liquid have come over, to avoid contami- 
 uati r the product with a chlorinated pyrogenous oil, the presence of which 
 intepres with the favourable action of the chloroform when inhaled. The same 
 me; res of purification, except the use of carbonate of soda, are directed by the 
 Lot m College. The Dublin College uses slaked lime, mixed with the chlori- 
 natl Lme in the distillation, and purifies the crude chloroform by means of 
 
842 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 PART 
 
 water, sulphuric acid, and deutoxide of manganese. The object of the slat; 
 lime is probably to lessen the production of the chlorinated pyrogenous oil, 
 amount of which is greater, according to Soubeiran and Mialhe,in proportion 
 the relative excess of the chlorine to the lime employed. The crude prodi , 
 after having been freed from alcohol by washing with water in the usual ways 
 purified from the oil by agitation with half its volume of sulphuric acid, whi 
 must be pure and colourless, and at least of the density 1 840. The oils 
 charred and destroyed by the acid, which becomes yellow or reddish-brown, G 
 partially changed into sulphurous acid. To remove the latter acid, agitat: 
 with deutoxide of manganese is directed, according to the plan of Mr. Alexanr 
 Kemp, of Edinburgh. The process of the Dublin College is the one propoi 
 by Gregory and Kemp, of Edinburgh. According to these chemists chlorofc n 
 is effectually purified from the pyrogenous oil by agitation with strong and p e 
 sulphuric acid. So long as a ring, darker than the rest of the acid, appe;, 
 after rest, at the line of contact between the acid and the chloroform, the ;- 
 tatiou must be repeated; and the oil is known to be fully separated, when e 
 acid remains colourless. The same chemists deem it unnecessary to distil e 
 chloroform from deutoxide of manganese to separate sulphurous acid; but ci- 
 sider agitation with the oxide as quite sufficient for this purpose, to be contin d 
 until the odour of the acid is replaced by the agreeable smell of pure chlorofoi. 
 When chloroform is purified by manganese, it is apt to become, after the Use 
 of a few weeks, of a delicate pink colour, which sometimes disappears and t n 
 returns. This coloration depends upon the presence of manganese, and fois 
 an objection to the use of the deutoxide as a purifier. 
 
 Dr. Gregory strongly recommends the above described process for purifjtg 
 commercial chloroform as easily performed, and asserts that all good rnanuc- 
 turers purify it by the action of sulphuric acid. Nevertheless it has been sh'n 
 that chloroform, thus purified, though apparently pure at first, will not kp, 
 but, after the lapse of some time, becomes so loaded with chlorine that it <n- 
 not be inhaled. It appears from the observations of Dr. Christison that chlo- 
 form, purified by sulphuric acid containing nitrous acid, changes in less tin 
 twenty-four hours; but even when purified with pure acid, the decomposira 
 begins at last, so that at the end of four weeks the odour of chlorine is inter- 
 able. Whether chloroform, purified by chemically pure sulphuric acid, wdd 
 undergo change, is not, perhaps, fully decided; but, for practical purposes, ae 
 purification by the repeated use of sulphuric acid must be abandoned, he 
 manufacturers in Edinburgh have laid the process aside, ^nd have recalled f m 
 their customers the chloroform which had been manufactured by it. In Jly, 
 1850, Mr. John Abraham pointed out the impurity of chlorine and mur.ic 
 acid in specimens of Edinburgh chloroform, no doubt manufactured by Dr. r e- 
 gory’s process. These specimens had a suffocating odour, first reddened ad 
 then bleached litmus paper, and deposited on the inside of the bottle a greerh, 
 oily-looking substance. Prof. Procter (in Oct. 1850) obtained some chloronn 
 from a Philadelphia manufacturer, which presented similar defects, and as 
 ascertained to have been made by the sulphuric acid process. 
 
 Chloroform may be made by the action of chlorinated lime on pyroxylic srit 
 (wood spirit); but when thus prepared it is largely contaminated with a (fo- 
 rmated pyrogenous oil, analogous to that already mentioned as being four in 
 smaller proportion in chloroform prepared from alcohol. Chloroform, thus re- 
 pared, conveniently called mcthyllc chloroform , is purified with too much ffi- 
 culty to be advantageously substituted for that made with alcohol, calle<by 
 Soubeiran, normal chloroform. Chloroform may also be procured by disting 
 one part of oil of turpentine with eight parts of chlorinated lime and twity- 
 four of water. (J. Chautard, Chem. Gaz., Feb. 1852, p. GS.) 
 
PAF II. 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 843 
 
 iVssrs. Duncan and Flockhart, druggists, of Edinburgh, manufacture chlo- 
 rofcn on a large scale, in a peculiar apparatus, using the proportions of 20 parts 
 of ilorinated lime, about 3| parts of rectified spirit, and 60 parts of water. 
 The employ two large wooden barrels as a still, and a third as a receiver, and 
 intc-he former throw steam, which furnishes both sufficient heat and water for 
 the rocess. Sixty pounds of chlorinated lime are used by them at each distil- 
 late; and they are able to manufacture three hundred ounces of chloroform a 
 day The heavy layer of the distillate, constituting the impure chloroform, is 
 purud by them, by mixing it with half its measure of strong sulphuric acid, 
 grac ally added, and distilling the mixture, when cool, in a leaden retort, from 
 as rich carbonate of baryta by weight, as of acid previously used by measure. 
 Theroduct is finally distilled from quicklime, after having stood over the earth, 
 and een repeatedly shaken with it, for a day or two. In this long- tried process 
 sulfuric acid is used; but it may be presumed that the chloroform made by it 
 is n liable to undergo the change which follows the use of Gregory’s process. 
 It vl be observed that the product, after the action of the sulphuric acid, is 
 suclsively distilled from baryta and lime, thus removing all traces of the acid, 
 to tl presence of which, combined in some unknown way, the liability to change 
 of (loroform, prepared by Gregory’s process, may be plausibly attributed. 
 
 hcovery and History. Chloroform was discovered by Mr. Samuel Guthrie, 
 of Sikett’s Harbor, N. Y., in 1831, and about the same time by Soubeiran in 
 Fraie, and Liebig in Germany. Guthrie obtained it by distilling a gallon from 
 a nature of three pounds of chlorinated lime and two gallons of alcohol of the 
 sp.g 0'844, and rectifying the product by redistillation, first from a great ex- 
 cess f chlorinated lime, and afterwards from carbonate of potassa. ( Sil/iman’s 
 Jouiial, vol. xxi., Jan. 1832, p. 64.) In a subsequent letter to Professor Sil- 
 lima dated Feb. 15th, 1832, Mr. Guthrie states that the substance which he 
 had )tained, “distilled off sulphuric acid, has the specific gravity of 1'486, or 
 a lit i greater, and may then be regarded as free from alcohol ; and if a little 
 sulpiric jcid which sometimes contaminates it be removed by washing it with 
 a stng solution of carbonate of potassa, it may then be regarded as absolutely 
 pun {Ibid., vol. xxii., July 1832, p. 105.) It is thus evident that Mr. 
 Guti ie obtained in a pure state, the substance now called chloroform; but he 
 erro:ously supposed his product to be the well-known oily liquid of the Dutch 
 clients, which it greatly resembles, and for the preparation of which he be- 
 lieve he had fallen on a cheap and easy process. L 7 nder this impression, he 
 calls he substance, in his communications, chloric ether, one of the names by 
 whicj the Dutch liquid, or chloride of olefiant gas, is designated. He was in- 
 duce; to make the preparation from noticing a passage in Professor Silliman’s 
 Lie tints of Chemistry, which referred to the Dutch liquid as a grateful diffusi- 
 hle s.nulant, when properly diluted with alcohol and water. In relation to the 
 antic; ated importance of this substance as a medicine, Mr. Daniel B. Smith, 
 Present of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, holds the following language 
 in Jy, 1832. “The action of this ether on the living system is interesting, 
 and iy hereafter render it an object of importance in commerce. Its flavour 
 is de.iious, and its intoxicating qualities equal to or surpassing those of alcohol. 
 It is; strong diffusible stimulus, similar to the hydrated ether, but more grateful 
 to tl taste.” {Journ. of the Phil. Col. of Pharm., iv. 118.) 
 
 F perties. Chloroform is a limpid, colourless, volatile, neuter liquid, having 
 a 1 ethereal odour, and hot, aromatic, saccharine taste. It neither reddens 
 nor laches litmus paper. It is but slightly soluble in water. Its sp.gr. is 
 1 49 . S., 1'48 London, and 1'496 Dub. Gregory has obtained it of the den- 
 sity 5 at 60°. It boils at 142°. It is not inflammable, but renders the 
 nam' f an alcohol lamp yellow and fuliginous. It burns, however, with a smoky 
 
844 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 PART 
 
 flame, when mixed with an equal volume of alcohol. "When pure, it has no - 
 tion on potassium. According to M. Augendre and M. Ed. Robin, chlorofei 
 is a powerful antiseptic. It does not, like c-reasote, coagulate albumen. 1 3 
 scarcely acted on by sulphuric acid in the cold, but dissolves readily in alcol 
 and ether. The alcoholic solution, when moderately diluted with water, fois 
 an aromatic, saccharine liquid of a very grateful taste. A strong alcobc 
 solution is decomposed by abundance of water, the chloroform separating 1 
 subsiding, and the alcohol uniting with the water. Chloroform has extent e 
 solvent powers, being capable of dissolving caoutchouc, gutta perclia, mas-, 
 elemi, tolu, benzoin, and copal. Amber, sandarac, lac, and wax are only partl y 
 soluble. It also dissolves iodine, bromine, the organic alkalies, fixed and vt- 
 tile oils, most resins, and fats. It dissolves sulphur and phosphorus sparim-. 
 It possesses the power of dissolving a large quantity of camphor, and furnk'S 
 the means of administering that medicine in an elegant form. As a gen il 
 solvent, it has the advantage over ether of not being inflammable; the infli- 
 mability of the latter being the cause of frequent accidents. For an exten e 
 list of substances, soluble, insoluble, and partially soluble in chloroform, s a 
 paper by M. Lepage, of Gisors, France, copied into the Am. Journ. of Phai. 
 for April, 1852, p. 147. 
 
 Composition. Chloroform is composed of three eqs. of chlorine and onof 
 formyle, and is, therefore, the terchloride of formyle. As formyle is ab r- 
 buret of hydrogen, the formula of chloroform is C„HC1 3 . Its composition as 
 first accurately determined by Dumas in 1835, by whom it was called chlorotm 
 from its relation to formic acid (C 2 H0 3 ), being formic acid with its three =. 
 of oxygen replaced by three of chlorine. When first obtained by him, Li ig 
 supposed it to consist exclusively of chlorine and carbon ; and hence the 01 in 
 of the erroneous name of perchloride of carbon , by which it is sometimes call*. 
 
 The rationale of the formation of chloroform has not been well made out. If 
 alcohol be considered a bihydrate of etheriue C 4 II 4 +2HO, it may be presued 
 to be generated by the removal from the etherine of two eqs. of carbon, andhe 
 substitution of three eqs. of chlorine for three of hydrogen. Thus C 4 H 4 -(H 3 
 + C1 3 =C 2 HC1 3 . ! 
 
 Impurities and Tests. Chloroform is liable to contain alcohol and ether, »th 
 of which lower its specific gravity. To determine the presence of impurity v ch 
 has this effect on its density, Soubeiran recommends that a drop of the suspoed 
 chloroform be added to a mixture of equal weights of concentrated sulplric 
 acid and water. Such an acid, when cool, will have the specific gravity of 
 and good chloroform, being of greater density, will sink in it. Any spec-ieu 
 of chloroform which floats in this acid should be rejected as too light; baits 
 sinking would not prove its density to be sufficiently high. 31. Mialhe hasro- 
 posed the following test for the presence of alcohol. Drop into distilled 'ter 
 a small quantity of the chloroform. If pure, it remains transparent at thoot- 
 tom of the glass; but, if it contain even a small proportion of alcohol, thglo- 
 bules acquire a milky appearance. The most injurious impurities are the d> 
 rinated pyrogenous oils, already alluded to. These are different as obtteu 
 from methylic or normal chloroform. The oil obtained by Soubeiran and 3 Jlhe 
 from methylic chloroform, is an oleaginous, yellow liquid, lighter than wer, 
 and having a peculiar nauseous empyreumatic odour, perceptible in the uielflie 
 chloroform itself. In commercial chloroform it is sometimes present t the 
 amount of six per cent. It is easily set on fire, and burns with a smoky fme, 
 chlorine being among the products of its combustion. The oil procured eat 
 normal chloroform, which contains it only in the amount of about one-fit of 
 one per cent , is essentially different from the methylic chloroform oil. t b 
 heavier than water, and has an acrid, penetrating odour, unlike that of the 
 
PAC II. 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 845 
 
 oil. When the vapour of these oils is inspired or even smelt, it causes, according 
 to ,r. Gregory, distressing sickness and headache. These pyrogenous oils are 
 det;ted by the action of pure and strong sulphuric acid. Pure chloroform, 
 wht mixed with an equal volume of the acid, does not colour it; but, when 
 conminated with these oils, gives the acid a colour, varying from yellow to 
 redsk-brown, according to the amount of impurity present. In applying this 
 tes several fiuidounces of chloroform should be used; as a slight change of 
 coliir cannot be easily seen in a test tube. The discoloration of sulphuric acid 
 by ipure chloroform was first noticed by Mr. Morson, of London, in Nov. 1848. 
 A ; 11 more delicate test of the oily impurities, according to Dr. Gregory, is the 
 sun. which they leave. If chloroform, thus contaminated, be poured upon the 
 har ! , it quickly evaporates, leaving the oily impurities, recognizable by their 
 pec far offensive smell, which is now no longer covered by that of the chloro- 
 for. The pure substance, rubbed upon the skin, quickly evaporates, and 
 scaely leaves aD_y odour. (See the paper of Soubeiran and Mialhe, Journ. de 
 Plim., July, 1849, copied into the Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxi. 313. Also 
 tkeaper of Dr. Gregory, Chem. Gaz., May 15, 1850.) According to Mr. Henry 
 Perocrton, of Philadelphia, the pyrogenous oils are not derived from the corn- 
 mo whisky ordinarily employed in procuring chloroform ; as he ascertained by 
 nia'ng the preparation from pure alcohol of 92 per cent. (Am. Journ. of 
 Finn., March, 1853, p. 113.) 
 
 ■dical Properties, <&c. When taken internally, chloroform acts as a sedative 
 nar tic, probably operating through the nervous system, independently of vas- 
 cul action or congestion. Nevertheless it has been detected by Ragsky in the 
 blo<, by distilling an ounce from a flask, furnished with a tube bent horizon- 
 tal! and containing at its further extremity a strip of paper, coated by iodide 
 of tassium and starch paste. A portion of the horizontal tube is heated to 
 red ss ; and the volatilized chloroform, being decomposed as it passes along 
 the rbe, furnishes muriatic acid and chlorine, which, by coming in contact with 
 the jdide and starch, develop iodine and strike a blue colour. The inside of 
 the irther extremity of the tube may be moistened with a solution of nitrate 
 of ;ver, dispensing with the iodide and starch, according to the plan of Dr. 
 Snt, in which case chloride of silver will be formed. Proceeding in a similar 
 maier, Dr. Snow has proved that chloroform may be detected in different por- 
 tior of the dead body destroyed by this agent.* Dr. II. Hartshorne, who tried 
 its ysiological effects in the dose of seventy-five drops on himself, found it to 
 pro ce a general diminution of sensorial power, with drowsiness, and without 
 exh iration or acceleration of the pulse. (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., Oct. 1848, 
 P- A.) Since then he has used it internally in a number of cases, and finds 
 it aife anodyne and soporific remedy, altogether free from the dangerous effects 
 whi sometimes follow the inhalation of its vapour. In the dose of a flui- 
 dramt, its soporific effect is about equal to that of thirty-five drops of laudanum. 
 Dr. artshorne has given it in doses of from fifty to seventy-five drops every half 
 koufor several hours together. The best vehicle is orgeat syrup, in the pro- 
 por n of two fiuidounces to each fluidrachm of the chloroform. When mixed 
 withmcilage of gum Arabic, the mixture requires agitation, immediately before 
 swa iwing each dose. ( Ibid ., Jan. 1854, p. 113.) Chloroform, as prepared by 
 Mr. rutkrie, was used internally as early as 1832 by Professor Ives, and Dr. 
 Nat m B. I V es, of New Haven, in asthma, spasmodic cough, scarlet fever, and 
 atoi: quinsy, with favourable results. ( Silliman’s Journ., xxi. 406, 407.) It 
 wasmployed by Dr. Formby, of Liverpool, in hysteria, in 1838 ; by Mr. Tuson, 
 
 * i relation to the detection of chloroform in dead bodies, see the paper of M. Duroy, 
 of I 1 is, in the Journ. de Pharm., Avril, 1851. 
 
846 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 par: i, 
 
 of London, in cancer and neuralgic affections, in 1843 ; and by M. Guillo of 
 Paris, in asthma, in 1844. Antiperiodic properties have been attributed f it 
 by Dr. Delioux, of Rochefort, who proposes it as a remedy in intermitt s 
 given, during the apyrexia, in cases in which the bark and quinia fail to eff a 
 cure. Dr. Aran has employed it with success in lead colic, administered Dae 
 mouth and rectum, and applied to the abdomen. In these cases it probably :ts 
 by relaxing the intestinal spasm. One of the authors of this work has freqm ]y 
 used it with advantage for the relief of neuralgic and other painful afeetior in 
 the dose of from forty to eighty drops, suspended in water by means of m 
 Arabic or yolk of egg. This dose may be repeated, if necessary, at intern of 
 one or two hours, until some effect on the system is produced. A disadvai ve 
 connected with the internal use of chloroform is its liability to sicken the sm- 
 ach, an effect which may sometimes arise from the presence of pyrogenouoil 
 as an impurity. Externally, it was used, in 1843, by Mr. Tuson, in caer, 
 senile gangrene, and sloughing ulcers, and, in the form of injection and ga le, 
 in profuse discharges from the uterus, and foul ulcers of the throat, wit :he 
 effect of relieving pain, destroying fetor, and promoting the separation of disoed 
 parts. It has also been emplo 3 T ed externally with benefit by an anonyous 
 writer in the Bouton Medical and Surgical Journal, in a painful wound o:he 
 forearm, implicating the radial nerve; by Dr. Legroux in a painful affeeti of 
 one of the lower extremities, consequent to a cancerous tumour of the pe is ; 
 by Mr. Iligginson in labour, applied to the perineum when painfully stret ed, 
 and in dysmenorrhoea, brought in contact with the os uteri by means of a spae; 
 by Dr. Watson in swelled testicle and acute spinal tenderness ; by Dr. ays 
 and Dr. Bond in neuralgia; by the late Dr. I. Parrish in the supra-orbitarain 
 of rheumatic ophthalmia, and in syphilitic ulceration at the root of the til; 
 and by M. Devergie in papulous eruptions, made into an ointment in the >ro- 
 portion of a fluidrachm to ten drachms of lard. It has also been used witluc- 
 cess by Dr. Venat, of Bordeaux, in the form of injection, in the commeneeent 
 of acute gonorrhoea, as an abortive treatment. Mr. Behrend, of Liveuol, 
 recommends it in all stages of this complaint, injected pure, or mixed witlnu- 
 cilage. This treatment gives great pain, and is, moreover, hazardous. Dr. 
 Rauch, of Iowa, has employed chloroform topically with decided benefit in.eu- 
 ralgia, colic, and other painful affections. For some purposes he found it xoful 
 to incorporate it with olive oil and solution of ammonia, which formed amiure 
 having effects less transient than those of the uncombined chloroform, am. 
 Journ. of Med. Sci., July, 1851, p. 112.) As a wash, injection, and gargleMr. 
 Tuson prepared it diluted with water, in the proportion of one or two drams 
 to the pint; but, as an application to the sound skin, it is generally usedndi- 
 luted, by means of lint or soft rags, covered with oiled silk to prevent evaporion. 
 When employed undiluted it should be pure; as, according to 31. Alialhe, hen 
 it contains absolute alcohol, it acquires caustic properties. 
 
 A third method of using chloroform is by inhalation. The first case waive 
 met with in which it was employed in this way, is related by Professor Iv, of 
 New Haven, under date the 2d of Jan. 1832. The case was one of pulonic 
 disease, attended with general debility and difficult respiration, and was effect ally 
 relieved. ( Sillimans Journ., vol. xxi., Jan. 1832, p. 406.) In 3Iareh, $4i, 
 the action of the pure substance by inhalation was tried on the lower aiuals 
 by M. Flourens, and its effects on the spinal marrow described. In Nov iter 
 of the same year, Dr. Simpson, of Edinburgh, after experimenting with aum- 
 ber of anaesthetic agents, in order to discover a substitute for ether, tried bio* 
 roform at the suggestion of 3Ir. Waldie, and, having found its effects favomtie, 
 brought it forward as a new remed} 7 for pain, by inhalation, in surgery anmid- 
 wifery. The advantages which he conceives it to possess over ether, are the Jail- 
 
PAT II. 
 
 AEtherea. 
 
 847 
 
 nesof its dose, its more prompt action, its more agreeable effects, its less tenacious 
 odrr, its greater cheapness, and the readiness with which it may be exhibited. 
 
 be usual effects produced by a full dose of chloroform, administered by 
 inbation, are the rapid production of coma, relaxation of the muscles, slow and 
 oft( stertorous breathing, upturning of the eyes, and total insensibility to agents 
 wb i ordinarily produce acute pain. The effect on the heart’s action is variable. 
 Soi tiraes frothing of the mouth takes place, and, more rarely, convulsive 
 twibes of the face and limbs. The insensibility is generally produced in one 
 or 10 minutes, and usually continues for five or ten minutes; but the effect may 
 be 3pt up for many hours, provided the inhalation be cautiously renewed 
 froi time to time. The immediate effects of the agent are followed by a drowsy 
 stat sometimes by quiet sleep. As a general rule, no recollection is retained 
 of : y thing that occurred during the state of insensibility. Experience has 
 sboa that the effects, here described as those of a full dose of chloroform by 
 inh.ition, cannot be induced without danger to life. Hence all prudent sur- 
 .geo will be content with an impression short of the abolition of all conscious- 
 ness It is generally admitted that, at a certain stage of anaesthesia, there is 
 insesibility to pain, while consciousness to a certain extent remains; and it is 
 tliisondition that the surgeon should aim to produce. According to Mr. Skey, 
 cbloform has been administered in 9000 cases in St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, 
 witlut a single accident, a fact which must be taken as proof of its careful and 
 skill employment in that institution. (See Am. Journ. of Med. Sei., April, 
 185 p. 498.) It is asserted to be an advantage of chloroform in surgical ope- 
 rati s, that less blood is lost. If this assertion should prove true, there will 
 be gater necessity of delaying the dressings until reaction has taken place. 
 
 1 3 relative advantages and disadvantages of chloroform, when compared with 
 etbtas an anaesthetic in operative surgery, have not been satisfactorily deter- 
 min ; but on one point the evidence appears to be conclusive, namely, that it 
 is f more dangerous to life than ether. According to Dr. Snow, of London, 
 tbe ipour in the air breathed by the patient should not exceed six per cent. 
 Wh thus used, insensibility is slowly and safely induced. ( London Med. Times , 
 Nov 1853, p. 485.) Dr. Gilman, of New York, thinks that chloroform has a 
 mor mdden and powerful effect than under ordinary circumstances, when inhaled 
 ininliately after bleeding; a fact which he explains by the increased power of 
 absotion produced by the loss of blood. (JY Y. Med. Times, Oct. 1852.) 
 
 Ii midwifery, chloroform has been extensively employed to relieve pain and 
 facihte labour, since it was first recommended by Dr. Simpson. Its effects in 
 subcjing the pain of childbearing are similar to those of ether; and each agent 
 bas i exclusive advocates among those practitioners of midwifery who are will- 
 ing use anaesthetics. The remarks, made in relation to ether used in labour, 
 are : plicable for the most part to chloroform, and, therefore, need not be repeated 
 beve (See page 831.) 
 
 T dose of chloroform for inhalation is a fluidrachm, equivalent to 220 drops 
 or rre, to be repeated in two minutes, if the desired effect should fail to be 
 prodded. The most convenient inhaler is a handkerchief, loosely twisted into 
 tbe mi of a bird’s nest, which, after having been imbued with the chloroform, 
 is bid to tbe mouth and nose. The use of this simple inhaler insures a due 
 adm ture of atmospheric air with the vapour of the chloroform. The moment 
 mse: ibility is produced, the inhalation should be suspended; and, if conscious- 
 nessjiturn too soon, it should be cautiously renewed. It is a good rule not to 
 admijister chloroform to persons subject to epilepsy, affected with organic dis- 
 ease •’ the heart, or predisposed to cerebral congestion. For the rules laid down 
 by jVBaudens for the administration of chloroform, see the Am. Journ. of Med. 
 Sd. >r Jan. 1854, p. 208. 
 
848 
 
 AEtherea. 
 
 PAR .1. 
 
 Chloroform, as ordinarily prepared, is apt to produce, when inhaled, head; ie 
 nausea, and even vomiting. Perfectly pure chloroform, according to Soub an 
 and Mialhe, does not produce these disagreeable effects, which are plausibl at- 
 tributed to the presence of the pyrogenous oils. Dr. Simpson, however, ds 
 that the purest chloroform that he uses not unfrequently causes vomiting out 
 Dr. Gregory attributes this effect, when following the use of the pure substee 
 to its administration after a full meal, which should always be avoided. 
 
 Chloroform has been recently used in Paris (Feb. 1854), with alleged sm ss, 
 by Dr. Delabarre, for producing local anaesthesia before surgical operations, th- 
 out affecting the general system. 
 
 Chloroform having proved to be a relaxing agent and remedy for pain, len 
 used by inhalation in surgery and midwifery, it was natural that its effects s nld 
 be tried iu the same way in spasmodic and painful affections. According, it 
 has been inhaled in hiccough, hooping-cough, hysteria, the paroxysm of as na, 
 angina pectoris, nephritic colic, tetanus, poisoning from strychnia, hydroploia, 
 and the paroxysm of tic douloureux, and generally with decided advai.ge. 
 Several German physicians have recently (1853) praised it in pneumonia an 
 expectorant and calming remedy. It has been employed also with succe for 
 the reduction of strangulated hernia. Mr. II. J. Mackenzie, of Edinlgh, 
 bears testimony to its good effects, used by inhalation, in spasmodic strict e of 
 the urethra, attended with retention of urine. Sometimes the urine is cised 
 to flow at once; aud, when this is not the case, the passage of the rather is 
 facilitated. (See Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., July, 1852, p. 250.) As a hy otic 
 it has been given beneficially iu delirium tremens, aud in the noisy fors of 
 chronic insanity. 
 
 Much has been said in relation to the dangers attendant upon the inhation 
 of chloroform, and, certainly, many more deaths have been reported from i use 
 than from that of ether. Dr. Warren, in 1849, gave the details of ten cas, in 
 which death was caused by chloroform, all occurring in little more than aear, 
 and many other fatal cases have since occurred ; and he declares that, if luvere 
 compelled to substitute chloroform for ether iu inhalation, he would do i with 
 much anxiety. Chloroform is unquestionably a more powerful agent than her, 
 and acts not only differently, but in a much smaller dose. The compative 
 smallness of its dose is certainly a ground of danger, when its administ.tion 
 falls into reckless or incompetent hands. At the same time it must be orne 
 iu mind that a great number of persons have inhaled chloroform, eit r as 
 patients, or with a view to its pleasurable effects. 
 
 When the effects of chloroform inhalation proceed too far, the proper ret uies 
 are the horizontal posture, cold air fanned upon the face, cold water poureopon 
 the head, sinapisms to the feet, frictions and heat to the body and extremes, 
 and ammonia to the nostrils. If these remedies fail, artificial respiratiomust 
 be resorted to. When the patient can swallow, strong coffee may be givewith 
 advantage. Galvanic electricity, passed through needles inserted in dbrent 
 parts of the body, is recommended byM. Abeille, of Ajaccio, as a powerful cans 
 of recalling sensibility; and it is highly probable that the electro-magnet lot- 
 tery would be found useful. When an over-dose is taken by the stomac, the 
 same remedies maybe employed, with the addition of the stomach-pump men 
 vomiting cannot be produced by alum or mustard. Iu a case of suice by 
 swallowing chloroform, in which death took place in about thirty-four hois, re- 
 ported in the fifth volume of the Edinburgh Journ. of Med. Science, tkeuung 
 membrane of the larynx and trachea was found inflamed, the bronchi were <aded 
 with a dirty-gray purulent fluid, the lungs were inflamed as in the first sA 
 pneumonia, and the brain and its membranes congested. 
 
 A preparation for inhalation, composed of one third pure chlorofor and 
 
PAR II. 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 849 
 
 two-irds nearly absolute alcohol, has been recommended by Dr. Warren, under 
 the ime of strong chloric ether. As the name, chloric ether, was originally 
 appll by Dr. T. Thomson to the Dutch liquid, or chloride of olefiant gas, it 
 woul be well to abandon the same appellation to designate either chloroform, or 
 its u on with alcohol. Correct names for the latter combination would be either 
 alcoHiti solution of chloroform , or tincture of chloroform. Dr. Warren has used 
 Inspiration in fifty cases with success, and considers it safer than chloroform, 
 and ore agreeable than ether. ( Warren on the Effects of Chloroform and of 
 Stro> Chloric Ether. Boston, 1849.) Further observation is required to deter- 
 mine he value of “strong chloric ether” as an anaesthetic. The alcohol may 
 provuseful by obviating, through its stimulant properties, the depressing influ- 
 ence f the chloroform ; and ether has been occasionally given, in connexion 
 with aloroform, with the same view. 
 
 T1 preparation, sold in London and elsewhere under the name of “chloric 
 ether’ is a weak tincture of chloroform of variable quality, containing at most 
 but 1 or 18 per cent, of chloroform, and sometimes not more than 5 or 6 per 
 cent. B. 
 
 C LLODIUM. U. S. Collodion. Ethereal Solution of Grun Cotton. 
 Hazard's Adhesive Liquid. 
 
 “Ike of Cotton, freed from impurities, and finely carded, half an ounce; 
 Nitrp of Potassa, in powder, ten ounces; Sulphuric Acid eight flu idounces and 
 ahac Ether two pints and a half; Alcohol a fluidounce. Add the Sulphuric 
 Acid ) the Nitrate of Potassa in a Wedgwood mortar, and triturate them until 
 unifoily mixed; then add the Cotton, and, by means of the pestle and a glass 
 rod, : bue it thoroughly with the mixture for four minutes. Transfer the Cot- 
 ton t i vessel containing water, and wash it, in successive portions, by agitation 
 and p ssure, until the washings cease to have an acid taste, or to be precipitated 
 on thaddition of chloride of barium. Having separated the fibres by picking, 
 dry tl Cotton with a gentle heat, dissolve it by agitation in the Ether previously 
 inixei.vith the Alcohol, and strain. Collodion should be kept in closely stopped 
 bottle previously well dried.” U. S. 
 
 Co >n is changed into a peculiar explosive substance, called gun cotton, by the 
 actionf nitric acid. (See Gun Cotton in the Appendix. ) It is this substance, 
 freshl prepared, which is dissolved in ether assisted by a little alcohol, to form 
 colloc n. Gun cotton may also be prepared by the process of Dr. Ellet, of 
 South larolina College, which consists in steeping the cotton in a mixture of 
 nitre d sulphuric acid. This mixture sets free the necessary nitric acid for 
 effect g the change in the cotton. As this process affords a gun cotton which 
 readil dissolves in ether, while other processes furnish a product which some- 
 times, ssolves only partially, at other times not at all, it has been selected in 
 the U . Pharmacopoeia for preparing the cotton for solution in the ether. Gun 
 cottoeprepared by the above process, if well washed, is not liable to decompo- 
 sition Prof. Procter has kept it for a year, and found it still perfectly soluble 
 in eth . 
 
 Coljiion is a transparent, colourless liquid, of a syrupy consistence, and ether- 
 eal SDjl. When applied to a dry surface, the ether quickly evaporates, and a 
 transient film is left, having remarkable adhesiveness and contractility. On 
 accoui of the great volatility of ether, collodion must be kept in bottles well 
 stopps When insecurely kept, the liquid thickens and becomes less fit for the 
 use ot he surgeon. The thickened liquid sometimes contains acicular crystals 
 °f gu cotton, as was first observed by Mr. Higginson, of London, and after- 
 wards y Dr. J. Leidy, of this city, who examined collodion for crystalline bodies 
 with t : microscope at the suggestion of Mr. E. Parrish. 
 
850 
 
 JEtherea. 
 
 *AI II. 
 
 Collodion was first applied to tlie purposes of surgery by Mr. J. Parker ay- 
 nard, student of medicine, of Boston, in January, 1847. It is emplove for 
 holding together the edges of incised wounds, for covering ulcers or ab led 
 surfaces with an impervious film, not acted upon by water, and for eming 
 parts which require to be kept without relative motion. It is applied ; ne° 
 brushed over the part, or by means of strips of muslin. In whatevenay 
 applied, the solvent quickly evaporates, and leaves the solid adhesive ma ial. 
 According to Lepage, gun cotton will dissolve in equal parts of ether andlco- 
 hol, forming a solution quite as adhesive as that made with ether alone. Adds 
 solution dries more slowly, it may prove preferable to the ethereal solutiin 
 certain cases. The strong contractile power of the collodion coating is ; ob- 
 jection to it for some purposes. This property is removed, according to A. C. 
 S. Band, of Philadelphia, by dissolving first one part of gun cotton, ancben 
 one part of Venice turpentine in twenty parts of ether. To give more flex lity 
 to the film, M. Sourisseau, of Kaiserberg, adds one part of elemi to twee of 
 collodion. According to Mr. Startin, of London, opacity and elasticity n be 
 imparted at the same time, by adding from half a drachm to a drachm olard, 
 or some similar fatty matter, previously dissolved in ether, to an ounce (col- 
 lodion. The qualities of softness and elasticity are given by combinin col- 
 lodion with castor oil, in the proportion of thirty parts to two, agreeably the 
 plan of M. Guersant, who found it useful, thus modified, in erysipelas An 
 elastic collodion, somewhat similar, in which, besides castor oil, Yenic tur- 
 pentine and white wax are added, has been proposed by E. Lauras. (P'irm. 
 Journ., xii. 303.) In order to imitate the colour of the skin, an etherettinc- 
 ture of turmeric or of saffron may be added, so as to produce the desire tint. 
 Dr. Meller has proposed a solution of shell lac in highly rectified alcohobo as 
 to have a gelatinous consistence, as a succedaneum for collodion. 
 
 Collodion has been used with advantage by Dr. J. R. Mitchell, of Dubl . and 
 by Dr. Aran, to form an artificial covering to ulcers of the os and cervix.teri, 
 thereby allowing the healing process to go on underneath; by M. Wetrr, of 
 Aix-la-Chapelle, in chilblains; by M. Sourisseau, and by Dr. Liman, oflrlin, 
 in burns; and by Dr. J. W. Freer, of Illinois, in erysipelas. According) Dr. 
 Christen, of Prague, collodion is useful in erysipelas from local causes onl; such 
 as wounds, ulcers, burns, &c., but hurtful in the disease from an internalause. 
 The same writer condemns its use to prevent pitting in smallpox as poavely 
 injurious. In superficial inflammation it appears to act on the principle f the 
 contractile power of the film, thus driving out the blood from the inflam, ves- 
 sels; and it is in this way probably that it proves useful in erysipelas. 
 
 Air. Erasmus Wilson has used collodion with decided advantage in rtain 
 diseases of the skin. It acts principally by furnishing a substitute for t; epi- 
 dermis, and by the local pressure which its contraction in drying product Iu 
 chapped nipples it has an admirable effect. Dr. J. H. Claiborne has sed a 
 thick coating of collodion with decided advantage as a compressing agent r the 
 discussion of buboes. When applied to ulcers, abrasions, or chaps of tbskm, 
 it requires to be diluted with ether, so as to render it nearly as limpid asvater. 
 Air. J. II. Tucker found it useful iu stopping the bleeding from leech-bit. 31. 
 Sourisseau and Air. E. H. Durden have used it as a coating for pills, wlh are 
 thereby deprived of taste, but not injured iu medicinal properties. 
 
 Collodion has become an important agent in photography, in the preption 
 of crystallotypes. & 
 
PAE II. 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 851 
 
 ALCOHOL. 
 
 Preparations of Alcohol. 
 
 ACOHOL AMYLICUM. Dub. Fusel Oil. Grain Oil. Corn Spirit 
 Oil. Potato Spirit Oil. Amylic Alcohol. Hydrated Oxide of Amyle. 
 
 “ike of the light liquid, which may be obtained at any large distillery, by 
 contuing the distillation for some time after the pure spirit has been drawn off, 
 any nvmient quantity. Introduce it into a small still or retort connected with 
 a co lenser, and apply heat so as to cause distillation. As soon as the oil begins 
 to cue over unmixed with water, the receiver should be changed, and the dis- 
 til'laim being resumed and carried nearly to dryness, the desired product will be 
 obtaed. The liquid drawn over during the first part of the distillation will 
 cons; of an aqueous fluid, surmounted by a stratum of the Fusel Oil. This 
 latte though impregnated with a minute quantity of water, should be separated 
 and feserved, as being sufficiently pure for use.” Dub. 
 
 Tf oil is always present in the products of the alcoholic fermentation. It is 
 an i;redient in the ardent spirit obtained from various grains, but is most 
 abunntin that procured from fermented potatoes. In grain spirit it is present 
 in tb proportion of about one part in five hundred by measure. When grain 
 or puto whisky is distilled for the purpose of obtaining alcohol, the pure spirit 
 will ntinue to come over for a certain time, after which, if the distillation be 
 contlied, a milky liquid will be obtained, which, upon standing, will be covered 
 with stratum of this peculiar oil. Subjected to distillation, the milky liquid 
 will first boil at a comparatively low temperature, and yield water and a little 
 of tk oil; but after a time the boiling point will rise to 269°, when the oil will 
 come ver pure. By changing the receiver when the oil begins to distil free from 
 wate the Dublin College collects the oil separate from the watery part. In 
 relat i to fusel oil, see a paper by Edward N. Kent, in the N. Y. Journ. of 
 Pha% (i. 257); and one by Dr. Charles M. Wetherill, copied into the Am. 
 Jour of P harm, for Sept. 1853. 
 
 Pherties. Fusel oil is an oily, colourless liquid, of a strong offensive odour, 
 and rid burning taste. As usually prepared it has a pale-yellow colour. 
 Its s] gr. is 0'818; that of its vapour 3 '15. It boils at 269°, and congeals at 
 -1°, i the form of crystalline leaves. It is very sparingly soluble in water, 
 but cites in all proportions with alcohol and ether. It dissolves iodine, sulphur, 
 and ] osphorus, and forms a good solvent for fats, resins, and camphor. When 
 drop; 1 upon paper it does not leave a greasy stain. It does not take fire like 
 alcoh by the contact of flame, but requires to be heated to a temperature of 
 about 30° before it begins to burn. Experiments on inferior animals show it 
 to be a active irritant poison. It consists of ten eqs. of carbon 60, twelve of 
 hydrCn 12, and two of oxygen 16=88. It is generally considered to be a 
 hy.drd d oxide of a compound radical called amyle (C^H-n); and on this view 
 its fo mla will be C 10 H n , O+IIO. When subjected to oxidizing agents, it loses 
 two ej.. of hydrogen and gains two of oxygen, and becomes C 10 H g ,O 3 + IIO, or 
 (imp' acid, which is identical with valerianic acid, the acid found in valerian. 
 This id bears the same relation to fusel oil that acetic acid does to wine alcohol, 
 and fi nicacid tomethylicalcohol. Amyle has been isolated by Dr. E. Frankland. 
 It is colourless pellucid liquid, of the sp. gr. 0'7701. (6Aem. Gaz., March 
 
 Cr e fusel oil may be obtained from the alcohol distillers. According to 
 Mr. 1 nt, of New York, it contains, as impurities, water, alcohol, acetic and 
 valer tie acid, oxide of iron, and an amyle compound, analogous to oenanthic 
 ether 
 
852 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 PAB II, 
 
 Fusel oil was made officinal by tbe Dublin College, in its Pharmacopo of 
 1850, as an artificial source of valerianic acid, to be used in forming valeri ate 
 of soda, from which, by double decomposition, three other valerianates, naly, 
 those of iron, zinc, and quinia, are directed to be formed by the College. 
 
 Off. Prep. Sodae Valerianas. 
 
 SPIRITUS FORTIOR. Dub. Stronger Spirit. 
 
 “Take' of Rectified Spirit half a gallon [Imp. rneas.]; Carbonate of Pash 
 from Pearlash eight ounces [avoirdupois]. Having dried the Carbonate of Pash 
 at a low red heat, and rapidly reduced it to powder in a warm mortar, let he 
 shaken occasionally for four hours in a bottle with the Spirit, maintainir the 
 temperature of the mixture at or about 100°. After a subsidence of fnty 
 minutes’ duration, the liquid will form two distinct strata, the uppermtof 
 which (measuring about seventy -four ounces) should be separated by decan ion 
 or a syphon, and then distilled with the aid of a Liebig’s condenser, andc-b-ide 
 of zinc bath, until the product amounts to seventy-two ounces. The s:;-ific 
 gravity of this spirit is 0'818.” Dub. 
 
 In this newly introduced formula of the Dublin College, rectified spir (sp. 
 gr. 0'840) is shaken with hot and dry carbonate of potassa, to separate tier; 
 and the strengthened spirit, floating over the more aqueous portion, which rms 
 the solvent of the added carbonate, is decanted, and distilled with a heatagu- 
 lated by a chloride of zinc bath, until f-fths have passed over. 
 
 Stronger spirit has the same general properties as alcohol, described at wjt 
 61 as the type of a class, including its varieties of different strengths. Agrubly 
 to the density assigned to it by the Dublin College (0 818), it contains beteen 
 eight and nine per cent, of water. It is used by the Dublin College in pre ring 
 several essences, and in making absolute alcohol. (See next article.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Alcohol, Dub.; Essentia Menthse Piperitae; Essentia 31 tbse 
 Yiridis ; Essentia Myristicae Moschatas. k 
 
 ALCOHOL. Dd., Dub. Absolute Alcohol. 
 
 “ Take of Rectified Spirit one pint [Imp. meas.] ; Lime eighteen ounces, reak 
 down the Lime into small fragments; expose the Spirit and Lime togeth>toa 
 gentle heat in a glass matrass till the Lime begins to slake ; withdraw thheat 
 till the slaking is finished, preserving the upper part of the matrass eocwith 
 damp cloths. Then attach a proper refrigeratory, and with a gradually incas- 
 ing heat distil off seventeen fluidounces [Imp. meas.]. The density of this s-obol 
 should not exceed 0'796; if higher, the distillation must have been begun afore 
 the slaking of the Lime was finished.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Stronger Spirit one pint [Imp. meas.] ; pulverized fresh-burner ame 
 ten ounces [avoirdupois]. Having introduced the Lime and Spirit into a mrass. 
 connected in the usual manner with a Liebig’s condenser, let heat be rplied 
 until the lime begins to slake, and when this process is completed, did by 
 means of a chloride of zinc bath until the liquid which comes over, togethi with 
 that obtained during the slaking, measures two ounces [Imp. meas.]. Thifieing 
 rejected, the receiver should be changed, and the distillation resumed, ai con- 
 tinued until a product of nearly sixteen ounces [Imp. meas.] is procured 1 Tbe 
 specific gravity of this product is 0'795.” Dub. 
 
 In these processes an alcoholic liquid of a given specific gravity is broibt to 
 its highest strength, so as to form absolute alcohol, by the dehydrating ction 
 of lime, and subsequent distillation. These processes are good ones, ul. if 
 carefully followed, will yield absolute alcohol. Dr. Christison assures u that, 
 on using pure quicklime, with the precautions mentioned in theEdinburi for- 
 mula, he has “always obtained from rectified spirit of the density of ’&>>. 
 seventeen-twentieths of its volume of alcohol, of density 0 796; aud if V ar ' : 
 tenth be kept apart, the rest may be obtained so low as 0'7942.” 
 
PAR II. 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 853 
 
 Sibeiran recommends the following as an easy method for obtaining alcohol 
 free rom water, abundantly and economically. 1st. Rectify alcohol, marking 
 86° P the centesimal alcoholmeter of Gay-Lussac (rectified spirit), by distilling 
 it fra carbonate of potassa. This operation raises its strength to 94° or 95°. 
 2d. ,aise this alcohol to 97°, by distilling it with fused chloride of calcium, or 
 by ousting it with quicklime (from which it must be afterwards poured off), 
 in t : proportion of a pint of the alcohol to 1% ounces of the chloride, or 21 
 oun(i of the lime. 3d. Distil the product of this operation slowly with quick- 
 lime n the proportion of 3f ounces to the pint. The product will be absolute 
 alcoll. The operation may be shortened to two steps, by distilling the alcohol 
 of 9- or 95°, with an excess of quicklime (7 2 ounces to the pint). In all cases, 
 befoi decanting or distilling, the alcohol must be digested for two or three days 
 withhe lime, at a temperature between 95° and 100° F. Lime will not answer 
 as a ibstance to be distilled from, unless it be in sufficient excess; for other- 
 wise)owards the end of the distillation, the hydrate of lime formed will yield 
 up i water to the alcohol, and weaken the distilled product. ( Journ . de 
 Plxan., xxv. 1, Jan. 1839.) Thus it appears that the Edinburgh and Dublin 
 procises for absolute alcohol are substantially the same as the short process of 
 Soul ran. 
 
 Pperties. Absolute alcohol is a colourless, volatile liquid, of an agreeable 
 odouand burning taste. It boils at 172°, and is not congealed by a cold of 
 lGGbelow zero. Its officinal density is 0'794-6 Ed . ; 0'795 Dub. Its sp. gr. 
 is O' 78 at 68°, according to Regnault; 0'79381 at 60° according to Drink- 
 wate The sp.gr. of its vapour is 1'59. Its freedom from water may be 
 asceiined by dropping into it a piece of anhydrous baryta, which will remain 
 uncbiged if the alcohol be free from water; but otherwise will fall to powder. 
 AnofBr method for determining the same point, is to allow alcohol to stand for 
 some ime, in a stoppered bottle, on anhydrous sulphate of copper. If the 
 alcol be anhydrous, the salt will remain white ; otherwise it will become blue. 
 (Casia.) Absolute alcohol should be free from fusel oil. In view of this 
 irnputy, the Edinburgh College gives the following test. “ When mixed with 
 a lift solution of nitrate of silver and exposed to bright light, it remains un- 
 chan d, or only a very scanty dark precipitate forms.” 
 
 Ablute alcohol burns with a pale flame without residue, the products being 
 carbon acid and water. Its vapour, passed through a porcelain tube filled with 
 pumi -stone and heated to redness, yields carbon, gaseous carbohydrogens, 
 aide! 1, naphthaline, benzine, phenic acid, and various other substances. (Ber- 
 ' thelot It unites in all proportions with ether and water. Its union with water 
 is att,,ded by condensation and a rise of temperature. When mixed with water 
 in th proportion of 51'9 volumes of alcohol to 48 1 of water, corresponding 
 with ie eq. of the former to six of the latter, the decrease of volume is at the 
 maxi am, amounting to 3 '4 per cent. The powers of absolute alcohol as a sol- 
 vent e very much the same as those of officinal alcohol, noticed at page 62. 
 
 Opposition. Absolute alcohol consists of four eqs. of carbon 24, six of 
 hydnen 6, and two of oxygen 16=46; or, in volumes, of four volumes of the 
 vapoi of carbon, six of hydrogen, and one of oxygen, condensed into two 
 voIul's. Its empirical formula is, therefore, C 4 H 6 O a . Viewed as a hydrated 
 oxide f ethyle, its formula is C 4 H 5 ,04-II0. 
 
 It s been stated at page 60, that during the vinous fermentation sugar dis- 
 a PP e£ , and the sole products are alcohol and carbonic acid, which, taken together, 
 are et al in weight to the sugar lost. Now, the comparative composition of the 
 substj ces concerned supports the opinion that these are the sole products. 
 Preplttory to the fermentation, the cane sugar is changed into grape sugar, or, 
 accor ig to Mitscherlich and Soubeiran, into uncry stallizable sugar. These two 
 
854 
 
 Alcohol. 
 
 PAR' .1. 
 
 sugars, dried at 212°, consist of Supposing one ecp of tliis fern it- 
 
 able sugar to be the subject-matter of the change, it will be found to hi .• a 
 composition which admits of its being broken up into two eqs. of alcohol nd 
 four of carbonic acid, without a remainder; for C ia H la 0 ia ==2(C 4 H 6 0 2 ) and 4(( ), 
 
 The reasons are not obvious which induced the Edinburgh and Dublin ol- 
 leges to include absolute alcohol in their officinal lists. It is used in no re- 
 paration of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, and in only two of the Dubli in 
 neither of which is it necessary. 
 
 Pharm. Use. Employed as a solvent in preparing Arsenici et Hydra yri 
 Hydriodatis Liquor. 
 
 Off. Prep. Essentia Foeniculi. 
 
 ALCOHOL DILUTUM. U.S. Spiritus Tenuior. Lond., Ed ., .A 
 
 Diluted Alcohol. Proof Spirit. 
 
 “ Take of Alcohol, Distilled Water, each, a pint. Mix them. Thesrific 
 gravity of Diluted Alcohol is 0'935.” U. S. 
 
 “ Take of Rectified Spirit two pints; Distilled Water a pint. Mix them. Ihe 
 density of the product should be 0'912.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Rectified Spirit seven pints ; Distilled Water four pints. Mix. Che 
 specific gravity of Proof Spirit is 0'920.” Dub. 
 
 The London College places diluted alcohol or proof spirit in the list c the 
 Materia Medica. The Edinburgh College has ordered the strongest proof srit, 
 its density being 0 '9 12, which is 7 over proof. It contains 52 per cent, (ab- 
 solute alcohol, and is considerably stronger than the corresponding spirit (the 
 former Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. The London College directs the sp. . to 
 be 0'920. When of this strength, it contains 49 per cent, of pure alcoho’and 
 may be formed by mixing five measures of the rectified spirit of that Lege 
 with three of distilled water at the temp, of 62°. The Dublin proof spir has 
 the sp. gr. 0'920 also, and, therefore, agrees in strength with the eorrespoing 
 spirit of the London College. The diluted alcohol of the U. S. Pharmac oeia 
 has the sp.gr. 0'935, and contains only 42 per cent, of absolute alcohol. ; is, 
 therefore, the weakest officinal proof spirit. 
 
 Medical and Pharmaceutical Uses. The medicinal effects of alcohol, s it 
 exists in brandy and other ardent spirits, have been detailed under other lads. 
 (See Alcohol, U. S., Spiritus Vini Gallici, and Vinum Album.') As a pc di- 
 luted spirit, however, consisting solely of alcohol and water in determinatpro- 
 portions, its use is exclusively pharmaceutical. It is employed as an addon 
 to the compound infusion of gentian, and to some of the distilled water and 
 preparations of vinegar, in order to preserve them from decomposition as a 
 menstruum for extracting the virtues of some plants, preparatory to their sing 
 brought to the state of extracts and syrups; and in preparing many of the snts, 
 and a few of the medicated wines. But it is in forming the tinctures that dated 
 alcohol is principally' employed. Many of these are formed with the ohinal 
 alcohol (rectified spirit), but the majority, with diluted alcohol (proof spi:) as 
 the menstruum. As the latter contains more than half its weight of wor, it 
 is well fitted for acting on those vegetables, the virtues of which are utly 
 soluble in water and partly in alcohol. The apothecary, however, should ever 
 substitute the commercial proof spirit for diluted alcohol, even though it iybe 
 of the same strength, on account of the impurities in the former; but wh it is 
 recollected how variable the so called proof spirits are in strength, the ob ition 
 to their use in pharmacy becomes still stronger. Thus, according to Mr. Bnde, 
 gin contains 51 '6 per cent, of alcohol of 0 ' 82 5 ; and the percentage of tkeame 
 alcohol is 53’39 in brandy, 53’68 in rum, 53'90 in Irish whisky, and 54- n 
 Scotch whisky. The alcohol on which these results are based already ccains 
 11 per cent, of water. ^ 
 
PAR II. 
 
 Alumen. — Ammonia. 
 
 855 
 
 ALUMEN. 
 
 Preparations of Alum. 
 
 AiUMEN EXSICCATUM. U.S., Lond., Ed. Alumen Siccatum. 
 Bui Dried Alum. 
 
 “ ike of Alum, in coarse powder, a convenient quantity. Melt it in a shallow 
 iron • earthen vessel, and maintain it at a moderate heat until ebullition ceases, 
 and becomes dry; then rub it into powder.” U. S. 
 
 “ ike of Alum a pound. Melt it over the fire; then increase the heat until 
 ebuliion has ceased.” Lond. 
 
 T1 Edinburgh and Dublin processes agree substantially with that of the U. S. 
 Phai acopoeia. When alum is heated, it quickly dissolves in its water of crys- 
 tallh ion, which, if the heat be continued, is gradually driven off ; and the salt 
 swell up exceedingly, so as to make it expedient to use a vessel, the capacity 
 of wch is at least equal to three times the bulk of the alum operated on. 
 Whe the boiling up has ceased, it is a sign that all the water has been driven otf. 
 
 Pioerties. Dried alum, sometimes called alumen usium or burnt alum, is in 
 the fm of an opaque white power, possessing a more astringent taste than the 
 cryst lized salt. Before pulverization, it is a light, white, opaque, porous mass. 
 Dun; the exsiccation, it loses from 41 to 46 per cent, of its weight in dissi- 
 patecvater. If, however, the heat be strongly urged, some of the acid is driven 
 off, a l the loss becomes still greater. Dried alum resists the action of water 
 for a mg time, showing that the process to which it has been subjected has 
 alten its state of aggregation. In composition it differs from crystallized 
 alumierely in the absence of water. 
 
 Ma'cal Properties and Uses. Dried alum has occasionally been given in 
 obstite constipation, with the effect of gently moving the bowels, and of afford- 
 ing gat relief from pain. (See Alumen . ) The dose is from five to ten grains 
 or uni. Its principal medical use is as a mild escharotic for destroying fun- 
 gous :sh. B. 
 
 RlUOR ALUMINIS COMPOSITUS. Lond. Compound Solu- 
 tion 'Alum. 
 
 “lie of Alum, Sulphate of Zinc, each, an ounce ; Distilled Water three pints 
 [Imp aeas.]. Bub the Alum and Sulphate together, and dissolve in the Water; 
 then [rain.” Lond. 
 
 Tb was formerly called aqua aluminosa Bateana, or Bates’s alum water. 
 It is powerful astringent solution, and is employed for cleansing and stimu- 
 latingjoul ulcers, and as an injection in gleet and leucorrhoea. It is also some- 
 times mployed as a collyrium in ophthalmia after depletion; but when used in 
 this vy it must be diluted. A convenient formula is half a fluidounee of the 
 solutii, mixed with six and a half fluidounces of rose water. B. 
 
 AMMONIA. 
 
 Preparations of Ammonia. 
 
 AlMONLE CARBONAS. U. S., Ed. Ammonle Sesquicarbo- 
 RAS. ond., Dub. Carbonate of Ammonia. Sesquicarbonate of Ammo- 
 nia- Mild Volatile Alkali. 
 
 ‘ l:e of Muriate of Ammonia a pound ; Chalk, dried, a pound and a half. 
 kulvtze them separately; then mix them thoroughly, and sublime with a gra- 
 duall ncreasing heat.” U. S. 
 
856 
 
 Ammonia. 
 
 PAM 
 
 The Edinburgh process is the same as that of the U. S. Pharmacopu, 
 The London and Dublin Colleges have placed this salt in the list of the Mat a 
 Medica. 
 
 In the above process, by the reciprocal action of the salts employed, the r- 
 bonic acid unites with the ammonia, generating carbonate of ammonia, and.e 
 muriatic acid with the lime, forming water and chloride of calcium. The r- 
 bonate and water sublime together as a hydrated carbonate of ammonia, and ie 
 residue is chloride of calcium. In conducting the process, the retort shouloe 
 of earthenware, and have a wide cylindrical neck; and the receiver shoul ie 
 cylindrical, to facilitate the extraction of the sublimate. The relative qu; i- 
 ties of chalk and muriate of ammonia, for mutual decomposition, are 50'5 ohe 
 former, and 53 ’42 of the latter, or one eq. of each. In the formula a gat 
 excess of chalk is taken. An excess is desirable to ensure the perfect dem- 
 position of the muriate of ammonia ; any redundancy of which would sub ie 
 along with the carbonate, and render it impure. 
 
 Carbonate of ammonia is obtained, on the large scale, usually by subling 
 the proper materials from an iron pot into a large earthen or leaden rece r. 
 Sulphate of ammonia may be substituted for the muriate with much econcy, 
 as was shown by Payen. Large quantities of this carbonate are manufactei 
 indirectly from coal-gas liquor and bone spirit; the ammoniacal products in t se 
 liquors being successively converted into sulphate, muriate, and carbona of 
 ammonia. (See Ammonias Marias.) The salt as first obtained has a s’ ht 
 odour of tar, and leaves a blackish carbonaceous matter when dissolved in a Is. 
 Hence it requires to be purified, which is effected in iron pots, surmounted th 
 leaden heads. 
 
 Properties. Carbonate ( sesquicarbonate ) of ammonia, recently prepared, in 
 white, moderately hard, translucent masses, of a fibrous and crystalline appr- 
 ance, a pungent ammoniacal smell, and a sharp penetrating taste. It poss-ses 
 an alkaline reaction, and when held under a piece of turmeric paper chang it 
 to brown, owing to the escape of monocarbonate of ammonia. When Ion or 
 carelessly kept, it gradually passes into the state of bicarbonate, becoming op ue 
 and friable, and falling iuto powder. It is soluble without residue in about ur 
 times its weight of cold water, and is decomposed by boiling water with <er- 
 vescence. According to Dr. Barker ( Observations on the Dublin Pharnco- 
 poeia), it dissolves abundantly in diluted alcohol, as also in heated alcoh of 
 the sp.gr. 0'836, with effervescence of carbonic acid. When heated on a ece 
 of glass, it should evaporate without residue, and, if turmeric paper held . r er 
 it undergoes no change, it has passed into bicarbonate. As now prepared )m 
 coal gas liquor, it usually contains traces of tarry matter, which gives a irk 
 colour to its solution in acids. When saturated with nitric acid, neither cbl ide 
 of barium nor nitrate of silver causes a precipitate. The non-action of ese 
 tests shows the absence of sulphate and muriate of ammonia. It is decomped 
 by acids, the fixed alkalies and their carbonates, lime-water and magma, 
 solution of chloride of calcium, alum, acid salts, such as bitartrate and lul- 
 phate of potassa, solutions of iron (except the tartrate of iron and potassal.or- 
 rosive sublimate, the acetate and subacetate of lead, and the sulphates of - on 
 and zinc. 
 
 Composition. It consists of three eqs. of carbonic acid 66, two of ainnnia 
 34, and two of water 18 = 118; or, which comes to the same thing, of oneq. 
 of bicarbonate 61, and one of monocarbonate 39, combined with the same (an- 
 ti ty of water. The medicinal carbonate of ammonia is, therefore, when pe'Ct, 
 a sesquicarbonate, as it is called by the London and Dublin Colleges. P- oa 
 and Scanlan, however, have rendered it probable that it is a double salt : _ or, 
 when treated with a small quantity of cold water, monocarbonate is diss red 
 
PAB II. 
 
 Ammonia. 
 
 857 
 
 and icarbonate left. When converted into bicarbonate by exposure to the air, 
 eacliq. of the medicinal salt loses one eq. of monocarbonate, a change which 
 leav the acid and base in the proper proportion to form the bisalt. The mutual 
 decc position of the salts, employed in its preparation, would generate, if no 
 loss ccurred, the monocarbonate, and not the sesquicarbonate. The way in 
 whir the latter salt is formed may be thus explained. Ey the mutual decorn- 
 posi m of three eqs. of muriate of ammonia and of chalk respectively, three 
 eqs. f monocarbonate of ammonia, three of water, and three of chloride of cal- 
 ciunire generated. During the operation, however, one eq. of ammonia, and 
 one f water, forming together oxide of ammonium, are lost; so that there 
 remu to be sublimed, three eqs. of carbonic acid, two of ammonia, and two of 
 watt; or, in other words, the exact constituents of the hydrated sesquicarbonate. 
 Wh< this is re-sublimed in the process of purification, two eqs. of the salt lose 
 one . of carbonic acid, and become one eq. of 5-4 carbonate of ammonia. 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Carbonate of ammonia is stimulant, diapho- 
 retic antispasmodic, powerfully antacid, and in large doses emetic. Under 
 certa circumstances it may prove expectorant; as when, in the last stages of 
 phtbis, it facilitates, by increasing the muscular power, the excretion of the 
 sput As a stimulant, it is exhibited principally in typhus fever, and very 
 freqmtly in connexion with wine whey. Its principal advantage, in this dis- 
 ease.; its power to increase the action of the heart and arteries without unduly 
 excitig the brain. It is employed, with a view to the same effect, and as an 
 antad, in certain stages of atonic gout, and in the derangement of the stomach 
 supejening on habits of irregularity and debauchery. As a diaphoretic, it is 
 resoi'd to in gout and chronic rheumatism, particularly the latter, in conjunc- 
 tion ith guaiac. Dr. Pereira has employed it in many cases of epilepsy with 
 bene ... In diabetes it has been recommended by Dr. Barlow in England, and 
 Bomardat in France. In cases of scrofula attended with languid circulation 
 and jy skin, it is said to produce excellent effects. It is very seldom used as 
 an e:;tic; but is supposed to act with advantage, in this way, in some cases of 
 para .sis. In psoriasis and lepra vulgaris, Cazenave has used it with remark- 
 able jiccess. Two cases of glanders, successfully treated chiefly with five-grain 
 dosesbf carbonate of ammonia, repeated every hour or two hours, are reported 
 by I Mackensie, of London. (Ranking' s Abstract, No. 18, p. 280.) As an 
 exteiil application, it is rubefacient, and may be employed in several ways. 
 Redud to fine power, and mixed with some mild ointment, it is useful in local 
 rheu itism. One part of it, incorporated with three parts of extract of bella- 
 donn forms a plaster very efficacious in relieving local and spasmodic pains. 
 Coar ly bruised, and scented with oil of lavender, it constitutes the common 
 smel ig salts, so much used as a nasal stimulant in syncope and hysteria. The 
 ordir-y dose is five grains, every two, threej or four hours, given in the form 
 of pi or mixture; and as an emetic, thirty grains, to be repeated if necessary, 
 and histed by free dilution. It should never be given in powder, on account 
 of its olatile nature. Pills of it may be made up with some vegetable extract, 
 as ofjantian, for example, and should be dispensed in a wide-mouthed vial, and 
 not i a box. 
 
 Cr aonate of ammonia is used as a chemical agent in preparing Zinci Oxidum 
 and ,;rrum Tartarizatum. It is sometimes employed to make effervescent 
 drag ts, 20 grains of the salt requiring for this purpose 6 fluidrachms of lemon 
 juice !4 grains of citric acid, or 25j grains of tartaric acid. 
 
 O.Prep. Ammoniae Bicarbonas; Cuprum Ammoniatum; Liquor Ammonias 
 Ac-et s; Liquor Ammoniae Citratis; Liquor Ammoniae Sesquicarbonatis; Po- 
 tassa licarbonas; Potassas Carbonas Purum. B. 
 
858 
 
 Ammonia. 
 
 PAM I. 
 
 AMMONLZE BICARBONAS. Dub. Bicarbonate of Ammonia. 
 
 “Take of Commercial Sesquicarbonate of Ammonia any convenient qnany. 
 Reduce it to a fine powder, and having spread it on a sheet of paper, expo it 
 to the air for twenty-four hours. Let it be now enclosed in a well stopped hot ” 
 Dub. 
 
 This salt is officinal only in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia. The sesquicarboi e 
 by exposure to the air, loses monocarbonate by evaporation, and is converted to 
 bicarbonate. This salt is an opaque white powder, having a faint ammon al 
 taste and smell. It is less soluble in water than the sesquicarbonate, requiatr 
 eight times its weight of that liquid to dissolve it. It possesses, though i an 
 inferior degree, the same medical properties as the sesquicarbonate, and fund as, 
 according to Dr. Barker, of Dublin, the means of prescribing ammonia in a .n- 
 venient and palatable form. The dose is from six to twenty-four grains, dissc ed 
 in cold water, as hot water decomposes the salt. 
 
 The curious fact has been ascertained by Mr. L. Thompson, of Newcasfon 
 Tyne, that bicarbonate of ammonia is exhaled from the lungs in the amou of 
 about three grains in twenty-four hours. ( Philos . May. for Feb. 1847.) 
 
 LIQUOR AMMONLE SESQUICARBONATIS. Bond. Ammcre 
 Carbonatis Aqua. Ed. Solution of Sesquicarbonate of Ammonia. Tiler 
 of Carbonate of Ammonia. 
 
 “Take of Sesquicarbonate of Ammonia four ounces; Distilled "Water a hit 
 [Imp. rneas.]. Dissolve and strain.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh solution is of the same strength as the London. 
 
 This preparation may be viewed as a saturated aqueous solution of earbiate 
 of ammonia. It is very properly omitted in the United States Pharmacopia; 
 as it is liable to change by keeping, and the solution of the salt may be reily 
 ordered of any desired strength in prescription. The dose is from half a fluidram 
 to a fluidrachm, given in any bland liquid. 
 
 Off. Prey. Linimentum Ammoniae Sesquiearbonatis ; Pilulae Cupri Ammonti. 
 
 AMMONLZE IIYDRO-SULPHURETUM. Dub. Hydrosulplret 
 of Ammonia. Solution of Hydrosulphate of Ammonia. 
 
 “Take of Solution of Ammonia four jiuidounces [Imp. meas.]; Sulphui of 
 Iron one ounce and a half [avoirdupois] ; Oil of Vitriol of Commerce one j id- 
 ounce and a half [Imp. meas.]; Water ffteen ounces [avoird.]; Distilled Vter 
 two ounces [avoird.]. Place the Sulphuret of Iron and Water in a two-nued 
 bottle, and, adding the Oil of Vitriol by degrees through a safety funnel, comet 
 by suitable tubes the sulphuretted hydrogen which is disengaged, first thrigb 
 the Distilled Water placed in a small intermediate vial, and then to the biom 
 of a bottle containing the Ammonia, the neck of the latter, through whic-the 
 glass tube conveying the gas passes, being loosely' plugged with tow. If, ien 
 the development of gas has ceased, a drop of the ammoniacal liquid, addeco a 
 saturated solution of sulphate of magnesia, gives no precipitate, the prepanon 
 is completed; but should a precipitate occur, the hydrosulphuret still conins 
 free ammonia, and must, therefore, be again subjected to the action of a stam 
 of sulphuretted hydrogen. The Hydrosulphuret of Ammonia must he ke in 
 a green glass bottle, furnished with an accurately ground stopper. The spine 
 gravity of this solution is 0'999.” Dub. 
 
 This preparation is a solution of hydrosulphate of ammonia in water, al is 
 formed by passing a stream of hydrosulphuric acid gas (sulphuretted hydrin) 
 through water of ammonia, contained in a Wolfe’s bottle. The hydrosulpinc 
 acid is generated by the action of dilute sulphuric acid on sulphuret of iron. The 
 water yields its oxygen to the iron forming protoxide of iron, with wbictne 
 
PAE II. 
 
 Ammonia. 
 
 859 
 
 sulparic acid combines; while the hydrogen of the water, uniting with the sul- 
 pha generates the hydrosulphuric acid. 
 
 }yperlies. Hydrosulphuret of ammonia is a liquid of a greenish-yellow colour, 
 very’etid smell, and acrid, disagreeable taste. It is characterized by giving co- 
 lourl precipitates with neutral metallic solutions, for which it is much used as 
 a te. It is decomposed by acids, which cause the escape of hydrosulphuric acid 
 witbffervescence, and the deposition of sulphur. The salt present in it appears 
 to b a bihydrosulphate, consisting of two eqs. of hydrosulphuric acid 34, and 
 one ’ ammonia 17=51. 
 
 Aiical Properties. This preparation is sedative, lessening the action of the 
 heai in a remarkable degree, and producing nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and 
 drobness. It has been used in diabetes mellitus, in which it was proposed as 
 a re'sdy by Dr. Cruickshank, for the purpose of lessening the morbid appetite 
 whii often attends that affection, and has been employed by Dr. Kollo and 
 othe . The dose is from five to six drops in a tumblerful of water three or 
 fourmes a day, to be gradually increased until giddiness is produced. B. 
 
 L]UOR AMMONITE. U. S. Ammonle Liquor. Lond ., Dub. Am- 
 MOSffl Aqua. Ed. Aqua Ammonite. Solution of Ammonia. Water of 
 Amonia. 
 
 “ ake of Muriate of Ammonia, in fine powder, Lime, each a pound ; Distilled 
 Wat.' a pint; Water nine fluidounces. Break the Lime in pieces, and pour the 
 Wat' upon it in an earthen or iron vessel; then cover the vessel, and set it aside 
 till te Lime falls into powder and becomes cold. Mix this thoroughly with the 
 Mmlte of Ammonia in a mortar, and immediately introduce the mixture into 
 a gin retort. Place the retort upon a sand-bath, and adapt to it a receiver, 
 prevusly connected, by means of a glass tube, with a quart bottle containing 
 the 'stilled Water. Then apply heat, to be gradually increased till the bottom 
 of tl iron vessel containing the sand becomes red-hot; and continue the process 
 so Ljg as ammonia comes over. Remove the liquor contained in the quart 
 bott and for every fiuidounce of it add three and a half fluidrachms of Dis- 
 tilleWater, or so much as may be necessary to raise its specific gravity to 0‘960. 
 Kee the solution in small bottles well stopped. Solution of Ammonia may also 
 be p pared by mixing one part, by measure, of Stronger Solution of Ammonia 
 withtvo parts of Distilled Water.” U. S. 
 
 “ ike of Sal Ammoniac, in fine powder, fresh-burned Lime, each eight 
 ounc [avoirdupois] ; Water four ounces [avoird.] ; Distilled Water sixteen 
 ounci [avoird.]. Pour on the Lime the four ounces of Water, and, when the 
 slaki' lime has cooled, mix it well with the Sal Ammoniac by trituration in a 
 morl ■. Introduce the mixture into a matrass of glass, or, if such can be had, 
 an ii i bottle, and, having closed this by means of a cork perforated by a suitable 
 tubepr conveying off the gas, apply, with the intervention of sand, a gentle 
 heat yvhicli must be gradually augmented, and cause the ammonia, as it is 
 evold, to pass first through a small Wolfe’s bottle furnished with a syphon 
 safettube containing mercury, and thence to the bottom of an [Imperial] pint 
 bottlcontaining the Distilled Water. The temperature of the latter must be 
 prev; ted from rising as the absorption of the gas proceeds, by surrounding the 
 bott. which contains it with cold water, which should be frequently renewed. 
 Tbe lecific gravity of this solution is 0'950.” Dub. 
 
 T London College now places solution of ammonia in the Materia Medica 
 list, recting it to have the specific gravity 0'960. 
 
 T Edinburgh process includes the formation of Liquor Ammoniac Fortior 
 and is preparation at one operation. The process has been quoted at length 
 and cplained under another head. (See Liquor Ammonise Fortiori) The 
 solu n of ammonia of this College is directed to have the sp.gr. 0‘960. 
 
860 
 
 Ammonia. 
 
 pai ii. 
 
 The object of the above processes is to obtain a weak aqueous solution (the 
 alkaline gas ammonia. The muriate of ammonia is decomposed by the su :ior 
 affinity of the lime for its acid, ammonia is disengaged, and the lime, coml in<r 
 with the acid, forms chloride of calcium and water. The lime is slaked to i der 
 it pulverulent, in which state it acts more readily on the muriate of amraia. 
 The Wolfe’s bottle is intended to retain any water holding in solution undom- 
 posed muriate, or the oily matter sometimes contained in this salt, asw. as 
 other impurities, which may be driven over by the heat; while the pui gas 
 passes forward through the glass tube into the bottle containing the di- lied 
 water, which should not fill it, on account of the increase of bulk whii the 
 water acquires during the absorption of the gas. The tube should coinne 
 down to near the bottom of the bottle, and pass through a cork, loosely fitti r its 
 mouth. To prevent the regurgitation of the water from the bottle into the ter- 
 mediate vessel, the latter should be furnished with a Welter’s tube of safe, as 
 directed by the Dublin College. Large bottles are improper for keepir the 
 water of ammonia obtained ; as, when they are partially empty, the atmos eric 
 air contained within them is apt to furnish a little carbonic acid to the ami nia. 
 
 In preparing solution of ammonia, the Pharmacopoeias now agree iu sing 
 equal weights of muriate of ammonia and lime for generating the gaseoij am- 
 monia. This proportion gives a great excess of lime, compared with the qrntity 
 required if determined by the equivalents. But in practice it is found ;van- 
 tageous to have an excess, as well to insure the full decomposition of them rate 
 of ammonia, as to make up for accidental impurities in the lime. 
 
 Solution of ammonia is obtained on the large scale by manufacturing c-htists, 
 with greater economy, from the sulphate instead of the hydrochlorate of amtmia. 
 
 The U. S., London, and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias give directions foiilu- 
 ting Liquor Ammonise Fortior, so as to reduce it to the strength of jquor 
 Ammoniae. This is effected by mixing one measure of the stronger prep:.tion 
 with two measures of distilled water (Co S-, Lond .), or with two and half 
 measures (Ed.). By dilution to this extent the stronger solution is bright 
 uniformly to the sp. gr. 0'960 ; the Edinburgh solution requiring more -iter, 
 because more concentrated. 
 
 Properties. The properties of Liquor Ammoniae Fortior have alread’been 
 given. (See page 84.) Those of the officinal solution of ammonia, descri l in 
 this place, are the same in kind, but weaker in degree. Its specific gra v y in 
 the U. S., London, and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias is the same, 0'960; 1 the 
 Dublin, 0‘950. When of the density 0'960, 100 grains of it saturate 30 fains 
 of officinal sulphuric acid, and contain nearly 10 grains of ammonia. It is 
 incompatible with acids, and with acidulous and most earthy and metallic-alts : 
 but it does not decompose the salts of lime, baryta, or strontia, and (com- 
 poses those of magnesia only partially. If precipitated by lime-water, tl am- 
 monia is partly carbonated. When saturated with nitric acid, it should re no 
 precipitate with carbonate of ammonia, nitrate of silver, or chloride of bium. 
 A precipitate with the first indicates earthy matter; with the second nriatie 
 acid or a chloride ; with the third sulphuric acid or a sulphate. Obmnrcial 
 solution of ammonia sometimes contains pyrrol , naphthaline, and other snble 
 impurities. These may be detected by the solution being reddened byutric 
 acid, and, after having been supersaturated with muriatic acid, by its tin ng a 
 slip of fir wood of a rich purple colour, characteristic of pyrrol. (Mactian.) 
 The source of these impurities is coal-gas liquor, from which the amm heal 
 compounds are largely obtained. 
 
 Composition. Water is capable of absorbing 670 times its volume of nmo- 
 niaeal gas at 50°, and increases its bulk about two-thirds. But the oeiual 
 solution of ammonia is by no means a saturated one. Thus, the ammon con- 
 
PAl' II. 
 
 Ammonia. 
 
 861 
 
 taiti in the U. S., London, and Edinburgh preparations is about 10 per cent.; 
 in e Dublin, about 124 per cent. The following table gives the per centage 
 of a moniacal gas in aqueous solutions of different densities. 
 
 jecific 
 
 cavity. 
 
 Ammonia 
 per cent. 
 
 Specific 
 
 Gravity. 
 
 Ammonia 
 per cent. 
 
 Specific 
 
 Gravity. 
 
 Ammonia 
 per cent. 
 
 8750 
 
 32-50 
 
 0-9326 
 
 17-52 
 
 0-9545 
 
 11-56 
 
 8875 
 
 29-25 
 
 0-9385 
 
 15-88 
 
 0-9573 
 
 10-82 
 
 9000 
 
 26-00 
 
 0-9435 
 
 14-53 
 
 0-9597 
 
 10-17 
 
 9054 
 
 25-37 
 
 0-9476 
 
 13-46 
 
 0-9619 
 
 9-60 
 
 ;9166 
 
 22-07 
 
 0-9513 
 
 12-40 
 
 0-9692 
 
 9-50 
 
 9255 
 
 19-54 
 
 
 
 
 
 Idical Properties and Uses. Solution of ammonia is stimulant, sudorific, 
 ant:id, and rubefacient. It stimulates more particularly the heart and arteries, 
 witljut unduly exciting the brain. As a stimulant, it is occasionally employed 
 in ralysis, hysteria, syncope, asphyxia, and similar affections. In the same 
 condaints it is often applied to the nostrils with advantage ; but, in cases of 
 instability, care must be taken not to carry the application too far, for fear of 
 induing dangerous and even fatal bronchitis. As an antacid, it is one of the 
 besfemedies in heartburn, and for the relief of sick headache when dependent 
 on idity of stomach. In these cases it acts usefully also by stimulating 
 the Stomach. In the bites of poisonous serpents, it has long been deemed a 
 powful antidote. A successful case, caused by the bite of a cobra de capello, 
 is norted by Dr. W. Chalmers, formerly of Bengal, in which the solution of 
 amifmia was chiefly relied on. It has been recommended by Dr. Guerard as 
 an plication to burns, which have proceeded to the extent of rubefaction or 
 rais g the cuticle, as a means of relieving the pain and hastening the cure. 
 (Jo,n. de Pharm., Jan. 1849.) As a rubefacient it is employed united with 
 oilsi the form of volatile liniment. (See Linimentum Ammoniae.') The dose 
 is fi n ten to thirty drops, largely diluted with water to prevent its caustic effect 
 on ti mouth and throat. When swallowed in an over-dose, its effects are those 
 of piorrosive poison. The best antidotes are vinegar and lemon-juice, which 
 act ; neutralizing the ammonia, and must be promptly applied to be useful. 
 Thelonseeutive inflammation must be treated on general principles. 
 
 harm. Uses. To prepare Aconitia; Calcis Phosphas Praecipitatum; Ferri 
 Oxiim Hydra turn; Morphia; Morphiae Acetas; Pulvis Antimonialis, Dub.; 
 Spiijus iEthereus Nitrosus; Strychnia; Veratria. 
 
 t.Prep. Ammonias Liquor Fortior, Dub.; Ammoniae Hydro-sulpburetum; 
 her Ammonio-citras; Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum ; Linimentum Ammoniae; 
 Lin entum Camphorae Oompositum ; Linimentum Hydrargyri. B. 
 
 ::QU0R AMMONIA ACETATIS. U.S., Lond. Ammoniae 
 AcJatis Aqua. Ed. Ammoniae Acetatis Liquor. Dub. Spiritus 
 Mi iereri. Solution of Acetate of Ammonia. Spirit of Mindererus. 
 
 'fake of Diluted Acetic Acid two pints; Carbonate of Ammonia, in powder, 
 o s% c lent quantity. Add the Carbonate of Ammonia gradually to the Acid 
 Rot it is saturated.” U. S. 
 
 1; London and Dublin processes are substantially the same as the above, 
 ake of Distilled Vinegar (from French Vinegar in preference) twenty-four 
 flurlunces [Imperial measure]; Carbonate of Ammonia an ounce. Mix them 
 andjssolve the salt. If the solution has any bitterness, add by degrees a little 
 Disjied Vinegar till that taste be removed. The density of the Distilled Vine- 
 gar iould be 1 005, and that of the Aqua Acetatis Ammoniae 1011.” Ed. 
 
862 
 
 Ammonia. 
 
 PAR: I. 
 
 This preparation is an aqueous solution of acetate of ammonia. The prt gs 
 by which it is formed constitutes a case of single elective affinity. The a ie 
 acid decomposes the carbonate, combines with the ammonia forming the ac< te 
 of ammonia, and disengages the carbonic acid with effervescence. The I n- 
 burgh is now the only British Pharmacopoeia that uses distilled vinegar in f n- 
 ing this preparation; the London and Dublin Colleges having followed in nr 
 recent Pharmacopoeias the U. S. process, which takes the officinal diluted a;ic 
 acid instead of distilled vinegar for saturating the carbonate. (See Acidum :e - 
 ticum Dilutum.) The use of diluted acetic acid is preferable to that of disted 
 vinegar; for, besides furnishing a solution of the acetate of uniform streng, a 
 result which cannot be attained by the employment of distilled vinegar, it a' ds 
 the production of a brownish solution, which uniformly follows the use olhe 
 latter, especially when it has been condensed in a metallic worm. Thequa ; tv 
 of carbonate of ammonia, necessary to saturate a given weight of the ae of 
 average strength, cannot be laid down with precision, on account of the var ole 
 quality of the salt. The preparation, when made with the diluted acetic fid 
 of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, contains about six per cent, of acetate of arum ia. 
 It is more convenient to add the salt to the acid than the acid to the sal as 
 the point of saturation is thus more easily attained. This point is best aer- 
 tained by the alternate use of turmeric and litmus paper; and it is a goodule 
 to allow a slight acidity to prevail, which will be due to carbonic acid diss.ed 
 in the liquid, and will disappear as soon as this acid is dissipated by time. 
 
 Properties. Solution of acetate of ammonia, when made of pure materii.is 
 a limpid and colourless liquid without smell. Its taste is saline, and resenlea 
 that of a mixture of nitre and sugar. When it contains an excess of aali, 
 its taste is bitterish. It should be freshly prepared at short intervals; fits 
 acid becomes decomposed, and a portiou of carbonate of ammonia is genei ed. 
 As formerly prepared, under the name of spirit us Mindereri, it was made om 
 the impure carbonate of ammonia containing animal oil, which modified thore- 
 paration by giving rise to a portion of ammoniacal soap. When pure it inot 
 coloured by bydrosulphuric acid, nor precipitated by chloride of barium, ti- 
 trate of silver precipitates crystals of acetate of silver, soluble in watennd 
 especially in nitric acid. An insoluble precipitate with this test is chlori of 
 silver, and shows the presence of muriatic acid. Potassa disengages amuaia, 
 sulphuric acid, acetous vapours. When evaporated to dryness, the reside is 
 wholly dissipated by heat, with the smell of ammonia. It is iucompatible.’itli 
 acids, the fixed alkalies and their carbonates, lime-water, magnesia, sulpha of 
 magnesia, corrosive sublimate, the sulphates of iron, copper, and zinc, andnrate 
 of silver. When it contains free carbonic acid, it produces with the acete or 
 subacetate of lead a precipitate of carbonate of lead, which, being mistake for 
 the sulphate, has sometimes led to the erroneous conclusion that sulphuri acid 
 was present in the distilled vinegar, when this has been employed. Aceto of 
 ammonia, the salt in solution in this preparation, is difficultly erystallizabl and 
 very deliquescent. It may be obtained by sublimation from a mixture of jual 
 parts of dry acetate of potassa or of lime, and muriate of ammonia. It cc-ists 
 of one eq. of acetic acid 51, and one of ammonia 17=68. When crystallid it 
 contains seven eqs. of water 63. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Solution of acetate of ammonia is a va able 
 diaphoretic, much employed in febrile and inflammatory diseases. Accordg to 
 the indications to be answered by its use, it is variously combined with nit and 
 antimonials, camphor and laudanum. If, instead of promoting its determi tion 
 to the skin by external warmth, the patient walk about in a cool air, its tion 
 will be directed to the kidneys. It is sometimes used externally as a disci cut. 
 Mr. Brande speaks of it as an excellent application in mumps, applied kokpon 
 
PAI II. 
 
 Ammonia. 
 
 863 
 
 a pile of flannel. In the hydrocele of children, it is strongly recommended by 
 Dr. laushner, applied by means of compresses kept constantly moist. ( Journ . 
 deAarm.,Se ser.,\. 317.) Mixed in the quantity of a fluidounce with seven 
 fluimnces of rosewater, and two fluidrachms of laudanum, it forms a useful 
 coll ium in chronic ophthalmia. The late Dr. A. T. Thomson used it as a lotion 
 witlgood effect in porrigo affecting the scalp. The dose is from half a fluid- 
 oun to a fluidounce and a half, every three or four hours, mixed with water 
 and weetened with sugar. It proves sometimes very grateful to febrile patients, 
 whe prescribed with an equal measure of carbonic acid water. B. 
 
 1QUOR AMMONIiE CITRATIS. Loncl. Solution of Citrate of 
 Antonia. 
 
 “ake of Citric Acid three ounces; Distilled Water a pint [Imperial measure]; 
 Sesdcarbonate of Ammonia two ounces and a half, or a sufficient quantity. Dis- 
 solvthe Acid in the Water, and add the Sesquicarbonate to saturation.” Land. 
 
 Iconsequence of the want of correspondence between the London measures 
 and lose in use with us, it will be more convenient to make this preparation in 
 accdance with the U. S. process for Solution of Citrate of Potassa. The result 
 will ot be materially different. All that is required is to saturate lemon or lime 
 juic or an equivalent solution of citric acid, with carbonate of ammonia. Such 
 a sftion may be made by rubbing half an ounce of citric acid first with two 
 minis of oil of lemons, and then with half a pint of water till it is dissolved. 
 
 inore elegant mode of exhibition is that of an extemporaneous effervescing 
 draiht. To half a fluidounce of lemon juice mixed with an equal measure of 
 wati or to a fluidounce of a solution of citric acid containing 17 grains of the 
 acid s to be added half a fluidounce of a solution containing 13 grains of car- 
 bon® of ammonia, and the mixture is to be administered while effervescing. 
 
 Ii solution of citrate of ammonia is given as a refrigerant diaphoretic in 
 febr; complaints, and is especially applicable to typhoid fevers, with a hot 
 and cy skin. A tablespoonful of the saturated solution, or the whole quantity 
 abo' mentioned of the effervescing preparation, may be repeated every hour, 
 two or three hours. W. 
 
 SIRITUS AMMONLZE. U. S., Ed. Spirit of Ammonia. 
 
 “ike of Muriate of Ammonia, in fine powder, Lime, each a pound; Alcohol 
 txoei 'fluidounces ; Water nine fluidounces. Slake the lime with the Water, mix 
 it w l the Muriate of Ammonia, and proceed in the manner directed for Solu- 
 tion f Ammonia, the Alcohol being introduced into the quart bottle instead of 
 Dist ed Water. When all the ammonia has come over, remove the liquor con- 
 tain in the quart bottle, and keep it in small bottles well stopped.” U. S. 
 
 “ ake of Rectified Spirit two pints [Imperial measure]; fresh-burnt Lime 
 heel] ounces [a pound]; Muriate of Ammonia, in very fine powder, eight ounces; 
 Wat six fluidounces and a half [Imp. meas.]. Let the Lime be slaked with 
 the ; ater in an iron or earthenware vessel, and cover the vessel till the powder 
 be cl; mix the Lime and Muriate of Ammonia quickly and thoroughly in a 
 mor ■, and transfer the mixture at once into a glass retort; adapt to the retort 
 a tu. which passes nearly to the bottom of a bottle containing the Rectified 
 Spin; heat the retort in a sand-bath gradually, so long as anything passes over, 
 pres ving the bottle cool. The bottle should be large enough to contain one- 
 balf lore than the spirit used.” Ed. 
 
 8 'it of ammonia is now officinal in the U. S. and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias 
 only the London and Dublin Colleges having dismissed the preparation under 
 the me name. It is a solution of caustic ammonia in rectified spirit. The pro- 
 port is of the ingredients of the U. S. formula are so adjusted as to give a pre- 
 paraon, containing between 10 and 11 per cent, of ammonia, and capable of 
 
864 
 
 Ammonia. 
 
 pari [, 
 
 saturating about 30 per cent, of officinal sulphuric acid. Accordingly it aco s 
 as it was intended it should, in ammoniaeal strength, with the U. S. Li, y r 
 Ammoniae. Its sp.gr. is 0 831, or thereabouts. The Edinburgh spirit of a- 
 monia may be roughly estimated to be not quite one-third as strong as th;of 
 the U. S. Pharmacopoeia; for the ammonia extricated from the same quanti of 
 muriate of ammonia, is passed into three times as much rectified spirit, ae 
 density of the Edinburgh spirit is “about 0'845.” As rectified spirit bectes 
 lighter by the absorption of ammoniaeal gas, it is evident that the alcoholic m- 
 struum, in the Edinburgh preparation, gains water as well as ammonia irae 
 distillation. This addition of water to the product is prevented by the im- 
 mediate receiver used in the U. S. process, and consequently the spirit of a- 
 monia obtained has a less specific gravity than that of rectified spirit. 
 
 Properties. The U. S. spirit of ammonia, formerly called ammoniated ale :1, 
 is a transparent colourless liquid, having a strong ammoniaeal odour, and nd 
 taste. When good it does not effervesce with diluted muriatic acid; but iiild 
 or carelessly kept, it is apt to be partially carbonated, as shown by this test.lt, 
 however, absorbs carbonic acid more slowly than Liquor Ammoniae. Theif;!- 
 lurgh preparation agrees in nature with the U. S. spirit, but is only one-thiiits 
 strength. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Spirit of ammonia is stimulant and antispasm ic, 
 and is given in hysteria, flatulent colic, and nervous debility. It is, hower, 
 not much used ; the aromatic spirit, which is pleasanter and has similar prope es, 
 being preferred. The dose of the U. S. preparation is from ten to thirty ops 
 in a wineglassful of water; of the Edinburgh from thirty drops to a fluidram. 
 Spirit of ammonia dissolves resins, gum-resins, camphor, and the volatile ds. 
 The Edinburgh College uses its spirit for making the aromatic and fetid sj-its 
 of ammonia, and the am moniated tinctures, as is seen by the subjoined list, ’he 
 U. S. spirit enters into no officinal preparation. 
 
 Off. Prep. Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus, Ed. ; Spiritns Ammonias Foetus, 
 Ed. ; Tinctura Castorei Ammoniata; Tinet. Guaiaci Ammoniata, Ed.; let. 
 Opii Ammoniata; Tinct. Valerianae Ammoniata, Ed. 
 
 SPIRITUS AMMONLZE AROMATICUS. U. S., Lond.,Ed.,<xl. 
 Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia. 
 
 “ Take of Muriate of Ammonia five ounces; Carbonate of Potassa eight oues; 
 Cinnamon, bruised, Cloves, bruised, each, two drachms; Lemon Peel/oar owe* ; 
 Alcohol, Water, each, five pints. Mix them and distil seven pints and a If . ' 
 
 u. s. 
 
 The London formula is the original of the above, and need not be quo!. 
 
 “Take of Spirit of Ammonia eight fluidounces ; Volatile Oil of Lemon’eel 
 a fluid raclim; Volatile Oil of Rosemary a fluidraclim and a half. Dissohthe 
 Oils in the Spirit by agitation.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Rectified Spirit three pints; Stronger Solution of Ammonia six nd- 
 ounces; Oil of Lemon half a fluidounce; Oil of Xu t meg tico fluidrachnu Oil 
 of Cinnamon half a fluidrachm. Dissolve the Oils in the Spirit, and ad the 
 Solution of Ammonia. Mix with agitation and filter. The specific graw of 
 this solution is 0'852.” Bub. The measures used are Imperial. 
 
 The London and U. S. aromatic spirit of ammonia is made by impregttng 
 the menstruum with monocarbonate of ammonia, formed by double decompotion 
 between muriate of ammonia and carbonate of potassa. Thus the products a 
 spirituous solution of the monocarbonate, impregnated with aromatics. Tharo- 
 matic spirit of the Edinburgh College is a mere solution of certain volatilons 
 in the caustic simple spirit of that College. The Dublin College, in its rc^d 
 Pharmacopoeia of 1850, ammoniates rectified spirit with stronger solution cam- 
 monia, and impregnates the product with certain volatile oils. 
 
PAR II. 
 
 Ammonia. — Antimonium. 
 
 865 
 
 T; U. S. and London aromatic spirits are the same, and have the sp.gr. 
 0 91. The Edinburgh and Dublin preparations are much stronger, being 
 rectied spirit highly impregnated with caustic ammonia. The density of the 
 Ediijurgli preparation is not given, that of the Dublin is (P852. 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Aromatic spirit of ammonia is fitted to fulfill 
 the ime indications as the simple spirit; hut is much more used on account of 
 its giteful taste and smell. It is advantageously employed as a stimulant an- 
 tacicn sick headache. The dose of the U. S. and London spirit is from thirty 
 dropito a fluidrachm or more, sufficiently diluted with water; that of the Edin- 
 burg and Dublin, about one-third as much. The spirit is compatible with sul- 
 phatof magnesia, and may be usefully added to aperient draughts of that salt, 
 to rc'der them less offensive to the stomach. 
 
 Cj Prep. Tinctura Colehici Composita; Tinct. Gfuaiaci Ammoniata, U. S., 
 Loir; Tinct. Valerianae Ammoniata, U. S., Lond. B. 
 
 SIRITUS AMMONITE FCETIDUS. Lond., Ed., Dub. Fetid 
 Spit of Ammonia. 
 
 “'|ke of Hydrochlorate [Muriate] of Ammonia ten ounces; Carbonate of 
 Pota a sixteen ounces; Rectified Spirit, Water, each, three pints [Imperial mea- 
 sure' Assafetida y? re ounces. Mix them; then with a slow fire distil three pints 
 [Im|meas.].” Lond. Sp. gr. 0'861. 
 
 ke of Spirit of Ammonia ten fluid ounces and a half [Imp. meas.]; Assa- 
 fetid -half an ounce. Break the Assafetida into small fragments, digest it in 
 the firit for twelve hours, and distil over ten fluidounces and a half by means 
 of a pour-bath heat.” Ed. 
 
 “'keof Assafetida one ounce and a half [avoirdupois] ; Rectified Spirit one 
 pint id a half [Imperial measure]; Stronger Solution of Ammonia three fluid- 
 ounci. Break the Assafetida into small pieces, and macerate it in the Spirit 
 for t nty-four hours; then distil off the entire of the Spirit, and mix the pre- 
 ductsnth the Solution of Ammonia. The sp. gr. of this preparation is 0'849.” 
 Dubi 
 
 Olhese preparations that of the London College is mainly an alcoholic solu- 
 tion Carbonate of Ammonia; those of the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges a 
 simil solution of caustic ammonia. The small proportion of the volatile oil of 
 assaf da can have little other effect than to impart a disagreeable odour and 
 taste. The spirit is colourless at first, but becomes brownish with age. It is 
 giver, n hysteria in doses of from thirty drops to a fluidrachm. W. 
 
 ANTIMONIUM. 
 
 Preparations of Antimony. 
 
 AIIMONII TERCHLORIDI LIQUOR. Dab. Solution of Ter- 
 ehlorle of Antimony. 
 
 “'J te of Prepared Sulphuret of Antimony one pound, [avoirdupois] ; Muriatic 
 Acid ' Commerce four pints [Imp. meas.]. Upon the Sulphuret, placed in a 
 poreeUn capsule, pour tbe Acid, and, constantly stirring, apply to the mixture, 
 beueaii a flue with a good draught, a gentle heat, which must be gradually aug- 
 ment as the development of gas begins to slacken, and finally carried to ebul- 
 lition nd maintained at this temperature for fifteen minutes. The vessel being 
 now moved from the fire, let its liquid contents be separated by filtration 
 tlirou calico, returning what passes through first, in order that a perfectly 
 dear ilution may be obtained. Transfer the liquid to another capsule, and 
 bavin boiled it down to the bulk of one quart [Imp. meas.], allow it to cool, 
 
866 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 pap n. 
 
 and preserve it in a bottle, furnished with a well-ground glass stopper, 'he 
 specific gravity of this solution is 1'470.” Dub. 
 
 When tersulphuret of antimony is dissolved by the aid of heat in mtfitic 
 acid, a double decomposition takes place, resulting in the formation of tercb ide 
 of antimony and hydrosulphuric acid (sulphuretted hydrogen), which give he 
 to effervescence. As this gas is exceedingly offensive and deleterious, th na- 
 terials, during the reaction, are directed to be placed under a flue with a nod 
 draught. After the reaction is over, the resulting aqueous solution of te jilo- 
 ride of antimony, after having been strained, is boiled down to a detern ate 
 volume. 
 
 Properties. Solution of terchloride of antimony is a pale-yellow, transput, 
 dense liquid, possessing caustic properties. When of a deep-red colour : is 
 impure from the presence of iron. Its sp. gr., concentrated to the extent di ted 
 by the Dublin College, is 1’470. When it is distilled, water, the exes of 
 muriatic acid, and any tersulphuret of arsenic that may happen to be print, 
 are first expelled, and afterwards the terchloride volatilizes. The pure tejhlo- 
 ride may be obtained by changing the receiver, as soon as the distilled pi luct 
 concretes on cooling. Pure terchloride of antimony, called by the earlier ch ists 
 butter of antimony , is a white, readily fusible solid, of the consistence of 1: ter, 
 deliquescent and powerfully caustic, and volatilizable under an obscure red eat, 
 It was formerly used in medicine as a caustic. It usually acts without asing 
 much pain or inflammation, and, after the separation of the eschar, forms a Ban, 
 healthy ulcer. 
 
 Solution of terchloride of antimony is a new officinal of the Dublin Pt ma- 
 copoeia of 1850, and was probably introduced not as a therapeutic agent, t as 
 & source of the officinal oxide of antimony. 
 
 Off. Prep. Antimonii Oxydum. I 
 
 ANTIMONII OXIDUM. Ed. Antimonii Oxydum. Dub. die 
 of Antimony. Teroxide of Antimony. 
 
 “ Take of Sulphuret of Antimony, in fine powder, four ounces; MuriatiAcid 
 (commercial) a pint [Imp. meas.] ; Water Jive pints [Imp. meas.]. Drive 
 the Sulphuret in the Acid with the aid of a gentle heat; boil for half an our; 
 filter; pour the fluid into the Water; collect the precipitate on a calico Iter; 
 wash it well with cold water, then with a weak solution of carbonate of soc and 
 again with cold water till the water ceases to affect reddened litmus paper. Dry 
 the powder over the vapour bath.” Pd. 
 
 “Take of Solution of Terchloride of Antimony sixteen fluid ounces Imp. 
 meas.]; Water two gallons [Imp. meas.]; Solution of Caustic Potash on pud 
 [Imp. meas.]; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Pour the antimoniapolu- 
 tion into the Water, and, having stirred the mixture well, set it by un. the 
 white precipitate which forms has subsided. Draw off the supernatant; quid 
 by decantation, or the syphon, and having agitated the sediment with aallon 
 of Distilled Water, allow the whole to stand until the Oxide has fallenothe 
 bottom. Decant again, and having placed the sediment on a calico filteiwish 
 it with Distilled Water until the liquid which trickles through redden Hue 
 litmus paper only in a very slight degree. The precipitate is now to be aken 
 occasionally for half an hour with the Solution of Caustic Potash, and then ashed 
 on a filter with boiling Distilled Water, until the washings cease to give pre- 
 cipitate on being dropped into an acid solution of nitrate of silver. Lasq let 
 the product be dried at a heat not exceeding 120°.” Dub. 
 
 In these processes the teroxide of antimony is obtained from the sobon ot 
 the terchloride, formed by a step of the Edinburgh formula, but by a sarate 
 formula of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia. By dissolving tersulphuret of anflony 
 in muriatic acid, the Edinburgh College forms the Dublin solution of tercoride 
 
PAI' II. 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 867 
 
 of rtimony, though the College does not give it a distinct name. When this 
 soli on is poured into a large quantity of water, there is precipitated a white 
 pover, formerly called powder of Algaroth (see Appendix), which is an oxy- 
 eklcde, consisting of nine eqs. of teroxide and two of terchloride. The ter- 
 chlcide is in great part decomposed by the water, the elements of which convert 
 it ill) muriatic acid and teroxide. The muriatic acid remains in solution, while 
 the iroside falls in union with a small proportion of terchloride, forming the 
 oxyiloride. The oxychloride is first washed with abundance of water to sepa- 
 rate dhering muriatic acid, and afterwards acted upon by a solution of alkali 
 (cannate of soda, Ed., caustic potassa, Dub.) to remove the terchloride; when 
 the iroxide is left, and only requires to be washed with water in order to render 
 it pre. The last washing separates the chloride of sodium or potassium., re- 
 sult g from the decomposition of the terchloride; and the water of this washing 
 is teed, in the Dublin formula, for the absence of a chloride by nitrate of silver. 
 In liking this oxide, the apothecary should give the preference to the Dublin 
 forn.la, as more precise in its directions. 
 
 lbperties. Teroxide of antimony is a snow-white, heavy powder, permanent 
 in ti air, insoluble in water, but readily soluble in muriatic or tartaric acid, or 
 in aioiling solution of bitartrate of potassa. When heated in close vessels, it 
 hemes yellow, fuses at a full red heat, and finally sublimes in crystalline 
 neees. When cooled from a state of fusion, it forms a fibrous crystalline mass. 
 Head in open vessels, it suddenly becomes red-hot, and, by the absorption of 
 oxy n, changes into antimonious acid, which differs from the teroxide in being 
 insoble in muriatic acid, less fusible, and not volatile. This oxide is the active 
 ingmient of all the medicinal preparations of antimony. It is frequently impure 
 froccontaining antimonious acid, in which case it will not be entirely soluble in 
 mui tic acid. If it contain terchloride, which it is apt to do from the imperfect 
 actil of the alkaline solutions employed in its purification, its solution in tartaric 
 acid rill be precipitated by nitrate of silver. When antimonious acid is sub- 
 stitiid for it, the fraud may be detected by the spurious preparation being en- 
 tire! insoluble in muriatic acid. Teroxide of antimony consists of one eq. of 
 antijony 129, and three of oxygen 24 = 153, and its formula is consequently Sb0 3 . 
 
 Alical Properties. This oxide possesses the general therapeutic properties 
 of t : antimonials. It deserves more attention than has been paid to it ; and 
 its etets, comparatively with those of tartar emetic, should be carefully studied. 
 It i probable that its sedative operation would be found the same, with less 
 nau.‘t and disturbance of the stomach. Like antimonial powder, it is very 
 unecal in its effects, sometimes vomiting, at other times being apparently inert. 
 Ia t case of the French Codex oxide, prepared by boiling the oxychloride with 
 a soibion of bicarbonate of potassa, these differences are attributed by M. Du- 
 rancof Caen, to the presence of more or less terchloride, which is separated 
 with ifficulty . Objecting to the Codex oxide, M. Durand proposes to obtain 
 it b precipitating tartar emetic with ammonia in excess. The oxide, thus 
 obta'ed, contains no terchloride, and does not vomit. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e 
 serd. 364.) The dose of the oxide is from three to ten grains, repeated every 
 two | three hours, and given in powder with syrup or molasses, or in pill made 
 up v h confection of roses, or other suitable excipient. 
 
 C Prep. Antimonium Tartarizatum. B. 
 
 JfTIMONII ET POTASSiE TARTRAS. U. S. Antimonii Po- 
 tasi >tartras. Lond. Antimonium Tartarizatum. Ed., Dub. Tar- 
 tratgf Antimony and Potassa. Tartarized Antimony. Tartar Emetic . 
 
 “ ike of Sulphuret of Antimony, in fine powder, four ounces ; Muriatic Acid 
 two i-five ounces ; Nitric Acid two drachms ; Water a gallon. Having mixed 
 
868 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 pa: ii. 
 
 the Acids together in a glass vessel, add by degrees the Sulphuret of Anti my, 
 and digest the mixture, with a gradually increasing heat, till efferve ;nce 
 ceases ; then boil for an hour. Filter the liquor when it has become col and 
 pour it into the Water. Wash the precipitated powder frequently with .ter 
 till it is entirely freed from acid, and then dry it. Take of this powd two 
 ounces; Bitartrate of Potassa, in very fine powder, two ounces and a halj Dis- 
 tilled Water eighteen fluidounces. Boil the Water in a glass vessel; th< add 
 the powders previously mixed together, and boil for an hour; lastly, filt the 
 liquor while hot, and set it aside to crystallize. By further evaporatic the 
 liquor may be made to yield an additional quantity of crystals, which shod be 
 purified by a second crystallization.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Sulphuret of Antimony, in fine powder, four ounces; Muriatiicid 
 (commercial) a pint [Imperial measure] ; Water five pints [Imp. meas.]. Dis- 
 solve the Sulphuret in the Acid with the aid of a gentle heat; boil for If an 
 hour; filter; pour the liquid into the Water; collect the precipitate on ailico 
 filter, wash it with cold water till the water ceases to redden litmus pape: dry 
 the precipitate over the vapour-bath. Take of this precipitate three aces; 
 Bitartrate of Potashybwr ounces and two drachms ; Water twenty-seven 'uid- 
 ounces [Imp. meas.]. Mix the powders, add the Water, boil for an hour iter, 
 and set the liquid aside to crystallize. The mother-liquor, when concemted. 
 yields more crystals, but not so free of colour, and, therefore, requiring a cond 
 crystallization.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Oxide of Antimony five ounces [avoirdupois]; white Bitart te of 
 Potash six ounces [avoird.] ; Distilled Water one quart [Imp. meas.]. Hr the 
 Bitartrate to a fine powder, and, having carefully mixed it with the Ode of 
 Antimony, add a little Water, so as to convert the mixture into a thick aste, 
 which should be set by for twenty-four hours. Pour on this the remainderf the 
 Water, previously raised to the temperature of 212°, and, having boiled forfteen 
 minutes, with repeated stirring, in a glass or porcelain vessel, filter t ough 
 calico, returning the slightly turbid liquor which first passes through, sis to 
 obtain a clear solution. After twelve hours let the solution be decanted frn the 
 crystals which will have formed, and boiled down to one-third, when, on oling, 
 au additional product will be obtained. The salt, after being dried upon Itting 
 paper without the application of heat, should be preserved in a bottle.” :ul. 
 
 “ Take of Tersulphuret of Antimony, in very fine powder, a pound; Suhuric 
 Acid fifteen fiuidounces [Imp. meas.]; Bitartrate of Potassa ten ounces; distil- 
 led Water five pints [Imp. meas.]. Mix the Tersulphuret with the Aeiun an 
 iron vessel, and expose the mixture, under a chimney, to a gentle hea occa- 
 sionally stirring with an iron spatula. Then increase the heat, until, thfiame 
 of burning sulphur having gone out, nothing remains but a whitish pulvulent 
 mass. Wash this, when cold, with water, until all acid is removed, andryit. 
 Mix thoroughly nine ounces of this salt with the Bitartrate, and boil 1 the 
 Water for half an hour. Strain the liquor while still hot, and set it ade to 
 form crystals. Having poured off the liquor, dry these, and again ev orate 
 that crystals may form.” Land. 
 
 This preparation is a double salt, consisting of tartrate of potassa, unit with 
 tartrate of teroxide of antimony. The principle of its formation is exceingly 
 simple, being merely the saturation of the excess of acid in the bitartrate cream 
 of tartar) with the teroxide. The officinal processes all consist in being a 
 mixture of cream of tartar and some form of the teroxide with water, he t ■ 
 S. and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias agree in using the form of teroxidecalled 
 oxychloride of antimony , or powder of Algaroth, which is not officinal .der a 
 distinct name, but is formed in the first step of the tartar emetic proctses of 
 those works. The Dublin College, in its revised Pharmacopoeia of IS. 1 , has 
 
PAI II. 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 869 
 
 sub; tuted the pure teroxide of antimony for the oxychloride, which, not being 
 nowised in any officinal preparation, is expunged from its catalogue. The 
 Iionj)DL College has abandoned the use of the crocus of antimony , and employs 
 at psent (Pharmacopoeia of 1851) the form of teroxide obtained by boiling 
 sulfuric acid with the tersulphuret to dryness, and washing the product. 
 
 Ti U. S. and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias agree in the same general plan for 
 matig the oxychloride. The tersulphuret of antimony is dissolved in from five 
 to s times its weight of muriatic acid, assisted by a hundredth of nitric acid 
 in ti U. S. formula, but without this acid in the Edinburgh. The solution is 
 thron into a large quantity of water, equal to about twenty-five or thirty times 
 the fight of the sulphuret employed, and the oxychloride is precipitated. This 
 is m:edwith from one and a quarter to about one and a half times its weight of 
 crea of tartar, and boiled, for from half an hour to an hour, with about eight 
 and half times its weight of distilled water; and the liquor obtained is filtered 
 whiihot and set aside to crystallize. By further evaporation the mother-liquor 
 maye made to yield a second crop of crystals, which, not being free from colour, 
 musbe purified by a second crystallization. When no more crystals can be 
 obta ed, the liquor which is left contains, according to Knapp, a gummy salt, 
 whic consists of tartrate of potassa united to the tertartrate of teroxide of an- 
 tirncy. If this liquor be boiled with a fresh portion of oxychloride, as long 
 as tjjs is taken up, it will furnish an additional quantity of crystals of tartar 
 eme .; and, finally, if the new mother-liquor be saturated with carbonate of 
 potah, it will furnish a third crop of the antimonial salt, after which the liquor 
 is errely exhausted. ( Journ . de Pharm. , xxvi. 136, from Annul, der Pharm.) 
 The^yckloride, as its name imports, contains a portion of terchloride. This 
 is d( imposed during the boiling, by means of the elements of water, into addi- 
 tion; teroxide, which helps to form the tartar emetic, and muriatic acid which 
 servi to hold in solution iron and other metallic impurities, which otherwise 
 wou. fall and contaminate the crystals. Accordingly, it is asserted that the 
 pure eroxide is not so well fitted for making tartar emetic as the oxychloride, 
 in w ah the teroxide is usefully combined with some terchloride. If this state- 
 men jihould be confirmed, the Dublin College has injudiciously substituted the 
 purejroxide for the oxychloride in its last formula for tartar emetic. 
 
 Ir he London formula, the teroxide is formed in the following manner. By 
 gent heating sulphuric acid with the tersulphuret of antimony, the metal is 
 teroPized at the expense of part of the acid, sulphurous acid is evolved, and 
 sulphr set free. By increasing and continuing the heat until dryness is pro- 
 duce,! the whole of the sulphurous acid is driven off, the free sulphur is burnt 
 out, Id nothing remains but the teroxide, united with sulphuric acid, in the form 
 of thltersulphate of the teroxide of antimony. This, by continued washing, is 
 conv ted into the anhydrous disulphate of the teroxide ( l 2Sb0 3 ,S0 3 ). ( Phillips .) 
 The isulphate is then mixed with cream of tartar in the proportion of nine 
 parts a weight to ten, and the mixture boiled with water in the usual manner. 
 
 Ti use of disulphate of antimony in making tartar emetic originated with the 
 late . \ Phillips as early as the year 1811. He recommended it to be prepared 
 by b ing metallic antimony with twice its weight of sulphuric acid to dryness, 
 and \ sking the product with water. This method of preparing it was greatly 
 impr ed by the substitution of the tersulphuret for metallic antimony, as sug- 
 gests by the late Dr. Babington. The disulphate, made in this way, has been 
 tor a >ng time used in England for preparing tartar emetic, and is now adopted 
 for t, same purpose by the London College. The disulphate process is an eligi- 
 ble on, and, at the same time, has the merit of being economical. Mr. Phillips 
 says affords “ a very pure and beautiful salt.” 
 
 Thing given a sketch of the several officinal formulas, it may be useful to 
 
870 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 PART 
 
 present them in a table. The form of teroxide selected is reduced to the s e 
 quantity, and the measures of water in the U. S., London, and Edinburgh P r- 
 macopceias are converted into the nearest corresponding weights. 
 
 AUTHORITY. 
 
 Form of 
 Teroxide 
 employed. 
 
 Proportion 
 
 of 
 
 Teroxide. 
 
 Proportion 
 of Cream of 
 Tartar. 
 
 Proporti 
 
 of 
 
 IVater 
 
 London Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Disulphate. 
 
 4 
 
 4-4 
 
 44.4 
 
 Dublin 
 
 do. 
 
 Teroxide, pure. 
 
 4 
 
 4.8 
 
 82 
 
 U. S. 
 
 do. 
 
 Oxychloride. 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 34 
 
 Edinburgh 
 
 do. 
 
 Do. 
 
 4 
 
 5.7 
 
 33 
 
 It is seen by the table that for a given amount of teroxide, the London Co! ge 
 orders the least cream of tartar, and the Edinburgh the most. The proponn 
 of water is not very different in the Dublin, U. S. and Edinburgh Pha: a- 
 copoeias, but is considerably greater in the London. 
 
 In judging of the relative eligibility of these processes, several eircumstaes 
 are to be taken into view. The cream of tartar should not be in excess; ; in 
 that case it is apt to crystallize upon cooling with the tartar emetic formed. To 
 avoid such a result it is better to have a slight excess of antimonial oxide. .Vo 
 rule is applicable to the determination of the proper proportion of water, e::pt 
 that it should be sufficient to dissolve the tartar emetic formed. Thehottra- 
 ' tion, directed in the U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias, may be convenidly 
 performed by means of the tin apparatus, devised by Dr. Hare for filtering lit ids 
 at the point of ebullition. (S ee page 778 for a figure of this apparatus.) "he 
 U. S. and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias boil for an hour; the London, for ha an 
 hour; the Dublin for fifteen minutes. In all cases the salt should be obtaed 
 in well defined crystals, unmixed with those of cream of tartar, as the best ilex 
 of its purity. The practice of some manufacturing chemists of boiling tl fil- 
 tered liquor to dryness, whereby an impure mass is obtained, consisting inart 
 only of the antimonial salt, is very reprehensible. 
 
 It is not easy to decide as to the relative eligibility of the different fori of 
 antimonial oxide used for preparing tartar emetic; but it may be proper to ate 
 that the preference was given to the oxychloride ( powder of Abjaroth ) byler- 
 zelius; and M. Henry, an eminent pharmaceutist of Paris, after a careful rm- 
 parison of the different processes, declared in favour of the use of this c.de. 
 This testimony in favour of the oxychloride induced the revisers of our na tal 
 Pharmacopoeia in 1830, to adopt it for making tartar emetic; and the Edinlrgh 
 College judiciously substituted it for the crocus of antimony in its revisi- of 
 1839. 
 
 M. Henry has given a process for preparing tartar emetic with the oxyehriae 
 on a large scale; and as his formula may’ be useful to the manufacturing choist, 
 we subjoin it, turning the French weights into the nearest apothecaries vrehts 
 and measures. Take of prepared sulphuret of antimony, in very fine peder, 
 three pounds four ounces; muriatic acid, marking 2'2° (sp. gr. 1178), eigeen 
 pounds and a half; nitric acid two ounces and a half. Introduce the sulpuret 
 into a glass matrass, of a capacity double the volume of the mixture to be foned; 
 and add to it from three to five pounds of the acids previously mixed, s that 
 the sulphuret may be thoroughly penetrated by them; then add the remader 
 of the acids. Place the matrass on a sand-bath, and heat the mixture gravity 
 to ebullition, avoiding the vapours, which are disengaged in large quantity, con- 
 tinue the heat until the vapours given off are so far deprived of sulphuretted Imo- 
 gen as not to blacken white paper moistened with solution of acetate of lead fter 
 
par: ii. 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 871 
 
 wliic allow the liquor to cool, and to remain at rest until it has become clear. 
 Decao the clear liquor, and, in order to procure the portion of liquid which 
 may e retained by the moist residue, add to this a small portion of muriatic 
 acid, nd again decant. Mix the decanted liquids, which consist of a solution 
 of tehloride of antimony, and add them to a large quantity of water, in order 
 that e oxychloride may be precipitated; taking care, during their addition, to 
 stir instantly in order that the precipitated powder may be more minutely di- 
 videcto facilitate its subsequent washing. To determine whether the water has 
 been ifficient to decompose the whole of the terchloride. a part of the super- 
 natai liquid, after the subsidence of the powder, is to be added to a fresh por- 
 tion water; and, if a precipitate take place, more water must be added to the 
 mist e, so as to obtain the largest possible product of oxychloride. The pre- 
 cipih on being completely effected, wash the powder repeatedly with water, 
 until his no longer affects litmus, and place it on linen to drain for twenty-four 
 hour; The quantity of oxychloride thus obtained will be about three pounds 
 and ;aalf in the moist state, or two pounds nine ounces when dry. Assuming 
 it to ; this quantity, mix it with three pounds eleven ounces of cream of tartar, 
 in fin powder, and add the mixture to two gallons and five pints of boiling water, 
 contaed in an iron kettle. Concentrate the liquor rapidly until it marks 25° 
 of B:mfi’s hydrometer for salts, and then filter. By repose the liquor furnishes 
 a croof very pure crystals, which require only to be dried. The mother waters 
 are tated in the following manner. Saturate the excess of acid with chalk, 
 filter md concentrate to 25°. By cooling a second crop of crystals will be ob- 
 taine; and by proceeding in a similar manner, even a third crop. But these 
 cryst s are somewhat coloured, and must be purified by recrystallization. 
 
 In elation to the above process, it may be observed that the proportion of 
 oxyc.-oride and cream of tartar must be adjusted according to the numbers given, 
 ou tt assumption that the former is dry; but it by no means follows that the 
 wholof the oxide should be dried. To proceed thus would be a waste of time. 
 The ode of proceeding is to weigh the whole of the moist oxide, and afterwards 
 to wf h off a small part of it, and ascertain how much this loses in drying. 
 Then-y a calculation it is easy to determine how much the whole of the moist 
 oxide rould weigh in the dry state. 
 
 Taar emetic is not usually prepared by the apothecary, but made on a large 
 scale / the manufacturing chemist. Different processes are pursued in different 
 manietories; and it is not material what plan is adopted, provided the crystals 
 of th antimonial salt are carefully purified. In an extensive manufactory in 
 Londt, antimony ash (see page 104) is employed for boiling with the cream of 
 tarta' and it is stated to form the cheapest material for making tartar emetic. 
 (Perea, Mat. Med.) Mohr prefers the use of a moist oxide, prepared by adding 
 gradnly an intimate mixture of one part, each, of tersulphuret of antimony and 
 nitra of potassa, to a boiling mixture of one part of sulphuric acid and two of 
 water The liquid is boiled down nearly to dryness and allowed to cool. The 
 grayi -white mass, thus formed, is then washed thoroughly with water. The 
 detai of this process are given by Soubeiran, by whom it is praised, in the 
 Jouryle Pharm., 3e sir., iii. 827. 
 
 Pi-ierties , dr. Tartrate of antimony and potassa was discovered in 1631 by 
 Adri; de Mynsicht. It is in the form of transparent, colourless crystals, which 
 posse: a nauseous, metallic, styptic taste, and have usually the form of rhombic 
 octoh rons. When prepared from the oxychloride, it crystallizes in tetrahedrons. 
 As it ccurs in the shops it is in the form of a white powder, resulting from the 
 pulvczation of the crystals. The crystals, when exposed to the air, effloresce 
 digh;’ and become white and opaque. They are insoluble in alcohol, but dis- 
 solve 1 ! proof spirit or wine. (See Vinum Antimonii.) They are soluble in about 
 
872 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 PARI 
 
 fifteen parts of water at 60°, and in between two and three parts of boiline wa 
 The late Dr. Perceval, of Dublin, alleged that good tartar emetic dissolve. 1 a 
 twelve parts of water, and this statement agrees nearly with the results of Bran- ; 
 who found it to be soluble in 12'65 parts of water at 70°. Its aqueous sohra 
 slightly reddens litmus, and undergoes decomposition by keeping. It is inc s - 
 patible with acids, with alkalies and their carbonates, with some of the ea: s 
 and metals, with chloride of calcium, and with acetate and subacetate of Id. 
 It is incompatible also with astringent vegetable infusions and decoctions, sh 
 as of rhubarb, cinchona, catechu, galls, &c. ; but these substances, unless gs 
 be an exception, do not render it inert, though they lessen its activity to a gre ;r 
 or less extent. 
 
 Characteristics and Tests of Purity. Tartar emetic, when pure, exhibit; ;s 
 appropriate crystalline form. A crystal or two, dropped into a solution of hy > 
 sulphuric acid, will be covered with an orange-coloured deposit of tersulph ?t 
 of antimony. One hundred grains of the salt dissolved in water, yield forty -i;e 
 grains of tersulphuret with this test. ( Land . Pharm., 1851.) Entire solub y 
 in water is not a character belonging exclusively to the pure salt; for, aecon.g 
 to the late Mr. Hennell, tartar emetic may contain ten per cent, of uncomb ;d 
 cream of tartar, and yet be wholly soluble in the proper proportion of w; r. 
 (Phillips.) This being the case, the character, given in the U. S. and Edinbrh 
 Pharmacopoeias, of entire solubility in twenty parts of water, is not to be e- 
 pended upon. A dilute solution is not precipitated by chloride of bariunr 
 nitrate of silver, nor rendered blue by ferrocyanuret of potassium. A solutn, 
 containing one part of tartar emetic in forty of water, is not disturbed ban 
 equal volume of a solution of eight parts of acetate of lead in thirty-two of wer 
 and fifteen of acetic acid. This test is adopted in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia tin 
 the Edinburgh, and is intended to show the absence of uncombined bitart te 
 of potassa; for when the acidulated acetate is used as here directed, it does ot 
 form the white tartrate of lead with the pure antimonial salt, but only th 
 the bitartrate, when this happens to be present. The acidulated acetate a 
 delicate test of this impurity, capable of detecting one per cent, of it in bar 
 emetic; but Dr. Christison finds difficulties in using it which render it too v- 
 earious for practice. Mr. Ilennell’s method of detecting uncombined bitart :e, 
 is to add a few drops of a solution of carbonate of soda to a boiling soluticof 
 the antimonial salt. If the precipitate formed is not redissolved, no bitarute 
 is present. 
 
 The impurities found in tartar emetic are uncombined cream of tartar tan 
 faulty preparation or fraudulent admixture, tartrate of lime, iron, sulphates, nd 
 chlorides. The mode of detecting cream of tartar has been indicated abe. 
 Tartrate of lime is derived from the cream of tartar, which always contains fis 
 impurity. It is apt to form on the surface of the crystals of tartar emet in 
 crystalline tufts, which are easily brushed off. Iron is sometimes present, oe- 
 cially when the antimonial salt has been prepared from glass of antimony. It 
 is detected by a blue colour being immediately produced by ferroeyanun of 
 potassium, added after a little acetic acid. If the blue colour be slowly produd, 
 it may arise from reactions on the iron of the ferrocyanuret itself. If mnc-h on 
 be present, the solution of the tartar emetic will be yellow instead of colourss. 
 Sulphates are detected by chloride of barium The presence of a c-blori' is 
 shown by a precipitate being produced by nitrate of silver, added to a dite 
 solution. According to Serullas, tartar emetic, except when well crystalled, 
 and all the other antimonial preparations usually contain a minute proportii ot 
 arsenic, derived from the native tersulphuret of autimony, which almost ahys 
 contains this dangerous metal. (For the mode of detecting it, see Aculumir- 
 seniosum.) Tartar emetic is sometimes sold in powder to conceal its uiot- 
 
PARjII. 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 873 
 
 fectics- It should never be bought in this state by the apothecary, but always 
 in crstals, in which state the salt is pure, or very nearly so, and entirely free 
 from rsenic. Its powder is perfectly white, and when yellowish-white, iron is 
 p ro b sly present. It is said that some druggists ignorantly prefer a tartar 
 emet which is yellowish-white in powder. 
 
 It as been already stated, in general terms, that tartar emetic in solution is 
 incomatible with acids and alkalies, and with some of the earths; but this salt 
 is so aportant, that some details in regard to the effects of particular reagents, 
 inclmd under these titles, seem to be necessary. Muriatic and sulphuric acids, 
 addecto a solution of the antimonial salt, not too dilute, throw down a white 
 precitate of subchloride or subsulphate of antimony, mixed with cream of tartar, 
 whiclis redissolved by an excess of the precipitant. Nitric acid throws down 
 a subitrate, which is taken up by an excess of it. This effect of nitric acid is 
 giveniy the London College as a character of good tartar emetic, but is certainly 
 not vy distinctive. When caustic pmtassa is added to a tolerably concentrated 
 solutii of the antimonial salt, it produces at first no effect, then a precipitate of 
 teroxe, and afterwards the solution of this precipitate, if the addition of the 
 alkalne continued. Lime-water acts in a weaker solution, and throws down a 
 white»recipitate, consisting of the mixed tartrates of lime and antimony. Car- 
 bonatof potassa affects still weaker solutions, throwing down a white precipitate 
 of teuide; but this test does not act in solutions containing less than a quarter 
 of a ain of the antimonial salt to the fluidounce. Ammonia, both pure and 
 carboited, precipitates a solution of tartar emetic, throwing down the pure 
 teroxe. Dr. Barker, of Dublin, has proposed the carbonate of ammonia as a 
 precipant for obtaining the oxide, when wanted as a medicine. (See page 
 867.1 To these reagents may be added the infusion of galls, which, when fresh 
 and song, causes a dirty, yellowish-white precipitate of tannate of the teroxide 
 of an nony. 
 
 Co position. Tartar emetic consists of two eqs. of tartaric acid 132, one of 
 potasi 47 "2, one of teroxide of antimony 153, and three of water 27=859'2. 
 It is ident that it contains tartaric acid and potassa in the precise proportion 
 to for hitartrate of potassa or cream of tartar ; and, accordingly, it may be 
 viewe as a compound of one eq. of cream of tartar, and one of antimonial 
 teroxb. The excess of acid in the bitartrate may be considered as united with 
 the toxide; and on that view it is a double salt, composed of the tartrate of 
 potas; united with the tartrate of teroxide of antimony. The name, therefore, 
 of the J. S. Pharmacopoeia is correct. 
 
 Me cal Properties and Uses. Tartrate of antimony and potassa is the most 
 impoi.nt of the antimonials, and is capable of fulfilling numerous indications 
 m disse. Its general action is that of a sedative upon the circulation; while, 
 on tk contrary, it excites most of the secretions. According to the dose, and 
 the pi aliar circumstances under which it is administered, it acts variously as 
 an alt ative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, purgative, and emetic. In minute 
 doses is employed, either alone or conjoined with calomel, with a view to its 
 alterabe effects, and has been found useful in diseases of the skin. In small 
 doses, aostly associated with saline remedies, such as nitre or sulphate of mag- 
 nesia, nd assisted by copious dilution, it is frequently resorted to in febrile 
 comp nts, for the purpose of producing perspiration, which is often copiously 
 mduc. , especially if the remedy gives rise to nausea. If the surface be ex- 
 posed;) cool air, so as to constrict the pores, the tendency will be to the kidneys, 
 with e effect of producing an increased flow of urine. On the principle of 
 exciti ; the secretions, it proves useful, on many occasions, in pulmonary and 
 broncal disease as an expectorant; and with a view to its action in this way, 
 k is i quently conjoined with squill, ammoniac, and similar remedies. In full 
 
874 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 part 
 
 closes it acts as an emetic, and as such is characterized by certainty, stren 1 
 and permanency of operation. It remains longer in the stomach than ipeci- 
 anha, produces more frequent and longer continued efforts to vomit, and ex s 
 a more powerful impression upon the system generally. The nausea and att< 1- 
 ant prostration are often very considerable. As an emetic, its use is indie d 
 where the object is not merely to evacuate the stomach, but to agitate and ci- 
 press the liver and other abdominal viscera. By the extension of its actio :o 
 the duodenum, it often causes copious discharges of bile, and hence fornn.n 
 appropriate remedy in those diseases in which there is an accumulation of at 
 secretion. It is employed as an emetic in the commencement of fevers, ee- 
 cially those of an intermittent or bilious character; in jaundice, hooping-co h, 
 and croup; and in several diseases of the nervous system, such as mania, aiu- 
 rosis, tic douloureux, &c. In efforts to reduce old dislocations, its relaxing pi er 
 over the muscles, when acting as a nauseant, is taken advantage of, in ord* to 
 facilitate the operation. As an incidental effect to its diaphoretic and eu:ic 
 operation, tartar emetic often produces purging. Taking advantage of this t d- 
 ency, practitioners are frequently in the habit of adding it to purgatives he 
 operation of which it promotes in a remarkable degree. It is contra-indic ed 
 in diseases of great debility, in the advanced stages of febrile affections, arin 
 fevers attended with irritability of stomach. 
 
 Of late years, on the continent of Europe, and to a certain extent in C;at 
 Britain and this country, tartar emetic has been given in large doses, with a ew 
 to its sedative, or, as it is usually termed, controstimufont operation. This no- 
 tice originated with Rasori, professor of clinical medicine at Milan, who ib- 
 lished his view's in 1800. The principal diseases in which it has been thus ud, 
 are pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis, acute rheumatism, especially of the jets, 
 articular dropsies, chorea, hydrocephalus, and apoplexy. The medieii is 
 directed in doses, varying from a grain to two grains or more, every two h rs, 
 dissolved in a small quantity of water ; the patient being restricted in those 
 of drinks whilst under its operation. It is stated that when the remedy is ius 
 given in diseases of high action, it seldom produces vomiting, an effect vich 
 the authors of the practice wish to avoid. The power of the system to ear 
 large doses of tartar emetic, during the existence of acute disease, was conskred 
 by Rasori to depend upon the coexistent high morbid excitement, and the pa- 
 bility of bearing them was expressed by the term tolerance. It is in jeu- 
 monia especially that the controstimulaut practice has most advocates. . is 
 admitted to have the effect of lowering the force and frequency of the pulseaul 
 the rapidity of the respirations; and, in not a few instances, it produces m;red 
 remedial effects. In pleurisy and bronchitis, the advantages of the saute •ac- 
 tice are less decided. Though wrn are disposed to admit the controlling iuflmce 
 of tartar emetic, when thus exhibited, in the diseases named; yet we 1 no 
 means think that its use should supersede bloodletting, or even form our rief 
 reliance. In cases, however, in which bloodletting, both general and loca.has 
 no effect, or has been carried as far as the circumstances of the case will wat.nt, 
 tartar emetic, administered on the controstimulaut plan, may be found u!ui- 
 If the tolerance cannot be otherwise established, laudanum may be eonjned 
 with the antimony, iu order to bring it about. Iu the treatment of artalar 
 dropsies, the decided benefit derived from large doses of tartar emetic is jllj 
 showm by M. Gfimelle, who has reported twenty-eight successful cases in suiort 
 of the practice. The medicine was gradually increased from four grains tjax- 
 teen or twenty daily, and, generally, the tolerance was established on tkunt 
 day. The effusion was absorbed in a space of time varying from eight to si <?eu 
 days. M. Vidart has used large doses of tartar emetic, associated with W" 
 num, with good effect, in a case of delirium tremens. ( Journ . de Pharm.Uit 
 Chim., April, 1851.) 
 
PAR' II. 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 875 
 
 Eternally, tartar emetic is sometimes employed as a counter-irritant, mixed 
 with ard or cerate, or sprinkled in very fine powder on adhesive plaster. (See 
 Ungmum Antimonii.) It causes, after a longer or shorter interval, a burning 
 sensfon, accompanied by a peculiar and painful pustular eruption. This mode 
 of pijiucing counter-irritation is serviceable in a number of diseases; but par- 
 ticulily in deep-seated pains, spinal irritation, hooping-cough, and chronic 
 inflamation of the chest threatening consumption. Care must be taken, when 
 the st is applied by means of a plaster, that the pustular inflammation does not 
 procel too far; as, in that event, it produces deep and very painful ulcerations, 
 diffict to heal. According to M. G-uerin, inflamed parts exhibit a condition of 
 tolence to the local effects of tartar emetic, evinced by the absence of pustula- 
 tion. In support of this view, he asserts that be has treated hundreds of cases 
 of ac e arthralgia with tartar emetic ointment with the best effects, mostly with- 
 out t! production of any eruption; and when the pustules were produced, the 
 beuel accrued before they appeared. When no pustulation follows, M. Guerin 
 suppies that the antimony acts by absorption. 
 
 Taar emetic is generally given in solution, and in an amount which varies 
 with ae intention in view in its administration. Its dose as an alterative is 
 from re thirtieth to the twelfth of a grain; as a diaphoretic or expectorant, from 
 the Fifth to the sixth of a grain ; and as a nauseating sudorific, from a quarter 
 to hi' a grain ; in each case, repeated every hour, two, or four hours. If re- 
 quire to act as a purgative, a grain may be dissolved in half a pint of water 
 with i. ounce of Epsom salt, and two tablespoonfuls of the solution given every 
 two ' three hours. As an emetic the full dose is from two to three grains ; 
 thouj! it is usually given in divided portions of a grain, dissolved in a table- 
 spooni of water, every ten or fifteen minutes till it vomits; the operation being 
 aidedjy warm water, or warm chamomile tea. It is often conjoined with ipe- 
 cacuapa, in the proportion of one or two grains to twenty of that emetic. For 
 conveient administration in small doses, the Pharmacopoeias order it dissolved 
 in win (See Vinum Antimonii.) It is given very conveniently to children in 
 diluti aqueous solution, which, being nearly tasteless, is readily taken by them. 
 In aliases this medicine should be given with caution ; as, in some peculiar 
 const itions, it acts in small doses with unexpected violence. 
 
 Ems as a Poison. The effects produced by a poisonous dose of tartar emetic 
 are a austere metallic taste; nausea; copious vomiting; frequent hiccough; 
 burni ; pain in the stomach; colic; frequent stools and tenesmus; fainting; 
 small; ontracted, and accelerated pulse; coldness of the skin; sometimes intense 
 beat; ifficu.lt respiration ; loss of sense; convulsive movements; very painful 
 cram;, in the legs; prostration and death. To these effects is sometimes added 
 difficijy of deglutition. Vomiting and purging in a few instances do not take 
 place md when they are absent, the other symptoms are aggravated. A case 
 of poiming by tartar emetic is reported by Dr. J. T. Gleaves, of Tennessee, in 
 which:, pustular eruption, like that caused by the external application of the 
 antidiial, was copiously produced. ( Amer . Journ. of Med. Sci., xv. 573, from 
 the lip™. Journ. of Med. and Surg.) These are the effects produced on the 
 healtlj economy; but it has been fully proved that the doses which, in a state 
 of he tli would prove fatal, are sometimes borne with safety in certain morbid 
 states f the system, attended with internal acute inflammation. 
 
 In | eating a case of poisoning by tartar emetic, if it is found that the patient 
 has n vomited, immediate recourse must be had to tickling the throat with a 
 feathij and the use of abundance of warm water. Usually, however, the vomit- 
 1D g nlxcessive and distressing, and here it is necessary to use remedies calculated 
 to de.mpose the poison, and to allay the pain and irritation. To effect the 
 lormoobject, astringent decoctions and infusions, such as of bark and common 
 
876 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 PAR II. 
 
 tea, are recommended as antidotes. These, however, act but imperfectly, acrd- 
 ing to the experiments of M. Toulmouche, who found that a decoction of cinona 
 had usually no power in lessening the emetic effect of this antimonial. Si liar 
 observations have been made by Dr. Clutterbuck. {Pereira.') The decocti of 
 galls acts more decidedly; but M. Toulmouche accords the preference t the 
 galls, given in substance, as an antidote in poisoning by tartar emetic, iase 
 of accidental poisoning with half an ounce of tartar emetic, successfully ti ted 
 with copious draughts of green tea and large doses of tannin, is reported bDr. 
 S. A. McCreery, U. S. Navy. (Am. Journ. of Med. Set., Jan. 1853, p. 131.) ills 
 no doubt act by the tannin they contain, which forms, with the antimonialart 
 of the salt, the insoluble and probably inert tannate of antimony. Totop 
 the vomiting and relieve pain, laudanum should be given, either by the Dath 
 or injection, and to combat consecutive inflammation, bleeding, both loesmd 
 general, and other antiphlogistic measures should be resorted to. 
 
 After death from suspected poisoning by tartar emetic, it is necessary to s rch 
 for the poison in the body. The substances in the stomach should be digted 
 in water, acidulated with a little muriatic and tartaric acids. The forme icid 
 will serve to coagulate some organic matter; the latter to give complete solulity 
 to the antimony. The solution obtained, after having been filtered, is sub; ted 
 to a stream of sulphuretted hydrogen, which will throw down the orange-reter- 
 sulphuret of antimony, distinguishable from the tersulphuret of arsenic, ai all 
 other precipitates, by its forming with hot muriatic acid a solution, from vich, 
 when added to water, a white curdy precipitate of oxychloride of antimev is 
 thrown down. Sulphuretted hydrogen is by far the most delicate test for :tar 
 emetic. 
 
 Sometimes the antimony cannot be found in the stomach and bowels, ai yet 
 may exist in other parts. When it leaves the alimentary canal, it has>een 
 found by Orfila especially in the liver and kidneys and their secretions. The 
 mode of extracting the antimony, recommended by Orfila, is to carbonk the 
 dried viscera with pure concentrated nitric acid in a porcelain capsule, to be the 
 charred mass obtained for half an hour with muriatic acid, assisted with few 
 drops of nitric acid, to filter the liquor, and introduce it into Marsh's appatus. 
 Antimoniuretted hydrogen will be formed, w T hich, being inflamed, will cbosit 
 the antimony on a cold surface of porcelain, as a black stain, distinguiable 
 from the similar stain produced by arsenic by its less volatility, and by its inn- 
 ing with hot muriatic acid a solution which affords a white precipitate hen 
 added to water. (See Arch. Gen., 3e ser., vii. 511.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Pulvis Antimonialis, Dub.; Syrupus Seillae Compositus; Umen- 
 tum Antimonii; Vinum Antimonii. I 
 
 VINUM ANTIMONII. U.S. Vinum Antimonii Potassiomr- 
 tratis. Lond. Vinum Antimoniale. Ed. Antimonii Tartaeaii 
 Liquor. Dub. Antimonial Wine. 
 
 “ Take of Tartrate of Antimony and Potassa a scruple; White H ine [b try] 
 ten fluidoUnces. Dissolve the Tartrate of Autimony and Posassa in the Vne. 
 U.S. 
 
 The London and Edinburgh Colleges direct two scruples of the salt [crjtals, 
 Lond.) to be dissolved in a pint [Imperial measure] of Sherry > ne - f e 
 Dublin College dissolves a drachm [51 '68 grains] of the salt in a pint )[nps- 
 rial measure] of distilled water, and adds seven ffut Jounces of Rectified 8pt. 
 
 In the first edition of the United States Pharmacopoeia, the proportion otirtar 
 emetic was four grains to the fluidounce of wine. In the revision of 183 t e 
 quantity was reduced to two grains, and, as this is very nearly the prof tun 
 directed by the British Colleges, the highly important object has been ; 
 
r 
 
 pab ii. Antimonium. 877 
 
 plisld, of uniformity in the strength of this very popular preparation. The 
 seeD'Jg discrepancy between the London and Edinburgh formulae, and that of 
 the L S. Pharmacopoeia will disappear, when it is considered that the Imperial 
 pintjidopted by the two British Colleges, contains twenty fluidounces, each very 
 near equal to the fluidounce of the ordinary apothecaries’ measure. The U. S. 
 official name was adopted as most convenient, sufficiently expressive, and in 
 acco ance with the nomenclature of several other metallic preparations, such 
 as Mplastrum Ferri, Mistura Ferri Composita, &c. 
 
 Dic-ulty is often experienced in effecting a solution of tartar emetic in wine; 
 and recipitation is apt to occur after the solution has been effected. These 
 resu; are attributable either to impurity in the antimonial salt, which fre- 
 queiy contains bitartrate of potassa and various insoluble substances, or to 
 infenrity in the character of the wine, which holds in solution vegetable prin- 
 ciple that form insoluble compounds with the teroxide of antimony: Dr. Paris 
 state that he has seen the decomposition of the tartar emetic so complete, that 
 no tices of the salt could be detected in the supernatant liquid. The difficulty 
 is nt avoided by the plan, at one time directed, of first dissolving the antimo- 
 nial l water, and then adding the wine ; for, even allowing that the solution 
 may e accomplished, the same ingredients are present, and their mutual reac- 
 tion ust ultimately result in the same effects. The proper course is to select 
 perfidy pure crystallized tartar emetic, and sound Sherry or Teneriffe wine, 
 whic make a permanent solution. To obviate the risk of decomposition, the 
 Dub t College directs water and rectified spirit in about the proportion in which 
 thesqxist in the wines just mentioned. The only objection to this menstruum 
 is til want of colour, which renders the preparation liable to be confounded 
 with ess active liquids. 
 
 Tl advantages of antimonial wine are, that it affords the means of adminis- 
 terin minute doses of tartar emetic, and is more permanent than an aqueous 
 solutn of that salt, which is liable to spontaneous decomposition. It is usually 
 admi stered in small doses as a diaphoretic or expectorant, or as an emetic in 
 infade cases. Where a considerable quantity of tartar emetic is requisite, it 
 slum always be given in extemporaneous aqueous solution. The dose of the 
 wine'iis an expectorant or diaphoretic, is from ten to thirty drops, given fre- 
 quent; as an emetic for children, from thirty drops to a fluidrachm, repeated 
 ever'ifteen minutes till it operates. 
 
 Oj Prep. Mistura Glycyrrhizae Composita. W. 
 
 A TIMONII SULPHURETUM PR2EPARATUM. Dub. Pre- 
 pare, Sulphuret of Antimony. 
 
 “ 1 ke of Sulphuret of Antimony of Commerce any convenient quantity. Let 
 this i reduced to powder, and the finer particles having been separated from 
 the mrser by the method explained in the formula for Creta Prseparata, let 
 them e dried, and preserved for use.” Dub. 
 
 Su huret of antimony in mass is placed in the Materia Medica list of all the 
 Pkarhcopoeias noticed in this work. But for use in medicine, and for some 
 phamceutical processes, it requires to be in powder, and the above process is 
 intern d to bring it to that state. But it is hardly necessary to have a distinct 
 form i to indicate the mode of proceeding, and accordingly this preparation is 
 not. i luded in the U- S., London, and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias. 
 
 Poverties. Prepared sulphuret of antimony is in the form of an insoluble 
 powd, without taste or smell, usually of a dull blackish colour, but reddish- 
 brow 11 when perfectly pure. By exposure to the air, it absorbs, according to 
 Bucher, a portion of oxygen, and becomes partially converted into teroxide. 
 Its i mrities and composition are mentioned under another head. (See Anti- 
 inoni Sulphur etumi) 
 
878 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 PAI II, 
 
 Pf- 
 - in 
 Che 
 
 ins, 
 
 ans 
 
 eri- 
 
 Mediccd Properties and Uses. This preparation is very uncertain in it- 
 ration ; being sometimes without effect, at other times, if it meets with a 
 the stomach, operating with extreme violence by vomiting and purging 
 effects usually attributed to it are those of a diaphoretic and alterative; an the 
 diseases in which it has been principally used, are scrofula, glandular obstruc 
 cutaneous diseases, and chronic rheumatism. It is not employed by phys.a 
 in the United States, its use in this country being exclusively confined to 
 nary practice. The dose is from ten to thirty grains, given in powder or in?, 
 
 Off. Prep. Antimonii Sulphuretum Prascipitatum ; Antimonii Terclridi 
 Liquor. 
 
 ANTIMONII SULPHURETUM PRASCIPITATUM. U.S . , L 
 Antimonii Oxysulphuretum. Lond. Antimonii SulphuretujM- 
 reum. Ed. Precipitated Sulphuret of Antimony. Oxy sulphur of 
 
 Antimony. 
 
 “Take of Sulphuret of Antimony, in fine powder, six ounces ; Solut a of 
 Potassa four pints ; Distilled Water, Diluted Sulphuric Acid, each, a su-ient 
 quantity. Mix the Sulphuret of Antimony with the Solution of Potas: and 
 twelve pints of Distilled Water, and boil them over a gentle fire, for two mrs, 
 constantly stirring, and occasionally 7 adding Distilled Water, so as to pierve 
 the same measure. Strain the liquor immediately through a double linen oth, 
 and drop into it, while yet hot, Diluted Sulphuric Acid so long as it procresa 
 precipitate ; then wash away the sulphate of potassa with hot water, ci the 
 Precipitated Sulphuret of Antimony, and rub it into a fine powder.” U. 
 
 “Take of Tersulphuret of Antimony, powdered, seven ounces; Solutn of 
 Soda four pints [Imp. meas.] ; Distilled Water two gallons [Imp. meas.] dilu- 
 ted Sulphuric Acid a sufficient quantity. Mix the Tersulphuret and Sod with 
 the Water, and boil with a slow fire for two hours, frequently stirring, D filed 
 Water being often added, so that the mixture may fill about the same meure. 
 Strain the liquor, and gradually drop into it as much of the Acid as i y be 
 sufficient to throw down the Oxysulphuret of Antimony; then wash aw the 
 sulphate of soda with water, and dry what remains with a gentle heat.” 
 
 “Take of Sulphuret of Autimony, in fine pow’der, an ounce; Solution 
 ash eleven fiuidounces [Imp. meas.]; Water two pints [Imp. meas.]. 
 
 Water and Solution of Potash, add the Sulphuret, boil for an hour, filterntne- 
 diately, and precipitate the liquid, while hot, with an excess of Diluted Su auric 
 Acid. Collect the precipitate on a calico filter, wash it thoroughly with'ater, 
 and dry it with a gentle heat.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Prepared Sulphuret of Antimony five ounces [avoirdupois Car- 
 bonate of Potash from Pearlash, first dried at a low red heat, and reded to 
 powder, four ounces [avoird.]; Water one gallon [Imp. meas.]; Pure Sujhuric 
 Acid two fiuidounces [Imp. meas.] ; Distilled Water one quart [Imp. meas. Ihi 
 the Sulphuret of Antimony and Carbonate of Potash in a mortar, and ht the 
 mixture in a Hessian crucible, first cautiously 7 until effervescence ceases, ai then 
 to low redness, so as to produce liquefaction. Pour out the melted mass on clean 
 flag, and, when it has concreted and cooled, rub it to a fine powder in a pc 
 
 Olid. 
 
 Pot - 
 Us the 
 
 retain 
 
 mortar. Add this, in successive portions, to the gallon of Water while bojng in 
 an iron vessel, and, having maintained the ebullition for twenty minutes, tester 
 the whole to a calico filter, and cause the solution which passes through drop 
 into the Distilled Water, previously mixed with the Sulphuric Acid, T joe 
 precipitate which forms be collected on a calico filter, and let warm otilled 
 water be repeatedly poured upon it. until the liquid which passes through 1 ®^ 
 to give a precipitate when dropped into a solution of nitrate of barytes. Inaiy- 
 dry the product on porous bricks, placed in a warm atmosphere. Dub. 
 
PAE II. 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 879 
 
 A the theory of the formation of the precipitated sulphnret of antimony is 
 intintely connected with that of the production of the substances called kermes 
 min al and golden sulphur , we shall first describe the latter preparations as in- 
 trod 'tory to our account of the former. 
 
 R-mes mineral, according to Thenard, may he obtained by treating the ter- 
 sulpiret of antimony in three ways; 1st with a boiling solution of the carbonated 
 alka|s, 2d with a boiling solution of the caustic alkalies, and 3d with the car- 
 bon: ;d alkalies at a red heat. These several processes give brown powders, 
 wilic vary iu their shade of colour, and which, though usually considered as 
 idenial, differ in composition. The kermes obtained by means of the carbonated 
 alka;s in solution is an oxysulphuret, that is, a mixture of teroxide of antimony 
 withiydrated tersulphuret; while the product, when either the caustic alkalies 
 in sntion, or the carbonated alkalies at a red heat are used, is essentially a 
 hydtied tersulphuret, though containing occasionally a little oxysulphuret. 
 
 Iterance the process by the use of the carbonated alkalies in solution is pre- 
 fern for preparing kermes; and the alkali selected is soda as giving a handsomer 
 prodit. The formula of Cluzel is to boil for half an hour one part of pulverized 
 tersuhuret of antimony with twenty-two or twenty-three parts of crystallized 
 carblate of soda, in two hundred and fifty parts of water, to’ filter the liquor, 
 and ceive it in warm earthen pans, which must be covered, and allowed to cool 
 slow. At the end of twenty-four hours, the kermes is deposited. It is then 
 colleed on a filter, washed with boiled water cooled without contact of air, dried 
 at th temperature of 77°, and kept in bottles well stopped. This formula is 
 subs ntially the same with that given in the French Codex of 1837. 
 
 T1 rationale of the formation of kermes by this process is as follows. A 
 portii of the carbonate of soda is converted, by a transfer of carbonic acid, into 
 caus ■ soda and sesquicarbonate. By a double decomposition taking place 
 betw n a part of the tersulphuret of antimony and the caustic soda, teroxide 
 of armony and sulphuret of sodium are formed. The teroxide then dissolves 
 in tb solution of the remaining carbonate of soda, and the undecomposed por- 
 tion the tersulphuret in that of the sulphuret of sodium. The teroxide and 
 terse huret being both more soluble in these menstrua hot than cold, precipitate 
 togetir as the liquid cools, and constitute this variety of kermes. When thus 
 obtai :d, it is light, velvety, of a dark reddish-purple colour, brilliant in the 
 sun, id of a crystalline appearance. It consists, according to M. Henry, jun., 
 of te-ulphuret of antimony 62 '5, teroxide 27'4, water 10, and soda a trace : 
 prop tions which correspond most nearly with two eqs. of tersulphuret, one of 
 teroj e, and six of water. In consequence of the presence of a considerable 
 amort of teroxide of antimony in this variety of kermes, it must be far more 
 activ ban the other kinds, and ought, therefore, to be preferred for medicinal use. 
 
 Kjones, when obtained by means of the caustic alkalies, may be formed by 
 the i! of either potassa or soda. When the former alkali is selected, it may 
 be p pared by boiling for a quarter of an hour, two parts of the tersulphuret 
 of at mony with one part of caustic potassa dissolved in twenty-five or thirty 
 partsbf water, filtering the liquor, and allowing it to cool; whereupon the 
 kerm precipitates. In this process, one portion of the tersulphuret, by re- 
 actin' with a portion of the potassa, gives rise to teroxide of antimony and sul- 
 phur of potassium. A second portion dissolves in the solution of sulphuret 
 of pissium formed, and a third forms an insoluble compound with a part of 
 the i oxide. The remainder of the teroxide unites with the undecomposed 
 potas, forming a compound, which, being but sparingly soluble, is only in part 
 dissoled. The hot filtered liquor, therefore, contains this compound dissolved 
 m w; t, and tersulphuret of antimony dissolved in the solution of sulphuret of 
 potasum. By refrigeration, the tersulphuret in a hydrated state falls down, 
 
880 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 par: i, 
 
 free or nearly free from teroxide, this latter being still held in solution by m is 
 of the caustic alkali with which it is united. 
 
 Kermes is obtained by the third method, that is, in the dry way, by rubw 
 together two parts of tersulphuret of antimony and one of carbonate of pot to 
 fusing the mixture in a crucible by a red heat, reducing the fused mass to w- 
 der, boiling it with water, and straining. As the strained liquor cools the ke es 
 is deposited. The rationale of its formation is nearly the same with that o he 
 formation of the second variety of kermes. An inferior kermes, prepare in 
 the dry way, and intended for use in veterinary medicine, is directed mhe 
 Trench Codex to be prepared by fusing together, well mixed, 500 parts ofir- 
 sulphuret of antimony, 1000 of carbonate of potassa, and 30 of washed suljir, 
 reducing the fused mass to powder, and boiling it with 10,000 parts of wer. 
 The liquor, upon cooling, lets fall the kermes, which must be washed with ire 
 and dried. 
 
 Kermes mineral is an insipid, inodorous powder, of different shades of bi/n. 
 By the action of air and light it gradually becomes lighter coloured, and aast 
 yellowish-white. It is sometimes adulterated with sesquioxide of iron. In 
 Paris, in 1849, a number of the shops contained a spurious kermes of ,-ry 
 handsome appearance, which was little else than this oxide. ( Jourii . de Plan., 
 Oct. 1849.) Kermes mineral first came into use as a remedy in FraDC-e out 
 the beginning of the last century. Its mode of preparation was possessecsa 
 secret by a French surgeon named La Ligerie. In 1720, the recipe wasur- 
 chased by the French government and made public. 
 
 Golden sulphur is formed by the addition of an acid to the liquor rich 
 remains after the precipitation of the kermes. According to the directio of 
 the French Codex, acetic acid is employed for this purpose. The liquor, ten 
 caustic potassa has been used, consists at first chiefly of tersulphuret of oti- 
 mony dissolved in solution of sulphuret of potassium, but in part also of terc de, 
 dissolved in solution of potassa. By the action of the oxygen of the air othe 
 liquor, however, the sulphuret of potassium has part of its potassium gradilly 
 converted into potassa, and thus passes to a higher state of sulphuration;nd, 
 consequently, the addition of an acid, while it throws down the tersulpkureand 
 teroxide of antimony with disengagement of sulphuretted hydrogen, wibre- 
 cipitate at the same time the excess of sulphur which the sulphuret of pota um 
 has gained. Agreeably to this explanation, golden sulphur is a mixture cter- 
 sulphuret and teroxide of antimony, containing more or less free sulphui It 
 is in the form of a powder of a golden-yellow colour. As it is partially d om- 
 posed by light, it should be kept in opaque vessels. It may be worth win to 
 mention that the kermes liquor, left after the use of the carbonated alkals in 
 solution, gives but little golden sulphur; while the liquors, resulting fro the 
 two other processes, yield it in abundance. 
 
 From the explanations above given, the reader is prepared to understanehat 
 the method of preparing the precipitated sulphuret of antimony of the i5-> 
 London, and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias, combines the process for formii the 
 kermes mineral by means of a caustic alkali, with that for obtaining £ den 
 sulphur; for, while the refrigeration of the solution acting alone wouldiuse 
 the precipitation of the variety of kermes, which contains little or no aiuto- 
 nial oxide, the sulphuric acid added would throw down more or less of the guen 
 sulphur. But the question here arises how far this golden sulphur wot be 
 identical with that obtained from the mother liquor of kermes which kaseeen 
 kept for some time. From the explanations above given iu relation to jldea 
 sulphur, it may be inferred as probable that the precipitate by acids, if t° WQ 
 down immediately, while the solution is hot, as directed by the Pharmacoeias, 
 and before the air has had time to act, would consist exclusively ot tersuljuret 
 
PARTI. 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 881 
 
 and t oxide; but, if thrown down from the kermes mother liquor, would con- 
 tain ore or less free sulphur, according as the liquor had been more or less 
 subje< to the influence of the air. If these views be admitted, it follows that 
 the sc ailed golden sulphur must be a variable preparation as to the free sulphur 
 it con ins, dependent upon the greater or less change which the kermes liquor 
 may lve undergone before being used for furnishing the precipitate. 
 
 Fonerly, all the Pharmacopoeias noticed in this work used a solution of 
 caustipotassa in preparing precipitated sulphuret of antimony; but at present 
 the Lidon College employs a solution of caustic soda, and the Dublin, car- 
 bonatof potassa in the dry way. These changes were made in the recently 
 revise Pharmacopoeias of those Colleges. The use of soda does not alter the 
 theoryrf the process. The Dublin College, in the use of carbonate of potassa, 
 proceejs, at first, precisely as if kermes by the third method was to be obtained 
 (see me 880); but, instead of collecting the strained liquor in an empty vessel, 
 allows! to drop into water, acidulated with sulphuric acid. 
 
 Prarties of the Precipitated Sulphuret of Antimony. This substance is a 
 reddisbrown insoluble powder, tasteless when pure, but having usually a 
 slight! styptic taste. When treated with twelve times its weight of muriatic 
 acid o: the sp.gr. 1T6, with the aid of heat, it is nearly all dissolved, with 
 effervejence of sulphuretted hydrogen. The residue burns with the characters 
 of sulp'ur, and leaves a scanty ash. The solution obtained, when added to water, 
 is decclposed, giving rise to a white powder of oxychloride of antimony (powder 
 of Algjoth). The solution, filtered from the powder, yields an orange-red, pre- 
 cipitat vith hydrosulphate of ammonia, proving the presence of a small quantity 
 of ant iony, not thrown down by the water. A dark-coloured precipitate, pro- 
 duced j this test, shows the presence of contaminating metals, probably lead 
 and co ier. Water in which this preparation has been boiled, should not yield 
 a whit precipitate with chloride of barium or oxalate of ammonia. The non- 
 action these tests shows the absence of sulphuric acid and lime. When pure, 
 precipi ted sulphuret of antimony is completely soluble in a hot solution of 
 potassajjbut as it is found in the shops, a white matter is usually left undis- 
 solved. When boiled with a solution of cream of tartar, about 12 per cent, of 
 teroxidjis dissolved; but, according to H. Rose, this method of determining 
 the prcprtion of the teroxide cannot be relied on. Exposed to heat it takes 
 lire, bUjting with a greenish-blue flame and giving off sulphurous acid, while 
 the mejl remains behind in the state of a grayish oxide. 
 
 The pndon precipitated sulphuret of antimony, as analyzed by Mr. Phillips, 
 ■consistfjin the 100 parts, of tersulphuret 76'5, teroxide 12, and water 11'5; 
 proport ns corresponding nearly with five eqs. of tersulphuret, one of teroxide, 
 and fifth of water. It usually contains a portion of free sulphur, as shown 
 by the ttion of muriatic acid. Its active ingredient is the teroxide; and, in 
 referent! to its presence, the London College calls the preparation oxysulphuret 
 '■/ cmtibny. The Edinburgh College names it incorrectly golden sulphuret of 
 mtimor ; this name being properly applicable to the precipitate produced by 
 the . sob action of acids, and not to that obtained by the action of acids and 
 refriger ion conjointly. 
 
 Mi’dii l Properties. The precipitated sulphuret of antimony is alterative, 
 liaphorlic, and emetic. It is, however, an uncertain medicine, as well from 
 the war of uniformity in its composition, as from its liability to vary in its 
 iction v h the state of the stomach. It is seldom given alone, but generally 
 iu coml ation with calomel and guaiac, in the form of Plummer’s pill, as an 
 literati'! in secondary syphilis and cutaneous eruptions, or conjoined with hcn- 
 hane orpmlock in chronic rheumatism. (See Pilidse Calomelanos Compositse.) 
 during is use the patient should abstain from acidulous drinks. Its dose as an 
 
882 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 PAH] I. 
 
 alterative is from one to two grains twice a day, in the form of pill; as an em c 
 from five grains to a scruple. The kermes, obtained by means of the carbon >d 
 alkalies in the moist way, as it contains between two and three times as dA 
 teroxide as the precipitated sulphuret, is a more active preparation, and 1 st 
 be used in a smaller dose. Kermes mineral is sometimes given in large ces 
 as an antiphlogistic remedy in peripneumony and other inflammations of ie 
 chest. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pilulre Calomelanos Composite. 
 
 PULYIS ANTIMONIALIS. Ed., Dub. Pulvis Antimoxii (m- 
 posixus. Lond. Antimonial Powder. Compound Powder of Ai- 
 
 mony. 
 
 “ Take of Tersulphuret of Antimony, powdered, a pound ; Horn shaving wo 
 pounds. Mix, and throw them into a red-hot crucible, and stir constantly til 
 vapour ceases to arise. Ilub the residue to powder, and put it into a eru< le. 
 Then apply heat, and raise it gradually to redness, and keep it so for two h rs. 
 Rub the remaining powder until it is as fine as possible.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Sulphuret of Antimony, in coarse powder, Hartshorn shatgs, 
 equal weights. Mix them, put them into a red-hot iron pot, and stir const tly 
 till they acquire au ash-gray colour, and vapours no longer arise. Pub fie 
 the product, put it into a crucible with a perforated cover, and expose tkiioa 
 gradually increasing heat till a white heat is produced, which is to be maintied 
 for two hours. Reduce the product, when cold, to fine powder.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Tartarized Antimony, Phosphate of Soda, each, four ounces [ oir- 
 dupois]; Chloride of Calcium two ounces [avoird.] ; Solution of Ammonbrar 
 fluidounces [Imp. meas.] ; Distilled Water one gallon and a ms.], 
 
 or a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the Tartarized Antimony in half a galloiand 
 the Phosphate of Soda and Chloride of Calcium, each, in a quart of the T ter. 
 Mix the solutions of the Tartarized Antimony and Phosphate of Soda whenold, 
 and then pour in the solution of Chloride of Calcium, having first added the 
 latter the Water of Ammonia. Boil now for twenty minutes, and, bavin col- 
 lected the precipitate, which will have then formed, on a calico filter, wa it 
 with hot distilled water until the liquid which passes through ceases to re a 
 precipitate with a dilute solution of nitrate of silver. Finally, dry the pduet 
 by a steam or water heat, and reduce it to a fine powder.” Dub. 
 
 This preparation, made according to the London and Edinburgh for alae, 
 consists mainly of bone-phosphate of lime, or calcined bone, mixed with a mo- 
 nious acid, and is intended to furnish a substitute for the celebrated nostmof 
 Dr. James, an Euglish physician who died in 1 776, and after whom the o ,dnal 
 composition was called James's powder. Dr. Pearson, of London, four the 
 genuine powder, on analysis, to consist of phosphate of lime and oxidizeanti- 
 mony, and, guided by his results, devised the formula adopted by the Irdon 
 and Edinburgh Colleges. By burning the materials directed by these Cceges, 
 the sulphur is expelled iu the form of sulphurous acid, and the antimoi oxi- 
 dized; while the horn, which is of the nature of bone, has its animal after 
 converted into charcoal. By the subsequent calc-iuation, the charcoal ilissi- 
 pated, leaving only' the phosphate of lime mixed with the oxidized ant ony. 
 This mixture constitutes the antimonial powder. The only material dif ence 
 between the processes is that the London College uses two parts of horn sl ings 
 to one of sulphuret; while the Edinburgh employs equal weights, which a also 
 the proportions adopted in the French Codex. The use of the larger pro 
 of horn is said to obviate the inconvenience of the vitrification of part 
 antimony; but the late Dr. Duncan alleged that the product thus obtain d-Cs 
 not correspond so well with James’s powder as analyzed by Dr. Pearson, a^en 
 the smaller proportion is employed. 
 
 rtion 
 ' the 
 
PAET I. 
 
 Antimonium. 
 
 883 
 
 Th third formula quoted is a new one of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850. 
 By tn formula the liquid, resulting from mixing aqueous solutions of tartar 
 emetinnd phosphate of soda, is precipitated by a solution of chloride of calcium, 
 previcsly mixed with water of ammonia. The water of ammonia throws down 
 teroxh of antimony from the tartar emetic; and the chloride of calcium, phos- 
 phate f lime from the phosphate of soda ; and the mixed precipitate from these 
 two s trees, washed, dried, and reduced to fine powder, constitutes the new 
 Dubli antimonial powder. As phosphate of lime is generally considered to be 
 inert, t is questionable whether this powder will have any other therapeutic 
 effect an that produced by the teroxide of antimony alone. 
 
 Pmrties, Composition , and Tests. Antimonial powder, as made by the old 
 forinu, is a tasteless, inodorous, gritty powder, of a dull-white colour. As 
 often iepared it is insoluble in water; but usually a small portion, consisting 
 of antnonite and superphosphate of lime, dissolves in boiling distilled water. 
 Its conosition varies exceedingly, a circumstance which forms a strong objection 
 to it aa medicine. When entirely insoluble in boiling water, it probably con- 
 tains r thing but antimonious acid and phosphate of lime ; for, when its soluble 
 constants are absent, the teroxide is absent also. The best samples, as stated 
 by theEdinburgh College, are formed of “ a mixture chiefly of antimonious 
 acid aa phosphate of lime, with some sesquioxide [teroxide] of antimony, and 
 a littMntimonite of lime.” To these ingredients may be added superphosphate 
 of limcwhich was found in small quantity by Dr. D. Maclagan, of Edinburgh. 
 This wter obtained in his experiments about 50 per cent, of antimonious acid, 
 45 of yosphate of lime, nearly 4 of teroxide, and not quite 1 of antimonite and 
 superplsghate of lime. The antimonial powder, sold by the representatives of 
 Dr. Jajes, is more active, and more uniform in its effects, than the imitation 
 powdenf the Pharmacopoeias ; its greater activity being explained by the pre- 
 sence ca greater proportion of teroxide, which Dr. Maclagan found to vary from 
 four tojen per cent. In analyzing antimonial powder, the first step is to act 
 on it v h boiling distilled water. If any antimonite should be dissolved, the 
 solutioiwill form with sulphuretted hydrogen an orange-coloured precipitate of 
 quadris phuret of antimony; if superphosphate be present, nitrate of silver will 
 throw (iwn phosphate of silver. What remains of the powder, unacted on by 
 the dis led water, is next digested with muriatic acid, which will dissolve the 
 phosph 3 of lime, and also teroxide of antimony if present, and leave a residue 
 which ithe antimonious acid. If teroxide be present in the muriatic solution, 
 it will ij precipitated by sulphuretted hydrogen, as an orange-coloured tersul- 
 phuret, ad from the filtered solution, water of ammonia will throw down the 
 phosphji of lime. In this way all the ingredients of antimonial powder may 
 bedeteqd and separated. It might be supposed that the muriatic solution 
 would!, more readily tested for the presence of teroxide by the action of water, 
 which i mown to cause a white precipitate of teroxide in this solution; but 
 there a lears to be some ambiguity in relation to the action of water. The 
 Udinbu h College, in its formula of tests, states that the muriatic solution of 
 the resiiie, left after the exhaustion by water, does not become turbid by dilu- 
 10n 5 b,, according to Dr. Barker and Dr. Pereira, this effect sometimes takes 
 place, |hese different results may be explained by the different qualities of 
 he preu-atiou. A small quantity of teroxide may be in the muriatic solution, 
 »ud yet! ot be precipitated by water; while a larger quantity will be so pre- 
 cipitated On the other hand a precipitate may be produced with water, without 
 he fact roving the presence of teroxide ; for, unless the antimonial powder be 
 most ca l! fully exhausted by the distilled water before being subjected to the 
 acid, tb muriatic solution may contain antimonite of lime, which, like the 
 teroxide gives it the property of becoming turbid with water. 
 
884 
 
 par: i. 
 
 Antimonium. — Aqua. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This preparation is stated to be altera e, 
 diaphoretic, purgative, or emetic, according to the dose in which it is gin. 
 Until within a few years it was frequently used in febrile diseases, with a >w 
 to its diaphoretic effect. According to the late Dr. A. T. Thomson, it is ac n- 
 tageously given in acute rheumatism, conjoined with camphor, calomel, ad 
 opium, and with calomel and guaiac in several cutaneous affections. The ti- 
 mation in which this preparation is held is very various. The late Dr. Du an 
 characterized it as one of the best antimonials we possess ; yet he acknowle ed 
 that its effects are very unequal, either from idiosyncrasy in the patten 1 or 
 variations in its composition. Dr. Thomson found it sometimes to answenis 
 expectations, hut as often to disappoint them. Mr. Brande admits its actity 
 sometimes, and entire inertness at others; differences which he attributes t he 
 presence or absence of teroxide of antimony. Upon the whole it appears at, 
 whatever may be the occasional efficacy of this medicine, it is too variable its 
 composition, from circumstances in its preparation scarcely within the cc red 
 of the pharmaceutical chemist, to make it a safe remedy. No therape cal 
 effect can be expected from it, which may not be more certainly and safebiro-' 
 duced by tartar emetic; and it seems to be the sentiment of some of tboest 
 practitioners, that antimonial powder may very well be dispensed with s a 
 remedy. Considerations of this kind caused it tube omitted from the.S. 
 Pharmacopoeia, upon the revision of 1830. 
 
 The dose of antimonial powder, as a diaphoretic, is from three to eight ; dns 
 every third or fourth hour, given in the form of pill. In larger doses it Pur- 
 gative or emetic. It is impossible, however, to give precise directions as the 
 dose; as it sometimes proves violently emetic in moderate doses, and at :her 
 times produces no obvious effect, even in doses of one hundred grains. I. 
 
 AQUA. 
 
 Water. 
 
 AQUA DESTILL ATA. U. S., Loncl, Ed., Dub. Distilled T 'ter. 
 
 “Take of Water ten gallons. First distil two pints, and throw them raj; 
 then distil eight gallons. Keep the Distilled Water in glass bottles.” U>. 
 
 “Take any convenient quantity of Spring Water; distil it from a oper 
 vessel, rejecting the first twentieth part, and preserving the first half the 
 remainder.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Spring or River Water any convenient quantity. Havingatro- 
 duced it into a copper still, connected with a block-tin worm, or a Liebig con- 
 denser, draw over about one-fortieth by distillation; this being rejected, ccanuc 
 the process until only one-fifth of the original volume of the Water remas m 
 the still. Let the Distilled Water be preserved in well stopped bottles. ’DA 
 
 The London College has placed distilled water in the list of the Materia Uioa. 
 
 The purest natural water is not sufficiently pure for some pharmaceutic pur- 
 poses; and hence the necessity of the above processes for its distillation. It is 
 best to reject the first portion which comes over, as this may contain c.oomc 
 acid and other volatile impurities; and the last portion of the water out not 
 to be distilled, lest it should pass over with an empyreumatic taste. Dis- 
 tillation is usually performed with the ordinary still and condenser, and chan 
 apparatus is evidently contemplated in the United States formula. Mr. rJD “ e 
 states that distilled water often derives from the still a foreigu flavour, rich ‘t 
 is difficult to avoid. He, therefore, recommends that a still and condecr e 
 kept exclusive!}- for distilling water; or where this cannot be done, thasteam 
 be driven through the condensing pipe for half an hour, for the pur'^ 0 
 washing it out before it is used, the worm-tub having been previously eptof 
 
PARItl. 
 
 885 
 
 Aqua. — Aquae Medicatse. 
 
 Pmerties, &c. Distilled Water, as usually obtained, lias a vapid and dis- 
 agree) le taste, and is not perfectly pure; water, to be rendered so, requiring 
 to btdistilled in silver vessels. The properties of pure water have already 
 been iven under the head of Aqua. Distilled water should undergo no change 
 by silohuretted hydrogen, or on the addition of tincture of soap, subacetate of 
 lead, iiloride of barium, oxalate of ammonia, nitrate of silver, or lime-water, 
 and sould evaporate without residue. It is uselessly employed in some formulae, 
 but isssential iu others. As a general rule, when small quantities of active 
 medi'ies are to be given in solution, and in the preparation of collyria, distilled 
 watei hould be directed. The following list contains the chief substances which 
 requi distilled water as a solvent; — tartar emetic, corrosive sublimate, nitrate 
 of giler, the chlorides of barium and calcium, acetate and subacetate of lead, 
 the siphates of iron and zinc, sulphate of quinia, and the sulphate, muriate, 
 and state of morphia. Distilled water is used in preparing the officinal diluted 
 acids.br absorbing gaseous ammonia, and for forming nearly all the officinal 
 aquecs solutions. B. 
 
 AQUiE MEDICATE. U. S. 
 
 Medicated Waters. 
 
 Ucer this head are included, in the United States Pharmacopoeia, all those 
 prepafions consisting of water impregnated with some medicinal substance, 
 wbichire not arranged in any other class. Among them are the “Waters” and 
 “Dis led Waters” of the British Pharmacopoeias, which therefore require some 
 notice n the present place. 
 
 Aqj3. Lond. Waters. Dub. Distilled Waters. Ed. 
 
 “D tilled waters may be prepared from fresh, and generally also from dried 
 veget les. In the latter case only half the weight of material should be used. 
 They i ay also be prepared, for the most part, by agitating the volatile oils of 
 the p’jits with water, and filtering the solution. But distilled waters obtained 
 in th way have seldom so fine a flavour as those obtained from the plants 
 themsves.” Ed. 
 
 Mac vegetables impart to water distilled from them their peculiar flavour, 
 and rare or less of their medical properties. The distilled waters chiefly used 
 are thee prepared from aromatic plants, the volatile oil of which rises with the 
 aqueo vapour, and is condensed with it in the receiver. But as water is capable 
 of homg but a small proportion of the oil in solution, these preparations are 
 genenjy feeble, and are employed chiefly as pleasant vehicles or corrigents of 
 other edicines. 
 
 In te preparation of the distilled waters, dried plants are sometimes used, 
 becau the fresh are not to be had at all seasons; but the latter, at least in the 
 instan of herbs and flowers, should be preferred if attainable. Flowers which 
 lose t ir odour by desiccation may be preserved by incorporating them inti- 
 mate! with one-third of their weight of common salt, and in this state afford 
 distill waters of delicate flavour. 
 
 It ijnecessary to observe certain practical rules in conducting the process of 
 distill on. When the substance employed is dry, hard, and fibrous, it should 
 be me' anically divided, and macerated in water for a short time previously to 
 the op/ation. The quantity of materials should not bear too large a proportion 
 to the ipacity of the alembic, as the water might otherwise boil over into the 
 receiv:. The water should he brought quickly to the state of ebullition, and 
 contied in that state till the end of the process. Care should be taken to 
 leave fficient water undistilled to cover the whole of the vegetable matter; lest 
 
886 
 
 Aquas Medic at as. 
 
 PAR il. 
 
 a portion of the latter, coming in contact with the sides of the vessel, mi!?] be 
 decomposed by the heat, and yield empyreumatic products. Besides, wheihe 
 operation is urged too vigorously or carried too far, a slimy matter is apt toim 
 which adheres to the sides of the alembic above the water, and is thus exj ed 
 to igneous decomposition. To obviate these disadvantages, the heat ma be 
 applied by means of an oil-bath regulated by a thermometer, or of a ba .of 
 solution of chloride of calcium, by which any temperature may be obtaineoe- 
 tween 212° and 270°, according to the strength of the solution; or, wherhe 
 process is conducted upon a large scale, by means of steam introduced iler 
 pressure into a space around the still. A convenient mode of applying he by 
 steam, is by means of a coil of leaden tube placed in the bottom of the ill, 
 having one end connected with a boiler, and the other passing out beneath ■ at 
 the side, and furnished with a stop-cock, by which the pressure may be inerced. 
 or the condensed water drawn off at will. If any volatile oil float upon thmr- 
 face of the distilled water, it should be separated. 
 
 But, however carefully the process may be conducted, the distilled water re- 
 pared from plants always have at first an unpleasant smoky odour. Theyiay 
 be freed from this by exposure for a short time to the air, before being encsed 
 in well stopped bottles, in which they should be preserved. When long pt, 
 they are apt to form a viscid ropy matter, and to become sour. This resu'has 
 been ascribed to other principles, which rise with the oil in distillation, anoro- 
 mote its decomposition. To prevent this decomposition, the Edinburgh C'ege 
 orders rectified spirit to be added to the water employed in the process of (fil- 
 iation. But this addition is inadequate to the intended object, and is i tract 
 injurious, as the alcohol by long exposure to the air appears to undergo the cet- 
 ous fermentation. The London College , which formerly directed a spirious 
 addition, has abandoned it. A better plan is to redistil the waters. Wherhus 
 purified, it is said that they may he kept for several years unchanged. 
 
 Bobiquet considers the mucosity which forms in distilled waters as the suit 
 of a vegetative process, to which the presence of air is essential. He has hnd 
 that, so long as the water is covered with a layer of essential oil, it unde;oe3 
 no change ; but that the oil is gradually altered by exposure to the air, ai, as 
 soon as it disappears, the water begins to be decomposed. He states thatam- 
 phor exercises the same preservative influence over the distilled waters by list- 
 ing the vegetation, and that those in which the odour of camphor is devaped 
 keep better on that account. Finally, he has observed that the more dislled 
 water is charged with volatile oil, the more abundant is the mucosity, win it 
 has begun to form. Bobiquet unites with Henry and Guibourt, and with key, 
 in recommending that all these waters, when intended to be kept for a conder- 
 able time, should be introduced, immediately after distillation, into bottle jf a 
 size proportionate to the probable consumption of the water when broughmto 
 use; and that the bottles should be quite filled, and then sealed or oth<-vrse 
 well stopped, so as entirely to exclude the air. Thus treated, they may bpre- 
 served without change for many years. ( Journ . de Pharm., xxi. 402. ) 
 
 Another mode of preparing the distilled waters is to substitute the vutile 
 oil previously separated from the plant, for the plant itself in the process, c his 
 mode was directed in former editions of the London and Lublin Pharaco- 
 poeias, in several instances, but has been omitted in the last editions. It isaid 
 to afford a more permanent product than the preceding ; but does not stays 
 preserve the flavour of the plant. 
 
 In relation to most of the aromatics, the United States Pharmaeopoeij dis- 
 cards altogether the process by distillation, and directs that water shoe- be 
 impregnated with the volatile oil by trituration with carbonate of magnesi.ana 
 subsequently filtered. This is by far the most simple and easy process. Be 
 resulting solution is pure and permanent, and is perfectly transparent, tb car- 
 
PAB'II. 
 
 887 
 
 Aqux Medicatse. 
 
 bona of magnesia being separated by the filtration. Carbonate of magnesia 
 is prerable to the pure earth; as the latter sometimes gives a brownish colour 
 to th liquid, and requires to be used in larger proportion. But both these sub- 
 stanci are dissolved in minute quantities, and are apt to occasion a slight floc- 
 culer precipitate. They may also possibly prove injurious by decomposing 
 certa substances given in very small doses, as sulphate of morphia, bichloride 
 of nrcury, and nitrate of silver. The object of the magnesia or its carbonate 
 is sinly to enable the oil to be brought to a state of minute division, and thus 
 preseted with a larger surface to the action of the solvent. According to Mr. 
 Robe' Warington, this object may be better accomplished by porcelain clay, 
 finel')owdered glass, or pumice stone, which are wholly insoluble ( Chem . Gaz., 
 Marc, 1845, p. 113); and the London College now employs finely powdered 
 silica’or the purpose. (See Silex Contritus.) Chalk and sugar answer the same 
 endjiut the latter, by being dissolved with the oil, renders the preparation 
 irapm. The Dublin College prepares its waters by agitating an alcoholic solu- 
 tion ’ the oil with distilled water and filtering. They consequently contain 
 alcob, and are liable to the objection already mentioned against the medicated 
 watei thus impregnated. They are besides feeble in the properties of their 
 respe ive oils. In the preparation of the aromatic waters by these processes, it 
 is ve important that the water should be pure. The presence of a sulphate 
 cause a decomposition of the oil, resulting in the production of sulphuretted 
 bydr en and a carbonate ; and the aromatic properties are quite lost. (See Am. 
 Jour of Pharm., xix. 303.) Hence the propriety of the officinal direction to 
 empl • distilled water. W. 
 
 AiUAACIDI CAKBONICI. U.S. Carbonic Acid Water. Arti- 
 ficia.Seltzer Water. 
 
 “ .'means of a forcing pump, throw into a suitable receiver, nearly filled with 
 WatcJ a quantity of carbonic acid equal to five times the bulk of the Water. 
 Garble acid is obtained from Marble by means of dilute sulphuric acid.” U. S. 
 
 Tt preparation, which is peculiar to the United States Pharmacopoeia, con- 
 sists water highly charged with carbonic acid. Water is found to take up its 
 volui of this acid under the pressure of the atmosphere; and Dr. Henry ascer- 
 taine that precisely the same volume of the compressed gas is absorbed under 
 a big a- pressure. Prom this law, the bulk taken up is constant, the quantity 
 beingliflerent in proportion as there is more or less driven into a given space. 
 Asti space occupied by a gas is inversely as the compressing force, it follows 
 that e quantity of the acid forced into the water will be directly as the pres- 
 sure. A double pressure will force a double quantity into a given space, and, 
 there re, cause a double quantity to be absorbed; a treble pressure will drive a 
 trebkquantity into the same space, and cause its absorption; and so on for 
 bight pressures, the bulk of the compressed gas absorbed always l-emaining the 
 same' From the principles above laid down, it follows that, to saturate water 
 with re times its volume of carbonic acid, as directed in the formula, it must 
 be suected to a pressure of five atmospheres. 
 
 Ca|j onic acid water is familiarly called in this country “ mineral water,” and 
 
 sod water;” the latter name, originally applied to the preparation when it 
 conta ed a small portion of carbonate of soda, being from habit continued since 
 the a ali has been omitted. As it is largely consumed both as an agreeable 
 bevei;e and as a medicine, it will be proper to give a sketch of the apparatus 
 empl ed in its preparation. This consists of a strong egg-shaped copper vessel, 
 aboui ighteen inches long, called a generator, fixed upright in a wooden frame, 
 and mounted by another upright vessel of similar shape, about nine inches 
 long, ommunicating with the generator by a short neck, and intended to contain 
 the S;phuric acid. Connected with the generator by a copper tube, and placed 
 
888 
 
 Aquae Medicatse. 
 
 pai n. 
 
 by its side, is a strong cylindrical vessel for washing the gas, about fifteen i aes 
 long and three and a half in diameter, two-thirds filled with water, and tc ear 
 the bottom of which the connecting tube passes. Severally communicatinc ith 
 the washing vessel are a mercurial gauge to indicate the pressure, and a s m? 
 vessel, called the reservoir or fountain, of about the capacity of eighteen gains 
 three-fourths filled with water, the connexion of the latter being by a lead or ,tta 
 percha tube, commanded by a stop-cock. The charge of whiting or marble ist, 
 say eight pounds, and the requisite water are added through an opening : the 
 generator, in front of the sulphuric acid vessel, and closed by a screw stoer. 
 The communication between the acid vessel and generator is commander y a 
 vertical square rod, reaching within the vessel to about two-thirds of its h ;ht, 
 and terminating at its lower end in a screw. This rod, when unscrewed, ens 
 a communication between the acid vessel and the generator. The requisit sul- 
 phuric acid is added to the acid vessel through an opening at its top, capaaof 
 being closed by a screw stopper. Through the axis of this stopper, and revcing 
 within it, but without having any vertical motion on it, passes the ke the 
 lower end of which has a square hole to fit on the square rod. When th icid 
 vessel is to be closed, the screw stopper, with its key, is placed over the «n- 
 ing, in which situation the lower end of the key reaches down a sufficien dis- 
 tance to embrace loosely the square rod. The stopper is now screwed hand 
 the key, without revolving with the stopper, descends so as duly to embra the 
 square rod. By turning the handle of the key in the proper direction, tl rod 
 is partially unscrewmd, the passage to the generator opened, and the acitgra- 
 dually flows in. From time to time, when the acid is allowed to enter theane- 
 rator, its contents are briskly mixed by means of an agitator, attached to aori- 
 zontal axis, passing air-tight through the short diameter of the generate and 
 turned by a crank. The stop-cock between the washing vessel and founnis 
 now partially opened, and the impregnation of the water with the gas bins. 
 As it proceeds, the sulphuric acid is gradually allowed to enter the genator 
 until it is expended, and the stop-cock is from time to time turned, unti t is 
 entirely opened. Finally, after the water is fully charged with gas, ar the 
 whiting wholly decomposed, the fountain is detached, and the generatorreed 
 from the pulpy sulphate of lime by the assistance of water and the agitate and 
 its contents allowed to escape through an opening in its most dependingrart. 
 In the apparatus of the size above described, a single fountain only is ckged 
 by one operation, and the carbonic acid water formed contains between nil and 
 ten times its volume of the gas. In this improved mode of making caomc 
 acid water, it is perceived that the requisite pressure is obtained by geneting 
 the carbonic acid in a confined space, instead of by a forcing pump. 
 
 Carbonic acid water is dispensed in man 3^ of the apothecary shops in the bited 
 States. The fountain is usually placed in the cellar, and the tube procdiDg 
 from the fountain is made to pass through the floor and counter of the she and 
 to terminate in a stop-cock, by means of which the carbonic acid water ry be 
 drawn off at pleasure. In order to have the liquid cool in summer, thmbe 
 from the cellar generally terminates in a strong metallic vessel of conviient 
 shape, placed under the counter and surrounded with ice, and from this essel 
 a separate tube penetrating the counter proceeds. 
 
 Properties. Carbonic acid water is a sparkling liquid, possessing an agruble, 
 pungent, acidulous taste. It reddens litmus deeply from its state of ccnotia- 
 tion, and is precipitated by lime-water. Being impregnated with a largeusm- 
 tity of the acid gas under the influence of pressure, it effervesces stronglyrhea 
 freed from restraint. Hence, to preserve its briskness, it should be k t 
 strong well-corked bottles, placed inverted in a cool place. Several 1 nra 
 waters are of a similar nature ; such as those of Seltzer, Spa, and Pyrmon tat 
 the artificial water has the advantage of a stronger impregnation with tl act 
 
PAR II. 
 
 889 
 
 Aquae Medicatse. 
 
 gas. Carbonic acid water, when pure, is not discoloured by sulphuretted hydro- 
 gen ■ solution of ammonia, nor precipitated by sulphate of soda or ferrocyanuret 
 
 of pj 
 
 T' uri 
 
 lassium. It should be made with every precaution to avoid metallic lm- 
 Hence the necessity of having the reservoir or fountain well tinned on 
 the J'ner surface. Even with this precaution, a slight metallic impregnation is 
 not ways avoided, especially in the winter season, when the water is less con- 
 sume as a drink, and, therefore, allowed to remain longer in the reservoir. 
 Glasjfountains are sometimes used with advantage at this season ; and a patent 
 has sen taken out for a stoneware fountain, enclosed in tinned copper, which 
 has fen found to answer a good purpose. When leaden tubes are employed to 
 convijf the water, it is liable to be contaminated with this metal, which renders 
 it doterious. A case of colica pictonum was treated by one of the authors, 
 arisijr from the daily use of the first draught, of carbonic acid water from a 
 foun in furnished with tubes of lead. Tin tubes are sometimes employed, en- 
 close in lead ones to give them strength. 
 
 C'bonic acid , formerly called fixed air, is a. colourless gas, of a slightly 
 punilt odour and acid taste. It reddens litmus feebly, and combines with 
 salifiole bases, forming salts called carbonates, from which it is expelled by all 
 the long acids. It extinguishes flame, and is quickly fatal to animals when 
 respiid. All kinds of fermented liquors which are brisk or sparkling, such as 
 chan!agne, cider, porter, &c., owe these properties to its presence. Its sp.gr. 
 is li. In 1823 it was liquefied by Faraday by a pressure of 36 atmospheres, 
 and i| 1836 solidified by Thilorier, by taking advantage of the cold generated 
 by ti sudden gasefaction of the liquid acid, when freed from pressure. It is 
 coinj|sed of one eq. of carbon 6, and two of oxygen 16=22. 
 
 Mfical Properties and Uses. Carbonic acid water is diaphoretic, diuretic, 
 and ti-emetic. It forms a grateful drink to febrile patients, allaying thirst, 
 lessefng nausea and gastric distress, and promoting the secretion of urine. 
 The aantity taken need only be regulated by the reasonable wishes of the pa- 
 tient It also forms a very convenient vehicle for the administration of magne- 
 sia, e carbonated alkalies, sulphate of magnesia, and the saline cathartics 
 genelly; rendering these medicines less unpleasant to the palate, and, in irrita- 
 ble stes of the stomach, increasing the chances of their being retained. When 
 uSedpr this purpose, six or eight fluidounces will be sufficient. 
 
 Cnonic acid gas has been used by Professor Mojon, of Geneva, as an injection 
 iu d'nenorrhcea with the most soothing effects. It is applied by means of a 
 flexi i tube, inserted into the vagina, and proceeding from a bottle containing 
 piece of chalk and dilute sulphuric acid. The application is continued for five 
 mini Is, and repeated several times a day. ( Am . Journ. of the Med. Sci., xxii. 
 469, 
 
 om the Bull. Gin. de T her apt.) B. 
 
 UA AMYGDALAE AMAR2E. U. S. Bitter Almond Water. 
 ke of Oil of Bitter Almonds sixteen minims; Carbonate of Magnesia 
 hm; Water two pints. Proceed in the manner directed for Cinnamon 
 ” US. 
 
 Tl i preparation has the effects of hydrocyanic acid on the system, and may 
 beuf l as a vehicle of other medicines in nervous coughs, and various spasmodic 
 affec ins. It is, however, liable to spontaneous change, and is consequently 
 morf.r less uncertain. A drop of sulphuric acid added to a pint of it will con- 
 toits preservation; as will also complete exclusion from the light and air. 
 e better plan is to prepare it in small quantities, as wanted for use. The 
 ’ it, to begin with, when of full strength, should not exceed half a fluid- 
 Under the same name, a preparation has been considerably used on the 
 content of Europe, prepared by distilling bitter almonds with water. This 
 whei resh is much stronger than the preparation of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
 
 A 
 
 Ur 
 
 a dr 
 Wat 
 
 tribi 
 
 But 
 
 dose 
 
 ounc) 
 
890 
 
 PAR a. 
 
 Aquas Medicates. 
 
 containing, according to an analysis of Geiger, in 1000 parts, 12 parts o n- 
 hydrous hydrocyanic acid. It has been prescribed with fatal effects (Phm. 
 Jouvn. and Trans., vi. 439); and the greatest caution, therefore, shoul be 
 observed by the apothecary not to put up the distilled water instead o he 
 officinal. i 
 
 AQUA ANETHI. Lond., Ed. Dill Water. 
 
 “Take of Dill [fruit], bruised, a pound and a half; Water two gallons m- 
 perial measure]. Distil a gallon.” Or, “ Take of Oil of Dill two fluidracu; 
 Pulverized Silex two drachms; Distilled Water a gallon [Imp. meas.]. Eu he 
 oil diligently, first with the Silex, afterwards with the Water, and filter tl so- 
 lution.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh College takes the same quantity of dill and of water, ith 
 three fuidounces of rectified spirit, mixes, and distils a gallon. 
 
 This is seldom if ever used in the United States. 
 
 AQUA ANISI. Dub. Anise Water. 
 
 “Take of Essence of Anise one fluidounce ; Distilled Water half a flon 
 [Imperial measure]. Mix with agitation, and filter through paper.” Dub 
 
 This preparation is seldom used in the United States. j 
 
 AQUA C AMPHORAE. V.S. Mistura Camphors. Lond., Ed.,. 
 Camphor Water. 
 
 “Take of Camphor two drachms; Alcohol forty minims; Carbonate of ag- 
 nesia four drachms; Distilled Water two pints. Rub the Camphor firstith 
 the Alcohol, afterwards with the Carbonate of Magnesia, and lastly witithe 
 Water gradually added; then filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes half a drachm of camphor, ten minims of reefied 
 spirit, and a pint [Imperial measure] of distilled water; rubs the camphoirst 
 with the spirit, and then with the water gradually added ; and strains thngh 
 linen. The Edinburgh College directs a scruple of camphor and half an l nee 
 of sugar, well rubbed together, to be beat, with half an ounce of blanched bet 
 almonds, into a smooth pulp ; a pint [Imp. meas.] of water to be gracilly 
 added, and the mixture to be strained. The Dublin College takes a fluidince 
 of tincture of camphor, and three pints [Imp. meas.] of water; shakes theinc- 
 ture and water together in a bottle, and, after the mixture has stood twent;'our 
 hours, filters through paper. 
 
 In all these processes the object is to effect a solution of the camphor, hter 
 is capable of dissolving but a small proportion of this principle ; but the ian- 
 tity varies with the method employed. The London and Dublin prepar-ons 
 are very feeble. Made according to the Edinburgh process, one pint c the 
 water contains less than twenty graius of camphor; while our own officinapre- 
 pai'ation contains about fifty grains to the pint, or more than three grains the 
 fluidounce. ( Journ . of the Phil. Col. of Pharm., iv. 13.) The differed is 
 attributable, at least in part, to the minute division effected in the camp!' by 
 trituration with the carbonate of magnesia, which is afterwards separati by 
 filtration. The use of the alcohol is simply to break down the cohesion ( the 
 camphor, and enable it to be more easily pulverized. The process of the .&• 
 Pharmacopoeia is much preferable to the others, as it affords a permanentolu- 
 tion, of sufficient strength to be employed with a view to the influence ( the 
 camphor on the system ; while the British preparations have little morebaa 
 the flavour of the narcotic, and are fit only for vehicles of other medieines.The 
 camphor is separated by a solution of pure potassa, and, according to Dr. ub, 
 by sulphate of magnesia and several other salts. Sir J. Murray propes a 
 solution of camphor and bicarbonate of magnesia, which contaius three Jin5 
 of the former and six graius of the latter in each fluidounce. (See Am. 
 of Pharm., xx. 195.) 
 
PAR’ II. 
 
 891 
 
 Aquse Medieatse. 
 
 Caphor water is chiefly employed in low fevers and typhoid diseases, at- 
 tend with restlessness, slight delirium, or other symptoms of nervous derange- 
 menor debility. It is used also to allay uterine after-pains. It has this advan- 
 tage ver camphor in substance, that the latter is with difficulty dissolved by 
 the |Uors of the stomach ; but it is not applicable to cases where very large 
 dosespf the medicine are required. It is usually given in the dose of one or 
 two iblespoonfuls repeated every hour or two hours. W. 
 
 A.UA CARUL Lond., Dub. Caraway Water. 
 
 T1 London College prepares this in the same manner as Dill Water. (See 
 AquiAnethi.) The Dublin College takes a fluidounce of the essence of cara- 
 way, nd half a gallon [Imperial measure] of distilled water, mixes with agita- 
 tion, :'nd filters through paper. 
 
 Caway water has the flavour and pungency of the seeds, but is not used in 
 this 'untry. W. 
 
 A UA CASSLZE. Ed. Water of Cassia. 
 
 “Ike of Cassia-bark, bruised, eighteen ounces; Water, two gallons [Imperial 
 meas’e]; Rectified Spirit three fluidounces. Mix them together, and distil off 
 one jLlon.” Ed. 
 
 T1 distinction between cassia and cinnamon is not recognised in our Phar- 
 macopeia ; so that this preparation would rank as a variety of cinnamon water, 
 (See qua Cinnamomi.) W. 
 
 AUA CINNAMOMI. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Cinnamon Water. 
 
 “ r |ke of Oil of Cinnamon half a fluidracKm; Carbonate of Magnesia a 
 dram; Distilled Water two pints. Rub the Oil of Cinnamon first with the 
 Carb ate of Magnesia, then with the Water gradually added, and filter through 
 papei ’ U. S. 
 
 TI London College prepares this in the same manner as Dill Water; the 
 Edin.irgh, as the Water of Cassia. The Dublin College takes a fluidounce of 
 essen of cinnamon, and half a gallon [Imperial measure] of distilled water, 
 mixeitvith agitation, and filters through paper. 
 
 Of hese processes, we prefer that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia or the second 
 Lonoi process, as easier than the others, or affording a better product. Cin- 
 namc water is much used as a vehicle for other less agreeable medicines ; but 
 shout be given cautiously in inflammatory affections. For ordinary purposes 
 it is fficiently strong when diluted with an equal measure of water. 
 
 0[Prep. Mistura Cretae; Mistura Gluaiaci; Mistura Spiritus Vini Gallici. 
 
 W. 
 
 A [JA FGENICULI. U. S., Ed., Dub. Fennel Water. 
 
 Tb U. S. Pharmacopoeia directs this to be prepared from oil of fennel, in the 
 sameiianner as cinnamon water. (See Aqua Cinnamomi.) 
 
 Th Edinburgh College prepares it in the same manner as dill water (see 
 AquoXnethi). The Dublin College takes a fluidounce of the essence of fennel, 
 and h'f a gallon [Imperial measure] of distilled water, mixes with agitation, 
 and levs through paper. 
 
 Fe hel water is an agreeable vehicle for other medicines, and useful when a 
 mild omatic is indicated. W. 
 
 A [JA LAURO-CERASI. Ed., Dub. Cherry-laurel Water. 
 
 ‘Ace of Fresh Leaves of Cherry-laurel, apoxind; Water two pints and a 
 half inperial measure] ; Compound Spirit of Lavender an ounce. Chop down 
 the l ives, mix them with the Water, distil off one pint [Imp. meas.], agitate 
 the d tilled liquid well, filter it if any milkiness remain after a few seconds of 
 rest, jd then add the Lavender Spirit.” Ed. 
 
892 
 
 Aquae Medicatae. part 
 
 “Take of Fresh Leaves of the Common Laurel, one pound ; Water two p 
 and a half [Imperial Measure], Upon the Leaves, chopped, and crushed i a 
 mortar, macerate the Water for twenty-four hours, and then draw over a ] t 
 of liquid by distillation, using a Liebig’s condenser, and chloride of zinc hi. 
 Filter the product through paper, and preserve it in a well-stopped bottle.” l‘>. 
 
 The leaves yield a larger product of hydrocyanic acid when cut and bru d 
 than when distilled whole. According to M. G-arot, the proportion of the;d 
 in cherry-laurel water depends upon the time of year at which the distillatio Ls 
 performed ; the leaves yielding not more than half as much in April, as in e 
 middle of July. ( Annuaire, de Therap., 1843, p. 45.) The use of compo d 
 spirit of lavender, in the Edinburgh formula, instead of alcohol, is in ordei o 
 impart colour to the preparation, and thus prevent it from being mistaken >r 
 common water. The proportion of hydrocyanic acid in the water dimini; >s 
 with time. It has been ascertained by M. Desc-hamps, that if a drop of 1- 
 phuric acid be added to a pint of the preparation, it will keep unchanged fo it 
 least a year. It is best preserved by the entire exclusion of air and light. [. 
 Lepage found that, preserved in full and perfectly air-tight bottles, both is 
 and bitter almond water remained unchanged at the end of a year ; while fn y 
 exposed to the air, they lost all their hydrocyanic acid and essential oil in -o 
 or three months. ( Journ . de Pharm. et de Chim., xvi. 346.) Cherry-la d 
 water is employed in Europe as a sedative narcotic, identical in its propens 
 with a dilute solution of hydrocyanic acid; but it is of very uncertain strenji. 
 The dose is from thirty minims to a fluidrachm. M 
 
 AQUA MENTHA] PIPERITA). U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Pepjr - 
 mint Water. 
 
 This is prepared, according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, from the oil of ] 0 - 
 permint, in the manner directed for cinnamon water. (See Aqua Cinnamoi.) 
 
 “Take of Peppermint, dried, two joouncls ; Water tico gallons [Imperial Da- 
 sure). Distil a gallon. When the fresh herb is used the quantity skouloe 
 doubled. This Water may be more quickly prepared from the Oil of Pepperuit 
 in the same manner as Dill Water.” Loud. 
 
 The Edinburgh College mixes four pounds of fresh or two of dry peppermt, 
 two gallons [Imp. mens.] of water, and three fuidounces of rectified spirit, .d 
 distils a gallon. The Dublin College mixes, with agitation, a fluidovnce of essee 
 of peppermint with half a gallon [Imp. rneas.] of distilled water, and filrs 
 through paper. Y 
 
 AQUA MENTHA) YIRIDIS. U. S., Land., Ed., Dub. Spearmt 
 Water. 
 
 This is prepared, according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, from the oil of spr- 
 mint, in the manner directed for cinnamon water. (SeeM<y«a Cinnamom.) 
 
 By the British Colleges it is prepared in the manner directed by tkemar 
 peppermint water. 
 
 The two mint waters are among the most grateful and most employed of is 
 class of preparations. Together with c-innamou water, they are used in is 
 country, almost to the exclusion of all others, as the vehicle of medicines gi n 
 in the form of mixture. They serve not only to conceal or qualify the fast A 
 other medicines, but also to counteract their nauseating properties. Peppermt 
 water is generally thought to have a more agreeable flavour than that of spr- 
 mint, but some prefer the latter. Their effects are the same. ^ 
 
 AQUA PIMENTA). Lond., Ed., Dub. Pimento Water. 
 
 “Take of Pimento, bruised, a pound; Water two gallons [Imperial measu]- 
 Distil a gallon. This Water may be more quickly prepared from Oil of Pinu-O 
 in the same manner as Dill Water.” Lond. 
 
PR.T II. 
 
 893 
 
 Aquae Medicatx. 
 
 Hie Edinburgh College mixes a pound of bruised pimento, two gallons [Imp. 
 nis.] of water, and three fluidounces of rectified spirit, and distils a gallon. 
 r Jo Dublin College agitates a jluidounce of essence of pimento with half a 
 glon [Imp. meas.] of distilled water, and filters through paper. 
 
 Pimento water is brownish when first distilled, and upon standing deposits a 
 bwn resinous sediment. It is used as a carminative in the dose of one or two 
 fldounces. W. 
 
 AQUA PULEGII. Lond., Ed. Aqua Mentha Pulegii. Dub. Pen- 
 riroyal Water. 
 
 This is prepared from European pennyroyal or its oil, precisely in the manner 
 dscted by the British Colleges for peppermint water. It is not used in this 
 c ntry, as we have not the plant. A water prepared from Iledeoma pulegioides , 
 
 0 American pennyroyal, might be substituted. 
 
 Pennyroyal water is employed for the same purposes as those of peppermint 
 al spearmint. W. 
 
 VQUA ROSiE. U. S., Lond., Pd., Pub. Pose Water. 
 
 ‘Take of Fresh Hundred-leaved Roses eight pounds; Water two gallons. Mix 
 t'jm and distil a gallon.” U. S. 
 
 Che London College takes ten pounds of roses and two gallons [Imperial mea- 
 s e] of water, aud distils a gallon. The Edinburgh College mixes ten pounds 
 ofoses, two gallons [Imp. meas.] of water, and three fluidounces of rectified 
 spit, and distils off a gallon; adding the following notice. “The petals should 
 bpreferred when fresh ; but it also answers well to use those which have been 
 plserved by beating them with twice their weight of muriate of soda.” The 
 
 1 blin College agitates twenty minims of oil of roses with half a gallon [Imp. 
 n as.] of distilled water, and filters through paper. 
 
 I should be observed that, in the nomenclature of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
 ti term “Roses” implies only the petals of the flower. These are directed in 
 t recent state; but it is said that, when preserved by being incorporated with 
 
 0 -third of their weight of common salt, they retain their odour, and afford a 
 wer equally fragrant with that prepared from the fresh flower. It is not un- 
 c irnon to employ the whole flower including the calyx, but the product is less 
 fgrant than when the petals only are used, as officinally directed. Rose water 
 i: ometimes made by distilling together water and the oil of roses. 
 
 When properly prepared, it has the delightful perfume of the rose in great 
 pfection. It is most successfully made on a large scale. Like the other dis- 
 tal waters it is liable to spoil when kept; and the alcohol which is sometimes 
 a ed to preserve it is incompatible with some of the purposes to which the 
 wer is applied, and is even said to render it sour through acetous fermentation. 
 
 1 s best, therefore, to avoid this addition, and to substitute a second distillation. 
 I s distilled water is chiefly employed, on account of its agreeable odour, in 
 c yria and other lotions. It is wholly destitute of irritating properties, unless 
 wm it contains alcohol. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Rosse; Mistura Ferri Composita; Unguentum Aquae 
 ll?ae. W. 
 
 \.QUA SAMBUCI. Lond., Pd. Elder Water. 
 
 'Take of Elder Flowers ten pounds; Water two gallons [Imperial measure]. 
 I til a gallon.” Lond. 
 
 che Edinburgh College mixes ten pounds of the fresh flowers, two gallons 
 [ ip. meas.] of water, and three fluidounces of rectified spirit, and distils a 
 glon. 
 
 Aider flowers yield very little oil upon distillation; and if the water be needed, 
 i my be best prepared from the flowers. In this country it is not used. W. 
 
894 
 
 Aquse Medicatse. 
 
 PARI I. 
 
 CHLORINII LIQUOR. Dub. Chlorinei Aqua. Ed. Solution/ 
 
 Chlorine. Chlorine Water. 
 
 “ Take of Peroxide of Manganese, in fine powder, half an ounce [avoirdupo] ■ 
 Muriatic Acid of Commerce three fluidounces [Imp. meas.]; Distilled Wbr 
 twenty-four ounces [avoird.]. Introduce the Peroxide of Manganese into a is 
 bottle, and having poured upon it the Muriatic Acid diluted with two ounccof 
 [the] Water, apply a gentle heat, and, by suitable tubes, cause the gas, as is 
 developed, to bubble through two additional ounces of the Water placed ii.n 
 intermediate small vial, and then to pass to the bottom of an [Imperial] the- 
 pint bottle, containing the remainder of the Water, and whose mouth is loo iy 
 plugged with tow. When the air has been entirely displaced by the clolor e, 
 let the bottle be disconnected from the apparatus in which the gas is general, 
 corked loosely, and shaken until the chlorine is absorbed. It should be w 
 transferred to an [Imperial] pint bottle with a well-ground glass stopper, d 
 preserved in a cool and dark place.” Dub. 
 
 “Take of Muriate of Soda [chloride of sodium] sixty grains; Sulphuric id 
 (commercial) two fiuidrachms [Imp. meas.]; Pied Oxide of Lead three Tinned 
 and fifty grains; Water eight fluidounces [Imp. meas.]. Triturate the Muite 
 of Soda and Oxide together; put them into the Water contained in a bottle vh 
 a glass stopper; add the Acid; agitate occasionally till the Red Oxide becoes 
 almost all white. Allow the insoluble matter to subside before using the liqm” 
 Ed. 
 
 In order to understand the Dublin process for making chlorine water, iis 
 necessary to recollect that twenty-four avoirdupois ounces of water are equato 
 twenty-four Imperial fluidounces, and that the Imperial pint contains twe:y 
 fluidounces. The three-pint bottle used, therefore, has the capacity of s::y 
 fluidounces. Four fluidounces of the water are appropriated in diluting the id 
 and in absorbing impurities in the intermediate vial. The remaining twety 
 fluidounces, or an Imperial pint, is placed in the three-pint bottle, which it dy 
 one-third tills. The chlorine gas is extricated from the muriatic acid by le 
 deutoxide of manganese separating the hydrogen, and is passed into the tlie- 
 pint bottle, loosely stopped, until the vacant part, having the capacity of ro 
 pints, is filled with it to the exclusion of atmospheric air. The bottle, bog 
 then corked, is shaken, so as to cause the absorption of the gas by the war. 
 The product is an Imperial pint of chlorine water, which is transferred 1 a 
 bottle just sufficient in capacity to contain it. 
 
 By the Edinburgh process the solution is formed in the liquid way. The id 
 oxide of lead oxidizes the sodium, converting it into soda, and is itself redud 
 to the state of protoxide. The chlorine set free is dissolved by the water, id 
 the sulphuric acid forms with the soda, sulphate of soda which remaimm 
 solution, and with the protoxide of lead, sulphate of protoxide of lead whicis 
 precipitated. The action is completed in the course of a few hours, andae 
 sulphate of lead having subsided, the supernatant liquid forms an aqueous su- 
 tion of chlorine, containing a little sulphate of soda, which does not interre 
 with its medicinal properties. 
 
 Properties. The Dublin chlorine water has a pale yellowish-green colourm 
 astringent taste, and the peculiar odour of the gas. Like gaseous chloric it 
 destroys vegetable colours. When cooled to about the freezing point, it foas 
 deep-yellow crystalline plates, consisting of hydrate of chlorine. As prepi’d 
 by the Dublin College, it is intended to contain twice its volume of the gas. It 
 is decomposed by light, with the production of muriatic acid, and the evolum 
 of oxygen, and hence must be kept in a dark place. According to MM. Ri<“ 
 and Waltz, chlorine water, containing two and a half volumes of the gas at i , 
 keeps best. 
 
p.:T II. 
 
 895 
 
 Aquae Medicatae. — Argentum. 
 
 llilonne is an elementary gaseous fluid, of a greenish-yellow colour, and 
 cbacteristic smell and taste. It is a supporter of combustion. Its specific 
 gi/ity is 2'47, and equivalent number 35'42. When the attempt is made to 
 bnthe it, even much diluted, it excites cough and a sense of suffocation, and 
 cases a discharge from the nostrils like coryza. Breathed in considerable 
 qintities, it produces spitting of blood, violent pains, and sometimes death. 
 
 ledical Properties and Uses. Chlorine water is stimulant and antiseptic. It 
 hi been used in typhus, and chronic affections of the liver; but the diseases in 
 w eh it has been most extolled are scarlatina and malignant sorethroat. Ex- 
 te.ally it may be used, duly diluted, as a gargle in smallpox, scarlatina, and 
 prid sorethroat, as a wash for ill-conditioned ulcers and cancerous sores, and 
 as local bath in diseases of the liver. It has been used with advantage as an 
 ajlication to buboes and large abscesses, promoting the absorption of the mat- 
 te As it depends upon chlorine for its activity, its medical properties coincide 
 gorally with those of chlorinated lime, chlorinated soda, and nitromuriatic 
 ac , under which heads they are more particularly given. The dose of chlorine 
 wer is from one to four fluidrachms, properly diluted. 
 
 raseous chlorine has been recommended in minute doses, by Gannal, in chronic 
 bnehitis and pulmonary consumption, exhibited by inhalation four or six times 
 a y. Its first effect is to produce some dryness of the fauces, with increased 
 enctoration for a time, followed ultimately with diminution of the sputa and 
 aindment. Dr. Ckristison states that he has repeatedly observed these results 
 in ;hronic catarrh ; and in consumption, both he and Dr. Elliotson have wit- 
 nned the temporary melioration of the symptoms from chlorine inhalations, 
 sci as they never obtained by any other means. The liquid in the inhaler may 
 bi'ormed either of water containing from ten to thirty drops of chlorine water, 
 01 f chlorinated lime dissolved in forty parts of water, to which a drop or two 
 ofulphuric acid must be added, each time the inhalation is practised. The 
 ia.ler should be placed in water, heated to about 100°. B. 
 
 ARGENTUM. 
 
 Preparations of Silver. 
 
 lRGENTI CYANURETUM. U. S. Cyanuret of Silver. Cyanide 
 ojjilver. 
 
 Take of Nitrate of Silver, Ferrocyanuret of Potassium, each, two ounces ; 
 Si ihuric Acid an ounce and a half; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Dis- 
 so;e the Nitrate of Silver in a pint of Distilled Water, and pour the solution 
 in a tubulated glass receiver. Dissolve the Ferrocyanuret of Potassium in ten 
 fli ounces of Distilled Water, and pour the solution into a tubulated retort, 
 pi iously adapted to the receiver. Having mixed the Sulphuric Acid with 
 fo| fluidounces of Distilled Water, add the mixture to the solution in the 
 re ft, and distil by means of a sand-bath, with a moderate heat, until six fluid- 
 oi :es pass over, or until the liquid that passes produces no longer a precipitate 
 in le receiver. Finally, wash the precipitate with distilled water, and dry it.” 
 
 w. 
 
 his preparation was originally introduced into the U.S. Pharmacopoeia for 
 th purpose of being used in the extemporaneous preparation of diluted hydro- 
 cj iic acid. (Seepage 805.) By the formula adopted in the Pharmacopoeia of 
 P )> the officinal hydrocyanic acid was added to a solution of nitrate of silver. 
 I expenditure in this way of the officinal acid, which is very weak, and at 
 thsame time nicely adjusted to a given strength, was injudiciously directed; 
 ai , accordingly, that formula has been abandoned, and a new process adopted 
 
896 
 
 Argentum. 
 
 PAR'. i, 
 
 in the Pharmacopoeia of 1850, in which all the silver contained in a given weht 
 of nitrate of silver, placed in a receiver in solution is converted into c-yam ;t 
 by hydrocyanic acid, extricated from ferroeyanuret of potassium by the aon 
 of sulphuric acid. By a double decomposition between the oxide of silve of 
 the nitrate and the hydrocyanic acid, water and cyanuret of silver are forme in 
 the receiver, the latter of which precipitates. The materials in the retor re 
 sufficient to produce a little more hydrocyanic acid than is necessary to cor at 
 the whole of the silver in the receiver into cyanuret; so that the eompletue- 
 composition of the nitrate of silver is insured. 
 
 According to Messrs. Glassford and Napier, the best way of obtaining cyan et 
 of silver is to add cyanuret of potassium to a solution of nitrate of silver, so ag 
 as a precipitate is formed. 
 
 Properties. Cyanuret of silver is a tasteless white powder, insoluble in wer 
 and cold nitric acid, but readily soluble, with decomposition, in that acid van 
 boiling hot. It is decomposed by muriatic acid, exhaling the odour of hyo- 
 cyanic acid. It is not soluble in potassa or soda, but readily so in ammi ia. 
 Its best solvent is cyanuret of potassium. When heated it is decomposed, a- 
 nogen being evolved, and metallic silver left. It consists of one eq. of cyamen 
 26, and one of silver 108 = 134. It has no medical uses. 
 
 Off. Prep. Acidum Hydrocyanic-urn Dilutum. ] 
 
 ARGENTI NITRAS. U. S. Nitrate of Silver. Nitrate of Silve in 
 Crystals. 
 
 “Take of Silver, in small pieces, an ounce ; Nitric Acid [sp.gr. 1'42] sen 
 f uidrachms ; Distilled Water two fluid-ounces. 3Iix the acid with the War, 
 and dissolve the Silver in the mixture, on a sand-bath, with a gentle heat, lur 
 off the clear solution into a porcelain capsule, and, having evaporated it to ie- 
 half, allow it to cool that crystals may form. Pour off the supernatant liqd, 
 and, after due evaporation, put it aside for the formation of fresh crystals. A in 
 pour off the liquid, and evaporate for a third crop of crystals. Lastly, placehe 
 crystals in a glass funnel, in order that they may drain, and, when they re 
 dry, put them into a bottle, which is to be well stopped, and protected fromhe 
 light. The silver remaining in the mother water of the last crystallization ay 
 be obtained by introducing into it a plate of copper, which will precipitatehe 
 whole of the silver in the form of a gray powder, which, when washed th 
 water, will be perfectly pure.” U. S. 
 
 During the solution of silver in nitric acid, part of the acid is decomposed to 
 nitric oxide which is given off and becomes red fumes by contact with the ano- 
 sphere, and oxygen which oxidizes the silver. The oxide formed then combes 
 with the remainder of the acid, and generates the nitrate of silver in sohrn, 
 which, by due evaporation, furnishes crystals of the salt. The silver shoulbe 
 pure, and the acid diluted for the purpose of promoting its action. If the srer 
 contain copper, the solution will have a greenish tint, not disappearing on he 
 application of heat ; and if a minute portion of gold be present, it will beeft 
 undissolved as a black powder. The acid also should be pure. The c-omme ial 
 nitric acid, as it frequently contains both muriatic and sulphuric acids, sh Id 
 never be used in this process. The muriatic acid gives rise to an insoble 
 chloride, and the sulphuric, to the sparingly soluble sulphate of silver. 
 
 Properties. Nitrate of silver is in colourless transparent crystals, havinghe 
 form of rhomboidal plates, sometimes of considerable size. Its taste is inten ly 
 metallic and bitter. It is soluble in its own weight of cold water, and in ur 
 parts of boiling alcohol. When perfectly pure, it is wholly soluble in dist ed 
 water. The solution stains the skin of an indelible black colour, and is Dlf 
 discoloured by the most minute portion of organic matter, of which it fori- a 
 delicate Test. The affinity of this salt for animal matter is evinced by its ftffi* 
 
P.T II. 
 
 Argentum. 
 
 897 
 
 indefinite compounds with albumen and fibrin. The solution also stains linen 
 an muslin in a similar manner; and benc-e its use in making the so-called in- 
 de)le ink. To remove these stains, Mr. W. B. Herapath advises to let fall 
 on, he moistened spots a few drops of tincture of iodine, which converts the 
 sibr into iodide of silver. The iodide is then dissolved by a solution of hypo- 
 suliite of soda, made of the strength of half a drachm to a fluidounce of water, 
 ory a moderately dilute solution of caustic potassa, and the spots are washed 
 ouwith warm water. Stains may be removed from the skin by the same re- 
 ag ts. When exposed to heat nitrate of silver fuses at 426°, and upon con- 
 cri.ng forms the fused nitrate, which is officinal under the name of Argent! 
 Fas Fusus. At about 600° it undergoes decomposition with evolution of 
 ox;en and nitrous acid, and the metal is revived. This statement explains the 
 nelssity of guarding against the application of too high a heat during the fusion 
 of le salt. Nitrate of silver is incompatible with almost all spring and river 
 war, on account of the common salt usually contained in it; with soluble 
 ehi ides; with sulphuric, hydrosulphuric, muriatic, and tartaric acids, and their 
 sal; with the alkalies and their carbonates; with lime-water; and with astrin- 
 gei, vegetable infusions. It is an anhydrous salt, and consists of one eq. of 
 nit: acid 54, and one of protoxide of silver 116 = 170. 
 
 .'purities and Tests. A solution of chloride of sodium, when added in excess 
 to e of nitrate of silver, should throw down the whole of the silver as a white 
 cult precipitate, and nothing besides. This precipitate should be entirely solu- 
 blei ammonia. If not entirely soluble, the insoluble part is probably chloride 
 of id. If the supernatant liquid, after the removal of the above-mentioned 
 pre oitate, be discoloured or precipitated by sulphuretted hydrogen, the fact 
 sho s the presence of metallic matter, which is probably copper or some remains 
 of Id, or both. After all, the best test of nitrate of silver is the characteristic 
 app ranee of the crystals of the pure salt. For further tests of nitrate of silver, 
 see rgenti Nitras Fusus. 
 
 idical Properties. Nitrate of silver, as an internal remedy, is deemed tonic 
 andotispasmodic. The principal diseases in which it has been employed are 
 epil sy, chorea, angina pectoris, and other spasmodic affections. In epilepsy 
 it fins our most reliable remedy; but the kind of cases to which it is particu- 
 lar! applicable and its modus operandi are not understood. It is said to 
 proi'ce most good in this disease when it acts upon the bowels. Dr. James 
 Joh on and other practitioners have found it useful, as a palliative and sedative, 
 >n conic disease of the stomach attended with pain and vomiting. Dr. J. F. 
 Bee :s, of Petersburgh, Va., bears testimony to its efficacy' in jaundice con- 
 nect with gastric irritation, given preferably on an empty stomach. (Am. 
 Jou . of the Med. Sciences, July 1849.) Dr. Boudin, of Marseilles, has em- 
 ploy it in typhoid fever as a remedy for the inflammation and ulceration of 
 the: uin, which constitute the most constant lesion in that disease. When the 
 gast symptoms predominate, he gives the nitrate in pill, in doses of from the 
 tour to the half of a grain. When diarrhoea is the principal symptom, he 
 ■'“lnr sters, night and morning by injection, a solution of the salt containing 
 threor four grains to six fluidounces of water. The injections appear to be 
 usef by promoting the cicatrization of the intestinal ulcers, and were found 
 toe; ml their operation as high up as the small intestines. M. Delioux, of 
 Wl ort, has proposed albuminous injections of nitrate of silver in diarrhoea, 
 farm of half a pint of water, containing the white of one egg, from two to four 
 t rim of the nitrate, and an equal weight of common salt. Nitrate of silver is 
 s 'lal in an excess of an albuminous solution, and when thus prepared is more 
 re id; absorbed than when dissolved in water. The common salt promotes its 
 somt a without decomposing it. {.Jo urn. de Pharm. xx. 149.) In chronic 
 
898 
 
 Argentum. 
 
 PAP, II. 
 
 diarrhoea, especially in that kind attendant on phthisis, Dr. Macgreggc of 
 Dublin, has found the nitrate of silver, conjoined with opium, a valuable reriy. 
 Whatever may be the remedial value of this salt internally administere its 
 occasional effect of producing a slate-coloured discoloration of the skin, \ich 
 is seldom removed, is a great objection to its use. This effect proves th ab- 
 sorption of the medicine, and is alleged to show itself first on the tongurnd 
 fauces. According to Dr. Branson, an indication of the approach of disc na- 
 tion is furnished by the occurrence of a dark blue line on the edges of the | ms, 
 very similar to that produced by lead, but somewhat darker. The discolo:ion 
 of the skin is said to be removed by a steady course of cream of tartar. 
 
 Externally, nitrate of silver is occasionally employed in solution as a stino ant 
 and escharotic; but the fused nitrate, which is not so pure as the officinal n ■ ate 
 (pure salt in crystals), is generally used for making solutions. In all c-as re- 
 quiring nicety, the officinal nitrate (crystals) should be directed to be dissyed, 
 and distilled water should be selected as the solvent. A solution made i the 
 proportion of half a grain of the crystals to a fluidounce of distilled water, rms 
 a good mouth wash for healing ulcers produced by mercury. In the inflama- 
 tion of the mouth from mercurial salivation, 31. Bouchaeourt found a cqsen- 
 trated solution of the salt, applied to the gums, base of the tongue, &c. a 
 camel’s hair brush, very useful. A solution containing two grains of the cr tab 
 to a fluidounce of distilled water is an excellent application in ophthalmnvitli 
 ulcers of the cornea, in fetid discharges from the ear, aphthous affections ' the 
 mouth, and spongy gums. 
 
 The dose of nitrate of silver (crystals) is the fourth of a grain, gradual in- 
 creased to four or five grains, three times a day. For internal exhibitio the 
 physician should always prescribe the crystals, which are meant by theame 
 Argenti Nitras, in the revised nomenclature of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of ;50, 
 and never direct the fused nitrate (Argenti Nitras Fusus), which is often inure. 
 Nitrate of silver should always be given in pill, in which form, according Dr. 
 Powell, the system bears a dose three times as large as when given in solion. 
 In the treatment of epilepsy, this physician recommends the exhibition ; first 
 of grain doses, to be gradually increased to six grains, three times a day Its 
 effects vary very much, owing no doubt to the salt being more or less com- 
 posed by the substances used in preparing it in pill, or with which it cons in 
 contact in the stomach. It should not be made up into pill with crumb of ead, 
 as this contains common salt, but with some vegetable powder and muiage. 
 Considering that chloride of sodium is used iu food, and exists, togetbewitb 
 phosphates, in the secretions, and that free muriatic acid and albuminous uids 
 are present in the stomach, it is almost certain that, sooner or later, the bole 
 of the nitrate of silver will be converted into the chloride, phosphate, ;d al- 
 buminate, compounds far less active than the original salt. The expenents 
 of Keller, who analyzed the feces of patients under the use. of this salt, cifinn 
 this view. Such being the inevitable result when the nitrate is given, th]ues- 
 tion arises how far it would be expedient to anticipate the change, and gja the 
 silver as a chloride ready formed. One of the authors of this work ba;tried 
 the chloride in large doses, in two very r unpromising eases of epilepsy, bulvhh- 
 out advantage. _■ 
 
 According to Mialhe, nitrate of silver is immediately changed into the c-.oride 
 upon entering the stomach, and this chloride is quickly converted into a iuble 
 and readily absorbable double chloride, by combining with the chloride of dium 
 or potassium. 
 
 Nitrate of silver, in an over-dose, produces the effects of the corrosive psons. 
 The proper antidote is common salt, which acts by converting the pois- into 
 the insoluble chloride of silver. 
 
 Off. Prep. Argenti Cyanuretum. Argenti Oxidum. 
 
PiT II. 
 
 Argentum. 
 
 899 
 
 m. 
 
 .RGENTI NITRAS FUSUS. U. S. Argenti Nitras Fusum. 
 Argenti Nitras. Lond., JEd. Fused Nitrate of Silver. Lu- 
 nc Caustic. Lapis Infernalis. 
 
 Take of Silver, in small pieces, an ounce; Nitric Acid [sp. gr. 1'42] seven 
 fiibachms; Distilled Water two fluidounces. Mix the Acid with the Water, 
 andissolve the silver in the mixture, on a sand-bath, with a gentle heat; then 
 gr; ually increase the heat, and evaporate to dryness. Melt the resulting salt 
 in crucible over a gentle fire, and continue the heat until ebullition ceases ; 
 the immediately pour it into suitable moulds.” U. S. 
 
 Take of pure Silver an ounce and a half; Pure Nitric Acid [sp. gr. 1’5] 
 onifluidounce [Imp. meas.]; Distilled Water two fuidounces [Imp. meas.]. 
 Mi the Acid and Water, add the Silver, and dissolve it with the aid of a gentle 
 her, increase the heat gradually till a dry salt be obtained ; fuse the salt in an 
 ear.enware or porcelain crucible, and pour the fused matter into iron moulds, 
 pit ously heated, and greased slightly with tallow. Preserve the product in 
 gla vessels.” Ed. 
 
 Take of Refined Silver three ounces [avoirdupois]; Pure Nitric Acid [sp. gr. 
 l't/wo fuidounces [Imp. meas.]; Distilled Water five ounces [avoird,]. Place 
 theiilver in a flask, and, having poured upon it the Acid and AVater, apply a 
 gefe heat until the metal is dissolved. Transfer the solution to a porcelain 
 eapile, decanting it off a heavy black powder which appears at the bottom of 
 the ask, and, having evaporated it to dryness, raise the heat (in a dark room) 
 ’ un: liquefaction is produced. Pour the melted Nitrate of Silver into a brass 
 mod, furnished with cylindric cavities of the size of a goose quill, and which 
 adr :s of being opened by a hinge, and, when the salt has concreted, remove it, 
 ancjireserve it in well stopped vessels, rendered impervious to light.” Dub. 
 
 I'e London College places fused nitrate of silver in the list of the Materia 
 Mejpa. • 
 
 he first step in the process for making fused nitrate of silver is the same as 
 tha 'or preparing the crystallized nitrate, namely, the solution of silver in nitric 
 acic but, instead of concentrating the solution so that crystals may form, it is 
 at me evaporated to dryness, and the dry mass fused, and cast in cylindrical 
 moils. As the salt sinks into a common crucible, the fusion should be per- 
 fbrijjd in one of porcelain, as recommended by the Edinburgh College, the size 
 of \ ic-h should be sufficient to hold five or six times the quantity of the dry salt 
 ope|:ed on, in order to prevent its overflowing in consequence of the ebullition. 
 Son inies small portions of the liquid are spirted out, and the operator should 
 be oi his guard against this occurrence. When the mass flows like oil, it is 
 cotrietely fused, and ready to be poured into the moulds. These should be 
 wared, but not greased as directed by the Edinburgh College; as grease fur- 
 uisl organic matter which partially decomposes the fused salt. 
 
 f per ties. Fused nitrate of silver, as prepared by the above processes, is in 
 
 the rm of hard brittle sticks, of the size of a goose quill, at first white, but 
 bec|ing gray or more or less dark under the influence of light, owing to the 
 redi ion of the silver, effected probably by organic matter, or sulphuretted 
 byd'gen contained in the atmosphere. That the change, however, does not de- 
 penou the sole action of light has been proved by Mr. Scanlan, who finds that 
 mtr ' of silver, in a clean glass tube hermetically sealed, undergoes no change 
 by closure to light. The sticks often become dark-coloured and nearly black 
 cm i surface, and, Avhen broken across, exhibit a crystalline fracture with a 
 radi|jd surface. Fused nitrate of silver, when pure, is wholly soluble in dis- 
 tillejwater; but even good samples of the fused salt will not totally dissolve, a 
 ver ) canty black powder being left of reduced silver, arising probably from the 
 '.ring been exposed to too high a heat in fusion. 
 
 salt 
 
900 
 
 Argentum. 
 
 par:i. 
 
 Impurities and Tests. Fused nitrate of silver is liable to contain free s er 
 from having been exposed to too high a heat, the nitrates of lead and cojer 
 from the impurity of the silver dissolved in the acid, and nitrate of potassa m 
 fraudulent admixture. Free silver will be left undissolved as a black pov.n-, 
 after the action of distilled water. A very slight residue of this kind is ha.ly 
 avoidable ; but, if there be much free silver, it will be shown by the surfaiof 
 a fresh fracture of one of the sticks presenting an unusually dark-gray com 
 ( Christison .) The mode of detecting lead and copper is given under nitra of 
 silver. (See Aryenti Nitras.) In order to detect nitre, a solution of the is- 
 pected salt should be precipitated by muriatic acid in excess, and sulphuned 
 hydrogen, to remove the silver, and other metals if they happen to be pre it. 
 The filtered solution, if the salt be pure, will entirely evaporate by heat; it 
 contain nitre, this will be left, easily recognizable by its properties as a nitte. 
 This impurity sometimes exists in fused nitrate of silver iu large amount, Ty- 
 ing, according to different statements, from 10 to 75 per cent. Accordir to 
 Dr. Christisou, it may be suspected if the sticks present a colourless frac re. 
 A mode is giveu in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia for testing fused nitra of 
 silver for impurity, without determining its nature. It depends upon the ct, 
 that the pure salt requires for its conversion into chloride, a given quantityfa 
 muriate or chloride; and that if a little less than this quantity be used to re- 
 cipitate it, the supernatant liquid will be precipitable by more of the test, ow 
 this will not be the case with the impure salt. In applying this test, the 1 in- 
 burgh College directs that 29 grains of the salt should be dissolved in a fluidmce ' 
 of distilled water acidulated with nitric acid, precipitated with a solution : 9 
 grains of muriate of ammonia, briskly agitated for a few seconds, and the al- 
 lowed to rest. If the salt be impure, it will not be precipitated on the addon 
 of more of the test. The similar test of the London Pharmacopoeia of -51 
 proceeds on the principle that a given weight of chloride of sodium is fully >re- 
 c-ipitated by an equivalent weight of th e pure nitrate, and, consequently, th an 
 equivalent weight of impure nitrate is not competent to produce a full palpi- 
 tation. With this explanation, the following details of the test will be undersod. 
 A solution of six grains of chloride of sodium, after having been precipitate by 
 seventeen grains of nitrate of silver and filtered, furnishes a solution whh is 
 not precipitated by more of the nitrate. The chief test of the U. S. Ph;xia- 
 copmia is founded on the quantity of the chloride of silver which a given wgbt 
 of the pure nitrate should furnish, when fully decomposed by chloride of socim. 
 Thus, it is stated that a solution, containing twenty-five grains of fused D ate 
 of silver, yields with chloride of sodium about twenty-one grains of a tite 
 precipitate, totally soluble in ammonia. 
 
 Medical Properties. Fused nitrate of silver should be restricted to ext'nal 
 use. The medical properties of the salt, as an internal remedy, are giveu der 
 the head of the crystallized nitrate. (See Aryenti Ultras.) Externally a plied 
 the fused nitrate acts variously as a stimulant, vesicant, and escharoticand 
 may be employed either dissolved in water, or iu the solid state. Dissolv! to 
 the extent of from one to five grains iu a fluidounce of water, it is used ft the 
 purpose of stimulating indolent ulcers, and as an injection for fistulous res. 
 It is, in general, most conveniently applied to ulcers by means of a camel' aatr 
 brush. A drachm of the fused salt, dissolved in a fluidounce of water, forg an 
 escharotic solution, which may often be resorted to with advantage. But tsed 
 nitrate of silver is most frequently employed in the solid state; and, as it not 
 deliquescent nor apt to spread, it forms the most manageable caustic tlncan 
 be used. When thus employed, it is useful to coat the caustic, as reconun ded 
 by M. Dumeril, by dipping it into melted engravers’ sealing wax, which strtl<h- 
 ens the stick, protects it from change, prevents it from staining the finger ana 
 
PAC II. 
 
 Argentum. 
 
 901 
 
 affds facilities for limiting the action of the caustic to particular spots. If it 
 is isired, for example, to touch a part of the throat with the caustic, it is pre- 
 pail by scraping off the wax, with a penknife, to a suitable extent from one 
 enc Another way to strengthen the stick is to cast it around a platinum wire, 
 as commended by M. Chassaignac ; or around a wick of cotton, according to 
 theolan of M. Blatin. By the latter plan the fragments of the stick remain 
 att:hed to one another. If the fused nitrate be rubbed gently over tbe moistened 
 ski until it becomes gray', it generally vesicates, causing usually less pain than 
 is pduced by cantharides. The fused nitrate is also employed to destroy stric- 
 tur of the urethra, warts and excrescences, fungous flesh, incipient chancres, 
 anche surface of other ulcers Mr. Higginbottom considers its free application 
 to uers, so as to cover them with an eschar, as an excellent means of expediting 
 the cicatrization. He alleges that, if an adherent eschar be formed, the parts 
 umrneath heal before it falls off. The same writer recommends lunar caustic 
 as topical remedy in various external inflammations, but particularly in erysi- 
 pel, applied both to the inflamed and to the surrounding healthy parts. In 
 sou cases it is sufficient to blacken tbe cuticle ; in others it is best to produce 
 vesition. It has also been used with good effect, in the solid state, by Dr. 
 Jevll in leucorrkcea, and by Ricord, Hannay, and others in the gonorrhoea of 
 worn. In these cases the pain produced is much less than would be expected. 
 It b been recommended in gonorrhoea in the male, even in the acute stage, 
 use in solution containing ten or twelve grains to the fluidounce ; but, although 
 sou quick cures are well authenticated, the practice is hazardous. In small- 
 post has been proposed by Bretonneau and Serres to cauterize each pustule 
 afteits top has been removed, on the first or second day of the eruption, in 
 ord to arrest its development and prevent pitting. The fused nitrate also 
 fori an efficacious application to certain ulcerations of the throat, to different 
 fori, of porrigo of the scalp and other skin diseases, to punctured and poisoned 
 wools, and to chilblains, slowly rubbed over the moistened part. If, unex- 
 pec-lly, the pain produced by its external use should be excessive, it may be 
 imndiafely allayed by washing the parts with a solution of common salt, which 
 actsy decomposing the caustic. The salt in impalpable powder, mixed with 
 au nal weight of lymopodium, and used by inhalation, has been found beneficial 
 iu rerated sorethroat, laryngitis, bronchitis, and incipient phthisis, by Dr. W. 
 M. < rnell, of Boston. ( Boston Med. and Surg. Journ. Sept. 25, 1850.) It has 
 alsoiecn used successfully in croup by Dr. Homans, of Boston, applied in solu- 
 tion) the larynx, either by infection or by means of a sponge. (Am. Journ. of 
 tea, April, 1854, p. 346.) 
 
 firm.. Use. Fused nitrate of silver is employed by the Dublin College as 
 a cb aical agent for preparing Acidum Nitricuin Purum. 
 
 C Prep. Argent! Oxydum. B. 
 
 XGENTI OXIDUM. U. S. Argenti Oxydum .Dub. Oxide of 
 
 Sih \ 
 
 ■ 
 
 “ ike of Nitrate of Silver four ounces ; Distilled Water half a pint; Solu- 
 tion Potassa a pint and a half or a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the Nitrate 
 ot S'er in the Water, and to the solution add the Solution of Potassa, as long 
 as it reduces a precipitate. Wash the precipitate repeatedly with water until 
 the y shings are nearly tasteless. Lastly, dry the powder, and keep it in a well 
 dop 1 bottle, protected from the light.” U. S. 
 
 ke of [fused) Nitrate of Silver half an ounce [avoirdupois] ; Lime-water 
 \ a V\ yo-Uon [Imp. meas.], or a sufficient quantity ; Distilled Water half a pint 
 [hupmeas.]. Dissolve the Nitrate of Silver in four ounces of the Distilled 
 ^at and, having poured the solution into a bottle containing the Lime-water, 
 
902 
 
 Argentum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 stake the mixture well, and then set it by till the sediment subsides, e 
 supernatant solution being drawn off, let the sediment be placed upon a file, 
 and, when washed with the remainder of the Distilled Water, let it be drie it 
 a heat not exceeding 212°, and preserved in a bottle.” Dub. 
 
 Oxide of silver is a new officinal of the U.S. and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, n 
 the processes for making it, nitrate of oxide of silver is decomposed by pot;a 
 or lime, the oxide being precipitated, and nitrate of potassa or nitrate of he, 
 as the case may be, remaining in solution. When thus obtained the oxidis 
 an olive-brown powder. If the potassa used is not wholly free from carb ic 
 acid, the precipitated oxide of silver will be contaminated with some carboire. 
 According to Mr. Borland, of London, the carbonate is sometimes sold forte 
 oxide. A third process for obtaining it is that of Gregory, which consist.in 
 boiling the moist, recently prepared chloride of silver with a very strong solum 
 of caustic potassa (sp.gr. 1'25 to 1'30). In this case, by double decompositn, 
 oxide of silver and chloride of potassium are formed. When thus prepare it 
 is a very dense pure-black powder. Oxide of silver is very slightly solublin 
 water. Exposed to heat it gives out oxygen, and is wholly converted into e- 
 tallic silver. It should not effervesce with acids. When its solution in n ic 
 acid is precipitated by chloride of sodium in excess, the supernatant liqu: is 
 not discoloured by sulphohydrate of ammonia. The non-action of this test sI.ts 
 the absence of most foreign metals, especially copper and lead. Oxide of sier 
 consists of one eq. of silver 108, and one of oxygen 8 = 116. 
 
 Medical Properties. This oxide has been proposed as a substitute for nit te 
 of silver, as having the therapeutic properties of the latter, without its escbaric 
 effect, and objectionable power of discolouring the skin. It was first emphed 
 in medicine by Van Mons and Sementini. More recently it has been recn- 
 mended by Mr. C. II. B. Lane, who considers it to act as a sedative. Mr. Ine 
 has used it with more or less success in nausea, cardialgia, pyrosis, various in- 
 ful affections of the stomach independent of organic lesion, dysentery, diarrba, 
 night sweats without other obvious affection, dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, -u- 
 corrhoea, chronic enlargements of the uterus, attended with flooding, &c. he 
 oxide appeared to exert a peculiar control over uterine fluxes. Some of the oes 
 treated required the use of tonics, after the salutary influence of the oxide ad 
 been exerted. Dr. Golding Bird has also obtained favourable effects frorohe 
 use of the oxide of silver, and confirms to a certain extent the results of Ir. 
 Lane, especially as to its valuable powers in menorrhagia. Thus far no ca of 
 cutaneous discoloration has occurred, though 3Ir. Lane has given the oxidre- 
 peatedly for two months, and Dr. Bird in more than a hundred cases; inne 
 for four months. Mr. Lane has observed one case in which repeated saliv;on 
 occurred, and Dr. Bird several in which the gums were affected. But, iu der 
 to draw any inference from this result, the prescriber should be certain tha he 
 medicine is not contaminated with black oxide of mercury. In stomach disise, 
 characterized by a glairy discharge instead of a watery one, this physician dered 
 not the slightest benefit from the oxide, though he used it in thirty cases. Ia 
 epilepsy it is supposed that the oxide will accomplish all that can be expced 
 from the nitrate, with less risk to the stomach, and without incurring the daier 
 of discolouring the skin. In taenia it has been used successfully in two case by 
 Mr. W'hittel. The dose of oxide of silver is a grain, twice or thrice a day, gen 
 in pill. In no case did Mr. Lane carry the dose beyond six grains iu the twjty- 
 four hours. It has been used in the form of ointment, composed of fromwe 
 to ten grains to the drachm of lard, as an application to venereal sores, at to 
 the urethral membrane in gonorrhoea, smeared on a bougie. 
 
pa : 1 ii. 
 
 Arsenicum. 
 
 903 
 
 ARSENICUM. 
 
 Preparations of Arsenic. 
 
 AIDUM ARSENTOSUM PURUM. Dub. Pure Arsenious Acid. 
 
 1 like of Commercial White Oxide of Arsenic any convenient quantity. Place 
 it i a Florence flask, the neck of which is made to pass into that of a second 
 Has of larger size, and applying to the former a regulated heat, by suspending 
 it heath a semi-cylindric hood of sheet iron, a few inches above a small ehar- 
 coaire, cause the Arsenic to sublime into the latter. This sublimation should 
 be nducted under a flue with a good draught, so as to protect the operator from 
 inhing any vapours which may escape being condensed.” Dub. 
 
 Oe Dublin College, deeming the commercial white oxide of arsenic (Acidum 
 Ariiiosum, U. S., Lond.) not sufficiently pure for medicinal employment, has 
 gin the above formula for its purification. But, as the commercial oxide itself 
 hasndergone a second sublimation, this process is superfluous. The only pre- 
 cauin necessary to be taken, on the part of the apothecary, is to purchase the 
 oxi' in lump; for when in powder it is apt to be adulterated with chalk or sul- 
 pha of lime. The chemical, medical, and toxicological properties of this sub- 
 staie have been given under the head of Acidum Arseniosum. 
 
 f. Prep. Liquor Arsenicalis. B. 
 
 1QUOR ARSENIC! CHLORIDE Lond. Solution of Chloride of 
 Arnie. De Valangin’s Arsenical Solution. 
 
 ‘ ( 'ake of Arsenious Acid, broken into small pieces, half a drachm; Hydro- 
 c-hb c Acid afluidrachm and a 7<«{/’[Irap. meas.] ; Distilled Water a pint [Imp. 
 me;]- Boil the Arsenious Acid with the Hydrochloric Acid, mixed with an 
 out) of the Water, until it is dissolved; then add sufficient Water to make the 
 sohon accurately fill the measure of a pint [Imp. meas.].” Lond. 
 
 3 is new officinal of the London Pharmacopoeia of 1851 is intended to be an 
 imi ion of De Yalangin’s arsenical solution, called by the inventor, who was 
 a petitioner in London, solutio solventis mineral is. It was originally made by 
 sub aing three parts of arsenious acid with eight of common salt, and dissolving 
 the oduct in a determinate quantity of diluted muriatic acid. The sublimation 
 dirt sd by De Yalangin with common salt, had no effect on the arsenious acid, 
 and ccordingly, his preparation may be considered to have been a solution of 
 arseous acid in muriatic acid, becoming probably terchloride of arsenic by the 
 mu' d decomposition of the acids. 
 
 I the London formula thirty grains of arsenious acid are dissolved in twenty 
 Impial fluidounces of the menstruum, that being the measure to which the 
 prepation is ultimately brought. Hence each fluidounce contains a grain and 
 a b; of arsenious acid, or an equivalent quantity of terchloride. 
 
 i iical Properties. This arsenical solution appears to have considerable repu- 
 tati' in London as an alterative. It is chiefly employed in the treatment of 
 cho-i and lepra vulgaris. Dr. Farre, of London, states, as the result of his 
 obshation, that it effectually cures the worst forms of chorea. (Pereira, Mat. 
 Mel 3d ed., p. 670.) Dr. Pereira, who has used this solution on numerous 
 occf ons, bears testimony to its efficacy in the treatment of chorea and lepra, 
 butjas not satisfied himself of its superiority to Fowler’s solution. It is said 
 to b less apt to disturb the stomach ; but it must be recollected that De Yalan- 
 gm solution is only three-eighths as strong as that of Fowler, and yet is not 
 P V( ln larger doses. The average dose is five drops three times a day. Dr. 
 Far begins with three drops three times a day, increasing one drop each day, 
 
904 
 
 Arsenicum. 
 
 par: i, 
 
 until the dose reaches ten drops three times daily. Whenever the stomacbe- 
 comes disordered, the medicine should be suspended; and when renewe' it 
 must be given in the original dose. ] 
 
 ARSENICI IODIDUM. U. S. Iodide of Arsenic. 
 
 “Take of Arsenic a drachm; Iodine five drachms. Rub the Arsenic a 
 mortar until reduced to a very fine powder, free from metallic lustre; then id 
 the Iodine, and rub them together till they are thoroughly mixed. Put he 
 mixture into a small flask or a test-tube, loosely stopped, and heat it very gely 
 until liquefaction occurs. Then incline the vessel in different directions, in c er 
 that any portion of the Iodine, which may have condensed on its inner sur;e, 
 may be returned into the fused mass. Lastly, pour the melted Iodide on a ir- 
 celain slab, and, when it is cold, break it into pieces, and put it into a bcle, 
 which is to be well stopped.” U. S- 
 
 This iodide was introduced into the U. S. Pharmacopoeia for the purpo: of 
 being used in preparing the solution of iodide of arsenic and mercury, desei ed 
 in the next article. It is made by the direct combination of its elementary >n- 
 stituents by the aid of a gentle heat. 
 
 Properties , &c. Iodide of arsenic is an orange-red, crystalline solid, entdy 
 soluble in water, and wholly volatilized by heat. In composition it is m- 
 sidered to be a teriodide, consisting of one eq. of arsenic 75, and three of ione 
 378 9=453 '9. It has been used by Biett as an external application injr- 
 roding tubercular skin diseases. By the late Dr. A. T. Thomson it was gen 
 internally with advantage in lepra, impetigo, and diseases resembling carer. 
 Dr. F. C. Crane cured a ease of what he considered cancer of the breast b its 
 use for nearly eight months. The ointment used by Biett was composed of t-ee 
 grains of the iodide to an ounce of lard. The dose for internal exhibition ian 
 eighth of a grain three times a day, given in pill or solution. 
 
 Off. Prep. Liquor Arsenici et Hydrargyri Iodidi. J 
 
 LIQUOR ARSENICI ET IIYDRARGYRI IODIDI. U. S. b- 
 senici et Hydrargyri Hydriodatis Liquor. Pub. Solution of 
 Iodide of Arsenic and Mercury. Solution of Hydriodate of Amic 
 and Mercury. Donovan s Solution. 
 
 “Take of Iodide of Arsenic, Red Iodide of Mercury, each, thirty-five grths; 
 Distilled Water half a pint. Rub the Iodides with halt a fluidounc-e of be 
 Water, and, when they have dissolved, add the remainder of the W ater, he! to 
 
 the boiling point, and filter.” U. S. 
 
 “ Take of Pure Arsenic, in fine powder, six grains; Pure Mercury siren, 
 grains; Pure Iodine fifty grains and a half; Alcohol [sp. gr. 0'795] he a 
 fluidrachm [Imp. meas.]; Distilled "Water nine ounces [avoirdupois], or wfi 
 ficient quantity. Rub together the Arsenic, Mercury, Iodine, and Spirit, 'til 
 a dry mass is obtained, and, having triturated eight ounces of the Water ith 
 this in successive portions, let the whole be transferred to a flask, and heed 
 until it begins to boil. W 7 hen cooled and filtered, let as much Distilled Wter 
 be added to it as will make the bulk of the solution exactly eight fiuidoces 
 and six drachms [Imp. meas.].” Dub. 
 
 This solution was introduced to the notice of the medical profession in 1>L 
 by Mr. Donovan, of Dublin, as a therapeutic agent combining the medical vines 
 of its three ingredients, and has been adopted as an officinal preparation iihe 
 U. S. and Dublin Pharmacopoeias of 1850. The formula of the I . S. Phajaa- 
 copoeia is the simplified one of Prof. Procter, which consists essentially in as- 
 solving equal weights of the teriodide of arsenic and biuiodide (red iodid ot 
 mercury in a measured quantity of distilled water. The proportion of tial 
 weights corresponds nearly to single equivalents of the component iodides 
 
 he 
 
PAT II. 
 
 Arsenicum. 
 
 905 
 
 Dclin formula is more complicated. In it the proper quantities of arsenic, 
 meury, and iodine are caused to unite by first rubbing them together with 
 alciol, and then boiling the product with distilled water, which is afterwards 
 ackl, so as to give the whole a determinate bulk. The iodides of arsenic and 
 meury, formed by the trituration, are assumed by Mr. Donovan to become, by 
 sol ion, hydriodates severally of arsenious acid (white oxide of arsenic), and of 
 deoxide of mercury (red precipitate) ; and the Dublin College name is formed 
 od ie supposition of this change. 
 
 poverties. This solution has a pale-yellow colour, and a slightly styptic 
 tas. It is incompatible with laudanum, and the sulphate, muriate, and acetate 
 of orphia. On the supposition that the preparation is an aqueous solution of 
 iodes, it will contain them in the proportion of one eq. of teriodide of arsenic 
 459 to one of biniodide of mercury 454'6, which are nearly equal weights. 
 Onhe theory of their conversion into hydriodates by solution, five eqs. of water 
 45 ould be required, three for the arsenical teriodide, and two for the mercu- 
 riaiiniodide; and the result would be one eq. of arsenious acid 99, one of deu- 
 toxe of mercury 218, and five of hydriodic acid 636'5, the latter containing five 
 eqsof iodine 631 ’5. The solution here supposed would contain two and one- 
 fift times as much deutoxide of mercury as of arsenious acid. 
 
 .’.dica't Properties. This preparation has been found decidedly useful as an 
 alt itive in the treatment of various diseases of the skin, such as the different 
 for ) of psoriasis, impetigo, porrigo, lepra, pityriasis, lupus, and venereal erup- 
 tio\ both papular and scaly. In support of its efficacy in these affections, Mr. 
 Do van has adduced the testimony of a number of respectable practitioners, of 
 Du in and elsewhere, who have communicated to him the results of their expe- 
 riek The disease in some of the cases cured had existed for a number of 
 yea. Dr. E. I. Taylor, of New York, has employed it in a number of cuta- 
 nec; diseases, and finds that it produces more marked and prompt effects than 
 the?medies usually resorted to in the treatment of lupus, rupia, psoriasis, and 
 sec dary venereal. ( J rn. Journ. of Med. Sci., iY S., v. 319.) In two cases 
 of erine disease, characterized by patency of the os uteri and vascular tur- 
 gesince of the cervix, and attended with lumbar and pelvic pains, Dr. Kirby of 
 Du n, afforded relief by the use of the solution. The dose is from five to twenty 
 dro three times a day, given preferably in distilled water. The latter dose 
 con Ins the twenty-fourth of a grain of arsenious acid, a little over the twelfth 
 of *rain of deutoxide of mercury, and about a quarter of a grain of iodine. 
 Dr. aylor never exceeded the dose of five drops, three times a day. Sometimes 
 the edic-ine deranges the stomach, confines the bowels, and produces headache, 
 gid' less, and confusion of mind. When these effects are produced, it must be 
 laid '.side and a purgative administered. After an interval varying from ten 
 day:o three weeks, it may be resumed, but in a smaller dose. The treatment 
 ofte, requires to be persevered in for several months. Sometimes the medicine 
 proves moderate salivation. By some practitioners, the solution, diluted with 
 au (jjal bulk of water, was used with advantage as an external application to 
 the leers or eruptions, at the same time that the medicine was given inter- 
 nal] For further information the reader is referred to the three papers of Mr. 
 Doi ’an, contained in the Dublin Journal of Med. Science, for Nov. 1839, 
 Sep: 1840, and Nov. 1842. B. 
 
 IQUOR PQTASSiE ARSENITIS. U. S., Land. Liquor Ar- 
 8B®alis. Ed., Dub. Solution of Arsenite of Potassa. Arsenical 
 dol'ion. Foivler's Solution. 
 
 ‘ dee of Arsenious Acid, in small fragments, Pure Carbonate of Potassa, 
 eacl hixly-four grains; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity; Compound Spirit 
 
906 
 
 Arsenicum. 
 
 PARI I. 
 
 of Lavender half a fluidounce. Boil the Arsenious Acid and Carbonate of o- 
 tassa in a glass vessel, with twelve fluidounces of Distilled Water, till the J d 
 is entirely dissolved. To the solutiou, when cold, add the Spirit of Lavenr, 
 and afterwards sufficient Distilled Water to make it fill exactly the measunf 
 a pint.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Arsenious Acid, broken into small pieces, Carbonate of Potaa, 
 each, eighty grains; Compound Tincture of Lavender f re Jluidrachms [Ip. 
 meas.] ; Distilled Water a pint [Imp. meas.]. Boil the Arsenious Acid id 
 Carbonate of Potassa with half a pint of the Water, until they are dissold. 
 Add the Tincture to the cooled liquor, and, lastly, sufficient Distilled W; r, 
 that it may accurately fill a pint [Imp. meas.].” Land. 
 
 The Edinburgh formula is substantially the same with the London, fm 
 which it injudiciously varies by ordering the arsenious acid in powder, and wer 
 instead of distilled water. In it the lavender preparation is misnamed “tinctui,” 
 it being recognised as a “spirit” in the nomenclature of the Edinburgh Collie. 
 
 “Take of Pure Arsenious Acid; Pure Carbonate of Potash, each, eighty do 
 grains; Compound Tincture of Lavender, half a fluidounce [Imp. meas.]; is- 
 tilled Water as much as is sufficient. Introduce the Arsenious Acid and _r- 
 bonate of Potash into a flask containing half a pint of Water, and boil un a 
 perfect solution is obtained. When this has cooled, add to it the Comp id 
 Tincture of Lavender, and as much Water as will make the bulk of the eire 
 one pint [Imp. meas ]. The specific gravity of this Solution is 1 013.” D . 
 
 This preparation originated with the late Dr. Fowler, of Stafford, Eogl d, 
 and was intended as a substitute for the celebrated remedy, known underhe 
 name of “the tasteless ague drop.” It is an arsenite of potassa dissolve in 
 water, and is formed by the combination of the arsenious acid with the poi-sa 
 of the carbonate, the carbonic acid being evolved. The name, thereforeby 
 which it is designated in the United States aud London Pharmacopoeias, is <vi- 
 ously the most correct. The spirit of lavender is added to give it taste, in oier 
 to prevent its being mistaken for simple water. The United States prepanon 
 is of about the same strength as those of the London and Edinburgh Collels; 
 for, although one-fourth more acid and alkali is taken iu the London and Pin- 
 burgh than in the U. S. formula, yet it is to be recollected that- the Impial 
 pint is nearly one-fourth larger than the wine pint. The solution, aecordir to 
 the formula of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850, is one-fortieth strongeffiy 
 reason of the injudicious direction to take eighty-two grains instead of eight to 
 dissolve in the Imperial pint of twenty fluidounces. This formula is an ameled 
 one, aud it is to be regretted that the Dublin College did not perceive thero- 
 priety of making the strength of its arsenical solution conform with that ta- 
 Wished for this preparation, of four grains of arsenious acid to the fluidout?. 
 
 In making this preparation, care should be taken that the arsenious ac is 
 pure. This object is best, secured by using the acid in small pieces inste; of 
 in powder. Sulphate of lime is a common adulteration in the acid, and it 're- 
 sent will remain undissolved, and cause the solution to be weaker than it slald 
 be. Hence, if the arsenious acid does not entirely dissolve, the preparion 
 must be rejected. 
 
 Properties. Solution of arsenite of potassa is a transparent liquid, havinffie 
 colour, taste, and smell of the spirit of lavender. It has a strong alkaline ae-^ 
 tion. It is decomposed by the usual reagents for arsenic, such as nitra of 
 silver, the salts of copper, lime-water, aud sulphuretted hy T drogen ; and is iu>tn- 
 patible with infusions and decoctions of cinchona. Before sulphuretted hydgea 
 will act, the solution must be acidulated with some acid, as the muriat or 
 acetic. If very long kept in flint glass, it is apt to suffer partial decomposjon, 
 exhaling a garlicky odour, and giving the inner surface of the bottle a melho 
 
pad ii. Arsenicum. — Atropia. 907 
 
 luse, owing to the lead of the glass being revived. (Canavan, N. I r . Journ. of 
 Pllrm., i. 131.) 
 
 9 mical Properties and Uses. This solution has the general action of the 
 ars 1 ical preparations on the animal economy, already described under the head 
 of 'rsenious Acid. Its liquid form makes it convenient for exhibition and 
 graial increase ; and it is the preparation generally resorted to, when arsenic 
 is pen internally. It has been much employed in intermittent fever. Dr. 
 Thfias D. Mitchell, of Philadelphia, has given the result of his experience, as 
 to i efficacy and safety in this disease, when exhibited in the large dose of fifteen 
 or enty drops three times a day. It is a valuable resource in the intermittents 
 ofdldren, who are with difficulty induced to swallow bark or even sulphate of 
 qui a. The late Dr. Dewees relates the case of a child only six wec-ks old, 
 affted with a Severe tertian, in which this solution was given with success. A 
 fluirachm was diluted with twelve fluidraclnns of water; and of this six drops 
 we: given every four hours. 
 
 iwler’s solution appears to be peculiarly adapted to the treatment of several 
 disses. It has been employed with great success in lepra and other invete- 
 rateutaneous affections. The late Dr. S. Calhoun published an account of 
 fivehases of nodes, successfully treated b} 7 it; and, in consequence of his suc- 
 cesDr. Baer, of Baltimore, and the late Dr. Eberle gave it a trial in this affec- 
 tioi and obtained satisfactory results. Several cases of chorea, cured by this 
 ready, are reported by Mr. Martin, Mr. Slater, and Dr. Gregory, in the Medico- 
 Cmrgical Transactions of London. Two interesting cures of periodical head- 
 acbl performed by the solution, are related by the late Dr. Otto, of Philadelphia, 
 in ,|s fourth and fifth volumes of the North American Med. and Surg. Journal. 
 Mr: 3. Hunt found it useful in menorrhagia, but prefers the use of arsenious 
 acii as less apt to produce unpleasant effects, requiring the discontinuance of 
 the^ruedy. (See page 23.) A diluted solution, in the proportion of a fluidrachm 
 to fe fiuidounce of water, has been used with advantage as a topical application 
 to : il ulcers. 
 
 1 ch fluidrachm of the solution contains half a grain of arsenious acid. The 
 avege dose for an adult is ten drops two or three times a day. For the pecu- 
 liai ffects which it produces in common with the other arsenical preparations, 
 tlieeader is referred to the article on Arsenious Acid. 
 
 1 flos’s antidote to the poisonous effects of Fowler’s solution, and of the salts 
 of 3 acids of arsenic generally, is the acetate of the sesquioxide of iron with 
 exes of base, made by dissolving freshly precipitated sesquioxide in acetic acid 
 to duration, adding an equal quantity of the oxide to the solution, and diluting 
 the hole with water to the consistence of cream. (S ee page 29.) B. 
 
 ATROPIA. 
 
 Preparation of Atropia. 
 
 ancl 
 
 Acij 
 
 Fil 
 
 Loi 
 
 CROPIiE SULPHAS. Pond. Sulphate of Atropia. 
 ake of Diluted Sulphuric Acid two fluidrachms ; Atropia seven scruples 
 1 half or a sufficient quantity ; Distilled Water half a fiuidounce. To the 
 previously mixed with the Water add gradually the Atropia to saturation, 
 the solution, and evaporate with a gentle heat so that crystals may form.” 
 
 - ? London College prepares this salt exclusively for external use. Its pro- 
 per s and uses are those of its alkaline base, and are described under Belladonna. 
 
 W. 
 
908 
 
 Baryta. 
 
 par: ;i. 
 
 BARYTA. 
 
 Preparations of Baryta. 
 
 BARII CHLORIDUM. U.S.,Dub. Baryta Murias. Ed. Cklok 
 
 of Barium. Muriate of Baryta. 
 
 “Take of Carbonate of Baryta, in small fragments, a -pound ; Muriatic. id 
 twelve fluidounces ; Water three pints. Mis the Acid with the Water, and gr u- 
 ally add the Carbonate of Baryta. Towards the close of the effervescence a ly 
 a gentle heat, and, when the action has ceased, filter the liquor, and erapt.t'e 
 so that crystals may form when it cools.” U. S. 
 
 The Edinburgh College gives two processes for obtaining this chloride ; ne 
 in which the native carbonate of baryta, the other in which the native sulp.te 
 is employed. The process with the sulphate is as follows. 
 
 “Take of Sulphate of Baryta two pounds; Charcoal, in fine powder, ur 
 ounces; Pure Muriatic Acid a sufficiency. Heat the sulphate to redness, re ice 
 it to fine powder, mix the charcoal with it thoroughly, heat the mixture a 
 covered crucible for three hours at a low white heat. Pulverize the product at 
 it gradually into five pints [Imp. meas.] of boiling water; boil for a few mint s; 
 let it rest for a little over a vapour-bath ; pour off the clear liquor, and filt it 
 if necessary, keeping it hot. Pour three pints [Imp. meas.] of boiling water er 
 the residuum, and proceed as before. Uuite the two liquids; and, while ex 
 are still hot, or, if cooled, after heating them again, add Pure Muriatic ..-id 
 gradually so long as effervescence is occasioned. In this process the solu'<ns 
 ought to be as little exposed to the air as possible; and in the last step tkeis- 
 engaged gas should be discharged by a proper tube into a chimney or the as pit 
 of a furnace. Strain the liquor, concentrate it, and set it aside to crvstall:;.” 
 Ed. 
 
 The Dublin College also obtains chloride of barium severally from the n:ve 
 carbonate and native sulphate, and by processes which are in principle the sue 
 as those above quoted. 
 
 When the carbonate of baryta is employed for obtaining chloride of barm, 
 the reactions are exceedingly simple. The muriatic acid displaces the cartue 
 acid with effervescence; and, by reacting with the baryta, forms chloric of 
 barium and water. A solution of chloride of barium being thus obtaine it 
 yields crystals of the chloride by concentration and cooling. The reactioruc- 
 curring in the process in which the sulphate is used are more complicated, lie 
 ignitiou with carbonaceous matter deoxidizes its constituents, converting it ito 
 sulphuret of barium, the oxygen escaping in combination with the c-arbo as 
 carbonic oxide and acid. The sulphuret of barium, when dissolved in watyis 
 decomposed on the addition of muriatic acid, sulphuretted hydrogen tag 
 evolved in large quantities, and chloride of barium formed in solution, pm 
 which, iu the usual manner, the solid salt is obtained. The direction toils- 
 charge the sulphuretted hydrogen into a chimney, or the ash-pit of a furna', is 
 intended to provide for its decomposition by smoke; for if the gas is not dispsed 
 of in this or some similar way, it becomes exceedingly annoying to the operor. 
 
 Of the officinal processes, that iu which the native carbonate is used is he 
 simplest and most convenient; but the carbonate is comparatively a rare minal; 
 and as the sulphate iu fine powder is a cheap article of commerce, being e:m- 
 sively used iu the adulteration of white lead, it is almost always used for obin- 
 ing chloride of barium and the other barium compounds. 
 
 Properties. Chloride of barium is a permanent white salt, possessing a her 
 and disagreeable taste. It crystallizes in rhombic tables with beveled edges It 
 
P/’T II. 
 
 Baryta. 
 
 909 
 
 di.olves in about two and a half times its weight of cold water, and in a little 
 mi 3 than its own weight at 222°, the boiling point of a saturated solution. It 
 is arcely soluble in absolute alcohol, but dissolves in rectified spirit. Alcohol, 
 inregnated with it, burns with a yellow flame. When exposed to heat, it de- 
 criitates and loses its water of crystallization, and at a red heat fuses. It is 
 demposed by the sulphates, oxalates, and tartrates, and the alkaline phosphates, 
 botes, and carbonates; also by nitrate of silver, acetate and phosphate of mer- 
 cu , and acetate of lead. When pure it does not deliquesce. Its solution is 
 DOiffected by ammonia, which proves the absence of alumina and sesquioxide 
 of on, or by sulphuretted hydrogen, which shows that neither copper nor lead 
 is resent. After the whole of the barium has been precipitated by an excess 
 of iilpkuric acid, the supernatant liquid is shown to be free from lime by the 
 no action of carbonate of soda. Lime may be separated by the process of Dr. 
 Wcott Gibbs, which consists in adding to the solution of the chloride a small 
 po ion of the solution of hydrate of baryta, and then passing through it a cur- 
 rei of carbonic acid, when the whole of the lime will be thrown down as a 
 caipnate. (Wurtz, A 7 ! Y. Journ. of Pharm., i. 164.) If strontia be present, 
 an Icoholic solution of the salt will burn with a red flame. Like all the soluble 
 sal of barium it is poisonous. It consists of one eq. of chlorine 35'42, one 
 of arium 68’7, and two of water 18 = 122 12. It is used in medicine only in 
 so! ion. 
 
 f. Prep. Liquor Barii Chloridi ; Quinae Murias. B. 
 
 [QUOR BARII CHLORIDI. U.S. Solutio Baryta Muriatis. 
 ■E<\ Barii Chloridi Liquor. Dub. Solution of Chloride of Barium. 
 iSc.tion of Muriate of Baryta. 
 
 Take of Chloride of Barium an ounce; Distilled Water three fluidounces. 
 Di live the Chloride of Barium in the Water and filter.” U. S. 
 
 Take of Muriate of Baryta one drachm; Distilled Water one fluidounce 
 [In. meas.]. Dissolve the Salt in the Water.” Ed. 
 
 le Dublin College dissolves the chloride in eight times its weight of distilled 
 war, forming a solution having the sp. gr. 1'088, which is a little weaker than 
 tbiof the Edinburgh College. 
 
 doride of barium, not being used in the solid state, is here dissolved for 
 coipnient exhibition. The U.S. solution is nearly a saturated one, and is pro- 
 ban too strong for convenient use. The Edinburgh and Dublin preparations 
 artiuch weaker. The solution should be limpid and colourless; and, to make 
 it i the salt in crystals, and not in powder, should be employed. 
 
 Meal Properties and Uses. This solution is deobstruent and anthelmintic, 
 ant n large doses poisonous; its action, according to some, being analogous to 
 th; of arsenic. It was introduced into practice by Dr. Crawford as a remedy 
 for ancer and scrofula. Its value in the latter disease has been particularly 
 ius ; ed on by Hufeland. This physician considers it to act more particularly 
 ou e lymphatic system, in the irritated states of which he esteems it a valuable 
 rcr ly. Hence he recommends it in the scrofulous affections of delicate and 
 irr: ble organs, such as the eyes, lungs, &c. In the commencement of scrofu- 
 l°i' phthisis, he views it as one of the best remedies to which we can have 
 recj rse. It is employed also in diseases of the skin, in ulcers, and ophthalmia. 
 Hr lose for an adult of the U. S. solution is about five drops, given twice or 
 dm a day, and gradually but cautiously increased, until it produces nausea, or 
 sor other sensible impression. When taken in an overdose it causes violent 
 vo jhng and purging, vertigo, and other dangerous symptoms. To combat its 
 poinous effects, recourse must be had immediately to a weak solution of sul- 
 ph i of magnesia, which acts by converting the poison into the insoluble sul- 
 ph ■ of baryta. If vomiting does not come on, it should be induced by tickling 
 
910 
 
 Baryta. — Bismuthum. 
 
 PAR II. 
 
 the fauces, or by the administration of an emetic. A case of poisoning by ree 
 drachms of the solid salt taken by mistake for sulphate of magnesia, whicltas 
 successfully treated with dilute sulphuric acid and castor oil, is reported b- Jr. 
 C. Wolf, a German physician. The chief symptoms were tormina and vom 
 weak and irregular pulse, cold extremities, weak voice, want of muscular jwer 
 in the hands and feet, and paralysis of the left eyelid. 
 
 BISMUTHUM. 
 
 Preparation of Bismuth. 
 
 BISMUTHI SUBNITRAS. U.S.,Bub. Bismuthi Xmus . hd. 
 Bismuthum Album. Bd. Subnitrate of Bismuth. Nitrate of Bismh. 
 White Bismuth. Trisnitr ate of Bismuth. White Oxide of Bismlk 
 
 “ Take of Bismuth, in fragments, an ounce ; Nitric Acid [sp. gr. 1 '42 fire 
 fuidounces; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Mix a fluidounce of Dislled 
 Water with the Nitric Acid, and dissolve the Bismuth in the mixture. Ben 
 the solution is complete, pour the clear liquor into three pints of Dislled 
 Water, and set the mixture by, that the powder may subside. Lastly, h;ins 
 poured off the supernatant liquid, wash the Subnitrate of Bismuth with Disiled 
 Water, wrap it in bibulous paper, and dry it with a gentle heat.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Bismuth an ounce ; Nitric Acid [sp.gr. 1’42] a fluidounce ad a 
 half [Imp. mens.]; Distilled Water three pints [Imp. meas.]. Mix a fluidmce 
 of the Water with the Acid, and, having added the Bismuth, apply heat util 
 it is dissolved. Add the solution to the rest of the Water, and strain theiix- 
 ture through a cloth, in order to separate the powder. Wash this with disded 
 water, and dry it with a gentle heat.” Land. 
 
 “ Take of Bismuth, in fine powder, an ounce ; Nitric Acid [of eonimee?] 
 (D. 1380) a fluidounce and a half [Imperial measure]; Water three ints 
 [Imp. meas.]. Add the metal gradually to the acid, favouring the action ith 
 a gentle heat, and adding a very little Distilled Water so soon as crystal or a 
 white powder may begin to form. When the solution is complete, pou.the 
 liquor into the Water. Collect the precipitate immediately on a calico ter, 
 wash it quickly with cold water, and dry it in a dark place.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Bismuth, in small fragments, two ounces [avoirdupois] ; Pure Itric 
 Acid three fluidounces [Imp. meas.]; Distilled Water one yallon [Imp. ms.]. 
 Into the Acid, first diluted with three ounces of the Water, introduce thedis- 
 muth in successive portions; and having, when the spontaneous action has cffied, 
 applied for teu minutes a heat approaching that of ebullition, decant thesoriou 
 off’ any particles of metal which may remain un dissolved. Evaporate tbeplu- 
 tion at a gentle heat until it is reduced to two fluidounces, and then pour into 
 half a gallon of the Water. When the precipitate which forms has subjled, 
 decant the supernatant liquid, and agitate the sediment with the remaincr of 
 the Water. After twelve hours again decant, and, having placed the preci fate 
 on a filter, dry it at a temperature of 212°, and reduce it to powder." Du 
 When bismuth is added to dilute nitric acid, red fumes are copiously ven 
 off, and the metal, oxidized by the decomposition of part of the nitric ad, is 
 dissolved by the remainder, so as to form a solution of the ternitrate of ferule 
 of bismuth. It is unnecessary to have the metal in powder, as it dissolve;, 'ith 
 great facility when added to the acid in fragments. When the solution Com- 
 pleted, the liquor should be added to the water, which should be distillecand 
 not the water to the solution, which is not so eligible a plan. Immediote on 
 the contact of the solution with the water, four eqs. of the ternitrate a re- 
 
P. IT II. 
 
 Bismuthum. — Calx. 
 
 911 
 
 sc ed into three eqs. of neutral nitrate of bismuth (generally called subnitrate) 
 w,eh precipitates, and one eq. of the 9-nitrate which remains in solution. 
 4 (|i 03 ,f$N 0 5 )= 8 (Bi 0 3 ,N 0 5 ) and Bi0 3 ,9N0 5 . In order to have a smooth light 
 peeler which is most esteemed, the precipitate should be washed and dried as 
 spdily as possible. 
 
 Properties. Subnitrate of bismuth is a tasteless, inodorous, heavy powder, 
 ofi pure-white colour. It is slightly soluble in water, and readily so in the 
 stag acids, from which it is precipitated by water. The fixed alkalies dissolve 
 it Daringly, and ammonia more readily. It is darkened by hydrosulphuric acid 
 g; but not by exposure to light, unless it contains a little silver, or is subjected 
 tche influence of organic matter. If it dissolves in nitric acid without effer- 
 veence, it contains no carbonate, and, if the nitric solution is not precipi- 
 tad by dilute sulphuric acid, it is free from lead. It sometimes contains 
 ainic, which may be detected by acting on it with pure sulphuric acid, 
 evirating to dryness, dissolving in hot distilled water, and testing a part of 
 tl solution by Marsh’s apparatus. By this method Lassaigne detected oue- 
 sih of one per cent, of arsenic in a sample of subnitrate sold in Paris. By 
 tb earlier chemists it was called mag is ter j of bismuth. The perfumers, by 
 w m it is sold as a paint for the complexion, denominate it pearl white. It 
 coasts of one eq. of nitric acid 54, one of teroxide of bismuth 237, and one of 
 wjpr 9=300. 
 
 ledical Properties and Uses. This preparation is tonic and antispasmodic. 
 It -as originally introduced into practice by Dr. Odier, of Geneva, and has been 
 silequently employed with advantage both in this country and in Europe. It 
 lu'been used in epilepsy, palpitation of the heart, and spasmodic diseases 
 g( rally; but more particularly in various painful affections of the stomach, de- 
 pt lent on disordered digestion, such as cardialgia, pyrosis, and gastrodynia. 
 R er employed it with great advantage in the diarrhoea occurring in phthisis 
 ai in typhus, and Aran recommends it in the obstinate diarrhoea w 7 hich some- 
 th 's follows typhoid fever. Its use always blackens the stools, from the effect 
 of xe intestinal gases. The dose is five grains, gradually increased to twelve or 
 tiffin, twice or thrice a day, and may be taken in pill, or mixed with an equal 
 W' ;bt of aromatic powder. Dr. Pereira seldom commences with less than a 
 sc pie, and has repeatedly exhibited half a drachm. M. Monneret, who praises 
 tb remedy in gastro-intestinal affections attended with diarrhoea, never gives 
 le than two or three drachms a day. He conceives that its operation is en- 
 tity local ; but this view is combatted by Dr. Lussaua, who believes it is sorne- 
 tn s absorbed. It never passes into the urine. In an over-dose it produces 
 aiming gastric distress, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, colic, heat 
 m he breast, slight rigors, vertigo, and drowsiness. The remedies are bland 
 ar mucilaginous drinks, and, in case of inflammation, bleeding by leeches or 
 ve section, enemata, and emollient fomentations. B. 
 
 CALX. 
 
 Preparations of Lime. 
 
 IQUOR CALCIS. U.S., Loud., Bub. Aqua Calcis. JEd. Lime- 
 
 V' :r. 
 
 Take of Lime four ounces ; Distilled Water a gallon. Upon the Lime, first 
 sh :d with a little of the Water, pour the remainder of the Water, and stir them 
 tottber ; then immediately cover the vessel, and set it aside for three houx - s. 
 K p the solution, together with the undissolved Lime, in stopped glass bottles, 
 sd pour off the clear liquor when wanted for use. Water free from saline or 
 
912 
 
 Calx. 
 
 PAR II. 
 
 other obvious impurity may be employed in this process, though not distil 1 ” 
 
 u s. 
 
 The London College takes half a pound of lime, and twelve pints [Impial 
 measure] of distilled water, and proceeds as above directed. 
 
 “Take any convenient quantity of Water, pour a little of it over abt a 
 twentieth of its weight of Lime; when the Lime is slaked, add to it the r< of 
 the Water in a bottle; agitate well; allow the undissolved matter to subjle • 
 pour off the clear liquor when it is wanted, replacing it with more water '.nj 
 agitating briskly as before.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Fresh-burned Lime two ounces [avoirdupois] ; Distilled Water \alf 
 a gallon [Imperial measure]. Having slaked the Lime with a [fluid]ftc’e 
 and a half of the Water, introduce it into a well-stopped bottle contaiuinjtke 
 remainder of the Water, and shake well for the space of five minutes, .'ter 
 twelve hours the excess of Lime will have subsided, and the clear Lime-- ter 
 may be drawn off with a syphon as it may be required. When the entire ctlte 
 solution has been withdrawn, it may be renewed by shaking the sediment athe 
 bottom of the bottle with another half gallon of Water; and, if the Lin! be 
 pure, and the bottle be accurately stopped, this process may be succesalk 
 repeated three or four times.” Dub. 
 
 A solution of lime in water is the result of these processes. By the shins; 
 of the lime it is reduced to powder, and rendered more easily diffusible thugh 
 the water. According to all the Pharmacopoeias, the solution is to be ke in 
 bottles with a portion of undissolved lime, which causes it always to be satured. 
 whatever may be the temperature, and to whatever extent it ma}' be expos', to 
 the air. If care be taken to have a considerable quantity of the solution i the 
 bottle, and to avoid unnecessary agitation, the upper portion will always ream 
 sufficiently clear for use. The direction of the Edinburgh College to repla bv 
 more water the clear liquid poured off, cannot, of course, be carried into feet 
 indefinitely. By the absorption of carbonic acid, the lime is gradually convted 
 into the carbonate, and thus rendered insoluble. The employment of disiled 
 water as the solvent may seem a useless refinement; and it certainly is unites- 
 sary when pure spring or river water is attainable; but in many places the >m- 
 mon water is very impure, and wholly unfit for a preparation, one of tbeiost 
 frequent uses of which is to allay irritation of stomach. Water dissolves it a 
 minute proportion of lime, and, contrary to the general law, less when hotaan 
 cold. Hence the propriety of employing cold water in the process. Accoing 
 to Mr. Phillips, a pint of water (the wine pint of the U. S. Ph.) at 212 dis- 
 solves 5'6 grains of lime, at 60°, 9'7 grains, and at 32°, 110 grains. Win a 
 cold saturated solution is heated, a deposition of lime takes place. 
 
 Properties. Lime-water is colourless, inodorous, and of a disagreeable ka- 
 line taste, changes vegetable blues to green, and forms an imperfect soap-ith 
 oils. Exposed to the air it attracts carbonic acid, and becomes covered wh a 
 pellicle of insoluble carbonate of lime, which, subsiding after a time, is repced 
 by another, and so on successively till the whole of the lime is exhausted. luce 
 the necessity of keeping lime-water either in closely corked bottles which sink! 
 be full, or, what is more convenient, in bottles with an excess of lime. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Lime-water is antacid, tonic, and astrinmt, 
 and is very usefully employed in dyspepsia with acidity of stomach, diarxea, 
 diabetes, and gravel attended with superabundant secretion of uric acid. Meu 
 with an equal measure of milk, which completely covers its offensive taste t :s 
 one of the best remedies in our possession for nausea and vomitiug depeient 
 on irritability of stomach. "We have found a diet exclusively of lime-watemd 
 milk to be more effectual than almost any other plan of treatment in dysjpia 
 accompanied with vomiting of food. In this case, one part of the solutii to 
 two or three parts of milk is usually sufficient. Lime-water is also thougt to 
 
PAT II. 
 
 Calx . 
 
 913 
 
 be seful by dissolving the intestinal mucus in cases of worms, and in other 
 coulaints connected with an excess of this secretion. Externally it is employed 
 as wash in tinea capitis and scabies, as an application to foul and gangrenous 
 ulcs, as an injection in leucorrhcea and ulceration of the bladder or urethra, 
 an' mixed with linseed or olive oil, as a liniment in burns and scalds. The 
 do: is from two to four fluidounces taken several times a day. When employed 
 to day nausea, it is usually given in the dose of a tablespoonful mixed with the 
 gar: quantity of new milk, and repeated at intervals of half an hour, an hour, 
 or ro hours. If too long continued it debilitates the stomach. Lime-water is 
 usi by the Dublin College in the preparation of Oxide of Silver.* 
 
 ALOIS CARBONAS PR^CIPITATUS. IT.S. Calcis Carbo- 
 NaPraicipitatum. Dub. Precipitated Carbonate of Lime. 
 
 fake of Solution of Chloride of Calcium five pints and a half; Carbonate 
 of oda six pounds ; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the Car- 
 boite of Soda in six pints of Distilled Water. Heat this solution and the solu- 
 tio of Chloride of Calcium, separately, to the boiling point, and mix them. 
 Af r the precipitate has subsided, pour off the supernatant liquid, wash the pre- 
 cipite repeatedly with Distilled Water, and dry it on bibulous paper.” U. S. 
 
 Take of Chloride of Calcium five ounces [avoirdupois] ; Crystals of Comrner- 
 ciajarbonate of Soda thirteen ounces [avoirdupois]; Boiling Water two quarts 
 [he a gallon , Imperial measure]. Dissolve each salt in a quart of the Water, 
 mi he two solutions, and, when the precipitate has subsided, draw off the super- 
 natit liquor. Transfer the sediment to a calico filter, and wash it with boiling 
 hoi istilled water, until the washings cease to give a precipitate with nitrate of 
 sib’. Finally, dry the product at a temperature not exceeding 212°.” Dub. 
 
 ' ese processes do. not essentially differ. In each a mutual interchange of 
 priiples takes place, resulting in the production of chloride of sodium which 
 ret ins in solution, and carbonate of lime which is deposited. Any peculiar 
 adutage which the preparation may possess must depend on the minute divi- 
 siopf its particles. According to Dr. Bridges, this effect is best obtained by 
 cm tying the solutions at the boiling temperature, a precaution which is ob- 
 ser 1 in both the present officinal processes. (1m. Journ. of Pharm., xvi. 163.) 
 W1 1 properly made, it is a very pure carbonate of lime, in the form of a very 
 fim bite powder, free from grittiness, insoluble in water, but wholly soluble in 
 dilt: muriatic acid with copious effervescence. These properties serve to dis- 
 tinjish it from sulphate of lime, with which it is sometimes adulterated. For 
 ord ary use, it probably has no such .superiority over prepared chalk as to 
 couerbalanee its greater expensiveness. It is said to be preferred by some to 
 cha in the preparation of tooth-powders. It is frequently sold in the shops 
 unc the name of creta praecipitata. W. 
 
 * 'ynp of Lime. — Saccharate of Lime. Under the latter name a preparation has been 
 mtr uced into notice, made by saturating pure syrup with lime, and filtering. The sugar 
 iorr a soluble compound with the lime, large quantities of which are dissolved by the syrup. 
 
 1 lie yrup remains perfectly transparent, and is in no degree disturbed by dilution with 
 
 f. Prep. Linimentum Calcis. 
 
 W. 
 
 58 
 
914 
 
 Calx. 
 
 par ii. 
 
 CRETA PRiEPARATA. U. S., Lond., Pd., Dub. Prepared Cllk. 
 
 “Take of Chalk a convenient quantity. Add a little water to the Chalk, nd 
 rub it into a fine powder. Throw this into a large vessel nearly full of wer. 
 stir briskly, and, after a short interval, pour the supernatant liquor, whih.-et 
 turbid, into another vessel. Repeat the process with the chalk remainin in 
 the first vessel, and set the turbid liquor by, that the powder may sulie. 
 Lastly, pour off the water, and dry the powder.” U. S. 
 
 The London College places this preparation in the Materia Medica eatali ie. 
 The process of the Edinburgh. College is essentially the same as that of the ni- 
 ted States Pharmacopoeia. The College directs the chalk to be powdered 1 a 
 mortar, and orders it, after having been prepared, to be dried on a filter of en 
 or calico. 
 
 “ Take of Chalk one pound; Water a sufficient quantity. Reduce the (ilk 
 to a fine powder, and, having triturated this in a large mortar with as much iter 
 as will give it the consistence of cream, fill the mortar with water, and stir ill, 
 giving the whole a circular motion. Allow the mixture to stand for fben 
 seconds, and then decant the milky liquid into a large vessel. Triturate aat 
 remains in the mortar, adding as much water as was previously used, and, ter 
 allowing it to settle for fifteen seconds, again decant, and let this proeet be 
 repeated several times. Let the fine sediment which subsides from thedecred 
 liquids be transferred to a calico filter, and dried at a temperature not excet.ng 
 212°.” Dub. 
 
 The object of these processes is to reduce chalk to a very fine powder, 'be 
 mineral, previously pulverized, is rubbed with a little water upon a porphyry ab, 
 by means of a rubber of the same material, and, having been thus very min ely 
 divided, is agitated with water, which upon standing a short time depositrhe 
 coarser particles, and, being then poured off, slowly lets fall the remainder an 
 impalpable state. The former part of the process is called levigation, the Iter 
 elutriation. The soft mass which remains after the decanting of the clear lit or, 
 is made to fall upon an absorbent surface in small portions, which when ded 
 have a conical shape. Practically, prepared chalk is generally 7 made on the rge 
 scale from whiting by the manufacturer. For the particulars of the procesthe 
 reader is referred tq the Pharmaceutical Journal and Transactions, viii. 4>. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This is the only form in which chalk is us in 
 medicine. It is an excellent antacid; and, as the salts which it forms iu:he 
 stomach and bowels, if not astringent, are at least not purgative, it is adminly 
 adapted to diarrhoea accompanied with acidity. It is also sometimes use in 
 acidity of stomach attending dyspepsia and gout, when a laxative effect is ! be 
 avoided; is one of the best antidotes for oxalic acid; and has been recommeled 
 in rachitis. In scrofulous affections it may 7 sometimes do good by formingjlu- 
 ble salts with acid in the primae vise, and thus finding an entrance into the bod- 
 vessels. It is frequently employed as an application to burns and ulcers, rich 
 it moderately stimulates, while it absorbs the ichorous discharge, and tbusre- 
 vents it from irritating the diseased surface, or the sound skin. It is fen 
 internally in the form of powder, or suspended in water by the interventu of 
 gum Arabic and sugar. (See Mistura Cretee.') The dose is from ten to |rty 
 grains or more. 
 
 Pharm. Uses. Prepared chalk is used by one or another of the Pbtna- 
 copoeias in the preparation of Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Chloride of nc, 
 Solution of Chloride of Zinc, and Sulphate of Zinc. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Aromatica; Hydrargyrum cum Creta; Mistura Cite; 
 Pulvis Cretan Compositus; Trochisci Cretae; Unguentum Plumbi Compos an. 
 
PiT II. 
 
 Calx. 
 
 915 
 
 'ESTA PRiEPARATA. U. S. Prepared Oyster-sliell. 
 
 Take of Oyster-shell a convenient quantity. Free it from extraneous mat- 
 teiwash it with boiling water, and reduce it to powder; then prepare it in the 
 miner directed for chalk.” U. S. 
 
 repared oyster-shell differs from prepared chalk in containing animal matter, 
 will, being very intimately blended with the carbonate of lime, is supposed by 
 so ; physicians to render the preparation more acceptable to a delicate stomach. 
 It given as an antacid in diarrhoea, in the dose of from ten to forty grains or 
 m«, frequently repeated. A preparation has been introduced, within a few 
 yes, into use in this country under the name of CastiUon’s powders, consisting 
 of go, salep, and tragacanth, each, in powder, a draclim, prepared oyster-shell 
 acuple, and sufficient cochineal to give colour to the mixture. A drachm of 
 thi is boiled in a pint of milk, and the decoction used ad libitum as a diet in 
 ch nic bowel affections. W. 
 
 IQUOR CALCII CHLORIDI. U.S. Pub. Calcis Muriatis 
 Sojtio. Ed. /Solution of Chloride of Calcium. Solution of Muriate 
 of lime. 
 
 Take of Marble, in fragments, nine ounces ; Muriatic Acid a pint; Distilled 
 Wer a sufficient quantity. Mix the Acid with half a pint of the Distilled Wa- 
 tered gradually add the Marble. Towards the close of the effervescence ap- 
 pljs gentle heat, and, when the action has ceased, pour off the clear liquor and 
 ev; mate to dryness. Dissolve the residue in its weight and a half of Distilled 
 Wcr, and filter the solution.” U. S. 
 
 1 e Edinburgh College dissolves eight ounces of muriate of lime (chloride of 
 calim) in twelve fuidounces (Imp. meas.) of water. The Dublin College dis- 
 sols three ounces (avoirdupois) of the salt in twelve f uidounces of distilled 
 wa-, filters, and states the sp. gr. of the solution at 1‘225. 
 
 the U. S. process chloride of calcium is first formed, and then, as in the 
 oth processes, is dissolved in a certain proportion of water. The U. S. and Edin- 
 bun preparations agree very nearly in strength, containing 1 part of the chlo- 
 rid n about 2 "5 parts of the solution. That of the Dublin College is only 
 kalis strong, containing 1 part of the chloride in 5 of the solution. 
 
 e solution of chloride of calcium has a disagreeable, bitter, acrid taste. It 
 is c omposed by sulphuric acid and the soluble sulphates; by potassa, soda, and 
 the carbonates; by carbonate of ammonia, tartrate of potassa and soda, nitrate 
 of ver, nitrate and acetate of mercury, and acetate of lead. The mode of 
 pre ring chloride of calcium, and its chemical properties, are detailed under the 
 hea of Calcii Chloridum in the first part of this work. 
 
 idical Properties and Uses. Chloride of calcium is considered tonic and de- 
 obs lent, and is said to promote the secretion of urine, perspiration, and mucus. 
 It 15 first brought into notice as a remedy by Foureroy, and was at one time 
 mui used in scrofulous diseases and goitre. It still continues to be a favourite 
 wit! lome physicians, but is less employed than formerly. It has been especially 
 recc mended in tabes mesenterica. Cazenave has employed it advantageously 
 m e onic eczema and impetigo, when connected with a lymphatic temperament. 
 II b too largely taken it sometimes occasions nausea, vomiting, and purging, 
 au< I 1 excessive doses may even produce fatal effects; but it is a much safer 
 re ™ y than chloride of barium, which has been recommended in the same com- 
 plai 3 . The dose of the solution is from thirty minims or drops to a fluidrachm, 
 to t repeated twice or three times a day, and gradually increased to two, three, 
 of 0 n four fluidrachms. It may be given in milk or sweetened water. 
 
 ( Prep. Calcis Carbonas Praecipitatus. W. 
 
916 
 
 Calx. 
 
 PAR a. 
 
 CALCIS CHLORINATE LIQUOR. Dub. Solution of Chn- 
 nated Lime. 
 
 “Take of Chlorinated Lime half a pound [avoirdupois]; Water half a g on 
 [Imperial measure]. Blend well the Water and Chlorinated Lime by tritur on 
 in a large mortar, and, having transferred the mixture to a stoppered bottl let 
 it be well shaken several times for the space of three hours. Pour out novhe 
 contents of the bottle on a calico filter, and let the solution which passes thr "h 
 be preserved in a well-stopped bottle. The sp.gr. of this liquid is 1 035.” ,ib. 
 
 For the properties and uses of this preparation see Calx Chlorinata, page A. 
 Its strength must vary, according to the quality of the chlorinated lime m- 
 ployed. It is one of the best antidotes for hydrosulphuric acid, bydrosuljite 
 of ammonia, sulphuret of potassium, and hydrocyanic acid. The dose f( in- 
 ternal use is from twenty minims to a fluidrachm. For external applicati it 
 may be diluted with twice its bulk of water, or may be used of the full streith 
 in some cutaneous affections. 
 
 The Dublin College uses it in the preparation of Acetate of Zinc and Sol ion 
 of Chloride of Zinc. 
 
 CALCIS PHOSPHAS PRECIPITATUM. Dub. Predated 
 Phosphate of Lime. 
 
 “ Take of Ox-bones, burned to whiteness in a clear fir e,four ounces [avciu- 
 pois]; Pure Muriatic Acid six fluidounces ; Distilled Water one quart [two jjits, 
 Imperial measure]; Solution of Ammonia eleven fluidounces, or as much aswy 
 be sufficient. Reduce the Calcined Bones to a fine powder, and digest upoihis 
 the Acid, diluted with a pint of the Water, until it is dissolved. To the solion, 
 first cleared (if necessary) by filtration, add the remainder of the water, andien 
 the Solution of Ammonia, until the mixture acquires an alkaline reaction, nd, 
 having collected the precipitate upon a calico filter, let it be washed with being 
 distilled water as long as the liquid which passes through gives rise to a>re- 
 cipitate, when permitted to drop into a solution of nitrate of silver aciduted 
 with nitric acid. The washed product should now be dried by exposing : for 
 some days on porous bricks to a warm atmosphere.” Dub. 
 
 The muriatic acid dissolves the phosphate of lime of the bones, and lets fall 
 on the addition of ammonia, in a state of minute division. The ablution in- 
 tended to free it from any adhering muriate of ammonia. The salt thus obtned 
 is, for the sake of distinction, called bone-phosphate of lime. It is in thejrm 
 of a white powder, without taste or smell, insoluble in water, but very sable 
 in nitric, muriatic, and acetic acids, from which it is precipitated unchang on 
 the addition of ammonia. By an intense heat it is fused, but is not othevise 
 changed. It consists, according to Mitscherlich, of one equivalent of phospric 
 acid and three of lime. 
 
 The chemical characteristics of bone-phosphate of lime, besides those ien- 
 tioned, are that with its solution in dilute nitric acid, oxalate of arumoni, pro- 
 duces a white precipitate of oxalate of lime, and acetate of lead a white preci rate 
 of phosphate of lead ; and, if the nitric solution be neutralized as far as pcible 
 W'ithout causing a permanent precipitate of phosphate of lime, ammoniacal Drate 
 of silver throws down from it a lemon-yellow precipitate of phosphate of ;rer. 
 ( Christison’s Dispensatory .) 
 
 Medical Uses. In the form of burnt hartshorn, phosphate of lime forerly 
 enjoyed a brief popularity in the treatment of rickets, and mollifies ossiu, in 
 which its use seemed to be indicated upon obvious chemical grounds. 1 1' 115 
 recently been again brought into notice, in consequence of the suggestion iBe- 
 necke ( London Lancet, July, 1851), that, as it is essential in animals as vl as 
 plants to the formation of cells, it might be found useful in certain patholpeal 
 
P/T II. 
 
 Calx. — Carlo Animalis. 
 
 91T 
 
 stss of the system characterized by defective nutrition, such as the scrofulous 
 actions. Upon considerations of this kind, the late Dr. W. Stone, of New 
 Oiians, was induced to employ it in cases of scrofulous ulceration, phthisis, &c., 
 an with considerable supposed advantage. (See St. Louis Med. and Stay. Journ., 
 x.a.) Subsequently, it has been used by other practitioners, and, in connexion 
 wi other phosphates, as those of iron, soda, and potassa, has acquired no little 
 re lation in different forms of scrofula and phthisis. When, however, it is 
 coidered that, in ordinary food, there is more of the phosphates than the sys- 
 tei has need of, so that they are constantly escaping with the stools ; and that 
 in lose very disorders in which they are supposed to be indicated they are not 
 unequently in excess in the blood and urine, in consequence probably of the 
 rad disintegration of the tissues, it would seem doubtful whether the want, in 
 sedulous cases, is as much that of materials for cells as that of due power to 
 ap opriate those materials. In the reported cases, the phosphate of lime has 
 ge rally been administered in connexion with cod-liver oil or other tonics ; to 
 wlh, there is reason to believe, any benefit experienced is more truly ascribable 
 tli. to the phosphate. In two of Dr. Stone’s cases the good effects began to 
 bexperienced at the period when they might have been expected from the oil 
 ales. Phosphate of lime, though insoluble in water, is probably in general 
 mo or less soluble in the gastric liquids, in consequence of the acid present in 
 tbi; and, if desirable, it may readily be administered in solution by the addition 
 of ae of the acids mentioned in the above account of its chemical properties. 
 T1 dose is from ten to thirty grains. W. 
 
 CARBO ANIMALIS. 
 
 Preparation of Animal Charcoal. 
 
 ARBO ANIMALIS PURIFICATUS. U.S., Ed., Dub. Purified 
 A mal Charcoal. 
 
 Take of Animal Charcoal a pound; Muriatic Acid, Water, each, twelve fiuicl- 
 011 °.s. Pour the Muriatic Acid, previously mixed with the Water, gradually 
 up the Charcoal, and digest with a gentle heat for two days, occasionally stir- 
 ric the mixture. Having allowed the undissolved portion to subside, pour off 
 th( upernatant liquor, wash the charcoal frequently with water until it is entirely 
 frefrom acid, and dry it.” U. S. 
 
 le Edinburgh formula is essentially the same as that of the U. S. Pharma- 
 cop ia. 
 
 Take of Ivory Black five pounds [avoirdupois] ; Muriatic Acid of Commerce 
 lh pints [Imp. meas.] ; Water three gallons and three pints [Imp. meas.]; Dis- 
 till Water as much as is necessary. To the Acid, diluted with three pints of 
 W. ;r, gradually add the Ivory Black, and digest, with repeated stirring, at a 
 gei e heat for twenty-four hours. Pour on now a gallon of Water, and when, 
 aft the mixture has been well agitated, the insoluble matters have subsided, 
 rerye the clear solution by decantation, or the syphon. Let this be done a 
 sec d and a third time. Place now the black sediment on a calico filter, and 
 wa, it with Distilled Water, until the washings cease to give a precipitate with 
 uitjte of silver. Finally, let the product be dried in a stove or oven, a gentle 
 be; being at first applied, which must be finally raised to between 300° and 
 40;.” Dub. 
 
 timal charcoal, as it is made by charring bones, necessarily contains bone- 
 pb ohate and carbonate of lime, the presence of which does no harm in some 
 de< orizing operations; but, in delicate chemical processes, these salts would be 
 dis Ived or decomposed, and thus be a source of impurity. It is on this account 
 
918 
 
 PART 1 
 
 Carlo Animalis. — Cataplasmata. 
 
 that animal charcoal requires to be purified from the calcareous salts which 
 contains ; and this is accomplished by dilute muriatic acid, which dissolves t 
 phosphate and decomposes the carbonate. 
 
 Purified animal charcoal is a dark brownish-black powder. If it contain e; 
 bonate of lime, muriatic acid will cause effervescence, and the solution obtain 
 will give a precipitate with carbonate of ammonia ; and if phosphate of lime 
 present, the acid will dissolve this salt and yield it as a precipitate on the additi 
 of ammonia. The Edinburgh College directs purified animal charcoal to be test 
 by incinerating it with its volume of red oxide of mercury; when, if good, it w 
 be dissipated with the exception of a scanty ash. 
 
 It has been shown by Mr. Warington that bitter vegetable substances, includi 
 the organic alkalies, are removed from solution by passing through purified anin 
 charcoal, especially when the action is assisted by heat. M. lYeppen finds tb 
 a similar effect is produced by it in removing resins from tinctures, tannic at 
 and bitter principles from astringent and bitter infusions, aud certain metal 
 salts from their solutions. Purified animal charcoal, thus employed, has be 
 resorted to by M. Lebourdais as a means of obtaining the active principles : 
 plants. A decoction or infusion of the plant is either boiled with or filter, 
 through the charcoal, which takes up, more or less completely, the bitter a. 
 colouring principles. The charcoal is then washed and dried, and treated wi 
 boiling alcohol, which dissolves the principles taken up. Finally, the aleohoh 
 distilled off, and the principles are obtained in a separate state. In this w 
 digitalin, ilicin, scillitin, colombiu, colocynthin, arnicina, strychnia, quinia, a; 
 other principles have been obtained by M. Lebourdais. ( Cheni . Gaz., Nov. ], 
 1848.) In relation to the method of 31. Lebourdais for extracting the active pr- 
 ciples of plants, see a paper by 3Ir. J. S. Cobb, in the Am. Journ. of P harm. ' 
 July 1851, from the London Pharm. Journ. and Trans. Dr. A. B. Garrod b 
 proposed purified animal charcoal as an antidote to vegetable and animal poisoi, 
 with which it appears to combine. According to his experiments, common boi- 
 blac-k has not one-fifth of the power of the purified substance; and vegetable ch- 
 coal and lamp-black are nearly or quite useless in counteracting the effects! 
 poisons. The amount of the antidote proposed by Dr. Garrod is half an oun 
 for each grain of a vegetable organic alkali. Dr. Alfred Taylor deems the resns 
 of Dr. Garrod inconclusive. Dr. B. H. Band, of Philadelphia, has made soe 
 interesting observations in relation to the antidotal powers of purified aninl 
 charcoal, and has proved by experiment that poisonous doses of the strongt 
 vegetable poisons may be swallowed with impunity, if taken mixed with tit 
 substance. (Med. Exam., Sept. 1848.) 
 
 Pharm. Uses. It is employed as a decolorizing agent in preparing Aconil, 
 3forphia, 3Iorphiae Hydrochloras, Quinae Sulphas, Strychnia, and Yeratr. 
 3Vheu used for this purpose, its power of absorbing the vegetable organic bas 
 should not be overlooked ; as it may be a source of considerable loss. B. 
 
 CATAPLASMATA. 
 
 Cataplasms. 
 
 Cataplasms or poultices are moist substances intended for external applicati , 
 of such a consistence as to accommodate themselves accurately to the surfaceo 
 which they are applied, without being so liquid as to spread over the ueighbo - 
 ing parts, or so tenacious as to adhere firmly to the skin. As they are in ts 
 country scarcely ever prepared by the apothecary, they were not deemed by e 
 compilers of the United States Pharmacopoeia proper objects for officinal dir- 
 tion. ^ 
 
PiT II. Cataplasmata. 919 
 
 3ATAPLASMA CARBONIS. Lond. Charcoal Cataplasm. 
 
 ‘Take of boiling Water ten fluidounces ; Bread two ounces ; powdered Flax- 
 sd ten drachms ; powdered Charcoal three drachms. Macerate the Bread with 
 tl Water for a little while near the fire; then mix, and gradually add the flax- 
 sd, stirring so as to make a soft cataplasm. With this mix two drachms of 
 tl Charcoal, and sprinkle the rest upon the surface.” Lond. 
 
 lharcoal, recently prepared, has the property of absorbing those principles 
 u n which the offensive odour of putrefying animal substances depends. In the 
 fen of poultice, it is an excellent application to foul and gangrenous ulcers, 
 erecting their fetor, and improving the condition of the sore. It should be 
 fluently renewed. W. 
 
 JATAPLASMA CONTI. Lond. Hemlock Cataplasm. 
 
 ‘Take of boiling Water ten fluidounces ; powdered Flaxseed four ounces and 
 aalf, or a sufficient quantity ; Extract of Hemlock an ounce. To the Water 
 gdually add the Flaxseed, constantly stirring, so as to make a Cataplasm. 
 Uira this spread the Extract previously softened with water.” Lond. 
 
 ’his cataplasm may be advantageously employed as an anodyne application 
 tcancerous, scrofulous, syphilitic, and other painful ulcers: but its liability to 
 prluce narcotic effects, in consequence of the absorption of the active principle 
 oihe hemlock, should not be overlooked. W. 
 
 IATAPLASMA FERMENTI. Lond. Yeast Cataplasm. 
 
 Take of Yeast, Water heated to 100°, each, five fluidounces; Wheat Flour 
 a mnd. Mix the Yeast with the Water, and add the Flour, stirring so as to 
 m:e a Cataplasm. Place this near the fire until it begins to swell up.” Lond. 
 
 !y exposing a mixture of yeast and flour to a gentle heat, fermentation takes 
 pie, and carbonic acid gas is extricated, which causes the mixture to swell, 
 ai is the source of its peculiar virtues. The yeast cataplasm is gently stimu- 
 la, and is sometimes applied with much benefit to foul and gangrenous ulcers, 
 tli fetor of which it corrects, while it is supposed to hasten the separation of the 
 sigh. W. 
 
 1ATAPLASMA LINI. Lond. Flaxseed Cataplasm. 
 
 Take of boiling Water ten fluidounces ; Flaxseed, powdered, four ounces and 
 a dfl or a sufficient quantity. Add gradually the Flaxseed to the Water, con- 
 st tly stirring, so as to make a Cataplasm.” Lond. 
 
 he flaxseed meal which remains after the expression of the oil has sometimes 
 he employed; but that which has not been submitted to pressure is decidedly 
 pnrable, and answers an excellent purpose when mixed with boiling water, 
 wi out other addition, as in the London cataplasm. Fresh lard or olive oil, 
 sp ad upon the surface of the poultice, serves to prevent its adhesion to the 
 sk, and to preserve its softness. 
 
 he use of this and other emollient cataplasms is to relieve the tense condition 
 of le vessels in inflammation, and to promote suppuration. They act simply 
 bj heir warmth and moisture. The one most extensively employed, perhaps 
 be use its materials are always at hand, is that prepared by heating together 
 m and the crumb of bread. The milk should be quite sweet, and fresh lard 
 sh Id be incorporated with the poultice. Mush made with the meal of Indian 
 co also forms an excellent emollient cataplasm. W. 
 
 ATAPLASMA SINAPIS. Lond. Mustard Cataplasm. 
 
 Take of boiling Water ten fluidounces ; Flaxseed, Mustard [seed], each in 
 po ler, two ounces and a half, or a sufficient quantity. Add the powders, pre- 
 vi' sly mixed together, gradually to the Water, stirring so as to make a cata- 
 pk n.” Loud. 
 
920 Cataplasmata. — Cerata. part 
 
 r 
 
 The simplest and most effectual mode of preparing a mustard poultice, iso 
 mix the powdered mustard of the shops with a sufficient quantity of warm wj r 
 to give it a due consistence. When a weaker preparation is required, an eq ] 
 portion or more of rye or wheat flour should be added. Vinegar never incres s 
 its efficiency, and, in the case of the black mustard seed, has been ascertained y 
 MM. Trousseau and Blanc to diminish its rubefacient power. A boiling t( - 
 perature is also injurious by interfering with the development of the volatile J 
 or acrid principle. (See S inapis C 
 
 These poultices are frequently called sinapisms. They are powerfully rt> 
 facient, exciting a sense of warmth in a few minutes, and usually becoming t- 
 supportably painful in less than an hour. When removed, they leave the surie 
 intensely red and burning; and the inflammation frequently terminates in ci;- 
 quamation, or even blistering, if the application has been too long continrl 
 Obstinate ulcers and gangrene also sometimes result from the protracted actn 
 of mustard, especially on parts possessed of little vitality. As a general ru, 
 the poultice should be removed when the patient complains much of the ps ; 
 and in cases of insensibility should not, unless greatly diluted, be alloweco 
 remain longer than one, or at most two hours; as violent inflammation, follo'd 
 by obstinate ulceration, is apt to occur upon the establishment of reaction in e 
 system. In children also particular care is necessary to avoid this result. e 
 poultice should be thickly spread on linen, and may be covered with gauzor 
 unsized paper in order to prevent its adhesion to the skin. If hairs are presit 
 they should be removed by the razor. Sinapisms may be employed in all cas 
 in which it is desirable to produce a speedy and powerful rubefacient imps- 
 sion. W 
 
 CATAPLASMA SODE CHLORINATE. Lond, Cataplamj 
 Chlorinated Soda. 
 
 “ Take of boiling Water six fluidounces ; Flaxseed, in powder, four ounces cd 
 a half; Solution of Chlorinated Soda two fluidounces. Add the Flaxseed ;i- 
 dually to the Water, constantly stirring; then mix in the Chlorinated Sod” 
 Lond. 
 
 This is an excellent application to sloughing and other fetid ulcers, tocorct 
 the smell, and afford a moderate stimulation. W 
 
 CERATA. 
 
 Cerates. 
 
 These are unctuous substances consisting of oil or lard, mixed with wax, sr- 
 maceti, or resin, to which various medicaments are frequently added. T ir 
 consistence, which is intermediate between that of -ointments and of plasterds 
 such that they may be spread at ordinary temperatures upon linen or leat r, 
 by means of a spatula, and do not melt or run when applied to the skiu. n 
 preparing them, care should usually be taken to select the oil or lard perfely 
 free from rancidity. The liquefaction should be effected by a very gentle h t, 
 which may be applied by means of a water-bath ; and during the refrigera'n 
 the mixture should be well stirred, and the portions which solidify on the ses 
 of the vessel should be made to mix agaiu with the liquid portion, until je 
 whole assumes the proper consistence. When a large quantity is prepared, je 
 mortar, or other vessel into which the mixture may be poured for cooling, shdd 
 be previously heated by means of boiling water. ^ 
 
 CERATUM CALAMINE. U. S., Lond., JEd. Calamine Cere, 
 
 Turner s Cerate. 
 
 “ Take of Prepared Calamine, Yellow Wax, each, three ounces; Lard a poid. 
 
PAT II. 
 
 Cerata. 
 
 921 
 
 Mi; the Wax and Lard together, and, when upon cooling they begin to thicken, 
 ad the Calamine, and stir the mixture constantly until cool.” U. S. 
 
 ae London College orders of prepared calamine and wax, each, seven ounces 
 an a half, and of olive oil a pint [Imperial measure] ; the Edinburgh, one part 
 of repared calamine, and five parts of simple cerate ( Ceratum Cetacei, U. S.). 
 
 his is the Ceratum Zinci Carbonatis of the former U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
 an is an imitation of the cerate recommended by Turner. It is mildly astrin- 
 ge:, and is used in excoriations and superficial ulcerations, produced by the 
 chng of the skin, irritating secretions, burns, or other causes. W. 
 
 ERATUM CANTHARIDIS.* U.S. Emplastrum Cantiiaridis. 
 Ltd., Ed., Dub. Emplastrum Epispasticum. Cerate of Spanish 
 Fis. Blistering Plaster. 
 
 Take of Spanish Flies, in very fine powder, a pound ; Yellow Wax, Resin, 
 eat, seven ounces; Lard ten ounces. To the Wax, Resin, and Lard, previously 
 meed together and strained, add the Spanish Flies, and, by means of a water- 
 in', keep the mixture in a fluid state for half an hour, stirring occasionally; 
 the remove it from the bath, and stir it constantly until cool.” U. S. 
 
 he London College orders of Spanish flies, in very fine powder, a pound; 
 wa suet, each, seven ounces and a half; resin three ounces, and lard six ounces; 
 adi to the wax, suet, and lard, melted together, the resin previously melted ; 
 the removes from the fire, and a little before cooling, sprinkles in the flies, and 
 mi s. The Edinburgh College orders two ounces, each, of flies, resin, yellow 
 wa and suet; the Dublin, six ounces of flies, and four ounces, each, of yellow 
 wa resin, and prepared lard. 
 
 his is the common blistering plaster of the shops. As it can be readily 
 spi\d without the aid of heat, it is properly a cerate, and is therefore correctly 
 nai:d in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia. Though essentially the same in character 
 as -epared by the different processes, it varies somewhat in strength. The 
 U. , London, and Dublin preparations have the same proportion of flies, but 
 are'tronger than that of the Edinburgh College. One of the former, therefore, 
 is pferable. Care has usually been considered requisite, in making the cerate, 
 nol'o injure the flies by heat. It has, therefore, been recommended that they 
 she d not be added to the other ingredients, until immediately before these 
 beg to stiffen after having been removed from the fire. But from the experi- 
 nrejls of Mr. Donovan ( Dublin Med. Press, Aug. 1840), and those of Professor 
 Pri ,er ( Am . Journ. of Pharm., xiii. 302, and xxiv. 296), it may be inferred 
 tha the vesicating principle of Spanish flies is not injured or dissipated by a 
 herunder 300° F., and that an elevated temperature, instead of being hurtful, 
 is ] litively advantageous in the preparation of the blistering cerate. The can- 
 tha lin is thus more thoroughly dissolved by the oleaginous matter, and con- 
 seqjntly brought more efficiently into contact with the skin, than when retained 
 in 3 interior of the tissue of the fly. Another advantage, stated by Donovan, 
 is nt the moisture which usually exists to a certain extent in all the ingre- 
 die s of the cerate is thus dissipated, and the preparation is less apt to become 
 molly, or otherwise to undergo decomposition. Instead, therefore, of waiting 
 un‘. the melted wax, resin, and lard begin to stiffen, it is better to add the 
 povm before the vessel is removed from the fire. Mr. Donovan recommends 
 tha as soon as the other ingredients are melted, the powdered flies should be 
 add , and the mixture stirred until the heat is shown by a thermometer to have 
 nse to 250°, when the vessel is to be removed from the fire, and the mixture 
 stir 1 constantly until cool. At the heat mentioned, ebullition takes place in 
 
 of V 
 
 bis is a different preparation from tlie London Ceratum Cantharidis, for an account 
 ch see Unguentum Cantharidis, Ed. 
 
922 
 
 Cerata. 
 
 parti. 
 
 consequence of the escape of the moisture contained in the materials. Inne 
 cerate thus prepared, the active matter has been dissolved by the lard, andae 
 powder may be separated, if deemed advisable, by straining the mixture be re 
 it solidifies. Care should he taken that the temperature be not so high a to 
 decompose the ingredients; and it would be better to keep it within 212 )y 
 means of a water-bath, than to incur any risk from its excess. Violent irritm 
 and even vesication of the face of the operator are stated to have resulted i m 
 exposure to the vapours of the liquid, at a temperature of 250 °. ( Pharm . Jo n. 
 and Trans., ii. 391.) From an experiment, however, of Prof. Procter, itapprs 
 that, though cantharides begin to volatilize slightly at 250°, and rapidly ruin 
 vapour and sublime at from 402° to 412°, yet they are not decomposed unss 
 by increasing the heat considerably above the last mentioned point. ( Am. Jo~n. 
 of Pharm., xxiv. 296 and 298.) It is desirable that the flies should be ry 
 finely pulverized. Powdered euphorbium is said to be sometimes fraudule.ly 
 substituted for a portion of the flies. 
 
 The'cerate will always raise a blister in ordinary conditions of the systei if 
 the flies are good, and not injured in the preparation. It should he sprea<on 
 soft leather, though linen or even paper will answer the purpose when th is 
 not to be had. An elegant mode of preparing it for use is to spread a pie of 
 leather, of a proper size, first with adhesive plaster, and afterwards withhe 
 cerate, leaving a margin of the former uncovered, in order that it may adire 
 to the skin. Heat is not requisite, and should not be employed in spreang 
 the cerate. Some sprinkle powdered flies upon the surface of the plaster, ;ess 
 them lightly with a roller, and then shake off the portion which has not adhed; 
 but, if the flies originally employed were good, this addition is superflius. 
 Prof. Procter is in the habit of applying over the surface with a brush an ae- 
 real tincture of cantharides, which leaves a thin coating of extract, and reters 
 the preparation more certain. 
 
 Upon the application of the plaster, the skin should be moistened with rrm 
 vinegar or other liquid; and a good rule is to cover the surface of the plter 
 closely with very thin gauze or unsized paper, which prevents any of the cate 
 from adhering to the cuticle, and is thought by some to diminish its liahili to 
 occasion strangury. In the cases of adults, when the full action of the fii is 
 desired, and the object is to produce a permanent effect, the application sbald 
 be continued for twelve hours, and on the scalp for twenty- four hours. In ary 
 delicate persons, however, or those subject to strangury, or upon parts of a ose 
 texture, or when the object is merely to produce a blister to be healed as qukly 
 as possible, the plaster should remain no longer than is necessary for the>ro- 
 duction of full redness of the skin, which generally occurs in five or six lnrs, 
 or even in a shorter time. It should then be removed, and followed by a bad 
 and milk poultice, or some other emollient dressing, under which the cncle 
 rises, and a full blister is usually produced. By this management the pcent 
 will generally escape strangury, and the blister will very quickly heal aftethe 
 discharge of the serum.* In young children, cantharides sometimes pnuce 
 
 * Dr. M. B. Smith, of Philadelphia, informed us that he had frequently employeuva 
 ursi, as a preventive of strangury from blisters, and had never found it to fail. Htare 
 a small wineglassful of the officinal decoction (see Decoctum U>sb Ursi) every hour.om- 
 mencing two hours after the application of the blister. Camphor is sometimes inc'P 0 ’ 
 rated with the blistering cerate to prevent strangury, though with doubtful effect, -daa 
 proposed by M. Yee is to spread over the surface of the plaster, when ready for delery, 
 by means of the finger, a saturated solution of camphor in ether. The ether evapoten 
 leaving a thin coating of camphor uniformly diffused. (Journ. d, Pharm., 3e ser., viibM 
 The late Dr. Joseph Hartshorne. of Philadelphia, was in the habit, in cases who he 
 apprehended strangury, of directing four grains of opium and twenty of camphor’ e 
 mixed with the cei’ate of a blister of large size, and experienced the happiest effectiroin 
 the addition. 
 
Pi I II. 
 
 Cerata. 
 
 923 
 
 alauing and even fatal ulceration, if too long applied. From two to four hours 
 arasuallj sufficient for any desirable purpose. When the head, or other very 
 ha : part is to be blistered, an interval of ten or twelve hours should, if pos- 
 sib, be allowed between the shaving of the part and the application of the 
 plaer; so that the abrasions may heal, and some impediment be offered to the 
 abrption of the active principles of the flies. After the blister has been formed, 
 it :ould be opened at the most depending parts, and, the cuticle being allowed 
 to main, should be dressed with simple cerate ; but, if it be desirable to main- 
 tai the discharge for a short time, resin cerate should be used, and the cuticle 
 reived, if it can be done without inconvenience. When it is wished that the 
 blbred surface should heal as soon as possible, and with the least inconvenience 
 to le patient, Dr. 3Iaclagan recommends a dressing of cotton wadding; an 
 emlient poultice being first applied for two hours after the removal of the 
 blbring cerate, the cuticle then cut, and the surface afterwards covered with 
 tkffiotton, with its raw surface next the skin. Should the dressing become 
 soaed with the serous discharge, so much of the cotton may be removed as can 
 be me without disturbing the cuticle, and a new batch applied. The cotton is 
 to allowed to remain until the old cuticle spontaneously separates. The effects 
 of i issue may be obtained by employing savine ointment, or the ointment of 
 Sp ish flies, as a dressing. If much inflammation take place in the blistered 
 since, it may be relieved by emollient poultices, or weak lead-water. Where 
 the is an obstinate indisposition to heal, we have found nothing so effectual as 
 the;erate of subacetate of lead, mixed with an equal weight of simple cerate. 
 Wla deep and extensive ulceration occurs in consequence of general debility, 
 bat or sulphate of quinia should be used, with nutritious aliment. 
 
 nous preparations of cantharides have been proposed and employed as sub- 
 stit es for the cerate. They consist for the most part of eantharidin, more or 
 lesmre, either dissolved in olive oil and applied to the skin by means of a piece 
 of per saturated with it, or incorporated with wax and spread in a very thin 
 lay upon fine waxed cloth, silk, or paper, constituting the blistering cloth, blis- 
 ter, i gaper, vesicating taffetas, i be., of the shops. The advantages of these 
 pre rations are that they occupy less space, are more portable, and, being very 
 plii.e, are more easily adapted to irregularities of the surface. Absolutely pure 
 ciDaridin is expensive and not requisite; as extracts of cantharides, made with 
 cth , alcohol, or boiling water, will answer every purpose. Henry and Guibourt 
 piv he following formula. Digest powdered cantharides in sulphuric ether, 
 dis off the ether, evaporate the residue by means of a salt-water bath until 
 ebu tion ceases, melt the oily mass which remains with twice its weight of wax, 
 andpread the mixture upon waxed cloth. The icaxecl cloth may be prepared 
 by reading upon linen or muslin a mixture composed of 8 parts of white wax, 
 d o live oil, and 1 of turpentine, melted together. An extract of cantharides, 
 of buttery consistence, said to act very efficiently when applied by means of 
 pap greased with it, is prepared by digesting 4 parts of flies with 1 part of 
 strc r acetic acid and 16 of alcohol, straining, filtering, and evaporating at a 
 moi-ate heat. A preparation which has received the favourable report of a 
 con ittee of the Society of Pharmacy, at Paris, is the following, proposed by 
 M. ! ubuison. Four parts of a hydro-alcoholic extract of the flies made by ma- 
 cerson, is mixed with an aqueous solution of one part of pure gelatin, so as to 
 °bt; i a solution of suitable consistence, which is then applied upon a piece of 
 cxtGed waxed cloth, care being taken that the brush should always have the 
 San direction. When the first layer has dried, a second, and a third are to be 
 a PP> d in the same manner. The gelatin renders the cloth more adhesive and 
 less eliquescent. The hydro-alcoholic extract is preferred to the alcoholic, 
 hec.se it contains less of the green oil, which does not readily mix wiih the 
 
924 
 
 Cerata. 
 
 par [I. 
 
 other ingredients. The committee, however, prefer the aqueous extrac a= 
 cheaper and more active. This taffeta has been tried, and found to raise bli ers 
 in four hours. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e sir., viii. 67.) A strong decoction oihe 
 flies in olive oil, applied by means of paper, would probably answer a siiiar 
 purpose with these more elaborate preparations. But none of them is like to 
 supersede the officinal cerate. For very speedy vesication, an infusion oi he 
 flies in strong acetic acid is sometimes employed. (See Acetum Cantharidd 
 
 A preparation, called cantharidal collodion, has recently been introducec'ito 
 use. It was origiually proposed by M. Ilisch, of St. Petersburg, Piussia, a is 
 made in the following manner. Exhaust, by percolation, a pound of eanthaies, 
 with a mixture consisting of a pound of sulphuric ether and three ounces of a tic 
 ether; and in two ounces of this liquid dissolve 25 grains of gun cotton, ro- 
 fessor Procter states that it has been found more advantageous to exhans.he 
 flies with ether, distil off the ether, and mix the oily residue with collodio ah 
 ready prepared of the proper consistence. {Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. IB.) 
 Mr. Charles S. Rand, in a communication to the American Journal of Phar v-y 
 (xxii. 18), states that llisch’s preparation made with double the proportion of aer 
 vesicates equally well, and proposes the addition of about one per cent, of V ice 
 turpentine, which he has found to prevent the disagreeable, and sometimes in- 
 fill contraction of the preparation upon drying. The preparation may be tept 
 indefinitely in a glass-stoppered bottle without change. It may be applit to 
 the surface by means of a camel’s hair brush, and, after the evaporation othe 
 ether, which takes place in less than a minute, may be reapplied if the suac-e 
 should not be well covered. It produces a blister in about the same time athe 
 ordinary cerate, and has the advantage that it is applied with greater facili , is 
 better adapted to cover uneven surfaces, and retains its place more certaly. 
 According to Mr. Rand, if the evaporation of the ether be restrained by a eee 
 of oiled silk immediately after its application, it will act much more speed). 
 
 It is said that the flies, by ebullition with water, are deprived of their prosrty 
 of producing strangury, while their vesicating powers remain unaltered. {Piss 
 Pharmacologia .) Dr. Theophilus Beasly, of Philadelphia, was in the hal: of 
 employing a cerate made with cantharides prepared in this manner, and ver 
 knew it to produce strangury in more than two or three instances. [Joui of 
 the Phil. Col. of Pliarm., iv. 185.) In a letter addressed to one of the auors 
 by Dr. James Couper, of Newcastle, Delaware, a similar method of preparintlie 
 flies is recommended as an expedient against strangury, both from his ow ex- 
 perience and that of the late Dr. Groom, of Elkton, Maryland, from wbo| he 
 derived his knowledge of the plan. Yet there can be no doubt that b<ing 
 water extracts cantharidin from the flies; and the cerate made as here rom- 
 mended must be somewhat weaker in the blistering principle than the offirfl. 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Picis cum Cantharide. I- 
 
 CERATUM CETACEI. U. S., Land. Ceratum Simples. Ed. 
 Ungtjentum Cetacei. Dub . Spermaceti Cerate. 
 
 “Take of Spermaceti an ounce; White Wax three ounces; Olive 0 six 
 fluidounces. Melt together the Spermaceti and Wax; then add the Oipre- 
 viously heated, and stir the mixture until cool.” U. S. 
 
 The London College directs two ounces of spermaceti, eight ounces of bite 
 wax, and a pint [Imp. meas.] of olive oil; the Edinburgh, six parts office 
 oil, three parts of white wax, and one part of spermaceti; the Dublin, lit a 
 pound of white wax, a pound of spermaceti, and three pounds of lard. 
 
 The direction to heat the oil before adding it to the other ingredients isecu- 
 liar to the U. S. and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias. If added cold, it is to 
 produce an irregular congelation of the wax and spermaceti, and thus to nder 
 
pa:: ii. 
 
 Cerata. 
 
 925 
 
 p reparation lumpy. This cerate is employed as a dressing for blisters, es- 
 corted surfaces, and wounds, and as the basis of more active preparations. 
 Wla the ingredients are pure and sweet, it is perfectly free from irritating 
 pro trties. 
 
 <?. Prep. Ceratum Cantharidis; Ceratum Calaminae. W. 
 
 (5RATUM HYDRARGYRI COMPOSITUM. Land. Compound 
 Cede of Mercury. 
 
 Take of Mercurial Ointment, Compound Soap Cerate, each, six ounces ; Cam- 
 phr an ounce and a half. Rub them together.” Land. 
 
 r jis cerate is used as a discutient application to indolent tumours. W. 
 
 GRATUM PLUMBI SUBACETATIS. U. S. Ceratum Plumbi 
 Copositum. Lond. Cerate of Subacetate of Lead. GoularcV s Cerate. 
 
 ‘lake of Solution of Subacetate of Lead two fluidounces and a half; White 
 Wa four ounces; Olive Oil nine fluidounces ; Camphor half a drachm. Mix 
 the/ax, previously melted, with eight fluidounces of the Oil ; then remove the 
 mbire from the fire, and, when it begins to thicken, gradually pour in the So- 
 Iutii of Subacetate of Lead, stirring constantly with a wooden spatula till it 
 bee res cool. Lastly, add the Camphor dissolved in the remainder of the Oil, 
 andiix.” U. S. 
 
 le London College takes six fluidounces of the solution of subacetate of lead, 
 dgi ounces of wax, a pint [Imperial measure] of olive oil, and a drachm of 
 canhor, and proceeds in the manner above directed. 
 
 is cerate becomes so speedily rancid that but little should be prepared at 
 one when the demand is not great. It received the name by which it is com- 
 mou known from M. Goulard, by whom it was employed and recommended. 
 It } used to dry up excoriations, to relieve the inflammation of burns, scalds, 
 and hilblains, and to remove cutaneous eruptions. We have found it more 
 effe ral than any other application to blistered surfaces indisposed to heal ; and, 
 on ) recommendation of the late Dr. Parrish, have used it in the following 
 con nation with advantage in various cutaneous eruptions of a local character. 
 Tab of cerate of subacetate of lead, simple cerate, each, half an ounce ; calomel, 
 pow:red opium, each, a drachm ; mix them. The same preparation, without 
 the pium, was a favourite remedy with the late Dr. Wistar in similar com- 
 plai s. W. 
 
 GRATUM RESINYE. U. S., Lond. Unguentum Resinosum. 
 Pd Unguentum Resinue. Dub. Resin Cerate. Basilicon Ointment. 
 
 ‘ ake of Resin flee ounces; Lard eight ounces ; Yellow Wax two ounces. 
 Me. them together, strain through linen, and stir them constantly until 
 cool' U. s. 
 
 I ; proportions directed by the Edinburgh College are the same as the above. 
 Th Qjondon College orders of resin and wax, each fifteen ounces, and of olive oil 
 a V [Imperial measure]. The resin and wax are melted together over a slow 
 nre,ie oil then added, and the mixture while hot strained through linen. By 
 the j ublin process half a pound [avoirdupois] of resin, in coarse powder, four 
 oum [avoird.] of yellow wax, and a pound [avoird.] of prepared lard, are melted, 
 stra ed while hot through flannel, and stirred constantly till they concrete. 
 
 1 : straining is directed in consequence of the impurities which resin often 
 cod. ns. Resin cerate, commonly called basilicon ointment, is much used as a 
 gen ■ stimulant application to blistered surfaces, indolent ulcers, burns, scalds, 
 and lilblains. We have found no application more effectual in disposing the 
 nice which follow bums to heal. 
 
 (.Prep. Ceratum Sabinae; Linimentum Terebinthinae ; Unguentum Can- 
 in' is ; Unguentum iEruginis. W. 
 
926 
 
 Cerata. 
 
 PAR 1 [I. 
 
 CERATUM RESINA COMPOSITUM. U. S. Compound R in 
 Cerate. 
 
 “Take of Resin, Suet, Yellow Wax, each, a pound ; Turpentine half apod] 
 Flaxseed Oil half a pint. Melt them together, strain through linen, anctir 
 them constantly until cool.” U. S. 
 
 This is somewhat more stimulating than the preceding, but is applicab to 
 similar purposes, particularly to the treatment of indolent ulcers. Undeihe 
 name of Deshler’s salve, it is popularly employed in some parts of the Pied 
 States. It should be kept well protected from the air, in consequence cits 
 liability when exposed to acquire a tough consistence. ^ 
 
 CERATUM SABINiE. U.S., JEd. Unguentum Sabina. Ld., 
 Dub. Savine Cerate. 
 
 “Take of Savine, in powder, two ounces; Resin Cerate a pound. Mi: he 
 Savine with the Cerate previously softened.” U. S. 
 
 The London College orders half a pound of fresh savine, bruised, to be n ed 
 with three ounces of white wax and a pound of lard previously melted togeer, 
 and the whole to be strained through linen. The Edinburgh College direct Ihe 
 same ingredients, in the same proportions, to be boiled together till the la-es 
 become friable, and then strained. The Dublin College rubs intimately togmer 
 a drachm of savine, in fine powder, and seven drachms of ointment of white ix. 
 
 As the savine used in this country is generally brought from Europe it be 
 dried state, we are compelled to resort to the mode of preparing the ceratdi- 
 reeted in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. Nor have we found the preparation l us 
 made to be “intolerably acrid and almost caustic,” as Dr. Duncan describe it. 
 On the contrary, it answers very well the purpose for which it is used, th; of 
 maintaining the discharge from blistered surfaces. A cerate prepared it he 
 same manner from the leaves of the red cedar ( Juniperus Yirginiana ) is sre- 
 times substituted for that of savine, but is less efficient. 
 
 Prepared according to the processes of the London and Edinburgh Collies, 
 savine cerate has a fine deep-green colour, and the odour of the leaves. It smld 
 be kept in closely covered vessels. 
 
 Savine cerate is preferable to the ointment of Spanish flies as a dressinf r 
 perpetual blisters, from the circumstance that it has no tendency to preuee 
 strangury. The white coating which forms during its use upon the blisred 
 surface should be occasionally removed, as it prevents the contact of the c-e>re. 
 It is sometimes applied to seton cords, with the view of increasing thelis- 
 charge. 
 
 CERATUM SAPONIS. U. S. Ceratum Saponis Compose ji. 
 Lond. Soap Cerate. 
 
 “Take of Solution of Subacetate of Lead two pints ; Soap six ounces; Yite 
 Wax ten ounces ; Olive Oil a pint. Boil the Solution of Subacetate of ad 
 with the Soap, over a slow fire, to the consistence of honey ; then transfero a 
 water- bath, and evaporate until all the moisture is dissipated ; lastly adethe 
 Wax previously melted with the Oil, and mix.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Soap ten ounces ; Wax twelve ounces and a half; Oxide of ’ad 
 [litharge], in powder, fifteen ounces; Olive Oil a pint [Imperial meas'e] ; 
 Vinegar a gallon [Imp. meas.]. Boil the Y’iuegar with the Oxide of Jad 
 over a slow fire, constantly stirriug until they unite; then add the Soapknd 
 again boil iu a similar manner, until all the moisture is dissipated; lastly, ith 
 these mix the Wax previously dissolved in the Oil.” Lond. 
 
 The present U. S. formula is that of Mr. Durand, given iu the Anuran 
 Journal of Pharmacy (vol. viii. p. 27), and was substituted, iu the L. S. Dr- 
 macopceia of 1840, for the London formula, which had been adopted in there- 
 
pa:: ii. 
 
 Cerata. — Confectioner. 
 
 92T 
 
 vio editions. It has the advantages of being more precise in the directions, 
 mo: easy of execution, and more uniform in its results. It yields a perfectly 
 wb cerate, having the same properties as the London, and a finer appearance. 
 Thtsolution of subaeetate of lead, which in the U. S. process is taken already 
 pre red, results, in the London, from the action of thevinegar upon the litharge. 
 In th processes, the subacetate of lead is decomposed by the soap, the soda of 
 whii unites with the acetic acid, and the oleaginous acids with the oxide of 
 leacin the same manner as in the formation of Emplastrum Plumbi. The wax 
 and il subsequently added merely serve to give due consistence to the prepara- 
 tior Soap cerate is thought to be cooling and sedative ; and is sometimes used 
 in rofulous swellings and other instances of chronic external inflammation. 
 It ts formerly employed by Mr. Pott as a dressing for fractured limbs; but 
 ans :rs no other purpose in these cases than to yield mechanical support. 
 
 ([. Prep. Ceratum Hydrargyri Compositum. W. 
 
 tSRATUM SIMPLEX. U.S. Ceratum. Lond. Simple Cerate. 
 
 ‘ ake of Lard eight ounces ; White Wax four ounces. Melt them together, 
 andtir them constantly until cool.” U. S. 
 
 L London College directs that a pint [Imperial measure] of olive oil be 
 mix! with twenty ounces of wax previously melted. 
 
 \ prefer the U. S. formula. Lard is preferable to olive oil, as it may always 
 be 11 perfectly sweet, and is the mildest application which can be made to 
 irrited surfaces. In the preparation of this cerate, peculiar care should be 
 take that the oleaginous ingredient be entirely free from rancidity, and that 
 the [cat employed be not sufficient to produce the slightest decomposition; for 
 the lue of the preparation depends on its perfect blandness. To avoid change, 
 it si lid be put up in small jars, and covered closely with tin foil so as to ex- 
 cludlie air. It is used for dressing blisters, wounds, &c., in all cases in which 
 the ject is to prevent the contact of air and preserve the moisture of the part, 
 and t the same time to avoid all irritation. It is sometimes improperly em- 
 ploy as the vehicle of substances to be applied by inunction. For this purpose 
 lard lould be used in winter, and simple ointment in summer; the cerate having 
 too in a consistence. W. 
 
 CRATUM ZIXCI CARBONATIS. U.S. Cerate of Carbonate 
 of he. 
 
 u he of Precipitated Carbonate of Zinc two drachms; Simple Ointment ten 
 drat ns. Mix them.” U. S. 
 
 T > cerate was intended as a substitute for the former Ceratum Zinci Car- 
 bons s of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, now Ceratum Calaminse, as being more to 
 be d ended on in consequence of the frequent falsification of calamine. For 
 hs u s, see Ceratum Calaminse. W. 
 
 CONFECTIONES. U. S., Lond. 
 
 Confections. 
 
 C ifections. Dub. Conserves and Electuaries. Ed. 
 
 lifer the general title of Confections, the Pharmacopoeias of the United 
 btate London, and Dublin, include all those preparations having the form of 
 a son solid, in which one or more medicinal substances are incorporated with 
 saccl ine matter, with a view either to their preservation or more convenient 
 adm i| strati on . The Edinburgh College retains the old division into Conserves 
 M»d .actuaries; and, as there is some ground for the distinction, we shall make 
 
928 
 
 Confectioner. 
 
 PAR' [I. 
 
 a few general remarks upon each division, before proceeding to the consider; on 
 of the individual preparations. 
 
 Conserves consist of recent vegetable substances and refined sugar beat ito 
 a uniform mass. By means of the sugar, the vegetable matter is enable to 
 resist for some time the decomposition to which it would otherwise be exped 
 in the undried state, and the properties of the recent plant are thus retain; to 
 a certain extent unaltered. But, as active medicines even thus treated nne go 
 some change, and those which lose their virtues by desiccation cannot be ng 
 preserved, the few conserves now retained are intended rather as conves-nt 
 vehicles of other substances than for separate exhibition. The sugar use in 
 their preparation should be reduced to a fine powder by pounding and sitpg, 
 as otherwise it will not mix uniformly with the other ingredient. 
 
 Electuaries are mixtures consisting of medicinal substances, especialbiry 
 powders, combined with syrup or honey, in order to render them less unpleaDt 
 to the taste, and more convenient for internal use. They are usually preped 
 extemporaneously ; and it is only when their complex nature renders it c<ve- 
 nient to keep them ready made in the shops, or some peculiarity in the mo; of 
 mixiug the ingredients requires attention, that they become proper object for 
 pharmaceutic direction. Their consistence should not be so soft, on thone 
 hand, as to allow the ingredients to separate, nor so firm, on the other, to 
 prevent them from being swallowed without mastication. Different substyes 
 require different proportions of syrup. Light vegetable powders usually retire 
 twice their weight, gum-resins two-thirds of their weight, resins somewhat.’ss, 
 mineral substances about half their weight, and deliquescent salts not ore 
 than one-tenth. Should the electuary be found, after having been kept >r a 
 short time, to swell up and emit gas, it should be beat over again in a mar, 
 so that any portion of the sugar which may have crystallized may be again ;ca- 
 rately incorporated with the other ingredients. Should it, on the contrary be- 
 come dry and hard from the mutual reaction of its constituents, more aup 
 should be added, so as to give it the requisite consistence. If the dryness suit 
 from the mere evaporation of the aqueous part, water should be added iriead 
 of syrup, and the same remark is applicable to the conserves. To prevertbe 
 hardening of electuaries, the French writers recommend the use of syrupre- 
 pared from brown sugar, which is less apt to crystallize thau that madefro tbe 
 refined. Molasses would answer the same purpose; but its taste might beon- 
 sidered objectionable. Some persons employ honey, but this is not a r ays 
 acceptable to the stomach. 
 
 CONFECTIO AMYGDALiE. Lond. Conserva Amygdalacm. 
 Ed. Almond Confection. 
 
 “ Take of [sweet] Almonds eight ounces ; Gum Arabic, in powder, an oice; 
 Sugar four ounces. Having macerated the Almonds in cold water, anddejived 
 them of their external coat, bruise them, and rub them through a fine mnllic 
 sieve; then, having added the other ingredients, beat altogether till tb< are 
 thoroughly incorporated. The confection may be kept longer, if the Alunds. 
 previously denuded, dried, and rubbed to a ver}' fine powder, should be xed 
 with the gum Arabic and sugar separately powdered, and the mixed pidcr 
 preserved in a stopped bottle.” Lond. 
 
 The directions of the Edinburgh College are essentially the same as the :ove, 
 except that this College does not admit the alternative of having the ingreents 
 separately rubbed, and afterwards mixed. 
 
 This preparation is intended to afford a speedy method of preparing the aiona 
 mixture, which, when made immediately from the Almonds, requires muchtme, 
 and which cannot be kept ready made in the shops. But, from its liabij to 
 
PA.’ II. 
 
 Confeetiones. 
 
 929 
 
 be jured by keeping, it was omitted from our Pharmacopoeia, which directs the 
 aland mixture to be made immediately from the ingredients. 
 
 jjstura Amygdalae. W. 
 
 ONFECTIO AROMATICA. U.S., Lond., Dub. Electuarium 
 Amaticum. Ed. Aromatic Confection. 
 
 ‘''ake of Aromatic Powder five ounces and a half; Saffron, in powder, half 
 an bice; Syrup of Orange Peel six ounces ; Clarified Honey two ounces. Rub 
 the romatic Powder with the Saffron; then add the Syrup and Honey, and 
 beathe whole together until thoroughly mixed.” U. S. 
 
 “ ake of Cinnamon, Nutmegs, each, two ounces; Cloves an ounce ; Cardamom 
 halfin ounce; Saffron two ounces; Prepared Chalk sixteen ounces; Sugar two 
 puis; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Rub the dry ingredients together 
 to aery fine powder, and keep them in a closed vessel. But when the confec- 
 tion to be used, to every ounce of the powder add two fiuidrachms of the Water, 
 and ix all together until incorporated.” Lond. 
 
 T Dublin College rubs fire ounces [avoirdupois] of aromatic powder with half 
 an owe of saffron in powder; then adds five fiuidounces of simple syrup, and 
 two vices [avoirdupois] of clarified honey, and beats them together till thoroughly 
 mist; and lastly adds half a fiuidrachm of oil of cloves. The Edinburgh Col- 
 lege -ects one part of its aromatic powder, and two parts of syrup of orange 
 peel be mixed, and triturated into a uniform pulp. 
 
 T1 preparation of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia contains cinnamon, ginger, car- 
 dam< , and nutmeg, without prepared chalk, which appears to us to be an 
 unnessary if not improper ingredient; as it is not always indicated in cases 
 whic call for the use of the confection, and may be added extemporaneously 
 when-equired. The aromatic confection affords a convenient method of ad- 
 mini; ring the spices which enter into its composition, and an agreeable vehicle 
 for oer medicines. It is given in debilitated states of the stomach, alone or 
 asanljuvant to other substances. The dose is from ten to sixty grains. 
 
 On Prep. Pilulse Digitalis et Scillas. W. 
 
 CCFECTIO AURANTII CORTICIS. U. S. Confectio Auran- 
 tii. bad. Conserva Aurantii. Ed. Confection of Orange Peel. 
 
 “He of Orange Peel, recently separated from the fruit by grating, a pound ; 
 Sugar refined] three pounds. Beat the Orange Peel with the Sugar gradually 
 added ill they are thoroughly mixed.” U. S. 
 
 Th< lirections of the London and Edinburgh Colleges correspond with the 
 above The rind of the bitter orange is intended by these Colleges, that either 
 of thehtter or sweet by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. By the London process, the 
 beatin is performed in a stone mortar with a wooden pestle. 
 
 Thi infection is sometimes used as a grateful aromatic vehicle or adjunct of 
 tonic ; i purgative powders. W. 
 
 COFECTIO CASSIiE. Lond. Confection of Cassia. 
 
 T?3 of Prepared Cassia half a pound; Manna two ounces; Prepared Ta- 
 narmc an ounce; Syrup of Roses eight fiuidounces. Bruise the Manna, and 
 lissolv'.it in the Syrup; then mix in the Cassia and Tamarinds, and evaporate to 
 be prc ?r consistence.” Lond. 
 
 The infection of cassia is slightly laxative; but is seldom if ever prepared in 
 this co try, and might very properly be expunged from the catalogue of prepa- 
 rations: s it is both feeble and expensive. W. 
 
 COFECTIO CATECHU COMPOSITA. Pub. Electuarium 
 atec j. Ed. Compound Confection of Catechu. 
 
 Ta of Compound Powder of Catechu five ounces [avoirdupois] ; Simple- 
 
930 
 
 Confectiones. 
 
 PAI II. 
 
 Syrup five fluulounces. Add the Syrup gradually to the Powder, and mix em 
 well together.” Dub. 
 
 “Take of Catechu and Kino, of each, four ounces; Cinnamon and Xu eg 
 of each, one ounce ; Opium, diffused in a little Sherry, one drachm and a alf; 
 Syrup of Red Ptoses, reduced to the consistence of honey, one pint and cialj 
 [Imperial measure]. Pulverize the solids, mix the opium and syrup, the the 
 powders, and beat them thoroughly into a uniform mass.” Ed. 
 
 The Edinburgh Confection is aromatic and astringent, containing one rain 
 of opium in about two hundred grains of the mass; and may be ad van tag jsly 
 given in diarrhoea and chronic dysentery, in the dose of half adracbiora 
 drachm more or less frequently repeated. It may be taken in the form of plus, 
 or diffused in water. The Dublin Confection contains no opium, but is siilar 
 in other respects. 
 
 CONFECTIO OPII. U. S., Land. Electuarium Opii. Ed. Con- 
 fection of Opium. 
 
 “Take of Opium, in powder, four drachms and a half; Aromatic Ivder 
 six ounces; Clarified Honey fourteen ounces. Rub the Opium with the Ariatie 
 Powder, then add the Honey, and beat the whole together until thor ghly 
 mixed.” U. S. 
 
 “ Take of Opium, in powder, six drachms; Long Pepper an ounce; (iger, 
 in powder, two ounces; Caraway three ounces; Tragacanth, in powdc two 
 drachms ; Syrup sixteen fiuidounces [Imperial measure]. Rub the dryagre- 
 dients together to a very fine powder, and keep it in a covered vessel But 
 when the Confection is to be used, add the powder gradually to the Syr' pre- 
 viously heated, and mix.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Aromatic Powder six ounces; Senega, in fine powder, three cues; 
 Opium, diffused in a little Sherry, half an ounce; Syrup of Ginger a ntnd. 
 Mix them together, and beat them into an electuary.” Ed. 
 
 This confection was intended as a substitute for those exceedingly cnplex 
 and unscientific preparations which were formerly known by the names f the- 
 riaca and mithridate, and which have been expelled from modern primacy. 
 The seneka, directed in the last edition of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoi, was 
 probably put inadvertently for serpentaria, directed in the old Latin iition. 
 The former medicine has no property which adapts it to this position The 
 preparation is a combination of opium with spices, which render it morStimu 
 lant, and more grateful to a debilitated stomach. It is given in aton gout, 
 flatulent colic, diarrhoea unattended with inflammation, and in various obr dis 
 eases requiring the use of a stimulant narcotic. Added to Peruvian irk o' 
 sulphate of quinia, it increases considerably the efficacy of this remedy , obsti 
 nate cases of intermittent fever. One grain of opium is contained : abou 
 thirty-six grains of the U. S. and London confections, and in forty-threof th- 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 CONFECTIO PIPERIS. Lond. Coxfectio Piperis Nigr Dub 
 Electuarium Piperis. Ed. Confection of Black Pepper. 
 
 “Take of Black Pepper, Elecampane, each, a pound; Fennel [see] tire 
 pounds; Honey, Sugar [refined], each, two pounds. Rub the dry iojedient 
 together into a very fine powder, and keep them in a covered vessel. B uher 
 ever the confection is to be used, add the powder gradually to the Hoy, an 
 beat them until thoroughly incorporated.” Lond. 
 
 “ Take of Black Pepper, Liquorice Root in powder, each, a pound J enD ‘ 
 three pounds; Honey, White Sugar, each, two pounds. Triturate t^ solid 
 together into a very fine powder; add the Honey; and beat the who into 
 uniform mass.” Ed. 
 
R.T II. 
 
 Confectiones. 
 
 931 
 
 Take of Black Pepper, in fine powder, Liquorice Boot, in powder, each, half 
 anunce [avoirdupois]; Befined Sugar one ounce [avoird.]; Oil of Fennel half 
 a f drachm; Clarified Honey two ounces [avoird.]. Bub the dry substances 
 to>ther into a very fine powder, then add the Honey and Oil, and beat them 
 ini a uniform mass.” Dub. 
 
 iis preparation was intended as a substitute for Ward's paste, which acquired 
 son reputation in Great Britain as a remedy in piles and ulcers of the rectum. 
 Too good, it must be continued, according to Mr. Brodie, for two, three, or 
 for months. The dose is from one to two drachms repeated two or three times 
 a 6;. Its stimulating properties render it inapplicable to cases attended with 
 nm inflammation. W. 
 
 ONFECTIO ROSiE. U. S., Lond., Dub. Conserva Ros,e. Ed. 
 Gmedion of Roses. Conserve of Roses. 
 
 Take of Bed Boses, in powder, four ounces ; Sugar [refined], in powder, 
 thiv ounces ; Clarified Honey six ounces ; Bose Water eight fluidounces. Bub 
 the loses with the Bose Water heated to 150°; then gradually add the Sugar 
 anoloney, and beat the whole together until thoroughly mixed.” U. S. 
 
 M ake of fresh Bed Boses a 'pound; Sugar [refined] three pounds. Beat the 
 Ron in a marble mortar ; then add the Sugar, and beat again until they are 
 incoorated.” Lond. 
 
 L Edinburgh College directs the petals to be beaten into a pulp with the 
 graial addition of twice their weight of white sugar. The Dublin College , 
 usii the avoirdupois weights, macerates an ounce of the dried roses in two fluid- 
 oun \ of rose water for two hours, adds gradually eight ounces of refined sugar, 
 and eats them into a uniform mass; or, it prepares the confection in the same 
 matir as the London College, using three parts of petals to eight of sugar. 
 
 Ir.he London process, the unblown petals only are used, and these should be 
 depied of their claws; in other words, the rose buds should he cut off a short 
 distne above their base, and the lower portion rejected. In the last two editions 
 of t U. S. Pharmacopoeia, dried roses have been substituted for the fresh, as 
 the iter are not brought to our market. The process is very similar to that 
 of tl French Codex. We have been informed, however, that much of the con- 
 fecti of roses made in Philadelphia is prepared from the fresh petals of the 
 hunt 'd-leaved rose and others, by beating them into a pulp with sugar as in 
 the'iadon process. An excuse for this deviation from the officinal formula 
 is, th the confection thus made has greater adhesiveness than the officinal, and 
 is th Tore better fitted for the formation of pills. 
 
 Th confection is slightly astringent, but is almost exclusively used as a vehicle 
 of ot r medicines, or to impart consistence to the pilular mass. The Edinburgh 
 Colie employs it in most of its officinal pills. 
 
 Oj Prep. Pilulae Hydrargyri. W. 
 
 CUFECTIO ROSiE CANINiE. Lond. Conserva Ros^e Fruc- 
 A's. Id. Confection of Dog Rose. 
 
 He of Dog Rose, enucleated, a pound; Sugar [refined], in powder, twenty 
 ounce Rub the Rose with the Sugar gradually added, until they are incorpo- 
 ratedj Lond. 
 
 He any convenient quantity of hips, carefully deprived of their carpels, 
 beat t:m to a fine pulp, adding gradually thrice their weight of white Sugar.” 
 Ed. 
 
 Th preparation is acidulous and refrigerant, and is used in Europe for forming 
 ®ore five medicines into pills and electuaries. W. 
 
 CC FECTIO RUTiE. Lond. Confection of Rue. 
 
 T e of Rue, recently powdered, Caraway, Laurel [fruit], each, an ounce and 
 
932 
 
 Confectiones. 
 
 par: i. 
 
 a half; Prepared Sagapenum half an ounce ; Black Pepper two drachms ; H ey 
 [clarified] sixteen ounces. Rub the dry ingredients together to a very fine w- 
 der; then, the Sagapenum having been liquefied over a slow fire with the W :er 
 and Honey, gradually add the powder, and mix all together.” Lond. 
 
 The confection of rue is antispasmodic, and in Great Britain is employ; in 
 the form of enema in hysterical complaints and flatulent colic; but in this coi ry 
 it is not used. From a scruple to a drachm may he administered, diffus in 
 half a pint of warm mucilaginous fluid. 1 
 
 CONFECTIO SCAMMONII. Lond., Bub. Confection of Scamm\y. 
 
 “ Take of Scammony an ounce and a half; Cloves, bruised, Ginger, in >w- 
 der, each, six drachms; Oil of Caraway half a fluidrachm; Syrup of Res a 
 sufficient quantity. Rub the dry ingredients into a very fine powder, and iep 
 them in a closed vessel; then, when the Confection is to be used, pour i the 
 Syrup, and again rub them ; finally, add the Oil of Caraway, and mix em 
 all.” Lond. 
 
 The Dublin College , employing avoirdupois weights, beats three ounces ofow- 
 dered scammony, and an ounce and a half of finely powdered ginger, with im 
 fiuidounces of simple syrup and an ounce and a half of clarified honey; nen 
 adds half a fluidrachm, each, of oil of cloves and oil of caraway, and mix all 
 together. 
 
 This confection is actively cathartic in the dose of half a drachm or a dram; 
 but is very little used. The proportion of scammony in the London prepa.ion 
 is uncertain, from the indefinite quantity of syrup employed. 
 
 CONFECTIO SENNoE. U.S., Lond., Dub. Electuarium Sem. 
 Ed. Confection of Senna. Lenitive Electuary. 
 
 “Take of Senna eight ounces; Coriander [seed] four ounces; Liquorice ,oot, 
 bruised, three ounces; Figs a pound; Pulp of Prunes, Pulp of Tamarinds 3 ulp 
 of Purging Cassia, each, half a pound; Sugar [refined] two pounds and amf; 
 Water four pints. Rub the Senna and Coriander together, and separa ten 
 ounces of the powder with a sieve. Boil the residue with the Liquoricdoot 
 and Figs, in the Water, to one-half; then press out the liquor and rain. 
 Evaporate the strained liquor, by means of a water-bath, to a pint and aalf; 
 then add the Sugar and form a syrup. Lastly, rub the Pulps with the yrup 
 gradually added, and, having thrown in the sifted powder, beat all to.-ther 
 until thoroughly mixed.” U. S. 
 
 The London process corresponds with the above. The Edinburgh Dge 
 directs « pound of the pulp of prunes, and omits the pulps of tamarin and 
 cassia fistula; but otherwise proceeds in the same manner. The Dublin Glop, 
 using avoirdupois weights, takes of finely powdered senna two ounces , inely 
 powdered coriander an ounce, oil of caraway half a fluidrachm, pulp of ‘unes 
 five ounces, pulp of tamarinds two ounces, brown sugar eight ounces, andrater 
 two fiuidounces; dissolves the sugar in the water, and beats the pulps to uni- 
 form consistence ; then, having stirred in the powders and oil, mixes ; well 
 together, and heats the mass thoroughly in a water-bath for ten minutes. 
 
 The confection of senna, when properly made, is an elegant prepation. 
 Directions may be found under Pulpse for preparing the several pulps i erred 
 to in the U. S. formula; but the apothecary will find it most convenient) pre- 
 pare them in connexion with this process ; and, by following the direction here 
 given, he will approximate very closely to the result aimed at in the acinal 
 directions. Take sixteen ounces of cassia fistula, ten ounces of tamarin?, auu 
 seven ounces of prunes; bruise and slice them; digest with sufficient oiling 
 water thoroughly to soften the pulps ; remove as far as convenient the foments 
 of the cassia pods, and the seeds and fibres of the prunes and tamarinc; ana 
 
P/T II. Confectiones. — Cuprum. 933 
 
 th separate the pulp by rubbing through a hair sieve. The crude substances 
 wi in the quantities mentioned, each yield on the average half a pound of 
 pu . It is common to omit the cassia pulp in the preparation of the confection, 
 as le pods are not always to be found in the market. But as this is next to 
 sera the most active ingredient, the omission is to be regretted ; and there is 
 noloubt that a steady demand for the fruit would be met by an abundant 
 su ly from the West Indies. 
 
 bis is one of our best and most pleasant laxatives, being admirably adapted 
 to ses of habitual costiveness, especially in pregnant women and persons affected 
 wi piles. It is also very useful in the constipation which is apt to attend con- 
 vascence from fevers and other acute diseases. The mean dose is two drachms, 
 to ! taken at bedtime. W. 
 
 ONFECTIO SULPHURIS. Dub. Confection of Sulphur. 
 
 Take of Sublimed Sulphur two ounces ; Bitartrate of Potassa one ounce ; 
 
 Cli tied Honey, by weight, one ounce ; Syrup of Ginger, Syrup of Saffron, of 
 eaq half a fluidounce. Triturate all the ingredients in a mortar, until they 
 armtimately mixed.” Dub. The weights here employed are avoirdupois. 
 
 iis is merely a mode of administering the two laxatives sulphur and bitar- 
 tra of potassa ; and the relative proportion of the latter is so small that it can 
 ha little effect. The dose may be from two drachms to half an ounce or more. 
 
 W. 
 
 ONFECTIO TEREBINTIIINiE. Dub. Confection of . Turpentine. 
 
 Take of Oil of Turpentine one fluidounce ; Liquorice Root, in powder, one 
 our,; Clarified Honey, by weight, two ounces. Rub the Oil of Turpentine 
 wit the Liquorice Powder, then add the Honey, and beat them all together 
 inti uniform consistence.” Dub. The weights employed are avoirdupois. 
 
 infections might be multiplied indefinitely upon the principle which appears 
 to ve been adopted here, that, namely, of giving a convenient formula for the 
 adnistration of medicines. The effects of this confection are those only of the . 
 oil ' turpentine. The dose may be from a scruple to a drachm. W. 
 
 CUPRUM. 
 
 Preparations of Copper. 
 
 1 JPRI SUBACETAS PRiEPARATUM. Dub. Prepared Suba- 
 cet-? of Copper. 
 
 ‘ 'ake of Subacetate of Copper a convenient quantity. Reduce it to powder 
 by ireful trituration in a porcelain mortar, and separate the finer parts for use 
 by ;ans of a sieve.” Dub. 
 
 I the process of the former Dublin Pharmacopoeia, in which levigation and 
 elui ation were employed, a chemical change was effected, which was not ori- 
 gin: y contemplated, the object being merely to reduce verdigris to the state 
 ofvy fine powder. This object is accomplished by the present process. The 
 prepation is used only as an escharotic and stimulant application to unhealthy 
 ulct and obstinate cutaneous eruptions. 
 
 ( . Prep. Unguentum Cupri Subacetatis. W. 
 
 CPRUM AMMONIATUM. U.S.,Ed. Cupri Ammonio-sulphas. 
 Loy, Dub. Ammoniated Copper. 
 
 lake of Sulphate of Copper half an ounce ; Carbonate of Ammonia six 
 dra ms. Rub them together in a glass mortar till the effervescence ceases ; 
 thep vrap the Ammoniated Copper in bibulous paper, and dry it with a gentle 
 bea Let it be kept in a well-stopped glass bottle.” U. S. 
 
934 
 
 pari r. 
 
 Cuprum. 
 
 The processes of the British Colleges are essentially the same as the abe, 
 the ingredients, proportions, and general mode of operating being identical. ie 
 London College orders that the salt be dried in the air, and omits the direem 
 as to the mode of keeping it; the Edinburgh directs that the product shoubre 
 first dried in folds of blotting paper, and afterwards by exposure for a short ne 
 to the air ; and the Dublin orders the ingredients to be triturated in a porcein 
 mortar, and the drying to be effected in bibulous paper on a porous brick. 
 
 When the two salts above mentioned are rubbed together, a reaction ties 
 place between them attended with the extrication of the water of crystalliza on 
 of the sulphate of copper, which renders the mass moist, and with the sinn a- 
 neous escape of carbonic acid gas from the carbonate (sesquicarbonate) of an o- 
 nia, which occasions an effervescence. The colour is at the same time alte d, 
 passing from the light blue of the powdered sulphate of copper to a beau ul 
 deep azure. The nature of the chemical changes which take place is not e- 
 cisely known. One of the views which have been taken is, that the blue viiol 
 parts with a portion of its acid to the ammonia of the carbonate, thus foriag 
 a subsulphate of copper and sulphate of ammonia, which are either mixe -o- 
 gether, or chemically united in the form of a double salt, the sulphate of co>er 
 and ammonia. According to Phillips, the sulphuric acid of the sulphat of 
 copper unites with the ammonia of a portion of the sesquicarbonate of animc a; 
 while the carbonic acid of the decomposed sesquicarbonate partly escapes, nd 
 partly combines with the oxide of copper; so that the resulting preparation in- 
 sists of sulphate of ammonia, carbonate of copper, and undecomposed sesquir- 
 bonate of ammonia. It is highly probable that Cuprum Ammoniatum, de- 
 pendency of the excess of sesquicarbonate of ammonia which it may eontai is 
 identical with the crystallized salt obtained by dropping a solution of ire 
 ammonia into a solution of sulphate of copper till the subsalt first thrown csvn 
 is dissolved, then concentrating, and precipitating by alcohol. Now, from he 
 analysis of this salt by Berzelius, it appears to contain one equivalent oful- 
 phuric acid, one of oxide of copper, two of ammonia, and one of water, w.ch 
 may be supposed to be combined in the form of a double salt — the cupro-suljate 
 of ammonia — consisting of one equiv. of sulphate of ammonia, one of euprc of 
 ammonia, in which the oxide of copper acts the part of an acid, and one of vter 
 of crystallization (NH 3 ,S0 3 -fNH 3 ,CuO + HO). But as half an ounce oful- 
 phate of copper would require for such a result somewhat less than the me 
 weight of sesquicarbonate of ammonia, there must be a considerable exce of 
 the latter salt, unless dissipated in the drying process. In the uncertnty 
 which exists as to the precise nature of the preparation, the name of ammonled 
 copper appears to be as appropriate for a pharmaceutical title as any that old 
 be adopted. 
 
 This salt has a beautiful deep azure-blue colour, a strong ammoniacal O'Ur, 
 and a styptic, metallic taste. It is soluble in water, and the solution h: an 
 alkaline reaction on vegetable colours ; but, unless there be excess of sesquar- 
 bonate of ammonia, the solution deposits subsulphate of copper if much diled. 
 When exposed to the air it parts with ammonia, and is said to be ultimely 
 converted into sulphate of ammonia and carbonate of copper. This chare is 
 apt to occur to a greater or less extent while it is drying. It should not, tere- 
 fore, be prepared in large quantities at a time, and should be kept in well-csed 
 bottles. By heat, the whole of it is dissipated, except the oxide of ccrer. 
 Arscnious acid precipitates a green arsenite of copper from its solution. Possa, 
 soda, lime-water, and the acids are incompatible with it. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Ammoniated copper is tonic, and is th'ght 
 to exercise an influence over the nervous system which renders it antispasndic. 
 It has been much employed in epilepsy, in which it was recommended by C en. 
 
pa ; ii. 
 
 935 
 
 Cuprum. — Decocta. 
 
 The is good reason to believe that it has occasionally effected cures; but like 
 all ;her remedies in that complaint it very frequently fails. It has also been 
 use in chorea, hysteria, and worms; and by Swediaur as an injection in gonor- 
 rbo and leucorrhoea. In over-doses it produces vomiting, and the poisonous 
 effete which result from the other preparations of copper. (See Cuprum .) It is 
 sail however, to be less apt to excite nausea. The dose is a quarter or half a 
 gra , repeated twice a day, and gradually increased to four or five grains. It 
 mabe given in pill or solution. The medicine should not be very long con- 
 timd without interruption; according to Cullen, not longer than a ni'onth. 
 
 •f. Prep. Cupri Ammoniati Solutio; Pilulae Cupri Ammoniati. W. 
 
 jtJPRI .AMMONIATI SOLUTIO. Ed. Liquor Cupri Ammonio- 
 SU: HATIS. Lond. Solution of Ammoniated Copper. 
 
 Take of Ammonio-sulphate of Copper a drachm ; Distilled Water a pint 
 [Inerial measure]. Dissolve and filter.” Lond. 
 
 1e Edinburgh formula is the same as the London. 
 
 ] the quantity of water employed in these processes, the ammoniated copper, 
 unis it contain an excess of carbonate of ammonia, which it probably does 
 win recently prepared, is said by Mr. Phillips to be decomposed, with a pre- 
 cip tion of one-half of the oxide of copper. According to the same author, a 
 smier portion of water dissolves it perfectly. 
 
 - is solution is sometimes employed as a stimulant to foul and indolent ulcers, 
 and diluted with water, as an application to the cornea when affected with specks 
 or < acity ; but it is probably in no respect superior for these purposes to a solu- 
 tioijpf sulphate of copper, and scarcely deserves a place among the officinal pre- 
 pardons. W. 
 
 UPRI SULPHAS. Lond. Sulphate of Copper. 
 
 1 'ake of Commercial Sulphate of Copper four pounds ; Boiling Distilled 
 War four pints [Imperial measure]. Pour the Water upon the Sulphate, and 
 app heat, occasionally stirring until it is dissolved. Filter the solution while 
 hot ad set it aside that crystals may form. Evaporate the decanted liquor, that 
 it ny again crystallize. Dry all the crystals.” Lond. 
 
 Is is merely a method of purifying commercial sulphate of copper. For the 
 pro rties and uses of the purified salt the reader is referred to Cupri Sulphas 
 in tji first part of this work. The London College gives as tests of its purity, 
 thai.t is [wholly] soluble in water, and that whatever ammonia throws down 
 froi the solution is redissolved by the ammonia in excess. 
 
 ( ’. Prep. Cupri Ammonio-sulphas. • W. 
 
 DECOCTA. 
 
 r . 
 
 Decoctions. 
 
 Itoctions are solutions of vegetable principles, obtained by boiling the sub- 
 starts containing these principles in water. Vegetables generally yield their 
 soh;e ingredients more readily and in larger proportion to water maintained 
 at t point of ebullition, than to the same liquid at a lower temperature. Hence 
 dec; ;ion is occasionally preferred to infusion as a mode of extracting the vir- 
 tue: f plants, when the call for the remedy is urgent, and the greatest possible 
 acti y in the preparation is desirable. The process should be conducted in a 
 cov id vessel, so as to confine the vapour over the surface of the liquid, and 
 thu prevent the access of atmospheric air, which sometimes exerts an injurious 
 a g e y upon the active principle. The boiling, moreover, should not, as a ge- 
 ncr ■: ru U, be long continued ; as the ingredients of the vegetable are apt to react 
 
936 
 
 Decocta. 
 
 PAR' [I. 
 
 on each other, and thus lose, to a greater or less extent, their original charaar. 
 The substance submitted to decoction should if dry be either powdered or ell 
 bruised, if fresh should be sliced, so that it may present an extensive surfa' to 
 the action of the solvent; and previous maceration for some time in wat is 
 occasionally useful by overcoming the cohesion of the vegetable fibre. Stfld 
 the physician in his prescription not happen to direct this preliminary coiai- 
 nution, the apothecary should nevertheless not omit it. 
 
 All vegetable substances are not proper objects for decoction. In man' he 
 active principle is volatile at a boiling heat, in others it undergoes some ch ge 
 unfavourable to its activity, and in a third set is associated with ineffieie or 
 nauseous principles, which, though insoluble or but slightly soluble in cool war, 
 are abundantly extracted by that liquid at the boiling temperature, and thu in- 
 cumber, if they do not positively injure the preparation. In all these instates, 
 infusion is preferable to decoction. Besides, by the latter process, more m‘er 
 is often dissolved than the water can retain, so that upon cooling a precipit on 
 takes place, and the liquid is rendered turbid. When the active princip is 
 thus dissolved in excess, the decoction should always be strained while hoi so 
 that the matter which separates on cooling, may be mixed again with the ud 
 by agitation at the time of administering the remedy. 
 
 In compound decoctions, the ingredients may be advantageously addt at 
 different periods of the process, according to the length of boiling requisitfor 
 extracting their virtues ; and, should any one of them owe its activity to a la- 
 tile principle, the proper plan is, at the close of the process, to pour upon i;he 
 boiling decoction, and allow the liquor to cool in a covered vessel. 
 
 As a general rule, glass or earthenware vessels should be preferred ; as rise 
 made of metal are sometimes corroded by the ingredients of the decoction, weh 
 thus becomes contaminated. Vessels of clean cast-iron or common tin, of 
 block tin, are preferable to those of copper, brass, or zinc; but iron pots sbild 
 not be used when astringent vegetables are concerned. 
 
 Decoctions, from the mutual reaction of their constituents, as well as fronhe 
 influence of the air, are apt to spoil in a short time. Hence they should be re- 
 pared only when wanted for use, and should not be kept, in warm weatheifor 
 a longer period than forty-eight hours. 1 
 
 DECOCTUM ALOES COMPOSITUM. Lo?id., Dub. Decocjm 
 Aloes. Ed. Compound Decoction of Aloes. 
 
 “ Take of Extract of Liquorice seven drachms ; Carbonate ofPotassa a dram; 
 Extract of Aloes, Myrrh, in powder, Saffron, each, a drachm and a half; As- 
 tilled Water a pint and a half [Imperial measure]; Compound Tincture ofar- 
 damom seven jluidounces. Boil the Liquorice, Carbonate, Aloes, Myrrhind 
 Saffron with the Water to a pint [Imp. meas.], and strain; then add the 'nc- 
 ture.” Lond. 
 
 “ Take of Socotrine or Hepatic Aloes, Powder of Myrrh, and Saffron, ch, 
 one drachm ; Extract of Liquorice half an ounce ; Carbonate of Potasljfwo 
 scruples; Compound Tincture of Cardamom four Jluidounces; Water siecn 
 Jluidounces. Mix the Aloes, Myrrh, Saffron, Liquorice, and Carbonate of Pish 
 with the Water; boil down to twelve [Jluid]ounces ; filter, and add the Compmd 
 Tincture of Cardamom.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Hepatic Aloes, in powder, a drachm and a half; Myrrh, in pover, 
 Saffron, chopped fine, of each, one drachm; Pure Carbonate of Potash two ru- 
 pies; Extract of Liquorice half an ounce; Water fourteen \_ fluid]ounces; im- 
 pound Tincture of Cardamom as much as is sufficient. Rub the Aloes, 31 rh, 
 and Carbonate of Potash together, then add the Saffron and Extract of Lique t) 
 and boil for ten minutes in a covered vessel ; cool, strain through flannel, anadd 
 
P.LT II. 
 
 Decocta. 
 
 937 
 
 ofJompound Tincture of Cardamom as much as will make sixteen fluidounces.” 
 Bb. The weights employed in this process are avoirdupois. 
 
 'here is no essential difference between these processes. 
 
 'he aloes, myrrh, and carbonate of potassa should be rubbed together before 
 ti addition of the other ingredients. The effect of the alkaline carbonate is, 
 b'iombining with the resin of the myrrh, and the insoluble portion (apotheme 
 of Berzelius) of the aloes, to render them more soluble in water; while the 
 li iorice assists in the suspension of the portion not actually dissolved. The 
 ti ture of cardamom is useful not only by its cordial property, but also by pre- 
 vtiing spontaneous decomposition. 
 
 iong boiling impairs the purgative property of aloes; and the same effect is 
 thght to be produced, to a certain extent, by the alkalies, which certainly 
 qdify its operation, and render it less apt to irritate the rectum. This decoc- 
 
 ti , therefore, is milder as a cathartic than aloes itself, and not so liable to pro- 
 die or aggravate hemorrhoidal disease. At the same time it is more tonic and 
 cdial from the presence of the myrrh, saffron, and cardamom, and derives 
 aiicid properties from the carbonate of potassa. It is given as a gentle ca- 
 tl.-tic, tonic, and emmenagogue ; and is especially useful in dyspepsia, habitual 
 ccstipation, and those complicated cases in which suppressed or retained men- 
 
 st. ation is connected with enfeebled digestion and a languid state of bowels. 
 
 I: dose is from half a fluidounce to two fluidounces. The decoction should 
 n be combined in prescription with acids, acidulous salts, or other saline bodies 
 wch are incompatible with the alkaline carbonate. W. 
 
 pECOCTUM CETRARLE. U.S., Lond. Decoctum Lichenis 
 I andici. Dub. Decoction of Iceland Moss. 
 
 Take of Iceland Moss half an ounce ; Water a pint and a half. Boil down 
 t(. pint, and strain with compression.” U. S. 
 
 'he London College orders five drachms of the moss with a pint and a half of 
 wer to be boiled to a pint and strained; but, as the Imperial measure is used 
 it he process, the proportion is in fact equivalent to about half an ounce to the 
 a thecaries’ pint. The Dublin College orders an ounce (avoirdupois) of the 
 ms to be washed in cold water to purify it, then to be boiled for ten minutes 
 in pint and a half of water (Imp. meas ), and strained while hot. 
 as the bitter principle is dissolved along with the starch of the moss, this 
 d action unites an unpleasant flavour to its demtflcent properties ; but the 
 p 1 which has been proposed of first extracting the bitterness by maceration in 
 w er, or a very weak solution of an alkaline carbonate, and afterwards pre- 
 p ng the decoction, is inadmissible ; as the peculiar virtues which distinguish 
 tl medicine from the ordinary demulcents are thus entirely lost. (See Cetraria. ) 
 l >int of the decoction may be taken in divided doses during the twenty-four 
 h rs. W. 
 
 3EC0CTUM CHIMAPHILiE. U.S., Lond. Decoctum Pyroue. 
 1 b. Decoction of Pipsissewa. Decoction of Winter Grreen. 
 
 Take of Pipsissewa, bruised, an ounce; Water a pint and a half. Boil 
 d/n to a pint and strain.” U. S. 
 
 ' Take of Pipsissewa an ounce ; Distilled Water a pint and a half [Imperial 
 msure]. Boil to a pint, and strain.” Lond. 
 
 ' Take of Leaves of Winter green, dried, half an ounce [avoirdupois] ; Water 
 hi a pint [Imp. meas.]. Boil for ten minutes, in a covered vessel, and strain. 
 1' product should measure about eight [ fluidfipunces .” Dub. 
 
 -he medical properties and uses of pipsissewa have been detailed under the 
 h d of Chimaphila. One pint of the decoction may be given in the course of 
 t nty-four hours. W. 
 
938 
 
 Decocta. 
 
 PART 
 
 DECOCTUM CINCHONA FLAVJE. TJ.S. Decoctum Cutchob. 
 Lond., Ed. Decoction of Yelloio Bark. 
 
 “ Take of Yellow Bark, bruised, an ounce ; Water a 'pint. Boil for ten minis 
 in a covered vessel, and strain the liquor while hot.” U. S. 
 
 The London College boils ten drachms of yellow bark, bruised, with a pint Q - 
 perial measure] of distilled water, for a quarter of an hour, in a covered ves , 
 and strains while hot. The Edinburgh College boils an ounce of the yellow ba , 
 bruised, with twenty-four fluidounces of water, for ten minutes, allows the - 
 coction to cool, then filters it, and evaporates to sixteen fluidounces. 
 
 DECOCTUM CINCHONA PALLID2E. Lond. Decoctum C - 
 chona;. Ed ., Dub. Decoction of Pale Bark. 
 
 The London and Edinburgh Colleges prepare this in the same manner as 3 
 Decoction of Yellow Bark. The Dublin College takes half an ounce (avoirdupc) 
 of pale bark, in coarse powder, and half a pint (Imp. meas.) of water, boils r 
 ten minutes in a covered vessel, and strains while hot. 
 
 DECOCTUM CINCHON2E RUBRiE. U.S., Lond. Decoct i 
 Cinchonje. Ed. Decoction of Red Bark. 
 
 The U. S., London, and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias direct this to be prepai 
 in the same manner as the Decoction of Yellow Bark. 
 
 The virtues of Peruvian bark, though extracted more rapidly by decoction tin 
 by infusion, are materially impaired by long boiling, in consequence of the chan s 
 effected in its constituents, either by their mutual reaction, or by the ageneyf 
 atmospheric oxygen, or by both causes united. To prevent this result, the ]> 
 cess is directed to be performed in a covered vessel, and to be continued only 1 
 minutes. But even with these precautions, a considerable precipitate takes pie 
 in the decoction upon cooling, which is thus rendered turbid. According to Pe- 
 tier, besides the kinates of cinchonia and quinia, the water dissolves gum, star., 
 yellow colouring matter, kinate of lime, tannin, and a portion of cinehonie r , 
 with a minute quantity of fatty matter. But the tannin and starch, at the boilg 
 temperature, unite to form a compound insoluble in cold water; and, when e 
 decoction is allowed to cool, this compound is precipitated, together with a p- 
 tion of the cinchonic red and fatty matter, which carry with them also a c - 
 siderable quantity of the alkaline principle of the bark. {Journ.de Pliarm.f. 
 119.) Hence the decoctioiris ordered to be strained while hot, so that the porta 
 of active matter precipitated may be mingled by agitation with the liquor, td 
 not be lost. Pelletier recommends that a larger proportion of water, sufficit 
 to retain the alkali in solution, be employed, that the decoction be filtered wla 
 cold, and then sufficiently concentrated by evaporation. This plan has bn 
 adopted by the Edinburgh College, but is unnecessarily tedious. A better m e 
 is to add to the liquid some acid which may form with the quinia and cinchoa 
 compounds more soluble than the native salts. Lemon juice has been long 0 - 
 ployed as a useful addition to the decoction of cinchona, and we can now unc> 
 stand the manner in which it acts. Sulphuric acid in excess answers the sae 
 purpose. By acidulating the pint of water employed in preparing the decoetn 
 with a fluidrachm of the aromatic or diluted sulphuric acid, we shall probay 
 enable the menstruum to extract all the virtues of the bark. The propriety! 
 such an addition is confirmed by the experiments of MM. Henry, Jun., and P ; - 
 son, who have ascertained that portions of the alkalies exist in the bark conneed 
 with the colouring matter in the form of insoluble compounds, and that its 
 impossible, therefore, completely to exhaust the bark by water alone. The 
 may, however, be some diversity of action in the different salts of quinia ri 
 cinchonia; and the native kinates may, under certain circumstances, be mt 
 efficient. 
 
PAC II. 
 
 Decocta. 
 
 989 
 
 jmerous substances produce precipitates with this decoction ; but compara- 
 tive few affect its activity as a medicine. (See Infusum Cinchonse.) Tannic acid 
 anohe substances containing it should be excluded from the decoction; as it 
 for s salts with the alkaline principles of the bark, which are either insoluble 
 or at slightly soluble in water. The alkalies, alkaline earths, and salifiable 
 bas; generally should also be excluded; because, uniting with the kinic acid, 
 the precipitate the quinia and cinchonia. 
 
 1 ie dose of the decoction is two fluidounces, to he repeated more or less fre- 
 quitly according to circumstances. Two drachms of orange peel, added to the 
 deotion while still boiling hot, improve its flavour, and render it more ac- 
 cepble to the stomach. W. 
 
 ECOCTUM CORNUS FLORIDA. U. S. Decoction of Dogwood. 
 
 Take of Dogwood [bark], bruised, an ounce; Water a pint. Boil for ten 
 unites in a covered vessel, and strain the liquor while hot.” V. S. 
 
 iis decoction has been proposed as a substitute for that of Peruvian bark; 
 bu though possessed of analogous properties, it is much inferior in eflicacy, and 
 is t likely to be extensively employed so long as the Peruvian tonic is attain- 
 ab! The dose is two fluidounces. W. 
 
 ECOCTUM CYDONII. Lond. Decoction of Quince Seed. 
 
 Take of Quince [seeds] two drachms; Distilled Water a pint [Imperial mea- 
 sui|. Boil over a slow fire for ten minutes; then strain.” Lond. 
 
 jus decoction is viscid, nearly colourless, insipid, and inodorous; and consists 
 cb ly of the mucilaginous principle of the quince seeds dissolved in water. For 
 an ;count of the properties and uses of this mucilage see Cydonia. It is only 
 en oyed externally. As it speedily undergoes decomposition, it should be used 
 imsdiately after being prepared. W. 
 
 ECOCTUM DULCAMARA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Decoction 
 of bittersweet. 
 
 Take of Bittersweet, bruised, an ounce; Water a pint and a half. Boil 
 do i to a pint, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 le processes of the London and Edinburgh Colleges correspond with the 
 abe. The Dublin College boils half an ounce (avoirdupois) of the bittersweet 
 wi half a pint (Imperial measure) of water, for ten minutes, in a covered 
 ve: 1, and strains. 
 
 le slender twigs of the bittersweet are the part employed. Their properties 
 an uses have been already detailed under the head of Dulcamara. The dose 
 of e decoction is from one to two fluidounces three or four times a day, or more 
 freiently. W. 
 
 ECOCTUM GALL2E. Lond. Decoction of Galls. 
 
 Take of Galls, bruised, two ounces and a half; Distilled Water two pints 
 [Inerial measure]. Boil to a pint, and strain.” Lond. 
 
 >r the properties of this decoction and its uses, see Galla in the first part of 
 th: ivork. The dose internally would be from half a fluidounce to a fluidounce ; 
 bu t is better adapted for external or local use. W. 
 
 ECOCTUM GRANATI. Lond. Decoction of Pomegranate. 
 
 Take of Pomegranate [rind] two ounces; Distilled Water a pint and a half 
 [I >erial measure]. Boil down to a pint, and strain.” Lond. 
 
 ie dose of this decoction is a fluidounce. For its uses see Granatum. 
 ECOCTUM GRANATI RAD1CIS. Lond. Decoction of Pome - 
 gr late Loot. 
 
 Take of Pomegranate Root, sliced, two ounces; Distilled Water two pints 
 [I aerial measure]. Boil to a pint and strain.” Lond. 
 
 )r the uses and dose of this decoction, see Granati Radicis Cortex. 
 
940 
 
 Decocta. 
 
 pari t. 
 
 DECOCTUM GUAIACI. Ed. Decoction of Gruaiacum Wood. 
 
 "Take of Guaiac turnings three ounces; Raisins two ounces; Sassafras [r< ] 
 rasped, and Liquorice Root bruised, each, one ounce ; Water eight pints [Iu!- 
 rial measure]. Boil the Guaiac and Raisins gently with the Water down o 
 five pints, adding the Liquorice and Sassafras towards the end. Strain e 
 decoction. ” Ed. 
 
 This is the old decoction of the woods. Notwithstanding its former reputat 1, 
 it is little more than a demulcent drink ; for water is capable of dissolving it 
 a minute proportion of the active matter of guaiacum wood, and one ounce )f 
 sassafras root can impart no appreciable activity to five pints of menstruum, i 
 was thought useful in chronic rheumatism and cutaneous affections, and as n 
 adjuvant to a mercurial course in syphilis, or an alterative course of anti i- 
 nials. As the patient was directed to be kept warm during its use, it no doit 
 acted favourably in some instances as a mere diluent, by promoting perspiratii. 
 From one to two pints may be taken in the course of the day, in doses of at it 
 four fluidounces. IV 
 
 DECOCTUM HJEMATOXYLL U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Dele- 
 tion of Logwood. 
 
 “ Take of Logwood, rasped, an ounce; Water two pints. Boil down to a p t, 
 and strain.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes ten drachms to a pint and a half [Imperial m- 
 sure], boils to a pint, and strains. 
 
 "Take of Logwood, in chips, one ounce ; Water a pint [Imperial measur ; 
 Cinnamon, one drachm, in powder. Boil the Logwood in the Water dowi o 
 ten fluidounces, adding the Cinnamon towards the end ; and then strain.’’ J. 
 
 The Dublin College boils an ounce (avoirdupois) of logwood with half a jit 
 (Imp. meas.) of water for ten minutes, in a covered vessel, and strains. 
 
 This is an excellent astringent in diarrhoea ; particularly in that form o:it 
 which succeeds the cholera infantum of this climate, or occurs as an original cn- 
 plaint in children during summer. The dose for an adult is two fluidounces, >r 
 a child about two years old, two or three fluidrachms, repeated several timia 
 day. A little bruised cinnamon may often be added with advantage at the d 
 of the boiling, as directed by the Edinburgh College. W 
 
 DECOCTUM HORDEI. U.S., Lond., Dub. Decoction of Barb. 
 
 “Take of [Pearl] Barley two outices; Water four pints and a half. Fst 
 wash away, with cold water, the extraneous matters which adhere to the Bari ; 
 then pour upon it half a pint of the Water, and boil for a short time. Havg 
 thrown away this water, pour the remainder boiling hot upon the Barley ; tin 
 boil down to two pints, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 The process of the London College does not essentially differ from the abe. 
 The Dublin College washes an ounce and a half (avoirdupois) of barley in cd 
 water, rejects the washings, and then boils for twenty minutes with a pint cd 
 a half (Imperial measure) of water, in a covered vessel, and strains. 
 
 Barley water, as this decoction is usually called, is much employed as a nui- 
 tive drink in febrile and inflammatory complaints, and, from the total ahse e 
 of irritating properties, is peculiarly adapted to cases in which the gastricr 
 intestinal mucous membrane is inflamed. As the stomach of those for whomt 
 is directed is often exceedingly delicate, and apt to revolt against anyth g 
 having the slightest unpleasantness of flavour, it is important that the decocta 
 should be properly made ; and, though the office of preparing it generally f-S 
 to nurses, yet the introduction of the process into the Pharmacopoeia is t 
 without advantage, as a formula is thus ever before the physician, by wkieli e 
 may give his directions, with the certainty, if obeyed, of having a good prei- 
 
Pi T II. 
 
 Decocta. 
 
 941 
 
 ra>n. The use of the washing with cold water, and of the first short boiling, 
 is impletely to remove any mustiness, or other disagreeable flavour, which the 
 baey may have acquired from exposure. 
 
 )ff. Prep. Decoctum Hordei Compositum; Enema Aloes; Enema Assa- 
 fache; Enema Terebinthinse. W. 
 
 )ECOCTUM HORDEI COMPOSITUM. Lond. Mistura Hor- 
 d:. Ed. Compound Decoction of Barley. 
 
 Take of Decoction of Barley two pints [Imperial measure] ; Figs, sliced, 
 tu ounces and a half ; fresh Liquorice Root, bruised, five drachms ; Raisins, 
 st ed, two ounces and a half; Distilled Water a pint [Imperial measure]. Boil 
 dtn to two pints [Imp. meas.], and strain.” Lond. 
 
 Take of Pearl-Barley, Figs, sliced, Raisins freed of the seeds, of each, two 
 owes and a half ; Liquorice Root, sliced and bruised, five drachms; Water 
 Ji, pints and a half [Imperial measure]. Clean the Barley, if necessary, by 
 whing it with cold water; boil it with four pints and a half of the Water down 
 tcwo pints; add the Figs, Raisins, and Liquorice Root, with the remaining 
 pi of Water; and again boil down to two pints; then strain.” Ed. 
 
 ’he compound decoction of barley, in addition to the demulcent and nutritive 
 poerties of the simple, is somewhat laxative, and may be preferably employ- 
 ecvhere there is a tendency to constipation. But it is so often necessary to 
 v if the nature of the sapid ingredients to suit the taste of the patient, that it 
 wild be better to leave the preparation entirely to extemporaneous prescrip- 
 ti . W. 
 
 3ECOCTUM LINT COMPOSITUM. Dub. Compound Decoction 
 OjFlaxseed. 
 
 Take of Linseed one ounce; Liquorice Root, bruised, half an ounce; Water 
 O'i pint and a half [Imperial measure]. Boil for ten minutes in a covered 
 vniel, and strain while hot.” Dub. The weights employed are the avoir- 
 d'ois. 
 
 ’laxseed is, we think, a better subject for infusion than decoction, by which 
 tl oil is partially evolved, and the preparation rendered unpleasant. W. 
 
 )ECOCTUM MEZEREI. Ed. Decoction of Mezereon. 
 
 Take of Mezereon, in chips, two drachms; Liquorice Root, bruised, half an 
 vice; Water two pints [Imperial measure]. Mix them and boil down with a 
 g tie heat to a pint and a half, and then strain.” Ed. 
 
 ’his preparation affords a convenient mode of exhibiting mezereon, the acri- 
 n iy of which is qualified by the demulcent principles of the liquorice root. 
 I an account of its medical applications, see Mezereum. The dose is from four 
 t( ight fluidounces four times a day. W. 
 
 )ECOCTUM MYRRHiE. Dub. Decoction of Myrrh. 
 
 ‘Take of Myrrh two drachms [Dub. weight]; Water eight [ jluicT]ounces 
 a', a hcdf. Triturate the Myrrh with the Water gradually added; then boil 
 fi ten minutes, in a covered vessel, and strain. The product should measure 
 a ut eight [fluid]ounces.” Dub. 
 
 t does not appear to us that myrrh is a suitable substance for decoction. Its 
 a ve principles are but very sparingly imparted to water. W. 
 
 DECOCTUM PAPAYERIS. Lond ., Ed., Dub. Decoction of 
 
 Appy- 
 
 ‘Take of Poppy [Capsules], sliced, four ounces; Distilled Water four pints 
 [ iperial measure]. Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh process differs from the above only in the proportion of water, 
 e ploying three pints (Imp. meas.). The Dublin College boils four ounces 
 
942 
 
 Decocta. 
 
 pari i. 
 
 (avoirdupois) with three pints (Imp. meas.) of water, for ten minutes, in a cov >d 
 vessel, and strains. 
 
 This decoction is used as an anodyne fomentation in painful tumours id 
 superficial cutaneous inflammation or excoriation. It is recommended no to 
 reject the seeds ; as their oil, suspended in the water by the mucilage of the o- 
 sules, adds to the emollient virtues of the preparation. W 
 
 DECOCTUM PAREIRA3. Lond. Decoction of Pareira Brav< 
 
 “Take of Pareira Brava, sliced, ten drachms ; Distilled Water a pint ar a 
 half [Imperial measure]. Boil down to a pint, and strain.” Lond. 
 
 The dose of this preparation is from one to two fluidounces three or Hr 
 times a day. 
 
 DECOCTUM QUERCUS ALBiE. U.S. Decoction of White Ik 
 Bark. Decoctum Quercus. Lond , Ed., Dub. Decoction of Ck 
 Bark. 
 
 “Take of White Oak Bark, bruised, an ounce; Water a pint andahf. 
 Boil down to a pint, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 The London and Edinburgh Colleges take ten drachms of oak bark and o 
 pints (Imperial measure) of distilled water, and boil to a pint; the Dmn 
 College takes an ounce and a half (avoirdupois) of the bark; and a pint id 
 a half (Imp. meas.) of water, and boils for ten minutes. 
 
 This decoction contains the tannin, bitter principle, and gallic acid of k 
 bark. It affords precipitates with the decoction of Peruvian bark and ot r 
 substances containing vegetable alkalies, with solution of gelatin, and with mt 
 metallic salts, particularly those of iron. Alkaline solutions diminish or desty 
 its astringency. Its uses have been already detailed. The dose is a winegl;;- 
 ful, frequently repeated. W 
 
 DECOCTUM SARSAPARILLiE. Dub. Decoctum Sars.e. Loi. 
 Decoctum Sarzje. Ed. Decoction of Sarsaparilla. 
 
 “ Take of Sarsaparilla, five ounces; Distilled Water four pints [Imperial m - 
 sure]. Boil down to two pints, and strain.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Sarza, in chips, five ounces; boiling Water four pints [Impeil 
 measure]. Digest the root in the Water for two hours at a temperature soi- 
 what below ebullition, take out the root, bruise it, replace it, boil down to to 
 pints [Imp. meas.], and then squeeze out the decoction and strain it.” Ed. 
 
 The Dublin College digests two ounces (avoirdupois) of the sliced root with 
 pint and a half { Imp. meas.) of water for an hour, then boils for ten minut, 
 in a covered vessel, cools, and strains. 
 
 There can be no occasion for the digestion directed by the Edinburgh Colie., 
 as, if the root is sliced and well bruised, all its ingredients that are soluble 1 
 water may be extracted by a length of boiling sufficient to reduce the liquor) 
 one-half. An idea was formerly entertained that the virtues of sarsaparii 
 resided in its fecula, the extraction of which was, therefore, the main object f 
 the decoction. Hence the long boiling ordered by the London and Edinburi 
 Colleges. But this opinion is now admitted to be erroneous. The activity: 
 the root is believed to depend upon one or more acrid principles, soluble to 
 certain extent in water cold or hot, and either volatilized, or rendered inert 
 chemical change, at the temperature of 212°. This fact appears to be demc- 
 strated by the experiments of Pope,* Hancock, f Soubeiran,J Beral, and othe 
 
 * Trans, of the Medico-Chirurg. Society of London, vol. xii. p. 344. 
 
 | Trans, of the Medico-Botan. Society of London. See also Journ. of the Phil. Col. 
 Pharm., vol. i. p. 295. The observations of Dr. Hancock are entitled to much credit, 
 he practised long in South America, in the neighbourhood of the best sarsaparilla regioi 
 
 J Journ. de Pharmacie, tom. xvi. p. 38. 
 
PRT II. 
 
 Decocta. 
 
 943 
 
 Incock makes the following observations. “ After long boiling, the peculiar 
 our which rises abundantly on the coction of good sarsa is almost extinguished. 
 Iom the sarsa prepared in this way, I found no sensible results upon any pa- 
 tiit, nor were its peculiar nauseating, drowsy, and racking effects produced by 
 airge quantity, although the decoction of six or eight ounces was tried at a 
 de. These experiments having been carried to a sufficient length, most of the 
 sue patients recovered under the use of the sarsa, taken from the same parcels 
 aoefore, but now prepared by simple maceration in hot water, i. e., affused in 
 a oiling state, and kept near the boiling state for some hours. In all cases the 
 sua was directed to be well bruised in large mortars, and in the mean time all 
 oer remedies were abstained from, which might, in anyway, affect the result.” 
 Sibeiran macerated one portion of bruised sarsaparilla in cold water for twenty- 
 fir hours; infused another portion in boiling water, and digested with a mode- 
 rn heat for two hours; boiled a third portion bruised, and a fourth unbruised, 
 iurater for two hours; and in each instance used the same relative quantities. 
 Tting these various preparations by the taste, he found the cold and hot in- 
 fions scarcely different in this respect; and both possessed of a stronger odour 
 al more acrid taste than the decoctions, of which that prepared with the bruised 
 r t was the strongest. Beral has proved that sarsaparillin, which is believed 
 toe the active principle of the drug, is volatile. From all these facts the in- 
 fonce is obvious, that the best method of imparting the virtues of sarsaparilla 
 twater is either by cold or hot infusion. Digestion for some hours in water 
 nintained at a temperature of 180° or somewhat less, in a covered vessel, has 
 s mg testimony in its favour. Percolation in a displacement apparatus, if pro- 
 ply conducted, is a convenient, and no doubt efficient mode of exhausting the 
 r t, so far as water will effect that object. Decoction is the worst method; and 
 t longer it is continued, the weaker will be the preparation. Accordingly, in 
 t last edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, an infusion of sarsaparilla has been 
 s stituted for the simple decoction. It is probable that, as in the case of the 
 l uvian bark, a boiling of ten or fifteen minutes might be advantageously re- 
 sted to, when circumstances require the preparation to be made in less time 
 t.n is requisite for infusion. In every instance the root should be thoroughly 
 b ised, or reduced to a coarse powder, thus obviating the necessity for a long 
 meration, merely to overcome the cohesion of its fibres. 
 
 Aecipitates are produced by various substances with the decoction of sarsa- 
 p ilia ; but it has not been ascertained how far such substances interfere with 
 ii activity. Those which merely throw down the fecula do not injure the pre- 
 p ation. 
 
 The simple decoction of sarsaparilla is chiefly used in the preparation of the 
 c lpound decoction. If given alone, it may be administered in the dose of four 
 o ;ix fluidounces four times a day. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Sarsae Compositum. W. 
 
 DECOCTUM SARSAPARILLA COMPOSITUM. U.S., Dub. 
 Icoctum Sars,® Compositum. Lond. Decoctum Sarz.e Composi- 
 te Ed. Compound Decoction of Sarsaparilla. 
 
 fake of Sarsaparilla, sliced and bruised, six ounces ; Bark of Sassafras Root, 
 s ed, Guaiacum Wood, rasped, Liquorice Root, bruised, each, an ounce ; Me- 
 zeon, sliced, three drachms; Water four pints. Macerate for twelve hours; 
 t n boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 ‘Take of Decoction of Sarsaparilla, boiling hot, four pints [Imp. meas.]; 
 *" safras [root], sliced, Guaiacum Wood, rasped, fresh Liquorice Root, bruised, 
 eh, ten drachms; Mezereon three drachms. Boil for a quarter of an hour, 
 a l strain.” Lond. 
 
944 
 
 Decoda. 
 
 PART 
 
 The Edinburgh process differs from the London only in the quantity of me- 
 reon, which in the former is half an ounce. The Dublin College takes two own j 
 (avoirdupois) of the sarsaparilla, two drachms. (Dub. weight), each, of the sas. 
 fras, guaiacum wood, and liquorice root, a drachm (Dub. weight) of the mezere 
 root-bark, and a pint and a half { Imp. meas.) of boiling water; digests all . 
 get-her, in a close vessel, for an hour, then boils for ten minutes, cools, and strai 
 
 The process of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia differs essentially from those of t> 
 London and Edinburgh Colleges in this respect, that, instead of taking the si- 
 pie decoction of sarsaparilla prepared by long boiling, it mixes the bruised r ; 
 immediately with the other ingredients, and boils the whole together for a f • 
 minutes. Thus, the sarsaparilla does not undergo a longer boiling than the otl • 
 substances ; and the preparation is brought more nearly into accordance w: 
 the present state of knowledge in relation to this valuable drug. (See Decocti 
 Sarsaparillse.') The direction in the edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia : 
 1850, to macerate for twelve hours, is an improvement. The Dublin process, 
 preferable to those' of the other British Colleges. 
 
 This decoction is an imitation of the celebrated Lisbon diet drink. The s;- 
 saparilla and mezereon are the active ingredients; the guaiacum wood impa 
 ing scarcely any of its virtues, and the sassafras and liquorice serving lit 
 other purpose than to communicate a pleasant flavour. 
 
 If prepared with good sarsaparilla, and with a due regard to the practic 
 rules which may now be considered as established, the decoction may be used wi 
 great advantage as a gentle diaphoretic and alterative in secondary syphil 
 either alone, or as an adjuvant to a mercurial course; also in certain scrofulo 
 and other depraved conditions of the system, in chronic rheumatism, and 
 various obstinate cutaneous affections. The dose is from four to six fluidounc 
 three or four times a day. The patient during its use should wear flannel ne 
 the skin, and avoid unnecessary exposure to changes of temperature.* W. 
 
 DECOCTUM SCOP ARIL Dub. Decoction of Broom. 
 
 “Take of Broom-tops, dried, half an ounce [avoirdupois]; Water half a pi 
 [Imperial measure]. Boil for ten minutes in a covered vessel, and strain. T 
 product should measure about eight [fluid]ounces.” Dub. 
 
 DECOCTUM SCOPARII COMPOSITUM. Land. Decoctu 
 Scoparii. Ed. Compound Decoction of Broom. 
 
 “ Take of Broom, Juniper, bruised, Dandelion, bruised, each, half anounc. 
 Distilled Water a pint and a half [Imperial measure]. Boil down to a pi: 
 [Imp. meas.], and strain.” Lond. 
 
 “ Take of Broom-tops, and Juniper-tops, of each, half an ounce ; Bitartra 
 
 * The Decoction of Zittmann (Decoctum Zitmanni) is a preparation of sarsaparilla mu> 
 used in Germany, for similar purposes with our compound decoction of sarsaparilla ; an 
 as it has attracted some attention in this country as a remedy in obstinate ulcerative affe 
 tions, we give the formula of the Prussian Pharmacopoeia, which is generally followed 
 its preparation: “ Take of sarsaparilla twelve ounces; spring water ninety pounds. Dige 
 for twenty-four hours; then introduce, enclosed in a small bag, an ounce and a half 
 saccharine alum (a paste formed of alum Jvi, white lead ^vi, sulphate of zinc ^iij, wki 
 sugar ^iss, white of egg and distilled vinegar, each g. s.), half an ounce of calomel, and- 
 drachm of cinnabar. Boil to thirty pounds, and near the end of the boiling add of anisee 
 fennel-seed, each, half an ounce, senna three ounces, liquorice root an ounce and a half. P’ 
 aside the liquor under the name of the strong decoction. To the residue add six cunc 
 of sarsaparilla and ninety pounds of water. Boil to thirty pounds, and near the end ac 
 lemon-peel, cinuamon, cardamom, liquorice, of each, three drachms. Strain, and set ask 
 the liquor under the name of the weak decoction.” Mercury was detected by Wigge: 
 in this decoction in very small proportion. It should not be prepared in metallic Tesse! 
 lest the mercurial in solution should be decomposed. The decoction may be drunk free! 
 
P^T II. 
 
 Decocta. 
 
 945 
 
 of otassa two drachms and a half; Water a pint and a half [Imp. meas.]. 
 Be them together down to a pint [Imp. mens.], and then strain.” Ed. 
 
 his decoction may be used as an adjuvant to more powerful diuretics in 
 dr sy. From half a pint to a pint may be taken during the day. The simple 
 dection of the Dublin College is twice as strong with broom as the compound 
 deletion. W. 
 
 •ECOCTUM SENEGiE. U. S., fond. Decoction of Seneka. 
 
 Take of Seneka, bruised, an ounce; Water a pint and a half. Boil down 
 to pint, and strain.” U. 8. 
 
 he London College boils ten drachms of the Toot with two pints of distilled 
 war to a pint; but the relation of the Imperial measure used by this College to 
 thoommon wine measure is such, that the proportions in the decoction are 
 esntially the same as those of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 is customary to add to the seneka an equal weight of liquorice root, which 
 sens to cover its taste, and in some measure to obtund its acrimony. The 
 vines and practical application of seneka have been already treated of. (See 
 Saga.) The dose of the decoction is about two fluidounces three or four times 
 a iy, or a tablespoonful every two or three hours. W. 
 
 ‘ECOCTUM TARAXACI. Lond., Ed. Decoction of Dandelion. 
 Take of Dandelion, bruised, four ounces; Distilled Water a pint, and a half 
 [I serial measure]. Boil to a pint, and strain.” Lond. 
 
 ae Edinburgh College takes seven ounces of the fresh herb and root, and two 
 pie [Imperial measure] of water, boils to one pint [Imperial measure], and 
 strus. 
 
 lis decoction is most efficient when prepared from the root alone. The dose 
 is wineglassful two or three times a day. (See Taraxacum.) W. 
 
 ECOCTUM TORMENTILLiE. Lond. Decoction of Torment il. 
 Take of Tormentil, bruised, two ounces; Distilled Water a pint and a half 
 [I] aerial measure]. Boil down to a pint, and strain.” Lond. 
 
 lis decoction is astringent, and may be given in the dose of one or two fluid- 
 ou es, three or four times a day. W. 
 
 ECOCTUM ULMI. Lond. Decoction of Elm Bark. 
 lake of Elm [bark], bruised, two ounces and a half; Distilled Water two 
 pi [Imperial measure]. Boil down to a pint, and strain.” Lond. 
 
 lis decoction, being prepared from the bark of the European elm, is not 
 use in this country. It has had some repute in England as a remedy for cer- 
 tai cutaneous disorders. From four to six fluidounces are given two or three 
 tin 3 a day. W. 
 
 ECOCTUM UVJE URSI. U.S. , Lond,, Dub. Decoction of Eva 
 U\i. 
 
 Take of Uva Ursi an ounce; Water twenty fluidounces. Boil down to a 
 pii and strain.” U. 8. 
 
 Take of Uva Ursi, bruised, an ounce; Distilled Water a pint and a half 
 [Inerial measure]. Boil down to a pint, and strain.” Lond. 
 
 Take of Uva Ursi, bruised, half an ounce [avoirdupois]; Water half a pint 
 [b i. meas.]. Boil for ten minutes in a covered vessel, and strain. The pro- 
 du should measure about eight [fluid]ounces.” Dub. 
 
 lis decoction contains the tannin, extractive, and gallic acid of the leaves. 
 To m account of its uses see Uva Ursi. The dose is from one to two fluidounces 
 tin ; or four times a day. W. 
 
 60 
 
946 
 
 Emplastra. 
 
 part 
 
 EMPLASTRA. 
 
 Plasters. 
 
 Plaster? are solid compounds intended for external application, adhesive at e 
 temperature of the human body, and of such a consistence as to render the d 
 of heat necessary in spreading them. Most of them have as their basis aci- 
 pound of olive oil and litharge, constituting the Emplastrum Plumbi of e 
 United States Pharmacopoeia. . Those plasters which contain none of the ex- 
 pound of oil and litharge, owe their consistence and adhesiveness to resin s 
 substances, or to a mixture of these with wax and oleaginous matter. 
 
 In the preparation of the plasters, care is requisite that the heat employees 
 not sufficiently elevated to produce decomposition, nor so long continued am 
 drive off any volatile ingredient upon which the virtues of the preparation 1 v 
 in any degree depend. After having been prepared, they are usually sha d 
 into cylindrical rolls, and wrapped in paper to exclude the air. Plasters shod 
 be firm at ordinary temperatures, should spread easily* when heated, and, a r 
 being spread, should remain soft, pliable, and adhesive, without melting at e 
 heat of the human body. When long kept, they are apt to change colour ;d 
 to become hard and brittle; and as this alteration is most observable upon tlr 
 surface, it must depend chiefly upon the action of the air, which should tberete 
 be as much as possible excluded. The defect may usually be remedied by meltg 
 the plaster with a moderate heat, and adding a sufficient quantity of oil to ge 
 it the due consistence. 
 
 Plasters are prepared for use by spreading them upon leather, linen, or rous.., 
 according to the particular purposes the}’ are intended to answer. Leathers 
 most convenient when the application is made to the sound skin, linen or rnu.-a 
 when the plaster is used as a dressing to ulcerated or abraded surfaces, or wh 
 the view of bringing and retaining together the sides of wounds. The leatir 
 usually preferred is white sheep skin. A margin about a quarter or half an i)h 
 broad should usually be left uncovered, in order to facilitate the removal of e 
 plaster, and to prevent the clothing in contact with its edges from being soil. 
 An accurate outline may be obtained by pasting upon the leather a piece of pap, 
 so cut as to leave in the centre a vacant space of the required dimensions, a 
 removing the paper when no longer required. The same object may someth s 
 be accomplished by employing two narrow rulers of sheet tin, graduatedn 
 inches, and so shaped that each of them may form two sides of a rectangle. ('e 
 the figure p. 785.) These may be applied in such a manner as to enclose wit n 
 them any given rectangular space, aud may be fixed by weights upon the leat r 
 while the plaster is spread. For any other shape, as in the instance of plasts 
 for the breast, pieces of tin may be employed having a vacuity within, coi- 
 sponding to the required outline. The spreading of the plaster is most con- 
 niently accomplished by means of a peculiar iron iustrument employed for e 
 purpose; though a common spatula will answer. This may be heated by me:5 
 of a spirit lamp. Care must be taken that the instrument be not so hot aso 
 discolour or decompose the plaster, and special care is requisite in the case f 
 those plasters which contain a volatile ingredient. A sufficient portion of e 
 plaster should first be melted by the heated instrument, and, having been receid 
 on a piece of coarse stiff paper, or in a shallow tin tray open on one side, shou, 
 when nearly cool, be transferred to the leather, and applied quickly aud eveiv 
 over its extended surface. By this plan the melted plaster is prevented from pc - 
 trating the leather, as it is apt to do when applied too hot. Before removing u 
 paper from the edge of the plaster, if it has become so hard as to crack, the m 
 
P^r ii. Emplastra. 947 
 
 skid be drawn over the line of junction.* When linen or muslin is used, and 
 tklimensions of the portion to be spread are large, as is often the case with 
 adhive plaster, the best plan is to pass the cloth “ on which the plaster has been 
 laidhrough a machine formed of a spatula, fixed by screws at a proper distance 
 fro a plate of polished steel.” A machine for spreading plasters is described 
 by [. Herent in the Journ. de Pharm. et de Chim. (3e ser., ii. 403). f W. 
 
 MPLASTRUM AMMONIAC! U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Am- 
 inciae Plaster. 
 
 Take of Ammoniac five ounces; Diluted Acetic Acid half a pint. Dissolve 
 thdmmoniac in the Diluted Acetic Acid, and strain ; then evaporate the solu- 
 tio: by means of a water-bath, stirring constantly until it acquires a proper 
 corstence.” U. S. 
 
 he London College takes five ounces of prepared ammoniac, and eight fluid- 
 ouiis of diluted acetic acid ; dissolves the ammoniac in the acid; and evapo- 
 rat the solution by a slow fire, stirring constantly, to the proper consistence. 
 Th Edinburgh College takes five ounces of ammoniac and nine fiuidounces of 
 dis led vinegar ; dissolves the ammoniac in the vinegar, and evaporates over 
 theapour-bath, frequently stirring. The Dublin College dissolves four ounces 
 (atrdupois) of ammoniac, coarsely powdered, in four fiuidounces of proof spirit, 
 ant hen evaporates, by means of a steam or water-bath, stirring constantly until 
 it quires a proper consistence. 
 
 ■*'he reader is referred to the Am. Journ. of Pharm. (xxv. 29, and xxvi. 15), for de- 
 scriions of plaster spatulas, with contrivances for heating them, which he may some- 
 tim find convenient. 
 
 f 'ithin a few years it has been customary with apothecaries to employ an appa- 
 rati such as that here figured, 
 for sparing quantities of plas- 
 ters An oblong rectangular block 
 of 1 -d wood (a e) has its upper 
 sur: e (c) gently convex. To this 
 is sached by a movable joint 
 (at a sheet iron frame (5), with 
 an cming (r?) of the dimensions 
 of ii plaster to be spread, and 
 clas (rf) at the other end, by 
 whi this may be fixed to the 
 bloi Another portion of the ap- 
 par is is a wooden measure ( m ), 
 bv ich the leather is cut out, 
 and ie margin marked. The lea- 
 theihus prepared is laid on the 
 cony surface of the block (c) ; 
 thelieet iron frame is brought 
 don, on it evenly (as at h i ) ; 
 the | aster, previously melted, is 
 pou 1 on the leather in the cen- 
 tre, id, by means of an iron in- 
 strijent(y), previously heated by 
 a sjyt lamp, is spread uniformly 
 ove: the surface, the thickness 
 beii regulated by the frame 
 aga.it which the iron is pressed. 
 
 Am ;xcess of plaster is thus 
 pre: d over upon the frame. The 
 poii of a sharp instrument ( l ) is 
 theijrawn along the intenor edge 
 of t frame so as to separate the J 
 
 plai r from it, after which the 
 clas! are unfastened and the plas- 
 ter noved. 
 
948 
 
 Emplastra. parte 
 
 As ammoniac is not usually kept purified in our stops, the straining of be 
 solution in the diluted acid is directed as the most convenient method of s a- 
 rating impurities. Dr. Duncan remarked that the plaster, prepared in iron ; g. 
 sels, “ acquires an unpleasant dark colour, from being impregnated with in; 
 •whereas, when prepared in a glass or earthenware vessel, it has a yellov'h- 
 white colour, and more pleasant appearance.” 
 
 Medical Properties. The ammoniac plaster is stimulant, and is applied er 
 scrofulous tumours and chronic swellings of the joints, to promote their rela- 
 tion. It often produces a papular eruption, and sometimes occasions cons :r- 
 able inflammation of the skin. Dr. Duncan has described a fatal case of di se 
 inflammation following its use in an instance of diseased knee-joint. 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro. V 
 
 EMPLASTRUM AMMONIACI CUM HYDRARGYRO. UL 
 Lond., Pub. Emplastrum Ammoniaci et Hydrargyri. Ed. Pher 
 of Ammoniac with Mercury. 
 
 “Take of Ammoniac a pound; Mercury three ounces; Olive Oil an- 
 draclim; Sulphur eight grains. Heat the Oil, and gradually add the Sulp.r. 
 constantly stirring, until they unite; then add the Mercury, and triturate nil 
 globules no longer appear. Boil the Ammoniac with sufficient water to cov it 
 until they are mixed; then strain through a hair sieve, and evaporate, by mas 
 of a water-bath, until a small portion taken from the vessel hardens on coolg. 
 Lastly, add the Ammoniac, while yet hot, gradually to the mixture of il, 
 Sulphur, and Mercury, and thoroughly incorporate all the ingredients.” IS. 
 
 “ Take of Prepared Ammoniac a pound; Mercury three ounces; Olive C a 
 fluid rachm ; Sulphur eight grains. Add the Sulphur gradually to the heed 
 Oil, constantly stirring with a spatula, until they unite; then rub the Merry 
 with them until the globules disappear; lastly, gradually add the Ammoi.c, 
 previously melted, and mix the whole together.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh process corresponds closely with the above. 
 
 “ Take of Ammoniac Plaster four ounces; Mercurial Plaster eight ounces, ix 
 them together by means of a steam or water-bath, and stir constantly untilae 
 mixture stiffens on cooling.” Pub. 
 
 Of these processes the last is preferable, as the unpleasant odour of theil- 
 phuretted oil is avoided, as well as the action of the sulphur upon the merc y, 
 with which it must form an inactive sulphuret. When ammoniac not previoly 
 prepared is used, as it is not fusible by heat, it must be brought to the prer 
 consistence by dissolving it in a small quantity of hot water, straining, id 
 evaporating. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This plaster unites with the stimulant peer 
 of the ammoniac the specific properties of the mercury, which is societies 
 absorbed in sufficient quantity to affect the gums. It is used as a discutieoin 
 enlargement of the glands, tumefaction of the joints, nodes, and other indent 
 swellings, especially when dependent on a venereal taint. It is also someties 
 applied over the liver in chronic hepatitis. ^ 
 
 EMPLASTRUM ASSAFCETIDrE. U.S.,Ed. Assafetida Plasr. 
 
 “Take of Assafetida, Lead Plaster, each, a pound ; Galbanum, lellow Wx, 
 each, half a pound ; Alcohol three pints. Dissolve the Assafetida and tfalhaini 
 in the Alcohol with the aid of a water-bath, strain the liquor while hot, id 
 evaporate to the consistence of honey; then add the Lead Plaster and Wax e- 
 viously melted together, stir the mixture well, and evaporate to the pr<cr 
 consistence.” U. IS. 
 
 “Take of Litharge [Lead] Plaster and Assafetida, of each, two ounces; (1- 
 banuin and Bees’-wax, of each, one ounce. Liquefy the gum-resins toget r, 
 
pa: ir. Emplastra. 949 
 
 ancitrain them, then add the plaster and wax also in the fluid state, and mix 
 the all thoroughly.” Ed. 
 
 he directions of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia indicate the mode in which the 
 guiresins may be brought to the liquid state before being incorporated with 
 theSther ingredients. Galbanum melts sufficiently by the aid of heat to admit 
 of 'ing strained ; but this is not the case with assafetida, which must be pre- 
 par, by dissolving it in a small quantity of hot water or alcohol, straining, and 
 evaluating to the consistence of honey ; and even galbanum may be most con- 
 verntly treated in the same way. Formerly these gum-resins were ordered 
 mefy to be melted and strained, and such is at present the direction of the Edin- 
 bun Pharmacopoeia, unless the term “liquefy” be considered as leaving to 
 thelperator the choice of the mode in which they should be brought into the 
 liqtl state. 
 
 jis plaster may be advantageously applied over the stomach or abdomen, in 
 cas< of hysteria attended with flatulence, and to the chest or between the 
 sboders in hooping-cough. W. 
 
 MPLASTRUM BELLADONNAS. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Plas- 
 ter f Belladonna. 
 
 ‘hke of Resin Plaster three ounces ; Extract of Belladonna an ounce and a 
 1ml Add the Extract to the Plaster, previously melted by the heat of a water- 
 bat and mix.” U. S. 
 
 fl e Edinburgh and Dublin processes are the same as the above. The London 
 diff s in taking three ounces, each, of the extract and of soap plaster. 
 
 le most convenient method of forming this plaster is to rub the ingredients 
 togtierin an earthenware mortar, placed in hot water, and then, having removed 
 the aortar from the water-bath, to continue the trituration till the mixture 
 coo It should be prepared with the extract made according to the directions 
 of ? U. S. Pharmacopoeia, which is deprived of the albumen and insoluble 
 matr; as otherwise it is apt to be wanting in the due adhesiveness. The pre- 
 par on is a useful anodyne application in neuralgic and rheumatic pains, and 
 ia c mienorrhoea. We have seen the constitutional effects of belladonna result 
 fronts external use. W. 
 
 MPLASTRUM CANTHARIDIS. Lond., Ed., Dub. Plaster of 
 $p< ish Flies. 
 
 ECERATUM CANTHARIDIS. U. S. 
 
 MPLASTRUM CANTHARIDIS COMPOSITUM. Ed. Com- 
 pom Plaster of Spanish Flies. 
 
 “ake of Venice Turpentine four ounces and a half; Burgundy Pitch and 
 Cab arides, of each, three ounces; Bees’-wax one ounce; Verdigris half an ounce; 
 Who Mustard Seed and Black Pepper, of each, two drachms. Liquefy the 
 Wa and Burgundy Pitch, add the Turpentine, and while the mixture is hot 
 spride into it the remaining articles, previously in fine powder, and mixed 
 togfer. Stir the whole briskly as it concretes on cooling.” Ed. 
 
 Tsis intended to be a powerful and speedy blistering plaster, and may pro- 
 bah prove beneficial in very urgent cases attended with much torpor of the skin; 
 but peat care should be observed not to allow it to remain on too long, as un- 
 plea nt and tedious ulceration, if not gangrene, might result. To the cases of 
 chil en it is wholly inapplicable. W. 
 
 j IPLASTRUM CUMINI. Lond. Cumin Plaster. 
 
 “ike of Cumin, Caraway, Laurel [fruit], each, three ounces; Prepared 
 Buundy Pitch three pounds; Wax three ounces; Olive Oil, Water, each a. 
 flui\ unce and a half. To the Pitch and Wax melted together add the dry 
 
950 Emplastra. part t. 
 
 ingredients powdered, the Oil, and the Water; then evaporate to the prc-r 
 consistence.” Land. 
 
 This is a gently stimulant plaster of an agreeable odour, and may be used w n 
 a very moderate rubefacient impression is indicated. The London College is 
 inadvertently employed the name Ci/minum in the Materia Medica list, d 
 Cuminum here. M 
 
 EMPLASTRUM FERRI. U.S., Lond ., Ed., Dub. Emplastp.ii 
 Roborans. Iron Plaster. Strengthening Plaster. 
 
 “ Take of Subcarbonate of Iron three ounces ; Lead Plaster two pounds; } -- 
 gundy Pitch half a pound. Add the Subcarbonate of Iron to the Lead Pla r 
 and Burgundy Pitch, previously melted together, and stir them constantly uil 
 they thicken upon cooling.” U. S. 
 
 The London and Dublin preparations are the same as the above, except t.t 
 prepared Thus or frankincense is used in the former instead of Burgundy pi 1 , 
 and peroxide of iron in the latter, instead of the subcarbonate. 
 
 “Take of Litharge Plaster three ounces; Resin six drachms; Olive Oil the 
 Jluidrachms and a half; Bees’-wax three drachms; Red Oxide of Iron [Sub:- 
 bonate of Iron, U. S ] one ounce. Triturate the Oxide of Iron with the Oil, :d 
 add the mixture to the other articles previously liquefied by gentle heat, lx 
 the whole thoroughly.” Ed. 
 
 This preparation has enjoyed some popular celebrity, under the impress n 
 that it strengthens the parts to which it is applied; whence it has derived ;e 
 name of strengthening plaster. It is used in those conditions of the loins, lai:r 
 muscles, and joints, which, though usually ascribed to debility, are in fact n?t 
 frequently dependent on rheumatic or other chronic inflammatory affections, al, 
 if relieved by the plaster, are so in consequence of the gentle excitation wbh 
 it produces in the vessels of the skin. It may also, in some instances, gi vee- 
 iief by affording mechanical support ; but neither in this, nor in any other resp t, 
 can it bfe deemed very efficient. IV 
 
 EMPLASTRUM GALBANI COMPOSITUM. U.S. Empl?- 
 trum Galbani. Lond. Compound G-albanum Plaster. 
 
 “Take of Galbanum eight ounces ; Turpentine ten drachms; Burgundy P h 
 three ounces; Lead Plaster three pounds. To the Galbanum and Turpent?, 
 previously melted together and strained, add first the Burgundy Pitch, d 
 afterwards the Lead Plaster melted over a gentle fire, and mix the wile 
 together.” U. S. 
 
 The London process differs only in directing an ounce of turpentine instd 
 of ten drachms, prepared galbanum instead of the crude, and prepared Thu.) r 
 frankincense, instead of Burgundy pitch. 
 
 Before being employed in this process, the galbanum should be purified, ait 
 often contains foreign matters which must injure the plaster. It may be frd 
 from these by melting it with a little water or diluted alcohol, straining, .1 
 evaporatiug to the due consistence. 
 
 This plaster is an excellent local stimulant in chronic scrofulous enlargemits 
 of the glands and joints. We have employed it iu some obstinate cases of is 
 kind, which, after having resisted general and local depletion, blistering d 
 other measures, have yielded under its use. As a discutient it is alsoemplo d 
 in the induration which sometimes remains after the discharge of abscesses. It 
 is said to have been useful in rickets when applied over the whole lumbar regb, 
 and has been recommended in chronic gouty or rheumatic articular affeetio. 
 It should not be used iu the discussion of tumours in which any considerae 
 inflammation exists. H 
 
p/T II. Emplastra. 951 
 
 JMPLASTRUM GUMMOSUM. Ed. Gum Plaster . 
 
 Take of Litharge Plaster [Emplastrum Plumbi] four ounces ; Ammoniac, 
 Goanum, and Bees’-wax, of each, half an ounce. Melt the Gum-resins to- 
 geer and strain them; melt also together the Plaster and Wax; add the former 
 to te latter mixture, and mix the whole thoroughly.” Ed. 
 
 ie addition of ammoniac adds little to the virtues of this plaster, which 
 clo ly resembles the compound galbanum plaster in its effects. The galbanum 
 an ammoniac are best prepared by dissolving them in a small quantity of hot 
 war or diluted alcohol, straining the solution, and evaporating it to the proper 
 coiistence for mixing with the other ingredients. 
 
 f. Prep. Emplastrum Saponis. W. 
 
 MPLASTRUM HYDRARGYRI. U.S., Lond., Ed., Pub. Mer- 
 cual Plaster. 
 
 fake of Mercury six ounces; Olive Oil, Resin, each, two ounces; Lead Plaster 
 affind. Melt the Oil and Resin together, and when they have become cool, 
 rulihe Mercury with them till the globules disappear; then gradually add the 
 Le Plaster, previously melted, and mix the whole together.” U. S. 
 
 he London College takes three ounces of mercury, a pound of lead plaster, 
 a f {drachm of olive oil, and eight grains of sulphur; gradually adds the sulphur 
 to e heated oil, constantly stirring with a spatula until they unite; then rubs 
 theaercury with them until the globules disappear; and finally adds by degrees 
 thead plaster previously melted with a slow fire, and mixes the whole together. 
 Th Edinburgh process corresponds with that of the United States Pharmaco- 
 pce except that only one-half of the quantity of materials is employed, and 
 niiifhiidrachms of olive oil are directed iustead of an ounce. 
 
 e Dublin College substitutes a fluidounce of oil of turpentine for the two 
 oui:s of olive oil; hut in other respects its process corresponds with that of the 
 II. . Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 le sulphuretted oil employed by the London College is intended to facilitate 
 the rtinguishment of the mercury ; but, as it operates by the union of the sul- 
 plu with the metal forming an inefficient sulphuret, it impairs the virtues of 
 the laster at least as much as it assists in its preparation. The melted resin 
 anoil of the United States and Edinburgh processes are' decidedly preferable. 
 
 I is plaster is employed to produce the local effects of mercury upon venereal 
 ljuhs, nodes, and other chronic tumefactions of the bones or soft parts, de- 
 pen ut on a syphilitic taint. In these cases it sometimes acts as a powerful 
 disc dent. It is frequently also applied to the side in chronic hepatitis or sple- 
 niti In habits peculiarly susceptible to the mercurial influence, it occasionally 
 affeh the gums. 
 
 l>m observations made in France by Messrs. Serres. Gariel, Briquet, and 
 oth|i ( Archives Generales, viii. 468, and 3e ser., vi. 24), it appears that the 
 mei rial plaster of the French Codex ( Emplastrum de Vigo cum Mercurio ) has 
 the >wer, when applied over the eruption of small-pox, before the end of the 
 thir day from its first appearance, to check the progress of the eruption, and 
 preyit suppuration and pitting. This operation of the plaster, so far from 
 heir; attended with an increase of the general symptoms, seems to relieve them 
 in p portion to the diminution of the local affection. It is also thought that the 
 coui of the disease is favourably modified when the mercurial impression is 
 proceed upon the- system. That the local effect is not ascribable to the mere 
 excl ion of air is proved by the fact, that the use of lead plaster was not fol- 
 low! by the same results. It is probable that other mercurial preparations 
 wou answer the same purpose; and the common mercurial ointment has, in our 
 own ands, proved effectual in rendering the erhption upon the face to a consider- 
 
952 Emplastra. part . 
 
 able extent abortive, in one bad case of small-pox. But as the most success 1 
 results were obtained with the plaster above mentioned, we give the formulaif 
 the French Codex for its preparation. The weights mentioned are those of 5 
 French metrical pound. (See table in the Appendix .) 
 
 Emplastrum de Vigo cum Mercurio. “ Take of simple plaster [lead plast] 
 two pounds eight ounces; yellow wax two ounces; resin two ounces; ammon , 
 bdellium, olibanum, and myrrh, each, five drachms ; saffron three drachms ; n - 
 cury twelve ounces; turpentine [common European] two ounces; liquid stox 
 six ounces; oil of lavender two drachms. Powder the gum-resins and saffr , 
 and rub the mercury with the storax and turpentine in an iron mortar until ci - 
 pletely extinguished. Melt the plaster with the wax and resin, and add to e 
 mixture the powders and volatile oil. When the plaster shall have been cool , 
 but while it is yet liquid, add the mercurial mixture, and incorporate thewle 
 thoroughly.'” This should be spread upon leather or linen cloth, and appii 
 so as effectually to cover the face, or whatever other part it is desired to prot-p. 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Idydrargyro. W 
 
 EMPLASTRUM OPII. U.S., Land., Pd., Pub. Opium Plasll 
 
 “ Take of Opium, in powder, two ounces; Burgundy Pitch three ounces ; Li 
 Plaster a pound; Boiling Water four fiuidounces. Melt together the Ld 
 Plaster and Burgundy Pitch; then add the Opium previously mixed with e 
 Water, and boil them over a gentle fire to the proper consistence.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Extract of Opium an ounce; Lead Plaster eight ounces; Prepad 
 Thus [frankincense] two ounces; boiling Water a fuidounce. To the me'd 
 Thus add the Plaster melted with a slow fire, and the Extract previously mi d 
 with the Water, and evaporate, with a slow fire, constantly stirring, until e 
 proper consistence is obtained.” Loncl. 
 
 “ Take of Powder of Opium half an ounce; Burgundy Pitch three ounc; 
 Litharge Plaster [Lead Plaster] twelve ounces. Liquefy the Plaster and Pi 1 , 
 add the Opium by degrees, and mix them thoroughly.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Opium, in very fine powder, one ounce; Resiu Plaster nine ouns. 
 Melt the Plaster by means of a steam or water bath, then add the Opium y 
 degrees, and mix thoroughly.” Dub. 
 
 The use of the water in the U. S. and London processes is to enable the op : n 
 to be more thoroughly incorporated with the other ingredients; but care shc.d 
 be taken that the moisture be well evaporated. 
 
 The opium plaster is thought to relieve rheumatic and other pains in the p ts 
 to which it is applied. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM PICIS. Pond., Ed. Pitch Plaster. 
 
 “ Take of Prepared Burgundy Pitch two pounds; Prepared Thus [frankincen] 
 a pound ; Resin, Wax, each, four ounces ; Expressed Oil of Nutmegs an our i 
 Olive Oil, Water, each, two f uidounces. To the Thus, Pitch, Resin, andlU, 
 melted together, add the Oils and the Water. Then evaporate all, eontinuly 
 stirring, to the proper consistence.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Burgundy Pitch one pound and a half; Resin and Bees’-waiof 
 each, two ounces; Oil of Mace half an ounce; Olive Oil one flindounce ; Wer 
 one fuidounce. Liquefy the Pitch, Resin, and Wax with a gentle heat; Id 
 the other articles; mix them well together; and boil till the mixture aequiresre 
 proper consistence.” Ed. 
 
 The simple “ Myristicse Oleum ” of the Loudon Materia Medica list, has becae 
 il Myrislica s Oleum Expressum ’ here. We presume that the Edinburgh o p 
 mace, in the above formula, though the term is not defined in the Pharinacop a, 
 has reference to the substance denominated, in the Edinburgh Materia Meea 
 catalogue, Myristicse Adeps or concrete oil of nutmeg. (See Myristicse T 'S, 
 page 487.) 
 
PA]: ir. Pmplastra. 953 
 
 ]is is a rubefacient plaster, applicable to catarrhal and other pectoral affec- 
 tion chronic inflammation of the liver, and rheumatic pains in the joints and 
 mmles. It often keeps up a serous discharge, which requires that it should be 
 freccntly renewed. The irritation which it sometimes excites is so great as to 
 ren jr its removal necessary. W. 
 
 jllPLASTRUM PICIS BURGUNDICiE. U.S. Burgundy Pitch 
 Piker. 
 
 ‘‘Jake of Burgundy Pitch six pounds; Yellow Wax half a pound. Melt them 
 togfer, and stir them constantly till they thicken on cooling.” U. S . ' 
 
 I this formula, the object of the wax is simply to give a proper consistence 
 to t Burgundy pitch, and to prevent it from breaking in cold weather. W. 
 
 I1PLASTRUM PICIS CUM CANTHARIDE. U.S. Emplas- 
 trie Calefaciens. I)ub. Plaster of Pitch zvith Spanish Flies. 
 Warning Plaster. 
 
 “'ake of Burgundy Pitch three pounds and a half; Cerate of Spanish Flies 
 h alp pound. Melt them together by means of a water-bath, and stir them 
 conantly till they thicken upon cooling.” U.S. 
 
 Tip Dublin College employs the same ingredients, but has increased the pro- 
 porin of Burgundy pitch to five pounds and a half. 
 
 T.s plaster is an excellent rubefacient, more active than Burgundy pitch, yet 
 in Jieral not sufficiently so to produce vesication. Still, however, in conse- 
 que'e of peculiar susceptibility of the skin in some individuals, it occasionally 
 blisrs; and it has been recommended to lessen the proportion of the flies. But, 
 whi such a reduction would render the plaster insufficiently active in most cases, 
 it w. Id not entirely obviate the objection; as the smallest proportion of flies 
 wou vesicate in certain persons, and even the Burgundy pitch alone sometimes 
 procyes the same effect. In whatever mode, therefore, this plaster may be pre- 
 pare it cannot always answer the expectations which may be entertained; and 
 the ly plan, when the skin of any individual has been found to be very suscep- 
 tiblois to accommodate the proportions to the particular circumstances of the 
 case Much, however, may be accomplished by care in the preparation of the 
 plasr, towards obviating its tendency to blister. If the flies of the Ceratum 
 Cariaridis have been coarsely pulverized, the larger particles coming in contact 
 wit! he skin, will exert upon the particular part to which they may be applied 
 thei 'ull vesicatory effect, while, if reduced to a very fine powder, they would be 
 roor thoroughly enveloped in the other ingredients, and thus have their strength 
 muc diluted. Hence the cerate, when used as an ingredient of the warming plaster, 
 shoe 1 ! contain the cantharides as minutely divided as possible, and, if that usually 
 kepi 5 not in the proper state, a portion should be prepared for this particular 
 purj ;e. A good plan, we presume, would be to keep the cerate used in this pre- 
 parahn, for a considerable time, at the temperature of *212°, and then strain it 
 so a ,o separate the flies. (See Ceratum Cantharidis.) The mode frequently 
 purs .d of preparing the warming plaster by simply sprinkling a very small pro- 
 port a of powdered flies upon the surface of Burgundy pitch is altogether ob- 
 jectkable. The U. S. process is that of the old Dublin Pharmacopoeia. In 
 the ition of the Dub. Pharmacopoeia of 1850, the proportion of the Burgundy 
 Pitchas been increased so as considerably to diminish the strength of the pre- 
 para >n. 
 
 T warming plaster is employed in chronic rheumatism, and various chronic 
 mte: il diseases attended with inflammation or an inflammatory tendency ; such 
 as ejarrh, asthma, pertussis, phthisis, hepatitis, and the sequelae of pleurisy 
 and leumonia. W. 
 
954 Emplastra. pari i. 
 
 EMPLASTRUM PLUMBL TJ. S., Lond. Emplastrum Lima. 
 gyri. Ed., Dub. Lead Plaster. Litharge Plaster. 
 
 “ Take of Semivitrified Oxide of Lead, in very fine powder, five pounds ; C?e 
 Oil a gallon ; Water two pints. Boil them together over a gentle fire, sting 
 constantly, until the Oil and Oxide of Lead unite into a plaster. It wibe 
 proper to add a little boiling water, if that employed at the commencemen )e 
 nearly all consumed before the end of the process.” U. S. 
 
 The above process is precisely that of the London Pharmacopoeia of 11,4. 
 In the editions of that work for 1836 and 1851, the quantities directed artic 
 pounds of the oxide of lead, a gallon of olive oil, and two pints of water; t, 
 as the Imperial measure is employed, the proportions are in fact nearly the sje 
 as before. 
 
 The Edinburgh College orders five ounces of litharge, twelve fluidounceol 
 olive oil, and three finidounces of water. The Dublin process does not d er 
 materially from that of the London and U. S. Pharmacopoeias. 
 
 The importance of this plaster, as the basis of most of the others, requir a 
 somewhat detailed account of the principles and manner of its preparation. 
 
 It was formerly thought that the oil and oxide of lead entered into di:t 
 union, and that the presence of water was necessary only to regulate the ti- 
 perature, and prevent the materials from being decomposed by heat. The s- 
 covery, however, was afterwards made, that this liquid was essential to the > 
 cess ; and that the oil and oxide alone, though maintained at a temperaturof 
 220°, would not combine; u'hile the addition of water, under these circa- 
 stances, would produce their immediate union. It was now supposed that le 
 oil was capable of combining only with the hydrated oxide of lead, and that ie 
 use of the water was to bring the oxide into that state ; and, in support of is 
 opinion, the fact was advanced that the hydrated oxide of lead and oil wc.d 
 form a plaster, when heated together without any free water. But, since ie 
 general reception of Chevreul’s views in relation to oils and their combinatiis 
 with alkalies and other metallic oxides, the former opinions have been ah- 
 doned ; and it is now admitted that the preparation of the lead plaster afore a 
 geuuine example of saponification, as explained by that chemist. A reacua 
 takes place between the oil and water, resulting in the development of a sweeth 
 substance called glycerin , and of two acid bodies, the oleic and margaric acs, 
 to which, when animal fat is employed instead of olive oil, a third is adql, 
 namely, the stearic. The plaster is formed by a union of these acids with te 
 oxide, and, prepared according to the directions of the Pharmacopoeias, is in ct 
 an oleo-margarate of lead. The glycerin remains dissolved in the wateror 
 mechanically mixed with the plaster. That such is the correct view of ie 
 nature of this compound is evinced by the fact, that, if the oxide of lead be sea- 
 rated from the plaster by digestion at a moderate heat in very dilute nitric ad, 
 the fatty matter which remains will unite with litharge with the greatest facilv, 
 without the intervention of water. According to a more recent chemical viv, 
 the fixed oils are compounds of the oily acids mentioned and oxide of gbpeie. 
 When boiled with the oxide of lead and waiter, the oily acids combine witlne 
 metallic oxide to form the plaster, and the oxide of glyceryle takes an equivait 
 of water and becomes glycerin. Glyceryle is a hypothetical compound of carm 
 and hydrogen (C e IL), w T hich unites with five equivalents of oxygen to form ode 
 of glyceryle (C (i II.6 5 ), also a hypothetical substance, and additionally withm 
 equivalent of water to form glycerin (C B H-0 5 + HO). 
 
 Other oleaginous substances and other metallic oxides are susceptible of ie 
 
 consistence! 
 
 except aui d 
 
 fat can properly be substituted for olive oil, and no metallic oxide, not even te 
 
 same combination, and some of them form compounds having the 
 a plaster; but according to M. Henry, of Paris, no oily matter 
 
pat II. Urnplastra. 955 
 
 of ie other oxides of lead, for litharge. He ascertained, moreover, that the 
 Brilish litharge is preferable for the formation of lead plaster to the German. 
 Fra more recent experiments of Soubeiran, it appears that massicot or even 
 mium may be substituted for litharge, and a plaster of good consistence be 
 obmed; but that a much longer time is required for completing the process 
 thf when the officinal formula is followed. When minium is used, the neces- 
 sit for its partial deoxidation renders a longer continuance of the process neces- 
 sar than with massicot. According to M. Davallon, Professor in the School 
 of edicine and Pharmacy at Lyons, it is important that the olive oil employed 
 shad be pure; for when adulterated, as it frequently is in commerce, it yields 
 aa ^perfect product. Mr. N. S. Thomas prepared a good plaster by substitut- 
 ingard for olive oil, in the proportion of eight pounds of lard to five of litharge, 
 (d Journ. of Pharm., xix. 175.) 
 
 i ad plaster has also been prepared by double decomposition between soap 
 ancacetate or subacetate of lead; but the results have not been so advantageous 
 as i lead to the general adoption of this process. For particular information 
 on e subject the reader is referred to the American Journal of Pharmacy (ix. 
 121 and to the Journal de Pharmacie (xxiii. 163 and 822). 
 
 Reparation. The vessel in which the lead plaster is prepared, should be of 
 sueja size that the materials will not occupy more than two-thirds of its capa- 
 city The oil should be first introduced, and the litharge then sprinkled in by 
 me;s of a sieve, the mixture being constantly stirred with a spatula. The par- 
 ticljl of the oxide are thus prevented from coalescing in small masses, which 
 the,.! would not easily penetrate, and which would therefore delay the process. 
 Wife the water exerts an important chemical agency in the changes which 
 occi, it is also useful by preventing too high a temperature, which would 
 decupose the oil and cause the reduction of the metal. The waste must, there- 
 forepe supplied by fresh additions as directed in the process; and the w r ater 
 add for this purpose should be previously heated, as otherwise it would not 
 onlmelay the operation, but by producing explosion might endanger the ope- 
 rates During the continuance of the boiling, the materials should be constantly 
 stiril, and the spatula should be repeatedly passed along the bottom of the 
 vess, from side to side, so as to prevent any of the oxide, which is disposed by 
 its later density to sink to the bottom, from remaining in that situation. The 
 mat jals swell up considerably in consequence partly of the vaporization of the 
 wat| partly of the escape of carbonic acid gas, which is liberated by the oily 
 acid Tom some carbonate of lead usually contained in the litharge. The pro- 
 cessyould not be continued longer than is sufficient to produce complete union 
 of t ingredients, and this may be known by the colour and consistence of the 
 mas; 1 The colour of the litharge gradually becomes paler, and at length almost 
 whit when the plaster is fully formed. The consistence increases with the 
 prog ss of the boiling, and is sufficiently thick, when a portion of the plaster, 
 take out and allowed to cool upon the end of a spatula, or thrown into cold 
 wate 1 becomes solid, without adhering in this state to the fingers. The portion 
 thusiolidified should not present, when broken, any red points, which would 
 indile the presence of a portion of uncombined litharge. When the plaster is 
 form L it should be removed from the fire, and after a short time cold water 
 shou be poured upon it. Portions should then be detached from the mass, 
 and/iving been well kneaded under w r ater, in order to separate the viscid solu- 
 tion glycerin contained in the interior, should be formed into cylindrical rolls, 
 and |j a pp e d in paper. Such at least has been the course of proceeding usually 
 recoi,aended. But M. Davallon maintains that the presence of glycerin in the 
 plasti is useful by keeping it in a plastic state, and that washing and kneading 
 we ; urious, the former by removing the glycerin, the latter by introducing 
 
PART [. 
 
 956 Pmplastra. 
 
 particles of air and moisture into the mass, which is thus rendered more dispr d 
 to rancidity. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xv. 274, from Journ. de Chim. M ) 
 By employing steam heat in the preparation of this plaster the risk of buri a 
 it is avoided. For a good arrangement for this purpose see Mohr and. Redwo '] 
 Pharmacy, edited by Prof. Procter, p. 420. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This plaster, which has long been known ur r 
 the name of diachylon, is used as an application to excoriated surfaces, an< o 
 slight wounds, which it serves to protect from the action of the air. It i y 
 also be beneficial by the sedative influence of the lead which enters into its ex- 
 position. A case is on record in which lead colic resulted from its long-contin d 
 application to a large ulcer of the leg. (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., xxiii. 2-.) 
 Its chief use is in the preparation of other plasters.* While in its yet inci- 
 plete state, it is used in the preparation of glycerin. (See Glycerina.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Assafcetidae ; Emp. Ferri; Emp. Galbani Ci- 
 positum; Emp. Gummosum ; Emp. Hydrargyri ; Emp. Opii; Emp. Resin; 
 Emp. Saponis; Unguentum Plumbi Compositum. \\ 
 
 EMPLASTRUM POTASSII IODIDI. Land. Plaster of lode 
 of Potassium. 
 
 “Take of Iodide of Potassium an ounce ; prepared Thus [frankincense] ix 
 ounces; Wax six drachms; Olive Oil two fluid rachms. To the Thus and Yx 
 melted together add the Iodide previously rubbed with the Oil, and stir constafy 
 till they cool. This plaster is to be spread rather on linen than leather.” Ltd. 
 
 This plaster may be employed for the resolution of indolent tumours, andpr 
 the other purposes for which the preparations of iodine are used extemy. 
 (See Potassii Iodidum .) YY 
 
 EMPLASTRUM RESESLE. U.S., Lond., Pub. Emplastrum e- 
 sinosum. Pd. Emplastrum Adhaesivum. Resin Plaster. Adhere 
 Plaster. 
 
 “ Take of Resin, in powder, half a pound ; Lead Plaster three pounds. Tote 
 Lead Plaster melted over a gentle fire add the Resin, and mix them.” U. & 
 
 The London process differs only in melting the resin before adding it. re 
 Edinburgh College orders five ounces of the lead plaster, and one of resin. te 
 Dublin melts two pounds of litharge plaster over a gentle fire, then adds pr 
 ounces of powdered resin, and two ounces of powdered eastile soap, and mes 
 them intimately, employing the avoirdupois weights in the process. 
 
 This preparation differs from the lead plaster in being more adhesive id 
 somewhat more stimulating. It is the common adhesive plaster of the sh s, 
 and is much employed for retaining the sides of wounds in contact, andor 
 dressing ulcers according to the method of Baynton, by which the edges re 
 drawn towards each other, and a firm support is given to the granulations, is 
 prepared by the Dublin College it contains soap, which gives it greater pliabi.y, 
 and renders it less liable to crac-k in cold weather, without impairing its a<e- 
 
 * A plaster of carbonate of lead was originally introduced into our Pharmacopoeia a 
 substitute for Mahy's plaster, so much employed in some parts of the United States ; ut 
 was omitted in the edition of 1840. It is a good application to surfaces inflamed or eo- 
 riated by friction ; and may be resorted to with advantage in those troublesome cast oi 
 cutaneous irritation, and even ulceration, occurring upon the back and hips during lg- 
 continued confinement to one position. We give the process as contained in the Phaia- 
 copceia of 1830. “Take of Carbonate of Lead a pound ; Olive Oil two pints ; Yellow '.x 
 four ounces ; Lead Plaster a pound and a half; Florentine Orris, in powder, nine oufs. 
 Boil together the Oil and Carbonate of Lead, adding a little water, and constantly stir g. 
 till they are thoroughly incorporated ; then add the Wax and Plaster, and, when thes(re 
 melted, sprinkle in the Orris, and mix the whole together.'’ By this process, a good ph« 
 may be prepared, rather too soft, perhaps, at first, hut soon acquiring the proper consisted 
 
PAC II. 
 
 Emplastra. 
 
 957 
 
 6 iv ess. As thus prepared, it is equivalent to the Emplastrum Saponis Com- 
 poshm vcl adhserens of the old Dublin Pharmacopoeia. It is usually spread 
 upl muslin; and the spreading is best accomplished, on a large scale, by means 
 of joaachine, a§ described in the general observations upon plasters. It is kept 
 in e shops ready spread ; but, as the plaster becomes less adhesive by long 
 expiure to the air, the supply should be frequently renewed. When the skin 
 is vy delicate, it occasionally excites some irritation, and under these circuin- 
 staies a plaster may be substituted, containing a smaller proportion of resin. 
 Ths; originally employed by Baynton contained only six drachms of resin to 
 the ound of lead plaster. 
 
 border to render the plaster more adhesive, and less brittle in cold weather, 
 it icustomary with many apothecaries to employ a considerable proportion of 
 Buiundy pitch or turpentine in its preparation ; but these additions are objec- 
 tiorble, as they greatly increase the liability of the plaster to irritate the skin, 
 andjhus materially interfere with the purposes for which the preparation was 
 chiey intended.* 
 
 (•'.Prep. Emplastrum Belladonnas ; Emplastrum Opii. W. 
 
 ^IPLASTRUM SAPONIS. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Soap Plaster. 
 
 “.'ake of Soap, sliced, four ounces ; Lead Plaster three pounds. Rub the 
 Soa'with sufficient water to bring it to a semi-fluid state; then mix it with 
 the taster previously melted, and boil to the proper consistence.” U. S. 
 
 “lake of Soap, sliced, half a pound; Lead Plaster three pounds; Resin an ounce. 
 To 1.3 Plaster melted by a slow fire add the Soap and Resin previously liquefied ; 
 tkenvaporate the whole, constantly stirring, to the proper consistence.” Lond,. 
 
 “ ike of Litharge Plaster [Lead Plaster] four ounces; Gum Plaster two 
 ouni ; Castile Soap, in shavings, one ounce. Melt the Plasters together with 
 a mJerate heat, add the Soap, and boil for a little.” Ed. 
 
 “ ke of Castile Soap, in powder, four ounces; Litharge Plaster [Lead Plas- 
 ter] to pounds and a half. To the Plaster previously melted over a gentle 
 fire, Id the Soap, and heat them together until they are thoroughly incorpo- 
 rate! ’ Dub. The avoirdupois weights are used in this process. 
 
 Ti present U. S. process is an improvement upon that of the former edition 
 of tl Pharmacopoeia. The proportion of soap in the old process was so large 
 as tijrender the plaster friable. It has been diminished from six to four 
 ounc . Besides, by the present mode of proceeding, it is more thoroughly 
 incoi orated with the plaster. The same end of greater plasticity is accom- 
 plish , in some degree, in the London process by the resin, and in the Edin- 
 burgjby the gum plaster. 
 
 Sol plaster is considered discutient, and is sometimes used as an application 
 to tujjiurs. 
 
 0[Prep. Emplastrum Belladonnae. W. 
 
 E PLASTRUM SIMPLEX. Ed. Simple Plaster. 
 
 “Ae of Bees’-wax three ounces ; Suet and Resin, of each, two ounces. Melt 
 them , gether with a moderate heat, and stir the mixture briskly till it concretes 
 onccimg.” Ed. 
 
 * Ahdhesive plaster, exempt from oxide of lead, is prepared by Pettenkofer. It con- 
 sists | calcareous soap incorporated with turpentine and suet, and may be prepared in 
 the fOj wing manner. A solution of soap is decomposed by a solution of chloride of cal- 
 cium. 'he precipitate, having been expressed and dried, is powdered with half its weight 
 of tubjitine dried by heat ; and the mixture is melted along with an eighth part of suet, 
 m boil t water. The mixture is boiled until the mass melts into a homogeneous fluid, 
 when s worked by the hand, in the ordinary manner, in cold water. Should portions 
 of thehlcareous soap not melt, they should be separated by straining through flannel. 
 (JourrJe Pharm., 3e ser., x. 358, from Repertorium fur die Pharm ., xlii. 40.) 
 
958 
 
 Emplastra. — Enemata. 
 
 PARI I. 
 
 This plaster was originally intended for dressing blistered surfaces, in ordeto 
 maintain a moderate discharge, to which purpose it is adapted by the stimu it 
 property of the resin. But its stiffness and adhesiveness render it unplea at 
 and of difficult management; and it has been entirely superseded by the r in 
 cerate. It is equivalent to the old Emplastrum Cerae of the London Colleo 
 
 i 
 
 ENEMATA. 
 
 Clysters. 
 
 These can scarcely be considered proper objects for officinal direction; i, 
 having been introduced into the British Pharmacopoeias, the plan of this v k 
 requires that they should be noticed. They are substances in the liquid fm, 
 intended to be thrown up the rectum, with the view either of evacuating ae 
 bowels, of producing the peculiar impression of a remedy upon the lower ponn 
 of the alimentary canal and neighbouring organs, or of acting on the system g,e- 
 rally through the medium of the surface to which they are applied. Theyre 
 usually employed to assist the action of remedies taken by the mouth, or to p- 
 ply their place when the stomach rejects them, or is insensible to their imps- 
 sion. Sometimes they are preferably used when the seat of the disorder is inhe 
 rectum or its vicinity. As a general rule, three times as much of any reniy 
 is required to produce a given impression by enema, as when taken intebe 
 stomach; but this rule should be acted on with caution, as the relative su;p- 
 tibilities of the stomach and rectum are not the same in all individuals; id, 
 with regard to all very' active remedies, the best plan is to administer less an 
 the stated proportion. Attention should also be paid to the fact, that, by he 
 frequent use of a medicine, the susceptibility of the stomach may be in ;ne 
 measure exhausted, without a proportionate diminution of that of the recta. 
 
 When the object is to evacuate the bowels, the quantity of liquid administed 
 should be considerable. For an adult from ten fluidounces to a pint; for a c Id 
 of eight or ten years, half that quantity; for an infant within the year, fronne 
 to three fluidounces, are about the proper proportions. Much larger quanles 
 of mild liquids may sometimes be given with safety and advantage ; as the bcels 
 will occasionally' feel the stimulus .of distension, when insensible to irritmg 
 impressions. 
 
 When the design is to produce the peculiar impression of the remedy upoi be 
 neighbouring parts, or on the system, it is usually desirable that the enema sbild 
 be retained; aud the vehicle should therefore be bland, and as small in quality 
 as is compatible with convenient administration. A solution of starch, flawed 
 tea, or other mucilaginous fluid should be selected, and the quantity staid 
 seldom exceed two or three fluidounces. 
 
 In every case, the patient should be instructed to resist any immediate dpo- 
 sition to discharge the injected fluid; and his efforts to retain it should be assied, 
 if necessary, by pressure with a w ; arm folded towel upon the fundament, be 
 best instrument for administering enemata is an accurate metallic syringe. 
 
 ENEMA ALOES. Lord. Clyster of Aloes. 
 
 “ Take of Aloes two scruples ; Carbonate of Potassa fifteen grains; Pecoiou 
 of Barley 7 half a pint [Imperial measure]. Mix, and rub them together." hi- 
 
 This is intended as a formula for the use of aloes in cases of ascarides i the 
 rectum, and of ameuorrhoea attended with constipation. 
 
 ENEMA ASSAFCETIDiE. Lond. Enema F<etidum. Ed., A 
 
 Clyster of Assafetida. 
 
 “Take of Prepared Assafetida a drachm; Decoction of Barley half ai’U 
 
PA I II. 
 
 Enemata. 
 
 959 
 
 [Imbrial measure]. Rub the Assafetida with the Decoction gradually added, 
 till 'ey are thoroughly mixed.” Lond. 
 
 T; Edinburgh College prepares this by adding hco drachms of tincture of 
 assa tida to the cathartic clyster; the Dublin , by mixing two fiuidrachms of 
 the octure with twelve fluid ounces of warm water. 
 
 Ts is carminative and antispasmodic as well as laxative. The preparation 
 of t London Pharmacopoeia is, we think, the best. The whole quantity di- 
 recti may be administered at once. W. 
 
 EEMA CATHARTICUM. Ed., Dub. Cathartic Clyster. 
 
 “ ike of Olive Oil one ounce; Sulphate of Magnesia half an ounce; Sugar 
 onecnce; Senna half an ounce; Boiling Water sixteen fluidounces. Infuse the 
 Sear for an hour in the Water; then dissolve the Salt and Sugar; add the Oil, 
 and ix them by agitation.” Ed. 
 
 “ ike of Sulphate of Magnesia one ounce [avoirdupois] ; Olive Oil one fluid- 
 mine . Mucilage of Barley sixteen fluidounces. Dissolve the Sulphate of Mag- 
 nesian the Mucilage, add the Oil, and mix.” Dub. 
 
 T1 laxative enema most commonly employed in this country, consists of a 
 table oonful of common salt, two tablespoonfuls of lard or olive oil, the same 
 quanty of molasses, and a pint of warm water. It has the advantage of con- 
 sistit of materials which are always at hand in families, is in all respects equal 
 to th Dublin preparation, and, though less active than the Edinburgh, is pre- 
 ferab to it on ordinary occasions. 
 
 OjFrep. Enema Fcetidum. W. 
 
 E.SMA COLOCYNTHIDIS. Lond. Clyster of Colocynth. 
 
 “like of Extract of Colocynth half a drachm ; Soft Soap an ounce; Water 
 a p«ji Imperial measure]. Mix, and rub them together.” Lond. 
 
 Th may be employed whenever a very powerful purgative impression is re- 
 quireupon the lower bowels, as in obstinate colic and constipation. W. 
 
 EfMA OPII. Lond. Enema Opii vel Anodynum. Ed. Clyster- 
 of Ohm. 
 
 “T:e of Decoction of Starch four fluidounces ; Tincture of Opium thirty 
 ini nil Mix them.” Lond. 
 
 ThEdinburgh College boils half a drachm of starch in two fluidounces of 
 water, nd, when it is c-ool enough for use, adds from thirty minims to a flui- 
 chadt of tincture of opium. 
 
 Of liese processes that of the London College is preferable, although the 
 quant of decoction of starch is unnecessarily large. The Edinburgh process 
 is obje ionable from its indefiniteness. It must have happened to every one in 
 the hat of prescribing opium in this way, to have seen a much greater effect 
 prodiu 1 by a certain amount of laudanum injected into the rectum than by 
 one-th 1 of the quantity swallowed. The fluidrachm contains at least one hun- 
 dred d ps of laudanum of the ordinary size, and not less than one hundred and 
 twenty s they are often formed. From twenty to twenty-five drops are usually 
 considc id as a medium dose by the mouth ; so that sixty drops, equivalent to 
 about a-ty minims, are abundantly sufficient by enema. The quantity, there- 
 fore, qered by the London College, and the smallest quantity by the Edin- 
 burgh, the full dose. As the object is that the enema should remain in the 
 rectum he smaller the quantity of the vehicle the better; and a mucilaginous 
 fluid isj|referable to water, as it involves the tincture, and prevents the irritation 
 el the bohol before the opium begins to take effect. The ordinary anodyne 
 enema, nployed in this country, consists of about sixty drops of laudanum and 
 one or '-o fluidounces of flaxseed tea or solution of starch. 
 
960 
 
 Enemata. — Extracta. 
 
 PAR- [I. 
 
 This is an admirable remedy in obstinate vomiting, strangury from blis rs 
 painful affections of the kidneys, bladder, and uterus, and in the tenesmi of 
 dysentery. It may also frequently be employed to produce the effects of oj.m 
 upon the system, when circumstances prevent the administration of that r li- 
 cine by the mouth. y 
 
 ENEMA TEREBINTHINiE. Bond., Ed ., Bub. Clyster of ; :? - 
 pentine. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Turpentine a jbndounce; the Yolk of one Egg; Deco on 
 of Barley nineteen fluidounces. Hub the Oil with the Yolk, and mix the Dic- 
 tion with them.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh College employs the same proportions, but substitutes iter 
 for decoction of barley. The Dnblin College mixes a fluidounce of the oil ith 
 sixteen fluidounces of mucilage of barley. (See Oleum Terebinthinse .) 1 
 
 EXTRACTA. 
 
 Extracts. 
 
 Extracts, as the term is employed in the Pharmacopoeias, are solid substaes, 
 resulting from the evaporation of the solutions of vegetable principles, obtaed 
 either by exposing the vegetable to the action of a solvent, or by expressii its 
 juice in the recent state. The Dublin College formerly made a distinction bet;en 
 those prepared from the infusions, decoctions, or tinctures, and those fronthe 
 expressed juices of plants, calling the former Extracta, the latter Sued Spitti; 
 but abandoned it in the last edition of its Pharmacopoeia. There is no ich 
 essential difference between these two sets of preparations, as to require hat 
 they should be separately classed ; and something is gained in the simplic:- of 
 nomenclature, as well as of arrangement, which results from their union. vTe 
 shall consider them under the same head, taking care, however, to detaiUis- 
 tinctly whatever is peculiar in the mode of preparing each. 
 
 The composition of extracts varies with the nature of the vegetable, theha- 
 racter of the solvent, and the mode of preparation. The object is genera’ to 
 obtain as much of the active principles of the plant, with as little of theiert 
 matter as possible ; though sometimes it may be desirable to separate the ;:ive 
 ingredients from each other, when their effects upon the system are matetlly 
 different ; and this may be accomplished by employing a menstruum which, bile 
 it dissolves one, leaves the other untouched. The proximate prineiplesiost 
 commonly present in extracts are gum, sugar, starch, tannin, extractive, cor- 
 ing matter, salts, and the peculiar principles of plants; to which, when a sjitu- 
 ous solvent is employed, may usually be added resinous substances, fatty niter, 
 and frequently more or less essential oil ; gum and starch being excluded hen 
 the menstruum is pure alcohol. Of these substances, as well as of others ucb. 
 being soluble, are sometimes necessarily present in extracts, we have takencca- 
 sion to treat under various heads in the Materia Medica. There is one, ho'ver. 
 which, from its supposed almost uniform presence in this class of preparrons, 
 and from the influence it is thought to exert upon their character, deservepar- 
 ticular consideration in this place. We allude to extractive , or, as it is somimes 
 called, extractive matter. 
 
 It has long been observed that in most vegetables there is a substance, sable 
 both in water and alcohol, which, in the preparation of extracts, undoes 
 chemical change during the process of evaporation, imparting to the liquid ven 
 if originally limpid, first a greenish, then a yellowish-brown, and ultimidy a 
 deep-brown colour, and becoming itself insoluble. This substance, oris ally 
 called saponaceous matter by Scheele, afterwards received the more expi> sive 
 
PAt II. 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 961 
 
 nan of extractive, derived from its frequent presence in extracts. Its existence 
 as a-istinct principle is denied, or at least doubted by some chemists, who con- 
 sidethe phenomena supposed to result from its presence, as depending ppon 
 the lutual reaction of other principles ; and, in relation to Peruvian bark, it 
 uppers to have been proved that the insoluble matter which forms during its 
 decoion in water is a compound of starch and tannin. A similar compound 
 mus also be formed in other cases when these two principles co-exist ; but they 
 are at always present in the same vegetable, nor can all the changes which 
 bavt'een attributed to extractive be accounted for by their union, even when 
 theyre present; so that, till further light is shed on the subject, it is best to 
 ad m the existence of a distinct substance, which, though not the same in all 
 plan possesses sufficient identity of character to be entitled, like sugar, resin, 
 &c., b a distinctive name. The most interesting property of extractive is its 
 dispetion to pass, by the influence of atmospheric air at a high temperature, 
 into i insoluble substance. If a vegetable infusion or decoction be evaporated 
 in th open air to the consistence of an extract, then diluted, filtered, and again 
 evapated, and the process repeated so long as any insoluble matter is formed, 
 the vole of the extractive will be separated from the liquid, while the other 
 ingre.ents may remain. If chlorine be passed through an infusion or decoction, 
 a sinfar precipitate is formed with much greater rapidity. The change is 
 usual ascribed to the absorption of oxygen by the extractive, which has, there- 
 fore, |en called, in its altered condition, oxidized extractive; but De Saussure 
 ascerined that, though oxygen is absorbed during the process, an equal measure 
 of caibnic acid gas is given out, and the oxygen and hydrogen of the extractive 
 unite.) form water in such a manner as to leave the principle richer in carbon 
 than was originally. The name of oxidized extractive is, therefore, obviously 
 incornt; and Berzelius proposes to substitute for it that of apotheme, synony- 
 mousiith deposit. According to Berzelius, apotheme is not completely inso- 
 luble water, but imparts a slight colour to that liquid when cold, and is rather 
 more'luble in boiling water, which becomes turbid upon cooling. It is still 
 more luble in alcohol, and is freely dissolved by solutions of the alkalies and 
 alkali! carbonates, from which it is precipitated by acids. It has a great tend- 
 ency, 'hen precipitated from solutions, to unite with other principles, and to 
 carry em along with it; thus acquiring properties somewhat different, according 
 to tkhource from which it is obtained. In this way, also, even when the 
 ext rathe of a plant is itself medicinally inert, its conversion into apotheme may 
 ; bo inj ;ious by causing a precipitation of a portion of the active principle ; and, 
 in prajical pharmaceutic operations, this change should always, if possible, be 
 avoide With these preliminary views, we shall proceed to the consideration 
 of thejiractical rules necessary to be observed in the preparation of extracts. 
 We sb 1 treat of the subject under the several heads of, 1. the extraction of the 
 soluble Principles from the plant; 2. the method of conducting the evaporation; 
 o. the ;-oper condition of extracts, the changes they are liable to undergo, and 
 tbe be method of preserving them ; and 4. the general directions of the several 
 Phartn' opoeias in relation to them. 
 
 1 . Extraction of the Soluble Principles. 
 
 The: are two distinct modes of obtaining, in a liquid state, the principles 
 which wish to extract; 1. by expression alone; 2. by the agency of a solvent, 
 with ojdthout expression. 
 
 b 1 Expression. This method is applicable to recent vegetables 1 . All plants 
 cannot e advantageously treated in this way, as many have too little juice to 
 afford ; appreciable quantity upon pressure, and of the succulent a considerable 
 
962 
 
 Extrada. 
 
 PAR 1 [I. 
 
 portion do not yield all their active principles with their juice. Succulent fi ts, 
 and various acrid and narcotic plants, are proper subjects of this treatment, he 
 plants should be operated upon, if possible, immediately after collection, [r. 
 Battley, of London, recommends that, if not entirely fresh, they should Re- 
 vived by the immersion of the stalks in water for twelve or eighteen hours, nd 
 those only used which recover their freshness by this management. They shld 
 then be cut into pieces, and bruised in a stone mortar till brought to appy 
 consistence. When the plant is not very succulent, it is necessary to add a tie 
 water during this part of the process, in order to dilute the juice. Afteiaf- 
 ficient contusion, the pulp is introduced into a linen or canvas bag, anr he 
 liquid parts expressed. Mr. Brande states that light pressure only shou] be 
 employed; as the extract is thus procured greener, of a less glutinous or tud 
 consistence, and, in his opinion, more active than when considerable force is .ed 
 in the expression. ( Manual of Pharmacy.') The juice thus obtained is op;ae 
 and usually green, in consequence of the presence of green wax or chloroplle, 
 and of a portion of the undissolved vegetable fibre in minute division. By at- 
 ing the juice to about 160°, the albumen contained in it coagulates, and, invotng 
 the chlorophylle and vegetable fibre, forms a greenish precipitate. If the laid 
 he now filtered, it becomes limpid and nearly colourless, and is prepared foiva- 
 poration. The clarification, however, is not absolutely necessary, and is gendly 
 neglected. Sometimes the precipitate carries with it a considerable porti of 
 the active principle; in which case it should be subsequently incorporated ith 
 the juice, when reduced by evaporation to the consistence of a syrup. 
 
 2. By Solution. The active principles of dried vegetables can be estrted 
 only by means of a liquid solvent. The menstruum usually employed is «her 
 water or alcohol, or a mixture of the two. Water, on account of its cheaps?, 
 is always preferred, when circumstances do not strongly call for the use ofleo- 
 hol. It has the advantage, moreover, that it may be assisted in its actii, if 
 necessary, by a higher degree of heat than the latter. Pump water is oft«cnfit 
 for the purpose, in consequence of the quantity of its saline matter, whi , in 
 some instances, may 7 exert an unfavourable influence on the active principland 
 must always be left in the extract. Rain, river, or distilled water shou. be 
 preferred. Alcohol is employed when the principles to be extracted are insoble, 
 or but slightly soluble in water, as in the case of the resins; when it is desible 
 to avoid in the extract inert substances, such as gum and starch, which ar dis- 
 solved by water and not by alcohol; when the heat required to evapora the 
 aqueous solution would dissipate or decompose the active ingredients of the ant, 
 as the volatile oils and the active principle of sarsaparilla ; when the reaeta of 
 the water itself upon the vegetable principles is injurious; and, finally, wh the 
 nature of the substance to be exhausted requires so long a maceration in ater 
 as to endanger spontaneous decomposition. The watery solution requires} be 
 soon evaporated, as this fluid rather promotes than counteracts chemical chiges; 
 while an alcoholic tincture may be preserved unaltered for an indefinite pod. 
 An addition of alcohol to water is sufficient, to answer some of the purpos for 
 which the former is preferable; and the employment of both fluids is esstial, 
 when the virtues of the plant reside in two or more principles, all of whi are 
 not soluble in either of these menstrua. In this case it is usually better t sub- 
 mit the vegetable to the action of the two fluids successively, than to both u-ted. 
 Extracts obtained by the agency of water, are called watery or aqueous exacts , 
 those by 7 means of alcohol, undiluted or diluted, alcoholic or spirituous exacts. 
 
 The method of preparing the solution is not a matter of indifference. The 
 vegetable should be thoroughly bruised, or reduced to a coarse powder, sas to 
 allow the access of the solvent to all its parts, and yet not so finely puhtzea 
 as to prevent a ready precipitation of the undissolved and inactive P' ;i0Ui 
 
pa:' ii. 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 963 
 
 Wfci water is employed, it has been customary to boil the medicine for a con- 
 sidetble time, and, if the first portion of liquid does not completely exhaust it, 
 tor eat the operation with successive portions, till the whole of the active matter 
 is e racted. This may be known by the sensible properties of the liquid, and 
 by influence upon reagents. But the boiling temperature produces the de- 
 conosition of many vegetable principles, or at least so modifies them as to render 
 thei inert; and the extracts prepared by decoction are usually less efficient than 
 thof prepared with a less degree of heat. From numerous experiments upon 
 extiits, Orfila concluded that their virtues were less in proportion to the heat 
 empyed. It has, therefore, been recommended to substitute for decoction the 
 prods of maceration, digestion, or hot infusion; in the first of which the liquid 
 actsdthout heat, in the second is assisted by a moderately increased tempera- 
 turemstained for a considerable time, and in the third is poured boiling hot 
 upoithe vegetable matter, and allowed to stand for a short period in a covered 
 vess. When the active principles are readily soluble in cold water, maceration 
 isoin preferable to the other modes, as starch, which is inert, is thus left be- 
 liinc but in many instances the preparation would spoil before the extraction 
 wou be completed. By digestion, though the solvent power of water is mo- 
 deraly increased, the advantage is often more than counterbalanced by the 
 incused disposition to spontaneous decomposition. Hot infusion, therefore, is 
 to ^preferred where the vegetable does not readily yield its virtues to cold 
 watt It has the advantage, moreover, in the case of albuminous substances, 
 that le albumen is coagulated, and thus prevented from increasing the bulk of 
 the Itraet, without any addition to its virtues. A convenient mode of perform- 
 ing us process, is to introduce the solid material into a vessel with an opening 
 near e bottom temporarily closed, or into a funnel with its mouth loosely stopped, 
 then i pour on the boiling water, and, having allowed it to remain a sufficient 
 leugi of time, to draw it off through the opening. This operation may be re- 
 peat! till the water comes away without any obvious impregnation. It is 
 alwa desirable to obtain the solution in the first place as concentrated as pos- 
 sible o as to prevent the necessity of long continued evaporation, which injures 
 the e.ract. It is better, therefore, to incur the risk, both where decoction and 
 infusla are employed, of leaving a portion of the active matter behind, than to 
 obtai a very weak solution. When successive portions of water are employed, 
 those which are least impregnated should be brought by evaporation to the 
 stren h of that first obtained before being mixed with it, as the latter thus 
 escap exposure to unnecessary heat. 
 
 W n alcohol is employed as a menstruum, the vegetable should be mace- 
 rated i it for one or two weeks, and care should be taken that the tincture bo 
 at ne ly saturated as possible. The extraction may be hastened by substituting 
 digesin for maceration; as the moderate heat employed, while it facilitates the 
 actiotif the alcohol, has in this case no effect in promoting decomposition, and 
 the it aence of the atmospheric air may be excluded by performing the process 
 in clo vessels. When alcohol and water are both used, it is best, as a general 
 tule, exhaust the vegetable with each separately, as the two menstrua require 
 differi t modes of treatment. In whichever of these modes the extraction is 
 effeetil it requires the assistance of occasional agitation ; and, when the vege- 
 table jitter is very porous, and absorbs large quantities of the solvent, expres- 
 sion r st be resorted to. 
 
 Ae ; c acid has been introduced into use as a menstruum in the preparation 
 °f exj Lets. It is supposed to be a better solvent of the active principles of 
 certai. substances than either water or alcohol alone. According to Girolamo 
 the acrid narcotics, such as aconite, hemlock, hyoscyamus, and stramo 
 
 Fer 
 
 mum, Held much stronger extracts with distilled vinegar than with water, and 
 
964 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 PAE1 1. 
 
 still stronger to alcohol to which strong acetic acid has been added. ( Jourr le 
 Pharm. Be ser., i. 239.) This acid is used in the preparation of the acetic x- 
 tract of eolchicum. 
 
 Ether is now also used to a considerable extent in the preparation of ceiin 
 extracts. Having the property of dissolving volatile oil and resin, and of a- 
 porating at a temperature insufficient to volatilize the oil, it is admirably adaed 
 for the preparation of extracts from those substances the virtues of which nde 
 in the two principles referred to. An ethereal tincture is first prepared ffiae 
 process of percolation or displacement, and the ether is then either allowc to 
 escape by spontaneous evaporation, or is distilled off at a very moderate !u. 
 The oleo-resinous extracts thus obtained are usually of a thick fluid or semi- id 
 consistence. For more precise information as to the mode of preparing tin, 
 the reader is referred to a paper by Prof. Procter, in the Arner. Journ. of Phi n. 
 (xxi. 114). Several of them are now ranked among the officinal preparatis, 
 in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, under the title of Fluid Extracts. 
 
 The process of percolation or displacement has within a few years been ry 
 advantageously applied to the preparation of extracts, both with water andpi- 
 rituous menstrua. It has the following great advantages; 1. that itenable.he 
 soluble principles to be sufficiently extracted by cold water, thereby avoing 
 the injury resulting from heat in decoction and hot infusion; 2. that it ects 
 the extraction much more quickly than can be done by maceration, therebyrot 
 only saving time, but also obviating the risk of spontaneous decomposition :nd 
 8. that it affords the opportunity of obtaining highly concentrated solutions, ms 
 diminishing all the injurious effects of the subsequent evaporation. IVhile ius 
 advantageous, it is less liable in this particular case than in others to the oec- 
 tion of yielding imperfect results if not well performed; for, though an ine:ert 
 or careless operator may incur loss by an incomplete exhaustion of the subsnee 
 acted on, and the extract may be deficient in quantity, it may still be orhe 
 intended strength and quality, which is not the case with infusions or tine res 
 unskilfully 7 prepared upon this plan. For an account of the mode of opemg 
 iu the process of displacement, and of the instruments used, the reader is refeed 
 to pages 782 and 789. 
 
 Some prefer the mode of expression to that of displacement. This also :ap- 
 plicable both to watery and alcoholic menstrua. The substance to be acted ton 
 is mixed with the menstruum, cold or hot according to circumstances; anthe 
 mixture is allowed to stand from twelve to twenty-four hours. The liquid art 
 is then filtered off, and the remainder submitted to strong pressure, in a ten 
 bag, by means of a common screw press, or other convenient instrument. An- 
 other portion of the menstruum may then be added, and pressure again appd; 
 aud, if the substance is not sufficiently exhausted, the same operation ru be 
 performed a third time. Frequently only a single expression is requiredmd 
 very seldom a third. The quantity of menstruum added must vary witithe 
 solubility of the principles to be extracted. According to Ylohr, the metUot 
 expression has the advantages over that of displacement, that it yields sohons 
 of more uniform concentration, that it does not require the material to ; so 
 carefully powdered, or otherwise so skilfully managed in order to insure ts>ar- 
 able results, and finally that it occupies less time. 
 
 2 . Mode of conducting the Evaporation. 
 
 In evaporating the solutions obtained in the modes above described, attooa 
 should always be paid to the fact, that the extractive matter is constant bo- 
 coming insoluble at high temperatures with the access of air, and that her 
 chemical changes are going on, sometimes not less injurious than this, ad e 
 the volatile principles are expelled with the vapour. The operator sbldj 
 
pa;: ii. 
 
 JExtracta. 
 
 965 
 
 the fore, observe two rules; 1. to conduct the evaporation at as low a tempera- 
 turns is consistent with other objects; 2. to exclude atmospheric air as much 
 as issible, and, when this cannot be accomplished, to expose the liquid the 
 shoest possible time to its action. According to Berzelius, the injurious in- 
 flue'se of atmospheric air is much greater at the boiling point of water than at 
 a le : heat, even allowing for the longer exposure in the latter case ; and, there- 
 fore! slow evaporation at a moderate heat is preferable to the more rapid effects 
 of mllition. Bearing these principles in mind, we shall proceed to examine 
 the ifferent modes in practice. First, however, it is proper to observe that 
 decisions generally let fall upon cooling a portion of insoluble matter; and it 
 is auestion whether this should be rejected, or retained so as to form a part of 
 the xtract- Though it is undoubtedly in many instances inert, as in that of 
 the isoluble tannate of starch formed during the decoction of certain vegetable 
 submces, yet, as it frequently also contains a portion of the active principle 
 whi a boiling saturated solution necessarily deposits on cooling, and, as it is 
 diffidt to decide with certainty when it is active and when otherwise, the safest 
 plaras a general rule, is to allow it to remain. 
 
 Ti method of evaporation usually resorted to in the case of the aqueous so- 
 lutMS is rapid boiling over a fire. The more quickly the process is conducted 
 the tter, provided the liquid is to be brought to the boiling point; for the 
 temvrature cannot exceed this, and the length of exposure is diminished. But, 
 everjvhere this method is employed, it should not be continued till the com- 
 pleti of the evaporation; for, when most of the water has escaped, the tem- 
 pera re can no longer be kept down to the boiling point, and the extract is 
 bun The caution, therefore, should always be observed of removing the 
 prepation from the fire, before it has attained the consistence of thick syrup, 
 and Impleting the evaporation either by means of a water-bath, or in shallow 
 vessli at a moderate heat. When large quantities of liquid are to be evapo- 
 rateijit is best to divide them into portions, and evaporate each separately; for, 
 as eai portion requires less time for evaporation than the whole, it will thus be 
 a shifter time exposed to heat. (Mohr.) But the mode of evaporation by boiling 
 is aljys more or less objectionable, and should be employed only in cases where 
 the ]|nciples of the plant are so fixed and unchangeable as to authorize their 
 extirion by decoction. 
 
 E poration by means of the water-bath, from the commencement of the pro- 
 cess, safer than the plan just mentioned, as it obviates all danger of burning 
 the r.ract; but, as the heat is not supplied directly fronwlthe fire, the volatili- 
 zatioof the water cannot go on so rapidly, and the temperature being the same, 
 or vt • nearly so, when the water-bath is kept boiling, there is greater risk of 
 injur as action from the air. The liquid should be stirred during the process. 
 The e of the vapour-bath, as suggested by M. Henry, is perhaps preferable; 
 as it quires a smaller consumption of fuel, and the heat imparted to the liquid, 
 while ufficient to evaporate it, is less than 212°. We take the following de- 
 scrip n of the apparatus employed at the Central Pharmacy of Paris, from M. 
 CheVlier’s highly useful Manual. It consists of a covered boiler, containing 
 wate- he vapour of which is conducted through a pipe into evaporating vessels, 
 cornu nicating with each other by means of metallic tubes. These vessels have 
 the ft n of an ordinary copper basin, over the top of which is soldered a shallow 
 tin etude, intended to contain the liquor to be evaporated. The vapour from 
 theb.er circulates through these vessels, and the water into which it condenses 
 is all ed to escape through a stop-cock attached to the bottom of each vessel. 
 Fron.he last one of the series a tube passes into a vessel of water, so as to 
 afforc slight pressure against the escape of any excess of vapour. The liquid 
 to bevaporated is first distributed in two or three capsules, but when con- 
 
966 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 PARI i. 
 
 siderably concentrated is transferred to a single one, where it is stirred tow Is 
 the close of the process to hasten the evaporation. The heat applied to ie 
 liquid, if there are four vessels, is in that nearest the boiler about 198° F ia 
 the fourth or most remote, about 135°. An incidental advantage of this aji- 
 ratus is, that it affords a large supply of distilled water. 
 
 A good plan of evaporation, though slow, is to place the liquid in a broad al- 
 low vessel, exposed in a stove or drying room to a temperature of about 1 0 
 or a little higher, taking care that the air have free access in order to facil te 
 the evaporation. This mode is particularly applicable to those cases in w :h 
 maceration or infusion is preferred to decoction for extracting the active ]n- 
 ciples. Berzelius says that we may thus usually obtain the extract in the : m 
 of a yellowish transparent mass, while those prepared in the ordinary wajre 
 almost black, and are opaque even in very thin layers. Even when the liqu is 
 boiled at first, the process may often be advantageously completed in this in- 
 ner. It has been proposed to effect the evaporation at the common tempera -e, 
 by directing a strong current of air, by means of a pair of smith’s bellows, er 
 the surface of the liquid; and in reference to substances which are injurecby 
 heat and not by atmospheric air, the plan will be found useful. 
 
 Plans have been proposed and carried into execution for performing evaponon 
 without the admission of atmospheric air. The apparatus for evaporation in vuo 
 invented by Mr. Barry, and described in the Land. Journ. of Science and rt$ 
 (vol. viii. p. 360), is well calculated to meet this object, at the same time thaby 
 removing the atmospheric pressure, it enables the water to rise in vapour ore 
 rapidly, and at a comparatively low temperature. The method of Barry coEts 
 in distilling the liquid into a large receiver from which the air has been exp ed 
 by steam, and in which the vapour is condensed by cold water applied tche 
 surface of the receiver, so as to maintain a partial vacuum. Mr. Kedwoouas 
 modified this process by keeping an air-pump in action during the evaporaiD, 
 thus removing not only the air, but the vapour as fast as it forms, and rin- 
 taiuing a more complete vacuum than can be done by the condensation othe 
 vapour alone. {Journ. de Pharm., 3 eser., i. 231.) Another method is to ice 
 the liquid under an exhausted receiver, together with some concentrated sulp:rie 
 acid, or chloride of calcium, which, by its affinity for water, assists the e po- 
 ration of the liquid. But, from the expense and trouble of these modes of e - po- 
 ration, they are not calculated for general use. Dr. Christison recommen as 
 probably the most perfect and convenient method, especially with watery fu- 
 sions and decoctions? to evaporate the fluid in a vacuum to the .consisten of 
 syrup, and then to complete the process in shallow vessels, exposed to a Client 
 of air without heat.* 
 
 A convenient plan of excluding the air, though it does not at the same me 
 meet the object of reducing the requisite degree of heat, is to distil off the ter 
 
 * Mr. Grandval has described an apparatus, for evaporation in vacuo for the prepaacn 
 of extracts, in the Journ. de P/iarm. el de Chim., xv. 82. Messrs. Tilden X Co., one* 
 York, have recently employed a vacuum apparatus analogous to that used in refining g» r - 
 The vacuum is obtained and continued by the constant action of a powerful steam '«n 
 pump. Their apparatus includes two evaporating pans : one large, having a capau ot 
 several hundred gallons, used to concentrate the solutions for extracts to a syrup,!*®’ 
 sistence ; the other, holding about fifty gallons, in which the evaporation is finishedlte 
 latter is furnished with an opening of such size as to permit the operator to remo the 
 residual extract. The temperature during the evaporation is from 120° to 140° F., a' 3 
 derived from steam pipes, placed within the boiler in the large evaporating pan, ><■ * 
 steam jacket beneath the smaller one. Very fine extracts are prepared in this wa; 10 
 the Journ. de Pharm. (3 eser., xxiii. 1), MM. Soubeiran and Gobley have particular 
 scribed and figured an apparatus, founded upon that of M. Grandval, but modified sc- t0 
 be adapted to operations on a small scale, and to be within the reach of apothecaneffho 
 may desire to prepare their own extracts. — Note to the ninth and tenth editions. 
 
PAi' II. 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 967 
 
 in ose vessels. Berzelius says that this is the best mode of concentration next* 
 to ft in vacuo. Care, however, must be taken that the fire be not too long 
 appjd, lest the extract should be burnt. The process should, therefore, be com- 
 plell by means of the water-bath. 
 
 I the concentration of alcoholic solutions, distillation should always he per- 
 forid; as not only is the atmospheric air thus excluded, but the alcohol is 
 reccered, if not absolutely pure, certainly fit for the purpose to which it was 
 origially applied. Here also the water-bath should be employed, to obviate 
 anyossible risk of injury from the fire. When the decoction or infusion, and 
 tincire of the same vegetable have been made separately, they should be sepa- 
 rate' evaporated to the consistence of syrup, and then mixed together, while 
 thejare of such a consistence as to incorporate without difficulty. The object 
 of lis separate evaporation is, that the spirituous extract may not be exposed 
 to te degree of heat, or lengthened action of the air, which is necessary in the 
 ordiiry mode of concentrating the infusion or decoction. 
 
 I every instance, care should be taken to prevent any portion of the extract 
 frorbecoming dry and hard on the sides of the evaporating vessel, as in this 
 statit will not readily incorporate with the remaining mass. The beat, there- 
 foreshould be applied to the bottom, and not to the sides of the vessel. 
 
 3. Condition and Preservation of Extracts. 
 
 Htracts are prepared of two different degrees of consistence ; soft so that 
 theynay be readily made into pills, and hard that they may be pulverized. In 
 astr gent extracts, the evaporation should be carried to dryness. Those obtained 
 frorathe expressed juices of plants are apt to attract moisture from the air, in 
 eonquence of the deliquescent nature of the salts existing in the juice. They 
 are ius rendered softer, and more liable to become mouldy upon the surface. 
 Oth s, especially such as contain much chlorophylle, harden by time, in con- 
 seqnce of the escape of their moisture ; and it not unfrequently happens that 
 sma crystals of saline matter are formed in their substatjce. Most extracts, 
 espcially those containing azotized principles, are capable, when left to them- 
 selv, of producing nitrates. The air, moreover, exercises an unfavourable 
 cheical influence over the softer extracts, which are enfeebled, and ultimately 
 bect e nearly inert, by the same changes which they undergo more rapidly in 
 the quid state at an elevated temperature. If an extract be dissolved in water, 
 and;ie liquid be saturated with common salt, or any other very soluble salt of 
 diffi It decomposition, the greater part of it is precipitated, in consequence of 
 the solubility of this class of substances in tealine solutions. The precipitate 
 rnajjie again dissolved in pure water. 
 
 ftracts, in order that they may keep well, should be placed in glazed earthen- 
 wap glass, or porcelain jars, and completely protected from the access of the 
 air. This may be effected by covering their surface with a layer of melted wax, 
 or v h a piece of paper moistened with strong spirit, then closing the mouth of 
 the 'ssel with a cork, spreading wax or rosin over this, and covering the whole 
 witb.eather, or a piece of bladder. ( Duncan . ) The dry extracts, being less 
 liab to be affected by atmospheric oxygen, do not require so much care. The 
 apphtion of alcohol to the surface has a tendency to prevent mouldiness. A 
 aiet!;d of protecting extracts from the action of the air frequently resorted to, 
 'a t cover them closely with oiled bladder; but this, though better than to 
 leav them uncovered, is not entirely effectual. Should the extract become too 
 mot it may be dried by means of a water-bath ; should it, on the contrary, 
 be t dry, the proper consistence may be restored by softening it in the same 
 mar :r, and incorporating with it a little distilled water. ( Chevallier .) 
 
968 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 part i 
 
 ‘ Some extracts when powdered have a tendency to cohere again. Accordir 
 to Greiseler, this may be obviated by the addition of sugar of milk or powderc 
 liquorice-root; two or three parts of the former, and one part of the latter 
 one of the extract being sufficient for the purpose. ( Pharni . Cent. Blatt, A. 1 
 1850, p. 238.) Mohr recommends the following plan of drying and preservir 
 extracts. Take equal parts of powdered liquorice-root and of the extract, rt 
 them well together in a mortar, put the resulting paste into an earthen vessel wii 
 a flat bottom, place this in another of iron, a little deeper, containing chloride 
 calcium thoroughly dried by a heat insufficient to melt it; then enclose tl 
 whole with a cover fitted to the iron vessel, and allow them to stand for a dt 
 or more. When the extract is quite dry, powder it, and mix it with an equ 
 weight of powdered liquorice-root. ( Ibid . p. 719.) 
 
 Extracts from recent plants should be prepared at the season when the plai 
 is medicinally most active ; and a good rule is to prepare them once a year. 
 
 4. General Officinal Directions. 
 
 “ In the preparation of the Extracts, evaporate, unless otherwise directed, ; 
 quickly as possible, in a broad, shallow dish, by means of a water-bath, unt 
 they have acquired the consistence proper for forming pills ; and towards tl 
 end of the process, stir them constantly with a spatula. Sprinkle upon the softi 
 Extracts a small quantity of Alcohol.” U. S- 
 
 The directions of the London College are the same as the above, the sprinkliE 
 being omitted. 
 
 “ Extracts are usually prepared by evaporating the expressed juices of plant 
 or their infusions and decoctions in water, proof spirit, or rectified spirit, at 
 temperature not exceeding 212° F., by means of a vapour-bath. Most of theD 
 however, may be obtained of greatly superior quality by the process of evapor 
 tion in vacuo. And the extracts of expressed juices cannot, perhaps, be bett> 
 prepared than by spontaneous evaporation in shallow vessels, exposed to a cu 
 rent of air. Extracts should he evaporated to such a consistence as to form 
 pill-mass when cold.” Ed. 
 
 E'XTR ACTUM ACONITI. V. S., Loud.. Ed. Extract of Aeon it 
 
 This is prepared, according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, from fresh Aconi 
 Leaves in the manner directed for extract of stramonium leaves. (See Exlractu 
 Stramonii Foliorum.') 
 
 ‘‘Take of fresh Aconite Leaves a pound. Bruise them in a stone mortal 
 then express the juice, and evaporate it, without straining, to the proper coi 
 sistence.” Loud. 
 
 “ Take of the Leaves of Monkshood, fresh, any convenient quantity. Be: 
 them into a pulp; express the juice; subject the residuum to percolation wit 
 Rectified Spirit, so long as the Spirit passes materially coloured ; unite tl 
 expressed juice and the spirituous infusion; filter; distil oflf the spirit; at 
 evaporate the residuum in the vapour-hath, taking care to remove the vessel fro 
 the heat so soon as the due degree of consistence shall be attained.” Ed. 
 
 The FT. S. and London processes for this extract are the same ; consisting : 
 the evaporation of the expressed juice of the leaves. The reader will find tl 
 general officinal directions at the close of our introductory observations in relatic 
 to extracts. Among these observations, he will also fiud rules which may be • 
 practical use in regulating the various steps of the process under consideration 
 
 In relation to the preparation of this extract, as well as of all others derive 
 from the expressed juices of narcotic plants, the following summary of the pin 
 pursued by Mr. Battley, an experienced apothecary of London, may be of se 
 vice. Having passed the expressed juice through a fine hair sieve, he places 
 
’ART II. 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 969 
 
 mmediately upou the fire. Before it boils, a quantity of green matter rises to 
 he surface, which in some plants is very abundant. This is removed by a per- 
 orated tin dish, and preserved. It ceases to appear soon after the liquid begins 
 o boil. The boiling is continued till rather more than half the fluid has been 
 vaporated, when the decoction is poured into a conical pan and allowed to c-ool. 
 ■In abundant dark-green precipitate forms, from which the supernatant liquid is 
 loured off ; and this, having been reduced one-half by a second boiling, is again 
 flowed to stand. The precipitate which now falls is less green than the first. 
 Ihe remaining fluid is once more placed over the fire, and allowed to boil till it 
 ssuraes the consistence of syrup, when it is removed. The matter at first col- 
 ected by skimming, together with that precipitated, is now incorporated with 
 t, and the whole placed in a metallic pan, and by means of a water-bath evapo- 
 ated to the consistence of an extract. In the latter part of the process, care is 
 ecessary to prevent the extract from hardening on the sides of the vessel, as it 
 bus loses its fine green colour, and becomes proportionably feeble. 
 
 The superiority of this plan over a continuous boiling is, that the portions of 
 ctive matter which are deposited at different stages of the process, are subjected 
 or a shorter time to heat than if allowed to remain in the liquor, and are con- 
 3quently less deteriorated. The matter which coagulates before the fluid boils 
 j chiefly albumen, embracing portions of chlorophylle and of the undissolved 
 Vegetable fibre. It might probably be thrown away without diminishing the 
 irtues of the extract ; but as chlorophylle, though itself inactive, has often as- 
 ociated with it a portion of the active principle, it is the most economical plan 
 ) incorporate it with the other , matters. Mr. Brande states that one cwt. of 
 ■-psh aconite yields about five pounds of extract. According to Geiger, one 
 bund yields an ounce and a half. 
 
 The Edinburgh process, which was adopted from the Prussian Pharmacopoeia, 
 rst expresses the leaves, then digests the residue in alcohol, and evaporates the 
 vo liquids together. This is an improvement on the other process; as the re- 
 due of the leaves after the expression of the juice is still very acrid. But the 
 vaporation of the expressed juice and that of the tincture should be carried on 
 ■parately to the consistence of a syrup; since, by the present plan, the active 
 atter of both liquids is exposed to heat during the time necessary for the 
 /aporation of the whole. 
 
 When properly prepared by means of a water-bath, according to the U. S. and 
 ondon process, which is that of Storek, this extract has a yellowish-brown 
 lour, with a disagreeable narcotie odour, and the acrid taste of the plant, 
 repared according to the Ediuburgh process, it is said to be more acrid and 
 ore active as a medicine. The extract of aconite may be given in the dose of 
 le or two grains, night and morning, to be gradually increased till the system 
 affected. Twenty grains or more have been given in the course of a day. 
 f. Turnbull states that he has tried several extracts of aconite made by evapo- 
 ting the expressed juice, and found them almost inert. W. 
 
 EXTRACTUM ACONITI ALCOIIOLICUM. U.S. Alcoholic 
 xtract of Aconite. 
 
 “Take of Aconite Leaves, in coarse powder, a pound; Diluted Alcohol four 
 \nta. Moisten the powder with half a pint of the Diluted Alcohol, and, having 
 ; owed the mixture to stand for twenty-four hours, transfer it to a percolator, 
 
 : d add gradually the remainder of the Diluted Alcohol. When the last por- 
 u of this has penetrated the powder, pour in sufficient water from time to 
 tie to keep the mass covered. Cease to filter when the liquid which passes 
 Igins to produce a precipitate, as it falls, in that which has already passed. 
 
 . stil off the Alcohol from the filtered liquor, and evaporate the residue to the 
 pper consistence.” U. S. 
 
970 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 PARI I. 
 
 This is essentially the process of the French Codex. The water adde ig 
 merely intended to expel that portion of the spirituous solution remaining ime 
 aconite; and the filtration is directed to cease when a precipitate begins toapp r, 
 because this is an indication that the water is passing. It is important that ie 
 heat employed in the evaporation should not be greater than that produeec y 
 a vapour-bath, as otherwise decomposition will be apt to ensue. If made lm 
 recently dried leaves, which have not yet been impaired by time, this is a 
 preparation of aconite, and is believed to be more powerful, and to keep be r, 
 than the inspissated juice. The dose is half a grain or a grain, to be grade ly 
 increased if necessary. 
 
 An alcoholic extract prepared from the root is stronger, and may be give in 
 the dose of one-sixth or one-quarter of a grain three times a day, to be gradnly 
 increased until its effects are experienced.* T1 
 
 EXTR ACTUM ALOES. Lond. Extractum Aloes Aquos*. 
 Dub. Extract of Aloes. 
 
 “Take of Socotrine Aloes fifteen ounces; Boiling Distilled Water a gen 
 [Imperial measure]. Macerate for three days with a gentle heat; then stin 
 the liquor, and set it by that the dregs may subside. Four off the clear liq>r, 
 and evaporate it to a proper consistence.’' Lond. 
 
 “Take of Hepatic Aloes, in coarse powder, four ounces [avoirdupois]; Mer 
 two pints [Imp. meas.]. Boil the Aloes until it is dissolved ; when the solum 
 is cold and the dregs have subsided, pour off the clear liquid, and evapora it 
 to a proper consistence.” Dub. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Aloes Compositum; Pilula Colocynthidis Composit 
 
 EXTRACTUM ALOES BARBADENSIS. Lond. Extractof 
 Barbadocs Aloes. 
 
 “Prepare this in the manner directed for Extract of Aloes.” Lond. 
 
 The object of these processes is to separate from aloes the resinoid matterae 
 apotheme of Berzelius, which is supposed to irritate the bowels, without as- 
 sessing purgative properties; but the truth appears to be, that, when depred 
 of a small proportion of adhering extractive, this matter is quite inert. It n- 
 not, therefore, injuriously affect the virtues of the medicine; and, as it exis'iu 
 comparatively small proportion, and during the process a part of the extraeve 
 becomes insoluble, the preparation may be considered as at best unnecessy. 
 The dose of the purified aloes is from five to fifteen grains. 
 
 Off. Prep. Piiula Aloes cum Sapone. R * 
 
 EXTRACTUM ANTHEMIDIS. Ed. Extract of Chamomile. 
 
 “Take of Chamomile [dried flowers] a pound. Boil it with a gallon [Ine- 
 rial measure] of Water down to four pints ; filter the liquor hot; evaporate irhe 
 vapour-bath to the proper consistence.” Ed. 
 
 According to Mr. Brande, one cwt. of dried chamomile flowers affords ion 
 an average 48 pounds of extract. 
 
 This extract has a deep-brown colour, and the bitter taste of chamomile, ut 
 
 * Plaster of Aconite. — It is often desirable to employ aconite externally in thefornf a 
 plaster, and for this purpose the alcoholic extract of the root may be advantage*;!/ 
 resorted to. Professor Procter prepares such a plaster by the following process, hx 
 four ounces of the coarsely powdered root with six fluidounces of alcohol (sp. gr. 
 macerate for 24 hours, then submit the mixture to percolation with alcohol, so as to oun 
 a pint of tincture. From this distil off three-fourths of the alcohol, and evaporathe 
 residue by a water-bath to a syrupy consistence. IVhile it is still hot, add three ones 
 and a half of adhesive plaster, previously melted, and stir the mixture constantly t h 
 cools. About four ounces of plaster are thus obtained. (Am. Journ. of Phan:., xxv. 
 
 — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
P4T II. 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 971 
 
 is holly destitute of aroma ; the volatile oil having been entirely driven off 
 duag the process. It does not, therefore, possess the peculiar virtues of the 
 flours; but is simply a mild bitter, which may sometimes be advantageously 
 coihned with laxatives and mineral tonics in debilitated states of the digestive 
 onns. All the effects of the flowers may be obtained from it by adding a little 
 of le oil of chamomile. It is most used, however, as a vehicle for other tonics 
 in e pilular form. The dose is from ten to twenty grains. An extract may 
 be Prepared, having the peculiar flavour as well as bitterness of chamomile, by 
 marating the flowers in water, and evaporating the infusion in vacuo. W. 
 
 XTRACTUM BELLADONNA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Ex- 
 tra of Belladonna. 
 
 sis is prepared from fresh Belladonna (leaves) in the manner directed by 
 the If. S. Pharmacopoeia for extract of stramonium leaves (see Extractum 
 St: raonii Foliorum) ; and by the London for extract of aconite (see Extractum 
 Acid). 
 
 Take of Belladonna, fresh, any convenient quantity. Bruise it in a marble 
 moar into a uniform pulp; express the juice; moisten the residuum with water, 
 anexpress again. Unite the expressed fluids, filter them, and evaporate the 
 lilted liquid in the vapour-bath to the consistence of firm extract, stirring con- 
 staly towards the close.” Ed. 
 
 Take of fresh Belladonna Leaves, collected when the plant begins to flower, 
 (inconvenient quantity. Crush them in a mortar, express the juice, and allow 
 it ( stand for twenty-four hours. Pour off the clear liquor, and set it aside for 
 subquent use; and having placed the sediment on a calico filter, wash it with 
 an ual bulk of distilled water, and mix the washings with the decanted liquors. 
 Win, by the application of a water heat, coagulation has occurred, skim off the 
 coa dated matter, filter the hot liquid through flannel, mix in now the washed 
 sedient, and evaporate to the consistence of a firm extract, by a steam or water 
 bat constantly stirring, particularly towards the close of the evaporation.” Dub. 
 
 I,o m the experiments of MM. Solon and Soubeiran, it appears that, in relation 
 tot s extract, the insoluble matter separated from the expressed juice by filter- 
 ing md that coagulated) by heat, are nearly if not quite inert; so that advantage 
 res :s from clarifying the juice by these means before evaporating it. Mr. 
 Buie states that one cwt. of fresh belladonna yields from 4 to 6 pounds of 
 ext ct. According to M. Recluz, nearly ten parts may be obtained from one 
 bui red. The extract employed in this country is brought chiefly from England; 
 butlr. Alfred Jones has found that it may be prepared of equally good quality 
 froi the plant grown in the United States. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 108.) 
 It h usually a dark-brown colour, a slightly narcotic not unpleasant odour, a 
 bitt ish taste, and a soft consistence which it long retains. Asparagin has been 
 foul in this extract. {Journ. de Pharm., xxi. 178.) 
 
 1 medical properties and uses have been detailed under the head of Bella- 
 dor i. A few words in relation to its mode of application may be proper here. 
 For he dilatation of the pupil, it is either mixed with water to the consistence 
 of ( am and rubbed on the brow and eyelids, or dissolved in water and dropped 
 mk he eye. In rigidity of the os uteri, it is applied at intervals to the neck of 
 the terus, mixed with simple ointment in the proportion of two drachms to an 
 ourq but care must be taken not too powerfully to affect the system; and the 
 pre ration, therefore, should be used in a small quantity at first. In irritability 
 of e bladder, chordee, spasm of the urethra, and painful constriction of the 
 rec n, it may either be rubbed in the form of ointment upon the perineum, 
 aloi the urethra, &e., or may be used in the form of enema; but care is requisite 
 not ) introduce it too freely into the bowel. It is sometimes smeared upon the 
 
972 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 PARI I. 
 
 bougie, mixed with oil, in tbe treatment of stricture of tbe urethra. In ie 
 form of ointment it has been beneficially employed in phymosis and parafy- 
 mosis, and in that of plaster or ointment, in local pains of a neuralgic or rheutt ic 
 character. (See Emplastrum Belladonnse.') The dose of the extract isuncerjn 
 on account of its variable strength. The best plan is to begin with one-quijr 
 or one-half of a grain, repeated two or three times a day, and gradually ton- 
 c-rease the dose till the effects of the medicine are experienced. To a child ,o 
 years old not more than one- twelfth of a grain should be administered at lit. 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Belladonnae; Unguentum Belladonnse. ft 
 
 EXTRACTUM BELLADONNA ALCOHOLICUM. U.S. I . 
 
 coholic Extract of Belladonna. 
 
 This is directed by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia to be prepared from Bellado a, 
 in coarse powder, in the same manner as the alcoholic extract of aconite, ae 
 Extractum Aconiti Alcohol icurn.') It is a good preparation, though less necesry 
 than some other spirituous extracts of the narcotic plants; as the inspisspd 
 juice, or common extract of belladonna, can generally be procured of good quay. 
 It is one of the officiuals of the French Codex. The dose to begin with is If 
 a grain. Y\ 
 
 EXTRACTUM CINCHONA FLAVA. U. S. Extractum (er- 
 CIIOXM5. Bond ., Ed. Extract of Yellow Baric. 
 
 “Take of Yellow Bark, in coarse powder, a pound; Alcohol four pints; Tier 
 a sufficient quantity. Macerate the Yellow Bark with the Alcohol for four d.s; 
 then filter by means of a percolator, and, when the liquid ceases to pass, or 
 gradually upon the Bark sufficient Water to keep its surface covered. Wn 
 the filtered tincture measures four pints, set it aside, and proceed with thefija- 
 tion until six pints of infusion are obtained. Distil off the alcohol frorahe 
 tincture, and evaporate the infusion, till the liquids respectively are brougljto 
 the consistence of thin honey; then mix them, and evaporate so as to form 
 extract.” V. S. 
 
 “ Take of Yellow Bark, coarsely powdered, three pounds; Distilled Watt ix 
 pints [Imperial measure]. Add four pints of the Water to the Bark, and :ir 
 constantly with a spatula until it is thoroughly moistened ; macerate for twey- 
 four hours, and strain through linen. Macerate what remains in the re of 
 the water for twenty-four hours, and strain. Then mix the liquors, and evo- 
 rate to the proper consistence.” Lond. 
 
 “ Take of any of the varieties of Cinchona, but especially the Yellow or ed 
 Cinchona, in fine powder, four ounces; Proof Spirit twenty-four fluidoues. 
 Percolate the Cinchona with the Spirit; distil off the greater part of the spit; 
 and evaporate what remains in an open vessel over the vapour-bath to aue 
 consistence.” Ed. 
 
 EXTRACTUM CINCHONA PALLIDA. Lond. Extract 
 Cixchon^e. Ed. Extract of Pale Bark. 
 
 The London and Edinburgh Colleges prepare this from Pale Bark inlie 
 same manner as extract; of yellow bark. (See Extractum Cinchona s Flares 
 EXTRACTUM CINCHONA RUBRA. U. S., Lond. Extract 
 Cixchonae. Ed. Extract of Red Bark. 
 
 This is directed, in the Pharmacopoeias recognising it, to be prepared m 
 Bed Bark in the same manner as extract of yellow bark. (See Extractum «- 
 chon as Fla vac.) 
 
 Either of the above processes will afford an efficient extract; and they arid 
 much preferable to the old methods, in which the virtues of the bark wen*- 
 tracted by boiling. The U. S. or Edinburgh process is preferable to that olne 
 
par ii. 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 973 
 
 Lolon Pharmacopoeia, as water does not thoroughly exhaust the bark, and the 
 meiod of percolation is more efficient than maceration simply. It is very de- 
 sir le that the evaporation, in the preparation of this extract, should be effected 
 at low temperature. 
 
 very good extract of bark was formerly prepared, in the shops of Phila- 
 dehia, by macerating cinchona for a considerable length of time in a large 
 preprtion of water, and slowly evaporating the infusion, by a very moderate 
 lie; in large shallow dishes placed upon the top of a stove. Before the use of 
 the ulpbate of quinia had superseded that of most other preparations of bark, 
 ^employed this extract with success in the treatment of intermittents, and 
 foul ten grains of it equivalent to nearly a drachm of the powdered cinchona. 
 
 .ecording to Mr. Brande, one cwt. of fine crown bark (best pale bark) yields 
 on 1 average 28 pounds of watery extract, and 25 pounds of alcoholic extract. 
 It best that the bark should be only coarsely powdered when submitted to 
 decition or maceration; as in this state it is sufficiently penetrable by the sol- 
 ver: and more readily separated after being exhausted. The extract should 
 alws be brought to the hard dry state in which it may be pulverized ; as it is 
 tin less apt to be injured by exposure, and in the state of powder maybe more 
 unirmly incorporated with other substances. It is best prepared from the 
 jel.w ( Calisaya ) or the red bark. 
 
 .•diced Uses. The extract of Peruvian bark is at present much less employed 
 tha before the discovery of quinia. It is still, however, occasionally prescribed 
 as tonic in combination with other medicines; and as it possesses, when pro- 
 per prepared with a spirituous menstruum, almost all the active principles as 
 thelexist in the bark itself, it may be used in preference to the sulphate of 
 quia, whenever it is supposed that the latter is incapable of exerting all the 
 curive influence of cinchona. We are told, however, that on account of the 
 big price of Calisaya bark, much of the extract as at present in the gjiops is 
 pre red from inferior varieties. The dose is from ten to thirty grains, equiva- 
 lent about a drachm of the powdered bark. W. 
 
 KTRACTUM COLCHICI. Lond. Extract of Colchicum. 
 
 Iflis is prepared in the manner directed for extract of aconite; the cormus 
 bei first deprived of its coating. (See Extract um Ac on it i.') 
 
 (ere scarcely seems to be occasion for both this and the following extract of 
 me; ow-saffron bulb. The dose is one or two grains. 
 
 1 Great Britain a preparation called preserved juice of colchicum is given in 
 tbejase of five minims or more. It is prepared by expressing the fresh bulb, 
 aiming it to stand for forty-eight hours, so that the feculent matter may be 
 depited, then adding one-quarter of its bulk of alcohol, allowing it again to 
 stai for a short period, and ultimately filtering. W. 
 
 KTRACTUM COLCHICI ACETICUM. U. S., Lond., Ed., Bub. 
 Acli'c Extract of Colchicum. 
 
 ‘.ake of Colchicum Root, in coarse powder, a pound; Acetic Acid four fluicl- 
 oun is; Water a sufficient quantity. To the Acetic Acid add a pint of Water, 
 andinx the resulting liquid with the Colchicum Root. Transfer the mixture 
 to percolator, and pour Water gradually upon it until the liquid passes with 
 litt or no taste. Lastly, evaporate the liquid, in a porcelain vessel, to the proper 
 con ;tence.” U. S. 
 
 ‘ bike of fresh Colchicum Cormus [bulb] a pound; Acetic Acid three fluid- 
 ou, f- Bruise the Cormus previously deprived of its coating, gradually sprink- 
 hnpn the Acetic Acid; then express the juice, and evaporate it, without strain- 
 ingjo the proper consistence.” Lond. 
 
 ‘ 'ake of Bulb of Colchicum a pound; Pyroligneous Acid [acetic acid, sp. gr. 
 
 I 
 
974 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 PARI i. 
 
 1'034] three fluidounces. Beat the Colcbieum to a pulp, gradually adding ie 
 Acid; express the liquor, and evaporate it in a porcelain vessel (not glazed i h 
 lead) over the vapour-bath to the due consistence.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Colchicuin Boot, dried, four ounces [avoirdupois]; Dilute Ac ic 
 Acid eiyht fluidounces. Digest the Boot in the Acid for fourteen days, t-n 
 filter, and evaporate by means of a water-bath, to the consistence of a soft s- 
 tract.” Dub. 
 
 As the fresh colchicum bulb is rarely to be had in this country, the U. S. P r- 
 macopoeia employs the dried bulb; and its process, if properly conducted, 11 
 afford a very efficient extract. Some inconveniences are experienced in prepa :g 
 the extract, according to the London process, from the recent bulb by express, 
 which would seem to render the U. S. process under all circumstances pnr- 
 able. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., xiii. 62.) 
 
 The use of the acetic acid, in this preparation, is to render more soluble le 
 alkaline principle upon which the virtues of meadow-saffron are thought toe- 
 peDd. The acetic extract of colchicum is highly commended by Sir C. Sea- 
 more, who, however, prefers it made by evaporating to the consistence of ho c, 
 a saturated acetic infusion of the dried bulb. ( Land . Med. Gazette, Dec. 0, 
 1841.) The dose of the extract is one or two grains, to be repeated twor 
 three times a day, and increased if necessary. 
 
 EXTRACTUM COLOCYNTHIDIS. Land., Ed. Extract of Co- 
 cynth. 
 
 “Take of Colocynth, sliced and deprived of its seeds, three pounds; Disti-d 
 Water half a gallon [Imperial measure]. 3Iacerate the Colocynth for tkirtjix 
 hours, occasionally pressing it with the hand. Express the liquor strongly id 
 strain. Finally evaporate to the proper consistence.” Land. 
 
 “Take of Colocynth a pound; Water two gallons. Boil gently for six krs, 
 replacing the evaporated water occasionally. Strain the liquor while hot; id 
 evaporate it in the vapour-bath to the due consistence.” Ed. 
 
 Colocynth should be deprived of its seeds, as directed by the London Colic, 
 before being submitted to the action of the menstruum. Dr. Duncan found .If 
 a pound of colocynth to contain 2770 grains of seeds, which, boiled by tin- 
 selves, yielded almost nothing to water. Boiling water extracts so much pcic 
 acid and mucilage from colocynth, that the decoction or hot infusion gelatines 
 on cooling. Hence the Edinburgh College directs that the decoction shouloe 
 strained while hot. But the extract made in this way is loaded with inert lit- 
 ter, and, besides, is apt to be mouldy or so tough and hard as to resist triturara 
 and formation into pills. Hence the London College, following in this reset 
 the French Codex, directs in the last edition of its Pharmacopoeia, macerain 
 with cold water; but there is reason to believe that the very large proportioot 
 colocynth ordered is a mistake; three pounds having probably been inadvertely 
 substituted for three ounces. In the former London process, in which boiig 
 was directed, the proportion was a pound of colocynth to two gallons of wrr. 
 which is the same as three ounces to half a gallon; and it is probable that ue 
 only difference intended was the use of cold iustead of boiling water. Besrs- 
 it is admitted that the compound pill of colocynth of the present London P-r- 
 macopceia was designed as a substitute for the old compound extract, to be g-’ n 
 in the same dose; but, if made with the present simple extract, it has been fold 
 to be much more powerful than the old preparation, so that it cannot with o- 
 priety be given in the same quantity; while, if made with simple extract e- 
 pared from three ounces of the pulp to half a gallon of water, it has precih 
 the same strength. (See Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xii. 271, 376, and 4 1 
 Upon the whole it will be safest to adopt the three ounces in making this pr-‘- 
 ration; in which case it may be used, as formerly recommended, in the dosoi 
 
PAT II. 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 975 
 
 fro five grains to half a drachm; whereas if it be made in precise compliance 
 wit the formula, the dose has not been well ascertained, but would certainly be 
 mui less. This extract is little used in the United States. 
 
 f. Prep. Enema Colocynthidis; Pilula Colocynthidis Composita. W. 
 
 XTRACTUM COLOCYNTHIDIS COMPOSITUM. U. S. Cam- 
 pond Extract of Colocynth. 
 
 Take of Colocynth, deprived of the seeds and sliced, six minces; Aloes, in 
 pover, twelve ounces; Scammony, in powder, four ounces; Cardamom, in pow- 
 derm ounce; Soap [Castile] three ounces; Diluted Alcohol a gallon. Macerate 
 thelolocynth in the Diluted Alcohol, with a gentle heat, for four days. Ex- 
 pre and filter the liquor, and add to it the Aloes, Scammony, and Soap ; then 
 eva>rate to the proper consistence, and near the end of the process, mix the 
 Canmom with the other ingredients.” U. S. 
 
 he object of the soap in this formula is to improve the consistence of the 
 ma, which, when hardened by time, it renders more soluble in the liquors of 
 thetomach. It may possibly also serve the purpose of qualifying the action 
 of e aloes. Diluted alcohol is a much better solvent of the active principle 
 of locynth than water. The proper consistence, alluded to in this process, is 
 thawhich is adapted to the formation of pills; but as it is very convenient to 
 hat it in the state of powder for admixture with other substances, a portion of 
 thextrac-t should be evaporated to dryness, by exposing it in thin layers to dry 
 air r a few days. 
 
 j is extract is an energetic and safe cathartic, possessing the activity of its 
 thr| purgative ingredients, with comparatively little of the drastic character of 
 the fiocynth and scammony. It may be still further and advantageously modi- 
 fied y combination with rhubarb, jalap, calomel, &c., with one or more of which 
 itisery often united in prescription. In suc-h combination it is much employed 
 vrhover an active cathartic is desirable, particularly in the commencement of 
 fev<! and febrile complaints, in congestion of the liver or portal system, and in 
 obs iate constipation. In small doses it is an excellent laxative in that state 
 of Ijbitual costiveness, depending on a want of the due irritability of the bow- 
 els, hich often occurs in old people. The dose is from five to thirty grains, 
 accding to the effect to be produced, and the susceptibility of the bowels. A 
 ver eligible combination is the compound cathartic pill of the U. S. Pharma- 
 cop- a. We are informed that much of the extract sold in this country is made 
 witi nferior scammony and aloes, and an insufficient proportion of colocynth, 
 so tit it is comparatively inert. Cheap compound extract of colocynth should 
 he bked on with suspicion, and the apothecary should prepare it for himself. 
 
 ('.Prep. Pilulas Catharticse Compositae. U. S. W. 
 
 KTRACTUM CONII. TJ. S., Bond., Ed ., Bub. Extract of Hem- 
 loci. 
 
 “ake of fresh Hemlock Leaves a pound. Bruise them in a stone mortar, 
 spriding on them a little water; then express the juice, and, having heated it 
 to t boiling point, filter it, and evaporate to the proper consistence, either in 
 a Vfjium with the aid of heat, or in shallow vessels, at ordinary temperatures, 
 by i -ans of a current of air directed over the surface of the liquid. ” U. S. 
 
 lb London College directs this extract to be made in the same manner as 
 ext-i t of aconite (see Extractum Aconiti), and the Dublin, as extract of bella- 
 don (see Extractum Belladonnse) . 
 
 “ ake of Conium any convenient quantity. Beat it into a uniform pulp in 
 a npble mortar, express the juice, and filter it. Let this juice be evaporated 
 to t consistence of a very firm extract, either in a vacuum with the aid of heat, 
 or smtaneously in shallow vessels exposed to a strong current of air freed of 
 
 i 
 
976 
 
 Hxtracta. 
 
 par: i. 
 
 dust by gauze- screens. This extract is of good quality only when a very sthg 
 odour of conia is disengaged by degrees on its being carefully triturated th 
 Aqua Potassae.” Ed. 
 
 The most important point in the preparation of this extract is to evap< te 
 the juice without an undue degree of heat. At a temperature of 212° or p- 
 wards, its active principle undergoes rapid decomposition, being converted to 
 resinous matter and ammonia. This is detected by the operator by the an o- 
 niacal odour mixed with that which is peculiar to the plant. The juice ahys 
 to a certain extent undergoes this decomposition when evaporated over a e, 
 and is not exempt from it even when the heat is regulated by a water-1 h, 
 Hence the propriety of the directions in the U. S. and Edinburgh Phara-o- 
 poeias. An excellent plan in the evaporation is to conduct it first in a vaetn, 
 and afterwards in shallow vessels with a current of air at common temperatns. 
 By the present P T . S. process, which is an improvement upon that of the foier 
 edition of the Pharmacopoeia, the extract is procured in a more concentred 
 state by heating the juice to the boiling point and then filtering, whereby ae 
 inert albumen is coagulated, and, along with the equally inert chloropkyllehd 
 vegetable fibre, is separated from the liquid before evaporation. Long-eontiied 
 exposure to the air is productive of the same result as too much heat, so at 
 old extracts are frequently destitute of activity. ( Journ . de Pharm., xxii. L.) 
 No one of the extracts is more variable in its qualities than this. The sebn 
 at which the herb is collected, the place and circumstances of its growth, he 
 method of preparing the extract, are all points of importance, and are alloo 
 frequently neglected. (See Conil Folia.) In this country the process is cen 
 very carelessly conducted ; and large quantities of an extract, prepared by il- 
 ing the plant in water and evaporating the decoction, have been sold ashe 
 genuine drug. The apothecary should always prepare the extract himselor 
 procure it from persons in whom he can have entire confidence. That impend 
 from Loudon has usually been considered the best; but we have seen and ted 
 the extract prepared by' the Messrs. Tilden and Co., of New York, by ev-o- 
 ration in vacuo at a low heat, and have found it superior to any that we id 
 previously employed. It is not improbable that, as suggested to us by ;o- 
 fessor Procter, the addition of a portion of acetic acid to the juice before evo- 
 ration, might tend to fix the conia, and enable it better to resist the infltnee 
 of heat than in its native combination. The activity of any specimen ofae 
 extract may be in some measure judged of by rubbing it with potassa, wlh, 
 disengaging the conia and rendering it volatile, gives rise to the pecaar 
 mouse-like odour of that principle. If no odour be evolved under these ’.r- 
 cumstanc-es, the extract may be deemed inert. 
 
 The extract of hemlock prepared without separating the c-hlorophylle as 
 a fresh olive or green colour; but made according to the U. S. process is browih. 
 It should have a strong narcotic somewhat fetid odour, and a bitterish sale 
 taste. According to Brande, from three to five pounds are obtained fromae 
 cwt. of the leaves. M. Becluz got rather more than an ounce from sum 
 ounces. Of the medical properties and application of this extract, we he 
 spoken under the head of Conii Folia. The dose is two grains two, threeor 
 four times a day. to be gradually increased till evidences of its action uponie 
 system are afforded. It may be administered in pill or solution. 
 
 Off. Prep. Cataplasma Conii; Pilula Conii Composita. ^ 
 
 EXTRACTUM CONII ALCOHOLICUM. U. S. Alcoholic .r- 
 tract of Hemlock. 
 
 This is prepared, according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, from Hemlock Leal, 
 in coarse powder, in the manner directed for alcoholic extract of aconite. (* 
 Extractum Aconiti Alcoholicum.) 
 
pa: ii. 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 977 
 
 ' is is one of the French officinal extracts, and, when well made from recently 
 ancarefully dried leaves, is a good preparation. The same caution is requisite 
 in (aporating in this case as in that of the inspissated juice or common extract. 
 Thdose, to begin with, is two or three grains. W. 
 
 KTRACTUM DIGITALIS. Ed. Extract of Foxglove. 
 
 5 is is prepared from the fresh leaves, in the manuer directed Ly the Edin- 
 lun College for extract of hemlock. (See Extractum Conii.) 
 
 His preparation appears to us, considering the activity of the leaves them- 
 sehs, and the at least equal uncertainty of the extract, to be quite superfluous. 
 Tlidose is from half a grain to two grains. W. 
 
 KTRACTUM I) U L C A M A R JE . U. S. Extract of Bitter siveet. 
 
 His is prepared, according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, from Bittersweet, in 
 coai powder, in the manner directed for extract of gentian. (See Extractum 
 Gei'anas.) 
 
 He preparation is well known on the continent of Europe, but little used in 
 tkisountry or Great Britain. The dose is from five to ten grains; but much 
 moimay be given with impunity. W. 
 
 KTRACTUM GENTIAM. U.S., Lond ., Ed ., Dub. Extract 
 of kntian. 
 
 “lake of Gentian, in coarse powder, a pound ; "Water a sufficient quantity. 
 Mis he Gentian with a pint of Water, and, after allowing the mixture to stand 
 for :enty-four hours, transfer it to a percolator, and pour Water upon it gra- 
 dual-' until the liquid passes but slightly impregnated with the properties of the 
 Germ. Heat the filtered liquor to the boiling point, strain, and evaporate to 
 the oper consistence.” U. S. 
 
 “ake of Gentian, sliced, three pounds; Distilled Water six pints [Imperial 
 raeare]. Macerate for twelve hours in four pints of the Water; pour off the 
 liqu and strain. To the residue add two pints of the Water, macerate for six 
 hou: and lightly express the liquor and strain. Lastly, having mixed the 
 liqus, evaporate to the proper consistence.” Lond. 
 
 T Dublin process does not differ essentially from that of the London College. 
 
 “ike of Gentian any convenient quantity. Bruise it to a moderately fine 
 pow.r, mix it thoroughly with half its weight of Distilled Water; in twelve 
 houiput it into a proper percolator, and exhaust it by percolation with temper- 
 ate .stilled Water; concentrate the liquid, filter it before it becomes too thick, 
 and '-aporate in the vapour-bath to the due consistence.” Ed. 
 
 T London and Dublin Colleges have very properly abandoned decoction in 
 preping this extract, but have not adopted percolation as employed in the U. 
 S. ai Edinburgh processes, which is a great improvement over the plan of ma- 
 ccra n. The extract, however, may be advantageously made by macerating 
 the i)t in two parts of water for thirty-six hours, then expressing in a powerful 
 presf again macerating with additional water and in like manner expressing, 
 and .-aporating the united expressed liquors. MM. Guibourt and Cadet de 
 I au obtained by maceration in cold water an extract not only greater in 
 amo-‘t, but more transparent, more bitter, and possessing more of the colour 
 and hell of the root than that prepared by decoction. Guibourt attributes this 
 resu. to the circumstance that, as gentian contains little if any starch, it yields 
 nothjg to boiling which it will not also yield to cold water; while decoction 
 favors the combination of a portion of the colouring matter with the lignin. 
 But us opinion requires modification, now that it is understood that gentian 
 contiis pectic acid, which water will extract when boiling hot, but not when 
 cold. For observations in relation to the best modes of evaporation in the 
 62 
 
 I 
 
978 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 pae ii, 
 
 formation of extracts, the reader is referred to page 964. Gentian, accoinp 
 to Brande, yields half its weight of extract by decoction. 
 
 As ordinarily procured, the extract of gentian is nearly inodorous, very Her 
 of a dark-brown colour approaching to black, shining, and tenacious. Iti ’re- 
 quently used as a tonic in the form of pill, either alone or in connexion ith 
 metallic preparations. The dose is from ten to thirty grains. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pilulce Aloes Composite. 
 
 EXTRACT UM MMATOXYLL U.S., Land., Ed. Extra of 
 Logwood. 
 
 “Take of Logwood, rasped, a pound; Water a gallon. Boil down tour 
 pints, and strain the liquor while hot; then evaporate to the proper coist- 
 ence.” U. S. 
 
 “ Take of Logwood, in fine chips, a pound ; boiling Water a gallon [Inr.ial 
 measure]. Macerate for twenty-four hours, then boil down to four pints, s, in, 
 and concentrate in the vapour-bath to the due consistence.’' Ed. 
 
 The London College takes two pounds and a half of sliced logwood an'iro 
 gallons [Imperial measure] of boiling distilled water ; macerates for twentyrar 
 hours, then boils down to a gallon, and strains the liquor wiiile hot; and tly 
 evaporates to the proper consistence. 
 
 The evaporation should be carried so far that the extract may he druid 
 brittle when cold. About twenty pounds of it are obtained from one ct of 
 logwood. ( Brande .) It is of a deep ruby colour, and an astringent swrish 
 taste ; and possesses all the medical virtues of the wood. If given in pills, ese 
 should be recently made, as, when long kept, they are said to become soard 
 as sometimes to pass unchanged through the bowels. The extract, kowev. is 
 best administered in solution. The dose is from ten to thirty grains. This e-act 
 is said to be prepared largely in Yucatan and other parts of Mexico. 
 
 EXTRACTUM HELLEBORE U.S. Extract of Black Eellm. 
 
 This is prepared, according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, from Black 1 lie- 
 bore, in coarse powder, in the manner directed for alcoholic extract of ac ite. 
 (See Extractum Aconiti Alcoholicum.) 
 
 In consequence, probably, of the injurious influence of heat upon hlac’hel- 
 lebore, the watery extract prepared by decoction is little if at all strongemaa 
 the root. The process of percolation with cold spirit, has, therefore, been adrtcd 
 in the last edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia; and, if proper attention hoaid 
 to conduct the evaporation at as low a temperature, and with as little expure 
 to the air as possible, an efficient extract will probably be obtained. Care sluld 
 be taken to separate from the sides of the vessel any of the resin deposited ding 
 the evaporation, and mix it with the rest. The extract operates as a dstic 
 purge in the dose of twelve or fifteen grains, but is seldom employed. 
 
 The former French Codex contained a process for preparing the extra of 
 hellebore, according to the method of Bacher. Two pounds of the root an half 
 a pound of carbonate of potassa are digested, with a moderate heat, for t;be 
 hours, in eight pounds of alcohol of 22° B. ; the tincture is strainedvith 
 expression ; the residuum is again digested with eight pounds of white wi Hr 
 twenty-four hours; the wine is expressed, and having stood four hours to -tile 
 is decanted; the liquors are then mixed, and with a gentle heat evaporalto 
 the consistence of an extract. One ounce of this extract, mixed with theuae 
 quantity of myrrh, and with ten scruples of the powdered leaves of Cenftrea 
 heuedicta, and made into pills of one grain each, constitutes the prepauou 
 known as the tonic pills of Bacher , formerly much used in amenorrhffiaai 
 dropsy, and probably not without advantage, especially in the former of iese 
 diseases. The dose is from ten to twenty pills during the day. An addbaa- 
 
pa:: ii. 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 979 
 
 quality of diluted alcohol might, without disadvantage, he substituted for the 
 win in the preparation of the extract. W. 
 
 KTRACTUM HYOSCYAMI. U.S., Land., Ed., Eub. Extract 
 of henbane. 
 
 7is is prepared from fresh Henbane Leaves in the manner directed by the 
 U. I Pharmacopoeia for extract of stramonium leaves (see Extractum Stramonii 
 Folrum), by the London for extract of aconite (see Extractum Acaniti), by 
 the rlinburgh for extract of hemlock (see Extractum Conii ), and by the Dublin 
 for i: tract of belladonna (see Extractum Belladonnse). 
 
 Jill. Solon and Soubeiran have shown that the insoluble matter separated 
 fronthe expressed juice of henbane by filtering, and that coagulated by heat, 
 are arly, if not quite, inert; so that the juice may be advantageously clarified 
 befo! evaporation. (Mmer. Journ. of Pharm., viii. 228.) Extract of henbane 
 is dived chiefly from England. It is at present, however, prepared by the 
 Mess. Tilden & Go., of New York, by the vacuum process. Mr. Brande says 
 that ae cwt. of the fresh herb affords between four and five pounds. M. Recluz 
 obtaed about one part from sixteen. 
 
 T extract, as it reaches us, is of a dark-olive colour almost black, of a nar- 
 cotiqather unpleasant odour, and a bitterish, nauseous, slightly saline taste. It 
 retail its softness for a long time; but at the end of three or four years becomes 
 dry, ad exhibits, when broken, small crystals of nitrate of potassa and chloride 
 of sdum. ( Recluz .) Like all the inspissated juices it is of variable strength, 
 aecoung to its age, the care used in its preparation, and the character of the 
 leave from which it was procured. (See Plyoscyamus.)* In its use, therefore, 
 it is lvisable to begin with a moderate dose, two or three grains for instance, 
 aad.adually to increase the quantity till some effect is experienced, and the 
 degr of efficiency of the particular parcel employed is ascertained. It is 
 usua / given in pill. It is sometimes used externally for the same purposes 
 as exact of belladonna. 
 
 OlPrep. Pilulae Colocynthidis et Hyoscyami. W. 
 
 E IRACTUM HYOSCYAMI ALCOHOLICUM. U.S. Alcoholic 
 Extiyt of Henbane: 
 
 TL is prepared, according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, from Henbane Leaves, 
 n co; ie powder, in the manner directed for alcoholic extract of aconite. (See 
 E.dri’.um Aconiti Alcoholicumi) 
 
 Th alcoholic extract of henbane, if prepared from recently driecf leaves, is 
 bout ; to be more uniform and powerful than the inspissated juice or common 
 ixtrajj It is one of the preparations of the French Codex. The dose is one 
 »r tw grains, to be gradually increased until its effects are obtained. W. 
 
 EYRACTUM JALAPiE. U. S., Land. Extract of Jalap. 
 
 Th is prepared, according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, from Jalap, in coarse 
 | 0 wdi in the manner directed for extract of yellow bark. (See Extractum 
 jinclh.se Flavse .) 
 i 
 
 * M h depends on the choice of the leaves ; and too little attention is paid to this point. 
 u refdnce to the biennial plant, there seems to he no doubt that the leaves of the se- 
 on( lyjr are much more efficacious than those of the first, and should, therefore, always 
 e seized. It is stated under Hyoscyamus, in the first part of this work, that the 
 ayes i ould be gathered soon after the plant has flowered. Mr. Charles Cracknell 
 ues rre particular directions. He thinks that the plant is in a fit state for collection 
 aly ding a very short period, when the flowers at the top are blown, but have not yet 
 i fade, and the seed-vessels and seeds which have been formed are still soft and 
 1Ic y- >r other observations on the preparation of this extract, see a paper by Mr. Crack- 
 ed in'e Am. Journ. of Pharm. (23, 245), from Pharm. Journ. and Trans., March, 1851. 
 
980 
 
 E xtracta. 
 
 PAR II. 
 
 “ Take of Jalap, in powder, two pounds and a half; Rectified Spirit a g 'm 
 [Imperial measure]; Distilled Water two gallons [Imperial measure]. Macpte 
 the Jalap in the Spirit for four days, and pour off the tincture. Boil thereaie 
 in the Water down to half a gallon. Filter the tincture and decoction pa- 
 rately ; then distil the former and evaporate the latter until they thi bn. 
 Lastly, mix the extract with the resin, and evaporate to the proper consistx-e. 
 Let the extract be kept soft, fit for forming pills, and hard, so that it m. be 
 powdered.” Land. 
 
 Jalap contains a considerable quantity of starch, which is extracted bycoc- 
 tion, but left behind by cold water. As this principle serves only to impecthe 
 filtration or straining, and augment the bulk of the extract, without addi to 
 its virtues, the U. S. process, in which the water is employed at common :m- 
 peratures, is preferable to the London, in which decoction is resorted to. Tie 
 use both of alcohol and water is necessary, in order to extract all the di- 
 cinal qualities of the drug, and they are employed successively, under th im- 
 pression that the previous removal of the resin by the former, facilitate the 
 action of the latter. The use of percolation, as directed by the U. S. Phna- 
 copoeia, enables the cold water to extract the soluble parts without thong 
 maceration which would otherwise be necessary. According to Cadet de^as- 
 sicourt, water at ordinary temperatures, and in the old mode, acts so sidy, 
 that fermentation takes place before the active matter is all dissolved. Bice, 
 if the extract is prepared without percolation, the residuum, after the tinctu has 
 been decanted, should be digested with water at a heat of about 90° or 10< F.. 
 which, while it is insufficient for the solution of the starch, enables the scent 
 to take up the active matter with sufficient rapidity. 
 
 One cwt. of jalap affords, according to Mr. Brande, about fifty pounds ofaqons 
 extract and fifteeu of resin. The product of the former is somewhat L by 
 infusion than decoction ; and the extract is proportionably stronger. 
 
 The extract of jalap is of a dark -brown colour, slightly translucent l the 
 edges, and tenacious when not perfectly dry. It contains the resin and gumy 
 extractive, and, consequently, has all the medical properties of the root; it it 
 is not often exhibited alone, being chiefly used as an ingredient of purgativeills, 
 for which it is adapted by its comparatively small bulk. The'dose is fro ten 
 to twenty grains, or rather more than half that of jalap. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pilulae Catharticae Composite; Pulvis Scammonii Comp. 
 
 EXTRA CTUM sive RESINA JALAPiE. Ed. Extract or Rea of 
 Jalap. 
 
 “ Take any convenient quantify of Jalap, in moderately fine powder; is A 
 thoroughly with enough of Rectified Spirit to moisten it well ; put it in ebe 
 hours into a percolator, and exhaust the powder with Rectified Spirit; di]ou 
 the greater part of the Spirit, and concrete the residuum over the vapoubath 
 to a due consistence.” Ed. 
 
 This process yields the resin of jalap in an impure state. It maybeobined 
 pure by pouring boiling water on the roots, macerating for a day, then ctmg 
 them into very thin slices, boiling them three times successively for abo ten 
 minutes in water, expressing after each decoction, afterwards boiling tin a? 
 often and as long in alcohol, and in like manner expressing, finally mixii the 
 tinctures, treating the liquor with animal charcoal, filtering, and evapo mg. 
 (Nativelle, Journ. de Pharrn., Be sir., i. 228.) Another mode is to int iuce 
 into a displacement instrument, first one part of finely powdered animal ch coal, 
 and afterwards two parts mixed with an equal quantity of powdered jala{ then 
 to pour on alcohol until the liquid which passes equals the jalap, and fin J t0 
 add to the tincture thus obtained twice its volume of water, so as to precitate 
 the resin, which is to be washed and dried, ( Christison’s Dispensatory.] Re 
 
PAC II. 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 981 
 
 pui resin is as white as starch, and in doses of from three to five grains is said 
 to ] rge actively. For use, however, the Edinburgh preparation is sufficiently 
 pui It is dark-coloured, brittle, and of a shining fracture. 
 
 (laiac is said to be sometimes fraudulently added to the resin of jalap. It 
 ma be detected by the green colour it produces, when a few drops of solution 
 of cloride of soda or of lime are added to an alcoholic solution of the suspected 
 resi. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3 e ser., x. 357.) According to G-. A. Kaiser, jalap 
 resi may be distinguished from all other resins by being gradually dissolved by 
 conutrated sulphuric acid, and depositing, after some hours, a brown soft viscid 
 ma r. ( Chem . Gaz., Jan. 1845, from Liebig’s Annalen.') 
 
 is now generally believed that the resin of jalap is its sole purgative prin- 
 cipl the gummy extractive being perhaps diuretic. The U. S. or London ex- 
 timbetter represents the whole virtues of jalap, and should be preferred when 
 its culiar hydragogue operation is required. The Edinburgh extract or resin 
 is are powerfully purgative, but is also harsh, and apt to operate painfully. 
 To aviate this effect it is advised that it should be triturated with loaf-sugar, 
 sulpate of potassa, almond emulsion, or other substance calculated to separate 
 its rticles. The dose is from four to twelve grains. W. 
 
 KTRACTUM JUGLANDIS. U.S. Extract of Butternut. 
 
 Tis is prepared from the inner bark of the root of Juglans cinerea, in coarse 
 power, in the manner directed for extract of gentian. (See Extractum Gentianse.) 
 
 Tis extract was formerly for the most part prepared by the country people, 
 whe re said to have used the bark of the branches, and even the branches them- 
 selvjj, instead of the inner bark of the root, as directed by the Pharmacopoeia; 
 and!) have injured the preparation by too much heat. That it should have 
 provl uncertain in the hands of many physicians is, therefore, not a matter of 
 surpise. It should be prepared by the apothecary, and from the inner bark of 
 the ot gathered in May or June. Experiments are yet wanting to prove that 
 wat< is the best solvent of the active principles of this bark. Prof. Procter 
 iufo|lis us that he has found an extract of the fresh bark prepared with diluted 
 alco 1 to have much more of the pungency of the bark than the officinal. 
 
 K extract of butternut is of a black colour, sweetish odour, and bitter 
 astrigent taste. In the dose of twenty or thirty grains, it acts as a mild ca- 
 thar ;. (See Juglans.') W. 
 
 KTRACTUM KRAMERLE. U. S., Ed. Extract of Rhatany. 
 
 Ts is prepared from Rhatany, in coarse powder ( U. S.), or in moderately 
 fine iwder ( Ed .), in the manner directed for extract of gentian. (See Extractum 
 Gernnse.') 
 
 Selecting a process for the preparation of this extract, it was undoubted^ 
 wise > adopt the mode of displacement, with cold water as the menstruum. (See 
 paye!36.) It is absolutely necessary to the success of this process, that the 
 root iould be well and uniformly comminuted; and the “moderately fine pow- 
 der 1 ' f the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia is, therefore, preferable to the “coarse 
 powr” of our own. The wood of the root yielded to Prof. Procter only 6'8 
 per (jit. of extract, while the bark separated from the wood yielded 33 per cent, 
 wood is of difficult pulverization, the inference is obvious, that, in pow- 
 the roots, the ligneous portion may be rejected with advantage. ( Am . 
 of Pharm., xiv. 270.) As a prolonged exposure of the infusion to the 
 jttended with the absorption of oxygen, and the production of insoluble 
 apot|ine, it is desirable that the evaporation should be conducted rapidly or in 
 a vai arn. There scarcely appears to be occasion, in the case of rhatany, for 
 heat; ; and filtering the infusion before evaporation, the only use of which is to 
 get i of albumen, which is not among the recognised ingredients of the root. 
 
 i 
 
982 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 PAR] I. 
 
 Very inferior extracts of rhatany are often found in the shops. Such is ie 
 South American extract, which has been occasionally imported. As the prect 
 obtained by decoction is greater than that afforded by the officinal plan, ie 
 temptation to substitute the former is not always resisted, although it has 1 .n 
 shown to contain nearly 50 per cent, of insoluble matter. Some druggists ,e- 
 pare the extract with an alcoholic menstruum with a view to the greater prod t; 
 but the extract thus prepared has from 20 to 30 per cent, less of the active ja- 
 ciple than the officinal. A substance was shown to us by a respectable apoL 
 cary of this city, said to have been imported as extract of rhatany from Eur e, 
 which was nearly tasteless, and was plausibly conjectured to be the dried col- 
 lated matter of old tincture of kino. 
 
 Extract of rhatany should have a reddish-brown colour, a smooth shir -g 
 fracture, and a very astringent taste; and should be almost entirely solubl n 
 water. Its virtues may be considered as in proportion to its solubility. ] is 
 much used for all the purposes for which the astringent extracts are emplod. 
 The dose is from ten to twrnnty grains. 
 
 Off. Prep. Syrupus Krameriae. Y 
 
 EXTR ACTUM LATUCiE. Lond. Extract of Lettuce. 
 
 This extract is prepared by the London College from fresh Lettuce leave n 
 the same manner as extract of aconite. (See Extractum Aconiti.) 
 
 The claims of this extract to favourable notice are at least very questionaa. 
 Consisting chiefly of the common sap of the plant, which is inert, with a variae, 
 but always small proportion of the milky secretion, on’wkich the activity of t- 
 tuce depends, it is at best a feeble and uncertain preparation. Lactuoarium s- 
 sesses all its virtues, with more strength and uniformity of action. The dosaf 
 the extract is from five to fifteen grains. Y 
 
 EXTRACTUM LUPULI. Lond., Ed. Extract of Hops. 
 
 “Take of Hops two pounds and a half; boiling Distilled Water tico gain 
 [Imperial measure]. Macerate for twenty-four hours; then boil to a gallon, d 
 strain the liquor while hot; lastly, evaporate to the proper consistence.” Ld. 
 
 The Edinburgh College prepares this in the same manner as extract of logwd 
 (See Extractum Hsematoxyli.) 
 
 Since the discovery of the fact that the active properties of hops reside ehi y 
 in the lupulin,this extract has not been deemed an eligible preparation, and is 
 been little used. It has the bitterness of the strobiles without their aroi. 
 Lupulin may be advantageously substituted for it in all cases in which it is 
 formerly employed. Mr. Brande says that the average yield of one cwt >f 
 hops is forty pounds of the extract. The dose is from ten to thirty grains. 
 
 Under the inappropriate name of humuline, an extract has been preparedy 
 first treating hops with alcohol and subsequently with water, evaporating .e 
 tincture and infusion separately, and mixing the products. ( PJuinn . Join, 
 and Trans., xiii. 281.) W 
 
 EXTRACTUM XUCIS VOMIC2E. U. S., Lond., Ed. Extract f 
 
 Nux Vomica. 
 
 “Take of Nux Vomica a pound ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity. Expose e 
 Nux Vomica to steam till it is softened; then, having sliced and dried it, grd 
 it into powder. Introduce it into a percolator, and pour Alcohol upon it grai- 
 ally until the liquid passes without bitterness. Distil off the greater part of e 
 alcohol from the filtered liquor, and evaporate the residue to the proper ci- 
 sistence.” U. S. 
 
 The Edinburgh College treats the nux vomica in the same manner, grinds 
 it to powder in a coffee-mill; then exhausts it with rectified spirit, either by j - 
 eolation or repeated decoction; and completes the process as above directed. 
 
pa:: ii. 
 
 JExtracta. 
 
 983 
 
 n ake of Nux Yomica eight ounces; Rectified Spirit three pints [Imperial 
 meijire]. Apply steam to the Nux Yomica so that it may he softened. Having 
 cut. into thin slices, bruise, dry, and macerate it for seven days in two pints 
 of e Spirit. Express the tincture and filter. Macerate what remains in the 
 restif the Spirit for three days; then again express and filter. Having mixed 
 the nctures, distil off the greater part of the spirit, and evaporate the remainder 
 to f proper consistence.” Lond. 
 
 ]is extract is an active preparation of nux vomica, though not always of uni- 
 fori strength, owing to the variable proportion of strychnia in the substance 
 froi which it is prepared. M. Recluz obtained from sixteen ounces of nux 
 von:a the average product of one ounce and a quarter. The dose of the extract 
 is fun half a grain to two grains, to be repeated three times a day.* W. 
 
 KTRACTUM OPII. U. S., Lond., Ed. Extractum Opii Aquo- 
 sua Dub. Extract of Opium. 
 
 “'ake of Opium a pound; Water five pints. Cut the Opium into small 
 piec , macerate it for twenty-four hours in a pint of the Water, and reduce it 
 to aibft mass by trituration. Express the liquid, and treat the residue with each 
 of t; four remaining pints of Water successively in the same manner. Mix 
 the quors, filter, and evaporate by means of a water-bath to the proper con- 
 fflstlce.” U. S. 
 
 “ake of Opium, in powder, a pound and a half; Distilled Water five pints 
 [Imlrial measure]. To the Opium add gradually two pints and a half of the 
 Wa:>, and macerate for twenty-four hours, occasionally stirring with a spatula; 
 thexistrain. Macerate the residue in the rest of the Water for twenty-four 
 hou and strain. Lastly, evaporate the strained liquors to the proper con- 
 sistOe." Lond. 
 
 T : Edinburgh and Dublin processes correspond essentially with that of the 
 U. ^Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 A advantage of this preparation is that, by the solubility of the extract in 
 wate it affords a convenient method of obtaining quickly an aqueous solution 
 of tl active ingredients of opium. It is exceedingly doubtful whether anything 
 is le behind after the opium has been exhausted by water, which materially 
 modes the action of its anodyne principle ; and the extract probably has no 
 adviage on this account over opium. Nor has it the advantage of greater uni- 
 foray; as the gum, extractive, &e., taken up by the water, bear no fixed pro- 
 port, i to the active ingredients. 
 
 L arcotized Extract of Opium. Under the impression that the stimulating 
 and .pleasant effects of opium are owing to the narcotina, it has been proposed 
 to se .rate that principle by treating the extract with ether, which dissolves the 
 narc na and leaves the morphia with the other ingredients. Robiquet em- 
 ploy. cold ether; but M. Dublanc, convinced that the whole of the narcotina 
 was t thus extracted, proposed the following plan. “Take of watery extract 
 of o;im 16 ounces; dissolve it in 8 ounces of distilled water; introduce the 
 solut a into the water-bath of a still ; pour upon it 104 ounces of pure ether ; 
 distil ff 24 ounces of the ether; take apart the apparatus and decant the ether 
 whiefloats on the top of the extract ; ymsh the latter while hot with the dis- 
 tillec .ther; concentrate the residual matter, dissolve it in distilled water, filter 
 
 * I lessor Procter informs us, as the result of his own observations, that in the alco- 
 holic tract of nux vomica there is a considerable proportion of fixed oil (giij from 3xvi 
 of tli eeds), which will not remain mixed with the other ingredients, becoming fluid in 
 sumn;, and concreting in cold weather. This he thinks should be separated from the 
 extra! and shaken with a little diluted alcohol, which separates any adhering active 
 niatte.from it. The washings should be evaporated, and the residuum mixed with the 
 extra ; the fatty matter being thrown away . — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
984 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 PAR II. 
 
 the solution, and evaporate to a proper consistence.” It is very doubtful, w- 
 ever, whether any useful end is gained by this expensive operation, as it i iot 
 by any means conclusively settled that nareotina does in fact produce thun- 
 pleasant effects which have been attributed to it; and, even admitting the et, 
 the preparations of morphia, which are of uniform strength, are greatly pier- 
 able to the denarcotized extract. 
 
 The dose of the extract of opium prepared by the U. S., Edinburgh, or Dtdn 
 process is about one-half that of opium itself. The London extract, aecomg 
 to Braude, is never stronger, and is sometimes weaker than opium. This ste- 
 ment, however, has reference to the preparation of the Pharmacopoeia of L6. 
 In the present, the maceration is continued longer, but is still probably i uf- 
 ficient. Recluz obtained from sixteen ounces of opium an average produ of 
 nine ounces by hot water and six by cold. 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Opii ; Yinum Opii. A 
 
 EXTRACTUM PAPAYERIS. Land., Ed. Extract of Popp. 
 
 “ Take of Poppy [capsules], freed from their seeds, and bruised, fifteen ours; 
 boiling Distilled Water a gallon [Imperial measure]. Macerate for twenty ur 
 hours, then boil down to four pints, and strain the liquor while hot; laly, 
 evaporate to the proper consistence.” Land. 
 
 The Edinburgh process corresponds closely with the above; boiling \ter 
 simply, instead of boiling distilled water being employed, and evaporation rer 
 the vapour-bath directed. 
 
 Mr. Brande observes in relation to this extract, that if prepared over the aen 
 fire it is often nearly inert. He states, moreover, that it is apt to be of a du- 
 blesome consistence, too hard to be formed into pills, and too tough to beul- 
 verized; and advises that it should always be carefully dried till it bec-ies 
 sufficiently brittle to admit of being reduced to powder. One c-wt. of theap- 
 sules, without the seeds, yields, according to this author, the average produ of 
 35 pounds of extract. M. Meurein gives particular directions for makiran 
 alcoholic extract of poppy capsules, which may be consulted with advantapby 
 those who may be called oh to supply any demand for this preparation, dee 
 Journ. de Pharm. 3e ser . , xxiii. 341.) We are told that an extract is preyed 
 in this country from the whole herb, cut after the fruit has formed, but wh. 1 it 
 is yet green. This of course is not the officinal extract, and should not besed 
 as such. The capsules exclusively should be used; and the best time for cost- 
 ing them is after they have begun to become yellowish, but are not yet dr 
 
 This preparation is little used in the United States. It possesses the vises 
 of opium, but is much inferior and less uniform in strength. The dose is om 
 five to ten grains. 
 
 EXTRACTUM PAREIRAE. Land., Ed. Extract of Pam 
 Brava. 
 
 This is prepared by the London College from sliced Pareira Brava iuhe 
 manner directed for extract of logwood. (See Extractum Hrematoxyli ■) 
 
 The Edinburgh College directs the root to be cut into small chips, ied 
 thoroughly with a gentle heat, then reduced to a moderately fine powder .nd 
 treated as directed for the extract of gentian. (See Extractum Gentians.) 
 
 The dose is from ten grains to half a drachm. 
 
 EXTRACTUM PODOPHYLLI. U. S. Extract of May-appl 
 
 This is prepared from the root of Podophyllum peltaturn, in coarse po’er, 
 in the manner directed for the extract of yellow bark. (See Extradum-ui- 
 chonse F/avse.) 
 
 It is possessed of the purgative properties of the root, and may be giv w 
 the dose of from five to fifteen grains, but is little employed. It might beib- 
 stituted in all cases for the extract of jalap. 
 
PAT II. 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 985 
 
 ■om experiments made by Mr. John R. Lewis, it is probable that the alco- 
 hol extract would be much more powerful as a purgative than the officinal pre- 
 pailjion; but it does not follow that it would be more serviceable. (See Am. 
 Join, of Pharm. xix. 170.) W. 
 
 ATRACTUM QUASSIiE. U. S., Ed. Extract of Quassia. 
 
 his is prepared, according to the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, from the raspings of 
 Qufisia, in the manner directed for the extract of gentian. (See Extractum 
 Geiianse.) 
 
 (e Edinburgh College prepares it by cutting the quassia into small chips, 
 dry g it thoroughly with a gentle heat, reducing it to a moderately fine powder, 
 anoroceeding as directed for the extract of gentian. 
 
 Jscording to M. Recluz, sixteen ounces of quassia yield by infusion in water 
 sevi drachms of extract; by maceration in alcohol of 19° Baume, two ounces 
 fiverachms and a half. The difference between these quantities is so great that 
 we spcct some mistake in the table of the Dictionnaire des Drogues from which 
 we note. 
 
 he extract of quassia is dark-brown or black, and excessively bitter. It is 
 apt) become dry and disposed to crumble by time. It concentrates a greater 
 ammt of tonic power within a given weight than any other extract of the 
 simje bitters ; and may, therefore, be given with great advantage in cases in 
 wh| it is desirable to administer this class of substances in as small a bulk, 
 andntk as little inconvenience to the patient as possible. The dose is about 
 fivejjrains, to be given in the form of pill. W. 
 
 KTRACTUM RHEI. TJ. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Extract of Rhu- 
 han 
 
 ‘-’ake of Rhubarb, in coarse powder, a pound ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient 
 qumty. Mix the Rhubarb with an equal bulk of coarse sand, moisten it 
 thojighly with Diluted Alcohol, and, having allowed it to stand for twenty- 
 fouijiours, put it into a percolator, and add Diluted Alcohol gradually until four 
 pinijof filtered liquor are obtained; then, by means of a water-bath, evaporate 
 to t ' proper consistence.” U. S. 
 
 “;ake of Rhubarb, in powder, fifteen ounces; Proof Spirit a pint [Imperial 
 wee .re] ; Distilled Water seven pints [Imp. meas.]. Macerate for four days, 
 tbei strain, and set the liquor by that the dregs may subside. Pour off the 
 clea liquor, and evaporate it to the proper consistence.” Lond. 
 
 “:ake of Rhubarb one pound; Water five 'pints [Imp. meas.]; cut the Rhu- 
 barl nto small fragments, macerate it for twenty-four hours in three pints of 
 the r ater, filter the liquor through a cloth, and express it with the hands or 
 othc vise moderately; macerate the residuum with the rest of the Water for 
 twelj! hours at least, filter the liquor with the same cloth as before, and express 
 the siduura strongly. The liquors, filtered again if necessary, are then to be 
 evapated together to a proper consistence in the vapour-bath. The extract, 
 low er, is obtained of finer quality, by evaporation in a vacuum with a gentle 
 beat Ed. 
 
 T Dublin process corresponds with that of the Edinburgh College. 
 
 b ibarb yields all its active matter to water and alcohol ; but, unless the 
 evajj ation is performed with great care and with a moderate heat, it is certain 
 that ie purgative principle is, to a greater or less extent, injured or dissipated 
 la d process ; and the extract may thus become even less efficient than the 
 root Among other consequences which result from the boiling temperature, is 
 the ’mation of a compound of the tannin and starch, which is insoluble in cold 
 watt and upon its precipitation probably carries with it a portion of the pur- 
 gatr principle. There is, moreover, reason to believe that this principle is 
 
986 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 volatilizable by beat, and that a portion of it escapes with tbe vapour. Wh 
 properly prepared the extract lias decidedly the peculiar odour of rhubarb. l\ 
 advantage which it possesses over the-powdered root, independently of its small 
 dose, is that it may be given in solution. The dose of the extract is from t 
 to thirty grains. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pilulae Ilhei et Ferri. yy 
 
 EXTRACTUM SARSAPARILLA. U.S. Extract of Sarsaparih 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia prepares this extract from Sarsaparilla, in coai 
 powder, in the manner directed for alcoholic extract of aconite. (See Extract i 
 Aconiti Alcohol icumi) 
 
 The watery extract of sarsaparilla has been very properly abandoned by t: 
 London and Dublin Colleges in the recent editions of their Pharmacopcei 
 Water, unless in very large proportion, is incapable of exhausting the root, ai 
 the extract could not but suffer in the long process of evaporation. Very c- 
 f'erent quantities have been obtained from different varieties of sarsaparilla, al 
 even from different parcels of the same variety ; but, as the matter taken up - 
 boiling water consists chiefly of starch, no inference, as to the relative value f 
 any particular specimen of the root, can be drawn from a knowledge of a 
 quantity of watery extract which it is capable of affording. 
 
 The spirituous extract of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, which is the same as f t 
 of the French Codex, contains the active matter of the root. Diluted alco 1 
 extracts all the virtues of sarsaparilla, leaving the inert fecula which enc-umbs 
 the extract obtained by decoction ; while the temperature requisite for the cl- 
 centration of the tincture is insufficient to destroy the active principle. 31. Bel 
 obtained from 32 ounces of sarsaparilla about 4 ounces of extract by macerata 
 with diluted alcohol. As the product of this operation is about one-eightM 
 the sarsaparilla employed, a drachm of the extract represents an ounce of e 
 root. From ten to twenty grains of it may be given three or four times a d . 
 It possesses in a high degree the acrid taste of sarsaparilla. W 
 
 EXTRACTUM sive RESIXA SCAMMOXII. Ed. Extract r 
 
 Resin of Scammony. 
 
 “Take any convenient quantity of Scammony in fine powder; boil itn 
 successive portions of Proof Spirit till the Spirit ceases to dissolve any thii ; 
 filter; distil the liquid till little but water passes over. Then pour away ie 
 watery solution from the resin at the bottom ; agitate the resin with suc-cesre 
 portions of boiling water till it is well washed; and lastly, dry it at a temperat e 
 not exceeding 240°.” Ed. 
 
 The only advantage of this process is that it separates the active matteof 
 scammony from the impurities with which the drug is generally adulterai. 
 When pure virgin scammony can be procured the extract is unnecessary. Je- 
 pared according to the above process, the resin is of a dirty greenish-brni 
 colour, with a feeble odour and taste of scammony, and is very soluble in et r, 
 alcohol, and boiling proof spirit. When purified with animal charcoal it h a 
 pale brownish-yellow colour, and is without odour or taste; but retains its er- 
 gative property. The resin of scammony is liable to adulteration. Jalap rm 
 may be detected by its insolubility in rectified ether, which dissolves thaof 
 scammony in all proportions. Sulphuric acid is the best test of common rjm 
 or colophony, producing instantaneously with this substance an intense ed 
 colour ; while in the resin of scammony it causes no immediate change, or 
 the tests of guaiac, the reader is referred to that article in the 3Iateria Meca. 
 (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 158.) When rubbed with unskimmed ilk 
 the resin of scammony forms a uniform emulsion, undistiuguishable from cli 
 milk itself. This is an excellent mode of administration. The resin slidd 
 
Extracta. 
 
 PIT II. 
 
 987 
 
 aliys be given either rubbed up with some mild powder, or in emulsion. The 
 do is from five to twelve grains. 
 
 )ff. Prep. Mistura Scammonii. W. 
 
 1XTRACTUM STRAMONII FOLIORUM. U. S. Extract of 
 Samonium Leaves. 
 
 Take of Stramonium Leaves a pound. Bruise them in a stone mortar, 
 sppkling on them a little water; then express the juice, and, having heated it 
 toie boiling point, strain, and evaporate to the proper consistence.” U. S. 
 
 ike all the other inspissated narcotic juices, this is an uncertain preparation, 
 vaing in strength according to the care used in conducting the process, and 
 thseason at which the leaves are collected. The reader will find at page 969, 
 anin the preliminary observations on the Extracts, some general rules which 
 wi be found useful in conducting this process, and all those of which it is the 
 offnal type. The insoluble matter separated from the expressed juice by 
 filling, and that coagulated by heat, may be advantageously rejected ; as, 
 acrding to the observations of MM. Solon and Soubeiran, they are nearly or 
 qup inert. M. Recluz obtained half an ounce of the extract from sixteen 
 ones of the leaves. The dose is a grain night and morning, to be gradually 
 incased till it affects the system. 
 
 f. Prep. Unguentum Stramonii. W. 
 
 XTRACTUM STRAMONII SEMINIS. U. S. Extractum 
 Stamonii. Lond.j Ed. Extract of Stramonium Seed. 
 
 fake of Stramonium Seed, ground into powder, a pound; Diluted Alcohol 
 a indent quantity. Having rubbed the powder with half a pint of Diluted 
 A1 hoi, introduce the mixture into a percolator, and pour upon it gradually 
 Di.ied Alcohol till the liquid passes colourless. Distil off the Alcohol from 
 the ltered liquor, and evaporate the residue to the proper consistence.” U. S. 
 
 Take of Seeds of Stramonium any convenient quantity; grind them well in 
 a c fee-mill. Rub the powder into a thick mass with Proof Spirit; put the 
 pul into a percolator, and transmit Proof Spirit till it passes colourless ; distil 
 off le spirit, and evaporate what remains in the vapour-bath to a proper con- 
 sist ice.” Ed. 
 
 M ake of Stramonium seeds fifteen ounces ; boiling Distilled Water a gallon 
 [Inerial measure]. Macerate for four hours in a covered vessel near the fire; 
 thejtake out the Seeds, and, after having bruised them in a stone mortar, return 
 the to the liquor. Boil down to four pints [Imp. measure], and strain the 
 dec tion while hot. Finally, evaporate to the proper consistence.” Land. 
 
 " e U. S. and Edinburgh processes, which may be considered identical, are 
 prei able to the London ; as the seeds yield their virtues more freely to spirit 
 tfia-to water alone. According to the table of Recluz, sixteen ounces of the 
 seei afford two ounces and two drachms of extract by maceration in diluted 
 alcCjff, and one ounce and a half by decoction. The dose to begin with is the 
 qua :r or half of a grain twice a day, to be gradually increased. W. 
 
 KTRACTUM TARAXACI. U.S., Loud., Ed. Extract of E un- 
 del', i. 
 
 “ake of Dandelion, gathered in September, five pounds. Slice the Dan- 
 deli ; bruise it in a stone mortar, sprinkling on it a little water, until reduced 
 to a ulp; then express the juice, strain, and evaporate in a vacuum, or in a shal- 
 low sh over a water-bath, constantly stirring, to the proper consistence.” U.S. 
 
 I i London College prepares it in the same manner as extract of hops (see 
 xxt ctum Lupuli ); the Edinburgh , from a pound of the fresh root and a gal- 
 lon mperial measure) of boiling water, as directed for the extract of poppy 
 fiea( (see Extractum Papaveris ). 
 
988 
 
 Extracta. 
 
 part : 
 
 This extract is undoubtedly stronger, prepared from the root alone than frc 
 the whole plant. It is important that the root should be collected at the rig 
 season. The juice expressed from it in the spring is thin, watery, and oi 
 feeble flavour; in the latter part of summer, and in autumn, thick, opaqi 
 cream-coloured, very bitter, and abundant, amounting to one-third or one-h : 
 its weight. It may be collected in August, and afterwards until severe frc. 
 According to Mr. Squire, frost has the effect of diminishing the bitterness ai 
 increasing the sweetness of the root. An extract prepared by inspissatb 
 this juice, as now directed in the U. S. process, is much more efficient th 
 that prepared in the old way by decoction. The inspissation should be effec l 
 by exposing the juice in shallow vessels to a current of warm dry air, or by e- 
 poration in a vacuum, and should not be unnecessarily protracted. Long - 
 posure, during evaporation, changes the bitterness of the juice into sweetne, 
 which is a sign of inferiority. As often found in the shops, the extract is da- 
 coloured, sweet, and in all probability nearly inert. Mr. Houlton took me 
 than an ounce of it in a day, without any sensible effect. Pharm. ( Joum . cl 
 Transact., i. 421.) When prepared from the root and leaves together, it haa 
 greenish colour. Mr. Brande states that one cwt. of the fresh root affords fra 
 twenty to twenty-five pounds of extract by decoction in water. The expresi 
 juice yields from 11 to 25 per cent, of extract, the greatest product being - 
 tained in November, and the least in April and May.* 
 
 This extract deteriorates by keeping, and should, therefore, be renewed .- 
 
 * Fluid Extract or Preserved Juice of Taraxacum. The rapid change of the active pi- 
 ciple of dandelion, under heat and exposure, renders it extremely difficult to obtain a s,.d 
 extract preserving the virtues of the plant. Mr. Donovan, therefore, suggests the p- 
 priety of keeping the juice in the liquid state, and proposes a plan, by which, as he stas, 
 it may be obtained and preserved throughout the year, with nearly all its native efficiek. 
 The whole herb, immediately after collection, is to be washed, bruised, and express: 
 and the residue, having been mixed with as much water at 200° as will bring it to ae 
 consistence of a pulp, is to be allowed to stand for two hours, and then again expresd. 
 The liquids thus obtained are to be mixed, and very slowly evaporated, in a wide earpn 
 vessel, and with constant agitation, to one-half. The salts are thus obtained, though th 
 little of the bitter principle. To supply this, a quantity of the roots equal to the weht 
 of the herb first employed, is to be bruised and expressed. The resulting juice, which in 
 small quantity and bitter, is to be set aside ; while the residual marc is to be mixed witlne 
 concentrated juice already prepared, previously brought to a boiling heat. When coldhe 
 mixture is to be strongly expressed, and the liquor obtained to be mixed with one-six of 
 its measure of alcohol. The liquor is then to be poured into quart bottles, but so asot 
 to fill them. These are to be immersed in a vessel containing water as high as the h id 
 within them, and placed over a fire; the water is to be slowly heated to 180°: the boes 
 are to be withdrawn ; and the reserved juice of the root is to be added to each in eial 
 quantities. The space at first left in the bottles should be such that, after the addith of 
 the juice, and the driving in of the cork, as little as possible should remain. The ects, 
 being now cut off close to the glass, are to be covered with hard sealing-wax; andhe 
 bottles set by, inverted, in a cool place. The alcohol used is alone insufficient for the:e- 
 servation of the juice; and hence the necessity of heating the bottles, and sealing -‘m 
 when quite full, according to Appert's process. Each ounce will contain about a (lnini 
 of the alcohol. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 65.) 
 
 Professor Procter proposes the following plan. Of the fresh roots collected in -p- 
 tember or October, twenty pounds avoirdupois are to be sliced transversely, reduced’ a 
 pulpy mass by grinding or contusion, then thoroughly incorporated with four pints cal- 
 cohol of 0-835, and set aside in stoneware jars. After a week, or a longer time, the pp.V 
 mass is to be subjected to strong pressure, and the liquid filtered and bottled for use. 'en 
 after six months the pulp thus treated preserves the sensible properties of the dand on 
 in a marked degree. Should the alcohol in the expressed liquor be objected to, it m: he 
 partially removed by a gentle evaporation by means of a water-bath until the bulk oie 
 juice has been diminished one-sixth, and then adding eight ounces of sugar for every nt. 
 (Ibid., xxv. 408.) Note to the tenth edition. 
 
p.:T II. 
 
 Extracta. — Extracta Fluida. 
 
 989 
 
 nilly. It is most conveniently given dissolved in cinnamon or mint water. 
 T. dose is from a scruple to a drachm three times a day. 
 
 )ff. Prep. Pilulse Ferri Sulphatis. W. 
 
 CXTRACTUM UViE URSI. Lond. Extract of Uva Ursi. 
 
 he London College prepares this extract in the manner directed for extract 
 ofiops. (See Extractum Lnpvli.') 
 
 he dose is from five to thirty grains. W. 
 
 EXTRACTA FLUIDA. 
 
 Fluid Extracts. 
 
 hese were first introduced into the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1850, as a distinct 
 els of preparations; the fluid extract of sarsaparilla being the only one pre- 
 vi sly directed, either in our own officinal code or by the British Colleges. 
 Tlir distinctive character is the concentration of the active ingredients of me- 
 di aal substances into a small bulk, in the liquid form. Independently of the 
 gr .ter convenience of administration, the advantages of this class of preparations 
 ar in relation to all of them, that the evaporation not being carried so far as in 
 th ordinary extracts, the active principles are less liable to be injured by heat; 
 ar in relation to a certain portion, the fluid extract of cubebs for example, that 
 th afford the only method of concentration, as it would be impossible to obtain 
 in solid extract the whole activity of the medicine, depending as it does, in 
 pa, upon an essentially liquid substance. The main difficulty in relation to 
 tin, is the liability of substances in the liquid state to undergo spontaneous 
 demposition. This is counteracted in some of the fluid extracts by means of 
 su r. In others, the nature of the ingredient is preservative. A glance at 
 th several preparations will show that there are two distinct sets of them. In 
 ODset, the principles extracted are mainly volatile oil and resin, and the men- 
 stum employed is ether. They have been known for some time in pharmacy by 
 th lame of oleo-resins. In their preparation, the active matter is readily yielded to 
 et.r, while principles which might contribute to the decomposition of the extract 
 arleft behind by that menstruum. The low temperature at which the ether 
 ev orates enables the whole of the volatile oil to be retained in the residue; 
 an the preparation keeps well, as it contains no water to favour its decompo- 
 se q. In the second set of the fluid extracts, the active matter is extracted by 
 di ted alcohol, and the greater part of the alcohol afterwards evaporated. A 
 pc .on, however, remains, which contributes towards the preservation of the 
 pr aration ; but this alone is insufficient, and it is necessary to have recourse to 
 su'r, which has the subsidiary advantage of improving the flavour. But in 
 th 3 fluid extracts, instead of two pounds of sugar to each pint of the liquid, 
 as « the case of the ordinary syrups, it is generally sufficient to add an ounce 
 foi very fluidounce. Sometimes there is an advantage in adding to the preserv- 
 ati : influence of the sugar, that of some other substance having a similar effect, 
 as Hoffmann’s anodyne liquor in the fluid extract of senna. W. 
 
 XTR ACTUM CUBEBiE FLUIDUM. U. S. Fluid Extract of 
 
 Ctebs. 
 
 Take of Cubebs, in powder, a pound; Ether a sufficient quantity. Put the 
 Cv :bs into a percolator, and, having packed it carefully, pour Ether gradually 
 up it until two pints of filtered liqdor are obtained ; then distil off by means 
 ot water-bath, at a gentle heat, a pint and a half of the ether, and expose the 
 re: ue, in a shallow vessel, until the whole of the ether has evaporated.” U. S. 
 
 ns is one of the oleo-resins, and consists mainly of the volatile oil and resin, 
 
990 
 
 Extracta Fluida. 
 
 PART 
 
 with a portion of the cubebin and waxy matter of the cubebs. The consisted 
 differs with the character of the cubebs employed; its degree of fluidity betr 
 proportionate to the amount of volatile oil contained in the medicine. r E 
 colour is usually brownish, with more or less of a greenish hue, according to e 
 quantity of chlorophylle present, which varies with the character of the cube, 
 and with that of the menstruum; pure ether extracting the green colouring n> 
 ter preferably, while ordinary alcoholic ether extracts also the brown. Cub s 
 yield from one-eighth to one-fifth of their weight of fluid extract. The pre- 
 ration is apt in time to deposit waxy matter and crystals of cubebin. It was f t 
 introduced into use by Prof. Procter. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xviii. 16 ) 
 The dose is from five to thirty minims, which may be given suspended in wa 
 or mixed with powdered sugar. W 
 
 EXTRACTUM PIPERIS FLUID UM. U.S. Fluid Extract f 
 
 Black Peeper. 
 
 “ Take of Black Pepper, in powder, a pound; Ether a sufficient quant'. 
 Put the powder into a percolator, and pour Ether gradually upon it until o 
 pints of filtered liquor are obtained. From this distil off, by means of awa-- 
 bath, at a gentle heat, a pint and a half of ether, and expose the residue, ia 
 shallow vessel, until the whole of the ether has evaporated, and the deposit n 
 of piperin in crystals has ceased. Lastly, separate the piperin by expressn 
 through a cloth, and keep the liquid portion.” U. S. 
 
 A substance has long been in use under the name of oil of black pepper, wth 
 consists mainly of the volatile oil and resin of the pepper, and belongs, therefe, 
 to the oleo-resins. As usually found it is of a thickish consistence and an alnst 
 black colour, and is a residue of the proc&ss for preparing piperin. The officii 
 extract has the same general character, but is of more certain strength, and shod, 
 therefore, be preferred. It contains almost all the volatile oil and acrid reshf 
 black pepper, with little of the piperin; and as the last mentioned principle, w n 
 quite pure, is of doubtful efficacy, the extract may be considered as represenig 
 the virtues of the fruit. The colour is greener than that of the common oiof 
 black pepper, and not so dark, owing to the circumstance that ether dissolvesie 
 green more readily than the brown colouring matter. A pound of black pepr 
 yields about six drachms of the fluid extract, the dose of which proportionatto 
 the ordinary dose of pepper would be one or two minims. It may be giveiin 
 emulsion, or may be combined in small proportion with other substances ime 
 form of pill. H 
 
 EXTRACTUM RHEI FLUIDUM. U.S. Fluid Extract of Ri- 
 barb. 
 
 “Take of Rhubarb, in coarse powder, eight ounces; Sugar five ounces ; Tc- 
 ture of Ginger half a fiuidounce ; Oil of Fennel, Oil of Anise, each, /oar minis; 
 Diluted Alcohol two pints, or a sufficient quantity. To the Rhubarb, previody 
 mixed with an equal bulk of coarse sand, add twelve fluidounces of Diluted Ao- 
 hol, and allow the mixture to stand for twenty-four hours. Transfer the ess 
 to a percolator, and gradually pour upon it Diluted Alcohol until the Ibid 
 which passes has little of the odour or taste of rhubarb. Evaporate the tineire 
 thus obtained, by means of a water-bath, to five fluidounces; then add theju- 
 gar, and, after it is dissolved, mix thoroughly with the resulting Fluid Extet 
 the Tincture of Ginger holding the Oils in solution.” U. S. 
 
 This is a good preparation of rhubarb, the root being nearly exhausted byhe 
 menstruum, and the evaporation, if carefully conducted, not injuriously affecog 
 the active principles. It is somewhat stimulant in consequence of the sail 
 proportion of alcohol present, and the addition of the volatile oils, and is nl 
 applicable, therefore, to acute inflammatory affections. For observations on its 
 
P/,T II. 
 
 Extracta Fluida. 
 
 991 
 
 pvmration the pharmaceutical reader is referred to papers by Prof. Procter in 
 th 1 .. American Journal of Pharmacy (xix. 182, and xxii. 110). The process 
 yips about eight fluidounces of the preparation, or a fiuidrachm for each drachm 
 ofhe rhubarb. Its purgative dose, if well made from good rhubarb, is half a 
 Mrachm for an adult, to be proportionably diminished for children. W. 
 
 1XTRACTUM SARSAPARILLiE FLUIDUM. U.S., Dub. 
 eIkactum Sars^e Liquidum. Lond. Extractum Sarz^e Fluidum. 
 f Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla. 
 
 Take of Sarsaparilla, sliced and bruised, sixteen ounces ; Liquorice Root, 
 bi'ised, Bark of Sassafras Root, bruised, each, two ounces ; Mezereon, sliced, 
 siodrachms; Sugar twelve ounces; Diluted Alcohol eight pints. Macerate all 
 th ingredients together, excepting the Sugar, for fourteen days; then express 
 an filter. Evaporate the liquid, by means of a water-bath, to twelve fluidounces ; 
 ad the Sugar to it while still hot; and remove from the bath as soon as the Sugar 
 is ssolved.” U. S. 
 
 Take of Sarsa three pounds and a half; Distilled Water five gallons [Im- 
 ped measure]; Rectified Spirit two fluidounces. Boil the Sarsa in three gal- 
 loi of the Water to twelve pints [Imp. meas.] ; pour off the liquor, and strain 
 wfe hot. Again boil the Sarsa in the remainder of the Water to one-half, and 
 strn. Mix the liquors, evaporate to eighteen fluidounces, and, when the extract 
 ha iooled, mix the Spirit with it.” Lond. 
 
 Take of Sarza, in chips, one pound; Boiling Water six pints [Imperial mea- 
 sure Digest the root for two hours,, in four pints of the Water; take it out, 
 hr re it, replace it, and boil for two hours ; filter and squeeze out the liquid ; 
 bo : the residuum in the remaining two pints of Water, and filter and squeeze 
 ou his liquor also; evaporate the united liquors to the consistence of thin syrup; 
 ad( when the product is cool, as much Rectified Spirit as will make in all six- 
 tee fluidounces. Filter. This fluid extract may be aromatized with volatile 
 oilur warm aromatics.” Ed. 
 
 Take of Sarsaparilla one pound, [avoirdupois]; Boiling Water eight 2 >ints 
 [Ir . meas.] ; Rectified Spirit as much as is sufficient. Digest the Sarsaparilla 
 iu e pints of the Water for two hours, at a temperature near 212°, and then 
 deqit. Add the rest of the Water, digest again for two hours, and decant. 
 Ev orate the mixed liquors by a steam or water heat to the consistence of a 
 thi syrup, and, when the product has cooled, add as much Rectified Spirit as 
 wil nake the entire twenty [fluid]ounces.” Dub. 
 
 r e British Colleges all prepare a simple fluid extract of sarsaparilla. That 
 of 1 ; Dublin College is to be preferred, as the long boiling to which the other 
 Col ges subject the root is avoided, and digestion, which experience has shown 
 to 1 less injurious, is substituted. Nevertheless, the extract would probably 
 kaybeen more efficient, if diluted alcohol had been directed as the solvent. 
 
 'Je U. S. fluid extract is a compound preparation, intended to represent in a 
 con atrated state the compound decoction of sarsaparilla, having all its ingre- 
 dieu with the exception of the guaiacum wood, which probably adds little to 
 the ficacy of the decoction. The preparation was originally proposed by Wm. 
 Ho son, jun. ( Journ . of the Phil. Col. of Pharm., ii. 285); and the officinal 
 protis differs from his mainly by the omission of the guaiacum wood, the resin 
 offch, separating during the evaporation, somewhat embarrassed the process, 
 wit! ut adding to the virtues of the extract. We greatly prefer this fluid extract 
 io 1 1 of the British Colleges. If the effects of a simple extract of sarsaparilla 
 ere sired, they can be obtained by having recourse to the solid officinal extract 
 °f 1 1 U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The dose is a fluidrachm, equivalent to a drachm 
 of Ip root, three or four times a day. W. 
 
992 
 
 Fxtracta Fluida. 
 
 PART 
 
 EXTRACTUM SENKE FLUIDUM. V. S. Fluid Extract f 
 Senna. 
 
 “Take of Senna, in coarse powder, tico pounds and a half ; Sugar tice / 
 ounces ; Oil of Fennel a fiuidrachm ; Compound Spirit of Ether two fluidrach \; 
 Diluted Alcohol four pints. Mix the Senna with the Diluted Alcohol, a , 
 having allowed the mixture to stand for twenty-four hours, introduce it inta 
 percolator, and gradually pour in water mixed with one-third of its bulk of a - 
 hoi, until a gallon and a half of liquid shall have passed. Evaporate the licj i 
 by means of a water-bath to twenty fluidounces, filter, then add the Sugar, a , 
 when it is dissolved, the Compound Spirit of Ether holding the Oil of Fee l 
 in solution.” U. S. 
 
 This preparation was originally suggested by Mr. Charles Ellis, of Philaii- 
 phia, subsequently modified by the late Mr. Duhamel, of the same place, d 
 adopted by the framers of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The use of the eompoG 
 spirit of ether is to prevent fermentation. A fluid extract is largely prepud 
 in England by evaporating the infusion of senna in vacuo. For a formula y 
 Mr. Duncan, of Edinburgh, see the Medical Examiner (vi. 250). The dosof 
 the U. S. fluid extract is half a fluidounce for an adult. TV 
 
 EXTRACTUM SPIGELUE ET SENNiE FLUIDUM. TJX 
 
 Fluid Extract of S pig elia and Senna. 
 
 “Take of Pinkroot, in coarse powder, a pound; Senna, in coarse pow'r, 
 six ounces; Sugar a pound and a half; Carbonate of Potassa six drachms; il 
 of Caraway, Oil of Anise, each, half a fltfldrachm ; Diluted Alcohol a svfficit 
 quantity. Mix the Pinkroot and Senna with two pints of Diluted Alcohol, d, 
 having allowed the mixture to stand for two days, transfer it to a percolator, id 
 gradually pour upon it Diluted Alcohol until half a gallon of liquid has pasd. 
 Evaporate the liquid, by means of a water-bath, to a pint; then add the ( r- 
 bonate of Potassa, and, after the sediment has dissolved, the Sugar previo ly 
 triturated with the Oils. Lastly, dissolve the Sugar with a gentle heat.” IS. 
 
 This fluid extract combines the cathartic property of senna with the ant 1- 
 rnintic virtues of pinkroot, and is a very good vermifuge, being generallye- 
 ceptable to the stomach, and, what is of no little importance in such medici;?, 
 not offensive to the taste. It has been in use in Philadelphia for several yes, 
 and with satisfactory results. The use of the carbonate of potassa is to eude 
 the resinous matter which is deposited during evaporation to be dissolved, ad 
 also to counteract the griping property of the senna. The whole product oilie 
 process should be about a pint and a half. The dose is half a fluidounce fcan 
 adult, a fiuidrachm for a child two years old. T 
 
 EXTRACTUM VALERIANAE FLUIDUM. U.S. Fluid Extict 
 of Valerian. 
 
 “ Take of Valerian, in coarse powder, eight ounces; Ether four fluid ours ; 
 Alcohol twelve fluidounces; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient quantity. Mix he 
 Ether and Alcohol, and, having incorporated the Valerian with one half of he 
 mixture, introduce the mass into a percolator, and gradually pour in thre- 
 mainder. Then add Diluted Alcohol until the whole liquid which has p£ed 
 shall amount to a pint. Put the ethereal liquid thus obtained into a sh;ow 
 vessel, and allow it to evaporate spontaneously until reduced to five fluidou es. 
 Upon the mass in the percolator pour gradually Diluted Alcohol until ten : id- 
 ounces of tincture have passed. With this mix the five fluidounces left aftethe 
 spontaneous evaporation, taking care to dissolve in a little alcohol any ec- 
 resinous matter which may have been deposited, and to add it to the rest. A w 
 the mixture to stand, with occasional agitation, for four hours, and thenf? r - 
 
PAT II. 
 
 Fxtraeta Fluida. — Ferrum. 
 
 993 
 
 Tbresulting Fluid Extract should measure a pint; and, if it be less than that 
 quitity, the deficiency should be supplied by the addition of Alcohol.” U. S. 
 
 his is a preparation representing in a concentrated state the virtues of Vale- 
 ria: and may be used when the influence of that medicine is desired. (See papers 
 by lr. Evan T. Ellis in the American Journal of Pharmacy, xix. 83, and by 
 Pn Procter, ibid., 184.) The dose is one or two fluidrachms. W. 
 
 FERRUM. 
 
 Preparations of Iron. 
 
 ERRI PULVIS. U. S., Pub. Powder of Iron. Reduced Iron. 
 In by Hydrogen. Quevenne’s Iron. 
 
 Ike of Subcarbonate of Iron, previously calcined in an open vessel, two 
 nows- and a half, or a convenient quantity. Into a wrought iron reduction 
 tub of about four inches in diameter, introduce the Subcarbonate, contained 
 in ; incomplete sheet-iron tube, open at both ends, made by bending the iron 
 intche form of a cylinder, and of such a size as to fill loosely about seven-eighths 
 of e reduction tube. Place the reduction tube longitudinally in an oblong 
 chapal furnace; and, by means of a self-regulating generator of hydrogen, pass 
 thrigh it a stream of that gas, previously purified by bubbling successively 
 thri'gh Solution of Subacetate of Lead, diluted with three times its volume of 
 wap, and through milk of lime, severally contained in half-gallon bottles, 
 abo : one-third filled. Connect with the further extremity of the reduction tube 
 ale tube bent so as to dip into water. Make all the junctions air-tight by 
 apppriate lutes; and, when the hydrogen has passed long enough to fill the 
 who of the apparatus, to the exclusion of atmospheric air, light the fire, and 
 brill that part of the reduction tube occupied by the Subcarbonate to a dull 
 red eat, which must be kept up so long as the bubbles of hydrogen, breaking 
 frorLe water covering the orifice of the lead tube, are smaller than those pass- 
 ing 'rough the milk of lime. When the reduction is completed, remove the 
 fire, id allow the whole to cool to the ordinary temperature, keeping up, during 
 the : Yigeration, a moderate current of hydrogen through the apparatus. Lastly, 
 wid -aw the reduced iron from the reduction tube, detach it from the sheet-iron 
 tube ind, having powdered it, keep it in well-stopped bottles. When two pounds 
 and;! half of Subcarbonate of Iron are operated on, the process occupies from 
 five eight hours.” U. S. 
 
 ike of Peroxide of Iron, Zinc, in small pieces, Oil of Vitriol, Water, each, 
 a sv 'ient quantity. Introduce into a gun-barrel as much of the Peroxide of 
 Iron'jis will occupy the length of about ten inches, confining it to the middle 
 port i of the barrel by plugs of asbestos. Let the gun-barrel be now placed in 
 such furnace as is used for organic analysis, one end of it being fitted by means 
 of a irk into a bent adapter whose further extremity dips in water, while the 
 othe :nd (of barrel) is connected with a bottle containing the Zinc and Water, 
 with he intervention, however, of a desiccating tube including fragments of 
 caus, potash, and a small bottle half filled with oil of vitriol. Matters being 
 thus, ranged, a little Oil of Vitriol is to be poured into the bottle containing 
 tbe later and Zinc, with the view of developing a sufficiency of hydrogen to 
 es pe';he air from the interior of the apparatus. As soon as this object is con- 
 sider,! to have been accomplished, the part of the tube containing the Peroxide 
 °f h must be surrounded with ignited charcoal, and, when it is thus brought 
 to a j.y red heat, the Oil of Vitriol is to be gradually added to the Zinc, so as 
 to ca e a steady current of hydrogen to pass through the oil of vitriol and de- 
 
994 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 PAEl I. 
 
 siccation tube into the gun-barrel. As soon as the reduction of the Oxic is 
 completed, which may be judged to have taken place when the gas bubbles esbe 
 at apparently the same rate through the water in which the adapter terminus 
 and through the bottle containing the oil of vitriol, the fire is to be remove (a 
 slow current of hydrogen being still continued), and when the gun-barrel as 
 assumed the temperature of the air its metallic contents should be extracted, id 
 preserved in an accurately stopped bottle.” Dub. 
 
 This is a new preparation of the U. S. and Dublin Pharmacopoeias of 1 0, 
 and consists of metallic iron in fine powder, obtained by reducing the sesquicjde 
 by hydrogen at a dull-red heat. The subcarbonate of the U. S. Pharmaeopa, 
 which is essentially the sesquioxide of iron, is deprived of water by calcina.n, 
 and then subjected to the reducing influence of a stream of hydrogen, pured 
 from sulphuretted hydrogen and acid by passing successively through a solion 
 of subacetate of lead and milk of lime. The hydrogen unites with the oxien 
 of the sesquioxide to form water, and leaves the iron in the metallic state, he 
 subcarbonate should be perfectly free from sulphate of soda, which it is a] to 
 contain when imperfectly washed. If this salt be present it will be reduce (by 
 the hydrogen to the state of sulphuret of sodium, which will contaminateind 
 spoil the metallic iron formed. The heat should be carefully regulated; :-if 
 it fall below dull redness, part of the oxide will escape reduction; and if itemed 
 that point considerably, the particles of reduced iron will agglutinate, antiot 
 be readily pulverizable. The Dublin process is not so well fitted for praccal 
 purposes as that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The directions given in the nb- 
 lin formula to dry the hydrogen are unnecessary. On the subject of powd of 
 iroij, manufacturing chemists will find it useful to consult the paper of M. 
 Soubeiran and Dublanc, in which full directions are given for purifyimthe 
 hydrogen, constructing the furnace, regulating the heat, and avoiding edo 
 sions. (Mmer. Journ. of Pliarm., xviii. 303, from the Journ. de Pharm.. dii. 
 187.) Prof. Procter, of Philadelphia, has made some improvements in thoro- 
 cess of Soubeiran and Dublanc, which he has communicated in a paper, embriiig 
 many useful details. ( Amer . Journ. of Pliarm., xix. 11.) 
 
 Properties. Powder of iron is tasteless, and of an iron-gray colour. If ack 
 the preparation is to be rejected as not being fully deoxidized. When tbwn 
 into a dilute acid, it causes a lively effervescence of hydrogen. A small pr ion 
 of it, struck on an anvil with a smooth hammer, forms a scale, having a bri ant 
 metallic lustre. On account of its great liability to oxidation, it should becept 
 in a dry bottle, well stopped. A black powder, having a composition rre- 
 spondingwith that of the magnetic oxide of iron, has been recently sold nnon- 
 don and Edinburgh under the name of Quevenne’s iron. (See the Pliarm. otrn. 
 and Trans, for Jan., Feb., and March, 1854.) The spurious powder nr be 
 known by its having a black instead of an iron-gray colour, and by its efferveing 
 but slightly with acids. In the process for making reduced iron, part of tbses- 
 quioxide almost always escapes full deoxidation, and comes out of th&ube 
 of a black colour. This part should be rejected, instead of being sold as reiced 
 iron, as appears to have been done by some London manufacturing ckemis. 
 
 Medical Properties. Powder of iron, reduced from the oxide by hydgen, 
 was first prepared for medicinal purposes by MM. Quevenne and Miqueld, ot 
 Paris. It has been used by Raciborski and other physicians in anmmiaand, 
 generally, in those diseases characterized by a deficiency of colouring mavr m 
 the blood. In two cases of enlarged spleen, following intermittent fer m 
 anemic subjects, M. Coste found it to act with remarkable efficacy. In W f 
 the peculiar state of aggregation of its particles, this preparation is undoujedly 
 the best form of metallic iron for medicinal use. The dose is from tbreel* six 
 grains several times a day, given in powder or pill. P* 
 
P IT II. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 995 
 
 [INCTURA EERRI ACETATIS. Dub. Tincture of Acetate of 
 
 I,n. 
 
 Take of Sulphate of Iron eight ounces [avoirdupois] ; Distilled Water half 
 a\int [Imperial measure]; Pure Sulphuric Acid six fuidrachms [Imp. meas.] ; 
 P e Nitric Acid half a fluidounce [Imp. meas.] ; Acetate of Potash eight ounces 
 [alird.]; Rectified Spirit half a. gallon [Imp. meas.]. To nine [fluid]ounces 
 of ke Water add the Sulphuric Acid, and in the mixture, with the aid of 
 hr., dissolve the Sulphate of Iron. Add next the Nitric Acid, first diluted with 
 tbremaining [fluid]ounce of Water, and evaporate the resulting solution to 
 thjconsistence of a thick syrup. Dissolve this in one quart [two pints, Imp. 
 m s], and the Acetate of Potash in the remainder of the Spirit, and, having 
 med the solutions, and shaken the mixture repeatedly in a large bottle, let the 
 wile be thrown upon a calico filter. When any further liquid ceases to trickle 
 thugh, subject the filter, with its contents, to expression, and, having cleared 
 thturbid tincture thus procured by filtration through paper, let it be added to 
 th already obtained. The sp.gr. of this tincture is 0'891.” Dub. 
 
 ■his preparation is a tincture of the teracetate of sesquioxide of iron. The 
 fir step in making it is to convert the sulphate of protoxide of iron into the 
 tenlphate of the sesquioxide by the action of sulphuric and nitric acids, with 
 th lid of heat, in the usual way. The salt thus formed is then dissolved in half 
 th rectified spirit, the acetate of potassa in the other half. The spirituous saline 
 so ions having been mixed, a double decomposition of the salts takes place, 
 felting in the formation of teracetate of sesquioxide of iron which dissolves in 
 th. spirit, and sulphate of potassa which precipitates, being insoluble in that 
 mtstruum. By filtration, therefore, the sulphate of potassa is removed, and 
 thi dear liquid constitutes the tincture under notice. As there is an excess of 
 sir late of protoxide of iron taken, the tersulphate of the sesquioxide into 
 wish it is converted, is more than sufficient to decompose all the acetate of po- 
 tas. Accordingly, the portion of the tersulphate not expended in the double 
 deinposition, being soluble in rectified spirit, remains in solution along with 
 thieracetate in the tincture. 
 
 •operties. This tincture is a transparent liquid, of a deep-red colour, and 
 str g chalybeate taste. It is said to form an agreeable chalybeate. The dose 
 is ) m twenty drops to a teaspoonful, sufficiently diluted with water. B. 
 
 SeRRI CARBONAS SACCHARATUM. Fd., Dub.; Ferri Car- 
 bons cum Saccharo. Lond. Saccharine Carbonate of Iron. Carbonate 
 of :on with Sugar. 
 
 'lake of Sulphate of Iron four ounces; Carbonate of Soda four ounces and 
 aq'irter; Sugar two ounces ; boiling Distilled Water four pints [Imp. meas.], 
 Dis,lve separately the Sulphate and Carbonate in two pints of the Water. Mix 
 theblutions while still hot, and set the mixture by that the Carbonate of Iron 
 ma subside. Then, having poured off the supernatant liquor, wash frequently 
 the recipitated Carbonate. To this add the Sugar, dissolved in two fluidounces 
 of 1 iter, and evaporate the mixture by means of a water-bath until the powder 
 is d . Keep this in a well stopped bottle.” Lond. 
 
 ‘;'ake of Sulphate of Iron four ounces ; Carbonate of Soda.yire ounces; Pure 
 two ounces; Water four pints [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve the Sulphate and 
 Carnate, each, in two pints of the water; add the solutions and mix them; 
 coll t the precipitate on a cloth filter, and immediately wash it with cold water, 
 sqn |se out as much of the water as possible, and without delay triturate the 
 pul which remains with the Sugar previously in fine powder. Dry the mixture 
 a miperature not much above 120°.” Ed. 
 
 Dublin process is substantially the same as the Edinburgh, and, there- 
 fore ieed not be given. 
 
996 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 PART 
 
 When solutions of sulphate of iron and carbonate of soda are mixed togetb 
 there are formed, by double decomposition, sulphate of soda which remain; n 
 solution, and carbonate of protoxide of iron which falls as a pale-bluish pri- 
 pitate. This precipitate begins immediately to alter in nature by the absorp n 
 of oxygen, and, if washed and dried in the ordinary way, becomes sesquiohe 
 of iron, associated with a small quantity of the carbonate of the protoxide wl h 
 has escaped change; in other words, it is converted into the subc-arbonatof 
 iron of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. (See Ferri Subcarbonas.) As the preparat is 
 of iron containing the protoxide are most esteemed, the change which this 3. 
 cipitate undergoes was always matter of regret, and various attempts were irle 
 to prevent it. Now saccharine matter has been ascertained to possess the > 
 perty of preventing this change; and, in the preparation under considerate 
 its power is brought into play of preventing the protoxide of iron of the carbode 
 as first precipitated from passing into sesquioxide, with loss of carbonic acid 
 
 Dr. Becker, a German physician, was the first to suggest the use of saechaie 
 matter as a means of protection against the absorption of oxygen ; and the ja 
 was carried out by Klauer, a German chemist, who first made the saccharine r- 
 bonate of iron. In the London process the washed precipitate is immedialy 
 mixed with the sugar in the form of syrup. In the Edinburgh formula, is 
 pressed so as to free it from water as far as possible, and then incorporated th 
 the sugar in fine powder. The mode of treating the precipitate, directed iniie 
 London formula, is that recommended by Mr. R. Phillips, jun., and is preferle 
 to the treatment by expression, which exposes it for a longer period to the aeon 
 of the air. The final drying heat should not exceed 130°. The protection tin 
 oxidation, however, is more complete, when both the materials and proict 
 of the process are maintained constantly in contact with saccharine ma:r, 
 by using weak syrup both for dissolving the salts and for washing the precipite, 
 after the improved method of Vallet, of Paris. This improved method of:o- 
 ceeding is adopted for forming the U. S. pills of carbonate of iron, or Talt’s 
 ferruginous pills. (See PiluJse Ferri Carbonatis, U. S.) 
 
 Properties. Saccharine carbonate of iron is a grayish-green powder, permaat 
 in the air, having a sweetish, styptic taste, and wholly and readily solubl in 
 muriatic acid, with brisk effervescence. Its composition is not well madetit. 
 The Edinburgh College defines it to be a “carbonate of protoxide of iron ian 
 undetermined state of combination with sugar and sesquioxide of iron.” he 
 presence of sesquioxide of iron is a defect, which is avoided in Yallet’s fru- 
 ginous pills. 
 
 Medical Properties. This preparation is an excellent chalybeate, posseing 
 the advantages of having nearly all the iron in it in the state of protoxidemd 
 of being readily soluble in acids. Originally introduced into the officinal liby 
 the Edinburgh College, it appears for the first time in the Dublin and Lolon 
 Pharmacopoeias of 1850 and 1851. It is probably more active than the swar- 
 bonate of iron, and must be used in a smaller dose. It is, however, infer: - to 
 Vallet’ s ferruginous mass, in the preparation of which the anti-oxidizing infimee 
 of saccharine matter is more fully applied. The dose of the saccharine carb.ate 
 of iron is from five to thirty grains, given in the form of pill. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pilulae Ferri Carbonatis, Ed. I- 
 
 TINCTURA FERRI CHLORIDE U.S. Tinctura Ferri es- 
 quichloridi. Lond Dub. Ferri Muriatis Tinctura. Fd. pic - 
 ture of Chloride of Iron. Tincture of Muriate of Iron. 
 
 “ Take of Subcarbonate of Iron half a pound ; Muriatic Acid a pint; Alhol 
 three .pints. Pour the Acid upon the Subcarbonate of Iron, in a glass or fee- 
 lain vessel, mix them, and, when effervescence has ceased, apply a gentlest. 
 
PiT II. Ferrum. 997 
 
 an continue it, stirring occasionally, until the carbonate is dissolved; then filter 
 th solution, and mix it with the alcohol.” U. S. 
 
 Take of Sesquioxide of Iron [Subcarbonate, U. N.] six ounces; Hydrochloric 
 Ail a pin! [Imperial measure]; Rectified Spirit three pints [Imp. meas.]. Mix 
 tkSesquioslide with the Acid, and digest with a sand-bath, occasionally stirring, 
 til t is dissolved. Then to the solution, after it has cooled, add the Spirit, and 
 fill:.” Lond. 
 
 Take of Red Oxide [Subcarbonate] of Iron six ounces; Muriatic Acid (com- 
 mend) one pint [Imp. meas.]; Reqtified Spirit three pints [Imp. meas.]. Add 
 thOxide to the Acid in a glass vessel ; digest with a gentle heat, and occa- 
 siod agitation, for a day, or till most of the Oxide be dissolved ; then add the 
 Sp t, and filter.” Ed. 
 
 Take of Iron Wire eight ounces [avoirdupois] ; Pure Muriatic Acid one 
 quit [two pints, Imp. meas.] ; Pure Nitric Acid eighteen fluidrachms [Imp. 
 me .] ; Distilled Water onepint [Imp. meas.] ; Rectified Spirit one pint and a 
 ha. [Imp. meas.]. Dilute the Muriatic Acid with the Water, and, having 
 poiad the mixture on the Iron, apply a gentle heat till the metal is dissolved. 
 Ne. add the Nitric Acid in successive portions, and then evaporate at a gentle 
 hetuntil the solution is reduced to one pint. Finally mix this in a bottle with 
 tlielpirit, and, after the mixture has stood for twelve hours, draw off the clear 
 tin ire. The sp.gr. of this tincture is l'2-37.” Dub. 
 
 e subcarbonate of iron of the shops consists of sesquioxide of iron, mixed 
 wit a variable, but always small proportion of carbonate of the protoxide. 
 Wb acted on by muriatic acid it dissolves with effervescence, in consequence 
 ofli escape of carbonic acid; and a solution of the sesquichloride of iron, with 
 a lij'.e protoehloride, is obtained. When the muriatic acid employed is of the 
 offii.al strength (sp.gr. 1T6), the quantity directed in the U.S. formula dis- 
 sohi nearly all the subcarbonate, leaving behind, according to Mr. Phillips, 
 less ban one scruple, including accidental impurities. A reaction appears to 
 tak dace between the muriatic acid and the alcohol, as the preparation has a 
 deced ethereal odour. On exposure, the small quantity of protochloride of 
 ironresent is converted, by the absorption of oxygen, into sesquichloride and 
 sesnj'oxide, the latter of which is precipitated unless there be an excess of mu- 
 riat acid present.- In the U. S. formula no such excess exists, and the tincture 
 mavonsequently deposit, upon standing, a little sesquioxide of iron, and become 
 in tij same proportion more feeble; but this is a very slight objection, and is 
 easi obviated, if thought advisable, by adding sufficient muriatic acid to redis- 
 solythe precipitate. The London and Edinburgh preparations, which have a 
 con? erable excess of acid, are liable to the more serious objection of being thus 
 renewed more irritant to the stomach. It is-important that the apothecary should 
 empy muriatic acid of the officinal specific gravity, as otherwise his preparation 
 willji of uncertain strength. A want of attention to this circumstance is pro- 
 babl the cause that the tincture, as found in the shops, is very unequal. Of 
 fourjecimens examined by Mr. Phillips, one yielded from half a fluidounce 20 
 grai of sesquioxide of iron, another 12 1 grains, a third 11 '3 grains, and the 
 four; only 9 '3 grains. A specimen prepared by himself, precisely according to 
 die (-ections of the London Pharmacopoeia of 1824, which are at present those 
 of o ; own national standard, had the sp.gr. 0'994, and yielded, from half a 
 fluid’ nee, 16'8 grains of sesquioxide. The present London preparation, accord- 
 in g the same authority, has the sp.gr. 0'992, and would afford, from half a 
 fluid nee, upon the addition of potassa, nearly 15 grains of sesquioxide. The 
 proc i of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850 is quite new. In the first step of 
 d a ution of protochloride of iron is formed, which is subsequently converted 
 fly t reaction of nitric acid into a solution of the sesquichloride, to which the 
 
998 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 PAET 
 
 alcohol is added. The strength of the resulting tincture is more than thn 
 that of the other British preparations, and nearly thrice that of the U. S. tincte 1 . 
 
 Properties. Tincture of chloride of iron is of a reddish-brown, somewhat t - 
 lowish colour, a sour and very styptic taste, and an odour resembling thaif 
 muriatic ether. The sesquichloride of iron, which results from its evaporati , 
 is a deliquescent compound, of a dark-orange colour, scarcely crystallizable, : 1 
 consisting of two eqs. of iron 56, and three of chlorine 106'26=1G2'26. la 
 \ tincture is decomposed by the alkalies, alkaline earths and their c-arbona q 
 astringent vegetable infusions, and the mucilage of gum Arabic, which produis 
 with it a brown semi-transparent jelly. Alf these substances are, therefip, 
 incompatible with it in prescriptions.* 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This is one of the most active and cerln 
 preparations of iron, usually acceptable to the stomach, and much employed >r 
 the purposes to which the chalybeates generally are applied. It has been 
 ticularly commended as. a tonic in scrofula, in which it was formerly often gin, 
 jointly with the solution of chloride of calcium, or chloride of barium. Ib 
 supposed to be diuretic, and to have a peculiar influence on the urinary passa.s. 
 Hence it has been employed in gleet, old gonorrhoea, and leucorrhcea; anus 
 said to be useful in dysury dependent on spasmodic stricture of the urethra. n 
 the dose of ten drops repeated every ten minutes, till some effect is experiend. 
 In hemorrhages from the uterus, kidneys, and bladder, it is thought to act i- 
 vantageously, but should be confined to those of a passive character, or empled 
 only after sufficient depletion. Externally it is sometimes used for the dest c- 
 tion of venereal warts, and as a styptic in cancerous and fungous ulcers. It 
 has recently been employed with success, as an injection in aneurismaltt- 
 niours. (See Banking's Abstract, xviii. 120.) The dose of the U. S. tinctmis 
 from ten to thirty minims, which may be gradually increased to one or even to 
 fluidraehms, two or three times a day. It is given diluted with water. 
 
 FERRI CITRAS. U.8. Citrate of Iron. 
 
 “Take of Citric Acid five ounces and a half; Sulphate of Iron twelve ouns; 
 Distilled Water five fiuidounces. Dissolve the Acid in the Water. Then re- 
 pare from the Sulphate the Hydrated Oxide of Iron, according to the fornla 
 for that substauce. To the solution of the Acid, heated to about 150°,'nd 
 maintained at that temperature, gradually add the Hydrated Oxide, in its nist 
 and recent state, as long as it is dissolved, and until the Acid is fully satured. 
 Filter the liquid, and, having evaporated it to the consistence of a thick sm 
 spread it in layers on glass or porcelain plates, so that, when dried, it may rm 
 thin laminte, which are to be detached from the plates, and broken into pees 
 of convenient size.” U. S. 
 
 In this process a strong solution of citric acid, heated to 150®, is securely 
 saturated with moist and recent hydrated sesquioxide of iron. The heat dinted 
 promotes the solution of the sesquioxide ; but a boiling temperature is he 
 avoided, as it renders the oxide less readily soluble. Citrate of iron, as ans 
 prepared, is in thin transparent pieces, of a beautiful garnet-red colour, t is 
 an uncrystallizable acid salt, slowly soluble in cold, but readily soluble injoil- 
 
 * Bestuchejp s tincture , wliieli is much used in Europe, is simply a solution of sflui- 
 chloride of iron in a mixture of one measure of ether and three or four measures of aJwL 
 Fr. Mayer recommends that the sesquichloride should be prepared by passing chnne 
 through a solution of the protochloride, until a solution of the red ferrocyauuret ■ po- 
 tassium no longer produces a blue precipitate, and then evaporating by a water-bat hi 
 this mode crystals of the sesquichloride are obtained, one ounce of which is to b dis- 
 solved in twelve ounces of ether, mixed with four times its bulk of alcohol. The squon 
 may be rendered colourless, if desired, by exposure to the direct rays of the sun. (• 1 • 
 Journ. of Pharm., i. 233.) 
 
PAD II. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 999 
 
 injyater, and possessing a mild chalybeate taste. It consists of one eq. of 
 citj acid 165, and one of sesquioxide of iron 80=245. 
 
 Irate of iron was introduced to the notice of the profession, in 1881, by 
 M.leral, of Paris. It is a pleasant chalybeate, and is best given in the form of 
 pil The dose is five grains, repeated several times a day. B. 
 
 ERRI AMMONIO-CITRxlS. Fond., Fub. Ammonio-citrate of 
 
 l n. 
 
 Take of Sulphate of Iron twelve ounces ; Carbonate of Soda twelve ounces and 
 allf ; Citric Acid six ounces; Solution of Ammonia nine fluidounces [Imp. 
 
 me. ]; boiling Distilled Water twelve pints [Imp. rneas.]. Dissolve separately 
 tliciulphate and Carbonate in six pints of the Water. Mix the solutions while 
 sti’ hot, and set the mixture by that the precipitate may subside. Having 
 pomd off the supernatant liquor, wash the precipitate frequently with water, 
 tbi v in the Acid, and dissolve by the aid of heat. When the solution has 
 coo d, add the Ammonia, and evaporate to the consistence of syrup. Pour this 
 in in layers on earthenware plates, dry with a gentle heat, and preserve the 
 promt in a well stopped bottle.” Lond. 
 
 le Dublin College dissolves its hydrated peroxide of iron, freshly made, in a 
 sol ion of citric acid, and boils for twenty minutes. The cool solution, after the 
 ad< ion of ammonia in slight excess, is dried in thin layers, so as to form scales. 
 
 the London process, by double decomposition between sulphate of iron and 
 carinate of soda, carbonate of protoxide of iron is first formed, which, by the 
 exjture to the air during washing, becomes the sesquioxide with loss of car- 
 bo^ acid. To this oxide, while still moist, the citric acid is added, and the 
 whs is dissolved by the aid of heat, the moisture present and the water of 
 cry allization of the acid being sufficient to effect the solution. In this manner 
 the itrate of sesquioxide of iron is formed, the salt described in the last article. 
 N( this is an acid salt, and when the excess of acid in it is neutralized with 
 amonia, the ammonio-citrate of iron is formed, from which the greater part of 
 tht mmonia is driven off when dried with a gentle heat. 
 
 .•operties, &c. Ammonio-citrate of iron is in garnet-red scales, having a 
 slij tly chalybeate taste, and forming a solution of a clear ruby colour. It is 
 Dn i more readily soluble in water than the citrate of iron described in the last 
 art e. It is neutral to test paper, and not rendered blue by the addition of 
 fer lyanuret of potassium. It is decomposed by potassa and lime-water, which 
 tin r down sesquioxide of iron and evolve ammonia. The London College states 
 tin 100 grains of the salt, dissolved in water and treated with potassa, yield 
 ab|i 34 grains of sesquioxide of iron. This salt forms a pleasant chalybeate. 
 Its eady solubility gives it an advantage over the citrate. The dose is five 
 grys, repeated several times a day, and given in solution. According to Dr. 
 Ih it may be united with the carbonated alkalies without decomposition, and 
 ghi in a state of effervescence with citric acid. B. 
 
 ERRI ET POTASSiE TARTRAS. U.S. Ferri Potassio- 
 ta;ras. Lond. Ferrum Tartarizatum. Ed., Dub. Tartrate of 
 Ir and Potassa. Tartarized Iron. 
 
 .[fake of Sulphate of Iron eight ounces; Bitartrate of Potassa seven ounces; 
 Di; lied Water half a gallon. Prepare from the Sulphate the Hydrated Oxide of 
 Ire according to the formula for that substance. Mix the Bitartrate of Po- 
 tas: with the Distilled Water, heat the mixture to 140°, and, keeping it at that 
 ter erature, add gradually the Hydrated Oxide, frequently stirring, until it 
 ceajs to he dissolved. Then filter the solution, evaporate it by means of a water- 
 bal to the consistence of Syrup, and spread it upon plates of glass or porcelain, 
 so at it may dry in the form of scales.” U. S. 
 
1000 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 PART [. 
 
 “ Take of Sulphate of Iron four ounces ; Sulphuric Acid half a fimdoui ; 
 [Imp. meas.]; Nitric Acid a fiuidounce [Imp. meas.]; Solution of Ammqa 
 ten fluidounces [Imp. meas.] ; Bitartrate of Potassa, powdered, two ounces; s- 
 tilled Water four gallons [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve the Sulphate with the ;l- 
 phuric Acid in a pint of the Water; then, applying heat, add gradually the N:ic 
 Acid. Boil down the solution to the consistence of syrup, and mix it with .e 
 rest of the Water. Then add the Ammonia, in order to throw down the L 
 quioxide of iron. Wash this and set it aside for twenty-four hours. Then M 
 the Bitartrate, mixed with half a pint of Distilled Water, to 110°, and to is 
 mixture add the moist sescjuioxide, the water which floats over it having I n 
 poured off. Separate the part of the sesquioxide which fails to he dissolvecly 
 straining through a cloth; then evaporate the clear liquor until the salt is y. 
 The Potassio-tartrate of Iron may also be dried in the manner directed or 
 Ammonio-citrate of Iron.” Land. 
 
 “Take of Sulphate of Iron five ounces; Bitartrate of Potash five ounces id 
 one drachm; Carbonate of Ammonia, in fine powder, a sufficiency. Prepareae 
 Rust of Iron from the Sulphate as directed under Perrugo, and without drug 
 it. Mix the pulpy mass with four pints [Imp. meas.] of Water; add the B:r- 
 trate; boil till the Rust of Iron is dissolved; let the solution cool; pour offae 
 clear liquid, and add to this the Carbonate of Ammonia so long as it occashs 
 effervescence. Concentrate the liquid over the vapour-bath to the consisttpe 
 of a thick extract, or till the residuum becomes on cooling a firm solid, w';h 
 must be preserved in well-closed vessels.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Sulphate of Iron eight ounces [avoirdupois]; white Bitartratof 
 Potash five ounces [avoird.]; Distilled Water one pint and a half [Imp. me;]. 
 From the Sulphate of Iron prepare Hydrated Peroxide of Iron by the [Duh] 
 process, and having, immediately after it is washed, placed it with theBitartte 
 of Potash and Water in a porcelain capsule, apply heat to the mixture (tahg 
 care, however, that the temperature does not rise beyond 150°), and stir it oa- 
 sionally for six hours. Let the solution, after it has cooled down to the m- 
 perature of the atmosphere, be decanted off any undissolved oxide of iron, :d, 
 having transferred it in small quantities to delf dinner plates, let it be evapored 
 to dryness at a heat not exceeding 150°. Lastly, chip off the film of dryilt 
 which adheres to the plates, and preserve it in well stopped bottles.” Dul.\ 
 
 The object of these processes is to combine the excess of acid in the bitartite 
 of potassa with sesquioxide of iron. In all of them the plan of Soubeira is 
 adopted ; namely, that of dissolving the moist hydrated sesquioxide to saturon 
 in a mixture of the bitartrate and water, aided by a moderate heat. The ;s- 
 quioxide is now obtained, in all the Pharmacopoeias, from the tersulphaiof 
 sesquioxide of iron, which is precipitated either by ammonia ( U. S-, Land.. A), 
 or by solution of potassa (Dub.'). Potassa is not a good precipitant; bec-tse 
 the alkali adheres obstinately to the precipitated sesquioxide, and cannolbe 
 completely separated even by repeated washings. The necessary hydratedps- 
 quioxide is made in the body of the London formula ; this College not haug 
 it as the product of a separate process. The sesquioxide should be gradely 
 added to the bitartrate and water, heated to 140°, as recommended by Soubein, 
 at which temperature the oxide dissolves more readily and in larger quality 
 than when ebullition is employed. In the U. S. and Dublin formulas, the liiid 
 is poured out on a plane surface, so as to dry iu scales; and the London Co ge 
 gives this as an alternative method of drying. The present formulas ofche 
 U. S., Loudon, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias are much superior to those of fcuer 
 editions of those works. 
 
 Dr. Ure has proposed the tartrate of protoxide of iron for medical use. L 
 makes it by acting on clean iron filings, or bits of iron wire, with a solutioo 
 
p;iT II. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 1001 
 
 ta-iric acid. It is a pulverulent salt, insoluble in water, and, possessing a mild 
 cliybeate taste. 
 
 Properties. Tartrate of iron and potassa, as obtained by the U. S and Dub- 
 lironnulae, is in transparent scales of a ruby-red colour, and wholly soluble in 
 ab.it four parts of water. It has a slightly chalybeate taste. Its solution does 
 ncehange the colour of litmus, and at common temperatures is not precipitated 
 byotassa, soda, or ammonia. Ferrocyanuret of potassium does not render it 
 bli, unless an acid be added. The non-action of this test shows that the iron 
 is . a peculiar state of combination. It is incompatible with astringent vege- 
 tal infusions, which give rise to a dark-coloured precipitate. When heated 
 wi potassa, 100 grains of the salt yield a precipitate of about 31 grains of 
 seiuioxide of iron. [Land. Pharm. 1851.) 
 
 'omposition. Prepared according to the U. S., London, or Dublin formula, 
 it nsists of one eq. of tartrate of sesquioxide of iron, and one of tartrate of 
 possa. When of this composition it contains 34 per cent, of sesquioxide of iron. 
 TlEdinburgh preparation contains only about 18 per cent, of sesquioxide. 
 
 r ediccd Properties. Tartrate of iron and potassa is an agreeable chalybeate, 
 an when made according to the U. S., London, or Dublin formula, may be 
 de nded upon for activity and uniformity of composition. From its slight taste 
 airready solubility,, it is one of the best ferruginous preparations for children. 
 TLdose for an adult is from ten grains to half a drachm, given in solution, or 
 copined with an aromatic or bitter in the form of bolus. B. 
 
 ERRI FERROCYANURETUM. TJ.S. Ferrocyanuret of Iron. 
 P\e Prussian Blue. 
 
 Take of Sulphate of Iron four ounces ; Sulphuric Acid three fluidrachms 
 an a half ; Nitric Acid six fluidrachms , or a sufficient quantity ; Ferrocyanuret 
 of otassium four ounces and a half ; Water two pints. Dissolve the Sulphate 
 of ron in a pint of the Water, and, having added the Sulphuric Acid, boil the 
 sol ion. Pour into it the Nitric Acid, in small portions, boiling the liquid for 
 a mute or two after each addition, until a dark colour is no longer produced; 
 the allow it to cool. Dissolve the Ferrocyanuret of Potassium in the remainder 
 of je Water, and add this solution gradually to the first liquid, agitating the 
 mi are after each addition ; then pour it upon a filter. Wash the precipitate 
 wit! boiling water, until the washings pass tasteless. Lastly, dry it and rub it 
 intpowder.” U. S. 
 
 . the process above given, the sulphate of protoxide of iron in solution is 
 firs icidulated with sulphuric acid, and then converted into the tersulphate of 
 thepsquioxide by means of nitric acid. The object of the addition of the sul- 
 pbi c acid, is to provide for the higher saturating power of the sesquioxide over 
 thelrotpxide, and thus to prevent the precipitation of the subsulphate of the 
 sesAoxide. The tersulphate of the sesquioxide may be obtained, without 
 thebe of nitric acid, by treating the sulphate of the protoxide, previously 
 dri< , with boiling sulphuric acid. (Levol, Journ. de Pharm., xviii. 343.) The 
 ter: phate is then decomposed by the gradual addition of the solution of ferro- 
 cjajiret °f potassium. Three eqs. of ferrocyanuret, and two of tersulphate of 
 sesi ioxide of iron, are mutually decomposed, with the result of forming one 
 eq. ' Prussian blue, or the 3—4 ferrocyanuret of iron, which precipitates, and 
 six qs. of sulphate of potassa, which remain in solution. Ferroeyanogen is a 
 terunuret of iron (FeCy 3 ); and, representing it by its symbol Cfy, we may 
 con ictly express the above reaction by the following equation; 3CfyK a and 
 2(I0 3 ,3S0 3 )=30fy,4Fe and t>(K0,S0 3 ). Prussian blue contains the ele- 
 ven of six eqs. of water, which cannot be separated without the destruction 
 of 1 1 compound. Adding these elements, we may suppose it to become a hydro- 
 fen yanate of the sesquioxide of iron, represented by the formula, SCfyH^, 
 
1002 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 PART 
 
 Fe 4 0 6 . From the formula given for the anhydrous compound (3Cfjj4Fe), rk 
 evident that it contains nine eqs. of cyanogen and seven of iron. 
 
 Preparation for Use in the Arts. Prussian blue is manufactured on the la > 
 scale as follows. A mixture made of equal parts of carbonate of potassa (pen- 
 ash of commerce), and animal matter, such as dried blood, hair, the shavimof 
 horn, &c., is calcined at a red heat in an iron vessel, until it becomes pa- . 
 The mass, when cold, is thrown, by portions at a time, into twelve or tiftn 
 times its weight of water, with which it is stirred for half an hour. The whs 
 is then put upon a linen filter; and the clear solution obtained is precipitated v 
 a mixed solution of two parts of alum and one of the sulphate of protoxidcjf 
 iron. An effervescence occurs, due principally to carbonic acid; and avy 
 abundant precipitate is thrown down, of a blackish-brown colour. This ] ■- 
 cipitate is washed, by decantation, by means of a large quantity of water, wba 
 is renewed every twelve hours. By these washings, which last from twenty o 
 twenty-five days, the precipitate becomes, successively, greenish-brown, blu i, 
 and finally deep-blue. When of the latter colour, it is collected and allowec o 
 drain upon a cloth, after which it is divided into cubical masses and dried. 
 
 Properties. Pure Prussian blue is a tasteless powder, insoluble in water d 
 alcohol, and having a rich deep-blue colour. It is insoluble in dilute acs, 
 decomposed by fuming nitric acid, and dissolved without decomposition by str g 
 sulphuric acid, forming a white mass of the consistence of paste, from which ,ie 
 Prussian blue may be precipitated unchanged by water. Concentrated muriic 
 acid decomposes it, dissolving sesquioxide of iron, and liberating hydroferrocy;ic 
 acid. Boiled with red oxide of mercury it generates bicyanuret of merciy. 
 (See Hydrargyri Cyanuretum.') By the contact of a red-hot body it takes re 
 and burns slowly, leaving a residue of sesquioxide of iron. When it is head 
 in close vessels, water, hydrocyanic acid, and carbonate of ammonia are evol d, 
 and carburet of iron is left. Its composition has been given above. The Ps- 
 sian blue of commerce was discovered by accident, in 1710, by Diesbach, a e- 
 parer of colours at Berlin. It has the same general properties as the pure :b- 
 stance. It occurs in small rectangular masses, which are heavier than wct, 
 and have a fracture presenting a bronzed appearance. Besides the eonstitmts 
 of pure Prussian blue, it always contains alumina, derived from the alum n- 
 ployed in its manufacture, and which serves to give it body as a pigment, ad 
 uncombined sesquioxide of iron. These substances may be detected by boiag 
 the pigment with dilute muriatic acid, and precipitating the filtered soluon 
 with ammonia. Pure Prussian blue, treated in this manner, yields no precipi :e. 
 
 Medical Properties, &c. Prussian blue is supposed to act as a tonic, firi- 
 fuge, and alterative. Dr. Zolliekoffer, of Maryland, has recommended it ■ a 
 remedy in intermittent and remittent fevers, and deems it to be particuHy 
 adapted to such cases occurring in children, on account of the smallness ofhe 
 dose and its want of taste. lie considers it more certain, prompt, and efficacus 
 than the bark ; while it has the advantage of beiDg admissible in the stat of 
 pyrexia, and of not disagreeing with the most irritable stomach. It has ho 
 been used by Dr. Ivirchoff, of Ghent, in epilepsy with good success. Dr. Brices, 
 of this city, exhibited it in a case of severe and protracted facial neuralgia, tth 
 considerable relief, after the usual remedies in this complaint had been el 
 with little or no benefit. It is sometimes employed as an application tall- 
 conditioned ulcers, mixed with some simple ointment, in the prcportio ot 
 a drachm to the ounce. The dose of pure Prussian blue for an adult is om 
 three to five grains, repeated several times a day, and gradually increased itil 
 some obvious effect is produced. 
 
 Of. Prep. Hydrargyri Cyanuretum. 
 
pa: ii. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 1003 
 
 ERRI IODIDUM. TJ. S., Fd., Dub. Iodide of Iron. 
 
 Take of Iodine two ounces; Iron Filings an ounce; Distilled Water a pint 
 an L half. Mix the Iodine with a pint of the Distilled Water, in a porcelain 
 or ass vessel, and gradually add the Iron Filings, stirring constantly. Heat 
 thepixture gently until the liquid acquires a light-greenish colour; then filter, 
 anjafter the liquid has passed, pour upon the filter the remainder of the Dis- 
 till Water boiling hot. When this has passed, evaporate the filtered liquor 
 at [temperature not exceeding 212°, in an iron vessel, to dryness. Keep the 
 diyodide in a closely stopped bottle.” U. S. 
 
 Take any convenient quantity of Iodine, Iron Wire, and Distilled 'Water, in 
 theoroportions for making Solution [Syrup] of Iodide of Iron. Proceed as 
 dir ted for that process; but before filtering the solution, concentrate it to one- 
 sis of its volume, without removing the excess of Iron W 7 ire. Put the filtered 
 liq|r quickly in an evaporating basin, along with twelve times its weight of 
 quidime around the basin, in some convenient apparatus, in which it may be 
 sin up accurately in a small space, not communicating with the general atmo- 
 spke. Heat the whole apparatus in a hot air-press, or otherwise, until the 
 wa : be entirely evaporated ; and preserve the dry iodide in small well closed 
 ves Is/’ Ed. 
 
 Take of Pure Iodine one ounce [avoirdupois] ; Filings, or thin Turnings of 
 Wight Iron, separated from impurities by a magnet, half an ounce [avoird.] ; 
 Di allied Water five ounces [avoird.]. Introduce the Iodine, Iron, and four 
 oures of the Water into a Florence flask, and, having heated the mixture gently 
 for m minutes, boil until the solution loses its red colour. Pass the liquid now 
 thr igh paper into a second flask, washing the filter with the remaining ounce of 
 Wor, and, by means of a regulated heat, boil down the liquor until a drop of 
 it uen out on the end of an iron wire solidifies on cooling. When the flask has 
 asaned the temperature of the air, let the iodide of iron be extracted from it (by 
 brewing the flask if necessary), and, after it has been submitted to powerful pres- 
 sui enveloped in blotting paper, let it be enclosed in a well stopped bottle.” Dub. 
 
 these processes iron is made to unite with iodine by the intervention of 
 wa ', and the combination takes place readily and quickly. The liquid at first 
 is d or orange-coloured, from the circumstance that all the iodine has not 
 un d with the iron ; but after the application of heat it becomes fully saturated 
 am limpid, and assumes a greenish colour. It is now a solution of iodide of 
 iro and yields the solid salt by evaporation. The proportion of the iron taken 
 is If the weight of the iodine. Fine iron wire, recently cleaned, is directed 
 by ie Edinburgh College on account of its purity ; but iron filings dissolve 
 me readily, and, if carefully selected, will be sufficiently pure. It is exceed- 
 ing difficult to obtain this salt in the solid state perfectly pure, so great is the 
 prtjbness of its solution to absorb oxygen, whereby the iodide becomes, in part, 
 comrted into sesquioxide. This change is prevented to a certain extent in the 
 prebss of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, by evaporating to dryness in an iron vessel ; 
 am in the process of the Edinburgh College, by concentrating the solution, 
 belie filtering, in contact with the excess of iron wire, and afterwards evapo- 
 ratjg it in a hot air-press, subjected to the drying influence of quicklime. 
 
 jie process of the Edinburgh College for iodide of iron is that of the Messrs. 
 T. ; H. Smith, of Edinburgh. These chemists have since recommended the 
 fobving improved process, which more effectually excludes atmospheric air. 
 Br in a Florence flask, six drachms of pure iron filings with two ounces and 
 a Carter of iodine, in four and a half ounces of distilled water, until the liquid 
 los its dark colour. Then filter the liquid rapidly into another flask, and 
 evi Drate it at a boiling heat, until its green shade passes into black. After 
 tbi period, the heat is kept up as long as the evaporation of moisture continues, 
 wl h may be ascertained by its condensation on a cold piece of glass, placed, 
 
1004 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 PART [. 
 
 from time to time, over the mouth of the flask. "When this ceases, the 13 k 
 contains pure, anhydrous, spongy iodide of iron, which, when cold, is tote 
 removed by breaking the flask, bruised coarsely in a warm dry mortar, d 
 enclosed immediately in small well-corked bottles. If it is wished to obtain .e 
 iodide as a crystallized hydrate, the heat is to be withdrawn as soon as the lio[d 
 is sufficiently concentrated to congeal, in a dry and hard crust, om the end o: n 
 iron wire, dipped into it. 
 
 Properties. Iodide of iron is a crystalline substance, exceedingly deliq $- 
 cent, of a greenish-black colour, and styptic, chalybeate taste. “ When ce- 
 fully prepared by the Edinburgh formula, it has a dark grayish-black methc 
 appearance, and irregularly foliated texture, not unlike iodine itself.” ( 67, js- 
 tison’s Dispensatory.') Its solution, by evaporation with as little contacof 
 air as possible, affords transparent, green, tabular crystals. When lie: d 
 moderately it fuses, and, on cooling, becomes an opaque crystalline mass, hang 
 an iron-gray colour and metallic lustre. At a higher temperature it emits vie t- 
 coloured vapours, and the iron is left in the state of sesquioxide. It is vy 
 soluble both in water and alcohol. When recently prepared it is wholly solvle 
 in water, forming a pale-green solution ; but if made for some time, it alcst 
 unavoidably contains some sesquioxide of iron from a partial decomposition, .d 
 will not be entirely soluble. M. Lecoq, of Saint-Quentin, has proposed to e- 
 serve it in a wide-mouthed, ground-stoppered bottle, covered with a layer de- 
 duced iron, which cannot decompose it, and which at the same time protec- it 
 from the action of the air. W r hen the iodide is wanted, the iron is remed 
 with a bone spatula, or a little brush. ( Journ . de Pharm., Eeb. 1853, p. L.) 
 The aqueous solution is very liable to spontaneous decomposition, becoming 
 last orange-red from the generation of free iodine, and depositing sesquioxidyf 
 iron. According to Mr. Richard Phillips, juu., the first step in this chants 
 the formation of protoxide of iron and hydriodic acid, from the deeomposion 
 of water. As the protoxide immediately begins to be converted into sesquiode 
 by absorbing oxygen from the air, and in this state is precipitated, the hydride 
 acid is set free ; and hence is accounted for the acidity of the solution fromae 
 first moment the sesquioxide is deposited. Afterwards, the hydriodic at: is 
 decomposed by the action of air, and iodine liberated. When the solutions 
 prevented from generating free iodine, by placing in it a coil of iron wireic- 
 cording to the plan of Mr. Squire, the iron acts by combining with the iode 
 of nascent hydriodic acid, and not with nascent iodine. (Pharm. Journ. id 
 Trans., iv. 19.) The plan of Mr. Squire does not prevent the deposition^ 
 sesquioxide, and has, therefore, been superseded by the use of saccharine ma:r, 
 which affords a better protection to the solution. (S ee Liquor Ferri Iodn.) 
 Iodide of iron is incompatible with alkalies and their carbonates, with lie- 
 water, and with all other substances by which sulphate of iron is decompcd. 
 W r hen crystallized it consists of one ecp of iodine 126'3, one of iron 28, od 
 five of water 45 = 199 '3. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Iodide of iron was first employed in mediae 
 by Dr. Pierquin in 1824. It was first used in the United States in 183'by 
 Professor Samuel Jackson, of this city, at whose request it was preparcin 
 solution by Mr. E. Dnrand. The late Dr. A. T. Thomson, of London, ab- 
 sented it to the notice of the profession in England, as a remedy, in 1834. its 
 powers are those of a tonic, alterative, diuretic, and emmenagogue. As a tPa- 
 peutic agent, it acts more like the preparations of iron than like those of ioae. 
 It sometimes sharpens the appetite and promotes digestion, and occasionally -ts 
 as a laxative and diuretic. When it does not operate on the bowels, it geneily 
 augments the urine. Its use blackens the stools and lessens their fetor, is 
 chiefly employed in scrofulous complaints, swellings of the cervical glands, is- 
 ceral obstructions attended with deficient action, chlorosis, atonic amenorrb, 
 
PiT II. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 1005 
 
 an leucorrhoea. In the two diseases last mentioned, Dr. Pierquin employed it 
 ■Wi success. In obstinate syphilitic ulcers, M. Baumes, of Lyons, used it with 
 sa". factory results. He gave it in the form of pill, conjoined with extract of 
 opm, and sometimes increased the dose to 20 grains in the course of twenty - 
 foi hours. In secondary syphilis, occurring in debilitated and scrofulous sub- 
 jec, Rieord has found it a valuable remedy. The dose is a grain, gradually 
 Leased to eight or more. For forming enemata, injections for the vagina, and 
 lotus for ulcers, one or two drachms of the salt may be dissolved in a pint of 
 war. It should never be given in the form of pill, unless protected by sac- 
 chine matter, on account of its deliquescent property, and its proneness to 
 composition; and even when thus protected, the pills become soft and lose 
 the shape. Messrs. T. and H. Smith, of Edinburgh, have given a formula for 
 pi] of this kind, made from the anhydrous iodide of iron with refined sugar 
 an honey. A similar pill had been previously devised by Dupasquier, and 
 im'oved by Mr. H. W. Worthington, of this city, in which the protecting 
 su tances are honey and tragacanth. M. Blancard has proposed a pill of 
 iocle of iron, made directly from its elements, protected by honey, brought 
 to pilular consistence with powder of marshmallow, rolled in the powder of 
 meed iron, and varnished with a thin coating of resin, by clipping it once 
 or vice in an ethereal solution of the balsam of Tolu. Dr. D. F. Wright, 
 of lemphis, Tenn., has given a formula for a similar pill, made extemporane- 
 ous from reduced iron, and protected by honey and an excess of iron. (See 
 Ai Journ. of Pharm., Jan. 1854, p. 6.) Prof. Procter is in the habit of 
 infducing a small proportion of reduced iron into the mass, when iodide 
 of on is extemporaneously prescribed in pill. In view of the serious objec- 
 tio which apply to the solid iodide of iron, it might well be dispensed with, 
 an the syrup or saccharine solution substituted. The London College has 
 on ted the solid iodide from its Pharmacopoeia of 1851. Solutions for ex- 
 tend use may be formed by reducing the U. S. saccharine solution ( Liquor 
 Fei lodidi ) with water to any desired extent, at the moment of using them; 
 an in cases in which it might be desirable to give the salt in the solid state, 
 thibfficinal syrup could be reduced to a saccharine mass proper for making 
 piljby evaporation to dryness. (See Pilulse Ferri lodidi.) B. 
 
 [QUOR FERRI IODIDI. U. S. Syrupus Ferri Iodidi. Lond., 
 F \. Ferri Iodidi Syrupus. Ed. Solution of Iodide of Iron. Syrup 
 of )dide of Iron. 
 
 fake of Iodine two ounces; Iron Filings an ounce; Sugar, in powder, twelve 
 out’s; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Mix the Iodine with five fluid- 
 eui Bs of Distilled Water, in a porcelain or glass vessel, and gradually add the 
 Ire Filings, stirring constantly. Heat the mixture gently until all the Iodine 
 is ( solved, or until the liquid acquires a light greenish colour. Then filter the 
 sol ion into a glass bottle, containing the Sugar, and, after it ha,s passed, pour 
 Dialled Water gradually upon the filter until the filtered liquor, including the 
 Su r, measures twenty fluidounces. Lastly, shake the bottle until the Sugar 
 is ( ; solved, and keep it closely stopped.” U. S. 
 
 Take of Iodine an ounce; Iron Wire three drachms; Distilled Water twelve 
 flummees [Imp. meas.], or a sufficient quantity; Sugar Tew ounces. Mix the 
 lor e and Iron with eight fluidounces of the Water, and heat until the solution 
 acqres a greenish colour; then filter. Evaporate the solution to about four 
 flui lunces, and throw in the Sugar. Then, when the syrup has grown cold, 
 au( efficient Water to make it measure fifteen fluidounces [Imp. meas.], and 
 M it in a black glass bottle, well stopped.” Lond. 
 
 ake of Iodine (dry) two hundred grains ; fine Iron Wire, recently cleaned, one 
 inc\red grains; White Sugar, in powder, four ounces and a half; Distilled Water 
 
1006 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 par: x 
 
 six fluidounces [Imperial measure]. Boil the Iodine, Iron, and Water to^ethin 
 a glass matrass, at first gently, to avoid the expulsion of Iodine vapour, air- 
 wards briskly, until about two fluidounces of liquid remain. Filter this quick 
 while hot, into a matrass containing the Sugar; dissolve the Sugar with a sole 
 heat,nnd add Distilled Water, if necessary, to make up six fluidounces. Tv, ve 
 minims contain one grain of Iodide of Iron.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Pure Iodine Jive drachms [avoirdupois] ; Iron Turnings, separed 
 by a magnet, three drachms [Dub. weight] ; Distilled Water two ounces [avoii]; 
 Simple Syrup six fluidounces [Imp. meas.]. Introduce the Iodine, Iron, id 
 Water into a glass flask, and apply a moderate heat until the solution loseits 
 red colour. Filter the solution while hot into a bottle containing the Sj p, 
 mix with agitation, and add distilled Water, to make up eight fluidounces [’ p. 
 meas.]. One fluidrachui contains about five grains of Iodide of Iron.” I)i 
 
 These preparations furnish a solution of iodide of iron, rendered more peia- 
 nent by sugar. The mode of making the iodide is precisely the same as .at 
 given under the head of Ferri lodidum. The Edinburgh College direct- he 
 iodine to be dry ; because, if moist, as the British iodine often is, less iodk of 
 iron will be formed, and the syrup will be proportionably weaker. (See Ioci'um 
 Purum.) In all the processes an excess of iron is taken, the excess being greast 
 in the Dublin formula, and least in the London. A moderate excess of ir- is 
 useful in preventing the solution of iodide of iron from undergoing any c-hje 
 from the absorption of oxygen during filtration, before it comes in contact .th 
 the sugar. Assuming that the iodine without loss is all converted into ic.de 
 of iron, it is easy to calculate the strength of the several officinal solutions. 1 us 
 it will be found that the U. S. solution contains 7 1 grains, and those of the Bi sh 
 Colleges about 5 grains of the dry iodide to the fluidrachm. In the Bush 
 preparations sufficient sugar is used to constitute a syrup; in the U.S. p pa- 
 ration, much less sugar is directed. According to Mr. W. Tozier, of Kgs- 
 town, Ireland, the proportion of sugar in the British formulae is not suffi.nt 
 fully to protect the iodide from change; and, if this statement be aecurate.he 
 saccharine strength of the U. S. preparation must he deemed altogether Ade- 
 quate. Prof. Procter is of opinion that the iodide of iron in the U. S. forala 
 would be better protected by more sugar. A coil of iron wire, or a str; of 
 bright iron, immersed in the solution, assists in preserving it from change. 
 
 The plan of protecting the solution of iodide of iron from change by saha- 
 rine matter originated with M. Frederking, of Riga, who published a foruli 
 for the purpose in Buckner's Repertorium in 1839. The same plan was.ro- 
 posed in a paper by Prof. Procter, contained in the Amer. Journ. of Pharncy 
 for April 1840. In the Journal de Pharmacie for March 1841, Dr. P’as- 
 quier, of Lyons, claims to have made a pure iodide of iron, protected by mp 
 of gum, as early as 1838. In the Pharm. Journ. and Trans, for August HI, 
 the late Dr. A. T. Thomson gave a paper in which he confirmed the re$u ; of 
 Frederking and Procter, and proposed a formula for a strong syrup, which ithe 
 basis of that adopted in the British Pharmacopoeias. 
 
 Properties. The U. S. solution of iodide of iron is a transparent liquid ree 
 or nearly so from sediment, and of a pale-green colour. It becomes Srou on 
 the addition of sulphuric acid, and emits violet vapours when heated. It sluli 
 not contain any free iodine, which, if present, may be detected by the pr ue- 
 tion of a blue colour with starch. The syrup of the British Colleges is a t ns- 
 parent liquid, either colourless or pale yellowish-green, and without sedient 
 even when exposed to the air. When concentrated it becomes brown. ud, 
 when evaporated to dryness, it forms a mass which may be called the sacch we 
 iodide, and whicli is not entirely soluble again, a little sesquioxide of irou 
 left. This saccharine iodide, being protected by the sugar it contains, inot- 
 
Ferrum. 
 
 P IT II. 
 
 1007 
 
 li le to the objections which apply to the pure solid salt, and may be made 
 ii» pills. (See page 1005.) 
 
 Medical Properties. These have been detailed under the head of Ferri Iodi- 
 
 dk. The dose of the U. S. solution is from 20 to 50 drops, sufficiently diluted 
 yji water; that of the syrup of the British Colleges, one-half larger. The 
 di.tion should be made at the moment it is taken; and, in order to guard 
 alnst injury to the teeth, the mouth should be carefully washed- after each 
 
 dl. B. 
 jIQUOR FERRI NITRATIS. U. S. Ferri Pernitratis Liquor. 
 
 Zb. Solution of Nitrate of Iron. Solution of Pernitrate of Iron. 
 Sution of Ternitrate of Sesquioxide of Iron. 
 
 Take of Iron Wire, cut in pieces, an ounce ; Nitric Acid [sp. gr. 1'42] three 
 fldounces; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Mix the Acid with a pint of 
 Drilled Water, add the Iron, and agitate occasionally until gas ceases to be 
 dingaged; then filter the solution, and add to it sufficient Distilled Water to 
 m;e it measure thirty fluidounces.” U. S. 
 
 Take of fine Iron Wire, free from rust, one ounce [avoirdupois]; Pure Nitric 
 Ad [sp. gr. 1'5] three fiuidoune.es [Imp. meas.]; Distilled Water a sufficient 
 qfntity. Into the Acid, first diluted with sixteen ounces [avoird.] of the 
 liter, introduce the Iron Wire, and leave them in contact until gas ceases to be 
 dingaged. Filter the solution, and to it add as much Water as will make its 
 bu one pint and a half [Imp. meas.]. The specific gravity of this Solution is 
 lj)7.” Pub. 
 
 'pon a comparison of these formulae, it will be found that the U. S. process 
 di-rs from the Dublin in substituting the troy for the avoirdupois ounce of iron, 
 ar three wine fluidounces of nitric acid, sp.gr. 1'42, for three Imperial fluid- 
 onpes of the same, acid, sp.gr. 1’5. These variations from the Dublin formula 
 inease the iron taken 42£ grains, and lessen the weight of the acid; for three 
 w: fluidounces of nitric acid, sp.gr. 1’42, weigh 271 grains less than the three 
 Ir . fluidounces of the acid, sp.gr. 1'5. The comparative deficiency of acid 
 inhe U. S. formula is much greater than this, when the sp. gr. of the U. S. 
 ac compared with that of the Dublin acid, is taken into account. These dif- 
 fe ices, however, do not appear material; for, on the supposition that the pre- 
 pa tion contains the ternitrate of sesquioxide of iron, there is not enough acid 
 ta n in either formula to dissolve all the iron. To produce this salt, four eqs. 
 of itric acid may be supposed to react with two eqs. of iron. One eq. of the 
 ni c acid, with evolution of nitric oxide, will be expended in converting the 
 ir< into sesquioxide, with which the three remaining eqs. of acid will unite. 
 4M and 2Fe=Fe a 0 3 ,3N0 5 and NO a . 
 
 his solution was introduced to the notice of the profession by Air. William 
 K -, of Scotland, in 1832. As made by Air. Kerr, it is a transparent liquid 
 of beautiful dark-red colour, and a very astringent but not caustic taste. Its 
 spr., as made by the Dublin formula, is 1T07. It is apt to become turbid 
 on :eeping, and to deposit a subnitrate of the sesquioxide. To obviate this 
 liality to change, Air. Kerr always added a small portion of muriatic acid. 
 P: . Procter attains the same end by adding the iron gradually, filtering irnme- 
 di; ly after all the iron has been thrown in, heating the filtrate gently in a capsule 
 or isk, and carefully dropping in nitric acid, with stirring, avoiding an excess, 
 ue 'a drop of the solution, tested with ammonia, yields a red precipitate, with- 
 ou my tinge of black. By thus preventing a prolonged contact between the 
 sa formed and metallic iron, but little protoxide is generated ; and this is sub- 
 set antly turned into sesquioxide and saturated by the careful addition of nitric 
 sc: (See Am. Journ. of Pharm. Oct. 1851, p. 313.) Solution of nitrate of 
 irc i made by Prof. Procter’s modified formula, has a bright Aladeira wine colour, 
 
1008 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 and keeps very well. When treated with ammonia, it yields a red precipice 
 of sesquioxide of iron. The late Mr. Duhamel, of Philadelphia (Am. Joun ,f 
 Pharm., xvii. 92) proposed to render the solution permanent hy preparin it 
 as a syrup ; but it is well known that his syrup would not keep.* Ternittte 
 of sesquioxide of iron, as described by Mr. J. M. Ordway, of Massachusetts, in 
 the form of oblique rhombic prisms, which are either colourless or of a deli te 
 lavender colour. It is somewhat deliquescent, and very soluble in water, at 
 sparingly soluble in nitric acid. It consists of three eqs. of nitric acid, on of 
 sesquioxide of iron, and eighteen of water. (SillimaP s Journ., Jan. 1850.' 
 
 Medical Properties. This solution is considered to act as a tonic and astin- 
 gent. Dr. It. J. Graves, of Dublin (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., xviii. 216, fm 
 the Lond. Med. and Surg. Journ.), praises it as a remedy in chronic diarrlja, 
 especially when occurring in delicate and nervous women, in which there i|io 
 thirst, redness of tongue, tenderness of the abdomen on pressure, or other id- 
 eation of inflammation. Mr. Kerr attributed to it the property of diminisiig 
 the irritability of the intestinal mucous membrane. It is particularly applic-jle 
 to the treatment of mucous diarrhoea, attended with pain, but not to casein 
 which ulcerations of the intestines exist. Dr. T. C. Adams, of Michigan (Air. 
 Journ. of Med. Sci., xxiv. 61), also reports favourably of this remedy in chrie 
 diarrhoea, considering it, like Mr. Kerr, to act as a sedative as well as astringit. 
 He employed it, likewise, with good effect in menorrhagia, and both intemly 
 and by injection in leucorrhoea, when occurring in pale, exsanguine, and fete 
 subjects. The dose, according to Dr. Graves, is seven or eight drops, gradply 
 increased to fifteen, sufficiently diluted, in the course of the day. Dr. Adas, 
 however, gave it in doses of ten drops, two, three, or four times a day, and sue- 
 times increased it to twenty-five drops. As an injection he employed it lf- 
 ficiently diluted to cause only a slight heat and smarting in the vagina. 1 
 
 EERRI OXIDUM HYDRATUM. U. S. Ferrugo. Ed. Eeri 
 Peroxydum Hydratum. Dub. Hydrated Oxide of Iron. Hydr.ed 
 Peroxide of Iron. Hydrated Sesquioxide of Iron. 
 
 “ Take of Sulphate of Iron four ounces; Sulphuric Acid three fluidreums 
 and a half; Nitric Acid six fluidraclims, or a sufficient quantity ; Solutiaof 
 Ammonia a sufficient quantity ; Water two pints. Dissolve the Sulphate of on 
 
 * Prof. Procter has proposed the following formula for preparing a syrup of the trait 
 of protoxide of iron, a preparation considerably used, in Philadelphia, as an astringe, in 
 chronic diarrhoea. Take of iron wire, in pieces (card teeth), two ounces; nitric acicsp. 
 gr. l r 42) three fluidounces ; water thirteen, fluidounces ; sugar, in powder, two pounds, put 
 the iron in a wide-mouthed bottle, kept cool by standing in cold water, and pour up it 
 three fluidounces of water. Then mix the acid with ten fluidounces of water, and adthe 
 mixture in portions of half a fluidounce to the iron, agitating frequently until the aJ is 
 saturated, using litmus paper. When the saturation is complete, filter the solutiowto 
 a bottle containing the sugar, and marked to contain thirty fluidounces. If the '.ole 
 does not measure that bulk, pass water through the filter to make up the deficiency, hen 
 all the sugar is dissolved, strain if necessary, and introduce the syrup into suitable als, 
 and seal them. This syrup is thick, permanent, of a light-greenish colour, perfectly ins- 
 parent, neutral, and yields a greenish precipitate with ammonia. (Ann Journ. of Pitot., 
 Oct, 1851, p. 314.) Mr. W. AY. D. Livermore has given a formula for a similar sup. 
 (Ibid. p. 315.) These syrups should not contain an excess of acid; for if they do.bey 
 are apt to deposit, after keeping, white granular masses of grape sugar, as observ by 
 Mr. AV. Tozier, of Kingstown, Ireland, in consequence of the action of the acid upethe 
 cane sugar. According to Air. Joseph Laidley, of Richmond, A’a., the so-called syp of 
 the nitrate of sesquioxide of iron is an unscientific preparation, containing protoxide an 
 excess of acid is avoided, and liable to let fall a precipitate of oxalate of iron vhitlie 
 acid is in excess. These objections do not apply to Prof. Procter's syrup, containable 
 protoxide; and hence Mr. Laidley believes that the only nitrate, pwoper to be forme >nw 
 a syrup, is the nitrate of the protoxide, where alone the protective action of sug '■* 
 required. (Ibid., March, 1853, p. 97.) — Xote to the tenth edition. 
 
P2T II. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 1009 
 
 in le Water, and, having added the Sulphuric Acid, boil the solution ; then 
 ad the Nitric Acid in small portions, boiling the liquid for a minute or two 
 aft each addition, until the acid ceases to produce a dark colour. Filter the 
 liqd, allow it to cool, and add Solution of Ammonia in excess, stirring the 
 mi ure briskly. Wash the precipitate with water until the washings cease to 
 yid a precipitate with chloride of barium, and keep it in close bottles with 
 war sufficient to cover it.” U.S. 
 
 Take of Sulphate of Iron four ounces ; Sulphuric Acid (commercial) three 
 flu'rachms and a half [Imp. meas.] ; Nitric Acid (I). 1'380) nine fluidrachms 
 [In. meas.]; Stronger Aqua Ammonia; three fluidounces and a half [Imp. 
 me..]; Water tico pints [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve the Sulphate in the Water, 
 adobe Sulphuric Acid, and boil the solution ; add then the Nitric Acid in small 
 poions, boiling the liquid for a minute or two after each addition, until it ac- 
 quis a yellowish-brown colour, and yields a precipitate of the same colour with 
 amonia. Filter, allow the liquid to cool, and add in a full stream the Aqua 
 Anonias, stirring the mixture briskly. Collect the precipitate on a calico filter; 
 wa it with water till the washings cease to precipitate with nitrate of baryta; 
 squze out the water as much as possible, and dry the precipitate at a tempera- 
 turnot exceeding 180°. When this preparation is kept as an antidote for 
 joining with arsenic, it is preferable to preserve it in the moist state, after 
 beic simply squeezed.” Ed. 
 
 Take of Sulphate of Iron eight ounces [avoirdupois]; Pure Sulphuric Acid 
 six u idrachms [Imp. meas.]; Pure Nitric Acid half a fluidounce [Imp. meas.]; 
 Sol ion of Caustic Potash one quart [two pints, Imp. meas.]; Distilled Water 
 twee ounces [avoird.]. To ten ounces of the Water add the Sulphuric Acid, 
 anon the mixture with the aid of heat dissolve the Sulphate of Iron. Mix the 
 Nil; Acid with the remainder of the Water, and, having added the Diluted Acid 
 to 'p solution of Sulphate of Iron, concentrate bv boiling, until, upon the sud- 
 der lisengagement of much gas, the liquid passes from a dark to a red colour. 
 Let his be now poured into the Solution of Caustic Potash, and, when the mix- 
 tur las been well stirred, place it on a calico filter, and let the precipitate be 
 wa;:d with distilled water until the liquid which passes through ceases to give 
 a p cipitate when dropped into a solution of chloride of barium. Lastly, enclose 
 the recipitate, while in the pasty state, in a porcelain pot whose lid is made air- 
 tigl by a luting of lard, so as to prevent the loss of water by evaporation.” Dub. 
 
 3 is preparation was introduced into the officinal catalogues on account of its 
 imp tance as an antidote to the poison of arsenious acid. The first step of the 
 promises is to convert the sulphate of protoxide of iron into the tersulphate of 
 the ;squioxide, precisely as is done in the U. S. formula for pure Prussian 
 blu' The sesquioxide is then thrown down in the hydrated state by the addi- 
 tior f ammonia in excess in the U. S. and Edinburgh formulae, and by potassa 
 in t Dublin. The precipitate is then washed with water to remove adhering 
 suljite of ammonia or of potassa, until the washings cease to precipitate with 
 a b: -tic salt. In the U. S. Pharmacopoeia the precipitate is directed to be kept 
 in <se bottles with sufficient water to cover it, in which state it is most con- 
 Tenjit for use as an antidote. The Edinburgh College directs it to be kept in 
 two'ates; dried at a temperature not exceeding 180° for use as a medicine, and 
 in t moist state as an antidote. 
 
 I ides having this antidote ready formed in the pulpy state, it is the duty 
 t apothecary to be always prepared to make it, by keeping the necessary 
 solu ins for its precipitation. These are the tersulphate of sesquioxide of iron 
 m sqtion, made as directed in the above formulas, and solution of ammonia. 
 In r ition to this subject the reader is referred to a paper, by Prof. Procter, in 
 the n. Journ. of P harm, for March, 1853, p. 10!. 
 
1010 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 PAKfl, 
 
 Properties. Hydrated oxide of iron, as directed to be kept by tbe 1 S. 
 formula, is a soft, moist, reddish-brown magma. If dried at a heat not exud- 
 ing 180°, and afterwards pulverized, it forms a reddish-brown powder, no it- 
 tracted by the magnet, being the sesquioxide in the state of hydrate, containg 
 about 18 per cent, of water. In this state it is wholly and readily solub’ in 
 muriatic acid without effervescence. If exposed to a red heat, it loses the m- 
 bined water, and becomes the anhydrous sesquioxide, less easily soluble in a Is, 
 improper for medicinal use, and altogether without effect as an antidote, .y. 
 drated oxide of iron consists of one eq. of sesquioxide 80, and two of v er 
 18=98, and is represented by the formula Fe 2 0 3 +2H0. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The hydrated oxide, being readily solub in 
 acids, would no doubt form, in the dry state, a good ferruginous preparatio for 
 medicinal employment. Its antidotal powers in cases of poisoning by ars ic, 
 the manner in which it acts, the circumstances which impair its efficiency. nd 
 the mode of using it, are fully explained under the head of arsenious acid, tge 
 27. Its power of rendering arsenious acid insoluble is readily shown by agit; nj 
 a solution of the acid with a considerable excess of the moist oxide, filtering nd 
 then testing the filtered solution for the acid; when not a trace of the meta an 
 be detected, even by sulphuretted hydrogen. The hydrated oxide, as obtaed 
 by the U. S. and Edinburgh formulae, contains a little ammonia, which is thciht 
 by some to assist its antidotal powers. At least it has been ascertained thathe 
 sesquioxide, precipitated by potassa, as directed by the Dublin Collegers : ess 
 efficient antidote to arsenic than when ammonia is used as the precipitantind 
 must be employed in quantities three or four times as large to produce the me 
 effect. The dry hydrate, rubbed up with water, is in the same proportion wker 
 than the pulpy hydrate. It has already been mentioned, under arsenious .id, 
 that the officinal subcarbonate of iron (formerly called precipitated carboite) 
 possesses antidotal powers to arsenic, though in an inferior degree ; hut this fite- 
 meut w r ill not apply to it, after having been exposed to a red heat, to whicltis 
 improperly subjected by some manufacturing chemists. By ignition it becnes 
 anhydrous, and is rendered altogether inefficient as an antidote. 
 
 Off. Prep. Ferri Peroxydum. K 
 
 FERRI OXIDUM NIGRUM. Ed. Black Oxide of Iron, 
 
 “ Take of Sulphate of Iron six ounces; Sulphuric Acid (commercial) ticflui- 
 drachms and two fluid scruples ; Pure Nitric Acid four fluidrachnis and a df ; 
 Stronger Aqua Ammoniae four fluidounces and a half ; boiling Water threMnts 
 [Imperial measure]. Dissolve half the Sulphate in half the boiling Watejand 
 add the Sulphuric Acid ; boil ; add the Nitric Acid by degrees, boiling the Jjuid 
 after each addition briskly for a few minutes. Dissolve the rest of the Suhate 
 in the rest of the boiling Water; mix thoroughly the two solutions; and me- 
 diately add the Ammonia in a full stream, stirring the mixture at the samume 
 briskly. Collect the black powder on a calico filter; wash it with water t: the 
 water is scarcely precipitated by a solution of nitrate of baryta, and dry :at a 
 temperature not exceeding ISO 0 .” Pd. 
 
 The black oxide of iron of the Edinburgh College is here made by the p<ess 
 of Wohler, which consists in precipitating by ammonia a solution of the ixed 
 sulphates of protoxide and sesquioxide of iron. Half the sulphate ojiron 
 taken in the formula, after having been dissolved in water, is acidulated wi sul- 
 phuric acid, aucl converted into the tersulphate of the sesquioxide by mcis ot 
 nitric acid. The object of the addition of the sulphuric acid is explained n^ r 
 the head of Prussian blue. (See Ferri Ferrocyanuretum.') The other half the 
 sulphate is dissolved in water, and the two solutions, being thoroughly i xed. 
 form a compound solution of sulphate of the protoxide and tersulphate j the 
 sesquioxide of iron. From this the ammonia throws down, at the same muent. 
 both the protoxide and sesquioxide, which unite chemically to form the'lack 
 
PAC II. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 1011 
 
 oxi: of the Edinburgh College. According to Mr. Phillips, the black oxide 
 mabe readily obtained by mixing boiling solutions of equivalents of carbonate 
 of da and sulphate of protoxide of iron, and adding, by small portions at a 
 tin somewhat less than an eq. of chlorate of potassa. If a whole eq. of the 
 chi ate be added, and at once, the hydrated sesquioxide would be obtained. 
 
 ,-operties. The black oxide of iron of the Edinburgh College is a dark gray- 
 ish lack powder, unchangeable in the air, and strongly magnetic. When dried 
 in :iss and then broken, it presents a shining fracture. It is wholly soluble 
 in rriatic acid without effervescence, and may be thrown down again as a black 
 prepitate by ammonia. When heated in close vessels it suffers no change 
 exert the loss of water; but in open vessels it absorbs oxygen, and is converted 
 entfely into sesquioxide. It consists of two eqs. of protoxide of iron, one of 
 sesiioxide, and two of water, and its formula is 2Fe0,Fe 2 0 3 -f-2H0. It is 
 perived by the above symbols, that the two oxides are united in it in such 
 proirtions as to contain, each, the same quantity of iron; and this composition 
 coriponds with what it should be, according to the direction given in the form- 
 ula') divide the sulphate of iron into two equal portions. 
 
 J dical Properties. The Ed. black oxide is a valuable chalybeate, having the 
 me: of uniform composition and permanency under the influence of air and 
 mo ure. The dose is from five to twenty grains, two or three times a day. B. 
 
 ERRI OXYDUM MAGNETICUM. Bub. Magnetic Oxide of 
 Ire, Martial Fthiops. 
 
 “’ake of Sulphate of Iron twelve ounces [avoirdupois] ; Solution of Caustic 
 Pot h fifty-four ounces [avoird.] ; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Con- 
 verts is directed in the formula for Ferri Peroxydum Hydratum, eight ounces 
 of 3 Sulphate of Iron into a persulphate. To the solution thus obtained add 
 the ur remaining ounces of the Sulphate of Iron, first dissolved in half a pint 
 [In meas.] of Distilled Water. Mix well the resulting liquid with the Solu- 
 tion if Caustic Potash, and, having boiled for five minutes in an iron vessel, 
 coll t the precipitate on a calico filter, and wash it with boiling distilled water, 
 unt the liquid which passes through ceases to give a precipitate when dropped 
 intc solution of chloride of barium. Lastly, let the precipitate be dried by a 
 stea or water heat, and, having been first reduced to a fine powder, let it be 
 eac ed in a well stopped bottle.” Dub. 
 
 I this formula, two-thirds of the sulphate of protoxide of iron taken is con- 
 vert into tersulphate of the sesquioxide. The remaining third of the sulphate 
 is tli dissolved in water, and mixed with the solution of the tersulphate. A 
 com iund solution is thus obtained, containing two-thirds of the iron in the 
 stat if sesquioxide, and one-third in that of protoxide. When this solution is 
 flea 1 with potassa, a mixed precipitate of one eq. of sesquioxide and one of 
 protide is thrown down. Now such a compound oxide corresponds in com- 
 posi >n with the native magnetic black oxide. The precipitate is washed to 
 rem e sulphate of potassa, and the washings are known to be completed, when 
 the loride of barium ceases to give a precipitate with them. 
 
 Ipertiesj &c. The artificial magnetic oxide of iron of the Dublin College 
 is a irk grayish-black powder, having the same general appearance as the Edin- 
 hur< black oxide. It is formed almost always to some extent in the process 
 for i king reduced iron, in consequence of the partial deoxidation of part of the 
 sesqpxide by the hydrogen. (See Ferri Pulvis, p. 995.) It differs from the 
 Edfurgh black oxide in composition, containing one eq. of protoxide to one of 
 SCff l|JXide; whereas the Edinburgh oxide contains two eqs. of protoxide to one 
 Ot st(uioxide. The Dublin preparation has the same medical properties as the 
 torr ponding one of the Edinburgh College. The dose is from five to twenty 
 gnu given several times a day. B. 
 
1012 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 par n. 
 
 FERRI PEROXYDUM. Dub. Peroxide of Iron. Sesquioxu of 
 Iron. 
 
 “ Take of Hydrated Peroxide of Iron any convenient quantity. Place in 
 an oven on a few folds of filtering paper, and, when it has become dry tithe 
 touch, transfer it to a covered crucible, and expose it for a few minutes 1 an 
 obscure red heat.” Dub. 
 
 This is the former Dublin red oxide of iron under a new name, and fcied 
 by a better process. The dried hydrated oxide loses, by ignition, its com led 
 water, and is converted into the pure sesquioxide. 
 
 Properties , &c. This oxide is a reddish-brown, tasteless, insoluble po ,er. 
 identical with the colcothar of commerce. It should not be deliquescent md 
 should dissolve in muriatic acid without effervescence. If it contain coppe its 
 muriatic solution will deposit this metal on a bright piece of iron. It coasts 
 of two eqs. of iron 56, and three of oxygen 24=80. It is, therefore, a s< (Di- 
 oxide. As it is anhydrous, it has no effect as an antidote to arsenious -id. 
 This oxide is not used as a medicine, and is employed by the Dublin Ciege 
 only in making iron plaster and powder of iron, for which purposes other fork of 
 oxidized iron would answer as well. The former Dublin Rubigo Ferri or rtof 
 iron , formed by exposing moistened iron wire to the air till converted intojist, 
 is essentially the sesquioxide, containing a little carbonate of the protoxide 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Ferri ; Ferri Pulvis. 
 
 FERRI PHOSPHAS. U. S. Phosphate of Iron. 
 
 “ Take of Sulphate of Iron five ounces; Phosphate of Soda six ounces; Mter 
 a gallon. Dissolve the Sulphate of Iron and Phosphate of Soda, several, in 
 four pints of the Water; then mix the solutions, and set the mixture b; hat 
 the powder may subside ; lastly, having poured off the supernatant liquor, ‘ash 
 the Phosphate of Iron with hot water, and dry it with a gentle heat.” U. 
 
 This preparation is the result of a double decomposition between the line 
 materials employed. As the medicinal phosphate of soda is the tribasic aos- 
 phate, having the composition, 2Na0,H0,P0 5 , it follows that it requireitwo 
 eqs. of sulphate of protoxide of iron for its decomposition, as shown by tb fol- 
 lowing equation. 2(Fe0,S0 3 ) and 2NaO,HO,PO 5 =2FeO,H0,P0 5 and 2(a0, 
 S0 3 ). The resulting salts, therefore, are one eq. of tribasic phosphate of iroj the 
 salt under notice, and two eqs. of sulphate of soda, which are washed awa 1 If 
 the ferruginous sulphate be a perfect sulphate of the protoxide, the preeitate 
 as first thrown down will be white ; but it quickly absorbs oxygen and be.mes 
 bluish-white. It is in the form of a powder of a bright slate colour, insnble 
 in water, but soluble in acids. When perfect, it consists of one eq. ofbos- 
 phoric acid, two of protoxide of iron, and one of basic water; but genenyit 
 contains some phosphate of the sesquioxide (2Fe.,0 3 ,3H0,3P0 5 ). 
 
 Phosphate of iron, dissolved to saturation in a boiling solution of mefinos- 
 phoric acid (H0,P0 5 ), under the name of superphosphate of iron, was bright 
 forward as a new remedy, in Jan. 1851, by Dr. Routh, of London. Mr. Tuna.' 
 Greenish, of the same city ( Pliarm . Journ. and Trans., May, 1851), state that 
 the solution of the salt, on cooling, hardens into a mass of a pilular consisnce, 
 soluble in water in all proportions, and free from any disagreeable or inkyiste. 
 From this superphosphate Mr. Greenish has prepared a syrup, eontainii five 
 grains of the salt to the fluidrachm. 
 
 If two eqs. of tersulphate of sesquioxide of iron be decomposed by thn eqs. 
 of pyrophosphate of soda, one eq. of pyrophosphate of sesquioxide of iron pre- 
 cipitated, and six eqs. of sulphate of soda remain in solution. 2(Fe a O 'P 
 and 3(2Na0,P0 5 )=2Fe 3 0 3 ,3P0 5 and 6(Na0,S0 3 ). This ferruginous pyrh s- 
 phate is soluble in an excess of pyrophosphate of soda; and this and ssiilar 
 solutions of pyrophosphates were proposed as medicines by Persoz in 1S4S Mr. 
 
P/T II. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 1013 
 
 Ak. Ure, of London (Pharm. Journ. and Trans, for Dec. 1851), tried the solu- 
 tic of the ferruginous pyrophosphate, calling it soda-pyrophosphate of iron, in 
 sctfula, and found it a mild and efficient chalybeate. In this instance the sul- 
 ph e of soda, resulting from the double decomposition, was not separated. The 
 sac solution has been prepared as a syrup by M. Soubeiran, under the name of 
 syip of pyrophosphate of iron. {Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser. xxiii. 62.)* 
 
 (edical Properties. Phosphate of iron possesses the general properties of the 
 fer.ginous preparations, and has been given with advantage in amenorrhoea and 
 soil forms of dyspepsia. It was introduced into the U. S. Pharmacopoeia at 
 thtmggestion of the late Dr. Hewson, of this city, who found it, after an exten- 
 siv experience, to be a valuable chalybeate. The dose is from five to ten 
 gras. B. 
 
 ERRI SUBCARBONAS. U. S. Ferri Sesquioxidum. Lond. 
 Filfti Oxidum Rubrum. Fd. Ferri Carbonas. Dub. Subcarbonate 
 of ion. Sesquioxide of Iron. Fed Oxide of Iron. Precipitated Car- 
 lone of Iron. 
 
 Take of Sulphate of Iron eight ounces ; Carbonate of Soda nine ounces; 
 bong Water a gallon. Dissolve the Sulphate of Iron and Carbonate of Soda, 
 sev ally, in four pints of the Water; then mix the solutions, and having stirred 
 theaixture, set it by that the powder may subside ; lastly, having poured off 
 tkeupernatant liquor, wash the Subcarbonate of Iron with hot water, wrap it 
 in bulous paper, and dry it with a gentle heat.” U. S. 
 
 Take of Sulphate of Iron four pounds ; Carbonate of Soda four pounds and 
 tiefunccs; boiling "Water six gallons [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve the Sulphate and 
 Cannate, separately, in three gallons of the Water. Mix the solutions together 
 wk yet hot, and set them by that the precipitate may subside. Having poured 
 off le supernatant liquor, wash the precipitate repeatedly with water, and dry 
 it . yr jond. 
 
 1 'ake of Sulphate of Iron four ounces; Carbonate of Soda five ounces; boiling 
 Wa r half a pint [Imp. meas.] ; cold Water three pints and a half [Imp. meas.]. 
 Dislve the Sulphate in the boiling Water, add the cold Water, and then the 
 Cannate of Soda, previously dissolved in about thrice its weight of water. 
 Col ;;t the precipitate on a calico filter; wash it with water till the water is but 
 littJ affected with solution of nitrate of baryta, and dry it in the hot air-press, 
 or mr the vapour-bath.” Ed. 
 
 ‘ ake of Sulphate of Iron eight ounces [avoird.]; Crystallized Carbonate of 
 Sodof Commerce ten ounces [avoird.] ; Distilled "Water two gallons [Imp. meas.]. 
 Dis ve each salt in one-half of the Water, and, both solutions being raised to 
 the iling temperature, mix them, and set the whole to rest iD a covered vessel 
 for c. hours. The supernatant solution having been drawn off with a syphon, 
 the i ecipitate is to be drained on a calico filter, and then subjected to strong 
 expssion. Finally, let it be dried at a temperature not exceeding 212°, pul- 
 vefijd, and preserved in a well stopped bottle.” Dub. 
 
 F en the solutions of carbonate of soda and sulphate of iron are mixed to- 
 gs tl, a hydrated carbonate of protoxide of iron, of a pale-bluish colour, is 
 { 
 
 * | Soubeiran’s formula is as follows : Add 55 grains of tersulpliate of sesquioxide of 
 iron, issolved by a gentle heat, in 2 fluidounces of water, to 462 grains of crystallized 
 Pyroi osphate of soda, dissolved in 71- fluidounces of water and 3 J- of mint water, and mix. 
 So s|i as the precipitate formed redissolves, filter the solution, and add to the filtrate 19 
 ounr’roy of white sugar, which must be allowed to dissolve without heat. The dose of 
 this '-up, which is easy to take, is a tablespoonful, containing about a third of a grain of 
 iron the state of a double pyrophosphate. For a formula for a compound syrup of phos- 
 phat f iron by Mr. Wiegand, and for some remarks on the pharmacy of the phosphates 
 V P . Procter, see the Am. Journ. of Pharm. for March, 1854, pp. Ill and 112. — Note 
 dii nth edition. 
 
1014 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 par n, 
 
 thrown down, and sulphate of soda remains in solution. The equivalent (an- 
 tities of the crystallized salts for mutual decomposition are 139 of the suliate 
 and 143'3 of the carbonate. Taking the quantity of sulphate of iron at 8 j-ts, 
 the London Pharmacopoeia orders of carbonate of soda 8| parts, the U. S. ' ar- 
 macopoeia 9 parts, and the Edinburgh and Dublin 10 parts. The proportii of 
 the London Chllege coincides most nearly with the equivalents. The precip tte. 
 during the washing and drying, absorbs oxygen, and loses nearly all its car nic 
 acid, whereby it is converted almost entirely into sesquioxide of iron. This ling 
 the chemical nature of the preparation, the London College has given it the me 
 of Ferri Sesquioxidum ; but, as this is applicable to the red oxide obtain' by 
 calcining the sulphate, or igniting the hydrated sesquioxide, the U. S. nat of 
 Ferri Subcarbonas, adopted in allusion to the small quantity of carbonicjcid 
 present in it, is more distinctive. Carbonate of potassa will answer to decobose 
 the ferruginous sulphate; but carbonate of soda is preferred, because it pro [ ees 
 in the double decomposition sulphate of soda, which, from its greater solubtv, 
 is more readily washed away than sulphate of potassa. 
 
 Properties. Subcarbonate of iron is a reddish-brown powder, of a disagreole, 
 slightly styptic taste; insoluble in water, and not readily dissolved by anjfcid 
 except the muriatic, with which it effervesces slightly. After prec-ipitationj-om 
 its muriatic solution by ammonia or potassa, either of which throws dowthe 
 sesquioxide of iron, the supernatant liquor should give no indications onon- 
 taining any metal in solution by the test of sulphuretted hydrogen or rro- 
 cyanuret of potassium. It is incompatible with acids and acidulous salts la 
 composition it is a hydrated sesquioxide of iron, containing a little protiide 
 and carbonic acid. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Subcarbonate of iron is tonic, alterativeand 
 emmenagogue, and is employed for all the purposes to which the prepanons 
 of iron are generally applicable. It was recommended by Mr. Carmich;. in 
 cancer, and is said sometimes to prove useful. Mr. Hutchinson brought iinto 
 notice as a remedy for neuralgia; and an extensive experience with it iibat 
 disease has established its value. It is also useful in chorea, in chlorosis ind, 
 generally, in those diseases in which the blood is deficient in colouring niter. 
 It has been used by Dr. Woollam, Dr. Shearman, Dr. Elliotson, and oths in 
 traumatic tetanus, with success in twelve cases and failure in three. I the 
 second stage of hooping-cough, Dr. Steymann represents it to be a prompand 
 efficacious remedy. When prescribed as a tonic, the usual dose is from fe to 
 thirty grains three times a day, given in pill or powder, and frequently comned 
 with aromatics and vegetable tonics. In neuralgia, chorea, and tetamuit is 
 administered in doses of from one to two teaspoonfuls. No nicety need ob- 
 served in the dose ; its only obvious effect in very large doses being a fight 
 nausea, and a sense of weight at the stomach. It blackens the stools. 
 
 The subcarbonate of iron acts as an antidote to the poison of arsenimweid, 
 provided it has not been exposed to a red heat ; and, though not so powedl as 
 the hydrated oxide in the form of magma, should always be used till the itter 
 can be procured. (See page 28.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Ferri; Ferri Pulvis ; Ferrum Ammoniatum ; me- 
 tura Ferri Chloridi. P* 
 
 FERRI SULPHAS. U. S., Land., Ed., Dub. Sulphate of ron. 
 
 Green Vitriol. 
 
 “ Take of Iron Wire, cut in pieces, twelve ounces ; Sulphuric Acid enUen 
 ounces; Water a gallon. Mix the Sulphuric Acid and Water, and at the 
 Iron ; then heat the mixture until effervescence ceases. Pour off the so.-ion, 
 and, having added half a drachm of Sulphuric Acid, filter through >P er > 
 allowing the lower end of the funnel to touch the bottom of the receivir ves- 
 
P, .T II. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 1015 
 
 se Evaporate the filtered liquor in a matrass until sufficiently concentrated ; 
 th. set it aside in a covered vessel to crystallize. Drain the crystals in a fun- 
 nedry them on bibulous paper, and keep them in closely stopped bottles.” U. S. 
 
 Take of Commercial Sulphate of Iron four pounds; Sulphuric Acid a fluid- 
 oire [Imp. meas.]; Iron Wire an ounce ; Distilled Water four pints [Imp. 
 mu.]. Mix the Acid with the Water, and add to them the Sulphate and Iron; 
 th apply heat, stirring occasionally, until the Sulphate is dissolved. Filter 
 thlolution while yet hot, and set aside to crystallize. Pour off the liquor, and 
 ev orate it that crystals may again form. Dry all the crystals.” Lond. 
 
 If the Sulphate of Iron of Commerce be not in transparent green crystals, 
 wiout efflorescence, dissolve it in its own weight of boiling water, acidulated 
 wi a little Sulphuric Acid ; filter, and set the solution aside to crystallize. 
 Prerve the crystals in well closed bottles.” Ed. 
 
 Take of Iron Wire, or turnings of wrought Iron, four ounces [avoird.] ; Oil of 
 Yiiol of Commerce four fluidounces [Imp. meas.]; Distilled Water one pint 
 ana half [Imp. meas.]. Pour the Water on the Iron placed in a porcelain 
 cajule, add the Oil of Vitriol, and, when the disengagement of gas has nearly 
 cend, boil for ten minutes. Filter now through paper, and, having separated 
 thuystals which, after the lapse of twenty-four hours, will have been deposited 
 frc the solution, let them be dried upon blotting-paper placed upon a porous 
 briq-and then preserved in a well stopped bottle.” Dub. 
 
 lie object of the U. S. and Dublin processes is to make a pure sulphate of 
 thorotoxide of iron by direct combination. Sulphuric acid, in a concentrated 
 sta, acts but imperfectly on iron; but when diluted, a vigorous action takes 
 play the oxygen of the water converts the metal into protoxide, with which the 
 sunuric acid unites, and hydrogen is evolved. The equivalent quantities for 
 mrial reaction are 28 of iron to 49 of acid. This proportion is one part of iron 
 to e and three-quarters of acid. The U. S. proportion is one part of iron to 
 oni nd a half of acid, and gives a quantity of iron one-sixth more than the acid 
 cai dissolve. The Dublin College uses an excess of acid, the weight of acid 
 tali being 7‘38 avoirdupois ounces, instead of 7. An excess of iron, however, 
 is (arable ; as it tends to secure the production of a perfect sulphate of the pro- 
 tos e. The remaining steps of the U. S. process are peculiar, and are intended 
 to cure the formation of a salt entirely free from sesquioxide, by the method 
 of msdorff. This chemist found that, when a perfect sulphate of protoxide of 
 iro was formed in solution by heating dilute sulphuric acid with an excess 
 of m, it migtft be crystallized free from sesquioxide, provided a little ex- 
 ces f sulphuric acid were added to the liquid before filtration, in order to hold in 
 sol on any sesquioxide that may have been formed; at the same time avoiding, 
 as ich as possible, the contact of the air. Hence the directions in the U. S. 
 for da to acidulate with sulphuric acid, to cause the funnel to touch the bottom 
 oft i receiving vessel, which avoids the dropping of the liquid through the air, 
 anc:o cover the vessel containing the concentrated liquid, when it is set aside 
 to t *stallize. The London formula proceeds upon the plan of purifying the 
 coniercial sulphate. The salt is dissolved in water, acidulated with a quantity 
 of lphuric acid, equal to about Afth of the weight of the salt. A portion of 
 iroi s placed in the solution to precipitate copper, should this happen to be an 
 lm [ city, and to convert any sesquioxide of iron present into protoxide. The 
 lift effect is produced as a consequence of the decomposition of water, the 
 Has, at hydrogen of which reduces the sesquioxide to protoxide. Heat is then 
 a PF id, and the solution is filtered hot and set aside to crystallize. The Edin- 
 bw College purifies the commercial sulphate in a similar manner, but gives 
 precise directions, and omits the use of metallic iron. 
 
 jpperties. Sulphate of iron is in the form of transparent crystals, efflores- 
 cen a the air, of a pale bluish-green colour, and having the shape of oblique 
 
1016 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 PAR] I. 
 
 rhombic prisms. It has a styptic taste, and an acid reaction. As prepareoy 
 Bonsdorff’s method, it is blue verging to green. When it becomes more g ; q 
 than blue, or entirely green, an indication is afforded that it contains some s- 
 quioxide. By exposure to the air the crystals absorb oxygen, and become st 
 green, and ultimately covered with a yellow efflorescence of subsulphate of re 
 sesquioxide, insoluble in water. Sometimes the crystals are quite penna nt 
 when made by Bonsdorff's method, owing to the slight excess of acid which ay 
 contain. Sulphate of iron is soluble in about twice its weight of cold w: r, 
 and in three-fourths of its weight of boiling water, but is insoluble in alcol. 
 The aqueous solution is bluish-green ; but by standing it attracts oxygen, ai is 
 rendered first green and then reddish, depositing, in the mean time, a portio.of 
 sesquisulphate of the sesquioxide, having the composition 2Fe 2 0 3 ,3S0 3 -f 80. 
 (Wittstein, Chem. Gaz ., May 15, 1849, from Buchner’ s Report.) When heed 
 moderately, it parts with six-sevenths of its water of crystallization, and becces 
 grayish-white. (See Ferri Sutyhas Exsiccalum.') At a red heat it lose .ts 
 acid, and is converted into the anhydrous sesquioxide of iron, called colcot-r. 
 It is incompatible with the alkalies and their carbonates, soaps, lime-water. he 
 chlorides of calcium and barium, the borate and phosphate of soda, nitra of 
 silver, and the acetate and subacetate of lead. It is decomposed also by asn- 
 gent vegetable infusions, the tannic and gallic acids of which form, if any:s- 
 quioxide be present, a black compound of the nature of ink. To what eint 
 this change lessens the medicinal activity of the salt, is not well ascertain. 
 Sulphate of iron, as kept in the shops, is often the impure commercial sulplte, 
 which is not fit for medicinal use. (See Ferri Sulphas Venalis, page 348.) he 
 perfectly pure salt is precipitated white by ferrocyanuret of potassium; but mt 
 of ordinary purity gives a greenish precipitate, more or less deep, with this st, 
 owing to the presence of some sesquioxide of iron. Copper may bedeteeteby 
 immersing in the solution a bright piece of iron, on which a cupreous film-ill 
 be deposited. Both copper and zinc may be discovered by sesquioxidizinghe 
 iron by boiling the solution of the salt with nitric acid, and then precipitmg 
 the iron by an excess of ammonia. If the filtered solution he blue, coppis 
 present; and if it contain zinc, this will be separated in flakes of white oxidon 
 expelling the excess of ammonia by ebullition. Sulphate of iron, when ys- 
 tallized, consists of one eq. of acid 40, one of protoxide 36, and seven of vter 
 63 = 139, and its formula is Fe0,S0 3 + 7H0. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Sulphate of iron is astringent and tonic. In 
 large doses it is apt to produce nausea and vomiting, and gripilg of the botls; 
 and its use, when long continued, injures the stomach. It has been rem- 
 mended as a remedy' for the scrofulous diathesis, conjoined with extract of Irk. 
 As an astringent it is given in diseases attended with immoderate discha.es, 
 such as passive hemorrhages, colliquative sweats, diabetes, chronic mucouea- 
 tarrh, leucorrhoea, gleet, &c. As a tonic it is used in dyspepsia, and iithe 
 debility following protracted diseases. In amenorrhoea with deficient actic, it 
 is frequently resorted to with advantage, either alone, or conjoined with the-tid 
 and stimulant gums. Externally, the solution is used in eruptions of the i.ce, 
 chronic ophthalmia, leucorrhoea, and gleet, made of various strengths, fronone 
 or two, to eight or ten grains of the salt to the fluidounce of water. The do is 
 from one to five grains in the form of pill, preferably made from the dried ul- 
 phate. (See Ferri Sulphas Exsiccatum.) If given in solution, the water fluid 
 be previously boiled to expel the air, which, if allowed to remain, would partlly 
 decompose the salt. Taken in an overdose it acts as a poison. 
 
 Off. Prep. Ferri Ammonio-citras; Ferri Carbonas Saccharatum; Ferri C as; 
 Ferri et Potassae Tartras; Ferri Ferrocyanuretum; Ferri Oxidum Hydram; 
 Ferri Oxidum Nigrum; Ferri Oxydurn Magnetic-urn; Ferri Phosphas; siri 
 
P/T II. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 1017 
 
 Sicarbonas; Ferri Sulphas Exsiccatum; Ferri Yalerianas ; Mistura Ferri Com- 
 pcta; Pilulae Aloes et Ferri; Pil. Ferri Carbonatis; Pil. Ferri Compositae; Pil. 
 Ffi Iodidi; Tinctura Ferri Acetatis. B. 
 
 'ERRI SULPHAS EXSICCATUM. Ed. Ferri Sulphas Sic- 
 ciuM. Dub. Dried Sulphate of Iron. 
 
 Expose any convenient quantity of Sulphate of Iron to a moderate heat in 
 a rcelain or earthenware vessel, not glazed with lead, till it is converted into 
 a m grayish-white mass, which is to be reduced to powder.” Ed. 
 
 Take of Granulated Sulphate of Iron any convenient quantity. Expose the 
 sa in a porcelain capsule to an oven heat not exceeding 400°, until aqueous 
 valurs cease to be given off, and, having then reduced it to a fine powder, pre- 
 see it in a well stopped bottle.” Dub. 
 
 1 these processes six eqs. out of seven of the water of crystallization of the 
 sa'are driven otf. The heat should not exceed 400°, otherwise the salt itself 
 weld suffer decomposition. Dried sulphate of iron is used for making pills, the 
 crtallized sulphate not being well adapted for that purpose. In prescribing 
 th dried sulphate it is necessary to recollect that three grains are equivalent to 
 firof the crystallized salt. 
 
 ff. Prep. Pilulae Ferri Sulphatis; Pil. Rhei et Ferri. B. 
 
 ERRI SULPHAS GRANULATUM. Dub. Grranulated Sulqohate 
 offron. 
 
 Take of Iron Wire, or turnings of wrought Iron, four ounces [avoirdupois] ; 
 Onf Vitriol of Commerce four fluidounces [Imp. rneas.] ; Distilled Water one. 
 pi i and a half [Imp. meas.] ; Rectified Spirit ten fluidounces [Imp. meas.]. 
 Pc the Water on the Iron placed in a porcelain capsule, add the Oil of Vitriol, 
 an when the disengagement of gas has nearly ceased, boil for ten minutes. 
 Fi r now through paper into a vessel containing eight [fluidjounces of the 
 Sp.t, and stir the mixture as it cools, in order that the salt may be obtained 
 in inute granular crystals. Let these, deprived by decantation and draining 
 of le adhering liquid, be washed on a funnel or small percolator with the re- 
 nu der of the Spirit; and, when rendered quite dry by repeated pressure 
 beteen folds of filtering paper, and subsequent exposure for twenty-four hours 
 heirth a glass bell over a common dinner-plate half filled with oil of vitriol, 
 let lem be preserved in a well-stopped bottle.” Dub. 
 
 te directions given in the first part of this new process are precisely the 
 sai as those laid down by the Dublin College for making sulphate of iron ; 
 bu he hot solution of the iron in the sulphuric acid, instead of being allowed 
 to ter into an empty vessel, is made to drop into a portion of rectified spirit, 
 thuixture being stirred while it cools. The proportion of acid taken by the 
 Co.ge forms an excess; and the filtrate is consequently an acid solution of sul- 
 pha of protoxide of iron, mixed with spirit. The stirring during cooling finely 
 grs, dates the salt, which separates in a perfectly pure state; the spirit, holding 
 in 'ution any tersulphate of sesquioxide of iron which may have been formed, 
 anc he excess of acid dissolving any free sesquioxide. This process, in its main 
 fean’es, is the same as that of M. Berthemot. (See eighth ed. of this work.') 
 
 loperties, &c. Granular sulphate of iron is a crystalline granular powder of 
 ab ish-white colour. When carefully dried and kept it undergoes no change. 
 It pears to have been introduced into the officinal catalogue of the Dublin 
 Fb oiacopoeia of 1850, as the best form of the sulphate for conversion into the 
 offi ml dried salt; and its peculiar state of aggregation would seem to fit it for 
 tha purpose. 
 
 b Prep. Ferri Sulphas Siccatum. 
 
 B. 
 
1018 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 PART 
 
 FERRI SULPHURETUM. Ed., Dub. Sulphur et of Iron. 
 
 “ The best Sulphuret of Iron is made by heating an iron rod to a full w e 
 heat in a forge, and rubbing it with a roll of sulphur over a deep Vessel fi d 
 with water to receive the fused globules of Sulphuret which form. An infe.r 
 sort, good enough, however, for pharmaceutic purposes, is obtained bv hea a 
 one part of Sublimed Sulphur and three of Iron Filings in a crucible in a ci- 
 mon fire till the mixture begins to glow, and then removing the crucible d 
 covering it until the action, which at first increases considerably, shall com;o 
 an end.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of rods of Iron, of the size employed in the manufacture of nails, y 
 convenient number. Having raised them to a strong red or white heat, aj y 
 them in succession by their heated extremities to sticks of Sulphur, opera v 
 so that the melted Sulphuret, as it is formed, may drop into a stone cistern fi-d 
 with water, and be thus protected from oxidation. The water being poured!, 
 let the product be separated from the Sulphur with which it is mixed, and, w n 
 dried, let it be enclosed in a well stopped bottle.” Dub. 
 
 Iron and sulphur form a number of sulphurets, among which the most impont 
 are the protosulphuret and sesquisulphuret, corresponding with the protoxide id 
 sesquioxide of iron, the bisulphuret or cubic pyrites, and magnetic pyrites, with 
 is a compound of five eqs. of protosulphuret, and one of bisulphuret. Wn 
 the sulphuret is obtained by the application of solid sulphur to white-hot iron.ie 
 product corresponds in composition with magnetic pyrites; but, when procud 
 by heating flowers of sulphur with an excess of iron filings, as is directed hue 
 second of the Edinbui'gh processes, a protosulphuret is generated mixed vh 
 metallic iron. When sulphur is applied to wbite-hot iron, the metal apprs 
 to become hotter, burns with scintillations in the vapour of the sulphur, id 
 forms instantly the sulphuret, which, being comparatively fusible, melts to 
 globules, and drops into the water, which serves to extinguish them. 
 
 Properties, &c. The officinal sulphuret of iron has a yellowish colour andoe 
 metallic lustre. When obtained over water it is in the form of brownish-yew 
 globules, having a somewhat crystalline texture. When pure it furnishes a d- 
 low powder, and dissolves in dilute sulphuric or muriatic acid without leavi; a 
 residue of sulphur, and with the production of hydrosulphurie acid gas (il- 
 phuretted hydrogen), free from admixture of hydrogen. As prepared, bower, 
 by the officinal processes, it is not entirely soluble in dilute sulphuric act a 
 portion of uncombined sulphur being left. The fused globules have the cono- 
 sition of 5FeS + FeS 2 , or, according to some, 5FeS-fFe.,S 3 . This preparaan 
 is employed exclusively as a pharmaceutical agent, for the production of hyo- 
 sulphuric acid gas. It may be made to yield this gas by the action of diled 
 sulphuric acid. During the reaction water is decomposed; its hydrogen <m- 
 bines with the sulphur to form hydrosulphurie acid, while the oxygen convts 
 the irou into protoxide, with which the sulphuric acid unites. Hydrosulphfi 
 acid, is a colourless gas, having a smell like that of putrid eggs. Its sp. 2 i? 
 1*1782. It saturates bases, with which it forms salts called hyd ros ulpha tes id- 
 phohydrates, or hydrosulphurets. It consists of one eq. of sulphur 16, andne 
 of hydrogen 1 = 17. ' J 
 
 Off. Prep. Ammoniae Hydro-sulphuretum. J 
 
 FERRI VALERIANAS. Dub. Valerianate of Iron. 
 
 “ Take of Valerianate of Soda five ounces and three drachms [Dub. weig] ; 
 Sulphate of Irou four oimces [avoird.] ; Distilled Water one pint [Imp. me-J- 
 Let the Sulphate of Iron be converted into a persulphate, as directed in tktJr- 
 mula for Ferri Peroxydum Uydratum, and, by the addition of distilled wen 
 let the solution of the persulphate be augmented to the bulk of eight [fluid]ot.V5 
 [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve the Valerianate of Soda in ten [fluidjounces of lie 
 Water, then mix the two solutions cold, and, having placed the precipitate w-ch 
 
P IT II. 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 1019 
 
 fens upon a filter, and washed it with the remainder of the "Water, let it he 
 did by placing it for some days rolled up in bibulous paper on a porous brick. 
 Ts preparation should be kept in a well stopped bottle.” Dab. 
 
 ’his is a new officinal of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850. The first step 
 inhe process for making it is to convert the sulphate of protoxide of iron into 
 th tersulphate of sesquioxide. Then by a double decomposition between this 
 sa : and valerianate of soda, sulphate of soda is formed in solution, and ter- 
 vrrianate of sesquioxide of iron precipitates-. The proper relative proportion 
 oihe reacting salts is three equivalents of valerianate of soda, and one of ter- 
 srfiate of sesquioxide of iron ; and the resulting salts are three eqs. of sul- 
 plte of soda, and one of tervalerianate of sesquioxide of iron. 
 
 Properties, &c. This salt is in the form of a dark tile-red, loose, amorphous 
 pcder, having a faint odour and taste of valerianic acid. It is insoluble in 
 cc water, and decomposed by boiling water, which extracts all its acid, and 
 leies the sesquioxide of iron behind. It is soluble in alcohol. Citrate and 
 tarate of iron, impregnated with oil of valerian, have been fraudulently sold 
 fovalerianate of iron. The genuine salt may be distinguished from these sub- 
 stations by being insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol, and by the action 
 of little dilute muriatic acid, which sets free the valerianic acid, readily reeog- 
 nid by its disagreeable odour, which is quite distinct from that of the oil of 
 virian. In relation to the modes of distinguishing the true from the spurious 
 Ytrianates, see the Pharm. Journ. and Trans., viii. 577. Valerianate of iron 
 hr been given in hysterical affections, complicated with chlorosis. The dose is 
 atit a grain repeated several times a day. B. 
 
 FRRUM AMMONIATUM. U. S. Ferri Ammonio-chloridum. 
 Lid. Ammoniated Iron. Ammonio-chloride of Iron. 
 
 Take of Subcarbonate of Iron three ounces; Muriatic Acid ten fluidounces ; 
 M'iate of Ammonia two pounds and a half; Distilled Water four pints. Mix 
 th Subcarbonate of Iron with the Muriatic Acid in a glass vessel, and digest for 
 tv hours; then add the Muriate of Ammonia, previously dissolved in the Dis- 
 till Water, and, having filtered the liquor, evaporate to dryness. Rub the 
 re lue to powder.” U. S. 
 
 he process of the London LoVege is essentially the same as the above, of 
 wl-h it is the original. The College, instead of a digestion of two hours, 
 di'its that it should continue until the sesquioxide (subcarbonate) is dissolved. 
 
 y the mutual action of muriatic acid and the sesquioxide of iron of the sub- 
 ca-onate, water and sesquichloride of iron are forined; and the solution of the 
 la : r, being evaporated along with that of the muriate of ammonia, yields a 
 rn ure of the two salts. If any carbonate of iron be present in the subc-ar- 
 bc .te, a portion of protochloride of iron must also be formed, which, however, 
 W(.d probably be converted into sesquichloride during the operation. The pre- 
 pation was formerly made by subliming a mixture of red oxide (sesquioxide) 
 ofjon and muriate of ammonia. A portion of the muriate of ammonia was 
 demposed, the ammonia escaping, and the muriatic acid reacting upon the 
 semioxide of iron so as to form water and sesquichloride of iron, the latter of 
 w! h was sublimed with the undecomposed muriate of ammonia. By this mode 
 of reparation the proportion between the two salts was variable. The present 
 oil nal plan has the double advantage of uniformity in the result, and greater 
 facity in the process. There is no reason to believe that the sesquichloride of 
 ire and muriate of ammonia are chemically combined in the preparation. 
 Ai irding to Mr. Phillips, they are in the proportion of 15 parts of the sesqui- 
 ch -ide to 85 of the muriate. 
 
 roperties. Ammoniated iron, thus prepared, is in crystalline grains, of a 
 fin, reddish-orange colour, and a sharp styptic saline taste. It is entirely soluble 
 
1020 
 
 Ferrum. 
 
 PARI 
 
 in water and diluted alcohol, is deliquescent, and should he kept in well stop] l 
 bottles. By the alkalies and their carbonates, and by lime-water, it is decc- 
 posed, with the precipitation of about seven per cent, of sesquioxide of in • 
 and potassa in excess occasions the evolution of ammonia. Like the other chal - 
 eates. it is incompatible with vegetable astringents. As procured by sublii- 
 tion, it is of a yellow colour, and feeble odour, and is probably the result o i 
 chemical reaction between the ingredients. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This preparation unites aperient proper! 5 
 with those belonging to the chalybeates generally, and is said to have been u 1 
 with advantage in amenorrhoea, epilepsy, scrofula, rickets, &c. ; but it is at It 
 uncertain, and is now very seldom prescribed. The sublimed preparation 13 
 formerly employed under the names of jlores martiales and ens marlis. Fn 
 four to twelve grains may be given in the form of pill, electuary, or soluti , 
 several times a day. 
 
 Off. Prep. Tinctura Ferri Ammonio-chloridi. W 
 
 TINCTURA FERRI AMMONIO-CHLORIDI. Lond. Tinctu 
 
 of Ammonio-cldoride of Iron. 
 
 “ Take of Ammonio-chloride of Iron [Ammoniated Iron] four ounces; Prf 
 Spirit, Distilled Water, each, a pint [Imperial measure]. Dissolve and filte’ 
 Lond. 
 
 This is simply a solution of the preceding preparation in diluted alcohol, t 
 has no special claims to attention.* W 
 
 VINUM FERRI. Lond. Wine of Iron. 
 
 “ Take of Iron Wire an ounce; Sherry Wine two pints [Imp. meas.]. Dipt 
 for thirty days, and filter.” Lond. 
 
 A preparation under the name of Yinum Ferri was officinal in the Lodui 
 Pharmacopoeia of 1824, but dismissed in that of 1836. It was made originsy 
 by a faulty process, in which a moistened mixture of iron and cream of tarr, 
 exposed to the air for six weeks, was acted on with abundance of weak spic, 
 which failed to dissolve all the iron. The preparation admitted into the Lonm 
 Pharmacopoeia of 1851 is much more entitled to the name of Yinum Ferri tin 
 the discarded one, and is made by a better process. It may be presumed tit 
 so much of the iron as is necessary to convert the tartar of the wine into tartie 
 of iron and potassa is dissolved. This must be but a small proportion of the in 
 taken ; so that the preparation is a weak solution of tartrate of iron and potaa 
 in wine. Wine of iron is a feeble chalybeate, and, on account of the variae 
 quality of sherry wine, of unequal strength. It is applicable to cases requirg 
 the use of iron, and in which the stimulant effect of the wine may be usefuli, 
 at least, is not contra-indicated. The dose is from one to two tablespoonfs. 
 given several times a day. A good substitute for wine of iron may be madey 
 dissolving an ounce of tartrate of irou and potassa in twelve fluidounces of vrar, 
 previously mixed with an equal measure of sherry wiue. The dose of this p- 
 paration, each fluidounce of which will contain a scruple of the double salus 
 about the same as that of Yinum Ferri. fl , 
 
 * As now directed by the London College, it is only half as strong as the preparaticpf 
 the former Pharmacopoeia, in which a pint of proof spirit was employed as the menstrua 
 with the same amount of the chalybeate. As formerly prepared it was liable to ther- 
 mation of a deposit, to prevent which the College ordered equal measures of proof silt 
 and water, without intending to alter the strength. It was, therefore, by inadvertee 
 that each of the liquids was directed, in the existing formula, in the quantity of a !*• 
 instead of half a pint. Such at least is the statement made by authority in the Lorn 
 Pkarm. Journ. and Trans, (xi. 67,) Aug. 1851: and the statement is confirmed in the st 
 edition of Philip’s translation of the London Pharmacopoeia (p. 290.) 
 
pyT II. 
 
 1021 
 
 G-lycerina. 
 
 GLYCERINA. 
 
 Glycerin. 
 
 rLYCERINA. U. S., Dub. Glycerin. Sweet Principle of Oils. 
 
 Take of Lead Plaster, recently prepared and yet fluid, Boiling Water, each, 
 a '.lion. Mix them, stir briskly for fifteen minutes, then allow them to cool, 
 an pour off the supernatant liquid. Evaporate this until it has the specific 
 grity 1’15, and pass a current of sulphohydric acid slowly through it until a 
 bkk precipitate is no longer produced. Filter, and boil until the sulphohydric 
 ac: is driven off. Lastly, evaporate the liquid until it ceases to lose weight.” U. S. 
 
 he Dub. College places glycerin in the Materia Medica catalogue, with this 
 exanation: — “ A sweet principle produced during saponification, sp.gr. 1‘260.” 
 
 i the process for making lead plaster, litharge, olive oil, and water are boiled 
 togther, with the result of decomposing the oil, the oily acids of which unite 
 wi the oxide of lead to form the plaster. ^A-t;.the same time the sweet prin- 
 cip of the oil, called glycerin, which wejs previously united to the oily acids to 
 coititute the oil, is set free, becomes hydrateS-, and dissolves in the water. (See 
 Evlastrum Plumbi.) It follows, therefore, that the plaster, while still hot and 
 in le liquid state, contains an aqueous solution of glycerin, diffused through it. 
 It the plaster in this state that is made useiof for preparing the latter sub- 
 stsce in the LT. S. formula. Accordingly, wnen the liquid plaster is mixed 
 wi an equal measure of boiling water, and the mixture stirred briskly, a solu- 
 tio of glycerin is obtained ; which, after having been decanted, and evaporated 
 to limited extent, is freed from lead bysulphuretted hydrogen. The liquid is 
 th' filtered to separate sulphuret of left, boiled to free it from sulphuretted 
 hy ogen, and finally evaporated to expeX.'the water, which is known to be all 
 reived when it ceases to lose weight. 
 
 ycerin was discovered by Scheele, by whom it was called the sweet prin- 
 cip of oils. It is produced, not only during the saponification of the fats and 
 oil oy oxide of lead in forming lead plaster, but also during the same process, 
 wbi effected by potassa and soda in the manufacture of soap; the alkalies unit- 
 ing nth the oily acids, and setting the glycerin free. Hence soap-makers’ waste 
 for 3 the most abundant source of gljmerin; but the substance from this source 
 is t to have more or less odour, which even percolation through animal char- 
 codoes not always remove. A method of purifying glycerin from soap-makers’ 
 wa ! is given by M. Brubre-Perrin. (See Am. Journ. of P harm., xx. 549.)* 
 
 4 )r. Campbell Morfit has devised the following process for making pure glycerin on 
 the rge scale. Melt one hundred pounds of tallow, lard, or pressed lard in a clean iron- 
 boi I barrel by the direct application of a current of steam, and add to the melted liquid 
 fiftt] pounds of lime, previously slaked and made into a milk with two and a half gallons 
 of ter. Then cover the vessel, and continue the steaming for several hours, or until 
 the 'mpletion of the saponification. This is known to be completed, when a portion of 
 the ooled soap gives a smooth shining surface on being scraped with the nail, and breaks 
 wit i cracking noise. By this treatment the fat is decomposed, the oily acids unite with 
 the ne to form an insoluble lime soap, and the liberated glycerin remains in solution in 
 the.ater, along with the excess of lime. After the liquid has been sufficiently boiled, it 
 is a wed to cool and settle, and then strained through a crash cloth. The strained liquid, 
 con ning only the glycerin and excess of lime, is carefully concentrated by steam heat, 
 trei d with a current of carbonic acid to remove the lime as carbonate of lime, boiled 
 aga| to decompose any bicarbonate of lime that may have been formed, and allowed to 
 re pb. The supernatant clear liquid is finally decanted or strained off from the precipi- 
 tate carbonate of lime, and concentrated, if necessary, to drive off any excess of water. 
 Thipsidue of the process, the lime soap, is sold to the stearic candle makers, or recon- 
 ver 1 into saleable fat. Dr. Morfit has found his process for glycerin to combine the ad- 
 vances of saving time, labour, and money. ( Silliman’s Journal , 2nd ser., xv. 429. — Xote 
 to t tenth edition.) 
 
1022 
 
 Glycerina. 
 
 PART 
 
 Properties, &c. Glycerin is a colourless or straw-coloured syrupy liqr , 
 witliout smell when pure, unctuous to the touch, and having a very sweet tas . 
 Its sp.gr. is 1'25, U. S., 1'26 Dub. It is soluble in all proportions in war 
 and alcohol, but insoluble in ether. Notwithstanding its syrupy consistent t 
 acts much in the same way as water, as a solvent of salts. It is not susceptie 
 of becoming rancid, or of fermenting spontaneously. "When exposed to a : 1 
 red heat, it takes fire, and continues to burn with a blue flame. It does it 
 evaporate on exposure to the air, and cannot be distilled without decompositi,. 
 It unites with sulphuric acid forming the sulphoylyceric acid, which is capae 
 of combining with bases, giving rise to soluble salts called sulphoglycem, 
 having considerable analogy to the sulphovinates. By a mixture of sulphtc 
 and nitric acids it is converted iai^> an explosive and extremely poisonous liqiL 
 called pyroglycerin. (Sobrero, Joum *. deTPharm., April, 1850.) M. Berthe , 
 of Paris, has recently (1858) sucqbfided«in combining glycerin with a numr 
 of acids, both organic and mineral,' forming neutral compounds. Among otir 
 acids, he has combined it fatty acids, producing, by synthesis, e 
 
 organic fatty substances stearin, miargarjn, olein, Ac. ( Chem . Gaz., No. >, 
 1853, from the Comptes Rendus.% When diluted with water it affords no p- 
 cipitate with hydrosulphate of aiTuaaoniit or ferrocyanuret of potassium, showg 
 the absence of lead and iron. Itlconsists of one eq. of the hypothetical rad.l 
 glyceryle (C 6 H 7 ), united with fiv^pqs. of oxygen, and one of water. Its formu, 
 therefore, is C 6 H.0 5 +H0. •" 
 
 Medical Properties. Glycerin is considered emollient and antiseptic. It s 
 first used as a remedy externally, for^d>T ness an< ^ deficient cerumen in the ;- 
 ternal ear. From its antiseptic aud-umirying properties, Mr. Startin, surge), 
 of London, was led to suppose ’that, it might prove useful, as an external api- 
 cation, in eruptions attended wish fe<*e£discharges, or with preternatural dry us 
 or harshness of the skin. The resilKs of his trials answered his expectatls. 
 Iu several diseases of the skin, such as pityriasis, lepra, psoriasis, lichen ints 
 dry stage, and prurigo, he used it with benefit. He also found it a, useful a i- 
 tion to lotions in the incrusted form of lupus or herpes exedens, and in varus 
 syphilitic and strumous eruptions. In the cases in which it was tried, it aed 
 as a soothing application. It may be added to poultices and lotions in a pro*- 
 tion varying from one-fourth to one-sixteenth. Its effect on poultices is to kp 
 them soft for a long time. Since the publication of the last edition of this wfe, 
 glycerin has been used by a number of physicians, in a great variety of ac- 
 tions of the skin, as a softening and soothing application, and generally vh 
 satisfactory results. In certain cases of deafness, iu which the auditory can;is 
 dry, or obstructed by hardened wax, Dr. David Steel, of Petersburg, Ya.,as 
 found glycerin useful, inserted into the canal by means of a piece of corn, 
 saturated with it. ( Stethoscope , Feb. 1853, p. 101.) From its extensive sobot 
 powers, and its intermediate qualities between those of water and oil, glycin 
 forms, according to M. Cap, of Paris, an excellent excipient for many mli- 
 cines. It may be prepared as an ointment, for which formulae are given by r. 
 J. Laidley, and by Mr. J. H. Ecky. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm. xii., 118, td 
 xxv. 27.)* 
 
 Pills and extracts, incorporated with a small proportion of glycerin, are e- 
 served soft and free from mouldiness. I 
 
 * Mr. Ecky’s glycerin ointment is made as follows: Take of spermaceti half an ore: 
 white wax a drachm; oil of almonds two fluidounces ; glycerin a Jluidounce. Melt the er- 
 maceti and wax with the oil of almonds by a moderate heat. Then, having poureAe 
 melted liquid into a wedgwood mortar, add the glycerin, aud rub until the ingredas 
 are thoroughly mixed and cold. This ointment may be used with advantage in ehapsnd 
 excoriations. 
 
pai ii. 
 
 Grummi-resinse et Resinosa. 
 
 1023 
 
 GU MMI-RESIN M et RESINOSA. 
 
 Gum-resins and Resinous Substances. 
 
 ■urn-resins are concrete natural juices of plants, obtained by spontaneous 
 elation or inc-isiou, and consisting of gum and resin, associated for the most 
 pai with more or less essential oil, and frequently with other substances, such 
 as /tractive, bassorin, starch, wax, and various salts. The gum and resin are 
 essitial ingredients, but exist in very different proportions in the different va- 
 ries. All the gum-resins are partially soluble in alcohol and in water, but 
 coriletely so in neither of these liquids. Diluted alcohol, on the contrary, 
 dislves them almost entirely, especially if assisted by heat. With water they 
 for an opaque emulsion; the resin, essential oil, and other insoluble constitu- 
 entbeing held in suspension by the dissolved gum. They are to a certain ex- 
 tensoluble in vinegar. Upon several of them, especially myrrh and ammoniac, 
 cannate of potassa so reacts as to render* them soluble in water, or capable of 
 bef; permanently retained in suspension by that liquid. A good method of 
 eff( ing their suspension in any watery vehicle, is to rub them with a few drops 
 of ire almond oil so as to form a smooth paste, and then very gradually add 
 theiquid, continuing the trituration. 
 
 fey are often so impure from admixture of vegetable and mineral substances, 
 as be unfit for use until purified. Various modes of effecting this object have 
 bee practised. Some of the gum-resins, as galbanum, are so far fusible, that 
 the may be rendered sufficiently liquid by heat to admit of straining through 
 a bupen cloth. Care should be taken in this process not to apply too great a 
 bet; and it is best that the liquefaction should be effected by means of a water- 
 bat But several of them, as assafetida , and ammoniac, are not sufficiently 
 fus le at the temperature of boiling water to admit of being strained with facility. 
 As ley are usually brittle and pulverizable when very cold, they may be freed 
 fro the coarser impurities by powdering them in the winter season, and sifting 
 tbeowder, which afterwards agglutinates with warmth. This plan is recom- 
 me ed by Mr. Brande in relation to assafetida, ammoniac, and galbanum. 
 Wli boiled with hot water any of the gum-resins, though not dissolved, will 
 for a semi-liquid mass capable of being strained; and this is the mode now 
 adc ed by the London College for their purification. It is liable to the objec- 
 tioi .hat a portion of the volatile oil, upon which their medical virtues in part 
 depid, is driven off ; and the gum-resins thus prepared are adapted more espe- 
 cial for external use. The French pharmaceutists purify these substances by 
 disi ving them in diluted alcohol, filtering, and evaporating the solution. This 
 props, though liable in a still greater degree than that of the London College 
 to t> objection of diminishing the virtues of the medicine by driving off the 
 essq/.ial oil, has the advantage of completely separating all insoluble substances, 
 hovjver minutely divided, such as fine sand or other earth, which might pass 
 thri gh the pores of a hempen strainer. For internal use, it is best to select 
 the urn-resin of such quality as not to require purification. W. 
 
 A1MONIACUM PRiEPARATUM. Land. Prepared Ammoniac. 
 'ake of lump Ammoniac a pound; Water sufficient to cover the Ammoniac. 
 He; the Ammoniac with the Water till they are mixed. Strain the mixture 
 tkr gh a hair sieve, and evaporate by means of a water bath, stirring constantly, 
 so tit upon cooling it may become hard.” Lond. 
 
 ( .Prep. Mistura Ammoniaci. 
 
 ■oSAFCETIDA PRiEPARATA. Lond. Prepared Assafetida. 
 ’repare this in the manner directed for Prepared Ammoniac.” Lond. 
 
 '!'■ Prep. Enema Assafoetidoe ; Pilula G-albani Composita. 
 
1024 
 
 (dummi-resinae et Resinosa. — Hydrargyrum. 
 
 PARI I. 
 
 GALBANUM PRiEPARATUM. Lond. Prepared G-albanum. 
 
 “ Prepare this in the manner directed for Prepared Ammoniac.” Lond. 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Galbani; Pilula Galbani Composita. 
 
 PIX BURGUNDICA PRiEPARATA. Lond. Prepared Lr. 
 gundy Pitch. 
 
 “ Prepare this in the manner directed for Prepared Ammoniac.” Lond. 
 
 This is not a very scientific mode of purifying Burgundy pitch; and is :o- 
 gether unnecessary. It may be very readily melted by the heat of a water-bh, 
 and then strained through linen or canvas. 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Cumini ; Emplastrum Picis. ^ 
 
 SAGAPENUM PRiEPARATUM. Lond. Prepared Sagapen k 
 
 “ Prepare this in the manner directed for Prepared Ammoniac.” Lond. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Rutse; Pilula Galbani Composita. 
 
 STYRAX PURIFICATA. U. S. Styrax Pr^parata. Ld. 
 Extractum Styracis. Ed. Purified Star ax. Prepared Storax. 
 
 “ Take of Storax, Alcohol, each, a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the St ix 
 in the Alcohol, and strain the solution ; then distil off the Alcohol with a gde 
 heat, until the Storax acquires the proper consistence.” U. S. 
 
 “ Take of Storax a pound; Rectified Spirit four pints [Imperial measi']. 
 Dissolve and strain through linen; then with a gentle heat distil thegreer 
 part of the spirit : evaporate what remains by means of a water-bath to the o- 
 per consistence.” Lond. 
 
 “ Take any convenient quantity of Storax, in fine powder. Exhaust iby 
 boiling it in successive quantities of Rectified Spirit; filter the spirituous u- 
 tions; distil off the greater part of the Spirit; evaporate the remainder oveihe 
 vapour-bath to the consistence of a thin extract.” Ed. 
 
 Storax, as found in the shops, is usually so much adulterated as to rendeits 
 purification necessary, before it can be applied to the purposes for which is 
 officinally directed. As it is wholly soluble in alcohol, and little of its aive 
 matter is driven off at the boiling point of that fluid, there can be no cher:al 
 objection to the above process. Another method, sometimes followed, is tex- 
 press, between heated iron plates, the balsam from the foreign matters with well 
 it is associated; but, if the process be not very carefully conducted, the ?at 
 employed to melt the storax will be sufficient to dissipate a portion of the ;n- 
 zoic acid, which is one of its essential ingredients. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pilula Styracis Composita; Tinetura Benzoini Composita. 
 
 THUS PRiEPARATUM. Lond. Prepared Frankincense. 
 
 “ Take of Frankincense a pound ; Water sufficient to cover the Prankincse. 
 Heat the Frankincense in the Water till it liquefies, and strain through aair 
 sieve ; then, when it has cooled, pour off the Water, and keep the Frankinase 
 for use.” Lond. 
 
 Off. Prep. Emplastrum Ferri; Emplast. Galbani; Emplast. Opii; Empst. 
 Picis; Emplast. Potassii Iodidi. 
 
 HYDRARGYRUM. 
 
 Preparations of Mercury. 
 
 HYDRARGYRUM PURUM. Pub. Pure Mercury. 
 
 “ Take of Quicksilver of Commerce three pounds [avoirdupois]: Pure Muitie 
 Acid half a fluidounce [Imp. meas.]; Distilled Water two ounces [avol ] 
 Plaving introduced the Quicksilver into a small glass retort, over the bo' ot 
 which a hood of sheet iron is supported, let the heat of a gas lamp be apkl 
 
fi .T II. 
 
 1025 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 utl two-thirds of the metal has distilled over. Boil this for a few minutes 
 wii the Acid and Water, and having, by repeated affusion of distilled water, and 
 dentation, removed the entire of the Acid, let the metal be poured into a cap- 
 su, and dried by the application of heat.” Dub. 
 
 be mercury of commerce is usually sufficiently pure for pharmaceutical pur- 
 pos ; but occasionally it contains foreign metals, such as lead, tin, zinc, and 
 biaiuth, and hence the direction for its purification. Mercury, being much 
 me volatile than the contaminating metals, rises first in distillation, while they 
 art eft behind. But it is necessary to avoid pushing the distillation too far ; 
 foiin that event, some of the foreign metals are apt to be carried over. The 
 Dilin College, on account of this danger, directs only two-thirds of the mercury 
 to e distilled. The distilled product is boiled for a few minutes with dilute 
 mi atic acid, which, while it does not attack the mercury, dissolves any con- 
 tainating metals which may have passed over. The distillation is directed to 
 bejjerformed from a glass retort over a gas lamp; but it is more conveniently 
 coiueted from an iron retort, over a common fire, into water contained in a re- 
 ceir. In small operations awash-hand basin will answer for a receiver. For 
 otb methods of purifying mercury, see Hydrargyrum. Millon has ascertained 
 theurious fact, that the presence of so small a quantity as one-thousandth or 
 oncen-thousaudth of lead or zinc in mercury raises its boiling point. As it is 
 dif ult and troublesome to purify mercury by distillation, it is better to purchase 
 pu: samples of the metal, which may be always found in the market. For the 
 preirties and tests of pure mercury, see Hydrargyrum. 
 
 .j;. Violette has made known a new method of distilling mercury, or amalga- 
 majd silver, which presents many advantages. It consists in subjecting the 
 well, in iron vessels, to a current of high pressure steam, which serves the double 
 puijjjse of imparting the necessary heat, and carrying over the mercurial vapour 
 by mechanical agency. ( Philos . Mag., Dec. 1850, from Comples Rendus .) 
 
 f. Prep. Arsenici et Hydrargyri Hydriodatis Liquor; Kmplastrum Hy- 
 dra yri; Hydrargyri Iodidum Viride ; Hydrargyri Oxydurn Bubrum; Hydrar- 
 gyrPernitratis Liquor; Hydrargyrum cum Creta; Hydrargyrum cum Mag- 
 nes; Pilulae Hydrargyri; Unguentum Hydrargyri. B. 
 
 IZDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM CORROSIVUM. U.S. Hydrar- 
 
 GY] BlCHLORIDUM. Bond. SUBLIMATUS CORROSIYUS. Ed. StJBLI- 
 MA'i'I'M Co'rrosivum. Uuh. Corrosive Chlor ide of Mercury. Bichloride 
 of lercury. Corrosive Sublimate. 
 
 ‘'ake of Mercury two pounds: Sulphuric Acid three pounds; Chloride of 
 Sodm a pound and a half. Boil the Mercury with the Sulphuric Acid until 
 aw'.e dry mass is left. Rub this, when cold, with the Chloride of Sodium, in 
 an ethenware mortar; then sublime with a gradually increasing heat.” U. S. 
 
 T i London process is the same as the above, the twenty-one and a half Irn- 
 peri fluidounces of sulphuric acid, taken by the College, being equivalent to 
 thre pounds. 
 
 “ake of Mercury four ounces; Sulphuric Acid (commercial) two fluidounces 
 anclkree fluidraclims ; Pure Nitric Acid half a fluidounce ; Muriate of Soda 
 threhunces. Mix the Acids; add the Mercury; dissolve it with the aid of a 
 mod ate heat; and then raise the heat so as to obtain a dry salt. Triturate this 
 thorjghly with the Muriate of Soda, and sublime in a proper apparatus.” Ed. 
 
 “dke of Sulphate of Mercury ten pounds; Dried Chloride of Sodium five 
 pouts. Reduce each salt to a fine powder, and, having mixed them carefully 
 b y t uration in a mortar, let the mixture be introduced into an iron pot lined 
 with' lay, and by a regulated heat, applied through the intervention of sand, let 
 the i -rosive sublimate be sublimed into an earthen head placed over the pot, 
 fi5 
 
 I 
 
1026 Hydrargyrum. paeti. 
 
 and connected to it by means of lute. The product should be preserved ii m 
 opaque bottle.” Dub. 
 
 In order to understand the above processes, which are the same in princ e, 
 it is necessary to premise that corrosive sublimate is a bichloride of mere y, 
 consisting of two eqs. of chlorine and one of mercury. By boiling sulph ic 
 acid in excess with mercury to dryness, a white salt is formed, which is a b s l- 
 phate of the deutoxide of mercury. (See Hydrargyri Sulphas .) When tb is 
 mixed with chloride of sodium (common salt), and the mixture exposed a 
 subliming heat, a mutual decomposition takes place. The chlorine of the <n- 
 mon salt combines with the mercury, and sublimes as bichloride of merev; 
 while the sodium, oxygen of the deutoxide of mercury, and sulphuric acid uite 
 to form sulphate of soda, which remains behind. The quantities for mral 
 decomposition are two eqs. of chloride of sodium, consisting of two eqs. ofco- 
 rine and two of sodium; and one eq. of bisulphate of deutoxide of mercy, 
 consisting of one eq. of mercury, two of oxygen, and two of sulphuric acid, ae 
 two eqs. of chlorine combine with the one eq. of mercury, to form one et of 
 corrosive sublimate; and the two eqs. severally, of sodium, oxygen, and sulpbic 
 acid form, by their union, two eqs. of dry sulphate of soda. The Edinb./h 
 formula is very much changed from that given in the previous edition of he 
 Ed. Pharmacopoeia. It is characterized by the small quantity of mercury tan, 
 and by the use of nitric acid to assist the sulphuric in oxidizing the metal, be 
 Dublin formula is peculiar in ordering the bisulphate of the deutoxide of ::r- 
 cury ready formed, under the name of sulphate of mercury, instead of prepaog 
 it as the first step of the process, as is done in the processes of the other P ir- 
 macopoeias. (See Hydrargyri Sulphas.') 
 
 The names given in the several Pharmacopoeias to this important eblole, 
 unfortunately, do not correspond. It is called a chloride, as it is admitteto 
 be, in the U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias, and corrosive sublimate, irrespeive 
 of chemical nomenclature, in the Edinburgh and Dublin. We should be sry 
 to share the opinion of the Edinburgh College that the adoption of the morn 
 chemical nomenclature, to express pharmaceutical substances, was a great e :>r, 
 on account of its liability to change. Systematic nomenclature belongs to scicce, 
 and its change is the inevitable consequence of the progress of the latter. In 
 respect to the London name of bichloride , we think it not sufficiently disict 
 from chloride, adopted by the same College for calomel. We prefer the IS. 
 designation with the epithet corrosivum, as serving to call attention to he 
 deleterious nature of the compound. 
 
 Preparation on the Large Scale, &c. The first step is to form the bisulpte 
 of the deutoxide of mercury, which is effected by heating the sulphuric aeidnd 
 metal together in an iron pot, so arranged as to carry off the unwholesome fnej 
 of sulphurous acid which are copiously generated. The dry salt obtain< is 
 then mixed with the common salt, and the mixture sublimed in an ironoot 
 lined with clay, and covered by an inverted earthen pan. The late Dr. J T. 
 Thomson, of London, took out a patent for forming corrosive sublimate, oi.he 
 large scale, by the direct combination, by combustion, of gaseous chlorine ith 
 heated mercury. The product is stated to be perfectly pure, and to be afield 
 at a lower price than the sublimate made in the usual way. In order thatbe 
 combination may take place, the mercury need not be heated to its boiling nut, 
 but only to a temperature between 300° and 400°. According to Dr. Mac-lain, 
 corrosive sublimate, made by this process, is liable to the objection that a ro- 
 portion of calomel is always formed, occasionally amounting to ten per cen 
 
 It may sometimes be useful to know how to make a small quantity of ero- 
 sive sublimate on an emergency. This may be done by dissolving deutoxi of 
 mercury (red precipitate) in muriatic acid, evaporating the solution to dryss, 
 
PiT ii. Hydrargyrum. 1027 
 
 driving the dry mass in water, and crystallizing. Here a double decomposi- 
 te takes place, resulting in the formation of water and the bichloride. 
 
 Properties. Corrosive chloride of mercury, as obtained by sublimation, is in 
 tl form of colourless crystals, or of white, semi-transparent, crystalline masses, 
 oithe sp. gr. 5'2, permanent in the air, and possessing an exceedingly acrid, 
 static, metallic, durable taste. It dissolves in a little less than twenty parts 
 oi old water, and in three of boiling water. A boiling saturated solution, upon 
 c( ing, lets it fall in a confused mass of crystals. It is soluble also in two and 
 a iird parts of cold alcohol, in about its own weight of boiling alcohol, and in 
 the parts of ether. The latter solvent is capable of removing corrosive sub- 
 li'ite, to a considerable extent, from its aqueous solution, when agitated with 
 it Sulphuric, nitric, and muriatic acids dissolve it without alteration. When 
 hdfced it melts, and readily sublimes in dense, white, acrid vapours, which con- 
 d<se, on cool surfaces, in white shining needles. Its aqueous solution renders 
 gun the syrup of violets, and is precipitated brick-red, becoming yellow, by 
 tl fixed alkalies and alkaline earths, and white by ammonia. (See Hydrargy- 
 ni Ammoniatum.) The former precipitate is the hydrated deutoxide of mer- 
 ci?, which has the property of emitting oxygen, and of being reduced to metallic 
 gbules, when exposed to heat. This oxide is formed in the process for pre- 
 pi ng the aqua phagedsenica, which is obtained by mixing a drachm of corro- 
 si sublimate with a pint of lime-water. Corrosive sublimate forms with muriate 
 olmmonia and chloride of sodium, compounds which are more soluble than the 
 uiombined mercurial salt. It is on this account that aqueous solutions of sal 
 aiaoniac, or of common salt dissolve much more corrosive sublimate than 
 si pie water. The combination of corrosive sublimate with muriate of ammonia 
 w formerly called sal alembroth , or salt of wisdom. (See Liquor Hydrargyri 
 BMoridi.) According to F. Ilinterberger, corrosive sublimate is capable of 
 ccbining with quinia and cinchonia. ( Chem . Gaz., ix. 211.) 
 
 orrosive sublimate has the property of retarding putrefaction. Animal mat- 
 te, immersed in its solution, shrink, acquire firmness, assume a white colour, 
 ar become imputrescible. On account of this property it is usefully employed 
 fooreserving anatomical preparations. 
 
 hts of Purity and Incompatibles. Pure corrosive chloride of mercury sub- 
 li|s, when heated, without, residue, and its powder is entirely and readily soluble 
 inther. Consequently, if a portion of any sample should not wholly dissolve 
 inther, or if it should not evaporate entirely, the presence of some impurity is 
 pred. If calomel be present, it will not be wholly soluble in water. Corro- 
 si sublimate is incompatible with many of the metals, with the alkalies and 
 tb; carbonates, with soap, lime-water, tartar emetic, nitrate of silver, the ace- 
 ta i of lead, the sulphurets of potassium and sodium, and with all the hydro- 
 su hates. It is also decomposed by many vegetable and some animal substances. 
 A irding to the late Dr. A. T. Thomson, it produces precipitates in infusions 
 orecoctions of the following vegetable substances; — chamomile, horse-radish, 
 co mbo, catechu, cinchona, rhubarb, senna, simaruba, and oak-bark. The 
 ex riments of M. Mialhe and M. Lepage have shown that corrosive sublimate 
 is )wly converted into calomel by syrup of sarsaparilla and syrup of honey, but 
 ul irgoes no alteration by contact with pure syrup. B. 
 
 r edical Properties and Uses. Corrosive sublimate is a very powerful prepa- 
 ra n, operating quickly, and, if not properly regulated, producing very violent 
 cfl ts. It is less apt to salivate than most other mercurials. In minute doses, 
 su .bly repeated, it may exert its peculiar influence without any obvious altera- 
 nt of the vital functions, except, perhaps, a slight increase in the frequency of 
 th lulse, and in the secretions from the skin and kidneys. Sometimes, how- 
 ev , it purges; but this effect may be obviated by combining it with a little 
 
1028 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 PART 
 
 opium. In larger doses it occasions nausea, vomiting, griping pain in the he- 
 els, diarrhoea, and other symptoms of gastric and intestinal irritation ; and 
 still larger quantities produces all the effects of a violent corrosive poison. ; 
 has long been used as a remedy in syphilis, in all stages of which it is high 
 recommended by some authors. It is said to remove the symptoms more speed • 
 than other mercurials ; while its action is less unpleasant, as the mouth is 1 s 
 liable to be made sore. For the latter reason it has been much employed 7 
 empirics, and is an ingredient in most of those nostrums which have at varii; 
 periods gained a temporary popularity as anti-venereals. But while it is i 
 tolled by some authors, others, among whom is Mr. Pearson, of London, der 
 its extraordinary merits, and maintain that, though occasionally useful in am- 
 ing the progress of the complaint, particularly in the secondary stage, it does it 
 produce permanent cures, and, in the primary stage, often fails altogether. 1 
 the whole it appears to be best adapted to secondary syphilis, in which it oc- 
 sionally does much good. It is also used advantageously in some chronic cu- 
 neous affections, and in obstinate chronic rheumatism. It is usually assoc-ia 1 
 with alterative or diaphoretic medicines, such as the antimonials, and the cc- 
 pound decoction or syrup of sarsaparilla; and, in order to obviate the irritat 1 
 it is apt to produce, it may often be advantageously united with opium, or extrt 
 of hemlock. There is no doubt that many of the substances in connexion wi 
 which it is employed, alter its chemical condition ; but it does not follow th, 
 even in its altered state, it may not be very useful as a remedy. 
 
 Externally employed, corrosive sublimate is stimulant and escharotic. l 
 solution in water, containing from an eighth to half a grain in the fluidoun, 
 is employed as an injection in gleet, as a gargle in venereal sore-throat, and ar 
 collyrium in chronic venereal ophthalmia. A stronger solution, containing (8 
 or two grains in the fluidounce, is an efficacious wash in lepra, and other sc; 
 eruptions. Dissolved in water, in the proportion of five or ten grains to e 
 fluidounce, it may be used with much benefit in venereal ulcers of the throato 
 which it should he applied by means of a camel’s hair pencil. With lime-war 
 it forms the aqua pliagedsenica of the older writers, employed as a wash r 
 ill-conditioned ulcers. The powdered chloride has been used as an escharot; 
 but is, in general, inferior to nitrate of silver or caustic potassa. In onyc.i 
 maligna, however, it is employed with great advantage, mixed with an eq.l 
 weight of sulphate of zinc, and sprinkled thickly upon the surface of the ulc, 
 which is then to be covered with a pledget of lint saturated with tincture! 
 myrrh. The whole diseased surface is thus removed, and the necessity of - 
 sorting to the knife avoided. This practice was first introduced, we believe, y 
 the late Dr. Perkins, of Philadelphia, and was highly recommended by 
 Physick. We have employed it in several instances with complete success. 
 
 The dose of corrosive sublimate is from the twelfth to the quarter of a gra, 
 repeated three or four times a day, and given in pill, or dissolved in wateir 
 spirit. The pill, which is the preferable form, is usually prepared with crub 
 of bread ; and care should be taken that the medicine be equally diffused throffi 
 the pilular mass, before it is divided. Mucilaginous drinks are usually givero 
 obviate the irritating effects of the medicine. 
 
 Toxicological Properties. Swallowed in poisonous doses, it produces burng 
 heat in the throat, excruciating pain in the stomach and bowels, excessive tbit, 
 anxiety, nausea and frequent retching with vomiting of bloody mucus, diarrlx 
 and sometimes bloody stools, small and frequent pulse, cold sweats, gemd 
 debility, difficult respiration, cramps in the extremities, faintings, insensibib', 
 convulsions, and death. The mucous membrane of the stomach exhibits n 
 dissection all the signs of the operation of a violent corrosive poison. The 
 symptoms are sometimes followed or conjoined with others indicating an excess 
 
P IT II. 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 1029 
 
 meurial action upon the system, such as inflammation of the mouth and salivary 
 ehds, profuse salivation, fetid breath, &c. A case is on record of death, in an 
 innt, from the constitutional effects of corrosive sublimate sprinkled upion an 
 esiriated surface. In the inferior animals, in whatever mode introduced into 
 th system, it is said to occasion irritation of the stomach and rectum, inflam- 
 mion of the lungs, oppression of the brain, and depression if not inflammation 
 of he heart. ( Christison .) In the treatment of poisoning by corrosive subli- 
 me, Orfila recommends the free use of the white of eggs beat up with water. 
 T1 albumen forms an insoluble and comparatively innocent compound with the 
 coosive sublimate ; and the liquid by its bulk dilutes the poison, and distends 
 th stomach so as to produce vomiting. It is, however, asserted by M. Lassaigne 
 th this compound of albumen and corrosive sublimate, when recently precipi- 
 tad, is soluble in acid and alkaline liquids, and in solutions of the chlorides of 
 possium, sodium, and calcium. (See Journ. de Pharm., xxiii. 510.) It is, 
 th store, important, at the same time that the antidote is used, to evacuate the 
 st( ach before the newly formed compound can be dissolved. If eggs cannot 
 beaocured, wheat flour may be substituted; gluten having, according to M. 
 Talei, the same effect as albumen. Milk has also been recommended, in con- 
 serence of the insoluble compound which casein forms with the poison. Besides 
 thuntidotes mentioned, Peruvian bark, meconic acid, protosulphuret of iron, 
 an iron filings have been proposed, all of which have the property of decom- 
 poag corrosive sublimate. The protosulphuret of iron was found quite suc- 
 ceed by M. Mialhe in experiments upon dogs, if given immediately after the 
 po: n was swallowed, but failed when delayed for 10 minutes. It is of the 
 utnst importance that whatever antidote is used should be given without delay, 
 an n this respect the one nearest at hand may be considered the best. Should 
 nei er of the substances mentioned be attainable, mucilaginous drinks should 
 be rgely administered ; and, in any event, the patient should be made to drink 
 copusly, so long as vomiting continues, or till the symptoms are relieved. 
 Sh ld he be unable to vomit, the stomach should be washed out by means of 
 tht:omach pump. The consecutive inflammation should be treated with general 
 or I al bleeding, fomentations, and cooling mucilaginous drinks, and the attendant 
 nenus symptoms should be alleviated by opiates. W. 
 
 1 'ts for Corrosive Sublimate. On account of the extreme virulence of this chlo- 
 rids a poison, the reagents by which it may be detected form a subject of study 
 of e utmost importance, as connected with medico-legal investigations. The 
 bes ;ests for determining its mercurial nature, mentioned in the order of their 
 del ,ey, are ferrocyanuret of potassium, lime-water, carbonate of potassa, iodide 
 of i assium, ammonia, sulphuretted hydrogen, and protochloride of tin. Per- 
 I'oc.nuret of potassium gives rise to a white precipitate (ferrocyanuret of mer- 
 cur , becoming slowly yellowish, and at length pale-blue. Lime-water throws 
 doy a yellow precipitate of hydrated deutoxide. Carbonate of potassa causes 
 a hk-red precipitate of carbonate of mercury. Iodide of potassium produces 
 a vj i characteristic pale-scarlet precipitate of biniodide of mercury. This pre- 
 cipi te frequently appears at first yellow. Ammonia gives rise to a fine, white, 
 floe., lent precipitate, the officinal ammoniated mercury, or white precipitate. 
 Suivuretted hydrogen occasions a black precipitate of bisulphuret of mercury; 
 aud’ie same precipitate is thrown down by hydrosulphate of ammonia. Finally, 
 pm Morale of tin causes a grayish-black precipitate (mercury in a finely divided 
 statj, and, as a test, is not liable to any fallacy. Taking the results of De- 
 vei 7 , the relative delicacy of these tests may be expressed numerically as fol- 
 low, —Ferrocyanuret of potassium II; lime-water 4; carbonate of potassa 7 ; 
 iodi of potassium 8; ammonia 36; sulphuretted hydrogen or hydrosulphate of 
 annuia 60; and protochloride of tin 80. To. the above the following testa 
 
1030 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 PAEX 
 
 may be added, easily applied even by one unacquainted with chemistry. 
 bright plate of copper, immersed in a solution containing corrosive sublimate. , 
 instantly tarnished, and, after the lapse of half an hour, becomes covered w . 
 a grayish-white powder. A polished piece of gold, moistened with the mercml 
 solution, and touched through the liquid with a piece of iron, contracts a wh ■ 
 stain. This test, which was proposed by Mr. Sylvester and simplified by ]. 
 Paris, is conveniently applied by moistening, with the suspected solution, a gd 
 coin or ring, and touching it through the moistened spot with the point o i 
 penknife. The object of the iron is to form with the gold a simple galvae 
 circle, which enables the latter metal to precipitate the mercury on its surfa. 
 Nearly all the above tests merely show the mercurial nature of the substaie 
 acted on. To determine whether the metal is united with chlorine, the n- 
 curial liquid may be precipitated by lime-water, and the filtered solution, aei- 
 lated with nitric acid, then tested with nitrate of silver. If the mercury isi 
 the state of chloride, the filtered solution will be one of chloride of calcic, 
 which, with nitrate of silver, will yield a heavy white precipitate (chloride f 
 silver), insoluble in nitric acid, but soluble in ammonia. The nitrate of silr 
 may be added directly to the mercurial liquid; and, if it contain corrosive s- 
 limate, chloride of silver will fall, but probably mixed with calomel. 
 
 By the combined indications of the foregoing tests, corrosive sublimate ry 
 be infallibly detected, unless it exists in very minute quantity, associated tih 
 organic substances, by w r hicb its presence is often greatly obscured. Wheat 
 exists in organic mixtures, made by boiling the contents or substance of e 
 stomach in distilled water, Dr. Christison recommends that a preliminary til 
 be made with the protochloride of tin, on a small portion filtered for the jr- 
 pose. If this causes a grayish-black colour, he shakes the mixture, as reci- 
 mended by Orfila, with a fourth of its bulk of ether, which dissolves the corro-e 
 sublimate and rises to the surface. The ethereal solution is then evaporateoo 
 dryness, and the dry salt obtained is dissolved in hot water, whereby a pe 
 solution is procured, in which the poison may be readily detected by the oi- 
 nary tests. If the trial test should produce a light gray colour, the eorrore 
 sublimate is indicated in still less quantity, and Dr. Christison recommendto 
 proceed in the following manner. Treat the unfiltered mixture with protoco- 
 ride of tin, as long as any precipitate is formed, which will have a slate-py 
 colour. Collect, wash, and drain it on a filter, and, having removed it witlut 
 being dried, boil it, in a glass flask, with a moderately strong solution of catie 
 potassa, until all the lumps disappear. The alkali will dissolve all animal id 
 vegetable matter; and, on allowing the solution to remain at rest, a heavy grajh- 
 black powder will subside, which consists chiefly of metallic mercury, aniin 
 which small globules of the metal may sometimes be seen with the naked e, 
 or by the aid of a magnifier. 
 
 Off. Prep. Hydrargyri Iodidum Rubrum; Hydrargyrum Ammoniatum li- 
 quor Hydrargyri Bichloridi. 1 
 
 LIQUOR HYDRARGYRI BICHLORIDI. Land. SoMmof 
 
 Bichloride of Mercury. 
 
 “Take of Bichloride of Mercury [corrosive sublimate], Hydrochlorate of 
 monia, each ten grains ; Distilled Water a pint [Imperial measure]. Dissol. 
 Lon cl. 
 
 This solution was intended to facilitate the dispensing of corrosive sublinte 
 in small doses. The muriate of ammonia has been substituted for the aleiol 
 formerly added to the solution, probably in order to prevent the decompose® 
 of the bichloride. A solution of corrosive sublimate in water alone, undeihe 
 influence of light, deposits calomel, while muriatic and chloric acids rema in 
 the water; nor is this decomposition prevented by the addition of alcohol, lie 
 
1031 
 
 pat II. Hydrargyrum. 
 
 do. 1 of the solution, of which a fluidounce contains half a grain of corrosive sub- 
 linte, is from one to four fluidrachms, taken in flaxseed tea. W. 
 
 YDRARGYRI CHLORIDUM MITE. U. S. Hydrargyri Chlo- 
 Lond. Calojielas. Ed., Dub. Mild Chloride of Mercury. 
 Camel. 
 
 Take of Mercury four pounds ; Sulphuric Acid three pounds ; Chloride of 
 So am a pound and a half ; Distilled Water a sufficient quantity. Boil two 
 potds of the Mercury with the Sulphuric Acid, until a dry white mass is left. 
 Ru this, when cold, with the remainder of the Mercury, in an earthenware 
 moar, until they are thoroughly mixed. Then add the Chloride of Sodium, 
 arnrub it with the other ingredients till all the globules disappear; afterwards 
 sulme. Reduce the sublimed matter to a very fine powder, and wash it fre- 
 qU'tlv with boiling Distilled Water, till the washings afford no precipitate upon 
 theddition of Solution of Ammonia; then dry it.” U. S. 
 
 'lie London formula is the same as the above, except that a measure of sul- 
 ph ic acid is taken, equivalent to three pounds, and the testing of the washings 
 is ; t directed. 
 
 Cake of Mercury eight ounces ; Sulphuric Acid (commercial) two fluidounces 
 an three fluidrachms [Imperial measure] ; Pure Nitric Acid half a fluidounce 
 [In. meas.] ; Muriate of Soda three ounces. Mix the Acids, add four ounces 
 of e Mercury, and dissolve it with the aid of a moderate heat. Raise the heat 
 so to obtain a dry salt. Triturate this with the Muriate of Soda and the rest 
 of e Mercury till the globules entirely disappear. Heat the mixture by means 
 of sand-bath in a proper subliming apparatus. Reduce the sublimate to fine 
 pover; wash the powder with boiling Distilled Water until the Water ceases 
 to ecipitate with solution of iodide of potassium, and then dry it.” Ed. 
 
 Take of Sulphate of Mercury ten pounds; Mercury of Commerce seven 
 po.ds; Dried Chloride of Sodium five pounds. Incorporate as completely as 
 poible the Sulphate and the metallic Mercury by prolonged trituration, and, 
 ha- lg then added the Chloride of Sodium previously reduced to a fine powder, 
 rulidl well together until a perfectly equable mixture is obtained. Heat this, 
 thngh the medium of sand, in a shallow iron pot with a flat bottom, lined with 
 cla and covered with a lid of cast iron, until the sublimate which attaches itself 
 to circular plug in the centre of the lid (which admits of being removed and 
 ele ed from time to time) neither exhibits minute globules of mercury, nor is 
 retired yellow by being touched with a solution of potash. The whole being 
 no- permitted to cool down to the temperature of the air, the contents of the 
 po re to be transferred to a small hoPhearth or oven, whose door is made tight 
 by clay lute, and a regulated heat is to be applied so as to cause the vaporized 
 Ca nel to pass into an adjacent chamber of considerable size, on the floor of 
 wh i it will accumulate in the form of a fine white powder.” Dub. 
 
 ' e object of the above processes, which all coincide in the principle on which 
 the are conducted, is to obtain the protochloride of mercury. This chloride 
 coi sts of one eq. of chlorine and one of mercury, and consequently contains 
 presely half as much chlorine as corrosive sublimate, combined with the same 
 qudity of mercury. In the process of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, as in the 
 caspf corrosive sublimate, a bisulphate of the deutoxide is first formed ; but, 
 ins id of being immediately sublimed with the chloride of sodium, it undergoes 
 a f paratory trituration with the same quantity of mercury as was employed in 
 for ng it. This trituration may be conceived to take place between one ecj. of 
 th( isulphate of the deutoxide, and one of metallic mercury, which are thus 
 ooi ;rted into two eqs. of the monosulphate of the protoxide. This change will 
 be asily understood, by adverting to the fact, that the bisulphate of the deut- 
 
1032 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 PAST C. 
 
 oxide consists of two eqs. of sulphuric acid, two of oxygen, and one of merer; 
 and, when rubbed up with one additional eq. of mercury, the whole becomes o 
 eqs. of acid, two of oxygen, and two of mercury, evidently corresponding vK 
 two eqs. of the monosulphate of the protoxide. The two eqs. of monosulpH 
 thus formed, being heated with two eqs. of common salt, the two eqs. of chlo: e 
 in the latter sublime in union with the two eqs. of mercury in the former, d 
 generate two eqs. of protochloride of mercury; while the two eqs., severally ,f 
 sulphuric acid, oxygen, and sodium, unite together to form two eqs. of dry 1- 
 phate of soda, which remain as a fixed residue. It is hence apparent that e 
 residue in this process and in that for corrosive sublimate is the same. 
 
 The calomel in mass, as sublimed, is liable to contain a little corrosive sui- 
 mate; and hence the direction of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia to reduce the subliid 
 matter to a very fine powder, and to wash it with boiling distilled water uil 
 ammonia produces no precipitate with the washings. Ammonia occasions a wte 
 precipitate (ammoniated mercury) so long as the washings contain corrosive sui- 
 mate; and when it ceases to produce this effect, the operator may rest satis d 
 that the whole of the poisonous salt has been removed. The London Phan- 
 copoeia prescribes a careful washing, but omits in the formula any directions r 
 testing for corrosive sublimate. 
 
 The Edinburgh formula is peculiar in ordering a small proportion of nitric ad 
 to assist the sulphuric acid in oxidizing the mercury, as is done also in the |r- 
 rosive sublimate process. The washings are tested by iodide of potassium, wlh 
 is not so delicate a test as ammonia. The Dublin process includes no directus 
 for making the bisulphate of the deutoxide of mercury ; because that salt u 
 the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, is made by a separate formula, and designated ha 
 distinct name, sulphate of mercury. It is, therefore, taken ready formed, mi d 
 with the mercury and common salt in the usual way, and the mixture is so- 
 mitted to a preliminary sublimation to separate metallic mercury and corrore 
 sublimate. The product is allowed to cool, and then transferred to a small o\a, 
 connected with a chamber of considerable size; and, heat being applied, the i- 
 porized calomel condenses in the chamber, and falls on its floor in the powdy 
 form. By thus using a large cool chamber, the calomel does not require toe 
 pulverized, but is got at once in the form of powder. The Dublin College ores 
 no washing, which is a defect ; for although the preliminary sublimation sta- 
 rates corrosive sublimate, yet some accidental circumstance may prevent .e 
 whole of it from being removed in this step of the process, in which case.e 
 sublimed powder will be contaminated with the poisonous chloride. 
 
 Preparation on the Large Scale. The process for making calomel by mean! 
 the bisulphate of deutoxide of mercury, was originally practised at Apothecary 
 Hall, London. The proportions taken and the mode of proceeding in that ea- 
 blishment are, according to Mr. Brande, as follows : 50 lbs. of mercury are bo d 
 to dryness with 70 lbs. of sulphuric acid, in a cast iron vessel; and 62 lbs )f 
 the dry salt formed are triturated with 401 lbs of mercury till the globules ss- 
 appear, and the whole is mixed with 34 lbs. of common salt. The mixturis 
 sublimed from an earthenware retort into an earthenware receiver, and the ;» 
 duct is from 95 to 100 lbs. of calomel in mass. This is then ground tom 
 impalpable powder, and washed with a large quantity of distilled water. 
 
 The object of bringing calomel into a state of minute division is more jr- 
 fectly accomplished by the method of Mr. Joseph Jewell, of London, improfl 
 by M. Ossian Henry. It consists in causing the calomel in vapour to comm 
 contact with steam in a large receiver, whereby it is condensed into an impalpJe 
 powder, and perfectly washed from corrosive sublimate, in the same operate. 
 Calomel made by this process, sometimes called Jewell's or Howard’s hydrosni- 
 mate of mercury, is free from all suspicion of containing corrosive sublimates 
 
pat ii . Hydrargyrum. 1033 
 
 mu finer than when obtained by levigation and elutriation, and possesses more 
 actity as a medicine. This kind of calomel is included in the French Codex 
 un r a distinct name ( mercure doux d la vapeur). M. Soubeiran, of Paris, has 
 percted a process for obtaining calomel in an impalpable powder, by substituting 
 thugency of cold air for that of steam for the purpose of condensing it; a pro- 
 ceswhich he believes to be precisely the same as that pursued by the English 
 marfacturers, and which produces a calomel equal to the best English. A 
 desiption of his apparatus may be found in the Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., ii. 
 50 For an account of the English apparatus, as described by F. C. Calvert, 
 s ePourn. de Pharm., 3e ser., iii. 121. Both these papers are copied into the 
 Ar. Journ. of Pharm., xv. 89 and 93. 
 
 j Properties . Mild chloride of mercury is a tasteless, inodorous substance, in- 
 sol)le in water, alcohol, and ether, less volatile than corrosive sublimate, un- 
 alt able in the air, but blackening by long exposure to light. When in mass 
 itsirm and appearance depend on the shape and temperature of the subliming 
 ve»l. In this state it is generally in the form of a white, fibrous, crystalline 
 cal, soft and brittle, the interior surface of which is often studded with shining 
 trasparent crystals, having the shape of quadrangular prisms, and a texture 
 soi what horny and elastic. When the mass is scratched it yields a yellow 
 strk, which is very characteristic. Its sp.gr. is 7'2. The officinal form of 
 thi chloride is that of powder, in which state it is always kept in the shops. 
 Tb powder has a light buff or ivory colour, if obtained by the levigation of 
 sul rned masses; but if condensed at once in the form of an impalpable powder, 
 as the case with Jewell’s calomel, it is perfectly white. To protect it from 
 tke.ction of the light, it should be kept in a dark place, or in bottles painted 
 bin; or covered with black paper. By the action of the alkalies or alkaline 
 eai s it immediately becomes black, in consequence of the formation of prot- 
 oxi ;, reducible by heat to the metallic state. (See Pdydrargyri Oxiduin Xi- 
 gm.) The preparation, formerly in use and still occasionally employed, under 
 thuame of lotio niger or black vjash, as a local application to syphilitic ulcers, 
 &c was made by adding a drachm of calomel to a pint of lime-water. By 
 doile decomposition between the calomel and lime, the black protoxide pre- 
 cipites, and chloride of calcium remains in solution. The oxide, however, is 
 nouure, but associated with undecomposed calomel, which is used in excess. 
 Be re being applied, the wash should be well shaken. 
 
 ■sts of Purity and Incompatibles. Calomel, when pure, completely sublimes 
 on ie application of heat, a property which detects all fixed impurities, such as 
 carinate, sulphate, and phosphate of lime, sulphate of baryta, and carbonate of 
 lea It also strikes a black colour, free from reddish tinge, by the action of 
 tlu.xed alkalies. The buff colour indicates the absence of corrosive sublimate; 
 bu whiteness by no means shows the presence of impurity. Its freedom from 
 tkc sorrosive chloride may be determined by washing a portion of it in warm 
 (lisded water, and then testing the water with ammonia, which will cause a white 
 pre pitate (ammoniated mercury), in case the water has taken up any of the 
 poi nous chloride. Soluble salts of mercury may be detected by rubbing the 
 suncted calomel with ether on a bright surface of copper, when the metal will 
 bet ne amalgamated, and exhibit a white stain. When this test shows im- 
 pu y, the soluble salt present is probably corrosive sublimate. Calomel, con- 
 tai ig corrosive sublimate, acts violently on the bowels; and, when the impurity 
 La! been present in considerable amount, has been known to cause death. Be- 
 sid being incompatible with the alkalies and alkaline earths, calomel is also 
 decaposed by the alkaline carbonates, soaps, hydrosulphates, and, according to 
 soi authorities, by iron, lead, and copper. It should not be given at the same 
 tin with nitromuriatic acid, for fear of generating corrosive sublimate. One of 
 
1034 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 part t. 
 
 the authors has been informed of a ease, in which death, with symptoms of )- 
 lent gastro-intestinal irritation, followed their simultaneous use. Agreeabl o 
 the experiments of M. Deschamps, calomel is decomposed by bitter almonds' d 
 by hydrocyanic acid. In the former case corrosive sublimate, bicyanuret of rr- 
 cury, and muriate of ammonia are formed ; in the latter, corrosive sublimate d 
 bicyanuret only. Hence this writer considers it very dangerous to aasocte 
 calomel with bitter almonds or hydrocyanic acid in prescription. This coni- 
 sion has been confirmed by M. Mialhe, and M. Prenleloup ; and more recei j 
 it has been shown by Dr. E. Riegel, that cherry-laurel water has the powejf 
 converting calomel into corrosive sublimate. According to M. Mialhe, ealod 
 is in part converted into corrosive sublimate and metallic mercury by mur;e 
 of ammonia, and by the chlorides of sodium and potassium, even at the ti- 
 perature of the body ; and hence he believes that the conversion may take p e 
 in the primae vise. Popular belief coincides with M. Mialhe’s views in regar o 
 the power of common salt of increasing the activity of calomel. More reeeiy 
 M. Mialhe has extended his observations, and now believes that all the prepi- 
 tions of mercury yield a certain amount of corrosive sublimate by reacting vh 
 solutions of the chlorides of potassium, sodium, and ammonium. The deutorie 
 and similarly constituted compounds are most prone to undergo this chau. 
 Even metallic mercury, digested with the chlorides named, is partly converl, 
 under the influence of air, into corrosive sublimate. Dr. Gardner denies ie 
 assertion of M. Mialhe, that calomel is converted into corrosive sublimately 
 chlorides of the alkalifiable metals, maintaining that it is merely rendered solile 
 by their solutions. I 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Calomel unites to the general properties of ie 
 mercurials those of a purgative and anthelmintic. It is the most valuablof 
 the mercurial preparations, and in extent of employment is inferior to few artias 
 of the Materia Medica. Whether the object is to bring the system under ie 
 general influence of mercury, or to produce its alterative action upon the hepic 
 or other secretory function, calomel, on account both of its certainty and iri- 
 ness, is preferred to all other preparations, with the single exception of the he 
 pill, which, though less certain, is still milder, and is sometimes preferably p- 
 ployed. When used with the above objects, the tendency to purge whielit 
 sometimes evinces, even in very small doses, must be restrained by combininit 
 with opium. In sialagogue or alterative doses, it is often prescribed with oier 
 medicines, which, while they give it a direction to certain organs, have their n 
 peculiar influence increased by its co-operation. Thus it renders squill nre 
 diuretic, nitre and the antimonials more diaphoretic, and seneka more expectort. 
 
 As a purgative, calomel owes its chief value to its tendency to the liver, ie 
 secretory function of which it powerfully stimulates. It is usually slow and soe- 
 what uncertain in its cathartic effect, and, though itself but slightly irritatg, 
 sometimes occasions severe griping pain with bilious vomitiug, attributable toie 
 acrid character of the bile which it causes the liver to secrete. It is peculiar 
 useful in the commencement of bilious fevers, in hepatitis, jaundice, bilious id 
 painters’ colic, dysentery, especially that of tropical climates, and all other a c- 
 tions attended with congestion of the portal system, or torpidity of the hepic 
 vessels. The difficulty with which it is thrown from the stomach, render it 
 highly useful in some cases of obstinate vomiting, when other remedies arte- 
 jected. In the cases of children it is peculiarly valuable from the facility ots 
 administration ; and, in the febrile complaints to which they are subject, apprs 
 to exercise a curative influence, depending on some other cause than its ire 
 purgative effect, aud perhaps referable to its action upon the liver. In the trt- 
 ment of worms it is one of the most efficient remedies, acting probably not Jv 
 as a purgative, but also as an irritant to the worms, either by its immediaten- 
 
PA1 II. 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 1035 
 
 flue:e, or that of the acrid bile which it causes to flow. The slowness and 
 uuctainty of its action, and its liability to salivate if too long retained in the 
 bov s, render it proper either to follow or combine it with other cathartics, in 
 ord< to ensure its purgative effect. When given alone, it should be followed, 
 if ilo not operate in six or seven hours, by a dose of castor oil or sulphate of 
 majesia. The cathartics with which it is most frequently combined are jalap, 
 rhujirb, aloes, scammony, colocynth, and gamboge. It is often added in small 
 qualities to purgative combinations, with a view to its influence on the liver. 
 
 Every large doses, calomel is supposed by some to act directly as a sedative, 
 and ith this view has been given in yellow and malignant bilious fevers, violent 
 dys tery, malignant cholera, &c. The quantities which have been administered 
 in sih affections, with asserted impunity and even advantage, are almost incredi- 
 ble. A common dose is one or two scruples, repeated every half hour, or hour, 
 or Is frequently, according to the circumstances of the case. We have had no 
 expience in this mode of administering calomel. 
 
 I is sometimes used as an errhine in amaurosis, mixed with-dwice its weight 
 of .‘gar, or other mild powder; and in the same combination is occasionally 
 empyed to remove specks and opacity of the cornea. For the latter purpose, 
 Duiytren recommended particularly the calomel prepared according to the 
 plaibf Mr. Jewell. Calomel is also sometimes employed externally in herpetic 
 andther eruptions, in the shape of an ointment. 
 
 fie dose as an alterative in functional derangement of the liver, is from half 
 a gin to a grain every night, or every other night, followed in the morning, if 
 tkejjowels are not opened, by a gentle saline laxative. When the stomach or 
 boms are very irritable, as in cholera and diarrhoea, from an eighth to a quarter 
 of strain may be given every hour or two, so as to amount to one or two grains 
 in 4 course of the day. With a view to salivation, the dose is from half a 
 gra to a grain three or four times a day, to be increased considerably in urgent 
 casi Sometimes, very minute doses, as the twelfth of a grain or less, given 
 ver frequently, so as to amount to the ordinary quantity in twenty-four hours, 
 wiloperate more effectually as a sialagogue than larger doses. When large 
 dos 1 are given with this view, it is often necessary to combine them with 
 opi 1 . As a purgative, from five to fifteen grains or more may be given. Calo- 
 mel as the peculiarity that its cathartic action is not increased in proportion to 
 thepse, and enormous quantities have sometimes been given with impunity. 
 In allow fever, tropical dysentery, &c., from, twenty grains to a drachm have 
 bee given, and repeated at short intervals, without producing hypercatharsis; 
 but his practice is justifiable only in cases of extreme urgency, in which the 
 con tutional action of mercury as well as purgation is indicated. Even in very 
 smti doses of not more than one, two, or three grains, calomel purges some in- 
 -divlials briskly. In these persons, large doses, though they do not proportion- 
 abh ncrease the evacuation, often occasion spasmodic pain in the stomach and 
 
 bov 
 
 adu 
 
 For children larger doses are generally required in proportion than for 
 Not less than from three to six grains should be given as a purge to a 
 cbil two or three years old, and this quantity often fails to act on the bowels, 
 uni; assisted by castor oil or some other cathartic. Calomel may be given in pill 
 mat with gum Arabic and syrup, or in powder mixed with syrup or molasses. 
 
 <K Prep. Hydrargyri Oxidum Nigrum; Pilulae Calomelanos Composite ; 
 bil e Calomelanos et Opii; Piluhe Catharticae Composite ; Pilulae Hydrargyri 
 Chi idi Mitia; W. 
 
 HYDRARGYRI CYANURETUM. U.S. Cyanuret of Mercury. 
 Buanuret of Mercury. Prussiate of Mercury. 
 
 Cake of Ferrocyanuret of Iron [Prussian blue] four ounces; Red Oxide of 
 Me iry three ounces , or a sufficient quantity ; Distilled Water three pints. Put 
 
1036 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 PART r. 
 
 the Ferrocyanuret of Iron and three ounces of the Oxide of Mercury, previoiy 
 powdered and thoroughly mixed, into a glass vessel ; and pour upon them o 
 pints of the Distilled Water. Then boil the mixture, stirring constantly; d 
 if at the end of half an hour the blue colour remain, add small portions of e 
 Oxide of Mercury, continuing the ebullition until the mixture becomes of a 1- 
 lowish colour; after which, filter it through paper. Wash the residue in e 
 remainder of the Distilled Water, and filter as before. Mix the solutions, d 
 evaporate till a pellicle appears; then set the liquor aside that crystals )y 
 form. To purify the crystals, dissolve them in distilled water, filter and evi- 
 rate the solution, and set it aside to crystallize.” U. S. 
 
 The object of the above process is to present cyanogen and mercury to eh 
 other under favourable circumstances for combination. The compound fori d 
 consists of two eqs. of cyanogen, and one of mercury. It is, therefore, prop y 
 speaking, a bicyanuret. As Prussian blue is a compound of cyanogen and n 
 the reaction which occurs is a case of double decomposition, resulting in ie 
 formation of bicyanuret of mercury, and a mixture of the protoxide and ses i- 
 oxide of iron. The reaction may be thus expressed; 2Fe ; Cy g and 9HgC= 
 9HgCy a and 6FeO and 4Fe 3 0 3 . This formula would be exact, if nothing remaid 
 but the oxides of iron ; but in the residuum cyanogen appears to be present n 
 an unknown state of combination. 
 
 Winckler prepares the bicyanuret of mercury by the following process. . x 
 15 parts of ferrocyanuret of potassium in powder with 13 parts of concentred 
 sulphuric acid, and 100 parts of water. Distil the mixture to dryness in a 
 receiver containing 30 parts of water. The ferrocyanuret is decomposed, bil- 
 phate of potassa is formed in the retort, and hydrocyanic acid distils over. )f 
 the acid thus obtained reserve a portion, and mix the remainder with 16 pts 
 of red oxide of mercury iu fine powder, and stir the mixture till the odouof 
 hydrocyanic acid has entirely disappeared. Then decant the liquor, and d, 
 for the purpose of saturating it, the portion of acid that had been reserved. r .is 
 process yields 12 parts of bicyanuret. If the liquor were not treated 
 free hydrocyanic acid after having acted on the red oxide, it would probay 
 contain some of this oxide in excess, and when evaporated would yield, inskd 
 of the bicyanuret, a peculiar salt, composed of the bicyanuret and the red oxe, 
 which crystallizes in small acicular crystals. 
 
 Properties, &c. Cyanuret of mercury is permanent in the air, and crystalbs 
 iu anhydrous right square prisms, which are sometimes transparent, but usuy 
 white and opaque. It has a disagreeable styptic taste. It is but spariny 
 soluble in alcohol, but dissolves readily in cold water, and much more abundaiy 
 in hot. When acted on by muriatic acid, hydrocyanic acid is evolved, re>g- 
 nisable by its odour, and bichloride of mercury is left, which is wholly vopi- 
 lizable by heat. When heated it yields cyanogen, and a black matter is ft 
 containing globules of mercury. It acts on the animal economy as a post 
 poison, in medicinal doses it excites nausea, vomiting, and not unfrequely 
 ptyalism, but does not produce epigastric pain like corrosive sublimate. It is 
 been occasionally used as a remedy in syphilis; and in the treatment of at 
 disease it is preferred by some practitioners to corrosive sublimate, on accent 
 of its not giving rise to pain, and not being decomposed by alkalies and eerin 
 organic matters. The dose is from a sixteenth to an eighth of a grain, ts 
 composition has been already given. I 
 
 HYDRARGYRI IODIDUM. U. S., Land. Hydrargyri Iodum 
 Viride. Dub. Iodide of JSlercury. Green Iodide of Mercury. Pu- 
 odide of Mercury. 
 
 “ Take of Mercury an ounce ; Iodine five drachms; Alcohol a su fficient qffl- 
 tity. Rub the Mercury and Iodine together, adding sufficient Alcohol to tin 
 
PAX II. 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 1037 
 
 a sc paste, and continue the trituration till the globules disappear. Then dry 
 the pdide in. the dark, with a gentle heat, and keep it in a well stopped bottle 
 profited from the light.” TJ. S. 
 
 Is London and Dublin Colleges make this iodide by the foregoing formula. 
 
 Tis process for forming the protiodide of mercury is a case of simple com- 
 bim'on, the alcohol facilitating the union by dissolving the iodine. It may 
 also-e prepared by precipitation, by adding a solution of iodide of potassium to 
 one ? the nitrate of protoxide of mercury; but, as it is difficult to prepare the 
 nitre of the protoxide, without being mixed with some nitrate of deutoxide, 
 the ji-otiodide, when thus obtained, is apt to be contaminated with biniodide. 
 A bter way is to decompose calomel by iodide of potassium, in which case 
 protidide of mercury and chloride of potassium are formed, the latter of which 
 mayie removed by washing. The formula recommended by M. Boutigny is to 
 mixWenty-nine drachms of calomel with twenty of pulverized iodide of potas- 
 siuDin a glass mortar, and to pour upon the mixture twelve ounces of boiling 
 distied water. After cooling, the liquid is decanted, and the precipitate washed 
 on alter with distilled water, and dried in the shade. ( Anier . Jour, of Dharm., 
 viii.126, from the Bull. Gen. de Therap.) 
 
 Dperties. Iodide of mercury is in the form of a yellowish-green powder, 
 inso'ble in water, alcohol, or solution of chloride of sodium, but soluble in 
 ethe Its sp. gr. is 7 '75. It sometimes contains biniodide, which may be sepa- 
 ratejby washing it with alcohol, as recommended by Mialhe. When exposed 
 to tl, light it is partially decomposed, and becomes of a dark-olive colour. If 
 quicy and cautiously heated, it sublimes in red crystals which afterwards 
 beccje yellow. It is composed of one eq. of mercury 202, and one of iodine 
 126 =328'3. Its formula is Hgl. 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Iodide of mercury has been given in scrofula 
 and ..rofulous syphilis. The dose is a grain daily, gradually increased to three 
 or ft". It should never be given at the same time with iodide of potassium, 
 whic converts it immediately into biniodide and metallic mercury. (Mialhe, 
 Jour de Pliarm., 2>e sir., iv. 36.) 
 
 0 Prep. Unguentum Ilydrargyri Iodidi. B. 
 
 E DRARGYRI IODIDUM RUBRUM. U.S.,Hub. Hydrargyri 
 BinIdidum. Ed. Red Iodide of Mercury. Biniodide of Mercury. 
 
 “ ike of Corrosive Chloride of Mercury an ounce; Iodide of Potassium ten 
 Aadins ; Distilled Water two pints. Dissolve the Chloride of Mercury in a 
 pint ad a half, and the Iodide of Potassium in half a pint of the Distilled 
 W at | and mix the solutions. Collect the precipitate upon a filter, and, having 
 wasbll it with distilled water, dry it with a moderate heat, and keep it in a well 
 . stnpi 1 bottle.” U. S. 
 
 Tl. Dublin formula is substantially the same as that of the U. S. Pharma- 
 copcej ; the same proportion of the reacting salts being taken, and a similar 
 modlf proceeding prescribed. 
 
 Ike of Mercury two ounces; Iodine two ounces and a half; Concentrated 
 Soluin of Muriate of Soda a gallon [Imp. meas.]. Triturate the Mercury and 
 Ioditj together, adding occasionally a little rectified spirit till a uniform red 
 powoj be obtained. Reduce the product to fine powder, and dissolve it in the 
 solut|i of Muriate of Soda with the aid of brisk ebullition. Filter, if neces- 
 sar y, irough calico, keeping the funnel hot. Wash and dry the crystals which 
 formh cooling.” Ed. 
 
 R be U. S. and Dub. processes for forming biniodide or red iodide of mer- 
 cury, :l double decomposition takes place between corrosive sublimate and iodide 
 °f po.Jssium, resulting in the formation of chloride of potassium which remains 
 !u sc’tion, and biniodide of mercury which precipitates. The precipitate is 
 solut in the reacting salts, and hence a loss of part of it is incurred by an 
 
103a 
 
 PAR II, 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 excess of either. It is best, however, to have a slight excess of the iodi of 
 potassium, which is furnished by the proportion taken in the formulae; as en 
 the decomposition of the whole of the corrosive sublimate is insured, anc ny 
 contamination of the biniodide by it prevented. The process of the EdinbU 
 College is the same in principle as that for obtaining the protiodide, desc led 
 in the last article; namely, the simple combination of the ingredients by tu- 
 ration with the aid of alcohol, a double proportion of iodine, of course, 1 ng 
 tahen; but after the red powder is obtained, it is treated with a boiling sob on 
 of common salt, which dissolves the biniodide to the exclusion of any con ni- 
 nating protiodide; and the solution, thus obtained, on cooling, deposits the ire 
 biniodide in crystals. 
 
 According to Dublane, biniodide of mercury may be made economical, by 
 pouring 1000 parts of alcohol of 38° Cartier (sp. gr. 0'825) on 100 of mer ry, 
 contained in a matrass, and adding, from time to time, 10 parts of dry iojae. 
 until 120 parts have been consumed. By agitation each portion of iodi is 
 successively made to combine with the mercury, a result which is known to we 
 taken place by the alcohol resuming its transparency. To complete the reaon, 
 4 additional parts of iodine are added, which, being more than enough to on- 
 vert the whole of the mercury into biniodide, permanently colours the alciol. 
 The alcohol is now poured off, and the deposited biniodide washed with a .tie 
 concentrated alcohol and dried. The alcohol poured off is reserved for f ire 
 operations. ( Journ . de Pharm., March, 1849.) 
 
 Properties. Biniodide of mercury is a scarlet-red powder, of the sp.gr >'3, 
 insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, and in solutions of iodide of potasun, 
 chloride of sodium, and many of the mercurial salts. As obtained by the . in- 
 burgh process, it is in splendid crimson acicular crystals. When heated it ses 
 readily into a yellow liquid, and sublimes in yellow rhombic scales, which borne 
 red on cooling. Biniodide of mercury is a dimorphous substance, having dif- 
 ferent crystalline form in its red and yellow states. It forms definite comptnds 
 with the iodides of the alkalifiable metals. The compound formed with iide 
 of potassium has been used as a medicine. (See Iodoh yd r orgy rate of Potaslim, 
 in the Appendix.) Biniodide of mercury consists of one eq. of mercury02, 
 and two of iodine 252'6=4546. Its formula is HgT a . It combines wit the 
 protiodide, so as to form a yellow sesquiodide, represented by the foiula 
 Hgl + HgL, or Hg a I 3 . 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Biniodide of mercury is a powerful ir ant 
 poison. It has been used in similar diseases with the protiodide, name, in 
 scrofula and syphilis, but is much more active. The dose is a sixteenth a 
 grain, gradually increased to a fourth, given in pill, or dissolved in alcohol M. 
 Cazenave has found it the best topical application he has used in lupus. He 
 applies it in thin layers, every six or eight days, to small portions of the cer- 
 ated surface at a time, in the form of a caustic ointment, made of equalarts 
 of the iodide, oil, and lard. The application produces violent pain, and ;ve« 
 rise to a sharp inflammation which soon terminates, leaving the ulcer an 
 improved condition, with a tendency to cicatrize smoothly, and on a levejfith 
 the surrounding skin. {Ann. de T/terap., A. D. 1852, p. 175.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Liquor Arsenici et Hydrargyri Iodidi; Unguentum Hydrgvn 
 Iodidi Rubri. r 
 
 HYDRARGYRI OXIDUM NIGRUM. U. S. Black Oxide of hr- 
 cury. 
 
 “Take of Mild Chloride of Mercury [calomel], Potassa, each,/bi;r or a; 
 Water a pint. Dissolve the Potassa in the Water, and, when the dregsmve 
 subsided, pour off the clear solution. To this add the Mild Chloride ofbr- 
 cury, and stir them constantly together till the Black Oxide is formed. L’ in o 
 
PAT II. 
 
 1039 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 poi'ed off the supernatant liquor, wash the Black Oxide with distilled water, 
 an dry it with a gentle heat.” U. S. 
 
 'lis preparation has been abandoned by the London and Dublin Colleges in 
 theast edition of their Pharmacopoeias (1851 and 1850). The object of the 
 U. process is to obtain the protoxide or black oxide of mercury, which was 
 at>e time believed to be the active constituent of those preparations in which 
 thepetal is minutely divided by trituration. The calomel is completely decom- 
 posl by the solution of potassa; its chlorine uniting with potassium to form 
 chllide of potassium, which remains in solution, and the mercury with the 
 oxjen of the potassa to form protoxide of mercury, which subsides. More 
 potjjsa is employed than by calculation would seem to be requisite; but it has 
 bee! ascertained by experiment that a considerable excess is necessary for the 
 conlete decomposition of the calomel. The use of the officinal solution of 
 potlsa is preferable, on the score of economy, to that of a solution extempo- 
 ranlusly prepared from the caustic alkali. In order to ensure the success of 
 theroeess, the calomel, very finely levigated, should be rubbed quickly with 
 the lkaline solution in a mortar; and the resulting oxide should be dried in 
 thehrk with a very gentle heat, as it is decomposed by the agency both of 
 ligfand of an elevated temperature. For the same reason it should be pre- 
 seri in an opaque bottle. This mode of preparing the black oxide of mercury 
 . waSatroduced into use by Mr. Donovan. 
 
 He oxide may also be prepared by decomposing a solution of the nitrate of 
 pro xide of mercury by the solution of potassa. This nitrate may be obtained by 
 trecng twenty parts of mercury with eighteen parts of nitric acid of 25° Baum6, 
 add g, when nitrous vapours cease to rise, ten parts of warm distilled water, 
 boil g for a short time, decanting the clear liquor, and setting it aside to crys- 
 talll. The mother-waters by evaporation will furnish a new product of crystals 
 of irate of protoxide. (Ratier, Pharm. Franc.) The former London Phar- 
 maoceia prepared this oxide by decomposing calomel with lime-water ; but it 
 is £ remely difficult to effect a complete decomposition in this way, and the 
 prep-ation was consequently almost always mixed with calomel. The process 
 recffily abandoned by the Dublin College was the same essentially as the present 
 one ? the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The preparation, officinal in a former Dublin 
 PbaQacopoeia under the name of Pulvis Hydraryyri Cinereus, made by adding 
 carlhate of ammonia to a solution of mercury in heated nitric acid, was a mix- 
 ture! subnitrate of mercury and ammonia with the protoxide of mercury. 
 
 Ifperlies, &c. As first prepared, this oxide is greenish-black ; but as found 
 in t shops it is almost always of an olive colour, owing, it is supposed, to the 
 chef cal changes which it undergoes. It is inodorous, tasteless, and insoluble 
 in v erand alkaline solutions; and consists of one eq. of mercury 202, and 
 one f oxygen 8=210. On exposure to light or heat it is decomposed, one 
 part turning the metallic state, in consequence of the loss of its oxygen, which 
 convjts another part into the deutoxide. The preparation, therefore, becomes 
 a na ture of the protoxide, the deutoxide, and metallic m'ercury, with which 
 calo d is sometimes associated, in consequence of the incomplete decomposition 
 of tit originally employed in the process. By a strong heat it is completely 
 diss nted, and metallic globules are sublimed. When pure it is soluble in 
 acet and nitric acids, and entirely insoluble in muriatic acid, which forms with 
 it w!;r and calomel. If it contain the deutoxide, this will be dissolved by mu- 
 riati acid, and may be detected in the solution by the production of a white 
 precjitate with water of ammonia, and a yellow one with solution of potassa. 
 Calc si, if present, may be discovered by boiling the powder with a solution of 
 potan, thus forming chloride of potassium, which, when the solution is satu- 
 rate< with nitric acid, will afford a white precipitate of chloride of silver on the 
 addi >n of nitrate of silver. {Phillips.) 
 
1040 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 part t. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The black oxide is alterative, sialagogue, d 
 purgative. It may be employed for the same purposes with calomel, over wh 1 
 however, it has not in our hands exhibited any superiority, while, from the 02 - 
 sional presence of the deutoxide, it must be liable to operate harshly. Dr ]. 
 II. Coates, of this city, informs us that he uses it habitually as a mercurial, d 
 finds it to answer an excellent purpose. The idea under which it was introdnd 
 into use, that it was the basis of the blue pill, is probably erroneous, hi le 
 into an ointment with lard according to the process of Donovan, it maue 
 applied externally with good effect in bringing the system under the merer il 
 influence. (See Unguentum Hydrargyri.') Its dose as an alterative is one-foi h 
 or half of a grain daily, as a sialagogue from one to three grains two or ti^ 
 times a day, given in the form of pill. It was employed by Mr. Abemethjir 
 mercurial fumigation; the patient being placed, covered with under garmes, 
 in a vapour-bath, and exposed for fifteen or twenty minutes to the vapours ari:. g 
 from two drachms of the oxide, put upon heated iron within the bath. 
 
 HYDRARGYRI OXIDUM RUBRUM. U. S., Ed. Hydrarg-.i 
 Nitrico-oxidum. Lond. Hydrargyri Oxydum Rubrum. Dub . j d 
 Oxide of Mercury. Red Precipitate. 
 
 “ Take of Mercury thirty-six ounces; Nitric Acid eighteen fluidounces ; Wer 
 two pints; Dissolve the Mercury, with a gentle heat, in the Acid and War 
 previously mixed together, and evaporate to dryness. Rub the dry mass to 
 powder, and heat it in a very shallow vessel till red vapours cease to rise.” I?. 
 
 “Take of Mercury three pounds ; Nitric Acid eighteen fluidounces; Dish'd 
 Water two pints [Imperial measure]. Mix, and apply a gentle heat till re 
 mercury is dissolved. Boil down the solution, and rub the residue into powr. 
 Put this into a very shallow vessel ; then apply a gentle fire, and graduly 
 increase it, till red vapour ceases to rise.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Mercury eight ounces; Diluted Nitric Acid (D. l'280)_/he fid- 
 ounces [Imperial measure]. Dissolve half of the Mercury in the Acid withie 
 aid of a moderate heat ; and continue the heat till a dry salt is formed. Tiu- 
 rate the rest of the Mercury with the salt till a fine uniform powder be obtaid; 
 heat the powder in a porcelain vessel and constantly stir it, till acid fumes cse 
 to be discharged.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Pure Mercury eight ounces [avoirdupois]; Pure Nitric Acid fa 
 fluidounces ; Distilled Water six \jhrid~\ovnces. In the Acid, diluted witlne 
 Water, digest the Mercury, using at first a very gentle heat, but, when the aeon 
 has ceased, finally boiling for a few minutes ; and, having decanted the solutn, 
 evaporate to dryness. Let the residuum, first reduced to powder, be transfesd 
 to a shallow cast-iron pot with a flat bottom, and loosely covered by a firele 
 lid; and in this let it be exposed to the heat of a slow fire until red vaprs 
 cease to be given off. The heat must now be withdrawn, and, when the pot as 
 cooled, its contents should be transferred to bottles.” Dub. 
 
 In these processes the mercury is first oxidized at the expense of a portioof 
 the nitric acid, the remainder of which unites with the oxidized metal to 1m 
 either the nitrate of the deutoxide of mercury, or a mixture of this withae 
 nitrate of the protoxide. The resulting mass when exposed to a strong he is 
 decomposed, giving out red nitrous fumes, and assuming successively a yel ir. 
 orange, and brilliant purple-red colour, which becomes orange-red on coolg- 
 These changes are owing to the gradual separation and decomposition ofae 
 nitric acid, by the oxygen of which the protoxide of mercury, if any be presit, 
 is converted into deutoxide, while nitric oxide gas escapes, and takes the tm 
 of nitrous acid vapour on contact with the air. The deutoxide of mercuiis 
 left behind; but in general not entirely free from the nitrate, which canned 
 wholly decomposed by heat, without endangering the decomposition of the ok 
 
PiT II. Hydrargyrum. 1041 
 
 itsf, and the volatilization of the metal. The preparation is, in common lan- 
 gu;e, called red precipitate. The name of red oxide of mercury , by which it 
 is )w designated in most of the Pharmacopoeias, is appropriate ; as the nitrate 
 of lercurv exists in it merely as an incidental impurity; and there is no occa- 
 sic to distinguish the preparation from the pure deutoxide obtained by calcining 
 moury, the latter not being recognised as officinal, and perhaps never employed. 
 
 i the preparation of this mercurial, various circumstances influence in some 
 memre the nature of the product, and must be attended to, if we desire to pro- 
 cu: the oxide with that fine bright orange-red colour, and shining scaly appear- 
 an«, which are usually considered desirable. Among these circumstances is 
 thcondition of the nitrate of mercury submitted to calcination. According to 
 G-aLussac, it should be employed in the form of small crystalline grains. If 
 pniously pulverized, as directed in the officinal processes, it will yield an 
 orege-yellow powder; if it be in the state of large and dense crystals, the oxide 
 wi have a deep-orange colour. Care must also be taken that the mercury and 
 acibe free from impurities. It is highly important that sufficient nitric acid 
 be nployed fully to saturate the mercury. M. Paysse, who paid great atten- 
 tio to the manufacture of red precipitate, recommended 70 parts of nitric acid 
 fro 34° to 38° Baume, to 50 parts of mercury. This, however, is an excess 
 of id. We have been told by a skilful practical chemist of Philadelphia that 
 hens found, by repeated experiment, 7 parts of nitric acid of 35° Baume, to 
 be afficient fully to saturate 6 parts of mercury. Less will not answer, and 
 me would be useless. It is not necessary that the salt should be removed 
 fro the vessel in which it is formed; and it is even asserted that the product 
 is ;vays more beautiful wdien the calcination is performed in the same vessel. 
 A itrass may be used w r ith a large fiat bottom, so that an extended surface 
 ma be exposed, and all parts heated equally. The metal and acid having been 
 induced, the matrass should be placed in a sand-bath, and covered with sand 
 up ' the neck. The solution of the mercury should be favoured by a gentle 
 bea which should afterwards be gradually increased till red vapours make their 
 apprance, then maintained as equably as possible till these vapours cease, and 
 at . t slightly elevated till oxygen gas begins to escape. This may be known 
 by e increased brilliancy with which a taper wdll burn if placed in the mouth 
 of 1: matrass, or by its rekindling if partially extinguished. Too high a tem- 
 per are must be carefully avoided, as it decomposes the oxide, and volatilizes 
 the lercury. At the close of the operation, the mouth of the vessel should be 
 sto] ed, and the heat gradually diminished, the matrass being still allowed to 
 ren n in the sand-bath. These last precautions are said to be essential to the 
 fineed colour of the preparation. It is best to operate upon a large quantity 
 of iterials, as the heat may be thus more steadily and uniformly maintained. 
 Th« direction of the Edinburgh College to rub a portion of mercury with the 
 nitr e before decomposing it, renders the process more economical ; as the 
 niti acid which would otherwise be dissipated is thus employed in oxidizing 
 an ; ditional quantity of the metal. 
 
 I the process is ordinarily conducted in chemical laboratories, the nitrate of 
 met ry is decomposed in shallow earthen vessels, several of which are placed 
 upcia bed of sand in the chamber of an oven or furnace, provided with a flue 
 for ie escape of the vapours. Each vessel may conveniently contain ten 
 pop s of the nitrate. There is always loss in the operation thus conducted. 
 
 I] he former Dublin Pharmacopoeia, under the name of Hydrargyri Oxydum 
 dui im, a preparation was officinal, called by the elder chemists hydrargyrum 
 prse oitatum per se, or precipitate per se, and sometimes calcined mercury , made 
 by ( posing the metal to a heat near its boiling point, or about 600° F., in a 
 mat 5S with a broad bottom and narrow mouth. The vapours rising were con- 
 66 
 
1042 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 PART 
 
 densed in the upper part of the vessel ; and a circulation was thus kept up wit a 
 it, during which the mercury slowly combined with oxygen, being converd 
 first into a black and then into a red powder. But the process was very si 
 requiring several weeks for the complete oxidation of the metal; and, as e 
 product, which was the pure deutoxide, had no peculiar virtues to reeommi 
 it over the oxide procured in the ordinary mode, it has been very props y 
 discarded by the Dublin College. The oxide made in this way is in mimf, 
 sparkling, crystalline scales, of a deep-red colour, becoming still deeper by h ;. 
 
 The same oxide of mercury, prepared by precipitation, was recognised in e 
 former London Pharmacopoeia by the name of Hydrargyri Binoxidum or lii 
 ide of mercury. It was made by adding solution of potassa to a solution >f 
 bichloride of mercury, and differed from the preceding only in containing sc e 
 water. It was an orange-red impalpable powder, having the same proper s 
 essentially as the present officinal red oxide. 
 
 Properties , &c. Red precipitate, when well prepared, has a brilliant red coir, 
 with a shade of orange, a shining scaly appearance, and an acrid taste. 1. 3 
 very slightly soluble in water, of which Dr. Barker found 1000 parts to takep 
 only 0'62 of the oxide. Dr. Christison found 1 part of the oxide to be 3 - 
 solved by about 7000 parts of boiling water, and the solution to give a blk 
 precipitate with sulphuretted hydrogen. Nitric and muriatic acids dissolvit 
 without effervescence. It yields oxygen when heated, and at a red heat is 3 - 
 composed and entirely dissipated. It is essentially the deutoxide (peroxide :! 
 mercury, consisting of one equivalent of the metal 202, and two of oxvn 
 16=218; but, in its ordinary state, it always contains a minute proportion! 
 nitric acid, probably iu the state of subnitrate. According to Brande, wn 
 rubbed and washed with a solution of potassa, edulcorated with distilled war, 
 and carefully dried, it may be regarded as nearly pure deutoxide. It is saico 
 be sometimes adulterated with brickdust, red lead, &c. ; but these may be rea.y 
 detected, as the oxide of mercury is wholly dissipated if thrown upon redot 
 iron. The disengagement of red vapours, when it is heated, indicates the 3- 
 sence of nitrate of mercury. The same or some other saline impurity woulwe 
 indicated, should water, in which the oxide has been boiled, afford a precipite 
 with lime-water. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This preparation is too harsh and irregula.n 
 its operation for internal use ; but is much employed externally as a stimuat 
 and escharotic, either in the state of powder or of ointment. In the former ste 
 it is sprinkled on the surface of chancres, and indolent, flabby, or funcis 
 ulcers; and, mixed with 8 or 10 parts of finely powdered sugar, is someties 
 blown into the eye to remove opacity of the cornea. The powder shoukbe 
 finely levigated. The ointment is officinal. 
 
 Off. Prep. Hydrargyri Cyanuretum; Unguentum Hydrargyri Oxidi Kub. 
 
 T\ 
 
 HYDRARGYRI PERNITRATIS LIQUOR. Hub. Solution 
 Pernitrate of Mercury. Acid Nitrate of Mercury. Acid Binitratoj 
 Deutoxide of Mercury. 
 
 “ Take of Pure Mercury two ounces [avoirdupois] ; Pure Nitric Acid one fl- 
 ounce and a half [Imp. meas.] ; Distilled Water one ounce and a half [avoii ]■ 
 In the Acid, first diluted with the Water, dissolve the Mercury, with the ajli- 
 cation of heat, and evaporate the solution to the bulk of two ounces and a df 
 [Imp. meas.].” Dub. 
 
 In the process for making this new officinal of the Dublin Pharmacopoe’Ot 
 1850, mercury is dissolved, with the assistance of heat, in an excess of n ic 
 acid, and there is formed an acid binitrate of deutoxide of mercury, wliic is 
 brought to a determinate bulk by evaporation. Thus, the proportion of n'io 
 
p^t ii. Hydrargyrum. 1043 
 
 aci employed is sufficient not only to deutoxidize the mercury and generate a 
 bit t, but to furnish an excess of acid. The binitrate of the deutoxide of mer- 
 cu: must he viewed as the neutral salt of that oxide ; and if this salt were ex- 
 clrvely formed, it may be presumed that three eqs. of mercury would require 
 eigifc of nitric acid ; two eqs. of the acid being broken up into nitric oxide and 
 ox;en in oxidizing the mercury, and the remaining six uniting with the three 
 eqsof deutoxide formed, producing three eqs. of binitrate. In the formula, 
 hover , more than ten eqs. of nitric acid are taken to three of mercury; and, 
 conquently, sufficient acid is furnished to form an acid salt. This solution 
 for s a dense and very caustic liquid, containing from twelve to fifteen per 
 cer of acid in excess. 
 
 hdical Properties. This preparation is frequently used in Europe, and has 
 bee employed to some extent in this country, as a caustic application to ma- 
 Iigiint ulcerations and cancerous affections. It has been used by Biett in lupus, 
 byj'ennet and others in ulceration of the neck of the uterus, and by Recamier 
 in mcer. It is applied by means of a camel’s hair brush to the diseased sur- 
 face which is then covered with lint, moistened with the solution. The parts 
 touled immediately become white, the surrounding parts inflame, and in a few 
 daya yellow scab is formed, which gradually falls off. Sometimes the applica- 
 tiouroduces salivation. When it is desirable to avoid this result, the cauter- 
 izeoart should be washed with water immediately after the application of the 
 cauic. B. 
 
 TDRARGYRI SULPHAS. Dub. Sulphate of Mercury. 
 
 M akeof Quicksilver of Commerce ten ounces [avoirdupois]; Oil of Vitriol of 
 Cofaerce six fiuidounces [Imp. meas.]. Place the Quicksilver and Oil of Vi- 
 trio n a porcelain capsule, and apply heat until effervescence ceases, and nothing 
 ren ns but a white and dry crystalline salt.” Dub. 
 
 Jrcury is not acted on by cold sulphuric acid; but, when boiled with an ex- 
 cess f this acid to dryness, it is deutoxidized at the expense of part of the acid, 
 suljhrous acid being copiously evolved; and the deutoxide formed unites with 
 the ^decomposed portion of the sulphuric acid, so as to form the bisulphate of 
 tbe mtoxide of mercury, which is the sulphate of the Dublin College. 
 
 Sphate of mercury, as obtained by a separate formula, is peculiar to the 
 DuIiq Pharmacopoeia; but it is formed as tbe first step of the processes of the 
 othe Pharmacopoeias for preparing corrosive sublimate, calomel, and turpeth 
 minhl. The adoption of a separate formula and distinct officinal name for this 
 salt i certainly a convenience; as it obviates the necessity of repeating the di- 
 rectiis for obtaining the same substance in several distinct formulae. On 
 accoit of its important uses, it requires to be made on a large scale by the 
 man aeturing chemist; and the process is generally performed in a cast-iron 
 vess which should be conveniently arranged for the escape and decomposition 
 of tl sulphurous acid fumes, whieh otherwise become a serious nuisance to the 
 neigjiourhood. The best way to effect this purpose is to allow them to pass off 
 thro h a very lofty chimney, mixed with abundance of coal smoke. 
 
 Pperties, <Ssc. Sulphate of mercury is in the form of a white saline mass. 
 It cr Lists of two eqs. of acid 80 and one of deutoxide of mercury 218=298. 
 It h; no medical uses. 
 
 0 Prep. Calomelas; Sublimatum Corrosivum. B. 
 
 E DRARGYRI SULPHAS FLAVUS. U.S. Yellow Sulphate 
 °f Prcury. Turpeth Mineral. 
 
 “ ke of Mercury four ounces ; Sulphuric Acid six ounces. Mix them in a 
 glassj essel, and boil by means of a sand-bath till a dry white mass remains. 
 Sub is into powder, and throw it into boiling water. Pour off the supernatant 
 
1044 Hydrargyrum. pap.ti;. 
 
 liquor, and wash the yellow precipitated powder repeatedly with hot water - t n 
 dry it.” U.S. 
 
 By referring to the articles on corrosive sublimate and calomel, it will be fo d 
 that the peculiar salt which is generated by boiling sulphuric acid with mercy 
 to dryness, is directed to be made as the first step for obtaining these chloriY 
 and here it is perceived that in preparing turpeth mineral, the same salt is a; u 
 directed to be formed. We have already stated that this salt is the bisulpi ;e 
 of the deutoxide of mercury. When thrown into boiling or even warm w;r 
 it is instantly decomposed, and an insoluble salt is precipitated, which is ,e 
 turpeth mineral. According to Berzelius, turpeth mineral is a basic sesquil- 
 pihate of the deutoxide of mercury, and the supernatant solution contair a 
 supersulphate, consisting of six eqs. of acid and one of base. The same codo- 
 sition for turpeth mineral is given by Gay-Lussac; and its accuracy has beeie- 
 cently verified by an analysis of Sir Robert Kane, of Dublin. (See Pharm.Jo n. 
 and Trans, for August, 1842.) The composition above given of turpeth minal 
 implies the decomposition of four eqs. of the bisulphate of the deutoxide, id 
 the manner in which the reaction takes place is shown by the following equat i; 
 4(Hg0 2 ,2S0 3 )=turpeth mineral, 3Hg0 2 ,2S0 3 , and supersulphate of merc y, 
 Hg0 2 ,6S0 3 . 
 
 Properties , &c. Yellow sulphate of mercury is in the form of a powder a 
 lemon-yellow colour, and possessing a somewhat acrid taste. It dissolve in 
 2000 parts of cold water, and in about 600 of boiling water. When expose'to 
 a moderate heat, it becomes first red and afterwards brownish-red, but regain; ts 
 original colour on cooling. {Barker.') At a red heat it is decomposed and s- 
 sipated, sulphuric acid being evolved, and metallic globules sublimed. It as 
 originally called turpeth mineral, from the resemblance of its colour to the of 
 the root of Ipomeea Turpethum. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Turpeth mineral is alterative, and powerfly 
 emetic and errhine. As an alterative, it has been given in leprous disorders id 
 glandular obstructions. It has been employed with benefit as an emetic, repeied 
 every few days, in chronic enlargement of the testicle. It operates with gat 
 promptness, and sometimes excites ptyalism. Dr. Hubbard, of Maine, consirs 
 it a valuable medicine, in cases in which the equalizing and revulsive effecof 
 emesis is alone desired, apart from any cathartic operation, which he has ner 
 known it to produce. He recommends it highly as an emetic in croup, onhe 
 ground of its promptness and certainty, and of its not producing catharsiior 
 the prostration caused by antimony. The dose for a child two years old is vo 
 or three grains, repeated in fifteen minutes, if it should not operate. Ana 
 errhine, it has been used with advantage in chronic ophthalmia, and in disees 
 of the head; and it sometimes produces salivation when thus employed, he 
 dose as an alterative is from a quarter to half a grain; as an emetic from tv to 
 five grains. When employed as an errhine, one grain may be mixed with ve 
 of starch or powdered liquorice root. 
 
 Turpeth mineral, in an over-dose, acts as a poison. A case of death in aoy 
 aged sixteen, caused by swallowing a drachm, is reported by Dr. Letheby irhe 
 London Medical Gazette , for March, 1847. 1 
 
 HYDRARGYRI SULPHURETUM NIGRUM. US. Bdt 
 
 Sulplmret of Mercury. JEthiops Mineral. 
 
 “ Take of Mercury, Sulphur, each, a pound. Rub them together till allhe 
 globules disappear.” U. S. 
 
 Mercury and sulphur have a strong affinity for each other; as is shown byhe 
 
 fact, that, when they are triturated together in quantities, 'the mixture grows 1 !. 
 
 cakes, and exhales a sulphureous odour. During the trituration, the rnixf 3 
 
Pi T II. 
 
 1045 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 sh ild be sprinkled from time to time with a little water or alcohol, to prevent 
 th lust from rising, which exposes the operator to serious inconvenience. When 
 ruled together in equal weights, as directed in the formula, they are supposed 
 to nite chemically; hut the proportion of sulphur is much greater than is ne- 
 ceury to form a definite compound. Only two sulphurets of mercury have 
 be; admitted by the generality of chemists, the protosulphuret, and the bisul- 
 ph'et or cinnabar; but the quantity of sulphur directed in the process is much 
 mu than sufficient to form even the latter. Thus, it still remains an unsettled 
 po t, what is the exact nature of the officinal black sulphuret, or ethiops mineral. 
 M Brande, from his experiments, considers it to be the bisulphuret mixed with 
 su hur. Thus he found that, when boiled repeatedly in a solution of potassa, 
 sujaur was dissolved, and a black insoluble powder was left, which sublimed with- 
 oulecomposition, and yielded a substance having all the characters of cinnabar. 
 
 tkiops mineral is sometimes obtained by melting sulphur in a crucible, and 
 adng to it an equal weight of mercury ; but, when thus prepared, the sulphur 
 is it to become acidified, and the preparation to acquire an activity which does 
 nooelong to it when obtained by trituration. According to C. Yogler, a better 
 meiod than that by trituration for obtaining ethiops mineral, is to agitate for 
 tw hours four ounces of mercury with an ounce of finely powdered flowers of 
 sulpur in a strong stoppered bottle, capable of holding from twelve to sixteen 
 ou es, and then to add another .ounce of sulphur at intervals, continuing the 
 agi.tion until no mercury can be distinguished with the naked eye. Finally, 
 tw ounces more of sulphur are added, and the mixture shaken, until the metal 
 cafot be detected with a lens. The advantages of this method over that by 
 tri ration are that it consumes less time, is more easy of execution, and less 
 inj ious to health. ( Journ . de Pliarm. for September 1848.) 
 
 '■operties, &c. Black sulphuret of mercury is a heavy, tasteless, insoluble, 
 bla: powder. When exposed to heat, it becomes of a dark- violet colour, emits 
 thtxcess of sulphur in sulphurous acid fumes, and sublimes in brilliant red 
 nedes without residue. If charcoal be present, it will remain behind. When 
 we prepared, no globules of mercury are discernible in it when viewed with a 
 maiifier; and, if rubbed on a gold ring, it should not communicate a white 
 sta . Ivory black is detected in it by throwing a small portion on a red-hot 
 iro when a white matter (phosphate of lime) will be left behind. Adultera- 
 tioi.by sulphuret of antimony is shown, if muriatic acid, boiled on a portion of 
 thtiowder, acquires the property of causing a precipitate of oxychloride of an- 
 timy when added to water. According to the views of Mr. Brande, ethiops 
 mitral consists of one eq. of bisulphuret of mercury, mixed with about ten and 
 a 1] f eqs. of sulphur in excess. 
 
 I’dical Properties. Ethiops mineral is supposed to be alterative, and as such 
 is snetimes prescribed in glandular affections and cutaneous diseases. It has 
 betgiven in scrofulous swellings, occurring in children; and from the mildness 
 of i operation is considered well suited to such cases. The dose generally 
 giv is from five to thirty grains, repeated several times a day ; but it has often 
 bee administered in much larger doses, without producing any obvious impres- 
 sionn the system. The late Dr. Duncan stated that he had given it in doses 
 of veral drachms, for a considerable length of time, with scarcely any effect. 
 Etl ips mineral is very little used as a medicine. The London and Dublin 
 Col ges, in the recent editions of their Pharmacopoeias, have omitted it. B. 
 
 JYDRARGYRI SULPHURETUM RUBRUM. U. S. Hydrar- 
 gy: Bisulphuretum. Bond. Cinnabaris. Ed. Bed Sulphuret of 
 Mtury. Bisulphuret of Mercury. Cinnabar. 
 
 ake of Mercury forty ounces ; Sulphur eight ounces. Mix the Mercury 
 wit ;he melted Sulphur over the fire ; and, as soon as the mass begins to swell , 
 
1046 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 PART 
 
 remove the vessel from the fire, and cover it with considerable force, to prev t 
 combustion; then rub the mass into powder, and sublime.” U. S. 
 
 The London and Edinburyh Colleges take two pounds of mercury and e 
 ounces of sulphur, and treat them as in the U. S. process. 
 
 Mercury and sulphur, when heated together, unite with great energy, ana 
 product is obtained, which by sublimation becomes the red or bisulphurei f 
 mercury. In order to render the combination more prompt, the sulphur is 1 1 
 melted ; and the addition of the mercury should be made gradually, while e 
 mixture is constantly stirred. Dr. Barker recommends the addition of the mi l 
 by straining it upon the melted sulphur through a linen cloth, whereby it f 3 
 in the form of a shower, in a minutely divided state. When the temperat e 
 has arrived at a certain point, the combination takes place suddenly with a sli t 
 explosion, attended by the inflammation of the sulphur, which must be ex - 
 guished by covering the vessel. A black mass will thus be formed, contain g 
 generally an excess of sulphur, which, before the sublimation is perform, 
 should be got rid of by gently heating the matter, reduced to powder, on a sa.- 
 bath. The sublimation is best performed, on a small scale, in a loosely stop i 
 glass matrass, which should be placed in a crucible containing sand, and, 1 3 
 arranged, exposed to a red heat. The equivalent quantities for forming >3 
 sulphuret, are 32 of sulphur, and 202 of mercury. 
 
 Preparation on the Large Scale. Cinnabar is seldom or never preparedn 
 a small scale, being made in large quantities for the purposes of the arts, n 
 Holland, where it is principally manufactured, the sulphur is melted in a ot 
 iron vessel, and the mercury is added in a divided state, by causing it to ps 
 through chamois leather. As soon as the combination has taken place, the in 
 vessel is surmounted by another, into which the cinnabar is sublimed. In ]>- 
 portion as the quantity of the materials employed in one operation is grea - , 
 will the product have a finer tint. It is also important in the manufacture 
 use the materials pure, and to drive off any uncombined sulphur which may est 
 in the mass, before submitting it to sublimation. 
 
 Properties, ,&c. Red sulphuret of mercury is in the form of heavy, brillkt, 
 crystalline masses, of a deep-red colour and fibrous texture. It is inodorous d 
 tasteless, and insoluble in water and alcohol. It is not acted on by nitric, 11 - 
 riatic, or cold sulphuric acid, or by solutions of the caustic alkalies; but iis 
 soluble in nitromuriatic acid, on account of the free chlorine which the mid 
 acid contains. When heated with potassa, it yields globules of mercury, n 
 the open air it is decomposed by heat, the sulphur becoming sulphurous al, 
 and the mercury being volatilized. In close vessels at a red heat it sublies 
 without decomposition, and condenses in a mass composed of a multitadof 
 small needles. When duly levigated, it furnishes a powder of a brilliant d 
 colour, and in this state constitutes the paint called vermilion. It occurs 1 - 
 tive, and forms the principal ore of mercury, and that from which the metfis 
 exclusively extracted. It should not be purchased in powder; as, in that st-3, 
 it is sometimes adulterated with red lead, dragon’s blood, or chalk. If red Id 
 be present, acetic acid, digested with it, will yield a yellow precipitate (iode 
 of lead) with iodide of potassium. Dragon’s blood may be detected by alcod, 
 which will take up the colouring matter of this vegetable product, if prese:^ 
 and, if chalk be mixed with it, effervescence will be excited on the addition! 
 an acid. This sulphuret is composed of one eq. of mercury 202, and twof 
 sulphur 32=234. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Cinnabar was formerly considered to be altera 'e 
 and anthelmintic, but is at present seldom given internally. It is someti-S 
 employed in the way of fumigation, as a rapid sialagogue, in venereal ulp 
 of the nose and throat, in cases in which it is an object of importance to lug 
 the system under the influence of mercury in the shortest possible time. >e 
 
Pj)T II. Hydrargyrum. 1047 
 
 do for internal exhibition is from ten grains to half a drachm, in the form of 
 eleuarj or bolus. When used by fumigation, half a drachm may be thrown 
 on. red-hot iron, and the fumes inhaled as they arise. These consist of sul- 
 ph ous acid gas and mercurial vapour, the former of which must prove highly 
 mating to the patient’s lungs. A better substance for mercurial fumigation 
 is ie black oxide of mercury. B. 
 
 YDRARGrYRUM AMMONIATUM. U. S. Hydrargyri Am- 
 mcio-Chloridum. Lond., Dub. Hydrargyri Precipitatum Album. 
 Ei Ammoniated Mercury. White Precipitate. 
 
 Take of Corrosive Chloride of Mercury six ounces; Distilled Water a gallon; 
 Soition of Ammonia eight fluidounces. Dissolve the Corrosive Chloride of Mer- 
 cui in the Water, with the aid of heat, and to the solution, when cold, add the 
 So'tion of Ammonia, frequently stirring. Wash the precipitate till the washings 
 beene tasteless, and dry it.” U. S. 
 
 he London and Edinburgh processes are essentially the same as the above. 
 
 Take of Corrosive Sublimate one ounce [avoirdupois]; Solution of Ammonia 
 nh fluidrachms [Imp. meas.] ; Distilled Water one pint [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve 
 tkelorrosive Sublimate in the Water, with the aid of a gentle heat, pour the 
 Anonia into the solution, and, having stirred the mixture well, collect the 
 prt pitate on a filter, and wash it with warm distilled water, until the liquid 
 whli passes through ceases to give a precipitate when dropped into an acid 
 sol ion of nitrate of silver. Lastly, dry the product at a temperature not 
 exuding 212°.” Dub. 
 
 .1 the Pharmacopoeias now agree in obtaining white precipitate by precipi- 
 tatg a solution of corrosive sublimate by ammonia. When ammonia, in slight 
 exes, is added to a cold solution of corrosive sublimate, muriate of ammonia 
 is 1 med in solution, and the white precipitate of the Pharmacopoeias is thrown 
 dor . The precipitate is washed, according to the U. S. formula, until the 
 wa:ings become tasteless, and not until the powder is tasteless as directed by 
 the London College ; because the powder itself is sapid. The matter washed 
 aw; is muriate of ammonia and the excess of ammonia employed; and hence 
 tke r ashings, agreeably to the directions of the Dublin formula, are tested with 
 an id solution of nitrate of silver. According to Sir Robert Kane, white pre- 
 cip te has a composition corresponding to one eq. of protochloride of mercury, 
 unid with one eq. of a compound represented by one eq. of ammonia, minus 
 oneq. of hydrogen. To this compound, represented by NH a , he has given the 
 nat of amidogen, the amide of some chemists. The reaction may be thus 
 exf ined. Two eqs. of ammonia are decomposed into one eq. of ammonium 
 (N ,) and one of amide (NH 2 ) ; and one eq. of corrosive sublimate is resolved 
 intone eq. of chlorine and one of calomel. The chlorine unites with the am- 
 nio mi and remains in solution as chloride of ammonium (muriate of ammonia), 
 andhe calomel precipitates with the amide as white precipitate. In symbols the 
 rea'jon is thus denoted; 2NH 3 and HgCl s =NH 4 Cl and HgCl,NH a . For an 
 exp nation of what is meant by ammonium, see page 81. The analysis of Kane 
 agrls virtually with those of Gmibourt and Ilennell ; for Gwibourt’s results, 
 mills the elements of one eq. of water, and Ilennell’s, minus the elements of 
 twc'qs. of the same liquid, give exactly the constituents found by Kane. 
 
 ioperties, &c. Ammoniated mercury is in powder or pulverulent masses, 
 per ;tly white, insoluble in water and alcohol, decomposed by boiling water, and 
 kavg a taste, at first earthy and afterwards metallic. It dissolves without effer- 
 ves ice in muriatic acid. When heated with a solution of caustic potassa, it 
 y>e. ; ammonia and becomes yellow. Exposed to a strong heat it is entirely 
 disrated, and resolved into nitrogen, ammonia, and protochloride of mercury 
 or lomel. Adulteration with white lead, chalk, or sulphate of lime may be 
 
1048 
 
 Hydrargyrum. 
 
 PART 
 
 detected by exposing a sample to a strong red beat, when these impurities 11 
 remain. Should starch be mixed with it, a charry residuum will be obtainecjn 
 the application of heat. Lead may also be found by digesting the white ;)*. 
 cipitate with acetic acid, and testing the acetic solution with iodide of potassi 1 
 which, if lead be present, will give a yellow precipitate. The absence of pt- 
 oxide of mercury is shown by its not being blackened when rubbed with li > 
 water. Ammoniated mercury is used only as an external application, in e 
 form of ointment. 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati; Unguentum Sulphuris C 1 - 
 positum. I 
 
 HYDRARGYRUM CUM GRETA. U. S., Load ., Ed., Dub. 1- 
 cury with Chalk. 
 
 “Take of Mercury three ounces; Prepared Chalk five ounces. Piub tin 
 together till all the globules disappear.” U. S., Land., Ed. 
 
 The Dublin College rubs an ounce of mercury with two ounces of preps d 
 chalk, in a porcelain mortar until the globules cease to be visible, and the d;- 
 ture acquires a uniform gray colour. 
 
 When mercury is triturated with certain dry and pulverulent substances, s h 
 as chalk or magnesia, it gradually loses its fluidity and metallic lustre, ands- 
 sumes the form of a blackish or dark-gray powder. A similar change takes pie 
 when it is rubbed with viscid or greasy substances, such as honey or lard, 'e 
 globules disappear, so as in some instances not to be visible even through a gd 
 lens; and the mercury is said to be extinguished. It was formerly thought tit 
 the metal was oxidized in the process. At present, the change is generally aii- 
 buted to the mechanical division of the metal, which in this state is supposero 
 be capable of acting on the system. There is good reason, however, to beli e 
 that in this, as in all the analogous preparations of mercury, in which the mil 
 is extinguished by trituration, a very small portion is converted into protoxe, 
 while by far the greater part remains in the metallic state. 
 
 Mercury with chalk is a grayish powder, in which globules of mercury n 
 generally be seen with the aid of a microscope ; as the metal can scarcely 
 completely extinguished with chalk alone by T any length of trituration, r. 
 Jacob Bell found that, by powerfully pressing it, a considerable quantity of mil 
 was separated in the form of globules. Mr. Phillips states that the extingui- 
 ment of the mercury is greatly accelerated by the addition of a little water, r. 
 Stewart, of Baltimore, proposed the following process, by which he stated tit 
 the preparation might be completed in a short time, so that no globules shed 
 be visible with a powerful lens. Three ouuces of mercury and six ounceaf 
 resin are to be rubbed together for three hours; five ounces of chalk are toe 
 added, and the trituration continued for au hour; the mixture is then toe 
 heated with alcohol so as to dissolve the resin ; aud the remaining powder i:o 
 be dried on bibulous paper, and well rubbed in a mortar. (Am. Journ.of Pha > ., 
 xv. 162.) But Professor Procter has shown that the preparation thus made ca- 
 tains deutoxide of mercury, and is, therefore, injuriously- harsh in itsoperati. 
 (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxii. 113.) It is said that the precipitated black ode 
 is sometimes added wdth a view to save time in the trituration. But- this nst 
 be considered as an adulteration, until it can be shown that the same oxide ex s, 
 in the same proportion, in the preparation made according to the officinal dic- 
 tions. Dr. Edward Jenner Coxe, of New Orleans, has found that the exi- 
 guishment of the mercury may be effected much more speedily than in ie 
 ordinary manner, by putting the ingredients into a quart bottle, to be 'll 
 corked, and kept in constant agitation till the object is attained. This mod >t 
 proceeding was suggested to him by Mr. W. Hewson, of Augusta, Ga. (-*■ 
 Journ. of Pharm., xxii. 317.) The mercury contained in this preparation 
 
PAC II. 
 
 1049 
 
 Hydrargyrum. — Infusa. 
 
 vol ilized by beat. The remaining chalk is dissolved by dilute acetic acid, and 
 theolution is not coloured by sulphuretted hydrogen. The presence of any 
 prable metallic impurity may be detected in this way. 
 
 sdical Properties and Uses. Mercury with chalk is a very mild mercurial, 
 sinar in its properties to the blue pill, but much weaker. It is sometimes 
 use as an alterative, particularly in the complaints of children attended with 
 detent biliary secretion, indicated by white or clay-coloured stools. The chalk 
 is itacid, and, though in small quantity, may sometimes be a useful accompani- 
 me of the mercury in diarrhoea. Eight grains of the preparation, according to 
 theJ. S., London, and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias, contain three grains of mer- 
 cui The dose is from five grains to half a drachm twice a day. Two or three 
 gra's is the dose for a child. It should not be given in pill with substances 
 win become hard on keeping; as the contraction of the mass presses together 
 the articles of mercury, which, in time, appear in globules in the interior of 
 the ill. W. 
 
 YDRARGYRUM CUM MAGNESIA. Hub. Mercury with Mag- 
 ma,. 
 
 he Dublin College prepares this with an ounce of pure mercury and two 
 ouus of carbonate of magnesia in the same manner as directed for the prepa- 
 rat i of mercury with chalk. (See Hydrargyrum, cum Cretdi) 
 
 'is preparation has the same virtues with the preceding, but maybe prefer- 
 abl used in the complaints of children attended with constipation. W. 
 
 INFUSA. 
 
 In fusions. 
 
 ese are aqueous solutions obtained by treating with water, without the aid 
 of ullition, vegetable products which are only partly soluble in that liquid. 
 Thiyater employed may be hot or cold, according to the objects to be accom- 
 pli; :d. Infusions are generally prepared by pouring boiling water upon the 
 vegable substance, and macerating in a lightly closed vessel till the liquid 
 coo The soluble principles are thus extracted more rapidly, and, as a general 
 rut in a larger proportion than at a lower temperature. Some substances, 
 mo over, are dissolved in this manner, which are nearly or quite insoluble in 
 cot .water. A prolonged application of heat is in some instances desirable ; 
 am his may be effected by placing the vessel near the fire. Cold water is pre- 
 fer] 1 !, when the active principle is highly volatile, when it is injured by heat, 
 or len any substance of difficult solubility at a low temperature exists in the 
 vegable, which it is desirable to avoid in the infusion. A longer continuance 
 of fi maceration is necessary in this case; and, in warm weather, there is sorne- 
 tim danger that spontaneous decomposition may commence before the process 
 is i|npleted. When a strong infusion is required, the process of percolation 
 ma be advantageously resorted to. (See pages 782 and 789.) The water em- 
 plo d should be free from saline impurities, which frequently produce preci- 
 pitils, and render the infusion turbid. Fresh river, rain, or distilled water is 
 usuly preferable to that of pumps or springs. 
 
 -]e substance to be acted on should be sliced or bruised, or employed in the 
 sta; of powder; but this last condition is seldom requisite, and is always incon- 
 vepat, as it requires that the infusion should be filtered through paper in order 
 conletely to separate the undissolved portion. In other eases, it is sufficient 
 to l ain through fine linen or muslin. When, however, percolation or displace- 
 me is resorted to, the substance should be more or less finely powdered. In- 
 fos is are usually prepared in glazed earthenware or porcelain vessels fitted 
 
1050 
 
 Infusa. 
 
 pari i, 
 
 with covers. Mr. Brande suggests the use of clean metallic vessels, which, vr n 
 finely polished, retain the heat for a greater length of time ; but thev are -.0 
 more liable to chemical alteration, and may sometimes injuriously affect ie 
 preparation. Vessels of block-tin are generally well adapted for the purpos* 
 
 As infusions do not keep well, especially in warm weather, they should ie 
 made extemporaneously and in small quantities. In this country they -e 
 usually prepared in families, and the propriety of their introduction into ie 
 Pharmacopoeia has been doubted; but it is desirable to have certain fixed stew- 
 ards for the convenience of the medical practitioner; and it is sometimes i- 
 venient to direct infusions from the apothecary, for whose guidance officii 
 formulae are necessary. Physicians would, indeed, find their advantage in nre 
 frequently directing them from the shops, instead of leaving their prepara a 
 to the carelessness or want of skill of the attendants upon the sick. Fora nle 
 of preserving infusions, the reader is referred to the introductory observati s, 
 page 785. By making very concentrated infusions, as suggested by Mr. D'O- 
 van, with a mixture of three parts of water and one of alcohol, they maybe lbt 
 for a long time, and when used can be diluted with water to the proper strena. 
 Thus, if made four times as strong as the officinal infusion, they maybe dill d 
 with three measures of water. The proportion of alcohol would thus be vy 
 small ; but it would still frequently be medically injurious; and infusions shed 
 never be prepared in this way unless with the cognizance of the prescriber. 
 
 Mr. Battley, of London, has introduced a new set of preparations, whiehe 
 calls inspissated infusions, the advantages of which are that the virtues are s- 
 tracted by cold water, are not injured by heat used in the evaporation, are a 
 concentrated state, and are not injured by time. To prepare them he maceres 
 the material, coarsely powdered, bruised, or finely sliced, in twice its weighof 
 cold distilled water, pressing the solid matter into the liquid repeatedly 1 a 
 rammer or the hand; then allows the liquid to drain out, or expresses it in ie 
 
 * Alsop’s infusion jar affords a very neat and effectual method of making the hot iu- 
 
 sions. It consists of an earthenware muge- 
 presented in the marginal figure, with a sut 
 \d) proceeding from the bottom, and pled 
 closely to the side of the vessel to prevent 1c- 
 ture ; a perforated plate or diaphragm (61, p- 
 ported on a ledge (c), at about one-quarteor 
 one-third of the height of the vessel frombe 
 top ; and a lid (a), which may be fasteneon 
 by a string through holes (ff). The mat. a! 
 to be submitted to infusion is placed onne 
 perforated plate, and the hot water pourtin 
 so as cover it, the vessel having been previoly 
 warmed so as not to chill the liquid. Ashe 
 water becomes impregnated, it acquires ain- 
 creased specific gravity, and sinks to the >t- 
 tom, its place being supplied by the unsu- 
 rated portion ; and this circulation goe:on 
 until the whole of the soluble matter isv- 
 tracted. In order to maintain a due warh. 
 the vessel may be placed upon a stove oan 
 iron plate near the fire. The advantage ohe 
 process is that the material is subjected tche 
 solvent power of the least impregnated poion 
 of the menstruum. Such jars may now bead 
 in Philadelphia, In order that the vessel ay 
 be adapted for the preparation of diffent 
 quantities of infusions, it will be proper to have ledges arranged within at different heips. 
 so that the diaphragm may be supported at any desirable pioint. The surface otic 
 liquid (e) should of course always be above the medicinal substance placed upon the a 
 phragm. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., viii. 89.) 
 
PAC II. 
 
 Infusa. 
 
 1051 
 
 casof highly absorbent substances; and repeats the process, with an amount of 
 war equal to that which has been separated, until the strength is exhausted. 
 Foi or six houi’S maceration is usually sufficient. The infusion is then to be 
 comntrated by evaporation at a temperature not exceeding 160° to the sp. gr. 
 12), and as much alcohol is to be added as will make its sp. gr. l'lOO. These 
 pre-rations are very analogous to the fluid extracts already treated of. As a 
 geral rule it would probably be preferable to prepare the infusion by the pro- 
 cespf percolation. The inspissated infusions must be diluted when adminis- 
 ter. The presence of alcohol, though in small quantity, would in some 
 ins aces be a serious objection. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., x. 129.) 
 
 i we have already treated of the chemical relations and medical properties 
 of (3 substances used in infusion, it would be useless repetition to enlarge upon 
 the points in the following details. We shall touch upon them only in cases 
 of jculiar interest, or where changes requiring particular notice may grow out 
 of 13 nature of the process. W. 
 
 IFUSUM ANGUSTUR2E. U.S. Infusum Cusparia;. Lond., 
 flu Infusion of Angustur a Baric. 
 
 take of Angustura Bark, bruised, half an ounce; Boiling Water a pint. 
 Ma rate for two hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 'se London College directs five drachms to a pint [Imperial measure] of boil- 
 ing stilled water; the Edinburgh, five drachms to a pint [Imp. meas.] of boiling 
 waft; and both proceed as above. 
 
 fie dose of the infusion is two fluidounces, repeated every two, three, or four 
 h ox;. W. 
 
 .IFUSUM ANTHEMIDIS. U.S. , Bond., Ed., Bub. Infusion of 
 Ch nomile. 
 
 ‘ 'ake of Chamomile half an ounce; Boiling Water a pint. Macerate for 
 ten linutes in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 1e London College orders five drachms of the flowers to a pint [Imperial 
 me; ire] of boiling distilled water, and proceeds as above; the Edinburgh, five 
 drams to a ; pint [Imp. meas.] of boiling water, and infuses for twenty minutes ; 
 the ‘hiblin, half an ounce [avoirdupois] of the flowers and twelve \JhikT\ounces 
 of 1 ling water, and infuses for fifteen minutes. 
 
 lie infusion of chamomile has the odour and taste of the flowers. It affords 
 preoitates with gelatin, yellow Peruvian bark, sulphate of iron, tincture of 
 chk de of iron, nitrate of silver, corrosive chloride of mercury, and the acetates 
 of I d. ( London Dispensatory .) As a tonic it is given cold, in the dose of two 
 flui - unces several times a day. To assist the operation of emetic medicines it 
 sho d be administered in the tepid state, and in large draughts. The infusion 
 prejjred by maceration in cold water is more grateful to the palate and stomach 
 tharhat made with boiling water, but is less efficient as an emetic. W. 
 
 1 FUSUM ARMORACIrE. U. S. Infusum Armoracifg Compo- 
 site. Lond. Infusion of Horse-radish. 
 
 lake of Horse-radish [fi-esh root], sliced, Mustard [seed], bruised, each, an 
 oun; Boiling Water a pint. Macerate for two hours in a covered vessel, and 
 stral” U.S. 
 
 Ti London College macerates an ounce of the root, and an ounce of the seeds 
 in mint [Imp. meas.] of boiling distilled water, in a covered vessel, for two 
 hou t and strains; then adds a fluidounce of compound spirit of horse-radish. 
 
 Is infusion is rendered turbid by the deposition of vegetable albumen, and 
 in xi -m weather speedily runs into the putrefactive fermentation. It affords 
 prec itates with the infusions of galls and Peruvian bark, with the alkaline 
 carl hates, nitrate of silver, and corrosive chloride of mercury. ( London Dis- 
 
1052 
 
 Infusa. 
 
 PART (. 
 
 pensatory .) It has the stimulant properties of its two active ingredients, an 3 
 occasionally used in paralytic, scorbutic, and dropsical affections, attended ;h 
 general debility. The dose is two fluidounces three or four times a day. \\ 
 
 INFUSUM AURANTII COMPOSITUM. Land,, Dub. Lxfusu 
 Adrantii. Ed. Compound Infusion of Orange Peel. 
 
 “Take of dried Orange Peel half an ounce ; Lemon Peel two drach ; 
 Cloves, bruised, a drachm ; boiling Distilled Water a pint [Imperial measu]. 
 Macerate for a quarter of an hour in a covered vessel, and strain.” Land. 
 
 The Edinburgh process differs from the above only in the use of boiling w r 
 not distilled, and in straining through linen or calico. The Dublin College tr>s 
 three drachms [Dub. weight] of dried bitter orange peel, half a drachm [Ij. 
 weight] of bruised cloves, and half a pint [Imp. meas.] of boiling water; d 
 infuses for half an hour. 
 
 This infusion is given as a grateful stomachic, in the dose of two or the 
 fluidounces. ft 
 
 INFUSUM BUCHU. U. S., Land., Dub. Infusum Buceu. .1 
 
 Infusion of Buchu. 
 
 “ Take of Buchu an ounce ; Boiling Water a pint. Macerate for two hors 
 in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes an ounce of buchu and a pint [Imperial measi] 
 of boiling distilled water, and macerates for four hours ; the Edinburgh , e 
 same quantities, and infuses for two hours; the Dublin, half an ounce (avoi.) 
 of buchu and half a pint [Imp. meas.] of boiling water, and infuses for an h<r. 
 
 This is the Infusum Diosmee of former Pharmacopoeias. It has the odr, 
 taste, and medical virtues of the leaves, and affords a convenient method ofd- 
 ministering the medicine. The dose is one or two fluidounces. ft 
 
 INFUSUM CAPSICI. U. S. Inf usion of Cayenne Pepper. 
 
 “Take of Cayenne Pepper, in coarse powder, half an ounce ; Boiling ft" 
 a pint. Macerate for two hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 This infusion is used chiefly as a gargle. It may, however, be given internly 
 in the dose of half a fluidounce. RM 
 
 INFUSUM CARYOPHYLLI. U.S., Lond., Ed,, Dub. Infusion/ 
 
 Cloves. 
 
 “Take of Cloves, bruised, two drachms; Boiling Water a pint. Maeete 
 for two hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes three drachms of cloves, and a pint [Imperial ra- 
 sure] of boiling distilled water; the Edinburgh, three drachms of cloves ar a 
 pint [Imp. meas.] of boiling water ; and both proceed as above. The Dupi 
 College takes two drachms [Dub. weight] of cloves, and nine [ fluid~\ounce,oi 
 boiling water, and infuses for an hour. 1 I 
 
 The infusion of cloves affords precipitates with lime-water, and with ae 
 soluble salts of iron, zinc, lead, silver, and antimony. ( Phillips .) The do; is 
 about two fluidounces. 
 
 INFUSUM CASCARILLiE. U.S., Land., Ed., Dub. Infusiovf 
 
 Cascarilla. 
 
 “Take of Cascarilla, bruised, an ounce ; Boiling Water a pint. Macerator 
 two hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 The London College directs an ounce and a half of bruised cascarilla. ai a 
 pint [Imperial measure] of boiling distilled water ; the Edinburgh, the s je 
 quantities of.the<bark and of boiling water; and both proceed as above. ae 
 Dublin College takes an ounce [avoirdupois] of the bark, and halt a pint [Ip- 
 meas.] of boiling water, and infuses for an hour. 
 
PA ’ II. 
 
 Infusa. 
 
 1053 
 
 'Pis infusion affords precipitates with lime-water, infusion of galls, nitrate of 
 silv, acetate and subacetate of lead, sulphate of zinc, and sulphate of iron. 
 
 ( Lulon Dispensatory .) The medium dose is two fluidounces. W. 
 
 3IFUSUM CATECHU COMPOSITUM. U. S., Lond., Dub. Isr- 
 PPfM Catechu. Ed. Compound Infusion of Catechu. 
 
 ‘fake of Catechu, in powder, half an ounce; Cinnamon, bruised, a drachm; 
 going Water a pint. Macerate for an hour in a covered vessel, and strain.” 
 
 U.\ 
 
 (1 ake of Catechu, in powder, six drachms; Cinnamon, bruised, a drachm; 
 boiiig Distilled Water a pint [Imperial measure]. Macerate for an hour in a 
 coved vessel, and strain.” Land. 
 
 ‘ lake of Catechu, in powder, six drachms; Cinnamon, in powder, one drachm; 
 Syn three fluidounces ; boiling Water seventeen fluidounces. Infuse the Catechu 
 andJinnamon with the Water for two hours, strain through linen or calico, and 
 add be Syrup.” Ed. 
 
 ‘lake of Catechu, in coarse powder, three drachms [Dub. weight]; Cinnamon 
 bar bruised, half a drachm [Dub. weight]; boiling Water nine \_fluict\ounces. 
 Inf e for one hour in a covered vessel, and strain.” Dub. 
 
 flis is an elegant mode of administering catechu. The dose is from one to 
 thr fluidounces, repeated three or four times a day, or more frequently. W. 
 
 FFUSUM CHIRETTiE. Ed ., Eub. Infusion of Chiretta. 
 
 ‘lake of Chiretta four drachms; boiling Water one pint [Imperial measure]. 
 Inf e for two hours, and strain through linen or calico.” Ed. 
 
 ‘ 'ake of Chiretta, bruised, two drachms [Dub. weight] ; boiling Water nine 
 [ fiiljounces and a half. Infuse for one hour in a covered vessel, and strain.” 
 Du 
 
 le dose of this simple bitter is from one to three fluidounces. W. 
 
 ] FUSUM CINCHON2E COMPOSITUM. U.S. Compound In- 
 fus n of Peruvian Bark. 
 
 ‘.'ake of Red Bark, in powder an ounce; Aromatic Sulphuric Acid a flui- 
 dra m; Water a pint. Macerate for twelve hours, occasionally shaking, and 
 stra . 
 
 ‘the Infusion may also be prepared from the same quantity of Red Bark, 
 in urse powder, by the process of displacement, in the manner directed for 
 Inft on of Yellow Bark, a fluidrachm of Aromatic Sulphuric Acid being added 
 to t Water with which the Bark is moistened.” U. S. 
 
 I s is an elegant and very efficient preparation. Water extracts from bark 
 the nates of quinia and cinchonia, but leaves behind the compounds which 
 thes principles form with the cinchonic red. The ordinary infusion, therefore, 
 is rater feeble. But the addition of the acid ensures the solution of all or nearly 
 all u active matter. We have been long in the habit of using this infusion, 
 andlave had reason to be satisfied with its efficacy. The second process more 
 spec ly and perhaps thoroughly exhausts the bark ; but in this case a glass or 
 port ain percolator should be used. This preparation may also be made very 
 adv.tageously with the yellow or Calisaya bark. It would be best that the 
 barlshould be macerated with the acidulated water some time before being 
 intr uced into the instrument. The medium dose of the infusion is two fluid- 
 oun equivalent to a drachm of the bark. W. 
 
 I FUSUM CINCHONiE FLAViE. U.S. Infusum Cinchona:. 
 Loi Ed. Infusion of Yellow Bark. 
 
 ‘ ake of Yellow Bark, bruised, an ounce; Boiling Water a pint. Macerate 
 for o hours in a covered vessel, and strain. 
 
1054 
 
 Infusa. 
 
 PART 
 
 “ This infusion may also be prepared from the same quantity of Yellow Ba 
 in coarse powder, in the following manner. Having moistened the Bark t - 
 roughly with Water, introduce it into a percolator, press it slightly, and p r 
 Water upon its surface so as to keep it covered. So long as the liquid pas 5 
 turbid, return it into the apparatus; then allow the filtration to continue uil 
 a pint of clear infusion is obtained.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Yellow Bark, bruised, an ounce ; boiling Distilled Water a jt 
 [Imp. meas.]. Macerate for two hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” Lon, 
 
 “ Take of any species of Cinchona, according to prescription, one ounce 1 
 powder; boiling Water one pint [Imp. measure]. Infuse for four hours in 
 covered vessel, and then strain through linen or calico.” Ed. 
 
 Though the infusion with boiling water is more quickly prepared than ; 
 cold infusion, and therefore better adapted to cases of emergency, yet the lat: 
 is a more elegant preparation, not turbid like the former, and at least eqna? 
 efficient. We, therefore, prefer the second process of the U. S. Pharmaeopa, 
 provided it be skilfully conducted. Perhaps it would be better that the b.r 
 should be in moderately fine than in coarse powder. 
 
 The infusion of cinchona affords precipitates with the alkalies, alkaline c- 
 bonates, and alkaline ear-ths; the soluble salts of iron, zinc, and silver; corross 
 chloride of mercury, arsenious acid, and tartar emetic ; gelatinous solutio ; 
 and various vegetable infusions and decoctions, as those of galls, c-hamom , 
 columbo, cascarilla, horse-radish, cloves, catechu, orange-peel, foxglove, sen , 
 rhubarb, valerian, and simaruba. In some instances the precipitate occurs 3- 
 mediately, in others not for several hours. {London Dispensatory .) Few, h<- 
 ever, of these substances diminish the efficacy of the infusion, as they do t 
 afl'ect the active principles. The alkalies, alkaline earths, and vegetable asti- 
 gents are really incompatible. The same is said to be the case with tartaric ?1 
 oxalic acids, and the soluble tartrates and oxalates. For an elaborate ac-coit 
 of the chemical reactions of the infusions of different varieties of Peruvian bit 
 see the Am. Journ. of Pharm., ix. 128. 
 
 The infusion of cinchona may be advantageously administered in cases whi 
 require tonic treatment, but do not call for the full powers of the bark, le 
 medium dose is two fluidounces, to be repeated three or four times a day,r 
 more frequently in acute diseases. Wf ' 
 
 INFUSUM CINCHON2E PALLIDJE. Land. Infusum C-. 
 chonae. Dub ., Ed. Infusion of Pale Baric. 
 
 The London College prepares this in the manner directed for infusion of j- 
 low bark. (See Infusum, Cinclionae Flavaef] The Edinburgh College has oy 
 one infusion of bark, which it names Infusum Cinclionae, and prepares frotn;y 
 one of the varieties in the manner directed for infusion of yellow bark, le 
 Dublin College directs only this infusion of bark, which it prepares by infusg 
 an ounce [avoirdupois] of pale bark, in coarse powder, in half a joint [Imped 
 measure] of boiling water for an hour, in a covered vessel, and then filterg 
 through paper. 
 
 It is rather singular that the Dublin College should have selected the feeblt. 
 bark exclusively for this preparation. The remarks made in reference to e 
 preparation of the infusion of yellow bark are applicable to this. W 
 
 INFUSUM CINCHONA RUBRJE. U.S. Infusum CinchoX. 
 Ed. Infusion of Red Bark. 
 
 “ Take of Red bark, bruised, an ounce ; Boiling Water a pint. Prepare 3 
 Infusion in the manner directed for Infusion of Yellow Bark.” E.S. (»‘e 
 Infusum Cinclionae Florae.) 
 
 The Edinburgh directions are also the same as those for infusion of yellr 
 
Infusa. 
 
 1055 
 
 pa:: ii. 
 
 bar as it recognises no distinction between the three varieties in the prepara- 
 tioilf the infusion. 
 
 Gje remarks made in relation to infusion of yellow bark are equally applicable 
 to t s. W. 
 
 IFUSUM CINCHONiE SPISSATUM. Lond. Inspissated In- 
 fusn of Peruvian Baric. 
 
 “'ake of Yellow Bark, coarsely powdered, three pounds ; Distilled Water six 
 pm|[Imperial measure] ; Rectified Spirit a sufficient quantity. Macerate the 
 Bar in the manner directed in the preparation of Extract of, Peruvian Bark 
 [seeSxtractum Cinchonse , Loncl.'], and strain. Mix the infusions, evaporate by 
 meas of a water-bath to one-fourth, and set apart that the dregs may subside. 
 Pou off the clear liquor, and filter the rest. Then mix, and again evaporate till 
 tbei.gr. of the liquor becomes 1'200. Into this, when cold, slowly drop the 
 Spit, so that three fluidrachms may be added for every fiuidounce. Lastly, set 
 the :|uor aside for twenty days, that it may become entirely clear.” Lond. 
 
 IFUSUM CINCHONA PALLIDIE SPISSATUM. Lond. In- 
 spirited Infusion of Pale Bark. 
 
 “'jrepare this in the manner directed for Inspissated Infusion of Peruvian 
 Bar j’ Lond. (See Infusum Cinchonse Spissatum.) 
 
 TJse two inspissated infusions are made according to Mr. Battley’s method, 
 descbed under the general observations upon infusions ( seepage 1051). They 
 are doubt efficacious preparations of Peruvian bark; and the proportion of 
 alco 1 is scarcely sufficient to interfere with their use in most cases in which the 
 barFr its preparations are prescribed. They might without violence be placed 
 amo;tke fluid extracts. We have had some of the “Infusum Cinchonse Spis- 
 satu ’ prepared, and found that each ounce of the bark yielded very nearly 
 two lidrachms of the preparation, the dose of which, therefore, equivalent to a 
 drac u of the bark would be fifteen minims, supposing the bark to be exhausted; 
 but, this is not the case, twenty minims may be considered as a medium dose. 
 Tbe reparation is a very dark, yet clear, and intensely bitter liquid. W. 
 
 IFUSUM COLOMBiE. U.S. Infusum Calumet. Lond., JEd., 
 Bui Infusion of Columbo. 
 
 4 ike of Columbo, bruised, half an ounce ; Boiling Water a pint. Macerate 
 for t ) hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 Til London College directs jive drachms of Columbo to a pint [Imperial 
 meas-e] of boiling distilled water, and proceeds as above. 
 
 “Ike of Calumba, in coarse powder, half an ounce ; cold Water about a 
 pint mperial measure]. Triturate the Calumba with a little of the Water, so 
 as to roisten it thoroughly; put it into a percolator, and transmit cold Water 
 till s teen fluidounces of infusion be obtained.” Ed. 
 
 “ 'ike of Calumba Root, in coarse powder, three drachms [Dub. weight] ; cold 
 Wat nine \_fluid]ounces. Macerate for two hours and strain.” Dub. 
 
 T1 infusion of columbo is apt to spoil very quickly, especially in warm weather. 
 It ba been generally supposed that the cold infusion would keep better than the 
 bot, pause it contains no starch. Mr. Thomas Greenish, however, upon com- 
 pare specimens of the two infusions, found that the spontaneous change began 
 soont in the cold than the hot, though the former was clearer. Columbo con- 
 tains tarch and albumen. Cold water extracts the latter without the former; 
 bot v ,er the former with comparatively little of the latter, which is partially co- 
 aguk d by the heat. Both starch and albumen are liable to spontaneous change; 
 hut t former is much the more permanent of the two. Hence it is, according 
 to M: Ireenish, that the hot infusion keeps best. Indeed, he ascribes the change 
 whicl' takes place in the starch of the hot infusion chiefly to the agency of a 
 
1056 
 
 Irtfusa. 
 
 par: i. 
 
 ;P e 
 
 little albumen, which has escaped coagulation. According to these views.: 
 best plan of preparing infusion of columbo is to exhaust the root with coldw.T 
 by which the starch is left behind, and then to heat the infusion to the bo: ig 
 point in order to coagulate the albumen. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xviii. 1 
 from Pharm. Journi) Upon comparing specimens of the cold and hot infu: n 
 we have not found the results of Mr. Greenish fully confirmed. The colon* 
 fusion appeared to keep better than the hot. Nevertheless, the plan of prepay 
 the infusion above proposed is probably the best. The infusion of columl is 
 not disturbed by salts of iron, and may be conveniently administered in connepn 
 with them. The dose is two fluidounces three or four times a day. T 
 
 INFUSUM DIGITALIS. U. S., Land., Ed., Dub. InfmioM 
 
 Foxglove. 
 
 “Take of Foxglove [dried leaves] a drachm; Boiling Water half a;t; 
 Tincture of Cinnamon a fiuidounce. Macerate the Foxglove with the Ti er 
 for two hours in a covered vessel, and strain; then add the Tincture of Ciia- 
 rnon.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes a drachm of the dried leaves, a fiuidounce of frit 
 of cinnamon, and a pint [Imperial measure] of boiling distilled water; macetes 
 the leaves in the water for four hours; and, having strained the liquor, add: he 
 spirit. The Ed. College takes two drachms of the leaves, two fluidounces of trie 
 of cinnamon, and eighteen fluidounces of boiling water; and, having maeered 
 the leaves in the water for four hours, strains through linen or calico, and ds 
 the spirit. The Dub. College takes a drachm [5168 grains] of the dried le;ss, 
 and nine \_fluid~\ounces of boiling water, infuses for an hour, and strains. 
 
 The U. S. infusion is essentially the same with that employed by Witheig. 
 It affords precipitates with the sulphate of iron, acetate of lead, and infusit of 
 Peruvian bark. ( London Dispensatory.') The dose is usually stated at h: a 
 fiuidounce, repeated twice a day under ordinary circumstances, every eight hrs 
 in urgent cases, until the system is affected. The proportion of digitalis iaot 
 half as great in the London preparation, and the dose, of course, is proponn- 
 ably larger. It will not, however, escape the close observer, that the statedose 
 of digitalis in infusion is much larger than in substance, for which there oes 
 not appear to be a good reason. It might be safer to give only half the cm- 
 tity, and increase if necessary. \ 
 
 INFUSUM ERGOTAL Dub. Inf usion of Ergot. 
 
 “Take of Ergot of Rye, in coarse powder, two drachms [Dublin weigh 
 Boiling Water nine \Jluid~\ounces. Infuse for one hour in a covered vesse.nd 
 strain.” Dub. 
 
 The dose of this infusion is two fluidounces for a woman in labour. h 
 
 INFLISUM EUPATORII. U. S. Infusion of Thorough wort. 
 
 “Take of Thoroughwort [the dried herb] an ounce; Boiling Water a ,nl. 
 Macerate for two hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 As a tonic, this infusion should be taken cold in the dose of two fluidowes 
 three or four times a day, or more frequently; as an emetic and diaphoret, in 
 large tepid draughts. 
 
 INFUSUM GENTIANiE COMPOSITUM. U. S., Lond., Mb. 
 Infusum Gentians. Ed. Compound Infusion of Gentian. 
 
 “Take of Gentian, bruised, half an ounce; Orange peel [dried peel o the 
 Seville orange], bruised, Coriander, bruised, each, a drachm; Diluted A1 hoi 
 four fluidounces; Water [cold] twelve fluidounces. First pour on the Di ted 
 Alcohol, and, three hours afterwards, the Water; then macerate for tdve 
 hours, and strain.” U: S. 
 
TAC II. 
 
 Infusa. 
 
 105T 
 
 'ie above was copied from the Edinburgh formula, which differs only in 
 hang four fluidounces [Imperial measure] of proof spirit and sixteen Jiuid- 
 oures [Imp. meas.] of cold water. 
 
 he London College takes of sliced gentian and dried orange peel, each, two 
 dnhms, of [fresh] lemon peel four drachms, of boiling distilled water a pint 
 [Inerial measure]; the Dublin takes of gentian and dried orange peel, each, 
 twwrachms [Dub. weight], and of boiling water half a pint [Imp. meas.] ; 
 bot macerate for an hour in a covered vessel, and strain. 
 
 [ e U. S. and Edinburgh infusion differs materially from the London. The 
 form has much more gentian in proportion to the solvent than the latter, and 
 is tirefore a much stronger bitter; while, by the use of cold instead of boiling 
 watt, less of the inert mucilaginous matter is extracted, and the addition of 
 alccol gives the preparation the character rather of a weak tincture than an 
 infi.oD. The use of the diluted alcohol is to assist in dissolving the bitter 
 priiiple, and at the same time to contribute towards the preservation of the 
 infi'on, which, without this addition, is very apt to spoil. The Dublin prepa- 
 ratii is rather weaker than that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, and is simply an 
 infron. 
 
 Ie dose of the U. S. infusion is a fluidounce, that of the preparation of 
 the ondon College two or three fluidounces, to be repeated three or four times 
 a d|. 
 
 C Prep. Mistura G-entianae Composita. W. 
 
 FFUSUM HUMULI. U. S. Infusum Lupuli. Lond. Infusion 
 of bps. 
 
 lake of Hops half an ounce ; Boiling Water a pint. Macerate for two hours 
 inaovered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 “ake of Hops six drachms; boiling Distilled Water a pint [Imperial mea- 
 sure Macerate for four hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” Lond. 
 
 I ; dose of this infusion is one or two fluidounces. W. 
 
 IFUSUM JUNIPERI. Dub. Infusion of Juniper. 
 
 “Jake of Juniper Berries, bruised, one ounce [avoirdupois]; Boiling Water 
 bal] pint [Imperial measure]. Infuse for one hour, in a covered vessel, and 
 stra:;” Dub. 
 
 Ii rill be found more convenient to prepare this infusion, as is generally done 
 in t! i country, in the proportion of an ounce of the fruit, to a pint of boiling 
 watt The whole quantity made may be taken in twenty-four hours, in doses 
 of t\j or three fluidounces. TV. 
 
 IFUSUM KRAMERIiE. U. S., Lond., Dub. Infusion of Dha- 
 tani 
 
 “ ike of Bkatany, bruised, an ounce ; Boiling Water a pint. Macerate for 
 four ours in a covered vessel, and strain. 
 
 “ lis Infusion may also be prepared from the same quantity of Rhatany, in 
 coar; powder, by the process of displacement, in the manner directed for the 
 h)fu in of Yellow Bark.” U. S. {See Infusum Cinchonse Flavsei) 
 
 T London College takes an ounce of the root, and a pint [Imperial measure] 
 of b ing distilled water, and macerates for four hours; the Dublin takes half 
 ono 'ce [avoirdupois] to nine \_fluid~\ounces, and digests for an hour. 
 
 T1 infusion of rhatany would probably be more efficient, if prepared by the 
 fflod' if percolation, with cold water, from the root in a state of moderately fine 
 powe, as directed for infusion of Peruvian bark. The dose of the infusion is 
 one « two fluidounces. TV. 
 
 67 
 
1058 
 
 Infusa. 
 
 PART 
 
 INFUSUM LINI COMPOSITUM. U. S., Bond. Infusum Lit 
 Ed. Compound Inf usion of Flaxseed. 
 
 “ Take of Flaxseed half an ounce ; Liquorice Root, bruised, two deaden 
 Boiling Water a pint. Macerate for two hours in a covered vessel, and straii 
 U.S. 
 
 The London College directs six drachms of flaxseed, two drachms of slid 
 fresh liquorice root, and a pint [Imperial measure] of boiling distilled wat , 
 and macerates for four hours; the Edinburgh directs the same except boili' 
 water for boiling distilled water, and digests near the fire for four hours. 
 
 This is a useful demulcent drink in inflammatory affections of themues 
 membrane of the lungs and urinary passages. It may be taken ad libitum. 
 
 W 
 
 INFUSUM MATICO. Bub. Infusion of Matieo. 
 
 “Take of Matieo Leaves, cut small, half an ounce [avoirdupois]; Boil g 
 Water half a. pint [Imperial measure]. Infuse for one hour in a covered ves; , 
 and strain.” Dub. 
 
 The dose of this infusion is two fluidounces. W 
 
 INFUSUM MENTILU YIRIDIS. Bub. InfusionofSpearmi. 
 
 “Take of Spearmint, dried, and cut small, three drachms [Dublin weigh; 
 Boiling Water half a pint [Imperial measure]. Infuse for fifteen minutes u 
 a covered vessel, and strain.” Dub. 
 
 This is common mint tea, and may be taken ad libitum. W 
 
 INFUSUM PAREIRFE. Ed., Bub. Infusion of Pareira Brat. 
 
 “Take of Pareira six drachms ; Boiling Water a pint [Imperial measu]. 
 Infuse for two hours, in a covered vessel, and then strain through linemr 
 calico.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Pareira Root, bruised and torn into shreds, half an ounce [avoiu- 
 pois]; Boiling Water nine \_fhiid~\ounces. Digest for one hour, in a coved 
 vessel, and strain.” Dub. 
 
 The infusion of Pareira brava is highly esteemed by some English prd- 
 tioners as a remedy in irritation and chronic inflammation of the urinary s- 
 sages, and has been found useful in catarrh of the bladder. The dose is onor 
 two fluidounces. Brodie employed a decoction of the root, which he prepad 
 by boiling half an ounce in three pints of water down to a pint, and gave inae 
 quantity of from eight to twelve fluidounces daily. The London Collegeas 
 substituted the decoction for the infusion. ^ 
 
 INFUSUM PRUNI VIRGINIANS. U.S. Infusion of TFI- 
 cherry Bark. 
 
 “ Take of Wild-cherry Bark, bruised, half an ounce; Water [cold] a pt. 
 Macerate for twenty-four hours, and strain. 
 
 “ This Infusion may also be prepared from the same quantity of Wild-eliry 
 Bark, in coarse powder, by the process of displacement, in the manner direed 
 for Infusion of Yellow Bark.” U. S. (See Infusum Cinchonse Flavse.) 
 
 This is a peculiarly suitable object for officinal direction, as, in consequee 
 of the volatile nature of one of its active ingredients, and for another reon 
 before stated (see page 598), it is better prepared with cold water than in be 
 ordinary mode. The infusion of wild-cherry bark is one of the preparatioi to 
 which the process of percolation or displacement is well adapted. In this ay 
 the virtues of the bark can be more rapidly and thoroughly exhausted tha by 
 maceration alone. When properly’ made, it is beautifully transparent?, ha; be 
 colour of madeira wiue, and the agreeable bitterness and peculiar flavour o be 
 bark. The dose is two or three fluidounces three or four times a day, or ore 
 frequently when a strong impression is required. ^ 
 
PIT II. 
 
 Infusa. 
 
 1059 
 
 INFUSUM QUASSIA. l r . S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Infusion of 
 Qassia. 
 
 Take of Quassia, rasped, two drachms ; Water [cold] a pint. Macerate for 
 tvive hours, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 'he London College takes two scruples of quassia, sliced, and a pint [Imperial 
 insure] of boiling distilled water; the Edinburgh, a drachm of quassia in 
 cb'S, and a pint [Imp. meas.] of boiling water; both macerate for two hours. 
 T1 Dublin College takes a drachm [54'68 grains] of the wood, and eight [ fluid ] 
 ow.es and a half of boiling water, and infuses for an hour. 
 
 he proportion of quassia directed in the London and Edinburgh Pharma- 
 coeias is much too small. The London infusion contains the strength of only 
 tw grains of quassia in a fluidounce, and the Edinburgh three grains; while 
 thdose of quassia in substance is from twenty grains to a drachm, and of the 
 exact not less than five grains. We, therefore, prefer the proportions directed 
 byur national Pharmacopoeia Boiling water may be employed when it is de- 
 sinle to obtain the preparation quickly; but cold water affords a clearer infu- 
 sic The dose is two fluidounces three or four times a day. W. 
 
 IFUSUM IlHEI. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Infusion of Rhubarb. 
 
 Take of Rhubarb, bruised, a drachm; Boiling Water half a pint. Digest 
 foiwo hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 Take of Rhubarb, sliced, three drachms; boiling Distilled Water a pint 
 [Inerial measure]. Macerate for two hours, in a covered vessel, and strain.” 
 LI. 
 
 Take of Rhubarb, bruised into coarse powder, one ounce; Spirit of Cinna- 
 mc two fluidounces ; boiling Water eighteen fluidounces. Infuse the Rhubarb 
 forwelve hours in the Water, in a covered vessel, add the Spirit, and strain 
 thr;gh linen or calico.” Ed. 
 
 Take of Rhubarb, sliced, three drachms [Dublin weight]; boiling Distilled 
 W;r a 'pint [Imp. meas.]. Macerate for two hours, in a covered vessel, and 
 stm.” Dub. 
 
 j order that the rhubarb may be exhausted, it should be digested with the 
 wal near the fire, at a temperature somewhat less than that of boiling water. 
 It [customary to add some aromatic, such as cardamom, fennel-seed, or nutmeg, 
 wh t improves the taste of the infusion, and renders it more acceptable to the 
 stoiich. One drachm of either of these spices may be digested in connexion 
 wit, he rhubarb. 
 
 I is infusion may be given as a gentle laxative, in the dose of one or two fluid- 
 oun s, every three or four hours, till it operates. It is occasionally used as a 
 veh e of tonic, antacid, or more active cathartic medicines. The stronger acids 
 andiost metallic solutions are incompatible with it. W. 
 
 1 FUSUM ROSyE COMPOSITUM. U. S., Lond. Infusum Ro- 
 s M.-Ed. Infusum Ros^e Acidum. Dub. Compound Infusion of 
 
 Rot',. 
 
 “ake of Red Roses [dried petals] half an ounce; Boiling Water two pints 
 and\ half; Diluted Sulphuric Acid three fluidrachms ; Sugar [refined] an 
 oun! and a half. Pour the Water upon the Roses in a glass vessel ; then 
 addiie Acid, and macerate for half an hour; lastly, strain the liquor, and add 
 the tgar.” U. S. 
 
 T London College takes three drachms of dried red roses, a fluidrachm and 
 « Ac of diluted sulphuric acid, six drachms of sugar, and a pint [Imperial 
 mea re] of boiling distilled water, and proceeds as above, except that it mace- 
 rate! ir two hours instead of half an hour. The Edinburgh process corresponds 
 with be London, except that boiling water is used instead of boiling distilled 
 wate the maceration continues only for an hour, and the acid is added after the 
 
1060 
 
 Inf us a. 
 
 paet : 
 
 maceration instead of before it. The Dull in College takes two drachms [Dr 
 weight] of the dried roses, a fluid rachm of the diluted acid, and half a pint [In 
 meas.] of boiling water; infuses the petals for an hour in the water, strains, a 
 adds the acid. 
 
 The red roses serve little other purpose than to impart a fine red colour a 
 a slight astringent flavour to the preparation, which owes its medicinal virti 
 almost exclusively to the sulphuric acid. It is refrigerant and astringent, a 
 affords a useful and not unpleasant drink in hemorrhages and colliquative swea 
 It is much used by British practitioners as a vehicle for saline medicines, p. 
 ticularly sulphate of magnesia, the taste of which it serves to cover. It is a i 
 employed as a gargle, usually in connexion with acids, nitre, alum, or tinctu 
 of Cayenne pepper. The dose is from two to four fluidounces. W. 
 
 INFUSUM SARSAPARILLA. U. S. Infusion of Sarsaparil, 
 
 “Take of Sarsaparilla, bruised, an ounce; Boiling Water a pint. Digest : 
 two hours in a covered vessel, and strain. 
 
 “ This infusion may also be prepared from the same quantity of Sarsapari, 
 in coarse powder, by the process of displacement, in the manner directed for - 
 fusion of Peruvian Bark.” U. S. (See Infusum Cinchonse Flavse .) 
 
 From the experiments of Soubeiran it appears that, by maceration in cl 
 water for twenty-four hours, the active principle of sarsaparilla is extracted s 
 effectually as by infusion in boiling water and digestion for two hours, and 1 1 
 in either case the infusion is stronger than the decoction ; but the aqueous im- 
 putation which he fouud to possess most of the sensible properties of the re, 
 was made by infusing the spirituous extract in water. In all his experimes, 
 M. Soubeiran employed the same proportions of the root and of water. {Jon. 
 de Pharm., xvi. 43.) These observations correspond with those long site 
 made by Hancock, and subsequently confirmed by Mr. T. J. Husband, of is 
 city, so far as relates to the greater solvent power of spirit than of water or 
 sarsaparilla. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xv. 6.) Water does not appear ca- 
 petent completely to exhaust sarsaparilla of its active principle, unless emplod 
 in very large proportion. Still the watery preparations made from the rootre 
 certainly not without efficacy ; and the inference from the experiments of fa- 
 beiran is, that it is of little consequence whether the infusion be made with ot 
 or cold water, supposing time to be allowed in the latter case. It is profile 
 that percolation, as directed by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia in the second fornla 
 above given, will be found the most efficacious plan. The sarsaparilla sh<ld 
 in this case be reduced to powder. From two to four fluidounces of the infum 
 may be taken three times a day. ” 
 
 INFUSUM SASSAFRAS MEDULLA. U.S. Infusion of Sa a- 
 fras Pith. 
 
 “ Take of Sassafras Pith a drachm; Water [cold] a pint. 3Iaceratefor tee 
 hours, and strain.” U.S. J 
 
 This infusion is much used as an application to the eye in inflammaticof 
 the conjunctiva. It may be used as a drink in inflammatory and febrile in- 
 cases, particularly inflammations of the mucous passages, ad libitum. I 
 
 INFUSUM SENEGA. Ed. Infusum Poltgal^:. Dub. Infuon 
 of SeneJca. 
 
 “Take of Senega ten drachms; boiling Water one pint [Imperial mease]. 
 Infuse for four hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” Pd. 
 
 The Dublin College digests half an ounce [avoirdupois] of the root in ne 
 \Jtuid~\ounces of boiling water, for an hour, and strains. 
 
 The efficacy of the officinal decoction of seneka has been proved by so lor an 
 experience, that we should be cautious in allowing it to be superseded fi-lie 
 
Pi!T II. 
 
 Infusa. 
 
 1061 
 
 The dose of the preparation is from 
 
 W. 
 
 Ineusum Senioe Compositum. 
 
 inision on hypothetical grounds alone. 
 on 'o three fluidounces. 
 
 SFUSUM SENNiE. U. S., Ed. 
 
 Ltd., Dub. Inf usion of Senna. 
 
 Take of Senna an ounce ; Coriander, bruised, a drachm; Boiling Water a 
 pii j Macerate for an hour in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 he London College orders fifteen drachms of senna, four samples of bruised 
 giter, and a pint [Imperial measure] of boiling distilled water ; the Edinburgh , 
 antunce and a half of senna, four scruples of ginger, and a pint [Imp. meas.] 
 of 'iling water; and the Dublin , half an ounce [avoirdupois] of senna, half a 
 drdim [Dub. weight] of ginger, and half a pint [Imp. meas.] of boiling water. 
 Alnacerate as above directed. 
 
 "e decidedly prefer the formula of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The propor- 
 tio of senna directed by the London and Edinburgh Colleges are unnecessarily 
 lar ; and coriander is a better addition than ginger to an infusion very often 
 giv.i in inflammatory affections. This infusion deposits, on exposure to the 
 air i yellowish precipitate, which is said to aggravate its griping tendency; it 
 shcfld, therefore, not be made in large quantities. It is customary to connect 
 wit it manna and some one of the saline cathartics, which increase its efficacy 
 anCender it less painful in its operation. The following is a good formula for 
 Preparation of senna tea. Take of senna half an ounce; sulphate of mag- 
 net', manna, each, an ounce; fennel-seed a drachm; boiling water half a pint. 
 Ma rate in a covered vessel till the liquid cools. One-third may be given for 
 a die; and repeated every four or five hours till it operates. Such a combination 
 as is is called the black draught by English writers. The dose of the infusion 
 of 13 U. S. Pharmacopoeia is about four fluidounces. 
 
 f. Prep. Mistura Gentianm Composita. W. 
 
 PFUSUM SEKNFE COMPOSITUM. Ed. Compound Infusion 
 
 of inna. 
 
 Take of Senna one drachm; Tamarinds one ounce; Coriander, bruised, one 
 dmm; Muscovado [sugar] half an ounce; boiling Water eight fluidounces. 
 Inf e for four hours, with occasional stirring, in a covered vessel not glazed 
 wit lead, and then strain through linen or calico. 
 
 ‘ ’his infusion may be likewise made with twice or thrice the prescribed 
 quaity of senna.” Ed. 
 
 1 this infusion, the unpleasant taste of the senna is covered by the acidity 
 of tii tamarinds and sweetness of the sugar. It is aperient and refrigerant, and 
 is v 1 adapted to febrile complaints when a laxative operation is desired. The 
 dosijs from two to four fluidounces. W. 
 
 JFUSUM SERPENTARLaS. U. S., Lond., Ed. Infusion of 
 Viiinia Snakeroot. 
 
 ‘"ake of Virginia Snakeroot half an ounce; Boiling Water a pint. Mace- 
 rate] m two hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 3ji London College employs half an ounce of the root with a pint [Imperial 
 meal re] of boiling distilled water, and macerates for four hours. The Edin- 
 hwi process differs from the London only in the use of boiling water instead 
 of b ling distilled water. 
 
 I s is the ordinary form in which serpen taria is employed. The dose is one 
 or to fluidounces, repeated every two hours in low forms of fever, but less 
 fred ntly in chronic affections. W. 
 
 IFUSUM SIMARUBFE. Ed., Dub. Infusion of Simarub a. 
 
 ‘ ake of Simaruba, bruised, three drachms; boiling Water a pint [Imperial 
 
1062 Infusa. part j 
 
 measure]. Infuse for two hours in a covered vessel, and then strain throm 
 linen or calico.” Ed. 
 
 The Dublin College infuses two drachms [Dublin weight] of the bark wi 
 nine [fiuid^ounces of boiling water, for an hour, in a covered vessel, and strair 
 
 This preparation is little used in the United States. The dose is two flui 
 ounces. W. 
 
 INFUSUM SPIGELI2E. U. S. Infusion of Pinkroot. 
 
 “ Take of Pinkroot half an ounce ; Boiling Water a pint, Macerate for t\ 
 hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 The dose of this infusion, for a child two or three years old, is from four fh 
 drachms to a fluidounce; for an adult, from four to eight fluidounces, repeat 
 morning and evening. A quantity of senna equal to that of the spigelia 
 usually added, in order to insure a cathartic effect. W. 
 
 INFUSUM TABACI. TJ. S. Enema Tabaci. Lond., Pd., Du 
 Infusion of Tobacco. 
 
 “ Take of Tobacco a drachm ; Boiling Water a pint. Macerate for an ho 
 in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes a scruple of tobacco, and half a pint [Imper 
 measure] of boiling distilled water, macerates for an hour, and strains. T 
 Edinburgh College takes from fifteen to thirty grains of tobacco, and eight Jha 
 ounces of boiling water, infuses for half an hour, and strains. The Dublin C 
 lege takes a scruple [18'22 grains], and eight \_flui(T\ounccs of boiling wat< 
 infuses for an hour, and strains. 
 
 This is used only in the form of enema in strangulated hernia, obstinate col 
 and retention of urine from spasm of the urethra. Only half of the pint of t 
 U. S. infusion should be employed at once; and, if this should not produce : 
 laxation in half an hour, the remainder may be injected. Fatal consequent 
 have resulted from too free a use of tobacco in this way. W. 
 
 INFUSUM TARAXACI. U. S. Infusion of Dandelion. 
 
 “Take of Dandelion, bruised, two ounces; Boiling Water a pint. Macero 
 for two hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 This has been substituted in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia for the decoction. T- 
 dose is a wineglassful two or three times a day, or oftener. W. 
 
 INFUSUM ULMI. U.S. Infusion of Slippery Dim Baric. 
 
 “Take of Slippery Elm Bark, sliced and bruised, an ounce ; Boiling War 
 a pint. Macerate for two hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” U.S. 
 
 This infusion may be used ad libitum as a demulcent and nutritious drink: 
 catarrhal and nephritic diseases, and in inflammatory affections of the intestiil 
 mucous membrane. W. 
 
 INFUSUM VALERIANiE. U. S., Lond., Dub. Infusion of T- 
 lerian. 
 
 “Take of Valerian half an ounce; Boiling Water a pint. Macerate for 1 
 hour in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes half an ounce of Valerian, and a pint [Impeil 
 measure] of boiling distilled water, macerates for half an hour in a covered v- 
 sel, and strains. The Dublin College takes two drachms [Dub. weight] f 
 valerian, and nine [ Jluidjounces of boiling water, digests for an hour, and strai. 
 
 The dose of this infusion is two fluidounces, repeated three or four time» 
 day, or more frequently. IE 
 
 INFUSUM ZINGIBERIS. U. S. Infusion of Dinger. 
 
 “Take of Ginger, bruised, half an ounce; Boiling Water a pint. Macer? 
 for two hours in a covered vessel, and strain.” U. S. ' j" 
 
 The dose of this infusion is two fluidounces. ” • 
 
PAr ir. 
 
 Iodinium. 
 
 106B 
 
 IODINIUM. 
 
 Preparations of Iodine. 
 
 JDINIUM PIJRUM. Pub. Pure Iodine. 
 
 Take of Iodine of Commerce any convenient quantity. Introduce it into a 
 dee porcelain capsule of a circular shape, and, having covered this as accurately 
 as ossible with a glass matrass filled with cold water, apply to the capsule a 
 waif heat for the space of twenty minutes, and then, withdrawing the heat, 
 per it the capsule to cool. Should the sublimate attached to the bottom of the 
 maps include acicular prisms of a white colour and pungent odour, let it be 
 scried off with a glass rod, and rejected. The matrass being now returned to its 
 preous position, a gentle and steady heat (that of a gas-lamp answers well) is 
 to 1 applied, so as to sublime the entire of the iodine. Upon now lifting off the 
 maass, the purified product will be found attached to its bottom. When sepa- 
 rate, it should be immediately enclosed in a bottle furnished with an accurately 
 groid stopper.” Dub. 
 
 lie Edinburgh College does not recognise purified iodine under a separate 
 nar, but gives the following directions for its purification. 
 
 ‘ odine, as obtained in commerce, being almost always adulterated with vari- 
 abliproportions of water, and being consequently unfit for making pharmaceu- 
 tica preparations of fixed and uniform strength, it must be dried by being placed 
 in shallow basin of earthenware in a small confined space of air with ten or 
 twee times its weight of fresh-burnt lime, till it scarcely adheres to the inside 
 of airy bottle.” Ed. 
 
 I the Rublin process for the purification of iodine, a short preliminary sub- 
 lim ion by the heat of a water-bath is ordered, in which the bottom of a glass 
 mal'SS filled with cold water is the refrigerator. The object of this is to sepa- 
 rate iny iodide of cyanogen that may happen to be present. This impurity is 
 son; imes present in considerable amount. Klobach obtained from eighty pounds 
 ofcamercial iodine, twelve ounces of this iodide, which is in the proportion of 
 near one per cent. (6 v Aem. Gaz., April 15, 1850.) If the matrass, upon its 
 renfal, should have attached to its bottom white acicular crystals, these will 
 com t of the iodide referred to, and must be rejected. The matrass having 
 bee; replaced, heat is again applied until the whole of the iodine has sublimed, 
 and ttached itself to the cool bottom of the matrass. The Edinburgh process 
 for rifying iodine is merely intended to separate water by the drying influence 
 of qhklime. Water has sometimes been found to the extent of fifteen or twenty 
 per nt. Its amount may be estimated by the method of M. Bolley, which 
 com ts in rubbing together, until the smell of iodine disappears, thirty grains 
 of i line with about two hundred and forty grains of mercury, in a weighed 
 sma porcelain dish, using a weighed small agate pestle. When complete com- 
 binsjon has been effected, the whole is placed in a water-bath to dissipate the 
 wati The loss of weight gives the amount of water in the iodine. ( Chem. 
 Gai Mar. 15, 1853, p. 118.) The presence of water is not otherwise injuri- 
 ous jan as it renders all the preparations of iodine weaker than they should be. 
 
 U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias give no directions for purifying iodine ; 
 butj e iodine recognised is the pure substance, and not the commercial iodine, 
 unla this should happen to be pure. The properties and tests of pure iodine 
 havueen given under the head of Iodinium in the first part of this work. 
 
 C Prep. Arsenici et Hydrargyri ILydriodatis Liquor; Ferri Iodidum; Hy- 
 drarj ri Iodidum Viride; Potassii lodidi Liquor Compositus; Potassii Iodidum; 
 Suljar Iodatum; Syrupus Ferri lodidi; Tinctura lodinii Composita; Unguent- 
 ura dinii Compositum. B. 
 
1064 
 
 Iodin ium. — Liniraenta. 
 
 PART 
 
 LIQUOR IODINII COMPOSITUS. U.8. Iodinei Liquor Co- 
 positus. Ed. Compound Solution of Iodine. 
 
 “Take of Iodine six drachms; Iodide of Potassium an ounce and a hal 
 Distilled Water a pint. Dissolve the Iodine and Iodide of Potassium in i< 
 Water.” U.S. 
 
 “ Take of Iodine two drachms; Iodide of Potassium an ounce; Distilled Wa • 
 sixteen fluiclounces [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve the Iodide and Iodine in the Wa ■ 
 with gentle heat and agitation.” Ed. 
 
 In these solutions iodine is dissolved in water with the assistance of iod : 
 of potassium. Iodine dissolves sparingly in water, but freely in a solution’: 
 that salt. In using iodide of potassium to render iodine more soluble inwat, 
 the iodide is generally taken in a quantity twice the weight of the iodine; at 
 this is the proportion adopted in the U. S. formula. The U. S. solution c- 
 responds in strength with Lugol’s concentrated solution of iodine with iodidef 
 potassium, and is intended to facilitate the administration of the combinati 
 in drops. The Edinburgh preparation is a weaker form of the same concentra 1 
 solution of iodine, in which the iodide of potassium is taken in a quantity fir 
 times the weight of the iodine, instead of twice its weight, the usual proport 1 
 adopted. On the assumption that 16 Imperial fluidounces are equal to the W 3 
 pint, and they are only 5 fluidrachms less, it will be found, on comparing 3 
 formulm, that the Edinburgh solution is one-third as strong in iodine, and t- 
 thirds as strong in iodide of potassium as that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 medicinal properties of these solutions depend mainly on the free iodine c - 
 tained in them, by which their dose must be regulated, and not by the iodidef 
 potassium. The dose of the U. S. solution is six drops, containing aboua 
 quarter of a grain of iodine, three times a day, given in four tablespoonfuL f 
 sweetened water, and gradually increased. For children the dose to begin vh 
 is two drops. (See page 411.) The Edinburgh solution may be given in dc s 
 about three times as large. B 
 
 LINIMENTA. 
 
 Liniments. 
 
 These are preparations intended for external use, of such a consistence a :0 
 render them conveniently applicable to the skin by gentle friction with the hal. 
 They are usually thicker than water, but thinner than the ointments, and -e 
 always liquid at the temperature of the body. 
 
 LINIMENTUM aERUGINIS. Lond. Liniment of Verdigris. 
 
 “ Take of Verdigris [Subacetate of Copper], in powder, an ounce; Yinar 
 seven fluidounces ; Honey fourteen ounces. Dissolve the Verdigris in the li- 
 egar, and strain through linen ; then gradually add the Honey, and boil dtn 
 to tbe proper consistence.” Lond. 
 
 It sometimes happens during the boiling of the acetic solution of the verdus, 
 that a red deposit rapidly forms, consisting of the red or suboxide of cop] - ; 
 and that, at the end of the process, little or none of the metallic salt remain.n 
 the preparation. This happens especially when granular honey is emplod. 
 (Harley, Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xi. 857.) The change is owing to ie 
 decomposition of the oxide of copper by the grape sugar of the honey, converig 
 it into the suboxide. The inference is that, in making the preparation, so ato 
 fulfil the intentions of the original prescription, fresh liquid honey should 
 employed, which contains comparatively little glucose. • 
 
 This is an external stimulant and escharotic, and was formerly called « 
 jEgyptiacum. It is employed, either undiluted, or mixed with some mild c t- 
 
pa : ii. 
 
 Linimenta. 
 
 1065 
 
 me , to destroy fungous granulations, or to repress their growth. In the latter 
 s tai it is a useful stimulant to flabby, indolent, and ill-conditioned ulcers, and, 
 larjly diluted with water, has been used as a gargle in venereal ulcerations of 
 theiouth and throat. It is sometimes also applied undiluted to such ulcers in 
 the mces, by means of a camel’s-hair brush. W. 
 
 INIMENTUM AMMONIiE. U. S., Lond., Ld., Dub. Liniment 
 of mmonia. Volatile Liniment. 
 
 ‘hike of Solution of Ammonia a fluidounce: Olive Oil two fluidounces. Mix 
 the ” U.S. 
 
 he London and Edinburgh processes agree with the above. The Dublin 
 Golge directs one fluidounce of its solution of ammonia, and three fluidounces 
 
 of e ve oil. 
 
 r _ e U. S., London, and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias agree at present in the 
 stregth of this liniment. In the preparation, the ammonia unites with the oil 
 to rm a soap, which is partly dissolved, partly suspended in the water, pro- 
 ducg a white, opaque emulsion. The liniment is an excellent rubefacient, 
 frecently employed in inflammatory affections of the throat, catarrhal and other 
 pccral complaints of children, and in rheumatic pains. It is applied by rub- 
 bin it gently upon the skin, or placing a piece of flannel saturated with it over 
 theffected part. Should it occasion too much inflammation, it must be diluted 
 witjjoil. W. 
 
 • INIMENTUM AMMONIiE COMPOSITUM. Ed. Compound 
 Liment of Ammonia. 
 
 ‘lake of Stronger Aqua Ammonias (D. 0'880) [Stronger Solution of Ammo- 
 nia ire fluidounces ; Tincture of Camphor two fluidounces ; Spirit of Rosemary 
 oneduidoun.ee. Mix them well together. This liniment may be also made 
 weair for some purposes with three fluidounces of Tincture of Camphor and 
 fteojf Spirit of Rosemary.” Ed. 
 
 His liniment is a very close imitation of Dr. Granville’s counter-irritant 
 loti. Like that, it is of two strengths; the stronger containing five-eighths 
 of : bulk of the ammoniacal solution, the weaker only five-tenths. They are 
 not ag more than dilutions in different degrees of the officinal Liquor Ammo- 
 nisefortior, which is itself too powerful for convenient use. The tincture of 
 candor and spirit of rosemary can scarcely exercise, in this case, any peculiar 
 the peutical influence. These preparations are employed as prompt and power- 
 ful ibefacients, vesicatories, or escharotics, in various neuralgic, gouty, rheu- 
 maf, spasmodic, and inflammatory affections, in which strong and speedy 
 cou er-irritation is indicated. When mere rubefaction is desired, the weaker 
 loti may be used; and even for blistering or cauterizing, unless a very prompt 
 effe -is necessary. In the latter case the stronger lotion should be resorted to. 
 The are applied by means of linen folded several times, or a thick piece of flan- 
 nel turated with the liniment. A convenient mode is to fill the wooden cover 
 of < large pill or ointment box, an inch or two in diameter, with patent lint, 
 satute this with the liquid, and press it upon the part. The ammonia is thus 
 prejated from escaping, and a definite boundary given to the inflammation. 
 Thtipplieation will generally produce rubefaction in from one to six or eight 
 min es, vesication in from three to ten minutes, and a caustic effect in a some- 
 wlnjlonger period. W. 
 
 INIMENTUM AMMONIiE SESQUICARBONATIS. Lond. 
 Liinent of Sesquicarbonate of Ammonia. 
 
 l: 'ake of Solution of Sesquicarbonate of Ammonia a fluidounce ; Olive Oil 
 th't, fluidounces. Shake them together until they are mixed.” Lond. 
 
1066 . 
 
 Linimenta. 
 
 PART 
 
 In this, as in the liniment of ammonia, a liquid soap is formed ; hut the un i 
 between the oil and alkali is less perfect, and after a short time the soapy mat: 
 separates from the water. The preparation is therefore less elegant ; and ; * 
 end which it was intended to answer, of affording a milder rubefacient, may > 
 obtained by diluting the liniment of ammonia with olive oil. W 
 
 LINIMENTUM CALCIS. U.S.,Lond.,Fd., Dub. LimeLinime. 
 
 “Take of Lime-water, Flaxseed Oil, each, two fluidounces. Mix them.” 
 
 The London College directs ten fluidounces , each, of lime-water and olive c; 
 the Dublin , two fluidounces, each, of the same ingredients; the Edinburgh, eg l 
 measures of lime-water and flaxseed oil. 
 
 The lime forms a soap with the oil, of which there is a great excess, ft 
 separates upon standing. Olive oil, as directed by the London and Dublin C- 
 leges, is often substituted for' that of flaxseed; but possesses no other advant;: 
 than that of having a less unpleasant odour. This is a very useful linimenti 
 recent burns and scalds. It is sometimes called Carron oil, from having bu 
 much employed at the iron works of that name in Scotland. It is recommend 
 to be applied upon carded cotton. W 
 
 LINIMENTUM CAMPHORS. U.S., Lond., Ed.,Dub\ Camffr 
 
 Liniment. 
 
 “ Take of Camphor half an ounce; Olive Oil tiro fluidounces. Dissolve s 
 Camphor in the Oil.” U. S. 
 
 The London and Edinburgh Colleges direct an ounce of camphor, and jv 
 fluidounces of olive oil ; the Dublin College, an avoirdupois ounce of the fora 
 and four fluidounces of the latter. 
 
 This is employed as an anodyne embrocation in sprains, bruises, rheumaticr 
 gouty affections of the joints, and other local pains. It is also supposed to he 
 a discutient effect when rubbed upon glandular swellings. 
 
 Mr. Win. B. Price, of Burlington, N. J., proposes a modification of this 11- 
 ment, founded on the solvent power of chloroform over camphor, whereby e 
 preparation is made stronger with camphor, and acquires also additional anody 
 influence from the chloroform. The proposed liniment consists of an ounce d 
 a half of camphor, two fluidrachms of chloroform, and two fluidounces of ole 
 oil. It is useful in rheumatic and neuralgic pains. (A r . J. Med. Rep., ii. 21) 
 
 Off. Prep. Linimentum Hydrargyri Compositum. W 
 
 LINIMENTUM C AMPHORAE COMPOSITUM. Lond., Dub. Co- 
 pound Camphor Liniment. 
 
 “ Take of Camphor two ounces and a half; Oil of Lavender q fluidrach ; 
 Rectified Spirit seventeen fluidounces; Stronger Solution of Ammonia the 
 fluidounces. Dissolve the Camphor and Oil in the Spirit; then add the A- 
 monia, and agitate together till they are mixed.” Lond. 
 
 The Dublin College takes five ounces [avoirdupois] of camphor; two fluidrads 
 of oil of lavender, a pint and a /ia//’[Iuip- meas.] of rectified spirit, and hah 
 pint [Imp. meas.] of stronger solution of ammonia, and proceeds as above. 
 
 This preparation deserves a place rather among the spirits or tinctures tla 
 the liniments. It is used as a rubefacient and at the same time anodyne emh- 
 catiou in local pains, particularly of a rheumatic character. H 
 
 LINIMENTUM CANTHARIDIS. U.S.,Dub. Liniment of Sp- 
 iff Flies. 
 
 “ Take of Spanish Flies, in powder, an ounce; Oil of Turpentine half a pf 
 Digest for three hours, in a close vessel, by means of a water-bath, and strai 
 
 U.'St ... I, 
 
 “ Take of Spanish Flies, in fine powder, three ounces [avoirdupois]; Olive 1 
 twelve fluidounces. Digest the Flies in the Oil for three hours, in a steam r 
 
Linimenta. 
 
 PAI II. 
 
 1067 
 
 waff bath, and strain through flannel; express the residuum and strain the oil 
 thuobtained ; finally mix both products.” Dub. 
 
 0 of turpentine dissolves, especially with the aid of heat, the active principle 
 of citharides, and, when impregnated with it, acquires in addition to its own 
 rubocient properties those of a powerful epispastie. The U. S. liniment was 
 intrluced into notice by the late Dr. Joseph Hartshorne, of Philadelphia, who 
 erapyed it with advantage as an external stimulant in the prostrate states of 
 typls fever. Caution, however, is necessary in its use, both to graduate its 
 strerth to the circumstances of the case, and not to apply it very extensively, 
 lest may produce troublesome, if not dangerous vesication. If too powerful, 
 it in' he diluted with olive or linseed oil. The Dublin preparation, in which 
 olivoil is the solvent, exercises only the properties of the flies. 
 
 C Prep. Unguentum Cantharidis. W. 
 
 L'lIMENTUM CROTONIS. Dub. Croton Oil Liniment. 
 
 ‘V* 
 
 “ake of Croton Oil one fluid ounce ; Oil of Turpentine seven fluidounces. 
 Mixhern with agitation.” Dub. 
 
 Ts is a rubefacient and pustulating preparation, operating speedily in the 
 forn 1 capacity through the oil of turpentine, and more slowly in the latter 
 tliro;k the croton oil. From ten to thirty minims or more may be rubbed 
 upon limited surface, and repeated twice a day or oftener till an eruption is 
 prodied. W . 
 
 OIMENTUM HYDRARGYRI. Lond. Linimentum Hydrar- 
 gyrCompositum. Dub. Mercurial Tiiniment. 
 
 “ ike of Mercurial Ointment, Lard, each, four ounces ; Camphor an ounce; 
 Keel ed Spirit a fluid rachm ; Solution of Ammonia four fluidounces. Rub the 
 Camior first with the Spirit, then with the Lard and Ointment ; lastly, add 
 grad Jly the Solution of Ammonia, and mix the whole.” Land. 
 
 “ ike of Ointment of Mercury one ounce [avoirdupois]; Camphor Liniment, 
 Solum of Ammonia, of each, one fluidounce. Melt the Ointment in the Lini- 
 uien with a gentle heat, then add the Ammonia, and mix them with agitation.” 
 Bui ‘ 
 
 T| is a stimulating liniment, employed for the discussion of chronic gland- 
 ular alargements, swellings of the joints, and venereal tumours, and to pro- 
 raotehe absorption of collections of fluid. It is said to be more apt to salivate 
 tban iercurial ointment. One drachm of it may be rubbed upon the affected 
 part ght and morning. W. 
 
 LGMENTUM OPII. Lond., Ed., Dub. Liniment of Opium. 
 Ancyne Liniment. 
 
 “Ike of Castile Soap six ounces ; Opium an ounce and a half; Camphor 
 threi unces ; Oil of Rosemary six fluidrachms ; Rectified Spirit two pints [Im- 
 peria measure]. Macerate the Soap and Opium in the Spirit for three days; 
 filter idd the Oil and Camphor, and agitate briskly.” Ed. 
 
 T1 Lond. and Dub. Colleges mix their liniment of soap ( Tinctura Saponis 
 Camiorata, U. S.) with tincture of opium; the former, in the proportion of 
 sir insures of the liniment to two of the tincture, the latter, in equal measures. 
 
 Tl; is commonly called anodyne liniment, and is employed as an anodyne 
 and ;Qtly rubefacient embrocation in sprains, bruises, and rheumatic and gouty 
 Pams It differs from camphorated tincture of soap only in containing opium, 
 and most conveniently prepared by extemporaneously mixing that tincture 
 with udanum, as directed by the London and Dublin Colleges. W. 
 
 L JIMENTUM SAPONIS CAMPHORATUM. V. S. Camplio- 
 rata Soap Liniment. Opodeldoc. 
 
 ke of Common Soap, sliced, three ounces; Camphor on ounce ; Oil of 
 Rosejiry, Oil of Origanum, each, a fluidrachm; Alcohol a pint. Digest the 
 
1068 Linimenta. — Magnesia. part. 
 
 Soap with the Alcohol, by means of a sand-bath, till it is dissolved; then 1 
 the Camphor and Oils, and when they are dissolved, pour the liquor into brcl- 
 mouthed bottles. This liniment has, when cold, the consistence of a soft o L 
 ment.” U. S. 
 
 This preparation differs from the common soap liniment ( Tinctura Sapp's 
 Camphorata , U. S .) chiefly in being prepared with common white soap, m e 
 with animal fat, instead of Castile soap, which is made with olive oil. 'e 
 former is peculiarly adapted to the purposes of this formula, in consequent »f 
 assuming, when its alcoholic solution cools, the consistence characteristic of e 
 liniment. It is customary, after the solution of the soap has been effected o 
 pour the liquor into small wide-mouthed glass bottles, containing about tr 
 fluidounces, in which it concretes into a soft, translucent, uniform, yellowish-w e 
 mass. This liniment melts with the heat of the body, and therefore beco-s 
 liquid when rubbed on the skin. It is much used, under the name of opodels, 
 as an anodyne application in sprains, bruises, and rheumatic pains. 11’ 
 LINIMENTUM SIMPLEX. Ed. Simple Liniment. 
 
 “Take of Olive Oil four parts', White Wax one part. Dissolve theWa:n 
 the Oil with a gentle heat, and agitate well as the fused mass cools and u- 
 cretes.” Ed. 
 
 This may be used for keeping the skin soft and smooth in cold weather. 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Zinci. "W 
 
 LINIMENTUM TEREBINTHIN2E. U.S., Land., Dub. Li:- 
 mentum Terebinthinatum. Ed. Liniment of Turpentine. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Turpentine half a pint ; Resin Cerate a pound. Add.e 
 Oil of Turpentine to the Cerate previously melted, and mix them.” U.S. 
 
 “Take of Soft Soap two ounces; Camphor an ounce; Oil of Turpentine c- 
 teen fluidounces. Shake them together until they are mixed.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Resinous Ointment four ounces ; Oil of Turpentine five fluidoun . ; 
 Camphor half an ounce. Melt the ointment, and gradually mix with it ie 
 Camphor and Oil, till a uniform liniment be obtained.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Oil of Turpentine five fluidounces ; Ointment of Resin eight ones 
 [avoirdupois]. Melt the Ointment, then add the Oil of Turpentine gradual", 
 and stir the mixture until a uniform liniment is obtained.” Dub. 
 
 This preparation, made according to the U. S. and Dublin formula, is ie 
 liniment originally proposed by Dr. Kentish, and subsequently so highly laud 
 as a remedy in burns and scalds. It should be applied as soon after the ocr- 
 rence of the accident as possible, and should be discontinued when the peeur 
 inflammation excited by the fire is removed. The best mode of applieatiois 
 to cover the burned or scalded surface with pledgets of patent lint saturated vh 
 the liniment. It should not be allowed to come in contact with the sound p;s. 
 This liniment may also be successfully applied in other cases of cutaneous- 
 flammation requiring stimulation, as in certain conditions of erysipelas, ie 
 liniment of the London College is a stimulating mixture, applicable wkerev a 
 powerful rubefacient impression is desired. H 
 
 MAGNESIA. 
 
 Preparations of Magnesia. 
 
 MAGNESIA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Magnesia. 
 
 “Take of Carbonate of Magnesia any quantity. Put it into an earthen s- 
 sel, and expose it to a red heat for two hours, or till the carbonic ac-id is why 
 expelled.” U.S. 
 
1069 
 
 pap II. Magnesia. 
 
 “Jake of Carbonate of Magnesia a pound. Burn it for two hours in a strong 
 fire. Lond. 
 
 “'nkectny convenient quantify of Carbonate of Magnesia, expose it in a cru- 
 ciblito a full red beat for two hours, or till the powder, when suspended in 
 watt, presents no effervescence on the addition of muriatic acid. Preserve the 
 procict in well closed bottles.” Ed. 
 
 ‘take of Carbonate of Magnesia any convenient quantity. Introduce it into 
 a cl; crucible closed loosely by a lid, and let this be exposed to a low red beat 
 as kg as a little of the magnesia, taken from the central part of the crucible, 
 wbe copied, and dropped into dilute sulphuric acid, continues to give rise to 
 effeisscence. Let the product be preserved in well-closed bottles.” Dub. 
 
 E exposure to a red beat, the water and carbonic acid of the carbonate of 
 magesia are expelled, and the earth is obtained pure. According to Dr. Black, 
 the rbonate loses seven-twelfths of its weight by calcination. Brande says 
 tkatke loss varies from 50 to 60 per cent., of which from 15 to 20 per cent, 
 is w er. About the close of the process the earth exhibits a luminous or phos- 
 phoScent appearance, which is said to be a good criterion of its freedom from 
 carhaic acid. ( Duncan .) A more certain indication, however, is the absence 
 of tovescence when muriatic acid is added to a little of the magnesia, pre- 
 vioi y mixed with water. It is an error to suppose that a very intense heat is 
 requite in the calcination. The temperature of ignition is sufficient for the 
 expfeion of the water and carbonic acid, and any increase serves only to render 
 the agnesia harder, denser, less readily soluble in acids, and consequently less 
 usei as a medicine. In order to ensure a pure product, care should be taken 
 tbatjhe carbonate employed be free from lime. It should be rubbed to powder 
 befc being introduced into the pot or crucible ; and, as in consequence of its 
 levi it occupies a very large space, the plan has been proposed of moistening 
 and impressing it in order to reduce its bulk. The magnesia may thus be ob- 
 tain of greater density; but this is an equivocal recommendation; and the 
 Fre h pharmaceutical writers direct that the vessels employed should be suf- 
 ficie ly large to contain a considerable quantity of the carbonate, without the 
 nec<|,ity of resorting to compression. The officinal direction, to keep the mag- 
 nesi after it has been prepared, in well stopped glass vessels, is founded on the 
 factliat it absorbs carbonic acid and water from the air ; but, as the absorption 
 of t;j: acid goes on very slowly, and that of water does not injure the prepara- 
 tion he caution is often neglected in the shops. The great bulk of the earth 
 rent’s its introduction into small bottles inconvenient. A four ounce bottle 
 holcjonly about an ounce of the purest and finest magnesia. But its specific 
 gravy is greatly increased by trituration; and four times the quantity may be 
 thus ’Ot into the same space. ( Journ . of the Phil. Col. of Pharm., iii. 198.) 
 The ensity of Henry’s Magnesia , which is at least four times that of the earth 
 prered in the ordinary way, has been ascribed to this cause. It has also been 
 attr rted to the influence of intense heat employed in the calcination. The 
 conjj ture has even been advanced, that this magnesia, which has enjoyed so 
 greta popularity in England and this country, is prepared by precipitating a 
 solum of sulphate of magnesia by caustic potassa; as the earth afforded by this 
 plan comparatively dense. It is asserted that the magnesia, prepared from the 
 cart iate procured by precipitating the sulphate of magnesia with carbonate of 
 sod; is softer to the touch, and bears a closer resemblance to Henry’s than that 
 prej/ed from the ordinary carbonate. The fact is explained by the presence 
 in (nmon magnesia of a little sulphate of potassa, from which it is difficult 
 entijly to free it in consequence of the sparing solubility of this salt, and of a 
 porta of silica which originally existed in the carbonate of potassa employed 
 to d ompose the sulphate of magnesia, and of which the carbonate of soda is 
 destjite. According to Mr. Richard Phillips, jun., if equivalent quantities of 
 
 
1070 
 
 PART 
 
 Magnesia. 
 
 crystallized sulphate of magnesia and crystallized carbonate of soda be boi 1 
 together in water, the mixture evaporated to dryness, the residual salts calcic 
 and the sulphate of soda dissolved out by water, the magnesia obtained will 3 
 dense. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., x\ i. 118, from the Pharm. Jour a.) It is si 
 that if the heat be kept low during calcination the resulting magnesia is lie 
 if high, it is dense. By packing the carbonate closely in the crucible, or/ 
 moistening and then compressing it strongly in a cloth, before calcination* 
 heavy magnesia is obtained. The advantages of Henry’s magnesia, indep - 
 dently of the convenience of its less bulk, are its greater softness, and me 
 ready miscibility with water. Preparations similar to Henry’s are made by . 
 J. Husband and by Charles Ellis, of Philadelphia, and sold under the naij 
 respectively of Husband’s and of Ellis's Magnesia.* 
 
 Properties , &c. Magnesia is a very light, white, inodorous powder, of a fees 
 alkaline taste. Its sp. gr. is commonly stated at 2 '3. It was deemed infasi’-, 
 till melted by means of the compound blowpipe of Dr. Hare. Water sprinki 
 upon it is absorbed to the extent of about 18 per cent., but with scarcely ;y 
 increase of temperature. It is almost insoluble, requiring, according to Dr. Fj , 
 5142 parts of water at 60°, and 36,000 parts of boiling water for soluti. 
 Water thus impregnated has no effect on vegetable colours; but magnesia it. f 
 produces a brown stain by contact with moistened turmeric paper. Magnesi s 
 a metallic oxide, consisting of one equivalent of magnesium 12 , and one of 0 - 
 gen 8=20. Magnesium is a white, very brilliant metal, resembling silv, 
 malleable, fusible at a low temperature, and convertible into magnesia by e 
 combined action of air and moisture. There is a hydrate of magnesia consists 
 of one equiv. of the earth and one of water. Magnesia forms with nitric d 
 muriatic acids, salts which are soluble in alcohol, and very deliquescent. Is 
 precipitated from its saline solutions by the pure alkalies in the state of a hydra, 
 and by the carbonates of potassa and soda as a carbonate; but it is not precipitai 
 by the alkaline bicarbonates, nor by common carbonate of ammonia. 
 
 Magnesia is liable to contain, as impurities, carbonate of magnesia, lb’, 
 alumina, silica, and small quantities of the soluble salts employed or produd 
 in the preparation of the carbonate from which it is procured. The present:! 
 carbonate of magnesia is indicated by effervescence when the earth is dissoli 
 
 * The three kinds of heavy magnesia sold in onr market have been examined by Pf. 
 Procter, with the following results. All are heavier than co mm on magnesia, morereay 
 miscible with water, smoother upon the tongue, and of a less quickly developed taste: it 
 they differ in these respects, Henry’s standing first. Husband's second, and Ellis's I:. 
 But the two latter are much more readily acted on by acids than Henry’s, differing in .s 
 respect little from each other. Both, moreover, though less readily miscible with w r 
 than Henry’s, are longer retained in suspension, and Ellis’s exceeds Husband’s in is 
 quality. In reference, therefore, to mere facility of administration and to taste, it appes 
 that the imported magnesia has the advantage; but for forming liquid mixtures, andr 
 rapiidity of antacid action, the American are preferable. Husband's was found to conn 
 7 per cent, of combined water; the two others lost at a red heat only T seven-tenths one 
 per cent. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxii. 383.) 
 
 Dr. Pereira found light magnesia, under the microscope, to exhibit the same formso- 
 served in the light carbonate, namely, an amorphous portion of a floceulent or gran ir 
 consistence, and another consisting of fragments of prismatic crystals: while the hey 
 magnesia was homogeneous, exhibiting no traces of crystals, and composed of mhe 
 granules more or less cohering into small soft balls or masses. (Pharm. Journ. and Tra., 
 viii. 235 .) — Note to the ninth edition. 
 
 After this sheet had been prepared for the press, we received the number of the A 
 Journ. of Pharm. for May, 1S54, in which is an interesting experimental essay by '• 
 T. IT. Barr, on the preparation of heavy magnesia. The author, after trying vnr .s 
 methods, obtained the best results either by precipitating a hot concentrated solutio f 
 sulphate of magnesia with a like solution of carbonate of soda, or by decomposing chlo e 
 of magnesium by heat. For more precise information the reader is referred to the pA 
 itself, vol. xxvi. p. 193 . — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
PAI. II. 
 
 1071 
 
 Magnesia. 
 
 in nriatic acid. Lime, which is a very frequent impurity, and imparts to the 
 inafesia a more strongly alkaline and more disagreeable taste, is detected by 
 oxaie of ammonia or bicarbonate of potassa. Neither of these salts disturbs a 
 neual solution of pure magnesia in a dilute acid; but if lime be present, both 
 procce precipitates, the former of oxalate, the latter of carbonate of lime. As 
 luagesia is completely dissolved by muriatic acid, silica and other impurities 
 insable in that acid would be left behind. Alumina is indicated by the pro- 
 due >n of a precipitate, when ammonia is added in excess to a solution of fifty 
 grai; of magnesia in a fluidounce of muriatic acid. ( Christ [son’s Dispensatory.') 
 If tl magnesia contain a soluble sulphate or carbonate, from insufficient washing 
 of t; carbonate of magnesia, from which it was prepared, chloride of barium 
 willsveal it by producing a precipitate with water digested on the magnesia. 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Magnesia is antacid and laxative; and is much 
 empyed, under the name of calcined maynesia, in dyspepsia, sick headache, 
 gomaud other complaints attended with sour stomach and constipation. It is 
 also favourite remedy in the complaints of children, in which acidity of the 
 prim viae is often a prominent symptom. Its antacid properties render it very 
 usef in gravel attended with an excessive secretion of uric acid. Its advantages 
 overarbonate of magnesia are that it may be given in a smaller dose, and does 
 not casion flatulence. The dose as a laxative is from thirty grains to a drachm ; 
 as a antacid merely, or antilithic, from ten to thirty grains twice a day. When 
 it mts with no acid, it is apt to linger in the stomach or bowels, and may in 
 thatase be followed by lemonade. It should be administered in water or milk, 
 and lould be thoroughly triturated so as to render the mixture uniform. If 
 mix*.' with less than 14 or 15 times its weight of water, and allowed to stand 
 for flay or two, magnesia is apt to form with the liquid a more or less concrete 
 mas; owing to the production of a hydrate of the earth, and the solidification of 
 a pc ion of the water. This change does not take place, or at least takes place 
 muc less readily, when magnesia already saturated with moisture is employed 
 insttl of that freshly calcined. It has been conjectured that anhydrous mag- 
 nesi; night prove injurious in the stomach by solidifying its liquid contents; 
 and je earth which has become saturated with moisture by exposure to a damp 
 air ioreferably recommended. ( Journ . de Pharm., Be ser. iv. 360, and v. 475.) 
 Fresy precipitated hydrate of magnesia will serve as an antidote to arsenious 
 acid, rough less efficient than hydrated sesquioxide of iron. Magnesia is used 
 ia tl process for preparing veratria. 
 
 0 Prep. Pilulas Copaibas; Pulvis Rlrei Compositus; Trochisci Magnesias. 
 
 W. 
 
 L )UOR MAGNESIiE CITRATIS. l T .S. Solution of Citrate of 
 Macesia. 
 
 “ ike of Carbonate of Magnesia five drachms; Citric Acid seven drachms and 
 a ha; Syrup of Citric Acid two fluidounces : Water a sufficient quantity. Dis- 
 solve he Citric Acid in four fluidounces of Water, and add to the solution four 
 draelis of the Carbonate of Magnesia, previously rubbed with three fluidounces 
 of M er. When the reaction has ceased, filter the solution into a strong glass 
 bottl of the capacity of twelve fluidounces, into which the Syrup of Citric Acid 
 has en previously introduced. Rub the remaining Carbonate of Magnesia 
 with wo fluidounces of Water, and pour the mixture into the bottle, which is 
 then i be tightly corked, and secured with twine. Lastly, shake the mixture 
 occasnally until it becomes transparent.” D. S. 
 
 Tl new officinal of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1850 is founded on a pre- 
 parat'n proposed by M. Roge Delabarre, and improved by M. Rabourdiu, of 
 Paris It is an aqueous solution of citrate of magnesia, containing an excess of 
 citric, cid, impregnated with carbonic acid, and sweetened with syrup. The ex- 
 
1072 
 
 Magnesia. 
 
 PARI 
 
 cess of citric acid taken, together with the c-itric acid in the syrup, amounts a 
 about 14)- grains. Four-fifths of the carbonate of magnesia are dissolved in 3 
 citric acid, forming an acid citrate of magnesia, the acidity of which is inc-rea 1 
 by being filtered upon the syrup of citric acid, contained in the bottle. The : - 
 tration serves to separate any gritty impurities which may happen to be contai: 1 
 in the carbonate. The reserved fifth of the carbonate is now rubbed up vi 
 water, and added to the bottle, which is then tightly closed with a cork, seen! 
 by twine. This last addition of carbonate of magnesia generates a fresh port a 
 of the citrate, with evolution of carbonic acid, which is prevented from escap <t 
 from the bottle by its immediate and firm closure. The magnesia, thus adc., 
 is not sufficient to neutralize the whole of the free citric acid; so that the p. 
 paration, when finished, is still an acid citrate of magnesia. If the portionf 
 carbonate of magnesia used in completing the preparation should be impure, d 
 not all soluble in the citric acid, it will give rise to a sediment in the solut .. 
 Any similar insoluble portion, depending upon impurity in the carbonate i t 
 dissolved, is removed by the filtration ordered. The dispensing apothecary 11 
 be able to judge of the quality of his carbonate of magnesia by the solution c.t 
 in the citric acid in the beginning of the process; for, if good, it will entiiy 
 dissolve, and filtration will not remove anything The total bulk of the liqd 
 ingredients is eleven fluidounees; but the solution of the solids will inert « 
 the total volume to near twelve fluidounees, the capacity of the bottle direr 1 . 
 
 Properties, &c. This solution is a transparent liquid, having an agree? e 
 taste, like that of lemonade. Overlooking the slight excess of ac-id whic- it 
 contains, the salt present in it may be considered to be the neutral or trib c 
 citrate, consisting of one eq. of citric acid and three of magnesia. In thereat 
 solution this salt is wholly soluble, but in that which has been kept for some cs 
 it undergoes a molecular change, and precipitates as a white granular powr, 
 rendering the solution unfit fop medicinal use. This precipitate has been a- 
 lyzed by Prof. Procter, who finds it to consist of one eq. of citric acid, threrf 
 magnesia, and fourteen of water. (Am. Journ. of Pha/m., July, 1851.) a- 
 rious modes have been suggested of obviating the liabilitv of this solution*) 
 precipitate upon being kept. Some have used a considerable excess of at; 
 and a solution made in this way will keep for a longer time. Although it is le 
 that the officinal solution will form a deposit on being kept, yet it must bee- 
 collected that it was never intended to be kept. It is strictly an extemporanus 
 solution, to be made at the time it is ordered. The revisers of the IT. S. Pr- 
 macopoeia so considered it, and, therefore, ordered a quantity to be made in)e 
 formula, equal to a full dose. The formula calls for filtration; and thesolu'D 
 of the second portion of carbonate of magnesia added requires at least halim 
 hour to effect it. To avoid the loss of time thus occasioned, some pharmaceu ts 
 use magnesia instead of the carbonate, thus forming a solution which raly 
 requires filtering, and complete the preparation by adding forty grains of bir- 
 bonate of potassa, instead of the reserved carbonate of magnesia, with the e ct 
 of forming a clear solution at once, and of introducing into it a small portioof 
 citrate of potassa. These varations from the formula are not admissible wn 
 the U. S. solution is prescribed under its officinal name, or is clearly indiced 
 as the preparation wanted. 
 
 Porvault makes a solid citrate of magnesia which is perfectly and readily 0 - 
 luble, by melting on a sand-bath one hundred parts of crystallized citric acun 
 its water of crystallization, and thoroughly incorporating with it tici nty-ninep'ts 
 of calcined magnesia. A pasty mixture is thus formed, which soon hardens, id 
 may be pulverized for use. Citrate of magnesia, thus prepared, is solublin 
 twice its weight of water. When in saturated solution it soon precipitates a 
 nearly insoluble hydrate; but when dissolved in eight or ten times its weigl pi 
 water, it forms a permanent solution. See the report on the solid citrate, nk 
 
PAI II. 
 
 Magnesia. — Mellita. 
 
 1073 
 
 by . Parrish and A. Smith, to the Phil. Coll, of Pharmacy ( Am . Journ. of 
 Phm., April, 1852, p. 113), and M. E. Kobiquet’s paper on lemonades of 
 citr.3 of magnesia ( Journ . de Plmrm., April, 1852, p. 295). 
 
 Mical Properties. This solution is a cooling cathartic, and operates mildly. 
 It b come into extensive use in Philadelphia, and perhaps other cities in the 
 Unit, on account of the facility with which it may be taken. The dose as a 
 full urge is the whole quantity directed in the formula, or twelve fluidounces ; 
 as aixative, half that quantity or less. In relation to this solution, see a paper 
 by lof. Procter, in the Am. Journ. of PJiarm. for July, 1851. B. 
 
 MELLITA. 
 
 Preparations of Honey. 
 
 Eney is used in pharmacy chiefly as the vehicle of more active medicines. 
 It i|aid to have this advantage over syrup, that its preparations are less apt to 
 becqe candied ; but, as it contains principles which disagree with the stomach 
 in any persons, and as its variable consistence prevents the same exact precision 
 in r;ard to proportion as is attainable with a solution of pure sugar, it is at 
 presit little employed. The preparations in which honey and vinegar are com- 
 bine are called Oxymels. 
 
 Micated honeys are of a proper consistence, if, when a small quantity, al- 
 lowdi to cool upon a plate, is divided by the edge of a spoon, the portions do 
 not ladily coalesce. A more accurate criterion, however, is their specific gra- 
 vity which should be 1*319 (35° B.) at ordinary temperatures, and 1‘261 (30° 
 B.) the boiling point of water. The specific gravity is most readily deter- 
 mini by means of the saccharometer. W. 
 
 DESPUMATUM. U.S. Mel Depuratum. Dub. Clarified 
 
 Melt it by means of a water-bath, and then 
 
 ML 
 
 Eonj. 
 
 “ ike of Honey any quantity. 
 rem<3 the scum.” U. S. 
 
 T Dublin College prepares it by melting in a water-bath, and straining while 
 bot rough flannel. 
 
 Hiey, by the heat of the water-bath, becomes so fluid that the wax and other 
 light • impurities which it contains rise to the surface, and may be skimmed off; 
 whil ;he heavier substances which may have been accidentally or fraudulently 
 adde 1 such as sand or other earth, sink to the bottom. 
 
 T; following method of clarifying honey has been practised in France. Take 
 of w :e honey 3000 parts; water 750 parts; carbonate of lime, powdered and 
 wastl, 96 parts. Mix them in a suitable vessel, and boil for three minutes, 
 stirr y constantly. Then add 96 parts of animal charcoal previously washed, 
 heat- to redness, powdered, and sifted, and boil for a few minutes. Lastly, 
 md e whites of two eggs beat up with 500 parts of water, and bring the liquid 
 to tb boiling point. Withdraw the vessel from the fire, and, after the mixture 
 bus o' fled for fifteen minutes, strain it through flannel, and repeat the straining 
 tiii t; liquid passes perfectly clear. Should it not have the proper consistence, 
 it sb Id be concentrated sufficiently by a quick boiling. The use of the car- 
 bons of lime is to saturate any acid in the honey, which might favour the 
 firm ion of glucose, and thus increase the tendency to granulation. The 
 Leo Codex simply directs six pounds of white honey to be heated with three 
 p up of water, skimmed, concentrated to 30° B. while boiling hot, and then 
 stmi 1 through flannel. 
 
 I! following method of clarifying honey is recommended by Andre von 
 Hirs berg. Boil twenty-five pounds of honey, to which half the quantity of 
 1 68 
 
1074 
 
 Mellita. 
 
 part . 
 
 water has been added, with a pulp obtained by stirring three sheets of wle 
 blotting-paper with water, over a slow fire till the pulp is reduced to mir e 
 fibres. When the mixture cools, put it into a woollen filtering-bag, previoiy 
 moistened, and allow the honey to pass. It comes away perfectly clear, 'e 
 paper pulp may then be washed, and the dark wine-coloured liquid which pas q 
 evaporated by a water-bath to the proper consistence. ( Pharm . Journ. andTro . ., 
 ix. 543, from Arch, der Pharm.') 
 
 Honey clarified with carbonate of lime and animal charcoal, as in the ; t 
 process described, is as clear and colourless as syrup made with sugar, but ill 
 retains a peculiar flavour. It is less disposed to ferment than crude honey, d 
 is said not to be so liable to produce griping pain when swallowed. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Aromatica ; Confectio Opii ; Confectio Piperis Ni< ; 
 Confectio Rosae ; Confectio Scammonii ; Confectio Sulphuris; Confectio T;- 
 binthinae; Mel Boracis; Mel Rosae; Oxymel; Oxymel Scillse ; Pilulas F.i 
 Carbonatis; Tinctura Opii Camphorata. TV 
 
 MEL BORACIS. Lond., Ed., Dub. Honey of Borax. 
 
 “Take of Borax, in powder, a drachm ; Honey [Clarified Honey, Dubfn 
 ounce. Mix them.” Land., Ed., Dub. 
 
 This preparation might well be left to extemporaneous prescription. I is 
 used in the thrush of iufants, and aphthous ulcerations of the mouth. TV 
 MEL ROSiE. U. S., Lond., Ed. Honey of Roses. 
 
 “Take of Red Roses, in coarse powder, two ounces ; Clarified Honey twiy 
 fluidounces ; Boiling Water twelve fluid ounces. Macerate the Roses in eiit 
 fluidounces of boiling Water for four hours, in a glass or earthen vessel; th, 
 with strong pressure, remove as much as possible of the infusion, and set it ase. 
 Macerate the residue in four fluidounces of the boiling Water for half an her, 
 and again express. Reserving four fluidounces of the first infusion, mix e 
 remainder with the infusion last obtained, add the Honey, and by means ca 
 water- bath evaporate to a pint. Lastly, add the reserved infusion, and strain.” Li. 
 
 The London College macerates four ounces of dried red roses in sixteen fl- 
 ounces of boiling distilled water for two hours ; then gently expresses with ie 
 hand, and strains. The residue it macerates for a little while in eight fl- 
 ounces of boiling water, and pours off the liquor. To this it adds the half ofle 
 former infusion, and places the other half aside. Lastly, it adds the mid 
 liquors to the honey, and evaporates by a water-bath, so that upon the adix- 
 ture of the liquor set aside, the proper consistence may be obtained. TheiL- 
 lurgh College, operating upon the same quantity of roses and honey, infusesie 
 petals for six hours in two pints and a half [Imperial measure] of boiling war, 
 strains with expression, allows the impurities to subside, decants the clear liq r, 
 adds the honey, and evaporates in the vapour-bath to the consistence of sv:p, 
 removing the scum which forms. 
 
 The object in reserving a portion of the first infusion, as in the U. S. id 
 London processes, is to avoid the evaporation of the volatile oil in the conn- 
 tration of the infusion, and thus to preserve the flavour as well as the asta- 
 gency of the roses in the preparation. The honey of roses forms a plea.nt 
 addition to the gargles employed in inflammation and ulceration of the nr h 
 and throat. H 
 
 OXYMEL. Lond., Dub. Oxymel. 
 
 “Take of Acetic Acid seven fluidounces; Distilled Water eight fuidovn >; 
 Honey Jive pounds. Add the Acid to the Water, and mix them with the Hoy 
 previously heated.” Lond. 
 
 “ Take of Clarified Honey one pound [avoirdupois]; Acetic Acid of Compile 
 (sp.gr. 1 044) three ounces [avoird]. Mix the Acid with the Honey previoiy 
 heated.” Dub. 
 
P; T II. 
 
 Mellita. — Misturse. 
 
 1075 
 
 his mixture of honey and vinegar forms a pleasant addition to gargles, and 
 is )met>imes used as a vehicle of expectorant medicines, and to impart flavour 
 to rinks in febrile complaints. W. 
 
 •XYMEL SCILL2E. U. S., Lond. Oxymel of Squill. 
 
 Take of Vinegar of Squill two pints ; Clarified Honey a pint and a half. 
 M them, and evaporate by means of a water-bath to the proper consistence. 
 Tb specific gravity of the Oxymel of Squill should be 1 32.” U. S 
 
 ae London College takes five pounds of honey and two pints and a half [Im- 
 pend measure] of vinegar of squill, evaporates the vinegar with a slow fire to 
 twve fluidounces, and mixes it with the honey previously heated. 
 
 lais preparation has the virtues of squill, but is in no respect superior to the 
 syip. Prepared according to the directions of the London College, it would be 
 vei liable to be injured by heat. It is chiefly used as an expectorant in chronic 
 cat'rh, humoral asthma, hooping-cough, and generally in those states of the 
 puionary organs in which the bronchial tubes are loaded with a viscid mucus 
 of ifficult expectoration. The dose is from one to two fluidrachms. In large 
 dos it is emetic, and as such may sometimes be given with advantage in 
 inf tile croup and catarrh. W. 
 
 MISTUR M. 
 
 Mixtures. 
 
 ’ iis term should he restricted, in the language of pharmacy, to those prepa- 
 ratis in which insoluble substances, whether solid or liquid, are suspended in 
 wa y fluids, by the intervention of gum Arabic, sugar, the yolk of eggs, or 
 oth viscid matter. When the suspended substance is of an oleaginous nature, 
 the fixture is sometimes called an emulsion. The object of these preparations 
 is ually to facilitate the administration, to conceal the taste, or to obviate the 
 nai mating effects of unpleasant medicines; and their perfection depends upon 
 thefiimacy with which the ingredients are blended. Some skill and care are 
 req site for the production of a uniform and perfect mixture. As a general 
 rul< the body to be suspended should be thoroughly mixed by trituration with 
 the lbstance intended to act as the intermedium, before the watery vehicle is 
 add . In the case of the liquid balsams and oils, if gum Arabic be employed 
 as t ; intermedium, it should be previously brought to the state of mucilage of 
 the onsistence directed in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The white of eggs has 
 bee frequently ordered by physicians as the suspending substance; but it is 
 infebr for this purpose to the yolk, or to gum Arabic. When the white is 
 usei;t should be well beaten, and incorporated with the oleaginous or balsamic 
 sub.inces before the water is added.* Mixtures are generally the objects of 
 ext( poraneous prescription ; but a few have been deemed of sufficient import- 
 ancijto merit a place in the Pharmacopoeias. They should be prepared only 
 whe wanted for use. W. 
 
 YSTURA ACACIaE. JEd. Gum Arabic Mixture. 
 
 “jake of Mucilage [of gum Arabic] three fluidounces ; Sweet Almonds one 
 
 * r some good practical observations upon the preparation of mixtures, the reader is 
 refei d to a communication published in the Journal of the Philadelphia College of Phur- 
 MciJ-ol. iv. p. 11 5 by W. Hodgson. Jun. The proportion of gum and water necessary 
 to lnje a good emulsion with the fixed oils varies with the oil. Thus, while castor oil 
 requ s only two drachms of the gum and three drachms of water to the ounce, most 
 otliei xed oils require half their weight of gum, and a weight of water equal to half that 
 ot A oil and gum united. These quantities being well rubbed together, any desirable 
 omoi : of water may afterwards be gradually added, and will readily incorporate with 
 the c er ingredients. (Overbeck, Pharm. Cent. Blatt, A. D. 1851, p. 95.) 
 
1076 
 
 Misturse. 
 
 part : 
 
 ounce and two drachms; Pure Sugar five drachms ; Water two 'pints [Imper 
 measure]. Steep the Almonds in hot water and peel them ; beat them to 
 smooth pulp in an earthenware or marble mortar, first with the Sugar, and th 
 with the Mucilage; add the water gradually, stirring constantly, then stn 
 through linen or calico.” Ed. 
 
 This mixture is used as a demulcent in the dose of one or two fluidounces, 
 as a vehicle for various medicines in inflammatory affections of the bronchi 
 alimentary, and urinary mucous membranes. W. 
 
 MIST UR A ALTILUzE. Ed. Marsh Mallow Mixture. 
 
 “Take of Althaea-root, dried, four ounces ; Raisins, freed of the seeds,? 
 ounces; boiling Water five pints [Imperial measure]. Boil down to three pin 
 strain through linen or calico, and when the sediment has subsided, pour off l 
 clear liquor for use.” Ed. 
 
 This should have been placed by the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia among 1: 
 decoctions. It is essentially a mucilage flavoured with raisins, and may be us. 
 advantageously as a drink, in all cases in which demulcents are indicated. TV. 
 
 MISTURA AMMONIACI. TJ. S., Loncl., Dub. Ammoniac Mixtu\ 
 
 “Take of Ammoniac two drachms; Water half a pint. Rub the Ammon: 
 with the Water gradually added, until they are thoroughly mixed.” U.S. 
 
 The London College takes five clrachms of prepared ammoniac, and apint[ I- 
 perial measure] of water; the Dublin, two drachms [Dublin weight] of ammon: 
 and eight fluidounces of water; both proceed as above, the Dublin directing tk 
 the mixture should be strained through muslin. 
 
 In this mixture the insoluble part of the ammoniac is suspended by me:s 
 of the gum, imparting a milky appearance to the preparation, which, from ts 
 circumstance, was formerly called lac ammoniaci or milk of ammoniac. Is 
 greater portion of the resin subsides upon standing. The mixture is slight 
 curdled by acids. The dose is from one to two tablespoonfuls. IV 
 
 MISTURA AMYGDALAE. U.S., Lond,, Dub. Mistura Am> 
 dalarum. Ed. Almond Mixture. Almond Emulsion, 
 
 “ Take of Sweet Almonds half an ounce; Gum Arabic, in powder, halji 
 drachm; Sugar two drachms; Distilled Water eight fluidounces. Macerate e 
 Almonds in water, and, having removed their external coat, beat them with e 
 Gum Arabic and Sugar, in a marble mortar, till they are thoroughly mixed; t!a 
 rub the mixture with the Distilled Water gradually added, and strain.” U. <! 
 
 “ Take of Almond Confection two ounces and a half; Distilled Water a pt 
 [Imperial measure]. To the Confection, while rubbing it, gradually add the W;r 
 till they are mixed; then strain through linen.” Load. 
 
 “Take of Conserve of Almonds tico ounces; Water two pints [Imp. measuj. 
 Add the Water gradually to the Confection, triturating constantly; and then stin 
 through linen or calico. Or, 
 
 O ' _ 
 
 “ Take of Sweet Almonds one ounce and two drachms; Pure Sugar fivedrach, ; 
 Mucilage half a fluidounce; Water two pints [Imp. measure]. Steep the Almols 
 in hot water and peel them; and proceed as for the Mistura Acaciae.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Sweet Almonds five drachms [Dub. weight]; Refined Sugar ~o 
 drachms [Dub. weight]; Gum Arabic, in powder, one drachm [Dub. weigl]; 
 Distilled Water eight \Jlui<L\ounces. Steep the Almonds in hot water for a 
 minutes, and, having removed their external coat, beat them with the Sugar d 
 Gum, in a mortar, into a coarse powder; add the Water gradually, andtritu-'e 
 so as to form a uniform mixture. Finally, strain through muslin.” Dub. 
 
 Of the above modes of preparing the almond emulsion, we prefer thosiu 
 which the mixture is made directly from the almonds, and not from the <> 
 lection. This very speedily spoils if kept; and it would be a very unneces'J 
 
P;.T II. 
 
 Misturse. 
 
 10TT 
 
 co plication of the process to prepare it each time that the emulsion might he 
 wjted. The London and first Edinburgh processes are, therefore, objectionable. 
 Inhe second process of the Edinburgh College, mucilage is employed instead of 
 podered gum Arabic, but the latter is preferable, as less likely to have under- 
 go! change. The preparations, however, of the different Pharmacopoeias are 
 esntially the same. The gum Arabic in these formulae is introduced not so 
 nub for its demulcent properties as to assist in the suspension of the insoluble 
 imedients of the almonds. In the Mistura Acacias, described at page 1075, it 
 is e prominent ingredient. The same formula will answer for the preparation 
 of i emulsion of bitter almonds, which may be preferred to the present when a 
 slitt influence of hydrocyanic acid is desired. 
 
 he oleaginous matter of the almonds is suspended in the water by means of 
 the albumen, gum, and sugar, forming a milky emulsion. When the almonds 
 thnselves are employed, as in the U. S. process, care should be taken to reduce 
 tha to the consistence of a paste previously to the addition of the water; and 
 wi each successive portion of fluid a -uniform mixture should be formed before 
 an her portion is added. Common water, when not very impure, may be pro- 
 pek substituted for the distilled. Great care should be taken to select the 
 alrnds perfectly free from rancidity. The mixture is not permanent. Upon 
 staling, the oil rises like thick cream to the surface, and the separation is effected 
 mo quickly by heat, alcohol, and the acids, which coagulate the albumen. It 
 baa close analogy to milk in chemical relations as well as in appearance. The 
 praration, in warm weather, soon becomes sour, and unfit for use. 
 
 le almond mixture has a bland taste, and may be used as an agreeable, nu- 
 trife demulcent in catarrhal and dysenteric affections, and irritation of the uri- 
 nai passages. To be of service it must be freely employed. From two to eight 
 flu: ounces may be taken at once. It is occasionally employed as the vehicle of 
 lesigreeable medicines; but should not be used in connexion with any con- 
 sidable quantity of tinctures, acidulous salts, or other substances containing an 
 exes of acid. W. 
 
 1ISTURA ASSAFCETIDkE. U.S. Assafetida Mixture. 
 
 Take of Assafetida two drachms; Water half a pint. Rub the Assafetida 
 witjthe Water gradually added, until they are thoroughly mixed.” U. S. 
 
 1* is mixture, from its whiteness and opacity, is frequently called lac assa- 
 foet'se, or milk of assafetida. It is, as a general rule, the best form for the 
 adi aistration of this antispasm odic, being less stimulant than the tincture, and 
 mo prompt in its action than the pill. Its excessively disagreeable smell and 
 tasi are, however, objections, which induce a frequent preference of the last- 
 meqoned preparation. It is very often employed as an enema. The dose is 
 froi. one to two tablespoonfuls frequently repeated. From two to four fluid- 
 oums may be given by the rectum.* W. 
 
 ASTURA CAMPHORiE CUM MAGNESIA. Ed. Mixture of 
 Ca vhor with, Magnesia. 
 
 ‘ 'ake of Camphor ten grains; Carbonate of Magnesia twenty-five grains; 
 
 ■ War six fuidovnees. Triturate the Camphor and Carbonate of Magnesia 
 ’togier, adding the Water gradually.” Ed. 
 
 *yrup of Assafetida. Such a preparation has been proposed by Mr. Richard Petty. He 
 lias ;und the following formula to answer the purpose best. Take of assafetida ^j, boiling 
 wat. Oj, sugar Jhij. Rub the assafetida with a part of the water so as to make a uniform 
 pastj then gradually add the remainder of the water, strain, and add the sugar, heating 
 nioo ately till it is dissolved. This has a less disagreeable taste than the mixture, and 
 keej 1 much better, remaining several months without change, while the latter is often 
 altell in a short time. The dose is the same as that of the mixture. (Am. Journ. of 
 Pha ,, xxiv. 319.) — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
1078 
 
 Misturse. 
 
 PART 
 
 This differs from the Aqua Camphorse of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, in whi 
 though the camphor is dissolved by the intervention of carbonate of magnet, 
 the latter is afterwards separated by filtration. In the above mixture thec- 
 bonate of magnesia is retained; and an anodyne, antacid, and laxative draug 
 is formed, which, though it may sometimes be given with advantage, han ■ 
 deserves a place among the officinal preparations. 
 
 Camphor, with a view to its full effects upon the system, is frequently gh 
 in the form of liquid mixture, being suspended in water by various intermed, 
 as gum Arabic, the yolk of eggs, &c. The addition of resinous substances,; 
 myrrh for example, softens the camphor, and enables it to be more readily u 
 tained in suspension. Chloroform, by its solvent power over camphor, answ; 
 this purpose admirably. (See Camphora, p. 164.) Before mixing camphor wi 
 the suspending substance, it should be powdered with the aid of a few drops f 
 alcohol. A good plan also is to rub it first with half its weight of olive oil, th 
 with sugar and gum Arabic, and lastly', with water gradually added. W 
 
 MISTURA CREASOTI. Ed. Creasote Mixture. 
 
 “ Take of Creasote and Acetic Acid, of each, sixteen minims; Compound Sp t 
 of Juniper and Syrup, of each, one flu id ounce ; Water fourteen fluidoum. 
 Mix the Creasote with the Acid, then gradually the Water, and lastly the Sy» 
 and Spirit.” Ed. 
 
 The dose of this mixture is a fluidounce, containing a minim of creasote. 
 
 MISTURA CRETiE. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Chalk Mixture. 
 
 “Take of Prepared Chalk half an ounce; Sugar [refined], Gum Arabic,! 
 powder, each, two drachms ; Cinnamon Water, Water, each, four fluidoum. 
 Rub them together till they are thoroughly mixed.” U. S. 
 
 The London College orders half an ounce of prepared chalk, three drachmd 
 sugar, a fluidounce and a half of mixture (mucilage) of gum Arabic, d 
 eighteen fluidounces of cinnamon water. The Edinburgh College takes i 
 drachms of prepared chalk, five drachms of pure sugar, three fluidounces oi i- 
 cilage of gum Arabic, two ounces (fluidounces) of spirit of cinnamon, and o 
 Imperial pints of water; rubs the chalk, mucilage, and sugar together, and tla 
 adds gradually the water and spirit of cinnamon. The Dublin College rubs o 
 drachms [Dub. weight] of prepared chalk with seven fluidounces of cinnaim 
 water, then adds half a fluidounce, each, of mucilage of gum Arabic and sirne 
 syrup, and mixes. 
 
 This mixture is a convenient form for administering chalk, and is much t- 
 ployed in looseness of the bowels accompanied with acidity. Laudanum ;d 
 kino or catechu are very often added to increase its astringency. The dose :a 
 tablespoonful frequently repeated. WJ 
 
 MISTURA FERRI AROMATICA. Dub. Aromatic Mixture If 
 Iron. 
 
 “Take of Peruvian Bark (crown or pale), in powder, one ounce; Calura 
 Root, in coarse powder, three drachms; Cloves, bruised, two drachms; Fili;» 
 of Iron, separated by a magnet, half an ounce. Digest for three days i:a 
 covered vessel, with occasional agitation, with as much Peppermint Watens 
 will give twelve \Jtuid~\ounces of a filtered product, and then add, of Compoul 
 Tincture of Cardamom three [ fluid] ounces; Tincture of Orange Peel three [yd] 
 drachms. This mixture should be kept in a well stopped bottle.'' Dub. e 
 weights used here are the avoirdupois, with the Dublin divisions. 
 
 This is an aromatic infusion of Peruvian bark and columbo, and has not ie 
 slightest claim to the title given it in the Pharmacopoeia; as it contains bt a 
 very small proportion of iron, and that in a state of solution, not of misn 5 . 
 In consequence of the action of some of the vegetable principles upon the fife, 
 
paT ii. 
 
 Misturse. 
 
 1079 
 
 e-ugh of the metal is taken up to impart a greenish-black colour to the liquor; 
 b the quantity is not appreciable, as the filings seem to be scarcely diminished 
 b the process. The preparation may be given as a tonic in the dose of one or 
 tv fluidounces. W. 
 
 \1ISTURA FERRI COMPOSITA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Com- 
 pmd Mixture of Iron. 
 
 ‘Take of Myrrh a drachm ; Carbonate of Potassa twenty-five grains ; Sulphate 
 ofron, in powder, a scruple; Spirit of Lavender half a fluidounce ; Sugar [re- 
 fi d] a drachm ; Rose Water seven fluidounces and a half. Rub the Myrrh 
 wli the Rose Water gradually added; then mix with these the Spirit of La- 
 vlder, Sugar, and Carbonate of Potassa, and, lastly, the Sulphate of Iron. 
 Pir the mixture immediately into a glass bottle, which is to be well stopped.” 
 
 m 
 
 ‘Take of Myrrh, in powder, two drachms; Carbonate of Potassa a drachm; 
 Tie Water eighteen fluidounces ^Imperial measure] ; Sulphate of Iron, in powder, 
 ti scruples and a half; Spirit of Nutmeg a fluidounce; Sugar two drachms. 
 Bb the Myrrh with the Spirit and Carbonate; and to these, while rubbing, add 
 
 the Rose Water with the Sugar, and then the Sulphate. Put the Mixture 
 imediately into a glass vessel, and stop it.” Land. 
 
 ?he Edinburgh process differs from the London only in using the myrrh 
 b ised, and the sulphate of iron in coarse powder. The Dublin College takes a 
 cl chm of myrrh, half a. drachm of pure carbonate of potassa, a fluidrachm of 
 eance of nutmeg, eight fluidounces of rose water, a drachm of refined sugar, and 
 hf a drachm of sulphate of iron, using the Dublin weights ; rubs the myrrh, 
 Ciponate, and essence with seven fluidounces of the rose water; then adds the 
 si Fate dissolved in the remaining fluidounce of rose water, and puts the mix- 
 ti; into a bottle, to be tightly corked. 
 
 ’his is very nearly the same with the celebrated tonic or antihectic myrrh 
 njtture of Dr. Griffith. The sulphate of Non is decomposed by the carbonate 
 ofiotassa, with the production of sulphate of potassa and carbonate of protoxide 
 ol ron; while the excess of the alkaline carbonate forms a saponaceous corn- 
 paid with the myrrh. The mixture is at first of a greenish colour, which it 
 lcs upon exposure to the air, in consequence of the conversion of the protoxide 
 ofiron of the carbonate into the red or sesquioxide. It may, however, be kept 
 fc ! some time without change, if the vessel in which it is contained be well 
 cl ed ; but the best plan is to prepare it only when it is wanted for use. The 
 silir contained in it probably contributes somewhat to retard the further oxida- 
 ti of the protoxide of iron, and if considerably increased in amount would act 
 st more efficiently. The finest pieces of myrrh in lump should be selected, 
 at! rubbed down for the occasion with a little of the rose water; ’as the pow- 
 dt id myrrh of the shops is often impure, and does not make a good mixture. 
 
 'his mixture is a good tonic in debility of the digestive organs, especially when 
 at nded with derangement of the menstrual function. Hence it is used with 
 auntage in chlorosis and hysterical affections. It has been also much em- 
 pl r ed in the hectic fever of phthisis and chronic catarrh. It is contraindicated 
 by he existence of inflammation of the gastric mucous membrane. The dose 
 is ae or two fluidounces two or three times a day. W. 
 
 1ISTURA GENTIAFLE COMPOSITA. Lond. Compound Mix- 
 ti I? of Centian. 
 
 Take of Compound Infusion of Gentian twelve fluidounces ; Compound Infu- 
 si of Senna six fluidounces ; Compound Tincture of Cardamom two fluidounces. 
 1M them.” Lond. 
 
 . tonic and cathartic preparation adapted to' dyspepsia and constipation. 
 T dbse is one or two fluidounces. W . 
 
1080 
 
 PART I 
 
 Misturae. — Morphia. 
 
 MISTURA GLYCYRRHIZ2E COMPOSITA. U. S. Compour 
 
 Mixture of Liquorice. Brown Mixture. 
 
 “ Take of Liquorice [extract], in powder, Gum Arabic, in powder, Sugar, eac- 
 half an ounce ; Camphorated Tincture of Opium two fluidounces ; Antimoni 
 Wine a fluidounce ; Spirit of Nitric Ether half a fluidounce; Water twelve Aui 
 ounces. Rub the Liquorice, Gum Arabic, and Sugar with the Water graduai 
 poured upon them ; then add the other ingredients, and mix.” U. S. 
 
 This is an exceedingly popular cough mixture, which was made officinal 
 the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1850. The spirit of nitric ether is probably usef 
 by somewhat retarding decomposition. The preparation is applicable to the a; 
 vanced stages of catarrhal affections, after expectoration has become establishe' 
 The dose is a tablespoonful for an adult; a teaspoonful for a child two years ol 
 It should be well shaken when administered. W. 
 
 MISTURA GUAIACI. Bond., Ed. duaiac Mixture. 
 
 “Take of Guaiac, in powder, three drachms; Sugar half an ounce ; Gu 
 Arabic, in powder, two drachms ; Cinnamon Water a pint [Imperial measure 
 Rub the Sugar with the Guaiac and Gum Arabic, and to these, while rabbin 
 add gradually the Cinnamon Water.” Land. 
 
 The Edinburgh process differs only in using half a fluidounce of mucilag 
 instead of the powdered gum, and half a fluidounce less of cinnamon water. 
 
 For the changes of colour which the guaiac in this mixture undergoes, ar 
 produces in other substances, see Guaiaci Resina , p. 377. From one to thn 
 tablespoonfuls may be given for a dose, and repeated two or three times a da 
 or more frequently. W. 
 
 MISTURA SCAMMONII. Ed. Scammony Mixture. 
 
 “Take of Resin of Scammony seven grains ; unskimmed Milk three jhd 
 ounces. Triturate the Resin with a little of the Milk, and gradually with tl 
 rest of it till a uniform emulsion is formed.” Ed. 
 
 This Edinburgh officinal is an imitation of a mixture recommended by Planch 
 The resin of scammony mixes admirably with the vehicle, and forms an emulsii 
 scarcely distinguishable in appearance or taste from rich milk. Of course, 
 should be prepared only when wanted for immediate use. The whole is to 1 
 taken for a dose. W. 
 
 MISTURA SPIRITUS VINI GALLICI. Lon d. Brandy Mixture 
 
 “ Take of Brandy, Cinnamon Water, each four fluidounces ; the yolks of ti 
 Eggs; Sugar [refined] half an ounce ; Oil of Cinnamon two minims. M 
 them.” Lond. 
 
 A stimuhjnt and nutritive draught, applicable to the sinking stage of low fora 
 of fever, but scarcely entitled to a place in the Pharmacopoeia. W . 
 
 MORPHIA. 
 
 Preparations of Morphia. 
 
 MORPHIA. U.S., Biib. Morphia. 
 
 “Take of Opium, sliced, a pound; Solution of Ammonia sir fluidounce 
 Distilled Water, Alcohol, Animal Charcoal, each, a sufficient quantity. Macera 
 the Opium with four pints of Distilled Water for twenty-four hours, and, havii 
 worked it with the hand, digest for twenty-four hours, and strain. In like uia 
 ner, macerate the residue twice successively with the same quantity of Distill' 
 Water, and strain. Mix the infusions, evaporate to six pints, and filter; tin 
 add first five pints of Alcohol, and afterwards three fluidounces of the Solutk 
 
PRT II. 
 
 1081 
 
 Morphia. 
 
 o Ammonia, previously mixed with half a pint of Alcohol. After twenty-four 
 hirs, pour in the remainder of the Solution of Ammonia, mixed, as before, with 
 hf a pint of Alcohol; and set the liquor aside for twenty-four hours, that crys- 
 tr; may form. To purify these, boil them with two pints of Alcohol till they 
 a:; dissolved, filter the solution, while hot, through Animal Charcoal, and set it 
 ade to crystallize.” U S. 
 
 ‘Take of Turkey Opium, cut into thin slices, one pound [avoirdupois] ; Dis- 
 tijed Water six pints [Imperial measure] ; Chloride of Calcium six drachms 
 [ab. weight] ; Prepared Animal Charcoal as much as is sufficient- Macerate 
 tl Opium for twenty-four hours with a quart [two pints, imp. meas.] of the 
 Tier, and decant. Macerate the residuum for twelve hours with a second quart 
 o:the Water,* decant, and repeat this process with the rest of the water, sub- 
 jeing the insoluble residuum to strong expression. Let the decanted solutions 
 ar expressed liquor be evaporated by a steam or water heat to the bulk of one 
 pit, and then passed through a calico filter. Pour in now the chloride of calcium, 
 fit dissolved in four [fluid]ounces of distilled water, and then proceed with the 
 e'poration until the solution is so far concentrated, that upon cooling nearly the 
 w?le of it becomes solid. Let this solid matter be enveloped in a couple of folds 
 ottrong calico, and subjected to powerful pressure, the dark liquid which exudes 
 bug reserved for subsequent use. The squeezed cake is now to be acted on with 
 alut half a pint of boiling water, and the whole being thrown upon a paper 
 fii r, the precipitate must be well washed. The filtered solution having been 
 e’porated as before, cooled and solidified, the residue is to be again subjected 
 tc xpression. If the product be not quite white, this process should be repeated 
 a lird time, the liquid forced out during expression beiug always preserved. Let 
 tl squeezed cake be dissolved in six [fiuid]ounces of boiling water, and, if neces- 
 sajf, cleared by filtration through Prepared Animal Charcoal, the portion of it 
 steed by the filter being carefully washed out of it; and to the solution thus 
 ohined let Water of .Ammonia be added, in slight excess, and let the crystalline 
 pnipitate which forms when the liquor has cooled be collected on a paper filter, 
 ai washed with cold distilled water until the washings cease to give a precipitate 
 u]n being dropped into an acid solution of nitrate of silver. Lastly, let the 
 fil r be transferred to a porous brick, in order that the Morphia it contains may 
 bf'mie dry. 
 
 The liquids separated by expression from the Muriate of Morphia, in the 
 preding process, having been diluted with water, so as to occupy the bulk of 
 fo [fluid]ounces, and then supersaturated slightly with Ammonia, let the pre- 
 ci rate which forms be collected, after the lapse of six hours, on a filter, and 
 w red with a little cold water. This, if redissolved in dilute muriatic acid, 
 herd with a little animal charcoal, and filtered, will, upon cooling, afford a 
 cr talline deposit, from which, when pressed, dissolved in water, and supersatu- 
 ra d with ammonia, an additional quantity of morphia will be procured.” Dub. 
 
 hese processes will be better understood by a previous acquaintance with 
 th properties and chemical relations of the substance in question. 
 
 lorphia crystallizes from alcohol in the form of small, colourless, shining 
 crtals. It is inodorous and bitter. Exposed to a moderate heat, it loses its 
 w;:r of crystallization and the crystalline form, becoming white and opaque. 
 A a higher temperature it melts, forming a yellowish liquid, which becomes 
 wl e and crystalline upon cooling. Heated in the open air it burns with a 
 bi ht flame, and at a red heat is wholly dissipated. It is insoluble or nearly 
 so i cold water, soluble in rather less than 100 parts of water at 212°, slightly 
 so ble in cold alcohol, and freely so in boiling alcohol, which deposits it upon 
 co ng. It is dissolved also by the fixed and volatile oils, but very slightly if 
 at, 1 by ether. Its solution restores the blue colour of litmus paper reddened 
 
 
1082 
 
 Morphia. 
 
 PART ; 
 
 by acids, and turns the yellow of turmeric to brown. With the acids it fori 
 salts, which are generally soluble, and are decomposed by the alkalies. T 
 solutions of potassa and soda are also capable of dissolving morphia, which 
 precipitated slowly on exposure to the air, in consequence of the absorption 
 carbonic acid. Solution of ammonia has to a certain extent the same solve 
 power; and hence the necessity, in precipitating morphia by this alkali, not 
 employ it in great excess. Morphia and its salts, by the contact of nitric ac 
 assume a blood-red colour, which ultimately changes to yellow. When add) 
 to a solution of iodic acid, or an acidulous iodate, they redden the liquid and : 
 iodine free. ( Serulias .) They assume a fine blue colour with the sesquichlori 
 of iron, and the salts of the sesquioxide ; at least this is true of morphia, 
 acetate, and oxalate; and the same effect will be produced by the other salts.' 
 previously decomposed by an alkali. Water, acids, and alkalies, added in lai 
 quantity to the blue compound formed, destroy its colour. According to P 
 letier, however, there occasionally exists in opium a principle called by h 
 pseudomorphia, which becomes red under the action of nitric acid, and c-han; 
 the salts of sesquioxide of iron blue, and yet is destitute of poisonous prop 
 ties; so that the occurrence of these phenomena, in any medico-legal case, cam; 
 loe considered as certain evidence of the presence of morphia. (See Am. Join 
 of Pharm., viii. 77.) The terchloride of gold precipitates morphia first yellct 
 then bluish, and lastly violet. ( Larocque and Thibierge.) Morphia is pre- 
 pitated from its solutions by potassa or soda, and redissolved by an excess of t- 
 alkali. Infusions of galls and other vegetable substances containing tannic at. 
 precipitate morphia in the state of a tannate, which is soluble in acetic aci 
 but, according to Dublanc, the alkali is not precipitated by pure gallic acid. 
 ammonia be added to a mixture of the solutions of chlorine and morphia, adac 
 brown colour is produced, which is destroyed by a further addition of chlorii. 
 The proportion of the ingredients of morphia is somewhat differently given r 
 different writers. According to the most recent authorities, anhydrous morph 
 consists of one eq. of nitrogen IT, thirty-five of carbon 210, twenty of hydrog 
 20, and six of oxygen 48=292, to which in the crystals are added two eqs.t 
 water 18, or about 5'8 per cent. 
 
 Various processes for preparing morphia have been employed. In most f 
 them the morphia is extracted from opium by maceration with water either p« 
 or acidulated, is then precipitated by ammonia, and afterwards purified by t; 
 agency of alcohol, or by repeated solution in a dilute acid and precipitation. 
 
 Sertiirner, the discoverer of morphia, made an infusion of opium in distil l 
 water, precipitated the morphia by ammonia in excess, dissolved the precipite 
 in dilute sulphuric acid, precipitated anew by ammonia, and purified by soluti 
 in boiling alcohol, and crystallization. 
 
 The process of the French Codex is a modification of that of Sertiirner. t 
 is as follows. “Take of opium 1000 parts, solution of ammonia a sufficht 
 quantity. Exhaust the opium, by means of cold water, of "all its parts solu; 
 in that menstruum. For that purpose, it is sufficient to treat the opium, fir 
 times consecutively, with ten parts of water to one of the drug, provided care 3 
 taken to macerate the opium for some hours, and to work it with the han. 
 Filter the liquors, and evaporate them to a quarter of their volume. Then rl 
 sufficient ammonia to render the liquor very 7 sensibly alkaline. Boil for so; 
 minutes, always maintaining a slight excess of ammonia. Upon cooling, 3 
 morphia, impure and much coloured, will be precipitated in granular cryst;, 
 which are to be washed with cold water. Reduce this coloured morphia. 1 
 powder, macerate it for twelve hours in alcohol of 24° Cartier (sp. gr. ab<t 
 0'900); then decant the alcoholic liquid; dissolve the residuary morphia, aim; 
 in great measure deprived of colour by the cold alcohol, in boiling alcohol of c 
 
par II. Morphia. 1083 
 
 Cart r (sp.gr. about 0‘850); add to the solution a little animal charcoal, and 
 filtei Upon cooling, the morphia crystallizes in colourless needles. In this state 
 the orphia always retains some narcotina, to free it from which, boil it with 
 sulphric ether in a matrass with a long neck surmounted by a refrigerator.” 
 
 T1 process of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia is an improvement upon the above, 
 and essentially the same with that of Dr. Edward Staples, published in the 
 Jouial of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (i. 15). Without repeat- 
 ing description of the process, we shall make such remarks upon its several 
 stepaas appear to us likely to be of practical advantage. The employment of 
 wateas the solvent is justified by the almost universal practice. It is true 
 that ilute acetic acid has sometimes been employed, and Vogel states that the 
 prodlt thus obtained is much greater than when water alone is used. But 
 whefhe opium is properly comminuted, either by being reduced to a coarse 
 power when dry, or by being finely sliced, in its ordinary state, water alone 
 will i found sufficiently to extract the morphia, by a protracted maceration or 
 digeson in successive portions of water, assisted by kneading, as directed in the 
 Phanacopceia. The acids have this disadvantage, that they dissolve more of the 
 narejina than pure water, and thus render the ultimate product more impure ; 
 for t; narcotina which is originally taken up continues associated with the mor- 
 phia 1 all the subsequent steps of the process. It has been proposed to expose 
 the iium to fermentation with water and yeast, in order to facilitate the ex- 
 tractn of the morphia. By this plan M. Blondeau succeeded in procuring 
 morcif the alkaline principle than he could obtain by the ordinary mode; and 
 his rjjults were confirmed by the experiments of MM. Robiquet and Guibourt. 
 Acceding to these latter chemists, no alcohol is produced during the ferment- 
 atiorwhich appears to act merely by disengaging the morphia from the combi- 
 natic s in which it naturally exists, and which tend to counteract the solvent 
 powt of the menstruum. Alcohol was proposed as the solvent by M. Guiller- 
 mon but is liable to the objection that it dissolves also the resin, a portion of 
 whic- is afterwards precipitated with the morphia and embarrasses the process. 
 Muc of the resin, however, may be separated by distilling most of the alcohol 
 from he tincture, and then adding water. The resin is precipitated, and the 
 liqui may now be treated in the same manner as the aqueous infusion.* On 
 the vole, however, the officinal mode of extraction will probably be found most 
 satis ijtory ; and Mohr states that opium thus exhausted yields no more mor- 
 phia zen to muriatic acid ; but he recommends that each maceration should be 
 folio ;d by strong expression. The infusion of opium having been prepared, 
 the list object is to decompose the meconate or other salt of morphia contained 
 ia it For this purpose solution of ammonia is added, which seizes the acid, and 
 preci fates the organic alkali ; but much colouring matter is thrown down 
 alon:vith the latter, occasioning some trouble to separate it, unless measures 
 are then to obviate this effect. The object is gained by mixing the infusion 
 with. Icohol, previously to the addition of the ammonia, and by employing the 
 
 * X a modification of the process of Guillermond, MM. Desmedt have succeeded in 
 extrajng all the morphia from opium, perfectly free from narcotina. Of crude opium 
 fO pi's were treated with 240 of alcohol at 71° centigrade (160° F.), and expressed when 
 cold ; ie residue was then treated in the same manner with 160 parts of alcohol; the 
 liquo ras introduced into a bottle well stopped; next day a copious crystallization of 
 narcoia appeared, without the least morphia; the liquid was decanted, and, on the ad- 
 ditioi: >f 4 parts of ammonia, furnished a considerable quantity of morphia, free from 
 narccj ia. To the mother liquor a little distilled water was added, and the mixture was 
 kept the temperature of 24° C. In two days an additional quantity of the crystals of 
 laorpi was obtained equally free from narcotina. The opium was completely exhausted, 
 and t 60 parts employed furnished 5 parts of morphia. ( Annuaire de 1'herap., 1852, 
 p. 31 —Note to the tenth edition. 
 
1084 
 
 PA ’ II, 
 
 Morphia. 
 
 solution of ammonia itself in connexion with alcohol, as directed in thePlm a . 
 eopoeia. This is the peculiarity and chief merit of the process of Dr. S lies. 
 By the presence of the alcohol in all parts of the liquor, the colouring masris 
 dissolved as soon as it is separated by the ammonia, and the morphia i, bus 
 precipitated in a much purer state. The advantage of adding the ammcain 
 separate portions is, that the morphia, being thus more slowly disengage can 
 be more completely deprived of its impurities by the alcohol of the mitre, 
 than if the whole were liberated at once. It is necessary to be careful thf the 
 ammonia be not in great excess ; as it has the property, under these c nm- 
 stances, of dissolving the morphia in some degree, and will therefore less- the 
 product, while waste is incurred by its own unnecessary consumption, erv 
 little more should be added than is sufficient to saturate the acid present. Ihe 
 solution of ammonia of the shops is often much below the officinal standariand 
 this should always be attended to in the process. Alcohol is mixed wi the 
 ammonia before it is added, in order that every particle of the separateiaor* 
 phia may come in contact with the particles of this fluid, and thus hailtbe 
 opportunity of being deprived of colouring matter. The crystals of nnliia 
 obtained by this first operation have a light-yellowish colour, and are uch 
 purer than when no alcohol is added to the infusion before the precipitate bjar 
 ammonia. According to Dr. Staples, opium yields from 10 to 12i per co. of 
 these crystals. Their purification by solution in boiling alcohol, is the eo.ud- 
 ing step of the operation. The liquid, on cooling, deposits the morphiau a 
 crystalline state and nearly free from colour. As cold alcohol retains a ptioa 
 of the morphia in solution, it should not be employed too largely. Athol 
 somewhat reduced by water, is preferable to the highly rectified spirit ; ait is 
 less capable of holding the morphia in solution when cold. It is sufficatly 
 strong for the purpose at 25° Baume (sp. gr. 0'9032). The impure mohia 
 remaining in the alcohol may be obtained by distilling off the latter, and hen 
 sufficiently accumulated may be purified by a separate operation. The cntals 
 of morphia may also be purified by solution in dilute sulphuric acid, dision 
 with animal charcoal deprived of earthy matter, filtration, and precipitate by 
 ammonia. If alcohol be added to the solution previously to the ammoDithe 
 digestion with animal charcoal may be dispensed with, as the alcohol retai: the 
 colouring matter. Morphia procured in this way always contains narcina, 
 from which it may be freed by ether, as directed in the French Codex pres, 
 or in some of the modes hereafter to be indicated. 
 
 Magnesia was employed by Bobiquet instead of ammonia. But his pfcess 
 was soon abandoned ; as it was found to occupy more time, to require a gater 
 consumption of alcohol, and to be attended with a greater loss of morph ia 
 consequence of the previous washing, than the processes in which ammonva: 
 employed as the precipitant. For an account of it the reader is referred to finer 
 editions of this work. 
 
 A process for extracting morphia without the employment of alcohol w de- 
 vised by MM. Henry, jun., and Plissou. The opium was exhausted by jater 
 acidulated with muriatic acid ; the resulting solution was sufficiently eoncentted, 
 then filtered, and decomposed by ammonia; the precipitate was washejand 
 treated with muriatic acid to saturation ; and the muriatic solution was died 
 with animal charcoal, filtered, and evaporated to the point of crystallizatiou.Ihe 
 crystals of muriate of morphia thus obtained were pressed, purified by repteu 
 solution and crystallization, and finally decomposed by ammonia. (Jou\- 
 Chim. Med., Mars, 1828.) J 
 
 Somewhat similar to this is the process of Gregory, of Edinburgh, byjnc 
 muriate of morphia is obtained by double decomposition between chine o 
 calcium and the meconate of morphia of the opium, and the muriate tli ob- 
 
PAR’ II. 
 
 Morphia. 
 
 1085 
 
 aine is decomposed by ammonia. This process was adopted by the Edinburgh 
 ’ollO for the preparation of muriate of morphia; and is imitated by the Dublin 
 Poll® in the elaborate process above given. It will be sufficiently explained 
 md e Muriate of Morphia. 
 
 Min' has proposed a process founded on the solubility of morphia in water 
 nixe with lime, which he recommends as the shortest and easiest method 
 if pimring the alkali, without the use of alcohol, and without the possibility 
 if ccfamination from narcotina. Opium is three or four times successively 
 aace.ted with three parts of water, and each time strongly expressed. The 
 iquc are then added to a boiling-hot milk of lime, containing a quantity of 
 unequal to about a sixth or a quarter of the opium used; and the mixture is 
 loile for a few minutes. It is then strained through linen, and the residue 
 rasfii.1 with boiling water and expressed. The whole of the narcotina is left 
 lehii, as not a trace of it can be discovered in the filtered liquor. The liquor 
 huslbtained is evaporated till reduced to double the weight of the opium, 
 henuickly filtered through paper, and heated to ebullition. Muriate of am- 
 □oni is now added to it in the proportion of 1 part to 16 of the opium used; 
 nd Is morphia is abundantly precipitated. The use of animal charcoal is un- 
 lecesiry in the process, as the lime acts even more powerfully as a decolorizing 
 gen The crystallized morphia obtained is somewhat coloured, but may be 
 ended pure by solution in dilute muriatic acid, boiling with milk of lime, fil- 
 ratii , and precipitation by muriate of ammonia. (Annul, der Pliarm., xxxv. 
 19, jad Am. Journ. of Pliarm., xiii. 60.) 
 
 V(ous other processes, or modifications of those above described, have been 
 iroped; but, for the preparation of small quantities of morphia by the apothe- 
 ary,'one are probably better adapted than that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
 inlet indeed the plan of Mohr, should be found to equal the representations in 
 ts fajmr. 
 
 It.as been already stated that morphia, obtained in the ordinary manner, 
 onfi'.s a considerable proportion of narcotina. It is highly probable that this 
 ngreent exercises no influence, either beneficial or injurious, upon the operation 
 f tlmorphia; but, as the contrary has been supposed, various methods have 
 ieeu nployed for separating it. The simplest and easiest is to submit the 
 nixtte to the action of ether, which dissolves the narcotina and leaves the 
 norpia. The agency of acetic acid may also be resorted to. Distilled vinegar, 
 >r di ted acetic acid of the same strength, will dissolve the morphia and leave 
 lie neotina, and the former may be recovered from the acetic solution by sa- 
 urat g the acid with ammonia. Another mode is to dissolve the mixed bases 
 u st ag acetic acid (of 7° Baume, or sp. gr. 10511, for example), and expose 
 lie sution to heat. The narcotina is deposited, and the morphia, remaining 
 u section, may be precipitated by diluting the liquid and adding ammonia. 
 Jow . de Pliarm . , xvii. 640.) Wittstoek advises one of the following modes. 
 Dissc. e the impure morphia in dilute muriatic acid, evaporate to the point of 
 tryst lization, and strongly express the crystals, which consist solely of the 
 Buri b of morphia, the narcotina being retained in the mother waters : — or 
 iaturje the muriatic solution with common salt, which will render the liquor 
 aiilkj and cause the narcotina to separate after some days; then precipitate the 
 Hiorfia by ammonia: — or pour into the diluted muriatic solution a weak ley 
 af caitic potassa, which, if in slight excess, will dissolve the morphia at the 
 mom t of its separation, while the narcotina is precipitated; then immediately 
 filter fie liquor, and separate the morphia by neutralizing the alkali. If the 
 potas i s i n great excess a small portion of the narcotina is redissolved. (Ber- 
 yhm Vraite de Chirnie.) Mohr recommends to dissolve the morphia in dilute 
 muri c acid, and to boil the solution with lime, which throws down the nar- 
 
1086 
 
 PARI I. 
 
 Morphia. 
 
 cot-ina and holds the morphia dissolved. The liquid being filtered yieldshe 
 morphia upon the addition of muriate of ammonia. (Annal. der Pharm - 
 123.) 
 
 The proportion of pure morphia which Turkey opium is capable of afford? 
 varies from nine per cent, or less, to fourteen per cent., according to the qury 
 of the drug ; but much less than the least quantity mentioned is often obtai i 
 in consequence of the incomplete exhaustion of the opium, the loss in the o- 
 cess for preparing it, or inferiority in the quality of the drug. 
 
 Medical Properties. There can be no doubt that morphia is the chief, if it 
 the exclusive narcotic principle of opium, from which, however, it differs sce- 
 what in its mode of action. Whether the difference arises from the peciar 
 state of combination in which morphia exists in opium, or from other nanic 
 principles being associated with it, has not been determined; butthefoier 
 would seem to be the probable cause, from the circumstance that, long be re 
 the discovery of this alkali, preparations of opium were habitually used, in w :h 
 the properties of the medicine were somewhat similarly modified by the ag<;y 
 of vinegar, lemon-juice, or other vegetable acid. In consequence of its insolub ty 
 in water, morphia in its pure state is less certain in its effects than some o. ts 
 saline compounds; as the mode and degree of its action must, in some meare. 
 depend on the presence or absence of acid in the stomach, and perhaps onie 
 peculiar character of the acid. Its salts are therefore always preferred, ae 
 acetate, sulphate, and muriate have been employed. Between these there a 
 great similarity of action, and what may be said of one, in regard to its tba- 
 peutical effects, will equally apply to the others. They have the anodyne, s>o- 
 rific, and diaphoretic properties of opium, but are less stimulant, less disped 
 to constipate the bowels, and less apt to leave behind them headache, nause or 
 other unpleasant effect. They are usually also more acceptable to an irritea 
 stomach, and may be retained, when opium or its tincture would be rejecd. 
 They are applicable to all cases where the object is to relieve pain, quiet >t- 
 lessness, promote sleep, or allay nervous irritation in any shape ; but are ss 
 efficient- than opium in the suppression of morbid discharges, and as stimulus 
 in low forms of disease. We have found them especially useful in the miia 
 arising from intemperance. A great advantage which they possess is the >d- 
 venience of their external application to blistered surfaces, and the certaimof 
 their effects when thus applied. In cases which do not admit of the intaal 
 use of opium or its preparations, the acetate or sulphate of morphia, sprinbd, 
 in triple the ordinary dose, upon a blistered surface denuded of the cuticle, ill 
 be found to exercise upon the system all the influence it is capable of exeing 
 when taken into the stomach. Applied in this manner, these salts are pu- 
 liarly useful in relieving violent neuralgic pains, and controlling obsthte 
 sickness of the stomach. When intended to act on the system through theae- 
 dium of the skin, they should be applied preferably to the epigastrium; wh to 
 act locally, as near the affected part as possible. When given in doses nelv. 
 but not quite sufficient to produce sleep, they sometimes give rise to a ay 
 troublesome condition of the brain, amounting almost to delirium; but thial- 
 ways subsides spontaneously, or vanishes immediately upon the increase of be 
 dose. A liniment of morphia for internal use may be made by dissolving be 
 morphia in a little chloroform, and adding the solution to olive or almonoil- 
 The mixture is homogeneous. The chloroform acts merely as a menstrua, 
 being in too small a quantity to produce its own effects on the system. (J<T n - 
 de Pharm., 3e ser. xxiv. 358.) 
 
 lu over-doses, morphia and its salts produce the effects of narcotic poins, 
 though not perhaps equally with a quantity of opium, equivalent in ano ne 
 effect. The toxicological treatment is precisely the same as in the case of ltd®' 
 
pa:' ii. Morphia. 1087 
 
 nut (See Opium.') Strong coffee has been employed with great apparent ad- 
 vange as an antidote. 
 
 i the proportion of acid necessary to neutralize morphia is very small, the 
 dosof the alkali is the same as that of its salts. One-sixth of a grain may he 
 conlered about equivalent to a grain of opium of the medium strength. 
 f. Prep. Morphise Aeetas; Morphias Murias; Morphias Sulphas. W. 
 
 lOEPHIiE ACETAS. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Acetate of Mor- 
 
 ph . 
 
 ‘'’ake of Morphia, in powder, freed from narcotina by boiling with Ether, 
 an .nee; Distilled Water half a pint; Acetic Acid a sufficient quantity. Mix 
 the iorphia with the Water ; then carefully drop in the Acid, constantly stirring, 
 unt the Morphia is saturated and dissolved. Evaporate the solution, by means 
 of avater-bath, to the consistence of syrup. Lastly, dry the Acetate with a 
 gen? heat, and rub it into powder.” U. S. 
 lb London College places this salt in the catalogue of Materia Medica. 
 
 ‘'’ake of Muriate of Morphia any convenient quantity. Dissolve it in four- 
 teen imes its weight of warm Water, and when the solution is cool, add Aqua 
 Amoniae gradually and with constant agitation until there is a permanent but 
 fainodour of ammonia in the fluid. Collect the precipitate on a calico filter, 
 was it moderately with cold water, and dissolve it by means of a slight excess of 
 Pyrigneous Acid [acetic acid, sp. gr. 1’034] in twelve' parts of warm Water 
 for ery part of Muriate of Morphia that was used. Concentrate the solution 
 ovei he vapour-bath and set it aside to crystallize. Drain and squeeze the 
 crysls, and dry them with a gentle heat. More Acetate of Morphia may be 
 obts.ed on concentrating the mother liquor.” Ed. 
 
 “ ake of Morphia, in fine powder, one ounce [avoirdupois] ; Rectified Spirit 
 eft fluid ounces; Acetic Acid of Commerce (sp.gr. 1'044 ) four fluidrachms 
 andt half, or as much as is sufficient. Pour the Spirit on the Morphia, and, 
 appl ng heat, gradually add the Acetic Acid until a neutral or slightly acid 
 solum is obtained. Let this be evaporated to the consistence of syrup, by a 
 stea or water heat, and then set by for a few days, until it solidifies.” Dub. 
 
 lull these processes, morphia is saturated with acetic acid; in the U S. and 
 Dull it is taken already prepared; in the Edinburgh, it is procured by the 
 decc position of the muriate by means of ammonia. Acetic acid is employed 
 in pt'erence to vinegar for saturating the morphia; because it can leave no im- 
 puri in the resulting salt. In the U. 8. process, the solution of the morphia 
 in tl water is an indication that it is saturated. A small excess of acid is 
 atteied with no inconvenience, as it is subsequently driven off by the heat. 
 Care 3 required not to employ too much heat in the evaporation; as the acetate 
 is esly decomposed, a portion of the acetic acid escaping, and leaving an equi- 
 vale portion of uncombined morphia. With attention to arrest the evapora- 
 tion a certain point, the acetate may be obtained in the state of crystals; but 
 the Lstailization is attended with some difficulty, and evaporation to dryness 
 is alost universally preferred. Some recommend to dissolve the morphia in 
 hoi ID alcohol, instead of suspending it in water, previously to the addition of 
 the ■ ;tic acid. A less heat is thus required in the evaporation, and impurities 
 iu tl morphia may often be detected, as they are apt to be insoluble in alcohol. 
 To pertain, in this case, whether the morphia is saturated, it is necessary to 
 enipc litmus paper, the blue colour of which should not be restored, if pre- 
 vion ' reddened by an acid. Alcohol is employed as the solvent in the Dublin 
 ptocs. If the morphia used in preparing the acetate contain narcotina, it will 
 he b|t to employ as the solvent distilled vinegar, or diluted acetic acid of the 
 same trength, and to favour its solvent power by heat. Under these circum- 
 
1088 
 
 Morphia. 
 
 PART 
 
 stances it dissolves only the morphia, leaving the narcotina nearly or quite i. 
 touched. (Hodgson, Journ. of the Phil. Col. of Pharm., v. 35.) 
 
 Acetate of morphia crystallizes in the form of slender needles united in fas. 
 culi. It is readily dissolved by water, and less easily by alcohol. As ordinar- 
 obtained, however, by evaporation to dryness, it is not entirely soluble in wat , 
 a portion of it being uncombined morphia. To render it soluble, all that is j. 
 cessary is to add a little distilled vinegar. The U. S. Pharmacopoeia gives •; 
 following tests of its character. “ From its solution potassa throws down a p- 
 cipitate which is dissolved by an excess of the alkali. It is affected by he, 
 nitric acid, and sesquichloride of iron, in the same manner as morphia. Wh 
 sulphuric acid is added to the salt, acetous vapours are evolved.” In additi 
 to these tests, the London College refers to the property, possessed by this sS 
 other salts, when treated first with chlorine, and then with ammonia, of prese- 
 ing a brown colour, which disappears on the further addition of chlorine. L 
 Edinburgh College gives the following mode of testing its purity: “Oneirj- 
 dred measures of a solution of ten grains in half a fluidounce of water and .3 
 minims of acetic acid, heated near to 212°, and decomposed by a faint excesrf 
 ammonia, yield by agitation a precipitate which in 24 hours occupies 15'5 in- 
 sures of the liquid.” 
 
 From an eighth to a quarter of a grain may be given for a dose, and repeat, 
 if necessary, in order to obtain the anodyne and soporific effects of the medic-k 
 One-sixth of a grain is about equivalent to a grain of opium. It may be gi 1 
 in pill or solution. It is frequently employed externally, sprinkled on blistel 
 surfaces, to obtain its effects upon the system. 
 
 Off. Prep. Liquor Morphise Acetatis. W 
 
 LIQUOR MORPHEE ACETATIS. Lo?id., Pub. Solution of A - 
 tate of Morphia. 
 
 “Take of Acetate of Morphia four drachms; Acetic Acid fifteen mini); 
 Distilled Water a pint [Imperial measure] ; Proof Spirit half a pint [In. 
 meas.]. Mix and dissolve.” Land. 
 
 “Take of Acetate of Morphia eighty-two grains ; Rectified Spirit five fid- 
 ounces; Distilled Water fifteen \_fluid~\ounces. Having added the Spirit to le 
 Water, dissolve the Acetate of Morphia in the mixture, and, if the solutio is 
 not quite clear, pass it through a paper filter.” Dub. 
 
 The object of the Spirit in these solutions is to aid in their preservation. ^ 
 the acetate often contains some uncombined morphia, in consequence of the r- 
 tial escape of acetic acid during the evaporation in preparing it, the Lonn 
 College very properly directs a little acetic acid for its solution. The Du n 
 College less wisely wastes it by filtration. Unfortunately the solutions of ie 
 two Colleges are of unequal strength, the London being about twice as stronis 
 the Dublin. The dose of the London solution is from 7'5 to 15 minims, equa- 
 lent to from one-eighth to one-quarter of a grain of the salt; that of the Dum 
 solution is from 15 to 30 minims. The latter was intended to have the sie 
 strength as laudanum. 
 
 Off. Prep. Syrupus Morphiae Acetatis. It 
 
 MORPHLE MURIAS. U.S., Ed., Dub. Morphine Hydrocio- 
 RAS. Loud. Muriate of Morphia. Hydrochlorate of Morphia. 
 
 “Take of Morphia, in powder, an ounce; Distilled Water half a pint; u- 
 riatic Acid a sufficient quantity. Mix the Morphia with the Water; then ce- 
 fully drop in the Acid, constantly stirring, till the Morphia is saturated id 
 dissolved. Evaporate the solution by means of a water-bath, so that it >y 
 crystallize upon cooling. Dry the crystals upon bibulous paper.” 1. S. 
 
 The Loudon College has transferred muriate of morphia to the Materia Meca 
 list. 
 
PAB II. 
 
 1089 
 
 Morphia. 
 
 “ uke of Opium twenty ounces ; Water eight 'pints [Imperial measure] ; Mu- 
 riatof Lime [chloride of calcium] one ounce, or a slight excess. Macerate the 
 Opin in fragments for twenty-four hours in two pints of the Water; and separate 
 the fusion, squeezing well the residue. Repeat the maceration successively 
 vitlwo pints more of the Water till the whole is made use of. Concentrate the 
 who infusions over the vapour-bath to one pint, and add the Muriate of Lime 
 diss-ved in four fluidounces of Water. Set the whole aside to settle ; pour off 
 the quid; wash the sediment with a little water, adding the washings to the 
 liqu. Evaporate the liquid sufficiently in the vapour-bath for it to solidify on 
 cool g. Subject the cooled mass to very strong pressure in a cloth ; redissolve 
 the ke in a sufficiency of warm distilled water ; add a little fine powder of 
 whii marble, and filter; acidulate the filtered fluid with a very little muriatic 
 acidand concentrate a second time in the vapour-bath for crystallization. Sub- 
 ject le crystals again to very strong pressure in a cloth. Repeat the process 
 of sution, clarification by marble and muriatic acid, concentration, and crys- 
 talli tion, until a snow-white mass be obtained. 
 
 “ n the small scale trouble and loss are saved by decolorizing the solution of 
 murte of morphia by means of a little purified animal charcoal after two crys- 
 talli tions. Rut on the large scale it is better to purify the salt by repeated 
 crys llizations alone, and to treat all the expressed fluids, except the first, in 
 the one way with the original solution of impure muriate of morphia. An 
 addnnal quantity of salt may often be got from the first dark and resinous 
 fluiobtained by expression, on merely allowing it to remain at rest for a few 
 moms, when a little muriate of morphia may be deposited in an impure con- 
 ditio. 
 
 “he opium which yields the largest quantity of precipitate by carbonate of 
 soda recording to the formula [given in page 538], yields muriate of morphia 
 not ,ly in greatest proportion, but likewise with the fewest crystallizations. ” 
 Ed. 
 
 “ ike of Morphia, in fine powder, one ounce [avoirdupois] ; Pure Muriatic 
 Acii four fluidrachms and a half, or a sufficient quantity ; Distilled Water two 
 [ftu ]ounces and a half. Mix the Acid with the Water, heat to about 200°, 
 and dd the Morphia, constantly stirring, so that a solution may be formed 
 havi; a slightly acid reaction. Set this to cool for twelve hours, and let the 
 crys Is which separate be drained of the liquor which surrounds them, and 
 drie in blotting paper. The decanted liquor will, by further concentration and 
 coolg, give additional crystals.” Dub. 
 
 lielation to the process of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, the remarks made upon 
 the 'eparation of the sulphate of morphia are equally applicable here. (See 
 Morfas Sulphas .) The Dublin process differs from that of the U. S. Pharma- 
 copci only in employing heat in effecting the solution of the morphia in the 
 dilu 1 acid, so as to lessen the amount of subsequent evaporation, and in di- 
 rect:^ a slight excess of acid. The Edinburgh process is based upon the plan, 
 orig illy suggested by Wittstock, of obtaining muriate of morphia imme- 
 diate from opium without the use of alcohol. It is that of Dr. Wm. Gregory, 
 whii is an improvement on Wittstock’s. The meconate and a little sulphate 
 of i rphia extracted by water from opium are decomposed by chloride of cal- 
 ciun yielding muriate of morphia in solution, and meconate and sulphate 
 of.li 3 as precipitates. The remaining steps consist in obtaining the muriate of 
 rnor ia from the solution by evaporation and crystallization, and in freeing it 
 Iron olouring impurities. For the latter purpose the College directs repeated 
 solu n, clarification by marble and muriatic acid, concentration, and erystal- 
 lhat q ; advising, when the process is conducted upon a small scale, the use of 
 aniE [ charcoal after two crystallizations. It prevents waste by operating upon 
 
1090 
 
 pat n. 
 
 Morphia. 
 
 all the liquids expressed from the impure muriate of morphia, except that pa- 
 rated by the first expression, in the same manner as upon the original In- 
 tion. Points deserving of particular notice in the process are, to obtaii the 
 infusion of opium as concentrated as possible without leaving morphia bead 
 so as to shorten the period of evaporation; and to add the chloride of caium 
 before instead of after the concentration, as, according to Christison, a large nd 
 purer product is obtained, in the former way, with fewer crystallizations. Or. 
 Christison says, in favour of Dr. Gregory’s process, that the Edinburgh niu- 
 fucturers, who follow it, produce a salt of unrivalled purity and cheapness, iut 
 it is much better calculated for the large laboratory of the manufacturing che st 
 than for the smaller operations of the apothecary, who will probably find the 8. 
 process more convenient. 
 
 Muriate of morphia procured by the process of the Edinburgh College free 
 from narcotina; but always contains a portion of muriate of codeia, which, w- 
 ever, is scarcely sufficient to affect its operation upon the system. Dr. Chris-on 
 found the proportion to vary between a 60th in the muriate prepared from >od 
 Turkey opium, a 30th in that from inferior samples of the same variety, ri a 
 12th in that from the East Indian. This impurity may be separated by pr< pi- 
 tating the morphia by means of ammonia ; the codeia being left in solutio 
 
 The late Dr. A. T. Thomson published a process for procuring muria of 
 morphia, which he found considerably more productive than that of the Bush 
 Colleges. After macerating the opium in water, as directed by the College for 
 thirty hours, and expressing, he rubbed it in a mortar with an equal weight of ire 
 white sand, and enough water to form the mixture into a paste, which he p ed 
 in a percolator, and subjected to the action of distilled water till the fluid paed 
 without colour and taste. He then concentrated the liquor to the consisten of 
 a thin syrup, added diacetate of lead, diluted the solution with twice its bu of 
 distilled water, allowed it to stand for twenty-four hours, decanted the sier- 
 natant liquid, washed the precipitate with warm water, added the washin; to 
 the decanted solution, and concentrated to one-half. To free the liquid frotoj 
 remaining acetate of lead, he added diluted sulphuric acid in slight excesrie- 
 canted the liquid from the precipitate, washed the latter, added the washin to 
 the solution, and boiled for some minutes to drive off acetic acid. To coiert 
 the sulphate of morphia now contained in the solution into muriate, he add a 
 saturated solution of chloride of barium, washed the precipitate, evaporateche 
 conjoined washings and solution to the point of crystallization, pressed the ys- 
 tals, diluted and again evaporated the mother liquor so long as it afforded crysls, 
 which were purified by means of animal charcoal, and by repeated solum, 
 evaporation, and crystallization. ( Pharm . Journ., i. 459.) 
 
 Muriate of morphia crystallizes in tufts of feathery acieular crystals, is 
 white, inodorous, bitter, soluble in 16 parts of water at 60°, and in its own w<;ht 
 at 212°, and soluble also in alcohol. A saturated solution in boiling water fms 
 a solid crystalline mass on cooling. The crystals are said to consist of one eqva- 
 lent of morphia 292, one of muriatic acid 36'42, and six of water 54. )r. 
 Christison states that he constantly found the crystals, when dried at 150 to 
 contain 12 ’7 per cent, of water; and the Edinburgh College states that theoss 
 of weight at 212° is not above 13 per cent. The salt may be known to a 
 muriate by yielding in solution with nitrate of silver, a precipitate insolub m 
 nitric or muriatic acid, but dissolved by an excess of ammonia. Potassa th ws 
 down from its solution a precipitate which is redissolved by an excess of the aldi. 
 The salt is affected by heat, nitric acid, sesquic-hloride of iron, aud chhne 
 followed by ammonia, in the same manner as morphia. Sugar is said to re 
 been used largely in the adulteration of this salt. It may be detected by he 
 test of fermentation. 
 
P4T II. 
 
 1091 
 
 Morphia. 
 
 :bis preparation of morphia is much used in Great Britain, but, in this coun- 
 ty less than either the sulphate or acetate. The dose, equivalent to a grain of 
 opm, is about one-sixth of a grain. 
 
 f. Prep. Liquor Morphia) Muriatis ) Morphia) Acetas; Trochisci Morphias; 
 Tr hisci Morphiae et Ipecacuanbse. W. 
 
 IQUOR MORPHIA MURIATIS. Dub. Morphia Muriatis 
 Scutio. Ed. Liquor Morphiae Hydrochloratis. Land. Solution 
 of lunate of Morphia. Solution of Hydrochlorate of Morphia. 
 
 Take of Hydrochlorate of Morphia four drachms; Distilled Water a pint 
 [Iiperial measure]; Proof Spirit half a pint [Imperial measure]. Mix and 
 diolve.” Lond. 
 
 Take of Muriate of Morphia one drachm and a half; Rectified Spirit five 
 flit! ounces ; Distilled Water fifteen fluidounces. Mix the Spirit and Water, and 
 di.olve the Muriate of Morphia in the mixture with the aid of a gentle heat.” 
 
 a| 
 
 Take of Muriate of Morphia ninety grains; Rectified Spirit five fluidounces; 
 Diilled Water fifteen \_fluid]ounces. Mix the Spirit and Water, dissolve the 
 M’iate of Morphia in the mixture, and, unless the solution be quite clear, pass 
 it rough a paper filter.” Dub. 
 
 he use of the alcohol is to prevent spontaneous decomposition. It is ex- 
 trcely unfortunate that, in the solutions of the salts of morphia, the same de- 
 gr of strength should not have been directed by the different Pharmacopoeias. 
 Af hey now are, the medical practitioner and apothecary must be constantly on 
 thi'| guard to avoid the most serious results. One grain of the muriate of 
 mohia is contained in 60 minims of the London solution, and in 106 66 minims 
 of .ie Edinburgh and Dublin solutions which are identical. The dose, therefore, 
 is om 7'5 to 15 minims of the London, and from 13 to 26 minims of the Edin- 
 buh and Dublin solution, equivalent to from one-eighth to one-quarter of a 
 gra of the dry salt. The Edinburgh and Dublin preparation was intended to 
 ha the medium strength of laudanum. 
 
 f. Prep. Syrupus Morphise Muriatis. W. 
 
 10RPHI2E SULPHAS. U.S. Sulphate of Morphia. 
 
 Take of Morphia, in powder, an ounce; Distilled Water half a pint; Di- 
 lu 1 Sulphuric Acid a sufficient quantity. Mix the Morphia with the Water, 
 tb carefully drop in the Acid, constantly stirring till the Morphia is saturated 
 an; dissolved. Evaporate the solution by means of a water-bath, so that it 
 mi crystallize upon cooling. Dry the crystals upon bibulous paper.” U. S. 
 
 i this process the morphia is known to be saturated when it is wholly dis- 
 so. :d by the water. To ascertain whether the acid is added in excess, litmus 
 pa r may be resorted to. If the morphia employed contain narcotina, this will 
 renin in the mother liquor, and will not contaminate the product. The mother 
 lichr remaining after the first crystallization may be evaporated so as to afford 
 a f sh supply of the sulphate ; but, if the morphia wa3 not originally quite pure, 
 tb second product will contain the impurities, and should not be used till it 
 hajandergone further preparation. When impure morphia is employed, the 
 maer liquor should be mixed with alcohol, or boiled with purified animal 
 ch coal and filtered, and then decomposed by ammonia, which will precipitate 
 th morphia. This may be converted into the sulphate in the manner directed 
 by he Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 notker mode of obtaining sulphate of morphia, is to dissolve the alkali in 
 Lo ng alcohol of 36° Baume (sp. gr. 0'8428), saturate it while hot with sul- 
 pl-ic acid, add purified animal charcoal, boil for a few minutes, and filter the 
 so ion while at the boiling temperature. Upon cooling, it deposits most of the 
 suihate ; and the remainder may be obtained by evaporating the mother liquor. 
 
1092 
 
 PARI I, 
 
 Morphia. — Mucilagines. 
 
 In the evaporation of the solution of this salt, care should he taken no ;o 
 carry the heat too far; for when pushed to incipient decomposition with n 
 excess of acid, a new substance is formed containing no morphia. (See . i 
 Journ. of Pliarm., xvii. 286.) 
 
 Sulphate of morphia crystallizes in beautifully white, minute, feathery c 3 - 
 tals, which are soluble in cold water, and in twice their weight of boiling war. 
 They contain, according to Liebig, in 100 parts, 10'33 of sulphuric acid, 7c 8 
 of morphia, and 14’29 of water. By exposure to a heat of 248° F. they ;e 
 9 '66 parts of the water, but cannot be deprived of the remainder without 3- 
 composition. Their equivalent composition is stated to he one equivalen if 
 morphia 292, one of sulphuric acid 40, and six of water 54, of which five 'e 
 water of crystallization, and may be expelled by heat. The tests for it are tl e 
 for sulphuric acid and for morphia. 
 
 The dose of sulphate of morphia is from an eighth to a quarter of a gr 1 , 
 which may be given in pill or solution. 
 
 Off. Prep. Liquor Morphiae Sulphatis. W 
 
 LIQUOR MORPHIiE SULPHATIS. U.S. Solution of Sulplie 
 of Morphia. 
 
 “Take of Sulphate of Morphia eight grains ; Distilled Mater half a pi 
 Dissolve the Sulphate of Morphia in the Mater.” U. S- 
 
 Sulphate of morphia, as found in the shops, is not always entirely solublen 
 water. This sometimes, perhaps, arises from adulterations; but more frequen-, 
 in all probability, from the mode of preparing the sulphate. As this salt s 
 formerly prepared, the quantity of water employed for the suspension of e 
 morphia was sometimes insufficient to hold the resulting sulphate in su- 
 tion; and the consequence was that, upon the addition of sulphuric acid, e 
 crystallization of the sulphate took place before the whole of the morpa 
 was saturated by the acid. A portion of uncombined morphia was therele 
 necessarily mixed with the salt. Under such circumstances, the addition oa 
 little sulphuric acid usually remedied the defect, and rendered the whole sa- 
 ble. Pure sulphate of morphia is readily and entirely soluble in water. 
 
 This solution is very convenient, by enabling the physician to prescriha 
 minute dose, which, in consequence of the great energy of the preparations! 
 morphia, is often necessary. It has the advantage that it may be kept foa 
 very considerable length of time unchanged. The full dose for an adult is fra 
 one to two fluidrachms, containing from an eighth to a quarter of a grair f 
 the sulphate. 
 
 Unfortunately, in some parts of the Union, the formula of Magendie for ts 
 solution, containing 16 grains in a fluidounce, is habitually employed under e 
 name of solution of sulphate of morphia. This is the proper name of the oa- 
 nal solution, which is much weaker; and the most dangerous results may ene 
 from the confusion. Magendie’s solution should never be prescribed or si 
 unless under some special designation. U 
 
 MUCILAGINES. 
 
 Mucilages. 
 
 Mucilage, in the ordinary acceptation of the term, and in the sense in whi 
 it is employed in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, is an aqueous solution of gum, orf 
 substances closely allied to it. As used by the British Colleges it appears- 1 
 signify any bland, viscid, aqueous, vegetable solution resembling that ot g 1 
 in sensible properties. ^ • 
 
pa ;’ II. Mucilagines. 1093 
 
 1UCILAGO ACACLZE. U. S., Dub. Mucilago. Ed. Mistuka 
 A ciliE. Lond. Mucilage of Glum Arabic. 
 
 ‘’ake of Gum Arabic, in powder, four ounces ; Boiling Water half a pint. 
 Adithe Water gradually to the Gum, rubbing them together till the mucilage 
 is fined.” U.S. 
 
 le London College takes ten ounces of powdered gum Arabic, and a pint 
 [Imrial measure] of boiling distilled water, and proceeds as above. The Edin- 
 burg College directs nine ounces of gum Arabic to be dissolved in a pint [Imp. 
 mea] of cold water, without heat, but with occasional stirring, and then to be 
 straed through linen or calico. The Dublin College takes four ounces (avoir- 
 dups) of the gum, and six [ fluid~]ounces of water, dissolves the gum with 
 occaonal stirring, and strains through flannel. 
 
 Id gum used for this purpose should be in the state of a ooarse powder, as 
 it is lore readily dissolved in this state than when finely pulverized. Straining 
 is nessary to separate the foreign substances which are often mixed with gum 
 Arac. This mucilage is semitransparent, almost colourless if prepared from 
 gooqum, viscid, tenacious, of a feeble peculiar odour, and nearly tasteless. If 
 the ilution of gum should be coloured, it may be rendered colourless by the 
 addim of a concentrated solution of chlorine ; and, by boiling for about half 
 an hr so as to drive off the chlorine and muriatic acid, it may be rendered fit 
 for vi. (Guerin.) By keeping, mucilage becomes sour, in consequence of the 
 spon neous generation of acetic acid ; and this happens even though it be 
 enclud in well-stopped bottles. But, according to M. Guerin, the aqueous 
 solui n of pure gum undergoes no change in vacuo. Heat in its preparation 
 is sa to favour the production of acid, in which case the Edinburgh or Dublin 
 form a is preferable. Mucilage is employed chiefly in the formation of pills, 
 and • the suspension or diffusion of insoluble substances in water. Physicians, 
 in pfcribing mucilage in mixtures, should always recollect that it is a solution 
 of dmite strength, containing half an ounce of the gum in each fluidounce. 
 Half fluidounce is usually sufficient for a six or eight ounce mixture. 
 
 O s Prep. Mistura Acaciae ; Mistura Amygdalarum ; Mistura Cretae; Mistura 
 Guai i. " W. 
 
 MCILAGO AMYLI. Ed ., Dub. Decoctum Amyli. Lond. 
 Muc\age of Starch. 
 
 “ike of Starch four drachms; Water a pint [Imperial measure]. Rub 
 the S'rch with the Water gradually added; then boil for a short time.” Lond. 
 
 Th Edinburgh College takes half an ounce of starch and a pint [Imp. meas.] 
 ofwa;r; the Dublin, half an ounce [avoirdupois] of the former, and half a pint 
 [Imp aeas.] of the latter; both proceed according to the directions of the Lon- 
 don (liege. 
 
 Tli mucilage has an opaline appearance, and gelatinous consistence, and is 
 muchhed as a vehicle for laudanum and other active medicines given in the form 
 of en ia. In consequence of its demulcent properties, it may be usefully em- 
 ploye' is an enema in irritation and inflammation of the mucous coat of the 
 rectui and large intestines. Its unpleasant flavour, when it is prepared from 
 ordimv starch, precludes its employment by the mouth. 
 
 Off rep. Enema Opii. W. 
 
 MpILAGO HORDEI. Dub. Mucilage of Barley. 
 
 H e of ground Pearl Barley half an ounce [avoirdupois]; Water sixteen 
 [fidc'mrnces. Triturate the Barley with the Water gradually added; then boil 
 for a i j minutes.” Dub. 
 
 Thi is intended simply as an emollient enema, or as a vehicle of other sub- 
 stanc-egiven in that form. 
 
 Off } rep. Enema Catharticum ; Enema Terebinthinae. W. 
 
1094 Mucilagines. — Olea Destillata. part , 
 
 MUCILAGO TRAGACANTHiE. U.S., Ed. Mucilage of 1,. 
 gacanth. 
 
 “Take of Tragacanth an ounce; Boiling Water a pint. Macerate tke 'i- 
 gacanth in the Water for twenty-four hours, occasionally stirring; then tritu.e 
 it so as to render the mucilage uniform, and strain forcibly through linen.” i ?, 
 
 The. Edinburgh College takes two drachms of tragacanth and nine fluidoues 
 of boiling water, macerates for twenty-four hours, then triturates, and expreis 
 through linen or calico. 
 
 A part only of tragacanth is soluble in water. The remainder swells up .d 
 forms a soft tenacious mass, which may be mechanically mixed with water, it 
 does not form a proper solution. Hence trituration is necessary to complete ie 
 incorporation of the ingredients. This mucilage is thick and very viscid, butot 
 permanent, as the water separates from the insoluble portion of the tragacrh 
 on standing. It is chiefly used in making pills and troches. In consecjuoe 
 of its great tenacity, it may be advantageously employed for the suspensioof 
 heavy insoluble substances, such as the metallic oxides in water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Trochisci Ipecacuanhas; Trochisci Magnesiae; Trochisci Mera 
 Piperitae; Trochisci Sodse Bicarbonatis. V 
 
 OLEA DESTILLATA. 
 
 Distilled Oils. 
 
 For an account of the general properties of the volatile, essential, ordisted 
 oils, the reader is referred to the head of Olea Volatilia in the first part of ais 
 work. The following are the different officinal directions for preparing the. 
 
 OLEA DESTILLATA. U. S. 
 
 “ In the preparation of the Distilled Oils, put the substance from which he 
 oil is to be extracted into a retort, or other vessel suitable for distillation. nd 
 add enough water to cover it, then distil into a large refrigeratory. Sepate 
 the Distilled Oil from the water which comes over with it. 
 
 “ In this manner prepare Oil of Anise, from Anise; Oil of Caraway, om 
 Caraway; Oil of Cloves, from Cloves; Oil of Wormseed, from Wornmd; 
 Oil of Cubebs, from Cubebs; Oil of Fennel, from Fennel-seed; Oiof 
 Partridge-berry, from Partridge-berry [leaves] ; Oil of Pennyroyal [Oam 
 Hedeoaue], from Pennyroyal; Oil of Juniper, from Juniper [berries] ; Iil 
 of Lavender, from Lavender [flowers]; Oil of Peppermint, from Peer- 
 mint; Oil of Spearmint, from Spearmint; Oil of IIorsemint, from B’se- 
 mint; Oil of Origanum, from Origanum [Marjoram]; Oil of Pimiio, 
 from Pimento; Oil of Rosemary, from Rosemary [tops]; Oil of Saw, 
 from Savine; Oil of Sassafras, from Bark of Sassafras Root; and 0: OF 
 Valerian, from Valerian.” U. S. 
 
 The London College gives no directions for the preparation of the volatile^ 
 but places such as it recognises in the Materia Medica catalogue. 
 
 VOLATILE OILS. Ed. 
 
 “ Volatile oils are obtained chiefly from the flowers, leaves, fruit, barksaml 
 roots of plants, by distilling them with water, in which they have been allied 
 to macerate for some time. Flowers, leaves, and fruits generally yield the rest 
 oils, and in greatest quantity, when they are used fresh. Many, howeve an- 
 swer equally well if they have been preserved by beating them into a pulpit 
 
PAH II. 
 
 Olea Bestillata. 
 
 1095 
 
 abor twice their weight of muriate of soda, and keeping the mixture iu well- 
 close 1 vessels. 
 
 “ labs tan ces yielding volatile oils must be distilled with water, the proper 
 prop.tion of which varies for each article, and for the several qualities of each. 
 In a instances, the quantity must be such as to prevent any of the material 
 fromleing empyreumatized before the whole oil is carried over. In operations 
 whei!| the material is of pulpy consistence, other contrivances must be resorted 
 to fothe same purpose. These consist chiefly of particular modes of applying 
 heatio as to maintain a regulated temperature not much above 212°. On the 
 smaljscale, heat may be thus conveniently applied by means of a bath of a 
 stroi, solution of muriate of lime, or by means of an oil-bath, kept at a sta- 
 tion^ temperature with the aid of a thermometer. On the large scale, heat is 
 oftenpplied by means of steam under regulated pressure. In other operations 
 it is and sufficient to hang the material within the still in a cage or bag of 
 fine jit-work; and sometimes the material is not mingled with the water at all, 
 but isubjected to a current of steam passing through it. 
 
 “ ie best mode of collecting the oil is by means of the refrigeratory de- 
 scrib in the preface [see page 793], from which the water and oil drop together 
 into ;tall narrow vessel, provided with a lateral tube or lip near the top, and 
 anotlr tube rising from the bottom to about a quarter of an inch below the 
 levelSf the former. It is evident that with a receiver of this construction, the 
 watewill escape by the lower tube; while the volatile oil, as it accumulates, 
 will discharged by the upper one, except in the very few instances where the 
 oil is|eavier than the water. 
 
 “I attending to the general principles now explained, Volatile Oils may be 
 read! obtained of excellent quality from the flowers of Anthemis nobilis, 
 Lav. dula vera, and Ruta graveolens; from the fruit of Anethum gra- 
 VEOi'js bruised, Carum Carui bruised, Eugenia Pimenta bruised, Fggnicu- 
 lum ticinale bruised, Juniperus communis bruised, Piper Cubeba ground, 
 and Impinella Anisum ground; from the undeveloped dried flowers of Cary- 
 ophyajs aromaticus; from the tops of Juniperus Sabina and Rosmarinus 
 offiAalis; from the entire herb of Mentha piperita, Mentha Pulegium, 
 Menta viridis, and Origanum Majorana [vulgare?]; and also from the 
 bruis root of Sassafras officinale.” Ed. 
 
 OILS. Bub. 
 
 “1 2 volatile or essential OILS may be obtained by the following general 
 proce The substance from which the oil is to be extracted is macerated for 
 twentjfour hours, with five times its weight of water, in a sheet-tin or copper 
 still, | d, a condenser being then attached, half the water is drawn over by dis- 
 tillati , on the surface of which the oil will be found to float, unless (which is 
 rarely he case) it should be heavier than water, when it will be found at the 
 bottor of the receiver. The oil having been separated, the aqueous product, 
 which s a saturated solution of the oil in water, is to be returned to the still, 
 and t. distillation resumed, and continued till the resulting liquid has the same 
 volutt; as before. The oil is again separated, the watery product returned to 
 [he stj, and the distillation resumed; and this process is to be repeated until 
 it cea;:s to afford any additional oily product. The oil thus obtained is to be 
 separi d as completely as possible from water, and preserved in a well-stopped 
 bottle | 
 
 “ Ii this way volatile oils may be obtained from the entire herb of Mentha 
 piper a, Mentha Pulegium, Mentha viridis; from the seeds or fruit of 
 Oaru Carui, Cubeba officinalis, Eugenia Pimenta, Fceniculum offi- 
 
1096 
 
 Olea Destillata. 
 
 PARI i, 
 
 CINALE, JuNIPERUS COMMUNIS, MyRISTICA MOSCHATA, PlMPINELLA AnIS [■ 
 from the flowers of Anthemis nobilis, Lavandula vera; from the ue- 
 veloped dried flowers of Caryophyllus aromaticus; from the tops of J i. 
 perus Sabina, Rosmarinus officinalis; from the bark of Cinnamo; m 
 Zeylanicum. 
 
 “ The water distilled over in the preparation of the several oils should be e- 
 served for medical use.” Dub. 
 
 The substances from which the volatile oils are extracted may be empLd 
 either in the recent or dried state. Certain flowers, however, such as or;;e 
 flowers and roses, must be used fresh, or preserved with salt, as they afford lie 
 or no oil after exsiccation. Most of the aromatic herbs, also, as peppern t, 
 spearmint, pennyroyal, and marjoram, are usually distilled while fresh; alth( ;h 
 it is thought by some that, when moderately dried, they yield a larger and ire 
 grateful product. Dried substances, before being submitted to distillation, rec re 
 to be macerated in water till they are thoroughly penetrated by this fluid; d, 
 to facilitate the action of the water, it is necessary that, when of a hard or tab 
 consistence, they should be properly comminuted by slicing, shaving, rasj g, 
 bruising, or other similar mechanical operation. 
 
 The water which is put with the subject of distillation into the alembic, ans rs 
 the double purpose of preventing the decomposition of the vegetable matte )y 
 regulating the temperature, and of facilitating the volatilization of the oil, wl h, 
 though in most instances it readily rises with the vapour of boiling water, requ:s, 
 when distilled alone, a considerably higher temperature, and is at the same ne 
 liable to be partially decomposed. Some oils, however will not ascend redy 
 with steam at 212°; and in the distillation of these it is customary to use ver 
 saturated with common salt, which does not boil under 230°. Recourse ay 
 also be had to a bath of strong solution of chloride of calcium, or to an oil-lb, 
 the temperature of which is regulated by a thermometer, as suggested byhe 
 Edinburgh College in their general directions (see page 1095). Other oils ain 
 may be volatilized with water at a temperature below the boiling point; anas 
 heat esercises an injurious influence over the oils, it is desirable that the d il- 
 lation should be effected at as low a temperature as possible. To prevent inry 
 from heat, it has been recommended to suspend the substance containing thoil 
 in a basket, or to place it upon a perforated shelf, in the upper part of thealenic, 
 so that it may be penetrated by the steam, wdthout being in direct contact tb 
 the water. Another mode of effecting the same object is to distil it in vao. 
 Dr. Duncan stated that the most elegant volatile oils he had ever seen werere- 
 pared in this manner by Mr. Barry, the inventor of the process. The employmt 
 of steam heat also prevents injury ; and the best volatile oils are now preped 
 in Philadelphia in this way. Steam can be very conveniently applied to ins 
 purpose by causing it to pass through a coil of leaden tube of an inc-h or tee- 
 quarters of an inch bore, placed in the bottom of a common still. The ei at 
 which the steam is admitted enters the still at the upper part, and the otheind 
 at which the steam and condensed water escape, passes out laterally below, lag 
 furnished with a stop-cock, by which the pressure of the steam may beregulad, 
 and the water drawn off’ if necessary. In some instances, it has been founde- 
 sirable to conduct the steam immediately into the still near the bottom, by web 
 the contents are kept in a state of brisk ebullition. This method is used iib® 
 preparation of the oil of bitter almonds and the oil of mustard. The same me.oa 
 is applicable to the preparation of the distilled waters. (Soubeiran, Tra> «e 
 Pharm., 3e ed., i. 423.) 
 
 The quantity of water added is not a matter of indifference. An excess r>ve 
 what is necessary acts injuriously by holding the oil in solution, when the u- e 
 vapours are condensed; and, if the proportion be very large, it is possible^ 
 
PjtT II. 
 
 Olea Destillata. 
 
 1097 
 
 no il whatever may be obtained separate. On the contrary, if the quantity be 
 tocsmall, the whole of the oil will not be distilled; and there will be danger of 
 tlmubstance in the alembic adhering to the sides of the vessel, and thus becoming 
 bu[it. Enough water should always be added to cover the solid material, and 
 pr'ent this latter accident. Dried plants require more water than those which 
 anfresh and succulent. The whole amount of materials in the alembic should 
 no exceed three-fourths of its capacity; as otherwise there would be danger of 
 thliquor boiling over. The form of the alembic has a considerable influence 
 ov the quantity of water distilled, which depends more upon the extent of sur- 
 fai than the amount of liquid submitted to evaporation. By employing a high 
 an. narrow vessel, we may obviate the disadvantage of an excess of water. The 
 br id shallow alembic, suitable for the distillation of alcohol and the spirituous 
 floors., will not answer so well in this case. Sometimes the proportion of oil 
 co ained in the substance employed is so small that it is wholly dissolved in the 
 wsir distilled, even though the proportion of the liquid in the alembic is not 
 grjter than is absolutely essential. In this case it is necessary to redistil the 
 sas water several times from fresh portions of the plant, till the quantity of oil 
 wl;h comes over exceeds its solvent power. This process is called cohobation. 
 
 he more volatile of the oils pass with facility along with the steam into the 
 ne; of the common still; but some which are less volatile are apt to condense 
 inre head, and thus return into the alembic. For the distillation of the latter, 
 a ill should be employed with a large and very low head, having a rim or 
 goer around its internal circumference, into which the oils may be received as 
 th pondense, and thence pass into the neck. As, after the distillation of any 
 OD oil, it is necessary that the apparatus should be thoroughly cleansed before 
 beg used for the preparation of another, it is better that the condensing tube 
 sh ild be straight, than spiral as in the ordinary still. It should be recollected, 
 meover, that certain oils, such as those of anise and fennel, become solid at a 
 coparatively high temperature ; and that, in the distillation of these, the water 
 erloyed for refrigeration should not be below 42° E. 
 
 he mixed vapours are condensed into a milky liquid, which is collected in 
 a .peiver, and, after standing for some time, separates into a clear solution of 
 th oil in water, and into the oil itself ; the latter floating on the surface, or 
 Biiing to the bottom, according as it is lighter or heavier than water. The 
 di llation should be continued so long as the fluid which comes over has this 
 m :y appearance. 
 
 he last step in the process is to separate the oil from the water. For this 
 pi iose the Florence, receiver may be used. This is a conical glass vessel, broad 
 at le bottom and narrow towards the top, and very near its base furnished with 
 a bulure or opening, to which is adapted, by m£ans of a pierced cork, a bent 
 tu i so shaped as to rise perpendicularly to seven-eighths of the height of the 
 re iver, then to pass off from it at right angles, and near the end to bend down- 
 tv; Is. The condensed liquid being admitted through the opening at the top of 
 threceiver, the oil separates, and rising to the top, occupies the upper narrow 
 pa of the vessel, while the water remains at the bottom and enters the tube 
 aflled to the receiver. When the surface of the liquid attains in the receiver 
 a jgher level than the top of the tube, the water will necessarily begin to flow 
 or through the latter, and may be received in bottles. The oil thus accumu- 
 la > so long as the process continues; but it is evident that the plan is appli- 
 ca.e only to the oils lighter than water. For the heavier oils, cylindrical ves- 
 sel! may be employed, to be renewed as fast as they are filled. But, as all the 
 w; ir cannot be removed by these plans, it is necessary to resort to some other 
 maod of effecting a complete separation. An instrument called a separatory 
 is pually employed for this purpose. It consists of a glass funnel, bulging at 
 
1098 
 
 Olea Destillata. 
 
 PART 
 
 the top, where it is furnished with a stopper, and prolonged at the bottom i: i 
 a very narrow tube. (See figure , page 775.) The lower opening being clos , 
 the mixed liquids are introduced and allowed to stand till they separate. T 
 orifice at the bottom is then opened, and the stopper at top being a little looser, 
 so as to admit the air, the heavier liquid slowly flows out, and maybe separai 
 to the last drop from the lighter, which floats above it. If the oil is heav 
 than the water, it passes out of the separatory; if lighter it remains with 
 Another mode of separating the oil is to introduce into the vessel contain! 
 the two liquids one end of a cord of cotton, the other end hanging out, and t- 
 ruinating in a suitable receptacle beneath the level of that immersed in the liqu 
 The oil at top passes through the cord, and may thus be wholly removt 
 The last drops may be collected by pressing the cord between the fingers. 
 
 The water saturated with oil should be preserved for future distillations ; 
 it can dissolve no more of the oil, and will therefore yield a larger product. 
 
 When first procured, the oil has a disagreeable empyreumatic odour, fr 
 which it may be freed by allowing it to stand for some days in vessels loose 
 covered with paper. It should then be introduced into small opaque bottL 
 ■which should be well stopped so as to exclude the air. When altered by c 
 po6ure to air, the oils may sometimes be nearly or quite restored to their origit 
 appearance and quality by agitation with a little recently heated animal charcot 
 and the same method may be employed for freeing oils from adhering water. 
 
 The volatile oils have the medical properties of the plants from which th 
 are derived ; and, as their remedial application has been mentioned under t 
 heads of these plants respectively, it will be unnecessary to treat of it in tl 
 place. They may be administered dropped on a lump of sugar; or triturat 
 with at least ten times their weight of sugar, forming an oleosaccharum, ai 
 then dissolved in water; or made into an emulsion with water, sugar, and gu 
 Arabic. They are frequently kept dissolved in alcohol under the name 
 essences* A\ . 
 
 OLEUM ANETHI. Land., Ed. Oil of Dill. 
 
 The fruit of dill yields about 3‘5 per cent, of volatile oil. This is of a pal 
 yellow colour, with the odour of the fruit, and a hot sweetish taste. Its spec:: 
 gravity is stated at 0’881. It is employed to prepare dill water, and may 1 
 given as a carminative in the dose of three or four drops ; but it is little us< 
 in this country. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Anethi. W. 
 
 OLEUM ANISI. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Oil of Anise. 
 
 The product of oil from anise is variously stated from 1'56 to 3 12 p' 
 cent. The oil employed in this country is imported. It is colourless or ye 
 
 * It is often important to know Low many drops a volatile oil will yield to the flu 
 drachm, in other words the relation of a drop of the oil to a minim. This varies extreme 
 according to the circumstances elsewhere noticed as influencing the size of the drop : ■ 
 that any results obtained are only approximate and relative. At our request Professc 
 Procter tried the following oils, with the results stated in the table below. The columi 
 of figures represent the number of drops in a fluidrachm of the oils respectively, the fir 
 column giving those obtained by dropping the oils from the bottles in which they a. 
 commonly kept, the second by dropping them from a minim measure 
 
 Oleum Anisi 
 “ Carui 
 
 Caryophvlli 
 
 Chenopodii 
 
 Cinnamomi 
 
 Cubebae 
 
 85- 86 
 106-108 
 103-103 
 
 97-100 
 
 100-102 
 
 86- 96 
 
 Oleum Foeniculi 103-103 
 
 “ Gaultheri® 102-101 
 “ Hedeomm 91- 91 
 
 “ Menthse Pipe- 
 
 ritse 103-109 
 
 “ Menthse Yiri- 
 
 dis 89- 94 
 
 Oleum Rosmarini 
 “ Sabinas 
 “ Sassafras 
 “ Tanaceti 
 “ Valerian* 
 Creasotum 
 
 104— 1C 
 
 102— id 
 102— 1C 
 92-11 
 116-11 
 95- £ 
 
PAl'.’ II. 
 
 Olea Destillata. 
 
 1099 
 
 lowh, with the peculiar odour and taste of the seed. At 50° it crystallizes in 
 flatibles, and does not melt under 62°. Its sp. gr. increases with age, and is 
 varusly given from 0'9768 to 0'9903. It is soluble in all proportions in alco- 
 liolf 0‘806; hut alcohol of 0'840 dissolves at 77° only 42 per cent. It con- 
 sist of two oils, one solid at ordinary temperatures and heavier than water 
 ( stiroptene ), the other liquid and more volatile ( eleoptene ), both of which are 
 saiito have the same atomic constitution, and to consist of carbon, hydrogen, 
 ancoxygen (C 10 H 6 O). It absorbs oxygen from the air, and becomes less dis- 
 posl to concrete. Oil of anise is said to be sometimes adulterated with sper- 
 mati, wax, or camphor. The first two may be detected by their insolubility 
 in Hd alcohol, the last by its odour. The dose of the oil is from five to fifteen 
 drc?. Its comparative mildness adapts it to infantile cases. We are informed 
 tha the oil of anise has, in this country, been almost entirely superseded by 
 th oil of star aniseed ( oleum badiani), which closely resembles it in flavour. 
 (Sc page 101.) 
 
 -ff. Prep. Essentia Anisi; Extractum Rhei Fluidum ; Extract. Spigelise 
 et rnnse Fluidum; Spiritus Anisi; Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus; Tine- 
 tui Opii Ammoniata ; Tinctura Opii Camphorata ; Trochisci Glycyrrhizre et 
 Op. W. 
 
 LEUM ANTHEMIDIS. Lond., Ed., Dub. Oil of Chamomile. 
 
 pis is seldom prepared or used in this country. Baume obtained thirteen 
 dntims of the oil from eighty-two pounds of the flowers; according to Mr. 
 Bride, the average product of 100 pounds is two pounds twelve ounces. It 
 Lathe peculiar smell of chamomile, with a pungent somewhat aromatic taste. 
 Wn recently distilled it is of a sky-blue colour, which changes to yellow or 
 brinish on exposure. The sp. gr. of the English oil is said to be 0'9083. 
 Aording to M. Gerhardt, oil of chamomile is a mixture of a carbohydrogen 
 (CS l6 ) with an oxygenated oil (C 10 H 6 O 3 ). (Chem. Gaz. vi. 483.) It has 
 so: itim'es been used in spasm of the stomach, and as an adjunct to purgative 
 mucines. The dose is from five to fifteen drops. 
 
 n the continent of Europe, an oil extracted from Matricaria Chamomilla 
 is aployed under the name of oil of chamomile. It is dark-blue, thick, and 
 ne ly opaque, becoming brown and unctuous by time. It has the odour of the 
 pl.t from which it is derived, and an aromatic taste. W. 
 
 >LEUM CARL U.S. Oleum Carui. Lond., Ed. Dub. Oil of 
 C away. 
 
 his oil is prepared to a considerable extent by our distillers. The fresh fruit 
 yi Is on an average about 4’7 per cent. (Recluz); but the product is very va- 
 riijle. The oil of caraway is somewhat viscid, of a pale-yellow colour becoming 
 bi mish by age, with the odour of the fruit, and an aromatic acrid taste. Its 
 srip 1 . is 0'946 according to Baume, 0'931 according to Braude. Its constitu- 
 ed are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It is much used to impart flavour to 
 m icines, and to correct their nauseating and griping effects. The dose is from 
 or to ten drops. 
 
 fhen oil of caraway is distilled with hydrated phosphoric acid, the distilled 
 lit or being poured back into the retort until it ceases to have the smell of 
 ca way, an oily liquid separates from the phosphoric acid, having a very dis- 
 aj oaMe odour, and a strong taste. This product, to which the name of carva- 
 ct has been applied, has been found to give immediate relief to toothache, when 
 in rted on cotton into the cavity of a carious tooth. (See Am. Journ. of Med. 
 & , N. S. xv. 532.) 
 
 Iff. Prep. Aqua Carui; Confectio Scammonii ; Confectio Sennse; Essentia 
 C ai; Extractum Spigelise et Sennae Fluidum; Pilulae Aloes Composite; Pil. 
 B si Composite; Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. W. 
 
1100 
 
 Olea Destillata. 
 
 PARI i. 
 
 OLEUM CARYOPIiYLLI. U. S., Lond ., Ed., Dub. Oil of Clot. 
 
 This oil is obtained by distilling cloves with water, to which it is custon y 
 to add common salt, in order to raise the temperature of ebullition ; and e 
 water should be repeatedly distilled from the same cloves, in order comple y 
 to exhaust them. Professor Scharling has found advantage from the applica a 
 of super-heated steam to the distillation of this oil. ( Pharm . Joum. and Tra. 
 xi. 469.) The product of good cloves is said to be about one-fifth or one-s;h 
 of their weight. The oil was formerly brought from Holland or the East Ind,; 
 but, since the introduction of the Cayenne cloves into our markets, the redtd 
 price and superior freshness of the drug have rendered the distillation of oi>f 
 cloves profitable in this country; and the best now sold is of domestic extract i. 
 We have been informed that from seven to nine pounds of cloves yield to j 
 distillers about one pound of the oil. 
 
 Properties. Oil of cloves, when recently distilled, is very fluid, clear, i 
 colourless, but becomes yellowish by exposure, and ultimately reddish-bro i. 
 It has the odour of cloves, and a hot, acrid, aromatic taste. Its sp.gr. is vi- 
 ously stated at from 1034 to 1*061, the latter being given by Bonastre as e 
 sp. gr. of the rectified oil. It is one of the least volatile of the essential cL 
 and requires for congelation a temperature from zero of Fahrenheit to — i°. t 
 is completely soluble in alcohol, ether, and strong acetic acid. Yitric ai 
 changes its colour to a deep red, and converts it by the aid of heat into ox:o 
 acid. When long kept it deposits a crystalline stearoptene. It is frequecf 
 adulterated with fixed oils, and sometimes also with oil of pimento and with - 
 paiba. When pure it sinks in distilled water. According to Zeller, its e - 
 racter of congealing entirely into a crystalline mass with the alcoholic solnt i 
 of potassa, losing at the same time its peculiar odour, affords a sufficient criter i 
 of its purity. 
 
 According toEttling, the oil of cloves consists of two distinct oils, one light, 
 the other heavier than water. They may be obtained separate by distilling e 
 oil from a solution of potassa. The lighter comes over, the heavier remas 
 combined with the potassa, from which it may be separated by adding sulpha: 
 acid, and again distilling. Light oil of cloves is colourless, has the sp. gr. 0*91, 
 and consists exclusively of carbon and hydrogen, being isomeric with pure oilf 
 turpentine. It is said not to possess active properties. (Kane.) Heavy oiU 
 cloves is colourless at first, but darkens with age, has the odour and tastef 
 cloves, is of the sp. gr. 1'079, boils at 470°, and forms soluble and crystallizal: 
 salts with the alkalies. Hence it has been called eugenic or caryophyllic ac. 
 It consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ; the formula, according to Ettlii, 
 being C„ 4 H 15 0 5 . 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The medical effects of the oil are similar > 
 those of cloves, and it is used for the same purposes ; but its most common 
 ployment is as a corrigent of other medicines. Like other powerful irritants,; 
 is sometimes effectual in relieving toothache, when introduced into the cavity : 
 a carious tooth. The dose is from two to six drops. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Aromatica; Confectio Scammonii ; Pilule Coloc-ynthic 
 Composite. W. 
 
 OLEUM CIIENOPODII. U. S. Oil of Wormseed, 
 
 This oil is peculiar to the United States. The best is prepared in the vic-ini 
 of Baltimore. (See page 212.) It is of a light-yellow colour when recently d 
 tilled, but becomes deeper yellow, and even brownish by age. It has in a hi; 
 degree the peculiar flavour of the plant. Its sp. gr. is 0'908. It is used as ; 
 anthelmintic, in the dose of from four to eight drops for a child, repeated mor 
 iug and evening for three or four day^s, and then followed by a brisk cathart: 
 The case of a child, six years old, is recorded in the Boston Med. and 
 
PAI II. 
 
 Olea Destillata. 
 
 1101 
 
 Joui. (xlv. 373), in which death is supposed to have resulted from the use of 
 oveioses of this oil. W. 
 
 (jEUM COPAIBA. U. S., Lond., Ed. Oil of Copaiba. 
 
 “'akeof Copaiba two pounds; Water four gallons. Add the Copaiba to the 
 Wa r in a tinned still, and, having adapted a proper refrigeratory, distil three 
 gall s. Separate the Oil which comes over from the water, return the latter 
 to t|: Copaiba, and again distil three gallons. Lastly, separate the Oil obtained 
 in t’i| second distillation, add to it that first obtained, and keep the whole in a 
 welltopped bottle.” U. S. 
 
 “ake of Copaiva one ounce; Water one pint and a half [Imperial measure]. 
 Diet preserving the water; when most of the water has passed over, heat it, 
 retu it into the still, and resume the distillation; repeat this process so long 
 as a msible quantity of oil passes over with the water.” Ed. 
 
 Ti oil constitutes from one-third to one-half or more of the copaiba. From 
 oneiecimen of recent copaiba as much as 80 per cent, of oil has been obtained. 
 (AnJourn. of P harm. , xxii. 289). It is prepared largely in Philadelphia by 
 the oplication of steam heat. (See page 1096). As it first comes over it is 
 colodess, but the latter product is of a fine greenish hue. By redistillation it 
 mays rendered wholly colourless. It has the odour and taste of copaiba, boils 
 ataht470° (Christison), is soluble in ether and alcohol, absorbs muriatic acid 
 gas id forms with it crystals of artificial camphor, and when pure consists 
 exchively of carbon and hydrogen, being isomeric with pure oil of turpentine. 
 In e sequence of its want of oxygen, it answers even better than naphtha for 
 pressing potassium, a fact first observed by Mr. Durand, of Philadelphia. 
 
 Itiffects on the system are those of copaiba. From the experiments of C. 
 Mits erlich it is one of the least injurious to the animal system of the volatile 
 oils ; ix drachms of it having been introduced into the stomach of a rabbit 
 with t causing death. Externally applied it produces much less irritation than 
 the c, of turpentine. It may be given for the same purposes as copaiba in the 
 dose ' ten or fifteen drops; and may be administered in emulsion, or simply 
 dropd on sugar. W. 
 
 O EUM CUBEBJE. U.S., Ed., Dub. Oil of Cubebs. 
 
 T1 oil is obtained from cubebs, by grinding them, and then distilling with 
 water From ten pounds Schonwald procured eleven ounces of oil, and this result 
 very ;arly coincides with the experiments of Christison, who obtained seven 
 per i it. When perfectly pure, the oil is colourless ; but as usually found, is 
 yello sh or greenish. It has the smell of cubebs, and a warm, aromatic, cam- 
 phort s taste; is of a consistence approaching that of almond oil; is lighter 
 than ater, having the sp. gr. 0'929; and, when exposed to the air, is said to 
 thick without losing its odour. Upon standing, it sometimes deposits crystals, 
 wkiclire thought to be a hydrate of the oil. It consists of carbon and hydro- 
 gen, d its formula is stated to be C 15 H^. 
 
 Th' oil has the medicinal properties of cubebs, but it is probably not the sole 
 active ngredient ; as it is much less pungent than the fluid extract or oleo-resin. 
 It mi; however, often be advantageously substituted for the powder, in the com- 
 mence dose of ten or twelve drops, to be gradually increased until its effects 
 are ol lined, or until it proves offensive to the stomach. It may be given sus- 
 pende in water by means of sugar, or in the form of emulsion, or enclosed in 
 capsup of gelatin. W. 
 
 0I1UM FCENICULI. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Oil of Fennel. 
 
 Feiel seeds yield about 2'5 per cent, of oil. That used in this country is 
 lm por d. It is colourless or yellowish, with the odour and taste of the seeds. 
 Its sp;r. is 0'997. It congeals below 50° into a crystalline mass, separable by 
 
1102 
 
 Olea Destillata. 
 
 PAEl I, 
 
 pressure into a solid and liquid oil (stearoptene and eleoptene) ; the former hea -r 
 than water, and less volatile than the latter, which rises first when the oil is >. 
 tilled. As found in the shops, therefore, the oil of fennel is not uniform; .d 
 Dr. Montgomery found that a specimen which he examined did not congeait 
 22°. It consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; its formula being, accd- 
 ing to Blanchet and Sill, C 13 H s 0 2 . The dose is from five to fifteen drops. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Foeniculi; Confectio Piperis Nigri ; Essentia Foenki; 
 Extractum Pdiei Fluidum; Extractum Sennae Fluidum; Spiritus Juniperi (a- 
 positus. Y 
 
 OLEUM GAUUTHERIZE. U.S. Oil of Partridge-berry. 
 
 This oil is a product of the United States, and is prepared chiefly in w 
 Jersey. It is directed by the Pharmacopoeia to be prepared from the leav of 
 Gaultheria procumbens; but the whole plant is usually employed. It has bn 
 obtained by Prof. Procter from the bark of Betula lenta or sweet birch, and as 
 been supposed to exist also in the root of Polygala paucifolia, and the rootsad 
 . ‘ems of Spiraea ulmaria, Spiraea lobata, and Gaultheria hispidula, vr eh 
 have its peculiar flavour. 
 
 Oil of partridge-berry when freshly distilled is nearly colourless, but as fad 
 in the shops has a brownish-yellow or reddish colour. It is of a sweetish, slisly 
 pungent, peculiar taste, and a very agreeable characteristic odour, bywhi it 
 may be readily distinguished from all other officinal oils. It is the heavie of 
 the known essential oils, having thesp.gr. 1T73. Its boiling point is 4;°. 
 (Am. Journ. of Pharm., iii. 199, and xiv. 213.) Its unusual weight affona 
 convenient test of its purity. Prof. Procter proved it to possess acid prope:es, 
 and to be closely analogous to salicylous acid, one of the results of the dem- 
 position of salicin by sulphuric acid and bichromate of potassa, and an ingreent 
 in the oil of Spiraea ulmaria. (See Salixd) By M. Cahours it has since ‘en 
 shown to have the same composition as the salicylate of methylene; andaro- 
 duct having its properties was obtained by distilling a mixture of pyro lie 
 spirit, salicylic acid, and sulphuric acid. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xiv. 211 nd 
 xv. 241.) Dr. T. J. Gallaher, of Pittsburg, Pa., records the case of aoy, 
 nine years old, who took about half an ounce of this oil, with the effect ofro- 
 ducing severe vomiting, purging, epigastric pain, hot skin, frequent pulse, ow 
 and laboured respiration, dulness of hearing, and, notwithstanding exetbe 
 gastric irritability, an uncontrollable desire for food. After two or threeays 
 of great danger, he began to improve, and in two weeks was entirely resred 
 to health. (Med. Examiner, N. S., viii. 347.) Oil of gaultheria is usedcL'fly, 
 on account of its pleasant flavour, to cover the taste of other medicines. 
 
 Off. Prep. Syrupus Sarsaparilla} Compositus. I* 
 
 OLEUM HEDEOMaE. U.S. Oil of Pennyroyal. 
 
 This, though analogous in properties to the oil of European pennyroy.is 
 derived from a distinct plant ( Hedeoma pulegioides) peculiar to North Arnica. 
 It has a light-yellow colour, with the odour and taste of the herb. Its sp. 
 0'948. It may be used as a remedy in flatulent colic and sick stomach, tcor- 
 rect the operation of nauseating or griping medicines, and to impart Have to 
 mixtures. It is also much employed as a domestic remedy in amenoroea. 
 The dose is from two to ten drops. 
 
 OLEUM JUNIPERI. U.S., Lond., Ed., Pub. Oil of Junfe 
 
 The proportion of oil which juniper berries afford is stated very different hj 
 different authors. Trommsdorff obtained one per cent. The highest qu taty 
 given in the table of Recluz is 2'34, the lowest 0'31 per cent. The berri are 
 most productive when bruised. The oil of juniper consumed in this coury u 
 brought from Europe, and is believed to be procured chiefly from the t s ot 
 
ta c ii. 
 
 Olea Destillata. 
 
 1103 
 
 tlielant, being sold for a price which is altogether incompatible with the idea 
 tha t is prepared from the fruit alone. It is colourless, or of a light greenish- 
 yel W, with a terebinthinate odour, and a hot acrid taste. Its sp. gr. is 0 911. 
 
 It inot very soluble in alcohol. According to Blanchet, it contains two iso- 
 mei‘ oils, of which one is colourless, and the other coloured and less volatile. 
 It , when pure, a carbohydrogen, and is said to have the same composition as 
 oil ' turpentine (C 10 H 8 ); but it does not form a solid compound with muriatic 
 aci« (Journ. de JPharm., xxvi. 80.) Oil of turpentine is often fraudulently 
 addl, but may be detected by the specific gravity of the mixture, which is 
 conflerably less than that of the unadulterated oil of juniper. 
 
 ]e oil is stimulant, carminative, and diuretic; and may be employed advan- 
 taglusly in debilitated dropsical cases, in connexion with other medicines, es- 
 peclly digitalis. It is this oil which imparts to Holland gin its peculiar flavour 
 andjiuretic power. The dose is from five to fifteen drops two or three times 
 a dl and maybe considerably increased. 
 
 (if. Prep. Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. W. 
 
 GEUM LAVANDUL2E. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Oil of La- 
 vemr. 
 
 Its oil is usually distilled from the flowers and flower-stems conjointly, though 
 of fir quality when obtained from the former exclusively. Dried lavender flowers 
 yieljfrom 1 to 1'5 per cent, of a very fluid, lemon-yellow oil, having the fragrance 
 of t| flowers, and an aromatic, burning taste. That met with in commerce has 
 the 1 gr. 0'898 at 68° F., which is reduced to 0'877 by rectification. ( Berzelius .) 
 Acceding to Brande, the sp. gr. of the oil obtained from the whole herh is 0 9206. 
 Alct'ol of 0'830 dissolves oil of lavender in all proportions; that of 0’877, only 
 42 f cent. ( Berzelius .) Proust states that, when allowed to stand in imper- 
 fect)'; stopped bottles, it lets fall a crystalline deposit, which often amounts to 
 one-Vuth of its weight. It is said that the portion of oil first distilled is most 
 agrebly fragrant, and is often kept separate, and sold at a higher price. Oil 
 of Fender is used chiefly as a perfume, though possessed of carminative and 
 slim ant properties, and sometimes useful in cases of nervous languor and head- 
 ache, The dose is from one to five drops. 
 
 Cof Spike is procured from the broad-leaved variety of lavender which grows 
 wild ) Europe, the Lavandula Spica of De Candolle. Its odour is less fragrant 
 than bat of common oil of lavender, and is somewhat analogous to that of oil of 
 turpitine, with which it is said to be often adulterated. It is used by artists 
 in tlj preparation of varnishes. 
 
 0 Prep. Linimentum Camphorre Compositum ; Tinctura Ammonise Com- 
 Tinctura Lavandulae Composita. Lond. W. 
 
 OEUM MENTHiE PIPERITiE. U.S, Lond., Ed., Dub. Oil 
 of lippermint. 
 
 Ptjpermint varies exceedingly in the quantity of oil which it affords. Four 
 poun of the fresh herb yield, according to Baume, from a drachm and a half 
 to the drachms of the oil. The product is generally less than one per cent. 
 Thisfl is largely distilled in the United States. It is of a greenish-yellow colour 
 or n rly colourless, but becomes reddish by age. Its odour is strong and aro- 
 mati( its taste warm, camphorous, and very pungent, but succeeded, when air 
 '8 ad:; tied into the mouth, by a sense of coolness. Its sp. gr. is stated differently 
 from 902 to 0'920; its boiling point at 365°. Upon long standing it deposits 
 
 a ste 
 
 cja 1 
 
 cryst, 
 is 
 
 ~>ptene, which, according to Kane, has the same composition as the oil, viz., 
 ) 3 . Berzelius states that at 8° below zero the oil deposits small capillary 
 ). This oil is frequently adulterated with alcohol, and occasionally, there 
 re: u to believe, with oil of turpentine. This is detected by its odour, by its 
 
1104 
 
 Olea Destillata. 
 
 PART 
 
 deficient solubility in cold alcohol, and by imparting the property of exploc 2 
 with iodine. 
 
 Oil of peppermint is stimulating and carminative, and is much used in fl i. 
 lence, nausea, spasmodic pains of the stomach and bowels, and as a corrigen >r 
 adjuvant of other medicines. The dose is from one to three drops, and is tit 
 conveniently given rubbed up with sugar and then dissolved in water. Th< il 
 is more frequently employed, dissolved in alcohol, in the form of essence of pep r- 
 mint, which is now an officinal preparation. (See Tinctura Olei Menthse Piper i ) 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Menthse Piperitae; Essentia Menthse Piperitae; Pilulaehi 
 Composite; Spiritus Menthse Piperitae; Tinctura Olei Menthse Piperitae; ’> 
 chisci Menthse Piperitae. ? 
 
 OLEUM MENTELZE YIRIDIS. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Oij 
 Spearmint. 
 
 According to Lewis, ten pounds of spearmint yield an ounce of oil; by otrs 
 the product is stated not to exceed one part from five hundred. The oil is larly 
 distilled in this country. It is pale-yellow or greenish when recently prepad, 
 but becomes red with age, and ultimately almost of a mahogany colour. Its fla ir 
 is analogous to that of the oil of peppermint, but less agreeable and less n- 
 gent. Its sp. gr. is stated differently from 0'914 to 0‘975; its boiling poiiat 
 320°. Kane gives the formula C^H^O, as representing its composition, is 
 used for the same purposes as the oil of peppermint, in the dose of from tw to 
 five drops. An essence of spearmint, prepared by dissolving the oil in alctpl, 
 is now officinal. (See Tinctura Olei Menthse Yiridis .) 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Menthae Yiridis; Essentia Menthae Yiridis; Spiritus Men* 
 Viridis ; Tinctura Olei Menthae Yiridis. I 
 
 OLEUM MONARD2E. U.S. Oil of Eorsemint. 
 
 This is prepared by our distillers from the fresh herb of Monarda punc'.a. 
 It has a reddish-amber colour, a fragrant odour, and a warm, very pungent tie. 
 At the temperature of 40° F. or lower, especially in the presence of moisre, 
 it is gradually transformed by oxidation into a crystalline body, having the our 
 and taste of the oil. This appears to be analogous in constitution to camjor, 
 being the oxide of a carbohydrogen radical (C 10 H,), three eqs. of which ith 
 one eq. of oxygen form the liquid oil. (C. T. Bonsall, Am. Journ. ofPhon., 
 xxv. 200.) Applied to the skin, monarda oil acts as a powerful rubefacnt, 
 quickly producing heat, pain, redness, and even vesication. This propel of 
 the oil was made known to the profession by Dr. Atlee, of Philadelphia, ’ho 
 employed it externally with advantage in low forms of typhus fever, c-hera 
 infantum, chronic rheumatism, and other affections in which rubefacient are 
 indicated. In ordinary cases it should be diluted before being applied. Itaay 
 be given internally as a stimulant and carminative, in the dose of two or ree 
 drops mixed with sugar and water. j [• 
 
 OLEUM ORIGANI. U. S., Ed. Oil of Origanum. 
 
 This is obtained from the common marjoram, Origanum vulgare, and i fre- 
 quently called oil of marjoram. The plant varies exceedingly in the propcion 
 which it affords. The mean product may be stated at from four to six parts’otn 
 a thousand. The recent oil, when properly prepared, is yellow; but it too uck 
 heat is used in the distillation-, it is said to be reddish, and it acquires theme 
 tint by age. It may be obtained colourless by rectification. It has the o' jr 
 of the plant, and a hot acrid taste. Kane gives its sp. gr. 0'S67, its boiling - mt 
 354°, and its composition C^H^oO. According to Lewis its sp.gr. is (Y- 
 according to Brande 0'909. It. is sometimes used as an external irritant, d 10 
 allay the pain of toothache, by being introduced, on lint or cotton, into the ony 
 
pa.: ii. 
 
 Olea Destillata. 
 
 1105 
 
 of carious tooth. It is not employed internally. The oil commonly sold as 
 oil ’ origanum has been ascertained by Mr. Daniel Hanbury to be the oil of 
 thye ( Thymus vulgaris), and is prepared in the South of France. As it 
 rea.es this country it is generally largely adulterated with oil of turpentine. 
 
 lean scarcely be doubted that the oil directed by the Edinburgh College from 
 Or-anum Majorana, or siceet marjoram, was intended for that of Origanum 
 vulkre; as the latter plant is indicated, under the name of Origanum, in the 
 Maria Medica list of the College, where the former is not mentioned; and the 
 oil referred to in the Index of the Pharmacopoeia with the title of Oleum Ori- 
 gan The oil of sweet marjoram is obtained from the plant by distillation, in 
 theuantity of from 2'5 to 6 parts from 1000. It is of a lemon-yellow colour, 
 ligt and camphorous, and is said upon long standing to deposit a substance 
 resobling camphor. It is not used in this country. 
 
 (K Prep. Linimentum Saponis Camphoratum. W. 
 
 (LEUM PIMENT2E. U. S., Lond.., Ed., Dub. Oil of Pimento. 
 
 He berries yield from 1 to more than 4 per cent, of oil, which, as found in 
 the iops, has a brownish-red colour, and the odour and taste of pimento, though 
 warer and more pungent. It is said, when freshly distilled, to be colourless 
 or jllowish. Nitric acid reddens it. Bonastre states that it combines with 
 sali ble bases like the oil of cloves. Its sp.gr. has been stated at P021, but 
 vari;. It consists, like the oil of cloves, of two distinct oils, a lighter and 
 heafir, the former of which comes over first in distillation. They may be 
 sepated by distilling the oil with caustic potassa. The light oil comes over, 
 andae heavy remains combined with the potassa. The latter may be obtained 
 by stilling the residue with sulphuric acid. The light oil is lighter than 
 wat., and is a pure carbohydrogen. The heavy has the acid property of form- 
 ing ystalline compounds with the alkalies. They are analogous to the light 
 and javy oils of cloves. The oil of pimento is given for the same purposes with 
 the her aromatic stimulant oils. The dose is from three to six drops. 
 
 C. Prep. Aqua Pimentas; Essentia Pimentae. W. 
 
 PEUM PULEGII. Lond., Pd. Oleum Menthae Pulegii. Dub. 
 Oil f European Pennyroyal. 
 
 A jut 1 part of this oil on an average is obtained from 100 parts of the plant. 
 It isyellowish when freshly distilled, but becomes reddish by age. Its sp.gr. 
 is st ad differently from 0'925 to 0'978. It possesses medical properties similar 
 to tlise of the oil of peppermint ; but is seldom used in this country. The dose 
 is fi n one to five drops. 
 
 C Prep. AquaPulegii; Essentia Menthae Pulegii; Spiritus Pulegii. W. 
 
 C iEUM ROSMARINI. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Oil of Rose- 
 mai , 
 
 T fresh leaves of rosemary yield, according to Baumd, 0'26 per cent, of oil; 
 but e product is stated much higher by other authors. According to Brande, 
 a po id of the fresh herb yields about a drachm of the oil, which is about one 
 per at. This oil is colourless, with an odour similar to that of the plant, 
 thova less agreeable. Its sp. gr. is 0'911, but is reduced to 0'8886 by recti- 
 ficata. It is soluble in all proportions in alcohol of 0'830; but requires for 
 solu in at 64°, forty parts of alcohol of the sp. gr. 0‘887. ( Berzelius .) Kane 
 givejits sp.gr. 0’897, its boiling point 365°, and its composition C^H^Oj. 
 Kep n bottles imperfectly stopped, it deposits a stearoptene analogous to cam- 
 phor and sometimes amounting, according to Proust, to one-tenth of the oil. 
 hue: lz states that it affords camphor when digested with from one-half its 
 weig to an equal weight of potassa, and distilled. It is said to be sometimes 
 
1106 
 
 Olea Destillata. 
 
 PART 
 
 adulterated with oil of turpentine, which may be detected by mixing the 
 pected liquid with an equal volume of pure alcohol. The oil of rosemary 
 dissolved, and that of turpentine left. This oil is possessed of stimulant p 
 perties, but is employed chiefly as an ingredient of rubefacient liniments. 1 
 dose is from three to six drops. 
 
 A case of death is recorded, in a child four or five years old, from a mixti 
 of six measures of this oil, and two of oil of wormseed, given in repeated do, 
 of a tablespoonful. ( Am . Journ. of Pharm., xxiii. 286.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Essentia Eosmarini ; Linimentum Opii; Linimentum Sapo 
 Oamphoratum; Spiritus Ammonise Aromaticus ; Spiritus Eosmarini; Tincti, 
 Lavandulae Composita; Tinctura Saponis Camphorata. TT. 
 
 OLEUM RUTJE. Lond., Ed. Oil of Rue. 
 
 Eue yields a very small proportion of a yellow or greenish oil, which becon; 
 brown with age. It has the strong unpleasant odour of the plant, and an ac 
 taste. Kane gives its sp.gr. 0‘837, its boiling point 446°, and its composite 
 CagELgOg. It is stimulant and antispasmodic, and has been given in hyster 
 convulsions, and amenorrhoea. The dose is from two to five drops. W. 
 
 OLEUM SABINdE. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Oil of Savine. 
 
 According to the more recent authorities, the proportion of volatile oil • • 
 tained from savine varies from less than 1 to 2 '5 per cent. The oil is nea r 
 colourless or yellow, limpid, strongly odorous, and of a bitterish, extremely acd 
 taste. Kane gives its sp. gr. 0'915, its boiling point 315°, and its composita 
 C 10 H 8 , equivalent to that of oil of turpentine. According to Winekler, its 
 converted by sulphuric acid into an oil not distinguishable from that of thyt. 
 ( Chem. Gaz., Jan. 1847, p. 1 1.) The oil of savine is stimulant, emmenagog, 
 and actively rubefacient, and may be given for the same purposes as the pkt 
 in substance. It has been much employed empirically in amenorrhoea, and wi 
 a view to produce abortion, and in some instances with fatal effects. The d3 
 is from two to five drops. W. 
 
 OLEUM SASSAFRAS. U.S., Ed. Oil of Sassafras. 
 
 The proportion of oil yielded by the root of sassafras is variously stated fn 
 less than 1 to somewhat more than 2 per cent. The bark of the root, directed? 
 the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, would afford a larger quantity. The oil is of a yelk 
 colour, becoming reddish by age. It has the fragrant odour of sassafras, wi 
 a warm, pungent, aromatic taste. It is among the heaviest of the volatile o, 
 having the sp. gr. 1'094. According to Bonastre, it separates, by agitation wi 
 water, into two oils, one lighter, the other heavier than water. Berzelius stas 
 that the first is often nothing more than oil of turpentine existing as an ad- 
 teration in the oil of sassafras. Nitric acid colours it red, and fuming niic 
 acid inflames it more readily than most other oils. It has the property f 
 dissolving caoutchouc. When kept for a long time it deposits transpart 
 crystals, having the same odour as the liquid oil. By treating the oil va 
 chlorine, neutralizing with lime, and distilling, a product is obtained identil 
 in properties and composition with common camphor. (See Am. Journ. f 
 Pharm., xxvi. 166.) Oil of sassafras is stimulant, carminative, and suppoi 
 to be diaphoretic; and may be employed for the same purposes with the bi 
 from which it is derived. The dose is from two to ten drops. 
 
 Off. Prep. Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus. IE 
 
 OLEUM SUCCINI. U.S.,Dub. Oil of Amber. 
 
 “ Take of Amber, in powder, any quantity. Put the Amber, previously mid 
 with an equal weight of sand, into a glass retort, which is to be only half fill I 
 then distil, by means of a sand-bath, with a gradually increasing heat, an ai 
 
Olea Destillata. 
 
 Pi l II. 
 
 1107 
 
 liqor, an oil, and a concrete acid impregnated with oil. Separate the Oil from 
 thother matters, and keep it in well stopped bottles.” U. S. 
 
 ie Dublin College has transferred the oil of amber from the preparations to 
 theMateria Medica list. 
 
 he amber in this process undergoes decomposition, and affords, among other 
 prcucts, an empyreumatic oil, which floats in the receiver upon the surface of 
 an fid liquor. The heat requisite for the complete decomposition of the amber 
 cacbt be supported by a glass retort; and, in order that all the oil which it is 
 cajole of yielding may be collected, the distillation should be performed in a 
 tullated iron or earthenware retort, which may be placed immediately upon 
 theire. The sand is added to prevent the amber from swelling too much. 
 Thoil may be separated from the acid liquor by means of the separating funnel. 
 As rst procured, it is a thick, very dark-coloured liquid, of a peculiar strong 
 emrreumatic odour. In this state it is occasionally employed as a liniment ; 
 butor internal use it should be rectified. It is said that the scrapings of copal 
 ancihe resin dammar are often substituted for amber, and yield an oil scarcely 
 disiiguishable from the genuine. ( Pereira’s Mat. Med.) 
 
 if. Prep. Oleum Succini Rectificatum. TV - . 
 
 (LEUM SUCCINI RECTIFICATUM. U. S. Rectified Oil of 
 Ar\er. 
 
 ‘take of Oil of Amber a pint; Water six pints. Mix them in a glass retort, 
 andlistil until four pints of the Water shall have passed with the oil into the 
 reci’er; then separate the Oil from the Water, and keep it in well stopped 
 bows.” U. S. 
 
 I successive distillations the oil of amber is rendered thinner and more 
 hard, till at length it is obtained colourless. The first portions which distil 
 are jss coloured than those which follow, and may be separated for keeping, 
 whi the remainder is submitted to another distillation. For practical pur- 
 posi however, the oil is sufficiently pure when once redistilled, as directed in 
 the . S. Pharmacopceia. As usually found in the shops, the rectified oil is of 
 a lij t yellowish-brown or amber colour. When quite pure it is colourless, as 
 fluids alcohol, of the sp.gr. 0'758 at 75°, and boils at 186°. It has a strong, 
 pectar, unpleasant odour, and a hot, acrid taste. It imparts these properties 
 in slie degree to water without being perceptibly dissolved. It is soluble in 
 eigbparts of alcohol of the sp.gr. 0'847 at 55°, in five parts of the sp. gr. 0'825, 
 and a all proportions in absolute alcohol. The fixed oils unite with it. On 
 expure to the light and air, it slowly changes in colour and consistence, be- 
 comjg ultimately black and solid. It appears, when quite pure, to be a carbo- 
 byd'gen, consisting, according to Dr. Dbpping, of 88 '46 parts of carbon and 
 ll'f of hydrogen in 100 parts. ( Chem . Gaz., Nov. 1845, p. 447.) It is said to 
 be s letimes adulterated with oil of turpentine, which may be detected by passing 
 murpe acid gas through the suspected oil. If pure it will remain wholly 
 liqul; while oil of turpentine if present will give rise to the formation of solid 
 artif al camphor. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., 13, 292.) 
 
 Mical Properties and Uses. Rectified oil of amber is stimulant and anti- 
 spaspdic, and occasionally promotes the secretions, particularly that of urine. 
 It h been employed with advantage in amenorrhcea, and in various spasmodic 
 and mvulsive affections, as tetanus, epilepsy, hysteria, hooping-cough, and 
 mfai le convulsions from intestinal irritation, &c. The dose is from five to 
 fiftet drops, diffused in some aromatic water by means of sugar and gum Arabic. 
 Extdially applied the oil is rubefacient, and is considerably employed as a lini- 
 men in chronic rheumatism and palsy, and in certain spasmodic disorders, as 
 hoop g-cough and infantile convulsions. In the latter affection it should be 
 
1108 
 
 Olea Destillata. 
 
 PART i 
 
 rubbed along tbe spine, and was highly recommended by the late Dr. Josef 
 Parrish, mixed with an equal measure of laudanum, and diluted with three - 
 four parts of olive oil and of brandy. TV 
 
 OLEUM T ABACI. U. S. Oil of Tobacco. 
 
 “ Take of Tobacco, in coarse powder, a pound. Put the Tobacco into a reto 
 of green glass, connected with a refrigeratory, to which a tube is attached f 
 the escape of the incondensible products ; then, by means of a sand-bath, he 
 the retort gradually to dull redness, and maintain that temperature until emp 
 reumatic oil ceases to come over. Lastly, separate the dark oily liquid in ti 
 receiver from the watery portion, and keep it for use.” U. S. 
 
 This is a black, thickish liquid, of a strong characteristic odour, identical wi 
 that of old tobacco pipes, and in no degree resembling that of undecompos' 
 tobacco. It may be obtained colourless by rectification, but soon becomes y< 
 lowish, and ultimately brown. It probably contains a portion of nicotia vol 
 tilized unchanged, and is a powerful poison, unfit for internal use, and wb 
 employed externally requiring much caution. Mixed with simple ointment 
 lard in the proportion of twenty drops to an ounce, it has been used as an app 
 cation to indolent tumours, buboes, ulcers, and obstinate cutaneous eruption 
 but in all cases where the cuticle is wanting, it should be employed with resen 
 and carefully watched. W. 
 
 OLEUM TEREBINTHILUE PURIFICATUM. Ed. Purified ( 
 of Turpentine. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Turpentine one pint; Water four pints. Distil as long 
 Oil comes over with the Water.” Ed. 
 
 Oil of turpentine becomes impure by exposure, in consequence of the ahsor 
 tion of oxygen and the production of resin. From this it may be freed by d 
 tillation, as above directed, or by the agency of alcohol. (See Oleum Terel 
 tliinse.) The process for distilling it is attended with some danger, in consequer 
 of the great inflammability of the vapour, and its rapid formation, which cam 
 the liquor to boil over. In this country, the apothecary can almost always p>- 
 chase the oil sufficiently pure for medical use without the necessity of rectify! 
 it. The presence of a little resin does not interfere with its efficiency asi 
 medicine. W. 
 
 OLEUM VALERIANJE. U.S. Oil of Valerian. 
 
 This was introduced for the first time as an officinal into the U. S. Pharma- 
 poeia of 1850. It is obtained from the root of Valeriana officinalis by the usfl 
 process of distillation with water. Very good oil has been distilled from fi 
 root cultivated in this country. As first procured, it is of a pale-greenish colo, 
 of the sp.gr. 0'934, with a pungent odour of valerian, and an aromatic tas • 
 LTpon exposure, it becomes yellow and viscid. It is a complex substance, c • 
 taining 1. a carbohydrogen isomeric with pure oil of turpentine, 2. a small p- 
 portion of stearoptene of an odour resembling that of camphor and pepper, d 
 formed probably by the combination of water with the preceding constituent.. 
 a peculiar oxygenated oil, called valerol (CooH^O, Kane’s Chemistry), which y 
 the agency of the air is converted into valerianic ( valeric ) acid and a resms 
 matter; and 4. valerianic acid, which always exists in the oil in small prop- 
 tion, but is increased by exposure. The conversion of valerol into valenac 
 acid through the agency of atmospheric oxygen is very much promoted by e 
 presence of caustic alkalies, which combine with the acid when formed, to J*- 
 duce valerianates. The oil of valerian exercises the influence of the root u a 
 the nervous system, and is frequently administered as a substitute for it m e 
 dose of four or five drops. H 
 
PhT II. 
 
 Pilulse. 
 
 1109 
 
 PILULSE. 
 
 Pills . 
 
 |hese are small globular masses of a size convenient for swallowing. They 
 arwell adapted for the administration of medicines which are unpleasant to 
 th taste or smell, or insoluble in water, and do not require to be given in large 
 dc:s. Deliquescent substances should not be made into pills; and those which 
 ar efflorescent should be previously deprived of their water of crystallization. 
 Csi should also be taken not to combine materials, the mutual reaction of which 
 m; result in a change of form. 
 
 ome substances have a consistence which enables them to be made immediately 
 in pills. Such are the softer extracts and certain gum-resins ; and the addition 
 of little water to the former, and a few drops of spirit to the latter, will give 
 thn the requisite softness and plasticity, if previously wanting. Substances 
 wlih are very soft, or in the liquid state, are formed into the pilular mass by 
 imrporation with dry and inert powders, such as crumb of bread, wheat flour, 
 stfjh, and powdered gum Arabic. Powders must be mixed with soft, solid 
 bop, as extracts, confections, soap, &c., or with tenacious liquids, as syrup, 
 musses, honey, or mucilage. Heavy metallic powders are most conveniently 
 nne into pills with the former; light vegetable powders with the latter. Mu- 
 cil|e is very often used; but pills made with it are apt when kept to become 
 ha , and of difficult solubility in the liquors of the stomach, and if metallic 
 su dances are mixed with it, the mass does not work well. A mixture of syrup 
 an powdered gum Arabic is not subject to the same inconveniences, and is an 
 ex llent material for the formation of pills. Conserve of roses and molasses 
 arumong the best excipients, when the pills are to be long kept. For the same 
 pu'ose of keeping the pill soft, a small portion of some fixed oil or deliquescent 
 sal has been recommended as an addition to the mass. Many powders require 
 on the addition of water. Such are all those which contain ingredients capable 
 of rming an adhesive or viscid solution with that liquid. Care should always 
 be iken that the matter added be not incompatible with the main ingredients 
 of le pill. 
 
 le materials should be accurately mixed together, and beat in a mortar till 
 for ed into a perfectly uniform and plastic mass. This should be of such a con- 
 sisnce that the pills may preserve their form, without being so hard as to resist 
 theolvent power of the gastric liquors. As pills often become very hard by 
 tin , it is often convenient to keep the mass in a state fit to be divided when 
 wa ed for use. This may be done by wrapping it in bladders, putting it in 
 coved pots, and occasionally moistening it as it becomes dry; or more efleetu- 
 all by keeping it in glass or well glazed jars, accurately closed with varnished 
 bla ler. 
 
 re mass, having been duly prepared, is made into pills by rolling it with a 
 spmla into a cylinder of precisely the same thickness throughout, and of a 
 leu h corresponding to the number of pills required. It is then divided as 
 eq ily as possible by the hand, or more accurately by a machine made for the 
 pu ose.* The pills receive a spherical form by being rolled between the fingers. 
 M. [ialhe describes a little instrument for rolling pills, composed of two circular 
 pla s, one about 12, the other 6 inches in diameter, the former having a ledge 
 at e border one-third of an inch high, the latter with a similar ledge varying 
 
 1 'he common pill-machine is too well known to require description. In the Am. 
 Joi . of P harm. (xxiv. 315) the reader will find the description of a rotary pill-machine, 
 cal ated to prepare large numbers of pills in a short time ; and in the same journal (xxvi. 
 Ilf mother, which is considered to be an improvement on the first. 
 
1110 
 
 Pilulse. 
 
 PAKT : 
 
 according to the size of the pills from less than a line to nearly two lines a 
 with a strap on the back by which it can be fitted to the hand. This is to 
 moved in a rotary manner upon the larger plate holding the divided portions 
 the pill mass. ( Journ . de Pharm. et de Chim., xvii. *218.) In order to preve 
 the adhesion of pills to one another, or to the sides of the vessel in which th 
 may be placed, it is customary to agitate them with some dry powder, whi 
 gives them an external coating, that serves also to conceal their taste. For ti 
 purpose, carbonate of magnesia, starch, or powdered liquorice root may be ust 
 Carbonate of magnesia is sometimes incompatible with one of the ingredients 
 the pills; and liquorice root will, as a general rule, be found the best. T 
 powder of lycopodium is much employed on the continent of Europe; and it v 
 formerly the custom to give the pill a coating of gold or silver leaf. 
 
 It has been proposed by M. Garot to cover pills with gelatin, which answi 
 the purpose of concealing their taste and odour, and counteracting deliquescer 
 or chemical change from exposure to the air, without interfering with their so 
 bility in the stomach. He dips each pill, sustained on the point of a pin, ir 
 melted gelatin, withdraws it with a rotary motion, then fixes the pin in a pa: 
 so as to allow the coating to dry in the air, and, having prepared about fifty pi 
 in this way, proceeds to complete the operation by holding the pin in the flai 
 of a taper so as to melt the gelatin near its point, and then withdrawing it frc 
 the pill so as to close up the orifice. The purest glue should be selected for tl 
 purpose, melted with the addition of two or three drachms of water to an oui 
 of the glue, and kept liquid by means of a salt-bath. 
 
 Another plan of attaining the same objects, less effectual, but more convenie 
 than the above, is to introduce the pills into a spherical box, to drop on the 
 enough syrup simply to moisten their surface, then to give a rotary moveme. 
 to the box until the pills are uniformly covered, and finally to add by degree: 
 powder consisting of equal parts of gum, sugar, and starch, shaking the box w 
 each addition, and continuing the process until nothing more will adhere to t 
 pills. The investing material may be rendered agreeable to the taste and sm 
 by aromatic additions, if deemed advisable. (Journ. de Pharm. et de Chu 
 x. 82.) M. Calloud finds that a better powder for the purpose, because less d- 
 posed to attract moisture, is made by boiling one part of flaxseed and three pa ; 
 of white sugar with sufficient water till a thick mucilage is formed, evaporati; 
 this carefully to dryness, and then pulverizing. ( Ibid ., xxiii. 301.) 
 
 Still another method, proposed by 3Ir. E. K. Durden, is to cover the pill w:. 
 a coating of collodion, which completely conceals the taste. The solution e- 
 ployed by Mr. Durden had the sp. gr. of 0*810 ; and two dippings gave a su- 
 cient coating. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxi. 183.) It is, however, yeti 
 be determined whether a coating of collodion would yield readily to the solve 
 powers of the gastric juice. 
 
 Pills which are to he long kept should be well dried, and put into bottles w- 
 accurately fitting stoppers. If it is desirable that they should be kept soft, tJ 
 better plan is to preserve them in mass as above recommended. 
 
 Though the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, in almost every instance, orders the mass' 
 be divided into pills; yet it should be understood rather as indicating the nu- 
 her of pills to be made from a certain quantity of the mass when particu 1 
 directions are not given by the physician, than as requiring the division to ■ 
 made immediately after the materials have been mixed. It will be found ce 
 venient by the apothecary to keep a portion of the mass undivided. M'-l 
 
 PILULiE ALOES. U. S., Pd. Pilula Aloes cum Sapoxe. Lon 
 Aloetic Pills. Pill of Aloes with Soap. 
 
 “ Take of Aloes, in powder, Soap, each, an ounce. Beat them with water' 
 as to form a mass, to be divided into two hundred and forty pills.’’ 1. S. 
 
PAT II. 
 
 Pilulee. 
 
 1111 
 
 he London College takes equal parts of extract of Barbadoes aloes, soft soap, 
 an liquorice (extract), and a sufficiency of molasses, beats the aloes with the 
 80(1, then adds the other ingredients, and beats the whole together. 
 
 he Edinburgh College directs equal quantities of Socotrine or East India 
 ales and Castile soap to be beat with conserve of red roses into a mass fit for 
 foiling pills. 
 
 he soap, in this formula, not only serves to impart a proper consistence to 
 th aloes, but is thought to qualify its operation, and diminish its liability to 
 mate the rectum. Five of the U. S. pills, containing ten grains of aloes, may 
 beiven with a view to their purgative effect; but the preparation is usually 
 enloyed as a laxative in habitual costiveness, in the quantity of one, two, or 
 the pills, taken before breakfast or dinner, or at bedtime. W. 
 
 ’ILULiE ALOES COMPOSITE. Dub. Pilula Aloes Compo- 
 sn. Lond. Compound Pills of Aloes. 
 
 Take of Aloes, in powder, an ounce ; Extract of Gentian half an ounce ; 
 Oi of Caraway forty minims; Molasses a sufficient quantity. Beat them to- 
 ge.er, so that they maj 7 be intimately mixed in a mass fit for forming pills.” 
 
 Ik 
 
 he Dublin College directs tu-o ounces [avoirdupois] of hepatic aloes, an ounce 
 [aird.] of extract of gentian, a fluidrachm of oil of caraway, and an ounce 
 [aird.] of molasses. 
 
 . reaction takes place between the aloes and extract of gentian when rubbed 
 to.ither, which renders the mass so soft as sometimes to require the addition of 
 a ,;ht powder. This combination is well adapted as a laxative to the costive- 
 ne of sedentary and dyspeptic persons. The dose is from five to twenty grains, 
 adding to the degree of effect desired.* W. 
 
 'ILULiE ALOES ET ASSAFOETIDiE. U. S., Pd. Pills of 
 Aes and Assafetida. 
 
 Take of Aloes, in powder, Assafetida, Soap, each, half an ounce. Beat 
 th 1 with water so as to form a mass, to be divided into one hundred and 
 eiJty pills.” U. S. 
 
 he Edinburgh College takes equal parts of Socotrine or East India aloes, 
 as; fetida, and Castile soap, and beats them into a mass with conserve of red roses. 
 
 hese pills are peculiarly adapted, by the stimulant and carminative properties 
 of ie assafetida, to cases of costiveness attended with flatulence and debility of 
 th; digestive organs. Each pill contains about four grains of the mass. From 
 tw to five may be given for a dose. , W. 
 
 The following is tlie formula for the aloetic pills usually called dinner pills, or Lady 
 F iter’s pills. They are the pilulee slomachicse of the fifth edition of the Paris Codex, 
 A.. 1758. Take of the best Aloes six drachms; Mastich and Red Roses, each, two 
 ur ims; Syrup of Wormwood sufficient to form a mass, to be divided into pills of three 
 gras each. Common syrup may be substituted for the syrup of wormwood. One or two 
 of iese pills, taken shortly before a meal, will usually produce one free evacuation. 
 
 .e Philadelphia College of Pharmacy has adopted the following formulas for the com- 
 pOjd aloetic preparations commonly called Hooper’s and Anderson’ s pills. 
 
 'Hooper’s female pills. R. Aloes Barbadensis g viij., Ferri Sulphatis Exsiccati Sij., 
 3i.j, vel Ferri Sulphatis Crystal, giv., Extracti Hellebori gij., Myrrhse Jij., Saponis Jij., 
 Oa Use in pulv. tritre §j., Zingiberis in pulv. trit. gj. — Beat them well together into a 
 mt with water, and divide into pills, each containing two and a half grains.” ( Journ . 
 of ; Phil . Col. of P harm., v. 25.) 
 
 Anderson’s Scots’ pills. R. Aloes Barbadensis gxxiv., Saponis |iv., Colocynthidis §j., 
 Gtbogiee gj., Olei Anisi fgss. Let the aloes, colocynth, and gamboge be reduced to a 
 ve fine powder; then beat them and the soap with water into a mass, of a proper con- 
 sis ace to divide into pills, each containing three grains.” Ibid. 
 
1112 
 
 Pilulse. 
 
 PARI I. 
 
 PILUL2E ALOES ET EERRI. Pd. Pills of Aloes and Iron 
 
 “Take of Sulphate of Iron three parts; Barbadoes Aloes two parts ; j> 
 matic Powder six parts; Conserve of Red Roses eight parts. Pulverize ; e 
 Aloes and Sulphate of Iron separately; mix the whole ingredients; and fit 
 them into a proper mass; which is to be divided into five-grain pills.” Ed. 
 
 It is said that the laxative power of aloes is increased, and its tendenc .0 
 irritate the rectum diminished, by combination with the sulphate of iron. ((?/?. 
 tison’s Dispensatory.) This combination is useful in constipation with debiy 
 of stomach, especially when attended with amenorrhcea. The dose is from e 
 to three pills. M 
 
 PILULE ALOES ET MYRRHZE. U. S., Pd. Pilula Al s 
 cum Myrrha. Lond. Pilule Aloes cum Myrrha. Dub. Pilkf 
 Aloes and Myrrh. 
 
 “ Take of Aloes, in powder, two ounces; Myrrh, in powder, an ounce; Safin 
 half an ounce ; Syrup a sufficient quantity. Beat the whole together so a 0 
 form a mass, to be divided into four hundred and eighty pills.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes half an ounce of Socotrine or hepatic aloes, 0 
 drachms , each, of saffron, myrrh, and soft soap, and a sufficiency of molasy 
 and beats them together; the Edinburgh takes four parts of Socotrine or It 
 India aloes, two parts of myrrh, and one part of saffron, and beats them ki 
 conserve of red roses ; the Dublin takes two ounces of hepatic aloes, an ouna f 
 myrrh, half an ounce of saffron, and two ounces and a half of molasses; r 3 
 the first three ingredients together and sifts them ; then adds the treacle, ;d 
 beats the whole into a uniform mass. 
 
 This composition has been long in use, under the name of Rufus’s pills. t 
 is employed as a warm stimulant cathartic in general debility attended wi 
 constipation, and retention or suppression of the menses. From three to 1 
 pills, or from ten to twenty grains of the mass may be given for a dose. IV 
 
 PILULIE ASSAFCETIDiE. U. S. Assafetida Pills. 
 
 “ Take of Assafetida an ounce and a half; Soap half an ounce. Beat thi 
 with water so as to form a mass, to be divided into two hundred and forty pill ’ 
 
 US. 
 
 Each of these pills contains three grains of the gum-resin. They are a c- 
 venient form for administering assafetida, the unpleasant odour and taste f 
 which render it very offensive in the liquid state. W. 
 
 PILULJE CALOMELANOS COMPOSITE. Pd., Dub. Pim 
 Hydrargyri Chloridi Composita. Lond. Compound Calomel Fit. 
 Compound Pill of Chloride of Mercury. 
 
 “ Take of Chloride of Mercury [calomel], Oxysulphuret of Antimony, ea., 
 two drachms ; G uaiacum [resin], in powder, Molasses, each, half an ounce. R) 
 the Chloride with the Oxysulphuret, then witli the Guaiacum and Molasses,) 
 as to form a mass.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh College takes of calomel and golden sulphuret of antimoi, 
 each, one part; guaiac, in fine powder, and treacle, each, two parts; mixes 0 
 solids in fine powder, then the treacle, and beats the whole into a mass, to '■ 
 divided into six-grain pills. The Dublin College agrees with the London, e- 
 ploying about half the quantity of the active ingredients, and a ffuidradni. 
 castor oil instead of the molasses. 
 
 We prefer the title “compound calomel pills” of the Edinburgh and Rub 
 Pharmacopoeias ; as, though not scientific, it is not, like the London name, lial 
 to be confounded with that of corrosive sublimate. The antimonial employ 
 by the Colleges is the same, though under different names, and is identical vs 
 
PAI II. 
 
 P ilulas. 
 
 1113 
 
 the ’. S. precipitated sulphuret. According to Vogel, a reaction takes place 
 betven the calomel and sulphuret of antimony, resulting in the production of 
 chlcde of antimony and sulphuret of mercury. ( Anna! . der Pharm., xxviii. 
 236 The preparation was originally introduced to the notice of the profession 
 byl. Plummer, who found it useful as an alterative, and upon whose authority 
 it ws at one time much employed under the name of Plummer’s pills. The 
 coronation is well adapted to the treatment of chronic rheumatism, and of scaly 
 and ther eruptive diseases of the skin, especially when accompanied with a 
 sypllitic taint. Four grains of the mass contain about one grain of calomel. 
 Fro three to six grains or more may be given morning and evening. W. 
 
 ILULiE CALOMEL ANOS ET OPII. Pd. Pills of Calomel and 
 
 Opm. 
 
 “'ake of Calomel three parts ; Opium one part ; Conserve of Red Roses a 
 sujfiency. Beat them into a proper mass, which is to be divided into pills, 
 eacbontaining two grains of Calomel.’' Ed. 
 
 Tb proportion in which opium is united with calomel to meet different indi- 
 cates is so various, that such a combination as the above is scarcely a proper 
 subjjt for officinal direction. W. 
 
 ILULA CAMBOGLE COMPOSITA. Pond. Pilule Cambo- 
 GL£ Pd. Compound Pill of G-amboge. 
 
 “ ake of Gamboge, in powder, two drachms; Socotrine or Hepatic Aloes, in 
 powro, three drachms; Ginger, in powder, a drachm ; Soft Soap half an ounce. 
 Mixhe powders together ; then add the Soap, and beat the whole together so 
 as bform a mass.” Lond. 
 
 Ti Edinburgh College takes of gamboge, East India or Barbadoes aloes, and 
 arortic powder, each, one part, and of Castile soap two parts; pulverizes the 
 gamrge and aloes separately, mixes all the powders, adds the soap, and then a 
 suffi Bncy of syrup; and beats the whole into a proper pill mass. 
 
 I s is an active purgative pill, and may be given in the dose of ten or fifteen 
 grai . The formula is that of Dr. George Fordyce simplified. W. 
 
 ILULiE CATHARTICS COMPOSURE. U.S. Compound Ca- 
 tha'iic Pills. 
 
 “ ake of Compound Extract of Colocynth, in powder, half an ounce; Extract 
 of J.ap, Mild Chloride of Mercury [calomel], each three drachms; Gamboge, 
 in p rder, two scruples. Mix them together ; then with water form a mass, to 
 be d ided into one hundred and eighty pills.” U. S. 
 
 T s cathartic compound was first made officinal in the second edition of the 
 U. t Pharmacopoeia. It was intended to combine smallness of bulk with effi- 
 eien and comparative mildness of purgative action, and a peculiar tendency to 
 the liary organs. Such an officinal preparation was much wanted in this 
 coufy, in which bilious fevers, and other complaints attended with congestion 
 of t liver and portal circle generally, so much abound. The object of small- 
 ness f bulk is accomplished by employing extracts and the more energetic ca- 
 tharsis; that of a peculiar tendency to the liver, by the use of calomel; and that 
 of ehiency with mildness of operation, by the union of several powerful purga- 
 tives It is a fact, abundantly proved by experience, that drastic cathartics 
 becce milder by combination, without losing any of their purgative power. 
 Nor it difficult, in this case, to reconcile the result of observation with pbysi- 
 olog il principles. Cathartic medicines act on different parts of the alimentary 
 cans and organs secreting into it. In small doses, both the irritation which 
 theyccasion and their purgative effect are proportionably lessened. If several 
 are ; ministered at the same time, each in a diminished dose, it is obvious that 
 
1114 
 
 Pilulse. 
 
 PAR' I, 
 
 the combined purgative effect of all will be experienced; while the irrita n 
 being feeble in each part affected, and diffused over a large space, will be ss 
 sensible to the patient, and will more readily subside. In the compoum a- 
 thartic pills, most of the active purgatives in common use are associated toge er 
 in proportions corresponding with their respective doses, so that an exce of 
 any one ingredient is guarded against, and violent irritation from this cause e- 
 vented. The name of the preparation may at first sight seem objectionabl as 
 it might be applied to any compound pills possessing cathartic properties; t 
 when it is considered that the ingredients cannot all be expressed in the < e, 
 that no one is sufficiently prominent to give a designation to the whole, and at 
 the preparation is intended as the representative of numerous cathartics, id 
 calculated for a wide range of application, the name will not be eonsidereun 
 inexcusable deviation from ordinary medical nomenclature. It is highly irr r- 
 tant, for the efficiency of these pills, that they be prepared in exact complice 
 with the directions, and that the compound extract of colocynth and the ex.ct 
 of jalap used be of good quality. When they fail, the result is genedy 
 ascribable to the substitution of jalap for the extract, or to the use of a<n- 
 pound extract of colocynth made with nearly inert seammony, inferior a s, 
 and insufficient colocynth, and altogether badly prepared. 
 
 Three of the pills, containing 10f grains of the mass, are a medium dosior 
 an adult. In this quantity are four grains of compound extract of colocyh, 
 three of extract of jalap, three of calomel, and two-thirds of a grain of gambe. 
 A single pill will generally be found to operate as a mild laxative. In a ill 
 dose, the preparation acts vigorously on the bowels, producing bilious stc s, 
 generally without much pain or disorder of the stomach. It may he emphed 
 in most instances where a brisk cathartic is required ; but is particularly a li- 
 cable to the early stages of bilious fevers, to hepatitis, jaundice, and all tse 
 derangements of the alimentary canal, or of the general health, which depd 
 on congestion of the portal circle. T 
 
 PILULA COLOCYNTHIDIS COMPOSITA. Land. Piuje 
 
 COLOCYNTIIIDIS. Ed. PlLUInE COLOCYXTHIDIS COMPOSITE. Dub. Cll- 
 
 pound Pill of Colocynth. 
 
 “Take of Extract of Colocynth a drachm ; Extract of Aloes, in powder ix 
 drachms ; Seammony, in powder, two drachms; Cardamom, in powder, ha a 
 drachm ; Soft Soap a drachm and a half. Mix the powders together; an 
 add the other ingredients, and beat all together so as to form a mass.” Lot. 
 
 “ Take of Socatrine or East India Aloes, and Seammony, of each, eight pcs; 
 Colocynth four parts; Sulphate of Potash and Oil of Cloves, of each, one p t; 
 Rectified Spirit a sufficiency. Pulverize the Aloes, Seammony, and Sulpha of 
 Potash together; mix with them the Colocynth previously reduced tofinepowr; 
 add the Oil of Cloves ; and with the aid of a small quantity of Rectified Srit 
 beat the whole into a proper pill mass; which is to be divided into five-gin 
 pills.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Pulp of Colocynth, in fine powder, one ounce [avoirdupois] ; Hepic 
 Aloes, in fine powder, two ounces [avoird.]; Seammony, in fine powder. Cade 
 Soap, of each, one ounce [avoird.]; Oil of Cloves one fluidrachm ; Treacle jo- 
 lasses] ten drachms [Dub. weight.]. Reduce the Soap to a fiue powder, and is 
 it with the Colocynth, Aloes, and Seammony; then rub all together with he 
 Oil of Cloves and Treacle, and beat them into a mass of a uniform consisten. 
 Pub. I 
 
 The London preparation is only another form of the compound extract of o- 
 cynth, for which it was intended as a substitute; the ingredients, the proportip 
 and the dose being essentially the same. (See Extractum Co/ocynlhiais («• 
 
PAR II. 
 
 Pilulse. 
 
 1115 
 
 posifi.) The Edinburgh and Dublin preparations are imitations, differing in 
 the joportions of their ingredients, and in containing colocynth in substance 
 instel of the extract of colocynth. The sulphate of potassa is used by the 
 Editurgh College to promote the more complete division of the aloes and 
 scamony; the rectified spirit, because it is believed to be retained by the mass 
 mordrmly than water, and thus to preserve the due consistence longer. The 
 prepation is actively cathartic in the dose of from five to twenty grains.* 
 
 0 [ Prep. Pilulse Colocynthidis et Hyoscyami. W. 
 
 PhULiE COLOCYNTHIDIS ET HYOSCYAMI. Pd. Pills of 
 Golc/nth and Henbane. 
 
 “'ike of the Colocynth-pill mass two parts; Extract of Hvoscyamus one part. 
 Beathem well together, adding a few drops of rectified spirit if necessary; and 
 divic the mass into five-grain pills/’ Ed. 
 
 It 3 asserted that the compound pill and compound extract of colocynth are 
 almc entirely deprived of their griping tendency by combination, as above, 
 with he extract of hyoscyamus, without losing any of their purgative power. 
 The >se is from five to twenty grains. W. 
 
 PjULA CONII COMPOSITA. Pond. Compound Pill of Hem- 
 loch 
 
 “'ke of Extract of Hemlock five drachms; Ipecacuanha, in powder, a 
 dracyi; Molasses a sufficient quant it ij. Beat them together so as to form a 
 mass Lond. 
 
 A: anodyne and expectorant combination, useful in chronic bronchial dis- 
 eases The dose is five grains three times a day. W. 
 
 P jULPE COPAIBA], U. S. Pills of Copaiba. 
 
 “'.ke of Copaiba two ounces; Magnesia, recently prepared, a drachm. Mix 
 them and set the mixture aside till it concretes into a pilular mass, which is to 
 be di ded into two hundred pills.” U. S. 
 
 Wen copaiba is mixed with pure magnesia, it gradually loses its fluidity, 
 form g at first a soft tenacious mass, and ultimately becoming dry, hard, and 
 britt. The quantity of magnesia, and the length of time requisite for this 
 chan , vary with the condition of the copaiba ; being greater in proportion to 
 thefidity of this substance, or, in other words, to its amount of volatile oil. 
 The aantity of magnesia directed by the Pharmacopoeia, one-sixteenth of the 
 weig of the copaiba, is sufficient to solidify the latter, as it is often found in 
 the : ops, in the course of six or eight hours ; but, when the copaiba is fresh, 
 or h; been kept in closely stopped bottles, and retains, therefore, nearly the 
 whol of its oil, it is necessary either to augment the proportion of magnesia, or 
 to ex ise the mixture for a much longer time, or to diminish the volatile oil of 
 the e aiba by evaporation. The magnesia combines chemically with the copaivic 
 acid hard resin, but, in relation to the volatile oil, acts merely as an absorbent; 
 for, v en the solidified mass is submitted to the action of boiling alcohol, a part 
 is dis dved, abandoning the magnesia with which it was mixed, while the resin 
 comb ed with another portion of the earth remains undissolved. Yarieties of 
 copa;,, therefore, are solidifiable by magnesia, directly in proportion to the 
 hard ' sin they contain, and inversely in proportion to the volatile oil ; the soft 
 resin eing indifferent. According to Guibourt, copaiba not solidifiable by mag- 
 
 * 1 ’ some observations relative to the present simple extract of colocynth of the 
 Lcndi; College, employed in making these pills, showing that there has probably been an 
 error i the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia in reference to this extract, and suggesting 
 the c rse which, under these circumstances, it would be safest for the apothecary to 
 pursu 1 see Extraction Colocynthidis, p. 974. — Pole to the tenth edition. 
 
1116 
 
 Pilulse. 
 
 PAR u. 
 
 nesia, may be male so by aiding one-sixth of Bordeaux or common Eure an 
 turpentine. ( Journ . cle Pharm., xxv. 499.) The magnesia employed si ill 
 not have been allowed to become hydrated by exposure to a moist air or c er- 
 wise. ( Ibid ., 3e sir., v. 475.) In the preparation of the pills of copaiba. ire 
 should be taken to divide the mass before it has become too hard. The aim- 
 tage of this preparation is, that the copaiba is brought to the state of pill 1th 
 little increase of bulk. Each pill contains nearly five grains of copaiba nd 
 from two to six may be taken for a dose twice or three times a day. 
 
 Hydrate of lime produces the same effect as magnesia, and, as stated bM. 
 Thierry, in a shorter time, if employed according to his formula. He tab 15 
 parts of copaiba and 1 part of slaked lime, mixes them in a marble mortar, t ns- 
 fers the mixture to an open vessel, places this upon a sand-bath, and susins 
 the heat for four hours, occasionally stirring. The hydrate of lime must .ve 
 been freshly prepared from recently burnt lime. The mixture loses ora 
 twenty- fourth of its weight, which is chiefly the water of the hydrate. (J -n. 
 de Pharm., 3e sir., i. 310.) 
 
 PILULiE CUPRI AMMONIATI. Ed. Pills of Ammon ed 
 
 Copper. 
 
 “Take of Ammoniated Copper, in fine powder, one part ; Bread-cram six 
 parts; Solution of Carbonate of Ammonia a sufficiency. Beat them into aro- 
 per mass, and divide it into pills, containing each half a grain of ammomed 
 copper.” Ed. 
 
 This is a convenient form for administering ammoniated copper. Onoill 
 may be given night and morning, and the dose gradually increased to fr or 
 six pills. 
 
 PILULiE DIGITALIS ET SCILLxE. Ed. Pills of Pig italis nd 
 Squill. 
 
 “Take of Digitalis and Squill, of each, one part; Aromatic Electuar'i« 
 parts. Beat them into a proper mass with Conserve of Red Roses; and tide 
 the mass into four-grain pills.” Ed. 
 
 These pills combine the diuretic properties of digitalis and squill, andiay 
 be given in dropsy. One or two pills constitute a dose. 
 
 PILULiE FERRI CARBONATIS. U. S., Ed. Pills of Carbide 
 of Iron. ValleC s Ferruginous Pills. 
 
 “ Take of Sulphate of Iron eight ounces; Carbonate of Soda ten ounces; on- 
 tied Honey three ounces; Sugar, in powder, two ounces; Boiling Wate:'iffl 
 pints; Syrup a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the Sulphate of Iron and Cbo- 
 nate of Soda, each, in a pint of the Water, a fluidounc-e of Syrup having een 
 previously added to each pint; then mix the two solutions, when cold, in a lttle 
 just large enough to hold them, close it accurately with a stopper, and set by 
 that the carbonate of iron may subside. Pour off the supernatant liquid.nd, 
 having washed the precipitate with water sweetened with Syrup, in the pnon 
 tion of a fluidouuee of the latter to a pint' of the former, until the waskin na 
 longer have a saline taste, place it upon a flannel cloth to drain, and afterrdj 
 express as much of the water as possible ; then immediately mix the precise 
 with the Honey and Sugar, and by means of a water-bath evaporate the mkire, 
 constantly stirring, until it is so far concentrated as to have a pilular consume 
 on cooling.” U. S. I 
 
 “ Take of the Saccharine Carbonate of Iron four parts ; Conserve of Red ts f = 
 one part. Beat them into a proper mass, to be divided into five-grain pills- JU - 
 
 The effect of saccharine matter in protecting iron from oxidation hasten 
 explained under the heads of Ferri Carbonas Saccharatum and Liquor 
 Iodidi. The U. S. pill of carbonate of iron is another example of a ferrugoiu 
 
PART -I* 
 
 Pilulse. 
 
 1117 
 
 prepalion, in which the iron is protected from further oxidation by the same 
 mean': The salts employed are the same as those used for obtaining the officinal 
 subcaJonate of iron ; but, in forming that preparation, the carbonate which is 
 at fir: precipitated absorbs oxygen and loses nearly all its carbonic acid in the 
 process of washing and drying. When, however, as in the U. S. formula, 
 ubove;iven, the reacting salts are dissolved in weak syrup instead of water, and 
 the wshing is performed with the same substance, the absorption of oxygen 
 and 1 s of carbonic acid, during the separation of the precipitate, are almost 
 comptely prevented. It only remains, therefore, to preserve it unaltered, and 
 to big it to the pilular consistence, and this is effected by admixture with 
 hone’ind sugar, and evaporation by means of a water-bath. Of course it is 
 essenil to the success of this process, that the sulphate of iron should be pure; 
 otherise some sesquioxide will be present in the product. The process just 
 explaied is that of M. Yallet, of Paris, after whom the preparation is popularly 
 called The Edinburgh pill of carbonate of iron is made from the saccharine 
 carboite, which is brought to the pilular consistence by being mixed with con- 
 servef roses. This mode of making it is inferior to that of Yallet ; for, in the 
 first ace, the saccharine carbonate is admitted to contain sesquioxide of iron, 
 and s ondly conserve of roses is a less efficient preservative of the pilular mass 
 than pney and sugar. (See Ferri Carbonas Saccharatum.') 
 
 Pnerties. The U. S. preparation is in the form of a soft pilular mass, of a 
 unifoi black colour, and strong ferruginous taste. When carefully prepared, 
 it is nolly and readily soluble in acids. It contains nearly half its weight of 
 carboite of protoxide of iron. The corresponding pill, obtained from the sac- 
 charic carbonate, may be supposed to contain one-third of ferruginous matter. 
 
 Mdcal Properties. The U. S. pill of carbonate of iron, or Yallet’ s ferruginous 
 mass, Is admirably adapted to cases in which ferruginous preparations are indi- 
 cated It is considered particularly useful in chlorosis, amenorrhoea, and other 
 fema: complaints, and appears to act favourably by increasing the colouring 
 matti of the blood, causing the capillary system to become more fully injected, 
 and t; lips to assume a redder colour. It may be given in divided doses to the 
 exter of from ten to thirty grains in the course of the day, and continued for 
 a mo h or six weeks, if improvement takes place. As the mass is not divided 
 in th U. S. formula, it is necessary in prescription to indicate the weight of each 
 pill, lich may vary from three to five grains, according to the views of the 
 prescber. There can be but little doubt that, in cases in which the alterative 
 effect of iron are called for, Yallet’s preparation is one of the best that can be 
 empl ed. Its chief merits are its unchangeableness and ready solubility in 
 acids For further information respecting it, see the favourable report made on 
 Valles ferruginous pills to the French Royal Academy of Medicine, in 1837, 
 by MiSoubeiran, republished in the Am. Journ. of Pharm., x. 244, and the 
 paperm carbonate of iron by Professor Procter, contained in the same journal, 
 x. 21 B. 
 
 P ’jUL 2E FERRI COMPOSITiE. JJ. S. Pilula Ferri Com- 
 posiL Lond. Compound Pills of Iron. 
 
 “'ke of Myrrh, in powder, two drachms ; Carbonate of Soda, Sulphate of 
 Iron,ach, a drachm; Syrup a sufficient quantity. Rub the Myrrh with the 
 Carb ate of Soda; then add the Sulphate of Iron, and again rub them ; lastly, 
 beat em with the Syrup so as to form a mass, to be divided into eighty pills.” 
 
 Tli directions of the London College are essentially the same as the above, a 
 drach of molasses being substituted for the indefinite quantity of syrup, and 
 tbe ; svious heating of the mortar ordered. The London preparation is not 
 divic 1 into pills. 
 
1118 
 
 Pilulse. 
 
 PAR] I, 
 
 This preparation is closely analogous to the Mistura Ferri Composita in > 
 perties and composition. It is a good emmenagogue and antihectic tonic. ,3 
 its peculiar advantages depend upon the presence of carbonate of protoxid i 
 iron, which speedily changes into the sesquioxide on exposure, it is proper u 
 only so much of the mass should be prepared as may be wanted for immec:e 
 use. It is said that the iron will be better preserved in the state of protoi 3 
 if, instead of mixing the ingredients as directed in the Pharmacopoeia, the 3 . 
 rator should first dissolve the sulphate of iron, finely powdered, in the syrup,' h 
 a moderate heat, then add the carbonate of soda, stirring till effervescence ee; 3 
 and lastly incorporate the myrrh. From two to six pills may be given at a de, 
 three times a day. ^ 
 
 PILULiE FERRI IODIDE U. S. Pills of Iodide of Iron. 
 
 “Take of Sulphate of Iron a drachm; Iodide of Potassium four scruy.; 
 Tragacanth, in powder, ten grains; Sugar, in powder, half a drachm. Et 
 them with Syrup so as to form a mass, to be divided into forty pills.” U. I 
 
 These pills are formed on the plau proposed by M. Calloud. The iodidif 
 iron results from a double decomposition between crystallized sulphate of jt- 
 oxide of iron and iodide of potassium ; and sulphate of potassa is at the s ie 
 time formed, which, consequently, is an ingredient in the pill. There is -o 
 present some iodide of potassium, which is taken in a quantity more than si- 
 cient to decompose all the sulphate of iron. In forming the pill, the sulpha 
 and iodide should be rubbed together until they are thoroughly mixed; e;r 
 which the sugar and tragacanth should be incorporated, and lastly the syp. 
 The sugar used is intended to protect the iodide of iron formed from oxidat:. 
 
 This pill is a new officinal of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1850. It was 1 - 
 sidered desirable to have a pill of iodide of iron; and as the officinal iodide (33 
 not keep well, and is not readily made into pills, it was thought by the revi rs 
 of our national standard that the process of Calloud, by double decomposite 
 would, probably, furnish a convenient extemporaneous pill, which would no>e 
 injured by the presence of a little sulphate of potassa. But the presence <o 
 of some iodide of potassium also renders it still more complex, and formi.n 
 objection to it. This pill should never be kept, but made only when wantedir 
 immediate use. It is rather friable in its consistence, and exhales iodine sligiy 
 when made for some time. Its taste is styptic and rather acrid, and it is, the- 
 fore, unpleasant to swallow. It may be presumed to create some irritatioof 
 the stomach before it is dissolved. When freshly prepared, each pill contaiia 
 little over a grain and a half of iodide of iron. The therapeutic applicationnf 
 this preparation are the same as those of the solution of iodide of iron. (:e 
 Liquor Ferri lodidi. ) The latter, however, is in all respects a preferable for. 
 For other formulae for making a pill of iodide of iron from the solid iode 
 directly, see Ferri Iodidum, page 1005. IE 
 
 PILULyE FERRI SULPHATIS. Pd. Pills of Sulphate of In. 
 
 “Take of Dried Sulphate of Iron two parts; Extract of Taraxacum five pa'', 
 Conserve of Red Roses tico parts; Liquorice-root powder three parts. Beat tlx 
 together into a proper mass, which is to be divided into five-grain pills.” E< 
 
 There may be some doubt of the propriety of mixing the sulphate of iron \ h 
 the confection of roses, by the tannic acid of which it must be decomposed, ' e 
 dose is from five to twenty grains. " , . 
 
 PILULJE GALBANI COMPOSITE. U.S. Pilula GalbE 
 Composita. Loud. Pilule Assafcetidj:. Ed. Piluljs Assa:> 
 T1DA2 Composite. Pub. Compound P ills of G-albanum. 
 
 “ Take of Galbanum, Myrrh, each, six drachms; Assafetida two drach ; 
 
PAR1I. 
 
 Pilulse. 
 
 1119 
 
 Syru a sufficient quantity. Beat them together, so as to form a mass, to be 
 dividli into two hundred and forty pills.” U. S- 
 
 Tb London College beats together into a mass two drachms of prepared gal- 
 banu, three drachms , each, of myrrh and prepared sagapenum, a drachm of 
 prepaid assafetida, two drachms of soft soap, and a sufficient quantity of molasses. 
 The Edinburgh College takes of assafetida, galbanum, and myrrh, each, three 
 partsiconserve of red roses four parts or a sufficient quantity , mixes them, and 
 beat* hern into a proper pilular mass. The Dublin College takes two ounces of 
 assafi'da, and an ounce, each, of galbanum, myrrh, and molasses, heats them 
 in a tpsule, by means of a steam or water bath, and stirs the mass until it as- 
 sumes uniform consistence. 
 
 Th compound is given as an antispasmodic and emmenagogue in chlorosis 
 and Isteria. The dose is from ten to twenty grains. W. 
 
 PMJLiE HYDRARGYRI. U. S.,JEd.,Dub. Pilula Hydrargyri. 
 Lone Mercurial Pills. Blue Bills. 
 
 “ Tke of Mercury an ounce ; Confection of Roses an ounce and a half; 
 Liquhee Root, in powder, half an ounce. Rub the Mercury with the Confec- 
 tion it all the globules disappear; then add the Liquorice Root, and beat the 
 whohnto a mass, to be divided into four hundred and eighty pills.” V. S. 
 
 Th process of the London College is the same with the above, one-half only 
 of th quantity of materials being used. The Dublin process differs only in 
 aboutloubling the quantity of the materials. Neither of these Colleges orders 
 the nss to he divided into pills. The Edinburgh process corresponds with that 
 of thijU. S. Pharmacopoeia, except that the relative quantity of the ingredients 
 is exfessed in parts, and the mass is divided into five-grain pills. 
 
 Th preparation is very generally known by the name of blue pill or blue 
 mass. The mercury constitutes one-third of the mass; and consequently the pill 
 of ou Pharmacopoeia, which weighs three grains, contains one grain of the metal. 
 
 Th precise condition of the mercury in this preparation is somewhat uncer- 
 tain. jiy far the greater portion is in a state of minute mechanical division, and 
 not c mically altered. Some maintain that the whole of the metal is in this 
 state; thers, that a small portion is converted during the trituration into pro- 
 toxid and that this is the ingredient upon which the activity of the pill depends. 
 The 6posed oxidation is attributed partly to the influence of the air upon the 
 surfaij of the metal, greatly extended by the separation of its particles, partly 
 to th action of the substance used in the trituration. If the mercury be not 
 oxidi: 1 during the trituration, there can be little doubt that it becomes so to a 
 slight extent by subsequent exposure. The obvious changes which the mass 
 uudeioes by time can be explained in no other way; and protoxide of mercury 
 is ass ted to have been actually extracted from old mercurial pill. Neverthe- 
 less, jscarcely admits of dispute, that the metal, quite independently of oxida- 
 tion cjt of the body, is capable of producing the peculiar mercurial effects when 
 iotroi ced into the stomach, probably undergoing chemical changes there. Ac- 
 cordii to M. Mialhe, mercury is slowly converted into corrosive sublimate in 
 the sfmach, under the combined agency of air and chloride of sodium. All 
 agreeiat the efficacy of the preparation is proportionate to the extinction of the 
 merely, in other words, to the degree in which the metallic globules disappear. 
 This ctinction may be effected by trituration with various substances; and 
 mann syrup, honey, liquorice, mucilage, soap, guaiac, and extract of dandelion 
 have jen recommended, among others, for this purpose ; but the confection of 
 roses is been adopted in all the Pharmacopoeias, as less liable to objection than 
 any c er. The mercury is known to be completely extinguished, when, upon 
 rabbi:; a small portion of the mass with the end of the finger upon a piece of 
 paper r glass, no globules appear. Powdered liquorice root is added in order 
 
1120 
 
 Pilulse. 
 
 PAR' X 
 
 to give due consistence to tbe mass. Some prefer for the purpose powded 
 marshmallow root. As the trituration requires to be long continued, and rer rs 
 the process very laborious, it is customary to prepare the mass by machir y. 
 At Apothecaries’ Hall, in London, the trituration is elfected by the avent of 
 steam. The machine there employed consists of “a circular iron trough foihe 
 reception of the materials, in which revolve four wooden cylinders, having so 
 a motion on their axis.” A machine for preparing blue mass, capable of tig 
 worked by the hand or by steam-power, has been invented by Mr. J. W Y. 
 Gordon, of Baltimore, and, having been found to answer well, is in exteue 
 use. It is described and figured in the American Journal of Pharmacy id. 
 6).* Formerly much of the blue mass used in this country was imported ;ut 
 at present the market is chiefly supplied by our own druggists. The preparnn 
 slowly changes colour upon being kept, assuming an olive and sometimes ev a 
 reddish tint, in consequence, probably, of the further oxidation of the merco.f 
 Medical Properties and Uses. These pills are among the mildest of the t- 
 c-urials, being less liable than most others to act upon the bowels, and cxercbg 
 the peculiar influence of the remedy upon the system with less irritation. Aj 
 are much employed for producing the sialagogue and alterative action of ;r- 
 cury. For the former purpose, one pill may be given two or three times a y; 
 and in urgent cases the dose may be increased. Even this preparation sne- 
 times disturbs the bowels. It should then be given combined with a lie 
 opium, or in very minute doses, as half a grain or a grain of the mass repeed 
 every hour or two through the day, so as to allow of its absorption before a lf- 
 ficient quantity has been administered to act as an irritant. With a viewtche 
 alterative effect upon the digestive organs, one pill may be given every nigh or 
 every other night, at bedtime, and followed in the morning, if the bowels sh Id 
 not be opened, by a small dose of laxative medicine. From five to fifteen gins 
 of the mass are occasionally given as a cathartic, in cases requiring a pec ar 
 impression upon the liver; but when used for this purpose, it should ahys 
 either be combined with or speedily followed by a more certain purgative, he 
 Hue mass may frequently be administered with advantage, suspended in tier 
 by the intervention of thick mucilage; and it forms an excellent addition tche 
 chalk mixture in diarrhoea, particularly that of children, when the biliary sec- 
 tion is deficient, or otherwise deranged. Y 
 
 * Mr. James Beatson, Apothecary of the TJ. S. Naval Hospital at New York, hasfnd 
 great advantage in the following mode of preparing the mercurial pill, which, while i.eh 
 easier than the officinal method, yields the same results. Instead of mixing the mewy 
 with the confection, he first rubs it with the honey directed in the preparation of the in- 
 fection, until the globules disappear, then adds the heated rose water and sugar, nd 
 lastly the powdered red roses and liquorice root in succession, all in the officinal pror- 
 tions. For the quantity of the material directed in the U. S. process for the confecti of 
 roses, he employs 32 ounces of mercury. (Am. Journ. of P harm., xxiv. 204.) 
 
 f This preparation is very apt to contain less than the due proportion of mercury, his 
 was frequently the case with the mass as formerly imported. The fraud maybe det ed 
 by the following plan of estimating the proportion of mercury, suggested by Prof, .‘id 
 of New York, and modified by a committee of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy A 
 certain weight of the mercurial pill, say fifty grains, is ifiixed with about one-fourth its 
 weight of iron filings, and introduced into a small green glass bulb, at the end of a sie- 
 what curved tube, the open extremity of which is inserted through a cork, into alool 
 contained in a broad-mouthed glass vial; another tube, open at both ends, passing thrgh 
 the cork in order to permit the escape of uncondensed gases. Heat is then applied the 
 bulb by means of a spirit lamp, is gradually increased until the glass becomes red-hotnd 
 continued for an hour. The alcohol in the vial dissolves the empyreumatic products, id. 
 by being allowed to rise in the tube, and then expelled, serves to wash out any meuy 
 that may be condensed upon its sides. The alcohol is poured off from the condensed ?r- 
 cury, which is then washed with fresh alcohol, dried, and weighed. (See Am. Jour oj 
 P/tarm., xvii. 151 and 309.) 
 
PAi' II. Pilulse. 1121 
 
 ILULA HYDRARGYRI CHLORIDI MITIS. U.S. Pills of 
 Mil Chloride of Mercury. Calomel Pills. 
 
 “fake of Mild Chloride of Mercury [calomel] half an ounce; G-um Arabic, 
 in ]ffder, a drachm ; Syrup a sufficient quantity. Mix together the Chloride 
 of ercury and the Gum; then beat them with the Syrup so as to form a mass, 
 to l\ divided into two hundred and forty pills.” U. S. 
 
 1 is is a convenient form for administering calomel, of which one grain is 
 con'ined in each pill. Soap, which was directed in the preparation of this pill 
 in t: first edition of the Pharmacopoeia, is objectionable on account of its chem- 
 ical ^compatibility with calomel.* Mucilage of gum Arabic alone does not form 
 a sriciently plastic mass; but gum and syrup united, as in the officinal formula, 
 ans-pr admirably well, forming a mass which is easily made into pills, and which 
 rcatly yields to the solvent power of the stomach. W. 
 
 ILULA IPECACUANHA CUM SCILLA. Land. Pill of 
 Ipmcuanha with Squill. 
 
 “fake of Compound Powder of Ipecacuanha [Dover’s powder] three drachms ; 
 Scjui, recently powdered, Ammoniac, in powder, each, a drachm; Molasses a 
 stiff ent quantity. Beat them together so as to form a mass.” Lond. 
 
 A anodyne, somewhat stimulating, and expectorant combination, applicable 
 to c es of chronic bronchial disease. The dose is from five to ten grains. W. 
 
 ILULA IPECACUANHA ET OPII. Pd. Pills of Ipeca- 
 cuanha and Opium. 
 
 “fake of Powder of Ipecacuan and Opium three parts; Conserve of Red 
 Eos one part. Beat them into a proper mass, which is to be divided into four- 
 graijpills.” Ed. 
 
 I s is merely the Dover’s powder in a pilular form ; as there can scarcely be 
 a dpt that the College intended by the name “ powder of ipecacuan and 
 opiu,” to designate the preparation which they now call “ compound powder of 
 ipecuanha.” These pills are narcotic and sudorific. The quantity of the 
 maspquivalent to a grain of opium is about thirteen grains; but it is usually 
 emp yed in smaller doses. W. 
 
 ILULA OPII. U.S. Pilule Opii sive Thebaic^. Pd. Pills 
 of (num. 
 
 “-ike of Opium, in powder, a drachm; Soap twelve grains. Beat them with 
 watJso as to form a mass, to be divided into sixty pills.” U. S. 
 
 “lake of Opium one part; Sulphate of Potassa three parts; Conserve of Red 
 Eos i one part. Beat them into a proper mass, which is to be divided into 
 five-.ain pills.” Ed. 
 
 T process of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia is designed merely to furnish a con- 
 veni t formula for putting opium into the pilular form, preferable to the mode 
 soar mes practised of making the pills directly from the unpowdered mass of 
 opiu as found in commerce. The soap answers no other purpose than to give 
 a do consistence, and is therefore in small proportion. Each pill contains a 
 grai of opium. 
 
 * 1 order to test the point of this presumed incompatibility, Prof. Procter, at our re- 
 ques 'made some experiments, from which it resulted that a hot solution of pure white 
 Casts soap, allowed to cool, produces no change in calomel with which it is agitated ; 
 but tjt, ifthe same solution is heated with calomel, a somewhat vigorous reaction takes 
 placd-esulting, by double decomposition, in the production of chloride of sodium, and 
 oleo- irgarate of the protoxide of mercury. But the experiment does not decide, whether 
 long ( ntact between calomel and soap, as in the form of pill, might not be followed by 
 tbe siie effects as when heat is employed. There can be no doubt of the incompatibility 
 of cr mel and common soap with an excess of alkali. — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
1122 
 
 Pilulae. 
 
 PART 
 
 The object intended to be answered by the Edinburgh preparation is son 
 what uncertain. The proportion of the opium corresponds with that in t 
 Pilulae Saponis Compositae of the other Pharmacopoeias, but the name given 
 the preparation indicates that there could be no intention to conceal its natui 
 while the direction to divide the mass into pills of five grains, each containi 
 a grain of opium, shows that the design was not to offer the means of exhibiti 
 small doses of that narcotic in the pilular form. The object probably was mere 
 to separate the particles of opium by the intervention of sulphate of potassa, a; 
 thus to render it more soluble in the gastric liquors. In this case, the prej 
 ration ranks rather with the U. S. pills of opium, with which we have placed 
 than with the compound pills of soap. 
 
 As hard old opium pills are sometimes preferred, in cases of irritable stomach, 
 consequence of their slow solution, it is proper for the apothecary to keep soi 
 in this state to meet the prescription of the physician. 
 
 Of either of the officinal pills above directed, one is a medium dose in referen 
 to the full effects of opium. W. 
 
 PILULiE PLUMBI OPIATiE. Pd. Opiate pills of Lead. 
 
 “ Take of Acetate of Lead sixpjarts ; Opium onepart ; Conserve of Red Ros 
 about onepart. Beat them into a proper mass, which is to be divided into for 
 grain pills. This pill may be made also with twice the quantity of opium." E 
 
 This pill would be better left to extemporaneous prescription; the requisi 
 proportion of opium to the acetate varying in different cases. Besides, to ha- 
 two preparations under the same name, one containing twice as much opium 
 the other, must lead to confusion, and is altogether objectionable. The tanD 
 acid of the confection of roses decomposes a portion of the acetate; but the r 
 suiting tannate of lead is not inert. Each pill contains three grains of aceta 
 of lead, which is generally too much for a commencing dose. W. 
 
 PILULiE QUINLE SULPHATIS. U. S. Pills of Sulphate < 
 Quinia. 
 
 “Take of Sulphate of Quinia an ounce; Gum Arabic, in powder, h 
 drachms ; Honey a sufficient quantity. Mix together the Sulphate of Quin 
 and the Gum ; then beat them with the Honey so as to form a mass, to 1 
 divided into four hundred and eighty pills.” U. S. 
 
 As the pills made as here directed are apt to become hard, and of diffieu 
 solubility when long kept, various other excipients have been recommended 
 obviate this disadvantage, as honey alone, and confection of roses. Mr. Edwai 
 Parrish lias long been in the habit of preparing pills of sulphate of quinia, l 
 taking 20 grains of the salt, adding 15 drops of aromatic sulphuric acid, at 
 triturating with a spatula until the mixture assumes a pilular consistent' 
 Though at first liquid, the mixture soon thickens, and finally becomes qui 
 solid. The officinal sulphate is thus rendered more soluble by combining wit 
 an additional eq. of sulphuric acid. The advantages of this process are the soh 
 bility of the resulting pill, and the smallness of its bulk. A five-grain pill mac 
 in this way is not inconveniently large. ( Am . Journ. of Pharm., xxv. 202. 1 
 
 Each of the officinal pills contains a grain of sulphate of quinia, and tweh 
 are equivalent to an ounce of good Peruvian bark. W.. 
 
 PILULiE RHEI. U. S., Pd. Pills of Rhubarb. 
 
 “ Take of Rhubarb, in powder, six drachms ; Soap tico drachms. Beat thei 
 with water so as to form a mass, to be divided into one hundred and twent 
 pills.” U.S. 
 
 “Take of Rhubarb, in fine powder, nine parts ; Acetate of Potash one port 
 Conserve of Red Roses five parts. Beat them into a proper mass, and divic 
 it into five-grain pills.” Ed. 
 
ART II. 
 
 Pilulse. 
 
 1123 
 
 Rhubarb is so often given in the pilular form, that it is convenient both for 
 e physician and apothecary to have an officinal formula, indicating the mode 
 ' preparing the pills, as well as the quantity of rhubarb to be contained in 
 eh. Soap, as directed by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, has stood the test of long 
 cperience as a good excipient for rhubarb. The medicine is sufficiently dis- 
 ced to constipate without the addition of the confection of roses, ordered by 
 e Edinburgh College. The acetate of potassa directed by the College is 
 iobably intended to keep the pill soft. The U. S. formula is decidedly pre- 
 rable. According to both, each pill contains three grains of rhubarb. W. 
 
 PILUL.ZE RHEI COMPOSITiE. U. S., Pd., Bub. Pilula Rhei 
 OMPOSITA. Lond. Compound Pills of Rhubarb. 
 
 “Take of Rhubarb, in powder, an ounce; Aloes, in powder, six drachms ; 
 yrrh, in powder, half an ounce; Oil of Peppermint half a fluiclrachm. Beat 
 'em with water so as to form a mass, to be divided into two hundred and forty 
 fls” U.S. 
 
 The London College takes half of the above quantities of powdered rhubarb, 
 nes, and myrrh ; mixes them ; then adds half a drachm of soft soap, fifteen 
 inims of oil of caraway, and sufficient molasses; and beats them all together, 
 he Edinburgh College takes of rhubarb twelve parts, aloes nine parts, myrrh 
 id Castile soap, each, six parts, oil of peppermint one part, and conserve of x-ed 
 lies five parts; mixes them, and beats them into a mass, which is divided into 
 ie-grain pills. This College also allows the pills to be made without oil of 
 jopermint, when so pi’eferred. The Dublin College uses the same ingi-edients 
 J the Edinburgh, in the same relative proportions, except that sixteen parts of 
 nlasses are used instead of five parts of conserve of roses. The proportion of 
 nlasses (“treacle,” Dub.) is so large that we suspect some error of the press. 
 This is a warm tonic laxative, useful in costiveness with debility of stomach, 
 lom two to four pills, or from ten to twenty grains of the mass, may be taken 
 »ce a day. W. 
 
 PILULaE RHEI ET FERRI. Pd. Pills of Rhubarb and Iron. 
 ‘Take of Dried Sulphate of Iron four parts ; Extract of Rhubarb ten parts ; 
 (asexwe of Red Roses five parts. Beat them into a proper pill mass, and divide 
 i nto five-grain pills.” Ed. 
 
 Conic and laxative in the dose of two or three pills. W. 
 
 HLULaE SAPONIS COMPOSITE. U.S., Bub. Pilula Saponis 
 (mposita. Lond. Compound Pills of Soap. 
 
 ‘Take of Opium, in powder, half an ounce ; Soap two ounces. Beat them 
 fill water so as to form a pilular mass.” U. S. 
 
 .'he London College takes of opium and liquorice root, each, in powder, two 
 d'chms, of soft soap six drachms, and beats them into a mass; the Dublin takes 
 o opium, in fine powder, half an ounce [avoirdupois], Castile soap two ounces 
 Dpird.], and of distilled water half a fiuidraehm or a sufficiency, reduces the 
 so to a fine powder, adds the opium and watei', and beats into a mass. 
 
 'his px-eparation is useful by affording the opportunity of conveniently ad- 
 it istering opium, in a pilular and readily soluble form, in small fractions of a 
 g: n. The na'me adopted in the Pharmacopoeias was probably intended to con- 
 cf the nature of the pi’eparation from the patient. One grain of opium is 
 crained in five of the mass. W. 
 
 ’ILUL M SCILLaE COMPOSITE. U. S., Bub. Pilula Scillj; 
 C iposita. Lond. Pilule Scill^e. Pd. Compound Pills of Squill. 
 
 Take of Squill, in powder, a drachm; Ginger, in powder, Ammoniac, in 
 p< der, each, two drachms ; Soap three drachms ; Syrup a sufficient quantity. 
 
1124 
 
 Pilulse. — Plumbum. 
 
 PARI 
 
 Mix tlie powders together ; then beat them with the Soap, and add the Sy; 3 
 so as to form a mass, to be divided into one hundred and twenty pills.” U. >[ 
 
 The London College employs the same materials, in the same quantities, exc t 
 that it substitutes soft soap for Castile soap, and a drachm of molasses for 3 
 sufficiency of syrup; and completes the process in the same manner, but witht 
 dividing the mass. The Edinburgh College takes of squill, in fine powder, /3 
 parts; ammoniac, ginger, in fine powder, and Spanish soap, each, four par, 
 conserve of red roses two parts; mixes the powders; then adds the other ing- 
 dients; and beats them into a uniform mass, which is divided into five-gn 
 pills. The Dublin College reduces two ounces [avoirdupois] of Castile soap) 
 fine powder, adds half an ounce [avoird.] of finely powdered opium, and hah 
 fluidrachm or as much as may be sufficient of distilled water, and beats the m - 
 ture into a uniform mass. 
 
 This is a stimulant expectorant compound, depending for its virtues chiefly 1 
 the squill, and applicable to the treatment of chronic affections of the bronchi 
 mucous membrane. From five to ten grains may be given three or four tics 
 a day. The preparation should be made when wanted for immediate use, as 3 
 squill which it contains is liable to be injured by keeping. W. 
 
 PILULA STYRACIS COMPOSITA. Pond . Pilulje Styrac. 
 
 Ed. Compound Pill of Storax. 
 
 “Take of Prepared Storax six drachms ; Opium, in powder, Saffron, each , U 
 drachms. Beat them together, so as to form a mass.” Land. 
 
 The Edinburgh College takes of opium and saffron, each, one part, and f 
 extract of storax two parts, and beats them into a uniform mass, which is divic'l 
 into four-grain pills. 
 
 In these pills, the storax and saffron are added merely to conceal the taste al 
 smell of the opium, as the name of the pills is intended to conceal their rl 
 character. This contrivance is deemed necessary; as some individuals havi 
 prejudice against the use of opium, which reason cannot overcome. Five gras 
 of the mass contain a grain of opium. W.| 
 
 PLUMBUM. 
 
 Preparations of Lead. 
 
 LIQUOR PLUMBI SUBACETATIS. U . S ., Dub . Liquor Ploi 
 Diacetatis. Lond. Plujibi Diacetatis Solutio. Ed. Solution r 
 Subacetate of Lead. 
 
 “Take of Acetate of Lead sixteen ounces; Semivittified Oxide of Lead,i 
 fine powder, nine ounces and a half ; Distilled Water four pints. Boil thn 
 together in a glass or porcelain vessel for half an hour, occasionally adding I- 
 tilled Water so as to preserve the measure, and filter through paper. Keep t) 
 solution in closely stopped bottles.” U. S. The sp. gr. of this solution is l'ffi. 
 
 “Take of Acetate of Lead two pounds and three ounces; Oxide of Lead [litharg , 
 rubbed into powder, a pound and four ounces ; Distilled Water six pints [I- 
 perial measure]. Boil for half an hour, occasionally stirring, and, when t) 
 solution has cooled, add enough Distilled Water to make it fill ^x pints [In- 
 meas.] ; lastly filter. Let it be kept in well stopped bottles.” Loncl. The ;• 
 gr. of the solution is 1‘260. 
 
 “Take of Acetate of Lead six ounces and six drachms; Litharge, in fb 
 powder, four ounces; Water a pint and a half [Imperial measure]. Boil t; 
 Salt and Litharge with the Water for half an hour, stirring occasionally. Win 
 the solution is cold add Water, if necessary, to make up a pint and a half [In- 
 meas.]; and then filter. Preserve the solution in well closed bottles.” Ed. 
 
Plumbum. 
 
 1125 
 
 iiR-T II. 
 
 “ Take of Acetate of Lead six ounces [avoirdupois] ; Litharge, in fine powder, 
 jiir Qimdes [avoird.]; Distilled Water two pints [Imperial measure]. Dissolve 
 te Acetate of Lead in the Water, and, when the solution is raised to its boiling 
 tnperature, add dhe Litharge in successive portions, and boil gently for half an 
 ]ur. Add now as much distilled water as will supply what has been lost by 
 caporation, and filter through paper into a bottle, which should be furnished 
 ith an air-tight stopper. The sp. gr. of this solution is 1‘066.” Dub. 
 Crystallized acetate of lead consists of one equivalent of acetic acid 51, one 
 (protoxide of lead 111 '6, and three of water 27 = 189'6. Litharge, as usually 
 iind in the shops, is an impure protoxide of lead. When a solution of the 
 1 mer is boiled with the latter, a large quantity of the protoxide is dissolved, 
 d a subacetate of lead is formed, which remains in solution. The precise com- 
 pition of the subacetate varies with the proportion of acetate of lead and of 
 Large employed. When the quantity of the latter exceeds that of the former 
 1 one-half or more, the acetic acid of the acetate unites, according to the highest 
 cjmical authorities, with two additional equivalents of protoxide, forming a tris- 
 t:tate ; when the two substances are mixed in proportions corresponding with 
 t;ir equivalent numbers, that is, in the proportion of 189 '6 of salt to 111 '6 of 
 c de, or 10 to 6 nearly, only one additional equivalent of protoxide unites with 
 t; acid, and a diacetate of lead is produced. In all the present officinal pro- 
 cses, the proportions appear to have been arranged in reference to this result. 
 1 executing the process, the litharge should be employed in the state of very 
 1 b powder, and, according to Thenard, should be previously calcined in order 
 tdecompose the carbonate of lead, which it always contains in greater or less 
 {•portion, and which is not dissolved by the solution of the acetate. 
 
 [n former editions of the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, a different pro- 
 cs was directed, consisting in boiling litharge with distilled vinegar, the former 
 tag in much larger proportion than necessary to form the neutral acetate. A 
 Acetate was thus produced; but as the vinegar was of uncertain strength, there 
 vs necessarily more or less inequality of strength in the preparation. This pro- 
 c 3 , therefore, has been abandoned. The solution prepared from litharge and 
 d filled vinegar has a pale greenish-straw colour, owing to impurities in the 
 vegar. When made with common vinegar it is brown. 
 
 Properties. The solution of subacetate of lead of the Pharmacopoeias is colour- 
 lc. , and of a sweetish, astringent taste. Vfihen concentrated by evaporation, it 
 d osits on cooling crystalline plates, which, according to Dr. Barker, are flat 
 r; inboidal prisms, with dihedral summits. It has an alkaline reaction, tinging 
 tl syrup of violets green, and reddening turmeric paper. One of its most 
 si king properties is the extreme facility with which it is decomposed. Car- 
 b ic acid throws down a white precipitate of carbonate of lead ; and this hap- 
 p s by mere exposure to the air, or by mixture even with distilled water, if 
 tl has had an opportunity of absorbing carbonic acid from the atmosphere. It 
 airds precipitates also with the alkalies, alkaline earths, and their carbonates, 
 w i sulphurie and muriatic acids free or combined, with hydrosulphuric acid 
 ai the hydrosulphates, with the soluble iodides and chlorides, and, according 
 tc'kenard, with solutions of all the neutral salts. Solutions of gum, tannin, 
 nd vegetable colouring principles, and many animal substances, particularly 
 al imen, produce with it precipitates consisting of the substance added and oxide 
 oi ead. It should be kept in well stopped bottles. It is known to contain a 
 B 2 of acetic acid by emitting an acetous smell when treated with sulphuric 
 ac ; and a salt of lead by yielding a white precipitate with an alkaline carbo- 
 m , a yellow one with iodide of potassium, and a hlack one with hydrosulphuric 
 ac . It is distinguished from the solution of acetate of lead by being preci- 
 pi ted by gum Arabic. 
 
1126 
 
 Plumbum. 
 
 PART i 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This solution is astringent and sedative, bi 
 is employed only as an external application. It is highly useful in infkmmatic 
 arising from sprains, bruises, burns, blisters, &c., to which it is applied by meai 
 of linen cloths, which should be removed as fast as they become dry. It alway 
 however, requires to be diluted. From four fluidraclims to a fluidounee, adde 
 to a pint of distilled water, forms a solution sufficiently strong in ordinary cas< 
 of external inflammation. When applied to the skin denuded of the cuticle, tl 
 solution should be still weaker ; as constitutional effects might result frum tl 
 absorption of the lead. Paralysis is said to have been produced by its loc 
 action ; but we have not witnessed such an effect. The solution has the commc 
 name of Goulard’s extract , derived from a surgeon of Montpellier, by whom 
 was introduced into general notice, though previously employed. 
 
 Off. Prep. Ceratum Plurnbi Subacetatis; Ceratum Saponis; Liquor Plum 
 Subacetatis Dilutus. W. 
 
 LIQUOR PLUMBI SUBACETATIS DILUTUS. TJ.S. Liquo 
 Plumbi Diacetatis Dilutus. Loud. Plumbi Subacetatis Liquo 
 Compositus. Dub. Diluted Solution of Subacetate of Lead. Lead-wate 
 
 “ Take of Solution of Subacetate of Lead two fluidraclims ; Distilled Water 
 pint. Mix them.” U. S. 
 
 The London College mixes a fluidrachm and a half of the solution with 
 pint [Imperial measure] of distilled water, and two fluidraclims of proof spirit 
 the Dublin, two fluidounces of the solution, with half a gallon [Imp. meas.] 
 distilled water, and two fluidounces of proof spirit. 
 
 This preparation is convenient ; as, in consequence of the subsidence of tl 
 carbonate of lead usually formed on the dilution of the strong solution, it enabh 
 the apothecary to furnish clear lead-water when it is called for. The streDgt 
 of the U. S. preparation, though double what it formerly was, might be sti 
 further increased without disadvantage. The London preparation is much t( 
 feeble. The Dublin College in its Pharmacopoeia for 1850 has about triple 
 the former strength; and its solution is about one-third stronger than that of oi 
 own Pharmacopoeia. The old French Codex directed two drachms of the stror 
 solution to a pound of distilled water, and an ounce of alcohol of 22° Baum 
 and thus formed the vegeto-mineral water of Goulard. The minute proportion 
 of proof spirit added by the British Colleges can have little sensible effect. Tl 
 preparation should be as much as possible excluded from the air. W. 
 
 PLUMBI IODIDUM. U.S., Lond., Pd., Dub. Iodide of Lead. 
 
 “Take of Nitrate of Lead, Iodide of Potassium, each, /bar ounces; Distilk 
 Water a sufficient quantity. With the aid of heat; dissolve the Nitrate of Let 
 in a pint and a half, and the Iodide of Potassium in half a pint of Distilk 
 Water, and mix the solutions. Having allowed the insoluble matter to subsid 
 pour off the supernatant liquid, wash the precipitate with Distilled Water, ar 
 dry it with a gentle heat.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Acetate of Lead eight ounces; Iodide of Potassium seven ounce. 
 Distilled Water a gallon [Imperial measure]. Dissolve the Acetate in six pin 
 of the Water, and filter ; and to these add the Iodide of Potassium previous 
 dissolved in two pints of the Water. Wash the precipitate with cold distilk 
 water and dry it. Let it be kept excluded from the light.” Lond. 
 
 “ Take of Iodide of Potassium and Nitrate of Lead, of each, an ounce; Wat 
 a pint and a half [Imperial measure]. Dissolve the salts separately, eaek 
 one-half of the Water; add the solutions; collect the precipitate on a filter 
 linen or calico, and wash it with water. Boil the powder in three gallons 
 water acidulated with three fluidounces of Pyroligneous Acid [acetic acid]. L 
 any undissolvecl matter subside, maintaining the temperature near the boilii 
 
irtii. Plumbum. 1127 
 
 pnt; and pour off the clear liquor, from which the Iodide of Lead will crystal- 
 p on cooling.” Ed. 
 
 The Dublin process differs from that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia simply in the 
 us of a much larger proportion of water of solution, and in directing the two 
 sutions to be cold before being mixed. 
 
 [n the U. S. process the nitrate of lead gives up its metal to the iodine, from 
 vich it receives the potassium; the operation taking place between single 
 eiivalents of the several ingredients. The nitrate of potassa thus formed re- 
 sins in solution, while the iodide of lead is precipitated. The saturating pro- 
 ptions of nitrate of lead and iodide of potassium are 165 '6 of the former and 
 1)'5 of the latter, or almost precisely equal quantities. The proportions should 
 bas nearly as possible those of exact saturation. An excess of the iodide of 
 passium, independently of the waste, has the disadvantage of holding a portion 
 otke iodide of lead in solution; while, according to Christison, an excess of 
 Id over the iodine disposes to the formation of the lemon-yellow insoluble 
 o/iodide of lead. By the use of equal quantities of' the two salts, these dis- 
 aantages are avoided. As iodide of lead is slightly soluble in cold water, it 
 isdesirable to use as little of the menstruum as will answer; and hence the 
 ciparatively small proportion of water employed in the U. S. process. 
 
 The Edinburgh and Dublin processes are based upon the same principle as 
 tit of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. In both, however, an unnecessarily large pro- 
 ption of water is employed. The iodide of potassium of commerce is apt to 
 b contaminated with carbonate of potassa, which occasions a precipitation of 
 cbonate of lead. It is to free the precipitated iodide of lead from this impu- 
 re, and from any oxyiodide that may be formed by an accidental excess of lead, 
 tit the Edinburgh College directs it to be boiled with water acidulated with 
 a :ic acid, which dissolves any carbonate or oxide of lead present, as well as the 
 ic de, and deposits only the last upon cooling. But some waste is incurred in 
 tb operation; and it would be better to ascertain beforehand that the materials 
 euloyed are pure. 
 
 n the process of the London College, acetate of lead is used instead of the 
 n ate. In the Pharmacopoeia of 1836, an excess of the acetate was directed; 
 b the error was corrected in the last edition. There are, however, other objec- 
 ti s to this process. Acetate of lead is very liable to contain an excess of the 
 o:le, and, as iodide of potassium is often impure, it follows that a portion of 
 o: iodide of lead will be very apt to form, even when the two materials are used 
 ajurently in mutually saturating proportions. To obviate the disadvantage of 
 ai excess of oxide in the acetate, it is recommended to add a little acetic acid 
 tc he solution of that salt before mixing it with the iodide of potassium. 
 
 I. Depaire, of Brussels, ascertained that, in the process in which acetate of 
 le and iodide of potassium are employed, a considerable amount of iodine 
 reains in solution after the precipitation of the iodide of lead; and M. F. 
 B det states that the quantity of the iodide resulting from the process is 10 
 pc cent. less than theory would indicate. By the addition of nitric acid to the 
 sc tion, after precipitation, an additional quantity of iodide of lead is obtained. 
 J1 Boudet ascribes this result to the formation of a portion of soluble iodide of 
 pc.ssium and lead, whenever iodide of lead and acetate of potassa are in con- 
 ta By substituting nitrate for acetate of lead, he found that a quantity of 
 io le of lead was obtained, as near that required by theory as the solubility of 
 tb iodide of lead permits. ( Journ . de Pliarm., 3e ser., xi. 274.) 
 
 rom the above remarks it would appear that the process of the U. S. Phar- 
 in opceia is on the whole to be preferred, and especially over that in which the 
 acute of lead is used, as the nitrate is more easily obtained pure. Some in- 
 te king experiments have been made by M. T. Huraut, of Paris, on the different 
 
1128 
 
 Plumbum. — Potas-sa. 
 
 PART i 
 
 methods of preparing iodide of lead. It may be obtained by the reaction betwe* 
 any of the soluble iodides and the soluble salts of lead. It resulted from h 
 observations that of the two salts of lead employed, the nitrate was to be pr 
 ferred, and of the various iodides, though iodide of potassium yielded a vet 
 handsome product, yet iodide of calcium afforded one not inferior in quality, ar 
 somewhat greater in quantity. Upon a small scale, as the process is perform* 
 by the apothecary, the difference would be of little or no consequence; hut 
 might be important to the manufacturer. (See Am. Journ. ofPharm., xxi. 228 
 
 As obtained by the U.S., London, and Dublin processes, iodide of lead is 
 the form of a bright-yellow, heavy, tasteless, inodorous powder. It is solub 
 in 1235 parts of cold water (Soubeiran, Trait, de Pharm.f and 194 of boilii 
 water, which, on cooling, deposits it in minute, shining, golden-yellow, c-rvstc 
 line scales. In this form it is presented by the Edinburgh process. It mel 
 by heat, and is dissipated in vapours which are at first yellow, and ultimate 
 violet in consequence of the disengagement of the iodine. It consists of oi 
 equivalent of iodine 1203, and one of lead 103 '6 =229 9. As a test of i 
 purity, the Edinburgh College states that five grains are entirely dissolved, wii 
 the aid of heat, by a fluidrachm of pyroligneous acid, diluted with a fluidoum 
 and a half of distilled water ; and golden crystals are copiously deposited wE 
 the solution cools. According to the London Pharmacopoeia, 100 grains of i 
 dissolved at a boiling heat in nitric acid diluted with two parts of water, vri. 
 after the expulsion of the iodine, yield with sulphate of soda, a precipitate 
 sulphate of lead weighing 66 grains. It should be kept excluded from the ligb 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This compound is supposed to have the resolve 1 
 properties of iodine, combined with those which are peculiar to lead, and was 
 one time recommended in tuberculous diseases, in which however it has prove 
 wholly inefficient. It is said to have been usefully employed in the discussie 
 of scrofulous tumours and other indolent swellings, and in the cure of obstina 
 ulcers ; and for these purposes has been used both internally, and locally in tl 
 form of an ointment. According to Dr. Cogswell, if given for some time : 
 small doses, it produces the effects of lead, but not those of iodine, upon tl 
 system. (Christison’ s Dispensatory .) The dose is from half a grain to thr 
 or four grains. Dr. O’Shaughnessy states that ten grains are borne witho 
 inconvenience. 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Plumbi Iodidi. W. 
 
 POTASSA. 
 
 Preparations of Potassa. 
 
 LIQUOR POTASSPE. U. S., Lond. Potassa Aqua. Ed. P 
 TASSiE Caustics Liquor. Pub. Solution of Potassa. 
 
 “Take of Carbonate of Potassa a pound ; Lime half a pound ; Boiling P 
 tilled Water a gallon. Dissolve the Carbonate of Potassa in half a gallon 
 the Water. Pour a little of the Water on the Lime, and, when it is slaked, a< 
 the remainder. Mix the hot liquors, and boil for ten minutes, stirring co 
 stantly ; then set the mixture aside, in a covered vessel, until it becomes ele<^ 
 Lastly, pour off the supernatant liquor, and keep it in well-stopped bottles 
 green glass. The specific gravity of this solution is 1'056. ' U. S. 
 
 “ Take of Carbonate of Potassa fifteen ounces; Lime eight ounces; boilb 
 Distilled Water a gallon [Imp. meas.j. Dissolve the Carbonate in half a gall 
 of the Water. Sprinkle a little of the Water upon the Lime in an earth 
 vessel, and, the Lime being slaked, add the remainder of the Water. The • 
 quors being immediately mixed together in a close vessel, shake them frequent 
 
].RT II. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1129 
 
 i til they are cold. Then set the mixture by, that the carbonate of lime may 
 fbside. Lastly, pour off the supernatant liquor, and keep it in a well stopped 
 pen glass bottle. The specific gravity is 1‘063.” Land. 
 
 “ Take of Carbonate of Potash (dry) four ounces; Lime, recently burnt, two 
 tnces ; Water forty-jive fluidounces [Imp. meas.]. Let the lime be slaked and 
 (averted into milk of lime with seven fluidounces of the Water. Dissolve the 
 Irbonate in the remaining thirty-eight fluidounces of Water; boil the solution, 
 id add to it the milk of lime in successive portions, about an eighth at a time, 
 filing briskly for a few minutes after each addition. Pour the whole into a 
 ( 2 p narrow glass vessel for twenty-four hours; and then withdraw with a syphon 
 t '3 clear liquid, which should amount to at least thirty-five fluidounces, and 
 ight to have a density of D072.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Pure Carbonate of Potash one pound [avoirdupois]; fresh-burned 
 ime 1 ten ounces [avoird.] ; Distilled Water one gallon and seven ounces [Imp. 
 gas.]. Slake the Lime with seven ounces of the Water. Dissolve the Carbo- 
 :te of Potash in the remainder of the Water, and, having raised the solution 
 1 the boiling point in a clean iron vessel, gradually mix with it the slaked 
 ime, and continue the ebullition for ten minutes with constant stirring. Ee- 
 nve the vessel now from the fire, and when, by the subsidence of the insoluble 
 utters, the supernatant liquor has become perfectly clear, transfer it by means 
 (• a syphon to a green glass bottle furnished with an air-tight stopper. The 
 !3cific gravity of this solution is 1'068:” Dub. 
 
 The object of these processes is to separate carbonic acid from the carbonate 
 i potassa, so as to obtain the alkali in a caustic state. This is effected by 
 [drate of lime; and the chemical changes which take place are most intel- 
 
 I ibly explained by supposing the occurrence of a double decomposition. The 
 lie of the hydrate of lime, by its superior affinity, combines with the carbonic 
 i d, and precipitates as carbonate of lime ; while the water of the hydrate of 
 lie unites with the potassa, and remains in solution as hydrate of potassa. The 
 pportion indicated by theory for this decomposition would be 69 '2 of the dry 
 rbonate to 28'5 of lime, or one eq. of each; but in practice it is found neces- 
 f y to use an excess of lime. In the U. S. and Edinburgh formulas the alka- 
 i e salt is treated with half its weight of lime ; iu the London, with eight- 
 eenths; and in the Dublin, with five-eighths; proportions, the lowest of which 
 needs the theoretical quantity. The proportion of water employed has a 
 oided influence on the result. If the water be deficient in quantity, the de- 
 ( nposing power of the lime, on account of its sparing solubility, will be lessened ; 
 
 : 1 more of it will be required to complete the decomposition of the carbonate 
 tm if the solutions had been more dilute. Taking the lime at three ounces in 
 t;h formula, the quantity of water directed in ounces is expressed by the fol- 
 ding numbers nearly: 61! Ed., 60! U. S., 54 Land., and 45 Dub. Strain- 
 I; must not be used; as it causes a prolonged contact with the air, and risk of 
 t ! absorption of carbonic acid, and is apt, moreover, to introduce organic mat- 
 t from the strainer into the solution. The direction to keep the solution in 
 pen glass bottles is judicious; as white flint glass is slightly acted on. 
 
 A.s the solution of potassa is frequently made by the manufacturing chemist 
 i considerable quantities, the following details, taken from Berzelius, of the best 
 ) de of conducting the process, may not be without their use. Dissolve one 
 ] 't of carbonate of potassa in from seven to twelve parts of water in a bright 
 i n vessel, and decant the solution after it has become clear by standing. Boil 
 t : solution in an iron vessel, and while it is boiling, add, at intervals, small 
 < m titles of slaked lime, reduced to a thin paste with water; allowing the solution 
 t boil a few minutes after each addition. One and a half parts of pure lime 
 
 I I be more than sufficient to decompose one part of the carbonate. When 
 
1130 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PAET r 
 
 about half the hydrate of lime has been added, take out about a teaspoonful ( 
 the boiling solution, and, after dilution and filtration through paper, test it b 
 adding it to some nitric acid, or by mixing it with an equal bulk of lime-wate: 
 If the solution has not been completely freed from carbonic acid, the first reager 
 will cause an effervescence, and the second a milky appearance; in either < 
 which events the addition of the lime must be continued as before, until th 
 above-mentioned tests give negative indications. In conducting the proces: 
 several advantages are gained by keeping the solution constantly boiling. On 
 is that the carbonate of lime formed is in this way rendered granular and heavi 
 and more disposed to subside; another, that it prevents the precipitated c-arbonai 
 from coalescing into a mass at the bottom of the vessel, an occurrence whie 
 causes the ebullition, when subsequently renewed, to take place imperfectly an 
 by jerks; and a third, that any silica present is precipitated in combination wit 
 lime and potassa. The process here described is essentially the same with thos 
 introduced into the last editions of the Edinburgh and Dublin Pharmacopoeia: 
 
 According to M. Wohler, pure hydrate of potassa in solution for analytic pu: 
 poses may be conveniently obtained by exposing for half an hour to a moderat 
 red heat, in a copper crucible, one part of pure nitre and two or three parts c 
 copper, cut into small pieces. The resulting mass, consisting of hydrate of pr 
 tassa and black oxide of copper, is treated with water, and the solution poure 
 into a narrow cylindrical vessel, where it is left until it gets perfectly cle? 
 by the deposition of the oxide of copper. The solution is then drawn off wit 
 a syphon, and kept in well-stopped bottles. ( Chem . Gaz., Nov. 15, 1853, j 
 429, from the Ann. dev Chem. und Pharm.) 
 
 Properties , &c. Solution of potassa is a limpid, colourless liquid, withor 
 smell, and having an acrid caustic taste, and alkaline reaction. It acts rapidl 
 on animal and vegetable substances, and when rubbed between the fingers, pn 
 duces a soapy feel, in consequence of a partial solution of the cuticle. It di 
 solves gum, resins, and extractive matter, and by union with oily and fatt 
 bodies forms soap. The U. S., London, and Edinburgh solutions are neverpur 
 but contain either some undecomposed carbonate, or free lime, in addition i 
 minute portions of sulphate of potassa, chloride of potassium, silica, andalumiD; 
 impurities usually present in the carbonate of potassa obtained from pearlasl 
 which is used in their preparation. The Dublin solution, from the use of pui 
 carbonate of potassa, is purer. Uudecomposed carbonate may be detected in tl 
 manner explained in the preceding paragraph, and free lime, by the productic 
 of a milky appearance on the addition of a few drops of carbonate of potass 
 which serves to precipitate the lime as a carbonate. When saturated with nitr 
 acid, it gives little or no precipitate with carbonate of soda, chloride of bariun 
 or nitrate of silver. With chloride of platinum it produces a yellow precipitat 
 showing that the alkali present is potassa. It is incompatible with acids, acid 
 lous salts, and all metallic and earthy preparations held in solution by an acic 
 also with all ammoniacal salts, and with calomel and corrosive sublimate. Tl 
 officinal solutions of potassa vary in strength; the U. S. solution having tl 
 specific gravity 1 '056 ; the London, 1 *063 ; the Edinburgh, 1*07*2 ; and the Du 
 lin, 1 068. These solutions are quite dilute; that of the London College, whu 
 is of medium strength, containing only 6’7 per cent, of potassa. On account 
 its strong attraction for carbonic acid, the solution of potassa should be caretul 
 preserved from contact wdth the air. B. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Solution of potassa is antacid, diuretic, and am 
 lithic. It has been much employed in calculous complaints, under the impressic 
 that it has the property of dissolving urinary concretions in the kidneys ai 
 bladder; but experience has proved that the stone once formed cannot be removi 
 bj T remedies internally administered, and the most that the alkaline medicines e; 
 
PRT II. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1131 
 
 eJct, is to correct that disposition to the superabundant secretion of uric acid, 
 othe insoluble urates, upon which gravel and stone often depend. For this 
 p pose, however, the carbonated alkalies are preferable to caustic potassa, as they 
 a less apt to irritate the stomach, and to produce injurious effects w T hen long 
 citinued. It has been proposed to dissolve calculi by injecting immediately 
 in the bladder the solution of potassa in a tepid state, and so much diluted that 
 it an be held in the mouth; but this mode of employing it has not been found 
 tunswer in practice. This solution has also been highly recommended in lepra, 
 priasis, and other cutaneous affections; and is said to have proved peculiarly 
 uful in scrofula ; but in all these cases it probably acts simply by its antacid 
 p perty, and is not superior to the carbonate of potassa or of soda. Externally 
 it as been used, in a diluted state, as a stimulant lotion in rachitis and arthritic 
 shillings, and concentrated, as an escharotic in the bite of rabid or venomous 
 a rnals. The dose is from ten to thirty minims, repeated two or three times a 
 dr, and gradually increased in cutaneous affections to one or two fluidrachms ; 
 b the remedy should not be too long continued, as it is apt to debilitate the 
 smack. It may be given in sweetened water or some mucilaginous fluid. Yeal 
 bith and table beer have been recommended as vehicles; but the fat usually 
 psent in the former would be liable to convert the alkali into soap, and the acid 
 iiihe latter would neutralize it. In dyspeptic cases it may be associated with 
 t! simple bitters. In excessive doses it irritates, inflames, or corrodes the 
 smack. Oils and the milder acids, such as vinegar and lemon-juice, are the 
 a idotes to its poisonous action. They operate by neutralizing the alkali. 
 
 t is employed pharmaceutically in the preparation of Oxide of Antimony, 
 I cipitated Sulphuret of Antimony, Ethereal Oil, Hydrated Peroxide of Iron, 
 ignetic Oxide of Iron, and Oxide of Silver. 
 
 Iff. Prep. Potassa ; Potassa cum Calce. TV. 
 
 ’OTASSA. U. S., Pd. Potass.® Hydras. Lond. Potassa Caus- 
 TA. Pub. Potassa. Hydrate off Potassa. Caustic Potassa. 
 
 ' Take of Solution of Potassa a gallon. Evaporate the Solution rapidly in 
 a ean iron vessel, over the fire, till ebullition ceases, and the Potassa melts. 
 I ir this into suitable moulds, and keep it, when cold, in well stopped bottles.” 
 
 iff 
 
 'he London formula is essentially the same with the above. 
 
 Take any convenient quantity of Aqua Potassse; evaporate it in a clean and 
 cibred iron vessel, increasing gradually the heat, till an oily-looking fluid re- 
 ams, a drop of which, when removed on a rod, becomes hard on cooling. Then 
 P' r out the liquid upon a bright iron plate, and as soon as it solidifies, break it 
 q ;kly, and put it into glass bottles secured with glass stoppers.” Pd. 
 
 Take of Solution of Caustic Potash any convenient quantity. Boil it in a 
 si hr or bright iron vessel, until its water has been evaporated away, and then 
 rap the temperature until ebullition ceases, and a liquid is obtained which flows 
 li oil. Pour this out upon a silver or iron dish, and, the moment it has set, 
 bnk it into fragments, and enclose these in a green glass bottle, furnished 
 tv 1 an air-tight stopper.” Pub. 
 
 he concrete alkali, obtained by these processes, is the hydrate of potassa, 
 siciently pure for medicinal purposes. The solution of the alkali freed from 
 cr ionic acid having been obtained by another formula (see Liquor Potassse'), 
 tl formation of the present preparation requires merely the evaporation of this 
 sc, tion, until the whole of its uncombined water is driven off. The evaporation 
 is squired to be performed in metallic vessels, as those of glass or earthenware 
 ai acted on by the alkali ; and it should be completed as quickly as possible, in 
 01 t to abridge the period, during which the solution would be liable to absorb 
 
1132 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PART i 
 
 carbonic acid from the atmosphere. When poured out on a metallic plate 
 dish, the cake, just as it concretes, may he marked with a knife in the directio: 
 in which it is to be divided, and when cold it readily breaks in those direction: 
 A better plan, however, is to run the fused alkali into suitable moulds, as direct* 
 in the U. S. and London formulae. These should be made of iron and have 
 cylindrical shape, which is the most convenient form of the alkali for the use 
 the surgeon. Green glass bottles with ground stoppers are the best adapted f 
 preserving this preparation, as white flint glass is slightly acted on. 
 
 Properties , &c. In its officinal form, potassa is usually in sticks which have 
 fibrous fracture, a dingy gray or greenish colour, occasionally a bluish tint, ai 
 the peculiar odour of slaking lime. It is extremely caustic and very deliquescec, 
 and dissolves in less than its weight of water, leaving but a slight residue. I 
 aqueous solution agrees in properties with Liquor Potassae. It is also readi 
 soluble in alcohol. AYhen exposed to a low red heat it melts, and at bright re 
 ness is volatilized. On account of its deliquescent property, and its stroi 
 attraction for carbonic acid, it requires to be kept in very accurately stoppi 
 bottles. In the state here described, the alkali always contains combined wat 
 as a part of its composition. As obtained by the U. S., London, and Edinburc 
 formulae, it contains various impurities, which, however, do not interfere with i 
 medicinal value; such as sulphate of potassa, chloride and teroxide of potassim 
 sesquioxide of iron, lime, silica, alumina, and a portion of the alkali itself st 
 in a carbonated state. The insoluble impurities, according to the Edinburc 
 Pharmacopoeia, should not exceed 1'25 per cent. The Dublin alkali, being <r 
 tained from a solution derived from pure carbonate of potassa, is purer than th 
 of the other Pharmacopoeias. Officinal potassa may be rendered nearly pure 1 
 digestion in alcohol, which takes up only the hydrated alkali, evaporating ti 
 solution to dryness, and fusing the dry mass obtained. Hydrate of potassa, win 
 thus procured, is called alcoholic potassa. It is generally in the form of fl 
 white pieces, which are dry, hard, brittle, and extremely caustic. Its other pr 
 perties are similar to those of the impure hydrate above described. Accordii 
 to Mr. H. Wurtz, of New York, alcoholic potassa usually contains a trace 
 silicate of potassa, which appears to be taken up by the alcohol. The source [ 
 this is the carbonate of potassa employed, which maybe freed from this impuri 
 by evaporating its aqueous solution, in a sheet-iron dish, to dryness, and addin 
 from time to time, lumps of carbonate of ammonia. The silicate is thus co 
 verted into the carbonate; and, on dissolving the residue, the silica appears 
 flakes, which may be separated by filtration. (A”. Y. Journ. of Pharm ., Fe 
 1852.) Potassa may be discriminated from the other fixed alkalies (soda ai 
 lithia) by affording, when in solution, a crystalline precipitate (cream of tarta 
 with an excess of tartaric acid, and a yellow one with chloride of platinum. T 
 officinal potassa, apart from impurities, consists of one eq. of dry potassa L 
 and one of water 9 = 56'2. Dry potassa is composed of one eq. of potassiu 
 39'2, and one of oxygen 8=47'2. (See Potassium.) B. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This is the old causticum commune acerrimu. 
 or strongest common caustic. It is a very powerful escharotic, quickly destroy!; 
 the life of the part with which it comes in contact, and extending its action > 
 a considerable depth beneath the surface. In this latter respect, it differs frc 
 the nitrate of silver or lunar caustic, to which it is, therefore, preferred for t 
 purposes of forming issues and opening abscesses. It has been used for remon : 
 stricture of the urethra ; but, in consequence of its tendency to spread, it me 
 unless carefully applied, produce such a destruction of the lining membrane, > 
 to open a passage for the urine into the cellular tissue, and thus involve t 
 patient in danger. The most convenient mode of employing the caustic for t 1 
 formation of an issue, is to apply to the skin a piece of linen spread with adl- 
 
IRT II. 
 
 JPotassa. 
 
 1133 
 
 se plaster, having- a circular opening in its centre corresponding with the in- 
 t ded size of the issue, and then to rub upon the skin, within the opening, a 
 pee of the caustic previously moistened at one end. The application is to be 
 citinued till the life of the part is destroyed, when the caustic should be care- 
 fly washed off with a wet sponge or wet tow, or neutralized by vinegar. The 
 pparation is also employed for forming solutions of potassa of definite strength, 
 ylether for medicinal or pharmaceutic use. A solution of one drachm and a 
 Lf of caustic potassa in two fluidounces of distilled water, was highly recom- 
 rnded by the late Dr. Hartshorne, of Philadelphia, as an application to the 
 sue in tetanus. It may be applied by means of a sponge attached to the end 
 o, a stick, which should be drawn quickly along the back from the nape of the 
 fi;k to the sacrum. It produces a very powerful rubefacient effect. 
 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia employs caustic potassa in the preparation of Ether, 
 al of Black Oxide of Mercury. 
 
 Off. Prep. Potassa cum Calce; Potassii Iodidum. W. 
 
 POTASSA CUM CALCE. U.S., Lond., Ed. Potassa Caustica 
 cm Calce, Dub. Potassa with Lime. 
 
 ‘Take of Potassa, Lime, each, an ounce. Bub them together, and keep the 
 rxture in a well stopped bottle.” U. S. 
 
 The London and Dublin formulae are the same as the above. 
 
 ‘Take any convenient quantity of Aqua Potass oe ; evaporate it in a clean, 
 c ered iron vessel to one-third of its volume; add slaked Lime till the fluid 
 L the consistence of firm pulp. Preserve the product in carefully covered 
 vjsels.” Ed. 
 
 The U. S., London, and Dublin preparation is a mixture of equal parts of 
 LI rate of potassa and lime. The Edinburgh College employs the solution of 
 passa, which is first concentrated, and then thickened by the addition of lime 
 u il the mixture becomes a pulpy mass, consisting of the mixed hydrates of po- 
 tjsa and lime. 
 
 [he U. S., London, and Dublin preparation is a powder, sometimes called 
 \nna caustic. It is prepared for use by being made up into a paste with a 
 1: le alcohol. The paste is applied to the part to be cauterized for ten or fifteen 
 mutes, and is conveniently limited in its operation by a piece of adhesive 
 p ster, in the manner explained under potassa. The Edinburgh preparation is 
 ii,;he form of a firm pulp, formerly called causticum commune mitius, or milder 
 cimon caustic. Potassa with lime is a more manageable caustic than the of- 
 fipal potassa, on account of the presence of the lime, which renders it milder, 
 sverin its operation, and less deliquescent, and causes it to spread less beyond 
 t part intended to be affected. Dr. Filhos has improved this caustic by forrn- 
 ii'i it in sticks. To prepare it thus, the potassa is perfectly fused in an iron 
 s on, and one-third of its weight of quicklime is added in divided portions; the 
 vole being stirred with an iron rod. The fused mass is then run into lead 
 ti es, closed at one end, about three inches long, and from a quarter to half -an 
 iip in diameter in the clear. The sticks are kept, still enclosed in the lead tubes, 
 Wjh the open end downwards, in thick glass tubes, containing some powdered 
 q o-klime, and closed with a cork, between which and the stick some cotton is 
 p to steady the caustic. When employed, as much of the caustic is uncovered 
 a 1 she end, by scraping off the lead, as it is proposed to use. This form of 
 c: stic is particularly recommended for cauterizing the neck of the uterus. 
 (•urn. de Pharm., Be ser., vi. 137.) B. 
 
 3 0TASSiE ACETAS. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Acetate of Po- 
 tha. 
 
 'Take of Acetic Acid a pint ; Carbonate of Potassa a sufficient quantity. 
 
1134 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 Add the Carbonate of Potassa gradually to the Acetic Acid till it is saturate'! 
 then filter, and evaporate cautiously, by means of a sand-bath, until a dry st 1 
 remains. Keep this in closely stopped bottles.” U S. 
 
 “Take of Acetic Acid twenty-six fluidounces [Tmp. meas.]; Carbonate of P 
 tassa a pound, or a sufficient quantity, Distilled Water twelve flu idounces^ Im 
 meas.]. To the Acid, mixed with the Water, gradually add the Carbonate 
 saturation ; then strain. Evaporate the liquor in a sand-bath, with a heat ca 
 tiously applied, until the salt is dried.” Loncl. 
 
 “Take of Pyroligneous Acid [acetic acid, sp.gr. 1‘034] a pint and a ho 
 [Imp. meas.]; Carbonate of Potash (dry) seven ounces or a sufficiency. Add tl 
 Carbonate gradually to the Acid till complete neutralization is accomplishe 
 Evaporate the solution over the vapour-bath till it is so concentrated as to for 
 a concrete mass when cold. Allow it to cool and crystallize in a solid cab 
 which must be broken up and immediately put into well closed bottles.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Pure Carbonate of Potash one pound [avoirdupois] ; Acetic Acid 
 Commerce (sp.gr. 1'044) two pints [Imp. meas.]. To the Acid, placed in apcj 
 celain capsule, gradually add the Carbonate of Potash, and, when effervescen 
 has ceased, boil for a couple of minutes. Add now, if necessary, a few drops 
 the same Acetic Acid, so that the solution may have a slightly acid reaetior 
 and, having evaporated to dryness, melt the residue, by the cautious applicatk 
 of heat, in a clean pot of cast iron. The liquefied salt is now to be removi 
 from the fire, and when, upon cooling, it has solidified, it should be quick 
 broken into fragments of a suitable size, and enclosed in a bottle, furnished vri 
 an air-tight stopper.” Dub. 
 
 The process for forming acetate of potassa is a case of single elective affinit 
 The form of acid employed for generating the salt in the several Pharmacopoei 
 is officinal acetic acid; the pyroligneous acid of the Edinburgh College beii 
 equivalent to that acid. Distilled vinegar should never be employed to for 
 this salt, on account of its containing organic matter, which gives the solutio 
 when concentrated, a reddish or brownish colour. When acetic acid is used 
 colourless solution is obtained. This is evaporated to dryness, according to tl 
 U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias, and to such an extent as to concrete into 
 mass w[ien cold, according to the Edinburgh. The Dublin College fuses tl 
 dry salt, and obtains it as a solid mass on cooling. When fusion is resorted t 
 great care must be taken not to use too high a heat; otherwise part of the acet 
 acid will be decomposed, and a colourless salt will not be obtained. For dryii 
 the acetate of potassa, Dr. Christison considers the heat of a vapour-bath t< 
 low, and that of a sand-bath apt to become too high. He, therefore, recoinmen' 
 the use of a bath of chloride of calcium, when operating on a small scale. . 
 conducting the evaporation, it is best to have the solution always slightly aei< 
 for if the alkali predominate, it will react upon the acetic acid when the solutic 
 is concentrated, and give rise to discoloration. 
 
 Acetate of potassa may also be obtained by double decomposition between ac 
 tafe of lead and sulphate of potassa. When thus procured it is very white ai 
 pure, but liable to the objection, for medical use, that it may possibly eonta 
 a little lead. Another method by double decomposition is between acetate 
 lime and sulphate of potassa. 
 
 Properties, &c. Acetate of potassa when pure is a white salt, perfectly ne 
 tral to test paper, unctuous to the touch, and of a warm, pungent, saline tasf 
 When unskilfully prepared, it is apt to be more or less coloured. Its state 
 aggregation differs with the manner in which it is prepared. As obtained 1 
 evaporating the solution to dryness, agreeably to the directions of the U. S. ai 
 London Pharmacopoeias, it is in the form of soft fibrous masses. As usual 
 prepared and found in the shops, it has a foliated texture, which is given to 
 
IRT II. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1185 
 
 t fusion and cooling. On account of this appearance it was formerly called 
 jlated earth of tartar. This salt is extremely deliquescent, and, if exposed to 
 tii air, becomes converted into a liquid of an oleaginous appearance. It is on 
 a ount of this property that it must always be preserved in well stopped bottles. 
 Idissolves in about half its weight of water, and twice its weight of alcohol. 
 7 y thing remaining undissolved by these menstrua is impurity. Heated above 
 ii point of fusion it is decomposed into acetone and carbonate of potassa. ; the 
 a tic acid being resolved into this volatile liquid and carbonic acid. When 
 t ited with sulphuric acid, acetous vapours are copiously evolved, and sulphate 
 opotassa is formed. One hundred grains of the salt, decomposed by sulphuric 
 ad, furnish a salt (sulphate of potassa), which, after exposure to a strong heat, 
 vghs 88 ’8 grains. ( Land . Pharm .) The most usual impurities contained in 
 it re sulphate and tartrate of potassa, chloride of potassium, and the salts of 
 Id and copper. A soluble sulphate may be detected by chloride of barium; 
 al chloride of potassium, or any soluble chloride, by nitrate of silver added to 
 a ilute solution. If the nitrate be added to a concentrated solution, crystals of 
 a<tate of silver will be precipitated, soluble in water or dilute nitric acid. With 
 clpride of platinum it yields a yellow precipitate, showing it to be a salt of po- 
 t;;a. If tartrate of potassa be present, it will remain undissolved when the salt 
 is-cted on by alcohol. Lead and copper may be detected by sulphuretted hy- 
 d gen and ferrocyanuret of potassium ; the former test producing with the lead 
 a ackish, and the latter with the copper a brown precipitate. Since the in- 
 tiluction of the cheap method of obtaining pure acetic acid from wood, this salt 
 h. scarcely been subject to adulteration. Acetate of potassa is incompatible 
 wi the mineral acids, which expel the acetic acid; with sulphate of soda and 
 snhate of magnesia; with corrosive sublimate and nitrate of silver; and with 
 sural other earthy and metallic salts. This salt exists in the juices of many 
 pi its, and especially in the sap of trees, and is the principal source of the car- 
 hate of potassa existing in the ashes of wood. It consists of one eq. of acetic 
 ai 51, one of potassa 47'2, and two of water 18=116’2. 
 
 ledical Properties and Uses. Acetate of potassa acts as a diuretic in doses 
 obom a scruple to a drachm, and as a mild cathartic when given to the extent 
 oiivo or three drachms. It is employed in dropsies, and often with good effect. 
 T late Dr. Duncan considered it to be a medicine of great efficacy, and one of 
 oi best saline deobstruents. We have ourselves used it in dropsical affections, 
 at can bear testimony to its powers. Dr. J. A. Easton, of Glasgow, has found 
 it useful remedy in several skin diseases, such as psoriasis, eczema, and lepra. 
 C; :s which had resisted the ordinary remedies were cured, after a treatment 
 oc pying from three weeks to two months. The dose given by Dr. Easton was 
 h; a drachm, three times a day, dissolved in water. The remedy seemed to 
 ac hrough the kidneys, the urine being remarkably increased, both in its aqueous 
 an solid contents. (Ed in. Month. Journ. of Med. Sci., May, 1850.) The salt, 
 eq illy efficacious, may be made extemporaneously in the liquid form by satu- 
 ra ig distilled vinegar with carbonate of potassa. Two drachms of the carbo- 
 ns , saturated with vinegar, will sometimes produce in hydropic cases ten or 
 tv ve stools, and a copious discharge of urine. (Duncan.') Acetate of potassa, 
 lil the other alkaline salts containing a vegetable acid, may be given in the 
 ur acid diathesis, to render the urine alkaline; for the experiments of Wohler 
 haj: shown that the acid of these salts undergoes decomposition in the digestive 
 an. assimilating processes, while the alkali enters the current of the circulation. 
 Fia the decided property which this salt possesses of increasing the secretion 
 of e kidneys, it was formerly called sal diureticus, or diuretic salt. 
 
 Iff. Prep. Pilulse Rhei ; Tinctura Ferri Acetatis. 
 
 B. 
 
1136 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 POTASSiE CARBONAS. U. S., Lond Ed. Potass.® Carbox. 
 e Lixivo Cinere. I)ub. Carbonate of Potassa. Carbonate of Potas 
 from Pearlash. 
 
 “Take of Impure Carbonate of Potassa [pearlash] three pounds; Water t 
 pints and a half Dissolve the Impure Carbonate of Potassa in the Water, a: 
 filter the solution ; then pour it into a clean iron vessel, and evaporate ovei 
 gentle fire till the solution thickens ; lastly, remove it from the fire, and stir 
 constantly with an iron spatula till the salt granulates.” U. S. 
 
 The London College , in its Pharmacopoeia of 1851, has placed this salt 
 the Materia Medica list. The Edinburgh College also includes it in the 1 
 teria Medica list, designating it by this note. “ Carbonate of potash not qu. 
 pure, obtained by lixiviating, evaporating, and granulating by fusion and : 
 frigeration the potashes [pearlash] of commerce.” 
 
 “ Take of Pearlash ten pounds [avoirdupois]; Distilled Water one gallon [In 
 meas.]. Pour the Water on the Pearlash, and macerate for a week, occasiona 
 stirring the mixture. Filter through calico, and, having evaporated the soluti. 
 nearly to dryness, reduce the heat, and stir constantly with an iron rod, un. 
 granular crystals are obtained. Let these be immediately enclosed in w. 
 stopped bottles.” Dub. 
 
 The object of the above processes is to purify the impure carbonate of potas, 
 or pearlash. This generally contains certain insoluble impurities, as well ; 
 small portions of sulphate and silicate of potassa, and chloride of potassium,; 
 explained under another head. (See Potasses Carbonas Impurus.) By dissolvi; 
 it in a due proportion of water, and filtering the solution, the insoluble irapu 
 ties are got rid of, as w r ell as the greater part of the foreign salts, which, beir 
 much less soluble than the carbonate of potassa, are excluded by the super: 
 affinity of this salt for the water. The proper way of conducting the purificat'i 
 is to mix the impure carbonate with an equal weight of cold water, and to all? 
 the mixture to stand for a day or two, stirring it frequently to promote e 
 action of the water. The clear liquor obtained by decantation or filtration s 
 then evaporated to dryness. The officinal processes are conducted very mu 
 iu this way ; cold water being employed, and equal weights of alkali 3i 
 water being used in the Dublin formula, and about equal weights in the procs 
 of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. The prolonged contact of the water with the si, 
 and the occasional stirring of the mixture, ordered by the Dublin College, e 
 useful directions. In no case should the undissolved residue be washed wit a 
 fresh portion of water; as, by such a proceeding, the foreign salts, which it is ie 
 object of the process to separate, would be dissolved. Iron vessels are direct, 
 because this metal is not acted on by the alkali, while glass is attacked by:. 
 In granulating the salt by stirring, it is better, when the solution is brought neay 
 to dryness, to keep it on the fire at a reduced heat, as recommended by the Duln 
 College, until the process is finished, than to remove it the moment it thic-kes. 
 
 According to Berzelius, a more productive process for purifying pearlai, 
 though the resulting salt is not so pure as when obtained in the way just 
 scribed, is to dissolve the pearlash in more than its weight of water, to evapoie 
 the solution till it has the density of 1‘5’2, and then to put it in a cool pi;-, 
 that the foreign salts, principally sulphate of potassa and chloride of potassiu, 
 may crystallize. The solution is then decanted, and evaporated to dryness. 
 
 Properties, &c. Carbonate of Potassa, as found in the shops, is in the fin 
 of a coarse granular white powder, having a nauseous, alkaline taste, and actg 
 as an alkali on vegetable colours. It is very soluble in water, dissolving in a 
 weight of that liquid; but is insoluble in alcohol. It is extremely deliquesch, 
 and hence a portion of it, exposed to the air for some time, attracts so inh 
 water as completely to dissolve into an oily liquid, called by the older chemis, 
 
:irt ii. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1137 
 
 kum tartar i per cleliquium. On account of this property, carbonate of potassa 
 ; ould be kept in bottles with accurately ground stoppers. If exposed, in its 
 ual state, to a red heat, it retains its carbonic acid, but loses 16 per cent, of 
 iter; and, when decomposed by dilute sulphuric acid, evolves 26'3 per cent, of 
 ubonic acid. ( Lond . Pharm .) When pure it is completely soluble in water ; 
 .t, generally, a small insoluble portion is left of earthy matter. An aqueous 
 tlution, when saturated with an acid, slowly deposits a slight gelatinous pre- 
 oitate, derived from silica. The usual impurities are earthy matter, sulphate 
 potassa, chloride of potassium, and silica in the state, probably, of silicate of 
 ■tassa. When dissolved in water and supersaturated with nitric acid, it affords 
 .faint cloudiness with chloride of barium, and a slight precipitate with nitrate 
 i silver ; effects showing the presence of minute portions of a sulphate and of a 
 doride. The nitric solution is also precipitated by carbonate of soda, if earthy 
 utter be present. If the indications of these tests are decided, the salt is below 
 e officinal standard of purity. It is incompatible with acids and acidulous 
 Its, muriate and acetate of ammonia, lime-water, chloride of calcium, sulphate 
 magnesia, alum, tartar emetic, nitrate of silver, ammoniated copper and am- 
 oniated iron, sulphate of iron and tincture of chloride of iron, calomel and 
 rrosive sublimate, acetate and subacetate of lead, and sulphate of zinc. It is 
 t decomposed by tartrate of iron and potassa, and, therefore, may be associated 
 th it in prescriptions. 
 
 Composition. Carbonate of potassa, after exposure to a red heat, is an an- 
 clrous salt, consisting of one eq. of carbonic acid 22, and one of potassa 47'2 = 
 ''2. As obtained by the officinal formulae, it is, according to Mr. Phillips, a 
 ?quikydrate, consisting of two eqs. of carbonate and three of water. B. 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Purified pearlash is the form of carbonate of 
 tassa usually employed in this country, where it is frequently, though incor- 
 etly, called salt of tartar, the latter name being strictly applicable to the purer 
 rbonate, obtained by decomposing cream of tartar. It is occasionally used as 
 • antacid in dyspepsia, as a diuretic in dropsy, and as an antilithic in gravel 
 ::ended with red deposits from the urine; but the purpose to which it is most 
 'tnmonly applied is the formation of the neutral mixture and effervescing 
 aught. (See Liquor Potassse Citratis .) It is worthy of observation, that its so- 
 :ion, on exposure to air, or on the addition of an acid, deposits flocculi consist- 
 y of hydrate of silica, resulting from the decomposition of the silicated potassa, 
 lich is always present as an impurity. The spontaneous deposition of silica is 
 
 ■ iug to the absorption of carbonic acid. Carbonate of potassa is also used with 
 ijich advantage in some cases of jaundice, in which it probably operates by en- 
 ' rag the circulation, and directly exciting the hepatic function. It has enjoyed 
 
 ■ ne popular reputation mixed with cochineal in hooping-cough, and is supposed 
 some, in common with other alkaline remedies, to operate favourably in those 
 
 dammations in which there is a disposition to the exudation of coagulable 
 - nph, or the formation of false membranes. It is considered among the most 
 tactual remedies in obstinate cutaneous eruptions, in which it is employed both 
 iernally and externally. The dose is from ten to thirty grains, given in some 
 lunatic water sweetened with sugar. In large quantities it acts as a corrosive 
 ]|ison, and is capable of producing death in a few hours. The antidotes are the 
 . ed oils and vegetable acids. 
 
 As an external remedy in cutaneous affections, it is used in the form of bath, 
 i; lotion, and of ointment. From eight to sixteen ounces may be used for a 
 fjgle bath, the quantity being gradually increased. Lotions may be made by 
 (solving two or three drachms in a pint of water; and ointments by rubbing 
 i m ten grains to a drachm with an ounce of larch 
 72 
 
1138 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 part i; 
 
 Carbonate of Potassa is used iD the formulae for Precipitated Sulphuret < 
 Antimony, and Spirit of Nitric Ether. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Aloes Compositum ; Enema Aloes; Extractum Spigeli; 
 et Sennae Fluidum; Liquor Potassae; Liquor Potassae Arsenitis; Liquor P. 
 tassae Carbonatis ; Mistura Ferri Composita; Potassae Aeetas; Potassae Bicai 
 bonas ; Potassae Sulphas ; Potassae Tartras ; Potassii Bromidum ; Potassii Cy: 
 nuretum ; Potassii Iodidum ; Potassii Sulphuretum ; Spiritus Ammoniae Aromc 
 ticus; Spiritus Ammoniae Fcetidus. W. 
 
 POTASSiE CARBONAS PURUS. U.S. Potassa Carbona 
 Purum. Pd., Dub. Pure Carbonate of Potassa. Salt of Tartar. 
 
 “ Take of Bicarbonate of Potassa a found. Put the Bicarbonate, previous! 
 powdered, into a capacious iron crucible, heat gradually until the water of cry; 
 tallization is driven off, then raise the heat to redness, and maintain that tern 
 perature for half an hour. Having taken the crucible from the fire, andallovre 
 it to cool, remove its contents, dissolve them in distilled water, filter the sola 
 tion, and complete the process by evaporating and granulating as directed fo 
 Carbonate of Potassa.” U. S. 
 
 “Pure Carbonate of Potash may be most readily obtained by heating crystal 
 lized Bicarbonate of Potash to redness in a crucible; but more cheaply by dis 
 solving Bitartrate of Potash in thirty parts of boiling Water, separating am 
 washing the crystals which form on cooling, heating these in a loosely covers 
 crucible to redness so long as fumes are discharged, breaking down the mass 
 and roasting it in an open crucible for two hours, with occasional stirring, lixi 
 viating the product with Distilled Water, filtering the solution thus obtained 
 evaporating the solution to dryness, granulating the salt towards the close b; 
 brisk agitation, and heating the granular salt nearly to redness. The produc 
 of either process must be kept in well closed vessels.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of white Bitartrate of Potash tico pounds [avoirdupois]; Sesquicar 
 bonate of Ammonia half an ounce [avoird.j ; Distilled Water three pints [Imp 
 meas.]. Place the Bitartrate of Potash in an iron pot or crucible, and, con 
 stantly stirring it with an iron rod, expose it to a red heat until vapours c-eas< 
 to be evolved. Reduce the residuum to a coarse powder, and having boiled i 
 for twenty minutes with one quart [two pints, Imp. meas.] of the Water, filte. 
 through paper, washing the filter and its contents with the residual pint of Water 
 in which the Sesquicarbonate of Ammonia has been first dissolved. The filterec 
 solution is now to be evaporated to dryness, and, a low red heat being finally ap 
 plied, the product is to be rapidly reduced to powder in a warm mortar, ant 
 enclosed in well-stopped bottles.” Dub. 
 
 In the U. S. process for pure carbonate of potassa, the bicarbonate is ignited 
 whereby it loses its water of crystallization, and second equivalent of carbonic 
 acid, and is reduced to the state of carbonate. As the bicarbonate is a very pun 
 salt, so the carbonate, obtained from it, is also very pure. 
 
 The first process of the Edinburgh College is the same as the above; the seconc 
 directs the pure carbonate to be obtained from bitartrate of potassa, by first puri 
 fying it by solution and crystallization, and then incinerating it. The tartaric 
 acid, which consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, is decomposed, and give; 
 rise, among other products, to carbonic acid, which combines with the potassa 
 The matter, after ignition, contains, besides carbonate of potassa, certain irnpu 
 rities derived from those pre-existing in the bitartrate. These are carbonate o 
 lime, arising from the decomposition of tartrate of lime, alumina, silica, anc 
 minute portions of the oxides of iron and manganese ; and, being all insoluble 
 in water, are left behind when the mass is acted on by that liquid, the alkaline 
 carbonate alone being taken up. The Dublin process is the same as the seconc 
 Edinburgh, with the additional step of washing the filter and its contents wit! 
 
lRT II. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1139 
 
 (solution of sesquicarbonate of ammonia. This addition to the filtered solution 
 i the carbonate of potassa supplies any deficiency in its carbonic acid which may 
 ]ve been caused by the previous ignition; while, by the evaporation to dryness, 
 ;d final exposure to a low red heat, the whole of the ammonia is dissipated. 
 
 Properties, doc. Pure carbonate of potassa, obtained from the bicarbonate or 
 fun cream of tartar, differs from the same salt procured from pearlash, in con- 
 (ning no impurities. With the tests mentioned under the carbonate it gives 
 igative indications, showing the entire absence of foreign substances. When 
 (tained from cream of tartar, it was formerly called salt of tartar, in allusion 
 tits source; but at present this name is usually applied to any pure carbonate 
 (potassa, without reference to its mode of preparation. It may, indeed, be very 
 lich doubted whether the real salt of tartar is often kept in our shops; the 
 dinary carbonate as purified from pearlash being generally substituted for it, 
 j'd answering, in ordinary cases, every medicinal purpose that could be expected 
 fan the use of the purer salt. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. These are the same with those of the carbon- 
 ;i of potassa described in the preceding article. The pure carbonate, on ac- 
 unt of its freedom from silica, furnishes the best material for forming the 
 i ution of citrate of potassa, or neutral mixture. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Aloes Compositum ; Liquor Potassse Arsenitis ; Mistura 
 Irri Composita; Potassse Acetas; Potassse Carbonatis Liquor; Potassse Caus- 
 t® Liquor; Potassii Iodidum. B. 
 
 LIQUOR POTASSiE CARBONATIS. U. S., Land. Potass m 
 
 tiRBONATis Liquor. Dub. Solution of Carbonate of Potassa. 
 
 “Take of Carbonate of Potassa a pound; Distilled Water twelve ftuidounces. 
 hsolve the Carbonate of Potassa in the Water, and filter the solution.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Carbonate of Potassa twenty ounces ; Distilled Water a pint [Imp. 
 las.]. Dissolve and filter. The specific gravity is 1’473.” Lond. 
 
 ‘Take of Pure Carbonate of Potash ten ounces [avoirdupois]; Distilled Water 
 a pint [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve and filter. The specific gravity of this solution 
 
 ii-aio.” Dub. 
 
 This is a solution of carbonate of potassa in water, and furnishes a conve- 
 int form for the administration of the salt. An ounce is dissolved in a fluid- 
 nce of water in the U. S. formula, and in an Imperial fluidounce in the London. 
 1 the Dublin solution, half an ounce avoirdupois is dissolved in an Imperial fluid- 
 cice. This statement in relation to the British solutions will be understood, 
 Ten the fact is adverted to that the Imperial pint contains twenty fluidounces. 
 1 i London solution is somewhat stronger than that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
 I ause the Imperial fluidounce weighs a little less than a fluidounce, wine 
 insure. The Dublin process differs in using the pure carbonate, and in fur- 
 nhing a solution considerably less than half as strong as the U. S. and London 
 s itions. Solution of carbonate of potassa should be colourless and inodorous, 
 a ' possess the general alkaline qualities of the salt from which it is made. The 
 de of the U. S. or London solution is from ten minims to a fiuidrachm, suffi- 
 citly diluted with water or other bland liquid. B. 
 
 POTASSSE BICARBONAS. U. S., Lond., Pd., Dub. Bicarbonate 
 c Potassa. 
 
 ’Take of Carbonate of Potassa four pounds ; Distilled Water ten pints. Dis- 
 S' r e the Carbonate of Potassa in the Water, and pass carbonic acid through the 
 Sation till it is fully saturated. Then filter, and evaporate the filtered liquor 
 ti t crystals may form, taking care that the heat does not exceed 160°. Pour 
 o the supernatant liquid, and dry the crystals upon bibulous paper. Carbonic 
 a 1 is obtained from Marble by the addition of dilute sulphuric acid.” U. S. 
 
1140 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PART i 
 
 In the London Pharmacopoeia of 1851, bicarbonate of potassa is placed in tl 
 list of the Materia Medica. 
 
 “ Take of Carbonate of Potash from Pearlash owe pound [avoirdupois] ; Di 
 tilled Water one quart [two pints, Imp. meas.] ; Muriatic Acid of Cornmer 
 one pint and a half [Imp. meas.]; Water three pints, [Imp. meas.]; Chalk, 
 small fragments, one pound [avoird.], or a sufficient quantity. Dilute the M 
 riatic Acid with the Water, and having dissolved the Carbonate of Potash in tl! 
 Distilled Water, filter the solution into a three-pint bottle, capable of being tight 
 closed by a cork, traversed by a glass tube sufficiently long to pass to the botto 
 of the solution. A second bottle, in the bottom of which a few holes are drille! 
 and the mouth of which admits of being closed by a cork, also traversed by 
 glass tube, having been filled with the Chalk, and placed in a glass or porcela: 
 jar of the same height with itself, but of somewhat larger diameter, the extern 
 ends of the two tubes are to be connected air-tight by a tube of vulcanized Indie; 
 rubber. The cork of the bottle containing the Carbonate of Potash being plaet 
 loosely, and that of the other bottle tightly in its place, and the Muriatic Ac 
 having been poured into the jar in which is lodged the perforated bottle co. 
 taining the Chalk, the liberation of carbonic acid commences, and as soon as 
 is judged that a sufficient amount of it has been developed to expel complete, 
 the air from the apparatus, the cork of the Carbonate of Potash bottle is to 1 
 forced into it quite tight, and the process is to be abandoned to itself for a wee! 
 At the end of this time numerous crystals of the Bicarbonate of Potash will hat 
 formed, which are to be removed, shaken in a capsule with twice their bulk < 
 cold water, which is to be rapidly decanted, next drained, and finally dried c 
 bibulous paper by mere exposure to the atmosphere. The mother liquor, 
 filtered, and concentrated to one-half, at a temperature not exceeding 110°, wi 
 yield additional crystals. The tube immersed in the solution of Carbonate < 
 Potash will have to be occasionally cleared of the crystals with which it is liab 
 to become plugged, else the process will be suspended.” Dub. 
 
 “Take of Carbonate of Potash six ounces; Carbonate of Ammonia thr > 
 ounces and a half. Triturate the Carbonate of Ammonia to a very fine powdei 
 mix it with the Carbonate of Potash; triturate them thoroughly together, addin 
 by degrees a very little water, till a smooth and uniform pulp be formed. Dr 
 this gradually at a temperature not exceeding 140°, triturating oceasionall 
 towards the close ; and continue the desiccation till a fine powder be obtainei 
 entirely free of ammoniacal odour.” Ed. 
 
 In these processes, the carbonate of potassa, consisting of one eq. of acid aD 
 one of base, is combined with an additional equivalent of carbonic acid. Iu tl 
 U. S. and Dublin processes the combination is effected by passing a stream < 
 this acid through a solution of the carbonate, so long as it is absorbed. In tl 
 U. S. formula the distilled water taken is about three times the weight of tl 
 carbonate. As the bicarbonate of potassa requires four times its weight of wat; 
 to dissolve it, the quantity of water ordered in the U. S. formula would seei 
 not to be sufficient to dissolve the new salt; unless it be assumed that the soh 
 tion becomes heated in consequence of the reaction. The solution of the who! 
 of the new salt is not intended in the Dublin process, which proceeds on the pla 
 of forming crystals of bicarbonate at once in the original solution, without coi 
 centration by heat. The filtration directed in the U. S. formula is ordered q 
 the presumption that the whole of the bicarbonate formed is dissolved; and 
 intended to separate silica, which is always deposited during the progress of tl 
 saturation, when carbonate of potassa from pearlash is employed. On a sma 
 scale the saturation of the carbonate is best conducted in a Wolfe’s apparatus < 
 three bottles ; the first containing water to wash the carbonic acid gas, the tv 
 others, solutions of the carbonate. The bottles should be connected by rneai 
 
iRT II. 
 
 Poiassa. 
 
 1141 
 
 ' wide tubes, to prevent tbeir being obstructed by the crystals formed. On a 
 rge scale the saturation is performed in strong vessels, into which the carbonic 
 id is driven under pressure. Sulphuric acid is always used by the manufac- 
 ring chemist for generating the carbonic acid ; but in small operations, mu- 
 ltic acid, diluted with twice its bulk of water, is more convenient; inasmuch 
 it generates with the marble or chalk a soluble salt (chloride of calcium), 
 rich does not interfere with the extrication of the carbonic acid, as the insoluble 
 lphate of lime does. In the Dublin process dilute muriatic acid is used for 
 ;e extrication of the carbonic acid, which is effected in a self-regulating gene- 
 tor of that gas. 
 
 In the Edinburgh process, carbonate of ammonia, in very fine powder, is tho- 
 uglily incorporated with carbonate of potassa, by the assistance of a little water, 
 as to form a uniform pulp, which is dried by a gentle heat. By the com- 
 ned influence of the volatility of the ammonia, and the affinity of the carbonate 
 potassa for carbonic acid, the carbonate of ammonia is totally decomposed ; 
 ; carbonic acid generating the bicarbonate by uniting with the carbonate, and 
 ; ammonia being evolved during the drying of the pulp, which is then reduced 
 a fine powder. This process is alleged by Dr. Christison to be superior to 
 e other process, “ in point of economy, dispatch, and certainty in small ope- 
 tions.” 
 
 Mr. Brande gives the following proportions for the preparation of bicarbonate 
 potassa on the large scale: “ 100 lbs. of purified carbonate of potassa are dis- 
 ked in 17 gallons of water, which, when saturated with carbonic acid, yield 
 )m 35 to 40 lbs. of crystallized bicarbonate ; 50 lbs. of carbonate of potassa 
 e then added to the mother liquor, with a sufficient quantity of water to make 
 J > 17 gallons, and the operation repeated.” 
 
 Wohler states that charcoal, when mixed with the carbonate, facilitates by its 
 rosity, in a remarkable degree, the formation of the bicarbonate. Thus he 
 :mdthat when crude tartar was charred in a covered crucible, and the carbon- 
 : 30us mass, after having been slightly moistened with water, was subjected to 
 : stream of carbonic acid, the gas was absorbed with great rapidity, and heated 
 3 mass so considerably, as to render it necessary to surround the vessel with 
 i d water, to prevent the decomposition of the bicarbonate that had been formed, 
 hen the temperature diminished, the saturation was known to be completed, 
 he mass was lixiviated in the smallest quantity of water at the temperature of 
 1 m 85° to 100°, and the solution, after filtration and cooling, deposited the 
 pater part of the bicarbonate in fine crystals. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., x. 82, 
 I'm the Annalen der Physilc und C hemic f 
 
 M. Behrens has proposed to obtain bicarbonate of potassa by partially satu- 
 i ing the carbonate, dissolved in an equal weight of water, with acetic acid 
 { idually added. Up to a certain point, no carbonic acid is extricated, and a 
 ] :eipitate takes place of pure bicarbonate of potassa, equal to half the weight of 
 1 ■ carbonate employed. After the bicarbonate is separated, the saturation may 
 1 completed, and acetate of potassa obtained. (Journ. de Pliarm., oe ser., iv. 
 L 1.) A similar production of the bisalt takes place when the carbonate is 
 fated with weak lemon-juice, in forming the citrate. (S ee page 1144.) 
 According to Berzelius, the cheapest method of obtaining the bicarbonate of 
 l'assa is to suspend a concentrated solution of the purified carbonate, contained 
 i a stoneware dish, within a cask over a liquid undergoing the vinous fermenta- 
 1 1 . The alkali is thus surrounded by an atmosphere of carbonic acid, and, by 
 c orbing it, crystallizes into bicarbonate in the course of five or six weeks. 
 
 1 tillers and brewers prepare this salt with great facility by suspending the 
 
 2 aline solution in the fermenting tun. The salt in powder called sal aeratus, 
 ide principally in New England, is, we believe, prepared in this way. In 
 c iposition it is between a carbonate and bicarbonate. 
 
1142 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PART i 
 
 Properties , &c. Bicarbonate of potassa is in transparent, colourless, inodoro 
 crystals, slightly alkaline to the taste and to test paper, permanent in the a 
 and having the shape of irregular eight-sided prisms with two-sided summii 
 It dissolves in four times its weight of cold water, and in five-sixths of its weig 
 of boiling water, by which it is partially decomposed, and converted into sesqil 
 carbonate. It is insoluble in alcohol. Exposed to a red heat, it loses 30‘7 p 
 cent., comprising half its carbonic acid and the whole of its water of erystalliz 
 tion, and returns to the state of carbonate, which, when thus obtained, is fr 
 from silica, and otherwise very pure. This method is now adopted in the U. 
 Pharmacopoeia for obtaining the pure carbonate, and forms the first process 
 the Edinburgh. Supersaturated with nitric acid, it should give a clear solutio 
 the transparency of which is not disturbed by chloride of barium, and but slight 
 by nitrate of silver. When a perfect bicarbonate, its solution, unless heate 
 does not precipitate a solution of sulphate of magnesia. This negative indie 
 tion, however, cannot be depended upon as showing the absence of carbonat 
 for, according to Dr. Christison, no precipitate will be occasioned, even wh 
 fifty per cent, of this impurity is present. Bicarbonate of potassa does not c 
 compose calomel. When dissolved in 40 parts of water, it produces a wbi 
 haze merely with a solution of corrosive sublimate; but if it contain so little 
 a hundredth part of carbonate, a brick-red precipitate is immediately produce 
 ( Christison .) Another way of detecting the presence of carbonate is to ai 
 starch sugar to a heated solution of the suspected bicarbonate. If any c-arbona 
 be present, the mixture turns yellow or brown. ( Chevallier .) Bicarbonate 
 potassa consists of two eqs. of carbonic acid 44, one of potassa 47 '2, and one 
 water 9 =100 '2. 
 
 Medical Properties. The medical properties of this salt are the same as tho 
 of the carbonate, to which it is preferable from its milder taste, and greater t 
 ceptability to the stomach. The dose is from twenty grains to a drachm. 
 
 Off. Prep. Liquor Potassa; Citratis; Potassae Aqua EfFervesc-ens; Potas: 
 Carbonas Purus; Potassa; Citras; Pulveres Effervescentes; Pulveres Effervc 
 centes Citrati. B. 
 
 POTASS2E AQUA EFFERVESCENS. Pd. Effervescing Wat 
 of Potassa. 
 
 “ Take of Bicarbonate of Potash one drachm; Distilled Water one pint [Lr 
 measQ. Dissolve the Salt in the Water, and transmit through the soluti 
 carbonic acid gas under strong pressure.” Ed. 
 
 This preparation maybe considered as the bicarbonate of potassa dissolved 
 carbonic acid water. It is, however, altogether superfluous in this country, 
 consequence of the general introduction into the shops of carbonic acid wat 
 (artificial Seltzer water), which may be readily employed for dissolving a" 
 desired proportion of the bicarbonate, with the result of forming a much brisk 
 preparation. This solution has the general sparkling qualities and acidulce 
 taste of carbonic acid water; the alkaline taste being covered in a great measii 
 by the large excess of carbonic acid. The after-taste is more purely saline tli. 
 that of the corresponding preparation made with soda. (See Sodas Aqua Effi 
 vescensi) B. 
 
 POTASS2E CITRAS. U.S. Citrate of Potassa. 
 
 “ Take of Citric Acid ten ounces; Bicarbonate of Potassa fourteen ounce 
 Water a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the Citric Acid in two pints of Wat. 
 add the Bicarbonate gradually, and, when effervescence has ceased, strain, a; 
 evaporate to dryness, stirring constantly, after a pellicle has begun to form, un. 
 the salt granulates; then rub it in a mortar, pass it through a coarse sieve, al 
 put it in bottles, which should be kept closely stopped.” U. S. 
 
ART II. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1143 
 
 Citrate of potassa has long been used habitually in this country for the pre- 
 iration of the neutral mixture, but was first recognised as officinal in the U. S. 
 harmacopoeia of 1850. It was known formerly by the name of salt of River ius. 
 
 1 the above formula, mutually saturating proportions of the acid and bicarbon- 
 e were intended to be employed ; the latter ingredient being preferred to the 
 rbonate on account of its greater purity. The potassa of the bicarbonate 
 rites with the citric acid, to form the citrate of potassa, and the carbonic acid 
 capes, producing effervescence. The resulting solution is directed to be evapo- 
 ted to dryness, as affording the most convenient form for use. The granulation 
 dered has a tendency to retard the deliquescence of the citrate. 
 
 Citrate of potassa is crystallizable ; but, as procured by the above process, is 
 ; the form of a white granular powder. It is inodorous, of a saline, slightly 
 tterish, not unpleasant taste, deliquescent, very soluble in water without 
 sidue, and insoluble in alcohol. It is stated in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia that 
 s solution does not change the colour of litmus; but we have found a carefully 
 epared specimen slightly to redden the paper; and the acid used in the pro- 
 ss is theoretically in slight excess. By a red heat with exposure to the air, 
 e salt is decomposed, leaving a residue of pure carbonate of potassa. The 
 esence of tartaric acid would be indicated by a precipitate of bitartrate of 
 itassa on the addition of muriatic acid. 
 
 Medical Properties. This salt is a grateful refrigerant diaphoretic, and has 
 ng been much used in the fevers of this country, in the extemporaneous forms 
 neutral mixture and effervescing draught. (See Liquor Potassse Citratis.) As 
 jese require time and a somewhat careful manipulation in their preparation, it 
 s been found more convenient to keep the citrate of potassa ready made, and 
 ssolve it in water when wanted for use. This solution will no doubt produce 
 ie essential diaphoretic and refrigerant effects of the neutral mixture or effer- 
 scing draught, but is less agreeable to the stomach and palate, because destitute 
 the carbonic acid contained in the latter. The dose of this solution is half a 
 idounce, of the dry citrate from twenty to twenty-five grains. The prepara- 
 >n may be improved iu flavour, and rendered more agreeable to the stomach, 
 rubbing a drop or two of oil of lemons with the six drachms of citrate before 
 ^solving it, and substituting carbonic acid water for pure water as the men- 
 ruum. W. 
 
 LIQUOR POTASSiE CITRATIS. U. S. Solution of Citrate of 
 otassa. Neutral Mixture. 
 
 “Take of fresh Lemon-juice half a pint; Bicarbonate of Potassa a sufficient 
 ' cintiti /. Add the Bicarbonate gradually to the Lemon- juice till it is perfectly 
 i urated ; then filter. Or, 
 
 “Take of Citric Acid half an ounce; Oil of Lemons two minims; Water half 
 hint; Bicarbonate of Potassa a sufficient quantity. Bub the Citric Acid with 
 > J Oil of Lemons, and afterwards with the Water till it is dissolved; then add the 
 .(carbonate of Potassa gradually till the Acid is perfectly saturated; lastly, filter. 
 “Solution of Citrate of Potassa prepared according' to these formulae contains 
 i e carbonic acid, which is deemed a desirable ingredient. It may also be pre- 
 ] red by dissolving six drachms of Citrate of Potassa in half a pint of Water; 
 
 1 1, made in this way, contains no carbonic acid.” U. S. 
 
 The first two are equivalent preparations ; the solution of citric acid flavoured 
 'ah oil of lemons being intended as a substitute for fresh lemon-juice when this 
 'mot be had. In both, the potassa of the bicarbonate unites with the citric 
 '• d, and the carbonic acid is liberated. A portion of the latter remains in the 
 f ution, and a portion escapes with effervescence. The result, therefore, is a 
 ! ution of citrate of potassa in water impregnated with carbonic acid. When 
 1 aon-juice is employed, the solution has a greenish colour ; but prepared with 
 
1144 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PART II. 
 
 the pure acid it is colourless. In the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1850, bicarbonate 
 of potassa has been substituted for the carbonate before used. As the prepa- 
 ration was formerly made, a fiocculent precipitate was apt to exhibit itself in 
 small quantity, owing to the silicate of potassa generally present as an impuritj 
 in the carbonate of potassa. This gave up its base to the citric acid, and the 
 silica was deposited in the state of a hydrate. The bicarbonate is free from this 
 impurity, and consequently hydrated silica is not thrown down ; nevertheless, 
 the solution is still directed to be filtered ; a direction which may be useful, 
 when fresh lemon-juice is used, by separating the undissolved matters of the 
 juice, and in the other case is only surplusage. About 48 grains of the crystals 
 of the bicarbonate, 83 grains of the pure and perfectly dry carbonate, or 4c 
 grains of the hydrated carbonate found in the shops, are sufficient to saturate s 
 fluidounce of good lemon-juice; but the strength of the juice is variable, and the 
 carbonate is apt to absorb moisture from the air, so that precision as to quantities 
 cannot be readily attained. Hence the propriety of the direction to add the! 
 alkaline carbonate to saturation. The point of saturation may be determined 
 by the cessation of effervescence, the absence of either an acid or alkaline taste, 
 and still more accurately by litmus paper, which should not be rendered bright- 
 red by the solution, nor blue if previously reddened by an acid. 
 
 The inequality of strength in the lemon-juice renders the neutral mixture 
 prepared with it more or less uncertain ; though, if the apothecary select ripe 
 and sound fruit, and express the juice himself, the preparation will be found tc 
 approach suificiently near a uniform standard for all practical purposes. Never- 
 theless, if the physician wish absolute precision, he may order the neutral mix- 
 ture to be made with crystallized citric acid as directed in the second officinal 
 formula ; or he may pursue the following plan suggested in former editions oi 
 this work. Dissolve two drachms of bicarbonate of potassa in two fluidouuce.- 
 of water; saturate the solution wuth good fresh lemon-juice, and strain; ana 
 lastly add enough water to make the mixture measure six fluidounces. A fluid- 
 ounce of this solution may be given for a dose. 
 
 In relation to the preparation of the neutral mixture, by simply dissolving the 
 citrate of potassa in water, as permitted in the third U. S. process above given 
 see the preceding article, page 1148. 
 
 Effervescing Draught. Under this name, the citrate of potassa is often pre 
 pared extemporaneously, and given in the state of effervescence. The most con- 
 venient mode of exhibition is to add to a fluidounce of a mixture consisting ol 
 equal parts of lemon-juice and water, half a fluidounce of a solution containing 
 fifteen grains of carbonate of potassa, or twenty grains of the bicarbonate 
 Should effervescence not occur, as sometimes happens, when the carbonate b 
 used, in consequence of the weakness of the lemon-juice, more of the juice shoulc 
 be added; as, unless sufficient acid is present to neutralize the potassa, part o: 
 the carbonate passes into the state of bicarbonate, and the gas is thus preventec 
 from escaping. A solution of citric acid of the strength of that directed in the 
 officinal formula may be substituted for lemon-juice, if this is not to be had. Tin 
 fifteen grains of carbonate of potassa above mentioned are scarcely sufficient ti 
 saturate the lemon-juice, if of ordinary strength; but a little excess of the ac-ic 
 renders the preparation more agreeable to the taste. Some prefer the bicarbon 
 ate in the preparation of the effervescing draught, because it will always effer 
 vesce with lemon-juice, no matter what may be the strength of the latter. Bu 
 this is an objection. The carbonate serves, by the absence of effervescence, t< 
 indicate w T hen the lemon-juice is very weak in acid; and the defect may then be 
 easily remedied by the addition of more juice. When the bicarbonate is used 
 if there should be a deficiency of acid, it is not discovered ; and the patient take; 
 a considerable portion of undecomposcd bicarbonate, instead of the full quantity 
 of citrate intended. 
 
’ART II. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1145 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The solution of citrate of potassa has long been 
 ised under the name of neutral mixture, saline mixture, or effervescing draught. 
 it is an excellent refrigerant diaphoretic, adapted to almost all cases of fever 
 nth a hot dry skin, and especially to the paroxysms of our remittent and in- 
 ermittent fevers. The effervescing draught is peculiarly useful. The carbonic 
 .cid serves to cover the taste of the citrate of potassa, and adds to the diaphoretic 
 lowers of the salt its own cordial influence over the stomach. No preparation 
 fith which we are accpiainted is equally efficacious in allaying irritability of 
 tomach, and producing diaphoresis, in our remittent fevers. It is usually also 
 ery grateful to the patient. In order to increase the sedative and diaphoretic 
 iroperties of the neutral mixture, it is customary to add to it a portion of tartar 
 inetic; and a little sweet spirit of nitre will be found an excellent adjuvant in 
 evers with nervous disturbance. Should the solution irritate the bowels, as 
 iccasionally happens, it may be combined with a little laudanum or solution of 
 ulphate of morphia. Sugar may be added if desired by the patient. 
 
 The dose of the officinal solution is a tablespoonful or half a fluidounce, which 
 hould be somewhat diluted when taken. The whole of each effervescing draught, 
 irepared as above stated, is to be taken at once. Each dose should be repeated 
 very hour, two, or three hours, according to the urgency of the symptoms. 
 
 W. 
 
 POTASSiE NITRAS PURUM. Pub. Pure Nitrate of Potassa. 
 “Take of Commercial Nitre four pounds [avoirdupois]; Distilled Water five 
 nnts [Imp. meas.], or a sufficient quantity. Having dissolved the Nitre in two 
 lints of the Water at a boiling temperature, let the heat be, withdrawn, and the 
 olution be stirred constantly as it cools, in order that the salt may be obtained 
 n very minute crystals. These, deprived as much as possible of the unerystai- 
 ized solution by decantation and draining, are to be washed in a glass or earthen- 
 rare percolator with the remainder of the Water, or until the liquid which trickles 
 hrough ceases to give a precipitate when dropped into a solution of nitrate of 
 ilver. The contents of the percolator should now be extracted, and dried in 
 n oven.” Pub. 
 
 The purified nitre of commerce is sufficiently pure for medicinal use ; so that 
 his formula of the Dublin College is entirely unnecessary. The properties of 
 litre, and the manner in which it is purified, have been fully explained under 
 nother head. (See Potassse Nitras.) B. 
 
 POTASSIE SULPHAS CUM SULPILURE. Ed. Sulphate of 
 °otassa with Sulphur. 
 
 “ Take of Nitrate of Potash and Sulphur equal parts. Mix them thoroughly; 
 brow the mixture in small successive portions into a red-hot crucible ; and when 
 he deflagration is over, and the salt has cooled, reduce it to powder, and pre- 
 ;erve it in well-closed bottles.” Ed. 
 
 AVhen the mixture, indicated in this formula, is thrown into a red-hot c-ruci- 
 le, each successive portion melts, and the sulphur floats on the surface with 
 he appearance of a brown oil, burns vividly, and gives rise to a copious evolu- 
 ion of sulphurous acid gas. The product of the deflagration is a grayish-white 
 viable mass, intermixed apparently with undecomposed sulphur. 
 
 The nature of this preparation has not been well determined. On the sup- 
 osition that it is the sulphate of potassa, mixed with a portion of sulphur, as 
 ie Edinburgh name implies, its formation may be thus explained. By the 
 ombined influence of the sulphur and of the heat employed, the nitric acid of 
 he nitre is totally decomposed, and is thus enabled to furnish sufficient oxygen 
 p convert a portion of the sulphur into sulphuric acid, which, as soon as formed, 
 ombines with the base of the nitre, to form the sulphate of potassa. This is 
 
1146 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PART i 
 
 left mixed with a portion of sulphur which has escaped combustion ; hut tb 
 greater part of the latter undergoes ordinary combustion, and is dissipated t 
 sulphurous acid fumes. 
 
 Supposing the saline matter to be a sulphate containing a little free sulphu 
 this combustible is evidently used in great excess; but whether this excess 
 necessary to obtain the exact preparation desired by the Edinburgh College, 
 is not easy to determine. The late Dr. Duncan ascertained that the produt 1 
 amounted only to four-tenths of the materials employed. It is, therefore, smalh 
 than it ought to be, even supposing that the residue consisted of nothing bi 
 sulphate of potassa. 
 
 Dr. Duncan was of opinion that the preparation under consideration cannotl 
 viewed as a sulphuretted sulphate, and for the following satisfactory reason 
 In the first place, it is more soluble in water than sulphate of potassa, andforn 
 a yellowish solution, the water leaving undissolved only a small residue of a blac 
 colour, which is not sulphur. In the second place, it exhales during solution 
 sulphurous smell, and its taste is sulphurous. These facts seem to show that 
 small portion of sulphite of potassa is present in the preparation, or at lea 
 some sulphurous acid in loose combination. It does not yield sulphuretted h; 
 drogen on the addition of an acid, and is not precipitated by the salts of lea' 
 These characters are inconsistent with the opinion of Mr. John Mackay, < 
 Edinburgh, that this preparation contains sulphuret of potassium. (See Pharr. 
 Jorum, and Trans, for Jan. 1842.) 
 
 Properties , &c. This salt has an acid and sulphurous taste, and an acid r 
 action with test paper. When pulverized, it yields a pale yellowish-white pot 
 der. It is soluble in eight times its weight of cold water. It is, however, n 
 a uniform preparation; different specimens, apparently prepared with equal car 
 exhibiting some difference in properties. It was called by the earlier chemis 
 sal polgchrestus Glaseri , or sal polychrest. Its other properties coincide - gen 
 rally with those of sulphate of potassa, which may be considered as its basis. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. The medical effects of this preparation diff 
 but little, if at all, from those of sulphate of potassa. Its action on the syste 
 is stated by Dr. Duncan to resemble that of the sulphurous mineral wate 
 which contain a portion of neutral salt. The dose is from half a drachm to 
 drachm. B. 
 
 POTASS2E BISULPHAS. Ed., Dub. Bisulphate of Potassa. 
 
 “Take of the residuum of the preparation of Pure Nitric Acid tico pound 
 Sulphuric Acid (commercial) seven Jhiidounces and one, fluid rachm [Imp.meas. 
 boiling Water six pints [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve the Salt in the Water, add t 
 Acid, concentrate the solution, and set it aside to cool and form crystals.” L 
 
 “Take of Sulphate of Potash, in powder, three ounces [avoirdupois]; Pu 
 Sulphuric Acid one fiuidounce [Imp. meas.]. Place the Acid and Salt in a sun. 
 porcelain capsule, and to this apply a heat capable of liquefying its contents, at. 
 which should be continued until acid vapours cease to be given off. The Bisn 
 phate, which concretes as it cools, should be reduced to a fine powder, and pi- 
 served in a well stopped bottle.” Dub. 
 
 In explaining the Edinburgh formula, it is only necessary to recall to t' 
 reader’s attention a part of the explanations given under the head of XitricAo- 
 (See page 40.) It was there stated that, for the decomposition of nitre on t- 
 small scale for the purpose of obtaining nitric acid, it is necessary to use two ee 
 of sulphuric acid to one of the salt. Consequently, the salt which remains aft 
 the distillation of nitric acid is really a bisulphate, and would seem only to > 
 quire to be dissolved, and the solution filtered and duly evaporated, in order) 
 obtain the salt in crystals. But Mr. Phillips states that, when the bisulphatef 
 potassa is dissolved in water, and the solution is allowed to crystallize, sou 
 
! 
 
 art II. Potassa. 1147 
 
 llphate and much sesquisulphate are obtained instead of bisulphate, owing to 
 ie water retaining a part of the excess of acid in solution. This result is pre- 
 Bnted by the sulphuric acid directed to be added, and, consequently, the real 
 isulphate is obtained in crystals. In the process of the Dublin College, which 
 a new one of its Pharmacopoeia of 1850, sulphate of potassa is mixed with 
 ore sulphuric acid than is necessary to convert it into a bisulphate, and the 
 ixture is exposed to a liquefying heat, which is continued so long as acid va- 
 jurs continue to be given off. The portion of acid, more than sufficient to form 
 bisulphate, is thus driven off; so that the saline matter left is the salt under 
 rasideration, which, after concreting, is reduced to fine powder. 
 
 Properties, &c. Bisulphate of potassa is a white salt, having the form of a 
 ght rhombic prism, so flattened as to be tabular, and a bitter and extremely 
 ■id taste. It is soluble in twice its weight of cold water, and in less than its 
 eight of boiling water. Alcohol does not dissolve it, but, when added to an 
 pieous solution, precipitates the neutral sulphate. Exposed to the air, it 
 foresees slightly on the surface, and when moderately heated readily melts, 
 id runs like oil. At a red heat it loses water and the excess of acid, and is 
 iduced to the state of neutral sulphate. From its excess of acid, it acts pre- 
 sely as an acid on the carbonates, causing them to effervesce. It is incom- 
 itible with alkalies, earths, and their carbonates, with many of the metals, and 
 ost oxides. This salt was formerly called sal enixum. It consists' of twoeqs. 
 ’sulphuric acid 80, one of potassa 47'2, and two of water 18=145'2. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Bisulphate of potassa unites the properties of 
 i aperient with those of a tonic, and may be given in cases of constipation with 
 nguid appetite, such as often occur in convalescence from acute diseases. Dr. 
 aris states that it forms a grateful adjunct to rhubarb. It answers, also, ac- 
 irding to Dr. Barker, for preparing an aperient effervescing draught at little 
 ;pense. Equal weights, a drachm for instance, of the bisulphate and of car- 
 inate of soda, may be dissolved separately, each in two fluidounc-es of water, 
 ien mixed, and taken in the state of effervescence. The dose of the bisulphate 
 one or two drachms. B. 
 
 POTASSiE TARTRAS. U. S., Lond ., Ed., Dub. Tartrate of 
 1 otassa . Soluble Tartar. 
 
 “Take of Carbonate of Potassa sixteen ounces ; Bitartrate of Potassa [cream 
 tartar], in fine powder, three pounds , or a sufficient quantity ; Boiling Water 
 gallon. Dissolve the Carbonate of Potassa in the Water; then gradually add 
 e Bitartrate of Potassa to the solution till it is perfectly saturated, and boil, 
 ilter the liquor, evaporate it until a pellicle forms, and set it aside to crystallize, 
 bur off the liquid, and, having dried the crystals on bibulous paper, keep them 
 closely stopped bottles.” U. S. 
 
 In the London Pharmacopoeia of 1851 this salt has been transferred from 
 e Preparations to the catalogue of the Materia Medica. 
 
 “Take of Bitartrate of Potash three pounds ; Carbonate of Potash sixteen 
 nces, or a sufficiency ; boiling Water six pints. Dissolve the Carbonate in the 
 'ater, add the Bitartrate till the liquor is neutralized, boil and filter. Concen- 
 ite the liquor till a pellicle forms on its surface, and then set it aside to cool 
 id crystallize. The residual liquor will yield more crystals by farther concen- 
 ition and cooling.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Carbonate of Potash from Pearlash eight ounces [avoirdupois]; white 
 tartrate of Potash, in fine powder, one pound [avoird.], or a sufficient quantity ; 
 istilled Water half a gallon [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve the Carbonate of Potash 
 the Water, and to the solution, while boiling hot, gradually add the Bitartrate, 
 itil the liquid, after the ebullition has been continued for a couple of minutes, 
 ases to change the colour of blue or reddened litmus. Filter through calico, 
 
1148 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PART II 
 
 and, having evaporated the clear liquor until a pellicle forms on its surface, se 
 it by to crystallize. After twelve hours pour off the liquid, and, having drie 
 the crystals on bibulous paper, preserve them in a well stopped bottle.” Dub. 
 
 In these processes, the excess of acid in the bitartrate is saturated by the pc 
 tassa of the carbonate, the carbonic acid is extricated with effervescence, and th 
 neutral tartrate of potassa is formed. On account of the greater solubility cj 
 the carbonate than of the bitartrate, the former is first dissolved, and the latte 1 
 added to the solution to full saturation. As the bitartrate is gradually addec 
 the mutual action of the salts should be promoted by constant stirring; and th 
 addition should be continued so long as effervescence takes place, which is 
 better mode of proceeding than to add any specified quantity of the bisalt ; since 
 from its variable quality, it is impossible to adjust precisely the proportions ay 
 plicable to all cases. It is necessary that the solution should be exactly neutra 
 or a little alkaline; and hence, if inadvertently too much bitartrate has bee 
 added, the proper state may be restored by adding a little of the alkaline ca; 
 bonate. When the saturation has been completed, the solution is filtered i 
 order to separate tartrate of lime, which appears in white flocks, and which j 
 always present in cream of tartar as an impurity. The evaporated liquor shoul 
 then be placed in icarm) earthenware vessels, to ensure a slow refrigeration ; ant 
 after remaining at rest for several days, the crystals begin to form. In ordc 
 that the crystallization should proceed favourably, it is necessary, according t 
 Baume, that the solution should be somewhat alkaline. Iron vessels should n< 
 be used in any part of the process ; as this metal is apt to discolour the salt. 
 
 Tartrate of potassa is sometimes made in the process for preparing tartar 
 acid. When thus obtained, the exc-ess.of acid of the bitartrate is neutralized b 
 means of carbonate of lime. This generates an insoluble tartrate of lime, an 
 leaves the neutral tartrate in solution, from which it may be obtained by evap> 
 ration and crystallization. (See Aciclum Tartaric inn.) 
 
 Properties, &c. Tartrate of potassa, prepared according to the officinal pr 
 cesses, is in white crystals, which are neutral to test paper, slightly deliquescen 
 and usually in the form of irregular six-sided prisms with dihedral summits. I 
 taste is saline and bitter. It dissolves in about twice its weight of cold watc 
 and in much less boiling water, and is nearly insoluble in alcohol. Exposed t 
 heat it undergoes fusion, swells up, blackens, and is decomposed; being converts 
 into carbonate of potassa. For medicinal use it should always be crystallized 
 but, as it ordinarily occurs in the shops, it is in a white granular powder, obtainc 
 by evaporating the solution to dryness, while it is constantly stirred. In th 
 state it is said to require four times its weight of water for solution. It is nev 
 purposely adulterated; but, if it be obtained by evaporation to dryness, it is liab 
 to contain an excess of carbonate or of bitartrate of potassa, when it will ha' 
 either an alkaline or acid reaction. It is decomposed by all the strong acids, ai ' 
 by many acidulous salts, which cause the precipitation of minute crystals 
 bitartrate of potassa, by abstracting one eq. of alkali from two of the sa 
 Chloride of barium or acetate of lead occasions a white precipitate of tartrate 
 baryta or lead, distinguishable from the sulphate of those bases by being whol 
 soluble in dilute nitric acid. Tartrate of potassa is composed of one eq. of t£ 
 taric acid 66, and one of potassa 47'2=113'2. According to Berzelius, t. 
 crystals contain no water of crystallization. 
 
 Medical Properties. Tartrate of potassa is a mild cooling purgative, operatin. 
 like most of the neutral salts, without much pain, and producing watery stoo 
 It is applicable to febrile diseases, and is occasionally combined with senna, tt 
 griping effects of which it has a tendency to obviate. The dose is from a drach 
 to an ounce, according to the degree of effect desired. B. 
 
ART II. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1149 
 
 POTASSII BROMIDUM. U. S. Bromide of Potassium. 
 
 “ Take of Bromine two ounces; Iron Filings an ounce; Carbonate of Potassa 
 •o ounces and a drachm, or a sufficient quantity ; Distilled Water four pints. 
 dd first the Iron Filings, and afterwards the Bromine, to a pint and a half of 
 e Distilled Water, stirring the mixture frequently with a spatula for half an 
 >ur. Apply a gentle heat, and, when the liquor assumes a greenish colour, add 
 ■adually the Carbonate of Potassa, previously dissolved in a pint and a half of 
 e Distilled Water, until it ceases to produce a precipitate. Continue the heat 
 r half an hour, and then filter. Wash the precipitate with the remaining pint 
 Distilled Water, boiling hot, and filter. Mix the filtered liquors, and evapo- 
 te so that crystals may form. Lastly, pour off the liquid, and dry the crystals 
 1 bibulous paper.” U. S. 
 
 In the first step of this process, a solution of bromide of iron is formed; and 
 is, by the addition of the solution of carbonate of potassa, is decomposed so 
 to generate carbonate of the protoxide of iron which precipitates, and bromide 
 potassium in solution. By straining, the precipitated carbonate is separated, 
 d from the strained liquor crystals of bromide of potassium are obtained by 
 :e evaporation. 
 
 Properties, &c. Bromide of potassium is a permanent, colourless, anhydrous 
 It, crystallizing in cubes or quadrangular prisms, and having a pungent, saline 
 ste, similar to that of common salt, but more acrid. It is very soluble in cold 
 iter, more so in hot, and but slightly soluble in alcohol. When heated it de- 
 epitates, and, at a red heat, fuses without decomposition. The following cha- 
 pters are given of the salt in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. "Its aqueous solution 
 es not affect the colour of litmus or turmeric, and is not precipitated by chloride 
 barium. When mixed with starch, and treated with sulphuric acid, it becomes 
 llow. The salt, when subjected to heat, does not lose weight. Ten grains of 
 require, for complete precipitation, 14'28 grains of nitrate of silver, and the 
 ecipitate formed has a yellowish colour.” The object of adding sulphuric acid 
 tng with the starch is to set the bromine free. If iodine be set free at the 
 ne time, the starch will give rise to a violet or feeble blue colour. To test for 
 line in this salt, Lassaigne recommends to add to its solution a few drops of a 
 ak solution of chlorine, and then to introduce a piece of starched white paper. 
 
 . iodine be present, the starch will become violet, or faintly blue. If the salt 
 composes more nitrate of silver than is above stated, its saturating power is 
 ; :ater than it should be, and the presence of a chloride, probably of potassium 
 ' sodium, may be suspected. Bromide of potassium consists of one eq. of 
 iimine 78 '4, and one of potassium 89'2=117'6. 
 
 Medical Properties. Bromide of potassium is deemed alterative and resolvent. 
 .1828, Pourche used it with benefit, both internally and in the form of oint- 
 ) nt, in the treatment of bronchocele and scrofula. Favourable results were 
 cained by Dr. Williams, of London, from its use as an internal remedy in seve- 
 i cases of enlarged spleen. According to Bicord, it produces effects in seeond- 
 : r syphilis similar to those of iodide of potassium, but acts more slowly. (See 
 \ lassii Ioclidum . ) The same view is taken of its slow action in syphilis by Dr. 
 mn Egan. This surgeon, after experimenting with the bromide of potassium 
 fj a period of four years in the Westmoreland Lock Hospital, found its effects, 
 ^secondary and tertiary syphilis, slow and unsatisfactory, when compared with 
 t se of iodide of potassium. While the iodide generally increased the appetite 
 £ l improved the powers of digestion, the bromide not unfrequently produced 
 lisea and derangement of the digestive organs. (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., xiv. 
 A, from the Dublin Med. Press . ) M. Huette, from extensive trials made with 
 t ? remedy in the same stages of syphilis, found it inefficacious ; exhibiting, in 
 i effects, a marked contrast to those of iodide of potassium, which rapidly 
 
1150 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PART II 
 
 relieved the cases in which the bromide had failed. (Ann. de TJierap ., 1851, p 
 216.) When given in large doses (from two to five drachms daily), it produce 
 headache, followed by a peculiar intoxication, attended with torpor and drow 1 
 siness, slowness of the pulse, temporary dulness of sight and hearing, and weak 
 ness of the intellectual faculties. In one case, observed by M. Puimes, th 
 insensibility was so complete that the puncture of the skin with a suture need! 
 was not felt, and the titillation of the conjunctiva and fauces with a feather prr 
 duced neither winking nor desire to vomit. (Journ. de Pharm., Dec. 1849. 
 Anaesthesia of the fauces, produced by this bromide, was subsequently observe- 
 by M. Huette, who also noticed in it the power of inducing more or less torpidit 
 of the genital organs. 
 
 Bromide of potassium may be given in the form of pill, or dissolved in watei 
 in doses of from three to ten grains three times a day. The ointment may b 
 made by mixing from a scruple to two drachms of the bromide with an ounc 
 of lard. Of this from half a drachm to a drachm may be rubbed on a scrofulou 
 tumour, or other part where its local action is desired, once in twenty-four hour 1 
 Sometimes bromine is added to this ointment in the proportion of thirty minim 
 to the ounce of lard. B. 
 
 POTASSII CYANURETUM. U.S. Cyanuret of Potassium. 
 
 “Take of Ferrocyanuret of Potassium, dried, eight ounces ; Carbonate q 
 Potassa, dried, three ounces. Mix the salts intimately, and throw the mixtur 
 into a deep iron crucible previously heated to redness; maintain the temperatui 
 till effervescence ceases, and the fused mass concretes, of a pure white colou 
 upon a warm glass rod dipped into it ; then pour out the liquid carefully into ; 
 shallow dish to solidify, stopping before the salt becomes contaminated with th 
 precipitated iron. Break up the mass while yet warm, and preserve it in we 
 stopped bottles.” U. S. 
 
 The above process for obtaining this cyanuret is that of Liebig, modified b 
 C. Clemm, and has been substituted, in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1850, fi 
 that in which the ferrocyanuret is ignited without addition. It furnishes a larg 
 product of cyanuret of potassium, contaminated, but not to an injurious exten 
 with cyanate of potassa. The reaction takes place betwmen two eqs. of ferr 
 cyanuret of potassium and two of carbonate of potassa. The iron is set free, tl 
 carbonic acid evolved, and a compound of five eqs. of cyanuret of potassium ar 
 one of cyanate of potassa is formed. The iron occupies the lower part of tl 
 fused liquid; and, if the latter be carefully poured out to solidify, the portii 
 contaminated with the iron may be left behind. The reaction is explained 1 
 the following equation; — 2(FeCy,2KCy) and 2(KO,CO a )=5KCy + KO,Cy 
 aud 2Fe and 2CO;,. The cyanate of potassa may be readily detected by sat 
 rating the product with an acid, which will cause an effervescence of carbon 
 acid, and the generation of a salt of ammonia. 
 
 In the process in which the ferrocyanuret of potassium is ignited alone (form 
 U. S. process), the salt is first deprived of its water of crystallization by exposu 
 to a moderate heat, and theu calcined at a red heat for two hours, in order 
 decompose the cyanuret of iron. The product of the calcination is a blac 
 porous mass, consisting of cyanuret of potassium, mixed with carburet of in 
 and charcoal. As the cyanuret is very prone to absorb oxygen, especially wh 
 hot, whereby it is decomposed, atmospheric air is excluded from the retort, wh 
 it is cooling, by luting its orifice. When the whole is cold, the black mass ; 
 reduced to coarse powder, and exhausted by cold distilled water, which dissolw 
 the cyanuret of potassium, and leaves the carburet of iron and charcoal behit. 
 The filtered liquor, therefore, is an aqueous solution of cyanuret of potassiu. 
 which is obtained in a solid state by a rapid evaporation to dryness. Puri: 
 the evaporation, a small portion of the cyanuret is decomposed, attended w:i 
 
].RT II. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1151 
 
 t; evolution of ammonia, and the production of formiate of potassa. A portion 
 cthis salt, therefore, contaminates the cyanuret, as obtained by this process; 
 It the quantity is too small to interfere with its medicinal action. The decom- 
 pition here referred to takes place between one eq. of cyanuret of potassium 
 d four of water, and is represented by the following equation, in which the 
 nnogen is expressed by its full symbolNC 2 ,and formic acid byC 2 H0 3 ; — K,NC 2 
 al 4HO=NH 3 and K0,C 2 H0 3 . This decomposition is avoided by exhausting 
 t; black mass with boiling alcohol of 60 per cent, (sp.gr. 0'896) instead of 
 iter. The alcoholic solution, by evaporation to a pellicle, lets fall the salt 
 un cooling, as a crystalline precipitate, perfectly white and pure. 
 
 According to the process of the French Codex, this cyanuret is obtained in 
 t dry way, without the use of any solvent. The calcination is performed in 
 aoated stoneware retort, half-filled with the ferrocyanuret, to which a tube is 
 arched for collecting the gaseous products. When these cease to be disen- 
 g;ed, the heat is gradually raised to a very high temperature, at which it is kept 
 f a quarter of an hour; after which the tube is closed with luting, and the 
 vole left undisturbed until quite cold. When the calcination is thus con- 
 d;ted, the retort, upon being broken, will be found to contain a black mat- 
 t, covered with a fused layer of pure cyanuret of potassium, resembling white 
 e mel. This is detached by means of a knife, and immediately transferred to 
 aottle, with an accurately fitting stopper. The black matter, under the name 
 o Hack cyanuret of potassium, is also kept for medicinal use ; but the dose of 
 tj cannot be accurately fixed, on account of its containing, at different times, 
 me or less impurity. 
 
 Ihe French Codex process is commended by Mr. Donovan, of Dublin, as being 
 tl best for obtaining this salt. He has modified it by substituting for the stone- 
 ve retort, an iron mercury bottle, which, when cold, must be cut in two by 
 a fisel and heavy hammer to get out the product. The details of his mode of 
 p;eeding are given by him in the Pharm. Journ. and Trans., ii. 578. 
 
 lyanuret of potassium may be formed by passing a current of nitrogen, pre- 
 v isly strongly ignited, over charcoal, impregnated with carbonate of potassa, 
 ai heated to whiteness. (See page 593.) The same result is obtained, under 
 si lar circumstances, by a current of atmospheric air, mixed with watery vapour, 
 aordiDg to the plan of M. Armengaud. {Pharm. Journ. and Trans., Dec. 
 1!;S, p. 291.) 
 
 Properties. Cyanuret of potassium, as prepared by the U. S. formula, is in 
 w e, opaque, amorphous masses, having a sharp, somewhat alkaline and bitter- 
 abnd taste, and an alkaline reaction. If yellow it contains iron. It is deli- 
 qv scent in moist air, very soluble in water when reduced to powder, and sparingly 
 sc ble in strong alcohol. The salt and its solution, when exposed to the air, 
 eJile the odour of hydrocyanic acid, and become weaker; but the change takes 
 pi a slowly. Orfila found that the salt, after fourteen days’ exposure, by which 
 it is almost entirely liquefied, still possessed energetic poisonous properties. 
 H thinks, therefore, that the bad effects of opening the containing bottle, in 
 di 3nsing the medicine, have been exaggerated. Unfortunately, the salt varies 
 w lality, independently of the effects of time and exposure. Dr. David Stewart, 
 oftaltimore, examined six samples of this cyanuret, on sale, and found them 
 to.iry considerably in purity. Besides water, the usual impurities are hydrate, 
 ca onate, cyanate, and formiate of potassa. These sometimes amount to nearly 
 ba the weight of the cyanuret, consisting principally of the carbonate. From 
 th :xtensive use at present made of cyanuret of potassium in electro-metallurgy 
 an photography, it is of importance to have a reliable test of its purity. Such 
 a it has been discovered by MM. Fordos and Gelis, founded on the fact that 
 tw sqs. of iodine rapidly react with one of the cyanuret, so as to form one eq. 
 
1152 
 
 JPotassa. 
 
 PART I] 
 
 of iodide of potassium, and one of iodide of cyanogen; — KCy and 2I=KI an 
 Cyl. Accordingly, a tincture of iodine of known strength is gradually adde 1 
 to an aqueous solution of a given weight of the cyanuret to be tested, until 
 assumes a permanent yellowish tinge ; and the amount of iodine expended ind 
 cates the proportion of cyanuret in the specimen. A necessary preliminary stej 
 before using the tincture, is to add sufficient carbonic acid water to the solutio 
 of the cyanuret, to convert any hydrate or carbonate of potassa present int 
 bicarbonates, in which state these impurities have no action on the iodin 
 ((7/mm. Gaz., Oct. 15, 1852, p. 387.) This test is applicable to other cyanoge 
 compounds. (See page 809.) Cyanuret of potassium yields with nitrate of silv< 
 a precipitate of cyanuret of silver, which is wholly soluble in ammonia, 
 consists of one eq. of cyanogen 26, and one of potassium 39’2 = 65'2. 
 
 Medical Properties. Cyanuret of potassium is pre-eminently poisonous, ac-tir 
 precisely like hydrocyanic acid as a poison and as a medicine. (See Acidu 
 lljdrocyanicum. ) The grounds on which it was proposed as a substitute f< 
 that acid by Robiquet and Villerme, are its uniformity as a chemical produc 
 and its less liability to undergo decomposition. The dose is the eighth of 
 grain, dissolved in half a fluidounce of distilled water, to which may be add< 
 half a fluidrachra of syrup of lemons, if the presc-riber wishes to set free bydr 
 cyanic acid. ( Donovan .) The spurious cyanuret, formed by calcining dri. 
 muscular flesh with potash, consists principally of carbonate of potassa, and 
 but slightly poisonous. ( Orfda .) A solution, made with from one to four grai 
 to the fluidounce of water, has been recommended in neuralgic and other loC 
 pains, applied by means of pieces of linen. Mr. Guthrie found that a soluth 
 of from three to six grains to the fluidounce of distilled water, formed an adn 
 rable remedy, applied by drops every other day, for removing the olive-colour 
 stains of the conjunctiva, caused by nitrate of silver. B. 
 
 POTASSII IODIDUM. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Iodide of Pott- 
 slum. 
 
 “Take of Potassa six ounces; Iodine, in powder, sixteen ounces; Charco, 
 in fine powder, two ounces; Boiling Water three pints. Dissolve the Potassa i 
 the Water, add the Iodine gradually, stirring after each addition until the sot 
 tion becomes colourless, and continue the additions uutil the liquid remai; 
 slightly coloured from excess of Iodine. Evaporate the solution to dryne, 
 stirring in the Charcoal towards the close, so that it may be intimately misl 
 with the dried salt. Rub this to powder, and heat it to dull redness in an in 
 crucible, maintaining that temperature for fifteen minutes; then, after it Is 
 cooled, dissolve out the saline matter with pure water, filter the solution, eva - 
 rate, and set aside to crystallize. An additional quantity of crystals may be - 
 tained from the residual liquid by evaporating and crystallizing as before.” l->- 
 
 In the London Pharmacopoeia of 1851, iodide of potassium has been tra - 
 ferred from the preparations to the list of Materia Mediea. 
 
 “ Take of Iodine (dry) five ounces; fine Iron Wire three ounces ; Water fir 
 pints [Imp. meas.j; Carbonate of Potash (dry) two ounces and six drachs. 
 With the Water, Iodine, and Iron Wire prepare the solution of iodide of in 
 as directed [under Ferri Iodidi Syrupus]. Add immediately, while it is k, 
 the Carbonate of Potash previously dissolved in a few ounces of water, stir e; 
 fully, filter the product, and wash the powder on the filter with a little war. 
 Concentrate the liquor at a temperature short of ebullition, till a dry salfe 
 obtained, which is to be purified from a little red oxide of iron and other i- 
 purities, by dissolving it in less than its own weight of boiling water, or ill 
 better by boiling it in twice its weight of rectified spirit, filtering the soluth, 
 and setting it aside to crystallize. More crystals will be obtained by coma- 
 trating and cooling the residual liquor.” Ed. 
 
art II. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1153 
 
 “ Take of Pure Iodine, reduced to powder, four ounces and a half [avoir- 
 ipois]; filings, or thin turnings of wrought Iron, separated from impurities by 
 magnet, two ounces [avoird.]; Pure Carbonate of Potash two ounces and a half 
 voird.], or a sufficient quantity ; Distilled Water three pints and a half [Imp. 
 eas.]. Heat gently five ounces of the Water with the Iron and three ounces 
 ' the Iodine, for twenty minutes, and then boil until the solution loses its red 
 lour. Filter this through paper, washing the filter with five ounces of Water 
 a boiling temperature, and, in the solution thus obtained, dissolve, by diges- 
 on and shaking, the remainder of the Iodine. To the Carbonate of Potash, 
 ssolved in a quart [two pints Imp. meas.] of the Water, and heated to 212° in 
 large porcelain capsule, add the solution of Iron and Iodine, and boil until 
 fervescence ceases, adding, if necessary, a little more Carbonate of Potash, so 
 at the liquor may be very slightly alkaline. Filter now, washing the preei- 
 tate with the remaining pint of water boiling hot, and, having evaporated the 
 quid till a pellicle begins to appear on its surface, let it be set by that crystals 
 jay form These, when dried on blotting paper, should be preserved in a bottle 
 rnished with a perfectly tight stopper. The liquor from which the crystals 
 we separated will, by further evaporation and cooling, afford an additional 
 rantity of the salt.” Dub. 
 
 In the process newly adopted in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1850, an aque- 
 jps solution of potassa is treated with iodine in slight excess. The result of 
 ius saturating potassa with iodine is the formation of two salts, iodide of po- 
 ssium and iodate of potassa. Six eqs. of iodine react with six of potassa, 
 id there are formed five eqs. of iodide of potassium, and one of iodate of po- 
 ssa; — 61 and 6KO=5Kl and KO,IO s . By evaporating the solution to dry- 
 3ss the mixed salts are obtained; and, if the dry mass be exposed to a red heat, 
 le iodate will be converted into iodide of potassium, thus removing this im- 
 urity from the iodide. In the formula the mixed salts, towards the close of 
 ieir evaporation to dryness, are directed to be mixed with powdered charcoal, 
 icording to the plan of Mr. Scanlan, which facilitates the deoxidation of the 
 date. This being accomplished by a dull red heat, the iodide of potassium 
 dissolved out of the mass, and the solution set aside to crystallize. 
 
 The first step of the Edinburgh process is to form the iodide of iron in solu- 
 on, precisely as is done in the formula for that compound; and the second to 
 acompose it by carbonate of potassa, which gives rise to iodide of potassium in 
 ilutiou, and a precipitate of carbonate of protoxide of iron. The solution of 
 dide of potassium is separated by filtration and washing from the precipitated 
 irbonate, and evaporated to dryness. The dry salt is then freed from iron and 
 her impurities by solution in boiling water or alcohol, filtration and crystalli- 
 ition. Messrs. T. and H. Smith, of Edinburgh, instead of washing the pre- 
 pitate, prefer the plan of pressing it strongly in a cloth, in order to extract the 
 :mains of the solution. The mass left is broken up in a portion of distilled 
 ater equal to about two-thirds of the weight of the iodine employed, and pressed 
 second time. Proceeding thus, less water is used, and less evaporation is 
 'ecessary. The solution obtained by them is evaporated to dryness, and the dry 
 hit is carefully fused in an iron pot, in order to free it from colour. It is then 
 issolved, and the solution, by filtration, concentration, and cooling, furnishes a 
 erfectly pure iodide nearly to the last. 
 
 The Dublin process is similar to that of the Edinburgh College. Two-thirds 
 f the iodine are gently heated with the iron mixed with a portion of water, and 
 he filtered solution of the iodide of iron formed is shaken with the remaining 
 nrd of the iodine until it is dissolved. There is thus formed what may be 
 died a superiodide of iron, which is mixed in the usual way with the carbonate 
 f potassa, and the mixture boiled until effervescence ceases. By this boiling 
 73 
 
1154 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PART II 
 
 the salts are made fully to react on each other, and the filtered solution pre 
 vented from being contaminated with iron. The Dublin College very properl 
 orders the use of the pure carbonate of potassa in this process, in accordant 
 with the practice of the Messrs. Smith. 
 
 Properties, &c. Iodide of potassium, sometimes incorrectly called hydriodat 
 of potassa, is in opaque, white or transparent crystals, permanent in a dry air 
 slightly deliquescent in a moist one, and having a sharp saline taste. It does no 
 change the colour of litmus, and has little or no effect on turmeric. Accordin 
 to the Messrs. Smith, of Edinburgh, it is not at all deliquescent when perfect!' 
 pure. It generally crystallizes in cubes. It is soluble in about two-thirds o 
 its weight of cold water, and in from six to eight parts of rectified spirit. It 
 solution is decomposed by sulphuric acid, which acts by generating hydriodic acid 
 which speedily undergoes decomposition, with evolution of iodine; and, if starcl 
 he added after the lapse of a few minutes, a blue colour is generated. Th 
 starch test will not give the characteristic blue colour immediately, if addei 
 simultaneously with the acid, unless the iodide of potassium contains iodate o 
 potassa, which impurity causes an immediate liberation of iodine. The blu 
 colour being produced by the starch and acid, simultaneously added, is, there 
 fore, a sign of impurity. A very delicate test of iodide of potassium, am 
 other soluble iodides, is that of M. Grange. It consists in pouring a little o 
 the liquid to be examined into a test-tube, adding a few drops of solution o 
 starch, and passing through the mixture a few bubbles of fuming nitrous acid 
 The liquid immediately assumes a pale-rose colour, inclining to violet, whei 
 containing 1-200, 000th of its weight of the iodide, and a bright blue colour, i 
 1-100, 000th is present. See page 408. ( C hem. Gaz., Jan. 1, 1852, p. 19. 
 
 “ When tartaric acid is freely added to a strong solution of the iodide, it occa 
 sions a white crystalline precipitate; and the supernatant liquid, if mixed witl 
 starch, becomes first purple, and finally blue. Chloride of platinum colour 
 its solution reddish-brown, without causing a precipitate ; chloride of bariun 
 but slightly afiects it; and sulphate of iron occasions no change.” ( U. . S. Pharm. 
 The non-action of the last test shows the absence of carbonate of potassa. Th 
 aqueous solution is capable of taking up a large quantity of iodine, forming 
 liquid, containing the ioduretted iodide, of a deep-brown colour. Exposed to 
 dull red heat it fuses, and on cooling concretes into a crystalline pearly mass 
 without loss of weight; but at a full red heat it is slowly volatilized withou 
 decomposition. The most usual impurities contained in this salt are the chic 
 rides of potassium and sodium, bromide of potassium, and iodate and carbonat 
 of potassa. The presence of a chloride may be determined by the use of nitrat 
 of silver. This test will throw down nothing from the pure salt but iodide o 
 silver, which is scarcel}' soluble in ammonia ; while chloride of silver is readil 
 soluble in it. If then a solution of the iodide be precipitated by an excess o 
 nitrate of silver, aud agitated with ammonia, the latter will dissolve any chlorid 
 which may have beeu thrown down, and will yield it again as a white precip: 
 tate on being saturated with nitric acid. If, on the other hand, the iodide c 
 potassium be pure, the ammonia will only take up a minute quantity of iodid 
 of silver, and the addition of nitric acid will scarcely disturb the transparent 
 of the solution. The iodide of silver thrown down from 10 grains of iodide c 
 potassium weighs, when washed and dried, 14'1 grains. When acetate of lea 
 is added to a solution of iodide of potassium, .a yellow precipitate of iodide of lea 
 is thrown down, soluble in boiling water. Tbe low price of bromide of pota; 
 sium, compared with that of the iodide, has caused the former to be used t 
 adulterate the latter. When bromide of potassium is sold for the iodide, th 
 fraud maybe detected by the fact that the bromide produces no precipitate wit 
 bichloride of mercury. In order to detect bromine, M. Personae first precip 
 
ART II. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1155 
 
 ites from an aqueous solution of the suspected iodide, the whole of the iodine 
 3 protiodide of copper, by successively adding, in excess, a solution of sulphate 
 f copper, and aqueous sulphurous acid; and then treats the filtered liquid with 
 lier and chlorine water, the whole being shaken together and left at rest. If 
 romine be present, the ether which rises to the surface, will be tinged of a 
 iddish-yellow colour. The iodate and carbonate may be detected by their in- 
 ilubility in alcohol. The iodate may be detected also by adding a solution of 
 irtaric acid to a solution of the suspected iodide. Bitartrate of potassa will be 
 recipitated, and, if the iodide be pure, a yellow colour is soon developed from 
 le action of the air on the liberated hydriodic acid; but, if any iodate be pre- 
 ;nt, the test will set free both iodic and hydriodic acid, which, by their reaction, 
 ill instantly develope free iodine. ( Pereira .) Carbonate of potassa is generally 
 resent in the proportion of from one to ten per cent. Dr. Christison has de- 
 leted 74£ per cent, and Dr. Pereira as high as 77 per cent. An adulteration 
 y the carbonate under ten per cent, does not alter the crystalline appearance of 
 re iodide, but gives it an increased tendency to deliquesce. When it is greater 
 renders the salt granular and highly deliquescent. This impurity may be 
 etected by lime-water, which causes a milkiness (carbonate of lime), and by 
 ncture of iodine, the colour of which is destroyed. Another impurity, found 
 y A. Erdmann, is bicarbonate of soda. It was detected by adding to a small 
 ortion of the suspected sample, sufficient water to dissolve it if pure. This 
 fit the impurity in fragments of crystals, which required from thirteen to four- 
 ;en parts of water to dissolve them. Upon examination they effervesced with 
 fids, and proved to be bicarbonate of soda. (J. M. Maiseh, Am. Journ. of 
 diarm., xxvi. p. 210.) Iodide of potassium consists of one eq. of iodine 126'3, 
 ad one of potassium, 39'2 = 165‘5. It contains no water of crystallization. 
 Professor Procter has given a paper on the incompatibles of iodide of potas- 
 mn, in relation to the mercurial preparations. He finds it incompatible with 
 ilomel, the black and red oxides of mercury, turpeth mineral, white precipitate, 
 lue mass, and metallic mercury. These experiments serve to confirm the results 
 f 31. 3Ielsens, that iodide of potassium, given in connexion with the insoluble 
 reparations of mercury, renders them soluble and much more active. (See Am. 
 ourn. of Pharm., xxvi. p. 222.) 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This salt produces very marked effects on the 
 icretions in general, which it increases, and into which it readily passes. It has 
 tendency to irritate the mucous membrane of the air-passages, as is shown by 
 s sometimes occasioning an affection like cold in the head. Dr. D. P. Phillips, 
 
 . S. Navy, reports a case in which it appeared to produce trismus, which he at- 
 ibuted to the use of the medicine in too concentrated a solution. {Med. Exam., 
 lay, 1853.) When long continued in large doses it sometimes produces a 
 nder, enlarged, lobulated, and fissured tongue, constituting a true chronic 
 'lossitis. 3Ir. Langston Parker, of England, has reported several cases of this 
 ind, in which the iodide had been taken for years. (See Am. Journ. of Med. 
 Ifet., Oct. 1852, p. 495.) Its obvious effects on the system are very variable, 
 •ising probably either from peculiarities of constitution, or from the unequal 
 tality of the medicine itself. Thus, in some cases it produces nausea, pain in 
 le stomach, and diarrhoea, in moderate doses ; and in others is borne in large 
 fises without inconvenience. Sometimes it increases the appetite and the flesh, 
 y some practitioners it is preferred for the purpose of producing the constitu- 
 onal effects of iodine. Dr. De Renzy, of Carnew, used it with great success in 
 nmoptysis, and Dr. Graves, of Dublin, employed it with advantage in a very 
 tstinate erythematic swelling of the hand. 31. Oke praises its effects in chorea, 
 'ter the preparations of iron have failed. Dr. AVilliams, of London, considers 
 applicable to the treatment of various forms of secondary syphilis. He used 
 
1156 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PART II 
 
 it with success, in a majority of cases, in removing hard periosteal nodes, anc 
 found it beneficial in the treatment of tubercular forms of venereal eruptions 
 It is also considered as one of the best alterative remedies in mereurio-syphilith 
 sorethroat. Bicord bears testimony to its valuable powers in the treatment o: 
 secondary syphilis. According to the clinical observations of Dr. W. R. Ba 
 sham, of London, iodide of potassium is well suited to the treatment of chronic 
 periosteal rheumatism in subjects who have previously taken mercury to saliva 
 tion ; while it is not applicable to the disease when occurring in patients whc 
 have not undergone a mercurial course, but have suffered from syphilis, whict 
 has been neglected, or treated only locally. In the latter cases he conceives 
 that corrosive sublimate and sarsaparilla are the proper remedies. (See Am 
 Journ. of Med. Sci., Jan. 1854, p. 227.) It is probably useful in the forme: 
 cases on the principle of eliminating mercury from the system, agreeably to the 
 views of M. Melsens, given below. In 1843, MM. Guillot and Melsens gav< 
 iodide of potassium with advantage, in doses of from a drachm to a drachm anc 
 a half daily, in mercurial tremours and lead poison. In a memoir published ii 
 1849, M. Melsens gives a full account of his experiments with it as a remedy 
 for the affections caused by mercury and lead. He effected a number of cure: 
 of mercury tremours and lead palsy; and during the progress of the cure, thest 
 metals were found in the urine. The manner in which the remedy acts, ac 
 cording to M. Melsens, is by rendering the poisonous metal, which has become 
 fixed in the tissues, soluble, first converting it into an iodide, and then dissolving 
 the iodide formed. This view is supported by the fact that all the compound 
 of mercury and lead are soluble in iodide of potassium. (See the Memoir of M 
 Melsens, translated by Dr. Budd, of Bristol, England, in the Brit, and For 
 Medko-Chir. Review, Am. ed., for Jan. 1853, p. 157; also a paper by Dr. J 
 W. Corson, in the N. Y. Journ. of Medicine, for Sept. 1853.) An importan 
 fact observed by M. Melsens was that iodide of potassium, given at the same tim 
 with certain compounds of mercury, rendered them more active; and, when give: 
 after the latter, developed an activity not previously manifested, and sometime 
 to such an extent as to occasion serious accidents. This fact he attributed t 
 the power of the iodide to render the mercurial compounds soluble, in whic 
 state only are they capable of being eliminated with the urine. During the us 
 of iodide of potassium, ptyalism sometimes occurs. This has been usually cor 
 sidered a primary effect of the remedy ; but the light shed on the subject b 
 M. Melsens, leads to the belief that it may be a secondary effect, resulting froi 
 the liberation from the tissues of mercury previously taken, which is thereb 
 enabled, by becoming soluble, to produce its constitutional effects. Dr. Bud 
 relates several cases, in which mercurial ptyalism came on, during the use ( 
 iodide of potassium, in persons who had not taken mercury for weeks or month 
 before. These facts render it probable that the different cases of ptyalism, r< 
 ported as the result of iodide of potassium, were in fact produced by mercur 
 previously fixed in the system, being rendered soluble and active by the iodid< 
 The late Dr. Isaac Parrish, of this city, employed iodide of potassium suec-es 
 fully in strumous inflammation of the e) r e, given in the compound syrup of sa 
 saparilla.. It appeared promptly to relieve the severe neuralgic, circumorbit; 
 pain. Dr. G. L. Upshur, of Virginia, recommends its use in the suppurath 
 stage of pneumonia. The dose is from two to ten grains or more, three times 
 day, given in solution. Bicord rarely exceeded three scruples a day. Sou 
 practitioners have reported the exhibition of enormous doses, such as two, fou 
 and even six drachms daily without inconvenience. Dr. Buchanan, of Glasgow 
 assures us that he has given the pure salt in doses of half an ounce, without ar 
 precaution being observed by the patient, except to drink freely of diluent 
 Notwithstanding this testimony, Dr. Lawrie, of the same city, reports sever 
 
ART II. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1157 
 
 ases of dryness and irritation of the throat, ending in severe spasmodic croup, 
 ad one case of death following the sudden occurrence of dyspnoea, caused by the 
 se of small doses of this iodide. 
 
 Prof. Brainard, of Chicago, has proposed as a remedy for the bite of the rat- 
 esnake, the infiltration of the tissues, where the bite has been inflicted, with 
 •om half a drachm to a drachm and a half of a solution of fifteen grains of 
 >dide of potassium and five of iodine in a fluidounce of distilled water. A cup- 
 ing glass is applied over the wound as soon as possible, and the infiltration 
 fleeted by passing beneath the skin, under the edge of the cup, a small trocar, 
 arough the cannula of which the solution is injected. Forty experiments were 
 ried with this treatment on pigeons, kittens, and dogs, with generally successful 
 ssults. Prof. Brainard proposes to extend it to dissection wounds, and all poi- 
 aned wounds of a dangerous character. (W. Y. Med. Times , iii. 210.) 
 
 Iodide of potassium passes quickly into the urine, in which it may be detected 
 y first adding to the cold secretion a portion of starch, and then a few drops of 
 itric acid, when a blue colour will be produced. It has been detected in six 
 imutes after having been swallowed. 
 
 According to Ricord, this salt produces in some constitutions peculiar effects, 
 ach as various eruptions of the skin, excessive diuresis, vascular injection of the 
 onjunctiva and tumefaction of the eyelids, cerebral excitement like that produced 
 y alcoholic drinks, and discharges from the urethra and vagina, resembling 
 lennoi'rhoea. Eruptions of the skin were also observed by Dr. A. Van Buren, 
 3 a very common effect of large and long continued doses of iodide of potassium, 
 iven to patients in the Bellevue Hospital. (iV r . Y. Journ. of Med., viii. 208.) 
 >r. John O’Rielly, of New York, reports several cases, in which, after the use 
 f this iodide, spots like purpura were produced, invading first the face, and then 
 le trunk and extremities. These became bullae, sometimes an inch in diameter, 
 lied with a purple liquid, and finally sphacelated spots ending in ulcers. Great 
 anstitutional disturbance coexisted, with swollen tongue, fetor, and salivation, 
 'he remedies found successful were nutritious diet, tonics, and stimulants. (A 7 ! 
 f. Med. Gaz ., v. 7.) From the facts mentioned above, showing the power of 
 tdide of potassium to render latent mercury in the system active, it is not im- 
 robable that the cases of Dr. O’Rielly were mercurial salivation, modified by a 
 ichectic condition of the system, which caused the coincident eruption. 
 
 Iodide of potassium is employed as an external application in the form of 
 intment, either alone or mixed with iodine. (See Unyuentum Polassii Iodidi 
 ad Unyuentum Iodinii Com post turn.) 
 
 i Off. Prep. Emplastrum Potassii Iodidi ; Hydrargyri Iodidum Rubrum ; Liquor 
 odinii Compositus; Liquor Potassii Iodidi Compositus; Pilulae Ferri Iodidi; 
 
 : lumbi Iodidum ; Tinctura Iodinii Composita; Unguentum Iodinii; Unguentum 
 jadinii Compositum; Unguentum Potassii Iodidi. B. 
 
 LIQUOR POTASSII IODIDI COMPOSITUS. Lond. Potassii 
 ddidi Liquor Compositus. Pub. Compound Solution of Iodide of 
 J otassium . 
 
 “Take of Iodide of Potassium ten grains ; Iodine five grains; Distilled Water 
 pint [Imp. meas.]. Mix, that they may dissolve.” Lond. 
 
 The Dublin formula is the same as the above, with the exception that the 
 ollege directs its pure iodine. 
 
 This, like the compound solution of iodine, described at page 1064, is an aque- 
 as solution of iodine and iodide of potassium; but, while the compound solution 
 If iodine is so concentrated as to be given in drops, the compound solution of 
 >dide of potassium is so dilute as to be administered in tablespoonfuls. 
 Compound solution of iodide of potassium is twice as strong as Lugol's iodu- 
 
1158 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 PART II 
 
 retted mineral water of medium strength, assuming the Imperial fluidounee ti 
 be the same as the French ounce. (See page 411.) The dose is a fluidounee 
 containing a quarter of a grain of iodine, gradually increased to two fluidounee 
 or more. The dose should be diluted with an equal bulk of water at the tim' 
 it is taken. B. 
 
 POTASSII SULPHURETUM. U. S., Lond., Ed. IIepar Sulph 
 UR is. Dub. Sulphuret of Potassium. Liver of Sulphur. 
 
 “ Take of Sulphur an ounce ; Carbonate of Potassa two ounces. Rub thi 
 Carbonate of Potassa, previously dried, with the Sulphur; melt the mixture ii 
 a covered crucible over the fire; then pour it out, and, when it is cold, put i 
 into a bottle, which is to be well stopped.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Sulphur one ounce ; Carbonate of Potash four ounces. Triturat 
 them well together, and heat them in a covered crucible till they form a uniforu 
 fused mass; which, when cold, is to be broken up into fragments, and kept ii 
 well closed vessels.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Sublimed Sulphur four ounces; Carbonate of Potash from Pearlash 
 first dried, and then reduced to powder, seven ounces. 3Iix the ingredients in ; 
 warm mortar, and, having introduced them into a Hessian crucible, let this b( 
 heated, first gradually, until effervescence has ceased, and finally to low redness 
 so as to produce perfect fusion; and let its liquid contents be then poured inn 
 an iron cup, over which a second vessel should be immediately inverted, so as t< 
 exclude the air as completely as possible, while solidification is taking place. Thi 
 solid product thus obtained should, when cold, be broken into fragments, am 
 immediately enclosed in a green glass bottle, furnished with an air-tight stopper.’ 
 Dub. 
 
 The London College has transferred this sulphuret to its Materia 3Iediea list 
 
 When carbonate of potassa is melted with half its weight of sulphur, as ii 
 the U. S. process, the carbonic acid is expelled. Four eqs. of potassa and tei 
 of sulphur may be supposed to react on each other. Three eqs. of potassa an 
 decomposed into three eqs. of potassium and three of oxygen. The three eqs 
 of potassium unite with nine eqs. of sulphur to form three eqs. of tersulphure 
 of potassium. The three eqs. of oxygen, by uniting with the remaining eq. o 
 sulphur, form sulphuric acid, which combines with the undecomposed eq. o 
 potassa to form sulphate of potassa. Thus the U. S. preparation may be con 
 sidered to be a mixture of tersulphuret of potassium with sulphate of potassa 
 and the French Codex sulphuret, made from the same proportion of carbonaf 
 and sulphur, is stated in that work to have the same composition. In the Dub 
 lin formula a less proportion of carbonate of potassa is taken than in the U.S 
 process, but the product is probably very similar. The product of the Edinburgl 
 formula maybe assumed to have the same constituents, plus a certain proportion 
 of undecomposed carbonate of potassa, on account of the large excess of alkal 
 taken. In performing the process, the fused liquid is usually poured out on 
 marble slab, and, as soon as it concretes, the mass should be broken into pieces 
 and immediately transferred to a well-stopped bottle. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeias use the carbonate of potassa from pearlash; but in th 
 process of M. Henry, which is stated to be the best yet devised, the pure eai 
 bonate of potassa is employed. His formula is as follows. Mix two parts c 
 real salt of tartar with one of roll sulphur reduced to powder, and put the mis 
 ture into flat-bottomed matrasses, which should be only two-thirds filled. Thes 
 are placed on a sand-bath, and the fire is applied, so as, at first, to produce onl 
 a gentle heat, which is afterwards increased. Care must be taken that the neck 
 of the matrasses do not become obstructed. The heat is continued until th 
 matter is brought to the state of tranquil fusion, when it is allowed to cool. Th 
 
iRT II. 
 
 Potassa. 
 
 1159 
 
 ass obtained, which is compact, smooth, and of a fine yellow colour, is broken 
 to 'pieces, and preserved in well-stopped bottles. 
 
 Properties, &c. Sulphuret of potassium, when properly prepared, is a hard 
 •ittle substance, having a nauseous, alkaline, and bitter taste. Its colour is 
 /er-brown, and hence its name of hepar sulphuris or liver of sulphur. The 
 lour of the surface of a fresh fracture is brownish-yellow. It is inodorous 
 hen dry, but emits a slightly fetid smell when moist, owing to the extrication 
 a little sulphuretted hydrogen gas. It is completely soluble in water, forming 
 i orange-yellow liquid, and exhaling the smell of sulphuretted hydrogen. By 
 :posure to the air it attracts oxygen, and the sulphuret of potassium is gradu- 
 ly converted into sulphate of potassa, when the preparation becomes inodorous, 
 id white on the surface. The solution is decomposed by the mineral acids, 
 hich extricate sulphuretted hydrogen, and precipitate the excess of sulphur, 
 is also incompatible with solutions of most of the metals, which are precipi- 
 ted as sulphurets. When boiled with an excess of muriatic acid and filtered, 
 gives a yellow precipitate with chloride of platinum. B. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Sulphuret of potassium is a local irritant, and, 
 small and repeated doses, is said to increase the frequency of the pulse, the 
 ?at of the skin, and the different secretions, especially the mucous. Occa- 
 onally it vomits and purges. It acts, moreover, as an antacid, and produces 
 e alterative effects of sulphur. By some it is maintained to be sedative, and 
 rectly to reduce the action of the heart. It probably does so, when taken in 
 nsiderable quantities, by the development of sulphuretted hydrogen. In 
 ;- erdoses it acts, according to Orfila, as a violent poison, corroding the stomach, 
 id depressing the powers of the nervous system. Acetate of lead, or acetate 
 zinc may be used as an antidote; but the latter is preferable, as less likely to 
 t injuriously in an overdose, and having besides emetic properties. The com- 
 aints in which it has been most advantageously employed are chronic rheurna- 
 sm and gout, and various cutaneous affections. It has been given also in 
 inters’ colic, asthma, and chronic catarrh, and acquired a short-lived repu- 
 tion as a remedy in croup, after the publication of the essay to which the prize 
 fered by Napoleon for the best dissertation on that disease was awarded. It is 
 id, in some cases of cancer, to have assisted the palliative operation of hemlock, 
 i consequence of forming insoluble sulphurets with the metallic salts, it has 
 ■en proposed as an antidote for some of the mineral poisons; but Orfila has 
 oved that it does not prevent their effects. Dissolved in water it has proved 
 ry efficacious as an external application in cutaneous diseases, and in scabies is 
 almost certain remedy. It may be used for this purpose in the form of lotion, 
 th, or ointment. For a lotion it may be dissolved in water in the proportion 
 from fifteen to thirty grains to the fluidounce, and for a bath, the same quan- 
 y or rather more may be added to a gallon of water. A very small proportion 
 muriatic or sulphuric acid may in either case be added to the solution. The 
 ntment is made by mixing half a drachm of the sulphuret with an ounce of 
 rd. The dose of sulphuret of potassium is from two to ten grains, repeated 
 veral times a day, and given in pill with liquorice, or in solution with syrup, 
 infantile cases of croup, from one to four grains were given every three or 
 ur hours. W. 
 
 PULPaE. 
 
 Palps. 
 
 These are soft uniform solid bodies, of a consistence fit for the formation of 
 nfections or electuaries, and prepared from fruits by comminuting them when 
 
1160 
 
 PART I 
 
 Pulpse. 
 
 requisite, softening them when dry with a small quantity of hot water, the 
 passing them through a sieve to separate hard solid matters, and evaporating 
 necessary. But few of them are officinal. W. 
 
 CASSI2E FISTULiE PULPA. TJ.S. Cassia Pr^parata. Lora. 
 Cassia Pulp a. Ed. Pulp of Purging Cassia. 
 
 “ Take of Purging Cassia, bruised, a convenient quantity. Pour boiling wat 
 on the pods so that the pulp may be softened; then strain, first through a coar 
 sieve, and afterwards through a hair one, and evaporate by means of a water-bat 
 to the proper consisteuce.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Cassia [pods of Cassia Fistula] broken longitudinally a pouno 
 Distilled Water sufficient to cover the Cassia. Macerate for six hours, occ 
 sionally stirring. Strain the softened pulp through a hair sieve, and evapora 
 by means of a water bath to the consistence of a confection.” Loud. 
 
 The Edinburgh College places cassia pulp in its catalogue of Materia Medic 
 
 In consequence of the presence of the fragments of the pods, it is inc-onvenie? 
 to pass this pulp in the ordinary way through a hair sieve. The larger fragmen 
 may be picked out, and the remainder of the cassia pressed by the hand throng 
 a very coarse kind of musliD, such as that used by the bonnet-makers, in whic 
 it has been previously enclosed. A pound of the pods will yield between fo; 
 and five ounces of pulp. 
 
 Cassia pulp has a blackish colour, a slight rather sickly odour, and a swe 
 mucilaginous taste. It is apt to become sour by exposure. For its eompositio 
 and effects, see Cassia Fistula. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Cassias; Confectio Sennse. W. 
 
 PRUNI PULPA. U. S . Prunum Pr^paratum. Land. Pulp < 
 Prunes. 
 
 “ Take of Prunes a convenient quantity. Soften the Prunes in the vapour 
 boiling water, and, having separated the stones, beat the remainder in a marb 
 mortar, and press it through a hair sieve.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Prunes a pound ; Water sufficient to cover the Prunes. Boil slow 
 for four hours. Express the softened pulp, first through a coarse cane siev 
 afterwards through a fine one of hair. Lastly, evaporate by means of a watt 
 bath to the consistence of a confection.” Land. 
 
 The prunes may be softened by placing them on a perforated plate or diaphragt 
 or a wire sieve, or suspending them in a net, over boiling water. A pound 
 prunes of good quality yields about ten ounces of pulp. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Sennas. W. I 
 
 TAMARINDI PULPA. U.S. Tamarindus Pr^eparatus. Lon 
 Tamarindus. Ed. Pulp of Tamarinds. Dub. Pulp of Tamarind 
 
 “ Take of Tamarinds a convenient quantity. Digest them with a small qua 
 tity of water until they become of a uniform consistence; then separate the see 
 and filaments by pressing the pulp through a hair sieve.” U. S. 
 
 “ Take of Tamarinds a pound ; Water sufficient to cover the Tamarinds. M 
 cerate with a gentle heat for four hours, and complete the process in the maun 
 directed for Prepared Prunes.” Loud. (See Pruni Pulpa.) 
 
 The Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges place this pulp in their catalogue of M 
 teria Medica. 
 
 The tamarinds should be digested in an unglazed earthenware vessel over h 
 ashes, or by means of a sand-bath. The operator should be specially cautio 
 not to employ iron vessels or iron spatulas in making this preparation. A pom 
 of good tamarinds will yield a little more than seven ounces of pulp. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Cassias ; Confectio Sennas. W. 
 
’ART II. 
 
 Pulpse. — Pulveres. 
 
 1161 
 
 PULVERES. 
 
 Powders. 
 
 The form of powder is convenient for the exhibition of substances which are 
 jot given in very large doses, are not very disagreeable to the taste, have no cor- 
 osive property, and do not deliquesce rapidly on exposure. As the effect of 
 ralverization is to expose a more extended surface to the action of the air, care 
 hould be taken to keep substances which are liable to be injured by such ex- 
 losure in closely stopped bottles. In many instances it is also important to 
 xclude the light, which exercises a deleterious influence over numerous medi- 
 ines when minutely divided. This may be done by coating the bottles with 
 lack varnish. In relation to substances most liable to injury from these causes, 
 he best plan is to powder them in small quantities as wanted for use. 
 
 Powders may be divided into the simple , consisting of a single substance, and 
 he compound, of two or more mixed together. The latter only are embraced 
 mder the present head. In the preparation of the compound powders, the in- 
 :redients, if of different degrees of cohesion or solidity, should be pulverized 
 eparately and then mixed. Au exception, however, to this rule is the employ- 
 aent of one substance to facilitate by its hardness the minute division of another, 
 is in the powder of ipecacuanha and opium. Deliquescent substances, and those 
 ontaining fixed oil in large proportion, should not enter into the composition of 
 Powders intended to be kept; the former, because they render the preparation 
 amp and liable to spoil; the latter, because they are apt to become rancid, and 
 mpart an unpleasant odour and taste. When deliquescent substances are ex- 
 emporaneously prescribed, the apothecary should enclose them before delivery 
 a tin foil or other impervious covering ; and the same remark is applicable to 
 olatile powders, as carbonate of ammonia and camphor. 
 
 The lighter powders may in general be administered in water or other tbin 
 quid; the heavier, such as those of metallic substances, require a more con- 
 istent vehicle, as syrup, molasses, honey, or one of the confections. Resinous 
 owders, if given in water, require the intervention of mucilage or sugar. 
 
 The London College gives the following general directions for the preparation 
 f powders. “ It is necessary that whatever we direct to be reduced to powder 
 hould be so passed through a fine sieve that the impurities and thicker parts 
 lay be separated. It is proper that most powders should be recently pre- 
 ared, and not kept long.” The whole substance in the mortar should not be 
 eaten till completely pulverized; as the portion already powdered interferes 
 ith the action of the pestle upon the remainder, while the finer matter is apt 
 ) be dissipated; so that there is a loss both of time and material. The proper 
 lan is to sift off the fine powder after a short trituration, then to return the 
 barser parts to the mortar, and to repeat several times this alternate pulverization 
 ad sifting, until the process is completed. W. 
 
 PULVIS ALOES COMPOSITES. Lond. Compound Potvder of 
 floes. 
 
 “Take of Socotrine or Hepatic Aloes an ounce and a half ; Guaiacum [Resin] 
 n ounce; Compound Powder of Cinnamon half an ounce. Rub the Aloes and 
 -uaiacum, separately, into powder; then mix them with the Compound Powder 
 f Cinnamon.” Lond. 
 
 The tendency of pulverized guaiac to concrete, and the excessively bitter taste 
 f aloes, which is but imperfectly concealed by the aromatic addition, render the 
 >rm of powder ineligible for the exhibition of these medicines. The preparation 
 
1162 JPulveres. part n. 
 
 is a warm stimulant cathartic, but is little used. The dose is from fifteen to 
 thirty grains. W. 
 
 PUL VIS ALOES ET CANELLiE. U.S. Powder of Aloes and 
 Gctnella. Hiera Pier a. 
 
 “Take of Aloes a pound; Canella three ounces. Rub them separately into 
 a very fine powder, and mix them.” U. S. 
 
 This preparation has long been known under the name of hiera picra. The 
 canella serves to correct the griping property, and imperfectly to cover the taste 
 of the aloes; but the bitterness of the latter is still very obvious in the mixture, 
 which would be better given in the form of pill. It is a popular remedy in 
 amenorrhoea, and may be used for all the purposes to which aloes is applied. It 
 is sometimes administered in domestic practice, infused in wine or spirit. The 
 dose is from ten to twenty grains. W. 
 
 PULVIS ALUMINIS COMPOSITES. Pd. Compound Powdei 
 of Alum. 
 
 “Take of Alum four ounces ; Kino one ounce. Mix them, and reduce them 
 to fine powder.” Ed. 
 
 A solution of alum is decomposed by a solution of kino, and it is probable 
 that the same effect takes place when the two substances, mixed in the state Oj 
 powder, are introduced into the stomach; but whether their astringenc-y is rua 
 terially affected by the change is uncertain. The preparation may be employed 
 in diarrhoea, menorrhagia, and hemorrhage from the stomach or bowels, anc 
 externally to suppress hemorrhage, or as an astringent application to flabby ulcers 
 The dose is from five to twenty grains. W. 
 
 PULVIS AROMATICUS. U. S., Pd., Pub. Pulvis Cinnamom; 
 Compositus. Loud. Aromatic Powder. 
 
 “Take of Cinnamon, Ginger, each, tico ounces; Cardamom, deprived of the 
 capsules, Nutmeg, grated, each, an ounce. Rub them together into a very fiat 
 powder.” U. S. 
 
 The London College directs two ounces of cinnamon, an ounce and a half o 
 cardamom, an ounce of ginger, and half an ounce of long pepper; the Edinburgh 
 equal parts of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger; the Dublin , two ounces, each 
 of cinnamon and ginger, and an ounce, each, of cardamom seeds freed from thei 
 capsules, and of nutmeg. 
 
 The cardamom seeds should always be separated from their capsules befor< 
 pulverization; and the powder, when prepared, should be kept in well stoppei 
 bottles. The London preparation is more pungent than the others, in conse 
 quence of the long pepper which it contains. These powders are stimulant an< 
 carminative, and may be given in the dose of from ten to thirty grains, in case 
 of enfeebled digestion accompanied with flatulence; but they are chiefly used a 
 corrigents and adjuvants of other medicines. A mixture of aromatic powder 
 in the form of a cataplasm is much used as a mild rubefacient, especially ii 
 nausea and vomiting, being applied over the epigastrium. Such mixtures ar 
 commonly called spiced plasters. The following is a good formula. Take o 
 ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper, each, in powder, an ounce; tine 
 ture of ginger half a fluidounce ; honey a sufficient quantity. Mix the porc 
 ders, and then add the tincture and honey, so as to form a stiff cataplasm. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Aromatica; Confectio Opii; Pilul® Aloes et Ferri; Piluh 
 Cambogim; Pulvis Aloes Compositus. W. 
 
 PULVIS CATECHU COMPOSITUS. Pub. Compound Powde 
 of Catechu. 
 
 “Take of Catechu, Kino, of each, two ounces; Cinnamon, Nutmeg, of eacl 
 
ART II. 
 
 Pulveres. 
 
 1163 
 
 alf an ounce. Reduce each to powder, mix, aud pass through a fine sieve. 
 Then prepared, the powder should be kept in well stopped bottles.” Dub. 
 
 This is an agreeable form for the administration of kino or catechu; but we 
 3 not see the propriety of mixing two substances so similar in their properties, 
 
 , least in relation to taste and medicinal effect, that they may be considered 
 entical. The dose is from fifteen to thirty grains. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Catechu Composita. W. 
 
 PULYIS CRETiE COMPOSITES. Lond., Ed., Dub. Compound 
 ) owder of Chalk. 
 
 “Take of Prepared Chalk half a pound ; Cinnamon four ounces; Tormentil, 
 urn Arabic, each, three ounces ; Long Pepper half an ounce. Rub them sepa- 
 tely into very fine powder, and then mix them.” Lond. 
 
 “ Take of Prepared Chalk four ounces ; Cinnamon, in fine powder, one drachm 
 id a half; Nutmeg, in fine powder, a drachm. Triturate them well together.” 
 
 a. 
 
 , “Take of Prepared Chalk five ounces ; Cinnamon two ounces and a half; Cum 
 rabic two ounces ; Nutmeg half an ounce. Rub the ingredients separately to 
 >wder, then mix, and pass through a fine sieve.” Dub. 
 
 In the Edinburgh preparation, the aromatics are in too small a quantity to 
 rve any other purpose than to give an agreeable flavour to the chalk, which 
 the only active ingredient. The powder of the London and Dublin Colleges 
 , on the contrary, warm, stimulant, and astringent, as well as antacid; and is 
 pll calculated for diarrhoea, connected with acidity and without inflammatory 
 mptoms. In such a combination, however, the proper proportion, and even 
 e choice of the ingredients, vary so much with the symptoms, that they might 
 ith propriety be left to extemporaneous prescription. The dose is from ten to 
 renty grains, given in mucilage or sweetened water, and frequently repeated. 
 Off. Prep. Pulvis Cretse Compositus cum Opio. W. 
 
 PULYIS CRET2E COMPOSITUS CUM OPIO. Lond. Pulvis 
 ret.® Opiatus. Ed., Dub. Compound Powder of Chalk with 
 pium. 
 
 “Take of Compound Powder of Chalk six ounces and a half; Opium, in 
 wder, four scruples. Mix them.” Lond. 
 
 The Dublin process, though differently expressed, is identical in its results 
 th the London. 
 
 “Take of Compound Chalk Powder six ounces; Powder of Opium four scru- 
 j es. Triturate them together thoroughly.” Ed. 
 
 The addition of the opium greatly increases the efficacy of the compound pow- 
 r of chalk in diarrhoea; and its equal diffusion through the powder presents 
 is advantage, that it may be conveniently given in minute doses applicable to 
 fantile cases. Two scruples of the London or Dublin powder, and thirty- 
 ven grains of the Edinburgh, contain a grain of opium. Ip the diarrhoea of 
 ults from ten to twenty grains may be given for a dose, and repeated several 
 nes a day, or after each evacuation. W. 
 
 PULVERES EFFERVESCENTES. Ed. Pulveres Eeferves- 
 ,‘INTES Tartarizati. Dub. Effervescing Poivders. 
 
 “Take of Tartaric Acid one ounce; Bicarbonate of Soda one ounce and 54 
 ains, or Bicarbonate of Potassa one ounce and 160 grains. Reduce the Acid 
 d either Bicarbonate separately to fine powder, and divide each into sixteen 
 wders. Preserve the acid and alkaline powders in separate papers of different 
 lours.” Ed. 
 
1164 
 
 Pulveres. 
 
 PART I] 
 
 The Dublin College takes ten drachms of the crystals of tartaric acid, an 
 eleven drachms of bicarbonate of soda or thirteen drachms of bicarbonate c 
 potassa, reduces them separately to powder, divides each into eighteen parts, an 
 keeps the acid and alkaline powders in papers of different colours. 
 
 This is a formula, introduced into the last editions of the Edinburgh an 
 Dublin Pharmacopoeias, for a preparation which has beeu long in use under th 
 name of soda, poivders. The common soda powders contain the ingredients i 
 somewhat different proportions; consisting of twenty-five grains of the acid i 
 one paper, and thirty of the bicarbonate in the other. They are always pn 
 pared with bicarbonate of soda; while the Pharmacopoeias allov/ a choice betwee 
 that and the bicarbonate of potassa. This want of precision is highly objectioi 
 able in officinal formulae. If it was thought advisable that the practitioner shoul 
 have the opportunity of prescribing either of these preparations at his optioi 
 they should have had different names. 
 
 The powders are administered in solution. An acid and an alkaline powdt 
 may be dissolved in separate portions of water and then mixed; or they may l 
 thrown together, or successively into the same portion of water. The who 
 draught should be half a pint or somewhat less. It may be rendered moi 
 agreeable by addiug two or three fluidrachms of syrup of ginger or orange pe> 
 to the water, before dissolving the powders. The rationale is simple. The ta 
 taric acid seizes the alkali of the bicarbonate, forming a tartrate of soda or < 
 potassa as the case may be, while the carbonic acid escapes with effervescenc 
 The effervescing powders are refrigerant and very slightly laxative; and affoi 
 an agreeable and refreshing drink, suitable to febrile complaints. W. 
 
 PULVERES EFFERVESCENTES CITRATE Pub. Citrate 
 
 Effervescing Poivclers. 
 
 “Take of Crystals of Citric Acid nine drachms ; Bicarbonate of Soda elect 
 drachms, or Bicarbonate of Potash thirteen drachms. Reduce the Acid ar 
 alkaline Bicarbonates, separately, to a fine powder, and divide each into cightei 
 parts. The acid and alkaline powders should be kept in papers of differei 
 colours.” Dub. 
 
 The same remarks are applicable to these as to the preceding powders, and t! 
 same objection to the want of precision in the name. These powders, at lea 
 those made with the bicarbonate of potassa, are excellent diaphoretics, beii 
 identical in composition with the neutral mixture and effervescing draugb 
 (See Liquor Potassse Citratis .) V. 
 
 PULVIS IPECACUANHA ET OPII. U.S. Pulvis Ipecac 
 anile Compositus. Loncl. , Ed ., Pub. Powder ‘of Ipecacuanha ai 
 Opium. Compound Powder of Ipecacuanha. Pover's Poivder. 
 
 “Take of Ipecacuanha, in powder, Opium, iu powder, each, a drachm ; Si 
 phate of Potassa an ounce. Rub them together into a very fine powder." U. 
 
 All the British Colleges employ the same ingredients as above, and in t 
 same proportions. The London, having ordered them in the state of powd< 
 simply directs them to be mixed together. The Edinburgh orders eight tins 
 the amount of the materials, and directs them to be triturated thoroughly • 
 gether. The Dublin takes the opium and ipecacuanha in fine powder, mi® 
 them thoroughly with the sulphate by trituration, and sifts them. 
 
 The sulphate of potassa in this preparation serves, by the hardness of ; 
 particles, to promote that minute divisiou aud consequent thorough interinixtp 
 of the opium and ipecacuanha, upon which the peculiar virtues of the c-ompoul 
 depend. It also serves to dilute the active ingredients, and thus allow of th.' 
 division into minute doses adapted to the complaints of children. This co- 
 position, though usually called Dover’s powder, does not precisely correspol 
 
IRT II. 
 
 Pulveres. 
 
 1165 
 
 th that originally recommended by Dr. Dover, which was prepared as follows, 
 our ounces of nitrate of potassa and the same quantity of sulphate of potassa 
 :re mixed in a red-hot crucible, and afterwards very finely powdered; one ounce 
 opium, sliced, was then added, and ground to powder with the saline mix- 
 re; lastly, an ounce of ipecacuanha and an ounce of liquorice root, in powder, 
 ore mixed with the other ingredients. This process w T as adopted in the former 
 •ench Codex, and has been retained with little change in the present. 
 
 This powder is an admirable anodyne diaphoretic, not surpassed, perhaps, by 
 y other combination in its power of promoting perspiration. Opium itself has 
 strong tendency to the skin, evinced both by the occasional diaphoresis, and 
 the itching and tingling sensation which it excites. While the vessels of the 
 in are stimulated by this ingredient, the secreting pores are relaxed by the 
 scacuanha, and the combined effect is much greater than that which results 
 om either separately. At the same time, the general stimulating influence of 
 e opium, and its tendency to operate injuriously on the brain, are counteracted, 
 that the mixture may be given with safety in cases which might not admit 
 the use of opium alone. The preparation is applicable to all cases not attended 
 th much fever or cerebral disease, or sick stomach, in which there is an indi- 
 tion for profuse diaphoresis, especially in painful affections, or those connected 
 th unhealthy discharges. It is admirably adapted to the phlegmasias, par- 
 ularly rheumatism and pneumonia, when complicated with a typhoid tendency, 
 after sufficient depletion. Under similar circumstances, it is useful in dyseu- 
 •y, diarrhoea, and the various hemorrhages, especially that from the uterus, 
 is sometimes also given in dropsy. In bowel affections, and whenever the 
 patic secretion is deranged, it is frequently combined with small doses of 
 lomel. 
 
 Ten grains of the powder contain one grain of opium. The dose is from five 
 fifteen grains, given diffused in water, or mixed with syrup, or in the form of 
 lus, and repeated at intervals of four, six, or eight hours, when it is desirable 
 maintain a continued diaphoresis. Its action may be materially promoted by 
 rm drinks, such as lemonade, or balm tea, which, however, should not be 
 yen immediately after the powder, as they might provoke vomiting. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pilula Ipecacuanhas cum Scilla; Pilulae Ipecacuanhas et Opii. 
 
 W. 
 
 PULYIS JALAP ZE COMPOSITUS. U. S., Land., Pd., Pub. 
 mpound Powder of Jalap. 
 
 “Take of Jalap, in powder, an ounce; Ditartrate of Potassa, in powder, two 
 fees. Mix them.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes three ounces of jalap, six ounces of bitartrate of 
 ] tassa, and two drachms of ginger; the Dublin, two ounces of jalap, three 
 dices and a half of bitartrate of potassa, and half an ounce of ginger. The 
 dinburgh College takes the same ingredients in the same proportion as the U. S. 
 
 . .armacopoeia, and directs them to be rubbed together to a very fine powder. 
 The bitartrate, by being rubbed with the jalap, is thought to favour its more 
 mute division, while it increases its hydragogue effect. A combination of these 
 i;o ingredients, though with a larger proportion of cream of tartar (see Jalapa), 
 
 ' ms a good cathartic in dropsy, and in scrofulous affections of the joints and 
 jnds. The dose of the officinal powder is from thirty grains to a drachm. 
 
 Off. Prep. Pulvis Scammonii Compositus. W. 
 
 PULYIS KINO COMPOSITUS. Land. Compound Powder of 
 .ino. 
 
 “Take of Kino fifteen drachms ; Cinnamon half an ounce; dried Opium a 
 W'hm. Rub them separately to a very fine powder, and then mix them.” Loud. 
 
1166 
 
 Pulveres. 
 
 PART II 
 
 This is an anodyne astringent powder, useful in some forms of diarrhoea, bu 
 of which the composition would be better left to extemporaneous prescription 
 as the proportion of the ingredients should vary with the circumstances of tb 
 case. Twenty grains contain one grain of opium. The dose is from five grain 
 to a scruple. W. 
 
 PULYIS RHEI COMPOSITUS, Ed., Dub. Compound Powder o 
 Rhubarb. 
 
 “ Take of Magnesia one pound ; Ginger, in fine powder, two ounces ; Rhubar 
 in fine powder, four ounces. Mix them thoroughly, and preserve the powder ii 
 well closed bottles.” Ed. 
 
 The Dublin College uses the same ingredients in the same proportions. 
 
 This is a good laxative antacid, well adapted to bowel complaints, espec-iall 
 in children. The dose for an adult is from half a drachm to a drachm; for 
 child two or three years old, from five to ten grains. W. 
 
 PULYIS SALINUS COMPOSITUS. Ed. Compound Salin 
 
 Poivder. 
 
 “Take of Pure Muriate of Soda, Sulphate of Magnesia, each, four ounce * 
 Sulphate of Potassa three ounces. Dry the salts separately with a gentle hea’ 
 and pulverize each; then triturate them well together, and preserve the rnixtur 
 in well closed vessels.” Ed. 
 
 This is an aperient powder, and may be given with advantage in costive habit: 
 in the dose of two or three drachms, dissolved in half a pint of water or carbon: 
 acid water, before breakfast. W. 
 
 PULVIS SCAMMONII COMPOSITUS. Land., Ed., Pub. Con 
 
 pound Poivder of Scammony. 
 
 “ Take of Scammony, hard Extract of Jalap, each, two ounces; Ginger ha 
 an ounce. Rub them separately to a very fine powder; and then mix them. 
 Land. 
 
 The Edinburgh College takes equal parts of scammony and bitartrate of p 
 tassa; the Dublin, an ounce of scammony, and three ounces of compound powdi 
 of jalap. 
 
 It. should be observed that the Edinburgh compound is essentially differei 
 from that of the London College; but we do not think that either of them is i 
 eligible preparation. The cream of tartar in the former can serve little oth 
 purpose than to aid in the pulverization of the scammony, which requires r 
 peculiar care in this respect. In the latter, though the ginger may tend to cd 
 rect the griping property of the purgative ingredients, the extract of jalap t< 
 closely resembles the scammony in its operation to exert any important moc 
 fying influence upon it. The dose of the London powder is from ten to twen 
 grains, of the Edinburgh from fifteen to thirty. The Dublin powder is anal ego 
 in power to the Edinburgh, though somewhat weaker. W. . 
 
 PULYIS TRAGACANTHiE COMPOSITUS. Lond., Ed. Co? 
 pound Powder of Tragacanth. 
 
 “Take of Tragacanth, in powder, Gum Arabic, in powder. Starch, each, < 
 ounce and a half ; Sugar [refined] three ounces. Rub the Starch and Sug 
 together to powder, then add the Tragacanth and Gum Arabic, and mix the 
 all.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh process corresponds with the above. 
 
 This is applicable to the general purposes of the demulcents ; but is chic 
 employed in Great Britain as a vehicle for heavy insoluble powders. The do 
 is from thirty grains to a drachm. W. 
 
ART II. 
 
 Pulveres . — Quinia. 
 
 1167 
 
 QUINIA. 
 
 Preparations of Quinia. 
 
 QUINIA] SULPHAS. U. S. Quin.® Disulphas. Lond. Quince 
 ulphas. Pd., Pub. Sutyffiate of Quinia. 
 
 “Take of Yellow Bark, in coarse powder, four pounds ; Muriatic Acid three 
 lidounees ; Lime, in powder, five ounces; Water five gallons; Sulphuric Acid, 
 lcohol, Animal Charcoal, each, a sufficient quantify. Boil the Bark in 
 [©-third of the Water mixed with one-third of the Muriatic Acid, and strain 
 rough linen. Boil the residue twice successively with the same quantity of 
 'ater and Acid as before, and strain. Mix the decoctions, aud, while the liquor 
 hot, gradually add the Lime, previously mixed with two pints of water, stirring 
 nstantly until the Quiuia is completely precipitated. Wash the precipitate with 
 istilled Water, and, having pressed, dried, and powdered it, digest it in boiling 
 lcohol. Pour off the liquor, and repeat the digestion several times, until the 
 lcohol is no longer rendered bitter. Mix the liquors, and distil off the Alcohol, 
 itil a brown viscid mass remains. LTpon this substance, removed from the 
 ssel, pour about half a gallon of Distilled Water, and, having heated the mix- 
 re to the boiling point, add as much Sulphuric Acid as may be necessary to 
 ?solve the impure alkali. Then add an ounce and a half of Animal Charcoal, 
 il for two minutes, filter the liquor while hot, and set it aside to crystallize, 
 ould the liquor, before filtration, be entirely neutral, acidulate it very slightly 
 ■th Sulphuric Acid; should it, on the contrary, change the colour of litmus 
 per to a bright red, add more Animal Charcoal. Separate the crystals from 
 e liquor, dissolve them in boiling water slightly acidulated with Sulphuric 
 ,iid, add a little Animal Charcoal, filter, and set aside to crystallize. Wrap 
 1; crystals in bibulous paper, and dry them with a gentle heat. The mother 
 1 ters may be made to yield an additional quantity of Sulphate of Quinia by 
 pcipitating the Quinia with Solution of Ammonia, and treating the precipitated 
 i ;ali with distilled water, Sulphuric Acid, and Animal Charcoal, as before.” U. S. 
 The London Col/eye has transferred this salt to its Materia Medica list. 
 
 “ Take of Yellow Bark, in coarse powder, one pound ; Carbonate of Soda 
 (Jit ounces; Sulphuric Acid half a ftuidounce ; Purified Animal Charcoal two 
 c.ichns. Boil the bark for an hour in four pints [Imperial measure] of water, 
 i which half the Carbonate of Soda has been dissolved; strain, and express 
 sbngly through linen or calico; moisten the residuum with water and express 
 s fin ; and repeat this twice. Boil the residuum for half an hour with four 
 pts of water and half the Sulphuric Acid; strain, express strongly, moisten 
 ^ h water, and express again. Boil the residuum with three piuts of water and 
 a lurth part of the Acid ; strain and squeeze as before. Boil again the residuum 
 \ h the same quantity of water and Acid, strain and squeeze as formerly. Con- 
 cjtrate the whole acid liquids to about a pint; let the product cool; filter it, 
 a l dissolve in it the remainder of the Carbonate of Soda. Collect the impure 
 onia on a cloth, wash it slightly, and squeeze out the liquor with the hand, 
 leak down the moist precipitate in a pint of distilled waiter, add one fluidscruple 
 c Sulphuric Acid, heat it to 212°, and stir occasionally. Should any precipi- 
 t: retain its gray colour, aud the liquid be neutral, add Sulphuric Acid drop 
 t drop, stirring constantly, till the gray colour disappears. Should the liquid 
 r den litmus, neutralize it with a little carbonate of soda. Should crystals form 
 o the surface, add boiling distilled water to dissolve them. Filter through 
 p er, preserving the funnel hot; set the liquid aside to crystallize; collect and 
 S' eeze the crystals; dissolve them in a pint of distilled water heated to 212°; 
 
1168 
 
 Quinia. 
 
 part ii. 
 
 digest the solution for fifteen minutes with the Animal Charcoal ; filter and crys-, 
 tallize as before. Dry the crystals with a heat not exceeding 140°. The mother 
 liquors of each crystallization will yield a little more salt by concentration and 
 cooling.” Ed. The Imperial measure is employed in the above process. 
 
 The Dublin College exhausts the bark by maceration and decoction with water 
 acidulated with sulphuric acid, concentrates the liquor, adds lime in excess, dries 
 the precipitate partially on porous bricks and subjects it to powerful pressure ir 
 blotting paper, boils it repeatedly with rectified spirit, expresses, filters, distil: 
 off all the spirit, dilutes the brown viscid mass -which remains, heats it to the 
 boiling point, adds diluted sulphuric acid to neutralization or in slight excess 
 and finally, after treating the liquor with animal charcoal, sets it aside to coo 
 and crystallize. 
 
 The present U. S. process, which is essentially that of the French Codex, differ 
 from the one given in the Pharmacopoeia of 1830, in the use of muriatic insteai 
 of sulphuric acid for acidulating the water first employed, and in the greate 
 minuteness of the details. Both this and the French Codex process, as well a 
 that of the Dublin College, are modifications of the plan originally proposed b 
 M. Henry, jun., of Paris, for w hich he received a prize from the French Acadera 
 of Sciences, and which has been almost universally employed where alcohol i 
 not too expensive. Henry’s process, w r ith all its details, may be found in prc 
 vious editions of this work. An explanation of the several directions given i 
 the TJ. S. Pharmacopoeia will be useful to the student, by enabling him to con 
 prehend each step of the process. 
 
 The yellow bark (Calisaya, or royal yellow) is the variety selected, becaus 
 this contains quinia ip the largest proportion, and most free from admixture wit 
 cinchonia. The alkali exists in the bark combined with kiuic add, and pn 
 bablv also with one or more of the colouring principles, as suggested by 1 
 Henry. As in this latter state it is of difficult solubility, if it be not insoluK 
 in water, the whole of the quinia cannot be extracted from the bark by meai 
 of that liquid alone. Berzelius, however, attributes the difficulty of exhaustic 
 the bark to the circumstance, that water converts the native neutral kiuates in 
 soluble superkinat.es which are dissolved, and insoluble subkinates which remai 
 By adding muriatic or sulphuric acid to the water in such quantities as to be 
 excess in relation to the quinia, the whole of the alkali combines with the ac- 
 to form a very soluble muriate or sulphate, in which state it exists, togeth 
 with various impurities, in the decoctions procured by the first steps of the pr 
 cess. By the addition of lime to the filtered and mixed decoctions, the salt 
 quinia is decomposed, giving up its acid to the lime, while the quinia is liberate 
 and, being insoluble in water, is precipitated; the water retaining most of t 
 impurities. If sulphuric acid was employed in the commencement of the procei. 
 sulphate of lime is deposited along with the quinia ; but if muriatic acid was e- 
 ployed, the resulting chloride of calcium is retained in solution; and a reason; 
 thus afforded for the preference of the latter acid. But, in either case, the <- 
 cess of lime, and a compound formed of the lime and colouring matter, which; 
 insoluble both in water and alcohol, are thrown down with the alkali. I- 3 
 precipitate having been washed in order to remove from it everything solu. 3 
 in water, then pressed, dried, and powdered, the next step is to separate t- 3 
 quinia from the insoluble impurities. This is accomplished by the repeal! 
 action of alcohol, which dissolves the former, and leaves most of the latter - 
 hind. The whole of the alkali having been abstracted, the alcoholic solution^ 
 quinia is then concentrated so as to afford a brown viscid mass, which is imp s 
 quinia. Portions of this may be reserved, if thought advisable, for the prep;> 
 tion of other salts of quinia. The mass is treated with boiling distilled w; r 
 acidulated with sulphuric acid, which forms a disulphate (the officinal sulpha) 
 
4RT II. 
 
 Quinia. 
 
 1169 
 
 ith the quinia, and, being somewhat in excess, enables the salt to be readily 
 ssolved. The animal charcoal now added should be the unpurified bone-black, 
 ie carbonate of lime contained in which neutralizes a portion of the sulphuric 
 iid, and thus facilitates the crystallization of the sulphate of quinia when the 
 lution cools. Should the quantity of the bone-black added be sufficient to 
 nder the solution quite neutral, so as in no degree to affect litmus paper, as 
 uch sulphuric acid should be added as will give the paper a slightly vinous 
 it; for otherwise the crystallization may commence before the liquor is com- 
 etely filtered. If, on the contrary, the bone-black has been deficient, and the 
 lution colours litmus paper cherry-red, more of that substance is to be added, 
 his, however, is merely an incidental advantage of the animal charcoal; its 
 iief use being to decolorize the liquid. The second crystallization is necessary 
 obtain the salt of quinia free from colour; and sometimes it cannot be ren- 
 ted perfectly white without a third. It is essential that the heat employed in 
 ■ying the crystals should be gentle, in order to prevent their efflorescence. The 
 rail quantity of cinchonia contained in Calisaya bark is extracted along with 
 e quinia; but, as the sulphate of the former is more soluble than that of the 
 tter, it remains in the mother liquors.* 
 
 According to M. Calvert, the proportion of sulphate of quinia obtained from 
 irk is never certain when muriatic acid is employed as the solvent, and lime 
 the precipitant; for quinia is dissolved by a solution of chloride of calcium, 
 d by lime-water; and a portion, therefore, remains in the liquid unprecipi- 
 ted, which is greater when the lime employed is in excess. Having ascertained 
 ' trial that quinia is not dissolved by a solution of soda, and in scarcely appre- 
 ffile proportion by chloride of sodium, he proposes to substitute this alkali for 
 ue; first neutralizing the excess of acid by the carbonate, and then precipi- 
 ting the quinia by caustic soda. ( Journ . de Pharm., 2>e ser., ii. 388.) 
 
 The Edinburgh process was contrived so as to avoid the use of alcohol, which 
 so costly in Great Britain as materially to affect the economy of the operation, 
 le object of the first boiling with water and carbonate of soda is to get rid of the 
 louring principles, resin, and kinic acid, while the quinia is left behind. The 
 fiduum is next exhausted by means of water acidulated with sulphuric acid, 
 lich affords an impure solution of sulphate of quinia. This, after being suf- 
 iently concentrated, is decomposed by carbonate of soda, which seizes the acid 
 ■ d precipitates the quinia with some colouring matter. The remaining steps 
 the operation are similar to those of the U. S. process, except that animal 
 ' arcoal is employed only previous to the last crystallization ; and the advantage 
 iidentally obtained from it, of neutralizing the acid when in excess, is gained 
 : the Edinburgh process by the use of carbonate of soda. Both Pereira and 
 1 ristison speak favourably of this process. 
 
 Pelletier proposed to substitute oil of turpentine for alcohol in the ordinary 
 pcess of procuring sulphate of quinia. The impure quinia, precipitated by 
 1 ie from the acidulous decoctions, after being washed, pressed, and dried, is 
 ( jested with the oil, which dissolves the quinia. The solution thus obtained is 
 
 r Mr. Weightman, of the firm of Powers and YYeightman, manufacturing chemists of 
 f|5 city, informs us that the following modification of the above process has been found 
 f.ctically advantageous in their laboratory. The tincture obtained by acting with 
 Sphol on the impure precipitated quinia, is neutralized with sulphuric acid in the dis- 
 t ,ng vessel ; and the alcohol is then distilled off, leaving a viscid mass of impure sul- 
 I ite, which is drawn off, and crystallizes ou cooling. The mass thus obtained having 
 1 n expressed, is dissolved in boiling water, to which purified animal charcoal has been 
 c ed. The solution is filtered while hot, and then allowed to cool and crystallize, 
 t other solution and crystallization is required to get the sulphate of quinia quite pure 
 8 white. — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
 74 
 
1170 
 
 Quinia. 
 
 PART II 
 
 agitated with water acidulated with sulphuric acid, by which the sulphate o: 
 quinia is formed. The oil separating, rises to the top, and is removed for future 
 use; and the watery solution of the salt is evaporated, and treated as in the 
 original process. A disadvantage, however, of this method is said to be tha 
 the oil does not completely exhaust the precipitate of its quinia. 
 
 According to the French Codex, 1000 parts of yellow bark ought to yield frou 
 29 to 30 parts of sulphate of quinia, when treated by the process first described 
 Messrs. Powers & Weightman, who are probably among the largest manufac 
 turers of sulphate of quinia in the world, inform us that they have usualh 
 obtained from 2 '5 to 3 per cent, as an average product. 
 
 Sulphate of quinia may be obtained from other varieties of Peruvian bark U 
 the above processes; and from some in considerable quantity; but most of then 
 yield a much larger proportion of sulphate of cinchonia than the Calisaya; am 
 this, being much more soluble than the sulphate of quinia, will remain dissolve! 
 in the residuary liquor after the crystallization of the latter. To obtain tk 
 cirulwnia separate, the following method, originally suggested by Pelletier am 
 Caventou, may be employed. Magnesia, lime, or a solution of potassa is adde< 
 to the mother waters in excess.* The cinchonia is precipitated together with 
 portion of quinia which has remained in the solution, and with the excess o 
 magnesia or lime, if one of these earths has been employed. The precipitat 
 is collected on a filter, washed with hot water, then dried, and treated with boil 
 ing alcohol, which dissolves the organic alkalies. The alcoholic solution i 
 filtered while hot, and the residue afterwards treated in the same manner wit’ 
 successive portions of alcohol, till quite exhausted. The solutions having bee 
 mixed, are concentrated by the distillation of the alcohol, and allowed to cool 
 when they deposit cinchonia in the crystalline state. Successive evaporation 
 and refrigerations afford new crops of crystals, and the process should be cor 
 tinued till no more can be obtained. The cinchonia thus procured, if impun 
 should be reconverted into a sulphate and treated as before, animal charcoa 
 being employed to free it from colour. The quinia remaining in the mothe 
 liquors, as it will not crystallize from alcohol, may be obtained by evaporatio 
 to dryness. To obtain the sulphate of cinchonia, mix the alkali with a sma 
 quantity of water, heat the mixture, and add gradually dilute sulphuric aci 
 sufficient to saturate it; then boil with animal charcoal previously washed wit 
 muriatic acid, and filter the liquor while hot. Upon cooling it will depos 
 crystals of the sulphate, and, by repeated evaporation and crystallization, wi 
 yield all the salt which it holds in solution. f 
 
 When barks containing the newly discovered alkaloid quinidia, are used, : 
 the sulphate of this base is much more soluble than that of quinia. it follov 
 that, in the mother waters left after the crystallization of sulphate of quini 
 there will be found a portion of sulphate of quinidia. In fact, there is gen 
 rally, under these circumstances, more or less of the sulphates of the thn 
 
 * Soda is probably a better precipitant, as it appears to be incapable of dissolving ai 
 quinia when employed in excess. (See page 1169.) 
 
 f A new mode of extracting quinia and other active vegetable principles has been pi 
 posed, which, if found as successful on trial as it is said to have been in the hands of i 
 proposer, promises to supersede many of the processes now in use. From the experimer 
 of M. Lebourdais, it would appear that purified animal charcoal has the property of a 
 stracting from many vegetable products not only their colouring, but their sapid princip! 
 also, and afterwards of yielding the active matter uncombined to boiling alcohol, fr< 
 which it is obtained by evaporation. M. Lebourdais deprived Peruvian bark of all 
 soluble principles by repeated maceration in alcohol of 0-923, filtered the resulting liquo 
 removed the alcohol by distillation, and mixed the liquid residue with a decoction made 
 boiling the same bark twice in distilled water. Acetate of lead was added to preeipit; 
 the resinous matter; and the liquor, having been filtered, was made to pass slowly tlrrou 
 
PART II. 
 
 Quinia. 
 
 1171 
 
 alkaloids, quinia, cinehonia, and quinidia, all of which are contained in many 
 barks ; and, besides these, a portion of amorphous alkaloid, incapable of c-rys- 
 
 ourified animal charcoal by which it was deprived of colour and taste. The charcoal was 
 ihen washed, dried, and treated with alcohol of 0-848. The alcoholic solution thus ob- 
 :ained, upon being evaporated, yielded the quinia perfectly pure. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., 
 ixi. 92, from Ann. de Chim. el dcPhys.) A chemist, however, who has tried this process, 
 nforms us, that he has not found it to answer well in practice. 
 
 We have been told that considerable quantities of a preparation have been imported 
 rom South America, consisting of a mixture of the alkaloids of bark in an impure state, 
 ibtained by forming acidulated decoctions of bark, precipitating with lime, treating the 
 )recipitate with alcohol, and evaporating the alcoholic solution. From this material the 
 sulphates of quinia and cinehonia have been prepared on a large scale. It has sometimes 
 yielded 25 per cent, of quinia converted into sulphate, and more than an equal quantity of 
 :inchonia. — Note to the eighth and tenth edition. 
 
 Quinoidine. Precipitated Extract of Bark. Amorphous Quinia. Upon the evaporation of 
 he mother liquor left after the crystallization of sulphate of quinia in the preparation of that 
 alt, a dark-coloured substance is obtained, having the appearance of an extract. This was 
 labitually employed by the late Dr. Emlen and one of the authors of this work, so early 
 is about the year 1824, in the cure of intermittent fever, in which it proved equally effectual 
 nth the pure sulphate, though only about half as strong. It was adopted in the edition of 
 lieU. S. Pharmacopoeia for 1830, under the name of “ impure sulphate of quinia,” but was 
 bandoned in the edition of 1840, on account of the difficulty of ascertaining its purity, 
 lertiirner supposed that he had discovered a new alkaline principle in this product ; but his 
 onclusions were invalidated by the experiments of MM. Henry and Delondre, which went 
 
 0 prove that the alkaline matter contained in it consisted of quinia and cinehonia, ob- 
 cured by admixture with a yellowish substance that interfered with their crystallization, 
 ievertheless, under the name of quinoidine or chinoidine, given to the supposed new alkali 
 y Serturner, there has been long employed in Europe a substance precipitated from the 
 bother liquor of sulphate of quinia by means of an alkaline earbonate, having ayellowish- 
 
 hite or brownish colour, and. when moderate^ - heated, agglutinating into a mass of a 
 esinous appearance. This substance was found by Dr. F. L. Winckler to contain an un- 
 rystallizable alkaline principle, having the same combining weight as quinia, and differing 
 ■om that alkali only in the want of the property of crystallization, and in forming uncrys- 
 illizable salts with the acids. (Pharm. Cent. Blatt. May, 1847, p. 310.) Liebig after- 
 •ards proved it to be identical in composition with ordinary quinia, to which he considers 
 as bearing the same relation that uncrystallizable sugar bears to the erystallizable. 
 his substance has been found equally effectual with quinia in the cure of intermittent*. 
 
 1 an economical point of view, it is highly important that it should be employed. It is 
 jmetimes sold under the name of precipitated extract of bark, and there can be little 
 oubt that it enters into other preparations, which, under the name of extract of bark, 
 ave been put forth as peculiarlj- valuable for the cure of intermittents. It must not be 
 mfounded with the substance obtainod by evaporating the mother liquors, which is of 
 acertain composition and strength. The chief objection to it is its liability to adul- 
 ration. The amorphous quinia, as Liebig calls it, is entirely soluble in dilute sulphuric 
 :id and in alcohol; and, if its solution in a dilute acid yield upon the addition of ammonia 
 mctly as much precipitate as there was of the original substance dissolved, it may be 
 msidered pure. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xviii. 181.) We have been told that, in an 
 ktensive chemical manufacturing establishment in Philadelphia, since the introduction of 
 earn heat, the loss by quinoidine in the preparation of sulphate of quinia has much di- 
 inished, showing the agency of heat in converting the erystallizable into the uncrystal- 
 :able salt. 
 
 M. Roder supposed that he had succeeded by the following process in converting amor- 
 ious quinia into the erystallizable. One part of commercial quinoidine, not previously 
 ■ecipitated by an alkali, was dissolved in four parts of alcohol of 0-865, and a solution of 
 df a part of protochloride of tin in two parts of water added. The liquid was separated 
 om the dark resinous deposit which formed, and was precipitated by ammonia. The 
 jecipitate was well washed, dried, and exhausted by alcohol; half the original quantity of 
 otochloride of tin was added to the resulting liquid, which was again precipitated by 
 omonia; and the precipitate, well washed and dried, -was exhausted by alcohol. A 
 lution of pure quinia was thus obtained, which, saturated with sulphuric acid, yielded 
 ystals of sulphate of quinia. M. Roder obtained from two different samples of quinoidine 
 and 43 per cent, of quinia, 10 and 9 per cent, of cinehonia, 30 and 28 per cent, of resin, 
 d 20 per cent, of water ; so that this product is somewhat more than half as strong as 
 
1172 
 
 Quinia. 
 
 PART II. 
 
 tallization, probably resulting, in part at least, from tbe heat employed in the 
 process. These may in a great degree be separated through their different solu- 
 bilities in water. Sulphate of quinia being least soluble will first crystallize, 
 afterwards the salt of quinidia, and finally that of cinchonia, which is the most 
 soluble of the three; while the uncrystallizable salt will remain in solution, 
 and may be obtained in the amorphous state by evaporation to dryness. 
 
 Properties. Sulphate of quinia is in fine silky, slightly flexible, needle-shaped 
 crystals, interlaced among each other, or grouped in small star-like tufts. Its 
 taste is intensely bitter, resembling that of the yellow bark. It effloresces slightly 
 on exposure to the air, and, at a moderate heat, loses its crystalline form in 
 consequence of the escape of its water of crystallization. At the temperature 
 of 212° it becomes luminous, especially when rubbed. At about 240° it melts, 
 assuming the appearance of wax. It is very slightly soluble iu cold water, re- 
 quiring, according to M. Baup, 740 parts at 54° F. for solution; while at the 
 boiling point it is dissolved in thirty parts of water, which deposits it upon 
 cooling. Its cold solution is opalescent. It is soluble in about 60 parts of cold 
 alcohol of 0'835, but only to a very small extent in ether. The diluted acids, 
 even tartaric and oxalic acids in excess, dissolve it with great facility. TVithan 
 additional equivalent of sulphuric acid it forms another sulphate, which is more 
 soluble in water than the officinal salt, and crystallizes from its solution with 
 much greater difficulty. This is now generally believed to be strictly neutral, 
 and therefore entitled to the name of sulphate of quinia; while the officinal salt 
 is thought to contain two equivalents of base to one of acid, and is therefore 
 properly a subsulphate or disulpliate of quinia. The latter name has been 
 adopted by the London College. In the U. S., Dublin, and Edinburgh Phar- 
 macopoeias, as well as in the French Codex, the name of sulphate of quinia. 
 originally given to the officinal salt, under the impression that it wa9 neutral, is 
 still applied to it. Hence has arisen a confusion of nomenclature which must 
 be embarrassing to the student. According to M. Baup, the proper sulphate, 
 formerly called supersulphate, is soluble in 11 parts of water at 54° F., and in 
 its own water of crystallization at the boiling point. It is very soluble in di- 
 luted, and somewhat less so in absolute alcohol. It may be obtained by adding 
 to a boiling concentrated solution of the ordinary sulphate, as much sulphuric 
 acid as already exists in the salt, and then evaporating the solution. 
 
 Composition. The officinal sulphate of quinia, the disulphate of chemists, i: 
 the only one used in medicine, and to this we have allusion in the present work 
 whenever sulphate of quinia is mentioned without any distinguishing epithet 
 In the crystalline form it is stated to consist of one equivalent of sulphuric acic 
 40, two eqs. of quinia 324, and eight eqs. of water 72=436. On exposure t( 
 the air, or to a heat of 212°, it effloresces, losiug one-half of its water of c-rys 
 tallization (according to Soubeiran, six eqs.); and at 240° it loses one-half of th< 
 remainder, retaining two eqs. or about 4 per cent, of water, of which it canno 
 bo deprived without decomposition. ( Phillips .)* 
 
 pure quinia. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxi. 49.) But we have been assured by Mr. Weight 
 man, in relation to this process of M. Roder, that, if all the crystallizable matter has bee 
 previously separated from the mother waters, no crystals can afterwards be obtained by hi 
 method, though much uncrystallizable alkaline matter remains ; showing that M. Rode 
 had merely succeeded in more thoroughly separating the crystallizable portion, not i 
 changing one form into the other. — Note to the seventh , eighth , and tenth editions. 
 
 * Iodide of Sulphate ( Disulphate ) of Quinia. This remarkable compound of officinal su 
 phate of quinia was discovered by Dr. Wm. Bird Herapath, of Bristol. England, wh 
 also investigated its singular optical properties. If to a solution of sulphate of quinia i 
 a mixture of acetic acid and diluted alcohol, tincture of iodine be added by drops, an 
 the mixture kept at 130° F. until perfect solution takes place, upon the cooling of th 
 liquid, crystals will gradually form, which Dr. Herapath has found to consist of iodin' 
 
PART II. 
 
 Quinia. 
 
 1173 
 
 Incompatibles and Tests. Sulphate of quinia is decomposed by the alkalies, 
 their carbonates, and the alkaline earths. In solution, it affords white precipi- 
 tates with potassa, soda, and ammonia, which are partly soluble in an excess of 
 ilkali. It is also precipitated by astringent infusions, the tannic acid of which 
 forms a white insoluble compound with quinia. The soluble salts of lead and of 
 baryta occasion precipitates ; and that produced by the salts of baryta is insoluble 
 n the acids. A freshly prepared solution of chlorine, added to a solution of the 
 sulphate of quinia, and followed by the addition of water of ammonia, occasions 
 in emerald-green colour, and, in certain proportions, the deposition of a green 
 precipitate. If, instead of ammonia, a concentrated solution of ferrocyanuret of 
 potassium be added, a dark-red colour is produced, which persists for several 
 pours, but ultimately passes into green. This does not take place with cin- 
 phonia. 
 
 Adulterations. Sulphate of quinia has often been adulterated. Sulphate of 
 ime, and other alkaline or earthy salts, gum, sugar, mannite, starch, stearin or 
 nargarin, caffein, salicin, and sulphate of cinchonia, are among the substances 
 which are said to have been fraudulently added. By attending to the degree of 
 solubility of the sulphate in different menstrua, and to its chemical relations with 
 ither substances already described, there can be little difficulty in detecting these 
 idulterations. The presence of any mineral substance not readily volatilizable, 
 nay be at once ascertained by exposing the salt to a red heat, which will com- 
 pletely dissipate the sulphate of quinia, leaving the mineral behind. A volatile 
 immoniacal salt may be detected by the smell of ammonia emitted upon the 
 addition of potassa. The absence of organic substances may be inferred, if pure 
 ;old concentrated sulphuric acid forms a colourless solution. Gum and starch 
 ire left behind by alcohol, and fatty matters by water acidulated with sulphuric 
 icid. Sugar and mannite cause a solution of the salt in acidulated water to 
 lave a sweet taste, after the precipitation of the quinia by an alkaline carbonate. 
 Salicin imparts the property of becoming red upon the contact of sulphuric acid; 
 put, according to Pelletier, this change of colour does not take place unless the 
 proportion of salicin exceeds one-tenth. If only in this proportion, the salicin 
 nust be isolated. To 1 part of the suspected salt, 6 parts of concentrated sul- 
 phuric acid may be added, and to the brown liquid which results, 125 parts of 
 rater. The salicin is thus separated, and may be obtained by filtration, in the 
 orm of a bitter white powder, becoming bright red with sulphuric acid. (See 
 4m. Journ. of Pharm., xvii. 156.) Caffein alters the solubility of the medicine 
 n different menstrua. According to M. Calvert, a saturated solution of sulphate 
 if quinia in cold water gives, with a solution of chloride of lime, a precipitate 
 oluble in an excess of the latter; while a solution of sulphate of cinchonia of 
 he same strength, treated in the same manner, gives a precipitate which is in- 
 oluble in a great excess of the reagent. The same effect is produced with lime- 
 vater, and solution of ammonia; and solution of chloride of calcium, while it 
 
 uinia, and sulphuric acid, probably combined in the state of iodide of sulphate of quinia. 
 'o obtain fine crystals various precautions are necessary, for which the reader is referred 
 io the paper of Dr. Herapath. The crystals are of a brilliant emerald-green when viewed 
 y reflected light; but almost colourless by transmitted light; and present'a curious 
 lay of colours under varying circumstances of position. Their shape is very diversified, 
 ut traceable to the rhombic prism. They are dissolved by heated acetic acid and heated 
 lcohol, and deposited on cooling. Their most remarkable property is that of polarizing 
 ght, in which they are equal if not superior to the tourmaline, for which they may be 
 ubstituted with advantage in experiments in this branch of optics. As quinia is the only 
 rganic alkali which aets in this way, it is evident that the property may be resorted to as 
 
 means of detecting it, and especially of distinguishing it from cinchonia and quinidia. 
 Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xi. 448 and 449, and xiii. 378. See also Am. Journ. of 
 'harm., xxvi. 18 .) — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
1174 
 
 Quinia. 
 
 PART II. 
 
 furnishes a precipitate with a solution of sulphate of cinchonia, yields none with 
 a solution of sulphate of quinia. ( Journ . de Pharm., 8e ser., ii. 394.)* The Edin- 
 burgh College gives the following mode of testing the purity of sulphate of 
 quinia. “A solution of ten grains in a fluidounce of distilled water and two or 
 three drops of sulphuric acid, if decomposed by a solution of half an ounce of 
 carbonate of soda in two waters [twice its weight of water], and heated till the 
 precipitate shrinks and fuses, yields on cooling a solid mass, which when dry 
 weighs 7'4 grains, and in powder dissolves entirely in solution of oxalic acid.” 
 According to the London College, “100 grains dissolved in diluted hydrochloric 
 acid, yield, on the addition of chloride of barium, 26 6 grains of sulphate of 
 baryta, dried at a red heat.” 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Sulphate of quinia produces upon the system, 
 so far as we are enabled to judge by observation, the same effects with Peruvian 
 hark, without being so apt to nauseate and oppress the stomach. (See Cinchona.) 
 Its effects upon the brain are even more striking than those of cinchona, probably 
 because it is given in larger proportional doses. Even in ordinary doses, it often 
 produces considerable cerebral disturbance, evinced by a feeling of tightness or 
 distension in the head, ringing, buzzing, or roaring in the ears, hardness of hear- 
 ing, &c. Some individuals are more liable to these effects than others, and in 
 some even small doses produce them. A certain degree of this observable action 
 on the brain is rather desirable than otherwise, as the evidence that the medi- 
 cine is affecting the system. In very large quantities, as from a scruple to a 
 drachm or more, besides the phenomena mentioned, it has been observed to 
 occasion severe headache, vertigo, deafness, diminution or loss of sight, dilated 
 and immovable pupil, loss of speech, general tremblings, intoxication or delirium, 
 coma, and great prostration. In some instances the pulse has been remarkably 
 diminished in frequency, down to fifty or even less in the minute. In an in- 
 stance recorded by Giacomini, in which a man took by mistake about three 
 drachms, the patient became insensible, and some hours afterwards was found 
 by the physician in a state of general prostration, from which he recovered under 
 the use of laudanum and aromatic waters. {Ann. de Thdrap., A. D. 1843, p. 
 176.) Besides its effects on the brain, sulphate of quinia sometimes occasions 
 great gastric and intestinal irritation, marked by oppression at stomach, nausea, 
 abdominal pains, vomiting, and purging. In general these effects of excessive 
 doses gradually pass off, although partial deafness often continues for several 
 days, and sometimes much longer. It is even said that permanent deafness has 
 resulted. Though sulphate of quinia has been proved by the experiments of 
 Dr. Baldwin, of Montgomery, Alabama, to be fatal to dogs, if prevented from 
 being vomited by a ligature round the oesophagus, in quantities varying from 
 fifteen or twenty grains to two drachms, with the symptoms of narcotic poison- 
 ing; yet we have seen no well authenticated case of death from its direct action 
 on the healthy human subject. Given largely in disease, it has repeatedly 
 
 * Liebig’s test of the presence of cinchonia is perhaps the simplest. Rub together fif- 
 teen grains of the suspected salt and two ounces of solution of ammonia, put the mixture 
 into a flask, add two ounces of ether, and shake frequently. The quinia liberated by the 
 ammonia is dissolved by the ether, while any cinchonia that may be present remains un- 
 dissolved, floating between the ethereal solution above and the anunoniacal beneath. Bui 
 M. 0. Henry has shown that cinchonia is slightly soluble in ammonia, so that a sma! 
 portion might escape detection. It has, therefore, been proposed to modify the test bj 
 heating the mixture of the suspected salt and ammonia, so as almost entirely to drive ofl 
 the excess of this alkali, and then to add the ether. If the liquid now remain quite trans 
 parent, without any turbid layer between the upper and lower stratum, it may be inferret 
 that no cinchonia is present. For papers on this subject, see the Journ. dc Pharm. (of ser 
 xiii. 102, xvi. 327, and xxi. 284), and Am. Journ. of Pharm. (xx. 231. and xxiv. 1661 
 For a method of detecting the presence of quinidia also in sulphate of quinia, the readei 
 is referred to a note in the first part of this work, page 258. 
 
ART II. 
 
 Quinta. 
 
 1175 
 
 aused fatal results, not so much however by its peculiar action, as by co-ope- 
 iting with the disease in establishing intense local irritation or inflammation, 
 specially in the brain. Though capable, therefore, of doing mischief if im- 
 roperly used, sulphate of quinia can scarcely be ranked among the poisons. 
 
 From its occasional effect in diminishing the frequency of the pulse and the 
 eneral strength, it has been supposed to be essentially sedative in large doses, 
 uch an opinion, unless well founded, might lead to hazardous practice. The 
 robability is that the apparently sedative effect upon the circulation arises from 
 n overwhelming stimulant influence upon the cerebral centres, whereby the sys- 
 3 m is deprived of the support of these centres, and the heart’s action is depressed 
 'ith other organic functions. Similar effects may be obtained from excessive 
 oses of most of the cerebral stimulants. Examination of the brain in the lower 
 nimals, after death from quinia, has shown great congestion of that organ and 
 ,s membranes, and even meningitis. (See Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., xix. 197.) 
 n the present state of our knowledge, therefore, it is safest to consider sulphate 
 f quinia as a direct and powerful stimulant to the brain. It probably operates 
 trough the circulation, as there is no doubt that it is absorbed, the alkaloid 
 aving been found unchanged in the urine. 
 
 Sulphate of quinia may be substituted for cinchona in all diseases to which 
 he latter is applicable; and, in the treatment of intermittents, has almost entirely 
 uperseded the bark. It has the advantage over that remedy, not only that it is 
 lore easily administered in large doses, and more readily retained by the stomach, 
 ut that, in cases which require an impression to be made through the rectum or 
 he skin, it is much more effectual; because, from the smallness of its bulk, it is 
 lore readily retained in the former case, and more speedily absorbed in the latter, 
 •'till we cannot be certain that there are not other active principles in bark besides 
 he quinia and cinchonia, the latter of which possesses properties analogous to 
 hose of the former; nor that the mode of combination iu which these principles 
 xist, may not in some measure modify their therapeutic effects. The question 
 an be solved only by careful and long-continued observation. In the mean time, 
 'e may resort to the bark if the sulphate of quinia should not answer the ends 
 i view ; and instances have occurred, under our own notice, in which it has proved 
 accessful in intermittents after the salt has failed. 
 
 Sulphate of quinia may be given in pill or solution, or suspended in water by 
 he intervention of syrup and mucilage. The form of pill is usually preferred. 
 iSee Pilulse Quinise Sulphatis.') The solution may be readily effected by the 
 ddition of a little acid of almost any kind to the water. Eight grains of the 
 ulphate will dissolve in a fluidounce of water, acidulated with about twelve 
 rinirns of the diluted sulphuric acid, or aromatic sulphuric acid of the Pharma- 
 opoeias; and this is the most eligible mode of exhibiting the medicine in the 
 quid form. The addition of a small proportion of sulphate of morphia or of 
 ludanum will often be found advantageous, when the stomach is disposed to be 
 ickened, or the bowels to be disturbed by the quinia. Dr. R. H. Thomas, of 
 laltimore, has found that one part of tannic acid will deprive five parts of sul- 
 hate of quinia of bitterness, without impairing its medicinal efficacy. (rim. 
 r ourn. of Med. Sci., N. S., xix. 541.) It is obvious that tannate of quinia is 
 bus formed; and as this, though insoluble in water, is readily dissolved in 
 ilute acids, and consequently in the gastric liquor when acid, there can be no 
 oubt that it will generally prove efficacious. It may, however, happen that the 
 tomaeh may be quite free from acid, and that the operation of this salt may 
 rove less certain than that of the sulphate; and such is asserted to have been 
 be case in some instances. But a little lemonade taken after the medicine would 
 robably obviate the difficulty. 
 
 Twelve grains of sulphate of quinia are equivalent to about an ounce of 
 ood bark. The dose varies exceedingly, according to the circumstances of the 
 
1176 
 
 Quinia. 
 
 PART II 
 
 patient and the object to be accomplished. As a tonic simply, a grain may hi 
 given three or four times a day, or more frequently in acute cases. In inter 
 mittents, from twelve to twenty-four grains should be given between the parox 
 ysms, divided into smaller or larger doses according to the condition of thi 
 stomach, or the length of the intermission. From one to four grains may hi 
 given at once, and some even advise the whole amount. In malignant inter 
 mittents and remittents, the quantity may be increased to thirty grains or ever 
 a drachm between the paroxysms. M. Maillot gave one hundred and twenty 
 eight grains, in the course of a few hours, in a case of malignant fever occurring 
 in Northern Africa, with the happiest results. The caution, however, is neces 
 sary, not to employ this heroic practice against easily conquerable diseases 
 Very large doses of the sulphate have recently been given in acute rheumatism 
 and with great asserted success; but the occurrence of at least one fatal cast 
 from inflammation of the brain should lead to some hesitation in this employ 
 ment of the remedy. When the stomach will not retain the medicine, it maj 
 be administered with nearly as much efficacy by enema; from six to twelvi 
 grains, with two fluidounces of liquid starch, and from twenty to forty drops o: 
 laudanum, being injected into the rectum, in ordinary cases, every six hours 
 Should circumstances render this mode of application impracticable, an equa 
 quantity, diluted with arrow-root or other mild powder, may be sprinkled, at the 
 same intervals, upon a blistered surface denuded of the cuticle. The epigastrium 
 or the inside of the thighs and arms, would be the proper place for the blister 
 The sulphate has also been employed by friction in the form of ointment, ii 
 cases of malignant intermittent. The ointment should be made by incorporating 
 a saturated alcoholic solution of the salt with lard, and should be applied to the 
 inside of the thighs and arms. It is said that quinia is more readily absorbec 
 when united with a fatty acid. This union may be effected by mixing solution; 
 of soap and of a salt of quinia. The quinia soap is precipitated. 
 
 Solutions of sulphate of quinia have been advantageously employed as loca. 
 applications to indolent ulcers, and chronic mucous inflammations. (Wedderburr 
 and Fearn, Neiv Orleans Med. and Surg. Journ., iii. 161 and 341.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Pilulae Quinirn Sulphatis; Quinae Murias; Tinctura Quinae Com 
 posita. W. 
 
 QUINiE MURIAS. Pub. Muriate of Quinia. 
 
 “Take of Sulphate of Quinia one ounce [avoirdupois]; Chloride of Barium 
 one hundred and twenty -three grains; Distilled Water thirty-two \JtuvT\ ounces 
 Dissolve the Chloride of Barium in two [fluid] ounces of the Water, and the 
 Sulphate of Quinia in the remainder, raised to the temperature of ebullition 
 Mix the two solutions, evaporate to one-half, filter, and continue the evaporatior 
 by means of a steam or water heat, until crystalline spic-ula begin to appear 
 The solution is now to be permitted to cool, and the crystals which separate ti 
 be dried on blotting paper. The liquor decanted off the crystals will, by furthe: 
 concentration and cooling, yield an additional product.” Dub. 
 
 The only advantage of this salt of quinia over the sulphate is its greater solu 
 bility; and this is scarcely worth the trouble of the process, especially as the 
 latter salt may be so readily rendered soluble by the addition of an acid. Tht 
 dose is the same as that of the sulphate, to which the reader is referred. (Set 
 Quinise Sulphas.') 
 
 Off. Prep. Quinae Valerianas. W. 
 
 QUINiE VALERIANAS. Pub. Valerianate of Quinia. 
 
 “Take of Muriate of Quinia seven drachms [Dub. weight] ; Valerianate of Sod; 
 one hundred and twenty-four grains; Distilled Water sixteen \_ fluid\ounoi 
 Dissolve the Valerianate of Soda in two ounces, and the Muriate of Quinia ii 
 the remainder of the Water, and, the temperature of each solution being raisa 
 
ART II. 
 
 Quinia. — Soda. 
 
 1177 
 
 1 120°, but not higher, let them be mixed, and let the mixture be set by for 
 renty-four hours, when the valerianate of quinia will have become a mass of 
 Iky acicular crystals. Let these be pressed between folds of blotting paper, 
 id dried without the application of artificial heat.” Dub. 
 
 This is a case of double decomposition between the two salts employed, re- 
 ilting in the production of chloride of sodium which remains in solution, and 
 ' valerianate of quinia which crystallizes. This salt has a strong and adhesive 
 lour of valerianic acid, which is very repulsive, and quite distinct from that of 
 1 of valerian. It is soluble in water, more so in that liquid at a somewhat 
 evated temperature than when cold, and is deposited from its warm solution 
 fine crystals on cooling. In boiling water it melts into oily globules, and 
 adergoes decomposition, with the escape of valerianic acid ; and the Dublin 
 ollege directs that its solution shall not be heated above 120°. Even at com- 
 on temperatures it is probably undergoing a constant, though slow loss of the 
 •id, of which it smells so strongly. It is soluble in alcohol. We are unac- 
 aainted with any special virtues in this salt. It may, however, be given in the 
 dse of a grain or two repeated several times a day, in cases of debility attended 
 ith nervous disorder. A combination of Peruvian bark and valerian has long 
 jen known as peculiarly efficacious in hemicrania. Perhaps the valerianate of 
 ainia may be used advantageously in the same affection. W. 
 
 SODA. 
 
 Preparations of Soda. 
 
 LIQUOR SOD M. Lond. Sod^; Caustics Liquor. Bub. Solution 
 r Soda. Solution of Caustic Soda. 
 
 “Take of Carbonate of Soda thirty-one ounces; Lime nine ounces; boiling 
 istilled Water a gallon [Imp. meas.]. Prepare this Solution in the manner 
 rected for Liquor Potassse.” Lond. The specific gravity of this Solution is 
 061. 
 
 The Dublin College takes two -pounds [avoirdupois] of crystallized carbonate 
 ’ soda, ten ounces [avoird.] of fresh burnt lime, and a gallon and seven fiuid- 
 mces [Imp. meas.] of distilled water, and proceeds precisely in the manner 
 rected for obtaining solution of potassa. The phraseology of the two formulae 
 the same. The resulting Solution is stated to have the specific gravity of 
 056. 
 
 Solution of soda is prepared in the same way as solution of potassa. By a 
 duble decomposition between carbonate of soda and hydrate of lime, there are 
 rmed hydrate of soda in solution, and carbonate of lime which precipitates. In 
 oth the processes an excess of lime is used, which is necessary to insure a full 
 ^composition of the carbonate. 
 
 Properties, &c. Solution of soda, commonly called solution of caustic soda, 
 a new officinal of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850, and the London of 1851. 
 
 ' is a colourless liquid, having a caustic taste and alkaline reaction. Its pro- 
 irties and tests are the same as those of solution of potassa, with the exception 
 lat no precipitate is produced by chloride of platinum or tartaric acid. The 
 ondon solution is somewhat stronger than the Dublin, and contains four per 
 mt. of soda. The alkali dissolved must be viewed as hydrate of soda, consist- 
 g of one eq. of soda 31 3, and one of water 9 =40 '3. 
 
 Solution of soda is used by the London College as a chemical agent for pre- 
 lring oxysulphuret of antimony, and by the Dublin College for saturating 
 ilerianic acid in forming valerianate of soda. 
 
 Off. Prep. Sodae Valerianas. B. 
 
1178 
 
 Soda. 
 
 PART I 
 
 SOD^ CARBONAS EXSICCATUS. U. S. Soda; Carbons 
 Exsiccata. Lond. Sod^: Carbonas Siccatdm. Ed., Dub. Dru 
 Carbonate of Soda. 
 
 “Take of Carbonate of Soda a convenient quantity. Expose it to heat, in 
 clean iron vessel, until it is thoroughly dried, stirring constantly with an ird 
 spatula; then rub it into powder.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes a pound of the salt, exposes it to heat until tl 
 crystals fall to pieces, then subjects it to a red heat, and finally rubs it to powdei 
 The Edinburgh College heats any convenient quantity in a shallow vessel ti 
 it is dry, then urges it with a red heat in a crucible, and reduces it to powd 
 when cold. 
 
 “Take of Crystallized Carbonate of Soda of Commerce any convenient qua 
 tity. Expose it in a porcelain capsule to a pretty strong sand heat, until tl 
 liquid which first forms is converted into a dry cake, and having rubbed this 
 powder, enclose it in a bottle.” Dub. 
 
 Carbonate of soda contains ten equivalents of water of crystallization, ai 
 when heated, readily undergoes the watery fusion. Upon continuing the hea 
 the water is dried off, and a white porous mass remains, which is easily reduce 
 to powder. The London and Edinburgh Colleges expose the dry mass to a r< 
 heat before powdering it. Dried carbonate of soda is in the form of a wbi 
 powder, and differs in no respect from the crystallized carbonate, except : 
 being devoid of water of crystallization. (See Sodae Carbonas .) When decor 
 posed by dilute sulphuric acid, it evolves 40'7 per cent, of carbonic acid. ( Low 
 Pharmf 
 
 Medical Properties and, Uses. This preparation was introduced into practb 
 by Dr. Beddoes, who extolled its virtues in calculous complaints. It is applic 
 ble to the cure of such affections, only when dependent on a morbid secretion 
 uric acid. Its advantage over the common carbonate is that it admits of beii 
 made into pills, in consequence of being in the dried state. As the water 
 crystallization forms more than half of the carbonate, the dose of the dried sa 
 must be reduced in proportion. From five to fifteen grains may be given thr 
 times a day in the form of pill, prepared with soap and aromatics. The ge 
 eral medical properties of this salt have been given under the head of Sou 
 Carbonas. 
 
 Off. Prep. Sodae Bicarbonas. B. 
 
 SODA3 CARBONATIS LIQUOR. Dub. Solution of Carbona 
 of Soda. 
 
 “ Take of Crystallized Carbonate of Soda of Commerce one ounce and a h: 
 [avoirdupois]; Distilled Water one pint [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve and filter. T. 
 specific gravity of this Solution is 1 026.” Dub. 
 
 This preparation furnishes a solution of carbonate of soda of determina 
 strength, each Imperial fluidounee of which contains nearly thirty-three grai 
 of the salt. It is convenient for prescribing the alkali in solution, and for fori 
 ing effervescing draughts, each fluidounee being saturated, on an average, by Ik 
 a fluidounee of lemon juice. The dose is from one to two tablespooufuls, si- 
 ficiently diluted with water, and given two or three times a day. B. ; 
 
 SODiE BICARBONAS. U.S., Bond., Ed., Dub. Bicarbonate' 
 Soda. 
 
 “Take of Carbonate of Soda, in crystals, a convenient quantity. Break t 
 crystals in pieces, and put them into a wooden box, having a transverse partiti 
 near the bottom pierced with numerous small holes, and a cover which can 
 tightly fitted on. To a bottle having two tubulures, and half filled with wat< 
 
1RT II. 
 
 Soda. 
 
 1179 
 
 sipt two tubes, one connected with an apparatus for generating carbonic acid 
 d terminating under the water in the bottle, the other commencing at the 
 t)ulure in which it is inserted, and entering the box by an opening near the 
 Ittom, beneath the partition. Then lute all the joints, and cause a stream of 
 ebonic acid to pass through the water into the box until the carbonate of soda 
 i fully saturated. Carbonic acid is obtained from Marble by the addition of 
 cute sulphuric acid.” U. S. 
 
 In the London Pharmacopoeia of 1851, bicarbonate of soda has been trans- 
 f red from the Preparations to the list of Materia Medica. 
 
 “Fill with fragments of Marble a glass jar, open at the bottom and tubulated 
 5 the top; close the bottom in such a way as to keep in the Marble without 
 pventing the free passage of a fluid ; connect the tubulature closely by a bent 
 t)e and corks with an empty bottle, and this in like manner with another bottle, 
 led with one part of Carbonate of Soda and two parts of Dried Carbonate of 
 [da well triturated together; and let the tube be long enough to reach the bottom 
 < the bottle. Before closing the last cork closely, immerse the jar to the top 
 i diluted muriatic acid, contained in any convenient vessel; when the whole 
 iparatus is thus filled with carbonic acid gas, secure the last cork tightly; and 
 ] the action go on till next morning, or till the gas is no longer absorbed by 
 1e salt. Remove the damp salt which is formed, and dry it, either in the air 
 'tkout heat, or at a temperature not above 120°.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Crystallized Carbonate of Soda of Commerce two pounds [avoir- 
 < pois] ; Distilled Water one quart [two pints Imp. meas.]; Muriatic Acid of 
 1 mrnerce one pint and a half [Imp. meas.]; Water three pints [Imp. meas.]; 
 'talk, in fragments, one pound [avoird.], or a sufficient quantity. Having di- 
 ' ed the Muriatic Acid with the Water, and dissolved the Carbonate of Soda 
 5. the Distilled Water, manipulate with these solutions, and with the Chalk, as 
 i -ected in the formula for Potassse Bicarbonas, employing also the arrangement 
 i apparatus there described. With the view, however, of obtaining from the 
 :>ther liquor an additional quantity of Bicarbonate, it is not necessary that the 
 uporation shall be preceded by a filtration.” Dub. 
 
 The object of these processes is to unite the soda with an additional equivalent 
 ij carbonic acid, whereby it becomes converted into the bicarbonate. 
 
 The process adopted in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia since 1840, is that which has 
 en practised for many years in the United States, and which was described in 
 30, by Dr. Franklin R. Smith, in the first volume of the Journal of the Phila- 
 lphia (jollege of Pharmacy. This process is attributed to Dr. Smith by Sou- 
 iran, who characterizes it as the best that can be employed. ( Nouv . Traite.de 
 harm.) It was adopted in the French Codex on its revision of 1837. A 
 earn of carbonic acid is passed into a suitable vessel, containing the crystal- 
 ed carbonate placed on a diaphragm, pierced with numerous holes. As the 
 carbonate combines with much less water of crystallization than is contained 
 : the carbonate, it follows that, during the progress of the saturation of the car- 
 nate, a considerable quantity of water is liberated. This water would finally 
 ' isolve the bicarbonate formed, were it not for the pierced diaphragm, through 
 lich it is allowed to drain off, holding in solution a part of the carbonate, 
 hen the saturation is completed, the pieces of crystals, still supported on the 
 iphragm, are found to have retained their original form, but to have become 
 aque and of a porous texture. The necessary carbonic acid for forming the 
 carbonate may be economically obtained from other processes in which this 
 d is evolved ; as, for example, from the process for making tartaric acid, in 
 lich tartrate of lime is formed from cream of tartar by the addition of car- 
 nate of lime. 
 
 The process adopted in the last Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia is that of Berzelius. 
 
1180 
 
 Soda. 
 
 PART 
 
 In the U. S. process, the excess of water over the quantity necessary for t, 
 bicarbonate is allowed to drain off; hut it holds a certain portion of carbon;: 
 in solution, which thus escapes the action of the carbonic acid. To avoid t i 
 result it is only necessary to prepare a carbonate containing just sufficient wa • 
 of crystallization to accommodate the bicarbonate; and the process recommend, 
 by Berzelius accomplishes that purpose. Thus, the salt which he prepares . 
 he submitted to the carbonic acid, is an intimate mixture, in fine powder, of fc- 
 parts of effloresced carbonate, with one of the crystallized salt. The proporti 
 adopted by the Edinburgh College is different, namely, two parts of the dr. 
 carbonate to one of the crystallized carbonate; and is such as to afford a slip 
 excess of water over that required to constitute the bicarbonate. Hence t; 
 Edinburgh process furnishes a damp salt, which is dried in the air without he 
 or at a temperature not exceeding 120°. The apparatus employed by the C- 
 lege for obtaining the carbonic acid is precisely the self-regulating generat 
 devised by Dr. Hare on the principle of Gay-Lussac’s. The empty bottle, plac 
 between the generating apparatus and that containing the salt, is intended < 
 detain any impurity which may be carried over with the stream of carbonic ac 
 
 The Dublin College, in its Pharmacopoeia of 1850, has adopted the process : 
 dissolving the carbonate in water before submitting it to the action of the c- 
 bonic acid. The solution, when saturated, lets fall the sparingly soluble bic - 
 bonate in minute crystals, which are washed, drained, and dried as directed :• 
 bicarbonate of potassa. A second crop of crystals is obtained from the motb 
 water without filtration, by evaporating it to one-half by a heat not exeeedi; 
 110 °. 
 
 Artus has given a process for obtaining bicarbonate of soda, similar to th 
 of Wohler for forming the corresponding salt of potassa. (See Potasses Bice- 
 bonas.) In this process, the effloresced carbonate, mixed with half its weight: 
 freshly ignited and finely powdered charcoal, is saturated by a stream of carbon 
 acid, derived from the fermentation of sugar. The presence of the charcc 
 greatly promotes the absorption. ( Pharm . Cent. B/att, 1843, p. 254.) 
 
 Properties, <Scc. As obtained by the U. S. formula, bicarbonate of soda is t 
 opaque, porous masses, made up of numerous, aggregated crystalline grains, a! 
 having a snow-white colour. For the convenience of the apothecary these maso 
 are reduced to powder. As procured by the Edinburgh process, it is in sms, 
 white, opaque, irregular scales. The Dublin preparation is in minute, eolourle, 
 indistinct crystals. Bicarbonate of soda is permanent in the air, and slight - 
 alkaline to the taste and to turmeric paper. It is soluble in thirteen parts : 
 cold water. When the solution is exposed to heat, the salt gradually parts wit 
 carbonic acid, and, at the temperature of 212°, is converted into sesquicarbona. 
 At a red heat, the water of crystallization and the second equivalent of carbon 
 acid, amounting together to 37 per cent., are expelled, and the anhydrous c;- 
 bonate is left. One eq., or 84"3 parts of the crystallized bicarbonate should lo, 
 on complete decomposition by dilute sulphuric acid two eqs. or 44 parts of c;- 
 bonic acid, equal to 52T per cent. The salt is seldom so perfect as to satir 
 this test; as good commercial samples generally contain from two to three j' 
 cent, of carbonate. The note of tests of the London Pharmacopoeia calls i: 
 the presence of 51 - 7 per cent, of carbonic acid, which is very near the theoretbl 
 quantity. The presence of carbonate may be known by a decided alkaline tais 
 and reaction, by a cold solution of the salt yielding a precipitate with sulpha 
 of magnesia, and by a solution in 40 parts of water, affording, without agitata, 
 an orange-coloured or reddish-brown precipitate with corrosive sublimate; when? 
 the pure salt produces a slight opalescence only with this test. The corrosr 
 sublimate test is adopted in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, and, according to I- 
 Christison, readily detects one per cent, of carbonate. The pure bicarbonate? 
 
IRT II. 
 
 Soda. 
 
 1181 
 
 r: precipitated by chloride of platinum, or, when supersaturated with nitric 
 ad, by chloride of barium or nitrate of silver. The non-action of these tests 
 s)ws the absence of salts of potassa, and of sulphates and chlorides. The in- 
 cnpatibles of this salt are the same as those of the carbonate, except sulphate of 
 ignesia in the cold, which decomposes the carbonate, but not the bicarbonate. 
 Composition. Bicarbonate of soda, when perfect, consists of two eqs. of car- 
 hic acid 44, one of soda 31'3, and one of water 9=84'3. The London College 
 f merly prepared this salt by a faulty process, and gave it the name of sesqui- 
 cbonate. In its Pharmacopoeia of 1851, it has placed the salt, under the 
 erect name of bicarbonate, in the catalogue of Materia Medica; where, per- 
 Ips, it properly stands, as it is now prepared in great perfection on a large scale. 
 Medical Properties. This salt has the general medical properties of the car- 
 inate; but, from its mild taste and less irritating qualities, proves more ac- 
 otable to the palate and stomach. It is often resorted to in calculous cases, 
 uracterized by predominant uric acid. When the carbonate is given in these 
 (|es, its continued use is liable to induce phosphatic deposits, after the removal 
 < the uric acid. According to D’Arcet, who made the observation at the 
 rings of Vichy, this objection does not lie to the bicarbonate, especially when 
 teen in carbonic acid water; for this salt, by its superabundant acid has the 
 jwerof maintaining the phosphates in solution, even after the alkali has caused 
 (3 uric acid to disappear. The same remark is applicable to the bicarbonate of 
 jtassa. Bicarbonate of soda has been given in infantile croup, with apparent 
 wantage in promoting the expulsion of the false membrane, in the dose of a 
 pin every five minutes, dissolved in milk and water. Dr. Lemaire has pro- 
 ved it as an antiphlogistic remedy in the treatment of pneumonia, membranous 
 i gina, and croup, supposing it to act on tbe principle of removing from the 
 hod the excess of fibrin, a morbid condition which is supposed to characterize 
 at liquid in local inflammations. The dose for an adult is from ten grains to 
 drachm, and is taken most conveniently in a glass of carbonic acid water. This 
 : t is principally consumed in making soda and Seidlitz powders. (See pages 
 i and 54.) It is sometimes made into lozenges. (See Trochisci Sodas Bicar- 
 i natis.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Pulveres Effervescentes ; Pulveres Effervescentes Citrati ; Sodae 
 qua Effervescens ; Trochisci Sodae Bicarbonatis. B. 
 
 SODE AQUA EFFERVESCENS. Ed. Effervescing Water of 
 
 :ida. 
 
 “Take of Bicarbonate of Soda one drachm; Water one pint [Imp. meas.]. 
 ssolve the Bicarbonate in the Water, and saturate it with carbonic acid under 
 ong pressure. Preserve the liquid in well closed vessels.” Ed. 
 
 This is a solution of bicarbonate of soda in carbonic acid water, in the pro- 
 rtion of three grains to the Imperial fluidounce. The name given to it is 
 ;orrect. The reason is not obvious why this solution is made with water, and 
 3 corresponding one of potassa with distilled water. B. 
 
 LIQUOR SODE CHLORINATE. U.S.,Lond. SoDiE Chlo- 
 SATi Liquor. Bub. Solution of Chlorinated Soda. Solution of 
 Moride of Soda. Labarraque s Disinfecting Liquid. 
 
 “Take of Chlorinated Lime a pound ; Carbonate of Soda two pounds; Water 
 gallon and a half. Dissolve the Carbonate of Soda in three pints of the 
 ater, with the aid of heat. To the remainder of the Water add, by small 
 rtions at a time, the Chlorinated Lime previously well triturated, stirring the 
 xture after each addition. Set the mixture by for several hours that the dregs 
 ty subside; then decant the clear liquid, and mix it with the solution of Car- 
 nate of Soda. Lastly, decant the clear liquor from the precipitated carbonate 
 
1182 
 
 Soda. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 of lime, pass it through a linen cloth, and keep it in bottles secluded from ti 
 light.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Carbonate of Soda a pound ; Distilled Water forty-eight fluidouw 
 [Imp. rneas.] ; Chloride of Sodium four ounces; Binoxide of Manganese thi 
 ounces ; Sulphuric Acid two fluidounces and a half. Dissolve the Carbonate 
 two pints [Imp. meas.] of Water. Then put the Chloride and Binoxide, rubb 
 to powder, into a retort ; and add to them the Acid, previously mixed with thr 
 fluidounces of Water, and cooled. Heat the mixture, and pass the chlorine fit 
 through five fluidounces of Water, and afterwards into the solution of the Ce 
 bonate above directed.” Land. 
 
 “Take of Chlorinated Lime half a pound [avoirdupois]; Water half a gall 
 [Imp. meas.] ; Crystallized Carbonate of Soda of Commerce seven ounces [avoird. 
 Blend well by trituration in a mortar the Chlorinated Lime with three pints 
 the Water, and, having transferred the mixture to a stoppered bottle, let tb 
 be well shaken several times for the space of three hours. Pour out the c-o 
 tents of the bottle on a calico cloth, and to the filtered solution add the Carbo 
 ate of Soda, dissolved in the remaining pint of Water. Having stirred tl 
 mixture well for ten minutes, separate the liquid by a second filtration, and pr 
 serve it in a well stopped bottle. The specific gravity of this liquid is 1'034 
 Dub. 
 
 This solution was first brought into notice as a disinfecting agent by L 
 barraque, an apothecary of Paris. It was afterwards found to possess valuab 
 therapeutic properties. The process of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia is that of Paye 
 adopted in the French Codex of 1837. It consists in decomposing a solutk 
 of carbonate of soda by one of chlorinated lime. Carbonate of lime is precip 
 tated and the chlorinated soda remains in solution. The proportion employ' 
 gives an excess of carbonate of soda, the presence of which renders the solutii 
 more permanent. The process of the Dublin College for this newly adopt' 
 officinal is the same in principle as that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia ; but tl 
 proportions employed are different. While the U. S. process gives an excess 
 carbonate of soda, the Dublin formula orders a proportion so small as not to 1 
 sufficient to decompose the whole of the chlorinated lime, even assuming this 
 be of inferior quality. The water taken is not much more than half that orderi 
 in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia ; from which it follows that the Dublin solution 
 denser. In consequence of the chlorinated lime being taken in excess, tl 
 Dublin preparation must be a mixed aqueous solution of chlorinated soda at 
 chlorinated lime. The London process is that of Labarraque. All the chlorii 
 generated from the prescribed quantity of materials for forming that gas, 
 passed into the solution of carbonate of soda; and when the chlorine gas 
 limited to this quantity, no carbonic acid is disengaged. The chlorine is fir 
 passed through water to free it from muriatic acid, which, if suffered to con 
 over, would convert the alkali into common salt. 
 
 Properties. The U. S. solution is a colourless liquid, having an alkaline r 
 action, and a faint smell of chlorine. With lime-water it yields a precipitate 
 carbonate of lime, known as a carbonate by its dissolving with effervescence 
 an acid. This precipitate is caused by the excess of carbonate of soda. Owii 
 to the presence of loosely combined chlorine, it rapidly destroys the colour 
 sulphate of indigo. The London solution has a pale-yellow colour, and a sha 
 saline, astringent taste. The colour of turmeric is first rendered brown, at 
 afterwards destroyed. When it is boiled, chlorine is not given off, nor is i 
 bleaching property sensibly impaired; and, when carefully evaporated, a ma 
 of damp crystals is obtained, which, when redissolved in water, possess the pr 
 perties of the original liquid. Upon the addition of muriatic acid, both the 
 solutions emit carbonic acid and chlorine together, the former known by its pr 
 
art ii. 
 
 Soda. 
 
 1183 
 
 oitating lime from lime-water, the latter by its decolorizing power on sulphate 
 i indigo. The Dublin solution is peculiar in containing no undecomposed 
 .rbonate of soda. It therefore has not an alkaline reaction, is not precipitated 
 • lime-water, and does not emit carbonic acid on the addition of an acid. All 
 ree solutions, when exposed to the air, absorb carbonic acid, and slowly evolve 
 dorine. It is on this property of gradually evolving chlorine that their dis- 
 secting power depends. 
 
 Nature and Composition. The chemical nature of these solutions is different, 
 ssuming the chlorinated lime to be essentially hypochlorite of lime with chlo- 
 le of calcium (see paye 158), the U. S. solution will contain hypochlorite of 
 da with chloride of sodium. Besides these there will be present more or less 
 rbonate of soda, according as there happens to be in the chlorinated lime less 
 more chlorine to decompose it. In all cases, however, there will be an excess 
 carbonate; as the best chlorinated lime does not contain sufficient chlorine to 
 ? ect its entire decomposition, in the proportion in which it is taken in the for- 
 ula. The constitution of the London preparation is more complicated. As it 
 a peculiarity in its formation that no carbonic acid is evolved, it is necessary 
 assume the presence of all the carbonic acid of the carbonate of soda ; and 
 ■nee it is considered to be a combination of hypochlorite of soda, chloride of 
 dium, and bicarbonate of soda. The reaction is supposed to take place between 
 ur eqs. of carbonate of soda and two of chlorine. By a transfer of carbonic 
 id from two eqs. of carbonate to the remaining two eqs. of the same salt, two 
 s. of bicarbonate are formed, and two of soda left. The sodium and oxygen 
 one eq. of soda, unite, each, with one eq. of chlorine, so as to form one eq. of 
 loride of sodium, and one of hypochlorous acid. This acid then unites with 
 e remaining eq. of soda to form hypochlorite of soda. The view here taken 
 iakes the U. S. and London solutions analogous in constitution; but differing 
 one containing the carbonate, the other the bicarbonate of soda. In the 
 pndon preparation, half the soda is bicarbonated ; in the U. S. solution, from 
 half to a third is monocarbonated, according to the quality of the chlorinated 
 ne used. The Dublin may be supposed to be the same as the U. S. prepara- 
 >n, with the exception that, instead of having an excess of carbonate of soda, 
 contains an excess of undecomposed chloriuated lime. According to Millon’s 
 
 ews, all these solutions contain oxychloride of sodium, Na 3 
 
 Cl 
 
 , or, which is 
 
 ,e same thing, chloride of soda, containing two eqs. of soda to one of chlorine 
 NaO,Cl); thus making the compound assimilate in constitution to the sesqui- 
 ide of sodium (Na 2 0 3 ). On Millon’s supposition, two eqs. of carbonate of 
 ;da would be necessary to decompose one of chlorinated lime, with the result 
 forming one eq. of chlorinated soda, one of carbonate of lime, and one of free 
 rbonic acid. Mr. B. Kavanagh, of Dublin, finds that a solution of alum has 
 i alumina precipitated upon being added to the London chlorinated soda liquid, 
 thout effervescence of carbonic acid, but with the evolution of chlorine on the 
 plication of heat. Hence he infers that the soda, not combined with carbonic 
 id in the preparation, is united with chlorine and not with hypochlorous acid, 
 d, accordingly, conceives that he has proved the correctness of Millon’s views, 
 ipon the whole, analyses are wanting before we can determine the true consti- 
 tionof the officinal solutions of chlorinated soda. The London solution, though 
 ade on Labarraque’s plan, is considerably stronger than his preparation; for 
 e London College dissolves the carbonate in about three times its weight of 
 iter, before transmitting the chlorine; whereas Labarraque dissolved it in four 
 nes its weight. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Solution of chlorinated soda is stimulant, anti- 
 ptic, and resolvent. Internally it has been employed in diseases termed putrid 
 
1184 
 
 Soda. 
 
 PART II 
 
 or malignant, as typhus fever, scarlatina maligna, &c. The conditions whicl 
 indicate the propriety of its use are great prostration of strength, fetid evacua 
 tions, and dry and furred tongue. Under these circumstances it promotes urine 
 creates a moisture on the skin, and improves the secretions and evacuations. I 
 has also been given in dysentery accompanied with peculiarly fetid stools, ii 
 dyspepsia attended with putrid eructations, and in glandular enlargements an< 
 chronic mucous discharges. Other diseases in which it has been recommended 
 are secondary syphilis, scrofula, bilious disorders, and chronic diseases of th> 
 skin. M. Chailly speaks in praise of it in suppressed or deficient menstruation 
 In asphyxia from sulphuretted hydrogen it forms, like chlorinated lime, an effi 
 cacious antidote. The dose is from thirty drops to a teaspoonful, given in 
 cupful of water or mild aqueous liquid, and repeated every two or three hours. 
 
 As a local remedy it is found useful in all affections attended with fetor, sucl 
 as gangrenous, cancerous, scrofulous, and syphilitic ulcers, ulceration of the gums 
 carbuncle, ozaena, mortification, putrid sorethroat, &c. In these cases it is ap 
 plied as a gargle, wash, ingredient of poultices, or imbibed by lint. In tb 
 sloughing of the fauces attendant upon severe cases of scarlatina, Dr. Jackson 
 late of Northumberland, found it efficacious, used as a gargle, or injected int> 
 the throat. In the sore mouth from ptyalism, it forms a good mouth-wash, whei 
 diluted with eight parts or more of water. In fetid discharges from the vagina 
 uterus, and bladder, it has been employed with advantage as an injection, dilute, 
 with from fifteen to thirty parts of water for the vagina and uterus, and wit! 
 sixty parts when the object is to wash out the bladder by means of a doubl- 
 cannula. The solution of chlorinated soda has also been applied successfully t. 
 burns, and to cutaneous eruptions, particularly psoriasis, tinea capitis, scabies 
 and obstinate herpetic affections. In these cases it is diluted with from ten t 
 thirty parts of water, the strength varying according to circumstances. For tb 
 cure of sore nipples, Dr. Chopin found nothing so successful as frequently re 
 peated lotions with this solution. 
 
 Solution of chlorinated soda is a powerful disinfectant, better suited for disin 
 fecting operations on a small scale than chlorinated lime. In the bed-chamber 
 of the sick, especially with infectious diseases, it will be found highly useful 
 sprinkled on the floor or bed, and added to the vessels intended to receive tb 
 excretions. 
 
 Off. Prep. Cataplasma Sodae Chlorinatae. B. 
 
 SODtE ET POTASSyE TARTRAS. U.S., Pub. Sodje Potassio 
 TARTKAS. Lond. Potass.® et Sod^e Tartras. Ed. Tartrate of Po 
 tassa and Soda. Tartarized Soda. Rochelle Salt. 
 
 “ Take of Carbonate of Soda a pound ; Bitartrate of Potassa [cream of tartar] 
 in powder, sixteen ounces ; Boiling Water Jive pints. Dissolve the Carbonate o 
 Soda in the Water, and gradually add the Bitartrate of Potassa. Filter the so 
 lution, and evaporate until a pellicle forms; then set it aside to crystallize. Pou 
 off the liquor, and dry the crystals on bibulous paper. Lastly, again evaporat 
 the liquor, that it may furnish more crystals.” U. S. 
 
 The Edinburgh and Dublin processes correspond with the above. The Londo. 
 College has transferred this salt to the list of Materia Medica. 
 
 This is a double salt, consisting of tartrate of potassa combined with t3rtrat 
 of soda. .The theory of its formation is exceedingly simple, being merely th 
 saturation of the excess of acid in the bitartrate of potassa by carbonate of sod? 
 the carbonic acid of which is extricated with effervescence. The proper quau 
 tities of the materials for mutual saturation are 143'3 parts of carbonate am 
 188 ‘2 of bitartrate, or one eq. of each. This gives the ratio of 3 to 3 '95. Th 
 proportion adopted in the U. S., Edinburgh, and Dublin Pharmacopoeias is as 
 to 4, which is very near the theoretical quantities. As the salts employed ar 
 
\RT II. 
 
 Soda. 
 
 1185 
 
 >t to vary in composition and purity, the carbonate from the presence of more 
 ■ less water of crystallization, and the bitartrate from containing tartrate of 
 ue, it is, perhaps, best in all cases, after indicating the nearest average pro- 
 irtion as a general guide, to present to the operator the alternative of using the 
 earn of tartar to the point of exact saturation. 
 
 Properties. Tartrate of potassa and soda is in the form of colourless, trans- 
 irent, slightly efflorescent crystals, often very large, and having the shape, when 
 refully prepared, of right prisms, with ten or twelve unequal sides. As ordi- 
 irily crystallized, they are generally in half prisms, as if split in the direction 
 ' their axis. The salt is of a saline and slightly bitter taste. It dissolves in 
 •e times its weight of cold water, and in much less boiling water. Any un- 
 ssolved residue is impurity, probably tartrate of lime or bitartrate of potassa, 
 both. Its solution is neutral to test paper, and yields no precipitate with 
 iloride of barium or a dilute solution of nitrate of silver. The non-action of 
 ese tests shows the absence of sulphates and chlorides. When the salt is 
 posed to a strong heat, the tartaric acid is destroyed, and a mixture of the 
 lbonates of potassa and soda is left. It sometimes contains tartrate of lime, 
 kick may be removed by solution and crystallization; but, when the crystals 
 e large and well defined, it may be assumed to be pure. It is incompatible 
 ith most acids, and with all acidulous salts except bitartrate of potassa. It is 
 so decomposed by the acetate and subacetate of lead, by the soluble salts of 
 lie, and by those of baryta, unless the solution of the tartrate be considerably 
 luted. The way in which acids act in decomposing it, is by combining with 
 e soda, and throwing down bitartrate of potassa as a crystalline precipitate. 
 iis double salt was discovered by Seignette, an apothecary of Rochelle; and 
 ■nee it is frequently called Seignette’ s salt, or Rochelle salt. 
 
 Composition. Tartrate of potassa and soda consists of two eqs. of tartaric acid 
 >2, one of potassa 47'2, one of soda 31’3, and eight of water 72=282'5; or, 
 nsidered as a double salt, of one eq. of tartrate of potassa 113'2, and one of 
 rtrate of soda 97'3, with the same quantity of water. 
 
 Medical Properties ancl Uses. This salt is a mild, cooling purgative, well suited 
 delicate and irritable stomachs, being among the least unpalatable of the neu- 
 il salts. As it is not incompatible with tartar emetic, it may be associated with 
 at salt in solution. It is an ingredient in the effervescing aperient called Seidlitz 
 wders. (See page 54.) The dose as a purge is from half an ounce to an ounce, 
 ven in small and repeated doses it does not purge, but is absorbed, and renders 
 je urine alkaline. (Millon and Laveran, Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., vi. 222.) 
 Tartrate of potassa and magnesia, formed by saturating cream of tartar with 
 rbonate of magnesia, has been proposed by M. Maillier as a safe and pleasant 
 rgative. (Journ. de Pharm., x iii. 252.) B. 
 
 SOD2E MURIAS PURUM. Ed. Pure Muriate of Soda. Pure 
 hloride of Sodium. 
 
 “Take any convenient quantity of Muriate of Soda; dissolve it in boiling water ; 
 er the solution, and boil it down over the fire, skimming off the crystals which 
 •m. Wash the crystals quickly with cold water, and dry them.” Ed. 
 
 This formula of the Edinburgh College is unnecessary. If commercial samples 
 chloride of sodium cannot be found pure enough to form muriatic acid, the salt 
 iy be purified as a preparatory step to the process fbr obtaining that acid; as 
 ordered by the College in the formula for Acidum Maria ticum Purum, where 
 2 directions for purifying the salt are unnecessarily repeated, after the admission 
 a distinct formula for that purpose. Pure muriate of soda is ordered by the 
 liege, with needless refinement, as an ingredient in the compound saline powder. 
 Off. Prep. Pulvis Salinus Compositus. B. 
 
 75 
 
1186 
 
 Soda. 
 
 PART II 
 
 SODiE PHOSPIIAS. L.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Phosphate of Soda. 
 Tribasic Phosphate of Soda. 
 
 “ Take of Bone, burnt to whiteness and powdered, ten pounds; Sulphuric Acid 
 six pounds; Carbonate of Soda a. sufficient quantity. Mix the powdered Bom 
 with the Sulphuric Acid in an earthen vessel; then add a gallon of water, and 
 stir them well together. Digest for three days, occasionally adding a little wate: 
 to replace that which is lost by evaporation, and frequently stirring the mixture 
 At the expiration of this time, pour in a gallon of boiling water, and straii 
 through linen, gradually adding more boiling water until the liquid passes nearh 
 tasteless. Set by the strained liquor that the dregs may subside, from whicl 
 pour off the clear solution, and boil it down to a gallon. To this solution, pourec 
 off from the dregs and heated in an iron vessel, add by degrees the Carbonati 
 of Soda, previously dissolved in hot water, until effervescence ceases, and th< 
 phosphoric acid is completely neutralized; then filter the liquor, and set it asidt 
 to crystallize. Having removed the crystals, add, if necessary, a small quantit' 
 of Carbonate of Soda to the liquor, so as to render it slightly alkaline; thei 
 alternately evaporate and crystallize, so long as crystals are produced. Lastly 
 preserve the crystals in a well stopped bottle.” V. S. 
 
 The Edinburgh College takes the same materials and in the same proportion 
 and proceeds substantially as above. The two pints and four fluidounees (Im 
 perial measure) of sulphuric acid ordered by the College weigh six pounds. Th 
 Dublin takes ten avoirdupois pounds of calcined bone, fifty-six Imperial fluid 
 ounces (six and a half avoird. pounds nearly) of aeid,yWr and a half Imperia 
 gallons or sufficient distilled water, and ticelve avoird. pounds or sufficient crys 
 tallized carbonate of soda, and makes the salt in the usual way. 
 
 The London College places this salt in the list of Materia Medica. 
 
 The incombustible part of bones is obtained by burning them to whiteness 
 and consists of a peculiar phosphate of lime, called bone-phosphate, associate! 
 with some carbonate of lime, &c. (See Os.) When this is mixed with sulphur! 
 acid, the carbonate of lime is entirely decomposed, giving rise to effervescence 
 The phosphate of lime undergoes partial decomposition; the greater part of th 
 lime, being detached, precipitates as sulphate of lime, while the phosphoric acid 
 set free, combines with the undecomposed portion of the phosphate, and remain 
 in solution as a superphosphate of lime, holding dissolved a small portion 0 
 the sulphate of lime. In order to separate the superphosphate from the pre 
 cipitated mass of sulphate of lime, boiling water is added to the mixture, th 
 whole is strained, and the sulphate washed as long as superphosphate is removed 
 which is known by the water passing through in an acid state. The differen 
 liquids which have passed the strainer, consisting of the solution of superphos 
 phate of lime, are mixed and allowed to stand, and by cooling a portion of sul 
 phate of lime is deposited, which is got rid of by decantation. The bulk of th 
 liquid is now reduced by evaporation, aud, in consequence of the diminution c 
 the water, a fresh portion of sulphate of lime is deposited, which is separate' 
 by subsidence and decantation as before. The superphosphate of lime solutio 
 being heated, is now saturated by means of a hot solution of carbonate of sod; 
 The carbouic acid is extricated with effervescence, and the alkali, combining wit 
 the excess of acid of the superphosphate, generates that variety of phosphate c 
 soda, called the tribasic phosphate; while the superphosphate of lime, by th 
 loss of its excess of acid, becomes the neutral phosphate, aud precipitates. 1 
 is recommended by the editor of the Dublin Hospital Gazette to have hot 
 solutions boiling hot, in order to insure the full extrication of the carbonic ac-ic 
 and the complete precipitation of the phosphate of lime; and this plan is adopte 
 in the Dublin formula. The phosphate of lime is separated by a new filtration 
 
Soda. 
 
 IRT II. 
 
 1187 
 
 ; d the filtered liquor, consisting of the solution of phosphate of soda, is evapo- 
 ted so as to crystallize. 
 
 In the U. S. and Edinburgh processes, the calcined bone is to the acid as 10 
 6; in the Dublin process as 10 to 6J nearly. The proportion recommended 
 Berzelius is as 10 to 6‘66. The acid, in the officinal processes, is added to 
 ie calcined bone in the concentrated state, and afterwards diluted with more 
 i less water. In the process given by Berzelius it is first diluted with twelve 
 mes its weight of water. All the writers state that phosphate of soda erystal- 
 !es more readily by allowing its solution to be slightly alkaline; and a remark- 
 de fact is that a neutral solution, when it crystallizes, leaves a supernatant 
 luid which is slightly acid and uncrystallizable. Hence it is necessary, after 
 j.tting each successive crop of crystals, to render the mother water neutral or 
 svhtly alkaline, before it will furnish an additional quantity. 
 
 M. Funcke, a German chemist, has given the following cheap and expeditious 
 ntkod for obtaining phosphate of soda. Add to the powdered calcined bone, 
 (fused in water, sufficient dilute sulphuric acid to decompose all the carbonate 
 i lime which it contains. As soon as the effervescence has ceased, the mat- 
 i- is acted on with nitric acid, which dissolves the phosphate of lime, and 
 l.ves the sulphate. The nitric solution of the phosphate is then treated with 
 siphate of soda, equal in quantity to the bone employed; and, after the reaction 
 icompleted, the nitric acid is recovered by distillation. In consequence of a 
 table decomposition, sulphate of lime and phosphate of soda are formed; and 
 ti latter is separated from the former by the action of water, and crystallized 
 i the usual manner. 
 
 Properties, &c. The medicinal phosphate of soda is in large colourless crys- 
 1s, which are transparent at first, but speedily effloresce and become opaque 
 ven exposed to the air, and which have the shape of oblique rhombic prisms. 
 1 possesses a pure saline taste, resembling that of common salt. With tests it 
 tplays a slight alkaline reaction. It dissolves in four parts of cold, and in two 
 (boiling water, but is insoluble in alcohol. Before the blowpipe it first under- 
 his the aqueous fusion, and afterwards, at a red heat, melts into a globule of 
 1 pid glass, which becomes opaque on cooling. It is not liable to any adulte- 
 r ions, but sometimes contains carbonate of soda, from this salt being added in 
 eess; in which ease it will effervesce with acids. If it contain sulphate of soda, 
 c any other soluble sulphate, the precipitate caused by chloride of barium will 
 la mixture of sulphate and phosphate of baryta, and will not be totally solu- 
 1 in nitric acid. Chloride of barium will detect carbonate of soda also, by 
 ]i ducing a precipitate (carbonate of baryta ), soluble with effervescence in nitric 
 al. If a chloride be present, the yellow precipitate caused by nitrate of silver 
 vl be a mixed one of chloride and phosphate of silver, not entirely soluble in 
 t same acid. It is incompatible with soluble salts of lime, with which it gives 
 arecipitate of phosphate of lime, and with neutral metallic solutions. This 
 s is found in several of the animal secretions, particularly the urine. 
 
 ihe medicinal phosphate of soda is the tribasic phosphate, consisting, when 
 c stallized, of one ecp of phosphoric acid 72, two of soda 62'6, one of basic 
 er 9, and twenty-four of water of crystallization 216=359'6. Its formula 
 if therefore, 2Na0,H0,P0 5 +24H0. AYhen gently heated it loses its water of 
 c-stallization; and at a red heat its basic water is driven off, and the salt is 
 averted into pyrophosphate of soda, or the bibasic phosphate, which has the 
 ft aula 2NaO,P0 5 , and is characterized by giving a white precipitate with ni- 
 ff e of silver. When the tribasic salt is thus dried and ignited, it loses 
 6 1 per cent, of water. ( Lond . Pharm.) 
 
 ledical Properties and Uses. This salt was introduced into practice about 
 tl year 1800, by Dr. Pearson, of London. It is a mild purgative, and, from 
 
1188 
 
 Soda. — Spiritus. 
 
 TART r 
 
 its pure saline taste, is well adapted to the cases of children, and of persons c 
 delicate stomach. The dose is from one to two ounces, and is best given in grui 
 or weak broth, to which it communicates a taste, as if seasoned with common sal 
 
 Off. Prep. Ferri Phosphas; Pulvis Antimonialis. Dub. B. 
 
 SODiE YALERIANAS. Dub. Valerianate of Soda. 
 
 “ Take of Bichromate of Potash, reduced to powder, nine ounces [avoirdt 
 pais]; Fusel Oil four fluidounces [Imp. meas.] ; Oil of Vitriol of Commerce si 
 fluidounccs and a 7m// [Imp. meas.] ; Water half a gallon [Imp. meas.]; Soh 
 tion of Caustic Soda one pint [Imp. meas.], or as much as is sufficient. Dilut 
 the Oil of Vitriol with ten [fluid] ounces, and dissolve with the aid of heat th 
 Bichromate of Potash in the remainder of the Water. When both solutior 
 have cooled to nearly the temperature of the atmosphere, place them in a ma 
 rass, and, having added the Fusel Oil, mix well by repeated shaking, until tli 
 temperature of the mixture, which first rises to about 150°, has fallen to SO 
 or 90°. The matrass having been now connected with a condenser, beat is t 
 be applied, so as to distil over about half a gallon of liquid. Let this, wbe 
 exactly saturated with the Solution of Caustic Soda, be separated from a litti 
 oil that floats on its surface, and evaporated down until, the escape of aqueoi 
 vapour having entirely ceased, the residual salt is partially liquefied. The he; 
 should now be withdrawn, and when the Valerianate of Soda has concreted, 
 is, while still warm, to be divided into fragments, and preserved in a well stoj 
 ped bottle.” Dub. 
 
 This is a new officinal of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850. The proce; 
 for making it consists essentially of two steps; first, the artificial formation < 
 valerianic acid, and, secondly, the saturation of this acid with caustic soda. B 
 distilling fusel oil with a mixture of sulphuric acid and bichromate of potass; 
 valerianic acid is formed, and passes over with water. The change is effeete 
 by the oxidizing agency of the chromic acid of the bichromate; for when fus 
 oil loses two eqs. of hydrogen by oxidation into water, and gains two of oxygei 
 it is converted into valerianic acid. Thus, C 10 H n O + HO and 4O=C 10 H g 0 3 - 
 HO and 2HO. (See Potassse Bichromas and Alcohol Am ylicumi) The disti 
 late, by being exactly saturated with the solution of caustic soda, is c-onverte 
 into a solution of valerianate of soda, which, by the application of heat unt 
 the water is driven off, and the residual matter is partially liquefied, furnishe 
 on cooling, the concrete salt. The small portion of oil that floats on the su 
 face of the solution of valerianate of soda is valerianate of amvlic ether (C^Hnf 
 
 C 1c H 9 0 3 ). . ‘ I 
 
 Properties, Ac. "\ alerianate of soda is a deliquescent very soluble salt, 
 snow-white masses, having the odour of valerian, and a taste at first styptic, ai 
 afterwards sweetish. When heated to 285°, it fuses without loss of acid, an 
 upon cooling, concretes into a white solid. The salt, as ordered by the Dubl 
 College, is in the form produced by partial fusion. It consists of one eq. 
 valerianic acid and one of soda (NaO,C 10 H 9 O.,). It has no medical application 
 having been introduced into the Dublin officinal catalogue for the sole purpo 
 of forming, by double decomposition, the valerianates of iron, quinia, and zin 
 
 Off. Prep. Ferri Valerianas; Quinae Valerianas; Zinci Yalerianas. B. 
 
 SPIRITUS. U.S., Lond. 
 
 Spirits. Ed., Dub. 
 
 Spirits, as the term is here used, are alcoholic solutions of volatile prineiph 
 formerly procured by distillation, but now frequently prepared by simply d 
 solving the volatile principle in alcohol or diluted alcohol. The distilled spir 
 are prepared chiefly from aromatic vegetable substances, the essential oils 
 
VRT II. 
 
 Spiritus. 
 
 1189 
 
 lick rise with tke vapour of alcohol, and condense with it in the receiver, 
 nne of the oils, however, will not rise at the temperature of boiling alcohol, 
 it may be distilled with water. In this case it is necessary to employ proof 
 irit or diluted alcohol, with the water of which the oil comes over in the latter 
 rt of the process. As the proof spirit of the shops is often impregnated with 
 :reign matters, which give it an unpleasant flavour, it is better to use alcohol 
 lich has been carefully rectified, and to dilute it with the due proportion of 
 iter, as directed by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. In preparing the spirits, care 
 lould be taken to avoid the colour and empyreumatic flavour arising from the 
 ^composition of the vegetable matter by heat. Sufficient water must, therefore, 
 added to cover the vegetable matter after the alcohol shall have been distilled; 
 
 : d, as a general rule, the heat should be applied by means of a water-bath, or 
 i steam. The aromatic should be macerated for some days with the alcohol, 
 fore being submitted to distillation ; as the oil, being thus dissolved, rises more 
 idily with the spirituous vapour than when confined in the vegetable tissue, 
 is necessary, during the process, frequently to renew the water in the re- 
 geratory; as otherwise much of the vapour will escape condensation. A good 
 ;paratus for the purpose is described and figured in page 793. 
 
 The aromatic spirits are used chiefly to impart a pleasant odour and taste to 
 xtures, and to correct the nauseating and griping effects of other medicines, 
 ley serve also as carminatives in flatulent colic, and agreeable stimulants in 
 bility of stomach ; but their frequent use may lead to the formation of intein- 
 rate habits, and should, therefore, be avoided. W. 
 
 SPIRITUS ANISI. Lond. Spirit of Aniseed. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Anise three fluidruchms ; Proof Spirit a gallon [Imperial 
 easure]. Dissolve.” Lond. 
 
 The dose of this preparation, as a stomachic and carminative, is one or two 
 ridrachms. W. 
 
 SPIRITUS ARMORACIiE COMPOSITUS. Lond. Compound 
 'frit of Horse-radish. 
 
 “Take of Horse-radish [root], sliced, Dried Orange Peel, each, twenty ounces ; 
 itmeg, bruised, five drachms; Proof Spirit a gallon [Imperial measure]; Wa- 
 two pints [Imp. rneas.]. Mix them; then, with a slow fire, distil a gallon.” 
 
 . ' nd . 
 
 This may be used advantageously as an addition to diuretic remedies, in 
 opsy attended with debility, especially in the cases of drunkards. The dose is 
 ] m one to four fluidrackms. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Armoraciae Compositum. W. 
 
 SPIRITUS CARUI. Lond., Ed. Spirit of Caraway. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Caraway two flaidrachms ; Proof Spirit a gallon [Imperial 
 basure]. Dissolve.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Caraway, bruised, half a pound; Proof Spirit seven pints [Imperial 
 i asure]. Macerate for two days in a covered vessel ; add a pint and a half 
 I up. meas.] of water; and distil off seven pints.” Ed. 
 
 The dose as a carminative is one or two fluidrackms. W. 
 
 SPIRITUS CASSIA]. Ed. Spirit of Cassia. 
 
 “Take of Cassia in coarse powder, one pound. Proceed as for the Spirit of 
 1 raway.” Ed. (See Spiritus Carui . ) 
 
 This is essentially the same as the spirit of cinnamon. "W. 
 
 SPIRITUS CINNAMOMI. Lond., Ed. Spirit of Cinnamon. 
 “Take of Oil of Cinnamon two fluidrachms ; Proof Spirit, a gallon [Impe- 
 )'l measure]. Dissolve.” Lond. 
 
1190 Spiritus. part i 
 
 The Edinburgh College, prepares it from a pound of cinnamon, in coarse pot 
 der, in the same manner as spirit of caraway. (See Spiritus Carui .) 
 
 The spirit of cinnamon is an agreeable aromatic cordial, and may be given i 
 debility of the stomach in the dose of one or two fluidrachms. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Digitalis; Infusum Rhei ; Mistura Cretae. W. 
 
 SPIRITUS JUNIPERI COMPOSITUS. U.S., Lond., Ed., Du 
 
 Compound Spirit of Juniper. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Juniper a fluidrachm and a half ; Oil of Caraway, Oil 
 Fennel, each, ten minims ; Diluted Alcohol a gallon. Dissolve the Oils in tl 
 Diluted Alcohol.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Juniper a fluidrachm and a half; Oil of Caraway, Oil < 
 Fennel, each, twelve minims; Proof Spirit a gallon [Imperial measure]. Di 
 solve.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Juniper Berries, bruised, a pound; Fennel [seed], bruised, ar 
 Caraway, bruised, of each, an ounce and a half; Proof Spirit seven pints [Im 
 meas.]; Water tivo pints. Macerate the fruits in the Spirit for two days, ac 
 the Water, and distil off seven pints.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Juniper Berries, bruised, eight ounces [avoirdupois]; Caraway See' 
 bruised, Fennel Seed, bruised, of each, one ounce [avoird.]; Proof Spirit half 
 gallon [Imp. meas.]. Macerate the Berries and the Seeds in the Spirit f< 
 twenty-four hours; then add the Water, and with a slow fire distil off half 
 gallon.” Pub. 
 
 This spirit is a useful addition to diuretic infusions and mixtures in debilitate 
 cases of dropsy. The dose is from two to four fluidrachms. 
 
 Off. Prep. Mistura Creasoti. W. 
 
 SPIRITUS LAVANDUL.ZE. TJ.S.,Ed. Spirit of Lavender. 
 
 “Take of Fresh Lavender [flowers] two pounds; Alcohol a gallon; Wat 
 two pints. Mix them, and with a slow fire distil a gallon.” U. S. 
 
 The Edinburgh College takes two pounds and a half of the fresh flowers, ar 
 a gallon [Imperial measure] of rectified spirit; mixes them, and with the he 
 of a vapour-bath distils seven pints. 
 
 Mr. Brande asserts that the dried flowers produce as fragrant a spirit as tl 
 fresh. Spirit of lavender is used chiefly as a perfume, and as an ingredient 
 other preparations. The perfume usually sold under the name of lavender icat 
 is not a distilled spirit, but an alcoholic solution of the oil, with the addition 
 other odorous substances. The following is given by Mr. Brande as one oft. 
 most approved recipes for preparing it, “ Take of rectified spirit of wine fi 
 gallons, essential oil of lavender twenty ounces, essential oil of bergamot fi 
 ounces, essence of ambergris [made by digesting one drachm of ambergris a: 
 eight grains of musk in half a piut of alcohol] half an ounce. Mix.” 
 
 Off Prep. Mistura Ferri Composita; Spiritus Lavandulm Comp. W. 
 
 SPIRITUS LAVANDULiE COMPOSITUS. U. S., Ed., Du 
 Tinctura Lavandula: Composita. Lond. Compound Spirit of L 
 vender. 
 
 “ Take of Spirit of Lavender three pints; Spirit of Rosemary a pint ; Cinr 
 mon, bruised, an ounce ; Cloves, bruised, two drachms; Nutmeg, bruised, he 
 an ounce; Red Saunders, rasped, three drachms. Macerate for fourteen da\ 
 and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes a fluidrachm and a half of oil of lavender, t 
 minims of oil of rosemary, two drachms and a half of bruised cinnamon, t 
 same quantity of bruised nutmeg, five drachms of sliced red saunders, and t‘ 
 pints [imp. meas.] of rectified spirit; macerates the solids iu the spirit for sev. 
 days; then expresses, filters, and dissolves the oils. The Edinburgh Colic 
 
ART II. Spiritus. 1191 
 
 kes two pints [Imp. meas.] of spirit of lavender, twelve fluidounces of spirit of 
 isemary, an ounce of cinnamon in coarse powder, two clrachms of bruised 
 oves, half an ounce of bruised nutmeg, and three drachms of red saunders; 
 acerates for seven days, and then strains the liquor through calico. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Lavender three fluid rachnis ; Oil of Rosemary one fluidrachm ; 
 innamon, bruised, one ounce [avoirdupois]; Nutmeg, bruised, half an ounce 
 voird.]; Cloves, bruised, Cochineal in powder, each, two drachms [Dub. 
 jeight] ; Rectified Spirit two pints [Imp. meas.]. Macerate for fourteen days, 
 rain, express, and filter.” Dub. 
 
 Many druggists prepare this spirit with a spirit of lavender, made by dissolv- 
 g the oil of lavender in alcohol in the proportion of a fluidounce to a gallon, 
 r. Coggeshall, of New York, states that it is seldom made according to the 
 . S. formula, in consequence of the difficulty of procuring the distilled spirit 
 ' lavender, and that the oil dissolved in spirit yields an inferior preparation, 
 je proposes the following formula, which he has employed with entire satisfac- 
 jn. “ Take of Lavender flowers twelve ounces; Rosemary leaves, Cinnamon, 
 uised, each, four ounces and a half ; Nutmegs, bruised, Cloves, bruised, each, 
 jc drachms; Coriander, bruised, Red Saunders, each, three ounces; powdered 
 rrmeric one drachm; Alcohol six pints, and Water five pints and a quarter. 
 ix, digest for fourteen days, and filter.” (N. Y. Journ. of Pharm., i. 99.) 
 When properly made, this is a delightful compound of spices. It is much 
 rployed as an adjuvant and corrigent of other medicines, and as a remedy for 
 stric uneasiness, nausea, flatulence and general languor or faintness. The 
 ;se is from thirty drops to a fluidrachm, and is most conveniently administered 
 a lump of sugar. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Lauro-cerasi ; Liquor Potassse Arsenitis. W. 
 
 SPIRITUS MENTITIE PIPERITIE. Lond. Spiritus Mbnthjb. 
 d. Spirit of Peppermint. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Peppermint three fluidrachms ; Proof Spirit a gallon [Impe- 
 il measure]. Dissolve.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh College prepares this spirit from a pound and a. half of fresh 
 ppermint, in the same manner as spirit of caraway. (See Spiritus Caruif) 
 
 The distilled spirit of peppermint has no advantage over a simple solution of 
 3 oil in alcohol ; and the London College has adopted this mode of preparing 
 The U. S. Pharmacopoeia has a preparation consisting of the oil dissolved 
 alcohol, such as has long been used under the name of essence of peppermint. 
 it this is much stronger than the Spirits, and has been placed among the tine- 
 res in our officinal code. (See Tinctura Olei Menthee Piper Used) W. 
 
 SPIRITUS ME NT HIE VIRIDIS. Lond. Spirit of Spearmint. 
 
 This is prepared by the London College from the oil of spearmint, in the 
 : inner directed for the preparation of the spirit of peppermint. (See Spiritus 
 °nthee Piperitas.) 
 
 The two spirits are used for the same purposes, in the dose of from thirty 
 ops to a fluidrachm. They are employed chiefly as carminatives. W. 
 
 SPIRITUS MYRISTICIE. U.S., Lond., Ed. Spirit of Nutmeg. 
 “Take of Nutmeg, bruised, two ounces; Diluted Alcohol a gallon; Water a 
 'Ait. Mix them, and with a slow fire distil a gallon.” U. S. 
 
 The London and Edinburgh Colleges take two ounces and a half of bruised 
 1 tmeg, a gallon [Imp. meas.] of proof spirit, and a pint [Imp. meas.] of water; 
 i x them ; and distil a gallon. 
 
 The spirit of nutmeg is used chiefly for its flavour, as an addition to other 
 ) dicines. The dose is one or two fluidrachms. 
 
 Off. Prep. Mistura Ferri Composita. W. 
 
1192 Spiritus. — Spongia. part I] 
 
 SPIRITUS PIMENTiE. U. S., Lond., Ed. Spirit of Pimento. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Pimento two fluidrachms ; Diluted Alcohol a gallon. Di; 
 solve the Oil in the Diluted Alcohol.” U. S. 
 
 The London College prepares it as above, using an Imperial gallon of prof 
 spirit; the Edinburgh , from half a pound of bruised pimento, in the sam 
 manner as spirit of caraway. 
 
 This preparation may be used for the general purposes of the aromatic spirit: 
 in the dose of one or two fluidrachms. W. 
 
 SPIRITUS PULEGII. Lond. Spirit of European Pennyroyal. 
 
 “ Take of Oil of Pennyroyal three fluidrachms ; Proof Spirit a gallon [Impe 
 rial measure]. Dissolve.” Lond. 
 
 This is never used in this country. 'W. 
 
 SPIRITUS ROSMARINI. U. S., Lond., Ed. Spirit of Rosemary 
 
 “Take of Oil of Rosemary [by weight] four drachms ; Alcohol a galloi 
 Dissolve the Oil in the Alcohol.” U. S. 
 
 The London College dissolves two drachms of oil of rosemary in a gallon [la 
 perial measure] of rectified spirit. The Edinburgh College takes two pound 
 and a half of rosemary, and proceeds as for the spirit of lavender. 
 
 Spirit of rosemary is a grateful perfume, aud is used chiefly as an ingredier 
 in lotions and liniments. 
 
 Off. Prep. Linimentum Ammonite Compositum; Linimentum Saponis; Sp 
 ritus Lavandulae Compositus. W. 
 
 SPONGIA. 
 
 Preparation of Sponge. 
 
 SPONGIA USTA. U. S. Burnt Sponge. 
 
 “ Take of Sponge a convenient quantity. Cut it into pieces, and beat it, th; 
 any extraneous matters may be separated; then burn it in a close iron vess' 
 until it becomes black and friable; lastly, rub it into very fine powder.” U. S. 
 
 The sponge is decomposed, the volatile matters being driven off by the hea 
 and a black friable coal remaining. Preuss found that, of 1000 parts of ?pong 
 submitted to calcination, 343'848 were dissipated; and the residue consisted « 
 327 0 parts of carbon and insoluble matters, 112 08 of chloride of sodium, 164 
 of sulphate of lime, 21'422 of iodide of sodium, 7'57 of bromide of magnesiun 
 103'2 of carbonate of lime, 35 0 of phosphate of lime, 4'73 of magnesia, ar 
 28'72 of protoxide of iron. ( Pharm . Cent. Elat/, 1837, 169.) Herberger four, 
 in burnt sponge one per cent, of iodide of potassium, and 0'5 per cent, of bromic 
 of potassium. ( Annul . der Pharm., xx. 204.) As the remediate value of bun 
 sponge depends chiefly upon the presence of iodine, it cannot be esteemed goc 
 unless it affords purple fumes when acted on by sulphuric acid assisted by bea 
 It is said that the preparation is most efficient as a remedy, when the sponge 
 kept on the fire no longer than is necessary to render it friable. The powder 
 then of a much lighter colour. Guibourt recommends that the sponge select 
 for burning should be unwashed, of a strong odour, firm, and compact, that 
 should be put into a roaster similar to that sometimes used for coffee, and heatc 
 over a moderate fire till it becomes of a blackish-brown colour, that it shou 
 then be removed, powdered, and enclosed in a well stopped glass bottle. It 
 best when recently prepared; as the iodine is dissipated by time, and the spe< 
 mens, at first richest in this principle, contain little of it at the end of a yea 
 ( Journ . de Chim. Med., Dec. 1831.) According to Herberger, the fine and eoar 
 sponges do not materially differ in the proportion of their organic constituent 
 so that the coarse may be selected for this operation. 
 
; l rt II. Spongia. — Stannum. — Strychnia. 1193 
 
 Burnt sponge has been highly recommended in goitre, glandular swellings of 
 scrofulous character, and obstinate cutaneous eruptions. It is most conveniently 
 ; ministered mixed with syrup or honey, in the form of an electuary, with the 
 ; dition of some aromatic, as powdered cinnamon. The dose is from one to three 
 lachms. W . 
 
 STANNUM. 
 
 Preparation of Tin. 
 
 STANNI PUL VIS. U.S., Ed., Pub. Powder of Tin. 
 
 “Take of Tin a convenient quantity. Melt it in an iron vessel over the fire, 
 
 d, while it is cooling, stir it until it is reduced to a powder, which is to be 
 .ssed through a sieve.” U. S. 
 
 “Melt Tin in an iron vessel; pour it into an earthenware mortar, heated a little 
 iove the melting point of the metal; triturate briskly as the metal cools, ceasing 
 ' soon as a considerable proportion is pulverized; sift the product, and repeat 
 e process with what remains in the sieve.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of grain Tin a convenient quantity. Melt the Tin in a black lead cru- 
 ble, and, while it is cooling, stir it with a rod of iron until it is reduced to 
 iwder. Let the finer particles be separated by means of a sieve, and when, 
 ter having been several times in succession shaken with distilled water, the 
 wanted liquor appears quite clear, let the product be dried and preserved for 
 
 e. ” Dub. 
 
 Tin, being a very fusible metal, is easily granulated by fusion, and subsequent 
 itation in the act of congealing. On a small scale, the process is most conve- 
 ently performed in a wooden box, the inside of which has been well rubbed with 
 alk. This should be afterwards washed away by water; and, as the granu- 
 ted powder is of unequal fineness, the coarser particles must be separated by a 
 :ve. For the properties of this metal and the tests of its purity, see Stannum. 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Powder of tin is used exclusively as an anthel- 
 intic, and is supposed to act by its mechanical properties. It is considered 
 rticularly adapted to the expulsion of HseaVs lumbricoides, and is sometimes 
 iployed to expel the tapeworm. For internal exhibition it should be free from 
 :idation. The dose is half an ounce, mixed with molasses, given for several 
 ccessive mornings, and then followed, by a brisk cathartic. Dr. Alston was in 
 e habit of administering larger doses for the expulsion of the tapeworm. He 
 gan by giving an ounce on an empty stomach, which was followed, for two suc- 
 ssive days, by half an ounce each day, and finally by a brisk purge. B. 
 
 STRYCHNIA. 
 
 Preparations of Strychnia. 
 
 STRYCHNIA. U. S., Lond., Ed., Pub. Strychnia. 
 
 “Take of Nux Vomica, rasped, four pounds; Lime, in powder, six ounces ; 
 uriatic Acid three fluidounces; Alcohol, Diluted Sulphuric Acid, Solution of 
 mmonia, Purified Animal Charcoal, Water, each, a sufficient quantity. Digest 
 te Nux Vomica in two gallons of Water, acidulated with a fluidounce of the 
 uriatic Acid, for twenty-four hours; then boil for two hours, and strain with 
 pression through a strong linen bag. Boil the residuum twice successively in 
 e same quantity of acidulated Water, each time straining as before. Mix the 
 coctions and evaporate to the consistence of thin syrup; then add the Lime 
 eviously mixed with a pint of Water, and boil for ten minutes, frequently 
 
1194 
 
 Strychnia. 
 
 PART i 
 
 stirring. Pour the mixture into a double linen bag, and, having washed tl 
 precipitate well with water, press, dry, and powder it. Treat the powder r 
 peatedly with boiling Alcohol, until deprived of its bitterness; mix the liquor; 
 and distil off the Alcohol by means of a water-bath. Mix the residue wit 
 Water, and, having applied heat, drop in sufficient Diluted Sulphuric Acid 
 neutralize and dissolve the Strychnia; then add Purified Animal Charcoal, be 
 for a few minutes, filter, evaporate, and crystallize. Dissolve the crystals : 
 Water, and add sufficient Solution of Ammonia to precipitate the Strychni 
 Lastly, dry the precipitate on bibulous paper.” U. S. 
 
 The London College has transferred strychnia to its Materia Medica list. 
 
 “ Take of Nux Vomica one pound ; Quicklime one ounce and a half; Pieet 
 fied Spirit a sufficiency. Subject the Nux Vomica for two hours to the vapoi 
 of steam, chop or slice it, dry it thoroughly in the vapour-bath, or hot air-pres 
 and immediately grind it in a coffee-mill. Macerate it for twelve hours iu t« 
 pints [Imperial measure] of water, aud boil it; strain through linen or calic 
 and squeeze the residuum ; repeat the maceration and decoction twice with 
 pint aud a half of water. Concentrate the decoctions to the consistence of tki 
 syrup; add the Lime in the form of milk of lime; dry the precipitate in tl 
 vapour-bath; pulverize it, and boil it with successive portions of Rectified Spir 
 till the Spirit ceases to acquire a bitter taste. Distil off the Spirit till the r 
 siduum be sufficiently concentrated to crystallize on cooling. Purify the crysta 
 by repeated crystallizations.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Nux Vomica, in powder, one pound [avoirdupois]; Water one galk 
 and a half; Oil of Vitriol of Commerce half a fluidounce ; Slaked Lime 01 
 ounce [avoird.]; Rectified Spirit one quart; Dilute Sulphuric Acid, Solution i 
 Ammonia, of each, a sufficient quantity ; Prepared Animal Charcoal half a 
 ounce [avoird.]. Macerate the Nux Vomica for twenty-four hours with half 
 gallon of the Water, acidulated with two [fluid]draehms of the Acid, and, havic 
 boiled for half an hour, decant. Boil the residuum with a second half gallon t 
 the Water, acidulated with one [fluid]drachm of the acid ; decant, and repe; 
 this process with the remaining Water and Acid, the undissolved matter bein 
 finally submitted to strong expression. The decanted aud expressed liquo 
 having been passed through a filter, and then evaporated to the consistence of 
 syrup, let this be boiled with the Rectified Spirit for twenty minutes, the Liu 
 being added in successive portions during the ebullition, until the solution b< 
 comes decidedly alkaline. Filter through paper, aud, having drawn off by di 
 filiation the whole of the spirit, let the residuum be dissolved iu the Dilui 
 Sulphuric Acid, and to the resulting liquid, after having beeu cleared by filtr 
 tion, add the Solution of Ammonia in slight excess, and let the precipita 
 which forms be collected upon a paper filter, dried, and then dissolved iu 
 minimum of boiling rectified spirit. Into this solution introduce the Anim 
 Charcoal, digest for twenty minutes, then filter, and allow the residual liquor i 
 cool, when the strychnia will separate in crystals.” Dub. 
 
 It should be recollected that the British Imperial measure is employed 1 
 the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges throughout these processes. 
 
 In preparing strychnia, the first step is properly to comminute the no 
 vomica. This may be done by rasping the seeds, or, as directed in the Edi: 
 burgh Pharmacopoeia, by first softening them by steam, then slicing, tlryin: 
 and grinding them. The next object is to extract the strychnia. For th 
 purpose water is employed, acidulated in the U.S. process with muriatic ac-i< 
 in the Dublin with sulphuric acid, in the Edinburgh without addition. In tl 
 last, the native igasurate of strychnia is taken up; in the first the muriate, whit 
 is a very soluble salt, and in the second the sulphate. In the L. S. and Edi 
 burgh processes, after a concentration of the infusion, the salt of strychnia 
 
ART II. 
 
 Strychnia. 
 
 1195 
 
 ^composed by lime, which precipitates the strychnia along with the excess of 
 me employed and impurities. The strychnia is extracted from the precipitate 
 y boiling alcohol, and may be obtained in crystals by the concentration of the 
 ilution. But in this state it is much coloured and impure. The Edinburgh 
 ollege contents itself with directing it to be purified by repeated solution in 
 cohol and crystallization. In the U. S. process, the impure strychnia is con- 
 jrted into a sulphate by the addition of sulphuric acid, and precipitated again 
 ,y ammonia; being, while in the state of the sulphate, decolorized by means of 
 fimal charcoal. The Dublin College adds the rectified spirit before adding the 
 me, so that the separated strychnia is held in solution ; then, having got rid of 
 le insoluble impurities by filtration, it distils off the spirit, and proceeds to 
 urify the residue by dissolving it in sulphuric acid, precipitating with ammonia, 
 ^dissolving the precipitated strychnia in boiling alcohol, decolorizing by animal 
 iarcoal, and crystallizing by refrigeration. Throughout the process, the brueia 
 mtained in the nux vomica attends the strychnia, and is only left behind in 
 ie mother liquors, when the latter alkali crystallizes from the alcoholic solution 
 pon cooling; brueia being much more soluble than strychnia in cold alcohol. 
 
 ; would, therefore, be better to conclude the U. S. process by one or more solu- 
 ons and crystallizations in alcohol, as directed by the Edinburgh and Dublin 
 olleges. To free the strychnia entirely from brueia requires repeated crystalli- 
 itions, and a little of the latter principle is consequently almost always retained; 
 at the impurity is not injurious, as the effects of the two alkalies upon the sys- 
 •m are very similar. The bean of St. Ignatius yields strychnia more easily and 
 .ore largely than nux vomica, but is less plentiful.* 
 
 If thought desirable, brueia may be in great measure separated from the 
 rychnia of the shops, by dissolving the latter in very dilute nitric acid, filter- 
 ;g, and concentrating to the point of crystallization. The nitrate of brueia 
 ystallizes in short, thick, dense prisms, grouped together; the nitrate of strych- 
 ia in radiated tufts of long, light, capillary needles. By gentle agitation with 
 ater, the latter salt is suspended and may be poured off, leaving the former, 
 he alkalies may be obtained by dissolving the salts separately in water, and 
 •ecipitating with ammonia. (Christ ison.) 
 
 As usually kept in the shops, strychnia is a grayish-white powder. When 
 pidly crystallized from its alcoholic solution, it has the form of a white, gra- 
 fiar powder ; when slowly crystallized, that of elongated octohedra, or quadri- 
 teral prisms with quadrilateral terminations. It is permanent in the air, 
 odorous, but excessively bitter, with a metallic after taste. So intense is its 
 tterness, that one part of it is said to communicate a sensible taste to 600,000 
 irts of water. It melts like a resin, but is not volatile, being decomposed at 
 comparatively low temperature, and entirely dissipated at a red heat. It is 
 luble in 6667 parts of water at 50°, and about 2000 at the boiling point, 
 oiling officinal alcohol dissolves it without difficulty, and deposits it upon cool- 
 
 j* M. J. F. Molyn proposes, previously to the extraction of strychnia, to subject nux 
 mica to fermentation, by which the saccharine and gummy matters of the seeds are de- 
 mposed, and lactic acid is formed, which decomposes the igasurate of strychnia and 
 ucia, producing with these bases very soluble lactates. For the particulars of his pro- 
 'ss, see the Am. Journ. of Pharm. (xix. 99). 
 
 We are informed that none of the officinal processes are followed exactly by the large 
 inufacturers in reference to the preliminary comminution of the nux vomica. The 
 ■in most approved is to macerate the whole seeds in dilute sulphuric acid, and to pass 
 bam through them, under pressure, in a covered vat, lined with lead. The seeds 
 ftened in this way are then ground, and the pulp lixiviated or expressed. One advan- 
 ce of the sulphuric acid, employed in this way, is thought to be the conversion of the 
 ssorin, which impedes the process, into soluble dextrin. The liquors are precipitated 
 tli lime, and the process completed as officinally directed . — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
1196 
 
 Strychnia. 
 
 part i: 
 
 ing. In absolute alcohol and in ether it is very sparingly soluble. The volatil 
 oils dissolve it freely. It has an alkaline reaction on test paper, and forms salt 
 with the acids. Nitric acid does not redden it if perfectly pure, but alma; 
 always reddens it as found in the shops, in consequence of the presence of brack 
 M. Eugene Marchand proposes the following test, by which a very minute prr 
 portion of strychnia may be detected. If a little of the alkali be rubbed wit 
 a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid containing one-hundredth of nitri 
 acid, it will be dissolved without change of colour ; but if the least quantity r 
 peroxide of lead be added to the mixture, a magnificent blue colour will be ii 
 stantly developed, which will pass rapidly into violet, then gradually to red, an 
 ultimately become yellow. ( Journ . de Pliarm., Se ser., iv. ’200.) Professc 
 Otto recommends as a test a minute quantity of solution of bichromate of potass: 
 which, added to the solution of strychnia in concentrated sulphuric acid, pr< 
 duces a splendid violet colour. [Am. Journ. of Pliarm ., xix. 77.) A simila 
 change of colour is produced, according to Dr. E. W. Davy, by substituting 
 strong solution of ferroc-yanuret of potassium for that of bichromate of potass: 
 [Ibid., xxv. 414.) Strychnia consists of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, an 
 oxygen; but the proportion of its constituents is very differently given by diffe: 
 ent authors. Liebig states the composition to be XjC^ILgO*. Tbe salts c 
 strychnia are for the most part soluble and crystallizable. Their solution i 
 decomposed by the alkalies and their carbonates, and by tannic, but not by ga 
 lie acid; and is not affected by the salts of sesquioxide of iron. Strychnia: 
 apt to contain impurities, of which the chief, besides brucia, are colouring ma 
 ter, and lime or magnesia. The Edinburgh College gives the following test ( 
 its purity. “A solution of 10 grains in 4 fluidrachms of water by means of 
 fluidrachm of pyroligneous acid, when decomposed by one fluidounee of cot 
 centrated solution of carbonate of soda, yields on brisk agitation a coherer 
 mass, weighing when dry 10 grains, and entirely soluble in solution of oxali 
 acid.” 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses, &c. The effects of strychnia upon the systei 
 are identical in character with those of nux vomica, and it is employed for th 
 same purposes as a medicine. (See Mux Vomica, page 491.) It operates in th 
 same way by whatever avenue it may enter into the circulation ; but is said t 
 act most powerfully when injected into the veins, or applied to a fresh woum 
 The blood of an animal under its influence produces similar effects in another 
 transfused into its veins. In over-doses it is a most violent poison. Pelletic 
 and Caventou killed a dog in half a minute with one-sixth of a grain of the pui 
 alkali. One grain or even less might prove fatal in the human subject. A c-asi 
 however, is recorded in which recovery took place after seven grains had bee 
 swallowed ; but the medicine was probably impure. (See Am. Journ. of Mec 
 Sci., N. S., xxx. 562.) According to M. Duclos, the poisonous effects of strycl 
 nia upon auimals subside under the application of negative electricity, whi 
 they are aggravated by the positive. (See Am. Journ. of Pliarm., xvi. 154.) 3 
 Boudet has found that chlorine water alternated with tartar emetic, so as to pr< 
 duce vomiting, obviates these effects in dogs. [Arch . Gen., Feb. 1S53, p. 222 
 Ivermes mineral has been recommended by 31. Thorel as an antidote, heir 
 thought by him to form with strychnia an insoluble sulphuret, at the same tin 
 aiding an}’ other emetic which may be administered in its expulsion. In cases • 
 poisoning with strychnia he recommends fifteen grains of kermes and one and 
 half grains of tartar emetic. 3131. Bouc-hardat and Gobley state that, out 
 the body, the ioduretted iodide of potassium acts far more powerfully in pr 
 ducing an absolutely insoluble compound. (See Am. Join'll, of Pliarm., xxi 
 S4.) Chloroform by inhalation, has been found to correct the poisonous effec 
 of strychnia, and the same is said of camphor taken internally. The iudicatioi 
 
ART II. 
 
 1197 
 
 Strychnia. — Sulphur. 
 
 ■e to evacuate tLe stomach, and to relieve the spasms by opiates or other narcotics. 
 :(ferent persons are very differently susceptible to its action, and some arepow- 
 fully affected by the smallest doses. Besides, being more or less impure as kept 
 the shops, it cannot be relied on with certainty. Hence the necessity of great 
 ution in prescribing it, and of carefully watching the patient during its use. 
 ae best plan is always to begin with very small doses, and gradually increase 
 1 its effects are observed. From one-twelfth to one-sixth of a grain internally, 
 id from a quarter to half a grain externally, upon a blistered surface, may be 
 iployed at first; but, if the alkali is very pure, the dose may be still further 
 duced with propriety. It is most conveniently administered in the form of 
 11 . It may be given also in the saline state, which is produced by dissolving 
 in water acidulated with sulphuric, muriatic, nitric, or acetic acid. 
 
 Off. Prep. Strychniae Murias. W. 
 
 STRYCHNINE MURIAS. Pub. Muriate of Strychnia. 
 
 “Take of Strychnia one ounce [avoirdupois]; Dilute Muriatic Acid one fluid - 
 ■nee or a sufficient quantity ; Distilled Water two [fluidffmnces and a half. 
 pur the Acid upon the Strychnia, and, adding the Water, apply heat until a 
 ■rfect solution is obtained. Let this cool, and let the crystals which form be 
 ied upon bibulous paper. By evaporating the residual liquid to one-third of 
 t bulk, and then allowing it to cool, an additional quautity of the salt will be 
 itained.” Dub. 
 
 The only advantage of this preparation is that, in consequence of its solubility 
 water, it affords the means of administering strychnia in the dissolved state ; 
 it this end, when desired, is so easily obtained by adding a few drops of an 
 id to strychnia, that it seems scarcely an object of sufficient importance to call 
 r a distinct officinal preparation, especially as the intensely bitter taste of 
 aychnia renders its administration in the form of pill generally preferable. 
 Drkaps, in consequence of its solubility, muriate of strychnia may be preferable 
 the uncombined alkaloid for application to a blistered surface, with a view to 
 li effects on the system. W. 
 
 SULPHUR. 
 
 Preparations of Sulphur. 
 
 SULPHUR PRNECIPITATUM. U. S., Lond. Lac Sulphuris. 
 'recipitated Sulphur. Milk of Sulphur. 
 
 “Take of Sulphur [sublimed] a. pound; Lime a pound and a half: Water 
 j o gallons; Muriatic Acid a sufficient quantity. Slake the Lime with a small 
 irtion of the Water, and, having mixed it with the Sulphur, add the remainder 
 the Water, boil for two or three hours, occasionally adding water so as to pre- 
 rve the measure, and filter. Dilute the filtered liquor with an equal bulk of 
 iter; then drop into it sufficient Muriatic Acid to precipitate the Sulphur, 
 istly, wash the precipitate repeatedly with water till the washings are tasteless, 
 id dry it.” U. S. 
 
 This preparation, after having been dismissed from the London Pharmacopoeia 
 1836, has been restored in that of 1851, being placed in the list of Materia 
 edica with this definition : “Sulphur precipitated from sulphuret of calcium 
 ’ hydrochloric acid.” 
 
 In the U. S. process two eqs. of lime react with six of sulphur, so as to form 
 ro eqs. of bisulphuret of calcium, and one of hyposulphurous acid, which latter 
 en unites with one eq. of lime to form hyposulphite of lime. On the addition 
 the muriatic acid, six eqs. of sulphur are precipitated (four from the two eqs. 
 bisulphuret of calcium and two from the one eq. of hyposulphurous acid), 
 
1198 
 
 PART II 
 
 Sulphur. 
 
 and the calcium and oxygen unite with the muriatic acid, so as to form chlorid 
 of calcium and water. This acid is the most eligible precipitant for the sul 
 phur; as it gives rise to chloride of calcium, which is a very soluble salt, an' 
 easily washed away. Sulphuric acid is wholly inadmissible ; as it generate 
 sulphate of lime, which, from its sparing solubility, becomes necessarily inter 
 mingled with the precipitated sulphur. According to Schweitzer, the bes 
 material from which to precipitate the sulphur is the sulphuret of potassium 
 formed by boiling sulphur with caustic potassa. Dr. Otto, of Brunswick, find 
 that sulphuret of potassium is apt to contain sulphuret of copper, and therefor: 
 prefers sulphuret of calcium. ( Pharm . Cent. Blatt, Jan. 1845.) 
 
 Properties, &c. Precipitated sulphur is in friable lumps having a white colour 
 with a pale yellowish-green tint, and consisting of finely divided particles, slight! 
 cohering together. Water boiled upon it should not redden litmus. Whet 
 recently prepared, it is devoid of taste, but possesses a peculiar smell. Whei 
 long exposed, in a moist state, to the air, it becomes strongly contaminated witl 
 sulphuric acid. ( Annalen der Pharm., xx. 151.) From its colour it was for 
 merly called lac sulphuris, or mi Ik of sulphur. It is insoluble in water, bu 
 dissolves in a boiling solution of caustic potassa, and in oil of turpentine by th< 
 aid of heat. When of a brilliant white colour, the presence of sulphate of linn 
 may be suspected; in which case the preparation will not be wholly volatilize' 
 by heat. If pure it communicates a harsh feel when rubbed between the fin 
 gers, owing to the friction between the crystalline particles. ( Dr . Bridges . 
 We have seen a sample of so-called precipitated sulphur, which consisted almos 
 entirely of sulphate of lime. Precipitated sulphur differs from sublimed sul 
 phur, in being in a state of more minute division, and in presenting, afte: 
 fusion, a softer and less brittle mass. Its peculiarities are supposed to depem 
 upon the presence of water, which, however, is found in too small a quantity t 
 constitute a regular hydrate. According to Rose, its white colour is oec-asioDet 
 by the presence of a small proportion of bisulphuretted hydrogen. Soubeirai 
 states that it always contains some sulphuretted hydrogen, which causes it 0 
 differ as a therapeutic agent from sublimed sulphur. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Precipitated sulphur possesses similar raedi 
 cal properties to those of sublimed sulphur. Its state of extreme division ren 
 ders it more readily suspended in liquids; but its liability to become acid b; 
 keeping is an objection to it. It is sometimes selected for forming ointments 
 which have the advantage to the eye of being of a lighter colour than whet 
 made with sublimed sulphur. The dose is from one to three drachms. (Se« 
 Sulphur.') ' B- 
 
 SULPHURIS IODIDUM. U. S., Lond. Sulphur Iodatum. Bub 
 Iodide of Sulphur. Bisulphuret of Iodine. 
 
 “Take of Iodine four ounces; Sulphur an ounce. Rub the Iodine and Sul 
 phur together in a glass, porcelain, or marble mortar until they are thorough! 
 mixed. Put the mixture into a matrass, close the orifice loose!}’, and apply ; 
 gentle heat so as to darken the mass without melting it. When the colour ha 
 become uniformly dark throughout, increase the heat so as to melt the Iodide: 
 then incline the matrass in different directions, in order to return into the mas 
 any portions of Iodine which may have condensed on the inner surface of tk 
 vessel ; lastly, allow the matrass to cool, break it, and put the Iodide into hot 
 ties, which are to be well stopped.” U. S- 
 
 “ Take of Sulphur an ounce; Iodine four ounces. Put the Sulphur into ; 
 glass vessel, aud place the Iodine upon it. Hold the vessel in boiling wate 
 until they unite. Then break the vessel when the Iodide has become cold, am 
 reduce this to pieces, which are to be kept in another vessel, well stopped. 
 Lond. 
 
IRT II. 
 
 1199 
 
 Sulphur. — Syrupi. 
 
 The Dublin College takes an ounce of its pure iodine and tioo drachms of 
 sflimed sulphur, and proceeds as in the U. S. formula. 
 
 The U.S. and Dublin process is that of the French Codex. The combina- 
 tn may be conveniently effected in a Florence flask. The London formula 
 i peculiar in directing the application of the necessary heat by means of boil- 
 i; water. This is an improvement on the usual mode of proceeding; as it 
 actually prevents the application of too high a heat. The iodine and sulphur 
 a taken in the same proportion in all the formulae. 
 
 Properties , &c. Iodide of sulphur has a grayish-black colour, and radiated 
 c stalline appearance like that of sulphuret of antimony. Its smell resembles 
 tl of iodine, and it stains the cuticle in a similar manner. It is rapidly de- 
 caposed, when in the state of powder, upon the addition of several of the 
 v'atile oils, violet vapours of iodine being evolved, and the smell of sulphur 
 p'ceived. (Dr. G. W. Patterson, Am. Journ. of P harm., July, 1852, p. 203.) 
 Iis entirely volatilized by heat, and by continued boiling with water is wholly 
 (Composed, iodine escaping with the steam, and sulphur being left nearly pure. 
 Te proportion of sulphur thus obtained is about 20 per cent. (Land Pharm.') 
 Iis analysis shows that the compound is a bisulphuret. Iodide of sulphur 
 h been used by Biett, Rayer, Lugol, and others as an external application 
 i various skin diseases, such as tinea capitis, lupus, lepra, &c., applied in the 
 fm of ointment. (See Unguentum Sulphuris Iodidid) 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Sulphuris Iodidi. B. 
 
 SYRUPI. 
 
 Syrups. 
 
 3yrups are concentrated solutions of sugar in watery fluids, either with or 
 \ bout medicinal impregnation. When the solution is made with pure water, 
 i s named syrup or simple syrup, when with water charged with one or more 
 rdieinal agents, it is called in general terms a medicated syrup, and receives 
 i particular designation from the substance or substances added. 
 
 Vledicated syrups are usually prepared by incorporating sugar with vegetable 
 i Isions, decoctions, expressed juices, fermented liquors, or simple aqueous 
 sjtions. When the active matter of the vegetable is not readily soluble in 
 v er, is associated with soluble matter which it is desirable to avoid, or is vola- 
 t zed or decomposed by a heat of 212°, it is sometimes extracted by diluted 
 a jhol, the spirituous ingredient of which is subsequently driven off. Medi- 
 czd syrups are also occasionally prepared by adding a tincture to simple syrup, 
 a evaporating the alcohol. Another and better mode of effecting the same 
 o ect, when aromatic or other volatile substances are concerned, is to mix the 
 t ;ture with sugar in coarse powder, expose the mixture to a very gentle heat 
 o in the sun till the alcohol has evaporated, and then prepare the syrup 
 fin the impregnated sugar by dissolving it in the requisite proportion of water. 
 £, ce the introduction into use of the process of percolation or filtration by dis- 
 pgement, it has been applied very advantageously to the preparation of vari- 
 
 0 syrups, especially of those made from vegetables of which the active prin- 
 ce is injured or dissipated by decoction. But, unless the operator be at once 
 s ful and very careful, there will be great danger of imperfectly extracting 
 t active matters, and thus making a feeble preparation. One practical rule 
 o, importance, when the liquid obtained by percolation requires concentration, 
 
 1 o set aside the first portions of percolated liquor, which are usually strongly 
 ii iregnated, and to subject only the subsequent weaker portions to evaporation. 
 I ■ the mode of properly conducting this process the reader is referred to pages 
 7 ! and 789. 
 
1200 
 
 Syrupi. 
 
 PART i 
 
 The quality and quantity of the sugar employed are points of importanc 
 Refined sugar should always be preferred, as it often saves the necessity of cl 
 rification, and makes a clearer and better flavoured syrup than the impure kind 
 The U.S. Pharmacopoeia simply directs sugar, but explains that it is the pm 
 tied or refined sugar which is indicated by that term. In relation to the qua 
 tity of sugar, if in too small proportion, fermentation is apt to occur; if t> 
 abundant, crystallization. The proper proportion is about two parts to one 
 the liquid. A somewhat smaller quantity will answer where an acid, such 
 lemon juice or vinegar, is used. 
 
 As it is desirable, in many instances, that the active matters should be in 
 concentrated a state as possible in the syrup, it is often necessary to evapora 
 a large proportion of the watery fluid in which they are dissolved. This nr 
 be done either before the addition of the sugar or afterwards. In either cas 
 care is requisite not to apply a heat too great or too long continued, lest tl 
 active principles should be injured. When these are very volatile or easi 
 decomposed by heat, it is necessary to dispense with concentration altogethe 
 Some substances which are volatilized or decomposed at the temperature of bo 
 ing water, remain fixed and unaltered at that which is necessary for the evap 
 ration of alcohol. These, as before observed, may be dissolved in diluted ale 
 hoi, and the concentration effected by evaporating the spirituous part of t: 
 solvent. Independently of the injury which the medicinal ingredient of tl 
 syrup may sustain, the syrup itself is apt to become brown by a long-ccntimc 
 application of heat, even when the degree is not excessive. It is reconnnende 
 therefore, that syrups which admit of concentration should be boiled brisk- 
 over a lively fire, so as to accomplish the object as quickly as possible. It 
 important to be able to ascertain positively when they have attained the d’ 
 consistence. An operator skilled in their preparation can judge with sufficie 
 accuracy by various familiar signs; such as the slowness with which the pat 
 of a drop of syrup coalesce, when previously separated by the edge of a blu 
 instrument; and the receding of the last portion of each drop, when the syru 
 after being cooled, is poured out drop by drop. A pellicle forming upon t 
 surface of the syrup when it cools, indicates that it has been too much boile 
 But these signs are not to be relied on except by those who have acquired mu 
 experience. The easiest method of ascertaining the proper point of concent)- 
 tion is by the use of that variety of Baumd’s hydrometer, called a saccharon 
 ter ; an instrument almost indispensable to the apothecary. This should sta. 
 at 30° in boiling syrup (301 in hot weather) and at 35° in the syrup when 
 is cool. Another very accurate though less ready method is to ascertain t: 
 sp.gr. by weighing a portion of the liquid. Syrup when boiling should ha- 
 a sp.gr. of about 1'261; when cold, about X "3 19. Thomson and Duncan n 
 mistaken in giving the proper sp. gr. of cold syrup as 1'385. We found tl; 
 of a specimen of simple syrup made with two pounds and a half of sugar to 
 pint of water, to be 1326 at 68° F. ; and this consistence is rather too great " 
 practical convenience in cold weather. A third method of ascertaining the p- 
 per point of concentration is by the thermometer, which, in boiliug syrup f 
 the proper consistence, stands at ‘221° F. This indication is founded on t> 
 fact, that the boiling point of syrup rises in proportion to the increase of i 
 density. 
 
 When carefully prepared with the best double refined sugar, syrups usua' 
 require no other clarification than to remove any scum which may rise to thr 
 surface upon standing, and to pour them off from any dregs which may subsi • 
 But as the sugar employed is seldom free from impurities, it may be best, ai 
 general rule, to remove the scum as it rises during the heatiug process, anda 
 strain them while hot through muslin or flannel. Should they at any time w:t 
 
VET II. 
 
 1201 
 
 Syrupi. 
 
 e due degree of clearness, they may be filtered through flannel, or, when not 
 lely to be injured by the treatment, may be clarified by means of the white of 
 ;gs or animal charcoal, as mentioned under the head of syrupus. But the 
 tive principles of vegetables are so apt to be absorbed by the charcoal along 
 ith impurities, that this agent should be resorted to with great caution. 
 
 The medicated syrups are liable to undergo various alterations, according to 
 eir nature and mode of preparation. The acid syrups, when too much boiled, 
 ten let fall a copious white precipitate, which is said to be a saccharine matter 
 lalogous to the sugar of grapes, produced by the reaction of the acid upon the 
 gar. It has been shown that, even at ordinary temperatures, acids slowly 
 avert common sugar into the sugar of grapes, which, being less soluble than 
 e former, is gradually deposited in the form of crystalline grains. Syrups 
 Inch contain too little sugar are apt to pass into the vinous fermentation, in 
 nsequence of the presence of matters which act as a ferment. Those which 
 utain too much deposit a portion in the crystalline state; and the crystals, 
 tracting the sugar remaining in solution, gradually weaken the syrup, and 
 nder it liable to the same change as when originally made with too little sugar, 
 tie want of a due proportion of saccharine matter frequently also gives rise to 
 ouldiness, when air has access to the syrup. It is said that syrups, enclosed, 
 hile they are still hot, in bottles, are apt to ferment; because the watery va- 
 rar, rising to the surface and there condensing, diminishes the proportion of 
 gar, so as to produce a commencement of chemical action, which gradually 
 :tends through the whole mass; but if the bottles are well shaken this result 
 obviated; and the syrups will generally keep better when thus treated. When 
 rups undergo the vinous fermentation, they become covered at the surface 
 111 froth, produced by the disengagement of carbonic acid, and acquire a 
 nous odour from the presence of alcohol; while their consistence is diminished 
 • the loss of a portion of the sugar, which has been converted into that liquid, 
 'lien the quantity of alcohol has increased to a certain point, the fermentation 
 ases or goes on more slowly, owing to the preservative influence of that prin- 
 ole; and, as the active ingredient of the syrup has frequently undergone no 
 aterial change, the preparation may often be recovered by boiling so as to 
 ive off the alcohol and carbonic acid, and concentrate the liquid sufficiently, 
 syrup thus revived is less liable afterwards to undergo change, because the 
 inciples which acted as ferments have been diminished or consumed. It is 
 wious that syrups which depend for their virtues upon a volatile ingredient, or 
 e readily changeable by heat, cannot be restored to their original condition 
 At best, syrups are too apt to change, and various measures have been pro- 
 sed for their preservation. According to Dr. Macculloc-h, the addition of a 
 tie sulphate of potassa or of chlorate of potassa which is tasteless, prevents 
 eir fermentation. M. Chereau has found sugar of milk effectual to the same 
 d, in the instance of the syrup of poppies; and it may prove useful in others, 
 le proportion which he employs is 32 parts of the sugar of milk to 1000 of the 
 rup. Mr. E. Durand has found that 1'3 per cent, of Hoffmann’s anodyne 
 jpiritus JEtlieris Compositus), added to syrups, has the property of completely 
 resting or preventing fermentation, probably through the agency chiefly of the 
 . of wine which it contains. (Am. Journ. of P harm., xiii. 185.) But the best 
 in is to make small quantities of syrups at a time, and to keep them, unless 
 den wanted for immediate use, in bottles quite full and well stopped, which 
 ould be put in the cellar or other cool place. 
 
 The following general officinal directions are given in relation to syrups. 
 
 “ Syrups whose density is not precisely determined by the process, should 
 ve the specific gravity 1'261 when boiling, and about 1'319 at ordinary tem- 
 ratures.” TJ. S. 
 
 76 
 
1202 
 
 Syrupi. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 “ Let the syrups be preserved in vessels well closed, and in a place where tl 
 heat never exceeds 55°.” Land. It would be difficult to comply exactly wi 
 such a rule in this country. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS. U.S., Lond. Syrupus Simplex. Ed., Dub. Syru 2 
 Simple Syrup. 
 
 “Take of Sugar [refined] two pppnds and a half; Water a pint. Dissob 
 the Sugar in the Water with the aid of heat, remove any scum which may fori 
 and strain the solution while hot.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Sugar [refined] three pounds; Distilled Water a pint [Imperi 
 measure]. Dissolve with a gentle heat.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Pure Sugar ten pounds; boiling Water three pints [Imperial me 
 sure]. Dissolve the Sugar in the Water with the aid of a gentle heat.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Refined Sugar, in powder, five pounds [avoirdupois]; Distillc 
 Water two pints [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve the Sugar in the Water with the a 
 of a steam or water heat. The sp gr. of this Syrup is 1'330.” Dub. 
 
 This syrup, when properly prepared, is inodorous, of a sweet taste withoi 
 peculiar flavour, thick,. viscid, nearly colourless, and perfectly transparent, 
 somewhat turbid, as it is apt to be when made with sugar not well refined, 
 may be clarified by beating the white of an egg to a froth with three or foi 
 ounces of water, mixing this with the syrup, boiling the mixture for a sho 
 time that the albumen may coagulate, and taking off the scum which rises t 
 the surface, or separating it by filtration through paper or flannel. Twoga 
 Ions of the syrup may be thus clarified. Any colour and peculiar flavor with- 
 it may possess may be removed by treating it, at the same time, with a swa 
 proportion (about 5 per cent.) of animal charcoal. 
 
 The white of egg is beaten to a froth in order that, when it coagulates, it ma 
 be rendered by the air which it contains specifically lighter than the syrup, an 
 thus rise to the surface. If not thus treated, it floats, when coagulated, in tL 
 syrup, or sinks to the bottom. Now it is obvious that, if the syrup and albi 
 meu be heated together, the latter must be deprived of a portion of the a 
 which it contains, before the point of coagulation is attained, and thus be rei 
 dered less disposed to rise to the surface. Guibourt, therefore, recommem 
 that the albumen should not be added till the syrup is boiling hot, and shoul 
 then be poured into it from a height, in order to increase the quantity of a 
 entangled in it. 
 
 M. Salles, an apothecary of Clermond-Ferrand, in France, recommends tli; 
 syrups which require clarification should be treated in the following rnanne 
 Allow the liquor with which the syrup is to be prepared, without previous! 
 decanting or filtering it, to become quite cold ; then mix with it the white • 
 eggs unbeaten, in the proportion of one egg for every five or six pounds (avoi 
 dupois) of sugar employed; and, having added the sugar or honey, boil tl 
 whole for half an hour, or until a portion of the syrup upon cooling exkibi 
 flocculi of albumen floating in a transparent medium. During the ebullition ca: 
 must be taken to agitate the syrup in such a manner as to prevent the form 
 tion of foam upon its surface. When allowed to cool, the coagulated albume 
 with the impurities subsides, and the clear syrup floats above, and may be draw 
 off or decanted. In this process the albumen sinks because not incorporate 
 with air. M. Salles calls it clarification per descensum, and states that it 
 applicable to all syrups of a density below 30° Baume at the boiling poin 
 ( Journ . de Pharm., xxiv. 490.) 
 
 Syrup is very useful in the formation of pills and mixtures, and in varioi 
 other pharmaceutical operations in which sugar in solution is required. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confec-tio Aromatica; Confectio Catechu Composita; Confect 
 Opii; Confectio Scammonii; Infusum Catechu; Mistura Creasoti; Ristu 
 
ART II. 
 
 1203 
 
 Syrupi. 
 
 retie; Pilulse Ferri Composite; Syrupus Aeidi Citrici; Syrupus Ferri Iodidi ; 
 yrupus Ipecacuanhae; Syrupus Morphiae Acetatis; Syrupus Morphiae Muriatis; 
 yrupus Rhei Aromaticus; Syrupus Tolutanus. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS ACACIiE. U.S. Syrup of Gum Arabic. 
 
 “Take of G-um Arabic [in lumps] two ounces; Sugar [refined] fifteen ounces; 
 later eight fluidounces. Dissolve first the Gum in the Water without heat, 
 ;ien the Sugar with a gentle heat, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 The gum should be carefully selected ; and if its solution contain impurities, 
 should be strained before the addition of the sugar. This syrup is useful in 
 e preparation of mixtures, pills, and troches, and is a good demulcent; but un- 
 rtunately the proportion of the gum to the sugar is too small to meet all the 
 dications calling for the conjoint use of these two substances, and could not be 
 uch increased without endangering the stability of the preparation. W. 
 SYRUPUS ACETI. Ed. Syrup of Vinegar. 
 
 “Take of Vinegar, French in preference, eleven Jtuidounces ; Pure Sugar four- 
 en ounces. Boil them together.” Ed. 
 
 Syrup of vinegar forms with water a refrigerant and grateful drink in fevers, 
 may be added to barley water and other farinaceous and mucilaginous beve- 
 ges and mixtures, when a vegetable acid is not contra-indicated. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS ACIDI CITRICI. U.S.,Dub. Syrup of Citric Acid. 
 “Take of Citric Acid, in powder, two drachms; Oil of Lemons four minims; 
 yrup two pints. Rub the Citric Acid and Oil of Lemons with a iiuidounce of 
 e Syrup, then add the mixture to the remainder of the Syrup, and dissolve 
 ith a gentle heat.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Citric Acid, in powder, Distilled Water, of each, two and a half 
 mces [avoirdupois]; Tincture of Lemon Peel five fluidrachms; Simple Syrup 
 ree pints [Imperial measure]. Dissolve the Acid in the Water with the aid 
 heat ; then add the solution and Tincture of Lemon Peel to the Syrup, and 
 ix with agitation.” Dub. 
 
 This is more uniform in its character, keeps better, and is more readily pre- 
 red than lemon syrup, but does not equal it in flavour, if the latter is well 
 ade. It is much employed as an agreeable and refrigerant addition to drinks, 
 pecially carbonic acid water. Tartaric acid, on account of its greater cheap- 
 ■ss, is not unfrequently substituted for the citric; but the syrup made with 
 does not keep so well, and, moreover, is more apt to irritate the stomach. 
 
 Off. Prep. Liquor Magnesiae Citratis. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS ALLII. U.S. Syrup of Garlic. 
 
 “Take of Fresh Garlic, sliced and bruised, six ounces; Diluted Acetic Acid 
 pint; Sugar [refined], in coarse powder, two pounds. Macerate the Garlic 
 ' ten fluidounces of the Diluted Acetic Acid, in a glass vessel, for four days, 
 d express the liquor. Then mix the residue with what remains of the Acid, 
 d again express until sufficient has passed to make the whole, when filtered, 
 pasure a pint. Lastly, pour the filtered liquor on the Sugar contained in a 
 .art bottle, and agitate till it is dissolved.” U. S. 
 
 This preparation is made upon correct principles, as vinegar is a much better 
 (vent of the active matter of garlic than water. The syrup is given in chronic 
 tarrhal affections of the lungs, and is particularly beneficial in infantile cases, 
 the stimulus which it affords to the nervous system. A teaspoonful may be 
 ren for a dose to a child a year old. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS ALTHiEiE. Lond., Ed. Syrup of Marshmallow. 
 “Take of Marshmallow [root], sliced, an ounce and a half; Sugar [refined] 
 "ee pounds, or a sufficient quantity ; Distilled Water a pint [Imperial measure] ; 
 ictified Spirit two fluidounces and a half, or a sufficient quantity. Macerate 
 
1204 
 
 PART 1 
 
 Syrupi. 
 
 the Marshmallow in the Water for twelve hours. Express the liquor and stra 
 through linen. Then add a weight of the Sugar double that of the strain 
 liquor, and dissolve with a gentle heat. Finally, when the Syrup has coole 
 mix with each fiuidounce of it half a fluidrachm of the Spirit.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Althaea Root, fresh and sliced, eight ounces; Boiling Water fourpb 
 [Imp. meas.]; Pure Sugar two pounds and a half. Boil the Althaea Root wi 
 the Water down to two pints; strain and express strongly through calico; 1 
 the impurities subside; and dissolve the Sugar in the clear liquor with the a 
 of heat.” Ed. 
 
 This syrup made according to the directions of the former London, and 
 the present Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, contains a considerable quantity of stare 
 besides mucilage, and is very liable to ferment. The French prepare it wi 
 cold water, and thus avoid the starc-h ; and the London College has adopted tb 
 method in the last edition of the Pharmacopoeia. The syrup is simply denm 
 cent; but is not much used in this country. W. 
 
 SYRUP l T S AMYGDALAE. U. S. Syrup of Almonds. Syrup 
 Orgeat. 
 
 “Take of Sweet Almonds a pound ; Bitter Almonds four ounces; Wat 
 three pints; Sugar [refined] six pounds. Having blanched the Almonds, n 
 them in a mortar to a very tine paste, adding, during the trituration, three flui 
 ounces of the Whiter and a pound of the Sugar. Mix the paste thoroughly wi 
 the remainder of the W r ater, strain with strong expression, add the remainder 
 the Sugar to the strained liquor, and dissolve it with the aid of a gentle hea 
 Strain the Syrup through fine linen, and, having allowed it to cool, put it in 
 bottles, which must be well stopped, and kept in a cool place.” U. S. 
 
 This process corresponds closely with that of the French Codex. Orang 
 flower water, however, which is an ingredient of the French preparation, 
 wanting in ours. It may be added to the syrup in the quantity of half a pi: 
 immediately after the sugar is dissolved. 
 
 This is an elegant syrup much employed in Europe, and occasionally in tb 
 country. It is demulcent, nutritive, and, in consequence of the hydrocyan 
 acid of the bitter almonds, somewhat sedative. It is said to impair greatly tl 
 odour of musk aud assafetida, when mixed with them. It may be added to coin 
 mixtures, or used for flavouring driuks in complaints of the chest. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS AURANTII CORTICIS. U.S. Syrupus Auranti 
 Lond., Ed., Dub. Syrup of Orange Peel. 
 
 “ Take of Orange Peel, bruised, two ounces; Boiling Whiter a pint; Sug 
 [refined] two pounds and a half. Macerate the Orange Peel in the Water, 
 a covered vessel, for twelve hours, and strain; then add the Sugar, and proce< 
 in the manner directed for Syrup.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes two ounces and a half of the dried peel, a p/aipli 
 perial measure] of boiling distilled water, three pounds, or a sufficient quantity 
 refined sugar, and two fiuidou-nces and a half, or a sufficient quantity of rectiii> 
 spirit; macerates the peel in the water for twelve hours, in a covered vesse 
 then expresses the liquor, and boils for ten minutes; lastly, strains, and coi 
 pletes the process as directed for the syrup of marshmallow. The Edinbun 
 College takes the same materials in the same quantities, excepting the spiri 
 infuses the peel in the water for twelve hours in a covered vessel, pours off ti 
 liquor, filters if necessary, adds the sugar, and dissolves it with the aid of be: 
 The Dublin College employs two ounces and a half [avoirdupois] of dried bitt 
 orange peel, a pint [Imp. meas.] of boiliug distilled water, and a sufficiency 
 powdered refined sugar; infuses the peel in the water for twelve hours, ai 
 strains without expression; then adds to the liquor twice its weight of sugar, ai 
 dissolves with a steam or water heat. 
 
MtT ii. Syrupi. 1205 
 
 In the preparation of this syrup, the solution of the sugar in the infusion of 
 iange peel should he effected with as little heat as possible, in consequence of 
 e volatile nature of the active principle of the peel; and, to facilitate the solu- 
 m, the sugar should be previously powdered. 
 
 The syrup has an agreeable flavour, for which alone it is employed. Prepared 
 cording to the U. S. process, it is apt to ferment in warm weather. To obviate 
 •is result, a syrup may be made by adding a fluidounce of the tincture of 
 ange peel to a pint of simple syrup. This preparation is little inferior to the 
 ficinal, though the presence of the spirit may in some instances be objectionable, 
 rofessor Procter proposes to prepare the syrup in the following manner. Two 
 tabes of recently dried sweet orange peel, in powder, is subjected to percolation 
 ith a mixture of two parts of alcohol and one of water until six fluidounces 
 e obtained; the tincture is mixed with about two and a half pounds of sugar, 
 coarse powder, which is then spread on paper until the alcohol has evaporated ; 
 id, finally, the sugar thus prepared is dissolved in a pint of water at a boiling 
 >at. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xix. 97.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Aromatica. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS COCCI. Lond. Syrup of Cochineal. 
 
 “Take of Cochineal, bruised, four scruples; boiling Distilled Water a pint 
 "mperial measure]; Sugar [refined] three pounds , or a sufficient quantity ; Ree- 
 fied Spirit two fluidounces and a half or a sufficient quantity. Boil the Cochi- 
 jeal in the Water for fifteen minutes, in a covered vessel, occasionally stirring, 
 lien strain and complete the preparation as directed for Syrup of Marshmallow.” 
 ond. (See Syrupus Althsese.) 
 
 This syrup is used chiefly for imparting colour to mixtures. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS CROCI. Lond., Ed,, Dub. Syrup of Saffron. 
 
 “ Take of Saffron five drachms; boiling Distilled Water a pint [Imperial mea- 
 ire] ; Sugar [refined] three pounds, or a sufficient quantity ; Rectified Spirit 
 •jo fluidounces and a half, or a sufficient quantity. Macerate the Saffron in the 
 faterfor twelve hours, in a covered vessel; then strain the liquor, and finish in 
 le manner directed for Syrup of Marshmallow.” Lond, (See Syrupus Althsese.') 
 The Edinburgh College takes ten drachms of saffron, an Imperial pint of 
 filing water, and three pounds of sugar, and proceeds in the manner directed 
 ir syrup of orange peel. The Dublin College infuses half an ounce [avoirdu- 
 fis] of saffron for twelve hours in a pint [Imp. mea.s.] of boiling distilled 
 ater, boils for five minutes, strains with expression through calico, sets aside 
 i settle, decants the clear liquor, adds twice its weight of sugar, and dissolves 
 | ith a steam or water heat. 
 
 This is slightly stimulant, but is valued chiefly for its fine colour. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Sulphuris. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS HEMIDESMI. Dub. Syrup of Indian Sarsaparilla. 
 “Take of Indian Sarsaparilla, bruised, four ounces [avoirdupois]; Boiling 
 'istilled Water one pint [Imperial measure]; Refined Sugar, in powder, as 
 •inch as is sufficient. Infuse the Sarsaparilla in the Water for four hours, in a 
 overed vessel, and strain ; set it by until the sediment subsides, then decant 
 he clear liquor, and, having added to it twice its weight of sugar, dissolve with 
 le aid of a steam or water heat.” Dub. 
 
 This is a very weak preparation, and may be taken almost ad libitum. (See 
 lemidesmus.) W. 
 
 SYRUPUS IPECACUANHAS. U.S.,Ed. Syrup of Ipecacuanha. 
 “Take of Ipecacuanha, in coarse powder, an ounce; Diluted Alcohol a pint; 
 ugar two pounds and a half; Water a sufficient quantity. Macerate the 
 pecacuanha in the Alcohol for fourteen days, and filter. Evaporate the filtered 
 
1206 
 
 Syrup i. 
 
 PART I 
 
 liquor to six fluidounces, again filter, and add sufficient Water to make the liqu 
 measure a pint. Lastly, add the Sugar, and proceed in the manner directed fi 
 Syrup. 
 
 “Syrup of Ipecacuanha may also be prepared by putting the Ipecacuanha, pr 
 viously moistened with Diluted Alcohol, into a percolator; pouring upon it gr 
 dually Diluted Alcohol until a pint of filtered liquor is obtained; then evapo 
 ating to six fluidounces, and completing the process as above directed.” U S. 
 
 “Take of Ipecacuanha, in coarse powder, four ounces ; Rectified Spirit 01 
 pint [Imperial measure] ; Proof Spirit and Water, of each, fourteen fluidounce: 
 Syrup seven pints. Digest the Ipecacuanha in fifteen fluidounces of the Rect 
 tied Spirit at a gentle heat for twenty-four hours; strain, squeeze the residuun 
 and filter. Repeat this process with the residuum and Proof Spirit, and agai 
 with the Water. Unite the fluids, and distil off the Spirit, till the residuu: 
 amount to twelve ounces ; add to the residuum five fluidounces of the Rectifie 
 Spirit, and then the Syrup.” Ed. 
 
 By the U. S. process, a tincture of ipecacuanha is first formed with dilute 
 alcohol, then reduced by evaporation so as to drive off the alcohol, and afte 
 wards diluted tvith water and made into a syrup with sugar. The alternate 
 of preparing the tincture by maceration or percolation is allowed; but the latte 
 mode should be resorted to only by those experienced in the process. Th 
 French Codex dissolves the alcoholic extract of ipecacuanha in water, and the 
 mixes it with syrup; but it is obvious that the U. S. process is preferable, as 
 spares the continued heat requisite to reduce the tincture to dryness. The Edit 
 burgh process is unnecessarily complex; and the addition of the rectified spir: 
 to the syrup, if thought necessary for its preservation, might have been dispense 
 with, had the direction been given to concentrate the syrup. 
 
 Mr. Laidley, of Richmond, Ya., having found this syrup as ordinarily mad 
 to spoil by keeping, recommends the preparation of a fluid extract from th 
 root by means of alcohol, and the addition of this to simple syrup in sue 
 proportion as to have the due officinal strength. It is probably owing to th 
 substances extracted by the water of the diluted alcohol employed in theofficin; 
 process, that the syrup is liable to change. (Am. Joum. of P harm., xxvi. 103. 
 
 This syrup is chiefly applicable to the cases of children. One fluidounce c 
 it, prepared according to the U. S. formula, should contain the virtues of fiftee 
 grains of ipecacuanha. The dose of it, as an emetic, is for an adult from one t 
 two fluidounces, for a child a year or two old, from one to two fluidraehms, n 
 peated every fifteen or twenty minutes till it acts. As an expec-toraut, the dos 
 for an adult is one or two fluidraehms, for a child from five to twenty minim: 
 The Edinburgh syrup is somewhat, but not materially weaker. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS KRAMERIiE. U. S. Syrup of Rhatany. 
 
 “Take of Rhatany, in coarse powder, a pound ; Sugar [refined] two pound 
 and a, half; Water a sufficient quantity. Mix the Rhatany with a pint of W atei 
 and, having allowed the mixture to stand for twenty-four hours, introduce it. int 
 a percolator, and gradually pour Water upon it, until four pints of filtered lique 
 are obtaiued. Evaporate this, b) T means of a water-bath, to seventeen fluic 
 ounces; then add the Sugar, and proceed in the mauner directed for Syruj 
 This Syrup may also be prepared iu the following manner. 
 
 “Take of Extract of Rhatany two ounces; Water a pint; Sugar two pounn 
 and a half. Dissolve the extract in the Water and filter; then add the Sugai 
 and proceed in the manner directed for Syrup.” U. S. 
 
 As rhatany yields a variable proportion of extract, it follows that the syru 
 resulting from these two modes of preparation must differ. To obviate thisev 
 as far as possible, care should be taken, in following the first process, to selec 
 
irt II. Syrupi. 1207 
 
 e best rbatany, and preferably the small roots, as it is these only -which will 
 eld two ounces of good extract to the pound. 
 
 In the second process extract of rhatany as free as possible from insoluble 
 after should be chosen'; and that prepared according to the U. S. directions 
 ill be found the best. (See Extraction Kramerised) This preparation affords 
 convenient mode of exhibiting rhatany to infants. The dose for an adult is 
 df a fluidounce, for a child a year or two old, twenty or thirty minims. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS LIMONIS. U. S. Syrupus Limonum. Lond., Ed. 
 emon Syrup. 
 
 “Take of Lemon-juice, strained, a pint; Sugar [refined] tiro pounds. Add 
 e Sugar to the Juice, and proceed in the manner directed for Syrup.” U. S. 
 “Take of Juice of Lemons, strained, a pint [Imp. meas.]; Sugar [refined] 
 'jo pounds and a half; Rectified Spirit two fuidounces and a half. Boil the 
 lice for ten minutes, and strain. Add the Sugar, and dissolve. Lastly, when 
 ie Syrup has cooled, mix the Spirit with it.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Lemon-juice, freed from impurities by subsidence and filtration, a 
 nt [Imp. meas.]; Sugar [refined] two pounds and a half. Dissolve the Sugar 
 the Lemon-juice with the aid of a gentle heat, and after twenty-four hours’ 
 i)st remove the scum, and pour the clear liquor from the dregs.” Ed. 
 
 This syrup forms a cooling and grateful addition to beverages in febrile com- 
 jaints, and serves to conceal the taste of saline purgatives in solution. W. 
 SYRUPUS MORI. Lond. Syrup of Mulberries. 
 
 “Take of Mulberry Juice, strained, a pint [Imperial measure]; Sugar [refined] 
 ■jo pounds and a half; Rectified Spirit two f uidounces and a half. Dissolve 
 :e Sugar in the Mulberry Juice, with a gentle heat, and set aside for twenty- 
 ur hours; then remove the scym, and pour off the clear liquor from the dregs, 
 there be any. Lastly, mix the Spirit with it.” Lond. 
 
 This may be used for the same purposes with lemon syrup. In like manner 
 Tups may be prepared from various succulent fruits, such as strawberries , 
 ispberrics, blackberries , currants, pineapples, Jr. When the juice is thick, it 
 ay be diluted with from one-third of its bulk to an equal bulk of water, previ- 
 isly to the addition of the sugar. In the preparation of raspberry syrup, w r hich, 
 i ordinarily made, is apt to gelatinize, M. Blondeau recommends that the strained 
 :ice be allowed to stand from eight to fifteen hours, according to the tempera- 
 ire, in order to ferment. The juice separates into two portions, the upper thick, 
 ite lower clear. The latter is to be separated by straining, and made into a 
 'rup with the usual proportion of sugar. The new process of the Loudon Col- 
 ge for Syrupus Mori is in accordance with this recommendation. These syrups 
 ■e employed to flavour drinks, and are much used as grateful additions to car- 
 mic acid water.* W. 
 
 * Some practical remarks in relation to these syrups, so much used with artificial 
 ineral water, may prove useful to the inexperienced pharmaceutist. Care should be 
 ken that the fruit employed should be fully ripe, and freed from all its natural attach- 
 ents, as calyx, stem, &c., and from all other impurities. Without being previously 
 ushed, it should be put into canvass or woollen bags, which should be about two-thirds 
 11 when placed under the press. The expressing force should be gradually increased, so 
 effectually to remove the juice with as little of the tissue of the fruit as possible. It is 
 jistomary to make a pint of syrup from a pint measure of fruit, and, if the expressed juice 
 insufficient for the purpose, to dilute it with water ; but this is obviously an arbitrary rule 
 tiich cannot be universally applied without injuriously affecting the character of the pro- 
 ict. The rule in the text is better; viz., to dilute the juice when too thick. In dissolv- 
 g the sugar, as short an exposure to heat as possible is desirable. Some dissolve the 
 ■ gar in a portion of the juice with heat, and add the remainder a few minutes before re- 
 oval from the fire. Some fruits contain so much pectin that their syrups are apt to 
 'latinize. This is particularly the case with currants and raspberries. A mode of pre- 
 nting this result has been mentioned in the text. Another method is to add to the juice 
 
1208 Syrupi. part i 
 
 SYRUPUS MORPHI2E ACETATIS. Dub. Syrup of Acetate , 
 Morphia. 
 
 “Take of Solution of Acetate of Morphia one fluidounce ; Simple Syri 
 fifteen fluidounces. Mix with agitation.” Dub. 
 
 SYRUPUS MORPHLE MURIATIS. Dub. Syrup of Muriate c 
 Morphia. 
 
 “Take of Solution of Muriate of Morphia one fluidounce ; Simple Sjrr 
 seventeen fluidounces. Mix with agitation.” Dub. 
 
 These are mere sweetened solutions of the respective salts of morphia, an 
 were probably intended to take the place of the syrup of poppies, omitted b 
 the Dublin College in its Pharmacopoeia of 1850. About four fluidounces i 
 the syrups contain a grain of the respective salts. The full dose, tberefori 
 for an adult would be from half a fluidounce to a fluidounce; for a child tw 
 years old, half a fluidrachm to a fluidrachm. Mb 
 
 SYRUPUS PAPAYERIS. Load., Ed. Syrup of Poppies. 
 
 “Take of Poppy [capsules], bruised and without seeds, three pounds ; Suga 
 [refined] five pounds; boiling Distilled Water five gallons [Imperial measure] 
 Rectified Spirit five fluidounces. Boil down the Capsules iu the Water to tw 
 gallons, and press strongly. Boil down the strained liquor again to four pint; 
 and strain it while hot. Set it by for twelve hours, that the dregs may subside 
 then boil down the clear liquor to two pints; in this dissolve the sugar; last!} 
 mix in the spirit.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Poppydieads, without the seeds, one pound and a half; boilin 
 Water fifteen pints [Imperial measure]; Pure Sugar three pounds. Slice th 
 Poppy-heads, infuse them iu the water for twelve hours, boil down to five pints 
 strain, and express strongly through calico, boil again down to two pints and 
 half; then add the Sugar, and dissolve it with the aid of heat.” Ed. 
 
 As the capsules contain variable proportions of the narcotic principle, th 
 syrup prepared from them is necessarily of variable strength. It is, moreover 
 very apt to spoil. Its place might, with great propriety, be supplied by a syru 
 prepared from one of the salts of morphia, which would keepwell, and have th 
 advantage of uniform strength. Four grains of the sulphate of morphia dis 
 solved in a pint of syrup, would afford a preparation at least equal to th 
 average strength of the syrup of poppies, and much more certain in its opera 
 tion. Mr. Southall recommends that the syrup of poppies should be preparei 
 with a cold infusion made by percolation; the same proportions being employee 
 as directed by the London Pharmacopoeia. The virtues of the capsules are thu 
 extracted without those principles which cause the syrup to ferment speedily 
 (See Am. Journ. of Phann.,xv. 140.) Mr. Southall after preparing the infu 
 sion evaporates it to the proper measure before adding the sugar. Mr. Stockei 
 prefers adding the sugar before the concentration is completed, and afterward 
 evaporating to 32° of the saceharometer. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., xi. 299. 
 It is probable that a syrup prepared with diluted alcohol as the menstruun 
 would keep better than that made on either of the above plans. 
 
 The syrup of poppies is employed, chiefly in infantile cases, to allay cough 
 
 after expression one-tenth of its bulk of the juice of sour cherries, allow the mixture t 
 stand for fifteen hours, and then separate the coagulated pectin by very gentle pressur 
 in a cloth. Pineapple syrup may be made either in the ordinary mode, or by slicing tb 
 fruit, alternating the slices with layers of powdered sugar, permitting them to stsn 
 twenty-four hours, and then expressing the syrup formed. Each pound of the pared fruit 
 with thirty ounces of sugar, should yield with the requisite quantity of water two pints c 
 syrup. For some further practical remarks on the preparation of particular syrups, th 
 r uler is referred to a paper by Mr. Ambrose Smith in the American Journal of Pharmae 
 (xxii. 212). — Note to the ninth edition. 
 
ART II. 
 
 1209 
 
 Syrwpi. 
 
 iiet restlessness, relieve pain, and promote sleep. The dose is from half a 
 iidrachm to a fluidrachm for an infant, from half a fluidounce to a fluidounce 
 r an adult. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS PRUNI VIRGIHIANiE. U.S. Syrup of Wild-cherry 
 ark. 
 
 “ Take of Wild-cherry Bark, in coarse powder, five ounces; Sugar [refined] 
 :o pounds; Water a sufficient quantity. Moisten the Bark thoroughly with 
 ater, let it stand for twenty-four hours in a close vessel, then transfer it to a 
 rcolator, and pour Water upon it gradually until a pint of filtered liquor is 
 tained. To this add the Sugar, in a bottle, and agitate occasionally until it 
 : dissolved.” V. S. 
 
 This process affords a handsome syrup with the virtues of the bark unim- 
 ired by the injurious effects of heat. It is based upon a formula proposed by 
 essrs. Procter and Turnpenny in the American Journal of Pharmacy (xiv. 27). 
 he dose is half a fluidounce. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS RHAMNI. Bond., Ed. Syrup of Buckthorn. 
 
 “Take of Juice of Buckthorn [berries] four pints [Imperial measure] ; Gin- 
 ;r, sliced, Pimento, in powder, each, six drachms; Sugar [refined] four pounds; 
 .ictified Spirit six fluidounces. Set by the Juice for three days that the dregs 
 :iy subside, and then strain it. To a pint of the clear Juice add the Ginger 
 ;d Pimento; then macerate for four hours with a gentle heat, and strain. Boil 
 iwn the remainder of the Juice to a pint and a half. Mix the liquors, and 
 osolve the Sugar in them. Finally, mix in the Spirit.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh process is the same as the above, omitting the spirit. 
 
 The syrup of buckthorn is a brisk cathartic, but, having an unpleasant taste, 
 ;d being apt to gripe violently, is seldom employed. In Europe it is used 
 nasionally with other medicines in cathartic and diuretic mixtures. The dose 
 From half a fluidounce to a fluidounce. The patient should drink freely of thin 
 pel, or other demulcent beverage, during its operation. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS RHEI. U.S. Syrup of Rhubarb. 
 
 “Take of Rhubarb, in coarse powder, two ounces; Alcohol half a pint; 
 ’iter a pint and a half; Sugar [refined] two pounds. Mix the Alcohol and 
 ’iter, pour four fluidounces of the liquid on the Rhubarb previously mixed 
 i h an equal bulk of sand, and allow the whole to stand four hours ; then trans- 
 i the mass to a percolator, and gradually pour upon it the remainder of the 
 ixed Alcohol and Water. When the liquor has ceased to pass, evaporate it 
 l means of a water-bath to thirteen fluidounces, and, having added the Sugar, 
 jiceed in the manner directed for Syrup.” U. S. 
 
 This is a mild cathartic, adapted to the cases of infants, to whom it may be 
 £ en in the dose of one or two fluidrachms. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS RHEI AROMATICUS. U.S. Aromatic Syrup of 
 liubarh. 
 
 ‘Take of Rhubarb, bruised, two ounces and a half; Cloves, bruised, Cinna- 
 in, bruised, each, half an ounce; Nutmeg, bruised, two drachms; Diluted 
 Aohol two pints; Syrup six pints. Macerate the Rhubarb and Aromatics in 
 t Diluted Alcohol for fourteen days, and strain; then, by means of a water- 
 1 k, evaporate the liquor to a pint, and, while it is still hot, mix it with the 
 I 'up previously heated. 
 
 ‘Aromatic Syrup of Rhubarb may also be prepared by putting the Rhubarb 
 a l Aromatics, previously reduced to coarse powder and moistened with Diluted 
 ijiohol, into an apparatus for displacement; pouring upon them gradually Di- 
 
 I td Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained; then evaporating 
 
 I I pint, and completing the process as above directed.” U. S. 
 
1210 
 
 Syrupi. 
 
 part i: 
 
 Of these two modes of proceeding, the first should always be preferred b 
 those not experienced in conducting the process of filtration by displacemen 
 In preparing the syrup, the apothecary should be careful to employ aromatic 
 of the best quality, and to effect the evaporation of the tincture, according t 
 the officinal direction, by means of a water-bath. 
 
 The aromatic syrup of rhubarb is a warm stomachic laxative, too feeble fc 
 adult cases, but well calculated for the bowel-complaints of infants, which ai 
 so frequent in our cities during the summer season, and as a remedy for whic 
 this preparation, or one analogous to it, has been long in use under the name < 
 spiced syrup of rhubarb. The dose for an infant with diarrhoea is a fluidracbr 
 repeated every two hours till the passages indicate by their colour that the med 
 cine has operated. IV. 
 
 SYRUPUS RHCEADOS. Lond., Ed. Syrup of Tied Poppy. 
 
 “Take of Red Poppy [petals] a pound ; boiling Water a pint [Imperial me 
 sure]; Sugar [refined] three pounds, or a sufficient quantity; Rectified Spirit ti 
 Jiuidounces and a half, or a sufficient quantity. To the Water heated by a wate 
 bath, gradually add the Petals, occasionally stirring; then, having removed tl 
 vessel, macerate for twelve hours; express the liquor with the hand, and strai 
 and complete the. process as directed for Syrup of Marshmallow.” Land. (S' 
 Syrupus Althseae ) 
 
 The Edinburgh process differs from the London only in using two poum 
 and a half of sugar, and not using rectified spirit. 
 
 The object of introducing the petals into water heated by a water-bath is tb 
 they may shrink by being scalded, as otherwise they could not be complete 
 immersed in the quantity of water directed. After this has been accomplishe 
 they should be immediately removed from the fire, lest the liquor should becoD 
 too thick and ropy. The fine red colour of this syrup is its only recommend 
 tion. It has no medical virtues, and is very liable to ferment. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS ROS2E. Loud. Syrupus RosiE Centifoll®. T 
 Syrup of Roses. 
 
 “Take of Hundred-leaved Roses seven ounces; Sugar [refined] six pound 
 boiling Distilled Water three pints [Imperial measure] ; Rectified Spirit fveffui 
 ounces and a half. Macerate the Roses in the Water for twelve hours, ai 
 strain. Evaporate the strained liquor, by means of a water-bath, to two pint 
 in this dissolve the Sugar. Lastly, mix in the Spirit.” Lond. 
 
 “ Take of fresh Damask-rose Petals one pound; boiling Water three pit 
 [Imp. meas.]; Pure Sugar three pounds. Infuse the Petals in the Water f 
 twelve hours, strain the liquor, and dissolve the Sugar in it with the aid of heat 
 Ed. 
 
 This syrup is gently laxative, and, on account of its mildness, may be giv 
 with advantage to infants and persons of delicate habit. It is without the fi- 
 grance of the rose ; but has a reddish colour which is rendered bright red 
 acids, and green or yellow by alkalies. The dose is from two fluidrachms » 
 one or two fluidounces. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Cassiae ; Confectio Scammonii. WJ 
 
 SYRUPUS ROS2E GALLIC2E. Ed., Dub. Syrup of Red Eos.. 
 
 “Take of dried Red-rose Petals tiro ounces; boiling Water one pint; Pit 
 Sugar twenty ounces. Proceed as for the Syrup of Damask-rose.” Ed. 
 
 The Dublin College boils two ounces [avoirdupois] of the dried petals in a pt 
 [Imperial measure] of boiling distilled water, in a glass or porcelain vessel, uul 
 their colour is completely extracted; strains with expression, and allows the <- 
 coction to settle; then, having decauted the supernataut liquor, adds to it tw? 
 its weight of sugar, and dissolves with a steam or water heat. 
 
ART II. 
 
 Syrupi. 
 
 1211 
 
 The syrup of red roses is mildly astringent; but is valued more for its fine red 
 ilour, on account of which it is occasionally added to mixtures. 
 
 Off. Prep. Electuarium Catechu. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS SARSiE. Lond. Syrupus Sarzze. Ed. Syrup of 
 
 arsaparilla. 
 
 “Take of Sarsaparilla three pounds and a half ; Distilled Water three gallons 
 mperial measure]; Sugar [refined] eighteen ounces; Rectified Spirit two fluid- 
 \nces. Boil the Sarsaparilla with two gallons of the Water to a gallon; pour 
 f the liquor, and strain it while hot. Again boil the Sarsaparilla with the rest 
 the Water to one-half, and strain. Mix the liquors, evaporate to two pints, 
 d in these dissolve the Sugar. Lastly, when they have cooled, mix in the 
 tirit.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh College infuses fifteen ounces of the sarsaparilla in a gallon 
 nip. meas.] of boiling water for twenty-four hours; boils down to four pints, 
 d strains the liquor while hot; and, lastly, adds fifteen ounces of pure sugar, 
 d evaporates to the consistence of syrup. 
 
 This syrup is necessarily a weak if not inert preparation ; the virtues of sar- 
 parilla being only partially extracted by water, at least by the quantity ordina- 
 y employed, and being injured or destroyed by long boiling. It is scarcely 
 ed in this country, our own compound syrup being preferred. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS SARSAPARILL2E COMPOSITUS. U.S. Compound 
 /rup of Sarsaparilla. 
 
 “Take of Sarsaparilla, bruised, two pounds ; Guaiacum Wood, rasped, three 
 fees; Hundred-leaved Roses, Senna, Liquorice Root, bruised, each, two ounces; 
 d of Sassafras, Oil of Anise, each, five minims; Oil of Partridgeberry three 
 'minis ; Diluted Alcohol ten pints; Sugar [refined] eight pounds. Macerate the 
 1'rsaparilla, Guaiacum Wood, Roses, Senna, and Liquorice Root in the Diluted 
 .cohol for fourteen days; then express and filter. Evaporate the tincture by 
 leans of a water-bath to four pints, filter, add the Sugar, and proceed in the 
 inner directed for Syrup. Lastly, having rubbed the Oils with a small quan- 
 1y of the Syrup, mix them thoroughly with the remainder. 
 
 “ Compound Syrup of Sarsaparilla may also be prepared by mixing the solid 
 i terials, excepting the Sugar, in coarse powder, with three pints of Diluted 
 .cohol, allowing the mixture to stand for twenty-four hours, then transferring 
 ito a percolator, gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alcohol until ten pints 
 lye passed, and proceeding with the tincture as in the above process.” U. S. 
 
 In the original edition of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia published in 1820, a pro- 
 cs for a syrup of sarsaparilla was adopted, intended to represent the famous 
 kncli strop de Cuisinier. This was very much improved in the revised edition 
 1 ilished in 1830; and the amended process has been retained with little altera- 
 tu in the subsequent editions, being the first of the two quoted above. In the 
 cginal process, the sarsaparilla was subjected to long decoction with water. 
 
 I w it has been proved that diluted alcohol more thoroughly extracts the acrid 
 p aciple of the root, upon which its activity probably depends, than water, and 
 
 I I this principle is either dissipated or destroyed by the long-continued appli- 
 con of a boiling heat.* In the present formula, therefore, which employs 
 Dated alcohol as the menstruum, the root is more completely exhausted of its 
 a ve matter; while the heat applied to the concentration, being no higher than 
 Requisite for the evaporation of the alcohol, is insufficient to injure the pre- 
 
 See a paper by J. Hancock, M. D , republished in the Journ. of the Phil. Col. of Pharm. 
 ( ; 95; ; a communication by M. Herat to the Journal de Pharmacie (xv. 657 ) ; another by 
 it Soubeiran in the same Journal (xvi. 38) ; and a paper by T. J. Husband in the American 
 J rn. of Pharm. (xv. 6). 
 
1212 
 
 Syrupi. 
 
 part ] 
 
 paration. The spirituous menstruum has, moreover, the advantage of not d: 
 solving the inert fecula, which encumbers the syrup prepared by decoction, ai 
 renders it liable to spoil. In the Pharmacopoeia of 1840, the pale or hundre 
 leaved roses were very properly substituted for the red; as their slightly lax 
 live property accords better with the character of the preparation. The operat 
 should be careful to comply exactly with the directions of the Pharmacopoeia 
 relation to the period of maceration, and the use of the water-bath. The essenti 
 oils, being intended solely to communicate an agreeable flavour, are used in ve 
 small proportion. The only objection to this process is that a portion of t 
 resin, extracted by the alcohol from the guaiacum wood, is deposited during t 
 evaporation of the tincture; but this is separated by the filtration directed, a: 
 is therefore of no disadvantage to the preparation. 
 
 The second process above quoted differs from the first only in preparing t 
 tincture for evaporation by percolation instead of maceration, having been ve 
 properly substituted, at the last revision of the Pharmacopoeia, for the proee 
 by percolation in the edition of 1840, in which water was employed as the me 
 struum, and which was found to yield a syrup having less of the sensible pi 
 perties of the root than that made with diluted alcohol.* But the prac-tition 
 should be aware that much of the sarsaparilla as it exists in the market is neai 
 or quite inert, and should be prepared to meet with disappointment in the use ' 
 this or any other preparation, unless satisfied of the good quality of the dr 
 from which it is made. 
 
 Corrosive sublimate, which is often given in connexion with this syrup, is si 
 to be completely decomposed by it, being converted into calomel. M. Lepas 
 of Glisors, proposes as a substitute the iodohydrargyrate of potassium (see A- 
 pendix), which he has found not to undergo decomposition. {Journ.de Pharr, 
 '6e s£r., viii. 63.) 
 
 The dose of the syrup is half a fluidounce, equivalent to somewhat less th 
 a drachm of the root, to be taken three or four times a day. W. 
 
 SYRUPUS SCILLiE. U.S., JEd., Dub. Syrup of Squill 
 
 “Take of Vinegar of Squill a pint; Sugar [refined] tico pounds. Add t 
 Sugar to the Vinegar of Squill, and proceed in the manner directed for Svrup 
 l T . S. 
 
 “ Take of Vinegar of Squill three pints; Pure Sugar, in powder, seven poum. 
 Dissolve the Sugar in the Vinegar of Squill, with the aid of a gentle heat at 
 agitation.” Pd. 
 
 “Take of Vinegar of Squill eight fluidounees; Refined Sugar, in powder, c 
 pound [avoirdupois]. Dissolve the Sugar in the Vinegar of Squill with the 
 of a steam or water heat.” Dub. 
 
 This syrup is much employed as an expectorant, especially in combination w i 
 a solution of tartarized antimony. The dose is about a fluidraehm. In infant; 
 cases of catarrh and other pectoral complaints, it is sometimes given in the sa:; 
 dose as an emetic. W.: 
 
 SYRUPUS SCILLiE COMPOSITES. U.S. Compound Syrup f 
 Squill Hive-syrup. 
 
 “ Take of Squill, bruised, Seneka, bruised, each,yb?/r ounces ; Tartrate of 2 - 
 timony and Potassa forty-eight grains; Water four pints; Sugar [refined] thi 
 2 oounds and a half. Pour the Water upon the Squill and Seneka, and, havi; 
 
 * By an unfortunate error of the press in the edition of the Pharmacopoeia for 1S50. is 
 few of the earlier sold volumes, the word two was substituted for ten in the seventh limt 
 the second process. This was corrected as soon as discovered, and in by far the grenr 
 number of copies the sentence is properly printed. The mistake is here referred to > 
 order to guard as far as possible against any embarrassment, in the execution of « 
 process, by those who may have the uncorrected volume. 
 
ART II. 
 
 Syrupi. 
 
 1213 
 
 oiled to one-half, strain, and add the Sugar; then evaporate to three pints, and, 
 hile the Syrup is still hot, dissolve in it the Tartrate of Antimony and Potassa. 
 “ Compound Syrup of Squill may be advantageously prepared in the following 
 amier by those familiar with the process of displacement. 
 
 “Take of Squill, in coarse powder, Seneka, in coarse powder, each,/o?<r ounces; 
 artrate of Antimony and Potassa forty-eight grains ; Alcohol half a pint; Water 
 sufficient quantity ; Sugar three pounds and a half. Mix the Alcohol with two 
 nts and a half of Water, and macerate the Squill and Seneka in the mixture 
 r twenty-four hours. Put the whole into a percolator, and add as much AVater 
 ; may be necessary to make the filtered liquor amount to three pints. Boil the 
 }uor for a few minutes, evaporate to one-half, and strain; then add the Sugar, 
 id evaporate until the resulting Syrup measures three pints. Lastly, dissolve 
 ,e Tartrate of Antimony and Potassa in the Syrup, while it is still hot.” U. S. 
 This is intended as a substitute for that very popular preparation called Coxe’s 
 've-syrup, from which it differs chiefly in containing sugar instead of honey, 
 repared as originally directed in the Pharmacopoeia, it invariably fermented 
 om the want of sufficient concentration. This defect was corrected at the re- 
 sion of 1840, when also sugar was substituted for honey, in consequence of 
 e uncertain consistence and constitution of the latter. It will be observed that 
 70 formulae are given above ; in the first of which the virtues of the squill 
 id seneka are extracted by long boiling with water, in the second, by percolation 
 ith water to which a small portion of alcohol has been added. Either of them 
 11 furnish an efficient product; but the latter is preferable when skilfully per- 
 rmed; as it avoids in great measure the injurious influence of boiling upon the 
 neka, exhausts both this and the squill more readily in consequence of the 
 dition of alcohol to the menstruum, and affords a solution of their active prin- 
 oles less embarrassed with inert matters calculated to favour fermentation. In 
 is process, the filtered liquor is raised to the boiling point in order to coagulate 
 e albumen, after which the evaporation should be conducted at a lower tem- 
 rature. Mr. Laidley, of Richmond, Ya., suggests that the liquor be strained 
 mediately after the short boiling, and before the evaporation ; as, if the albu- 
 ,;n be retained in the concentrated liquor, this becomes so thick as to render 
 Bering difficult. He also suggests that, instead of following the officinal pro- 
 mises, a fluid extract should be prepared from the materials with alcohol, and 
 norporated with simple syrup. (Am. Journ. of Phcirm., xxvi. 104.)* 
 
 The compound syrup of squill combines the virtues of seneka, squill, and tartar 
 ■ tetic, of the last of which it contains one grain in every fluidounce. It is 
 i letic, diaphoretic, expectorant, and frequently cathartic, and may be given with 
 ; vantage in mild cases of croup, in the latter stages of severe cases when the 
 eject is to promote expectoration, and in other pectoral affections in which the 
 fine indication is presented. As an emetic in inflammatory croup and infantile 
 (,arrh, we decidedly prefer a simple solution of tartar emetic in water. The 
 <$e of the compound syrup of squill is, for children, from ten drops to a flui- 
 ( ichm, according to the age, and should be repeated in cases of croup every 
 
 J In the Pharmacopoeia of 1830, this preparation was named Mel Scillse Compositum, or 
 f lpound honey of squill. The following was the officinal process: “Take of Squill, 
 1 ised, Seneka, bruised, each, four ounces ; Tartrate of Antimony and Potassa forty-eijht 
 t ins; Clarified Honey two pounds. Pour the Distilled Water upon the Squill and Seneka, 
 f l boil to one-half ; strain, and add the Clarified Honey; then boil down to three pints, 
 i vhich dissolve the Tartrate of Antimony and Potassa.” The preparation thus made 
 U insufficiently concentrated, measuring only 20|° Baumd, instead of 30°, which is the 
 I peri standard of density for syrup. It therefore speedily fermented. By boiling, bow- 
 er, down to two pints instead of three, it will have the proper consistence, and will keep 
 i oh better. But in this case only 32 grains of tartar emetic should be added, so that 
 “re may still be one grain of the antimonial to each fluidounce of the syrup. 
 
1214 Syrupi. part . 
 
 fifteen or twenty minutes till it vomits. As an expectorant fur adults the d: 
 is twenty or thirty drops. W 
 
 SYRUPUS SENEGiE. U. S. Syrup of Seneka. 
 
 “Take of Seneka, bruised, four ounces; Water a pint; Sugar [refined! 
 pound. Boil the Water with the Seneka to one half, and straiu; then add 5 
 Sugar, and proceed in the manner directed for Syrup. Syrup of Seneka n,- 
 also be prepared in the following manner. 
 
 “ Take of Seneka, in coarse powder, four ounces; Alcohol half a pint; War 
 a pint and a half; Sugar [refined] fifteen ounces. Mix the Alcohol and Wat, 
 pour half a pint of the liquid on the Seneka, and allow the mixture to stand r 
 twelve hours; then transfer it to a percolator, and gradually pour upon it 3 
 remainder of the menstruum. When the liquor has ceased to pass, evaporate 
 by means of a water-bath to half a pint, filter, and, having added the Sugar, j, - 
 ceed in the manner directed for Syrup.” U. S. 
 
 The latter of these processes is preferable for an experienced operator, ast 
 avoids the injury to the seneka resulting from long boiling, and has, moreov, 
 the advantage of the solvent power of the alcohol added; but they who are t 
 practically acquainted with the process of percolation should employe the form!. 
 
 This is an active preparation, and affords a very convenient mode of exhibit:: 
 seneka in pectoral complaints. It may be given as a stimulant expectoranti 
 the dose of one or two tiuidrachms. W 
 
 SYRUPUS SENNiE. U.S., Lond., Ed. Syrup of Senna. 
 
 “ Take of Senna tico ounces; Fennel-seed, bruised, an ounce; Boiling War 
 a pint; Sugar [refined] fifteen ounces. Digest the Senna and Fennel-seed in 3 
 Water, with a gentle heat, for an hour; then strain, add the Sugar, and eva- 
 rate to the proper consistence.” U. S. 
 
 “ Take of Senna three ounces and a half; Fennel [seeds], bruised, ten drachr.; 
 Manna three ounces; boiling Distilled Whiter a pint [Imp. measure] ; Molass 
 three pounds. Macerate the Senna and Fennel in the Water with a gentle ht 
 for six hours; strongly express the liquor through linen, filter, and mix 3 
 Manna with it. Evaporate the Molasses by means of a water-bath, until a p- 
 tiou removed from the bath barely concretes; and to the same while yet hot d 
 the liquor, constantly stirring, until they are mixed.” Land. 
 
 “Take of Senna four ounces; boiling IVater one pint and four fiuidovu 
 [Imperial measure] ; Treacle forty-eiyht ounces. Infuse the Senna in the War 
 for twelve hours; strain and express strongly through calico, so as to obtaia 
 pint and two fluidounces at least, of liquid. Concentrate the Treacle in the - 
 pour-bath as far as possible, or till a little taken out upou a rod becomes neap 
 concrete on cooling; and, while the Treacle is still hot, add the infusion, stirr: 
 carefully, and removing the vessel from the vapour-bath as soon as the mixte 
 is complete. If Alexandrian Senna be used for this preparation, it must be cc- 
 fully freed of Cynauchum leaves by picking it.” Ed. 
 
 The molasses in the Edinburgh and London syrup almost completely covs 
 the taste of the senna; and the preparation, according to Dr. Christison, is vv 
 effectual, aud seldom occasions nausea or griping. The U. S. process is liae 
 to the objection, that considerable evaporation is necessary to bring the syrupo 
 the proper consistence; so that, if a boiling heat be employed, the senna maye 
 injured. This syrup is intended chiefly as a cathartic for children, to whout 
 may be given in the dose of one or two tiuidrachms. II 
 
 SYRUPUS TOLUTANUS. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Syrup f 
 Tolu. 
 
 “Take of Tincture of Tolu a fluidounce and a half; Water a pint; Sur 
 [refined] two pounds and a half. Mix the Tincture with the Sugar in cose 
 
ART II. 
 
 Syrupi. 
 
 1215 
 
 iwder; expose the mixture, in a shallow dish, to a gentle heat until the alcohol 
 is evaporated ; then pour the Water upon it in a covered vessel, heat gradually 
 1 the Sugar is dissolved, and strain.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Balsam of Tolu ten drachms ; boiling Distilled Water a pint [Imp. 
 eas.]; Sugar [refined] two pounds and a half. Boil the Balsam in the Water 
 r half an hour, in a covered vessel, occasionally stirring, and strain the liquor 
 hen cold; then add the Sugar and dissolve it.” Land. 
 
 The Edinburgh College prepares this syrup by adding gradually one ounce of 
 e tincture of tolu to two pounds of simple syrup just prepared, and before it 
 s become cold. The Dublin College takes an ounce [avoirdupois] of the balsam 
 ■ a pint [Imp. meas.] of distilled water, and proceeds essentially as the London 
 allege. 
 
 In the U. S. and Edinburgh processes, the syrup is prepared with the tincture 
 i tolu; in the latter by adding it to simple syrup, in the former by mixing it 
 th the sugar employed, and evaporating the alcohol, before dissolving the 
 igar in the water. By the U. S. method the advantage is gained of getting 
 of the alcohol with the least possible loss of volatile oil by heat. The London 
 id Dublin process affords a syrup with a finer flavour than that prepared with 
 (3 tincture, but with much waste of balsam. To obviate this waste, the same 
 jrtion of balsam is, according to Mr. Brande, usually employed in successive 
 (^rations, and it long continues to impart odour and taste to boiling water, 
 e quantity of the balsam is rather more than two grains in a fluidounce of 
 4 syrup, prepared according to the U. S. Pharmacopafia, which is a little 
 longer than the Edinburgh, and much stronger than the London and Dublin 
 pparation. The syrup of tolu may, therefore, be considered inert as a medi- 
 c e ; and its only use is to impart its agreeable flavour to mixtures.* W. 
 
 SYRUPUS VIOLiE. Lond., Ed. Syrup of Violets. 
 
 “Take of fresh Violets one pound; Boiling Water two pints and a half {fray. 
 ras.] ; Pure Sugar seven pounds and a half. Infuse the flowers for twenty - 
 f r hours in the Water, in a covered glass or earthenware vessel; strain without 
 sieezing, and dissolve the Sugar in the filtered liquor.” Ed. 
 
 ‘Take of Violets [recent petals] nine ounces; boiling Distilled Water a pint 
 [ iperial measure]; Sugar [refined] three pounds, ox a sufficient quantity ; Rec- 
 t:d Spirit two fluidounces and a half or a sufficient quantity. Macerate the 
 Iilets in the Water for twelve hours; then express, and filter. Set apart that 
 t dregs may subside, and finish in the manner directed for Syrup of Marsh- 
 n low.” Lond. (See Syrupus Althsese.) 
 
 Ibis syrup has a deep-blue colour and an agreeable flavour. It is said that 
 it colour is most beautiful when it is prepared in well-cleaned pewter vessels; 
 b the action of the metal has not been satisfactorily explained. As it is apt 
 t<ade by time, it is sometimes counterfeited with materials the colour of which 
 isiore permanent. The fraud may usually be detected by the addition of an 
 aij or alkali, the former of which reddens the syrup of violets, the latter ren- 
 d> s it green, while they produce no such change upon the counterfeit. It should 
 n have the smell or taste of red cabbage, a syrup from which acts in the same 
 tv with acids and alkalies. 
 
 j Mr. J. D. Finley proposes tlie following plan of preparing the syrup of tolu, which 
 fd els a syrup twice as strong as the U. S. process, and perfectly clear, whereas the of- 
 ficial syrup has a somewhat milky appearance. “Take of tincture of tolu two fluidounces, 
 cn onate of magnesia two drachms, sugar a pound and a half (Avoirdupois), water twelve 
 fli ounces. Rub the tincture with the carbonate and two ounces of the sugar in powder, 
 gi ually add the water, and filter. Then dissolve the remainder of the sugar in the 
 fil ed liquid with a gentle heat.” The syrup of ginger may be prepared in the same way. 
 (-' . Journ. of P harm,., xxiii. 220.) 
 
1210 
 
 Syrupi . — Tincturos. 
 
 PART ] 
 
 The syrup acts as a gentle laxative when given to infants in the dose of o 
 or two fluidrachms ; hut it is used chiefly as a test of acids and alkalies. F 
 the latter purpose, a syrup prepared from the juice of the red cabbage mav 
 substituted. It is very seldom kept in our shops. FV, 
 
 SYRUPUS ZINGIBERIS. U.S., Lend., Ed., Dub. Ginger Syr u 
 
 “Take of Tincture of Ginger four fluid ounces ; Water four pints ; Sugar [i 
 fined] ten pounds. Mix the Tincture with four pounds of the Sugar, in coai 
 powder, and expose the mixture, in a shallow dish, to a gentle heat until t: 
 alcohol has evaporated. Add the residue of the Sugar, and subsequently t 
 Water in a covered vessel, heat gradually till the Sugar is dissolved, and strain 
 U S. 
 
 The London College macerates tico ounces and a half of sliced ginger, f 
 four hours, in a pint [Imperial measure] of boiling distilled water, and, havi: 
 expressed and strained the infusion, finishes the process in the manner direct 
 for syrup of marshmallow. (See Syrup us Altheeee.') The Edinburgh Cold 
 infuses two ounces and a half of bruised ginger, for four hours, in a pint [I: 
 perial measure] of boiling water, strains, adds two pounds and a half of pu 
 sugar, and dissolves it with the aid of heat. The Dublin College mixes a flue 
 ounce of tincture of ginger with seven fluidounces of simple syrup. 
 
 In the former U.S. process the tincture of ginger was added to syrup, as 
 the present Dublin process, and the alcohol was afterwards evaporated. In t 
 late revision of the Pharmacopoeia, the better plan has been adopted of add! 
 the tincture to the sugar before its solution; as in this way the alcohol is drivl 
 off more thoroughly with less heat, and the volatile principle of the ginger 
 better preserved. The use of water as the menstruum in the London and Eli 
 burgh processes encumbers the syrup with mucilage and starch, and thus rende 
 it more liable to decomposition. (See the note at the foot of page 1*215.) 
 
 In order that the preparation may be of the proper strength, it is necessa 
 that the tincture should have been made with the best Jamaica ginger. T 
 syrup of ginger is much used as a warm stomachic addition to tonic and pc 
 gative infusions or mixtures, and to impart flavour to drinks, particularly 
 carbonic acid water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Confectio Sulphuris ; Electuarium Opii. W. 
 
 TINCTURE. 
 
 Tinctures. 
 
 Tinctures, in the pharmaceutical sense of the term, are solutions of medieir. 
 substauces in alcohol or diluted alcohol, prepared by maceration, digestion, * 
 percolation. Solutions in spirit of ammonia and ethereal spirit are embrac. 
 under the same denomination, but are severally distinguished by the titles: 
 amnioniated tinctures and ethereal tinctures. The advantages of alcohol as 
 menstruum are, that it dissolves principles which are sparingly or not at 
 soluble in water, and contributes to their preservation when dissolved ; while 
 leaves behind some inert substances which are dissolved by water. In no • 
 stance, however, is absolute alcohol employed. The U.S. Pharmacopoeia dire : 
 it of the sp. gr. 0'835; the London and Edinburgh, 0'838 ; and the Publ 
 0'840. When of these densities it contains water, and is capable of dissolvi: 
 more or less of substances which are insoluble in anhydrous alcohol; while • 
 solvent power, in relation to bodies soluble in that fluid, is sufficient for ' 
 practical purposes. Diluted alcohol or proof spirit is often preferable to officii 
 alcohol ; as it is capable of extracting a larger proportion of those active pr- 
 ciples of plants which require an aqueous menstruum, at the same time that: 
 
IRT II. 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 1217 
 
 Etrong enough, in most instances, to prevent spontaneous decomposition, and 
 b the advantages of being cheaper and less stimulating.* The diluted alco- 
 L of the different Pharmacopoeias is not of the same strength; that of the 
 T ited States consisting of equal measures of officinal alcohol and water, and 
 bring the sp.gr. 0'985; while that of London and Dublin has the sp.gr. 
 C'20, and that of Edinburgh 0'912. The difference, however, is not very 
 r terial. Alcohol or rectified spirit is preferred as the solvent, when the sub- 
 snce to be extracted or dissolved is nearly or quite insoluble in water, as in 
 t instances of the resins, guaiac, camphor, and the essential oils. The pre- 
 s ce of water is here injurious, not only by diluting the menstruum, but by 
 excising an affinity for the alcohol which interferes with its solvent power, 
 lus, water, added to an alcoholic solution of one of these bodies, produces a 
 p cipitate by abstracting the alcohol from it. Diluted alcohol or proof spirit 
 Employed, when the substance is soluble both in alcohol and water, or when 
 Oi or more of the ingredients are soluble in the one fluid, and one or more in 
 t other, as in the case of those vegetables which contain extractive or tannin, 
 othe native salts of the organic alkalies, or gum united with resin or essential 
 o As these include the greater number of medicines from which tinctures 
 a prepared, diluted alcohol is most frequently used. 
 
 In the preparation of the tinctures, the medicine should be in the dry state, 
 al properly comminuted by being bruised, sliced, or pulverized. It is usually 
 bter in the condition of a coarse than of a very fine powder; as in the latter 
 ils apt to agglutinate, and thus present an impediment to the penetration of 
 t menstruum. When several substances differing in solubility are employed, 
 t;y should be added successively to the spirit, those least soluble first, those 
 Bst so last; as otherwise the menstruum might become saturated with the in- 
 gdient for which it has the strongest affinity, and thus be rendered incapable 
 
 0 dissolving a due proportion of the others. 
 
 Jntil recently, tinctures have been universally prepared by maceration or 
 d sstion. The Edinburgh College directs digestion to be continued usually for 
 sien days. Our own Pharmacopoeia directs maceration at ordinary tempera- 
 ties, and extends the period to two weeks. The latter plan is preferable, as it 
 it lore convenient and equally effectual, the lower temperature being compen- 
 spd by the longer maceration. When circumstances require that the tincture 
 si aid be speedily prepared, digestion may be resorted to. Care should always 
 b :aken to keep the vessels well stopped, in order to prevent the evaporation of 
 tl alcohol. The materials should be frequently shaken during the digestion or 
 n oration ; and this caution is especially necessary when the substance acted 
 
 01 Is in the state of powder. The tincture should not be used till the macera- 
 ti is completed; when it should be separated from the dregs either by simply 
 fi ring it through paper, or, when force is requisite, by first expressing it through 
 lijn, and subsequently filtering. 
 
 'he plan of preparing tinctures by percolation or displacement has recently 
 bi i extensively adopted; and has been found to answer an excellent purpose, 
 w n skilfully executed. In the U. S. and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias, this 
 mle of preparation has been given as an alternative in numerous instances; 
 ai would probably have been exclusively recommended in some, except for its 
 
 Mr. Wm. Bastick, in a communication to the Pharmaceutical Journal and Transac- 
 states, as the result of his experience, that most of the tinctures prepared with 
 pi f spirit or diluted alcojjol undergo deterioration by time, in consequence of acetous 
 fe entation taking- place in the alcoholic fluid. The tinctures most prone to this change 
 ar hose of senna, rhubarb, columbo, henbane, digitalis, bark, hops, aloes, and the com- 
 pc id tincture of cinnamon. The best preventive is to keep them in full and well-closed 
 be es, at a low temperature. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xx. 47.) 
 
 ! 77 
 
1218 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 PAET 
 
 liability to fail in the hands of inexperienced persons. The reader will fi 
 rules for the proper management of this process at pages 782 and 789. 
 
 Another mode of exhausting medicines by spirit has been proposed by 1 
 H. Burton. It consists in suspending in the solvent, immediately under its s ■ 
 face, the solid matter contained loosely in a bag. The liquid in contact w 
 the bag, becoming heavier by impregnation with the matters dissolved, sinks i 
 the bottom; its place is supplied with a fresh portion, which in its turn sinl; 
 and thus a current is established, which continues until the solid substance; 
 exhausted or the liquid saturated. During the maceration, the bag should • 
 occasionally raised above the surface of the liquor in the bottle, beneath i: 
 cover, and allowed to drain, and then again immersed. It is asserted that t; 
 period of maceration is much shortened in this way. ( Lond . Med. Gaz., Ai. 
 30, 1844.)* 
 
 Tinctures, prepared by adding alcohol to the expressed juices of plants, hf: 
 been long in use on the Continent of Europe, and have been brought into not ; 
 in Great Britain. They are sometimes called in England preserved xegeta ; 
 juices. The tinctures of some of the narcotic plants might no doubt be adv;- 
 tageously prepared in this way, as those of c-onium, kyoscyamus, and belladon:. 
 Mr. Squire and Mr. Bentley have paid particular attention to these prepa- 
 tions. According to Mr. Squire, the leaves only of the plants should be us<, 
 and in the case of biennial plants those exclusively of the second year’s growl; 
 and they should always be preferably collected when the plant is in full flow. 
 Mr. Bentley recommends the following mode of preparation. To the express) 
 juice, after it has stood for twenty-four hours, and deposited its feculent matt, 
 alcohol of 0'838 is to be added in the proportion of one part by measure to fcr 
 of the juice; and, after another period of twenty-four hours, the liquor is to i 
 filtered. The proportion of alcohol mentioned has been found sufficient for t; 
 preservation of the juice, while it causes the precipitation of all the suspendl 
 mucilaginous matter. 
 
 Tinctures should be kept in bottles accurately stopped, in order to prevc 
 evaporation, which might, in some instances, be attended with serious inc<- 
 venience, by increasing their strength beyond the officinal standard. 
 
 Medicines are most conveniently administered in tincture, which act pow- 
 fully in small doses ; as the proportion of alcohol in which they are dissolved* 
 too minute to produce an appreciable effect. Those which require to be givi 
 in large doses should be cautiously employed in this form, lest the injury do 
 by the menstruum should more than counterbalance their beneficial operatii. 
 This remark is particularly applicable to chronic cases of disease, in which h 
 use of tinctures is apt to result in the establishment of fatal habits of iute- 
 perance. The tinctures of the weaker medicines are more frequently given* 
 adjuvants of other remedies than with the view of obtaining their own fl 
 effects upon the system. 
 
 The following general directions are given in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 “Tinctures, when prepared by maceration, should be frequently shall 
 during the process, which should be conducted in glass vessels well stopp ■ 
 When displacement is employed, great care should be taken to observe « 
 directions given at page 4 [_page 789, of this Dispensatory], so that the si- 
 stances treated may be, as far as possible, exhausted of their soluble principl, 
 
 * For this mode of preparing tinctures, Mr. Samuel Gale has proposed the use os 
 cylindrical stoneware vessel, with a diaphragm capable of bfing supported at differ t 
 heights by projections from the inner surface of the jar, with corresponding notched 
 the diaphragm, to permit its easy passage to the lower ledges. The material is toe 
 placed upon the diaphragm and kept covered with the menstruum. (See Am. JournJ 
 Pharm., xsii. 381, from Pharm. Journ. and Trans.) 
 
IKT II. 
 
 Tincturae. 
 
 1219 
 
 al a perfectly clear tincture obtained. To those not familiar with this process, 
 !• plan of maceration is recommended.” 
 
 Che London College states that “ all tinctures should be prepared in closed 
 gss vessels, and frequently shaken during the maceration.” The general 
 dmtions of the Edinburgh College, which relate to the process of percolation, 
 Ire been given at page, 790. W. 
 
 TINCTURA ACONITI FOLIORUM. U.S. Tincture of Aconite 
 laves. 
 
 ‘Take of Aconite Leaves four ounces ; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Mace- 
 r; i for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 ‘ This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Aconite 
 Ives, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing the mixture to stand for 
 tmty-four hours, then transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring 
 u n it Diluted Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 ?his is a good preparation of aconite when made from the recently dried 
 le/es, and may be given in the dose of twenty or thirty drops. A saturated 
 ti ture prepared from the root is now more used. It is much stronger than 
 tl tincture of the leaves, and great care should be taken not to confound them 
 itirescription. (See Tinctura Aconiti Had ids.) AY. 
 
 CINCTURA ACONITI RADICIS. U.S. Tinctura Aconiti. 
 Lid. Tinctura Radicis Aconiti. Dub. Tincture of Aconite Root. 
 
 Take of Aconite Root, well bruised, a pound ; Alcohol two pints. Mace- 
 ra for fourteen days, express strongly, and filter through paper. 
 
 This Tincture may also be prepared by the process of displacement, in the 
 fouving manner. 
 
 Take of Aconite Root, in powder, a pound ; Alcohol a sufficient quantity. 
 M the Aconite Root with a pint of Alcohol, and allow the mixture to stand 
 Duty-four hours; then transfer it to a percolator, and pour Alcohol gradually 
 up it until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 he London College macerates fifteen ounces of the coarsely powdered root 
 in co pints [Imperial measure] of rectified spirit, for seven days, then expresses, 
 an filters. The Dublin College takes ten ounces [avoirdupois] of the root, and 
 a fit [Imp. rneas.] of rectified spirit, and macerates for fourteen days. 
 
 iis tincture, as directed in the different Pharmacopoeias, may be considered 
 of 3 out the same strength, being probably very nearly saturated. It is much 
 stnger than the tincture of the leaves, and too much caution cannot be ob- 
 sei ;d to avoid mistaking one for the other. In preparing it, each step of the 
 pross must be carefully attended to in order to insure a favourable result. The 
 rot should be thoroughly comminuted, the maceration continued for the full 
 pe d directed, and the displacing menstruum very gradually added. The dose 
 to gin with is from five to ten drops, which may be repeated three times a day, 
 ant gradually increased, if necessary, until its peculiar effects are experienced. 
 (Si Aconiti Radix.) AYe would repeat here the caution, already given when 
 tre mg of Aconite in the Materia Medica, that physicians should be careful, in 
 prc ribing either of the tinctures of aconite, to give the whole name of the one 
 the intend, as otherwise serious consequences may ensue.* AV. 
 
 * he tincture proposed by Dr. Fleming should always be expressly designated when 
 pre abed. It is considerably stronger than the officinal ; and several deaths have occurred 
 hoi,:he use of it. The following is his formula. Take of the root, carefully dried and 
 hue powdered, sixteen [troy] ounces; Alcohol sixteen fluidounces. Macerate for four days, 
 put to a percolator, and add alcohol until twenty-four fluidounces are obtained. Not 
 jnoi than five drops of this should be given as a commencing dose, to be increased till 
 As ; ;uliar effects are experienced. 
 
1220 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 PART i. 
 
 TINCTURA ALOES. U. S., Lond., Ed. Tincture of Aloes. 
 
 “ Take of Aloes, in powder, an ounce ; Liquorice [extract] three mru ; 
 Alcohol half a pint; Distilled Water a pint and a half. Macerate for fir- 
 teen days, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 The London College directs the same quantity of aloes (Socotrine or hepa ■) 
 and liquorice with a pint and a half [Imperial measure] of distilled water, d 
 half a pint [Imp. meas.] of rectified spirit; macerates the aloes in the spirit >r 
 a week, then adds the liquorice, dissolves, and filters. The Edinburgh Cohe 
 takes an ounce of Socotrine or Indian Aloes, three ounces of liquorice, tw:e 
 fluidounces of rectified spirit, and twenty-eight fluidounces of water; digests ir 
 seven days; and filters the liquor, separated from the sediment. 
 
 The original tincture of aloes of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia was prepared yh 
 the officinal diluted alcohol, without the addition of water. At present it r- 
 responds with the tincture of the British Colleges. It is little more tharn 
 infusion, with the addition of sufficient alcohol to prevent spontaneous decon> 
 sition. The liquorice is added to cover the taste of the aloes; but it ansrs 
 the end imperfectly; and the preparation, on account of its unpleasant bit r- 
 ness, is little used, aloes being generally administered in the form of pill. ie 
 dose is from half a fluidounce to a fluidounce and a half. M 
 
 TINCTURA ALOES ET MYRRH2E. U. S., Ed. Tinctda 
 Aloes Composita. Lond. Tincture of Aloes and Myrrli. 
 
 “ Take of Aloes, in powder, three ounces; Saffron an ounce; Tincture of Mjh 
 two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes four ounces of Socotrine or hepatic aloes, two ou 
 of saffron, and two Imperial pints of tincture of myrrh, and proceeds as ab ;. 
 The Edinburgh College takes four ounces of Socotrine or Indian aloes, two on es 
 of saffron, and two Imperial pints of tincture of myrrh; digests for seven dts; 
 and filters the clear “superincumbent” liquor. 
 
 This tincture is a modification of the elixir proprietatis of Paracelsus, 'ie 
 saffron, which has been retained in compliance with former prejudices, can id 
 little to the efficacy of the preparation; and, being very expensive, has th 
 great propriety been much reduced in the U. S. formula. It serves, howeveito 
 impart a richness to the tincture, the want of which might be considered a dec-t 
 by those accustomed to its use. 
 
 The tincture is purgative, tonic, and emmenagogue; and is considerably a- 
 ployed in chlorosis, and other disordered states of health in females, conned 
 with suppressed, retained, or deficient menstruation, and with a constipated ste 
 of bowels. It may also be used as a stomachic laxative in cold, languid hal s, 
 independently of menstrual disorder. The dose is from one to two fluidracbs. 
 
 TINCTURA AMMONUE COMPOSITA. Lond. Compound Tc- 
 
 ture of Ammonia. 
 
 “Take of Mastich two drachms; Rectified Spirit nine fluidrachms; Oiof 
 Lavender fourteen minims; Stronger Solution of Ammonia a pint [Impial 
 measure]. Macerate the Mastich in the Spirit that it may be dissolved, id 
 pour off the clear tincture; then add the other ingredients, and shake then .11 
 together.” Lond. 
 
 This has taken the place of the Spiritus Ammonise Succinatus of the Id 
 London Pharmacopoeia, and was intended as a substitute for the eau de A 
 The oil of amber, which was retained as an ingredient with the change of nae 
 in the edition of 1886, was abandoned in that of 1851. The tincture hi a 
 milky appearance, owing to the separation of the mastich from its alcoU 
 solution by the water of ammonia. Its properties are essentially those o: ts 
 
IKT II. 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 1221 
 
 amoniacal ingredient; the mastich having no medical action, and the oil of 
 Lender being in too small proportion to serve any other purpose than that of 
 iioarting flavour. It is used chiefly as a powerful stimulant applied to the 
 nitrils, in cases of fainting and torpor. It has considerable reputation as an 
 aidote to the bite of venomous animals, particularly of serpents, in which it 
 ^reported to have been often used successfully. The dose for internal use is 
 fim ten to thirty drops, very largely diluted with water. W. 
 
 ESSENTIA ANISI. Bub. Essence of Anise. 
 
 ‘Take of Oil of Anise one fluidounce; Rectified Spirit nine fiuidounces. Mix 
 T\h agitation.” Dub. 
 
 [he Dublin College introduced into the last edition of its Pharmacopoeia, 
 uler the name of essences, a set of preparations consisting of solutions of the 
 amatic volatile oils in alcohol. They are essentially tinctures, as the term is 
 he employed; and similar preparations of the oils of peppermint and spear- 
 mt have been so named in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. They are much stronger 
 tin the spirits, which, though, like the essences, solutions of volatile oil in 
 a ohol, are either procured by distillation, or made to imitate the distilled 
 S' -its in strength. The dose of this preparation is from twenty minims or forty 
 dps to a fluidrachm for an adult, which may be given in sweetened water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Anisi. W. 
 
 CINCTURA ASSAFCETIDiE. U.S., Bond., Ed., Bub. Tincture 
 o^Assafetida. 
 
 ‘Take of Assafetida four ounces ; Alcohol two pints. Macerate for fourteen 
 d s, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 ?he London College takes five ounces of assafetida, and two Imperial pints of 
 reified spirit, macerates for seven days, and filters. The Edinburgh College, 
 Wh the same quantity of materials, digests for seven days, and filters the clear 
 liior. The Dublin College macerates five ounces [avoirdupois] with two 1m- 
 p i.al pints for fourteen days, expresses, and filters. 
 
 ’his tincture becomes milky on the addition of water, in consequence of the 
 suration of the resin. It possesses all the virtues of assafetida. The medium 
 d' i is a fluidrachm. 
 
 Iff. Prep. Enema Foetidum. W. 
 
 'INCTURA AURANTII. Bond., Ed., Bub. Tincture of Orange 
 
 Iff. 
 
 Take of dried Orange Peel three ounces and a half; Proof Spirit two pints 
 [i perial measure]. Macerate for seven days, then express, and filter.” Loncl. 
 
 Take of Bitter Orange Peel, dried, three ounces and a half; Proof Spirit 
 h pints [Imp. meas.]. Digest for seven days, strain and express strongly, and 
 filr the liquor. This tincture may be prepared by percolation, by cutting the 
 P 1 into small fragments, macerating it in a little of the Spirit for twelve hours, 
 ai beating the mass into a coarse pulp before putting it into the percolator.” 
 E\ 
 
 he Dublin College macerates four ounces [avoirdupois] of the dried bitter 
 oijige peel with two pints [Imp. meas.] of proof spirit, for fourteen days, strains, 
 ef :esses, and filters. 
 
 b is the peel of the Seville orange which is intended by the London College; 
 ai the Outer part only should be used, the inner whitish portion being inert. 
 T tincture of orange peel is employed as a grateful addition to infusions, de- 
 cc ions, and mixtures. 
 
 ff. Prep. Mistura Ferri Aromatica; Tinctura Quinas Composita. W. 
 
1222 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 PART i 
 
 TINCTURA BELLADONNA. U.S.,Lond. Tinctura Folioru 
 Belladonna. Dub. Tincture of Belladonna. 
 
 “Take of Belladonna [leaves] four ounces ; Diluted Alcohol two pints. M 
 cerate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “ This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Bell 
 donna, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for twenty-fo 
 hours, then transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Dilufi 
 Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College macerates four ounces of dried belladonna with two pit 
 [Imperial measure] of proof spirit for seven days, expresses, and filters; t 
 Dublin, five ounces [avoirdupois] with two pints [Imp. meas.] for fourteen daj 
 strains, expresses, and filters. 
 
 This tincture is an efficient preparation when made from the recently dri 
 leaves ; but the imported leaves are of very uncertain strength, and a tinctu 
 prepared from them is less to be relied upon than the extract. The dose is frc 
 fifteen to thirty drops. W. 
 
 TINCTURA BENZOINI COMPOSITA. U. S., Bond., Ed. Co; 
 
 pound Tincture of Benzoin. 
 
 “ Take of Benzoin three ounces; Purified Storax two ounces; Balsam of Tc 
 an ounce; Aloes, in powder, half an ounce; Alcohol two pints. Macerate 1 
 fourteen days, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes three ounces and a half of benzoin, two ounces a. 
 a half of prepared storax, ten drachms of balsam of Tolu, five drachms of Soc 
 trine or hepatic aloes, and two pints [Imperial measure] of rectified spirit, mat 
 rates for seven days, and filters. The Edinburgh College takes four ounces ' 
 benzoin, two ounces and a half of balsam of Peru, half an ounce of East Inc, 
 aloes, and two pints [Imp. meas.] of rectified spirit, digests for seven days, pm. 
 off the clear liquor, and filters it. 
 
 This tincture is a stimulating expectorant, occasionally used in chronic catarrh 
 affections, but more frequently as a local application to indolent ulcers. It 
 the balsamum traumaticum of the older Pharmacopoeias, and may be consideri 
 as a simplified form of certain complex compositions, such as baume decotnmo- 
 deur, Wade’s balsam, Friar’s balsam, Jesuits’ drops, d'c., which were forme)' 
 in repute, and are still esteemed among the vulgar as pectorals and vulnerari 
 It is also an ingredient in Turlington’ s balsam, which is a popular remedy) 
 this country for the same purposes.* It is scarcely necessary to state that tB 
 application of these preparations to fresh wounds must frequently prove injurioi, 
 by inducing too much inflammation, and thus preventing union by the first - 
 tention. The compound tincture of benzoin is decomposed by water. The de 
 is from thirty minims to two fluidrachms. A variety of court plaster is map 
 by applying to black silk, by means of a brush, first a solution of isinglass, al 
 afterwards an alcoholic solution of benzoin. WJ 
 
 TINCTURA BUCHU. Dub. Tinctura Bucku. Ed. Tincture f 
 Buchu. 
 
 “Take of Bucku five ounces; Proof Spirit two pints [Imperial measur. 
 Digest for seven days, pour off the clear liquor, and filter it. This tincture ur 
 be conveniently and quickly made also by the process of percolation." Ed. 
 
 “Take of Buchu Leaves, bruised, five ounces [avoirdupois]; Proof Spirit 10 
 
 * The following is the formula for Turlington’s balsam adopted by the Philadelphia C- 
 lege of Pharmacy. “ Take of Alcohol Oviij., Benzoin ^xij., Liquid Storax 3iv., Soeotte 
 Aloes 5,j., Peruvian Balsam l|ij., Myrrh ijj., Angelica Root 55s., Balsam of Tolu 5 ■ 
 Extract of Liquorice Root Ijiv. Digest for ten days, and strain.'’ (Journ. of the Phil. ( ■ 
 of Pharm., v. 28.) 
 
VET II. 
 
 Tincturee. 
 
 1223 
 
 Ws [Imp. meas.]. Macerate for fourteen days, strain, express, and filter.” 
 iib. 
 
 This tincture has the virtues of buchu leaves, and may he given in the dose 
 from one to four fluidrachms, either simply diluted with water, or as an ad- 
 tion to the infusion of the leaves. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CAMPHORS. U.S., Ed., Dub. Spiritus Campho- 
 e. Lond. Tincture of Camphor. 
 
 “Take of Camphor four ounces ; Alcohol two pints. Dissolve the Camphor 
 the Alcohol.” IT. S. 
 
 The London College dissolves five ounces of camphor in two pints [Imperial 
 easure] of rectified spirit ; the Edinburgh , two ounces and a half in two pints 
 mp. meas.]; the Dublin, an ounce [avoirdupois] in eight fluid ounces. 
 
 This is used chiefly as an anodyne embrocation in rheumatic and gouty pains, 
 ilblains, and the inflammation resulting from sprains and bruises. It may 
 so be employed internally, due regard being paid to the stimulant properties 
 the alcohol. The camphor is precipitated by the addition of water, but may 
 : suspended by the intervention of sugar. The dose is from five drops to a 
 lidrachm, first added to sugar, and then mixed with water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Linimentum Ammonias Compositum ; Mistura Camphorae. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CANNABIS INDIO®. Dub. Tincture of Indian 
 r emp. 
 
 “ Take of Purified Extract of Indian Hemp half an ounce [avoirdupois] ; Ree- 
 led Spirit half a pint [Imperial measure]. Dissolve the Extract in the Spirit.” 
 tub. 
 
 The American reader must take care not to confound the Indian hemp, here 
 luded to, with the Apocynum Cannabinum known by the same name in this 
 untry. The dose, equivalent to a grain of the extract, is twenty-two minims 
 about forty drops, which is to he gradually increased till its effects are ex- 
 rienced. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CANTHARIDIS. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Tincture 
 ' Spanish Flies. 
 
 Take of Spanish Flies, bruised, an ounce ; Diluted Alcohol, two pints. Ma- 
 rate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “ This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Flies, in 
 wder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing them to stand for twenty-four hours, then 
 msferring them to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon them Diluted 
 leohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” IT. S- 
 The London College takes four drachms of the flies and tv:o pints [Imperial 
 leasure] of proof spirit, macerates for seven days, expresses and filters; the Dub- 
 i, half an ounce [avoirdupois] of the former and two pints [Imp. meas.] of the 
 tter, and macerates for two weeks, strains, expresses, and filters. The Edin- 
 rgh College takes the same proportions as the London, digests for seven days, 
 rains, expresses the residuum strongly, and filters; or prepares the tincture by 
 rcolation, having previously moistened the coarsely powdered flies with a little 
 j the spirit, and allowed them to stand for twelve hours. 
 
 This tincture is one of the most convenient forms for the internal use of 
 banish flies, the virtues of which it possesses to their full extent. (See Can- 
 laris.) It is occasionally employed externally as a rubefacient ; but its lia- 
 lity to vesicate should be taken into consideration. The British tinctures 
 e all too feeble; the strongest containing the virtues only of three quarters of 
 gtain of canthai’ides in a fluidrachm. The dose of the U. S. tincture is from 
 enty drops to a fluidrachm, repeated three or four times a day. W. 
 
1224 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 PART I] 
 
 TINCTURA CAPSICI. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Tincture o 
 Cayenne Pepper. 
 
 “Take of Cayenne Pepper an ounce; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Macerat 
 for fourteen days, and filter through paper. 
 
 “This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Cayenn 
 Pepper, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, putting it into a percolator, an 
 gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor ar 
 obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes ten drachms of bruised Cayenne pepper, and tw 
 pints (Imperial measure) of proof spirit, macerates for fourteen days, and filters 
 the Dublin an ounce and a half [avoirdupois] to a pint [Imp. meas.], and ma 
 cerates fourteen days; the Edinburgh takes the same proportions as the Londor 
 digests for seven days, strains, expresses, and filters; or prepares the tinctur 
 by percolation, having previously made the capsicum into a pulp, with a littl 
 of the spirit. 
 
 This preparation of capsicum is a useful stimulant in very low states of th 
 system with great gastric insensibility, as in malignant scarlet and typhus fever; 
 and in the cases of drunkards. It may also be used as a gargle, diluted wit 
 rose water or some mucilaginous fluid. (See Capsicum.') Applied by means c 
 a camel’s hair pencil to the relaxed uvula, it sometimes produces contraetior 
 and relieves prolapsus of that part. The dose is one or two fluidrac-hms. IV. 
 
 TINCTURA CARDAMOMI. U.S., Ed. Tincture of Cardamom 
 
 “Take of Cardamom, bruised, four ounces; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Me 
 cerate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Carda 
 mom, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for twenty-fou 
 hours, then transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Dilute 
 Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The Edinburgh College takes four ounces and a half of the bruised seed; 
 and two pints [Imp. meas.] of proof spirit, digests for seven days, strains, es 
 presses, and filters; or prepares the tincture by percolation, first grinding th 
 seeds in a coffee-mill, and making them into a pulp with a little of the spirit. 
 
 This tincture is an agreeable aromatic, and may be advantageously added t 
 tonic and purgative infusions. The dose is one or two fluidrachms. 
 
 Off. Prep. Tinctura Conii. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CARDAMOMI COMPOSITA. U.S.,Lond.,Ed.,Dul 
 Compound Tincture of Cardamom. 
 
 “Take of Cardamom, bruised, six drachms; Caraway, bruised, two drachms 
 Cinnamon, bruised, five drachms; Raisins, deprived of their seeds, five ounces 
 Cochineal, bruised, a drachm; Diluted Alcohol, two pints and a half. Mace 
 rate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Cardamom, Caraway, Cochineal, each, bruised, tico drachms and 
 half; Cinnamon, bruised, five drachms; Raisins deprived of the seeds five ounces 
 Proof Spirit two pints [Imperial measure]. Macerate for seven days; then ei 
 press, and filter.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh College, taking the same materials in the same quantities o 
 the London, excepting cochineal, of which it takes only a drachm, digests fo 
 seven days, strains, expresses strongly, and filters. The same College allow 
 the tincture to be prepared also by percolation ; the solid materials being fir: 
 beaten together, moistened with a little spirit, and allowed to stand for twelv 
 hours before being introduced into the instrument. The Dublin College takes i 
 cardamom and caraway, each, half an ounce [avoirdupois], cinnamon an on nc 
 [avoird.], cochineal two drachms [Dub. weight], and proof spirit two pints [Inq 
 meas.], macerates for fourteen days, strains, expresses, and filters. 
 
IRT II. 
 
 Tineturse. 
 
 1225 
 
 This is a very agreeable aromatic tincture, occasionally used as a carminative 
 the dose of one or two fluidrachms, but more frequently as an addition to 
 ixtures, infusions, &c., which it renders pleasant to the taste, and acceptable 
 the stomach. 
 
 Off. Prep. Decoctum Aloes Compositum ; Mistura Ferri Aromatica ; Mistura 
 jntianas Composita. W. 
 
 ESSENTIA CARUI. Dub. Essence of Caraway. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Caraway one fluidounce; Rectified Spirit nine fiuidounces. 
 ix with agitation.” Dub. 
 
 For general observations on the Dublin essences see Essentia Anisi. The 
 i>se of this preparation is from twenty drops to a fluidrachm. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Carui. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CASCARILLiE. Lond., Ed., Dub. Tincture of Cas- 
 rilla. 
 
 “Take of Cascarilla, bruised, five ounces; Proof Spirit two pints [Imperial 
 easure]. Macerate for seven days; then express, and filter.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh College employs five ounces of the bark, in moderately fine 
 wder, and two pints [Imp. meas.] of proof spirit; and proceeds by percolation 
 digestion as directed for the tincture of Peruvian bark. (See Tinctura Cin- 
 onse.) The Dublin takes five ounces [avoirdupois] of the bark, in coarse pow- 
 r, and two Imperial pints of the menstruum, macerates for fourteen days, 
 •ains, expresses, and filters. 
 
 This tincture has the properties of cascarilla, but is seldom if ever used in 
 Is country. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CASSIiE. Ed. Tincture of Cassia. 
 
 “Take of Cassia [Chinese cinnamon], in moderately fine powder, three ounces 
 i d a half ; Proof Spirit two pints [Imperial measure]. Digest for seven 
 ys, strain, express the residuum strongly, and filter. This tincture is more 
 nveniently made by the process of percolation, the Cassia being allowed to 
 icerate in a little of the Spirit for twelve hours before being put into the per- 
 lator.” Ed. 
 
 The properties of this tincture are identical with those of tincture of cinna- 
 m. (See Tinctura Cinnamomi. ) W. 
 
 TINCTURA CASTOREI. U.S., Lond., Ed. Tincture of Castor. 
 “Take of Castor, bruised, two ounces; Alcohol two pints. Macerate for seven 
 ys, express, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes two ounces and a half of bruised castor, and two 
 iperial pints of rectified spirit, macerates for seven days, expresses, and filters, 
 le Edinburgh College directs two ounces and a half of bruised castor, and two 
 iperial pints of rectified spirit, and allows the tincture to be prepared either 
 digestion or percolation, like the tincture of cassia. 
 
 As castor yields little if any of its virtues to water, alcohol is a better solvent 
 in proof spirit. It is said also to form a more grateful preparation. The 
 . issian castor should always be preferred when attainable. This tincture is 
 ed for the same purposes with castor in substance. The dose is from thirty 
 : nims to two fluidrachms. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CASTOREI AMMONIATA. Ed. Ammoniated Tinc- 
 re of Castor. 
 
 “ Take of Castor, bruised, two ounces and a half; Assafetida, in small frag- 
 ;nts, ten drachms; Spirit of Ammonia two pints [Imperial measure]. Digest 
 ' seven days in a well-closed vessel; strain, and express strongly the residuum; 
 d filter the liquor.” Ed. 
 
1226 
 
 Tincturae. 
 
 PART II 
 
 This is au active stimulant and antispasmodic, applicable to cases of seven 
 spasm of the stomach, and to various hysterical and other nervous affections 
 unattended with inflammatory symptoms. The dose is from thirty minims tc 
 two fluidrachms. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CATECHU. U.S., Ed., Dub. Tinctuba Catechi 
 Composita. Lond. Tincture of Catechu. 
 
 “Take of Catechu three ounces; Cinnamon, bruised, two ounces; Dilutee 
 Alcohol two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, express, and filter througl 
 paper.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes three ounces and a hedf of powdered catechu, tux 
 ounces and a half of bruised cinnamon, and two Imperial pints of proof spirit 
 macerates for seven days, expresses, and filters. The Edinburgh College take: 
 three ounces and a half of catechu, in moderately fine powder; two ounces and i 
 half of cinnamon, in fine powder; and two pints [Imp. meas.] of proof spirit 
 digests for seven days, strains, expresses strongly, and filters. This College pre 
 pares the tincture also by percolation, introducing the mixed powders into thi 
 percolator without previously moistening them with spirit. The Dublin College 
 macerates four ounces [avoirdupois] of catechu, and two ounces [avoird.] of c-in 
 namon in two Imperial pints of proof spirit for fourteen days, strains, expresses 
 and filters. 
 
 This is a grateful astringent tincture, useful in all cases to which catechu i, 
 applicable, and in which small quantities of spirit are not objectionable. It ma’ 
 often be advantageously added to cretaceous mixtures in diarrhoea. The dose i 
 from thirty minims to three fluidrachms, which may be given with sweetenet 
 water or some mucilaginous liquid, or in Port wine when this is not contra 
 indicated. Like the tincture of kino, this is said sometimes to gelatinize whei 
 kept. In this state it is unfit for use. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CHIRETTiE. Dub. Tincture of Chiretta. 
 
 “Take of Chiretta, bruised, five ounces [avoirdupois]; Proof Spirit tw o pint 
 [Imperial measure]. Macerate for fourteen days, strain, express, and filter.’ 
 Dub. 
 
 This is a tonic tincture, and may be given in the dose of one or two fluidraehm 
 three or four times a day. W. 
 
 TINCTUR A CINCHONiE. l T . iS., Lond., Ed. Tincture of Pent 
 vian Bark. 
 
 “ Take of Yellow Bark, in powder, six ounces ; Diluted Alcohol two pints 
 Macerate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Bark wit’ 
 Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for forty-eight hours, then transferring i 
 to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alcohol until two pint 
 of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College orders eight ounces of yellow bark, and two Imperial pint 
 of proof spirit, macerates for seven days, expresses, and filters. 
 
 “ Take of Yellow Bark, in fine powder (or of any other species of Cinchons 
 according to prescription), eight ounces; Proof Spirit two pints [Imperial me: 
 sure]. Percolate the Bark with the Spirit, the Bark being previously moistene 
 with a very little Spirit, left thus for ten or twelve hours, and then firmly paeke 
 in the cylinder. This tincture may also be prepared, though much less expt 
 ditiously, and with much greater loss, by the usual process of digestion, the bar 
 being in that case reduced to coarse powder only.” Ed. 
 
 This tincture is very properly made with a large proportion of bark; as, 1 
 the bitter tinctures, it is important that the alcohol should bear- as small a pn 
 
&KT II. 
 
 Tincturx. 
 
 1227 
 
 )rtion to the tonic principle as possible. Even when strongest, however, it 
 nnot, in ordinary cases, be given in doses sufficiently large to obtain the full 
 Feet of the bark, without stimulating too highly. Tincture of cinchona is used 
 liefly as an adjunct to the infusion or decoction of bark, or the solution of sul- 
 late of quinia, to a dose of which it may be added in the quantity of from one 
 four fluidraclims. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CINCHON2E COMPOStTA. U.S., Lond., Ed., 
 
 * ub . Compound Tincture of Peruvian Baric. 
 
 “Take of Red Bark, in powder, two ounces; Orange Peel, bruised, an ounce 
 id a half; Virginia Snakeroot, bruised, three drachms; Saffron, cut, Red Saun- 
 prs, rasped, each, a drachm; Diluted Alcohol twenty fluidounces. Macerate 
 r fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “ Compound Tincture of Peruvian Bark may be prepared from the same dry 
 aterials, by beating them well together, moistening them thoroughly with 
 iluted Alcohol, allowing the mixture to stand for forty-eight hours, then trans- 
 rring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alcohol until 
 ?enty fluidounces of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Pale Bark, bruised, four ounces; dried Orange Peel three ounces; 
 irginia Snakeroot, bruised, six drachms; Saffron two drachms; Cochineal, 
 •uised, a drachm; Proof Spirit two pints [Imperial measure]. Macerate for 
 ven days, then express, and filter.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh College takes the same materials in the same quantities as the 
 ondon, but specifies yellow bark, which it orders in coarse powder, if digestion, 
 fine powder, if percolation be employed. The serpentaria is directed in mode- 
 .tely fine powder. The process is conducted either by digesting for seven days, 
 raining, expressing strongly, and filtering; or by percolation in the same way 
 compound tincture of cardamom. The Dublin College takes four ounces 
 voirdupois] of pale bark, two ounces [avoird.] of orange peel, six drachms 
 )ub. weight] of Virginia snakeroot, two drachms [Dub. weight] of saffron, one 
 •achm [Dub. weight] of cochineal, and two Imperial pints of proof spirit, 
 aeerates for fourteen days, strains, expresses, and filters. 
 
 This is the preparation commonly known by the name of Huxham’s tincture 
 ' bark. It is unfortunate that the London and Dublin Colleges should have 
 lected the feeblest of the officinal varieties of bark for this important tincture, 
 he compound tincture of bark is an excellent stomachic cordial, and though too 
 able in the principles of cinchona to serve as a substitute for that tonic when 
 i full effect is required, may be very usefully employed as an addition to the 
 coction or infusion, or to the salts of quinia, in low forms of fever, partieu- 
 rly in malignant intermittents and remittents. ITuxham was in the habit of 
 tiling with it the elixir of vitriol, the aromatic sulphuric acid of the Pharrna- 
 poeias. The dose is from one to four fluidrachms. 
 
 Under the name of Tinctura Cinchonas Ferrata, a preparation has been con- 
 lerably employed in Philadelphia, of which the following formula is given by 
 r. Samuel Simes, in the Am. Journ. of Pliarm. (xxv. 402). With one gallon 
 the Edinburgh compound tincture of bark, one ounce of hydrated sesquioxide 
 iron, dried at a temperature not exceeding 130° F., is digested, and the liquor 
 tered. The tannic acid is removed by the iron, forming an insoluble tannate, 
 rich with the excess of oxide is separated by the filtration. In order not to lose 
 y portion of the alkaloids which may adhere to the precipitate, this is to be 
 ill washed with boiling alcohol, the solution evaporated to dryness, the product 
 ssolved in a little water acidulated with citric acid, and added to the filtered 
 |uor. Lastly, sixteen grains of ammonio-citrate of iron are to be added to 
 ch fluidounce of the tincture. The dose is a fluidrachm. W. 
 
1228 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 PART II 
 
 TINCTURA CINCH0N2E PALLIDA. Land. Tikctura Cin- 
 chonas. Dub. Tincture of Pale Baric. 
 
 “ Prepare this [from Pale Bark] in the manner directed for Tincture of Pe 
 ruvian Bark [see Tinctura Cinchonse].” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Crown or Pale Bark, in coarse powder, eight ounces [avoirdupois] 
 Proof Spirit two pints [Imperial measure]. Macerate for fourteen days, strain 
 express, and filter.” Dub. 
 
 Pale bark from its general feebleness is especially inappropriate for tinctures 
 This preparation should be abandoned. The dose of it is one or two fluidrac-hm: 
 or more. W. 
 
 ESSENTIA CINNAMOMI. Dub. Essence of Cinnamon. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Cinnamon one fluidounce; Rectified Spirit nine Jluidounces 
 Mix with agitation.” Dub. 
 
 For general observations on the Dublin essences, see Essentia Anisi. Th> 
 dose of this preparation is from ten to twenty drops. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Cinnamomi. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CINNAMOMI. U. S., Bond., Ed. Tincture of Cin 
 namon. 
 
 “Take of Cinnamon, bruised, three ounces; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Ma 
 cerate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Cinna 
 mon, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for forty-eight hours 
 then transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alco 
 hoi until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes three ounces and a half of cinnamon, and two pint 
 [Imperial measure] of proof spirit, and macerates for fourteen days ; the Edin 
 burgh, three ounces and a half of the former, in moderately fine powder, am 
 two pints [Imp. meas.] of the latter, and proceeds by percolation or digestion 
 as in the preparation of tinoture of cassia. 
 
 This tincture has the aromatic and astringent properties of cinnamon, ani 
 may be used as an adjuvant to cretaceous mixtures, and astringent infusions o 
 decoctions. The dose is from one to three or four fluidrachms. 
 
 Off. Prep. Infusum Digitalis. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CINNAMOMI COMPOSITA. U.S.,Lond.,Ed.,Dub 
 Compound Tincture of Cinnamon. 
 
 “Take of Cinnamon, bruised, an ounce; Cardamom [seeds], bruised, half a 
 ounce ; Ginger, bruised, three drachms; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Macerat 
 for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “Compound Tincture of Cinnamon may be prepared from the same dry mf 
 terials, in the state of powder, by moistening them thoroughly with Dilute 
 Alcohol, allowing them to stand for forty -eight hours, then transferring them t 
 a percolator, and gradually pouring upon them Diluted Alcohol until two pint 
 of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College orders an ounce of cinnamon, half an ounce of cardamon 
 two drachms and a half of long pepper, the same quantity of ginger, and tic 
 pints [Imperial measure] of proof spirit, macerates for a week, expresses, an 
 filters. The Edinburgh College directs an ounce of cinnamon in coarse or fin 
 powder, according as digestion or percolation is followed, an ounce of bruise 
 cardamom seeds, three drachms of finely ground long pepper, and two p'n 
 [Imp. meas.] of proof spirit; and allows the tincture to be prepared either b 
 digestion for seven days, straining, expressing, and filtering, or by percolation i 
 the manner directed for compound tincture of cardamom ; preferring, howeve 
 
ART II. 
 
 Tinctures. 
 
 1229 
 
 ie latter mode. The Dublin College, using the avoirdupois weights, takes two 
 unces of cinnamon, an ounce of cardamom seeds, half an ounce of ginger, and 
 oo Imperial pints of proof spirit, macerates for two weeks, strains, expresses, 
 nd filters. 
 
 This is a very warm aromatic tincture, useful in flatulence, spasm of the sto- 
 lach, and gastric debility. The dose is one or two fluidrachms. W. 
 
 TINCTURA COCCI CACTI. Dub . Tincture of Cochineal. 
 
 “Take of Cochineal, in fine powder, tvoo ounces [avoirdupois]; Proof Spirit 
 ne pint [Imperial measure]. Macerate for fourteen days, strain, express, and 
 Iter.” Dub. 
 
 This is valued chiefly for imparting colour to liquid preparations. It may, 
 owever, be given internally in nervous affections in doses varying from twenty 
 rops to a fluidracbm. W. 
 
 TINCTURA COLCHICI COMPOSITA. Lond. Compound Tinc- 
 ure of Colchicum. 
 
 “Take of Colchicum Seed, bruised, five ounces ; Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia 
 wo pints [Imperial measure]. Macerate for seven days; then express, and 
 Iter.” Lond. 
 
 This is the Spiritus Colchici Ammoniatus of a former London Pharmacopoeia, 
 t may he employed for the same purposes as the wine of colchicum, in cases 
 ?hich require or admit of an active stimulant. The dose is from thirty drops 
 o a fluidrachm. W. 
 
 TINCTURA COLCHICI SEMINIS. U.S. Tinctura Colchici. 
 Lond., Ed. Tinctura Seminum Colchici. Dub. Tincture of Col- 
 hicum Seed. 
 
 “Take of Colchicum Seed, bruised, four ounces; Diluted Alcohol two pints. 
 lacerate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “ This Tincture may also he prepared by thoroughly moistening the Colchi- 
 um Seed, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for twenty-four 
 ours, then transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted 
 Ucohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College orders five ounces of the bruised seeds, two Imperial pints 
 f proof spirit, and maceration for a week; the Dublin, five avoirdupois ounces 
 f the former and two Imperial pints of the latter, and maceration for two weeks, 
 'he Edinburgh College takes five ounces of the seeds finely ground in a coffee- 
 aill, and two pints [Imp. meas.] of proof spirit ; and prepares the tincture in 
 he same manner as the tincture of Peruvian bark, either by percolation or 
 igestion ; preferring, however, the former process. 
 
 It was at one time supposed that the tincture was quite as effective made 
 rom the unbruised as the bruised seeds, and corresponding advice was given 
 jinder the head of Colchici Semen, in the first part of this work ; but the opinion 
 as recently been shown to have been erroneous. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., 
 xvi. 120.) 
 
 This tincture possesses the active properties of colchicum, and may be given 
 whenever that medicine is indicated; but the wine, which contains less alcohol, 
 is generally preferred. The dose is from half a fluidrachm to two fluidrachms. 
 'he tincture is sometimes used as an embrocation in rheumatic, gouty, and 
 euralgic 'pains. W . 
 
 TINCTURA COLOMBiE. U. S. Tinctura Calumet. Lond., 
 fd., Dub. Tincture of Columbo. 
 
 “Take of Columbo, bruised, four ounces ; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Ma- 
 erate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
1230 
 
 Tincturee. 
 
 part n 
 
 “ This tincture may also he prepared by thoroughly moistening the Columbo. 
 in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for twenty-four hours : 
 then transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alco- 
 hol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes three ounces of finely sliced columbo, and two Im- 
 perial pints of proof spirit; the Dublin, jive avoirdupois ounces of the former, 
 and two Imperial pints of the latter; the former College macerating for seven, 
 the latter for fourteen days. The Edinburgh College takes three ounces of 
 columbo, in small fragments or moderately fine powder, according as digestion 
 or percolation is followed, and two pints [Imp. meas.] of proof spirit; and pre- 
 pares the tincture either by digesting for seven days, decanting, expressing, and 
 filtering, or by the process of percolation, allowing the powder to be macerated 
 with a little spirit for six hours before being put into the cylinder. 
 
 The tincture of columbo of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia was, with great propriety, 
 considerably increased in strength at the revision of 1840. The larger the pro- 
 portion of the tonic is to the alcohol in these bitter tinctures, the better are they 
 calculated to meet the indications for which they are usually prescribed. When 
 the proportion is very small, the tonic power of the bitter is overwhelmed by the 
 stimulant influence of the alcohol. The tincture of columbo may be added to 
 tonic infusions or decoctions, to increase their stimulant power; but, like all 
 the other bitter tinctures, should be used with caution. The dose is from one 
 to four fluidrachms. W. 
 
 TINCTURA CONII. U.S., Lond., Ed. Tincture of Hemloclc. 
 
 “ Take of Hemlock Leaves four ounces; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Macerate 
 for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Hemlock 
 Leaves, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing them to stand for twenty-four 
 hours, then transferring them to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon them 
 Diluted Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes five ounces of the dried leaves, and two Imperial 
 pints of proof spirit, macerates for seven days, expresses, and filters. 
 
 “Take of fresh leaves of Conium twelve ounces; Tincture of Cardamom half 
 a pint [Imp. meas.]; Rectified Spirit one pint and a half [Imp. meas.]. Bruise 
 the Hemlock Leaves, express the juice strongly; bruise the residuum, pack it 
 firmly in a percolator; transmit first the Tincture of Cardamom, and then the 
 Rectified Spirit, allowing the spirituous liquors to mix with the expressed juice 
 as they pass through ; add gently water enough to the percolator for pushing 
 through the Spirit remaining in the residuum. Filter the liquor after agitation.” 
 Ed. 
 
 The tincture of hemlock necessarily partakes of the uncertainty of the dried 
 leaves from which it is prepared. There can be little doubt that the tincture of 
 the Edinburgh College, made from the fresh leaves and their expressed juice, is 
 the most efficient. Another superiority of the process of that College is the use 
 of rectified spirit (Alcohol, U. S.), which extracts the conia, and leaves the mu- 
 cilage and albumen. A preparation made by adding one measure of alcohol to 
 four of the expressed juice, has been used in England under the name of pre- 
 served juice of hemlock, and is probably quite equal to the Edinburgh tincture. 
 (See page 1218.) The U. S. and London Pharmacopoeias have very properly 
 excluded cardamom from this preparation ; as it can have little influence upon 
 its medical effects, and tends to obscure the odour which is an indication of the 
 activity of the tincture. A strong odour of conia should be emitted by the 
 tincture upon the addition of potassa. The dose is from thirty minims to a 
 fluidrachm. VT. 
 
].RT II. 
 
 Tincturee. 
 
 1231 
 
 TINCTURA CROCI. Ed., Dub. Tincture of Saffron. 
 
 “Take of Saffron, chopped fine, two ounces; Proof Spirit two pints [Imperial 
 uasure]. This Tincture is to be prepared like Tincture of Cinchona, either by 
 jrcolation or by digestion, the former method being the most convenient and 
 {peditious.” Ed. 
 
 The Dublin College macerates two avoirdupois ounces of finely chopped saffron 
 >th an Imperial pint of proof spirit for fourteen days, strains, expresses, and 
 fjers. 
 
 This tincture possesses all the properties of saffron ; but is of little other use 
 tm to impart colour to mixtures. The dose is from one to three fluidrachms. 
 
 W. 
 
 TINCTURA CUBEBiE. TJ. S., Lond ., Dub. Tincture of Cubebs. 
 “ Take of Cubebs, bruised, four ounces; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Macerate 
 i' fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “ This tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Cubebs, 
 i powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing the mixture to stand for twenty-four 
 lurs, then transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted 
 jcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes a pound of powdered cubebs, and two Imperial 
 pits of proof spirit; the Dublin, five avoirdupois ounces of the former and two 
 .'perial pints of the latter; the former College macerating for seven, the latter 
 fi fourteen days. 
 
 This may be used as a carminative, and has been applied with advantage to 
 t: treatment of gonorrhoea in the advanced stages. The London tincture has 
 bn greatly increased in strength, and in this respect is nearly triple that of the 
 liblin College. The dose of the former tincture is from half a fluidrachm to 
 to fluidrachms or more, the larger doses being used in gonorrhoeal affections. 
 
 W. 
 
 TINCTURA CUSPARLZE. Ed. Tincture of Angustur a Baric. 
 “Take of Cusparia [Angustura Bark], in moderately fine powder, four ounces 
 id a half; Proof Spirit two pints [Imperial measure]. This Tincture is to be 
 i de like the Tincture of Cinchona, and most expeditiously by the process of 
 j 'eolation.” Ed. 
 
 The tincture contains the active principles of Angustura bark, and may be 
 pen in the dose of one or two fluidrachms. W. 
 
 TINCTURA DIGITALIS. U.S., Bond., Ed., Dub. Tincture of 
 jxglove. 
 
 ‘Take of Foxglove four ounces; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Macerate for 
 frteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 ‘This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Foxglove, 
 i powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for twenty-four hours, then 
 t nsferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alcohol 
 i :il two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College directs four ounces of the dried leaves, tico Imperial pints 
 c proof spirit, and maceration for seven days; the Dublin, five avoirdupois 
 c ices of the dried leaves (the larger being rejected) and two Imperial pints of 
 J of spirit, and maceration for two weeks. 
 
 ‘Take of Digitalis, in moderately fine powder, four ounces; Proof Spirit two 
 l ts [Imp. measure]. This tincture is best prepared by the process of perco- 
 1 on, as directed for the Tincture of Capsicum. If forty fluidounces of Spirit 
 1 passed through, the density is 0'944, and the solid contents of a fluidounce 
 aount to tw'enty-four grains. It may also be made by digestion.” Ed. 
 in preparing this tincture, great attention should be paid to the selection of 
 
1232 
 
 Tincturae. 
 
 PART i 
 
 the leaves, according to the rules laid down under the head of Digitalis. Fro: 
 a neglect of these, it is apt to be weak or inefficient. The expressed juice of tl 
 leaves, preserved by means of alcohol, would probably he found a powerful pr 
 paration. (See page 1218.) The tincture of foxglove possesses all the virtvn 
 of that narcotic, and affords a convenient method of administering it, especial 
 in mixtures. The dose is from ten to twenty drops, repeated two or three tim< 
 a day, and increased if necessary, but with great caution. W. 
 
 TINCTURA ERGOTiE. Dub. Tincture of Ergot. 
 
 “Take of Ergot of Rye, in coarse powder, eight ounces [avoirdupois]; PrO’ 
 Spirit two pints [Imperial measure]. Macerate for fourteen days, strain, e: 
 press, and filter.’’ Dub. 
 
 The dose of this tincture is one or two fluidrachms. W. 
 
 TINCTURA ERGOTiE iETHEREA. Lond. Ethereal Tinctu; 
 of Ergot. 
 
 “ Take of Ergot, bruised, fifteen ounces; Ether two pints [Imperial measure 
 Macerate for seven days, then express, and filter.” Lond. 
 
 AVe doubt the propriety of this preparation. Independently of its liabilit 
 to the loss of ether by evaporation, and to consequent great diversity of strength 
 the inert fixed oil of the ergot is extracted abundantly along with the aetn 
 matter. The dose of the recently prepared tincture would he from sixty 
 ninety minims. W. 
 
 ESSENTIA FCENICULI. Dub. Essence of Fennel. 
 
 “ Take of Oil of Fennel one jiuidounce ; Alcohol nine fluidounces. Mix wit 
 agitation.” Dub. 
 
 The Alcohol of the Dublin College here directed is absolute alcohol, of tl 
 sp.gr. 0'795. For general observations on the Dublin essences the reader 
 referred to Essentia Anisi. The dose of the essence of fennel is from tweni 
 drops to a fiuidrachm. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Funiculi. W. 
 
 TINCTURA GALL2E. U.S., Lond., Dub. Tinctura Gallaro 
 Ed. Tincture of Gaits. 
 
 “Take of Galls, bruised, four ounces; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Macera 
 for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “ This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Galls, : 
 powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing them to stand for forty-eight hours, tht 
 transferring them to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon them Diluti 
 Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College directs five ounces of powdered galls, two Imperial pin 
 of proof spirit, and maceration for seven days; the Dublin, five avoirdvjr. 
 ounces of the galls, tico Imperial pints of the spirit, and maceration for fourtet 
 days. The Edinburgh College takes the same quantity of materials as tl 
 London, and prepares the tincture either by digestion or percolation, as direct 
 for tincture of capsicum. 
 
 The tincture of galls is powerfully astringent ; hut is more used as a test th: 
 as a medicine. When long kept it ceases to evince the reactions of tannic aci 
 in consequence of the conversion of this into gallic acid. The dose is from o: 
 to three fluidrachms. W. 1 
 
 TINCTURA GENTIANS COMPOSITA. U.S.,Lond., Ed., Du 
 Compound Tincture of Gentian. 
 
 “Take of Gentian, bruised, two ounces; Orange Peel [dried] an ounce; C; 
 dam om [seeds], bruised, half an ounce; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Macera 
 for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
VET II. 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 “ This Tincture may also be prepared from the same dry materials, in the 
 ite of powder, by moistening them thoroughly with Diluted Alcohol, allowing 
 'em to stand for forty-eight hours, then transferring them to a percolator, and 
 adually pouring upon them Diluted Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor 
 ; e obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes two ounces and a half oi sliced gentian, ten drachms 
 dried orange peel , five drachms of bruised cardamom, and two Imperial pints 
 proof spirit, and macerates for seven days. The Edinburgh College takes two 
 nces and, a half of bruised gentian, ten drachms of bruised dried bitter orange 
 el, six drachms of canella in moderately fine powder, half a drachm of bruised 
 chineal, and two Imperial pints of proof spirit; digests for seven days, strains, 
 presses strongly, and filters; or prepares the tincture by percolation as directed 
 r the compound tincture of cardamom. The Dublin College, using the avoir- 
 ipois weights, takes three ounces of the root, an ounce and a half of the peel, 
 ilf an ounce of the seeds, and two Imperial pints of proof spirit, and macerates 
 v two weeks. 
 
 This is an elegant bitter, much used in dyspepsia, and as an addition to tonic 
 ixtures in debilitated states of the digestive organs, or of the system gene- 
 lly. There is, however, much danger of its abuse, especially in chronic cases, 
 ae dose is one or two fluidrachms. W. 
 
 TINCTURA GUAIACI. U.S., Ed., Dub. Tincture of Guaiac. 
 “Take of Guaiac, in powder, half a pound ; Alcohol two pints. Macerate for 
 urteen days, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 The Edinburgh College takes seven ounces of guaiac, and two Imperial pints 
 rectified spirit ; the Dublin, eight avoirdupois ounces of the guaiac and two 
 iperial pints of the spirit ; the former digests for a week, the latter macerates 
 • two weeks. 
 
 This tincture is given in chronic rheumatism and gout, in the dose of from 
 e to three fluidrachms three or four times a day. As it is decomposed by 
 iter, it is most conveniently administered in mucilage, sweetened water, or 
 lk, by which the separated guaiac is held in temporary suspension. The fol- 
 ding is a form of tincture of guaiac which the late Dr. Dewees found very 
 
 ■ icient in the cure of suppression of the menses, and dysmenorrhoea. “ Take 
 
 the best Guaiac, in powder, four ounces; Carbonate of Soda or of Potassa 
 >j e drachm and a half ; Pimento, in powder, an ounce; Diluted Alcohol, a 
 , und . Digest for a few days.” Dr. Dewees directed a drachm or two of the 
 ijirit of ammonia to be added, “pro re nata,” to four fluidounces of the tincture, 
 i feat, on Dis. of Females, A. D. 1826, p. 81.) The dose is a teaspoonful 
 'ree times a day, to be gradually increased if necessary. Within our own 
 iperience, this remedy has proved highly useful in painful menstruation, given 
 : the intervals of the attacks. The quantity of alkaline addition is too small 
 ij produce any sensible effect, and the pimento can act only as a spice; so that 
 ' 3 virtues of the tincture reside in the guaiac, and the officinal tincture would 
 pbably be found equally effectual. W. 
 
 TINCTURA GUAIACI AMMONIATA. U.S., Ed. Tinciuka 
 iJAiACi Composita. Lond. Ammoniated Tincture of Guaiac. 
 
 “Take of Guaiac, in powder, four ounces; Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia a 
 pt and a half. Macerate for fourteen days, and filter through paper.” TJ. S. 
 The London College takes seven ounces of guaiac, coarsely powdered, and two 
 
 ■ perial pints of aromatic spirit of ammonia, and macerates for seven days. The 
 . Unburgh College takes seven ounces of guaiac and two Imperial pints of spirit 
 i ammonia, and digests for seven days in a well closed vessel. 
 
 Tins tincture is celebrated in the treatment of chronic rheumatism. It is 
 78 
 
1234 
 
 Tincturae. 
 
 PART I] 
 
 more stimulating, and is thought to he more effectual than the preceding. Lik 
 that, it is decomposed by water, and should be administered in some viscid o 
 tenacious vehicle which may hold the guaiac in suspension. The Edinburg' 
 differs from the U. S. and London preparation in having as the menstruun 
 the caustic “ spirit of ammonia,” instead of the carbonated “aromatic spirit o 
 ammonia,” and is therefore stronger in reference to the ammoniacal propertie 
 of the tincture. The dose is one or two fluidrachms. W. 
 
 TINCTURA HELLEBORI. U. S., Lond. Tincture of Blaci 
 Hellebore. 
 
 “Take of Black Hellebore, bruised, four ounces; Diluted Alcohol two pink 
 Macerate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Blaci 
 Hellebore, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for forty-eigh 
 hours, then transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Di 
 luted Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The. London College takes five ounces of the bruised root, and two Imperia 
 pints of proof spirit, and macerates for seven days. 
 
 This tincture, formerly called tinctura Melampodii, possesses the propertie 
 of black hellebore, and, upon the recommendation of Dr. Mead, has been mucl 
 used in suppression of the menses. It is said to he peculiarly applicable t> 
 cases in which the grade of action is too high for the use of chalybeates. A 
 best, however, it is an uncertain remedy, and, though frequently almost iner 
 from the bad quality of the root, should always be administered with caution 
 as it is sometimes violent in its action. The dose is from thirty minims to; 
 fluidrachm, to be taken night and morning. W. 
 
 TINCTURA HUMULI. U.S. Tinctura Lupuli. Lond. Tine 
 ture of Hops. 
 
 “Take of Hops five ounces; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Macerate for four 
 teen days, express, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes six ounces of hops and two Imperial pints of proo 
 spirit, macerates for seven days, expresses, and filters. 
 
 Hops are so light and bulky that, in the proportion directed, they absorl 
 almost all the spirit, which, after the requisite maceration, can be separatee 
 only by strong pressure. As this absorption of the spirit obstructs its propel 
 action on all parts of the hops, it is necessary that the mixture should be fre 
 quently stirred during the maceration. By thoroughly drying the hops anc 
 rubbing them between the hands, or by cutting and bruising them, they ma\ 
 be brought to a state of division which will in a great measure obviate tin 
 disadvantages alluded to. As the virtues of hops depend chiefly on the lupu 
 lin, and as the quantity of this substance is not the same in different parcels 
 the tincture is necessarily unequal in strength ; and the tincture of lupulii 
 itself is greatly preferable. (See Tinctura Lupulinse.) 
 
 The tincture of hops is tonic and narcotic, and has been proposed as a sub 
 stitute for laudanum when the latter disagrees with the patient ; but littli 
 reliance can be placed upon it. The condition of disease to which it appear; 
 to be best adapted, is the wakefulness, attended with tremors and general ner 
 vous derangement, to which habitual drunkards are liable, and which fre 
 quently precedes an attack of delirium tremens. The dose is from one to thre< 
 fluidrachms. W. 
 
 TINCTURA HYOSCYAMI. U. S., Lond. Ed., Dub. Tinctur , 
 
 of Henbane. 
 
 “ Take of Henbane Leaves four ounces ; Diluted Alcohol hco pints. Mace 
 rate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
ART II. 
 
 Tincturae. 
 
 1235 
 
 “This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Henbane 
 weaves, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing them to stand for twenty-four 
 ours, then transferring them to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon them 
 liluted Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes five ounces of the dried leaves, and two Imperial 
 ints of proof spirit, and macerates for seven days; the Dublin, five avoirdu- 
 ois ounces of the former and two Imperial pints of the latter, and macerates 
 iir two weeks. The Edinburgh College orders the same amount of materials 
 i the London, the henbane being in moderately fine powder, and directs the 
 ncture to be prepared either by digestion, or preferably, by percolation, as 
 irected for the tincture of capsicum. 
 
 This tincture may be advantageously substituted, as an anodyne and sopo- 
 fic, for that of opium, when the latter disagrees with the patient, or is objec- 
 onable on account of its property of inducing constipation. When the tinc- 
 lre of henbane purges, as it sometimes does, it may be united with a very 
 nail proportion of laudanum. The dose is a fluidrachm. The expressed juice 
 reserved by means of alcohol may be used for the same purposes as the tinc- 
 lre. (Seepage 1218.) W. 
 
 TINCTURA IODINII. U.S. Tinctura Iodinei. Ed. Tinc- 
 ire of Iodine. 
 
 “ Take of Iodine an ounce ; Alcohol a pint. Dissolve the Iodine in the 
 .loohol.” U. S. 
 
 The Ed inburgh College directs two ounces and a half of iodine to be dis- 
 ilved, with the aid of a gentle heat and agitation, in two Imperial pints of ree- 
 Ged spirit, and the tincture to be kept in well stopped bottles. 
 
 These tinctures contain so nearly the same proportion of iodine that, for prac- 
 cal purposes, they may be considered identical. They have very nearly the 
 rength of the tincture employed by Coindet, which contained one part of 
 dine to twelve of alcohol by weight; while the U. S. tincture contains one 
 irt of the former to about 12*7 parts of the latter. It is best to prepare the 
 acture in small quantities at a time ; as the iodine reacts on the alcohol, espe- 
 ally when exposed to solar light, giving rise to chemical changes. The iodine 
 ould be thoroughly dried before being weighed out. The tincture should be 
 ■pt in well stopped bottles, in order to prevent the evaporation of the alcohol, 
 d the consequent crystallization of the iodine. 
 
 The tincture of iodine has a deep-brown colour. Sixteen minims, equal to 
 out thirty-five drops, contain one grain of iodine. It is at present less used 
 ternally than it formerly was, in consequence of an impression that it is apt 
 irritate the stomach. Water decomposes the tincture, and when this is 
 allowed, it is supposed that the iodine is precipitated upon the mucous mem- 
 ane. Besides, the tincture undergoes a gradual change when kept, owing, 
 3ording to Guibourt, to the reaction between the alcohol and iodine. A por- 
 
 0 of the latter is supposed to take hydrogen from the former, producing 
 driodic acid, which combines with another portion of the iodine to form 
 luretted hydriodic acid ; while the place of the hydrogen in the alcohol is 
 ought to be supplied by iodine, giving rise to another ioduretted compound. 
 ie new products are soluble in water ; and consequently the tincture gradu- 
 '• y loses by time the property of being precipitated on dilution. (Journ. de 
 
 harm., Be ser., x. 113.) Yet, from the experiments of Dr. A. Gopel, it 
 ' uld appear that the change is slow if the tincture is kept in the dark and at 
 
 1 ow temperature ; for in three months a specimen thus treated had lost but 
 'je per cent, of iodine. (Pharm. Central Blatt, No. 13, A. D. 1850.) On 
 oount of its liability to precipitation in the stomach, the tincture of iodine is 
 iw almost exclusively employed locally. Undiluted, it acts as a powerful 
 
1236 
 
 Tincturae. 
 
 PART II 
 
 irritant to the skin, producing inflammation, desquamation of the cuticle, &c. 
 Nevertheless, it is much used in this state in erysipelas, chilblains, and other 
 cases of cutaneous and subcutaneous inflammation, and often with very happy 
 effects. But its application requires some caution ; and in erysipelas, we are 
 in the habit rather of surrounding the inflamed surface with a border of the 
 tincture, embracing a portion of both the sound and the diseased skin, so as tc 
 prevent the progress of the inflammation, than of attempting a complete cure 
 by covering the whole surface affected. It has been found useful in rendering 
 the variolous eruption abortive. It has also been employed externally in croupi 
 the bites of serpents, and local rheumatism. It is most conveniently applied 
 by means of a camel’s hair pencil. Diluted with the camphorated tincture oi 
 soap, or other alcoholic liquid, it is sometimes employed as an embrocation in 
 scrofulous tumours and other affections requiring the use of iodine. It is 
 much used in the radical cure of hydrocele, as an injection into the sac; and a 
 similar employment of it has been extended to other serous cavities morbidly 
 distended with fluid, as in the cases of ovarian dropsy, ascites, and empyema; 
 but in these latter affections it should be resorted to, if at all, with very great 
 caution. In hydrocele, M. Velpeau employed it diluted with double its volume 
 of water. In the other cases referred to it has been variously diluted with from 
 three to ten times its bulk of water, or some demulcent liquid. To prevent the 
 precipitation of the iodine, iodide of potassium is generally added in the propor- 
 tion of from two scruples to a drachm to each fluidounce of the tincture. 
 
 The dose of the tincture is from ten to twenty drops, which may be gradually 
 increased to thirty or forty drops, three times a day. It may be given in sweet- 
 ened water, and still better in wine, when this is not contra-indicated. M. De- 
 bauque, an apothecary of Mons, has ascertained that tannic acid has the property 
 of rendering iodine soluble in water, and states that an ounce of syrup of orange- 
 peel in four or six ounces of water, will form a clear solution with a quantity 
 of tincture of iodine containing five or six grains of the medicine. ( Journ . dt 
 Pharm., 3e sir., xx. 34.) W. 
 
 TINCTURA IODINII COMPOSITA. U.S., Land., Pub. Com- 
 pound Tincture of Iodine. 
 
 “ Take of Iodine half an ounce; Iodide of Potassium an ounce ; Alcohol a pint. 
 Dissolve the Iodine and Iodide of Potassium in the Alcohol.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes an ounce of iodine, two ounces of iodide of potas- 
 sium, and two Imperial pints of rectified spirit; macerates till they are dis 
 solved, and filters. The Lublin College dissolves half an ounce of pure iodine 
 and an ounce of iodide of potassium in an Imperial pint of alcohol, using the 
 avoirdupois weights. 
 
 The U. S. tincture is rather stronger than the London, the wine pint employee 
 in the former containing about one-fifth less than the Imperial pint employed ii 
 the latter. The difference, however, is of no great practical importance. The 
 advantage of this tincture over the simple tincture above described is, that tin 
 former may be diluted with water without decomposition; so that, when it i; 
 swallowed, iodine is not precipitated upon the mucous coat of the stomach, ant 
 will not, therefore, be so likely to produce gastric irritation. This is a gooc 
 theoretical recommendation ; but we are by no means confident that the differ 
 ence of the two preparations in irritating properties will be found very striking 
 in practice. The compound tincture of iodine may be given internally for al 
 the purposes which iodine is capable of answering. The dose is from fifteen t< 
 thirty drops, to be gradually increased if necessary. W. 
 
 TINCTURA JALAPiE. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Tincture of Jalap 
 
 “Take of Jalap, in powder, six ounces ; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Macerat 
 for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
ART II. 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 1237 
 
 “ This Tincture may also be prepared by moistening the Jalap thoroughly 
 ith Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for forty-eight hours, then transfer- 
 ng it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alcohol until two 
 ints of filtered liquor are obtained.” TJ. S. 
 
 The London College takes jive ounces of coarsely powdered jalap, and two 
 mperial pints of proof spirit; the Dublin, jive avoirdupois ounces of the root 
 id two Imperial pints of the spirit; the former macerates for a week, the latter 
 ir two weeks. The Edinburgh College orders seven ounces of jalap, in mode- 
 itely fine powder, and tivo Imperial pints of proof spirit, and allows the tinc- 
 ire to be prepared either by digestion or percolation, as directed for tincture of 
 nchona. 
 
 This tincture possesses the medical virtues of jalap, and is sometimes added 
 i cathartic mixtures in the quantity of one or two fluidrachms, to increase their 
 itivity. W. 
 
 TINCTURA KINO. TJ. S., Lond., Ed. Tincture of Kino. 
 
 “ Take of Kino, in powder, six drachms ; Diluted Alcohol a sufficient quantity. 
 'ix the Kino with an equal bulk of sand, and, having introduced it into a per- 
 lator, pour Diluted Alcohol gradually upon it until eight fluidounces of filtered 
 quor are obtained. 
 
 “This Tincture should be renewed frequently, and kept in closely stopped 
 ittles ; as it is apt to deteriorate rapidly by exposure.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes three ounces and a half of powdered kino and two 
 mperial pints of rectified spirit, macerates for a week, and filters. The Edin- 
 j rgli College takes the same ingredients in the same proportion, and digests for 
 week. 
 
 This tincture very frequently becomes gelatinous if kept, and at length almost 
 tirely loses its astringency. The character of the chemical reaction which 
 lies place, remains to be investigated. The air has some effect ; for if this is 
 tirely excluded the tincture keeps for a long time without undergoing the 
 ange. The apothecary should introduce it when prepared into very small 
 ttles, which should be kept well corked, and only opened when wanted for 
 |e. It is in consequence of its tendency to gelatinize, that the U. S. Pharma- 
 'pceia directs it to be frequently renewed. The dose is one or two fluidrachms. 
 is used chiefly as an addition to cretaceous and other astringent mixtures iu 
 nrrhcca. , W. 
 
 TINCTURA KRAMERLZE. TJ. S., Dub. Tincture of Rhatany. 
 “Take of Rhatany, in powder, six ounces ; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Ma- 
 oate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “This Tincture may also be prepared by moistening the Rhatany thoroughly 
 wh Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for forty-eight hours, then transferring 
 i ;o a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alcohol until two pints 
 (filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The Dublin College takes eight avoirdupois ounces of the root, and two Im- 
 fial pints of proof spirit; macerates for two weeks, strains, expresses, and 
 fers. 
 
 According to F. Boudet, the tincture of rhatany sometimes gelatinizes like 
 1 1 of kino ( Journ . de Pharm., Se ser., i. 338); and the same observation has 
 bn made by others. .The same precaution, therefore, should be observed, in 
 r ition to the mode of keeping it, as recommended in reference to tincture of 
 1 o. This is a good preparation of rhatany in cases which admit of the use of 
 s ill quantities of alcohol. The dose is one or two fluidrachms. W. 
 
 TINCTURA LACTUCARII. Ed. Tincture of Lactucarium. 
 ‘Take of Lactucarium, iu fine powder, four ounces ; Proof Spirit two pints 
 
1238 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 PART II 
 
 [Imperial measure]. This tincture is best prepared by percolation as direete< 
 for Tincture of Myrrh ; but may also be prepared by digestion with coarse powde. 
 of Lactucarium.” Ed. 
 
 The dose of this tincture is from thirty minims to two fluidraehms. TT. 
 TINCTURA LIMONIS. Dub. Tinctura Limonum. Lond. Tine 
 ture of Lemon Peel. 
 
 “Take of fresh Lemon Peel three ounces and a half; Proof Spirit two pint 
 [Imperial measure]. Macerate for seven days; then express, and filter.” Lond 
 
 The Dublin College macerates five avoirdupois ounces of the fresh peel, cat 
 thin, in an Imperial pint of proof spirit for two weeks, strains, expresses, am 
 filters. 
 
 This tincture forms a grateful aromatic addition to tonic and purgative in 
 fusions, mixtures, &c. It may be used in the dose of one or two fluidrachins 
 
 Off. Prep. Syrupus Acidi Citrici. W. 
 
 TINCTURA LOBELLE. U.S., Lond ., Pd., Dub. Tincture o, 
 Lobelia. 
 
 “ Take of Lobelia [the herb]/bw? - ounces; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Macerat 
 for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “ This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Lobelia, ii 
 powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for twenty-four hours, thei 
 transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Aleoho 
 until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes five ounces of the herb, and two Imperial pints o 
 proof spirit, and macerates for a week; the Dublin, five avoirdupois ounces o 
 the former, and two Imperial pints of the latter, and macerates for two weeks 
 The Edinburgh College directs the same quantities as the London; and state 
 that the tincture is best prepared by percolation as directed for tincture of cap 
 sicum, though it may also be made by digestion. 
 
 This tincture possesses the emetic and narcotic properties of lobelia, and i 
 sometimes used in asthma, in the dose of one or two fluidraehms, repeated ever 
 two or three hours till its effects are experienced. The emetic dose is half 
 fluidounce. W. 
 
 TINCTURA L OBELIZE 2ETHEREA. Pd., Lond. Ethereal Tine 
 ture of Lobelia. 
 
 “Take of dry Lobelia, in moderately fine powder, five ounces ; Spirit of Sul 
 phuric Ether two pints [Imperial measure]. This Tincture is best prepared b 
 percolation, as directed for Tincture of Capsicum ; but it may also be obtained b 
 digestion in a well closed vessel for seven days.” Ed. 
 
 The London College orders five ounces of powdered lobelia, fourteen fium 
 ounces of ether, and twenty -six fiuidounces of rectified spirit, macerates for seve 
 days, expresses, and filters. 
 
 The stimulant operation of the ether in this preparation can scarcely favon 
 the relaxing and nauseating action for which lobelia is usually employed. Tb 
 dose is the same as that of the alcoholic tincture. W. 
 
 TINCTURA LUPULINiE. U. S., Dub. Tinctura Lupuli. Pc 
 T incture of Lupulin. 
 
 “Take of Lupulin four ounces; Alcohol two pints. Macerate for fourtee 
 days, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 The Dublin process corresponds closely with that of the LT. S. Pharmaeopcei; 
 five avoirdupois ounces of the lupulin, and two Imperial pints of rectified spir 
 being used. 
 
 “Take any convenient quantity of Hops, recently dried; separate by frictio 
 and sifting the yellowish-brown powder attached to their scales. Then take < 
 
ART II. 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 1239 
 
 iis powder five ounces, and of Rectified Spirit hoo pints [Imperial measure], 
 id prepare the tincture bj percolation or digestion, as directed for Tincture of 
 ipsicum.” Ed. 
 
 This is much superior to the tincture of hops of the first United States Phar- 
 acopceia, in the place of which it was introduced into the second edition. In 
 e original preparation, a certain quantity of hops was directed, from which the 
 pulin was to be separated by beating, and then digested in alcohol. As hops 
 ntain a variable proportion of lupulin, a tincture thus made must be of unequal 
 rength; an objection to which the tincture of hops, even as now prepared, is 
 some measure liable. (See Tinctura Humuli.') Besides, the amount of lupulin 
 ntained in any quantity of hops upon which alcohol can conveniently act, is 
 o small in proportion to the alcohol, to afford a tincture of the due strength, 
 re tincture of lupulin is, therefore, in all respects, preferable. The dose is one 
 two fluidrachms, to be given in sweetened water or some mucilaginous fluid. 
 
 W. 
 
 TINCTURA MATICO. Dub. Tincture of Matico. 
 
 “Take of Matico Leaves, in coarse powder, eight ounces [avoirdupois]; Proof 
 liirit two pints [Imperial measure]. Macerate for fourteen days, strain, express, 
 Id filter.” Dub. 
 
 The dose of this tincture is from one to three fluidrachms. W. 
 
 ESSENTIA MYRISTICiE MOSCHATJE. Dub. Essence of 
 utmeg. 
 
 “Take of [volatile] Oil of Nutmeg one fiuidounce; Stronger Spirit nine 
 j idounces. Mix with agitation.” Dub. 
 
 For general observations on the Dublin essences see Essentia Anisi. The 
 longer spirit here used is alcohol of the sp.gr. 0'818. The dose of this pre- 
 ] ration is twenty or thirty drops. W. 
 
 TINCTURA MYRRILZE. U.S.,Lond., Ed., Dub. Tincture of 
 firrh. 
 
 “Take of Myrrh, bruised, four ounces; Alcohol three pints. Macerate for 
 l.rteen days, and filter through paper.” V. S. 
 
 The London College takes three ounces of powdered myrrh, and two Imperial 
 fits of rectified spirit, and macerates for a week. The Dublin College takes 
 fir avoirdupois ounces of bruised myrrh, two Imperial pints of rectified spirit, 
 a'l macefates for two weeks. 
 
 ‘Take of Myrrh, in moderately fine powder, three ounces and a half; Recti- 
 fy Spirit two joints [Imperial measure]. Pack the Myrrh very gently without 
 a ' Spirit in a percolator; then pour on the Spirit, and when thirty-three fluid- 
 oices have passed through, agitate well to dissolve the oleo-resinous matter 
 rich first passes, and which lies at the bottom. This tincture is much less 
 c veniently obtained by the process of digestion for seven days.” Ed. 
 
 Ifficinal alcohol is preferable, as a solvent of myrrh, to that fluid mixed with 
 er; because it forms a perfectly clear solution, which is not attainable with 
 t latter menstruum. The addition of water to the tincture renders it turbid. 
 
 5 ! tincture of myrrh is scarcely ever used internally. As a local application 
 employed to stimulate indolent and foul ulcers, and promote the exfoliation 
 o 'bones, and, diluted with water, is applied to spongy gums, aphthous sore 
 d ith,and ulcerations of the throat. The dose, as a stimulant expectorant and 
 e: nenagogue, is from thirty minims to a fluidrachm. 
 pff. Prep. Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhae. W. 
 
 TINCTURA NUCIS VOMICiE. U.S. Tincture of Nux Vomica. 
 Take of Nux Vomica, rasped, eight ounces; Alcohol two pints. Macerate 
 f( fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
1240 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 part : 
 
 “ This Tincture may also be prepared by moistening the Nux Vomica th< 
 oughly with alcohol, allowing it to stand for two days, then transferring it tc 
 percolator, and very gradually pouring Alcohol upon it until two pints of filter 
 liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 Should the operator have recourse to the second of these processes, it is of t 
 greatest importance that the nux vomica should be well powdered ; and, in cc 
 sequence of the difficult action of solvents on this substance, probably from t 
 presence of bassorin, the preliminary maceration should be continued for at let 
 a week. 
 
 The tincture is not an eligible form for administering nux vomica, as it 
 equally uncertain with the medicine in substance, and has the disadvantage 
 excessive bitterness. The alcoholic extract, or strychnia is preferable. T 
 dose of the tincture is from five to twenty drops. It is sometimes employ 
 externally in cases of local paralysis. W. 
 
 TINCTURA OLEI MENTH2E PIPERITiE. U. S. Essent 
 Mentha Piperit^e. Dub. Tincture of Oil of Peppermint. Essen 
 of P effer mint. 
 
 “ Take of Oil of Peppermint two fluidounces; Alcohol a pint. Dissolve t 
 Oil in the Alcohol.” U. S. 
 
 The Dublin College dissolves a fluidounce of the oil in nine fluidounces 
 its stronger spirit (alcohol, sp. gr. 0'818). 
 
 This is a very popular preparation, which has long been kept in the sbo 
 under the name of essence of peppermint, and was adopted for the first time 
 the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1840. It affords a convenient method of hasti 
 administering a dose of the oil of peppermint; being of such a strength th: 
 when dropped on loaf sugar, it may be taken without inconvenience by t 
 patient. The dose is from ten to twenty drops, which may be given as ju 
 mentioned, or mixed with sweetened water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Menthae Piperitae. W. 
 
 ESSENTIA MENTILE PULEGII. Dub. Essence of Europe 
 Pennyroyal. 
 
 “ Take of Oil of [European] Pennyroyal one fluidounce; Rectified Spi 
 nine fluidounces. Mix with agitation.” Dub. 
 
 This preparation is seldom or never used in the United States. It may 
 given in the dose of from fifteen to thirty drops. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Mentbae Pulegii. W. 
 
 TINCTURA OLEI MENTH.E VIRIDIS. U. S. Essent. 
 Menthae Viridis. Dub. Tincture of Oil of Spearmint. Essence ' 
 Spearmint. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Spearmint two fluidounces ; Alcohol a pint. Dissolve t: 
 Oil in the Alcohol.” U. S. 
 
 The Dublin College dissolves a fluidounce of the oil in nine fluidounces'. 
 its stronger spirit (alcohol of the sp. gr. 0'818). 
 
 The remarks made upon the tincture of oil of peppermint are applicable a > 
 to the present tincture. The dose of the essence of spearmint is from twenty 
 forty drops. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Menthae Viridis. V. 
 
 TINCTURA OPII. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Tincture of Opiu. 
 Laudanum. 
 
 “ Take of Opium, in powder, hco ounces and a balf; Diluted Alcohol i> 
 pints. Macerate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper.’’ 1. 8 
 
 The London College takes three ounces of opium, in powder, and two Imper l 
 pints of proof spirit, macerates for seven days, expresses, and filters. The Dull 
 
PRT II. 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 1241 
 
 (liege macerates three avoirdupois ounces of coarsely powdered opium in two 
 Iperial pints of proof spirit for fourteen days, strains, expresses, and filters. 
 
 ‘Take of Opium, sliced, three ounces; Rectified Spirit one pint and seven 
 Jiidounces [Imperial measure] ; Water thirteen fluidounces and a half. Digest 
 t Opium in the Water at a temperature near 212° for two hours; break down 
 t : Opium with the hand ; strain, and express the infusion ; macerate the re- 
 suum in the Rectified Spirit for about twenty hours, and then strain and 
 ejpress very strongly. Mix the watery and spirituous infusions, and filter. 
 
 “ This Tincture is not easily obtained by the process of percolation ; but when 
 t; Opium is of fine quality, it may be prepared thus. Slice the Opium finely; 
 ik the Spirit and Water; let the Opium macerate in fourteen fluidounces of 
 t; mixture for twelve hours, and then break it down thoroughly with the hand ; 
 jar the whole pulpy mass and fluid into a percolator, and let the fluid part 
 jls through; add the rest of the Spirit without packing the Opium in the 
 ciinder, and continue the process of percolation till two pints are obtained.” Ed. 
 The proportion of opium in the several officinal formulae is so nearly the same 
 mt the resulting tinctures may be considered identical. The apparent differ- 
 <ce between the formulae of the London and Edinburgh Colleges and ours will 
 pnish, when the relative value of the Imperial measure, which they employ, 
 ;d the wine measure of our Pharmacopoeia is estimated. The Dublin prepara- 
 >n is somewhat weaker than the others from the use of the avoirdupois ounce, 
 he drying and powdering of the opium, directed in all the Pharmacopoeias 
 {cept the Edinburgh, is clearly a useful provision ; as it ensures greater uni- 
 ymity in the strength of the tincture. Crude opium contains variable pro- 
 ■jrtions of moisture; and laudanum prepared from a moist specimen will 
 viously be weaker than that from an equal weight of the dried. The pulveri- 
 ition ensures the previous drying of the drug, and is thus useful independently 
 the greater facility which it gives to the action of the menstruum. It is 
 mblesome, however, and is often neglected. Innovation in so important a 
 eparation, and one in which uniformity of strength is so desirable, should be 
 oided, unless clearly shown to be necessary. For these reasons we object to 
 e Edinburgh formula, and greatly prefer the old standard of the U. S., London, 
 id Dublin Pharmacopoeias. 
 
 In the United States and Great Britain, this tincture is universally known by 
 e name of laudanum. As this term was formerly applied to other prepara- 
 ms of opium, and still continues to be so on the continent of Europe, the 
 peture is sometimes distinguished by the epithet liquidum, which, however, is 
 ldom used in this country. Tinctura Thcbaica is another title by which the 
 ■eparation is known. 
 
 About two-thirds of the opium used in the preparation of the tincture are 
 ssolved, the residue consisting chiefly of inert matter. Allowing the opium 
 I be wholly exhausted of its active principles, one grain would be represented 
 ff 12 "8 minims, according to the U. S. formula; but a minute quantity of 
 orphia has been detected in the residuary matter, so that the tincture is rather 
 eaker than the proportion of opium employed would indicate. The difference, 
 owever, is insufficient to be of any practical importance. 
 
 The tincture of opium is used for all the purposes to which opium itself is 
 yplied. (See Opium.') The dose, equivalent to a grain of opium, is about 
 lirteen minims, or twenty-five drops. Mr. Phillips, in his translation of the 
 london Pharmacopoeia of 1836, states that, by evaporating the tincture, and 
 iso by determining the quantity of opium left undissolved, he found the pre- 
 aration to contain one grain of opium in 19 minims; and this quantity, there- 
 >re, is given as the dose equivalent to a grain of opium. But this mode of 
 flculation is obviously fallacious ; as the portion of the drug dissolved is much 
 
1242 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 PART 
 
 more active than that left behind by the menstruum. Indeed, so feeble is t 
 latter, that Dr. Garrod recently gave thirty grains of the residue to a healt 
 adult without effect. ( Pliarm . Journ. and Trans., xi. 252.) It should be ree- 
 lected that a fluidrachm or teaspoonful of laudanum (sixty minims), will affo; 
 on an average, about one hundred and twenty drops. Laudanum, when lo 
 kept, with occasional exposure to the air, becomes thick, in consequence of t 
 evaporation of a portion of the alcohol, and the deposition of opium. If giv 
 in this state, it often acts with unexpected energy; and cases of death ha 
 resulted in infants from its use in doses which would have been entirely safe 
 the tincture had been clear. 
 
 Denarcotized laudanum, may be prepared by substituting the extract of opiu 
 in half the quantity for the opium itself, and previously to the maceration 
 diluted alcohol, exhausting it of the narcotina by ether.* 
 
 Off. Prep. Enema Opii; Linimentum Opii. W. 
 
 TINCTURA OPII ACETATA. U.S. Acetated Tincture 
 Opium. 
 
 “Take of Opium, in powder, two ounces ; Vinegar twelve fluidounces ; Alcoh 
 half a pint. Rub the Opium with the Vinegar; then add the Alcohol, an- 
 having macerated for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 This preparation was introduced into the second edition of our Pharmac-' 
 pceia as a substitute for the Acetum Opii or black drop of the original worl 
 the advantages of which it w T as supposed to possess, without being liable to tL 
 same objection of uncertainty of strength. The Acetum Opii, however, havin 
 maintained its standing in the estimation of the profession, and of the publt 
 was restored, in the edition of 1840, to its officinal rank, but so modified as t 
 ensure a preparation as uniform as is consistent with the variable quality of th 
 opium used. (See page 797.) At the same time the formula for the acetate 
 tincture was retained, as affording a useful preparation of the drug. It wa 
 originally employed by the late Dr. Joseph Ilartshorne, of Philadelphia. 
 
 The acetated tincture of opium may often be advantageously used in cases ii 
 which laudanum or opium itself produces unpleasant effects, such as nausea an* 
 vomiting, intense headache, great nervous disorder, &c. ; but the introductioi 
 of the salts of morphia into use has in a great measure superseded the necessit; 
 of this preparation. The dose is ten minims, or about twenty drops, equivalen 
 to a grain of opium. TT. 
 
 * Elixir of Opium. Under this name have been sold different liquid preparations o 
 opium, consisting mainly, in all probability, of an aqueous solution, with sufficien 
 alcohol to preserve it. A formula of this kind was published by Mr. Eugene Dupuv, o 
 New York, in the Am. Journ. of P harm, (xxiii. 211). Professor Procter in the same 
 place gives a formula, differing from that of Mr. Dupuy in the employment of ether 
 so as to obtain at one operation a preparation analogous to the denarcotized laudanun 
 mentioned in the text. The following is the formula referred to: — Take of opium.it 
 powder, ten drachms; ether, alcohol, each , four fluidounces ; water a sufficient guantit’i 
 Macerate the opium in half a pint of water for two days and express; subject the dregs 
 to two successive macerations, using six fluidounces of water each time, with expression: 
 mix and strain the liquors, and evaporate to two fluidounces; agitate the liquid with ethci 
 several times during half an hour, and then separate the ether by means of a funnel: 
 evaporate the residue to dryness, dissolve the extract in half a pint of cold water, poui 
 the solution on a filter, and after it has passed wash the filter with sufficient water tc 
 make the filtrate measure twelve fluidounces; lastly, add the alcohol and mix. This 
 affords a liquid preparation of about the same strength as laudanum, containing the native 
 meconate of morphia, without narcotina, and deprived of the unpleasant odour, and per- 
 haps other more or less offensive ingredients of opium. The dose equivalent to a gram 
 of opium is about thirteen minims ; but in drops less than that of the tincture, as the 
 elixir is much less alcoholic. Professor Procter has found, from numerous trials made 
 at our request, that the average number of .drops equivalent to thirteen minims is seven- 
 teen. — Note to the tenth edition. 
 
P,.T II. 
 
 Tinctures. 
 
 1248 
 
 CINCTURA OPII AMMONIATA. Ed. Ammoniated Tincture of 
 Oium. 
 
 Take of Benzoic Acid, and Saffron, chopped, of each, six drachms; Opium 
 sbd, half an ounce; Oil of Anise a drachm ; Spirit of Ammonia two pints 
 [I perial measure]. Digest for seven days, and then filter.” Ed. 
 
 'his tincture is used in Scotland under the title of paregoric elixir ; hut 
 di?rs both in composition and strength from the preparation known by that 
 rme in the United States. Some doubts have been entertained whether it 
 cctains morphia. It is well known that ammonia precipitates morphia from 
 it solutions ; but a great excess of ammonia redissolves the precipitate. To 
 dide the question, Mr. Gilbert, of Nottingham, submitted several portions of 
 tl. tincture to a chemical examination, and was unable to detect morphia in 
 tin. (See Med. Exam., iv. 493.) But we are not informed by the experi- 
 miter, whether the tincture was prepared, as directed by the College, with the 
 Enburgh spirit of ammonia, which is a strong alcoholic solution of the caustic 
 aldi, or with the London spirit, which is a comparatively feeble solution of 
 coonate of ammonia. In the former case the ammonia, according to Dr. 
 C’istison, is in sufficient excess to hold the morphia in solution. At best, 
 htever, the preparation is of doubtful propriety; as, if the ammoniacal spirit 
 s! uld not happen to have the due strength, or if the ammonia should escape 
 
 0 become carbonated by exposure, the strength of the tincture would be af- 
 
 fi.ed. It is employed in spasmodic complaints, such as hooping-cough and 
 anna. Eighty minims should contain about a grain of opium. W. 
 
 TINCTURA OPII CAMPHORATA. U. S., Ed., Dub. Tmctura 
 Cmphobje Composita. Lond. Camphorated Tincture of Opium, 
 l'.regoric Elixir. 
 
 ‘Take of Opium, in powder, Benzoic Acid, each, a drachm ; Oil of Anise a 
 fi drachm; Clarified Honey two ounces; Camphor two scruples; Diluted Alco- 
 h two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes fifty grains of camphor, seventy-two grains of pow- 
 ded opium, the same quantity of benzoic acid, a Jluidrachni of oil of anise, 
 ai two Imperial pints of proof spirit, macerates for seven days, and filters. 
 Ip Edinburgh College directs fifty grains of camphor, four scruples of opium, 
 $ r scnqdes of benzoic acid, a fiuidrachm of oil of anise, and two Imperial 
 pts of proof spirit, and digests for a week. The Dublin College takes a 
 caclim and a Tm// 1 [Dub. weight] of coarsely powdered opium, the same quan- 
 t • of benzoic acid, a drachm [Dub. weight] of camphor, a fiuidrachm of the 
 c] of anise, and two Imqrerial qrints of proof spirit, and macerates for two weeks. 
 
 This is the well-known paregoric elixir. It is a very pleasant anodyne and 
 a ispasmodic, much used to allay cough in chronic catarrh, asthma, consump- 
 th, pertussis, &e. ; to relieve nausea and slight pains in the stomach and 
 Ivels; to check diarrhoea; and, in infantile cases, to procure sleep. Half a 
 f dounce of the U. S. and London tincture contains rather less than a grain of 
 cum; of the Edinburgh and Dublin, about a grain. Liquorice, which was 
 oected in a former edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, was omitted in that of 
 110, in consequence of giving to the preparation the dark colour of laudanum, 
 pi thus leading to mistake. The dose for an infant is from five to twenty 
 ops, for an adult from one to two fluidraehms.* 
 
 Off. Prep. Mistura Glycyrrhizas Composita. TV”. 
 
 The following formulas have been adopted by the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy 
 
 1 the preparation of the two compound tinctures of opium, so much used under the 
 i nes of Bateman's drops and Godfrey's cordial. So long as these nostrums are employed, 
 i .s important that they should be prepared in a uniform manner, and of a certain 
 
1244 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 PART 
 
 ESSENTIA PIMENTiE. Dub. Essence of Pimento. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Pimento one fluidounce; Rectified Spirit nine fluidounc 
 Mix with agitation.” Dub. 
 
 For general observations on the Dublin essences see Essentia Anisi. Thed< 
 of this preparation is from thirty to sixty drops. 
 
 Off. Prep. Aqua Pimentse. TT. 
 
 TINCTURA QUASSIiE. TJ. S., Ed. Tincture of Quassia. 
 
 “Take of Quassia, rasped, two ounces; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Macen 
 for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “This Tincture may also be prepared by moistening the Quassia thorough 
 with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for forty-eight hours, then transferrii 
 it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alcohol until two pit 
 of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. 8. 
 
 The Edinburgh College takes ten drachms of quassia, and two Imperial pit 
 of proof spirit, and digests for a week. 
 
 In the edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1840, the proportion of the quass 
 to the menstruum was very judiciously doubled. A tonic tincture can scarce 
 contain too large a proportion of the active ingredient. The Edinburgh pr 
 paration is much too feeble. 
 
 This tincture may be employed as an addition to tonic infusions or mixtur 
 in the dose of one or two fluidraehms. It is a pure and intense bitter. W. 
 
 TINCTURA QUASSLE COMPOS IT A. Ed. Compound Tin, 
 lure of Quassia. 
 
 “Take of Cardamom seeds, bruised, and Cochineal, bruised, of each, half o 
 ounce ; Cinnamon, in moderately fine powder, and Quassia, in chips, of each, si 
 drachms; Raisins seven ounces; Proof Spirit two pints [Imperial measure 
 Digest for seven days, strain the liquor, express strongly the residuum, and filte: 
 This Tincture may also be obtained by percolation, as directed for Compoun 
 Tincture of Cardamom, provided the Quassia be rasped or in powder.” Ed. 
 
 This is tonic and aromatic, and may be given in the dose of one or two flu 
 drachms. W. 
 
 TINCTURA QUIN2E COMPOSITA. Loud. Compound Tinctur 
 of Quinia. 
 
 “Take of Disulphate [Sulphate, U. A] of Quinia five drachms and a scruple 
 Tincture of Orange Peel two pints [Imperial measure]. Digest for seven days 
 or until it is dissolved, and filter.” Loud. 
 
 A fluidrachm of this preparation, containing a grain of the sulphate of quinia 
 may be given for a dose. W. 
 
 strength ; as serious consequences may happen from diversity in the formula?, when s 
 active a substance as opium is the chief ingredient. Such diversity has existed to a ver 
 great extent : so much so that iu one formula for Bateman's drops the quantity of opiur 
 was seven and a half grains to the pint, while in another it exceeded one hundred grains 
 It was in order to remedy this evil, that the College was induced to adopt the formul? 
 here presented. 
 
 “ Bateman’ s pectoral drops. Take of Diluted Alcohol Cong, ir., Red Saunders, rasped 
 3 ij. Digest for twenty-four hours, filter, and add of Opium in powder 3 ij. Catechu it 
 powder 3 i j . , Camphor 3 ij . , Oil of Anise 1 'qiv. Digest for ten days.” This preparation i 
 about equal in strength to the camphorated tincture of opium or paregoric elixir of th< 
 U. S. Pharmacopoeia, containing about two grains of opium to the fluidounce. 
 
 “ Godfreys cordial. Take of Tincture of Opium Oiss.. Molasses (from the sugar re 
 finers) Oxvj., Alcohol Oij . , Water Oxxyj., Carbonate of Potassa 3 iiss. , Oil of Sassafra: 
 fjiv. Dissolve the Carbonate of Potassa in the Water, add the Molasses, and heat ovei 
 a gentle fire till they simmer: take off the scum which rises, and add the Laudanum an 
 Oil of Sassafras, having previously mixed them well together." This preparation con 
 tains the strength of rather more than one grain of opium in a fluidounce. ( Journ . or A 
 Phil. Col. of Pharm., v. 26 and 27.) 
 
PiT II. 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 1245 
 
 'INCTURA RIIEI. U.S.,Ed. Tincture of Rhubarb. 
 
 Take of Rhubarb, bruised, three ounces; Cardamom [seeds], bruised, half 
 on unce; Diluted Alcohol tico pints. Macerate for fourteen days, express, and 
 fill- through paper. 
 
 This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Rhubarb 
 an Cardamom, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing them to stand for 
 foit-eight hours, then transferring them to a percolator, and gradually pouring 
 upi them Diluted Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” 
 
 U.l 
 
 he Edinburgh College takes three ounces and a, half of rhubarb, in mode- 
 raly fine powder, half an ounce of bruised cardamom seeds, and two Imperiul 
 pis of proof spirit ; and prepares the tincture, like that of cinchona, either by 
 pefolation or by digestion. W. 
 
 'INCTURA RIIEI COMPOSITA. Eotid., Rub. Compound Tine - 
 tm of Rhubarb. 
 
 Take of Rhubarb, sliced, two oiinces and a half; fresh Liquorice Root, 
 brsed, six drachms ; Ginger, bruised, Saffron, each, three drachms ; Proof Spirit 
 tu pints [Imperial measure]. Macerate for seven days; then express, and 
 filr.” Lond. 
 
 he Dublin College employs three avoirdupois ounces of bruised rhubarb, one 
 av.rdupois ounce of bruised cardamom seeds, half an avoirdupois ounce of 
 bi sed liquorice root, two drachms [Dub. weight] of saffron, chopped fine, and 
 tv. Imperial pints of proof spirit; and macerates for two weeks. W. 
 
 'INCTURA RIIEI ET ALOES. U. S., Ed. Tincture of Rhu- 
 beb and Aloes. Elixir Sacrum. Sacred Elixir. 
 
 Take of Rhubarb, bruised, ten drachms; Aloes, in powder, six drachms; 
 Clamom [seeds], bruised, half an ounce ; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Mace- 
 ra for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper.” V. S. 
 
 he Edinburgh College takes an ounce and a half of rhubarb, in moderately 
 fit powder, six drachms of Socotrine or East India aloes, in moderately fine 
 peder, five drachms of bruised cardamom seeds, and two Imperial pints of 
 pnf spirit; mixes the dry materials, and proceeds as for the tincture of cin- 
 cha. W. 
 
 ’INCTURA RIIEI ET GENTIANiE. U. S., Ed. Tincture of 
 R'lbarb and Gentian. 
 
 Take of Rhubarb, bruised, two ounces; Gentian, bruised, half an ounce; 
 Dited Alcohol two pints. Macerate for fourteen days, express, and filter 
 tb ugh paper. 
 
 This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Rhubarb 
 ai Gentian, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing them to stand for 
 foy-eight hours, then transferring them to a percolator, and gradually pouring 
 u]i them Diluted Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” 
 
 us. 
 
 he Edinburgh College takes two ounces of rhubarb, in moderately fine powder, 
 h" an ounce of gentian, finely cut or in coarse powder, and two Imperial pints 
 ol roof spirit ; mixes the powders, and proceeds as for tincture of cinchona. 
 
 fie above tinctures of rhubarb are all in a greater or less degree purgative, 
 stnachic, and tonic; but, except in low states of the system, or in cases of in- 
 di duals accustomed to the use of ardent spirits, they are too feebly cathartic 
 in roportion to their stimulant power, to be advantageously employed, unless 
 as djuvants to other medicines. Combined with the neutral salts or other laxa- 
 ti s, or with tonic and stomachic infusions, mixtures, &c., they serve to render 
 
1246 
 
 Tincture. 
 
 PART 
 
 them warmer and more cordial to the stomach, and often prove beneficial 
 flatulent colic, dyspepsia, the costiveness of cold and irritable habits, diarrhc. 
 and other analogous complaints. One of them is to be preferred to anoth 
 according as its peculiar composition may, in the judgment of the practition 
 appear to adapt it to the circumstances of the case under treatment. In 1 
 forms of fever, when the indication is to evacuate the bowels, and at the sa 
 time stimulate the patient, the simple tincture ( Tinctura Rhei) may be adv; 
 tageously used in doses of two or three fluidrachms, repeated at proper interv, 
 till it operates. The ordinary dose of these tinctures, as purgatives, is fn 
 half a fluidouuce to a fluidounce; as stomachics, from one to two or three fl 
 drachms. W. 
 
 TINCTURA RHEI ET SENN2E. U. S. Tincture of Rhula 
 and Senna. 
 
 “ Take of Rhubarb, bruised, an ounce ; Senna two drachms; Coriander [seed 
 bruised, Fennel-seed, bruised, each, a drachm; Red Saunders, rasped, t 
 drachms; Saffron, Liquorice [extract], each, half a drachm; Raisins, depriv 
 of their seeds, half a pound ; Diluted Alcohol three joints. Macerate for foi 
 teen days, express, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 This is the stomachic so well known, and so much used in this country, unc 
 the name of Warner’s gout cordial. It is a feeble purgative, usually acceptal 
 to the stomach, and well adapted to cases of costiveuess, with gastric uneasine; 
 in persons of a gouty habit, and accustomed to the free use of wine or ott 
 stimulant drink. The dose is from half a fluidounce to two fluidounces. W. 
 
 ESSENTIA ROSMARINI. Dub. Essence of Rosemary. 
 
 “ Take of Oil of Rosemary one fluidounce ; Rectified Spirit nine fluidounc 
 Mix with agitation.” Dub. 
 
 For some general observations on the Dublin essences, see Essentia Am 
 This preparation is used as an addition to rubefacient liniments, and may 
 given internally in the dose of from thirty to sixty drops, or about half tb 
 number of minims. W. 
 
 TINCTURA SANGUINARIiE. U.S. Tincture of Bloodroot. 
 
 “ Take of Bloodroot, bruised, four ounces ; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Mac 
 rate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “ This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Bloodroc 
 in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for forty-eight hours, tb 
 transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alcoh 
 until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 This will prove emetic in the dose of three or four fluidrachms; but it 
 rather intended to act as a stimulant to the stomach, expectorant, or alterativ 
 for which purposes it may be given in the quantity of from thirty to six 
 drops. W. 
 
 TINCTURA SAPONIS CAMPHORATA. U.S. Liximento 
 Saponis. Lond., Ed., Dub. Camphorated Tincture of Soap. 
 
 “ Take of Soap [Castile soap], in shavings, four ounces; Camphor two ounce 
 Oil of Rosemary half a fluidounce; Water four fluidounces; Alcohol tico pin 
 Mix the Alcohol and Water, digest the Soap with the mixture by means of 
 water-bath till it is dissolved; then filter, and add the Camphor and Oil.” C- 
 
 The London College takes two ounces and a half of soap, ten drachms of cat 
 plior, eighteen fluidounces of spirit of rosemary', and two fluidounces of distill 
 water; mixes the water with the spirit, then adds the soap and camphor, ai 
 macerates, with occasional agitation, till they are dissolved. The Edinbun 
 College takes five ounces of Castile soap, two ounces and a half of camphor, s 
 
Pi.T II. 
 
 Tincturas. 
 
 1247 
 
 jmrachms of oil of rosemary, and two Imperial pints of rectified spirit; digests 
 thsoap in the spirit for three days, adds the camphor and oil, and agitates 
 brkly. The Dublin College dissolves two avoirdupois ounces of powdered 
 (Kile soap in sixteen fluidounces of proof spirit with a gentle heat, then adds 
 anvoirdvpois ounce of camphor ; and, when it is dissolved, filters through paper, 
 or Hows it to stand, and decants the clear liquor. 
 
 i is necessary, in preparing this tincture, that the soap employed should not 
 ha; been made with animal oil, as otherwise the preparation will not be fluid at 
 or nary temperatures. The soap indicated by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia is that 
 “ epared from soda and olive oil,” commonly called Castile soap. Made ac- 
 co ing to the directions of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1840, the tincture was 
 urble to retain the soap in solution, and, therefore, coagulated more or less on 
 coing. This defect was corrected in the edition of 1850, by the addition 
 of rater; and a similar reformation has been made in the London and Dublin 
 presses, the latter using proof spirit, instead of the spirit of rosemary. This 
 pnaration has been usually called soap liniment, a name which more properly 
 bengs to the Linimentum Saponis Camphoratum of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, 
 or am m on opodeldoc. 
 
 he camphorated tincture of soap is much used, as an anodyne and gently 
 ru:facient embrocation, in sprains, bruises, and rheumatic or gouty pains. 
 
 'iff. Prep. Linimentum Opii. W. 
 
 TNCTURA SCILL2E. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Tincture of 
 Skill. 
 
 Take of Squill four ounces ; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Macerate for four- 
 te days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Squill, in 
 pcder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for twenty-four hours, then 
 tnsferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alcohol, 
 url two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 he London College takes five ounces of recently dried squill and two Impo- 
 rt pints of proof spirit, and macerates for seven days; the Dublin, five avoir- 
 dins ounces of the former and two Imperial pints of the latter, and macerates 
 fo our teen days. The Edinburgh College takes five ounces of coarsely pow- 
 ded squill, and two Imperial pints of proof spirit, and proceeds by percolation, 
 as ir the tincture of Peruvian bark, but without pressing the pulp firmly in the 
 peolator. The College also allows the tincture to be prepared by digestion 
 fru the sliced bulb. 
 
 his tincture possesses all the virtues of squill, and may be given for the same 
 prioses, whenever the spirituous menstruum is not objectionable. The dose 
 as n expectorant or diuretic is from ten to twenty minims (twenty to forty 
 dr s), and the latter quantity frequently nauseates. W. 
 
 INCTURA SENNiE COMPOSITA. Lond., Dub. Compound 
 T cture of Senna. 
 
 Take of Senna three ounces and a half ; Caraway [seeds], bruised, three 
 drhms and a half; Cardamom [seeds], bruised, a drachm ; Raisins, deprived 
 of eds, five ounces ; Proof Spirit two pints [Imperial measure]. Macerate for 
 se n days; then express, and filter.” Lond. 
 
 he Dublin College takes four avoirdupois ounces of senna, half an avoirdu- 
 po ounce of caraway, the same quantity of cardamom seeds, and two Imperial 
 pi > of proof spirit, and macerates for fourteen days. 
 
 his tincture is the elixir salutis of the old Pharmacopoeias. It is a warm 
 co ial purgative, useful in costiveness attended with flatulence, and in atonic 
 go , especially when occurring in intemperate persons. It is also added to 
 
1248 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 PART 
 
 cathartic infusions and mixtures. The dose is from two fluidrachms to a flu 
 ounce or more. W. 
 
 TINCTURA SENN2E ET JALAP2E. U. S. Tinctura Sex> 
 
 Composita. Ed. Tincture of Senna and Jalap. 
 
 “Take of Senna three ounces ; Jalap, in powder, an ounce; Coriander [seed; 
 bruised, Caraway [seeds], bruised, each, half an ounce ; Cardamom [seed, 
 bruised, two drachms ; Sugar [refined] four ounces; Diluted Alcohol th 
 pints. Macerate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper, 
 
 “ This Tincture may also be prepared by beating well together the Seur 
 Jalap, Sugar, and Aromatics, moistening them thoroughly with Diluted Alt 
 liol, allowing them to stand for forty-eight hours, then transferring them to 
 percolator, and gradually pouring upon them Diluted Alcohol until three pii 
 of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Sugar two ounces and a half ; Coriander, bruised, one ounce; Jala 
 in moderately fine powder, six drachms; Senna four ounces ; Caraway, bruise 
 and Cardamom seeds, bruised, of each, five drachms; Raisins, bruised, fo 
 ounces; Proof Spirit two pints [Imperial measure]. Digest for seven da\ 
 strain the liquor, express strongly the residuum, and filter the liquids. T1 
 Tincture may be more conveniently and expeditiously prepared by pereolatic 
 as directed for the Compound Tincture of Cardamom.” Ed. 
 
 This is another form of the elixir salutis , and scarcely differs from the pi 
 ceding in virtues. It is given for the same purposes, and in the same doses. 
 
 TINCTURA SERPENTARIaE. U. S., Lond., Ed. Tincture 
 
 Virginia Snalceroot. 
 
 “ Take of Virginia Snakeroot, bruised, three ounces; Diluted Alcohol two fin 
 Macerate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “ This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Virgin 
 Snakeroot, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for twenty-fo 
 hours; then transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Dilut< 
 Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes three ounces and a half of the root, and tiro Impen 
 pints of proof spirit, and macerates for seven days; the Edinburgh, three ounc 
 and a half of the root, iu moderately fine powder, a drachm of bruised coct 
 neal, and two Imperial pints of proof spirit, and proceeds either by pereolatic 
 or digestion as for the tincture of Peruvian bark. 
 
 This tincture possesses the tonic and cordial properties of the root, and on 
 be advantageously added to the infusion of Peruvian bark in low states of tl 
 system. The dose is one or two fluidrachms. » • 
 
 TINCTURA STRAMONII. U. S., Dub. Tincture of Stramoniui 
 
 “ Take of Stramonium Seed, bruised, four ounces; Diluted Alcohol two poo 
 Macerate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “ This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Strain 
 nium Seed, in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for forty-eig! 
 hours, then transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Dilute 
 Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” I . S. 
 
 The Dublin College takes five a voirdupois ounces of the bruised seeds, and tv 
 Imperial pints of proof spirit, and macerates for fourteen days. 
 
 This tincture may be used for all the purposes for which stramonium is give 
 in the dose of from ten to twenty minims (twenty to forty drops), repeated twi 
 or thrice a day, and gradually increased till it obviously affects the system.^ 
 
PAT II. 
 
 Tincturse. 
 
 1249 
 
 riNCTURA TOLUTANA. U. S., Lond ., Ed., Dub. Tincture of 
 T.u. 
 
 .‘Take of Balsam of Tolu three ounces; Alcohol two pints. Macerate until 
 tl Balsam is dissolved; then filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 ’he London College employs two ounces of the balsam to two Imperial pints 
 ofrectified spirit; the Edinburgh, three ounces and a half of the balsam to two 
 Ii>erial pints of rectified spirit; the Dublin, two avoirdupois ounces to an Im- 
 pdal pint. The last mentioned College directs the balsam to he dissolved with 
 tl aid of a gentle heat, the solution to stand for subsidence, and the clear tinc- 
 ti; to be decanted. 
 
 'he tincture of tolu has the properties of the balsam, and may be employed 
 asn addition to expectorant mixtures in chronic catarrhal affections; but the 
 pnortion of alcohol is too large to allow of its advantageous use in ordinary 
 cc;s. The dose is one or two fluidrachms. In smaller quantities it is often 
 enloyed to flavour cough mixtures. It is decomposed by water. 
 
 Iff. Prep. Syrupus Tolutanus; Trochisci Lactucarii; Trochisci Morphiae; 
 Tchisci Morphiae et Ipecacuanhae; Trochisci Opii. W. 
 
 HNCTURA VALERIANaE. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Tincture 
 oWalerian. 
 
 Take of Valerian, bruised, four ounces; Diluted Alcohol two pints. Mace- 
 ra for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Valerian, 
 imowder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for twenty-four hours, then 
 tr sferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Diluted Alcohol 
 ui l two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 he London College takes five ounces of bruised valerian, and two Imperial 
 pi's of proof spirit, and macerates for seven days; the Dublin, five avoirdupois 
 oi "es of the powdered root, and two Imperial pints of proof spirit, and mace- 
 ras for fourteen days; the Edinburgh, five ounces of the former and two Im- 
 pial pints of the latter, and proceeds by percolation or digestion as for the 
 tii ture of Peruvian bark. 
 
 his tincture possesses the properties of valerian, but cannot be given in or- 
 di ry cases, so as to produce the full effects of the root, without stimulating 
 to highly in consequence of the large proportion of spirit. The dose is from 
 or to four fluidracbms. W. 
 
 INCTURA VALERIANA!] AMMONIATA. U.S.,Ed. Tinctura 
 \Leriaiwe Composita. Lond. Ammoniated Tincture of Valerian. 
 
 Take of Valerian, bruised, four ounces; Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia two 
 pis. Macerate for fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Valerian, 
 inowder, with Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia, allowing it to stand for twenty- 
 fo hours in a covered vessel, then transferring it to a percolator, and gradually 
 pc ing upon it Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia until two pints of filtered liquor 
 ar obtained.” U. S. 
 
 he London College takes five ounces of bruised valerian, and two Imperial 
 pis of aromatic spirit of ammonia, and macerates for seven days; the Edin- 
 bu L, five ounces of valerian, and two Imperial pints of spirit of ammonia, and 
 preeds either by percolation, or by digestion in a well closed vessel, as directed 
 fo incture of Peruvian bark. 
 
 he ammonia in this preparation is thought to assist the solvent powers of 
 th dcohol, while it co-operates with the valerian in medical action. The tine- 
 tu is employed as an antispasmodic in hysteria and other nervous affections. 
 79 
 
1250 
 
 Tincturse . — Trocliisci. 
 
 paex : 
 
 The dose is one or two fiuidraehms, and should be given in sweetened watt 
 milk, or some mucilaginous fluid. W. 
 
 TINCTURA ZINGIBERTS. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Tincture 
 
 Ginger. 
 
 “ Take of Ginger, bruised, eight ounces; Alcohol tv;o pints. Macerate f 
 fourteen days, express, and filter through paper. 
 
 “This Tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Gingt 
 in powder, with Diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for twenty-four horn 
 then transferring it to a percolator, and gradually pouring upon it Dilut 
 Alcohol until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. H. 
 
 The London College takes two ounces and a half of sliced ginger, and ti 
 Imperial joints of rectified spirit, and macerates for seven days; the Bulk 
 eight avoirdupois ounces of coarsely powdered ginger, and two Imperial pints 
 rectified spirit, and macerates for fourteen days; the Edinburgh, two ounces ai 
 a half of coarsely powdered ginger, and two Imperial pints of rectified spir 
 and proceeds either by percolation or digestion, as for tincture of Peruvian bar 
 
 The tinctures of the London and Edinburgh Colleges are too weak with gi 
 ger to be used advantageously for any other purpose than merely to impa 
 flavour. We greatly prefer the processes of the U. S. and Dublin Pharmacopoeia 
 which yield preparations in which the virtues of the ginger are not complete 
 swallowed up in the menstruum. In consequence of the mucilaginous matt 
 contained in ginger, the tincture made with diluted alcohol, or proof spirit, 
 apt to be turbid. Alcohol or rectified spirit is, therefore, properly preferre 
 We presume that the diluted alcohol directed in the U. S. process by percol 
 tion has been inadvertently put for alcohol, as the latter is directed in the fit 
 formula. Good Jamaica ginger should be used. 
 
 The tincture of ginger is a useful carminative, and may often be beneficial 
 added to tonic and purgative infusions or mixtures, in debilitated states of t 
 alimentary canal. It is, however, in this country, chiefly used for the prepai 
 tion of syrup of ginger, for which purpose it is necessary' to employ the stroi 
 tincture of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Off. Prep. Extractum lthei Eluidum ; Syrupus Zingiberis. W. 
 
 TROCHISCI. 
 
 Troches. 
 
 Troches or lozenges are small, dry, solid masses, usually of a flattened shap 
 consisting for the most part of powders incorporated with sugar and mucilag 
 They are designed to be held in the mouth, and dissolved slowly in the saliy 
 aud are, therefore, adapted for the administration of those medicines only whi 
 do not require to be given in very large quantities, and are destitute of any ve 
 disagreeable flavour. They are much more used, and more skillfully prepare 
 in Europe than in this country'. Tragacanth, from the greater tenacity ol 
 mucilage, is better suited for their formation than gum Arabic. The followi 
 directions for preparing them are taken from the Dictionnaire des Drogues. 
 mucilage of tragacanth is first prepared with cold water aud strained. W i 
 this the powders, including sugar, are thoroughly mixed by rubbing upon 
 marble slab, and are thus formed into a paste, which is spread out by mea 
 of a roller upon the surface of the marble, previously powdered over with 
 mixture of sugar and starch. The thickness of the extended mass is render 
 uniform by a frame upon which the ends of the roller are placed. The upf 
 surface is now covered with a thin layer of sugar and starch, and the mass ■ 
 
;.rt ii. 
 
 Trochisci. 
 
 1251 
 
 (t^ided into small cakes of a particular shape by means of a punch. These 
 ikes are placed upon paper, and, having been exposed to the air for twelve 
 lurs, are carried into a drying room moderately heated. When perfectly dry 
 ley are thrown upon a sieve to separate the sugar and starch, and are then 
 iclosed in bottles. In this way lozenges may be prepared from almost any 
 ndieine which the physician may deem it advisable to administer in that form, 
 he following formula will serve as a guide. Take of citric acid, in powder, a 
 (lachm; refined sugar eight ounces; oil of lemons twelve minims; mucilage 
 ii tragacanth a sufficient quantity. Form them in the manner above directed 
 i:o troches of twelve grains each. A species of lozenge is made by uniting the 
 somatic essential oils with sugar alone ; but their preparation belongs to the 
 cafectioner rather than to the apothecary. The London and Dublin Phartna- 
 cipoeias have omitted troches altogether. W. 
 
 TROCHISCI ACACIZE. Ed. Troches of Gum Arabic. 
 
 “Take of Gum Arabic four ounces ; Starch one ounce; Pure Sugar one pound. 
 lix and pulverize them, and make them into a proper mass with rose-water for 
 tailing lozenges.” Ed. 
 
 These are useful in allaying the irritation of the fauces which excites cough- 
 ilt, and may be employed at pleasure. W. 
 
 TROCIIISCI ACIDI TARTARICI. Ed. Troches of Tartaric 
 fid. 
 
 “Take of Tartaric Acid two drachms; Pure Sugar eight ounces; Volatile Oil 
 (Lemons ten minims. Pulverize the Sugar and Acid, add the Oil, mix them 
 throughly, and with Mucilage beat them into a proper mass for making 
 ljjenges.” Ed. 
 
 These may be used as an agreeable refrigerant and demulcent in slight colds 
 si fevers; but in large quantities are apt to derange the stomach. W. 
 
 TROCHISCI CRETiE. U. S., Ed. Troches of Chalk. 
 
 “Take of Prepared Chalk four ounces; Gum Arabic, in powder, an ounce; 
 l.tmeg, in powder, a drachm; Sugar, in powder, six ounces. Rub them to- 
 £ her until they are intimately mixed; then with water form them into a mass, 
 tbe divided into Troches, each weighing ten grains.” U. S. 
 
 The Edinburgh College uses the same ingredients in the same proportions, and 
 tits them with a little water into a proper mass for making lozenges. 
 
 These are used as a gently astringent antacid in diarrhoea. W. 
 
 TROCHISCI GLYCYRRHIZiE. Ed. Troches of Liquorice. 
 
 ‘Take of Extract of Liquorice [Liquorice, U. S.], and Gum Arabic, of each, 
 s' ounces; Pure Sugar one pound. Dissolve them in a sufficiency of boiling 
 vj;er; and then concentrate the solution over the vapour-bath to a proper con- 
 s' ence for making lozenges.” Ed. 
 
 These lozenges are useful in allaying cough, but have been superseded in 
 gat measure by refined liquorice. W. 
 
 TROCHISCI GLYCYRRHIZ^E ET OPII. U.S. Trochisci Opii. 
 A. Troches of Liquorice and Opium. 
 
 ‘ Take of Opium, in powder, half an ounce; Liquorice, in powder, Sugar, in 
 prder, Gum Arabic, in powder, each, ten ounces; Oil of Anise a fluidrachm. 
 ix the powders intimately; then add the Oil of Anise, and with water form 
 t m into a mass, to be divided into Troches, each weighing six grains.” U. S. 
 
 ‘Take of Opium two drachms ; Tincture of Tolu half an ounce ; Pure Sugar, 
 ii fine powder, six ounces; Powder of Gum Arabic, and Extract of Liquorice 
 [ quorice, U. S.], of each, Jive ounces. Reduce the Opium to a fluid extract 
 
1252 
 
 Trochisci. 
 
 PART i 
 
 by formula [page 983 U.S. Dispensatory]; mix it intimately with the Liqu 
 rice previously reduced to the consistence of treacle; add the Tincture; sprink 
 the Gum and Sugar into the mixture, and beat it into a proper mass, which 
 to be divided into lozenges of ten grains.” Ed. 
 
 The U. S. formula is more easy of execution than the Edinburgh, and affon 
 a product probably not inferior. A preparation equivalent to the above is mui 
 used in Philadelphia under the name of Wistars cough lozenges. Sometim 
 sulphate of morphia is substituted in equivalent proportion for the opium, ai 
 occasionally a little tartar emetic is added ; but these modifications of the officin 
 formula are not admissible without a change of title. 
 
 These troches are demulcent and anodyne, and useful in allaying cough, wh< 
 the case admits the employment of opium, of which each of them, prepared a 
 cording to the U.S. formula, contains about one-tenth of a grain. TV. 
 
 TROCHISCI IPECACUANHA. U.S. Troches of Ipecacuanh 
 
 “ Take of Ipecacuanha, in powder, half an ounce; Sugar, in powder, fourtei 
 ounces; Arrow-root, in powder, four ounces; Mucilage of Tragac-anth a svfficie 
 quantity. Mix the powders intimately, and with the Mucilage form them in 
 a mass, to be divided into Troches, each weighing ten grains.” U. S. 
 
 These are useful expectorant lozenges in catarrhal complaints. Each of the 
 contains about one-quarter of a grain of ipecacuanha. TV. 
 
 TROCHISCI LACTUCARII. Ed. Troches of Lactucarium. 
 
 “To be prepared with Lactucarium in the same proportion and in the sau 
 manner as the Opium Lozenge.” Ed. 
 
 This is a very feeble preparation ; each lozenge containing only between tl 
 fifth and sixth of a grain of lactucarium. TV. 
 
 TROCHISCI MAGNESIA. U.S.,Ed. Troches of Magnesia. 
 
 “Take of Magnesia four ounces; Sugar a pound ; Nutmeg, in powder, 
 draclnn; Mucilage of Tragacanth a sufficient quantity. Rub the Magnesi 
 Sugar, and Nutmeg together until they are thoroughly mixed; then with tl 
 Mucilage form them into a mass, to be divided into Troches, each weighing te 
 grains.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Carbonate of Magnesia six ounces; Pure Sugar three ounces; Nu 
 meg one scruple. Pulverize them, and with Mucilage of Tragacanth beat the 
 into a proper mass for making lozenges.” Ed. 
 
 These are useful in acidity of stomach, especially when attended with const 
 pation. TV. 
 
 TROCHISCI MENTHA PIPERITA. U.S. Troches of Peppe 
 mint. 
 
 “Take of Oil of Peppermint a fhiidraclim ; Sugar, in powder, a poum 
 Mucilage of Tragacanth a sufficient quantity. Rub the Oil of Peppermint wi> 
 the Sugar until they are thoroughly mixed; then with the Mucilage form the 
 into a mass, to be divided into Troches, each weighing ten grains.” U. S. 
 
 Useful in slight gastric or intestinal pains, nausea, and flatulence; but er 
 ployed more for their agreeable flavour than for their medicinal effects. TV. 
 TROCHISCI MORPHIA. Ed. Troches of Morphia. 
 
 “Take of Muriate of Morphia one scruple; Tincture of Tolu half an ounct 
 Pure Sugar twenty-five ounces. Dissolve the Muriate of Morphia in a little k 
 water; mix it and the Tincture of Tolu with the Sugar; and with a sufliciem 
 of Mucilage form a proper mass for making lozenges, each of which should web 
 about fifteen grains.” Ed. 
 
 Useful for alleviating cough, and for other purposes which are answered 1 
 minute doses of morphia, of the muriate of which each lozenge contains abo 
 one-fortieth of a grain. " > 
 
1253 
 
 lRT II. Trochisci . — Unguenta. 
 
 TROCHISCI MORPHIA ET IPECACUANHA. Ed. Troches 
 ' Morphia and Ipecacuanha. 
 
 “Take of Muriate of Morphia one scruple; Ipecacuan, in fine powder, one 
 iiachm; Tincture of Tolu half a fluidounce ; Pure Sugar twenty-five ounces. 
 issolve the Muriate in a little hot water; mix it with the Tincture and the Ipe- 
 icuan and Sugar; and with a sufficiency of Mucilage beat the whole into a proper 
 iiss, which is to be divided into fifteen grain lozenges.” Ed. 
 
 Expectorant and anodyne, useful especially in allaying cough. Each lozenge 
 intains about one-fortieth of a grain of muriate of morphia, and three times as 
 ;ach ipecacuanha. W. 
 
 TROCHISCI SODA BICARBON ATIS. U.S., Ed. Troches of 
 icarbonate of Soda. 
 
 “Take of Bicarbonate of Soda four ounces ; Sugar, in powder, a pound ; Mu- 
 iage of Tragacanth a sufficient quantity. Rub the Bicarbonate of Soda with 
 e Sugar until they are thoroughly mixed; then with the Mucilage form them 
 to a mass, to be divided into Troches, each weighing ten grains.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Bicarbonate of Soda one ounce ; Pure Sugar three ounces; Gum 
 rabic half an ounce. Pulverize them, and with mucilage beat them into a 
 oper mass for making lozenges.” Ed. 
 
 Antacid and antilithic, useful in heartburn and uric acid gravel. W. 
 
 UNGUENTA. 
 
 Ointments. 
 
 These are fatty substances, softer than cerates, of a consistence resembling 
 at of butter, and such that they may be readily applied to the skin by in- 
 action. AVhen ointments are prepared by merely mixing medicinal substances 
 th simple ointment or lard , care should be taken, if the added substance be a 
 wder, that it be brought to the finest possible state of division, before being 
 porporated with the unctuous matter. If soluble in water or alcohol, it may 
 oen be advantageously rubbed with a little of one of these liquids. Gritty mat- 
 • should not be allowed to enter these preparations. When an extract is added, 
 not uniformly soft, it should be made so by trituration with a little water or 
 ;cohol according to its nature. Many of the ointments become rancid if long 
 pt, and should, therefore, be prepared in small quantities at a time, or only 
 ren wanted for use. The tendency to rancidity may be in a considerable degree 
 'unteracted by imbuing the unctuous vehicle with benzoin, or with poplar 
 ds, as recommended by M. Deschamps (see Am. Journ. of P harm., xv. 260); 
 t care should be taken that there be no therapeutical objection to the admix- 
 'jre. Slippery elm bark is said to have the same effect. (Seepage 741.) Ac- 
 o'ding to Dr. Geisler, ten drops of spirit of nitric ether, incorporated with an 
 nee of ointment, obviates the disagreeable fatty odour of these preparations. 
 •‘harm. Cent. Blatt , A. D. 1847, p. 927, from Arch, der Pliarm .) W. 
 
 ADEPS SUILLUS PRAPARATUS. Dab. Prepared Lard. 
 
 “Take of Lard of Commerce any convenient quantity. Melt it in twice its 
 ight of boiling water, stirring the mixture constantly; then set the mixture 
 ■ de to cool, and separate the Lard when it has solidified.” Dub. 
 
 : Perfectly fresh lard is so readily obtainable in our markets that this process 
 unnecessary with us; but the apothecary cannot be too much upon his guard, 
 preparing the ointments, to have the lard entirely free from salt and rancidity. 
 
1254 
 
 TJnguenta. 
 
 PART i 
 
 UNGUENTUM ANTIMONII. U. S. Unguentum Antiuoniali 
 Ed. Unguentum Antimonii Potassio-tartratis. Lend. Uxguentu 
 Antimonii Tartarizati. Dub. Antimonial Ointment. Tartar Emet ■ 
 Ointment. 
 
 “Take of Tartrate of Antimony and Potassa, in very fine powder, two drachm: 
 Lard an ounce. Rub the Tartrate of Antimony and Potassa with a little of tl 
 Lard, then add the remainder, and mix them.” U. S. 
 
 The London and Edinburgh Colleges mix an ounce of tartar emetic and /o; 
 ounces of lard ; the Dublin, a drachm of the former, and seven drachms of tl 
 ointment of white wax. 
 
 This may be most conveniently prepared with simple ointment , as lard is tc 
 soft to be spread on linen, and simple ointment is sufficiently so to be applied 1 
 inunction. 
 
 The peculiar eruptive effects of tartar emetic may be procured in various way 
 by means either of a strong solution, or of the powder sprinkled upon the surfac 
 of some adhesive plaster, or of the ointment as above directed. The last methej 
 is, perhaps, the most convenient, and most generally resorted to. The proportiol 
 of tartar emetic may vary from one drachm with the ounce of lard, to two drachm 
 as in the U. S. officinal formula, or even to three drachms when a speedy eftec 
 is required, or the skin is not very susceptible to its action. A small portion < 
 the ointment may be rubbed twice a day, or more frequently, upon the surfac 
 to be affected, or it may be applied spread upon a piece of linen. Care shonl 
 be taken that the cuticle be entire, and that the application be not too long cor 
 tinued ; as otherwise very severe inflammation, and even gangrenous uleeratioi 1 
 may result. We have, however, in some instances of great urgency, applied tb 
 ointment to a surface recently scarified in the operation of cupping; but, unde 
 such circumstances, it should be used with much caution. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM AQUiE ROS2E. TJ.S. Ointment of Rose Water. 
 
 “Take of Rose Water a fluid ounce; Oil of Almonds two fluid ounces; Spe: 
 maceti half an ounce; White Wax a drachm. Melt together, by means of 
 water-bath, the Oil, Spermaceti, and Wax; then add the Rose Water and st ; 
 the mixture constantly until it is cold.” U. S. 
 
 This preparation is much employed under the name of cold cream. It is 
 white, very soft, and elegant unguent, deriving a grateful odour from the ros 
 water, which remains incorporated with the other constituents if kept enclose 
 in glazed vessels. It is a pleasant, cooling application to irritated and excoriate 
 surfaces; and may be used with great advantage for chapped lips and hands, s 
 frequent in cold weather. As the ointment is liable to become rancid when Ion 
 kept, and the water to separate upon exposure, Mr. Jospph Laidley has propose 
 the substitution for the rose water of oil of roses and glycerin, the former in th 
 proportion of two drops, the latter in that of four fluidrac-hms, the quantity ( 
 spermaceti being increased by two drachms, (im. Journ. of Pharm., xii. IIP. 
 For some purposes the substitution is useful ; but the officinal preparation 
 preferable for chapped hands, as the glycerin, not being absorbed, leaves a 
 unpleasant sensation of stickiness on the skin. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM BELLADONNAS. U.S.,Lond. Ointment of Belle 
 donna. 
 
 “Take of Extract of Belladonna a drachm ; Lard an ounce. Mix them. ’ U. < 
 
 The London formula is the same. 
 
 This is a convenient form for the external application of the extract of belli 
 donna. Care must be taken in preparing it that the extract employed have tl 
 proper consistence; and, if dry and lumpy, it may be restored to the proper stai 
 by rubbing it with a little water in a heated mortar. R • 
 
p it ir. 
 
 Unguenta. 
 
 1255 
 
 JNGUENTITM CANTHARIDIS. U. S., Lond., Dub. Hnguentum 
 I;?USI Cantharidis. Ed. Ointment of Spanish Flies. 
 
 ‘Take of Spanish Flies, in powder, two ounces; Distilled Water half a pint; 
 Esin Cerate eight ounces. Boil down the Water with the Spanish Flies to one- 
 hf, and strain; then mix the Cerate with the strained liquor, and evaporate to 
 fljj proper consistence.” US. • 
 
 The London College takes three ounces of the flies, in very fine powder, twelve 
 fit. Jounces of distilled water, and a jmund of resin cerate, and proceeds as above. 
 
 ■ Take of Cantharides, in moderately fine powder, Resin, and Bees’-wax, of 
 e;h one ounce; Venice Turpentine, and Axunge [lard], of each, two ounces; 
 Ring Water five fluidounccs. Infuse the Cantharides in the Water for one 
 n bt, squeeze strongly, and filter the expressed liquid. Add the Axunge, and 
 bf till the water is dispersed. Then add the Wax and Resin; and when these 
 h e become liquid, remove the vessel from the fire, add the Turpentine, and 
 nc the whole thoroughly.” Ed. 
 
 ‘Take of Liniment of Spanish Flies eight fluid ounces ; White Wax three 
 opes [avoirdupois]; Spermaceti one ounce [avoird.]. Melt the Wax and Sper- 
 nceti in the Oil, with a gentle heat, and stir the mixture constantly until it 
 clcretes.” Dub. 
 
 By these processes, the active matter of the flies is more uniformly diffused 
 t'jough the ointment than when they are directly incorporated, in the state of 
 p?der, with the other ingredients. The preparation is thus better calculated 
 tcneet the end proposed of maintaining the discharge from blistered surfaces, 
 W'hout producing undue irritation. It has been said that the virtues of the 
 fls are impaired by boiling; but the contrary has been proved by experiment 
 toe the case; the cantharidin being neither altered nor volatilized at the boiling 
 tuperature. (See Canthciris .) The Edinburgh College, therefore, gains nothing 
 b the substitution of infusion. It is necessary, in the U. S. and London pro- 
 cses, after the strained decoction and cerate have been mixed, to stir constantly 
 ding the continuance of the evaporation, in order to prevent the former from 
 s king to the bottom. Unless with care a considerable portion of the decoction 
 w be retained by the flies when strained, and thus loss be incurred. To pre- 
 v t this, pour the concentrated decoction into a glass funnel with some cotton 
 t st in its mouth, and, when the liquid ceases to pass, pour in water gradually 
 all carefully until four fluidounees of the filtered decoction are obtained ; then 
 piceed to incorporate this with the cerate as directed. The Dublin preparation 
 isjflore elegant than the others, the liniment ordered being an oleaginous solution 
 
 0 the active matter of the flies, and easily mixing with the other ingredients. 
 
 1 should be recollected that this ointment is intended as a dressing for blisters, 
 
 n to produce vesication. The Edinburgh ointment differs from the others in 
 chaining Venice turpentine, which renders it more stimulating. Dupuytren’ s 
 oytment employed as a local application to prevent the loss of hair, was made 
 b macerating a drachm of flies in a fluidounce of alcohol, and incorporating 
 o. part of the tincture thus formed with nine parts of lard. W. 
 
 jlJNGUENTUM CANTHARIDIS. Ed. Ceratum Cantharidis. 
 j md. Ointment of the Poioder of Spanish Flies. 
 
 ‘Take of Resinous Ointment seven ounces ; Cantharides, in very fine powder, 
 o ounce. Melt the Ointment ; sprinkle into it the Cantharides powder, and 
 s ■ the mixture briskly as it concretes on cooling.” Ed. 
 
 ‘Take of Spanish Flies, in very fine powder, an ounce; Spermaceti Cerate six 
 opes. To the Cerate softened by heat, add the Flies, and mix.” Lond. 
 
 This ointment, like the preceding, is intended as a dressing for blistered sur- 
 f les, with a view to maintain the discharge. The flies should be very finely 
 
1256 
 
 Unguenta. 
 
 PART . 
 
 powdered, in order that they may he diffused as uniformly as possible throu 
 the mass. It is unfortunate that the term ceratum cantharidis has been c<- 
 ferred upon this preparation by the London College; as the same name is p. 
 perly applied in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia to the preparation of flies intended > 
 be used as a vesicatory. Neither of these ointments can be used in individu; 
 liable to strangury from the external application of cantharides. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM CETACEI. Lond. Spermaceti Ointment. 
 
 “Take of Spermaceti five ounces; White Wax fourteen drachms ; Olive ( 
 a pud [Imperial measure], or a sufficient quantity. Melt them together ove:. 
 slow fire, and stir them constantly until cold.” Loncl. 
 
 This ointment is employed as a mild dressing for blisters, wounds, and <• 
 coriated surfaces. It should be made in small quantities at a time, as it is a. 
 to become rancid when long kept. W. 
 
 UNGUENTEM COCCULI. Ed. Ointment of Coccuius Indicus 
 
 “Take any convenient quantity of Coccuius Indicus, separate and preser 
 the kernels, beat them well in a mortar, first alone and then with a little A 
 unge [lard] ; and then add Axunge till it amounts altogether to five times t 
 weight of the kernels.” Ed. 
 
 This ointment is used for the destruction of Vermin, and in the cure of scab 
 and ringworm of the scalp. In the latter complaint it was found very usei 
 by the late Dr. Hamilton, sen., of Edinburgh. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM CONII. Lond. Ointment of Hemlock. 
 
 “ Take of fresh Hemlock [Leaves], Lard, each, a pound. Boil the Hemlo 
 in the Lard till it becomes crisp, then express through linen.” Lond. 
 
 This ointment has been used as an anodyne application to irritable pile 
 painful glandular swellings and scirrhous tumours, and to cancerous and oth 
 painful ulcers; but the virtues of the hemlock are impaired by the heat nect 
 sary in its preparation. An ointment made by mixing good extract of herolo< 
 with lard would be more efficient. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM CREASOTI. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Ointmei 
 
 of Creasote. 
 
 “ Take of Creasote half a fluidrachm; Lard an ounce. Mix them.” U. 
 
 The London process is the same as that of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. Ti 
 Edinburgh College takes a drachm of creasote and three ounces of lard, mel 
 the lard, adds the creasote, and stirs briskly till the mixture concretes on coc 
 ing. The Dublin College takes a fluidrachm of creasote and seven drachms (Du 
 weight) of ointment of w'hite wax (simple ointment), and proceeds in the saD 
 manner as the Edinburgh. 
 
 For the use of this ointment see Creasotum. It may sometimes be adva 
 tageously diluted with lard when found to irritate. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM CUPRI SUBACETATIS. U.S., Dub. Ungue: 
 tum GEruginis. Ed. Ointment of Subacetate of Copper. 
 
 “Take of Subacetate of Copper, in fine powder, a drachm; Simple Ointme' 
 fifteen drachms. Add the Subacetate of Copper to the Ointment, previous 
 melted with a moderate heat, and stir them constantly till they are cold.” U. > 
 
 “Take of Resinous Ointment fifteen ounces ; Verdigris, in fine powder, o. 
 ounce. Melt the Ointment, sprinkle into it the powder of Verdigris, and st 
 the mixture briskly as it cools and concretes.” Ed. 
 
 “Take of Prepared Subacetate of Copper half a drachm; Ointment of Whi 
 Wax [Uuguentum Simplex, U. <S.] seven drachms and a half. Triturate tl 
 Subacetate of Copper with the Ointment until they are intimately mixed.” Du 
 
 This ointment is employed as a mild escharotic in fungous granulations, an' 
 
irt II. Unguenta. 1257 
 
 ore or less diluted with lard, as a stimulating application to foul and flabby 
 cers, scrofulous ulcerations of the edges of the eyelids, disease of the external 
 eatus of the ear with purulent discharge, to warts and corns, and to certain 
 taneous eruptions, particularly that form of porrigo denominated ringworm of 
 Ifi scalp. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM ELEMI. Lond., Duh. Ointment of Elemi. 
 
 “Take of Elemi three ounces; Turpentine two ounces and a half; Suet six 
 ,nces; Olive Oil half a fluidounce. Melt the Elemi with the Suet, and, liav- 
 g removed them from the fire, immediately mix them with the Turpentine 
 d Oil, and express through linen.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Resin of Elemi four ounces [avoirdupois] ; Ointment of White 
 'ax one pound' [avoirdupois]. Melt them together, strain through flannel, 
 d stir the mixture constantly till it concretes.” Dub. 
 
 This ointment is applied as a gentle stimulant to weak ulcers, and may be 
 ed for maintaining the discharge of issues and setons. It is the linimentum 
 csei of the older pharmacy. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM GALLJE. U.S., Duh. Ointment of Galls. 
 
 “ Take of Galls, in powder, an ounce; Lard seven ounces. Mix them.” U. S. 
 The Dublin College rubs a drachm of galls, in very fine powder, with seven 
 tachms of ointment of white wax. 
 
 This is used chiefly in piles and prolapsus ani, though it may also he advan- 
 geously applied to flabby and indolent ulcers. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM GALLiE COMPOSITUM. Lond. Unguentum 
 ALLJ3 et Opii. Ed. Compound Ointment of Galls. 
 
 “Take of Galls, in very fine powder, six drachms ; Lard six ounces; Opium, 
 powder, a drachm and a half. Rub them together.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh College takes tiuo drachms of galls, a drachm of opium, and 
 ;jt ounce of lard, and rubs them together into a uniform mass. 
 
 This combination of galls and opium is sometimes employed, preferably to 
 Je simple ointment of galls, in cases of irritable piles. From half a drachm to 
 irachm of camphor is sometimes added to the London ointment. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM ITYDRARGYRI. U. S., Lond., Ed., Duh. Mer- 
 
 \ 'rial Ointment. 
 
 “Take of Mercury two pounds ; Lard twenty-three ounces; Suet an ounce. 
 ib the Mercury with the Suet and a small portion of the Lard until the glo- 
 ries disappear; then add the remainder of the Lard, and mix.” U. S. 
 
 The London process is the same, with one-half of the quantity of material. 
 “Take of Mercury two pounds; Axunge [lard] twenty-three ounces; Suet one 
 I nee. Triturate the Mercury with the Suet and a little of the Axunge till 
 ibules are no longer visible; then add the rest of the Axunge, and mix the 
 lole thoroughly. This ointment is not well prepared so long as metallic glo- 
 les may be seen in it with a magnifier of four powers. The Mercurial Oint- 
 mt with the proportions here directed may be diluted at pleasure with twice 
 thrice its weight of axunge.” Ed. 
 
 j “ Take of Pure Mercury, Prepared Lard, of each, a pound. Rub them to- 
 ther until metallic globules cease to be visible to the naked eye.” Dub. 
 
 The Pharmacopoeias unite at present in recognising but one mercurial oint- 
 jint, which contains equal weights of mercury and fatty matter. When the 
 ijsician wishes a weaker preparation, he may direct the ointment to be diluted 
 tk such a proportion of lard as may answer his purposes. The Edinburgh 
 >llege, in allowing dilution of the ointment in certain fixed proportions, should 
 ve given names, by which the weaker preparations might be designated. 
 
1258 
 
 Unguenta. 
 
 PART I 
 
 In the preparation of mercurial ointment, care is requisite that the mercui 
 should be completely extinguished. The trituration is best performed in 
 marble mortar, as it is difficult to keep iron so clean as not to impart more > 
 less oxide to the ointment. The mercury is known to be extinguished, when 
 portion of the mass, rubbed upon paper or the back of the hand, exhibits i 
 metallic globules under a magnifying glass of four powers. The operation ca 
 not be considered as satisfactorily accomplished when the globules are invisib 
 merely to the naked eye. To facilitate the process, which is very tedious, tli 
 addition of various substances has been proposed, calculated to hasten the di 
 appearance of the metal. Turpentine and sulphur have been employed, but a- 
 inadmissible; the former because it renders the ointment too irritating, the latt. 
 because it forms with the mercury an inactive sulphuret. Their presence in tl 
 ointment may be detected by the peculiar odour which they respectively em 
 when exposed to heat. Sulphur, moreover, gives the ointment a darker coloij 
 than it has when pure. The addition of a little sulphuric ether, at interval 
 during the trituration, is said greatly to abbreviate the process. {Am. Journ. ■ 
 Pharm., xvii. 80.) Rancidity in the lard employed facilitates the extinguisi 
 ment of the mercury, but is liable to the same objection as turpentine, thong! 
 in a much less degree. M. Fossembras found that the addition of rancid f; 
 was required in the proportion of only ten drachms to a pound of the ointinen 
 in order to enable eight pouuds to be prepared in an hour. {Journ. de Pharmi 
 3e ser., v. 75.) 31. Gnibourt recommends the addition of one-sixteenth of ol| 
 
 mercurial ointment. 31. Simonin proposes the use of lard which has been ej 
 -posed in thin layers to a damp air for fifteen days. This facilitates the extii 
 guishment of the metal, but it probably renders the preparation more irritant b 
 the chemical alteration of the lard. The following plan of preparing the oin 
 ment was proposed by 31. Chevallier. A pound of mercury, and half a poun 
 of fresh lard previously melted, are introduced into a stone or glass bottle, shake! 
 till the mixture acquires the consistence of very thick syrup, then poured int 
 a mortar, and incorporated by constant stirring with an additional half pound c 
 lard. In this manner, according to Chevallier, a perfect ointment may be macj 
 in half an hour. 3Vhen prepared with lard alone, the ointment is apt, in hr 
 weather, to become so soft as to allow the metal to separate. Hence the additioj 
 of suet in the processes of the U. S., London, and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias 
 and even a larger proportion might be employed when the ointment is prepare 
 for use in the summer season. 
 
 Upon the whole, it may be considered doubtful whether any of the expedieir 
 for saving labour and time in the preparation of the ointment are wholly unci 
 jectionable. Dr. Christisou states that the better plan is not to complete tb 
 process by a continuous trituration, but to operate for a short time every da] 
 and allow the ointment in the mean time to be exposed to the air. But s 
 much labour is required in the process, that the ointment is preferably made b 
 machinery on the large scale. The fatty matters, kept in the fluid state by 
 heat of about 100°, are triturated with the metal by means of two iron bail 
 which are driven rapidly rouud in a circular iron trough by steam power. Tt 
 extinguishment of the mercury is thus effected in about twelve hours. 
 
 A new method of preparing mercurial ointment, proposed by Orosi, is to pn 
 capitate metallic mercury, in the pulverulent form, from a solution of corrosiv 
 sublimate, by an excess of protochloride of tin, with the addition of muriat: 
 acid; and, having poured off the supernatant fluid, washed the precipitate wit 
 warm water, and dried it between bibulous paper, to incorporate it with the pn 
 scribed proportion of lard. To prevent the precipitated mercury from runniu 
 into globules, it is recommended to cover with fat the interior of the vessel i 
 which the precipitation takes place. {Ran/cing’s Abstract, i. 350.) 
 
PRT II. 
 
 Unguenta. 
 
 1259 
 
 .Mercurial ointment Las when newly prepared a bluish colour, which becomes 
 dker by age. It has been thought to contain the mercury In the state of prot- 
 ode; but most of the metal can be separated by methods not calculated to 
 r uce the oxide; and it is now generally admitted that by far the greater part 
 o it exists in a state of minute division, not of chemical combination. It has 
 bn shown, however, that the metal is slightly oxidized ; and the change of 
 cbur which the ointment undergoes with age is attributable to further oxida- 
 1 1 . If the ointment be kept long melted in a narrow vessel, metallic mercury 
 sfisides, and an oily liquid floats upon the surface. After this has been filtered 
 sas to separate everything undissolved, it is blackened by sulphuretted hydro- 
 £j, and yields oxide of mercury to acetic acid- Dr. Christison states that he 
 In examined various samples of the ointment, and never failed to detect oxide 
 o mercury ; and he has inferred from his observations, that the oxide amounts 
 t rather more than one per cent. (Christison’ s Dispensatory.') But the pro- 
 p-tion is variable according to the age and mode of preparation of the ointment. 
 Isc-arcely admits of a doubt, that the oxide of mercury formed enters into che- 
 njal combination with the lard, or one of its oily acids. Mr. Donovan advanced 
 t idea that the medicinal activity of the ointment depended exclusively on 
 ts compound of the lard with the mercurial oxide. An ointment made by 
 lively mixing lard and black oxide of mercury has not the same effect, because 
 t re is no chemical union between the ingredients. But, upon exposing such 
 aiixture to a temperature of 350°, and continually agitating it for two hours, 
 L found that every ounce of lard dissolved and combined with twenty-one 
 g ins of oxide, and the resulting compound was proved to be equally effectual 
 v k the common ointment, and capable of being introduced into the system in 
 ci-third of the time. It has been proposed to substitute an ointment thus 
 p pared for that made according to the officinal directions, as being more man- 
 a able, and of more uniform strength. Care, however, would be required in 
 p paring it to avoid a temperature either too high or too low; as the former 
 rght decompose the oxide, and the latter would be insufficient to effect its 
 u on with the lard. There would be danger, also, that the lard might be ren- 
 ted irritant by the influence of the heat. Dr. F. Yon Baerensprung has rea- 
 died it extremely probable that metallic mercury, no matter in what state of 
 djision it maybe, is unable to enter the blood-vessels, and that whatever effects 
 c the system are produced by the ointment, or any similar preparation, or even 
 1 the vapours of mercury, are owing to the previous oxidation of the metal. 
 (|e Chem. Gaz., Sept. 1, 1850, p. 321.) 
 
 jlYom experiments by a committee of the College of Pharmacy, of New York, 
 i ippears that the ointment contained in jars becomes somewhat unequal in 
 e; sequence of the settling of the metallic ingredient. The inference is that, 
 a;r long standing, the contents of the jar should be triturated so as to restore 
 a equable strength before being dispensed. (Am. Journ. of Phcirm., xvi. 2.) 
 
 Medical Uses. Mercurial ointment, when rubbed upon the surface of the body, 
 p duces, in consequence of its absorption, the general effects of mercury upon 
 t system. It is resorted to either alone, when circumstances prevent or dis- 
 c.rage the internal use of mercury, or conjointly with the internal use of the 
 rdicine, to produce a more speedy or powerful effect in urgent cases. It may 
 a 3 be advantageously employed as a resolvent in local affections; as in the case 
 0 ; venereal buboes, and of chronic glandular swellings, upon which it may be 
 r de to operate directly by being applied in the course of the absorbents passing 
 bough the enlarged glands. The proper quantity to be employed at one time, 
 A a view to salivation, is about a drachm, which should be applied night and 
 rrning, by means of friction, to the inner surface of the thighs, legs, or arms, 
 a l continued till the system is affected. 
 
1260 
 
 Unguenta. 
 
 PAM ] 
 
 In urgent cases, or in local affections, it may also be rubbed on other parts 
 the body, or applied to blistered surfaces. The friction should on each oecasit 
 be continued till the whole of the ointment is absorbed. When frequent 
 rubbed upon the same part, it is apt to produce a disagreeable eruption whi< 
 interferes with its continued application. Camphor is sometimes added, in ord 
 to render it more easy of absorption; but, without producing this effect, it i 
 creases the liability of the ointment to irritate the skin, and is of no other a 
 vantage than to soften its consistence when too firm from a large proportion 
 suet. Mercurial ointment has been employed, with some success, to prevent ti 
 maturation of the smallpox pustule, and the consequent pitting. For this purpo 
 it may be applied to the face or other part, thickly spread on patent lint or musli 
 care being taken to prevent the access of the air to the covered part. To 1 
 successful it must be applied before the third or fourth day of the eruption. Tl 
 ointment has been recommended also in erysipelas and chilblains. Iodide 
 potassium rubbed with mercurial ointment is said to promote the separation 
 the mercury in the form of globules ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e ser., x. 356); b 
 the effect does not take place if the iodide is thoroughly dried and well powders 
 and the ointment added to it by small portions at a time. {Ibid., x. 421.) 
 
 The ointment diluted with twice or three times its weight of lard is sometim 
 employed as an application to ulcers, and to certain cutaneous eruptions. 
 
 Off. Prep. Ceratum Hydrargyri Comp. ; Linimentum Hydrargyri. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI AMMONIATI. U.S. Uygue: 
 tum Hydrargyri Amjioyio-chloridi. Loncl. Unguentu.m Precip 
 tati Albi. Ed. Ointment of Ammoniated Mercury. Ointment of T Vhi 
 Precipitate. 
 
 “ Take of Ammoniated Mercury a draclim ; Simple Ointment an ounce an 
 a half. Mix them.” U. S. 
 
 The processes of the British Colleges are essentially the same as the above. 
 
 This ointment is employed chiefly in cutaneous eruptions, such as psora, po 
 rigo, and herpes. W. I 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI IODIDE Land. Ointment < 
 
 Iodide of Mercury. 
 
 “Take of Iodide of Mercury an ounce; White Wax two ounces; Lard s< 
 ounces. To the Wax and Lard melted together add the Iodide, and rub together. 
 Loud. 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI IODIDI RUBRI. Dal. Oin 
 
 ment, of lied Iodide of Mercury. 
 
 “Take of Red Iodide of Mercury one drachm; Ointment of White Wax sect 
 drachms. Incorporate the Iodide of Mercury and Ointment by careful trit 
 ration in a mortar.” Dub. 
 
 Both the above ointments are employed as dressings to scrofulous ulcers; tl 
 ointment of the red iodide being preferred, on account of its much greater a 
 tivity, when the ulcers are very indolent. "W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI NITRATIS. U.S.,Lond. U: 
 
 GUENTUM ClTRINUM. Ed. UNGUEYTUM HYDRARGYRI NlTRATIS V 
 Uyguentum Citrinum. Dub. Ointment of Nitrate of Mercury. Oitrii 
 Ointment. 
 
 “Take of Mercury an ounce; Nitric Acid fourteen fluid rachms ;* Fre. ; 
 Neats-foot Oil nine fuidounccs; Lard three ounces. Dissolve the Mercury 
 
 * In the last edition of this work, the old quantity of eleven fluidrachr.is of nitnc ae 
 was inadvertently retained, instead of fourteen, as directed in the present l . S. Pkariu 
 copoeia, which, by adopting a weaker acid, rendered an increase of the quantity necessar 
 
P.LT II. 
 
 1261 
 
 Unguenta. 
 
 tt Acid; then heat together the Oil and Lard, in an earthen vessel, to 200°; 
 laly, add the mercurial solution, and stir with a wooden spatula constantly so 
 log as effervescence continues, and afterwards occasionally until the ointment 
 stiens.” U.S. 
 
 Take of Mercury tico ounces ; Nitric Acid four fluidounces [Imperial mea- 
 se;]; Lard a pound ; Olive Oil eight fluidounces [Imp. measure]. First dis- 
 sc e the Mercury in the Acid ; then, while the solution is hot, mix it with the 
 Ld and Oil previously melted together.” Loud. 
 
 Take of Pure Nitric Acid eight fluidounces and six fluidrachms [Imperial 
 unsure]; Mercury four ounces ; Axunge [lard] fifteen ounces; Olive Oil thirty- 
 tu fluidounces. Dissolve the Mercury in the Acid with the aid of a gentle heat. 
 Mt the Axunge in the Oil with the aid of a moderate heat in a vessel capable 
 otiolding six times the quantity; and, while the mixture is hot, add the solution 
 ofaerc-ury, also hot, and mix them thoroughly. If the mixture do not froth up, 
 in-ease the heat a little till this take place. Keep this Ointment in earthenware 
 v«sels, or in glass vessels secluded from the light.” Ed. Dr. Christison, in his 
 Ppensatcry, states that, in this formula, in order to meet the intentions of its 
 fruers, the quantity of Olive Oil should be thirty-eight fluidounces and a half 
 ai of Nitric Acid (sp. gr. from l - 380 to 1'390) nine fluidounces and a half 
 
 Take of Pure Mercury one ounce [avoirdupois]; Pure Nitric Acid one flu id- 
 o\ce; Distilled Water half a Q/?/«irf] ounce ; Prepared Lard four ounces [avoird.] ; 
 Ore Oil eight fluidounces. Mix the Acid with the Water, and dissolve the 
 Arcury in the mixture, with the aid of a gentle heat. Melt the Lard with the 
 0, and, while the mixture is hot, add to it the solution of mercury also hot ; 
 It the temperature of the mixture next be raised so as to cause effervescence, 
 ai then, withdrawing the heat, stir the mixture with a porcelain spoon, until 
 itoncretes on cooling.” Dub. 
 
 'he chemical changes which take place in the preparation of this ointment 
 a; not precisely known. They differ somewhat according to the circumstances 
 u er which the operation is performed; for example, according to the propor- 
 tii and strength of the acid, the nature of the fatty matter, and the degree of 
 h t employed. The mercury, in the first step of the process, is oxidized at 
 tl expense of a portion of the acid, nitrous fumes escape, and the undeeom- 
 p :d acid unites with the oxidized metal, forming binitrate of the deutoxide of 
 m-eury if heat be employed, and a mixture of this with nitrate of the prot- 
 o le, if the process be conducted at a low temperature. When the mercurial 
 stition is added to the fatty matter, a reaction takes place, which probably 
 r< fits in the production of the yellow subnitrate of the deutoxide of mercury, 
 o me or more of the fatty acids, as the oleic, margaric, and stearic, and of 
 e din or elaidic acid, or both. (See page 495.) It is also highly probable 
 tit pnrtions of these fatty acids combine with the oxide of mercury. But the 
 d ree to which these changes take place is influenced greatly by the tempera- 
 til; to which the mixture is exposed. If this be low, there is little or no 
 ejipe of gas; if elevated, there is a copious evolution of nitrous fumes. In 
 tl former case the changes are obviously less considerable than in the latter. 
 
 As formerly prepared, this ointment, though at first beautifully yellow and 
 o the proper consistence, soon began to change, acquiring in time a dirty 
 geuish and mottled colour, and becoming so hard and friable as to be unfit 
 t use unless mixed with lard. These results were ascribed to various causes, 
 a as many different modifications of the process were proposed in order to 
 o iate them. The U.S. process is based upon the fact, that the olive oil of 
 t British processes is hardened by nitrous acid or the nitrate of mercury, 
 v le the same effect is not produced upon neats-foot oil. As at first published, 
 t process was defective in the direction to add the mercurial solution to the 
 
1262 
 
 Unguenta. 
 
 PART i 
 
 mixed oleaginous fluid when it begins to stiffen on cooling. When this dire 
 tion was complied with, at least with the acid of the ordinary strength, the pr 
 paration had a brown colour and semi-lif|uid consistence; but, with some moc 
 fications such as have been introduced into the revised formula of the Pharm 
 copoeia of 1850, the process yields an excellent ointment, which, though 
 sometimes assumes a greenish colour on exposure, retains permanently a so 
 unctuous consistence. We have had specimens of the ointment in our posse! 
 sion for several years, which have retained a uniform yellowish colour, and 
 perfectly good unctuous consistence. It is said that the three ounces of lai 
 of this formula may be advantageously replaced by the same quantity of neat 
 foot oil. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., iv. 197.) It is probable that other anim 
 oils will answer the same purpose; and it is asserted that a good preparatic 
 may be made with lard or butter alone. The drying vegetable oils do not a 
 pear, like olive oil, to be converted by nitrous acid or the nitrate of mereui 
 into elaidin ; and it was a fair inference that they might be employed adva: 
 tageously in the preparation of citrine ointment. Accordingly, Dr. Fessenden 
 of North Carolina, states, in his inaugural essay, that he substituted linseed o 
 for the neats- foot oil of the U.S. process, and succeeded in obtaining a perfect';, 
 good and durable ointment. It is now stated that the failure of many operate: 
 who have followed the former British officinal processes, has been owing not ; 
 much to the character of the particular oil employed, as to deficiency of strengt 
 in the nitric acid, and the want of a due degree of heat. Mr. Alsop asser 
 that, if the nitric acid be of the sp. gr. 1*5, or if the quantity of a weaker ac-i 
 be increased so as to compensate for its deficienc-}’ in strength, and if the fatt 
 matters be mixed with the mercurial solution at an elevated temperature, a pe 
 mauently soft and golden-coloured ointment will result. (Pharm. Transaction 
 Sept. 1841.) It is probable that the discoloration which is so apt to take plac 
 in the preparation is owing to the deoxidizing influence of the fatty matter upc 
 the mercurial oxide. Now if, by a sufficient excess of acid and an elevate 
 temperature, the fats be well oxidized during the process, they will have A 
 affinity for oxygen afterwards, and consequently less ability to take it from tL 
 oxide of mercury. That they are oxidized at the expense of the nitric ac-i 
 when heat is used, is proved by the abundant extrication of nitrous fume 
 during the operation. 
 
 But in applying heat, when the fatty matter and mercurial solution at 
 mixed, care must be taken that it be not too great. Gas is extricated at 180 
 and at 212°, escapes so abundantly that the mixture boils over unless the vessc 
 be very large. (A/sop ) Besides, if the heat is too great, a portion of tb 
 mercury is reduced, and the colour of the ointment impaired. When larg 
 quantities of materials are operated upon, the reaction which occurs product 
 of itself a sufficient heat; but in ordinary cases the temperature should be kep 
 at about 190° by means of a water-bath, and if it exceed 205° should be r< 
 duced. It should always be sufficient to produce a copious extrication of ga.- 
 The ointment should be prepared in a glass, porcelain, or well-glazed eartbe 
 vessel; and a glass rod or wooden spatula should be employed for stirriug tb 
 mixture. 
 
 In the present U. S., Edinburgh, and Dublin formulae, the provision in rek 
 tion to the application of heat is incorporated; and either of them will yield 
 good ointment with due care in the manipulations. For some useful practice 
 hints upon this point the reader is referred to a communication by Mr. Josep 
 Laidlaw in the Am. Journ. of Pharm. (xxii. 119). It is due to Mr. Dunear 
 a chemist and druggist of Edinburgh, to state that he appears to have been th 
 first to ascertain the value of heat in the preparation of this ointment. 
 
 Medical Uses. This ointment is much and vert’ advantageously employed, a 
 
irt li. Unguenta. 1263 
 
 Stimulant and alterative application, in porrigo or tinea capitis, impetigo lar- 
 vlis or crusta lactea, psoriasis and pityriasis, certain forms of chronic eczema, 
 jWophthalmia and inflammation of the eye and eyelids connected with porrigo 
 c the face or scalp, and various other ulcerative and eruptive affections. It 
 sbuld be diluted with lard, unless in cases which require a very stimulant ap- 
 j cation. Some care is requisite in its use, to avoid the risk of salivation, 
 ''hen hard and friable, it must be rubbed up with fresh lard before it can be 
 allied. 
 
 ;Au ointment prepared with lard and nitric acid, called Alyon’s ointment, after 
 ti person who first prepared it, was formerly much used in cases similar to 
 tjpse in which the citrine ointment is now employed. Uhe ointment of nitric 
 cel of the former Edinburgh and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, discarded in the 
 It edition of those works, was of this character. 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis Mitius. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI NITRATIS MITIUS. Land, 
 lilder Ointment of Nitrate of Mercury. 
 
 “Take of Ointment of Nitrate of Mercury aw ounce; Lard seven ounces. 
 lib them together.” Land. 
 
 This is a mere dilution of the citrine ointment, and might well have been left 
 t extemporaneous prescription. The London College states that it should be 
 i?d recently prepared. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI OXIDI RUBE I. U.S. Un- 
 ^entum Hydrargyri Nitrico-oxidi. Lond. Unguentum Oxidi 
 I jl’DRARGYRI. Ed. UNGUENTUM HYDRARGYRI OXYDI RuBRI. Dub. 
 mtment of Med Oxide, of Mercury. 
 
 “Take of Red Oxide of Mercury, in very fine powder, a draclim ; Simple 
 (ntment an ounce. Add the Oxide of Mercury to the Ointment previously 
 s’tened over a gentle fire, and mix them.” U. S. 
 
 “Take of Nitrico-oxide of Mercury an ounce; White Wax two ounces; Lard 
 5 ounces. To the Wax and Lard, melted together, add the Nitrico-oxide, in 
 vy fine powder, and rub them together.” Loud. 
 
 “ Take of Red Oxide of Mercury one ounce; Axunge [lard] eight ounces. 
 Iturate them into a uniform mass.” Ed. 
 
 “ Take of Red Oxide of mercury one drachm; Ointment of White Wax seven 
 (hchms. Reduce the Oxide to a very fine powder, and mix it intimately with 
 tji Ointment by trituration.” Dub. 
 
 The red oxide of mercury here referred to is that prepared from the nitrate, 
 s i usually called red precipitate. It is highly important that the oxide should 
 1 thoroughly pulverized before being mixed with the lard ; as otherwise it 
 light prove very injurious in cases of ophthalmia, in which it is sometimes 
 
 lid. 
 
 This ointment loses its fine red colour when long kept, probably in conse- 
 epnee of the conversion of the red oxide into the black, or its reduction to the 
 i tallic state. It is best to prepare it only in small quantities at a time. We 
 ljre been informed that, if the preparation be made by mixing the red oxide 
 vh poplar-bud ointment, it will keep a long time without change. According 
 t R. H. Stabler, of Alexandria, Va., an equally effectual method is to mix 
 to drops of liquor potassse with each ounce of the ointment when prepared. 
 ( Journ. of Pliarm. f xxiii. 123.) It is a highly useful stimulating oint- 
 i nt, much employed in indolent and foul ulcers, in porrigo of the scalp, psor- 
 < ithalmia, and chronic conjunctival ophthalmia, especially when attended with 
 t okening of the inner membrane of the eyelids, or with specks upon the cornea. 
 1 may be diluted with lard if found too stimulating. W. 
 
1264 
 
 Unguenta. 
 
 PART i 
 
 UNGUENTUM IODINII. U.S. Ointment of Iodine. 
 
 “Take of Iodine a scruple; Iodide of Potassium four grains; Water * 
 minims ; Lard an ounce, Rub the Iodine and Iodide first with the Water uni 
 liquefied, and then with the Lard until thoroughly mixed.” U. S. 
 
 The object of the iodide of potassium and water is simply to bring the iodii 
 into a state in which it may be thoroughly and equably incorporated with tl 
 lard. They have been found to answer better in practice than the alcohol fo 
 merly used. 
 
 This ointment, when rubbed upon the skin, imparts to it an orange colou 
 which, however, slowly disappears with the evaporation of the iodine. It 
 useful as a local application in goitre, scrofulous swellings of the glands, ar 
 other chronic tumefactions, operating probably through the medium of ahsor 
 tion. When continued for some time, it occasionally produces a pustular eru 
 tion upon the portion of skin to which it is applied. Dr. Cerchiari strongi 
 recommends it in cases of enlarged tonsils, after the disappearance of inflamm; 
 tion. It should be applied to the tonsils morning and evening by means of 
 camel’s hair pencil. In two months, according to the author, the enlargemei 
 disappears. (Am. Joum. of Pha.rm., viii. 83.) The ointment should be pr 
 pared only as wanted for use; for it undergoes change if kept, losing its dee 
 orange-brown colour, and becoming pale upon the surface. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM IODINII COMPOSITUM. U.S., Land., Dm 
 Unguentum Iodinei. Ed. Compound Ointment of Iodine. 
 
 “Take of Iodine half a drachm; Iodide of Potassium a drachm; Alcobc 
 a fluidr a chm ; Lard two ounces. Rub the Iodine and Iodide of Potassium fin 
 with the Alcohol and then with the Lard until they are thoroughly mixed.” U. 
 
 The London College uses the same ingredients, in the same proportions; bi 
 directs that the iodide should be powdered as finely as possible, the iodine di 
 solved in the alcohol, and the two then rubbed together. The Edinburgh CoHet, 
 directs a drachm of iodine aud two drachms of the iodide of potassium to b 
 rubbed together, four ounces of lard to be gradually added, and the trituratioi 
 to be continued till a uniform ointment is obtained. The Dublin College rub 
 half a drachm of pure iodine and « drachm of iodide of potassium well togethe: 
 adds gradually fourteen drachms and a half of simple ointment, and triturate 
 till a uniform ointment is produced. 
 
 This preparation is employed for the same purposes as the preceding, froi 
 which it differs chiefly in being somewhat stronger with iodine; as the iodide c 
 potassium is probably not peculiar in its effects, and the spirit is employed onl 
 to facilitate the admixture. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM MEZEREI. U.S. Ointment of Mezereon. 
 
 “Take of Mezereon, sliced transversely, four ounces; Lard fourteen ounces 
 White Wax two ounces. Moisten the Mezereon with a little Alcohol, and ber 
 it in an iron mortar until reduced to a fibrous mass; then digest it, by means c 
 a salt-water bath, with the Lard and Wax previously melted together, for twelv 
 hours ; strain with strong expression, and allow the strained liquid to cool slowh 
 so that any undissolved matters may subside. From these separate the med 
 cated ointment.” U. S. 
 
 This is equivalent to the pommade ipispast-igue au garou of the French Cc 
 dex, which is prepared from the bark of Daphne Gnidium. The ointment ma 
 also be made, as proposed by Guibourt, by mixing two drachms of the alc-okoli 
 extract of mezereon with nine ounces of lard and one of wax. It is used as 
 stimulating application to blistered surfaces in order to maintain the dischargt 
 and to obstinate, ill-conditioned, and indolent ulcers. ^ • 
 
Pj.t ir. Unguenta. 1265 
 
 JNGUENTUM OPII. Loncl. Ointment of Opium. 
 
 Take of Opium, in powder, a scruple; Lard an ounce. Rub them together.” 
 
 Ld. 
 
 [ form in which opium may he applied by inunction. W. 
 
 JNGUENTUM PICIS. Lond. Ointment of Pitch. 
 
 Take of Pitch, Wax, Resin, each, eleven ounces ; Olive Oil a pint. Melt 
 tha together, and express through linen.” Land. 
 
 his is the ointment of black pitch of the former London Pharmacopoeia. It 
 m be used for the same purposes as tar ointment, but is less efficient. W. 
 JNGUENTUM PICIS LIQUIDS. U. S., Lond., Pd., Dub. Tar 
 0 tment. 
 
 Take of Tar, Suet, each, a pound. Add the Tar to the Suet previously 
 m:cd with a moderate heat, and stir them constantly till they are cold.” US. 
 
 he London College melts together a pound, each, of tar and suet, and strains 
 th ugh linen. The Edinburgh College takes five ounces of tar and two ounces 
 of ees’ wax, and, having melted the wax with a gentle heat, adds the tar, and 
 st; the mixture briskly while it concretes. The Dublin College melts four 
 airdupois ounces of yellow wax, adds half a pint [Imperial measure] of tar, 
 an stirs the mixture. 
 
 his ointment is highly useful as a stimulant application in various scaly and 
 sc; by eruptions, particularly in psoriasis and lepra, and in that form of porrigo 
 usdly called tinea capitis, or scaldhead. In the last-mentioned affection, it 
 shtld be applied night and morning; and in bad cases the patient should con- 
 st; tly wear a cap, thickly coated internally with the ointment. W. 
 
 JNGUENTUM PLUMBI ACETATIS. Ceratum Plum- 
 
 bAcetatis. Lond. Ointment of Acetate of Lead. 
 
 Take of Simple Ointment twenty ounces; Acetate of Lead, in fine powder, 
 on ounce. Mix them thoroughly.” Ed. 
 
 he London College melts five ounces of white wax in eighteen fluidounces of 
 oli; oil; then adds gradually five drachms of powdered acetate of lead pre- 
 vksly rubbed with two fluidounces of olive oil; and stirs with a spatula till 
 th are incorporated. The Dublin College mixes an ounce of acetate of lead 
 wi a pound of ointment of white wax, previously melted with a gentle heat; 
 usg the avoirdupois weights in the process. 
 
 his is an excellent ointment in burns, and other excoriated or ulcerated 
 su ices, particularly blisters in an inflamed state. W. 
 
 NGUENTUM PLUMBI CARBONATIS. U.S.,Pd., Dub. Oint- 
 m t of Carbonate of Lead. 
 
 Take of Carbonate of Lead, in very fine powder, two ounces ; Simple Oint- 
 ml t a pound. Add the Carbonate of Lead to the Ointment previously soft- 
 en over a gentle fire, and mix them.” U. S. 
 
 he. Edinburgh College prepares this ointment by mixing thoroughly one 
 ou t e of carbonate of lead with five ounces of simple ointment. The Dublin 
 Ci ye employs three ounces of the carbonate and a pound of the ointment, 
 usg the avoirdupois weights. 
 
 his ointment is used for the same purposes as the preceding. W. 
 
 NGUENTUM PLUMBI COMPOSITUM. Lond. Compound 
 0 tment of Lead. 
 
 Take of Lead Plaster three pounds; Olive Oil eighteen fluidounces ; Pre- 
 pal Chalk six ounces ; Diluted Acetic Acid six fluidounces. Dissolve the 
 80 
 
1266 
 
 Ungventa. 
 
 PART . 
 
 Plaster in the Oil with a slow fire, then add first the Chalk and afterwards t 
 Acid, constantly stirring until they become cold.” Loud. 
 
 Employed as a dressing for flabby indolent ulcers. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM PLUMBI ‘iODIDI. Land., Dub. Ointment 
 Iodide of Lead. 
 
 “ Take of Iodide of Lead an ounce ; Lard eight ounces. Bub them together 
 Lond. 
 
 The Dublin College rubs together a drachm of the iodide and seven drach 
 of simple ointment. 
 
 Employed as a discutient in chronic glandular swellings, and enlargemet 
 of the joints. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM POTASSII IODIDE U. S., Lond., Dub. Ok i 
 
 merit of Iodide of Potassium. 
 
 “Take of Iodide of Potassium, in fine powder, a drachm ; Boiling Water 
 fluidrachm ; Lard an ounce. Dissolve the Iodide of Potassium in the Wat« 
 and mix the solution with the Lard.” U S. 
 
 The London process is the same as the above, using double the quantity 
 materials. The Dublin College uses a drachm of the iodide, half a [flue 
 drachm of distilled water, and seven drachms of simple ointment, and procee' 
 in the same manner. 
 
 The preparation is apt to become discoloured by time in consequence of t! 
 liberation of iodine. It is said that this may be prevented by mixing two dro 
 of the Liquor Potassse with each ounce of the freshly prepared ointment. (A 
 Journ. of Pharm., xxiii. 123.) 
 
 This ointment is employed for the discussion of goitres, scrofulous tumour 
 and other indolent swellings ; and is sometimes preferred to the ointment 
 iodine, as it does not, like that, discolour the skin. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM SAMBUCI Lond. Elder Ointment. 
 
 “Take of Elder [flowers], Lard, each, two pounds. Boil the Elder in tl 
 Lard till it becomes crisp; then express through linen.” Lond. 
 
 Elder flowers impart odour to lard without adding to its virtues. An oin 
 ment, prepared in like manner from the leaves, has a green colour, and is p 
 pularly employed as a cooling application in England. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM SIMPLEX. U. S., Ed. LNguextum CeraAlba 
 Dub. Simple Ointment. 
 
 “Take of White Wax a pound ; Lard four pounds. Melt them togeth 
 with a moderate heat, and stir them constantly till they are cold.” U. S. 
 
 The Dublin process corresponds with the above. The Edinburgh Collii 
 orders five fiuidounces and a half of olive oil, and two ounces of white wax. 
 
 This is emollient, and is occasionally employed as a mild dressing to blistert 
 or excoriated surfaces, but more frequently as a vehicle for more active sul 
 stances. It is the basis of several officinal ointments. W. i 
 
 UNGUENTUM STRAMONIL U. S. Ointment of Stramonium 
 
 “Take of Extract of Stramonium Leaves a drachm ; Lard an ounce • Bub tl 
 Extract with a little water until uniformly soft, and then with the Lard.” U. J 
 
 This is a more certain preparation than that of the former editions of tl 
 U. S. Pharmacopoeia, which was made by boiling the fresh leaves in lard. 
 
 The ointment of stramonium is a useful anodyne application in irritab. 
 ulcers, painful hemorrhoids, and some cutaneous eruptions. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM SULPHURIS. U. S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Sulphu 
 
 Ointment. 
 
 “Take of Sulphur a pound; Lard two pounds. Mix them.” U. S. 
 
paT ii. Unguenta. 1267 
 
 Ike London College employs the same proportions as the U. S. Pharmaco- 
 pi a; the Edinburgh, four ounces of lard, and one ounce of sublimed sulphur; 
 ai the Dublin, a pound of sublimed sulphur and four pounds of prepared lard. 
 
 Sulphur ointment is a specific for the itch. It should be applied every night 
 ti the complaint is cured ; and it is recommended that only one-fourth of the 
 b<y should be covered at a time. We have usually directed it to be applied 
 oir the whole surface, and have found no inconvenience to result. Four ap- 
 pktions are usually sufficient to effect a cure. It is thought by some that 
 pcdered roll sulphur is more efficacious than the sublimed. Sulphur ointment, 
 a] lied freely over the variolous eruption, in its early stage, is said to prevent 
 tli maturation of the pustules and consequent pitting. (See Am. Journ. of 
 M. Sci., JY. S., ii. 196.) The disagreeable odour of the ointment may be in 
 sole measure concealed by a little oil of lemons, or oil of bergamot. W. 
 
 JNGUENTUM SULPHURIS COMPOSITUM. IT. S., Lond. 
 Cnpound Sulphur Ointment. 
 
 Take of Sulphur an ounce; Ammoniated Mercury, Benzoic Acid, each, a 
 drrhm ; Oil of Bergamot, Sulphuric Acid, each, a fluidrachm ; Nitrate of 
 Pdssa two drachms ; Lard half a pound. To the Lard, previously melted with 
 a ^derate heat, add the other ingredients, and stir them constantly till they are 
 co .” U. S. 
 
 his ointment is essentially different from that which is directed, under the 
 sa 3 name, by the London College. Though, perhaps, not more efficient than the 
 siiole sulphur ointment in the cure of itch, it has a less unpleasant smell, and 
 in; be advantageously applied to the cure of other eruptive affections, such as 
 tin capitis and crusta lactea. 
 
 Take of Sulphur four ounces; White Hellebore, in powder, ten drachms ; 
 Niate of Potassa, in powder, two scruples; Soft Soap four ounces ; Lard a 
 paid. Rub them together.” Lond. 
 
 his is thought to be more efficacious than the simple sulphur ointment; but 
 thuvkite hellebore renders it also more irritating. W. 
 
 NGUENTUM SULPIIURIS IODIDE U.S., Lond. Ointment 
 of odide of Sulphur. 
 
 Take of Iodide of Sulphur half a drachm; Lard an ounce. Rub the Iodide 
 wi a little of the Lard, then add the remainder, and mis them.” U. S. 
 
 le London process is identical with the above. 
 
 lis is admirably adapted, as a local remedy, to the treatment of most chronic 
 euheous eruptions, unattended with inflammation ; but it is especially useful 
 in Joriasis, lepra, porrigo, and the very advanced stages of eczema and impetigo, 
 wk.[; they have become dry. W. 
 
 NGUENTUM TABACI. IT. S. Tobacco Ointment. 
 
 ' fake of fresh Tobacco, cut in pieces, an ounce ; Lard a pound. Boil the 
 To' eco in the Lard over a gentle fire till it becomes friable; then strain through 
 lim.” U.S. 
 
 j the first edition of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia, this ointment, under the name 
 of ' kbacco Liniment,” was directed to be prepared with common dried tobacco; 
 bun this condition the leaves do not yield their virtues to lard. The error w r as 
 cor 3ted in the second edition. Though the tobacco plant is not an object of 
 ger. al culture in the Northern States, it may readily be produced in gardens, 
 in i antities sufficient to supply any demand for the fresh leaves which can pos- 
 sibl arise. 
 
 Esh narcotic vegetables yield their active principles, and chlorophylle or 
 gre colouring matter to oleaginous substances, when heated with them; and 
 om ^ents have long been prepared in this manner. In the pharmacy of the 
 
1268 
 
 Unguenta . — Veratria. 
 
 part r 
 
 continent of Europe, olive oil is frequently employed as the solvent, and th 
 resulting preparations are called olea ivfusa. Several of these are ordered b 
 the French Codex, as the oils of henbane, stramonium, tobacco, Ac. Lard 
 preferred in British and American pharmacy, as affording preparations of a moi 
 convenient consistence. The boiling takes place at a lower temperature than th; 
 necessary for the evaporation of the lard or oil, and is owing to the escape of tl 
 watery parts of the plants. It should be continued till all the water is drive 
 off; as this, if allowed to remain, would render the ointment more liable i 
 spontaneous decomposition ; and, besides, the colouring matter of the nareot. 
 is not freely extracted till after the dissipation of the water. 
 
 Tobacco ointment is useful in irritable ulcers, and various cutaneous eni] 
 tions, particularly tinea capitis; but great care must be taken, especially i 
 children, not to employ it in such quantities as to endanger the production ( 
 the constitutional effects of the narcotic. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM VERATRI ALBI. U.S. Ointment of White Hell 
 lore. 
 
 “Take of White Hellebore [root], in powder, two ounces; Oil of Lemot 
 twenty minims ; Lard eight ounces. Mix them.” U.S. 
 
 This ointment is sometimes employed with advantage in the itch. It is le.- 
 disagreeable, but also less certain than the sulphur ointment. It should be en 
 ployed with caution in children. W. 
 
 UNGUENTUM ZINCI OXIDI. U.S. Unguentum Zinci. Land' 
 Ed. Unguentum Zinci Oxydi. Dul. Ointment of Oxide of Zinc. 
 
 “ Take of Oxide of Zinc an ounce; Lard six ounces. Mix them.” U. <S 
 Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh College employs six ounces of simple liniment, and one oun< 
 of oxide of zinc ; the Dublin, two ounces of the oxide, and twelve ounces of oin 
 rnent of white w T ax (simple ointment). By the latter the ointment is melte 
 before the addition of the oxide. 
 
 This is employed as a mild astringent application in chronic ophthalmia wit 
 a relaxed state of the vessels, in cutaneous eruptions, and in sore nipples au 
 other instances of excoriation or ulceration. It has taken the place of the di 
 carded unguentum tutiae, or tufty ointment, prepared from tutty or the impu 
 oxide of zinc, by mixing it with five parts of simple ointment. W. 
 
 VERATRIA. 
 
 Veratria. 
 
 VERATRIA. U.S., Land., Ed. Veratria. 
 
 “Take of Cevadilla, bruised, two pounds; Alcohol three gallons; Sulphur 
 Acid, Solution of Ammonia, Purified Animal Charcoal, Magnesia, each, « sv£ 
 dent quantity. Boil the Cevadilla in a gallon of the Alcohol, in a retort wi’ 
 a receiver attached, for an hour, and pour off the liquor. To the residue at 
 another gallon of the Alcohol, together with the portion recently distilled, aga 
 boil for an hour, and pour off the liquor. Repeat the boiling a third time wi 
 the remaining Alcohol, and with that distilled in the previous operation. Pre 
 the Cevadilla, mix and strain the liquors, and by means of a water-bath dis 
 off the Alcohol. Boil the residue three or four times iu water acidulated wi 
 Sulphuric Acid, mix and strain the liquors, and evaporate to the consistence 
 syrup. Add Magnesia, in slight excess, shake the mixture frequently, th 
 express, and wash what remains. Repeat the expression and washing two 
 three times, and, having dried the residue, digest it with a gentle heat sevei 
 
ART II. 
 
 Veratria. 
 
 1269 
 
 nes in alcohol, and strain after each digestion. Distil off the alcohol from the 
 ixed liquors, boil the residue for fifteen minutes in water with a little Sulphuric 
 .fid and Purified Animal Charcoal, and strain. Having thoroughly washed 
 lat remains, mix the washings with the strained liquor, evaporate with a 
 :oderate heat to the consistence of syrup, and then drop in as much Solution 
 ■ Ammonia as may be necessary to precipitate the Veratria. Lastly, separate 
 ;,d dry the precipitate.” U. S. 
 
 The London College has transferred veratria to its Materia Medica list. 
 “Take any convenient quantity of Cevadilla ; pour boiling water over it in a 
 ■vered vessel, and let it macerate for twenty-four hours ; remove the Cevadilla, 
 meeze it, and dry it thoroughly with a gentle heat. Beat it now in a mortar, 
 ; d separate the seeds from the capsules by a brisk agitation in a deep narrow 
 ssel. Grind the seeds in a coffee-mill, and form them into a thick paste with 
 Rectified Spirit. Pack this firmly in a percolator, and pass Rectified Spirit 
 rough it till the Spirit ceases to be coloured. Concentrate the spirituous so- 
 tions by distillation so long as no deposit forms ; and pour the residuum while 
 it into twelve times its volume of cold water. Filter through calico, and wash 
 e residuum on the filter so long as the washings precipitate with ammonia, 
 aite the filtered liquid with the washings, and add an excess of ammonia. Col- 
 jt the precipitate on a filter, wash it slightly with cold water, and dry it first 
 imbibition with filtering paper, and then in the vapour-bath. A small ad- 
 (tional quantity may be got by concentrating the filtered ammoniacal fluid and 
 rowing it to cool.” Ed. 
 
 In the U. S. process the first step is to obtain a tincture of cevadilla. In the 
 linburgh process, the use of alcohol is preceded by measures calculated to 
 ing the seeds into a proper state for its action. This is not satisfactorily 
 iected by mere bruising. The seeds are not thus separated from the capsules; 
 id, on account of their elasticity, they cannot be conveniently comminuted in 
 mortar. The mode of proceeding given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia was 
 sggested by Christison, and is said by him to answer the purpose. In the U. S. 
 ]ocess, the tincture, when made, is evaporated to the consistence of an extract, 
 his contains the veratria combined with some vegetable acid, probably the 
 jilic, as it exists in the seeds. From the extract the alkali is dissolved by the 
 i dulated water, which at the same time converts it in great measure into a 
 rlphate, a small portion possibly remaining in the solution combined with an 
 icess of the native acid. The magnesia combines with the acids and throws 
 <wn the veratria, which is then taken up by alcohol, and again yielded in a 
 ] rer state by evaporation. To purify it still further, it is redissolved in water 
 1 the agency of sulphuric acid, is submitted to the action of animal charcoal, 
 
 ; I is finally precipitated by ammonia. In the Edinburgh process, the tincture 
 i concentrated until it begins to let fall a precipitate, and is then poured into 
 \ter, which throws down the resin and oil with a portion of the colouring 
 i tter, and retains the salt of veratria. This is then decomposed by ammonia, 
 til the precipitated veratria is slightly washed with cold water to free it from 
 tiering impurities. If much water is employed in the washing, a considerable 
 ] -tion of the veratria is lost, in consequence of being in some degree soluble 
 i that menstruum in its ordinary impure state.* 
 
 Mr. James Beatson, Manufacturing Chemist of the U. S. Naval Laboratory at New 
 1 ’k, recommends the following method of preparing veratria as less complicated and 
 t ublesome than the officinal, and quite satisfactory in its results. Take 73 pounds 
 (I oirdupois) of cevadilla, rub it upon a coarse wire sieve so as to separate the seeds from 
 1 capsules, and reduce the former to a coarse powder by a Swift’s drug mill. Pass the 
 (jisules also through the mill, separate the finer portion, and mix it with the ground seeds, 
 listen the mixture with alcohol, and allow it to stand 12 hours; then introduce it 
 
1270 
 
 Veratria. 
 
 part ; 
 
 The U. S. process is essentially that recommended by M. Couerbe. T 
 veratria obtained by it, though not pure, is sufficiently so for medical use. 
 drachm of it, in this state, may be procured from a pound of cevadilla. Besid 
 veratria, M. Couerbe states that principles, which he calls respectively saloditt 
 and veratrin, are also contained in this product. These are separated in t 
 following manner. Into the solution of impure sulphate of veratria obtain 
 in the above process, nitric acid is to be introduced by drops. This oceasio; 
 an abundant precipitate, from which the clear liquor is to be decanted. A we; 
 solution of potassa is then to be added to the liquor, and the precipitate whi< 
 it produces is to be washed with cold water, and treated with boiling alcohi 
 The substance obtained by evaporating the alcohol yields the sabadillia to bo 
 ing water, which deposits it upon cooling; a substance, called by M. Couer 
 resini-gum of sabadillia, remaining in solution. If the residue of the substanc- 
 treated as just mentioned with boiling water, be submitted to the action of ethe 
 it yields to this liquid the proper veratria, which may be obtained entirely pu 
 by the spontaneous evaporation of the ether. The matter remaining undissolvc 
 is the resinous substance which M. Couerbe calls veratrin. Sabadillia is whit 
 crystallizable, insupportably acrid, fusible by heat, readily soluble in hot wate 
 which deposits it upon cooling, very soluble in alcohol, and wholly insoluble ; 
 ether. It is capable of saturating the acids. ( Journ . de Pharm., xix. 527 
 According to Simon, sabadillia is a compound of resinate of soda and resinate j 
 veratria. Fr. Hiibschmann confirms the views of Couerbe as to the separate e: 
 istence of sabadillia. He obtained it by treating the matter considered as veratr 
 with ether, which removed the pure veratria, and left the sabadillia. The lath 
 does not irritate the nostrils like veratria. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxv. 133 
 
 Veratria, when pure, is white, pulverulent, unerystallizable, inodorous, e: 
 tremely acrid, fusible by heat, scarcely soluble in cold water, soluble in a tkoi 
 sand parts of boiling water which it renders sensibly acrid, dissolved freely t 
 alcohol, less so by ether, and capable of neutralizing the acids, with several c 
 which, particularly the sulphuric and muriatic, it forms crystallizable salts. 
 
 In the impure state in which it is obtained by either of the above officint 
 processes, it is a grayish or brownish-white powder, without odour, and of 
 bitter, acrid taste, producing a sense of tingling or numbness in the tongue, an 
 exciting violent sneezing and coryza when admitted into the nostrils. Th 
 composition of veratria is expressed, according to Couerbe, by the formui 
 NC 34 H U3 0 6 . It may be recognised by its sensible properties, incapability of bein 
 crystallized, combustibility, fusibility, peculiar solubilities, alkaline reaction, th 
 intense red colour it assumes upon contact with concentrated sulphuric acid, tb 
 yellow solution it forms with nitric acid, and the white precipitates which I 
 solution in dilute acetic acid yields with ammonia and the infusion of galls. 1 
 is entirely dissipated by a red heat. It is said sometimes to be sophisticate 
 with lime, which is easily detected by incineration, and may be separated b 
 dissolving the powder in diluted alcohol, precipitating by sulphuric acid, filte: 
 ing, evaporating the alcohol, and precipitating the veratria by ammonia. ( Chen 
 
 into a displacement apparatus, and pour upon it 30 gallons of alcohol. When a conveniei 
 quantity of the liquid has passed, submit it to distillation, and return the distilled alo 
 hoi to the displacement apparatus ; aud proceed in the same way until the cevadilla 
 thoroughly exhausted. Collect all the alcoholic liquor from the exhausted seeds, an 
 continue the distillation until the tincture has a syrupy consistence. Pour this while h< 
 into eight times its volume of cold water, throw the whole on a calico filter, and wash unt 
 the washings cease to indicate the presence of veratria. Mix the washings with what hr 
 passed through the filter, and add liquor ammonite in excess (about 4 pounds). Has 
 the precipitated veratria with cold water, and dry it with a very gentle heat. Mr. Beatsc 
 obtained by this process eleven and a quarter ounces of pure veratria, but faintly tinge 
 with colouring matter. (Am. Journ, of Pharm., xxvi. 5 .) — Sole to the tenth edition. 
 
PIT II. 
 
 Veratria,. 
 
 1271 
 
 C'z., Feb. 1845, p. 73.) It may be used either in the uncombined state, or 
 uted with acids; as in both forms it produces essentially the same effects. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses . — Veratria is locally irritant, and exerts a 
 puliar influence on the nervous system. Rubbed upon the skin it excites a 
 sisation of warmth and a peculiar tingling, which, when the application is 
 ci tinued for a considerable length of time, extends, according to Turnbull, over 
 tl whole surface of the body. Sometimes an evanescent blush is produced, and 
 si 1 more rarely an eruption upon the skin ; but, according to the same author, 
 n marks of inflammation are in general evinced. Upon the denuded cutis, 
 brever, veratria and its salts are powerfully irritating; in the mouth and fauces 
 p duce an almost insupportable sense of acrimony ; and snuffed up the nostrils 
 e: ite violent sneezing. Magendie states that, when taken internally in the 
 de of a quarter of a grain, they promptly produce abundant alvine evacuations, 
 al in larger doses provoke more or less violent vomiting. Other experimenters 
 b r e observed similar effects. Dr. Turnbull, on the contrary, says that he has 
 vy seldom found them to purge, even when largely administered, and that not 
 frequently constipation comes on during their employment. According to 
 th author, their flrst effect, when given in moderate doses, is a feeling of 
 wrath in the stomach, gradually extending itself over the abdomen and lower 
 pt of the chest, and ultimately to the head and extremities. If the medicine 
 continued, this feeling of warmth is followed by a sense of tingling, similar 
 tithat produced by the external use of the medicine, which manifests itself in 
 d'erent parts of the body, and sometimes over the whole surface, and is fre- 
 qSntly accompanied by perspiration and some feeling of oppression. Occasion- 
 al also diuresis is produced. A still further continuance of the medicine, or 
 t use of large doses, excites nausea and vomiting. It occasions no narcotic 
 e cts. In over-doses it is a violent poison. 
 
 Che diseases in which veratria has been employed are chiefly gout, rheuma- 
 t:u, and neuralgia. M. Piedagnel has used it with great supposed advantage 
 ii acute articular rheumatism, which he has found generally to get well under 
 iiuse in seven or eight days. (See Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S'., xxvi. 496.) 
 I Turnbull has found it useful also in dropsy, and in diseases of the heart, 
 p ticularly those of a functional character. He thinks he has also seen it do 
 gid in structural diseases of that organ, but chiefly by acting as a diuretic, and 
 t reby removing effusion in the pericardium. Veratria has also been em- 
 p yed in various nervous affections, as paralysis, hooping-cough, epilepsy, hys- 
 t a, and disorders dependent upon spinal irritation. For internal use the salts 
 oeratria are preferred. From one- twelfth to one-sixth of a grain may be given 
 ii the form of pill, and repeated every three hours till the effects of the rnedi- 
 cs are experienced. Dr. Turnbull prefers the tartrate, as less disposed to 
 irtate the stomach. The sulphate or acetate, however, may be used. Any one 
 O’ hese salts may be readily prepared by treating veratria with water acidulated 
 v h the acid to perfect neutralization, and then evaporating to dryness. 
 
 lut veratria is much more employed externally than by the stomach, and is 
 a ilicable in this way to all the complaints already mentioned. It may be used 
 erer dissolved in alcohol, or rubbed up with lard or other unctuous substance 
 i the proportion of from ten to twenty grains or more to the ounce. Of the 
 
 0 tment thus prepared, Dr. Turnbull directs a portion of the size of a large 
 a ' to be rubbed upon the skin over the part affected, night and morning, from 
 f i to fifteen minutes, or until the more urgent symptoms are relieved. Ve- 
 r ria may be used in this way to the amount of from four to eight grains in the 
 d ’. Care must be taken that the cuticle is sound over the parts to which it 
 
 1 applied. When the skin is irritable, smaller quantities than those above 
 
 r ationed must be used. W. 
 
1272 
 
 Vina Medicata. 
 
 PART , 
 
 VINA MEDICATA. 
 
 Medicated Wines. 
 
 The advantages of wine as a pharmaceutic menstruum are that, in consequen 
 of the alcohol it contains, it dissolves substances insoluble in water, and, 1 1 
 certain extent, resists their tendency to spontaneous change; while, at the sa > 
 time, it is less stimulant than rectified or proof spirit, both from its smal- 
 proportion of alcohol, and from the modified state in which this fluid exists, 
 its composition. The acid which it usually contains, serves in some instan , 
 to increase its solvent power. But most wines, particularly the light varieti 
 are liable to undergo decomposition; and even the strongest acquire such a hah 
 ity from the principles which they extract from vegetable substances; so tn 
 medicated wines, though they keep much better than infusions or decoctioi 
 are inferior in this respect to the tinctures. The proportion of alcohol, moreov 
 is not constant; and the preparations, therefore, made with them, are of uneqi 
 strength. From these causes, few medicated wines are at present retained, 
 the choice of wine, the purest and most generous should be selected. Sheri 
 as directed by the U. S. and British Pharmacopoeias, Teneriffe, or Madeira shoe 
 be preferred. The medicated wines, in consequence of their liability to c-hanr 
 should be prepared in small quantities, without heat, and should be kept in w 
 stopped bottles in a cool place. 
 
 The London College directs that “ medicated wines should be prepared 
 covered glass vessels, and frequently agitated during the maceration.” W. 
 
 VINUM ALOES. U. S., Lond., Lid. Wine of Aloes. 
 
 “ Take of Aloes, in powder, an ounce ; Cardamom [seeds], bruised, Gingf 
 bruised, each, a drachm; White Wine [sherry] a pint. Macerate for fourte-i 
 days, with occasional agitation, and filter through paper.” U. S- 
 
 “Take of Soeotrine or Hepatic Aloes, in powder, two ounces; Canella, 
 powder, four drachms ; Sherry Wine two pints [Imperial measure]. Maeera 
 for seven days, and filter.” Lond. 
 
 “ Take of Soeotrine or East India Aloes an ounce and a half; Cardamo 
 Seeds, ground, Ginger, in coarse powder, of each, a drachm and a half; Sher; 
 two pints [Imperial measure]. Digest for seven days, and strain through line 
 or calico.” Ed. 
 
 The wine of aloes is a warm stomachic purgative, useful in constipation d 
 pendent on a want of due irritability of the alimentary canal, and in complain 
 connected with this state of the bowels. It has long been used in chlorosj 
 amenorrhoea, dyspepsia, gout, paralysis, &c. It is said to leave behind it a mo 
 lax condition of the bowels than most other cathartics. The dose as a stomach 
 is one or two fluidrachms, as a purgative from half a fluidounce to two fluh 
 ounces. W. 
 
 VINUM COLCHICI KADICIS. U. S. Vinum Colchici. Lond 
 
 Ed. Wine of Colchicum Hoot. 
 
 “ Take of Colchicum Boot, well bruised, a pound; White Wine [sherry] tit 
 pints. Macerate for fourteen days, with occasional agitation ; then expre; 
 strongly, and filter through paper. 
 
 “ Wine of Colchicum Root may also be prepared by macerating as above, the 
 transferring to a percolator, and, after the liquor has ceased to pass, pouring 5 
 much wine upon the residue that the filtered liquor obtained may measure tu 
 pints.” U. S. 
 
ART II. 
 
 Vina Medicata. 
 
 1273 
 
 “Take of dried Meadow-saffron Cormus, sliced, eight ounces ; Sherry Wine 
 io pints [Imperial measure]. Macerate for seven days, and filter.” Lond. 
 
 The Edinburgh College directs the same quantities of materials as the London, 
 d orders digestion for seven days, straining, strong expression, and filtering. 
 This is intended to he a saturated vinous tincture of colchicum. As the col- 
 ficum root imported into the United States is of variable strength, the only 
 ethod by which an active preparation can be ensured, is to employ a large 
 lantity of the bulb in proportion to that of the menstruum. If the former 
 ould happen to be in excess, no other injury could result than a slight pecu- 
 ary loss; while a deficiency in the strength of the preparation would frequently 
 of serious detriment in urgent cases of disease. We have never been dis- 
 jointed in obtaining the effects of colchicum from the wine which we knew 
 have been prepared according to the directions of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia; 
 file that which has been made with a smaller quantity of the bulb has often 
 iled in our hands. A wine prepared from the fresh bulb is occasionally im- 
 >rted from England, and is thought by some to be more efficacious than our 
 acinal preparation. The dose of the officinal wine is from ten minims to a 
 lidrachm, to be repeated three or four times a day, or more frequently in severe 
 Ses, till its effects are experienced. In gout it is frequently given in connexion 
 th magnesia and its sulphate; and in neuralgic cases we have found much 
 vantage from combining it with the solution of sulphate of morphia, especially 
 aen we have desired to give it a direction rather to the skin than the bowels, 
 has been employed externally with asserted advantage in rheumatism. In over- 
 uses it may produce fatal effects. Death is said to have occurred in one in- 
 jknce from two drachms of the wine; but much more would probably in general 
 ■ requisite to produce this result. W. 
 
 VINUM COLCHICI SEMINIS. U.S. Wine of Colchicum Seed. 
 
 “Take of Colchicum Seed, bruised, four ounces ; White Wine [sherry] two 
 nts. Macerate for fourteen days, with occasional agitation; then express, and 
 ter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 As the seeds of colchicum are less liable to injury than the bulb, and are, 
 prefore, of more uniform strength, there is not the same necessity for pre- 
 Iring a saturated tincture. This wine corresponds in strength with the tinc- 
 re of colchicum seed. (See Tinctura Colchici Semin i si) In the account of 
 e seeds given in the first part of this work ( page 275), it is stated, on the 
 thority of Dr. Williams, who introduced the seeds into use, that their active 
 fiperties reside in their coating, and that it is, therefore, not advisable to bruise 
 iem in preparing the wine or tincture. But this has been shown to be an error 
 / the experiments of Mr. Bonnewyn, who found a larger proportion of colchicia 
 a tincture of the bruised than in one of the unbruised seeds. (See Am. 
 pm. of Pharm., xxvi. 120.) The dose is one or two fluidrachms. Two 
 iidounces have proved fatal. W. 
 
 VINUM ERGOTiE. U.S. Wine of Ergot. 
 
 • “Take of Ergot, bruised, two ounces; White Wine [sherry] a pint. Macerate 
 r fourteen days, with occasional agitation ; then express, and filter through 
 per.” U.S. 
 
 The large proportion of fixed oil in ergot interferes with the solvent action of 
 e menstruum, unless the grains are finely powdered. It is, therefore, best to 
 lploy the ergot in this process well powdered, instead of merely bruised, as 
 icinally directed. 
 
 The dose of this wine is for a woman in labour two or three fluidrachms ; for 
 her purposes, one or two fluidrachms, to be repeated several times a day, and 
 adually increased if necessary. W. 
 
1274 
 
 Vina Medicata. 
 
 tart I 
 
 VINUM GENTIANiE. Ed. Wine of G-entian. 
 
 “ Take of Gentian, in coarse powder, half an ounce] Yellow Bark, in eoar: 
 powder, one ounce] Bitter-orange Peel, dried and sliced, two drachms] Canell 
 in coarse powder, one drachm] Proof Spirit four fiwidounees and a half; Sheri 
 one pint and sixteen fuidounces [Imperial measure]. Digest the root and barl 
 for twenty-four hours in the Spirit; add the Wine, and digest for seven da' 
 more; strain and express the residuum strongly, and filter the liquors.” Ed.' 
 
 This is a stomachic bitter, sometimes employed to promote appetite and i: 
 vigorate digestion. The dose is from four to eight fluidrachms. W. 
 
 VINUM IPECACUANHA. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Wince 
 
 Ipecacuanha. 
 
 “Take of Ipecacuanha, bruised, two ounces; White Wine [sherry] two pint 
 Macerate for fourteen days, with occasional agitation; then express, and filu 
 through paper. 
 
 “ Wine of Ipecacuanha may also be prepared by moistening the Ipecacuanh; 
 in coarse powder, thoroughly with Wine, allowing it to stand for twenty-fov 
 hours, then transferring it to a percolator, and pouring Wine gradually upon 
 until two pints of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes two ounces and a half of the bruised root, and tv. 
 Imperial pints of sherry wine, and macerates for seven days; the Edinburg! 
 the same ingredients, in the same proportions, and digests for a week; th 
 Dublin, two ounces and a half [avoirdqpois] of aloes, and two Imperial pints d 
 sherry wine, and macerates for two weeks. 
 
 The preparations of the different Pharmacopoeias are virtually of the sam 
 strength. Wine of ipecacuanha possesses all the medical properties of the root 
 and may be used as a substitute when it is desirable to administer the medicin 
 in the liquid form. As it is milder, without being less efficacious than antimonk 
 wine, it is in some instances preferable as an emetic in infantile cases, especiall 
 when the antimouial, as not unfrequently happens, is disposed to irritate th 
 bowels. Under the same circumstances, it may be used as an expectorant an 
 diaphoretic ; and the effects of the Dover’s powder may be obtained by cornbin 
 ing it with laudanum or other liquid preparation of opium. The dose as a 
 emetic for an adult is a fluidouuce; as an expectorant and diaphoretic, from te: 
 to thirty minims. A fluidrachm may be given as an emetic to a child one o 
 two years old, and repeated every fifteen minutes till it operates. W. 
 
 VINUM OPII. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Wine of Opium. Sydeh 
 ham's Laudanum. 
 
 “ Take of Opium, in powder, two ounces; Cinnamon, bruised, Cloves, bruised 
 each, a drachm; White Wine [sherry] a pint. Macerate for fourteen days, wit 
 occasional agitation ; then express, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes two ounces and a half of extract of opium, tic 
 drachms and a half of bruised cinnamon, the same quantity of bruised clove; 
 and two Imperial pints of sherry wine; and macerates for seven days. Th 
 Edinburgh College, to the same quantity of cinnamon and cloves, adds thre 
 ounces of opium, and two Imperial grinds of sherry wine, and digests for a week 
 The Dublin College takes three avoirdupois ounces of opium, and two Imperia 
 pints of sherry wine, and macerates for fourteen days. 
 
 The wine made according to the directions of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia is 
 saturated vinous tincture of opium. It contains about the same proportions o 
 the ingredients as the laudanum of Sydenham, from which it differs only it 
 wanting a drachm of saffron. The spic-es which it contains are thought to adap 
 it to certain states of the stomach or system, in which the simple tincture i> 
 opium is found to produce unpleasant effects; but the same end may be obtainei 
 
1-RT II. 
 
 Vina Medicata. 
 
 1275 
 
 ban extemporaneous addition of some aromatic oil to the latter. Mr. Ware 
 rommends it as a local application to the eye, in the latter stages of ophthalmia, 
 wen the vessels of the conjunctiva still remain turgid with blood. Two or three 
 d ps are introduced into the eye every morning till the redness disappears. The 
 de of the wine of opium is the same with that of the tincture.* W. 
 
 YINTJM RUE I. U.S., Ed., Dub. Wine of Rhubarb. 
 
 ‘Take of Rhubarb, bruised, two ounces; Canella, bruised, a drachm; Diluted 
 /johol two fluidounces ; White Wine [sherry] a pint. Macerate for fourteen 
 chs, with occasional agitation ; then express, and filter through paper. 
 
 ‘Wine of Rhubarb may also be prepared by mixing the Rhubarb and Canella, 
 iicoarse powder, with the Diluted Alcohol, allowing the mixture to stand for 
 t"nty-four hours, then transferring it to a percolator, and pouring Wine 
 g dually upon it until eighteen fluidounces of filtered liquor are obtained.” U. 3- 
 The Edinburgh College takes five ounces of rhubarb, in coarse powder, two 
 aichms of canella, in coarse powder, five fluidounces of proof spirit, and one 
 p.t and fifteen fluidounces [Imperial measure] of sherry wine, and digests for 
 s;en days. The Dublin College takes three avoirdupois ounces of the rhubarb, 
 ti drachms [Dub. weight] of the canella, and two Imperial pints of sherry 
 vie, and macerates for two weeks. 
 
 This is a warm cordial laxative, applicable to debilitated conditions of the 
 s tern or alimentary canal requiring evacuation of the bowels. The dose is 
 fijm one to four fluidrachms or more, according to the amount of effect re- 
 el red, and the condition of the patient. W. 
 
 ijVINUM TABACI. U. S., Ed. Wine of Tobacco. 
 
 Wake of Tobacco, cut in pieces, an ounce; White Wine [sherry] a pint. 
 I cerate for fourteen days, with occasional agitation ; then express, and filter 
 t ough paper.” U. S. 
 
 The Edinburgh College takes three ounces and a half of tobacco and two Im- 
 fiial pints of sherry wine, and digests for seven days. 
 
 The dose of the wine of tobacco, as a diuretic, is from ten to thirty minims. 
 I is very seldom used; W. 
 
 YINUM VERATRI ALBI. U.S. Vinum Veratri .Land. Wine 
 d White Hellebore. 
 
 ‘Take of White Hellebore [root], bruised, four ounces; White Wine 
 [ erry] a pint. Macerate for fourteen days with occasional agitation ; then 
 epress, and filter through paper.” U. S. 
 
 The London College takes eight ounces of the sliced root, and two Imperial 
 fits of sherry wine, and macerates for seven days. 
 
 It has been supposed that the wine of white hellebore, in consequence of the 
 [•atria which it contains, would act in the same manner with colchicum in 
 t ! cure of gout and rheumatism; but it is uncertain and occasionally violent 
 i its operation, and is very little used. The dose is ten minims two or three 
 t ies a day, to be gradually increased till the peculiar effects of the medicine 
 a experienced. W. 
 
 4 Rousseau's laudanum is a tincture of opium made with very weak alcohol, which may 
 1 classed with propriety along with the above preparation. It is made according to the 
 1 owing formula. “ Take of white honey twelve ounces ; warm water three pounds. Having 
 [solved the honey, set the solution aside in a warm place; and, as soon as fermentation 
 1 bins, add of selected opium four ounces, previously dissolved in twelve ounces of water, 
 row the mixture to stand for- a month at the temperature of 24° Reaumur (86° F.) ; 
 1 n strain, filter, and evaporate to ten ounces; finally strain, and add four ounces and a 
 y of alcohol of 20° B. Seven drops contain about a grain of opium.” ( Pharmacop . 
 j ivers., ii. 265.) 
 
1276 
 
 Zincum. 
 
 PART 
 
 ZINCUM. 
 
 Preparations of Zinc. 
 
 ZINCI ACETAS. U. S., Pub. Acetate of Zinc. 
 
 “Take of Acetate of Lead a pound; Zinc, granulated, nine, ounces ; D 
 tilled Water three pints. Dissolve the Acetate of Lead in the Water ai 
 filter. Then add the Zinc to the solution, and agitate the mixture occasional 
 in a stopped bottle, for five or six hours, or until the liquid yields no preci] 
 tate with a solution of iodide of potassium. Filter the liquor, evaporate it vri 
 a moderate heat to one-fifth, acidulate it slightly with acetic acid, and set 
 aside to crystallize. Pour off the liquid, and dry the crystals on bibulous papf 
 Should the crystals be coloured, dissolve them in a pint and a half of distill 
 water, and, having heated the solution to ebullition, drop into it, while boilin 
 Precipitated Carbonate of Zinc, in successive portions, until a small quanti 
 of the liquid, being filtered, passes colourless. Then filter the liquid, acidula 
 it slightly with acetic acid, and evaporate that crystals may form.” U. S. 
 
 “ Take of Acetate of Lead one pound [avoirdupois] ; Sheet Zinc four ounc 
 [avoird.] ; Distilled Water two pints and a half [Imp. meas.] ; Solution 
 Chlorinated Lime a sufficient quantity. Dissolve the Acetate of Lead in tl 
 Water, and, having placed the solution in a cylindric jar, immerse in it tl 
 Zinc rolled into a coil. After the lapse of twenty-four hours decant the liqui 
 and having reduced it by evaporation to fifteen ounces, drop into it, while bo’ 
 ing hot, the Solution of Chlorinated Lime, until a reddish precipitate ceases 
 form. It is now to be cleared by passing it through a filter, then acidulated! 
 the addition of a few drops of acetic acid, and evaporated down to ten fluidounc-e 
 when, upon cooling, crystals will form. These, and any additional crystals o 
 tained by the concentration of the mother liquor, should be dried on blotting-pap' 
 placed on a porous brick, and then preserved in a well stopped bottle.” Dub. 
 
 In the U. S. process the lead is wholly precipitated by the zinc, wbic 
 forms with the acetic acid the acetate of zinc in solution. In order to be suj 
 that the solution is entirely free from lead, it is tested with iodide of potassiuc 
 which will produce a yellow precipitate in case any of the lead remains uupr 
 cipitated. The crystals of acetate of zinc, as first obtained, are apt to 1 
 coloured with iron. Should this be the ease, a boiling solution of them in di 
 tilled water is treated by the addition of successive portions of precipitated ca 
 bonate of zinc, until a small quantity of the liquid, being filtered, passes colou 
 less. The zinc of the carbonate of zinc precipitates the iron, and takes i 
 place in the solution ; and the iron is known to be all removed, when a portic 
 of the solution is found, upon trial, to filter clear. This mode of purifying tl 
 acetate of zinc from iron was suggested by Professor Procter, and was adopte 
 in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia of 1850, in place of the mode by means of a soli 
 tion of chlorinated lime, which he found to separate the iron imperfectly. Tl 
 necessary carbonate of zinc may be obtained extemporaneously, by converter 
 one-thirtieth of the coloured solution of the acetate into carbonate by preeip 
 tating it with carbonate of potassa in slight excess, as originally proposed 1 
 Prof. Procter. The precipitated carbonate, first washed from acetate of potass 
 is added in the state of magma to the coloured solution boiling hot. During tl 
 evaporation of the solution of the acetate of zinc, a small portion of the acetic ac 
 is lost ; and hence the necessity of acidulating with a few drops of acetic ac 
 before crystallizing. In the Dublin process the acetate of lead is decompose 
 in the same way precisely as in the U. S. formula ; but the solution of ac-eta 
 of zinc is not tested for lead, and the imperfect method of the former I • > 
 
P IT II. 
 
 Zincum. 
 
 1277 
 
 Pirmacopceia for separating the iron by a solution of chlorinated lime is 
 aipted. This precipitant, so far as it acts, sesquioxidizes the iron, and ren- 
 d .3 it insoluble, by its chlorine uniting with the hydrogen of water, and liberat- 
 ii oxygen. In relation to the acetate of zinc, see a paper by Mr. Ambrose 
 Sith, contained in the Amer. Journ. of Pharrn., vol. vii. p. 14. 
 
 Properties , c he. Acetate of zinc, when carefully crystallized, is in colourless 
 h agonal plates, which effloresce in a dry air. As found in the shops it is in 
 wite micaceous crystals. It is very soluble in water, moderately soluble in 
 ritified spirit, and has an astringent, metallic taste. The solution yields white 
 pcipitates with ferrocyanuret of potassium and hydrosulphate of ammonia, 
 le precipitate, thrown down by ammonia from the pure salt, is entirely redis- 
 S'?ed by an excess of the precipitant ; but if sesquioxide of iron be present, it 
 vl be left undissolved. Acetate of zinc is decomposed by the mineral acids, 
 vh the escape of acetous vapours. It consists of one eq. of acetic acid 51, 
 o: of protoxide of zinc 40'3, and seven of water 63 = 154'3. 
 
 Medical Properties. Acetate of zinc is used as an external remedy only, for 
 t) most part as an astringent collyrium in ophthalmia, and as an injection in 
 giorrhcea, after the acute stage in these affections has passed. The strength 
 
 0 the solution, usually employed, is one or two grains to a fluidounce of dis- 
 
 t ed water. B. 
 
 CALAMINA PRiEPARATA. U. S., Lond., Ed. Prepared Cala- 
 rne. 
 
 “Take of Calamine a convenient quantity. Heat it to redness, and after- 
 \rcls pulverize it; then reduce it to a very fine powder in the manner directed 
 f Prepared Chalk.” U. S. 
 
 The London and Edinburgh Colleges place prepared calamine in the list of 
 iiteria Medica, with these definitions: “Native carbonate of zinc, calcined, 
 iluced to a very fine powder, and elutriated.” Ijond. “ Levigated impure car- 
 inate of zinc.” Ed. The Dublin College has dismissed it. 
 
 The object of this process is to bring the native carbonate of zinc, or cala- 
 
 1 ne, to the state of an impalpable powder. It is first calcined, to render it more 
 ndily pulverizable, and then levigated and elutriated. During the calcination, 
 'ter and more or less carbonic acid are driven off; so that little else remains 
 tin the oxide of zinc, and the earthy impurities originally existing in the 
 iineral. Calamine, as sold in the English shops, is often a spurious article, 
 uiposed principally of sulphate of baryta, as ascertained by Mr. R. Brett. 
 
 1 ee Calamina , p. 150.) 
 
 Properties, &c. Prepared calamine is in the form of a pinkish or flesh- 
 1 , loured powder, of an earthy appearance. Sometimes it is made up into 
 ; tall masses. It is almost wholly soluble in dilute sulphuric acid ; emitting 
 ry few or no bubbles of carbonic acid. Potassa or ammonia, added to this 
 iution, throws down a precipitate (mixed oxide and subsulphate), which is 
 dissolved when either precipitant is added in excess. It is used only as an 
 ternal application, being employed as a mild astringent and exsiccant in ex- 
 riations and superficial ulcerations. For this purpose it is usually dusted on 
 e part, and hence the necessity for its being in very fine powder. It is often 
 lployed in the form of cerate. (See Ceratum Calamines.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Ceratum Calaminae. B. 
 
 ZINCI CARBONAS PRAECIPITATUS. U. S. Zinci Carbonas. 
 ub. Precipitated Carbonate of Zinc. Carbonate of Zinc. 
 
 “ Take of Sulphate of Zinc, Carbonate of Soda, each, a pound ; Boiling Water 
 gallon. Dissolve the Sulphate of Zinc and Carbonate of Soda, severally, in 
 ur pints of the Water. Then mix the solutions, and, having stirred the mix- 
 re, set it by that the powder may subside. Lastly, having poured off the 
 
1278 
 
 Z in cum. 
 
 PAET : 
 
 supernatant liquid, wash the Precipitated Carbonate of Zinc with hot water un 
 the washings are nearly tasteless, and dry it with a gentle heat.” U. S. 
 
 “ Take of Solution of Chloride of Zinc one pint [Imp. meas.] ; Crystalliz 
 Carbonate of Soda of Commerce two pounds [avoirdupois] ; boiling Distill 
 Water six pints [Imp. meas.]. To the Carbonate of Soda, dissolved in t; 
 Water, add the Solution of Chloride of Zinc, in successive portions, and be 
 until gas ceases to be evolved. Collect the precipitate on a calico filter, an 
 having poured on distilled water until the washings cease to cause turbidit 
 when dropped into a solution of nitrate of silver containing free nitric acid, ai 
 the product, first on blotting-paper placed on a porous brick, and finally by 
 steam or water heat.” Dub. 
 
 This is a new officinal of the U. S. and Dublin Pharmacopoeias. In view 
 the impurities and frequent falsification of the native carbonate of zinc, the r 
 visers of the former work conceived that it would be advantageous to adopt ; 
 officinal the pure artificial carbonate, but without discarding the old preparatioi 
 This is retained under the changed name of Calamina ; while its former offiein. 
 name of Zinci Carbonas is applied to the present preparation. In the U. S. fo 
 inula a double decomposition takes place between the salts employed, resultin 
 in the formation of sulphate of soda in solution, and carbonate of zinc whic 
 precipitates. Carbonate of soda is preferable to carbonate of potassa for decon 
 posing the sulphate ; since the former gives rise to sulphate of soda, which : 
 more easily washed away than sulphate of potassa, derived from the latter. I 
 the Dublin process the reacting salts are chloride of zinc and carbonate of sod; 
 with the result of forming chloride of sodium in solution, and carbonate of zin< 
 Here the salt to be washed away is chloride of sodium, which, on account of it 
 being less soluble, is not so easily removed as sulphate of soda. The washing 
 are tested with nitrate of silver, until they no longer indicate the presence of 
 chloride. Boiling water is properly used iu both processes, in order to obtai 
 a pulverulent precipitate, which is readily washed. If cold solutions are usee 
 a gelatinous precipitate is formed, which is washed with difficulty. 
 
 Properties, &c. Precipitated carbonate of zinc is in the form of a very soft 
 loose, white powder, resembling magnesia alba. It dissolves in dilute sulphuri 
 acid with effervescence, forming a solution having the characters of a solution o 
 sulphate of zinc. If adulterated with chalk, it will be only partly soluble ii 
 this acid. Precipitated carbonate of zinc is often sold under the incorrect nam 
 of flowers of zinc, a name which properly belongs only to the oxide, as obtains 
 by combustion. When obtained from boiling solutions of sulphate of zinc ant 
 carbonate of soda, it has the composition 8ZnO,3COo + 6fiO. (Schindler. 
 Lefort makes its composition the same. (Journ. de Pharm., 3e sir., xi. 32 tb 
 The basic character of the salt is explained by 7 the fact that effervescence of car 
 bonic acid always takes place on mixing the solutions. It is employed medi 
 cinally for the same purposes as prepared calamine, and is coming gradually inti 
 use. The U. S. Pharmacopoeia orders a cerate made from ir, as a substituti 
 for calamine cerate. (See Ceratum Zinci Carbonatis.) 
 
 Off. Prep. Ceratum Zinci Carbonatis; Zinci Oxidum. B. 
 
 ZINCI CHLORIDUM. U. S., Loud., Dub. Chloride of Zinc 
 Butter of Zinc. 
 
 “ Take of Zinc, in small pieces, two ounces and a half ; Nitric Acid [sp. gr 
 1‘42], Prepared Chalk, each, a drachm ; Muriatic Acid a sufficient quantity 
 To the Zinc, in a glass or porcelain vessel, add gradually sufficient Muriatic 
 Acid to dissolve it ; then strain, add the Nitric Acid, and evaporate to dryness 
 Dissolve the dry mass iu water, add the Chalk, and, having allowed the mixture 
 to stand for twenty-four hours, filter, and again evaporate to dryness.” I . S. 
 
IRT II. 
 
 Zincum. 
 
 1279 
 
 “Take of Hydrochloric Acid a pint [Imp. meas.]; Distilled Water two pints 
 [up. meas.]; Zinc, broken into pieces, seven ounces; Mix the Acid with the 
 liter, and add to them the Zinc ; and, when the effervescence is nearly finished, 
 aoly heat until hubbies are no longer given out. Pour off the solution, filter, 
 ai evaporate until a dry salt remains. Having fused this in a lightly covered 
 eicible by a nearly red heat, pour it out on a flat and clean stone. Lastly, 
 \en it has become cold, break it into pieces, and keep it in a well-stopped 
 \isel.” Lond. 
 
 “Take of Solution of Chloride of Zinc any convenient quantity. Evaporate 
 ilowu in a porcelain capsule so far, that, upon suffering the residual liquor to 
 ol, it solidifies. Subdivide the product rapidly into fragments, and enclose 
 t;:m in a well-stopped bottle.” Pul. 
 
 In the U. S. process the chloride of zinc is first formed in solution by dissolv- 
 ij zinc in muriatic acid. The nitric acid added has the effect to sesquioxidize 
 ajr iron which may have existed as an impurity in the zinc employed. By 
 aporating to dryness and redissolving in water, most of the sesquioxide of iron 
 ileft behind. Lastly, in order to remove any remains of iron, a small portion 
 c, chalk is added, which precipitates it as a sesquioxide; and the mixture, after 
 snding, is filtered and evaporated to dryness. This process is the same as that 
 c the Trench Codex. The London differs from the U. S. process in dispensing 
 \:h the use of nitric acid and chalk, and in fusing the dry salt formed. The 
 jiblin College uses the solution of chloride of zinc, prepared by a distinct form- 
 u, and evaporates it to such an extent that the salt solidifies on cooling. As 
 t s preparation is used chiefly as a caustic, we should prefer the London process, 
 i which the salt is fused. In relation to this chloride, the reader is referred to 
 slaper by Mr. B. J. Crew in the Am. Journ. o/Pliarm., May, 1853, p. 203. 
 
 M. Bhighini prepares this chloride by double decomposition betw r eeu solutions 
 (chloride of barium and sulphate of zinc. Sulphate of baryta is precipitated, 
 (1 chloride of zinc remains in solution, from which it is obtained in white flaky 
 rstals by due evaporation. 
 
 Properties, Ac. Chloride of zinc is a grayish-white, translucent, deliquescent 
 nstance, having the softness of wax. When pure it is wholly soluble in wa- 
 t , alcohol, and ether; but, as prepared by the U. S. formula, it contains some 
 cychloride, which is left undissolved by water. According to M. Lassaigne, 
 t: commercial chloride of zinc sometimes contains as much as twelve per cent, 
 carseniate of zinc, which, being insoluble in an aqueous solution of chloride of 
 z c, will be left undissolved, when the chloride is treated with water. ( Phillips’s 
 inns, of the Lond. Pitarm., 1851, p. 375.) Its solution yields with nitrate of 
 £i?er a white precipitate (chloride of silver) insoluble in nitric acid; and with 
 rmonia and potassa a white precipitate, which is dissolved by those reagents 
 fen added in excess. The carbonates of potassa and soda also throw down a 
 Vite precipitate, which is not dissolved by an excess of the precipitants. When 
 nosed to heat chloride of zinc first melts and then sublimes. When pure it 
 £ es white precipitates with ferrocyanuret of potassium and hydrosulphate of 
 a monia. A blue precipitate with the former test would indicate iron, a black 
 Ci with the latter, lead. It consists of one eq. of zinc 32 - 3, and one of chlorine 
 I '42=67-72. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This chloride was introduced into medicine by 
 Ipenguth, and subsequently recommended by Prof. Hancke, of Breslau, and 
 1 . Canquoin, of Paris. Internally it has been given as an alterative and anti- 
 s.smodic in scrofula, epilepsy, chorea, and, combined with hydrocyanic acid, 
 i facial neuralgia. Its chief employment, however, has been as an escharotic, 
 s died to cancerous affections, and to ulcers of an anomalous and intractable 
 ( iracter. When thus used, it acts not merely by destroying the diseased struc- 
 
1280 
 
 Zincum. 
 
 PART I 
 
 ture, but by exciting a new and healthier action in the surrounding parts. As 
 caustic it has the advantage of not giving rise to constitutional disorder froi 
 absorption, an effect which is sometimes produced by the arsenical preparation 
 
 Dr. Canquoin prepares the chloride of zinc as an esc-harotic, by thorough] 
 and quickly mixing it with wheat flour and water into a paste of four differer 1 
 strengths, containing severally an ounce of the chloride incorporated with tw< 
 three, four, and five ounces of flour ; fifteen drops of water being added for ever 
 ounce of flour, or sufficient to form the paste. It is applied in cakes from 
 twelfth to a third of an inch in thickness, and produces an eschar more or le.- 
 deep (from a line to an inch and a half), according to the thickness of the past 
 the length of the application, and the nature of the part acted on. The stronge; 
 paste is applied to lardaceous and fibro-eartilaginous structures ; the second t 
 carcinomatous tumours, and very painful cancers which have not much thick 
 ness, and the third to cancerous affections in persons who have a dread of violet 
 pain. These preparations, applied to the skin denuded of its cuticle by meaD 
 of a blister, excite in a few minutes a sensation of heat, and afterwards violet 
 burning pain. The eschar, which is white, thick, and very hard, falls off, by th 
 aid of an emollient poultice, between the eighth and twelfth days. To destro 1 
 thick cancerous tumours, having an uneven surface, and situated in fleshy part; 
 Dr. Canquoin uses a caustic formed of one part of chloride of zinc, half a parte 
 chloride of antimony, and two and a half parts of flour, made into a paste wit 
 water. Iu all cases, the caustic is to be reapplied, after the falling off of th 
 eschar, until the whole morbid structure is destroyed. M. Bonnet has applic 
 the paste of chloride of zinc to the treatment of aneurism. He announces th 
 complete cure of one case of subclavian aneurism from a penetrating wound, b 
 a continued series of applications of the paste. Every two or three days, th 
 superficial layers of the slough were removed by a bistoury. At the end of th 
 second month, the eschar began to detach itself without any hemorrhage, am 
 the clot came away with the eschar. Chloride of zinc has also been used sue 
 cessfully by M. Bonnet, in conjunction with 31. Gensoul. in the treatment c 
 aneurism by anastomosis. {Med. Times and Gaz., July 23, 1853.) Instead q 
 flour, Dr. Alex. Ure, of Glasgow, mixes the chloride with pure anhydrous sul 
 phate of lime in impalpable powder. He states that this has the advantages o 
 furnishing a porous medium from which the escharotic gradually exudes int 
 the morbid structure, and of forming afterwards, by acquiring a firmer consist 
 ence, an impervious case for the eschar. Mr. Calloway, of Guy’s Hospital, ha 
 employed the chloride of zinc with considerable success in the treatment of naw 
 materni. He rubs it at intervals on the part, until the skin becomes slight! 
 discoloured. 3Ir. Guthrie has used it with advantage for penetrating the han 
 case of new bone which forms over a sequestrum, in order to expose the latter 
 and permit its convenient extraction. 
 
 Chloride of zinc, with a view to its escharotic effect, may be formed extempc 
 raneously by means of galvanism , on the plan recommended by an English phv 
 sician, Dr. Thomas Smith. A simple galvanic circle is formed by riveting 
 disc of zinc, of the size of the eschar desired, to a disc of silver of equal size; th 
 pair being excited by a piece of spongio-piline, placed on the silver, and moist 
 ened with a solution of common salt. The little battery is then fixed upon th 
 skin by means of strips of adhesive plaster. Once in twelve hours it must b 
 removed, and washed in salt and water, and then reapplied. By the electrolysi 
 of the salt, chlorine is liberated, which combines with the zinc, and converts it t 
 a certain extent into the chloride. This, acting on the skin, exercises its causti 
 effect; and at the end of twelve days a white eschar is formed. This mode o 
 forming an issue has, according to Dr. Smith, the advantage of being less pain 
 ful than those usually employed. 
 
P3T II. 
 
 Zincum. 
 
 1281 
 
 ?or internal exhibition, the most convenient form is a solution in the spirit 
 either, in the proportion of half an ounce to three fluidounces. Of this from 
 fer to eight drops may be given twice a day. Dr. Lloyd, of London, has found 
 doride of zinc useful as an injection in the acute stage of gonorrhoea, made of 
 tl strength of about two grains to three fluidounces of distilled water, and em- 
 pyed once in five or six hours. 
 
 n over-doses chloride of zinc acts as a corrosive poison. It produces burning 
 pa in the gullet and stomach, nausea and vomiting, cold sweats, depression of 
 tl pulse, and cramps of the legs. According to Dr. T. Stratton, surgeon R. N., 
 w) treated two cases of poisoning with this chloride at Montreal, the best an ti- 
 dies are the carbonated alkalies, which act by converting the poison into car- 
 bjate of zinc. In case the alkalies are not at hand, a solution of common soap 
 irst be immediately and freely given. {Med. Exam., Feb. 1849, from the Brit. 
 A. Journ. of Med. and Phys. Seif Dr. Letheby reports a fatal case of poison- 
 ir by this chloride occurring in a child in August 1849. The form of chloride 
 si flowed was Burnett’s disinfecting fluid. (See page 1282.) Its local effect 
 w, that of a corrosive on the lips, mouth, and fauces. Among the constitu- 
 ti.ial effects were paralysis of the voluntary muscles, coldness of the surface, 
 d ted pupil, and coma. B. 
 
 KIN Cl CHLORIDI LIQUOR. Dub. Solution of Chloride of Zinc. 
 
 ‘Take of sheet zinc one pound [avoirdupois]; Muriatic Acid of Commerce, 
 Titer, of each, two pints and a half [Imp. meas.], or as much as may he suf- 
 fi\nt; Solution of Chlorinated Lime one fluid ounce [Imp. meas.]; Prepared 
 C ilk one ounce [avoird.]. To the zinc, introduced into a porcelain capsule, 
 gjiually add the Muriatic Acid, applying heat until the metal is dissolved. 
 Fer the liquid through calico, and, having added to it the Solution of Chlori- 
 n;id Lime, concentrate at a boiling temperature, until it occupies the bulk of 
 oi pint [Imp. meas.]. Permit the solution now to cool down to the temperature 
 othe air, place it in a bottle with the Chalk, and, having first added Distilled 
 Tier, so that the bulk of the whole may be a quart [two pints, Imp. meas.], 
 side the mixture occasionally for twenty-four hours. Finally, filter, and pre- 
 se.e the product in a well stopped bottle. The specific gravity of this liquor 
 is '598.” Dub. 
 
 'his is a newofiicinal solution of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850. It is 
 mle, in the usual way, by dissolving zinc in muriatic acid. The chlorinated 
 li : is added to the liquid, in order to convert any iron which may be present 
 in sesquichloride, from which it is afterwards precipitated by the chalk. The 
 in of this precipitant introduces into the preparation a small proportion of chlo- 
 ri of calcium, which has no injurious effect. The two pints and a half of 
 vr ?r, taken in the formula, are not used in the process. They were probably 
 in nded for the dilution of the muriatic acid, which acts better on the zinc when 
 elided. The preparation is completed by bringing it to a determinate bulk by 
 tb ! addition of distilled water, and by filtration to separate the precipitated iron 
 ar ! any excess of chalk. 
 
 olution of chloride of zinc is a dense, colourless liquid, having a burning 
 Diiseous taste even when dilute. It contains 175 grains of zinc in afluidounee, 
 aij has the sp. gr. 1'593. This solution is equivalent to Burnett’s disinfecting 
 noticed below. It is a powerful disinfectant, and, when applied to can- 
 ce us and other offensive ulcers, duly diluted with water, destroys their fetor 
 soimg as the dressings are kept moist with it. This solution is recommended 
 MM. Gaudriot in gonorrhoea in both sexes, as having remarkable remedial 
 pejers. For men he uses an injection, composed of from twenty-four to thirty- 
 si drops in four fluidounces of water. A small quantity only is injected about 
 81 
 
1282 
 
 Zincum. 
 
 PART 
 
 an inch up the urethra, two or three times a day. For women he employ a 
 vaginal suppository, formed of five drops of the solution, half a grain of sulpte 
 of morphia, and three drachms of a paste consisting of a drachm and a hal f 
 starch, a drachm of mucilage of tragacanth, and half a drachm of sugar, is 
 suppository is introduced every day, or every second day. 
 
 Burnett’s disinfecting fluid , like the Dublin officinal solution, is an aques 
 solution of chloride of zinc. It contains 200 grains of zinc in each Impel 
 fluidounce, and has the sp. gr. 2. It is, therefore, considerably stronger to 
 the Dublin solution. It is so called after Sir William Burnett, who introduced 
 into use, in 1840, as a powerful deodorizing and disinfecting agent in neutralize 
 noxious etfiuvia, and in arresting animal and vegetable decomposition. Dilui 
 with water it forms Sir William’s patent preservative against the dry rot. is 
 concurrent testimony of a number of observers shows that it acts as an excell t 
 disinfectant for ships, hospitals, dissecting rooms, water-closets, privies, . 
 (See Extracts from British Navy Reports on chloride of zinc as a disinfects, 
 in the Bond. Med. Times and Gaz., Oct. 1853, p. 341.) Injected into e 
 blood-vessels, it preserves bodies for dissection, without impairing their colou r 
 texture, and is said not to injure the knives employed; but the accuracy of ; 
 latter statement is doubted by some. The advantage is claimed for it, tl, 
 while it destroys putrid odours, it has no smell of its own. For preserve 
 anatomical subjects, one part of the disinfecting fluid to eighteen of water C 
 form a solution of the proper strength. For disinfecting purposes on a la 3 
 scale, a pint of the fluid may be mixed with four gallons of water. 
 
 Off. Prep. Zinci Carbonas; Zinci Ohloridum. B 
 
 ZINCI OXIDUM. U. S., Loncl. Ed. Zinci Oxydum. Dub. Oxe 
 of Zinc. 
 
 “Take of Precipitated Cai’bonate of Zinc a pound. Expose it to a str: 
 heat in a shallow vessel, so as to drive off the carbonic acid.” U. S. 
 
 The Dublin College exposes the carbonate in a covered clay crucible to a v i 
 low red heat, until a portion of it, taken from the centre, ceases to effervesce! 
 being dropped into dilute sulphuric acid. 
 
 “ Take of Sulphate of Zinc a pound; Sesquicarbonate of ammonia six ouis 
 and a half; Distilled Water three gallons [Imp. meas.]. Dissolve the Sulphe 
 and Sesquicarbonate, separately, in twelve pints [Imp. meas.] of Water; th 
 mix. Wash the precipitate repeatedly with water, and afterwards expose it r 
 two hours to a strong heat.” Load. 
 
 The Edinburgh formula is essentially the same as the London. 
 
 At present all the Pharmacopceias, noticed in this work, prepare the oxide f 
 zinc from the carbonate, — the carbonate ready formed in the U. S. and Dub 
 formulas, and made as a step of the London and Edinburgh processes. By- 
 ferring to the article on precipitated carbonate of zinc, page 1278, it will 
 found that this carbonate is obtained in the Lb S. process from sulphate of zi\ 
 in the Dublin from the chloride, in both cases by the decomposing influence 
 carbonate of soda. In the London and Edinburgh processes the carbonat-s 
 obtained extemporaneously from the sulphate of zinc, by means of carbonatcf 
 ammonia. Of these methods for forming carbonate of zinc, that of the I . 
 Pharmacopoeia is to be preferred. M. Lefort found it to furnish a carboDe 
 which is washed with facility, and convertible by calcination into a pure oxi . 
 readily reduced to an impalpable and very light powder. ( Journ . de Phar . 
 oe sir., xi. 329.) The methods of the British Colleges are ineligible, on acco t 
 of the comparative cost of the materials emploj'ed. The carbonate of zinc! 
 whatever way obtained, is exposed to heat to drive off the carbonic acid ;i 
 water, in order to obtain the oxide. According to Mohr, a full red heat is ' 
 necessary for this purpose; a temperature between 53(3° and 572° being sufficik 
 
] RT II. 
 
 Zincum. 
 
 1283 
 
 Oxide of zinc maybe obtained by the combustion of the metal; and in this 
 iy it was formerly prepared by the Dublin College. Zinc melts at 773°, and 
 mediately becomes covered with a film of gray oxide. When the tempera- 
 tre reaches nearly to redness, it takes fire and burns with an intense white light, 
 perating the oxide in the form of very light and white flocculi, resembling 
 cded wool, which quickly fill the crucible, and are in part driven into the at- 
 psphere by the current of air. Mr Gr. D. Midgley, of Loudon, has recently 
 ( led attention to the production of oxide of zinc by combustion, and has given 
 description of the apparatus, by which he is enabled to prepare from one to 
 to hundred weight of the oxide at one operation. It consists of a large muffle, 
 lated to redness in a suitable furnace, and supplied with zinc from time to 
 ■me as the combustion proceeds. The necessary draught of air is conveyed 
 fun the muffle by a tube, passing through the top of the furnace, and terminat- 
 i'j in a vessel containing water, in which the portion of oxide carried up by the 
 (rrent is retained. The resulting oxide is freed from particles of metallic zinc 
 1 being passed through a sieve. (See Am. Journ. of JPharm., April, 1849.) 
 Properties, &c. Oxide of zinc is an inodorous, tasteless, white powder, in- 
 i uble in water and alcohol. As obtained by the London formula it is yellowish- 
 nite. It dissolves readily in acids without effervescence; and in potassa, 
 tda, and ammonia, but not in their carbonates. When heated moderately it 
 lomes yellow; but upon cooling it regains its white colour, unless iron is pre- 
 sit, when a yellowish tint remains. At a low white heat it fuses, and at a full 
 nite one sublimes. When prepared by combustion, it was formerly called 
 fpipholix , nihil album , lana philosphica, and flowers of zinc. This oxide is 
 een impure. Much of that sold in the shops effervesces with acids, owing to 
 13 presence of carbonate of zinc, or of the carbonate used to precipitate it. Its 
 lutral solution in acids should give a white precipitate with ferrocyanuret of 
 jtassium and hydrosulphate of ammonia. If the precipitate with the former 
 It is bluish-white, iron is indicated; if black with the latter, lead is shown, 
 ’hen prepared by the old officinal process, namely, by precipitating sulphate 
 ( zinc with caustic ammonia, it contained the subsulphate, the acid of -which 
 i y be detected by dissolving the oxide in nitric acid, and precipitating by 
 irate of baryta. If the oxide contain white lead or chalk, it will not be en- 
 t sly soluble in dilute sulphuric acid, but an insoluble sulphate of lead or of 
 lie will be left behind. If iron be present, brownish-red flocks of sesquioxide 
 • ! left undissolved, when the muriatic solution of the oxide of zinc is treated 
 vth ammonia in excess. Oxide of zinc consists of one eq. of zinc 32’3, and 
 (3 of oxygen 8=40'3. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Oxide of zinc is tonic and antispasmodic. It 
 1 3 been given in chorea, epilepsy, hooping-cough, spasm of the stomach de- 
 Jident on dyspepsia, and other similar affections. Externally, it is employed 
 tan exsiccant to excoriated surfaces, sometimes by sprinkling it on the affected 
 pt, but generally in the form of ointment. (See Unguentum Zinci Oxidi.') 
 r . e dose is from two to eight grains or more, repeated several times a day, and 
 pen in the form of pill. 
 
 Oxide of zinc is extensively used at present (1854) in painting, as a substi- 
 I e for white lead, over which it has the advantage of not being discoloured by 
 [ phuretted hydrogen. It has, moreover, the merit of not producing injurious 
 (pets on the workmen, at all comparable to those caused by white lead. 
 
 Off. Prep. Unguentum Zinci Oxidi. B. 
 
 ZINCI SULPHAS. U.S., Lond., Ed., Dub. Sulphate of Zinc, 
 kite Vitriol. 
 
 “ Take of Zinc, in small pieces, four ounces ; Sulphuric Acid six ounces ; Dis- 
 1 ed Water four pints. To the Zinc and Water, previously introduced into a 
 
1284 
 
 Zincum. 
 
 part ; 
 
 glass vessel, add by degrees the Sulphuric Acid, and, when the effervescen 
 has ceased, filter the solution through paper ; then boil it down till a pellic 
 begins to form, and set it aside to crystallize." U. S. 
 
 In the London Pharmacopoeia of 1851, this salt has been transferred to t 
 list of Materia Medica. 
 
 “ This salt may be prepared either by dissolving fragments of Zinc in Dilut 
 Sulphuric Acid till a neutral liquid be obtained, filtering the solution, and co 
 centrating sufficiently for it to crystallize on cooling — or by repeatedly dissolve 
 and crystallizing the impure Sulphate of Zinc of commerce, until the produ 
 when dissolved in water does not yield a black precipitate with tincture of gal 
 and corresponds with the characters laid down for Sulphate of Zinc in the li 
 of the Materia Medica." Ed. 
 
 “Take of Zinc, laminated, or in small fragments, four ounces [avoirdupois 
 Oil of Vitriol of Commerce three Jiuidounces [Imp. meas.] ; Distilled Water o 
 quart [two pints, Imp. meas.] ; Nitric Acid of Commerce, Dilute Sulphui 
 Acid, of each, a fluidraclim [Imp. meas.]; Prepared Chalk two drachms [Da 
 weight]. Place the Zinc, Oil of Vitriol, and a pint of the Water in a porcela 
 Capsule, and, when gas ceases to be developed, boil for ten minutes. Pass th( 
 the solution through a calico filter, and, having added to it the Nitric Acid, ev 
 porate to dryness. Let the dry salt be dissolved in the remainder of the Wate 
 and let the solution when cold be shaken several times for six hours in a bott 
 with the Chalk, and then cleared by passing it through a filter. It is now, aft 
 having been acidulated with the Dilute Sulphuric Acid, to be evaporated till 
 pellicle begins to form on its surface, and then set to crystallize. The c-rysta 
 thus obtained should be dried on blotting paper without heat, and then pr 
 served in a bottle. By further concentrating the solution from which the cry 
 tals have been separated, an additional product will be obtained.” Duh. 
 
 By these processes crystallized sulphate of zinc is obtained. Strong sulphur 
 acid has very little action on zinc; but, when it is diluted , water is instant! 
 decomposed, and, while its hydrogen escapes with rapid effervescence, its oxyge 
 combines with the zinc ; and the oxide formed, uniting with the acid, generati 
 the sulphate of the oxide of zinc. Thus it is perceived that hydrogen is a co 
 lateral product of the process. The proportion of the zinc to the strong acid 
 as 4 to 6 in the U. S. process, and as 4 to 5'53 in the Dublin. The equivalei 
 numbers give the ratio of 4 to 6'06; which indicates that the U. S. numbe: 
 approach very nearly to the true proportion. If the materials be mixed at one-' 
 without any precaution, the effervescence of hydrogen is apt to be exc-essiv. 
 and to cause the overflowing’ of the liquid. This is avoided by the direction! 
 the U. S. formula, to commence the solution of zinc with a very dilute ac-ii 
 which, as the action slackens, is made by degrees stronger and stronger, by tl 
 addition, at intervals, of small portions of fresh acid. The formula of the Ei 
 Pharmacopoeia embraces directions for obtaining the salt either by direct con 
 biuation, or by purifying the white vitriol of commerce from iron by repeate 
 crystallizations. The Dublin formula is peculiar in using a little nitric acid aD 
 prepared chalk. The acid has the effect of sesquioxidizing any iron which ma 
 be present, and the chalk of precipitating it. The boiling and evaporation t 
 dryness have the effect of producing a portion of basic sulphate of zinc, whic 
 is converted into neutral sulphate before crystallizing by the addition of a litt. 
 dilute sulphuric acid. 
 
 Preparation on the Large Scale. Impure sulphate of zinc, as it occurs i 
 commerce, is called white vitriol. It is manufactured by roasting blende (nativ 
 sulphuret of zinc) in a reverberatory furnace. This mineral, besides sulphur 
 of zinc, contains small quantities of the sulphurets of iron, copper, and leao 
 and by roasting is converted, in consequence of the oxidation of its constituent 
 
PRT II. 
 
 Zincum. 
 
 1285 
 
 in sulphate of zinc, mixed with the sulphates of iron, copper, and lead. The 
 nsted matter is then lixiviated; and the solution obtained, after having been 
 aiwed to settle, is concentrated by evaporation; so that, on cooling, it may 
 excrete into a white crystalline mass, resembling lump sugar. In this state it 
 a ays contains sulphate of iron, and sometimes a small portion of sulphate of 
 eper. It may be purified from these metals by dissolving it in water, and 
 b ling the solution with oxide of zinc, which converts the sulphates of iron and 
 c per, by precipitating their bases, into sulphate of zinc. The purified solu- 
 tii is then decanted or filtered, and, after due evaporation, allowed to crystal- 
 li\. It has generally been proposed to purify the white vitriol of commerce by 
 desting its solution with metallic zinc, under the impression that this is capable 
 o precipitating all the foreign metals; but, according to Berzelius, though it 
 vl precipitate copper readily, it has no action on iron. 
 
 Properties, &c. Sulphate of zinc is a colourless, transparent salt, having a 
 digreeable, metallic, styptic taste, and crystallizing usually in small four-sided 
 psms. Its crystals have considerable resemblance to those of sulphate of mag- 
 nia. It effloresces slightly in dry air, and, though neutral in composition, is 
 s 1 capable of reddening vegetable blues. It dissolves in two and a half times 
 it weight of cold water, and in less than its weight of boiling water, and is in- 
 sable in alcohol. When heated, it dissolves in its water of crystallization, 
 wich gradually 1 evaporates ; and, by a prolonged ignition, the whole of the acid 
 if expelled, and the oxide of zinc left. Potassa, soda, and ammonia throw down 
 aifhite precipitate of mixed oxide and subsulphate, which is redissolved by 
 til alkali when added in excess. If iron be present it is precipitated also, but 
 n redissolved. The alkaline carbonates precipitate the metal in the state of 
 wite carbonate. Pure sulphate of zinc is precipitated white by ferroc-yanuret 
 o potassium and bydrosulphate of ammonia. What is thrown down by chloride 
 o barium or acetate of lead (sulphate of baryta or sulphate of lead) is not dis- 
 ced by nitric acid. The precipitate thrown down from a solution of 100 grains 
 o.he salt by carbonate of ammonia yields, after exposure to a strong heat, 27 '9 
 gins of oxide of zinc. ( Lond . Pharm.) If copper be present, ammonia will 
 pduce a blue tinge; if iron, the ferrocyanuret of potassium will cause a bluish- 
 vite precipitate instead of a white one. Cadmium and arsenic may be detected 
 b acidulating the solution with sulphuric acid, and passing a stream of sulphu- 
 red hydrogen through it; when, if either of these metals be present, it will be 
 town down as a yellow sulphuret. Sulphate of zinc is incompatible with 
 a alies and alkaline carbonates, hydrosulphates, lime-water, the soluble salts 
 o lead, and astringent infusions. 
 
 [he impure commercial variety of sulphate of zinc, called white vitriol, is in 
 tl form of irregular white masses, having some resemblance to lump sugar. 
 1; lumps usually exhibit, here and there on the surface, yellow stains, pro- 
 d.ed by the sesquioxide of iron. It is less soluble than the pure salt, on 
 a 3tmt of its containing less water of crystallization. 
 
 Composition. Crystallized sulphate of zinc consists of one eq. of sulphuric 
 a l 40, one of oxide of zinc 40'3, and seven of water 63=143'3. The white 
 viol of commerce contains but three eqs. of water. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. This salt is tonic, astringent, and, in large 
 d'es, a prompt emetic. As a tonic, it is supposed to be well suited to cases of 
 d ility, attended with irritation, being less heating than sulphate of iron. In 
 d pepsia it has been used with advantage in very minute doses, as, for instance, 
 a carter of a grain, repeated several times a day ; but if its good effects are not 
 S' a apparent, it should be laid aside. In obstinate intermittents, it is a valuable 
 ri »urce,and may be given alone or conjoined with cinchona or sulphate of quinia. 
 E ; it is in spasmodic diseases, such as epilepsy, chorea, pertussis, &c., that it 
 
1286 
 
 Zincum. 
 
 part i: 
 
 lias been principally employed. Dr. Paris speaks of its efficacy in high terra 
 in spasmodic cough, especially when combined with camphor or myrrh, and “i 
 affections of the chest attended with inordinate secretion.’' As an astringent 
 is chiefly employed externally. In this mode of application, its solution const 
 tutes a good styptic to bleeding surfaces, and is frequently resorted to as an ii 
 jection in fluor albus and the advanced stages of gonorrhoea, and as a collyriui 
 in ophthalmia. In some conditions of ulcerated sorethroat, it forms a usefi 
 gargle. It has been employed also in solution with success as a remedy for nas, 
 polypi, in the proportion of two scruples, gradually increased to an ounce of tl 
 salt, to seven fluidounces of water, applied by means of lint and by injection 
 Before the discovery of tartar emetic, sulphate of zinc was almost exclusive! 
 employed to produce vomiting ; but at present its use as an emetic is restricte 
 principally to the dislodging of poisons, for which purpose its property of opi 
 rating rapidly renders it particularly suitable. The dose, as a tonic, is from or 
 to two grains; as an emetic, from ten to thirty grains. To children affected wit 
 hooping-cough, it may be given in doses of from an eighth to a quarter of a grai 
 two or three times a day. When used as a collyrium, injection, or gargle, or £ 
 a wash for indolent ulcers, from one to three grains, or more may be dissolve 
 in a fluidouuce of water. For medical purposes the crystallized salt should I 
 used, and in no case the impure white vitriol of commerce. 
 
 Sulphate of zinc, in an over-dose, acts as an irritant poison. Besides vomitin 
 and incessant retching, there are produced anxiety, distressing restlessness, an 
 extreme prostration. Few cases are on record of fatal poisoning by this salt 
 the patient being generally relieved by a prompt expulsion of the poison b 
 vomiting. Four cases, however, have been latterly reported in an Italian journa 
 two of which were fatal. In one of the fatal cases, an ounce and a half had bee 
 swallowed by mistake for Epsom salt. The proper treatment consists in the ac 
 ministration of large quantities of bland drinks, the use of opium to allay nu- 
 tation, and the employment of the usual antiphlogistic remedies, in case symptom 
 of inflammation should arise. 
 
 Off. Prep. Liquor Aluminis Compositus; Zinc-i Carbonas Praecipitatus; Zira 
 Oxidurn ; Zinci Valerianas. B. 
 
 ZINCI VALERIANAS. Dub. Valerianate of Zinc. 
 
 “Take of Valerianate of Soda two ounces and a half [avoirdupois]; Sulphat 
 of Zinc two ounces and seven drachms [avoird.] ; Distilled Water one quart [tu 
 pints, Imp. meas.]. Dissolve the Valerianate of Soda in one-half, and the Su 
 phate of Zinc in the remaining half of the Water, and, having raised both soli 
 tions to 200°, mix them, and skim off the crystals which are produced. Let tl 
 solution be now evaporated at a temperature not exceeding 200°, until it is reduce 
 to the bulk of four [fluidjounces, removing, as before, the crystals from the su 
 face, in proportion as they form, and placing them with those already obtains 
 The salt thus procured is to be steeped for an hour in as much cold distilled watt 
 as is just sufficient to cover it, and then transferred to a paper filter, on which 
 is to be first drained, and then dried at a heat not exceeding 100°.” Dub. 
 
 In the formation of this new officinal of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of lS5t 
 a double decomposition takes place between the reacting salts, resulting in tl 
 production of sulphate of soda and valerianate of zinc. Upon mixing the hi 
 solutions, crystals of the sparingly soluble valerianate of zinc form on the surfai 
 of the liquid ; and, during the progress of its concentration to one-tenth, mo: 
 of them are successively produced. These are then washed with cold distilk 
 water to separate adhering sulphate of soda, drained on a filter, and dried. 
 
 Properties. This salt is in white, pearly scales, which have a faint odour 
 valerianic acid, and an astringent, metallic taste. It dissolves in 160 parts 
 
IRT II. 
 
 Zincum. 
 
 128T 
 
 c.d water, and in 60 of alcohol, of the sp.gr. 0'833. The solutions, which have 
 a acid reaction, become turbid on the application of heat, but clear again on 
 oiling. The salt, as obtained by the Dublin formula, is anhydrous ; but, when 
 fmed by exactly saturating carbonate of zinc, made into a paste with water, 
 T.h valerianic acid, it contains twelve eqs. of water, and, when dried at 122°, 
 pfectly resembles the anhydrous salt. ( G. C. Wittstein .) Sometimes acetate 
 ezine, impregnated with oil of valerian, is fraudulently substituted for this salt. 
 Te butyrate of zinc has been sold in Paris for the valerianate, and is so similar 
 t the latter as not to be distinguished by its physical properties. The two salts, 
 Iwever, may be chemically discriminated, by adding a concentrated solution of 
 t: acid of the suspected salt, obtained by distillation with sulphuric acid, to a 
 eicentrated solution of acetate of copper. If the acid be the butyric, its addition 
 t the solution of the acetate disturbs the transparency of the latter, by the forma- 
 tn of a bluish-white precipitate; while, if it be the valerianic, no change is 
 pduced. (Larocque and Huraut, Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., ix. 430.) 
 
 Medical Properties. Valerianate of zinc was proposed as a remedy, on theo- 
 rical grounds, by Prince Louis-Lucien Bonaparte. Upon trial it was found to 
 psess antispasmodic properties. By some of the Italian physicians it has been 
 eiolled as a remedy in neuralgic affections. Dr. Namias, of Venice, employed 
 i with advantage in anomalous nervous affections, attended with palpitation of 
 t ; : heart, constriction of the throat, and pain in the head. Dr. Francis Devay, 
 c Lyons, found it useful in epilepsy, and in the nervous affections which accom- 
 py chlorosis. The dose is one or two grains, repeated several times a day, and 
 gen in the form of pill. (See a paper on this valerianate by Prof. Procter, in 
 t| Am. Journ. of Pharm., for April, 1845.) B. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 I. DRUGS AND MEDICINES NOT OFFICINAL.* 
 
 In the progress of the medical art, numerous remedies have at different times 
 risen into notice and employment, which, by the revolutions of opinion incident 
 to our science, or by the discovery of more efficient substitutes, have so far fallen 
 into disrepute as to have been discarded from general practice, and no longer to 
 hold a place in the officinal catalogues. Of these, however, some are still occa- 
 sionally employed by practitioners and referred to by writers, and may retain a 
 popularity as domestic remedies, or among empirics, which they have lost with 
 the medical profession generally. The attention of physicians must, therefore, 
 frequently be called to them in the course of practice; and it is highly desirable 
 to possess some knowledge of their properties and effects, in order to be enabled 
 to judge of their agency in any particular case, and at the same time to avoid 
 the suspicion of incompetence which might attach to the exhibition of entire 
 ignorance in relation to them. The remark is true also of other substances, 
 which, though at no time ranked among regular medicines, are yet habitually 
 employed iu families, and the influence of which, either remediate or otherwise, 
 must often enter into our estimate of the causes which produce or modify dis- 
 ease. New medicines, moreover, are frequently brought forward, which, without 
 having obtained the sanction of the medical authorities, are occasionally pre- 
 scribed, and therefore merit notice. To supply, to a certain extent, the requisite 
 means of information in regard to these extra-officinal remedies, is the object of 
 the following brief notices, among which are also included accounts of sub- 
 stances not employed as medicines, but usually kept in the drug stores for 
 various purposes connected with the arts, or with domestic convenience. In a 
 work intended for the use as well of the apothecary and druggist, as of the 
 physician and medical student, the introduction of such accounts is obviously 
 proper, if kept in due subordination to the more important object of teaching 
 the properties of medicines, and the modes of preparing them. The authors 
 regret that the limits which practical convenience appears to require in a Dis- 
 pensatory, do not admit of a more complete enumeration of the various drugs 
 and medicines of the kind above alluded to, or of ampler details in relation to 
 those actually treated of, than will be found in the following pages. They have 
 endeavoured, however, in the selection of objects, to choose those which are likely 
 most frequently to engage the attention of the medical and pharmaceutical pro- 
 fessions, and, in the extent of the descriptions, to consult as far as possible the 
 relative importance of facts, of which they could not detail the whole. In rela- 
 tion to the nomenclature employed, it may be proper to observe that all those 
 vegetable remedies, which, not being generally kept in the shops, have no current 
 commercial name, are described under the scientific title of the plant producing 
 them ; while other substances are designated by the names which ordinary usage 
 has assigned them. 
 
 * By the term officinal medicines, here as well as elsewhere in this work, are meant 
 such as are embraced in the United States and British Pharmacopoeias. 
 
Appendix. 1289 
 
 ACETATE OF COPPER. Cupri Ace/as. Crystals of Venus. This salt is prepared by 
 lissolving verdigris, with the assistance of heat, in vinegar or dilute acetic acid. The solu- 
 tion, after having been sufficiently concentrated, is transferred to suitable vessels, where 
 it crystallizes on cooling. Acetate of copper is a slightly efflorescent salt, crystallizing in 
 thorn boidal prisms, and -having a rich deep-blue colour and strong styptic taste. It dis- 
 solves in water without residue, a character which serves to distinguish it from verdigris, 
 [t consists of one eq. of acetic acid, one of protoxide of copper, and one of water. Its 
 popular name of distilled verdigris is inappropriate ; as no distillation is practised in its 
 preparation. This salt is used for colouring maps. It was formerly the chief source of 
 icetic acid. It has no medical uses, and has been very properly abandoned by the Dublin 
 College as an officinal preparation in its Pharmacopoeia of 1850. 
 
 ACETATE OF MAGNESIA. Magnesias Acetas. This salt has been proposed as a pur- 
 gative by M. Renault, of Paris. It has the merit of extreme solubility both in water and 
 dcohol. Though without much taste, it is inferior in that respect to citrate of magnesia, 
 for which it is proposed as a substitute. It is prepared for therapeutic use by saturating 
 120 parts of carbonate of magnesia with acetic acid, and evaporating the resulting liquid, 
 ifter filtration, to 300 parts. The product is a syrupy acetate of magnesia, which is to 
 be mixed with three times its weight of syrup of oranges, to form the preparation of M. 
 Renault. Of this about four ounces is the dose. The objection to this liquid acetate of 
 nagnesia is, that, owing to its attraction for moisture, it cannot be preserved of uniform 
 strength for mixing with the syrup of oranges. ( Journ . de Pkarm., 3e ser., xiii. 260.) 
 
 ACETIC ETHER. JEther Aceticus. This ether may be formed by several processes, the 
 ;hief of which are the following: — 1. Mix 100 parts of alcohol (sp. gr. 0-83) with 63 parts 
 }f concentrated acetic acid, and 17 parts of strong sulphuric acid, and distil 125 parts 
 into a receiver, kept cold with wet cloths. 2. Distil to dryness, a mixture of 3 parts of 
 icetate of potassa, 3 of alcohol, and 2 of sulphuric acid, and mix the distilled product with 
 one-fifth of sulphuric acid, and distil a second time an amount of ether equal to the alcohol 
 jmployed. 3. Distil 2 parts of effloresced acetate of lead with 1 part of alcohol, and 
 a little more than 1 part of sulphuric acid. In the last two processes, the acetic acid is 
 set free by the action of the sulphuric acid on the acetate employed. Acetic ether is co- 
 ourless, of a very grateful odour, and a peculiar, agreeable taste. Its specific gravity 
 s 0-866, and its boiling point 160°. It undergoes no change by being kept. By contact 
 )f flame it burns readily, diffusing an acid odour. It dissolves in seven and a half parts 
 )f water, and unites in all proportions with alcohol. It consists of one eq. of acetic acid 51, 
 md one of oxide of ethyle (ether) 37=88 (C 4 H 5 0,C 4 H,j0 3 ). 
 
 Acetic ether is occasionally used in medicine as a stimulant and antispasmodic. The 
 lose is from fifteen to thirty drops, sufficiently diluted with water. It is sometimes em- 
 ployed externally, by friction, as a resolvent, and for rheumatic pains. 
 
 ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM. Milfoil. Yarrow. This is a perennial herb, common 
 o the old and new continents, though supposed to have been introduced into this country 
 rom Europe. It abounds in old fields, along fences, and on the borders of woods and of 
 cultivated grounds, throughout the United States. It is from a foot to eighteen inches 
 ligh, and is distinguished by its doubly pinnate minutely divided leaves, from which it 
 lerived the name of milfoil, and by its dense corymb of whitish flowers, which appear 
 hroughout the summer, from June to September. The whole herb is medicinal. Both 
 he flowers and leaves have an agreeable, though feeble aromatic odour, which continues 
 ifter drying, and a bitterish, astringent, pungent taste. The aromatic properties are 
 Wrongest in the flowers, the astringency in the leaves. The plant owes its virtues to a 
 volatile oil, a bitter extractive, and tannin. It contains also a peculiar acid, denominated 
 '.chilleic acid. The oil, which may be obtained separate by distillation with water, has a 
 teautiful azure-blue colour, and the peculiar flavour of milfoil. The active principles are 
 extracted both by water and alcohol. The medical properties of the herb are those of a 
 aild aromatic tonic and astringent. In former times it was much used as a vulnerary, and 
 vas also given internally for the suppression of hemorrhages, and of profuse mucous dis- 
 charges. It has been recommended in intermittents, and as an antispasmodic in flatulent 
 colic, and nervous affections ; but is at present little used. It has recently been highly 
 ecommended byM. Richart, of Soissons, in low forms of exanthematous fevers with diffi- 
 cult eruption, in colic, painful menstruation, and infantile convulsions. He uses the infusion 
 it once as a drink, an injection, and fomentation. (See Journ. de Pharm. et de Ckim.. xviii. 
 12.) In some parts of Sweden it is said to be employed as a substitute for hops in the 
 "reparation of beer, which it is thought to render more intoxicating. It is most con- 
 ■eniently administered in the form of infusion. The volatile oil has been given in the dose 
 'f twenty or thirty drops. 
 
1290 Appendix. 
 
 ACTiEA SPICATA. Baneberry. Herb Christopher. This is a perennial, herbaceous 
 European plant, growing in the woods of mountainous regions, and attaining a height o: 
 two feet or more. The root is of a dark-brown colour, and bears some resemblance t< 
 that of Helleborus niger, for which it is said to be occasionally substituted. Its odour, 
 in the recent state, is sweetish and rather nauseous, but is in great measure dissipated bj 
 drying. The taste is bitterish, and somewhat acrid. In its operation on the system, the 
 root is purgative and sometimes emetic, and is capable, in over-doses, of producing dan- 
 gerous effects. It is unknown in this country. We have, however, a native species o! 
 Acteea — A. Americana of Pursh — of which there are two varieties — alba and rubra — dis- 
 tinguished by the colour of their berries, which in the former are white, and in the latter 
 red. They are sometimes called white and red cohosh, a name derived from the language 
 of the Aborigines. By some botanists they are treated of as distinct species, under the 
 names of Aclasa alba, and Actsea rubra. They grow in the rich deep mould of shady auo 
 rocky woods, from Canada to Virginia. They are said to have been much esteemed bv 
 the Indians. Their medical properties are probably similar to those of the A. spicata. 
 The name baneberry, given to different species of Acttea, was derived from the reputed 
 poisonous properties of their berries. 
 
 ADANSONIA DIGITATA. Baobab. A tree of enormous magnitude, belonging to the 
 Linntean class and order Monadelphia Polyandria, and to the natural family Sterculiacese 
 (Lindley). It is a native of Africa, extending quite through that continent from Senegal 
 to Abyssinia, and has been introduced into the West Indies. The leaves and bark ot 
 this tree abound in mucilage, and have little smell or taste ; yet extraordinary virtues 
 have been ascribed to them. Adanson found the leaves very useful as a preventive of 
 fevers, and they are employed habitually by the native Africans with a view to their dia- 
 phoretic property. Dr. Duchassaing, of Guadaloupe, has published a statement of his 
 experience with the bark in the miasmatic diseases of the West Indies. Out of 93 cases, 
 chiefly of intermittent fever, he failed only in three. M. Pierre has subsequently em- 
 ployed the remedy with success in intermittent fever at Bourgogne, in France. {Arch. 
 Gen. de Med., 3 e ser., xxiii. 535.) The bark has the advantage over cinchona of being 
 almost without taste, and quite acceptable to the stomach. It produces no other observ- 
 able physiological effect than some increase of appetite, increased perspiration, and per- 
 haps diminished frequency of the pulse. An ounce may be boiled in a pint and a half of 
 water to a pint, and the whole taken in a day. ( Journ . de Pharm. 3e ser., xiii. 412 and 
 421.) The fruit, which contains a subacid not disagreeable pulp, is used by the Africans 
 in dysentery and other bowel complaints. 
 
 ADIANTUM PEDATUM. Maidenhair. An indigenous fern, the leaves of which are bit- 
 terish and aromatic, and have been supposed to be useful in chronic catarrhs and other 
 pectoral affections. A European species, known by the same vulgar name, is the -4. Capilhts 
 Veneris, which has similar properties, though feebler, and has been much used as a pec- 
 toral, on the continent of Europe, from very early times. It is given in the form of infu- 
 sion, sweetened with sugar or honey ; and a syrup prepared from it is popular in France, 
 under the name of sirop de capillaire. The name of maidenhair has also been given to 
 Aspleniitm Trichomanes, the leaves of which have a mucilaginous, sweetish, somewhat 
 astringent taste, and have been used for the same purposes with those of the plants above 
 mentioned. Another species of Asplenium, A. Adiantum nigrum, has been substituted 
 for the genuine maidenhair ; but neither of them has the aromatic flavour of that fern. 
 
 JESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM. Horsechestnut. The horsechestnut is a native of Asia, 
 and was introduced about the middle of the sixteenth century into Europe, where, as 
 well as in this country, it is now extensively cultivated as an ornamental tree. The fruit 
 and bark have been used in medicine. The fruit abounds in starch, but has a rough, dis- 
 agreeable, bitter taste, which renders it unfit for food, though it is said to be eaten with 
 avidity by horses, oxen, hogs, and sheep. It may be depirived, in great measure, of the 
 bitter principle by maceration in an alkaline solution. It is asserted that the starch may 
 be readily obtained in a state of purity, ami that it excels as an article of diet that pro- 
 cured from the potato. (Diet, de Mat. Med.) The bitter principle is denominated escuhn, 
 and, according to llochleder, may be obtained by precipitating with acetate of lead a 
 decoction of the rind, filtering, treating the filtered liquor with sulphuretted hydrogen, 
 again filtering, evaporating to the consistence of syrup, and setting the residue aside in a 
 cool place. In a few days, the liquid is converted into a mass of crystals, which are to 
 be expressed, and purified by repeated crystallization from alcohol, and afterwards from 
 boiling water. If now washed on a filter with cold water till they have lost one-third of 
 their weight, they are rendered as pure as it is possible to obtain them. Esculin is m 
 shining white prismatic crystals, inodorous, bitter, but slightly soluble in cold water, 
 more soluble in boiling water, and very readily so in boiling alcohol, and in alkaline solu- 
 tions. Its solution is precipitated by subacetate of lead. It consists of carbon, hydro- 
 
Appendix. 1291 
 
 en, and oxygen. (See Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., xxiii. 474, and xxiv. 292.) The pondered 
 ernel of the fruit, snutfed up the nostrils, produces sneezing, and has been used with ad- 
 antage as a sternutatory in complaints of the head and eyes. The bark of the horsechest- 
 ut has attracted much attention on the continent of Europe, as a substitute for cinchona, 
 'hat of the branches from three to five years old is considered best. It should be collected 
 i the spring. It has little odour, but an astringent and bitter, though not very disagree- 
 ,ble taste. It contains, among other ingredients, bitter extractive and tannin, and im- 
 arts its virtues to boiling water. By numerous physicians it has been found very effi- 
 acious in the treatment of intermittent fever ; but it has entirely failed in the hands of 
 uiny others, and certainly cannot be considered comparable to the Peruvian bark in its 
 ower over that complaint. It is at present seldom used, and never in this country. It 
 as been given in substance, decoction, and extract. From half an ounce to an ounce of 
 he powder may be given in the course of twenty-four hours. The decoction is prepared 
 nd administered in the same manner as that of Peruvian bark. 
 
 AGARIC. Touchwood. Spunk. Tinder. This is the product of different species of a 
 enus of mushrooms denominated Boletus. Several species are used as food, several are 
 oisonous, and two at least have been ranked among officinal medicines in Europe. The 
 Joletus laricis which grows upon the larch of the old world, is the zchite agaric or purging 
 ■garic of medical writers. It is of various sizes, from that of the fist to that of a child’s 
 ead, or even larger, hard and spongy, externally brownish or reddish ; but, as found in 
 ommerce, is deprived of its exterior coat, and consists of a light, white, spongy, some- 
 what farinaceous, friable mass, which, though capable of being rubbed into powder upon 
 sieve, is not easily pulverized in the ordinary mode, as it flattens under the pestle. It 
 as a sweetish very bitter taste, and consists, according to Braconnot, of 72 parts of 
 esinous matter, 2 of bitter extractive, and 26 of fungin, a nutritious animalized principle, 
 onstituting the base of the fleshy substance of mushrooms. It contains also benzoic 
 cid and various saline compounds. In the dose of four or six grains it is, said to act 
 owerfully as a cathartic ; but Lieutaud asserts that it may be given in the quantity of 
 jirty grains or a drachm without sensibly purging. M. Andral has found it useful in 
 becking the night-sweats of phthisis. He uses it in doses of eight grains, and gradually 
 icreases to a drachm during the day, without any observable inconvenience to the diges- 
 ve functions. In this country it is scarcely employed, though we have met with it in 
 re shops. That which is most esteemed is said to be brought from Siberia ; but it is 
 robably produced wherever the European larch grows. Dr. Win. M. McPheeters has 
 ublished, in the St. Louis Med. and Surg. Journ. (x. 421), an account of several cases, 
 i which he tried a specimen of Boletus laricis, brought from the Rocky Mountains, in 
 imost all of which it proved decidedly cathartic. The dose was 25 grains, which it 
 as sometimes necessary to repeat. 
 
 The Boletus igniarius, or agaric of the oak, like the species just described, is compared 
 i shape to the horse’s hoof. Its diameter is from six to ten inches. It is soft like vel- 
 etwhen young, but afterwards becomes hard and ligneous. It usually rests immediately 
 pon the bark of the tree, without any supporting footstalk. On the upper surface it is 
 nooth, but marked with circular ridges of different colours, more or less brown or 
 lackish ; on the under, it is whitish or yellowish, and full of small pores ; internally it 
 fibrous, tough, and of a tawny-brown colour. It is composed of short tubular fibres 
 impactly arranged in layers, one of which is added every year. The best is that which 
 rows on the oak, and the season for collecting it is August or September. It has neither 
 iste nor smell. Among its constituents, according to Bouillon-Lagrange, are extractive, 
 isin in very small proportion, azotized matter also in small quantity, chloride of potas- 
 um, and sulphate of lime: and in its ashes are found iron, and phosphate of lime and 
 agnesia. It is prepared for use by removing the exterior rind or bark, cutting the inner 
 irt into thin slices, and beating these with a hammer until they become soft, pliable, and 
 isily torn by the fingers. In this state it was formerly much used by surgeons for arrest- 
 g hemorrhage, being applied immediately, with pressure, to the bleeding vessel. It pro- 
 lbly acts mechanically, like any other soft porous substance, by absorbing the blood and 
 msing it to coagulate, and is not relied on in severe cases. In the obstinate hemorrhage 
 hich occasionally takes place from leech bites, especially those of the European leech, 
 may be used advantageously, though perhaps not more so than well-prepared lint. It 
 is been sometimes applied to the purposes of moxa. 
 
 When prepared agaric is steeped in a solution of nitre, and afterwards dried, it be- 
 >mes very readily inflammable, and is employed as tinder. Some recommend the sub- 
 itution of chlorate of potassa for nitre. The preparation is usually known by the name 
 ’ spunk , and is brought to us from Europe. Spunk or tinder, the amadou of the French, 
 in flat pieces, of a consistence somewhat like that of very soft rotten buckskin leather, 
 
1292 Appendix. 
 
 of a brownish-yellow colour, capable of absorbing liquids, and inflammable by the slight- 
 est spark. It is said to be prepared from various other species of Boletus, as B. ungu- 
 lalus, B fomenlarius, B. ribis, §c. 
 
 AGAVE AMERICANA. American Agave. American Aloe. Maguey. An evergreen 
 succulent plant, indigenous in Florida, Mexico, and other parts of tropical America. This 
 and other species of Agave bear a considerable resemblance, in appearance, to the plants 
 of the genus Aloe, with which they are sometimes confounded. From the root and leaves 
 of the American agave, when cut, a saccharine juice flows out, which may be converte'd 
 by evaporation into syrup and even sugar, and by fermentation into a vinous liquor. Ac- 
 cording to M. Lenoble, this juice when fresh has an herbaceous somewhat nauseous odour 
 and acrid taste, and reddens litmus paper. It is said to be laxative, diuretic, and em- 
 menagogue. Dr. G. Perin, assistant surgeon in the U. S. army, has found the juice an 
 admirable remedy in scurvy, being more prompt and efficacious even than lime-juice. 
 He gave two fluidounces three times a day. (jV. Y. Journ. of Med., N. S., vii. 181.1 The 
 expressed juice, evaporated to the consistence of a soft, extract, has the property of form- 
 ing a lather with water, and is employed in some places as a substitute for soap. The 
 fibres of the old leaves, separated by bruising and maceration in water, are used for 
 forming thread. M. Lenoble found in the leaves an acrid volatile oil, a gum-resinous 
 principle, lignin, salts of potassa and lime, and silica : and thinks that a vinegar or oint- 
 ment of the leaves might be advantageously used as an epispastic application. {Journ. de 
 Pharm. et de Chim,, xv. 350.) The Agave Virginica, which grows in our Southern States, 
 and is known in South Carolina by the name of rattlesnake's master, has a very bitter root, 
 which is used in the form of tincture, in flatulent colic, and as a counter-poison in the 
 bites of serpents. (Robert King Reid, Inaug. Thes , A. D. 1849.) 
 
 AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA. Common Agrimony. This species of agrimony is a pe- 
 rennial herb, inhabiting Asia, Europe, and North America, and in this country, found in 
 fields and on the bordei’S of woods, and flowering dui’ing the summer months. Its stem, 
 ■which rises from one to three feet in height, is hairy, furnished with interruptedly pinnate 
 leaves, and terminated by a long simple spike of yellow flowers. Both the herb and root 
 have been employed. The former has a weak but agreeable aromatic odour, and a rough, 
 bitterish, somewhat aromatic taste. The fragrance is strongest in the flowers. The root 
 has similar properties ; but its taste is more bitter and astl'ingent. A volatile oil may be 
 obtained from the plant by distillation. Agrimony is a mild corroborant and astringent. 
 The hei’b has been employed in relaxed conditions of disease, as in passive hemorrhages, 
 and chronic affections of the mucous membranes. It has been recommended, also, as a 
 deobstruent in jaundice and visceral obstructions, and as an alterative in diseases of the 
 skin. In Europe it is popularly used, in the form of gargle, in affections of the throat. 
 The Indians of North America and the Canadians are repoi'ted to have employed the root 
 with advantage in fevers. The plant may be given in substance, infusion, or decoction. 
 The dose of the powder is a di-achm or more. 
 
 AJUGA CHAM2EP1TYS. Ground Pine. Chamsepilys. A low, creeping, annual, labiate 
 plant, a native of Europe, and found also in some parts of the United States. The leaves, 
 which bear some resemblance to those of the pine in shape, have a strong, peculiar, resinous, 
 not disagreeable odour, and a bitter, balsamic taste. They yield by distillation with water 
 a small proportion of volatile oil, resembling that of turpentine. They are said to be 
 stimulant, diuretic, and aperient; and have been given ill rheumatism, gout, palsy, and 
 amenoiThoea, The dose of the leaves in powder is one or two drachms ; but their infusion 
 in wine is considered the best preparation. 
 
 The Ajuga. reptans or common bugle, and the A. pyramidalis, perennial plants of Europe, 
 have also been used in medicine. They are nearly inodorous, but have a somewhat astrin- 
 gent, bitterish, and saline taste. Their virtues are probably those of a mild astringent 
 and tonic. They have been recommended in pulmonary consumption, haemoptysis and 
 other hemoiThages, and in hepatic obstructions, and have enjoyed considerable reputation 
 as vulneraries; but they are at present nearly obsolete. 
 
 ALBUMINATE OF IRON AND POTASSA, SYRUP OF. This syrup, proposed by M. 
 Lassaigne, is made as follows. — Dissolve 100 parts of the white of eggs in 100 of distilled 
 water, and precipitate the filtered solution with 36 parts of a solution of the sulphate of 
 sesquioxide of iron, marking 5° of the areometer. Then add 2 parts of alcoholic potassa. 
 previously dissolved in 50 parts of water. This, by agitation, will gradually dissolve the 
 precipitate caused by the ferruginous solution, forming a deep orange-yellow liquid. The 
 liquid is then converted into a syrup by dissolving in it one and a half times its weight i t 
 coarsely powdei’ed sugar, and filtered. The syrup has a slightly alkaline and sweetish 
 taste, totally devoid of inky flavour. Each fluidounee contains about six grains ot anhy- 
 drous sesquioxide of iron. Mr. A. J. Cooley has proposed to make a simple albuminate 
 
Appendix. 1293 
 
 f iron, by dissolving the freshly precipitated oxides of iron in a filtered solution of al- 
 iumen. 
 
 ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS. Ladies’ Mantle. A perennial European herb, grooving in 
 aendows, on the banks of rivulets, and in the borders of woods. The whole plant has an 
 stringent bitterish taste, which is strongest in the root. It was formerly employed in 
 liarrhoea, and other complaints requiring the use of astringents. By the ancients it was 
 Highly esteemed ; and extraordinary powers were ascribed to it by the alchemists, from 
 rhom, according to Linnaeus, it derived its generic title. 
 
 ALCORXOQUE. Under this name, a bark was introduced into Europe from South 
 tmerica, more than fifty years since, and for a short time attracted considerable attention, 
 t has been conjectural ly referred by different writers to different plants, but its precise 
 rigin is unknown. It is in large thick pieces, composed of two layers, of which the 
 .sternal is reddish, cracked, granular, spongy, and two or three lines in thickness, the 
 sternal lamellated, woody, and possessed of the property of imparting a yellow colour 
 .0 the saliva when chewed. It is inodorous. The outer layer 'is of an astringent, some- 
 what bitter taste, and was thought to have febrifuge powers; the inner is much more 
 litter, and is decidedly emetic. The bark was brought into notice chiefly as a remedy 
 n phthisis ; but, having been found useless in that complaint, has fallen into entire ne- 
 ;lect. It was given in the form of powder, in the dose of thirty grains; or half an ounce 
 f it was boiled in a pint of water down to half a pint, and two or three tnblespoonfuls of 
 he decoction were administered every two hours. In these doses it acted as an emetic, 
 ’he bark known in Spain by the name of aleornoque is derived from the cork tree (Quercus 
 fiber), and has sometimes been confounded in European pharmacy with that derived from 
 iouth America. It has the properties of the ordinary oak barks. 
 
 ALISMA PLANTAGO. Water Plantain. A perennial herbaceous plant, common to 
 firope and the United States, and growing in streams, pools, ditches, and other standing 
 raters. The root lias wdien fresh an odour like that of Florentine orris, but loses it -when 
 ried. Its taste is acrid and nauseous. It acquired at one time considerable credit as a 
 reventive of hydrophobia, for which purpose it was said to have been used with great 
 advantage in Russia ; but subsequent experiments have proved its total inefficacy. The 
 Almucks are said to use it for food. The leaves are rubefacient, and will sometimes even 
 lister when applied to the skin. They have been recommended in gravel and complaints 
 f the bladder, in the dose of a drachm. 
 
 A L KAN FT. This is the root of Anchusa tinctoria or dyers' alkanet, an herbaceous 
 erennial plant, growing in the Grecian Archipelago and the South of Europe. It is said 
 i some medical works to be cultivated abundantly in the South of France: but another 
 lant. is probably referred to — the Lithospermv.m tinctorium of Linnreus and De Candolle, 
 he Anchusa tinctoria of Lamarck — which is a native of that country, and the root of which 
 j considered as the true alkanet by the French writers. Alkanet, as found in the shops, 
 
 :• in pieces three or four inches long, from the thickness of a quill to that of the little 
 nger, somewhat twisted, consisting of a dark-red, easily separable bark, and an internal 
 gneous portion, which is reddish externally, whitish near the centre, and composed of 
 umerous distinct, slender, cohering fibres. As it comes to us it is usually much decayed 
 iternally, very light* and of a loose almost spongy texture. The fresh root has a faint 
 dour, and a bitterish astringent taste ; but when dried it is nearly inodorous and insipid, 
 ts colouring principle, which abounds most in the cortical part, is soluble in alcohol, ether, 
 nd the oils, to which it imparts a fine deep red ; but is insoluble in water. It may be 
 btained by first exhausting the root with water, and then treating it with a weak solution 
 f the carbonate of potassa or soda, from which the colouring principle may be precipitated 
 y an acid. According to Pelletier, by whom it was discovered, it possesses acid proper- 
 es, forming with the alkalies and earths neutral compounds, which are of a blue colour, 
 nd soluble in alcohol and ether. He calls it anchusic acid , and states that it may be sub- 
 med unchanged. ( Journ . de Pharm., xix. 105.) The tincture of alkanet has its colour 
 eepened by the acids, changed to blue by the alkalies, and again restored by neutralizing 
 te latter substances. It may, therefore, be used as a test. The extract obtained by 
 raporating the tincture is dark-brown. 
 
 Alkanet root is somewhat astringent, and was formerly applied to the treatment of several 
 iseases; but it is now employed exclusively for colouring oils, ointments, and plasters, 
 liich are beautifully reddened by one-fortieth of their weight of the root. It is said also 
 ) be used in the preparation of spurious port wine. 
 
 ALLIARIA OFFICINALIS. Erysimum Alliaria. Linn. Hedge Garlic A perennial Eu- 
 >pean herb, having an alliaceous odour when rubbed, and a bitterish, somewhat acrid taste, 
 hen eaten it communicates its smell to the breath. Mr. Wertheim obtained from the 
 
1294 Appendix. 
 
 root a volatile oil, apparently identical witli that of mustard. (Ann. der Chem. nnd Pharm. 
 liii. 52.) The herb and seeds are esteemed diuretic, diaphoretic, and expectorant, am 
 have been given in humoral asthma, chronic catarrh, and other complaints in which garli 
 is useful. The herb has also been recommended as an external application in gangrenou 
 affections; and to promote suppuration. 
 
 ALNUS GLUTINOSA. Common European Alder. A European tree, twenty-five feet o: 
 more in height, growing in swamps, on the sides of streams, and in other damp places 
 The bark and leaves are very astringent, and somewhat bitter. The former has been use< 
 in intermittent fever, the latter as a topical remedy in wounds and ulcers. The bruiset 
 leaves are sometimes applied to the breast for the purpose of repelling the milk. Thi 
 cones also are said to be astringent, and to form a useful gargle in complaints of the throat 
 All these parts of the tree are used in dyeing, and the leaves and bark in tanning. Thi 
 Alnus serrulala, or common American alder, has analogous properties. 
 
 AMBERGRIS. Amhra grisea. This substance, which is found floating on the sea, ot 
 thrown by the waves upon the shores of various countries, particularly in the southeri 
 hemisphere, is now generally believed to be produced in the intestines of the Phvsele , 
 macroceplialus or spermaceti whale, and perhaps in those of some other fish. It is ir 
 roundish or amorphous pieces, usually small, but sometimes of considerable magnitude 
 aud masses have been found weighing 50, 100, and even 200 pounds. These pieces art 
 often composed of concentric layers. They are of various colours, usually gray, wit! 
 brownish, yellow, aud white streaks, often dark-brown or blackish on the external surface. 
 They are opaque, lighter than water, and of a consistence like that of wax. Ambergrh 
 has a peculiar aromatic agreeable odour, is almost tasteless, softens with the warmth o: 
 the hand, melts under 212°, is almost completely volatilizable by heat, and is inflammable. 
 It is insoluble in water, but is readily dissolved, with the aid of heat, by alcohol, ether, 
 and the volatile and fixed oils. It consists chiefly of a peculiar fatty matter analogous tc 
 cholesterin, and denominated by Pelletier and Caventou amhrein. This may be obtained 
 by treating ambergris with heated alcohol, filtering the solution, nnd allowing it to stand. 
 Crystals of ambrein are deposited. It differs from most other fatty matters in not forming 
 soaps with the alkalies. When pure it has little or no odour. Ambergris is often adul- 
 terated; but does not then exhibit its ordinary fusibility and volatility. It was long 
 regarded as a cordial and antispasmodic, somewhat analogous to musk ; and has been re- 
 commended in typhoid fevers, and various nervous diseases. It formerly entered into 
 many officinal preparations, and is still retained in some of the European Pharmacopoeias. 
 It is, however, feeble as a remedy, and is much more used in perfumery than in medicine. 
 The dose is from five grains to a drachm. 
 
 AMMONIO-TARTRATE OF IRON. Ferri Ammonio-tartras. This salt was first em- 
 ployed by Mr. Aiken, of London. According to Professor Procter, of this city, it is best 
 prepared by dissolving to saturation, freshly precipitated hydrated sesquioxide Miron in 
 a solution of bitartrate of ammonia. The bitartrate may be made by saturating fifty 
 drachms of tartaric acid, dissolved in a gallon of water, with carbonate of ammonia, and 
 then adding fifty drachms of the acid to the solution formed. This is heated, by mean; 
 of a water-bath, with the fresh hydrated sesquioxide, derived from fifty-three and a third 
 drachms of U. S. subcarbonate of iron, dissolved in muriatic acid and precipitated b\ 
 ammonia. The sesquioxide is dissolved, and a deep reddish-brown solution results, which 
 is evaporated to dryness by means of a water-bath. This double salt, when prepared ir 
 small quantities, is in brilliant scales, dark-brown in mass, but garnet-red by transmitter 
 light. When obtained in considerable quantities, it forms angular graius. resembling kino 
 It is very soluble iu water, and has a strongly saccharine taste. Its aqueous solution 
 undergoes no change by a boiling temperature. According to an analysis by Prof. Procter, 
 it consists of two eqs. of tartaric acid, one of sesquioxide of iron, one of ammonia, an 
 four of water. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xii. 275.) This salt has the general properties o) 
 the other ferruginous compounds. Its advantages are its ready solubility, palatable taste, 
 and permanency. The dose is five grains or more, given in pill or solution. 
 
 ANACARDIUM OCCIDENT ALE. Linn. Cepsuvium pomiferum. Lam. Cathnc-nuU A 
 small and elegant tree, growing in the West Indies, and other parts of tropical America 
 A gum exudes from the bark, which bears some resemblance to gum Arabic, but is onh 
 in part soluble in water, and consists of true gum and bassorin. It is the gommc d'acajoi 
 of the French writers. The fruit is a fleshy, pear-shaped receptacle, supporting at it- 
 summit, a hard, shining, ash-coloured, kidney-shaped nut. an inch or more in length, am 
 three-quarters of an inch broad, consisting of two shells, with a black juice between them 
 and of a sweet oily kernel. The reeeptacle is red or yellow, and of an agreeable subsea 
 flavour with some astringeney. It is edible, and affords a juice which has been recent 
 mended in uterine complaints and dropsy. This juice is converted by fermentation inn 
 
Appendix. 1295 
 
 i vinous liquor, which yields a spirit by distillation, used in making punch, and said to be 
 jowerfully diuretic, The nuts are well known under the name of cashew-nuts. The black 
 uice, contained between their outer and inner shell, is extremely acrid and corrosive, pro- 
 lucing, when applied to the skin, severe inflammation, followed by blisters or desquamation, 
 [t has been examined chemically by Stoedeler, who found in it two peculiar principles, one 
 laving acid properties, which he calls anacardic acid, and the other a yellow, oleaginous 
 iquid, named cardol. (See Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., xiii. 459.) The juice is used in the 
 (Vest Indies for the cure of corns, warts, ringworms, and obstinate ulcers, and is said to 
 ie sometimes applied to the face by females in order to remove the cuticle, and produce 
 i fresher and more youthful aspect. In a case of external poisoning which came linger 
 mr notice, in a lady who was exposed to the fumes of the nut while roasting, the face was 
 so much swollen that for some time not a feature was discernible. The kernel, when fresh, 
 ins a sweet, agreeable taste, and is eaten like chestnuts, either raw or roasted. It is also 
 lsed as an ingredient of puddings, &c., and forms an excellent chocolate when ground with 
 joeoa. By age it becomes rancid. The black juice of the nut and a milky juice which 
 lows from the tree by incision, are sometimes used for marking linen, upon which they 
 eave a nearly indelible browm or black stain. 
 
 ANAGALLIS ARVENSIS. Scarlet Pimpernel. An annual plant, growing in Europe and 
 his country, with small, delicate, procumbent stems, furnished with opposite branches, 
 opposite ovate leaves, and small scarlet flowers, which are supported upon axillary, soli- 
 tary peduncles, and appear in June and July. It is inodorous, and has a bitterish, some- 
 what acrid taste. The ancients esteemed it a counter-poison, and in modern times it has 
 oeen used as a preventive of hydrophobia; but at present no faith is placed in its alexi- 
 oharmic powers. It is, nevertheless, not wholly inactive ; as Orfila found three drachms 
 of an extract prepared from it sufficient to destroy a dog, with marks of inflammation of 
 the bowels. It has been recommended as a local application in old and ill-conditioned 
 ulcers, and has been given internally in visceral obstructions, consumption, dropsy, epilepsy, 
 mania, &c. But too little is known of its precise properties, to authorize its indiscriminate 
 employment in these complaints. Another species, considered by Linnteus as a mere 
 Variety of the A. arvensis, is A. ccerulea, distinguished by its blue flowers. The medical 
 properties of the two, so far as is known, are the same. 
 
 ANCIIUSA OFFICINALIS. Bugloss. This species of Anehusa is a native of Europe, 
 tnd unknown in the United States. It is a biennial plant, from one to three feet high, and 
 was formerly much esteemed as a medicine. The root, leaves, and flowers were officinal. 
 These are inodorous and nearly tasteless. The root is mucilaginous and slightly sweetish, 
 tnd the flowers very feebly bitter. The plant has no claim whatever to the credit, formerly 
 ittached to it, of possessing cordial and exhilarating properties. It tvas used by the ancients 
 n hypochondriacal affections, but, as it tvas given in wine, the elevation of spirits was 
 probably due to the vehicle. In France, the Anehusa Italica, which is there known as 
 buglosse, is employed for the same purposes and in the same manner as Borago officinalis. 
 
 ANDROMEDA ARBOREA. Sorrel-tree. A beautiful indigenous tree, growing in the 
 valleys of the Alleghany mountains, from Pennsylvania to Florida. The leaves have a 
 very pleasant acid taste, which has given rise to the common name of the tree. They are 
 tsed by hunters to allay thirst, and form in decoction a grateful refrigerant drink in fevers. 
 The other species of Andromeda are shrubs, and some of them ornamental. Dr. Barton, 
 m his “Collections,” states that a decoction of A. Mariana is employed in the Southern 
 Rates, as a wash in a disagreeable ulceration of the feet to which the negroes are liable. 
 The powder upon the leaves and buds of A. speciosa is said to be a powerful errhine. 
 
 ANEMONE PRATENSIS. Meadow Anemone. This plant enjoyed at one time consider- 
 ible credit from the recommendation of Storck, who believed that he had found it useful 
 n amaurosis and other complaints of the eye, in secondary syphilis, and in cutaneous 
 iruptions. Dr. J. de Ramm found it also very useful in hooping-cough. A. Pulsatilla 
 pulsatilla), an analogous species, has been employed for similar purposes; and favourable 
 ■eports have been made of its effibacy in obstinate diseases of the skin, and in hooping- 
 :3ough. The preparation employed was an extract of the herbaceous part of the plant, 
 which was given by Storck in the dose of one or two grains daily, gradually increased to 
 twenty grains oy more. In large doses it was found frequently to produce nausea and 
 vomiting, or griping and looseness of the bowels, and sometimes acted as a diuretic. It 
 s, we believe, a favourite remedy with the homceopathists. The species of Anemone 
 ibove mentioned are European plants, and are not cultivated in this country. We have 
 several native species. One of them, A. nemorosa, ■which is common to Europe and the 
 limited States, is said to act as a poison to cattle, producing bloody urine and convulsions, 
 it is stated also to have proved, -when applied to the head, a speedy cure for tinea capitis. 
 Most of the species are, in the recent state, acrid and rubefacient, resembling in this respect 
 
1296 Appendix. 
 
 other Ranunculace®. They contain a peculiar crystallizable principle, named anmonin 
 convertible into anemonic acid, by the action of alkalies. (Ann. der Pharm., xxxii. 270. 
 It is deposited by water distilled from the fresh herb upon standing, and resembles cam 
 pkor. According to J. Miiller, it is formed by a metamorphosis of the acrid matters whicl 
 are distilled with the water. (Pharm. Cent. Platt, Sept. 11, 1850, p. 618.) 
 
 ANIME. Gum Anime. The substance known at present by the name of anime is a resii 
 supposed to be derived from the Hymenaea Courharil, a tree of South America ; though thi 
 origin is denied by Hayne. According to Dr. W. Hamilton, the resin exudes from wound, 
 in the bark, and is found also underneath the surface of the ground, between the principa 
 roots. (Pharm. Journ. and Trans., vi. 522.) It is in small, irregular pieces, of a pak 
 lemon-yellow colour, sometimes inclining to reddish, more or less transparent, covered witl 
 a whitish powder, brittle and pulverizable, with a shining fracture, a weak but agreeabk 
 odour, and a mild resinous taste. It softens in the mouth, adheres to the lingers when ir 
 the state of powder, and readily melts with heat, diffusing its agreeable odour in an increasec 
 degree. It consists of two distinct resins, one soluble, the other insoluble in cold alcohol, 
 and of a small proportion of volatile oil. There is a variety of a darker colour, less trans- 
 parent, and exhibiting small cavities in the interior; in other respects resembling the pre- 
 ceding. Another variety of anime is the East Indian, supposed to be derived from Valeric 
 Indica ; but this never reaches us as a distinct article of commerce. Anime formerly en- 
 tered into the composition of various ointments and plasters; but is now used only as 
 incense, or in the preparation of varnishes. The Brazilians are said to employ it inter- 
 nally in diseases of the lungs. 
 
 ANNOTTA. Orleana. The colouring substance called annotta, arnotla, ottoucou, is the 
 reddish pulp surrounding the seeds in the fruit of Bixa Orellana, a middling-sized tree 
 growing in Guiana, and other parts of South America. The pulp is separated by bruising 
 the fruit, mixing it with water, then straining through a sieve, and allowing the liquid to 
 stand till the uudissolved portion subsides. The water is then poured off, and the mass 
 which remains, having been sufficiently dried, is formed into flat cakes or cylindrical rolls, 
 and sent into the market. Annotta is of a brownish-red colour, usually rather soft, 
 but hard and brittle when dry, of a dull fracture, of a sweetish peculiar odour, and a 
 rough, saline, bitterish taste. It is inflammable, but does not melt with heat. It softens 
 in water, to which it imparts a yellow colour, but does not dissolve. Alcohol, ether, the 
 oils, and alkaline solutions dissolve the greater part of it. It contains a peculiar crystal- 
 lizable colouring principle, to which M. Preisser, its discoverer, gave the name of bixin . 1 
 (See Journ. cle Pharm., 3e ser., v. 258.; The chief uses to which annotta is applied are 
 for dyeing silk and cotton orange-yellow, and for colouring cheese. The colour, however, 
 which it imparts to cloth is fugitive. It has been given internally as a medicine ; but is 
 not now used, and probably exercises little influence upon the system. In pharmacy it is 
 used to colour plasters, and has occasionally been substituted for saffron. It is said to 
 be sometimes largely adulterated ; and red ochre, powdered bricks, and colcotliar have 
 been employed for the purpose. If these substances be present, they will be left behind 
 when the annotta is burned. 
 
 ANTIIRAKOKALI. This preparation, introduced by Dr. Polya, is of two kinds, the 
 simple and the sulphuretted. The simple anthrakokali is formed by adding 160 parts of 
 porphyrized mineral coal to 192 parts of a concentrated and boiling solution of caustic 
 potassa, contained in an iron vessel, the whole being well stirred together. IVhen the 
 mixture is completed, the vessel is taken from the fire, and the stirring continued until 
 'the whole is converted into a homogeneous black powder. The sulphuretted anthrakokali 
 is prepared in a similar maimer, 16 parts of sulphur being mixed with the mineral coal 
 before it is added to the caustic potassa solution. Dr. Polya recommends these prepara- 
 tions both internally and externally, in scrofula, chronic rheumatism, rheumatic tumours 
 of the joints, and certain herpetic affections. The dose is a grain and a half three or four 
 times a day, mixed with two or three times its weight of powdered liquorice root. For 
 external use, sixteen grains may be rubbed with an ounce of lard, to form an ointment, to 
 be used by friction night and morning. (Journ. do Pharm., xxvi. 545, and of ser., ii. 153.1 
 
 ANTHllISCUS CEREFOLIUM. De Cand. Chserophyllum sativum. Lam. Seandix 
 Cerefolium. Linn. Chervil. An annual European plant, cultivated in gardens as a potherb, 
 and supposed by some physicians to possess medicinal powers. It has a strong agreeable 
 odour, especially when rubbed, and a pungent, slightly bitterish taste. These properties 
 it owes to a volatile oil, which may be separated by distillation with water. It is said to 
 be deobstruent, diuretic, and emmenagogue, and has been recommended by different au- 
 thors in consumption, scrofula, dropsy, cutaneous and scorbutic affections, and as an ex- 
 ternal application to swollen breasts, bruises, and other local complaints or injuries. It 
 is, however, very feeble, and is more used as an addition to broths than as a medicine. 
 
Appendix. 1297 
 
 ANTIRRHINUM LINARIA. Linn. LIN ARIA VULGARIS. Bindley. Common Toad- 
 lax. This is a perennial herbaceous plant, from one to two feet high, with numerous 
 larrow linear leaves, and a terminal crowded spike of large yellow flowers. It is a native 
 if Europe, but has been introduced into this country, and now grows in great abundance 
 dong the road sides, through the Middle States. It is readily distinguishable by the 
 hape of ils leaf, and its conspicuous yellow flowers, which appear in succession from 
 lune to October. The herb is the part used. It should be collected when in flower, dried 
 juickly, and kept excluded from the air. When fresh it has a peculiar, heavy, rather 
 disagreeable odour, which is in a great measure dissipated by drying. The taste is herb- 
 ;ceous, weakly saline, bitter, and slightly acrid. This plant is said to be diuretic and 
 athartic, and has been used in dropsy, jaundice, and cutaneous eruptions. It is most 
 ouveniently employed in infusion. The fresh plant is sometimes applied, in the shape 
 jf poultice or fomentation, to hemorrhoidal tumours ; and an ointment made from the 
 iowers lias been employed for the same purpose, and also locally in diseases of the skin, 
 ’he flowers are used in Germany for dyeing yellow. 
 
 AQUA BINELLI. An Italian nostrum, named after a physician of Turin, which at one 
 ime enjoyed great reputation in Europe as a styptic ; but has been proved to possess very 
 ttle efficacy. It is a transparent liquid, with little taste and an empyreumatic odour, and, 
 ifter the discovery of creasote, was conjectured to contain a small proportion of that prin- 
 iple. It is now out of use. A recipe for its preparation is given in the Annuaire de The- 
 apeutique, 1843, p. 227. 
 
 AQUILEGIA VULGARIS. Columbine. A perennial herbaceous plant, indigenous in 
 lurope, but cultivated in our gardens as an ornamental flower. All parts of it have been 
 medicinally employed. The roots, leaves, and flowers have a disagreeable odour, and a 
 itterish, acrid taste. The seeds are small, black, shining, inodorous, and of an oleaginous 
 weetish taste, followed by a sense of acrimony. Columbine has been considered diuretic r 
 iaphoretic, and antiscorbutic, and has been employed in jaundice, in small-pox to promote 
 le, eruption, in scurvy, and externally as a vulnerary. It is not used at present, and is 
 fen suspected to possessi dangerous properties, like most other Ranunculacese. 
 
 ARECA NUT. Betel Nut. This is the product of Areca Catechu, an East India tree 
 elonging to the family of palms. The fruit, which is about the size and shape of a small 
 gg, and of an orange-yellow colour, contains the nut embedded in a fibrous, fleshy envel- 
 pe, and invested with a brittle shell which adheres to the exterior flesh. The kernel, 
 kick is the betel-nut of commerce, is of a roundish conical shape, rather larger than a 
 lestnut, externally of a deep-brown, diversified with a fawn colour, so as to present a 
 ‘ticular appearance, internally broWnish-red with whitish veins, very hard, of a feeble 
 lour when broken, and of an astringent, somewhat acrid taste. It abounds in tannin, 
 id contains also gallic acid, a fixed oil, gum, a little volatile oil, lignin, and various saline 
 distances. It yields its astringency to water ; and, in some parts of Ilindostan, an extract 
 prepared from it having the appearance and properties of catechu. Immense quantities 
 the nut are cousumed in the East, mixed with the leaves of the Piper Betel, and with 
 ne, forming the masticatory so well known by the name of Betel. The red colour which 
 is mixture imparts to the saliva and the excrements is owing to the Areca nut, which 
 also powerfully astringent, and, by its internal use, tends to counteract the relaxation 
 bowels to which the heat of the climate so strongly predisposes. The nut is used in 
 is country almost exclusively in the preparation of tooth-powder, for which purpose it 
 first reduced by heat to the state of charcoal. The superiority of this form of charcoal 
 er that from other sources is probably owing to its hardness. 
 
 ARGEMONE MEXICANA. Prickly Poppy. An annual plant, belonging to the Papave- 
 cem, growing in our Southern and Western States, Mexico, the West Indies, Brazil, and 
 many parts also of Africa and Southern Asia. It has an erect, somewhat glaucous, 
 istly stem, with alternate sessile leaves, sinuated and prickly at the angles, and usually 
 irked with white spots. The flowers are solitary, yellow or white, with two or three 
 ickly deciduous sepals, four or six large petals, about twenty stamens, and four to six 
 flexed stigmas. The whole plant abounds in a milky, viscid juice, which becomes yellow 
 exposure to the air. From the statements of different authors, it may be inferred that 
 3 plant is emetic and purgative, and possesses also narcotic properties. The juice, which 
 acrid, has been used internally in obstinate cutaneous eruptions, and as a local applica- 
 n to warts and chancres, and in diseases of the eye. The flowers are stated by De Can- 
 lie to have been employed as a soporific. But the seeds are most esteemed. They are 
 all, round, black, and roughish. In the dose of two drachms, infused in a pint of water, 
 ;y are said to act as an emetic. In smaller doses they are purgative. An oil may be 
 lainedfrom them by expression, which has the cathartic properties of the seeds. 
 
 82 
 
1298 Appendix. 
 
 ARSENIATE OF AMMONIA. Ammonite Arsenias. This salt is obtained in crystals I 
 saturating a concentrated solution of arsenic acid with ammonia or carbonate of amrnoni; 
 and allowing it to evaporate spontaneously. It has been used with advantage by Biett : 
 several inveterate diseases of the skin. It is administered in solution, formed by dissolvin 
 a grain of the salt in a fluidounce of distilled water. Of this the dose is from twenty i 
 twenty-five drops, given in the course of the day, and gradually increased. 
 
 ARSENIATE OF IRON. Ferri Arsenias. This salt may be formed by double decomp' 
 sition, by adding a solution of sulphate of iron to one ofarseniate of soda. It precipitat 
 in the form of a dirty-green powder. It has been used by Carmichael, diluted with for 
 times its weight of phosp>hate of iron, as a caustic application to cancerous ulcers, 
 may be made into an ointment by being mixed with twelve times its weight of spermace 
 cerate. Internally it has been given in cancerous affections, in the form of pill, in tl 
 dose of the sixteenth of a grain three times a day. 
 
 ASARABACCA. This is the product of the Asarum Europseum, an herbaceous perenni; 
 plant, growing in Europe, between 37° and 60° north latitude, in woods and shady place; 
 and flowering in May. All parts of the plant are acrid. The leaves were specially directe 
 by the London College, when the plant was recognised as officinal; but the whole plan 
 including root, stem, leaves, and flowers, is usually kept in the shops. The root is abov 
 as thick as a goose-quill, of a grayish colour, quadrangular, knotted and twisted, an 
 sometimes furnished with radicles at each joint. It has a smell analogous to that of peppe) 
 an acrid taste, and affords a grayish powder. The leaves, which have long footstalks, ar 
 kidney-shaped, entire, somew T hat hairy, of a shining deep-green colour when fresh, near! 
 inodorous, with a taste slightly aromatic, bitter, acrid, and nauseous. Their powder i 
 yellowish-green. Both parts rapidly lose their activity by keeping, and ultimately becom 
 inert. Geiger, however, asserts that they keep well if perfectly dry. Their virtues ar 
 imparted to alcohol and water, but are dissipated by decoction. According to MM. Feneull 
 and Lassaigne, the root contains a concrete volatile oil, a very acrid fixed oil, a yellow sul 
 ^stance analogous to cytisin, starch, albumen, mucilage, citric acid, and saline matters. Th 
 latest analysis is by Griiger, who found in the root a liquid volatile oil, two concrete vola 
 tile substances called respectively asarum camphor or asarone, and asarile, a peculiar bitte 
 principle called asarin, tannin, extractive, resin, starch, gluten, albumen, lignin, citric aciv 
 and various salts; in the leaves, asarin, tannin, extractive, chlorophylle, albumen, citri 
 acid, and lignin. The active principles appear to be the volatile oil, which is lighter tba 
 water, glutinous, yellow, of an acrid and burning taste, and a smell like that of valeriaD 
 and the asarin, which is soluble in alcohol and very bitter, and is probably the same asth 
 cytisin of Feneulle and Lassaigne. The root and leaves of asarabacca. either fresh O' 
 carefully dried, are powerfully emetic and cathartic, and were formerly much used i 
 Europe with a view to these effects. The dose is from thirty grains to a drachm. But as a 
 emetic they have been entirely superseded by ipecacuanha ; and they are now used chiefly 
 if not exclusively, as an errliine. The powdered root, snuffed up the nostrils in the quae 
 tity of one or two grains, produces much irritation, and a copious flow of mucus, whie 
 is said to continue sometimes for several days. The leaves are milder, and generally pre 
 ferred. They should be used in the quantity of three or four grains repeated every nigh 
 until the desired effect is experienced. They have been strongly recommended in headache 
 chronic ophthalmia, and rheumatic and paralytic affections of the face, mouth and throat 
 
 ASCLEPIAS CURASSAYICA. Bastard Ipecacuanha. Redhead. Blood Weed. This is 
 very pretty species of Asclepias, from one to three feet high, and bearing umbels of bright 
 red flowers. It is a native of the West Indies, abounding especially in the Island ofNevi 
 and St. Kitts, where it is considerably used as a medicine. Both the root and the expresse 
 juice are emetic, the former in the dose of one or two scruples, the latter in that of a fluid 
 ounce or more. They are also cathartic in somewhat smaller doses ; and the expresse 
 juice, made into a syrup with sugar, has been strongly recommended as a remedy in worn:; 
 The medicine, however, is somewhat uncertain in its operation. According to Dr. b 
 Hamilton, the plant may also be usefully employed in arresting hemorrhages, and in tii 
 treatment of obstinate gonorrhoea, in which it has been found very efficient by Dr. Eai 
 ham. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xix. 19.) 
 
 ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS. Asparagus. This well known garden vegetable is 
 native of Europe. It is perennial and herbaceous. The root, which is inodorous, and c 
 a weak sweetish taste, was formerly used as a diuretic, aperient, and purifier of the blood 
 and it is stated to be still employed to a considerable extent in France. It is given in th 
 form of decoction, made in the proportion of one or two ounces of the root to a quart c 
 water. Hayne asserts that, in the dried state, it is wholly inert. The young shoots ar 
 much used as food. Before being boiled they have a disagreeable taste; and their juie 
 was found by Robiquet and Yauquelin to contain a peculiar crystallizable principle, caile 
 
Appendix. 1299 
 
 paraffin (see- page 77), which, however, is not known to exert any special influence on 
 e system. The sprouts themselves are not without effect, as the urine acquires a dis- 
 $reeable odour very soon after they have been eaten. They are considered by some 
 riters as diuretic, aperient, and deobstruent, and as constituting a very wholesome and 
 ;eful article of diet, early in the spring, when vegetables are scarce. Broussais thought 
 at they were sedative to the heart, and recommended them especially in hypertrophy, 
 id other diseases of that organ attended with excessive action, and without phlogosis of 
 .e stomach. M. Gendrin, however, after much experience with asparagus, affirms that 
 i never knew it to exercise the slightest influence over the heart, and ascribes its palliative 
 fects, in diseases of that organ, to a diuretic action. He found it, in all the cases in which 
 ; administered it, to increase the quantity of urine, which, in some instances, was quin- 
 pled. The most convenient forms for exhibition are those of syrup and extract, prepared 
 am the shoots. The former may be given in the dose of one or two fluidounces, the latter, 
 half a drachm or a drachm. The syrup may be made by adding a sufficient quantity 
 sugar to the expressed juice of the shoots, previously deprived of its albumen by ex- 
 isure to heat and by filtration; the extract, by evaporating the same juice to the con- 
 itence of a pilular mass. The berries are capable of undergoing the vinous fermentation, 
 d affording alcohol by distillation. In their unripe state they possess the same properties 
 the shoots, and probably in a much higher degree. We have employed a syrup prepared 
 jm them, with apparent advantage, in a case of diseased heart. 
 
 ASPLENIUM FILIX FCEMINA. B. Brown. Female Fern. This is th e Polypodium Filix 
 inina of Linn., the Aspidium Filix foemina of Swartz, and the Athyrium Filix foemina of 
 )tk. It has a root analogous in character to that of the male fern ( Aspidium Filix mas), 
 d has been supposed to possess similar vermifuge properties. At present, however, it 
 not used. The vulgar name of female fern is also given to the Pleris aquilina, or common 
 ike, which is said by some authors to have the property of destroying the tape-worm. 
 ie leaves of two species of Asplenium, A. Trichomanes, or common spleenwort, and A. 
 iiantum-nigrum, or black spleenwort, are mucilaginous, and have been used as substitutes 
 ■ the maidenhairs ( Adiantum Capillus Veneris and A. pedatum) as pectorals, though 
 stitute of the aromatic flavour which is the chief recommendation of these plants. 
 BALM OF GILEAD. Balsam, of Gilead. Balsamum Gileadense. Baume dela Mecque,~Fr. 
 e genuine balm of Gilead is the resinous juice of the Amyris Gileadensis of Linn., the 
 dsamodendron Gileadense of Kunth, a small evergreen tree, growing on the Asiatic and 
 rican shores of the Red Sea. It was in high repute with the ancients, and still retains 
 . value in the estimation of the eastern nations, among whom it is employed both as a 
 : dicine and cosmetic. In western Europe and in this country, it is seldom found in a 
 te of purity, and its use has been entirely abandoned. It is described as a turbid, 
 itish, thick, gray, odorous liquid, which becomes solid by exposure. It possesses no 
 : dical properties which do not exist in other balsamic or terebinthinate juices. It was 
 : merly known by the name of opobalsamum ; while the dried twigs of the tree were called 
 :i obalsamum , and the dried fruit, carpobalsamum. 
 
 BALSAM OF SULPHUR. This name was formerly given to a substance resulting from 
 '■ reaction of sulphur upon olive oil at a high temperature. It was directed in the old 
 . inburgh Pharmacopoeia, under the name of Oleum Sulphvratvm ; but was discharged 
 fm that work at the last revision. The directions of the College were to boil eight parts 
 c olive oil and one part of sublimed sulphur together, with a gentle fire, in a large iron 
 ] , stirring them constantly till they united. The iron pot should be large enough to hold 
 tee times the quantity of the materials employed, as the mixture might otherwise boil 
 ( r. As the vapours which rise are apt to take fire, a lid should be at hand to cover the 
 ] , and thus extinguish the flame if necessary. Sulphur is soluble to a considerable extent 
 bleated oil, from which, if the solution be saturated, it is deposited in a crystalline state 
 ( cooling. But it is not a mere solution which this process is intended to effect. The oil 
 i lartly decomposed, and the resulting preparation is an extremely fetid, acrid, viscid, 
 i dish-brown fluid. In order that it may be obtained, the oil must be heated to the boiling 
 I;at. Sulphurated oil, or balsam of sulphur, was iqfmerly thought useful in chronic catarrh, 
 c sumption, and other pectoral complaints; but inconvenience has arisen from its acrid 
 I perties, and its internal use has been abEi 0 doned. It is said to be sometimes applied 
 a i stimulant to foul ulcers. The dose is from five to thirty drops. 
 
 1ALSAMUM TRANQUILAXS. Baume Tranquille. This is a preparation of some note, 
 d ;cted by the French Codex, and consisting essentially of olive oil holding in solution the 
 a ve matters of certain narcotic and aromatic plants. The fresh plants are boiled with 
 t oil until all their water is driven off; the oil is then expressed and poured upon the 
 d :d plants properly comminuted ; and the mixture, having been allowed to stand for a 
 d ith, is strained, and the oil decanted. The preparation is used by friction as an ano- 
 d e in local pains. 
 
1300 Appendix. 
 
 BAPTISIA TINCTORIA. Sophora tinctoria. Linn. Podalyria tincloria. Michaux. TTi 
 Indigo. This is an indigenous perennial plant, found in all parts of the United State 
 growing abundantly in woods and dry barren uplands. It is from one to three feet big 
 with a smooth, very branching stem, small, ternate, cuneate-obovate, bluish-green leave 
 and yellow flowers, which appear in July and August, and, like the whole plant, becon 
 black when dried. The root, which is the part most highly recommended, is of a dar 
 brown colour, inodorous, and of a nauseous, somewhat, acrid taste. Its virtues appear 
 reside chiefly in the cortical portion. In large doses, it is said to operate violently as : 
 emetic and cathartic ; in smaller, to produce only a mild laxative effect. It is said to ha- 
 proved useful in scarlatina, typhus fever, and in that state of system which attends gai 
 grene or mortification. Dr. Thacher speaks highly of its efficacy as an external applicati 
 to obstinate and painful ulcers ; and Dr. Comstock, of Rhode Island, found it extreme 
 useful, both as an internal and external remedy, in threatened or existing mortificatio: 
 By the latter physician it was given in decoction, made in the proportion of an ounce 
 the root to a pint of water, of which half a fiuidounce was administered every four < 
 eight hours, any tendency to operate on the bowels being checked with laudanum. D 
 Stevens, of Ceres, Pennsylvania, has employed a decoction of the root advantageously 
 epidemic dysentery. ( N. Y. Journ. of Med., iv. 358.) It may be used externally in tl 
 form of decoction or cataplasm. The stem and leaves possess the same virtues as the roo 
 though in a less degree. A pale-blue colouring substance has been prepared from tl 
 plant as a substitute for indigo, but is greatly inferior. 
 
 BARBADOES NUTS. Purging Nuts. Physic Nuts. These are the seeds of the Cure 
 purgans of Adanson {Jatropha Curcas of Linnaeus), growing in Brazil, the West Indies, an 
 on the western coast of Africa. The fruit is a three-celled capsule, containing one see 
 in each cell, and is of about the size of a walnut. The seeds are blackish, oval, aboi 
 eight lines long, flat on one side, convex on the other: and the two sides present a sligl 
 longitudinal prominence. They yielded to Soubeiran fixed oil, an acrid resin, sugar, gun 
 a fatty acid, gluten, a free acid, and salts. The oil may be separated by expression. Whe 
 fresh it is without smell or colour, but becomes yellowish and slightly odorous by tim< 
 When cold it deposits a white substance, which is probably margarin. Alcohol does nc 
 readily dissolve it. Some call it jatropha oil. From three to five of the seeds, slightl 
 roasted and deprived of their envelope, operate actively as a cathartic, and not unfrequentl 
 produce nausea and vomiting, w'ith a sense of burning in the stomach. The oil purges i 
 the dose of twelve or fifteen drops, and is analogous in its action to croton oil, though les 
 powerful. The cake left after the expression of the oil is an acrid emeto-cathartic, opt 
 rating in the dose of a few grains. Either of these substances may produce serious cor 
 sequences in over-doses. The leaves of the plant are rubefacient, and the juice is said t 
 have been usefully employed as a local remedy in piles. 
 
 The seeds of Curcas mullifidus ( Jatropha multifida , Linn.) have similar properties, an 
 yield a similar oil. This species also grows in Brazil and the West Indies. 
 
 BASSORA GUM. The plant which yields this substance is unknown. It came int 
 commerce originally from the neighbourhood of Bassora, on the Gulf of Persia, but is frt 
 quently found mixed with gum brought from other countries, and is probably not the pre 
 duct of one plant exclusively. It is. in irregular pieces, of various sizes, never very large 
 white or yellow, intermediate in the degree of its transparency between gum Arabic an 
 tragacanth, inodorous, tasteless, and possessed of the property of yielding a slight soun 
 when broken under the teeth. But a small portion of it is soluble in water, whether ho 
 or cold. The remainder swells up considerably, though less than tragacanth, and doe 
 not, like that substance, form a gelatinous mass, as it consists of independent granule 
 which have little cohesion. The soluble portion is pure gum or arabin. and, according t 
 M. Guerin, constitutes 11-2 per cent. The insoluble portion consists of a peculiar prir 
 ciple called bassorin, associated with a small proportion of saline substances, which yielc 
 when the gum is burnt, 5-6 per cent, of ashes. The gum is useless both in medicine an 
 pharmacy, and is described here only as containing a principle which enters into the com 
 position of several medicinal substances^,, 
 
 Bassorin is insoluble in water, alcohol, and ether, but softens and swells up in hot or col; 
 water. Diluted nitric and muriatic acids, with the aid of heat, dissolve it almost entirely 
 The acidulous solution, concentrated by evaporation, and treated with alcohol, lets tail 
 flocculent precipitate which has all the characters of pure gum, into which the bassori 
 appears to have been converted by the action of the acid. This does not. however, cor 
 stitute more than a tenth part of the bassorin dissolved. By gradually evaporating tli 
 alcoholic acidulous solution, a thick bitterish liquid is obtained, which exhales a stron 
 odour of ammonia when treated with potassa. Strong nitric acid converts bassorin int 
 mucic and oxalic acids ; and, treated with sulphuric acid, it yields a sweet crystallin 
 
Appendix. 1301 
 
 ibstance which is incapable of the vinous fermentation. (Guerin.) Vauquelin was the 
 1 st to call attention to this principle, upon which he conferred its present name, from 
 Iving first observed it in the Bassora gum. Bucholz afterwards discovered the same or 
 ; losely analogous principle in tragacanth ; and John, a principle which was supposed to be 
 I; same, in the gum of the cherry tree; hence it has sometimes been called tragacanthin 
 id Cerasin. M. Guerin, however, has demonstrated that the insoluble principle of the 
 (3rry gum is essentially different from bassorin. Berzelius considers the latter as be- 
 hging to the class of substances which he associates under the name of mucilage, and of 
 - ich the mucilages of flaxseed and quince seed are examples. (See Linum, p. 448.) 
 
 BDELLIUM. This name has been given to two different gum-resins, distinguished as 
 Man and African bdellium. Dr. Royle was informed that the former was obtained from 
 I; Amyris Commiphora of Roxburgh, growing in India and Madagascar. The latter is 
 i d to be the product- of Heudelolia A fricana, which grows in Senegal. Bdellium some- 
 ties comes mixed with gum Arabic and gum Senegal. It is either in small roundish 
 pees, of a reddish colour, semi-transparent, and brittle, with a wax-like fracture, or in 
 1 ger irregular lumps, of a dark brownish-red colour, less transparent, somewhat tena- 
 cus, and adhering to the teeth when chewed. It has an odour and taste like those of 
 lTrh, but weaker. It is infusible and inflammable, diffusing while it burns a balsamic 
 our. According to Pelletier it consists of 59 per cent, of resin, 9-2 of gum, 30-6 of bas- 
 : in, and 1 -2 of volatile oil, including loss. In medical properties it is analogous to myrrh, 
 ilwas formerly used for the same purposes ; but it is now scarcely ever given internally. 
 
 1 Europe, it is still occasionally employed as an ingredient of plasters. The dose is from 
 1 : to forty grains. 
 
 3EAN OF ST. IGNATIUS. Faba Sancti Ignatii. This is the product of the Ignatia 
 lara of the younger Linnmus, which is now considered a species of Strychnos, and enti- 
 t IS. Ignatia. (See Nux Vomica.) It is a tree of middling size, with numerous long, cylin- 
 (jcal, glabrous, vine-like branches, which bear opposite, nearly sessile, oval, pointed, en- 
 t i, and very smooth leaves. The flowers are white, tubular, fragrant, and arranged in 
 £ .rt axillary racemes. The fruit is of the size and shape of a pear, with a smooth, whitish, 
 l ieous rind, enclosing about twenty seeds embedded in a dry pulpy matter, and lying 
 0 upon the other. These seeds are the part used. The tree is a native of the Philip- 
 { e Islands, where the seeds were highly esteemed as a medicine, and, having attracted 
 t attention of the Jesuits, were honoured with the name of the founder of their order, 
 ley are about an inch long, rather less in breadth, still less in thickness, convex on one 
 S3, obscurely angular, with two, three, or four faces on the other, and marked at one 
 e:. with a small depression indicating their point of attachment. They are externally of 
 sale-brown colour, apparently smooth, but covered in fact with a short down or efflo- 
 r;ence, which may be removed by scraping them with a knife. They are somewhat 
 t isluce'nt, and their substance is very hard and horny. They have no smell, but an 
 e essively bitter taste. To Pelletier and Caventou they afforded the same constituents 
 a lux vomica, and among them 1-2 per cent, of strychnia. 
 
 IM. Magendie and Delile have proved that they act on the human system in the same 
 e iner as nux vomica. In the Philippines they have been employed for the cure of ob- 
 s ] ate intermittents, and in numerous other diseases. It is probable that in small doses 
 fy act as a tonic. In this country they are never used. We have noticed them here 
 chccount of their comparatively large proportion of strychnia, which is triple that con- 
 t:i ed in nux vomica. They are employed for the extraction of that principle. 
 
 ’EBEERU BARK. The bark of a tree growing in British Guiana, which has recently 
 b a brought into notice as a powerful tonic and febrifuge. The tree is a species of Nec- 
 U Jra, and has been named by Sir Robert Schomburg, N. Rodiei, in honour of Dr. Rodie, 
 b vliom it was first described. The bark is in flat pieces, three or four lines thick, smooth, 
 gyish, hard, heavy, and brittle. The fruit is as large as a small apple, obeordate or 
 
 0 rate, somewhat compressed, consisting of an exterior brittle shell, and an interior 
 fl ly kernel. Both the bark and the fruit are intensely bitter. They contain two alka- 
 li principles discovered by Dr. Rodie, and named respectively bebeerin and sipeerin. 
 
 1 se are extracted together, in the form of sulphates, by a process similar to that for 
 p )aring sulphate of quinia. The preparation is of a dark colour, and has the appear- 
 a ; of an extract. Messrs. Maclagan and Tilley obtain pure bebeerin by the following 
 p css. The impure sulphate is dissolved in water, and precipitated by ammonia. The 
 p apitate, mixed with an equal weight of recently precipitated oxide of lead, and dried, 
 is eated with absolute alcohol, which, being evaporated, leaves the two alkalies in the 
 fc i of a translucent resinoid mass. The bebeerin is separated by means of ether, which 
 yi is it by evaporation. It is pale-yellow, of a resinous appearance, uncrystallizable, 
 vi ' soluble in alcohol, less so in ether, and very slightly soluble in water. It softens 
 
1302 Appendix. 
 
 and melts with heat, and at a higher temperature takes fire. Its salts are uncry stallizabl 
 (Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., x. 89.) The sulphate, above referred to, has been employe 
 with great asserted success, in the treatment of intermittent and remittent fevers. I 
 Rodie recommended it so early as 1834; but it did not attract general attention nn 
 brought into notice by Dr. Douglas Maclagan, of Edinburgh, who published a number 
 observations tending to prove its possession of valuable antiperiodic properties. Othe 
 afterwards confirmed his statements in its favour, and it was hoped that a substitute h: 
 been found for the alkaloids of Peruvian bark ; but the more recent published accounts ' 
 M. Becquerel, of France (Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., xx. 439), of Dr. Wm. Pepper, 
 Philadelphia (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., xxv. 13), and of Dr. E. D. Dailey, of Smyrn 
 Delaware (Med. Exam., N. S., ix. 557), show satisfactorily that, though frequently sn 
 cessful, it often fails, and cannot be relied on as a substitute for quinia. From a scrap 
 to a drachm may be given between the paroxysms, in doses of two grains. 
 
 BEDEGUAR. Fungus Rosarum. An excrescence upon the sweet briar or eglantine, ai 
 other species of Rosa, produced by the puncture of insects, especially by one or more sp 
 cies of Cgnips. It is of irregular shape, usually roundish, about an inch in diamete 
 with numerous cells internally, in each of which is the larva of an insect. It has litt 
 smell, and a slightly astringent taste. Though formerly considered diuretic, anthelminti 
 and lithontriptic, and employed as a remedy for toothache, it has fallen into disuse, 
 was given in doses of from ten to forty grains. 
 
 BENZOATE OF AMMONIA. Ammonise Benzoas. This salt is formed by dissolvii 
 benzoic acid nearly to saturation in a warm solution of ammonia. Upon cooling tl 
 solution forms crystals, which are somewhat deliquescent, and very soluble in wate 
 Benzoate of ammonia is deemed diuretic, andliasbeen employed in dropsy. Dr. Seymou 
 of London, used it with beneficial effects in gout, and also in cases in which chalk ston 
 were deposited near the joints. 
 
 BENZOIN ODORIFERUM. Nees. Lavrus Benzoin. Linn. Spice-wood. Spice-bus 
 Fever-bush. An indigenous shrub, from four to ten feet high, growing in moist, shat 
 places, in all parts of the United States. Its flowers appear early in spring, long befoi 
 the leaves, and are succeeded by small clusters of oval berries, which, when ripe, in tl 
 latter part of September, are of a shining crimson colour. All parts of the shrub have 
 spicy, agreeable flavour, which is strongest in the bark and berries. The small branch- 
 are sometimes used as a gently stimulant aromatic, in the form of infusion or decoctio 
 They are said to be employed in this way by the country people as a vermifuge, and ; 
 agreeable drink in low fevers ; and the bark has been used in intermittents. The berrie 
 dried and powdered, were sometimes substituted, during the revolutionary war, for allspic 
 According to Dr. Drake, the oil of the berries is used as a stimulant. 
 
 BENZOLE. Benzine. Benzene. Phene. Hydruret of Phenyle. This substance was orig 
 nally obtained by distilling benzoic acid with lime. It was afterwards discovered by Far 
 day as a constituent of coal-gas tar. This tar, when distilled, furnishes coal-naphtha, 
 complex substance, containing a number of carbohydrogens, among which is benzol 
 Upon distilling this naphtha from a metallic still, surmounted with an open vessel filh 
 with water, and containing a worm terminating in a refrigerated receiver, the benzole w 
 pass over and condense in the receiver: while the other substances associated with i 
 having higher boiling points, will condense in the worm, and fall back into the still. Ti 
 benzole is then purified by distillation at a heat between 176° and 194°. and by subjectii 
 the product to a new distillation from one-fourth of its volume of sulphuric acid. 
 
 Benzole is a colourless oleaginous liquid, possessing an agreeable odour. Its sp. gr. 
 085, congealing point 32°, and boiling point 176°. Its formula is C ]2 H 6 . Its powers 
 a solvent are very extensive. Among the substances soluble in it are sulphur, phospboru 
 and iodine. It dissolves quinia, but not cinchonia. with which it forms a bulky, gelatine 1 
 mass. Morphia and strychnia are sparingly soluble. It is also a solvent of many of tl 
 resins ; as also of mastic, camphor, wax. fatty and essential oils, caoutchouc, and gut 
 percha. The last two substances may be obtained, without alteration of properties, 
 tough sheets of any desired tenuity, by spreading their benzole solutions on glass or oth 
 polished surface, and allowing the solvent to evaporate. The same solutions brushed ov 
 the skin, form artificial cuticles, which have been found useful as coverings to wounds ai 
 burns. The vapour of benzole, when inhaled, acts as an anaesthetic. In relation to tb 
 substance see the paper of C. B. Mansfield, in the Chem. Gaz. (No. 159, p. 2241. fro 
 which the facts of this article are principally taken. 
 
 Benzole, by the action of concentrated fuming nitric acid, is converted into mtrobenzo 
 also called nitrobenzule and nitrobenzide, having the formula C 12 H.,N0 4 . The produ< 
 after having been washed with water, forms an oily, yellowish, intensely sweet liqni 
 having an odour like that of oil of bitter almonds. Its density is 1-209, and boiling poi 
 
Appendix. 1303 
 
 15°. Latterly, it has become of commercial importance under the name of artificial oil 
 ' bitter almonds, being employed in scenting soaps, in confectionery, and for flavouring 
 •tides of diet. Nitrobenzole may be viewed as benzole, in which one eq. of hydrogen is 
 •placed by one of nitrous acid. 
 
 BERBERIS VULGARIS. Barberry. A shrub growing wild in Europe and the United 
 bates, and sometimes cultivated in gardens on account of its berries. These grow in loose 
 finches, are oblong, and of a red colour, have a grateful, sour, astringent taste, and con- 
 in malic and citric acids. They are refrigerant, astringent, and antiscorbutic, and are 
 seel in Europe, in the form of drink, in febrile diseases and diarrhoeas. An agreeable 
 uup is prepared from the juice ; and the berries are sometimes preserved for the table, 
 he root and inner bark have been used for dyeing yellow, and are said to have been em- 
 oyed beneficially in jaundice. They owe their colouring property to a peculiar crystal- 
 zable principle, which has been named berberin, and which is said, in the dose of from one 
 p ten grains, to be tonic and purgative. [Journ. de Pharm., xxi. 309.) This principle 
 is beeu ascertained to possess alkaline properties. (See Chem. Gaz., April, 1847, p. 129, 
 id June, 1847, p. 209.) It is a vulgar error to suppose that the vicinity of this plant is 
 ijurious to wheat. The American plant differs slightly from the European, and is de- 
 iribed by Pursh as a distinct species, under the name of B. Canadensis. It grows in 
 ountains and hilly districts from Canada to Virginia. The berries are smaller and much 
 ss juicy than those of the garden barberry. 
 
 BETONICA OFFICINALIS. Wood Betony. A perennial European herb, belonging to 
 le labiate plants. It has a pleasant but feeble odour, and a warm, somewhat astringent, 
 id bitterish taste. By the ancients it was much esteemed, and employed in numerous 
 iseasfis ; but it is at present little used. It is slightly warming and corroborant, but is 
 iferior in this respect to many other plants of the same family. The root has been con- 
 dered emetic and purgative. 
 
 BETULA ALBA. Common European Birch. Various parts of this tree have been ap- 
 lied to medical uses. The inner bark , which is bitterish and astringent, has been employed 
 l intermittent fever. The epidermis is separable into thin layers, which may be em- 
 loyed as a substitute for paper, and are applied to various economical uses. The bark 
 jmtains a peculiar principle, called betulin, which is ranked among the sub-resins. When 
 »ie bark is distilled, it yields an empy’reumatic oil, having the peculiar odour of Russia 
 :ather, in the preparation of which it is employed. The leaves , which have a peculiar, 
 ,’omatic, agreeable odour, and a bitter taste, have been employed, in the form of infusion, 
 l gout, rheumatism, dropsy, and cutaneous diseases. The same complaints, particularly 
 :opsy, are said to have been successfully treated by enveloping the body in the fresh 
 aves, which thus applied excite perspiration. When the stem of the tree is wounded, a 
 iccharine juice flows out, which is considered useful in complaints of the kidneys and blad- 
 2 r, and is susceptible, with yeast, of the vinous fermentation. A beer, wine, spirit, and 
 negar are prepared from it, and used in some parts of Europe. 
 
 Of the American species of birch, Betula lenta, variously’ called siveet birch, black birch, 
 terry birch, and mountain mahogany, is remarkable for the aromatic flavour of its bark and 
 aves, which have the odour and taste of Gaultheria proeumbens, and are sometimes used 
 i infusion, as an agreeable, gently stimulant, and diaphoretic drink. An oil is obtained 
 f distillation from the bark, which has been proved by Prof. Procter to be identical with 
 1 of gaultheria. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xv. 243.) This species also affords a saccharine 
 quor, which, indeed, appears to be common to all the birches. The bark of B. papyracea 
 employed by the Northern Indians for making canoes ; and thin lay’ers of the epidermis 
 :e placed inside of boots to prevent the access of moisture. 
 
 BEZOAR. This name has been applied to concretions which form in the stomach or 
 jitestines of animals, and which were at one time thought to possess extraordinary medi- 
 d virtues. Numerous varieties have been noticed; but they were all arranged in two 
 asses, the oriental bezoar ( lapis bezoar orientalis), and western bezoar ( lapis bezoar occiden- 
 iis), of which the former was most esteemed. They have fallen into merited neglect. 
 BIRD-LIME. A viscid substance existing in various plants, particularly in the bark of 
 iscum album, and Ilex aquifolium or European holly’, from the latter of which it is usually 
 ■rocured. The process for preparing it consists in boiling the middle bark for some hours 
 • water, then separating it from the liquid, and placing it in proper vessels in a cool situ- 
 lon, where it is allowed to remain till it becomes viscous. It is then washed to separate im- 
 urities, and constitutes the substance in question. Bird-lime thus prepared is greenish, te- 
 icious, glutinous,, bitterish, and of an odour analogous to that of flaxseed oil. Exposed to 
 ie air in thin layers it becomes dry, brown, and pulverizable, but re-acquires its viscidity 
 pon the addition of water. It is a complex body, but is thought to owe its characteristic 
 
1304 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 properties to a proximate principle, identical with that which exudes spontaneously from 
 certain plants, and is called glu by the French chemists. This principle is without odour 
 or taste, extremely adhesive, fusible by heat, inflammable, insoluble in water, nearly in- 
 soluble in alcohol, but dissolved freely by ether and oil of turpentine. According to M. 
 Macaire, it is insoluble in the fixed oils, either hot or cold. This property distinguishes 
 it from the resins, to which Berzelius is disposed to attach it. M. Macaire proposes for 
 it the name of viscin. ( Journ . de Pharm., xx. 18.) Bird-lime is so tenacious, that it may 
 be employed to catch small birds, which, when they alight on a stick thickly covered with 
 it are unable to escape. 
 
 BISTORT. This is the root of Polygonum Bistorta. a perennial herbaceous plant, grow- 
 ing in Europe and the North of Asia. The root is cylindrical, somewhat flattened, about 
 as thick as the little finger, marked with annular or transverse wrinkles, furnished with 
 numerous fibres, and folded or bent upon itself, so as to give it the tortuous appearance 
 from which its name was derived. When dried it is solid, brittle, of a deep-brown colour 
 externally, reddish within, destitute of smell, and possessed of a rough, astringent taste. 
 It contains much tannin, some gallic acid and gum, and a large proportion of starch. It 
 resembles the other vegetable astringents in medical properties, and is applicable to the 
 same complaints; but is less efficient than catechu or kino, and in this country is seldom 
 or never used. It may be employed in the form of powder, decoction, or extract. The 
 dose of the powder is twenty or thirty grains, three or four times a day. 
 
 Besides the bistort, some other plants belonging to the genus Polygonum have been 
 used as medicines. Among these are P. aviculare, or knot-grass, a mild astringent, for- 
 merly employed as a vulnerary and styptic: P. Persicaria (Persic aria mitis), of a feebly 
 astringent saline taste, and at one time considered antiseptic: and P. Hydropiper or water- 
 pepper (Persicaria urens), the leaves of which have a burning and biting taste, inflame 
 the skin when rubbed upon it, and are esteemed diuretic. The water-pepper or smart- 
 weed of this country — P. punctalum (Elliott). P. hydropiperoides ( Michaux) — which grows 
 abundantly in moist places, possesses properties similar to those of the European water- 
 pepper, and is occasionally used as a detergent in chronic ulcers, and internally in gravel. 
 Dr. Eberle very strongly recommended it in amenorrhoea, in which complaint he found 
 no other remedy equally effectual. He gave a fluidrachm of the saturated tincture of the 
 plant, or from four to six grains of the extract, three or four times a day. He found it to 
 produce a warmth and peculiar tingling sensation throughout the system, with slight 
 aching pains in the hips and loins, and a sense of weight and tension within the pelvis. 
 [Eberle' s Mat. Med. 4th ed., i. 441.) Dr. Wilcox, of Elmira, New York, has found advan- 
 tage from a decoction of the dried leaves, made in the proportion of an ounce to the pint, 
 and applied locally, in mercurial salivation, and the sore-mouth of nursing-women. iAm. 
 Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., xvi. 248.) P. Fagopyrum is common buckwheat. 
 
 BISULPHURET OF CARBON. Carburet of Sulphur. This compound is formed by 
 passing the vapour of sulphur over charcoal, heated to redness in a porcelain tube. Pre- 
 pared on the large scale, the charcoal may be heated in a cast iron cylinder, as recom- 
 mended by M. Cliandelon. [Journ. de Pharm. 3 e ser., xiv. 187.) It is a transparent, 
 colourless, exceedingly volatile liquid, having a pungent, somewhat aromatic taste, and a 
 very fetid smell. Its sp. gr. is 1-272. In composition it is a bisulphuret. It acts as a 
 diffusible stimulant, accelerating the pulse, augmenting the animal heat, and exciting the 
 secretions of the skin, kidneys, and genital organs. It was formerly employed in obsti- 
 nate rheumatic and arthritic affections, in paralysis and cutaneous eruptions, and more 
 recently as a resolvent in indolent tumours. It is used both internally and externally. 
 For internal exhibition in gout and rheumatism, Dr. Otto, of Copenhagen, employed an al- 
 coholic solution, in the proportion of two drachms to the fluidounce, of which four drops 
 were given every two hours. At the sam<? time the affected parts were rubbed with a 
 liniment, made by dissolving the bisulphuret in the same proportion in olive oil. Dr. Krimer 
 applied it to an indolent tumour, by allowing forty or fifty drops to fall upon it three times 
 a day. This treatment, which may be supposed to act by the cold produced, assisted by 
 the internal use of animal charcoal and cicuta, and the employment of warm alkaline 
 baths, was attended with success. He also succeeded in reducing several strangulated 
 hernias, by applying some drops of the bisulphuret to the hernial tumour. By Dr. Turn- 
 bull the vapour of this substance was found useful, applied to indurated lymphatic glands, 
 and for the removal of deafness, when dependent on want of nervous energy, and a defi- 
 ciency of wax. It is applied by means of a bottle with a proper sized mouth, containing 
 a fluidrachm of the bisulphuret, imbibed by a piece of sponge. The skin over the gland 
 is first well moistened with water. When the vapour is applied to the ear. the bottle, 
 having a small neck to fit the meatus, is held close to the organ until considerable warmth 
 is produced. [Pharm. Journ. and Trans., ii. 852.) 
 
1305 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 BOLE ARMENIAN. The term bolus or bole was formerly applied to various forms of 
 rgillaceous earth, differing in colour, or place of origin. Such were the Armenian, Ltm- 
 dan, and French boles, and the red and white boles. Some of these substances were so 
 iglily valued as to be formed into small masses and impressed with a seal, and hence 
 eeeived the name of terras sigillatas. They were all similar in effect, though the small 
 roportion of oxide of iron contained in the coloured boles may have given them greater 
 ctivity. The only one at present kept in the shops is that called bole Armenian , from its 
 esemblanee to the substance originally brought from Armenia. It is prepared, by tritu- 
 ation and elutriation, from certain native earths existing in different parts of Europe. It 
 i in pieces of various sizes, reddish, soft and unctuous, adhesive to the tongue, and capa- 
 le of forming a paste with water. It consists chiefly of alumina and silica, coloured 
 •ith oxide of iron. The boles were formerly employed as absorbents and astringents; 
 nd they were undoubtedly useful in some cases of acidity of the stomach and relaxed 
 owels. The bole Armenian is used chiefly as a colouring ingredient in tooth powders. 
 BORAGO OFFICINALIS. Borage. This is an annual, hairy, succulent European 
 lant, one or two feet high, with fine blue flowers, on account of which it is sometimes 
 ultivated in our gardens. All parts of it abound in mucilage, and the stem and leaves 
 ontain nitrate of potassa with other salts. To these constituents the plant owes all its 
 irtues. It is much used in France. An infusion of the leaves and flowers, sweetened 
 nth honey or syrup, is employed as a demulcent, refrigerant, and gently diaphoretic 
 rink in catarrhal affections, rheumatism, diseases of the skin, &c. The expressed juice 
 f the stem and leaves is also given in the dose of from two to four ounces. The flowers 
 re sometimes applied externally as an emollient. A distilled water, extract, and syrup 
 .'ere formerly used, but have fallen into neglect. Borage is scarcely known in this coun- 
 ty as a medicinal plant. 
 
 BRAZIL WOOD. A red dye-wood, the product of different species of Csesalpina, grow- 
 ag in the West Indies and South America. Two varieties are known in commerce: — 
 
 . The proper Brazil-wood, said to be derived from Cassalpina echinala, and sometimes 
 jailed Pernambuco or Pernambuco wood, from the province of Brazil, where it is collected ; 
 {. the brasiletto, produced by C. Brasiliensis and C. Crista, which grow in Jamaica and 
 ther parts of the West Indies. The former is the most highly valued. The sappan or 
 ampfen wood may be referred to the same head, being obtained from the Cassalpina Sap- 
 an, and possessing properties analogous to those of the brasiletto. The Nicaragua or 
 i each wood is also analogous to the brasiletto, and is said by Bancroft to be derived from 
 species of Caesalpiua. It is produced in the East Indies. Brazil wood is nearly in- 
 dorous, has a slightly sweetish taste, stains the saliva red, and imparts its colouring 
 natter to water. It was formerly used in medicine; but has been abandoned as inert, 
 n pharmacy it serves to colour tinctures, &c. ; but its chief use is in dyeing. A red 
 ike is prepared from it, and it is an ingredient in a red ink. Its dy'eiug properties are 
 wing to a crystallizable colouring principle, named breselin. 
 
 BROMIDE OF IRON. Ferri Bromidum. This bromide is obtained by heating gently, 
 a thirty parts of water, two parts of bromine, and one of iron filings. When the liquid 
 ecomes greenish, it is filtered and evaporated to dryness in an iron vessel ; and the dry 
 lass, again dissolved and evaporated to dryness, furnishes the bromide. Bromide of 
 ron is a brick-red deliquescent salt, very soluble, and extremely styptic. For medicinal 
 mployment it should be in aqueous solution, protected by sugar. Mr. Dillwyn Parrish 
 as proposed the following formula: Take of bromine two hundred grains; iron filings 
 ighty-five i grains; distilled water four and a half fluidounces ; sugar three ounces. Make a 
 olution in the manner directed for preparing solution of iodide of iron. ( Med. Exam. vii. 
 62.) This solution is deemed tonic and alterative. It has been used with advantage by 
 )r. E. Gillespie, of Brady’s Bend, Pa., in tetter, scrofulous tumours, inflammation of the 
 lands, both acute and chronic, erysipelas, and amenorrhcea. In the case of tumours and 
 rysipela-s, Dr. Gillespie, besides giving the solution internally, applies it to the parts 
 ffected by means of a feather two or three times a day. (Ibid., vii. 158.) The dose of 
 Ir. Parrish’s solution is twenty drops, three times a day, gradually increased until some 
 fleet is produced on the system. Bromide of iron is formed as the first step of the pro- 
 ess for preparing the officinal bromide of potassium. (See page 1149.) 
 
 BROMIDES OF MERCURY. The protobromide is formed by adding bromide of po- 
 assium to nitrate of protoxide of mercury. It falls as a -white curdy precipitate. The 
 ibromide may be obtained by digesting the protobromide in water containing bromine, 
 t is in the form of colourless crystals, soluble in water and alcohol. Exposed to heat it 
 nters into fusion and sublimes. These bromides are analogous in composition and me- 
 icinal properties to the corresponding iodides of mercury. ( Seepages 1036 and 1037.) 
 .’he protobromide is given in the dose of a grain daily, gradually increased. The hi- 
 
1306 Appendix. 
 
 bromide, like corrosive sublimate, is an irritant poison, and may be administered in dose: 
 of the sixteenth of a grain, gradually increased to a fourth, either in the form of pill, oi 
 in ethereal solution, made by dissolving a grain in a fluidrachm of ether. 
 
 BRYONY. White Bryony. This is the root of Bryonia alba , or white bryony, a peren- 
 nial, climbing, herbaceous plant, growing in thickets and hedges in different parts ol 
 Europe. It bears rough, heart-shaped, five-lobed leaves, small yellow monoecious flowers, 
 arranged in racemes, and roundish black berries about the size of a pea. Another 
 species called B. dioica, with dioecious flowers and red berries, bears so close a re- 
 semblance in character and properties to the preceding, that it is considered by some 
 botanists merely a variety. The roots of both plants are gathered for use. 'When fresh 
 they are spindle-shaped, sometimes branched, a foot or two in length, as thick as the 
 arm, or even thicker, externally yellowish-gray and circularly wrinkled, within white, 
 succulent and fleshy, of a nauseous odour, which is lost in great measure by drying, and 
 of a bitter, acrid, very disagreeable taste. The peasants are said sometimes to hollow 
 out the top of the root, and to employ the juice which collects in the cavity as a drastic 
 purge. ( Merat and De Lens.) The berries are also purgative, and are used" in dyeing. 
 
 As kept in the shops, the root is in circular transverse slices, externally yellowish-gray 
 and longitudinally wrinkled, internally of a whitish colour, becoming darker by age, con- 
 centrically striated, light, brittle, and readily pulverizable, yielding a whitish powder. 
 Besides a peculiar bitter principle called bryonin , the root contains starch in considerable 
 proportion, gum, resin, sugar, a concrete oil, albumen, and various salts. It yields its 
 active properties to water. 
 
 Bryony is an active hydragogue cathartic, in large doses sometimes proving emetic, and 
 disposed, if too largely administered, to occasion inflammation of the alimentary mucous 
 membrane. The recent root is highly irritant, and is said, when bruised and applied to 
 the skin, to be capable of producing vesication. The medicine was well known to the an- 
 cients, and has been employed by modern physicians; but is now nearly superseded by 
 jalap, which is more certain, and less liable to lose its strength by age. The dose of the 
 powdered root is from a scruple to a drachm. 
 
 CABBAGE-TREE BARK. The bark of Andira inermis. Be Cand., Gcoifroya inermis, 
 Willd., figured in Woodville’s Medical Botany, p. 416, t. 151. This is a leguminous tree, 
 with a stem rising to a considerable height, branched towards the top, and covered with a 
 smooth gray bark. The leaves are pinnate, consisting of six or seven pairs of ovate lan- 
 ceolate, pointed, veined, smooth, petiolate leaflets, with an odd one at the end. The 
 flowers are rose-coloured, and arranged in terminal panicles, with very short pedicels. 
 The tree is a native of Jamaica and other West India Islands. The bark, which is the part 
 used, is in long pieces, thick, fibrous, externally of a brownish-ash colour, scaly and covered 
 with lichens, internally yellowish, of a resinous fracture, a disagreeable smell, a sweetish, 
 mucilaginous, bitterish taste, and affording a powder resembling that of jalap. Hutten- 
 schmidt obtained from it a crystallizable, very bitter substance, having the composition 
 and neutralizing properties of the vegetable alkaloids, and named very inappropriately 
 jamaicina. Two grains of it produced violent purging in pigeons. 
 
 On the continent of Europe the bark of Andira retusa ( Geoffroya Surinamensis), which 
 grows in Surinam, has also been employed. It is considered more powerfully vermifuge, 
 without being equally liable to produce injurious effects. It has a grayish epidermis, 
 beneath which it is reddish-brown, laminated, compact, very tenacious, and, when cut 
 transversely, exhibits a shining and variegated surface. In the dried state it is inodorous, 
 but has an austere bitter taste. The powder is of a pale-cinnamon colour. 
 
 Cabbage-tree bark is cathartic, and in large doses is apt to occasion vomiting, fever, and 
 delirium. It is said that these effects are more liable to result if cold water is drunk during 
 its operation, and are relieved by the use of warm water, castor oil, or a vegetable acid. 
 In the West Indies it is esteemed a powerful vermifuge, and is much employed for expelling 
 lumbrici; but it is dangerous if incautiously administered, and instances of death from 
 its use have occurred. It is almost unknown in this country, and does not enter into our 
 officinal catalogues. The usual form of administration is that of decoction, though the 
 medicine is also given in powder, syrup, and extract. The dose of the powder is from a 
 scruple to half a drachm, of the extract three grains, of the decoction two fluidounces. 
 
 CAHINCA. This medicine attracted at one time considerable attention. The name of 
 cahinca or cainca was adopted from the language of the Brazilian Indians. The Portuguese 
 of Brazil call the medicine rah. pretta or black root. When first noticed in Europe it was 
 supposed to be derived from the Chiococca racemosa of Linnaeus, which was known to bo- 
 tanists as an inhabitant of the West Indies. But Martius. in his "Specimen Materise 
 Medicte Brasiliensis,” describes' two other species of Chiococca. C. anguifuga and C. den- 
 sifolia, which afford roots having the properties of that ascribed to C. racemosa; and, as 
 
1307 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 the medicine was brought from Brazil, there seemed to be good reason for referring it to 
 one or both of the plants named by that botanist. A. Richard, however, received from 
 Brazil specimens of C. racemosa as the cahinca plant. 
 
 A specimen brought into this market consisted of cylindrical pieces, varying in size from 
 the thickness of a straw to that of the little finger, somewhat bent or contorted, slightly 
 wrinkled longitudinally, with occasional small asperities, internally ligneous, externally 
 (covered with a thin brittle reddish-brown bark, having a light-brown or brownish ash- 
 coloured epidermis. The cortical portion, which was of a resinous character, had a bitter 
 disagreeable taste, somewhat acrid and astringent; the ligneous part was quite tasteless. 
 The virtues of the root reside almost exclusively in its bark. They are extracted by water 
 land alcohol. Cahinca has been analyzed by several chemists. Four distinct principles 
 were discovered in it by Pelletier and Caventou : — 1. a crystallizable bitter substance, 
 believed to be the active principle, and called cahincic acid; 2. a green fatty matter of a 
 nauseous odour ; 3. a yellow colouring matter ; and 4. a coloured viscid substance. Roch- 
 leder and Hlasiwetz found also caffeotannic acid. By these chemists a tincture obtained 
 by boiling the bark in alcohol, was precipitated first with a spirituous sohition of acetate 
 ■of lead, and afterwards, having been previously filtered, with the tribasic acetate of lead. 
 The first precipitate consisted chiefly of caffeotannate and a portion of .cahincate of lead, 
 the second of cahincate of lead exclusively. To obtain the caffeotannic acid separate, the 
 first precipitate was treated with sulphuretted hydrogen, and afterwards with neutral ace- 
 tate of lead, and in like manner several times, until at length a pure caffeotannate of lead 
 remained, which, on decomposition, yielded an acid identical with the tannic acid of coffee. 
 The cahincic acid was obtained by treating the second precipitate with sulphuretted hy- 
 drogen, and concentrating the resulting liquid. The chemists last mentioned give as its 
 formula C l6 H I3 0 7 . ( Chem . Gnz., ix. 121.) Cahincic acid is white, without smell, of a taste 
 at first scarcely perceptible, but afterwards extremely bitter and slightly astringent, of 
 difficult solubility in water, but readily soluble in alcohol, permanent in the air, and 
 unaltered at 212°. It reddens vegetable blues, and unites with the alkalies, but does not 
 form crystallizable salts. It is thought to exist in the root as subcahincate of lime. 
 
 Medical Properties. Cahinca is tonic, diuretic, purgative, and emetic. In moderate doses 
 .it gently excites the circulation, increases the discharge of urine, and produces evacua- 
 tions from the bowels; but is rather slow in its operation. It may be made to act also as 
 a diaphoretic, by keeping the skin warm, using warm drinks, and counteracting its pur- 
 , gative tendency. In some patients it occasions nausea and griping, and in very large 
 doses always acts powerfully both as an emetic and cathartic. In Brazil it has long been 
 used by the natives as a remedy for the bites of serpents; and its Indian name is said to 
 have been derived from this property. According to Martins, the bark of the fresh root 
 is rubbed with water till the latter becomes charged with all its active matters ; and the 
 liquid, while yet turbid, is taken in such quantities as to produce the most violent vomit- 
 ing and purging, preceded by severe spasmodic pains. Patrick Brown speaks of the root 
 of C. racemosa as very useful in obstinate rheumatisms. But the virtues of cahinca in 
 dropsy, though well known in Brazil, were first made known to the European public in 
 the year 1826, by M. Langsdorff, Russian Consul at Rio Janeiro. Achille Richard after- 
 wards published a few observations in relation to it in the Journal de Cliimie Medicate ; and 
 i its properties were subsequently investigated by numerous practitioners. M. Francis, 
 of Paris, contributed more than any other physician to its reputation. It was considered 
 by him superior to all other remedies in dropsy. But general experience has not con- 
 firmed the partial estimate of Dr. Francois ; and, having been found at least equally un- 
 i certain with other diuretics, the medicine is now little used. It was employed in substance, 
 
 - decoction, extract, and tincture. The powdered bark of the root was given as a diuretic 
 and purgative, in a dose varying from a scruple to a drachm ; but the aqueous or spirituous 
 extract was preferred. The dose of either of these is from ten to twenty grains. Dr. 
 Framjois recommended that, in the treatment of dropsy, a sufficient quantity should be 
 given at once to produce a decided impression, which should afterwards be maintained by 
 smaller doses, repeated three or four times a day. 
 
 CALENDULA OFFICINALIS. Marygold, This well-known garden plant was formerly 
 much employed in medicine. It has a peculiar, rather disagreeable odour, which is lost 
 by drying, and a bitter, rough, saline taste. Among its constituents is a peculiar principle, 
 called calendulin, discovered by Geiger most abundantly in the flowers, and considered by 
 Berzelius as analogous to bassorin, though soluble in alcohol. The plant was thought 
 antispasmodic, sudorific, deobstruent, and emmenagogue, and was given in low forms of 
 fever, scrofula, jaundice, amenorrhoea, &c. Both the leaves and flowers were used; but 
 the latter were preferred, •and were usually administered in the recent state, in the form 
 of tea. An extract was also prepared, and employed in cancerous and other ulcers, sick 
 stomach, &c. At present marygold is very seldom if ever used in regular practice. 
 
1808 Appendix. 
 
 CALOTROPIS GIGANTEA. Brown. Asclepias gigantea, Linn. Under the name of madar 
 or mudar, a medicine has been employed in the East Indies, with great asserted advantage. 
 It is the bark of the root of a species of Calotropis, generally considered as C. gigantea. but 
 asserted by Dr. Casanova to be a distinct species, and named by him C. Madarii Indico- 
 orienlalis. C. giganlea is a native of Hindostan, and has been introduced into the West 
 Indies, where it is now naturalized. The bark, as employed, is destitute of epidermis, of 
 a whitish colour, nearly or quite inodorous, and of a bitter somewhat nauseous taste. It 
 appears to have the general properties of many other acrid medicines ; in small doses, in- 
 creasing the secretions, and in larger, producing nausea and vomiting. According to Dr. 
 Casanova, who published an essay upon the subject at Calcutta, it is especially directed 
 to the skin, the capillaries and absorbents of which it stimulates to increased action. It 
 is chiefly recommended as a remedy in the obstinate cutaneous diseases of tropical cli- 
 mates, such as elephantiasis and leprosy. It has been employed also in syphilis, dropsv. 
 rheumatism, and hectic fever. It is given in substance in the dose of from three to twelve 
 grains, three times a day, and gradually increased till it affects the system. 
 
 CAM WOOD. A red dye-wood, procured from the Baphia nitida of De Candolle, a 
 leguminous tree, growing on the Western Coast of Africa. The wood is usually ke; t in 
 the shops in the ground state. It yields its colouring matter scarcely at all to cold water, 
 slightly to boiling water, and readily to alcohol and alkaline solutions. This colouring 
 matter is thought to be identical with santalin. 
 
 CANARY SEED. The seeds of Phalaris Canariensis, an annual plant belonging to the 
 grasses, originally from the Canary Islands, but now growing wild in Europe and the 
 United States, and cultivated in many places. The seeds are ovate, somewhat compressed, 
 about two lines long, shining, and of a light yellowish-gray colour externally, and brownish 
 within. Their chief constituent is starch. They were formerly esteemed medicinal, but 
 are now used only for emollient cataplasms. They are nutritive, and their meal is said 
 to be mixed, in some places, with wheat flour, and made into bread. They are used as 
 food for Canary birds. 
 
 CAOUTCHOUC. Gum elastic. Indian Rubber. This substance is the concrete juice of 
 the Siphonia Cahuchu of Schreber and Willdenow, identical with the Siphonia e/astica of 
 1’ersoon, the Jatropha elastica of the younger Linnaeus, and the Ilcvea Guianen.-is of Aul let. 
 This is a large tree growing in Brazil, Guiana, and possibly also in Central America, i Jo> rn. 
 of Phil. Col. of Pharrn., iii. 292.) On being wounded, it emits a milky juice, which con- 
 cretes on exposure, and constitutes the substance in question. A similar product is afforde'd 
 by several other lactescent plants; but hitherto it is only the juice of the Siphonia that 
 has been extensively collected. Caoutchouc comes to us in large flat pieces, or moulded 
 into various shapes. These are formed by applying successive layers of the juice upon 
 moulds of clay, which are broken and removed when the coating has attained a sufficient 
 thickness and consistence. In the drying of these layers they are exposed to smoke, which 
 gives to the concrete mass a blackish colour. The juice, when it concretes by exposure to 
 the air, assumes on the outer surface a yellowish-brown colour, while the mass remains 
 white or yellowish-white within. The recent juice contains, according to Faraday, 1-9 per 
 cent, of vegetable albumen, traces of wax, 7-13 per cent, of a bitter azotized substance 
 soluble in water and alcohol, 2-9 of a substance soluble in water but insoluble in alcohol, 
 5(1-37 of water with a little free acid, and only 31-7 of the pure elastic principle to which 
 chemists have given the name of caoutchouc. Besides these principles the concrete juice, 
 as it reaches us, generally contains soot derived from the smoke used in drying it. Pitre 
 caoutchouc is nearly colourless, and in thin layers transparent. It is highly elastic, lighter 
 than water, without taste and smell, fusible at about 248°, remaining unctuous and adhe- 
 sive upon cooling, inflammable at a higher temperature, insoluble in water, alcohol, the 
 weak acids, and alkaline solutions, soluble in ether when entirely freed from alcohol, 
 soluble also in most of the fixed and volatile oils, though at the expense of its elasticity. 
 It is said, however, that the oils of lavender and sassafras dissolve it without change, and 
 that, when precipitated by alcohol from its solution in cajeput oil, it is still elastic. But 
 its best solvents, for practical purposes, are coal-naphtha, an empyreumatie oil obtained 
 by distilling caoutchouc itself, and pure oil of turpentine. Caoutchouc is not affected 
 by atmospheric air, chlorine, muriatic or sulphurous acid gas, or ammonia. It consists, 
 according to Faraday, of 87-2 parts of carbon, and 12-8 of hydrogen. 
 
 By the action of sulphur caoutchouc acquires properties which greatly increase its value 
 in the arts. It becomes of a black colour and horny consistence, preserves its elastic; ty 
 under the influence both of heat and cold, is compressible with great difficulty, and resists 
 the ordinary solvents, such as petroleum and oil of turpentine.* In this state it is said to 
 be vulcanized. The discovery of the process of vulcanization is ascribed to Mr. Charles 
 Goodyear, of New- York. ( Chem . Gaz., x. 193.) It consists in submitting caoutchouc in 
 
1309 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 thin sheets to the notion of a mixture composed of 40 parts of sulphuret. of carbon and 1 
 of chloride of sulphur. For fuller details the reader is referred to the Journ. de Pharm. 
 (3 eser., xvii. 205). But the same object may be effected in other methods. When thin lay- 
 ers of caoutchouc are immersed for two or three hours in melted sulphur at the heat of 240° 
 F., they are penetrated by the sulphur, but undergo no change of properties. If now 
 heated in an inert medium to a temperature of from 275° to 320°, a chemical reaction 
 takes place, and the vulcanized product is obtained. The same result takes place if the 
 caoutchouc be first pounded with from 12 to 20 per cent, of finely powdered sulphur, and 
 then heated to the temperature requisite for vulcanization. In either case a portion of 
 uncombined sulphur remains mechanically mixed with the vulcanized caoutchouc, from 
 which it may be separated by various solvents, such as solutions of caustic soda or potassa, 
 sulphuret of carbon, oil of turpentine, anhydrous ether, &c. The desulphurated product 
 thus obtained, while exempt from the disadvantages arising from the reaction of free sul- 
 phur, is more porous than before. [Ibid., xxi. 3(36.) 
 
 Caoutchouc is used for erasing pencil marks; in the formation of flexible tubes for the 
 laboratory, and of catheters, bougies, pessaries, and other instruments for surgical pur- 
 poses; in the melted state, as a luting to the joints of chemical apparatus; in the shape 
 of thin layers, for covering the mouths of bottles, and for other purposes in which the 
 exclusion of air and moisture is requisite; in the manufacture of water-proof cloth; and 
 for numerous other purposes, to which its elasticity, and the resistance which it offers to 
 the ordinary solvents, and to other powerful chemical agents, peculiarly adapt it. It may 
 be brought to the state of thin layers, by softening the small flasks of it in ether containing 
 alcohol, or boiling them in water, for fifteen minutes, and then distending them by means 
 of air forced into them ; and the same end may be attained by spreading its naphtha or 
 ethereal solution upon a smooth surface, and allowing the solvent to evaporate. Tubes of 
 caoutchouc may be made from its solution, or from the juice imported in the liquid state. 
 A court-plaster prepared with caoutchouc has been considerably used, and from its im- 
 permeability by moisture is sometimes valuable. (See Amcr. Journ. of Pharm., xv. 38.) 
 A convenient sticking plaster may be prepared by spreading the liquid caoutchouc, by a 
 stiff brush, upon calico, soft leather, or thin sheets of vulcanized Indian rubber as found 
 in the shops. Small thin pieces of caoutchouc may be very advantageously employed to 
 suppress hemorrhage from leech-bites, &c., by first softening one surface of the piece by 
 a taper, and when cool applying it firmly over the bleeding point. The cavity of a decayed 
 tooth may be lined with caoutchouc, so as to prevent the access of air, and thus relieve 
 pain, by fastening a piece firmly around the end of a rod, liquefying the surface by heat, 
 then introducing it with pressure into the cavity, and again withdrawing it. Caoutchouc 
 has been given internally in phthisis, in the dose of one or two grains, gradually increased. 
 [Arm. de. The/ap., 1847, p. 73.) 
 
 CAPPAKIS SPINOSA. Caper-bush. A low, trailing shrub, growing in the South of 
 Europe and North of Africa. The buds or unexpanded flowers, treated with salt and 
 vinegar, form a highly esteemed pickle, which has an acid, burning taste, and is considered 
 useful in scurvy. The dried bark of the root was formerly officinal. It is in pieces par- 
 tially or wholly quilled, about one-third of an inch in mean diameter, transversely wrinkled, 
 grayish externally, whitish within, inodorous, and of a bitterish, somewhat acrid, and aro- 
 matic taste. It is considered diuretic, and was formerly employed in obstructions of the 
 fiver and spleen, amenorrhoea, and chronic rheumatism. 
 
 CARANNA. Gum Caranna. A resinous substance, in pieces of a blackish-gray colour 
 externally, dark-brown internally, somewhat shining and translucent, brittle and pulver- 
 izable when dry, but. in the recent state, soft and adhesive like pitch, easily fusible, of an 
 agreeable balsamic odour when heated, and of a bitterish resinous taste. [Geiger.) It is 
 6aid to be derived from the Amyris Caranna of Humboldt, a tree growing in Mexico and 
 South America. Geiger refers it also to the Bursera gummifera of the West India Islands; 
 but the resin obtained from this tree is described by the French writers under the name 
 of resine de Gomart, or resine de chibou, or cachibou, and is said to bear a close resemblance 
 to the resin tacamahac. 
 
 CARBURET OF IRON. Ferri Carburelum. Plumbago. Black Lead. This substance 
 has been used both internally and externally in cutaneous affections. For medical use 
 it is reduced to very fine powder, and purified by being boiled in water, and digested with 
 dilute nitromuriatic acid. The dose is from five to fifteen grains or more, three or four 
 times a day, given in the form of powder or pill. The ointment is made by mixing from 
 two to six drachms with an ounce of lard. 
 
 CARDAMINE PRATENSIS. Cuckoo-flower. This is a perennial herbaceous plant, with 
 a simple, smooth, erect stem, about a foot in height. The leaves are pinnate; the radical, 
 composed of roundish irregularly toothed leaflets, those of the stem alternate, with leaflets 
 
1310 Appendix. 
 
 which become narrower, more entire, and pointed as they ascend. The flowers are pur- 
 plish-white or rose-coloured, and terminate the stem in a raceme approaching the charactei 
 of a corymb. The plant is a native of Europe, and is found in the northern parts of oui 
 continent, about Hudson’s Bay. It is a very handsome plant, abounding in moist meadows, 
 which it adorns with its flowers in the months of April and May. The leaves are bitterish 
 and slightly pungent, resembling in some measure those of water-cresses, and like them 
 supposed to be possessed of antiscorbutic properties. In Europe they are sometimes added 
 to salads. The flowers have the same taste with the leaves, and, when fresh, a somewhat 
 pungent odour. When dried, they become inodorous and nearly insipid. They formerly 
 possessed the reputation of being diuretic, and, since the publication of a paper by Sir 
 George Baker, more than half a century ago, have been occasionally used as an antispas- 
 modic in various nervous diseases, such as chorea and spasmodic asthma, in which they 
 were successfully employed by that physician. They produce, however, little obvious effect 
 upon the system, and are not employed in this country. 
 
 CATALPA CORDIFOLIA. Bignonia Catalpa. Linn. Catalpa tree, or Catawba tree. 
 This is a beautiful indigenous flowering tree, occasionally cultivated for ornamental pur- 
 poses. It is reputed to be poisonous. The seeds have been employed by several prac- 
 titioners of continental Europe in asthma. M. Automarchi recommends a decoction made 
 by boiling twelve ounces of water with three or four ounces of the seeds down to sis 
 ounces, the whole to be given morning and night. 
 
 CEANOTIIUS AMERICANITS. New Jersey Tea. Red-root. A small indigenous shrub, 
 growing throughout the United States. The root is astringent, and imparts a red colour 
 to water. It is said to be useful in syphilitic complaints, in which it is given in the form 
 of decoction, made with two drachms of the root to a pint of water. Schoepf states that it 
 is purgative. The leaves -were used during the revolutionary war as a substitute for tea. 
 Dr. Hubbard recommends a strong infusion of the dried leaves and seeds, as a local appli- 
 cation in aphthous affections of the mouth and fauces, and the sorethroat of scarlatina, 
 and as an internal remedy in dysentery. ( Boston Med. and Surg. Journ., Sept. 30, 1835. ) 
 
 CEDRON. The seeds of a tree growing in New Granada and Central America, and 
 described by M. Planchon under the name of Simaba Cedron, in the London Journal of 
 Botany, v. 566, from specimens sent by Mr. Wm. l’urdie, curator of the Botanical Garden 
 at Trinidad, to Sir Wm. J. Hooker. Mr. Purdie had received the first intimation of the 
 value of this medicine from Dr. Cespedes, a physician of Bogota. The first account of it, 
 however, which reached Europe appears to have been that of Dr. Luigi Rotellini, a phy- 
 sician of Saint Domingo, who had previously resided in New Granada. It was published 
 in an Italian journal so early as the year 1846. Iu France it appears to have been made 
 known through M. Jamord, who received information of its effects from M. Herran, Charge 
 d’ Affaires in France of the Republic of Costa Rica. The fullest account that we have 
 seen of the plant and its products is from the pen of Sir Wm. J. Hooker. (See Bharm. 
 Journ. and IVans., Jan. 1851, x. 344.) 
 
 Simaba Cedron belongs to the natural family of Simarubacem. It is a small tree, with 
 an erect stem, not exceeding six inches in diameter, branching at top in an umbellate 
 form, with large, glabrous, pinnate leaves, and pale-brown flowers in long, branching 
 racemes. The fruit is a large, solitary drupe, containing a single seed. The whole plant 
 appears to be impregnated with a bitter principle, but it is the seed only that is used. A 
 specimen of the dried fruit and the separated seed was kindly sent to one of the authors from 
 Cartago, in Costa Rica, by Dr. Guier, formerly' of Philadelphia. It is light, of a yellowish- 
 ash colour, flattish- ovate, with one edge convex and the other nearly straight, the convex 
 outline terminating at each end in an obtuse point, of which that at the apex is most 
 prominent. It is about two inches long, and sixteen lines in its greatest breadth. Within, 
 the seed is loose and movable. The seed itself is about an inch and a half long, ten lines 
 broad, and half an inch thick. It is convex on one side, fiat or slightly concave on the 
 other, and presents an oval scar near one extremity of the flat surface. It is hard and 
 compact, but may be readily cut with a knife. 
 
 Cedron seed is inodorous, but of a pure and intensely bitter taste, not unlike that of 
 quassia. It yields its virtues to water and alcohol. M. Lewry obtained from it a crys- 
 talline substance, of intense bitterness, freely soluble in boiling water and neutral to test 
 paper, which he supposes to be the active principle, and proposes to name ccdrin. He 
 obtained it by first exhausting the cedron with ether, then submitting it to the action of 
 alcohol, and crystallizing from the tincture. {Journ. de Pharm. et de Chim., xix. 335.) 
 
 This medicine has long had great reputation in New Granada and Central America, as 
 a remedy for the bite of serpents, being mentioned in the History of the Buccaneers, pub- 
 lished in 1699, as useful for this purpose ; and such continues to be the confidence of the 
 natives in its virtues, that they have no fears of the poisonous bite of these reptiles, if 
 
Appendix. 1311 
 
 provided with the antidote. It is also highly esteemed in the prevention of hydrophobia, 
 and in the treatment of intermittent fever, spasm of the stomach and bowels, and dys- 
 peptic atfections. Dr. Guier informed us that he had seen it once apparently successful' in 
 luring the bite of a poisonous serpent, and had used it effectually in cholera morbus, 
 lolic, and neuralgia of the face. Dr. J. 13. Thompson, of London, has found it useful iu 
 gout. [Med. Times and Gaz., April, 1852, p. 364.) To us it appears to be closely analo- 
 gous to quassia, with which it is botanically allied. The dose used in Central America is 
 me or two grains. M. Herran states that he had employed the remedy in eight cases of 
 poisoning, and that his mode of using it was to administer five or six grains with a spoon- 
 iil of brandy, and to dress the bite with the tincture. He had rarely occasion to repeat 
 die dose to effect a cure. Dr. Rotellini says that it is poisonous in over-doses, and has 
 iccasioned death in the quantity of twenty-five or thirty grains. A vinegar has been 
 prepared in London by macerating for seven days two scruples of the cedron in an ounce 
 if distilled vinegar. The dose is from twenty minims to a fluidrachm. ( Pharm . Journ. and 
 Trans., xii. 63.) 
 
 CELASTRUS SCANDENS. Climbing Staff-tree. A climbing indigenous shrub, growing 
 "rom Canada to Carolina, and said to possess emetic, diaphoretic, and narcotic properties. 
 The bark is the part employed. It has been used in chronic atfections of the liver and 
 secondary syphilis. For a full description of the plant, see Darlington’s Flora Cestrica, 
 p. 149. Other species of Celastrus, growing in various parts of the world, have been 
 employed in medicine, though with little reputation. 
 
 CENTAUREA BENEDICTA. Blessed Thistle. Carduus benedictus. Cnicus benedictus. 
 De Cand. This is an annual herbaceous plant, the stem of which is about two feet high, 
 branching towards the top, and furnished with long, elliptical, rough leaves, irregularly 
 toothed, barbed with sharp points at their edges, of a bright-green colour on their upper 
 surface, and whitish on the under. The lower leaves are deeply sinuated, and stand on 
 footstalks ; the upper are sessile, and in some measure decurrent. The flowers are yellow, 
 and surrounded by an involucre of ten leaves, of which the five exterior are largest. The 
 talyx is oval, woolly, and composed of several imbricated scales, terminated by rigid, 
 pinnate, spinous points. The plant is a native of the South of Europe, and is cultivated 
 n gardens in other parts of the world. It has become naturalized in the United States. 
 The period of flowering is June, when its medicinal virtues are in greatest perfection. 
 The leaves are the officinal portion. They should be gathered when the plant is in flower, 
 quickly dried, and kept in a dry place. The herb has a feeble unpleasant odour, and an 
 Dtensely bitter taste, more disagreeable in the fresh than the dried plant. Water and 
 alcohol extract its virtues. The infusion with cold water is a grateful bitter ; the decoc- 
 don is nauseous, and offensive to the stomach. The bitterness remains in the extract. 
 The active constituents are volatile oil, and a peculiar principle for which the name of 
 :nicin has been proposed. This is crystallizable, inodorous, very bitter, neither acid nor 
 alkaline, scarcely soluble in cold water, more soluble in boiling water, and soluble in all 
 Proportions in alcohol. It consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and is analogous to 
 .■alicin in composition. In the dose of 4 or 5 grains it is said often to vomit, and in that 
 of 8 grains to be useful in intermittent fevers. {Ann. de Therap., 1843, p. 206.) The 
 jolessed thistle may be so administered as to prove tonic, diaphoretic, or emetic. The cold 
 nfusion, made with half an ounce of the leaves to a pint of water, has been employed as 
 i mild tonic in debilitated conditions of the stomach. A stronger infusion, taken warm 
 ivhile the patient is confined to bed, produces copious perspiration. A still stronger 
 nfusion, or decoction, taken in large draughts, provokes vomiting, and has been used to 
 assist the operation of emetics. The herb, however, is at present little employed, as all 
 ts beneficial effects may be obtained from chamomile. The dose of the powder as a tonic 
 s from a scruple to a drachm, that of the infusion two fluidounces. 
 
 CHELIDONIUM MAJUS. Celandine. A perennial herbaceous plant, growing wild in 
 :kis country, about old houses and in rocky places ; but supposed to have been introduced 
 rom Europe, where it is indigenous. It is one or two feet high, bears pinnate leaves and 
 small peduncled umbels of yellow flowers, and, when wounded, emits a yellow, opaque 
 uice. The whole plant is used. It has a faint unpleasant odour, and a bitter, acrid, 
 lurable taste, which is stronger in the roots than in the leaves. The odour is nearly lost 
 ay drying, but the taste remains. The yellow juice is bitter and exceedingly acrid, and 
 ivhen applied to the skin produces inflammation and even vesication. The plant, analyzed 
 ay MM. Chevalier and Lassaigne, afforded a bitter resinous substance of a deep-yellow 
 Jolour ; a kind of gum-resin of an orange-yellow colour, and bitter, nauseous taste ; mucil- 
 age ; albumen ; and various saline substances, besides free malic acid and silica. Dr. 
 Probst, of Heidelberg, has more recently found in it a peculiar acid denominated chelidonic 
 Kid; two alkaline principles, one of which forms neutral salts with the acids, and is called 
 
1312 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 chelerythrin in consequence of the intense redness of its salts, the other unites with hi 
 does not neutralize the acids, arid is named chelidonin ; and lastly a neuter, crystallizaljii 
 bitter principle, which from its yellow colour he calls chelidoxanthin. Chelerythrin appeal 
 to be an acrid narcotic poison. ( Annul, der 1' harm., xxix. 113.) See Sanguinaria. pa{: 
 646, for the mode of preparing it. Celandine is an acrid purgative, possessed also c 
 diuretic, and perhaps diaphoretic and expectorant properties. In over-doses, it produce 
 unpleasant effects, and is by some considered poisonous. By the ancients it was mue 
 esteemed as a remedy in jaundice ; and it has been found useful in the same complaint b 
 some modern physicians. It was the chief ingredient of the old decoclum ad ictericos c 
 the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. It has been given also, in other eom plaints, especial! 
 those of a scrofulous character, affecting the mesenteric and lymphatic glands, the skit 
 and the eyes. The yellow juice is often applied to corns and warts, which it destroys b 
 stimulating them beyond their powers. The fresh herb is also applied locally about th 
 pelvis, with asserted benefit, in amenorrhoea. The dose of the dried root or herb is fror 
 thirty grains to a drachm, that of the fresh root one or two drachms; and the same quan 
 tity may be given in infusion. The watery extract and expressed juice have also bee* 
 employed. The dose of the former is from five to ten grains, of the latter from ten t- 
 twenty drops, to be gradually increased until the effects of the remedy are experienced. 
 
 CHELTENHAM SALT, ARTIFICIAL. Several artificial mixtures have been prepared 
 professing to be exact imitations of the saline ingredients in the chalybeate Cheltenhan 
 water; but the only ones which appear worthy of confidence are those prepared by Rober 
 Alsop, Chemist, of London, and W. Hodgson, jun., druggist, of this city. The composite i 
 of the natural Cheltenham chalybeate is given at page 1 13. The imitation of Mr. Alsop. a- 
 analyzed by Dr. Faraday, contains the same solid and gaseous constituents as the naturn 
 water, except the sulphate of lime, which is very properly omitted ; and in the same rr ■ 
 portions precisely, with the exception that there is about twice as much free carbonic acii 
 in the artificial preparation. The iron is present in the state of protoxide, and is immedi- 
 ately dissolved by the free carbonic acid, upon adding a sufficient quantity of water. TLt 
 carbonic acid probably exists in a free state in the dry mixture : as there is no obvious 
 agent present to cause it to be disengaged in the mere act of solution. 
 
 Mr. Alsop’s artificial mixture is in the form of a powder, nearly white, possessing a 
 saiine and slightly ferruginous taste. It forms a good combination, in which the aperient! 
 property of the salts present is combined with the tonic virtue of the iron. It is considered 
 to be useful in glandular obstructions, especially of the liver, and in scrofulous affections, 
 attended with feeble digestion, sluggish bowels, and pallidness of skin. It is employed, 
 also, with advantage in sick headache, habitual costiveness, and hemorrhoids. The dose 
 is a teaspoonful, quickly dissolved by brisk stirring in half a pint of coll water, anu 
 swallowed immediately, before the iron has time to separate in an insoluble state. This 
 quantity may be taken in the morning, fasting, and repeated once or twice after an inter- 
 val of twenty minutes, or in the course of the day. To obtain its full tonic and alterative 
 effects, it should be persevered with for a month or six weeks. 
 
 The artificial Cheltenham salt of Mr. Hodgson is identical with that of Mr. Alsop, and 
 may be used with entire confidence for all the purposes to which the latter is applied. 
 
 CHLORIDE OF MAGNESIUM. Magnesii Chloridum. Muriate of Magnesia. When a 
 concentrated solution of this salt is evaporated to dryness, it is partially decomposed into 
 magnesia and muriatic acid, the latter being evolved. By a careful evaporation, stopping 
 it so soon as the vapour begins to redden litmus paper, the chloride may be obtained in the 
 state of a fused hydrate, having the composition MgCl,6HO. (Casaseca, Chcm. Gaz., Oct. lo. 
 1853, p. 384.) The physiological action of this bitter and very deliquescent salt has been 
 made the subject of a memoir by Dr. Lebert. He finds it to act mildly and favourably as 
 a purgative, producing a flow of bile, and an increase of appetite. On account of its ex- 
 treme deliquescence, he recommends it in the liquid form, prepared by dissolving the salt 
 in its weight of water. Of this solution he gives an ounce sufficiently diluted to an aduk. 
 and half an ounce to a child from 10 to 14 years of age. (Arch. Gen , 4e se'r., iii. 448.) 
 
 CHLORIDE OF MERCURY AND QUINIA. Hydrargyri ct Quin is Chloridum. Th i - 
 compound has been prepared by Mr. McDermott, of Dublin, by uniting chemically corro- 
 sive sublimate with quinia. The corrosive sublimate was found to be reduced to the state 
 of calomel ; and, hence, it may be inferred that half the chlorine of the former united with 
 the quinia. This preparation has been found useful in the treatment of obstinate skin 
 diseases, given in the dose of a grain two or three times a day. 
 
 CHLORIDE OF POTASSA, SOLUTION OF. Liquor Potass a> Chlorimtse. JavelU's 
 Water. Eau de Javelle. This is obtained precisely as the solution of chlorinated soda. 
 (See Liquor Sodse Chlorinatas.) It is employed for taking out fruit stains, &c., from linen. 
 In chemical constitution it is probably a hypochlorite. 
 
Appendix. 1313 
 
 CHLORIDE OF SILVER. Argenti Chloridum. This has been already referred to as 
 eing inevitably formed when nitrate of silver is given internally. (See page 898.) It is 
 >adily prepared by adding a solution of common salt to one of nitrate of silver, as long as 
 produces a precipitate. As first thrown down it is a white curdy substance, but it soon 
 ecomes discoloured when exposed to the light. It has been used, rubbed on the tongue, 
 i syphilis, and internally in epilepsy, chronic dysentery and diarrhoea, and other diseases 
 i which nitrate of silver has been given. The dose is from one to three grains or more, 
 iur or five times a da}'. Dr. Perry administered it at the Philadelphia hospital, Blockley, 
 l chronic dysentery, with the immediate effect of diminishing the number of stools. The 
 rystallized ammonio-chloride of silver has been given in syphilitic affections, in the dose of 
 le fourteenth of a grain. It is formed by saturating solution of ammonia, by the aid of 
 eat, with chloride of silver, and allowing the liquid to cool in a stopped bottle. It crys- 
 Jlizes in cubes, and is very liable to decomposition. 
 
 CHLORINATED ANAESTHETIC COMPOUNDS. By the mutual action of chlorine 
 ad olefiant gas, an oily liquid is obtained, discovered by the associated Dutch chemists, 
 nd called Dutch liquid, or chloride of olefiant gas. The empirical formula of this compound 
 ; G’ 4 H 4 C1 2 ; the rational C 4 II 3 C1,HC1. When it is acted on by an alcoholic solution of pot- 
 ssa, muriatic acid is separated by the formation of chloride of potassium, and a compound 
 presented by C 4 H 3 C1 is set free. By the action of additional chlorine, the Dutch liquid 
 ; susceptible of having each equivalent of hydrogen successively replaced by one of chlo- 
 ne, forming four new compounds; namely, C 4 II 2 C1 2 , HC1 — C 4 HC1 3 ,HC1 — C 4 C1 4 ,HC1 — C 4 C1 6 . 
 he last compound here is evidently a 6-4 chloride of carbon; and the others are called 
 y Regnault, in allusion to the replacing chlorine,, without noting the disappearing hydro- 
 en, monochlorinated, bichlorinated, and trichlorinated Dutch liquid. The Dutch liquid 
 as been tried as an ausesthetliic by Dr. Simpson and Mr. Nunnely. Dr. Simpson was not 
 itisfied with its effects; but Mr. Nunnely, having administered it frequently in practice, 
 mnd it perfectly agreeable in every respect. Its use is not attended by the troublesome 
 xcitement produced by ether, or by the tendency to collapse caused by chloroform. Two 
 inns of Dutch liquid have been recently experimented with by Dr. Aran, of Paris ; and 
 ne of them furnished satisfactory clinical results. The liquid which gave favourable 
 isults has been ascertained by Mialhe and Flourens to be the monochlorinated Dutch 
 quid; but its cost proved to be too high to allow of its general use as a therapeutic agent. 
 1 consequence of this objection to the liquid just named, Mialhe and Flourens were in- 
 uced to search for a substitute in the corresponding compound of a parallel series of 
 hers, formed by the action of chlorine on muriatic ether. When muriatic ether (C 4 II 5 C1) 
 
 ■ acted on by successive portions of chlorine, the hydrogen is replaced by the latter, equi- 
 ilent for equivalent, and there are formed the five following compounds; C 4 II 4 C1 2 — C 4 II 5 
 1 3 — C 4 H 2 C1 4 — CJIClj — C 4 C1 6 . Of this series, the first member is isomeric with the Dutch 
 quid; the second, third, and fourth with the mono- bi- and trichlorinated Dutch liquid, 
 ad the fifth is the 6-4 chloride of carbon, the terminating compound of the other series, 
 he first, member, though identical with the Dutch liquid in elementary composition, and 
 aving a vapour of the same density, has, nevertheless, a lower boiling point, and is differ- 
 lt in chemical properties. Thus, it is not decomposed by an alcoholic solution of potassa, 
 i the Dutch liquid is; and is not acted on by potassium, while the Dutch liquid is imme- 
 ,'ately attacked by it. These facts show that the atomic constitution of these two sub- 
 anees must be different. In like manner the second, third, and fourth members of this 
 ■vies are different in chemical properties from their isomeric representatives in the Dutch 
 quid series. In denoting the different degrees of chlorination of the muriatic ether series, 
 egnault indicates merely (as in the Dutch liquid series) the number of eqs. of chlorine 
 ipposed to replace hydrogen. Accordingly, he calls the first member of the series mono- 
 llorinated muriatic ether, corresponding to the Dutch liquid; and the second, Ihird, and 
 >urth, bi- tri- and quadrichlorinated muriatic ethers, corresponding to the mono- bi- and 
 ichlorinated Dutch liquids. This confusion of nomenclature arises from the fact that the 
 placement by chlorine sets out from five eqs. of hydrogen in the muriatic ether series, 
 id from four eqs. in the Dutch liquid series. 
 
 From the explanation above given, it will be understood that the compound of the mu- 
 atic ether series corresponding to the monochlorinated Dutch liquid, is the bichlorinated 
 uriatic ether. This compound proved too volatile to act advantageously as a local anaes- 
 letic. The tri- and quadrichlorinated ethers are denser and less volatile, and acted more 
 vourably. The conclusion arrived at by Mialhe and Flourens appears to be that, the 
 ur chlorinated muriatic ethers all possess anaesthetic properties; and as it would be dif- 
 ;ult to separate them, they propose the use of the mixed ethers, consisting principally of 
 le tri- and quadrichlorinated compounds, as an anaesthetic, under the indefinite name of 
 llorinated muriatic ether ( chlorinated chlorohydric ether). 
 
 83 
 
1314 Appendix. 
 
 Chlorinated muriatic ether is a colourless, very mobile, neuter liquid, having an aromat: 
 ethereal odour, and hot saccharine taste. It is sparingly soluble in water, but readily soli 
 ble in alcohol, ether, and most of the fixed and volatile oils. It is not inflammable, in'whic 
 respect it agrees with chloroform. Being a mixture of different liquids, its sp. gr. is nr 
 uniform. Its boiling point varies from 230° to 266°. According to the experiments < 
 Flourens, it has a similar action to chloroform, the most important of the chlorinated anse: 
 thetics. (See chlorofitrmum). Its local action is that of a powerful sedative. ( B. Cuc-ue 
 Ann. de Therap., 1853, 102.) 
 
 CHROME YELLOW. This is the neutral chromate of lead, prepared by precipitatin 
 a solution of the nitrate of lead with chromate of potassa. It is of a beautiful lemon 
 yellow colour. The subchromate of lead, consisting of one eq. of acid, and two eqs. c 
 base, is of a red colour, and is sometimes used as a pigment. Chrome green is a mixtur 
 of chrome yellow and Prussian blue. 
 
 CHROMIC ACID. Acidum Chromicum. This acid is readily obtained by mixing 10 
 measures of a cold saturated solution of bichromate of potassa with 150 measures of sul 
 phuric acid, and allowing the mixture to cool. The sulphuric acid unites with the potassa 
 and sets the chromic acid free, which crystallizes in brilliant crimson-red prisms. Th 
 mother-liquor having been poured off, the crystals should be placed upon a tile to drain 
 covered with a glass bell-jar. Chromic acid is deliquescent and very soluble in water. I 
 is a powerful oxidizer, yielding its oxygen readily to organic matter, which is thereby dis 
 solved. In composition it is the teroxide of chromium, having the formula Cr0 3 - This ncii 
 has been tried as a caustic by Prof. Sigmund, of Vienna, on the recommendation of Dr 
 Heller. Used in substance, made into a paste with water, its action is exceedingly slov 
 and gradual, but deeply' penetrating. In saturated solution its action is less penetratim 
 and less gradual. By using a solution more or less dilute, the action may be graduate 
 according to the degree of effect desired. Prof. Sigmund tried the concentrated solution 
 with advantage, for the destruction of condylomata, occurring in his syphilitic wards 
 This caustic is well suited to the destruction of morbid growths, and gives less pain thai 
 other caustics. Chromic acid acts as a rapid solvent of organic matter. “ Smaller ani- 
 mals (mice, birds, &c.) were so completely dissolved by the acid within fifteen or twenty 
 minutes, that no trace of their bones, skin, hair, claws, or teeth could be discovered.' 
 [Dublin Quarterly Journ., xiii. 250, from the Wiener Medizinische Wochemchrit'!.) 
 
 CICHORIUM INTYBUS. Chicory. Succory. A perennial herbaceous plant, indigenous 
 in Europe, but naturalized in this country, where it grows in fields, and in roads along tin 
 fences, in neighbourhoods which have been long settled. It is one or two feet high, wit! 
 large, compound, beautifully blue flowers, which appear in July and August, and serve tc 
 distinguish the plant at first sight. The whole plant has a bitter taste, without acrimony, 
 or any very peculiar flavour. The taste is strongest in the root, and weakest in the flow- 
 ers. The leaves, when young and tender, are said to be sometimes eaten as salad ir 
 Europe. Succory is gently tonic without being irritating, and is considered by somt 
 authors as aperient and deobstruent. It is said to be useful, if freely taken, in hepatic 
 congestion, jaundice, and other visceral obstructions in the early stages: and is affirmec 
 to have done good even in pulmonary consumption. The usual form of administration i; 
 that of decoction, which is prepared by boiling one or two ounces of the root, or a handful 
 of the herb, in a pint of water. The root dried and roasted is much used in certain part; 
 of Europe as a substitute for coffee, and is said also to be mixed fraudulently with ground 
 coffee for sale. In preparing it for coffee, Dausse recommends that the dried root should 
 be cut into rather large and equal pieces, which are to be roasted until they lose 140 out 
 of 500 parts. The pieces are then easily ground in a mill, and afford a yellowish-browc 
 powder. ( Pharm . Cent. Blatt, Oct. 1850, p. G88.) The garden endive is a species of Cicho- 
 rium, denominated C. Endivia. 
 
 CICUTA VIROSA. Water Hemlock. Cowbane. A perennial, umbelliferous European 
 plant, growing on the borders of pools and streams. It is very poisonous, proving fatal tc 
 most animals which feed upon it, though said to be eaten with impunity by goats and 
 sheep. Several instances are on record of children who have died from eating the root by 
 mistake for parsnep. It operates as an acrid narcotic, producing inflammation of tin 
 stomach, together with symptoms which indicate cerebral disturbance, such as vertigo, 
 intoxication, and convulsions. Infusion of galls is recommended as an antidote, but should 
 not be relied on to the exclusion of emetics. AYhen the plant vomits, as it frequently 
 does, fatal effects are less apt to ensue. It is said to be less poisonous dried than fresh : 
 and it has been inferred that the active principle is volatile. But the volatile oil, obtained 
 by distillation, was found by Simon, of Berlin, not to be poisonous. On the other hand, 
 the alcoholic extract of the dried root operated as a violent poison upon animals. , Annal. 
 der Pharm., xxxi. 258.) It is at present never used internally, having been superseded by 
 
Appendix. 1315 
 
 5 nium maculatum. Externally it is sometimes employed as an anodyne poultice in local 
 ins, particularly those of a rheumatic or gouty nature. 
 
 The Cicuta maculata or American water hemlock is closely analogous, in botanical cha- 
 cter and effects, to the European species. In several instances, children have been fatally 
 lisoned by eating its root. It is never used in medicine. For a full account of this 
 ant, see Bigelow’s Medical Botany (i. 125). In cases of poisoning by either of these 
 ants, vomiting should be induced as speedily as possible, and maintained till the stomach 
 thoroughly evacuated. 
 
 CITRATE OF IRON AND MAGNESIA. Ferri et Magnesise Citras. This double salt 
 |s been introduced to the notice of the profession by M. Van der Corput. It is made by 
 ssolvingtwo ounces of freshly precipitated hydrated oxide of iron in a moderately heated 
 lution of three ounces of citric acid, and saturating the liquor with carbonate of mag- 
 isia. The solution, after filtration, is evaporated by means of a water-bath to a syrupy 
 nsistence, and spread on glass to dry in scales. The carbonate required is nearly an 
 ince. Three and a quarter ounces of sulphate of iron will furnish by decomposition the 
 icessary hydrated oxide for three ounces of the acid. (See formula for Ferri Oxidum 
 ydratum.) This salt is in transparent greenish-yellow scales, having a slightly ferru- 
 nous somewhat acid taste. It is very soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol and 
 her. It may be given in doses of five or ten grains, in the form of solution, syrup, or 
 11. (See the remarks of Prof. Procter on this preparation, contained in the Am. Journ. 
 
 ' Pharm. for Oct. I860, p. 815.) 
 
 CITRATE OF IRON AND QUINIA. Ferri et Quinise Citras. This is made, according 
 Prof. Procter, by heating together, in a capsule, an ounce of recently precipitated 
 linia, two drachms of citric acid, five ounces of citrate of iron, and twelve fluidounces of 
 ater, constantly stirring, and avoiding ebullition. When the solution is effected, evapo- 
 te carefully to a syrupy consistence, and spread on glass to dry in thin layers. This 
 iuble salt is in the form of shining scales, of a garnet-red colour, more or less deep. It 
 given as a tonic in doses of five grains or more, three times a day, either in solution, 
 
 • in the form of pill. This double salt is sometimes adulterated with cinchonia, which 
 places part of the quinia. A sample, analyzed by Mr. C. G. Williams, was found to 
 ntain only 5-3 per cent, of quinia, instead of 12-5 per cent. ( Chem . Gaz., xi. 269.) 
 CITRATE OF SODA. Sodse Citras. This salt may be formed by saturating a solution 
 citric acid with bicarbonate of soda, evaporating the liquid, aud setting it aside to 
 ystallize. It is a white salt crystallized in six-sided pyramids, and having a saline 
 ste without any bitterness. Citrate of soda has been proposed by M. Guichon, of 
 70 ns, as a pleasant purgative, having properties similar to those of citrate of magnesia, 
 id, though possessing a taste more decidedly saline than the latter, having the advan- 
 ges of cheapness, and of a constant solubility, which permits it to be associated with 
 her medicinal preparations. The dose is from ten to fourteen drachms, given in simple 
 tueous solution, or acidulated with citric acid and sweetened. 
 
 CIVET. Zibethum. This is an odorous substance, obtained from two animals of the 
 ■mis Viverra, viz., the V. Civetta or civet cat of Africa, and the V. Zibetha which inha- 
 ts the East Indies. It is secreted into a cavity which opens between the anus and 
 iternal genitals, and is collected from animals confined for the purpose. It is semi- 
 piid, unctuous, yellowish, becoming brown and thicker by exposure to the air, of a very 
 rong, peculiar odour, similar to that of musk, though less agreeable and less diffusible, 
 id of a bitterish, subacrid, disagreeable, fatty taste. When heated it becomes quite 
 lid, and at a higher temperature takes fire, and burns with a clear flame, leaving little 
 sidue. It is insoluble in water, and only slightly soluble in ether and cold alcohol; but 
 iated alcohol dissolves it almost entirely, depositing it again upon cooling. It contains, 
 aong other ingredients, a volatile oil, fat, and free ammonia. In medicine it was for- 
 srly employed as a stimulant and antispasmodic, like castor and musk ; but it is now 
 ed exclusively as a perfume. 
 
 CLEMATIS ERECTA. Upright Virgin’s Bower. A perennial European plant. The 
 ives and flowers have an acrid burning taste. When bruised in a mortar they irritate 
 e eyes and throat, giving rise to a flow of tears and to coughing ; and applied to the 
 in they produce inflammation and vesication. Hence the name of flammula Jovis, by 
 aich the plant was known in older pharmacy. The acrimony is greatly diminished by 
 ying. Storck found this species of Clematis useful in secondary syphilis, cancerous 
 id other foul ulcers, and severe headaches. He gave it internally, and at the same time 
 iplied the powdered leaves to the surface of the sore. It acted as a diuretic and dia- 
 loretic. Two or three drachms of the leaves were infused in a pint of water, of which 
 i administered four ounces three times a day. He also employed an extract, in the dose 
 a grain or two in the course of a day. At present the plant is not used. 
 
1316 Appendix. 
 
 Other species of Clematis have the same acrid properties. Among these are C. Fla, 
 mula or sweet scented virgin's bower, which, though a native of Europe, is cultivated in o 
 gardens, C. Vilalba or traveller’s joy , also a native of Europe, and several indigene 
 species, of which C. Virginica or common virgin’s bower, C. Viorna or leather flower, ai 
 C. crispa have been particularly cited by authors as proper substitutes for the C. erec 
 used by Stcirck. All these are climbing plants. C. Vitalba has been used in Euro] 
 with success in the cure of itch. For this purpose the roots and stems, bruised, ai 
 boiled for a short time to diminish their acrimony, were infused in boiling oil, whic 
 thus impregnated, was applied to the skin several times a day. Twelve or fifteen app! 
 cations were usually sufficient. 
 
 COBALT BLUE. This beautiful pigment is a compound of oxide of cobalt and al 
 mina, obtained by precipitating the mixed solutions of a salt of alumina and of cobalt t 
 means of an alkali, and washing, drying, and strongly calcining the precipitate. \Berz 
 lias.) The cobalt blue of Thenard is made by heating together the hydrated subphosphai 
 of cobalt and hydrate of alumina. It is used in painting. An oxide of cobalt prepare 
 by precipitating the chloride with potassa has been employed in rheumatism. It isemet 
 in the dose of 10 or 20 grains. The salts of the metal are irritant poisons. 
 
 COBWEB. Spider’s Web. Tela Arancse. The genus Aranea of Linn, has been divide 
 by subsequent naturalists into several genera, of which the Tegeneria of Walkenaer is th 
 one that includes the medicinal species of spider. The T. domeslica of Europe, and 1 
 medicinalis of this country (Henz, Journ. Acad, of Nat. Sci., ii. 53), are the particula 
 species which have attracted most attention. They inhabit cellars, barns, and otherdar 
 places, and are of a brown or blackish colour. It is affirmed that the web of the fiel 
 spider is inefficacious, while that collected in the cellars of houses, & c., has extraordinar 
 medical virtues. Several authors speak in very decided terms of its powers as a febri 
 fuge and antispasmodic. According to Dr. Robert Jackson, it is superior even to bar 
 and arsenic in the rare of intermittents, and is, moreover, highly useful in various spas 
 modic and nervous diseases, controlling and tranquillizing irregular nervous action, exhila 
 rating the spirits, and disposing to sleep, without producing any of the narcotic effects o 
 opium on the brain. Among the complaints in which it has been found useful, beside 
 intermittent fever, are periodical headache, hectic fever, asthma, hysteria, and nerrou 
 irritations attended with morbid vigilance and irregular muscular action. It will be ob 
 served that these are, for the most part, affections over which the imagination has muci 
 control. The dose of spider’s web is five or six grains, to be given in the form of pill 
 and repeated every three or four hours. Dr. Jackson states that its influence is not ii 
 proportion to the quantity administered, and that he obtained the same effects fiom tei 
 as from twenty grains. This might well be, if the supposition be allowed that its chie 
 operation is through the imagination. Spider’s web has also been used, with assertei 
 advantage, as a styptic in wounds, and a healing application in superficial ulcers. Spider: 
 themselves were formerly employed in the treatment of intermittent fever, and this appli- 
 cation of the web is not of recent origin. 
 
 COCHLEARIA OFFICINALIS. Common Scurvy-grass. This is an annual or biennia 
 plant, sending up early in the spring a tuft of radical leaves, which are heart-shaped 
 roundish, of a deep shining-green colour, and supported on long footstalks. The leave: 
 of the stem are alternate, oblong, somewhat sinuate, the lower petiolate. the upper sessile. 
 The stem is erect, branched, angular, six or eight inches high, and bears, at the extre- 
 mity of the branches, numerous white cruciform peduncled flowers, in thick clusters. The 
 fruit is a roundish two-celled pod, containing numerous seeds. The whole plant is smooth 
 and succulent. It is a native of the northern countries of Europe, where, as well as ir 
 the United States, it is occasionally cultivated in gardens. The whole herb is officinal. 
 It has, when fresh, a pungent unpleasant odour if bruised, and a warm, acrid, bitter taste. 
 These properties are lost by drying. They are imparted to water and alcohol by mace- 
 ration, are retained by the expressed juice, and probably depend on a peculiar volatile 
 oil which is separable in very small quantity by distillation with water. 
 
 Common scurvy-grass is gently stimulant, aperient, and diuretic. It is highly cele- 
 brated as a remedy in sea-scurvv, and has been recommended in chronic obstructions ol 
 the viscera, and certain forms of chronic rheumatism. The fresh plant may be eaten as 
 a salad, or used in the form of infusion in water or wine, or of the expressed juice. Al- 
 cohol and water are impregnated with its virtues by distillation : and the distilled spirit 
 has been found useful in paralysis, in the dose of thirty drops several times a day. The 
 expressed juice may be used as a local application in scorbutic affections of the gums. 
 
 COCOA. Cacao. Chocolate Nats. These are the seeds of Theobroma Cacao, a hand- 
 some tree, from twelve to twenty feet in height, growing in Mexico, the B est Indies, and 
 South America, in some parts of which it is largely cultivated, particularly in Guayaquil 
 
Appendix. 1317 
 
 d Venezuela. Tlie fruit is an oblong-ovate capsule or berry, six or eight inches in 
 lgth, with' a thick, coriaceous, somewhat ligneous rind, enclosing a whitish pulp, in 
 lich numerous seeds are embedded. These are ovate, somewhat compressed, about as 
 ■ge as an almond, and consist of an exterior thin shell, and a brown oily kernel. Separated 
 ini the matter in which they are enveloped, they constitute the cocoa of commerce. They 
 ,ve a slightly aromatic, bitterish, oily taste, and, when bruised or heated, an agreeable 
 our. They contain a large quantity of fixed oil, together with albumen and bitter ex- 
 ictive. The oil is obtained by hot expression, or by decoction. It is a soft solid, 
 iitish or yellowish, with a peculiar agreeable odour, and a bland pleasant taste, and is 
 own by the name of cocoa butter. According to Brandes, it has peculiar properties, 
 d yields a peculiar acid when saponified. He calls the oil cocin, and the acid cocinic 
 id. ( Journ . de Pharm., xxiv. 652.) It has since been found to contain several solid 
 d volatile fatty acids ; as caproic, caprylic, capric, and pichurie acids. [Ibid., oe ser., 
 
 . 69.) The oil is said to be frequently adulterated with animal fats. The chief use to 
 dch it is applied is as an ingredient in cosmetic unguents. A peculiar crystallizable azo- 
 ed principle, called theobromin, has been found in the seeds by M. Voskresensky. It 
 said to contain a larger proportion of nitrogen than cafein. [Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., 
 136.) The shells of the nuts are sometimes employed in the state of infusion, as a 
 'bstitute for tea or coffee. They impart to boiling water a taste analogous to that of 
 ocolate, but weaker. The kernel is consumed in great quantities, in the shape of choco- 
 :e, or in some analogous form. 
 
 Chocolate is differently prepared in different countries. In Great Britain and the United 
 ates, it usually consists, when pure, exclusively of the cocoa or chocolate nuts, which are 
 st roasted, then deprived of their shell, and lastly reduced, by grinding between heated 
 mes, to the state of a paste, which is moulded into oblong cakes. Not unfrequentlv rice 
 ur or other farinaceous substance, with butter or lard, is added; but these must be con- 
 lered as adulterations. On the continent of Europe, sugar is generally incorporated with 
 3 paste, and spices, especially cinnamon, are often added. Vanilla is a favourite addition 
 South America, France, and Spain. Cocoa is often sold in the state of powder, which 
 sometimes mingled with other ingredients, such as ground rice, barley flour, sugar, &c. 
 •ocolate is prepared for use by reducing it to powder, and boiling it in milk, water, or a 
 xture of these fluids. In this state it is much employed as a drink at the morning and 
 ening meals, and serves as an excellent substitute for coffee in dyspeptic cases. It is 
 ;o a good article of diet for convalescents, and may sometimes be given advantageously 
 a mild nutritive drink in acute disease. 
 
 COFFEE. The coffee plant — Caffea Arabica — belongs to the class and order Pentandria 
 tnogynia of the sexual system, and to the natural order Cinchonacete of Lindlev. It is 
 jmall tree, rising from fifteen to thirty feet in height. The branches are opposite, the 
 ver spreading, the upper somewhat declining, and gradually diminishing in length as 
 !;y ascend, so as to form a pyramidal summit, which is covered with green foliage tlirough- 
 t the year. The leaves are opposite, upon short footstalks, oblong-ovate, acuminate, 
 tire, wavy, four or five inches long, smooth and shining, of a dark-green colour on their 
 per surface, paler beneath, and accompanied with a pair of small pointed stipules. The 
 wers are white, with an odour not unlike that of the jasmine, and stand in groups in the 
 ils of the upper leaves. The calyx is very small, the corolla salverform, with a nearly 
 indrical tube, and a flat border divided into five lanceolate, pointed segments. The 
 mens project above the tube. The fruit, which is inferior, is a roundish berry, umbili- 
 :e at top, at first green, then red, and ultimately dark-purple. It is about as large as 
 ;herry, and contains two seeds surrounded by a paper-like membrane, and enclosed in 
 r ellowish pulpy matter. These seeds, divested of their coverings, constitute coffee. 
 
 This tree is a native of Southern Arabia and Abyssinia, and probably pervades Africa 
 tut the same parallel of latitude, as it is found growing wild at Liberia, on the western 
 ist of the continent. It is cultivated in various parts of the world where the tempera- 
 ■e is sufficiently elevated and uniform. Considerable attention has long been paid to its 
 lure in its native country, particularly in Yemen, in the vicinity of Mocha, from which 
 ; demands of commerce were at first almost exclusively supplied. About the year 1690, 
 vas introduced by the Dutch into Java, and in 1718, into their colony of Surinam. Soon 
 er this latter period, the French succeeded in introducing it into their West India Islands, 
 yenne, and the Isles of France and Bourbon; and it has subsequently made its way 
 o the other West India Islands, various parts of tropical America, Hindostan, and Ceylon. 
 The tree is raised from the seeds, which are sown in a soil properly prepared, and, 
 ■minating in less than a month, produce plants which, at the end of the year, are large 
 • mgh to be transplanted. These are then set out in rows at suitable distances, and in 
 •ee or four years begin to bear fruit. It is customary to top the trees at this age, in 
 ler to prevent their attaining an inconvenient height, and to increase the number of 
 
1318 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 fruit-bearing branches. It is said that they continue productive for thirty or forty year: 
 Though almost always covered with flowers and fruit, they yield most abundantly at tw 
 seasons, and thus afford two harvests during the year. Various methods are employed fr 
 freeing the seeds from their coverings ; but that considered the best, is by means of machiner 
 to remove the fleshy portion of the fruit, leaving the seeds surrounded only by their pap} 
 raceous envelope, from which they are afterwards separated by drying, and by the actio 
 of peeling and winnowing mills. 
 
 The cliai-acter of coffee varies considerably with the climate and mode of culturi 
 Consequently, several varieties exist in commerce, named usually from the sources froi 
 which they are derived. The Mocha coffee, which is in small roundish grains, take 
 precedence of all others. The Java coffee is highly esteemed in this country ; but ou 
 chief supplies are derived from the West Indies and South America. Some good coffe 
 has been brought from Liberia. Coffee improves by age, losing a portion of its strengtl 
 and thus acquiring a more agreeable flavour. It is said to be much better when allowed t 
 become perfectly ripe upon the tree, than as ordinarily collected. The grains should b 
 hard, and so heavy as readily to sink in water. When soft, light, black or dark-colourec 
 or musty, they are inferior. 
 
 Coffee has a faint, peculiar odour, and a slightly sweetish, somewhat austere taste. A 
 analysis by M. Payen gives for its constituents, in 100 parts, 34 of cellulose, 12 of hygrc 
 scopic water, 10 to 13 of fatty matter, 15-5 of glucose, with dextrine and a vegetable aei< 
 10 of legumin, 3-5 to 5 of chlorogcnate of potassa and caffein, 3 of a nitrogenous body, 0- 
 of free caffein, 0-001 of concrete volatile oil, 0-002 of fluid volatile oil, and 6*697 of minert 
 substances. ( Joum . de Pharm., 3 e ser., x. 266.) Pfaff recognised, in the precipitate prc 
 duced by acetate of lead with the decoction of coffee, two peculiar principles, one resen: 
 bling tannin, called caff'eo-tannic acid, and the other an acid, called by him caffeic ach 
 Caffein was first discovered by llunge, and afterwards by Robiquet. According to Pave 
 it exists in the coffee partly free, partly in the form of a double salt, consisting of a pecu 
 liar acid, denominated cklorogenic acid, combined with potassa and caffein. It may b 
 obtained in the following manner. Exhaust bruised coffee by two successive portions c 
 boiling water, unite the infusions, add acetate of lead, in order to precipitate the principle 
 which accompany the caffein, filter, decompose the excess of acetate of lead in thefiltere 
 liquor by sulphuretted hydrogen, concentrate by evaporation, and neutralize with ammonir 
 The caffein is deposited in crystals upon cooling, and may be purified by redissolving i 
 water, treating with animal charcoal, and evaporating. For another method, said to b 
 more economical, proposed by H. J. Versmann, of Lubeck, the reader is referred to th 
 Chemical Gazette (Feb. 16, 1852, p. 67). Caffein crystallizes, by the cooling of its concer 
 trated solution, in opaque, silky, flexible needles : by slow and spontaneous evaporation, i 
 long transparent prisms. It has a feebly bitter and disagreeable taste, is soluble inwatei 
 alcohol, and ether, melts when exposed to heat, and at a higher temperature sublime: 
 without residue, in needles analogous to those formed by benzoic acid. It is precip 
 tated from its aqueous solution by’ no reagent except tannic acid, and is remarkable fo 
 containing a larger proportion of nitrogen than almost any other proximate vegetabl 
 principle, in this respect equalling some of the most highly animalized products. Th 
 present views of its composition are represented by the formula V 2 C s H-0 2 : and it is bt 
 lieved to be identical with them, or the peculiar principle of tea. Notwithstanding it 
 large proportion of nitrogen, caffein does not putrefy, even when its solution is kept fc 
 some time in a warm place. 
 
 Coffee undergoes considerable change during the roasting process. It swells up ver 
 much, acquiring almost double its original volume, while it loses from 15 to 20 per cent, of it 
 weight. (Pharm. Cent. Platt. Oct. 1850, p. 687.) It acquires, at the same time, a peculia 
 odour entirely different from that of the unaltered grains, and a decidedly bitter taste 
 A volatile oil is developed during the process, and, according to Chenevix. a portion c 
 tannin. The caffein does not appear to undergo material ehange. as, according to Garo 
 it may be extracted unaltered from the roasted coffee. The excellence of the flavour ( 
 roasted coffee depends much upon the maimer in which the process is conducted, and th 
 extent to which it is carried. It should be performed in a covered vessel, over a moderai 
 fire, and the grains should be kept in constant motion. lVhen they have acquired a chestnu 
 brown colour, the process should cease. If too long-continued, it renders the cofft 
 bitter and acrid, or, by reducing it to charcoal, deprives it entirely of flavour. The cofft 
 should not be burnt long before it is used, and should not be kept in the ground state. 
 
 Medical and Economical Uses. — More attention has been paid to the effects of coffee o 
 the system in the roasted than in the crude state. Unroasted coffee has been employe 
 by Dr. Grindel, of Russia, in intermittent fever, and the practice has been followed byoth< 
 physicians; but the success, though considerable, has not been such as to lead to the coi 
 elusion that this medicine would answer as a substitute for Peruvian bark. It was givt 
 
Appendix. 1319 
 
 n powder, in the dose of a scruple every hour, in decoction prepared by boiling an ounce with 
 hgbteen ounces of water down to sis, or in the state of extract in the dose of from four 
 o eight grains. 
 
 The action of coffee is directed chiefly to the nervous system. When swallowed it pro- 
 luces a warming cordial impression on the stomach, quickly followed by a diffused agree- 
 ible nervous excitement, which extends itself to the cerebral functions, giving rise to 
 ncreased vigour of imagination and intellect, without any subsequent confusion or stupor 
 uch as characterizes the action of narcotic medicines. Indeed, one of its most extraor- 
 linary effects is a disposition to wakefulness, which continues for several hours after it has 
 peen taken. It is even capable of resisting, to a certain extent, the intoxicating and 
 ;oporific influence of alcohol and opium, and may sometimes be advantageously employed 
 or this purpose. It also moderately excites the circulatory system, and stimulates the 
 ligestive function. A cup of coffee, taken after a hearty meal, will often relieve the sense 
 )f oppression so apt to be experienced, and enable the stomach to perform its office with com- 
 parative facility. The exhilarating effects of coffee, united with its delicious flavour when 
 suitably qualified by cream and sugar, have given rise to its habitual employment as an 
 irticle of diet. Its use for this purpose has prevailed from time immemorial in Persia 
 md Arabia. In 1517 it was introduced by the Turks into Constantinople, whence it was 
 iarried to France and England about the middle of the succeeding century, and has since 
 gradually made its way into almost universal use. It cannot be supposed that a substance 
 ;apable of acting so energetically upon the system, should be entirely destitute of deleteri- 
 pus properties. Accordingly, if taken in very large quantities, it leaves, after its first effects 
 ire passed, a degree of nervous derangement or depression equivalent to the previous ex- 
 piteinent; and its habitual immoderate employment is well known very greatly to injure 
 ;he tone of the stomach, and frequently to give rise to troublesome dyspeptic and nervous 
 iffections. This result is peculiarly apt to take place in individuals of susceptible nervous 
 systems, and in those of sedentary habits. We have repeatedly known patients, who have 
 ong suffered with headache and vertigo, to get rid of them by abstaining from coffee. 
 
 In the treatment of disease, coffee has been less employed than might have been ex- 
 pected from its effects upon the system. There can be no doubt that it may be advan- 
 tageously used in various nervous disorders. In a tendency to stupor or lethargy de- 
 pendent on deficient energy of the brain, without congestion or inflammation, it would 
 oe found useful by stimulating the cerebral functions. In light nervous headaches, and 
 wen in sick headache not caused by the presence of offending matter in the stomach, it 
 pften proves temporarily useful. It has acquired much reputation as a palliative in the 
 paroxysms of spasmodic asthma, and lias been recommended in hooping-cough, and in 
 lysterical affections. The Egyptians are said to have formerly employed it as a remedy 
 n amenorrhoea. Hayne informs us that in a case of violent spasmodic disease, attended 
 jfith short breath, palpitation of the heart, and a pulse so much increased in frequency 
 hat it could scarcely be counted, immediate relief was obtained from a cup of coffee, 
 ifter the most powerful antispasmodies had been used in vain for several hours. By the 
 ate Dr. Dewees it was highly recommended in cholera infantum. It is said also to have 
 )een used successfully in obstinate chronic diarrhoea ; and the late Dr. Chapman, of Phila- 
 lelphia, found it highly useful in calculous nephritis. We have heard of its effectual use 
 n croup. In acute inflammatory affections it is contra-indicated. It should be given in 
 rases of poisoning from opium, after the evacuation of the stomach, or when from any 
 ;ause such evacuation is not effected. 
 
 Coffee is usually prepared in this country by boiling the roasted grains, previously 
 ground into a coarse powder, in water for a short time, and then clarifying by the white 
 pf an egg. Some prefer the infusion, made by a process similar to that of displacement. 
 It has more of the aroma of the coffee than the decoction, with less of its bitterness. The 
 Proper proportion for forming the infusion for medical use is an ounce to a pint of boil- 
 ng water, of which a cupful may be given warm for a dose, and repeated, if necessary. 
 Citrate of caffein, made by dissolving caffein in a solution of citric acid with _a gentle 
 peat, and evaporating carefully, has been recommended as a preventive and remedy in 
 sick headache, in the dose of a grain every hour, before or during the paroxysm. 
 
 The leaves of the coffee plant possess properties analogous to those of the fruit, and are 
 jxtensively used, in the form of infusion, as a beverage, in the vicinity of Padang in the 
 island of Sumatra. An account of their employment was published in the Singapore Free 
 Press by Mr. N. M. Ward, of Padang. Previously to this, Dr. John Gardener, of London, 
 pad proposed to introduce them into use in Europe, and is stated to have taken out a 
 patent for the mode of preparing them. A specimen examined by Dr. Stenhouse has 
 peen found to contain caffein in larger proportion than the coffee-bean, and also caffeic 
 icid. Mr. Ward states that, in Sumatra, the leaves are prepared for use by moderately 
 roasting them, and then powdering them coarsely by rubbing in the hands. The powder 
 
1320 Ap-pendix. 
 
 is made into an infusion like common tea. The taste is said to be like that of tea air. 
 coffee combined. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., xii. 443, and xiii. 207 and 38J.; 
 
 COLLINSONIA CANADENSIS. Horse-weed. Horse-balm. Richu-eed. Heal-all. Stone- 
 root. Knot-root. An indigenous plant, with a perennial, knotty root, and an herbaceous 
 simple stem about two feet high, furnished with two or three pairs of broad, cordate- 
 ovate, smooth leaves, and terminating in a panicle of yellow flowers in branched racemes. 
 The flowers are diandrous and monogynous, with a labiate calyx and corolla, the latter 
 of which has the lower lip fringed. The plant grows in woods from Canada to Carolina, 
 and flowers from July to September. The whole plant has a strong disagreeable odour, 
 and a warm pungent taste. It is considered tonic, astringent, diaphoretic, and diuretic : 
 and the root, in substance, is said to irritate the stomach, and produce vomiting, even in 
 small doses. The plant is used in numerous complaints in domestic practice. It is pre- 
 ferred in the fresh state, as the active principle is volatile. A decoction of the fresh root 
 is said to have been used with advantage in catarrh of the bladder, leucorrhma, gravel, 
 dropsy, and other complaints; and the leaves are applied by the country people, in the 
 form of cataplasm or fomentation, to wounds, bruises, and sores, and in cases of internal 
 abdominal pains. 
 
 COLUTEA ARBORESCENS. Bladder Senna. A shrub, growing spontaneously in the 
 southern and eastern parts of Europe, and cultivated in gardens as an ornamental plant. 
 Its leaves are pinnate, consisting of from three to five pairs of leaflets, with an odd one 
 at the end. The leaflets are obovate, slightly emarginate, smooth, and of a deep-green 
 colour on the upper surface, grayish-green and somewhat pubescent beneath. The flowers 
 are yellow, and the fruit vesicular, whence the plant derived its vulgar name. The leaflets 
 are purgative, and, in some parts of Europe, are used as a substitute for senna, which is 
 said to be sometimes adulterated with them. Bladder senna is comparatively very feeble. 
 It is administered in infusion or decoction, of which the dose is about half a pint, con- 
 taining the virtues of from one to three ounces of the leaves. 
 
 COMPTONIA ASPLENIFOLIA. Sweet Fern. A shrubby indigenous plant, named 
 from the resemblance of its leaves to the spleen-wort fern, but belonging to the Linnsean 
 class and order Moncecia Triandria, It grows in thin sandy or stony woods, from New 
 England to Virginia. All parts of it possess a resinous spicy odour, which is increased 
 when the plant is rubbed. It is said to be tonic and astringent, and to be occasionally 
 used in domestic practice as a remedy in diarrhoea, and various other complaints. It is 
 employed in the form of decoction. 
 
 CONVALLARIA MAJALIS. I'Aly of the Valley. This charming little garden flower 
 is a native of Europe, and is found growing wild in the United States, upon the highest 
 mountains of Virginia and Carolina. The flotvers have a strong delightful odour, which 
 is in great measure lost by drying. Their taste is nauseous, bitter, and acrid. Taken 
 internally they are said to be emetic and cathartic, and their extract purges actively in 
 the dose of half a drachm. They were formerly used in epilepsy and against worms. 
 At present they are employed only ns a sternutatory, for which purpose they are dried 
 and reduced to a coarse powder. The root, which is also bitter, has similar purgative 
 properties, and, reduced to powder, is said to be sternutatory. 
 
 CONVALLARIA POLYGONATUM. Linn. Poh/gonatum uniflorvm. Desfontaines. Solo- 
 mon’s Seal. A perennial, herbaceous, European plant, the root of which is horizontal, 
 jointed, white, and marked, at short intervals, with small circular impressions, which 
 bear a remote resemblance to those made by a seal, and have served to give a name to 
 the plant. The root is inodorous, and of a sweetish mucilaginous taste, followed by a 
 slight degree of bitterness and acrimony. It is said to be emetic. In former times it 
 was used externally in bruises, especially those about the eyes, in tumours, wounds, and 
 cutaneous eruptions, and was highly esteemed as a cosmetic. At present it is not em- 
 ployed, though recommended by Hermann as a good remedy in gout and rheumatism. 
 The berries and flowers are said to be acrid and poisonous. C. multifora (Polygonatum 
 mulliflorum, Desf. ), which grows both in this country and Europe, is analogous to the pre- 
 ceding in properties. Dr. John II. Rauch found two fluidounces of a decoction, made by 
 boiling two ounces of the root in a pint of milk, to produce nausea, a cathartic effect, and 
 either diaphoresis or diuresis. He used it advantageously as an internal remedy in piles, 
 and externally, in the form of decoction, in the affection of the skin resulting from the 
 poisonous exhalations of certain plants. ( Inaugural Essay, March. 1849.) 
 
 COPAL. A resinous substance, brought from the East Indies, South America, and the 
 western coast of Africa, but most abundantly from the first mentioned source. It is the 
 concrete juice of different trees, and is furnished by exudation. The East Indian copal 
 has been ascribed by some writers to the Valeria Indica of Linn., the Elseoearpus copal- 
 
Appendix. 1311 
 
 iferus of Retzius; and the Brazilian, by Martius and Hayne, probably with justice, to dif- 
 ferent species of Hymenaea. There is some reason to believe that the East India copsl is 
 also the product of a Hymenaea; at least a specimen of this resin was collected bT M. 
 Perottet from the Hymenaea verrucosa, which he found growing in the Isle of Bourbon. 
 This tree is a native of Madagascar, and probably of the neighbouring parts of Africa; 
 and M. Perottet was informed that the copal of India is taken thither by the Arabs of 
 Muscat, who obtain it from the East coast of Africa. (Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser. , i, 406.) 
 It is stated by Mr. James Vaughan, who was stationed as army surgeon at Aden, in 
 Arabia, that copal is taken to that port from the African coast opposite the island of 
 Zanzibar, where it is said to be dug up from the earth. [Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xii. 
 385.) Copal varies somewhat in appearance and properties, as procured from different 
 sources. It is in roundish, irregular, or flattisli pieces, colourless, yellowish, or brownish • 
 yellow, more or less transparent, very hard, with a shining conchoidal fracture, inodorous 
 and tasteless, of a sp. gr. varying from 1-045 to 1-139, insoluble in alcohol, soluble in 
 ether, and slightly so in oil of turpentine. Some varieties unite with alcohol, if suspended 
 in its vapour while boiling. By heat it melts and is partially decomposed, becoming 
 thereby soluble in alcohol and oil of turpentine. It is not a proximate principle, but con- 
 sists of various resins united in different proportions. The East India or African copal is 
 described by Mr. Schindler as of a globular form, softer and more transparent than the 
 other varieties, with a surface always clear, and having an agreeable smell when heated. 
 It is readily and freely dissolved by the oils of turpentine and rosemary when pure, but 
 not by these fluids when rendered resinous by age. It is more readily fusible than the 
 others, and makes the best varnish. The West India copal is in flat pieces, seldom 
 weighing more than three ounces, rarely containing insects, very hard, of a rough appear- 
 ance, of a yellowish colour, and without smell or taste. It is much less readily dissolved 
 by the oil of turpentine than the E. India variety, swells but does not dissolve in oil of 
 rosemary, and is slightly soluble in absolute alcohol. A third kind, probably also Ameri- 
 can, is in convex or concave pieces, about a pound in weight, often containing insects and 
 other impurities. In solubility it resembles the last mentioned variety, in fusibility is 
 intermediate between it and the E. Indian, and is altogether inferior. [Pharm. Journ. and 
 Trans., Aug. I860.) Crude and scraped copal are also known in the market — the former 
 of a dull opaque appearance externally, the latter much clearer and more transparent, in 
 consequence of being deprived of its outer coat. The process of scraping is said to con- 
 sist in the removal of the exterior portion by means of an alkaline solution, which readily 
 dissolves copal. This resin is used chiefly in the preparation of varnishes. 
 
 CORAL. A substance found at the bottom of the Mediterranean and other seas, 
 formerly considered as a plant, but now universally admitted to belong to the animal king- 
 dom. The red coral ( Corallium rubrum of Lamarck, Isis nobilis of Linn.) is in the form 
 of a small shrub, a foot or two in height, with a stem sometimes an inch or two in thick- 
 ness, fixed to the rock by an expansion of the base, divided above into branches, and 
 covered with a pulpy membrane, which is properly the living part, and which is removed 
 when the coral is collected. The central portion is extremely hard, of various shades of 
 red, susceptible of a brilliant polish, longitudinally striated, and formed of concentric 
 layers, which are rendered obvious by calcination. Its chief constituent is carbonate of 
 lime, which is coloured by oxide of iron, and united, as in similar calcareous products, 
 with more or less animal matter. It was formerly highly esteemed as a remedy, but is in 
 oo respect superior to prepared oyster shell, or other form of carbonate of lime, derived from 
 the animal kingdom. It was employed in fine powder, or in different preparations, such 
 is troches, syrups, conserves, &c. At present it is valued chiefly as an ornament. 
 
 CORTEX CARYOPHYLLATA. Cassia Caryophyllata. Clove Bark These names have 
 oeen given to a bark, brought from the West Indies, and derived from a tree belonging to 
 :he family of Myrtaceae, supposed to be the Mi/rtus acris of Schwartz. It is usually in 
 jylinders from one to two feet long by an inch in diameter, composed of numerous sepa- 
 rate pieces rolled around one another, having a dark-brown colour, a pungent taste, and 
 liu odour similar to that of cloves. It is sometimes in fragments, of a similar colour, 
 :aste, and smell, but softer and lighter, and supposed to be derived from older branches. 
 4 similar bark is said to be derived from the Myrtus caryophyllata of Linn., which grows 
 n Ceylon. The clove bark has aromatic properties not unlike those of the spice from 
 which it derived its name ; but it is much inferior, and is now never used in this country. 
 Some authors have confounded with it a wholly 7 different bark, produced in the Moluccas, 
 ind known by the Indian name of culilawan. (See Culilawan.) 
 
 CORYLUS ROSTRATA. Beaked Hazel. This is a small indigenous shrub, growing 
 ispecially in mountainous districts. The nut is invested with a scaly 7 involucre, projecting 
 jeyond it like a beak, and thickly covered with short spicula like those of Mucuna pruriens. 
 
1322 Appendix. 
 
 These spicula have been employed by Dr. Heubener, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, as an 
 anthelmintic, and found to be efficacious. They operate in the same way as cowhage, and 
 may be administered in the same manner and dose. (See a communication by the late Mr. 
 Duhamel, in the Am. Journ. of Pharm ., xiv. 280.) 
 
 COTYLEDON UMBILICUS. Navel-wort. Penny-wort. This is a perennial, herbaceous, 
 succulent plant, belonging to the class and order Decandria Pentagynia, and the natural 
 family of Crapulaceas. It is about six inches high, with fleshy, peltate, crenate leaves, 
 and a flower-stem bearing, in the form of a spike, pale-yellow, bell-shaped, pendulous 
 flowers, which appear in June and July. The plant is a native of England, where it grows 
 upon old walls and rocks, and dry sandy banks. It was first brought before the profession 
 as a remedy in epilepsy, by Mr. Thos. Salter, of Poole, who had found its expressed juice 
 very efficient in that disease, and published the results of his observations in the London 
 Medical Gazette for March, 1849 (page 307). In the following May, Dr. Joseph Bullar, of 
 Southampton, communicated the results of his observations on the same subject to the 
 Prov. Med. and Surg. Journ., which were confirmatory of those of Mr. Salter. Since 
 that period, other testimony has been advanced in favour of the remedy ; among which is 
 that of Dr. Graves, of Dublin, who considers it a valuable aid in the treatment of epilepsy, 
 and states 'that it has long been known in Ireland as a popular remedy, not only in that 
 disease, but in asthma. ( Dublin Quart. Journ. of Med. Sci., xiv. 2G4.) It is, however, 
 proper to say, that Dr. Ranking, of Norwich, England, in a letter published in the Loud. 
 Med. Times and Gaz. for April, 1854 (page 328), declares that, so far as his experience goes, 
 he considers the medicine utterly worthless, having employed it perseveringly in more 
 than thirty cases of epilepsy, without the smallest benefit in a single instance. 
 
 The medicine is said to have no other observable effect than that of a gentle tonic to the 
 nervous system. The part used is the expressed juice, which should be obtained when 
 the leaves are most succulent, before the appearance of the flowers. An extract, and a 
 fluid extract have also been employed. The juice has been given in doses varying from a 
 fluidrachm to a fluidounce twice or three times a day, and should be long persevere'! with. 
 The dose of the fluid extract is stated at a fluidrachm, that of the dry extract at five 
 grains, to be increased if necessary. 
 
 CRABS’ CLAWS. Chelae Cancrorum. These, in a prepared state, were formerly in- 
 cluded in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, but were very properly omitted upon the last 
 revision of that work. Supposing them identical with the crust of the lobster, they con- 
 sist, in the 100 parts, of GO parts of carbonate of lime, 14 of phosphate of lime, and 20 of 
 animal matter. They are prepared by levigation and elutriation, so as to bring them to 
 a fine powder. They were formerly used as an absorbent and antacid: but the animal 
 matter in their composition confers on them no peculiar virtues. They are given in the 
 same dose with prepared chalk. 
 
 CRABSTONES. Lapilli Cancrorum. Crabs' Eyes. These are concretions, found in the 
 stomach, one on each side, of the European crawfish, at the time the animal is about to 
 change its shell. They are most abundantly procured in the province of Astracan, in 
 Asiatic Russia. The crawfish are bruised with wooden mallets, and laid up in heaps to 
 putrefy. The animal remains are then washed away, and the stones picked out. They 
 arc inodorous, insipid bodies, somewhat hemispherical in shape, of a white or reddish 
 colour, hard and stony consistence, and laminated texture. They are very variable in 
 size, weighing from one to twelve grains each. They effervesce with acids, and, without 
 dissolving, become converted, owing to the animal matter which they contain, into a soft 
 transparent mass, retaining the original shape of the stone. By this character they are 
 distinguished from counterfeit stones, which are sometimes fabricated of chalk, mixed 
 with mucilaginous substances. They consist of carbonate and phosphate of lime, cemented 
 together by animal matter. Crabstones have been used as an absorbent and antacid, given 
 in the same dose with prepared chalk. They were prepared for exhibition by. being levi- 
 gated in the usual manner ; but they are now no longer officinal, having been expunged 
 from the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 CROCUS OF ANTIMONY. Saffron of Antimony. This compound is generated during 
 the deflagration of equal weights of tersulpihuret of antimony and nitrate of potassa. The 
 nitric acid of the nitre is decomposed, nitrogen and nitric oxide being given off. and. by 
 furnishing oxygen to part of the tersulphuret, converts its constituents into sulphuric 
 acid and teroxide of antimony. The sulphuric acid combines with the potassa of the 
 nitre, to form sulphate of potassa ; while the teroxide unites or mixes with the undeeom- 
 posed tersulphuret to constitute the crocus. The product of the deflagration is reduced 
 to powder, washed to separate sulphate of potassa, and then fused. " hen crocus of 
 antimony is intended to be employed, for making tartar emetic, it should not be fused : 
 because it requires for preparing this nntimonihl to be reduced to a very fine powder, and 
 
Appendix. 1323 
 
 the fused substance is pulverized with difficulty. Instead of fusing the deflagrated mass, 
 it should be reduced to very fine powder, and washed with boiling water. In this state it 
 more readily dissolves in the solution of cream of tartar. 
 
 Fused crocus is in masses of a liver-brown colour. As obtained without fusion, it is a 
 saffron-brown insoluble powder, containing about two-fifths of its weight of teroxide, the 
 remainder being tersulphuret. In the London Pharmacopoeia of 1836, the unfused crocus 
 was used for preparing tartar . emetic ; but in the edition of 1851 the crocus has been 
 abandoned, and the subsulphate of antimony substituted for it. 
 
 CUCUMBER OINTMENT. An emollient ointment, prepared from the common cucum- 
 ber (fruit'of Cucumis salivus), has been considerably employed in irritated states of the 
 skin. The following is the mode of preparing it recommended by Prof. Procter. Take of 
 green cucumbers 7 pounds avoirdupois, pure lard 24 ounces, veal suet 15 ounces. Grate 
 the washed cucumbers to a pulp, express, and strain the juice. Cut the suet into small 
 pieces, heat it over a salt water bath till the fat is melted out from the membrane; then 
 add the lard, and, when melted, strain through muslin into an earthen vessel capable of 
 holding a gallon, and stir until thickening commences, when one-third of the juice is to be 
 added, and the whole beaten with a spatula till the odour has been almost wholly extracted. 
 The portion which separates is to be decanted, and the remaining two-thirds of the juice 
 are to be consecutively incorporated and decanted in the same manner. The jar is then 
 closely covered and placed in a water-bath, until the fatty matter entirely separates from 
 the juice. The tureen coagulum floating on the surface is now removed, and the jar put 
 in a cool place that the ointment may solidify. The crude ointment is then separated 
 from the watery liquid on which it floats, melted 'and strained, and placed in glass jars, 
 which must be kept closely sealed. A layer of rose water upon its surface will favour its 
 preservation. A portion may be triturated with a little rose water until white and creamy, 
 and put into a separate jar for present use. (Mm. Journ. of Pharrn., xxv. 409.) 
 
 CUCURBITA CITRULLUS. 'Watermelon. The seeds of the watermelon are employed, 
 to a considerable extent, as a domestic remedy in strangury and other affections of the 
 urinary passages. They have the same properties wi » the seeds of the other Cucurbi- 
 taceae, of which four different kinds were formerly officinal under the name of the greater 
 cold seeds — viz., those of the Cucurbita Pepo or pumpkin, the Cucurbita Lagenaria or 
 gourd, the Cucumis Mclo or muskmelon, and the Cucumis salivus or cucumber. These, 
 when bruised and rubbed up with water, form an emulsion which was formerly thought 
 to possess considerable virtues, and was much used in catarrhal affections, disorders 
 of the bowels and urinary passages, fever, &c. ; but they have been superseded by other 
 more agreeable demulcents. Watermelon seeds are also esteemed by some diuretic. 
 They are given in infusion, made with one or two ounces of the bruised seeds to a pint of 
 water, and taken ad libitum. 
 
 The seeds of the Cucurbita Pepo, or pumpkin, have recently obtained in this country 
 considerable reputation in the treatment of tape-worm. This employment of them, how- 
 ever, is not new. In the Dictionary of Materia Mcdica by Me rat and De Lens (ii. 493), it 
 is stated that Hr. Hoarau had reported that, in the Isle of France, the seeds of a small 
 variety of pumpkin were used against the tape-worm, and with never-failing success. In 
 the year 1820, M. Mongeny, a physician of Cuba, published the results of his experience 
 with the flesh of the pumpkin in the same disease. He had discovered the remedy by 
 accident, and found it uniformly successful. He gave to the patient, in the morning, fast- 
 ing, about three ounces of the fresh pumpkin in the form of a paste, and followed it at 
 the end of an hour by about two ounces of honey, which latter was twice repeated at 
 intervals of an hour. MM. Brunet and Lamothe, of Bordeaux, verified the statements of 
 M. Mongeny, as to the efficacy of the remedy in taenia, employing, however, a paste 
 made from the seeds, in the quantity of about an ounce and a half, with as much sugar. 
 (Ann. de Therap. 1853, p. 301.) 
 
 In the Boston Med. and Surg. Journ. (October 8, 1851, page 201), is a communication from 
 Mr. Richard Soule, recommending the seeds in very strong terms as a remedy in taenia ; 
 and his letter is preceded by some editorial observations, in which reference is made to 
 the previous successful employment of the remedy by Dr. J. S. Jones, of Boston. 
 Since that time various other notices of the efficacy of the seeds have appeared in the 
 journals, and a very striking case was related to ourselves, on the best authority, in which 
 they had proved immediately and completely successful after the vain employment of all 
 other known remedies, through a course of several years. Mr. Soule gives the preference 
 to the seeds from the West Indies. The dose of the seeds is about two ounces; which are 
 to be taken in the morning fasting, and followed in an hour or two by a fluidounce of 
 castor oil. The mode of administration is various. Sometimes the seeds, deprived of 
 their outer covering, are beaten into a paste with sugar, and thus taken. In other in- 
 
1324 Appendix. 
 
 stances they are formed into an emulsion, by rubbing them up thoroughly with water, and 
 a little sugar. At the suggestion of the late Dr. H. S. Patterson, of Philadelphia, the ex- 
 pressed oil of the seeds was used in a case by Mr. John C. Lyons, and with success. After 
 fasting for 24 hours, the patient took, in the morning, f 3; ss of the oil, which was followed 
 in two hours by f^ss more, and in two hours after the last dose by f^i of castor oil, which 
 brought away the worm. (Med. Examiner, N. S , ix. G29.) 
 
 CULILAWAN. Cortex Culilaban. . An aromatic bark, produced by Cinnamomv.m Culila- 
 wan ( Laurus Culilawan , Linn.), a tree of considerable size, growing in the Molucca islands, 
 Cochin-china, and other parts of the East. It is usually in fiat or slightly rolled pieces, 
 several inches long, an inch or more in breadth, and one or two lines thick. Sometimes 
 the bark is thinner and more quilled, bearing considerable resemblance to cinnamon. The 
 epidermis is for the most part removed, but when present is of a light brownish-gray 
 colour, soft to the touch, and somewhat spongy. The colour of the bark itself is a dull 
 dark cinnamon-brown, the odour highly fragrant, the taste agreeably aromatic, and not 
 unlike that of cloves. The active constituent is a volatile oil, which may be separated by 
 distillation. Culilawan has the medical properties common to the aromatics, but is scarcely 
 used at present. 
 
 CUNILA MARIANA. American Dittany. A small indigenous perennial herb, growing 
 on dry, shady hills, from New England to Georgia, and flowering in June and July. The 
 whole herb lias a warm pungent taste, and a fragrant odour, dependent on an essential 
 oil. Its medical properties are those of a gently stimulant aromatic, analogous to the 
 mints, pennyroyal, &c. In warm infusion, it is popularly employed to excite perspiration 
 in colds and slight fevers, to promote suppressed menstruation, to relieve flatulent colic, 
 and for various other purposes to which the aromatic herbs are thought applicable. 
 
 CUTTLE-FISH BONE. Os Sepix. This is a calcareous body, situated underneath the 
 skin, in the back of the Sepia officinalis, or cuttle-fish, which inhabits the seas of Europe, 
 especially the Mediterranean, in the waters of which the bone is not unfrequently found 
 floating. It is oblong-oval, from five to ten inches long, and from one and a half to three 
 inches broad, somewhat convex on both sides, with thin edges, of a rather firm consist- 
 ence upon the upper surface, very friable beneath, and composed of numerous layers, 
 loosely connected, so as to give to the mass a porous consistence. It is lighter than water, 
 of a white colour, a feeble odour of sea plants, and a saline taste. It contains, according 
 to John, from 80 to 85 per cent, of carbonate of lime, besides animal matter, a little com- 
 mon salt, and traces of magnesia. Reduced by levigation and elutriation to a tine powder, 
 it may be given as an antacid like chalk or oyster-shell. It is sometimes used ns an in- 
 gredient of tooth-powders. Small pieces of it are often put into bird-cages, that the 
 birds may rub their bills against them ; and the powder is employed for polishing. An- 
 other product of the cuttle-fish is a blackish-brown liquor, secreted by a small gland into 
 an oval pouch, communicating externally near the rectum by a long excretory duet, 
 through which the animal is said to have the power of ejecting it at will. This, when 
 taken from the fish, is dried, and used in the preparation of the water colour called sepia. 
 
 CYANURET OF ZINC. Zinci Cyanuretum. This cyanuret is precipitated as a white 
 insoluble powder, by adding cautiously, until it ceases to produce a precipitate, a recently 
 filtered solution of cyanuret of potassium, obtained from the impure black cyanuret, to a 
 solution of sulphate of zinc. It is used in Germany as a substitute for hydrocyanic acid, 
 and is said to possess anthelmintic properties. It has been employed in epilepsy, chorea, 
 and neuralgia, in several painful affections of the stomach, and in the colics attendant on 
 difficult menstruation. The dose is a quarter of a grain, gradually increased to a grain 
 and a half, given in mixture. It is included in the officinal list of the Fieneh Codex. 
 
 CYNANCHUM VINCETOXICUM. R. Brown. Asc/epias Vincetoxicum. Linn. White 
 Swallow-wort. Vincetoxicum. A perennial herbaceous European plant, the root uf which 
 was formerly esteemed a couuterpoison, and hence gave origin to the officinal name. It 
 has a bitterish acrid taste, and, when fresh, a disagreeable odour which is diminished by 
 drying. Taken internally, especially in the recent state, it excites vomiting, and is capa- 
 ble in large quantities, of producing dangerous if not fatal inflammation of the stomach. 
 Its former reputation as au alexipharmic was without foundation. It is said to be useful 
 in cutaneous diseases, scrofula, &c., but is little employed. The leaves of the plant also 
 are emetic. Feneulle found in the root a peculiar principle analogous to emetiu. 
 
 CYNARA SCOLYMUS. Garden Artichoke. This is a perennial plant, indigenous in the 
 South of Europe, and cultivated in our gardens as a culinary vegetable. The flowers, con- 
 stituting what are commonly called the heads, are the part used. The receptacle and the 
 lower portion of the fleshy leaflets of the calyx are eaten, and the other parts rejected. " hen 
 young, the heads are cut up raw and eaten as salad ; when older, they are boiled, and 
 
Appendix. 1325 
 
 dressed variously. The flowers are said to curdle milk, and the plant to yield a good yellow 
 dye. The leaves and their expressed juice are very bitter, and have been thought to be 
 actively diuretic. They have long had some reputation in the treatment of dropsies. Dr. 
 Badely, of Chelmsford, England, recommends a tincture and extract prepared from the 
 leaves, in rheumatic, gouty, and neuralgic affections. He gives a drachm of the tincture, 
 with five grains of the extract, three times a day, with or without other remedies as cir- 
 cumstances seem to require. The leaves should be fresh, and the preparations made from 
 them quickly used. ( Lond . Lancet , 1843, p. 556.) 
 
 CYNOGLOSSUM OFFICINALE. Hound's Tongue. A biennial plant, common both in 
 Europe and this country, and named from the shape of its leaves. The leaves and root 
 have been employed, but the latter has been generally preferred. The fresh plant has a 
 disagreeable narcotic odour resembling that of mice, which is dissipated by drying. The 
 taste is nauseous, bitterish, and mucilaginous. Dift'erent opinions as to its powers have 
 been entertained, some considering it nearly inert, others as a dangerous poison. Hound’s 
 tongue has been used as a demulcent and sedative in coughs, catarrh, spitting of blood, 
 dysentery, and diarrhoea : and has been applied externally in burns, ulcers, scrofulous tu- 
 mours, and goitre. The pilulse de cynoglosso, which are officinal in some parts of Europe, 
 though they contain the root of hound’s tongue, owe their properties chiefly to opium. 
 
 CYPRIPEDIUM PARVIFLORUM. Ladies’ Slipper. Moccasin Plant. Several species 
 of Cypripedium inhabit the woods in different parts of the United States, some of them 
 with very beautiful flowers. The root is the part used. Dr. R. P. Stevens, of Ceres, 
 Pennsylvania, says of them, that he has found the C. speclabile and C. aeaule, especially 
 when growing in dark swamps, to be possessed of narcotic properties, and to be less safe 
 than the C. parviflorum , which is a gentle stimulant with a tendency to the nervous system, 
 and is considered by him quite equal to valerian. He has employed it advantageously in 
 hysteria, and in the pains of the joints following scarlet fever. (A*. Y. Journ. of Med., iv. 
 359.) Dr. E. Ives considers the C. pubescens, speclabile, and humile as identical in their 
 effects, but the pubescens as the most powerful. He has employed them all in a variety of 
 nervous diseases, and known them to cure epilepsy. The complaints specially mentioned 
 by him are hypochondriasis, neuralgia, and morbid sensitiveness of the nervous system 
 generally, and especially of the eye. He gave fifteen grains three times a day. [Trans, of 
 Am. Med. Assoc., iii. 312.) 
 
 DIANTHUS CARYOPHYLLUS. Clove Pink. The clove pink or carnation is too well 
 known to require minute description. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant, belonging to 
 the family of Caryophyllaceae, and characterized as a species by its branching stem, its 
 solitary flowers, the short ovate scales of its calyx, its very broad beardless petals, and its 
 linear, subulate, channeled, glaucous leaves. Indigenous in Italy, it is everywhere culti- 
 vated in gardens for the beauty of its flowers, of which numerous varieties have been 
 produced by horticulturists. Those are selected for medicinal use which have the deepest 
 red colour, and the most aromatic odour. The petals should not be collected till the flower 
 is fully blown, and should be employed in the recent state. They have a fragrant odour, 
 said to resemble that of the clove. Their taste is sweetish, slightly bitter, and somewhat 
 astringent. Both water and alcohol extract their sensible properties, and they yield a 
 fragrant essential oil by distillation. In Europe they are employed to, impart colour and 
 flavour to a syrup , which serves as a vehicle for other less pleasant medicines. According 
 to the direction of the former Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, this was prepared by macerating 
 one part of the flowers, without their claws, with four parts of boiling water for twelve 
 hours, then filtering, and adding seven parts of sugar. 
 
 DIAPHORETIC ANTIMONY. Aniimonium Diaphorelicum. Potassse Bianiimonias. This 
 compound is directed in the French Codex, to be formed by deflagrating in a red-hot cru- 
 cible, and keeping red-hot for half an hour, a mixture of pure antimony with twice its 
 weight of nitrate of potassa, both being in fine powder. The product is washed with water 
 and dried, and forms the washed diaphoretic antimony. As thus prepared, M. Oscar Figuier 
 has shown that it contains, besides antimonic acid, both teroxide of antimony and anti- 
 monious acid ; the nitre not being in sufficient quantity completely to peroxidize the anti- 
 mony. When, however, the antimony is deflagrated with three times its weight of nitre, 
 and the matter is kept at a red heat for an hour and a half, the whole of the antimony is 
 converted into antimonic acid; and, when the product is thoroughly exhausted by boiling 
 water, the solution obtained contains a large quantity of neutral antimoniate of potassa, 
 and the insoluble residue is impure biantimoniate. M. Figuier rejects this residue, which 
 forms the diaphoretic antimony of the ordinary process, and obtains the preparation from 
 the solution of the neutral antimoniate, by passing through it a stream of carbonic acid 
 gas, which removes one eq. of potassa from two of the antimoniate, and throws down the 
 biantimoniate in the form of a white powder. By this process, he obtained a quantity of 
 
1326 Appendix. 
 
 the preparation equal to three-fourths of the ■weight of the materials employed. Diapho- 
 retic antimony is a perfectly white powder. When properly prepared, as by the process 
 of M. Figuier, it consists of two eqs. of antimonic acid, one of potassa, and six of water. 
 The dose is two or three drachms. On account of its weak and variable nature, it has 
 been very properly laid aside in practice. 
 
 DICTAMUS ALDUS. While Fraxinella. Bastard Dittany. This is a perennial Euro- 
 pean plant, the root of which is bitter and aromatic, and has been used as an anthelmintic, 
 emmenagogue, and stomachic tonic, though at present little employed in Europe, and not 
 at all in this country. Storck gave it in intermittents, worms, amenorrhoea, hysteria, epi- 
 lepsy, and other nervous diseases. The bark of the root is the most active part. The 
 dose is from a scruple to a drachm. 
 
 DIPPEL’S ANIMAL OIL. Oleum Cornu Cervi. This oil is obtained during the distil- 
 lation of bones, in the processes for obtaining ammoniacal products on a large scale. The 
 portion which first comes over is pale-yellow ; but, in the progress of the distillation, it 
 becomes gradually deeper coloured and thicker, and at last black and viscid. It is puri- 
 fied and rendered colourless by redistillation, a pyrogenous resin being left behind. Thus 
 rectified it is a colourless liquid, very limpid and volatile, with a penetrating extremely 
 fetid odour, and burning taste. By repeating the distillation till a dark residuum is no 
 longer left in the retort, it may be obtained free from fetor, and of an agreeable, aromatic 
 odour ; and in this mode it is said to have been prepared by Dippel. Four or five distilla- 
 tions are necessary. ( Am . Journ. of Pharm., ix. 244.) The oil is soon altered by the 
 action of air and light, becoming thick, yellow, brown, and finally black. It has an alka- 
 line reaction, and probably contains the various principles which have been discovered by 
 Reichenbach in the products of the distillation of organic substances. 
 
 This oil was originally obtained from hartshorn, and was a product of the decomposition 
 of the gelatinous tissue, the horn containing no fat. IV hen obtained from bones, it is a 
 product of the same tissue ; as these are boiled with a large quantity of water, and dried, 
 before they are submitted to destructive distillation. The oily product of this distillation, 
 after rectification, forms the bone-oil of commerce. Bone-oil has a dark-brown almost 
 black colour, with a greenish shade. It is perfectly opaque in the mass, but brown when 
 viewed by transmitted light in a thin layer. Its sp. gr. is about 0-970. Its smell is pe- 
 culiarly disagreeable and somewhat ammoniacal. A piece of fir-wood, moistened with 
 muriatic acid, and held over the mouth of a vessel containing it, acquires, a dark reddish- 
 purple colour, characteristic of pyrrol. It contains several organic bases, such as pet nun, 
 picolin, §c., which have been examined by Dr. Thomas Anderson, of Scotland. (See his 
 paper on the Products of the Distillation of Animal Substances, in the Philos. Mag., 3d 
 series, xxx. 174.) 
 
 Animal oil was formerly much used in medicine; but its repulsive odour and taste, as it 
 is ordinarily prepared, have caused it to be almost entirely laid aside. It is given in the 
 dose of a few 7 drops, mixed with water, and acts as a stimulant and antispasmodic. Its 
 presence in the spirit and salt of hartshorn gives to these preparations medicinal proper- 
 ties different from those of the pure spirit and carbonate of ammonia. 
 
 DIRCA PALUSTRIS. Leather Wood. An indigenous shrub, usually very small, but 
 sometimes attaining the height of five or six feet, growing in boggy woods, and other low 
 wet places, in almost all parts of the United States. The berries, which are small, oval, 
 and of an orange colour, are said to be narcotic and poisonous. The bark has attracted 
 most attention. It is extremely tough, and of very difficult pulverization. In the fresh 
 state it has a peculiar rather nauseous odour, and an unpleasant acrid taste, and when 
 chewed excites a flow 7 of saliva. It yields its acrimony completely to alcohol, but imper- 
 fectly to water even by decoction. In the dose of six or eight grains, the fresh bark pro- 
 duces violent vomiting, preceded by a sense of heat in the stomach, and often followed by 
 purging. Applied to the skin it excites redness, and ultimately vesicates; but its epis- 
 pastic operation is very slow. It appears to be analogous in its properties to mezereon, to 
 which it is botanically allied. 
 
 DRAGON'S BLOOD. Sanguis Draconis. This is a resinous substance obtained from the 
 fruit of several species of Calamus, especially C. Rotang and C. Draco, small palms, growing 
 in the Molucca Islands and other parts of the East Indies. On the surface of the fruit, 
 when ripe, is an exudation, which is separated by rubbing, or shaking in a bag, or by ex- 
 posure to the vapour of boiling water, or finally by decoction. The finest resin is procured 
 by the two former methods. It comes in two forms; sometimes in small oval masses, of a 
 size varying from that of a hazelnut to that of a walnut, covered with the leaves of the 
 plant, and connected together in a row like beads in a necklace; sometimes in cylindrical 
 sticks eighteen inches long and from a quarter to half an inch in diameter, thiekly covered 
 with palm leaves, and bound round with slender strips of cane. In both these forms, it is 
 
Appendix. 132 
 
 of a dark reddish-brown colour, opaque, and readily pulverizable, affording a fine scnrlt 
 powder. It sometimes comes also in the form of a reddish powder, and in small irregula 
 fragments or tears. An inferior kind, said to be obtained by boiling the fruit in water, i 
 in flat circular cakes, two or three inches in diameter and half an inch thick. This nisi 
 yields a fine red powder. A fourth variety, much inferior even to the last mentioned, is in 
 large disks, from six to twelve inches in diameter, by an inch in thickness, mixed with various! 
 impurities, as pieces of the shell, stem, &c., and supposed to be derived from the fruit by 
 decoction with expression. A substance known by the name of Dragon’s blood is derived 
 by exudation from the trunk of the Dracaena Draco, a large tree inhabiting the Canary 
 Islands and the East Indies, and another from the Pterocarpus Draco, a tree of the West 
 Indies and South America, by incision into the bark. These last, however, are little known 
 in commerce. According to Lieut. Wellstead, much dragon’s blood is obtained, in the island 
 of Socotra, by spontaneous exudation from a large tree, growing at a considerable eleva- 
 tion on the mountains. 
 
 Dragon’s blood is inodorous and tasteless, insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, 
 ether, and the volatile and fixed oils, with which it forms red solutions. According to 
 Herberger, it consists of 90-7 parts of a red resin which he calls draconin, 2-0 of fixed oil, 
 3-0 of benzoic acid, I '6 of oxalate of lime, and 3-7 of phosphate of lime. It was formerly 
 used in medicine as an astringent, but is nearly or quite inert, and is now never given 
 internally. It is sometimes used to impart colour to plasters, but is valued chiefly as an 
 ingredient of paints and varnishes. 
 
 DUTCH PINK. A yellow or brownish-yellow paint, consisting of clay, or a mixture of 
 clay and chalk, or carbonate of lime in the form of whiting, coloured by a decoction of 
 woad, French berries, or birch leaves, with alum. 
 
 EMERY. A very hard mineral, the powder of which is capable of wearing down all 
 other substances except the diamond. As found in commerce, it is said to be derived 
 chiefly from the island of Naxos in the Grecian Archipelago, but, according to Landerer, 
 it has been found also in Asia Minor, and the Morea. It is pulverized by grinding it in 
 a steel mill; and the powder is kept in the shops of different degrees of fineness. It is 
 used for polishing metals and hard stones. 
 
 EPIG2EA REPENS. Trailing Arbutus. Ground Laurel. May-flower. This is a small 
 trailing plant, with woody stems from six to eighteen inches long, entire, cordate-ovate 
 leaves, and small very fragrant flowers, which appear early in the spring. It is found in 
 the woods, and affects the sides of hills with a. northern exposure. Dr. Darlington states 
 that the plant has been supposed to be injurious to cattle, when eaten by them. ( Flora 
 Cestrica, p. 259.) Dr. Eli Ives, of New Haven, Connecticut, has furnished us with the 
 following account of its virtues and uses, founded on his own observation. “The Epigaea 
 repens has been freely used for some years in diseases of the urinary organs, and of the 
 pelvic viscera generally, particularly of irritated action, in those cases in which the uva 
 ursi and buchu are indicated. The leaves and stems are prepared in the same manner, 
 and administered in the same dose as the uva ursi. The Epigaea has given relief in some 
 cases where the uva ursi and buchu have failed. May 4th, 1849.” 
 
 EUONYMUS ATROPURPUREUS. Burning Bush. Spindlelree. Wahoo. Some years 
 since a bark was introduced into notice in this city, as a remedy in dropsy, under the name 
 of wahoo, by Mr. Geo. W. Carpenter, who had obtained a knowledge of its virtues in the 
 Western States. On a journey to the North West in the year 1845, one of the authors had 
 the opportunity of examining the plant from which the bark was derived, and found it to be 
 Euonymus atropurpureus ; but it is probable that E. Americanus has identical properties. 
 They are shrubs or small trees belonging to the Linnaean class and order Pentandria 
 Monogynia, and to the natural family of Celastraceae of Lindley; and in the autumn pre- 
 sent a striking appearance from the rich red colour of their capsules, which has obtained 
 for them the name of burning bush. They grow throughout the United States. Euony- 
 mus Europseus has probably similar properties. According to Grundner, who experimented 
 with the fruit of the European species, this was found to have no other effect than that of 
 a diuretic. ( Pharm . Cent. Blatt, A.D. 1847, p. 873.) Dr. Griffith says that the seeds of 
 this and other species are purgative and emetic. (Med. Bot., p. 220.) An oil expressed 
 from these seeds is used in Europe for the destruction of vermin in the hair, and some- 
 times also as an application to old sores. (Pharm. Cent. Blatt, Sept. 1851, p. 641.) Mr. 
 C. A. Santos, in a dissertation upon the American species, published in the American 
 Journal of Pharmacy (xx. 80), speaks of the bark as tonic, hydragogue, cathartic, diuretic, 
 and antiperiodic. Dr. Twyman, of Westport, Missouri, informed the author that he had 
 found it as a cathartic rather to resemble rhubarb, than to possess hydragogue properties, 
 and thought he had obtained useful effects from it as an alterative to the hepatic function. 
 Similar information was obtained from other sources. On the whole, the character of its 
 
.328 Appendix. 
 
 iction must be considered as somewhat uncertain; and it might well form an object of 
 I f urther examination. As a diuretic in dropsy it may be given in the form of decoction or 
 infusion, made in the proportion of an ounce to a pint of water, in the dose of a wine- 
 I glassful several times a day. The name of wakoo (pronounced wawhoo), by which the plant 
 is known in the North West, was given to it by the Indians. The same name has also been 
 applied to the Ulmus alata of the Southern States, and has thus led to mistakes. 
 
 EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS. Eyebrighl. A small annual plant, common to Europe 
 and the United States, without odour, and of a bitterish, astringent taste. It was formerly 
 used in various complaints, and among the rest in disorders of the eyes, in which it was 
 thought to be very efficacious, and in the treatment of which it is still popular in some 
 countries. The probability is that it is nearly inert. 
 
 FERROCYANURET OF ZINC. Zinci Ferrocyanurelum. This compound is formed by 
 double decomposition between hot solutions of ferrocyanuret of potassium (ferroprussiate 
 of potassa) and sulphate of zinc. It is thrown down as a white powder. It has similar 
 medical properties to those of the cyanuret, and is used in the same diseases. The dose 
 is from one to four grains, given in pill. 
 
 FRAXINUS EXCELSIOR. Common European Ash. It has been stated, in the first part 
 of this work, that, in the South of Europe, this tree yields manna by incisions in its trunk. 
 In this place, however, it is noticed only in reference to its bark and leaves. The bark is 
 bitter and astringent, and, before the introduction of cinchona into use, was employed in 
 the treatment of intermittent fever; but has since fallen into neglect. Keller believed that 
 he had found in the bark a peculiar crystallizable organic alkali, which Buchner denomi- 
 nated fraxinin; but Rochleder and Schwarz have since shown that the crystals formed along 
 with the bitter substance obtained by the process of Keller, were nothing but manuite, 
 ( Pharm . Cent. Blatl, May, 1853, p. 312.) The leaves have been at different times recom- 
 mended as an antidote to the poison of serpents, and as a remedy in scrofula. Within a 
 few years they have been introduced into use in Germany in the treatment of gout and 
 rheumatism, in which they have acquired considerable reputation. Drs. Pouget and Pey- 
 raud, of France, have spoken in the highest terms of their efficacy in these diseases; and, 
 upon the authority of the former, it is stated that they have been used for forty years by 
 the peasants of Auvergne as a specific in gout. M. Garot has shown that they contain lb 
 per cent, of malate of lime, to which it is thought their anti-arthritic virtues may be ascribed. 
 (Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., xxiv. 311.) By some authors the leaves are said to be purga- 
 tive, which is. however, contradicted by Drs. Pouget and Peyraud. An ounce may be 
 infused in a pint of boiling water, and taken three times during the day. (See Am. Journ. 
 of Med. Sci., N. S., xxv. 492.) 
 
 FRENCH CHALK. A variety of indurated talc. It is compact, unctuous to the touch, 
 of a greenish colour, glossy, somewhat translucent, soft and easily scratched, and leaves 
 a silvery line when drawn over paper. It is used chiefly for marking cloth, kc.. and for 
 extracting grease spots. 
 
 FRUIT ESSENCES, ARTIFICIAL. Several of the compound ethers have been found to 
 possess the odour and flavour of certain fruits, a property which has led to their employ- 
 ment as flavouring materials for confectionery and desserts, under the name of fruit 
 essences. The simple ethers, present in these compounds, so far ns they have become of 
 commercial importance, are common ether, or oxide of ethyle, which should be called 
 ethylic ether, and oxide of amyle or amylic ether. Each of these ethers possesses basic 
 properties, and has its alcohol; common or ethylic ether corresponding to common or 
 ethylic alcohol, and amylic ether to amylic alcohol or fusel oil. These alcohols are hy- 
 drated oxides of ethyle and amyle respectively. (See Alcohol Amylic um , p. 851, and Alco- 
 hol, p. 852.) 
 
 Butyrate of Ethylic Ether. Butyric Ether. (C 4 TI 5 0,C g H.0 3 . ) This ether is readily prepared 
 by mixing 100 parts of butyric acid with 100 of alcohol, and 50 of concentrated sulphuric 
 acid, and agitating the mixture for a short time. The ether forms a layer on the surface, 
 and may be purified by washing it with water, and subjecting it to the action of chloride 
 of calcium. Butyric ether is sparingly soluble in water, but very soluble in alcohol, and 
 boils at 230°. It is said to be much used to communicate a pine-apple flavour to rum. 
 Dissolved in 8 or 10 parts of alcohol it forms the pine-apple essence. From 20 to 25 drops 
 of this essence, added to a pound of sugar containing a little citric acid, imparts to the 
 mixture a strong taste of pine-apple. Butyric acid is formed during what is called the 
 butyric fermentation, which usually consumes two or three months before it is completed, 
 and which is preceded by the lactic fermentation. To prepare it a solution of grape sugar 
 is mixed with half its weight of chalk, and with about one-tenth of its weight of cheese 
 to act as a ferment, and the whole is kept at the temperature of 90°. The sugar is first 
 transformed into a viscous substance, and afterwards into lactic acid, which is gradually 
 
Appendix. 1329 
 
 converted into butyric acid, with the disengagement of hydrogen and carbonic acid. At 
 the end of the fermentation, the liquid contains principally a mixture of butyrate and 
 lactate of lime, from which the butyric acid may be obtained by precipitating the lime as 
 a carbonate by carbonate of soda, and decomposing the resulting butyrate of soda with 
 sulphuric acid. Butyric acid is a colourless liquid, having a very disagreeable odour and 
 a rancid taste. It dissolves in all proportions in water and alcohol, boils at 327° F., and 
 has the density of 0-963. It is a hydrated acid, having the formula C 8 H 7 0 3 .H0. 
 
 Pclargon ate of Ethy lie Ether. Pelargonic Eiher. (Enani hie Ether. (C 4 H-0,C le II 17 0 3 ). A 
 preliminary step in forming this ether is to prepare the pelargonic acid. This is most con- 
 veniently obtained, according to Ur. R. Wagner, by the action of nitric acid on oil of rue. 
 Treat the oil with double its weight of very dilute nitric acid, and heat the mixture until 
 it begins to boil. Two layers are formed in the liquid ; the upper one being brownish, 
 and the lower consisting of the products of the oxidation of the oil, with the excess of 
 nitric acid. The lower layer, having been separated, is freed from the greater part of the 
 nitric acid by evaporation in a chloride of. zinc bath, and then filtered. The filtrate is a 
 solution of pelargonic acid, and may be converted into pelargonic ether by a prolonged 
 digestion, at a gentle heat, with alcohol. The ether, as thus prepared, has the agreeable 
 odour of quince, and, when dissolved in alcohol in due proportion, forms the quince essence. 
 (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., July, 1853, p. 320.) Pure pelargonic ether (oenanthic ether) 
 is a colourless liquid, having an agreeable vinous odour, and a taste, at first slight, but 
 afterwards acrid. Its sp. gr. is 0-87, and boiling point, when constant, 433° F. Pelargonic 
 acid, so called from its having been first obtained from Pelargonium roseum, or rose gera- 
 nium, is a hydrated acid, and has the formula C l8 II 17 0 3 , HO. DelfiVs analysis of oenanthic 
 acid gives it the same composition, and, accordingly, he considers the two acids as un- 
 doubtedly identical. ( Chem . Gaz., April 15, 1852, p. 144.) The formula given for oenan- 
 thic acid at page 753 must, therefore, be abandoned. 
 
 Acetate of Amylic Ether. (C 10 H n O,C 4 II 3 O 3 ). This is prepared by distilling a mixture of 
 one part of amylic alcohol (fusel oil), two of acetate of potassa, and one of concentrated 
 sulphuric acid. The distilled liquid is purified from free acid, by washing with a weak 
 alkaline solution, and from water, by distillation from chloride of calcium. It is a colour- 
 less, limpid liquid, lighter than water, boiling at 272° F., insoluble in water, but soluble 
 in alcohol. It possesses the odour, in a remarkable degree, of the Jargonelle pear, and 
 is manufactured on a large scale for flavouring syrups and confectionery. An alcoholic 
 solution of this ether forms the Jargonelle pear essence. Fifteen parts of acetate of amylic 
 ether, with half a part of acetic ether, dissolved in 100 parts of alcohol, form what may be 
 called the bergamot pear essence, which, when employed to flavour sugar acidulated with a 
 little citric acid, imparts the odour of the bergamot pear, and a fruity, refreshing taste. 
 Acetate of amylic ether, mixed with butyric ether, forms another fruity compound, which 
 recalls the odour of the banana, and forms, in alcoholic solution, the banana essence. 
 
 ■Valerianate of Amylic Ether. (C I0 H u O, C 10 H 9 O 3 ). This is made by carefully mixing four 
 parts of pure amylic alcohol (fusel oil) with four of sulphuric acid, and adding the mixture, 
 when cold, to five parts of valerianic acid. The whole is warmed for a few minutes in a 
 water-bath, and then mixed with a little water, which causes the ether to separate. Lastly-, 
 it is purified by washing it with water and a weak solution of carbonate of soda. An 
 alcoholic solution of this ether, in the proportion of one part to six or eight of alcohol, 
 forms a flavouring liquid under the name of apple essence. For the mode of obtaining 
 valerianic acid, see Valerianate of Soda, p. 1188. 
 
 It is thus perceived that the bases of the fruit essences are certain ethereal compounds 
 of organic acids with the oxides of ethyle and amyle. Besides the essences here described, 
 there are found in commerce the strawberry-, raspberry, apricot, green gage, mulberry, 
 and black currant essences, all of which may be viewed as various mixtures of the ethers 
 of the ethyle and amyle series, modified by the addition of pure nitrous ether, vanilla, 
 volatile oils, &c., to bring about a resemblance to the fruit, the odour and taste of which 
 it is the object to imitate. In making these essences, it is important that the materials 
 should be pure, especially the fusel oil and alcohol. The alcohol, used as a solvent, should 
 be rectified and deodorized. 
 
 These fruit essences are extensively employed for flavouring ices, jellies, lozenges, and 
 drops, and for making fruit syrups and effervescent beverages. They are manufactured 
 on a large scale by Messrs. Mander, Weaver, & Co., of Wolverhampton, England, and sold 
 by their agents, Messrs. Phelps, Fowler, & Co., of New York. The more useful ones are 
 also prepared by Messrs. Powers & Weightman, manufacturing chemists, of Philadelphia. 
 
 FOCUS VESICULOSUS. Sea-wrack. Bladder- wrack. This was omitted as an officinal 
 in the edition of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850. It belongs to Cryptogamia Algse in the 
 sexual system, and to the natural order Algacete. The following is the generic character. 
 
 84 
 
1330 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 “Male. Vesicles smooth, hollow, with villose hairs within, interwoven. Female. Vesicles 
 smooth, filled with jelly, sprinkled with immersed grains, prominent at tip. Seeds soli- 
 tary.” This sea-weed is perennial, with the frond or leaf flat, smooth and glossy, from 
 one to four feet high, from half an inch to an inch and a half broad, furnished with a 
 midrib throughout its length, dichotomous, entire upon the margin, and of a dark olive- 
 green colour. Small spherical vesicles, filled with air, are immersed in the frond near the 
 midrib. The fruit consists of roundish, compressed receptacles, at the ends of the branches, 
 filled with a clear tasteless mucus. The plant grows upon the shores of Europe and of 
 this continent, attaching itself to the rocks by its expanded woody root. On the coast of 
 Scotland anil of France, it is much used in the preparation of kelp. It is also employed 
 as a manure, and is mixed with the fodder of cattle. It has a peculiar odour, and a 
 nauseous saline taste. Several chemists have undertaken its analysis, but the results are 
 not satisfactory. It contains much soda in saline combination, and iodine, according to 
 Gaultier de Claubry, in the state of iodide of potassium. These ingredients remain in its 
 ashes, and in the charcoal resulting from its exposure to heat in close vessels. This char- 
 coal, which is sometimes called JEthiops vegetahilis or vegetable ethiops , has long had the 
 reputation of a deobstruent, and been given in goitre and scrofulous swellings. Its virtues 
 were formerly ascribed chiefly to carbonate of soda, in which it abounds; but, since the 
 discovery of the medical properties of iodine, this has been considered as its most active 
 ingredient. The mucus contained in the vesicles was applied externally, with advantage, 
 by Dr. Russel, as a resolvent in scrofulous tumours. 
 
 Other species of Fucus are in all probability possessed of similar properties. Many of 
 them contain a gelatinous matter, and a sweet principle analogous to mannite: and some 
 are used as food in times of scarcity. Large quantities of a sea weed, named in the East 
 agar-agar , are gathered on the rocky coasts of the East India Islands, and sent to China, 
 where it is valued for making jellies, and a size for stiffening silks. The Ceylon moss is a 
 delicate fucus ( Gigartina lichenoides ), growing on the coast of Ceylon, where it is gathered 
 by the natives. It abounds in starch and vegetable jelly, which render it applicable to 
 the same purposes as the carrageen or Irish moss. (Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xiii. 355.) 
 F. Helminihocorton ( Gigartina Helminihocorton of Greville) has some reputation in Europe 
 as an anthelmintic, and is said also to be febrifuge. It is one of the ingredients in that 
 mixture of marine plants which is sold in Europe under the name of Corsican moss or hd- 
 minthocorton. This is used in decoction, from four to six drachms being boiled in a pint 
 of water, and a wineglassful given three times a day. 
 
 FULIGOKALI. This preparation, proposed by M. Beschamps, is formed by boilintr for 
 an hour, 20 parts of caustic potassa, and 100 of shining soot, in powder, in 2 parts or a 
 sufficient, quantity of water. The solution, when cold, is diluted, filtered, and evaporated 
 to dryness. Fuligokali is in the form of a black powder, or of scales, very soluble in water, 
 and having an empyreumatic odour and mild alkaline taste. It is used in the same affec- 
 tions as anth'rakokali. The dose is two or three grains, repeated several times a day. An 
 ointment, containing from sixteen to thirty-two grains to the ounce of lard, was found by 
 Dr. Gibert, of Paris, to be detersive, resolvent, and gently stimulant. (See a paper by the 
 late A. Duhamel, in the Am. Journ. of Pharm., xiv. 284.) 
 
 FUMARIA OFFICINALIS. Fumitory. A small annual European plant, naturalized in 
 this country, growing in cultivated grounds, and flowering from May to August. It was 
 formerly considerably employed as a medicine, and is still used in Europe. The leaves 
 are the officinal part. They are inodorous, have a bitter saline taste, and are very succu- 
 lent, yielding by expression a juice which has the sensible and medicinal properties of the 
 plant. An extract prepared by evaporating the expressed juice, or a decoction of the 
 leaves, throws out upon its surface a copious saline efflorescence. The plant, indeed, 
 abounds in saline substances, and to these, in connexion with its bitter extractive, its 
 medical virtues are to be ascribed. It is gently tonic, in large doses is said to be laxative 
 and diuretic, and is thought, moreover, to have an alterative action. Both in ancient and 
 modern times it has been esteemed a valuable remedy in visceral obstructions, particularly 
 those of the liver, in scorbutic affections, and in various troublesome eruptive diseases. 
 Cullen speaks favourably of its influence in these last complaints. He gave the expressed 
 juice in the dose of two ounces twice a day. Others have prescribed it in much larger 
 quantities. The leaves either fresh or dried may be used in decoction, without precise 
 limitation as regards the dose. The inspissated juice and an extract of the dried leaves 
 have also been employed. 
 
 FUSTIC. A yellow dye-wood, obtained from .1 fonts tinctoria ( Broussonetia tinctorid, 
 Kunth), a tree growing in the West Indies and South America. It is not used in medicine 
 or pharmacy. According to Bancroft, two different woods bear in England the name of 
 fustic, one the product of the tree just mentioned, distinguished as old fustic, probably 
 
Appendix. 1331 
 
 from the greater magnitude of the billets in which it is imported ; the other derived from 
 the Rhus Cotinus or Venice sumach, and called young fustic. The -wood of M. tinctoria 
 owes its colouring properties to two principles which have been isolated by R. Wagner, 
 one which he has denominated morin, and the other bearing some resemblance to tannic 
 acid, which he calls moritannic acid. (See Chem. Gaz., ix. 1, 21, and 241.) 
 
 GALANGAL. Galanga. Two varieties are described by authors, the galanga major 
 and galanga minor, or large and small galangal. They are considered by some as the roots 
 of different plants; but there is reason to believe that they are both derived from Maranta 
 Galanga of Linn. ( Alpina Galanga of Willd.), and that they differ in consequence of the 
 different stages of growth at which they are collected. They are brought from the East 
 Indies. The larger variety is cylindrical, three or four inches long, as thick as the tlifimb 
 or thicker, often forked, reddish-brown externally, slightly striated longitudinally, marked 
 with whitish circular rings, orange-brown internally, rather hard and fibrous, difficultly 
 pulverizable, of an agreeable aromatic odour, and a pungent, hot, spicy, permanent taste. 
 The small galangal resembles the preceding in shape, but is smaller, not exceeding the 
 little finger in thickness, of a darker colour, and of a stronger taste and smell. According 
 to Morin, galangal contains a volatile oil, an acrid resin, extractive, gum, bassorin, and 
 lignin. A. Vogel, jun., found also starch and fixed oil. ( Pharm . Cent. Blatt, 1844, p. 158.) 
 R. Brandes is said to have found a peculiar crystallizable substance called kempferid. 
 (Annul, der Pharm., xxxii. 311.) The active principles are the volatile oil and acrid resin. 
 Its medical effects are those of a stimulant aromatic. It was known to the ancient Greeks 
 and Arabians, and formerly entered into numerous compound preparations. At present 
 it is seldom employed. Its dose is from fifteen to thirty grains in substance, and twice as 
 much in infusion. 
 
 GALEGA OFFICINALIS. Goat's Rue. A perennial herb, growing in the South of 
 Europe, and sometimes cultivated in gardens. It is without smell unless bruised, when 
 it emits a disagreeable odour. Its taste is unpleasantly bitter and somewhat rough, and 
 when chewed, it stains the saliva yellowish-brown. In former times it was much employed 
 as a remedy in malignant fevers, the plague, the bites of serpents, worms, &c. ; but it has 
 fallen into merited neglect. The roots of Galega Virginiana, a native of the United States, 
 are said to be diaphoretic and powerfully anthelmintic. They are given in decoction. 
 
 GALIUM APARINE. Cleavers. Goose-grass. This is an annual, succulent plant, com- 
 mon to Europe and the United States, growing in cultivated grounds, and along fences and 
 hedges. It is inodorous, and has a bitterish, herbaceous, somewhat acrid taste. An- 
 alyzed by Schwartz, it was found to contain, besides chlorophylle, starch, and other prin- 
 ciples common to all plants, three distinct acids, viz. : a variety of tannic acid, which he 
 names galitannic acid, citric acid, and a peculiar acid previously discovered by Schwartz 
 and Rochleder, and named rubichloric acid. (Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xii. 190.) The 
 expressed juice is said to be aperient, diuretic, and anti-scorbutic; and has been used in 
 dropsy, congestion of the spleen, scrofula, and scorbutic eruptions. In the last complaint 
 it has been thought peculiarly useful. Three ounces of the juice may be taken twice a 
 day. Dr. Winn, of Truro, Cornwall, has recently called the attention of the profession to 
 this medicine. Several persons in his neighbourhood had been cured of lepra by a de- 
 coction of the plant; and he had himself employed it with great advantage not only in this 
 but other cutaneous diseases. At first he gave it in the form of decoction made by boiling 
 a handful of the recent herb in a quart of water for twenty minutes, of which a tumbler- 
 ful was given three times a day ; but he now prefers the inspissated juice, in the form of a 
 fluid extract, of which f^j represents Oss of the decoction. (London hied. Times and Gaz., 
 Feb. 1854, page 144.) The fresh herb, in the form of ointment or decoction, has been 
 applied externally to scrofulous swellings with supposed advantage. 
 
 GALIUM VERUM. Yellow Ladies' Bed-straw. Cheese rennet. This species of Galium 
 is perennial, and a native of Europe. The flowers, which are yellow, have a peculiar, 
 agreeable odour, and have been given in nervous affections, with a. view to their supposed 
 antispasmodic powers. The herb is inodorous, but lias an astringent, acidulous, bitterish 
 taste. The projierty of coagulating milk was formerly ascribed to it, but is certainly not 
 constant, as the experiment has been frequently tried without success. The bruised plant 
 is sometimes used to colour cheese yellow, being introduced into the milk before coagula- 
 tion. It is also used for dyeing yellow. The roots of this and of most other species dye 
 red; and the plant, eaten by animals, colours the bones like madder. This plant was 
 analyzed by Schwartz, and found to contain the same principles as G. Aparine, mentioned 
 above. It was formerly highly esteemed as a remedy in epilepsy and hysteria, and was 
 applied externally in cutaneous eruptions. It may be employed in the form either of 
 the recently expressed juice, or of a decoction prepared from the fresh plant. Its medical 
 properties, however, are feeble. 
 
1332 Appendix. 
 
 Of the American species, the G. tinctorium is closely allied in properties to G. verum. 
 It is said to be useful in cutaneous diseases; and the root is employed by the Indians for 
 staining their feathers and other ornaments red. 
 
 GELSEMINUM SEMPERVIRENS. Juss. Gelseminum Nitidum. Michaux. Bignonia 
 Sempervirens. Willd. Yellow Jasmine. Carolina Jasmine. This is one of the most beautiful 
 climbing plants of our Southern States, ascending lofty trees, and forming festoons from 
 one tree to another, and in its flowering season, in the early spring, scenting the atmo- 
 sphere with its delicious odour. It belongs to the Linnsean class and order Pentandria 
 Digynia, and the natural family of Apocynaceoe. The stem is twining, smooth, and shin- 
 ing ; the leaves perennial, opposite, shortly petiolate, lanceolate, entire, dark-green above, 
 and paler beneath; the flowers in axillary clusters, large, of a deep-yellow colour and tra- 
 arant, with a very small, five-leaved calyx, and a funnel-shaped corolla, having a spread- 
 ing, five-lobed, nearly equal border. The fruit is a flat, compressed capsule, divisible into 
 two parts, two-celled, and furnished with flat seeds, which adhere to the margins of the 
 valves. The root is the part employed. It is said to have a slight narcotic odour and an 
 agreeably bitter taste, and yields its virtues to water, and readily to diluted alcohol. From 
 the accounts given of its effects, it appears to be a cerebro-nervous sedative, without 
 nauseating or purgative properties, but sometimes causing diaphoresis, especially in febrile 
 diseases. Iu moderate doses it produces agreeable sensations of languor, with muscular 
 relaxation, so that the patient finds some difficulty iu moving the eyelids, and keeping the 
 jaws closed. More largely taken it occasions dizziness, dimness of vision, dilated pupil, 
 general muscular debility, and universal prostration ; but after a short time these symp- 
 toms pass off leaving no unpleasant effects. It is no doubt capable of causing death in 
 over-doses, and must therefore be used cautiously. 
 
 The discovery of its medical virtues was accidental. A planter of Mississippi, labour- 
 ing under an obstinate bilious fever, directed his servant to get a particular root from the 
 garden, and prepare a tea from it. The tea was prepared accordingly, and drank by the 
 invalid, who was soon afterwards affected with great prostration, and especially muscular 
 debility, so that he could not raise a limb, but without stupor. These effects gradually 
 passed off, and with them the fever. The servant had made a mistake in the root, and 
 dug that of the Gelseminum, instead of the one intended. The planter, having made this 
 discovery, employed the root afterwards with success upon his own plantation and in the 
 neighbourhood. The remedy passed into the hands of irregular practitioners, and was 
 employed by the “eclectic physicians” before its virtues came to the knowledge of the 
 profession. Attention was called to it by a paper of Professor Procter in the Am. Journ. 
 of Pharm. for October, 1852 {page 307), who derived most of his information from the 
 “ Eclectic Dispensatory ,” and a paper by F. D. Hill, in the “Eclectic Medical Journal'’ of Cin- 
 cinnati. Communications have since been published in reference to it in the Southern 
 Journ. of Med. and Phys. Sciences, for January, 1853 {page 40) by Dr TV. S. Jenkins, of 
 Castilian Spring, Tenn. ; in the Stethoscope of Nov. 1853 {page 636) by Dr. II. M. Nash, of 
 Norfolk, Va. ; and in the Iowa Med. Journ. by Dr. Bachelor (see Charleston Med. Joun:. and 
 Rev., March, 1854, page 243). From these sources most of the statements in this article 
 were drawn. The diseases in which the medicine has been prescribed are intermittent, re- 
 mittent, and typhoid fevers, inflammation of the lungs and pleura, rheumatism, neuralgia, 
 chorea, and epilepsy. The preparation usually employed is a tincture made by macerat- 
 ing for two weeks the fresh bark of the root, well bruised, in diluted alcohol, or some form 
 of ardent spirit, and then expressing, and filtering. It has a dark-red colour, and the 
 bitterness of the root, and is probably saturated. The dose is from ten to fifty drops, 
 every hour or two ; but is of course somewhat indefinite, as there is no precise formula for 
 the tincture. Dr. Jenkins gives from half a teaspoonful to three times the quantity. 
 
 GENISTA TINCTORIA. Dyers’ Broom. Dyers' Weed. Green Weed. A low shrub, 
 growing wild in Europe, and sometimes cultivated in this country in gardens. Thefliwer- 
 ing tops of the plant are employed to dye yellow, whence its name was derived. Both these 
 and the seeds have been used in medicine. They are said to be purgative and even emetic, 
 especially the seeds, which were formerly given as a cathartic in the dose of a drachm and 
 a half. By some authors they are said to be diuretic, and to be useful in dropsy. The 
 plant has been long used as a preventive of hydrophobia by the peasants of Podolia, the 
 Ukraine, and other provinces of Russia. They employ it in the form of strong decoction, 
 both internally and locally, in connexion with Rhus coriaria, and persevere with it for six 
 weeks. The trials made with it in other parts of Europe have failed. 
 
 GERANIUM ROBERTIANUM. Herb Robert. This species of Geranium grows wild both 
 in Europe and the United States, but is rare in this country; and Pursk states that the 
 American plant is destitute of the heavy smell by which the European is so well known, 
 though the two agree iu all other respects. The herb has a disagreeable, bitterish, 
 
1338 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 astringent taste, and imparts its virtues to boiling water. It has been used internally in 
 intermittent fever, consumption, hemorrhages, nephritic complaints, jaundice, &c., has 
 been employed as a gargle in affections of the throat, and has been applied externally as 
 a resolvent to swollen breasts and other tumours. 
 
 GLASS OF ANTIMONY. Yitrum Antimonii. This is prepared from the tersulphuret 
 of antimony by a partial roasting and subsequent fusion. The tersulphuret is reduced to 
 coarse powder, and strewed upon a shallow, unglazed earthen vessel, and heated gently 
 and slowly, being continually stirred to prevent it from running into lumps. IVhite vapours 
 of sulphurous acid arise ; and when these cease, the heat is increased a little to reproduce 
 them. The roasting is continued in this manner until, at a red heat, no more vapours are 
 given off. The matter is then melted in a crucible with an intense heat, and kept in a 
 state of fusion until it assumes the appearance of melted glass, when it is poured out on 
 a, heated brass plate. In this process, part of the sulphur of the tersulphuret is driven 
 off by the roasting; while the portion of antimony which loses its sulphur becomes teroxi- 
 dized. The roasted matter, accordingly, consists of teroxide of antimony and undecom- 
 posed tersulphuret ; and these, by uniting during the fusion, form the glass. Glass of 
 antimony is in thin irregular pieces, exhibiting a vitreous fracture, and having a metallic 
 steel-gray lustre. IVhen well prepared it is transparent, and, upon being held between 
 the eye and the light, appears of a rich orange-red, or garnet colour; but if of inferior 
 quality it is black and opaque. It is hard and brittle, and rings when struck with a hard 
 substance. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in acids and in cream of tartar, with the 
 exception of a few red flocculi. Its essential constituents are the teroxide and tersulphuret, 
 united in variable proportions. When of good quality it consists of about eight parts of 
 teroxide to one of tersulphuret. It usually contains about five per cent, of silica, and 
 three of sesquioxide of iron, which are derived from the crucible, and to the former of 
 which the vitrification of the product is owing. When good it is dissolved, with the ex- 
 ception of a few red flocculi, in strong muriatic acid. An excess of silica is known by the 
 acid leaving a gelatinous residuum, and the iron may be detected by ferrocyanuret of po- 
 tassium, and its amount judged of by the bulk of the precipitate and the depth of its blue 
 colour. Sometimes glass of lead is sold for glass of antimony, a fraud easily detected by 
 the difference between the two substances in specific gravity; the glass of lead having a 
 density of nearly seven, while that of glass of antimony is not quite five. 
 
 Medical Properties , Glass of antimony is an active antimonial ; but, owing to its 
 variable composition and uncertain operation, is at present very seldom used. When the 
 levigated powder is mixed with one-eighth of its weight of melted yellow wax, and the 
 mixture roasted over a slow fire, with constant stirring until it. ceases to exhale vapours, 
 a coal-like pulverizable mass is formed, which is the cerated glass of antimony, a prepara- 
 tion formerly included in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 GLECIIOMA HEDERACEA. Nepeta Glechoma. Ground-ivy. A small perennial herb, 
 indigenous in Europe and the United States, and growing in shady grassy places, as in 
 orchards and along fences and hedges. It belongs to the family of labiate plants, and 
 shares their general properties. The herb was formerly officinal, and still enjoys some 
 credit as a domestic remedy. It has a peculiar disagreeable odour, and a bitterish, 
 rough, somewhat aromatic taste, and imparts its properties to boiling water. From the 
 statements of authors, it appears to be gently stimulant and tonic, with, perhaps, a pecu- 
 liar direction to the lungs and kidneys. It has also been considered aperient. The 
 complaints in which it has been most used are chronic affections of the pulmonary and 
 urinary organs; and at one time it had considerable reputation as a remedy in consump- 
 tion. It has also been employed as a vulnerary and errliine. The usual form in which 
 it was administered was that of infusion, of which a quantity was given for a dose con- 
 taining the virtues of half a drachm or a drachm of the herb. 
 
 GLUE. An impure form of gelatin, obtained from various animal substances by boil- 
 ing them in water, straining the solution, and evaporating it till upon cooling it assumes 
 the consistence of jelly. The soft mass which results is then divided into thin slices, 
 which are dried in the open air. Glue, when of good quality, is hard and brittle, of a 
 brown colour, and equally transparent throughout. It softens and swells very much in 
 cold water, without dissolving; but is readily dissolved by hot water. It is employed 
 chiefly for cementing pieces of wood together, being too impure for the purposes of a 
 test, or for internal use. 
 
 Capsules of Gelatin. Glue has within a few years been applied to an important prac- 
 tical purpose in pharmacy. Certain medicines are so offensive to the taste, and conse- 
 quently so apt to sicken the stomach, that it is highly desirable to administer them in 
 such a way as to prevent their contact with the tongue and palate. This object is fully 
 accomplished, so far as regards many disagreeable liquid medicines, by the use of the 
 
1334 Appendix. 
 
 capsules of gelatin, invented by M. Dublanc, of Paris. These are prepared from the purest 
 glue in the following manner. Small pouches made of fine skin, of an oval form, are 
 attached by a waxed thread to the smaller extremity of a hollow elongated metallic cone, 
 which is bent towards its point, and has its base closed by a cover, which is screwed so 
 as to make the instrument air-tight. Into this conical tube sufficient mercury is poured 
 to fill the pouch, which, thus distended, is dipped into a concentrated sweetened solution 
 of glue, and afterwards exposed to heat in a vertical position, so as to dry the layer of 
 gelatin which it has received. In the same manner a second coating may be given, and 
 the process again repeated till a sufficient thickness has been obtained. The cone being 
 then reversed, the mercury flows out of the pouch, which collapses, and allows the cap- 
 sule of gelatin to be removed. Into this the medicine may now be introduced, care being 
 taken to avoid any contact with the outer surface of the capsule. The opening is next to 
 be closed by means of a thin lamina of gelatin previously softened by steam; and a solu- 
 tion of the same substance should be applied to the edges by means of a camel's hair 
 pencil. Another mode of preparing the capsules is as follows. Take a cylinder of iron 
 or hard wood, four lines in diameter and a few inches long, and smoothly rounded at one 
 end. Dip half an inch of this end first into a saturated warm alcoholic solution of soap, 
 and afterwards, when the soap has concreted upon the surface, into a concentrated hot 
 solution of gelatin, and repeat the latter immersion once or oftener, if it be desired to have 
 a firm capsule. IVhen the glue has concreted, remove the capsule. A top for it may be 
 made in the same way, and, after the body has been filled with the liquid to be given, is 
 to be applied and secured by rubbing a camel's hair pencil moistened with hot water over 
 the line of junction. (Med. Exam., N. S., i. 441.) M. Mothes considers the following 
 plan of preparing the capsules the most convenient. He has a number of assorted “ cop- 
 per olives” prepared, covers their surface with a layer of something to prevent oxidation, 
 immerses them in a sweetened and aromatized concentrated solution of gelatin, then 
 places them vertically on boards to cool, and before complete desiccation removes the 
 capsules, places them on sieves, and dries them by a stove-heat. ( Joum . de Pharm. et dc 
 Chim., xvii. 204.) For an account of another process, invented and described by Mr. 
 Alfred Guillou, of Philadelphia, the reader is referred to the Am. Journ. of Pharm. (ix. 
 20). The capsules may be made of such a capacity as to contain from ten to fifteen grains 
 of copaiba. 
 
 GNAPHALIUM MARGARITACEUM. Cudweed. Life-everlasting. An indigenous 
 herbaceous perennial, growing in fields and woods, and flowering in August. The herb 
 of this and of (}. polgcephalum, or sweet-scented life-everlasting, is sometimes used in the 
 form of tea by the country people, in diseases of the chest and of the bowels, and in 
 hemorrhagic affections, and externally, in the way of fomentation, in bruises, languid 
 tumours, and other local complaints: but it probably possesses little medical virtue. 
 Shoepf says that it is anodyne. In Europe, different species of Gnaphalium are also 
 occasionally employed for similar purposes. 
 
 GOLD. Aurum. The preparations of this metal were introduced to the notice of phy- 
 sicians by Dr. Chrestien, of Montpellier, in 1810. They are employed both internally, 
 and by frictions on the tongue and gums. The priucipal affections in which they have 
 been recommended are secondary syphilis, syphilitic ulcerations, scrofula, and inveterate 
 eruptions, particularly those of a leprous character. The chief preparations which have 
 been employed, up to the present time, are metallic gold in a finely divided state, the 
 oxide (teroxide or auric acid), the chloride (terchloride), the iodide, the double chloride 
 of gold and sodium, the chloroaurate of ammonia (a compound of terchloride of gold and 
 muriate of ammonia), and the cyanuret (tercyanuret) of gold. Gold in powder may be 
 obtained by rubbing up gold-leaf with 10 or 12 times its weight of sulphate of potassa 
 until brilliant particles are no longer visible, and then washing away the sulphate with 
 boiling water. The oxide may be procured by treating the nitromuriatic solution of gold 
 with an excess of magnesia, and washing the precipitate, first with water, and afterwards 
 with dilute nitric acid. This process being tedious. M. L. Figuier prefers to obtain the 
 oxide by precipitating a cold solution of chloride of gold, rendered strongly alkaline by 
 caustic potassa, with a solution of chloride of barium. The precipitate, consisting of 
 aurate of baryta, is then treated with dilute nitric acid, which dissolves the baryta and 
 leaves the oxide of gold pure. Ten parts of gold, thus treated, produced 111 parts of 
 oxide; while the same quantity of metal by the magnesia process, only yielded 9 parts. 
 (Journ. de Pharm., Dec. 1847.) The chloride is obtained by dissolving pure gold in three 
 times its weight of nitromuriatic acid, with the aid of a moderate heat. The solution is 
 evaporated by a gentle heat nearly to dryness, being at the same time stirred with a glass 
 rod. It is in the form of a crystalline mass of a deep-red colour. Its solution lias a fine 
 yellow tint. Being deliquescent, it requires to be kept in ground-stoppered bottles. The 
 iodide may be made by precipitating a solution of terchloride of gold by one of iodide of 
 
Appendix. 1335 
 
 potassium, and Trashing the precipitate -with alcohol to remove the excess of iodine. It 
 is of a greenish-yellow colour, and, when heated in a porcelain crucible, is resolved into 
 iodine vapours and a residue of pure gold. Chloride of gold and sodium is prepared by 
 dissolving four parts of gold into nitromuriatic acid, evaporating the solution to dryness, 
 and dissolving the dry mass in eight times its weight of distilled water. To this solution 
 one part of pure decrepitated common salt is added, previously dissolved in four parts of 
 water. The mixed solution is then evaporated to dryness, being in the mean time con- 
 stantly stirred with a glass rod. This salt is of a golden-yellow colour, and, when crys- 
 tallized, is in the form of long prismatic crystals, unalterable in the air. The chloroaur- 
 ate of ammonia is formed by dissolving one part of the terchloride of gold and two parts 
 of muriate of ammonia in distilled water, assisted by a few drops of nitromuriatic acid, 
 and evaporating the solution to dryness by a gentle heat. The cyanuret is best obtained, 
 according to M. Oscar Figuier, as follows. Prepare the chloride of gold as neutral as 
 possible by repeated solutions and crystallizations; and to the solution of this salt add, 
 very cautiously, avoiding any excess, a solution of pure cyanuret of potassium, so long as 
 any precipitate falls. (See Potassii Cyanuretum.) The precipitate, consisting of cyanuret 
 of gold, is to be washed with pure water and dried in the dark. Gold in powder, and 
 the oxide, chloride, iodide, sodio-cliloride, and cyanuret are officinal in the French Codex. 
 
 The preparations of gold are decidedly poisonous, though in different degrees. The 
 chloride is most virulent, and, according to Ur. Chrestien, is even more active than cor- 
 rosive sublimate. In an over dose, it produces pain, inflammation, and even ulceration of 
 the stomach and bowels, and otherwise acts as a corrosive poison. The general effects of 
 these preparations, in moderate doses, is to produce increased fulness and frequency of 
 the pulse, and to augment the urine and insensible perspiration, without interfering with 
 the appetite or the regular action of the bowels ; but if the dose be pushed too far, general 
 irritation is apt to be produced, inflammation seizes upon some organ, according to the 
 predisposition of the individual, and fever is developed. 
 
 Gold in powder, the oxide, chloride, and iodide are not as much used as the double chloride 
 of gold and sodium. The oxide may be given in the form of pill, in the dose of a tenth 
 of a grain, in scrofula and lymphatic swellings, beginning with one pill daily, and after- 
 wards gradually increasing to seven or eight in 24 hours. The chloride has been used 
 with advantage as a caustic, in lupus, and syphilitic tubercles and ulcers, by M. Chavan- 
 nes. The iodide may be given in the same cases with the other preparations. The dose 
 is from the fifteenth to the tenth of a grain. 
 
 Chloride of gold and sodium is the preparation of gold most commonly employed. It may 
 be given in lozenges, each containing the twelfth of a grain, by mixing intimately five 
 grains of the salt with an ounce of powdered sugar, and making the whole with mucilage 
 of tragacanth into a proper mass, to be divided into sixty lozenges. Pills, containing the 
 same dose, may be formed by dissolving ten grains of the dried salt in a drachm of dis- 
 tilled water, and forming the solution into a pilular mass with a mixture of four drachms 
 of potato starch and one drachm of gum Arabic, to be divided into one hundred and twenty 
 pills. ( Journ . de Pharm., xx. 648.) For frictions on the gums and tongue, Chrestien 
 recommends the following formula: — Crystallized chloride of gold and sodium, one grain; 
 powdered orris root, deprived of its soluble parts by alcohol and water, and dried, two 
 grains. Mix. At first the fifteenth part of this powder is used daily by frictions; after- 
 wards the fourteenth, the thirteenth, &c., until, increasing gradually, the tenth or eighth 
 part is employed. The use of four grains of the salt in this way is said commonly to cure 
 bad cases of recent syphilis ; such, for example, as are characterized by the co-existence 
 of chancres, warts, and buboes. In preparing this powder, lycopodium may be substi- 
 tuted for the orris. 
 
 Chloroaurate of ammonia has been recommended by Bouchardat in amenorrhcea and 
 dysmenorrhoea in debilitated subjects, in the dose of about the tenth of a grain. A grain 
 may be dissolved in five teaspoonfuls of alcohol and five of water, and a teaspoonful given 
 morning and evening, mixed with sweetened water. 
 
 Cyanuret of gold is employed, like the chloride of gold and sodium, mixed with inert 
 powders, by friction, and in the form of pill. The fifteenth of a grain maybe rubbed into 
 the gums daily for fifteen days, next the fourteenth of a grain for fourteen days, and so 
 on, increasing until the dose amounts to the ninth or eighth of a grain. The dose for in- 
 ternal exhibition is the eighteenth of a grain, gradually increased to the eighth. Cyanuret 
 of gold has been found useful in the treatment of syphilis and scrofula by M. Pourche, 
 and is said to be less exciting than the double chloride, when used in those diseases. 
 (Journ. de Pharm., xx. 599 and 649.) 
 
 The different medicinal compounds of gold should not be prepared in pill, powder, or 
 otherwise, until they are wanted for use ; as they are liable to undergo decomposition 
 when kept. They should be carefully secluded from the light. 
 
1336 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 GRATIOLA OFFICINALIS. Hedge Hyssop. This is a perennial herb, indigenous in 
 the South of Europe, where it flourishes in meadows and other moist grounds. The whole 
 herb is used. It is nearly inodorous, but has a bitter nauseous taste. Both water and 
 alcohol extract its active properties. It is a drastic cathartic and emetic, possessing also 
 diuretic properties, and is employed on the continent of Europe in dropsy, jaundice, worms, 
 chronic hepatic affections, scrofula, and various other complaints. With us it is almost 
 unknown as a remedy. The dose of the powdered herb is from fifteen to thirty grains; 
 of the infusion made in the proportion of half an ounce to the pint of boiling water, half 
 a fluidounce. 
 
 GTJACO. This name is given in Central and South America, and the West Indies, to 
 various plants having supposed alexiphannic properties, and belonging to the genera 
 Mikania and Aristolqchia ; but it is to the different species of the former genus that 
 the appellative properly belongs, and especially to the Mikania Guaco, described by Hum- 
 boldt and Bonpland. (PL xEq., ii. 84.) The genus Mikania belongs to the Linnrcan class 
 and order Syngenesia EEqualis, and to the natural order Asteraccae. The plants are closely 
 allied to the Eupatoria. For their generic character, see Bindley’ s Flora Med tea ( page 
 451), and Griffith's Medical Botany (page 392). Mikania Guaco is described as having 
 twining stems, with round, sulcate, and hairy branches; ovate, subacuminate, remotely 
 dentate leaves, somewhat narrowed at the base, rough above, and hairy beneath ; and 
 flowers in opposite, axillary corymbs. The plant is a native of intertropical America, 
 and has been introduced into the W. India Islands from the continent. The leaves are 
 the part used. In the recent state they have a bitter taste, and a strong disagreeable 
 odour; but their sensible properties and medical virtues are impaired by drying. 
 
 This and other plants have long been employed by the natives as a preventive and cure 
 of the bites of poisonous serpents. This application of them was first made known by 
 Mutis ; and his account was confirmed by Humboldt and Bonpland. The medicine has 
 also been employed as a febrifuge and anthelmintic, and a few years since attracted con- 
 siderable attention for its supposed prophylactic and remedial powers in epidemic cholera 
 and chronic dysentery. It has, moreover, been recommended in chronic rheumatism, both 
 internally and locally, and as a direct application in bites of insects, bruises, and sprains, 
 and atonic deafness. The probability, however, is that, like eupatorium. it has simply the 
 virtues of a mild tonic, and gentle stimulant to the secretions. It is best employed in the 
 recent state. The natives, when employing it as a counter-poison, apply the bruised 
 leaves and expressed juice to the bite, and at the same time drink of the infusion. The 
 preparations recommended for internal use are chiefly an infusion and tincture, the former 
 made in the proportion of an ounce of the leaves to a pint of boiling water, the latter of 
 about a pound to the gallon of proof spirit. The dose may be about the same as analogous 
 preparations of eupatorium. (See Land. Med. Times and Gaz., Dec. 1852, p. C51, and 
 Journ. de Pharm., 3 e ser., xx. 357.) 
 
 GUANO. Bird-manure. This is a valuable manure, consisting of the decomposed excre- 
 ment of countless aquatic birds, which has accumulated for ages on certain barren and 
 uninhabited islets of the western coast of South America, and in other localities through- 
 out the world. The best comes from Peru, and will be here described. It is a coarse dry 
 powder of a brown colour. Exposed to the air it absorbs moisture, and becomes some- 
 what sticky. Its smell is offensive, and somewhat ammoniacal. With the powder are 
 intermingled friable lumps, which exhibit in their inside whitish specks, and which, 
 when exposed to the air, fall to powder, exhaling an ammoniacal smell. It is soluble in 
 great part in water, and the solution formed contains chiefly oxalate of ammonia. When 
 exposed to heat it blackens, burns with a slight flame, exhales the smell of ammonia, and 
 leaves a whitish ash, varying in amount from 27 to 35 per cent. The guanos of commerce 
 vary very much in composition, from the best Peruvian to the inferior sorts, which have 
 scarcely any value as fertilizers. A good specimen of guano, analyzed by Fownes. consisted 
 of about two-thirds oxalate of ammonia, and one-third earthy and alkaline phosphates, 
 &c. The source of the oxalate of ammonia is undoubtedly the uric acid, originally in the 
 excrement, and which is often found undecomposed in the guano. The value of guano 
 as a fertilizer, depends chiefly upon the proportion of the nitrogenous ingredients ; the 
 phosphates being of secondary importance. Unger obtained from Peruvian guano, a pecu- 
 liar substance, analogous to zanthic oxide, aud called guanine. It forms crystallizable 
 salts with acids, and has the formula N 5 C 10 H.O 2 . 
 
 In Colombia, S. A., guano has been used with benefit, internally and externally, as a 
 remedy in the different forms of lepra. The late Prof. Horner, of Philadelphia, used it as 
 a cataplasm, mixed with an equal quantity of potter’s clay, in chronic inflammation of the 
 knee-joint. In this proportion it blistered the surface; and cataplasms were afterwards 
 used, containing one-third and one-fourth of guano. (Med. Exam., Feb. 1852, p. 69.) Prof. 
 
Appendix. 1837 
 
 Horner attributed the revulsive effect of the guano to urate of ammonia; but the best 
 authorities state that oxalate of ammonia is the characteristic salt of this substance. 
 
 GUN COTTON. Pyroxylin. This substance, discovered by Schcihbein, of Bale, in 
 Switzerland, is conveniently prepared by the following process, given by Mr. Thomas 
 Taylor, of London. Mix, in a glass vessel, It) fluidounces of nitric acid (sp. gr. 1-45) 
 with an equal bulk of sulphuric acid, and, when the mixture has cooled, pour it upon 
 100 grains of fine cotton, contained in a Wedgwood mortar, and, with a glass rod, imbue 
 the cotton as quickly as possible with the acids. As soon as the cotton is completely 
 saturated, pour off the superabundant liquid, and, with the aid of the pestle, quickly 
 press out as much of it from the cotton as possible. Then throw the cotton into a basin 
 of water, wash it until it has not the slightest acid taste, and dry it with a gentle heat. 
 Gun cotton may be made with strong nitric acid alone ; but, as this acid is not always of 
 full strength, it is better to mix with it sulphuric acid, which acts by strengthening the 
 nitric acid, from its affinity for water. It is also prepared by immersing the cotton in a 
 mixture of nitre and sulphuric acid. 
 
 Properties, §'c. Gun cotton has the appearance of ordinary cotton, but is harsh to the 
 touch. It is perfectly insoluble in water, and nearly so in strong alcohol ; but dissolves 
 in large quantity in acetic ether. As ordinarily prepared for commercial purposes, it is 
 insoluble in ether, but, when carefully and freshly prepared, it dissolves in that men- 
 struum, forming a powerfully adhesive liquid. (See Collodium.') According to Dr. J. H. 
 Gladstone, of England, it is subject to spontaneous decomposition, if kept for some time. 
 The same fact has been observed by Mr. James Beatson, of New York, and Prof. Procter, 
 of Philadelphia. The specimen, observed by Prof. Procter to undergo decomposition, had 
 not been well washed. The change is shown by the bottle, in which the gun cotton is 
 kept becoming full of nitrous acid vapour; and the substance is so far altered that it is 
 no longer explosive, or soluble in ether. According to M. Bechamp, of Strasburg, the 
 product is soluble in ether, if the cotton be immersed in a mixture of nitre and sulphuric 
 acid, while still hot from their reaction; but not soluble, if the cotton be added to the 
 mixture when cold. By treating gun cotton with protochloride of iron, M. Bechamp 
 caused the disengagement of nitrous oxide gas, and gave the filaments a coating of oxide 
 of iron, which was readily dissolved off by muriatic acid. After this treatment the gun 
 cotton was restored to its original state of cotton. ( Chem . Goz., Jan. 1, 1854, p. 11.) 
 When kindled gun cotton flashes off like gunpowder, burning without residue. Its inflam- 
 ing point is at the temp, of 370°. Dr. Marx makes its inflaming point lower. It has been 
 tried as a substitute for gunpowder in firearms ; but. from its strong bursting power, it 
 lias not been found to answer for this purpose. It appears, however, to be well adapted 
 to rock blasting. Its composition has not been satisfactorily determined. While Mr. T. 
 Ransome, of Manchester, makes its composition correspond with that of lignin (cotton), 
 in which two eqs. of hydrogen are replaced by two of nitric acid (C 12 H I0 O 10 — H 2 -|~2N0 6 = 
 gun cotton N 2 C ]2 H 8 O 20 ) ; Mr. Walter Crum, of Glasgow, views it ns the same substance, 
 in which three eqs. of water are replaced by three of nitric acid (C I2 H ]0 O 10 — 3H0-(-3N0 5 
 =N 3 C l2 H 7 0 22 ). M. Pelouze gives a different formula. 
 
 GUTTA PERCHA. This valuable product of the East Indies was first brought into 
 notice by Dr. Wm. Montgomerie, a British army surgeon, who became acquainted with 
 its singular properties in the year 1842 at Singapore, and in the following year sent speci- 
 mens of it to Europe. It is the product of a large tree growing in the southern extremity 
 of the Malayan Peninsula, the island of Singapore, Borneo, and probably many other 
 islands in the neighbourhood. This tree belongs to the Linnsean class and order Decan- 
 dria Monogjmia, natural family Sapotaceoe,! and genus Isonandra of Dr. Wight, and has 
 received the name of Isonandra gutta. It is of considerable magnitude, with a trunk 
 commonly three feet, and sometimes as much as six feet in diameter, having numerous 
 ascending branches, which are crowded with leaves at their extremities. The flowers are 
 small and white ; the leaves petiolate, oblong, four or five inches long by two in breadth, 
 bright green above and brownish beneath. Dr. Montgomerie states that the natives pro- 
 cure the gutta percha by the very wasteful mode of cutting down the tree, stripping off 
 the bark, and then collecting the milky juice, which is put into convenient recipients, and 
 coagulates on exposure to the air. Twenty or thirty pounds are thus collected from each 
 tree ; but the probability is that the product would be much greater if obtained by tapping 
 the tree, and thus preserving it for future use. Large quantities of gutta percha are now 
 imported into Europe and this country. As found in commerce it is generally impure, 
 containing fragments of vegetable matter and earth. From these it may be freed by- 
 kneading in hot water, or by melting it with oil of turpentine, straining, and evaporating. 
 
 Gutta percha is of a dull white or whitish colour, of a feeble odour, tasteless, at ordinary 
 temperatures hard, almost horny, somewhat flexible in thin pieces, having an unctuous 
 
1338 Appendix. 
 
 feel under the fingers, and very tenacious. Its sp. gr. is 0-9791. ( Soubeiran .) At about 
 120° F., it becomes softer and more flexible, but is still elastic, resisting, and tenacious. 
 At 150° or 160°, it is soft, very plastic, and capable of being welded and moulded into any 
 form. It is thus softened whether by means of hot water or by dry heat. On cooling it 
 reassumes its former state, and retains any form which may have been. given to it. In 
 the softened state it is readily cut with a knife, though with some difficulty when cold. 
 Exposed to a heat of 380° it loses a portion of water, and on hardening becomes translu- 
 cent and gray ; but it recovers its original characters if immersed in water. Subjected to 
 igneous distillation it yields volatile products, resembling closely the volatile oil obtained 
 from caoutchouc by the same process. Heated in an open vessel, it melts, foams up. and 
 takes fire, burning with a brilliant flame and smoke. A portion thus melted retains the 
 state of a viscid fluid on cooling. Gutta percha is a non-conductor of electricity. It is 
 insoluble in water, alcohol, alkaline. solutions, and the weak acids. Ether and the volatile 
 oils soften it in the cold, and imperfectly dissolve it with the aid of heat. Oil of turpen- 
 tine dissolves it perfectly, forming a clear colourless solution, which yields it unchanged 
 by evaporation. It is also dissolved by bisulphuret of carbon, chloroform, and benzole. 
 According to Soubeiran, it contains, besides pure gutta percha, small portions of a vege- 
 table acid, casein, and two resins, one soluble in ether and oil of turpentine, the other 
 in alcohol. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e ser., xi. 22.) Freed from these impurities, it has an 
 ultimate composition closely analogous if not identical with that of caoutchouc. For a 
 particular account of the distinctive properties of pure gutta percha, and the two resins 
 mixed with it, the reader is referred to an article by M. Payen, in the Journ. de Pharm. 
 (3 e ser., xxii. 183), also in the Chem. Gar. (x. 353.) M. Arppe considers gutta percha 
 as a mixture of six different resins, which may have been formed from a carbo-hydrogen 
 C 10 H S . (See Chem. Gaz., ix. 471.) 
 
 This singular substance has been applied to many useful and ornamental purposes. Its 
 plasticity when moderately heated, and great firmness and tenacity at ordinary tempera- 
 tures, and its insolubility in water and alcohol, are the properties to which it chiefly owes 
 its value. By immersing it in hot water, it is made susceptible of being formed into any 
 desirable shape ; so that utensils of various kinds, metallic and other ornamental impres- 
 sions, casts, sheets, bands, cords, sticks, tubs, &c., applicable to numerous purposes in 
 the arts, may be made from it with great facility. To give it greater pliability, it is 
 sometimes mixed with the tar resulting from the igneous decomposition of caoutchouc, or 
 with its own tar and lampblack. It may be vulcanized in the same manner as caoutchouc, 
 and imdergoes a similar change of properties. (See Caoutchouc.) 
 
 In the dissolved state it may be employed as a varnish, impervious to moisture. It has 
 been introduced into surgery, in order to preserve limbs and joints in fixed positions; and 
 has been used beneficially in clubfoot, fractures, and diseases of the joints. It is employed 
 for these purposes in the shape of bands, two or three inches broad and about a line thick, 
 which, being softened in water, are applied in this state, and, when they harden, form a 
 firm case for the limb. Holes should be made through the bands, for the escape of the 
 vapour from the surface. It is also used for the formation of catheters and other tubes, 
 splints, stethoscopes, bougies, specula, pessaries, and various other instruments, useful in 
 surgery. Vogel recommends the solution in bisulphuret of carbon as an application to the 
 skin in incised wounds. The liquid speedily evaporates, producing a refrigerant efl'ect: while 
 the gutta percha hardens, and holds the edges of the wound firmly together. According 
 to Mr. Acton, the best substance for protecting the surface from the contact of poisons, 
 contagions, &c., is prepared by dissolving with a gentle heat a drachm of gutta percha in 
 an ounce of benzole, and ten grains of caoutchouc in the same quantity of the same men- 
 struum, and mixing the solutions. It may be applied by a brush, and a delicate fiim is 
 left by the evaporation of the liquid. A saturated solution in chloroform is highly re- 
 commended in various chronic affections of the skin by Dr. Graves, of Dublin. It is 
 applied by means of a camel’s hair pencil, and forms, on the evaporation of the solvent, a 
 thin elastic covering, which completely excludes the air, and acts like an artificial cuticle 
 to the part. The crusts or scales should be previously removed by poultices or alkaline 
 solutions. The affections in which it has been found most efficacious, are the dry scaly 
 and tubercular diseases of the skin, especially psoriasis. It has been used also to render 
 the variolous eruption abortive. (Dub. Quart. Journ. of Med. Scu, xiv., 1.) 
 
 IIAMAMELIS VIRGINICA. Witch-hazel. An indigenous shrub, from five to fifteen feet 
 high, growing in almost all sections of the United States, usually on hills or in stony 
 places, and frequently on the banks of streams. It is remarkable for the late appearance 
 of its yellow flowers, which expand in September or October, and continue till the weather 
 becomes very cold in winter. The fruit, which is a nut-like capsule not unlike the hazle- 
 nui. ripens in the following autumn, and is often mingled on the same plant with the new 
 
Appendix. 1339 
 
 blossoms. The bark has a bitter, astringent, somewhat sweetish and pungent taste. It 
 probably first attracted notice as a remedy of the Indians, who are said to have used it 
 as a sedative and discutient in painful tumours, and other cases of external inflammation. 
 It is used in the shape of poultice, or as a wash in the form of decoction, in hemorrhoi- 
 dal affections and ophthalmia. The leaves are said to possess similar properties, and, in 
 the state of infusion, to be given internally in bowel complaints and hemorrhages. Dr. 
 James Fountain, of Peekskill, N. Y., speaks in strong terms of the efficacy of the bark in 
 ■ hemorrhage of the lungs and hsematemesis, and also highly recommends, as one of the 
 best applications in external piles, an ointment prepared from lard and a decoction of equal 
 parts of this bark, white-oak bark, and that of the apple-tree. He believes the witch- 
 hazel to possess anodyne properties. (AT 1”. Journ. of Med., x. 208.) Dr. N. S. Davis 
 agrees with Dr. Fountain in his estimate of this remedy, which he has employed usefully 
 in incipient phthisis. He gives it in decoction, made with an ounce of the bark to a pint 
 of water, of which the dose is a wineglassful every three, six, or eight hours. ( Transact . 
 of Am. Med. Assoc., i. 350.) The seeds are black and shining externally, white, oily, and 
 farinaceous within, and edible like the hazel-nut. 
 
 HEDERA HELIX. Ivy. This well-known evergreen creeper is a native of Europe. 
 The fresh leaves have a balsamic odour, especially when rubbed, and a bitterish, harsh, 
 unpleasant taste. They are used for dressing issues, and, in the form of decoction, have 
 been recommended in sanious ulcers and cutaneous eruptions, particularly tetter and the 
 itch. Dried and powwlered, they have been employed in the atrophy of children, and in 
 complaints of the lungs, in the dose of a scruple or more. The berries, which have an 
 acidulous, resinous, somewhat pungent taste, are said to be purgative and even emetic. 
 MM. Vandamme and Chevallier discovered in ivy seeds a peculiar alkaline principle, which 
 they called hederin ( hederia ). It is very bitter, and appears to be closely allied to quinia 
 in febrifuge properties. It is obtained by treating the seeds with hydrate of lime, dissolv- 
 ing the precipitated alkali in boiling alcohol, and evaporating the alcoholic solution. (Am. 
 Journ. of Pharm., xiii. 172.) Prof. Posselt has discovered two acids in the seeds, one of 
 which has their taste in a high degree, and was named by him hederic acid, the other he 
 did not obtain quite pure. (See Chem. Gaz., March 1, 1849, p. 93.) From the trunks of 
 old ivy plants, growing in the South of Europe and the North of Africa, a resinous sub- 
 stance exudes through incisions in the bark, which has been employed in medicine under 
 the name of ivy gum. It is in pieces of various sizes, of dark yellowish-brown colour 
 sometimes inclining to orange, more or less transparent, sometimes of a deep ruby-red 
 colour internally, of a vitreous fracture, pulverizable, yielding a lively orange-yellow pow- 
 der, of a peculiar not disagreeable odour when heated or inflamed, and of a bitterish 
 resinous taste. Its chief constituent is resin, though some pieces contain a considerable 
 propoi'tion of bassorin, and others large quantities of ligneous matter. It was formerly 
 used as a stimulant and emmenagogue, but is now scarcely employed. Placed in the 
 cavities of carious teeth, it is said to relieve toothache. The wood of the ivy, which is 
 light and porous, is sometimes used for making issue-peas. 
 
 HELENIUM AUTUMNALE. False Sunflower. Sneezewort. An indigenous perennial 
 herb, from three to seven feet high, with large golden-yellow compound flowers, which 
 appear in August. It grows in all parts of the United States, flourishing best in meadows, 
 moist fields, and other fow grounds. All parts of it are bitter and somewhat acrid, and, 
 when snuffed up the nostrils in the state of powder, produce violent sneezing. The 
 leaves and flowers have been recommended as an excellent errhine. Clayton says that 
 the plant is thought to be useful in intermittent fever. 
 
 HELLEBORUS FCETIDUS. Bear’s-foot. This is a perennial European plant, growing 
 in shady places, and flowering in March and April. It derived its botanical designation 
 from its offensive odour. The leaves, which are the part used, have a bitterish, pungent, 
 and acrid taste, and when chewed excoriate the mouth. The foot-stalks are still more 
 acrid. This species of hellebore is said by Allioni to be the most acrid and energetic of 
 the plants belonging to the genus. It is powerfully emetic and cathartic, and in very 
 large doses produces dangerous effects. It has long been used in Great Britain as a do- 
 mestic remedy for worms, and was brought to the notice of the profession by Dr. Bis- 
 set, who found it an efficacious anthelmintic, and prescribed it also in asthma, hysteria, 
 and hypochondriasis. M. Decerfs has known it to cause the expulsion of tsenia. It is 
 given in powder or decoction. The dose for a child from two to six years old is from five 
 grains to a scruple of the dried leaves, or a fluidounce of the decoction made by boiling a 
 drachm of the dried leaves in half a pint of water. This quantity should be repeated 
 morning and night for two or three days in succession. A syrup made from the juice of 
 the green leaves is used in England. 
 
 HELONIAS DIOICA. False Unicorn Plant. Star-wort. This is a small perennial herb- 
 aceous plant, growing in most parts of the United States, in shady and hilly situations. 
 
1340 Appendix. 
 
 The root, which is the part used, is bulbous. Pursh says that it is used as a remedy in 
 colic. Dr. Braman has found it peculiarly efficacious in atony of the generative organs, and 
 has obtained great advantages from it in leucorrhoea. He states the dose of the powdered 
 root at a drachm and a half, three times a day. It may also be given in the forms of 
 syrup and tincture. ( Bost . Med. and Surg. Journ., xl. 416.) 
 
 HERMODACTYLS. llennodactyli. Under this name are sold in the shops of Europe 
 the roots or bulbs of an uncertain plant, growing in the countries about the eastern ex- 
 tremity of the Mediterranean. By some botanists the plant is considered a species of 
 Colchicum, and the C. variegatum , a native of the South of Europe and the Levant, is par- 
 ticularly indicated by Fde, Geiger, and others ; while by authors not less eminent, the 
 roots are confidently referred to Iris tuberosa. They certainly bear a considerable re- 
 semblance to the bulb of Colchicum autumnale, being heart-shaped, channelled on one 
 side, convex on the other, and from half an inch to an inch in length, by nearly as much 
 in breadth. As found in the shops, they are destitute of the outer coat, of a dirty yellow- 
 ish or brownish colour externally, white and amylaceous within, inodorous, and nearly 
 tasteless, though sometimes slightly acrid. They are often worm-eaten. Their chief 
 constituent is starch, and they contain no veratria or colchicia. From this latter circum- 
 stance, and from their insipidity, it has been inferred that they are probably not derived 
 from a species of Colchicum; but Geiger observes that they may have lost their acrimony 
 by age. They are in fact almost without action upon the system, and are now seldom 
 used; never, we believe, in this ebuntry. It is doubted whether they are the hermodactyli 
 of the ancients, which were certainly a powerful medicine, operating very much in the 
 same manner as our colchicum, and like it proving useful in gout and rheumatism. Pe- 
 reira describes a bitter variety of hermodactyls, which was brought from India by Dr. 
 Royle. The bulbs are smaller and darker than the others, and have externally a striped 
 or reticulated appearance. From their bitter taste they are probably more active. 
 
 HIBISCUS ABELMOSCIIUS. Abelmoschus moschatus. Wight and Arnott. An ever- 
 green shrub, growing in Egypt, and in the East and West Indies, and affording the seeds 
 known under the names of semen Abelmoschi, alceas JEgyptiacx and grana moschalu. These 
 are of about the same size as flaxseed, kidney-shaped, striated, of a grayish-brown colour, 
 of an odour like that of musk, and of a warm somewhat spicy taste. They were formerly 
 considered stimulant and antispasmodic ; but are now used only in perfumery. The 
 Arabs flavour their coffee with them. They are said to be employed in the adulteration 
 of musk. Another species. Hibiscus esculentus, or Abelmoschus esculentus of Wight and 
 Arnott, is cultivated, under the name of okra, bendee, or gombo, in various parts of the 
 world, for the sake of its fruit, which abounds in mucilage, and is used for thickening 
 soup. The leaves are sometimes employed for preparing emollient poultices. 
 
 IIURA BRASILIENSIS. Assacou. Ilura Brasiliensis of Martius is a Brazilian tree 
 belonging to the family of Euphorbiacese, and known to the natives of the country it inhabits 
 by the name of assacou. Another species of the same genus, II. crepitans, growing in the 
 W. Indies, and characterized by the tendency of its fruit to break when ripe with violence 
 into several pieces, and thus scatter the seeds, has long been known as an acrid erneto- 
 cathartic, capable in large doses of acting as a violent poison. The fresh juice, the seeds, 
 and a decoction of the bark, all have these properties, which, in £ict, belong in a greater 
 or less degree to most of the Euphorbiacete : aud, as in other members of the same family, 
 an oil expressed from the seeds is actively purgative. It is highly probable that tlieHura 
 Brasiliensis is similar in all these respects to its congener. Martius states that the juice 
 is anthelmintic, and employed to intoxicate fish. But attention has recently been espe- 
 cially attracted to the plant, in consequence of reports favourable to its efficacy in that 
 terrible scourge of Brazil, the elephantiasis or leprosy of the country. These reports 
 were received by the Academy of Medicine, of Paris, from the French Consul in one of 
 the towns of Para, of which province the natives are said to regard the remedy as a spe- 
 cific in the complaint referred to. Experiments have been made by the Brazilian phy- 
 sicians, and it is said with favourable results, though complete cures have not been 
 •obtained. The fact is, that various acrid emeto-cathartic medicines, capable also of pro- 
 ducing diaphoresis, have been more or less useful in elephantiasis, as the Calotropis 
 gigautea, and one or more species of Ionidium ; and it is probable that the assacou acts in 
 a similar manner, and with similar results. The milky juice of the plant, and an infusion 
 or decoction of the bark are used. The juice is extremely acrid, producing on the skin, 
 when applied to it, an erysipelatous redness and a pustular eruption ; and the natives are 
 said to employ it in the preparation of a poison. A grain of the juice made into a pill, or 
 •a scruple of the bark infused in a pint of water, is given every day, and gradually increase 1 
 as the stomach and bowels will bear it. Every week an emetic preparation is administered, 
 made by bailing half an ounce of the bark in a pint of water to half a pint, to which twelve 
 
Appendix. 1341 
 
 drops of the juice are added. Every second or third day the patient takes a bath, consist- 
 ing of a saturated infusion of the bark. ( Journ . de Pharm. et de Chim., xiv. 424.) 
 
 HYDRANGEA ARBORESCENS. Common Hydrangea. Seven Barks. This species of 
 Hydrangea is indigenous, growing in shady places, in the woods and on the banks of streams 
 throughout the middle and southern States. It is a shrub from four to eight feet high, 
 with ovate or cordate leaves, from three to six inches loDg, generally acuminate, serrately 
 toothed, and slightly pubescent or nearly glabrous. The flowers are in f'astigiate cymes, 
 and appear in July. For a particular botanical description of the plant, the reader is 
 referred to Torrey and Gray’s Flora of North America (i. 591). The root, which is the 
 part used, consists of a caudex, from which proceed numerous radicles, from the thickness 
 of a quill to that of the finger or more. For use it should be cut into transverse pieces 
 when fresh, and then dried. The taste is aromatic, pungent, and not unpleasant. The 
 root was analyzed by Mr. Laidley, of Richmond, Va., who found in it gum, albumen, starch, 
 resin, and various salts, among which was a protosalt of iron. [Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 
 20.) Attention was first called to it as a remedy in the N. J. Med. Report, and Trans, for 
 Oct , 1850 (p. 44), by Dr. S. W. Butler, whose father, Dr. E. Butler, long residing as a 
 missionary among the Cherokee Indians, employed it with great apparent advantage in 
 their calculous complaints. Dr. Butler used it in the form of decoction, or of a syrup 
 made from the decoction with sugar or honey. A strong syrup may be given in the dose 
 of a teaspoonful three times a day. In over-doses it occasions vertigo, oppression of the 
 chest, &c. 
 
 HY DRASTIS CANADENSIS. Yellow root. Orange root. This is an indigenous plant, 
 growing in different parts of the United States, but most abundantly beyond the Alle- 
 glianies. It flourishes best in rich shady woods. It has a perennial root, and an herbaceous 
 stem, from six inches to a foot high, with two unequal leaves, and a single terminal whitish 
 or rose-coloured flower. The root consistsof a tortuous caudex and numerous long fibres, 
 and is of a bright-yellow colour. It is juicy in the recent state, and loses much of its 
 weight when dried. It has a strong, somewhat narcotic odour, and an exceedingly bitter 
 taste. Examined by Mr. Alfred A. B. Durand, of Philadelphia, it tvas found to contain 
 albumen, starch, fatty matter, resin, yellow colouring matter, sugar, lignin, and various 
 salts. He also discovered a peculiar nitrogenous, crystallizable substance, for which lie 
 proposes the provisional name of hydrastin, until it shall be determined whether it is, as 
 lie suspects, an organic alkali. {Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiii. 113.) The root probably 
 possesses the ordinary virtues of the vegetable bitters, and is said to be popularly employed 
 as a tonic in some parts of the country. In the form of infusion, it has been used in the 
 Western States as a topical application in ophthalmia ; and the Indians are said to employ 
 it in the same manner in old ulcers of the legs. The notion of its efficacy in cancer, ori- 
 ginating in a report which reached the late Professor Barton, that it was used in the cure 
 of this complaint by the Cherokees, is probably altogether groundless. Dr. U. E. Ewing, 
 of Lexington, Ky., and Dr. D. M. McCann, of Martinsburgli, Ohio, have recommended 
 an infusion or decoction of the root as an injection in gonorrhoea. Dr. McCann made the 
 decoction in the proportion of a drachm of the dried root to a pint of water, and injected 
 a syringe-full three times a day. Dr. Ewing used the infusion with the addition of sulphate 
 of copper. {Med. Examiner, N. S., vii. 733.) Dr. P. C. Gooch has subsequently used it in 
 five cases, and obtained no good effect whatever. [Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., xxiii. 
 286. ) The Indians employ the juice of the root to stain their clothing, &c, yellow. 
 
 IIYDRIODIC ACID. Acidum Hydriodicum, Dr. Andrew Buchanan, of Glasgow, recom- 
 mends the following formula for obtaining this acid for medicinal purposes. Take of 
 iodide of potassium 330 grains, tartaric acid 264 grains. Dissolve the salts, separately, 
 each in a fluidounce and a half of distilled water, and mix the solutions. Filter the liquor, 
 in order to separate the bitartrate of potassa which precipitates, and add to it sufficient 
 distilled water to make the whole measure fifty fluidraclims. When of this strength, each 
 fluidrachm of the acid contains five grains of iodine. The solution of hydriodic acid, 
 when thus prepared, is sufficiently pure for medicinal use, although containing a little 
 cream of tartar in solution. At first it is limpid, or has only a slight yellow tinge; but 
 on keeping it assumes, first a ■wine-yellow, and afterwards a beautiful red colour, in con- 
 sequence of the disengagement of iodine. 
 
 Dr. Buchanan considers uncombined iodine to be an irritant, and its alterative powers, 
 when these are manifested, to depend upon its conversion into hydriodic acid, of a strength 
 sufficiently moderate to be readily absorbed, and to pass into the current of the circulation. 
 He conceives that when iodine is given, and proves to be absorbed, it is by being first con- 
 verted into hydriodic acid by hydrogen derived from the gastric juice, or from the tissues 
 of the stomach, which latter undergo corrosion. A desire to avoid this incidental irritant 
 effect led Dr. Buchanan at first to combine the iodine with starch, which he supposes to 
 
1342 Appendix. 
 
 furnish the necessary hydrogen while undergoing digestion, and finally to use the hydri- 
 odic acid ready formed. 
 
 In giving the liquid hydriodic acid according to his formula, Dr Buchanan begins bv 
 exhibiting a few drops, and afterwards increases the dose, first to a fluidrachm and finallv 
 to half a fluidounce three times a day, equal to a drachm of iodine daily. This was Id's 
 ordinary maximum dose, but sometimes he gave a fluidounce three times a day. In all 
 cases the acid was administered sufficiently diluted with water to reduce it to an agreeable 
 sourness, in which state it possesses no irritant action whatever.' When, however, the 
 acid has undergone a change of colour, as previously mentioned, Dr. Buchanan uses a solu- 
 tion of starch as a vehicle, in order to divest the free iodine, the presence of which is 
 indicated by this change, of all irritant qualities. Hydriodic acid, when thus used, ex- 
 hibits the same therapeutic effects as free iodine, with the advantages of having no irritant 
 property, and of affording the means of introducing much larger quantities of iodine into 
 the system through the medium of absorption, than when given in the ordinary form. 
 (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., xx. 210 and 214, from the Med. Gazette.) Dr. Samuel Lewis and 
 Mr. T. J. Husband, of this city^, have combined hydriodic acid with several of the organic 
 alkalies, with a view to form new medicinal preparations. (Am. Journ. of 1'harm., xvi. 21.) 
 
 HYDRIODIC ETHER. Mother ILjdriodicue. Iodide of Ethyle. This ether mav be 
 obtained by gradually and cautiously mixing five parts of alcohol, ten of iodine, and' one 
 of phosphorus, and distilling. The phosphorus is converted into phosphorous acid bv the 
 oxygen of the alcohol, and the liberated ethyle unites with the iodine. Hydriodic ether 
 is a colourless non-inflammable liquid, insoluble in water, with a penetrating ethereal odour 
 and pungent taste. Its density is 192, and boiling point 158° F. When exposed to the 
 air it becomes red from the liberation of iodine, a change which is prevented by adding to 
 the bottle containing the ether, a globule of mercury. Being an iodide of ethyle, its 
 formula is C 4 H 6 I. M. Huette has proposed this ether as a medicinal agent, to be used bv 
 inhalation, placed under a layer of water. Fifteen or twenty inspirations suffice to im- 
 pregnate the system with iodine. Its physiological effects appear to be those of an anti- 
 spasmodic and general stimulant. It increases the appetite, renders the pulse fuller, and 
 gives vivacity to the feelings and activity to the intellect. M. Huette considers it a 
 suitable preparation for bringing the system rapidly under the influence of iodine, and 
 by any desired dose. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiii. 156.) 
 
 HYDROCOTYLE ASIATICA. Thick-leaved Pennywort. Bevilacgua. Boileau. This is a 
 small umbelliferous plant, with a trailing stem, and, in consequence of the shape of its 
 leaves, bearing some resemblance to the violet. It grows in moist groumls in India. 
 Southern Africa, and the Islands of the Indian Ocean. It has long been ranked among 
 the medicinal plants of India, where it has been used as an alterative to purify the blood 
 in children. It has been supposed to possess diuretic properties ; and, according t" Ainslie. 
 is employed in infusion with fenugreek in fever and bowel complaints. But it has recent', y 
 attracted considerable attention, from the claims strongly urged in its favour as a remedy 
 in that most obstinate affection often called leprosy, but more correctly elephantiasis of the 
 Greeks. It was first employed in this complaint by Dr. Boileau, of the Island of Mauri- 
 tius, who was himself a victim of the disease, and had resorted to this remedy under the 
 false impression that it might be identical or analogous with the cuichunchuUi. He was 
 so much pleased with its effects that he was induced to try it upon others : and a great 
 number of lepers were put under its influence. All the cases were arrested, many 
 were benefited, and in some the disease almost disappeared. The statements of Dr. 
 Boileau have been supported by those of M. Lepine, of Pondicherry, and the medicine 
 would certainly seem to merit a thorough investigation. Dr. Boileau, probably at first 
 in ignorance of its proper botanical title, gave it the name of bevilacgua. He used it 
 in powder, infusion, and syrup. An ounce of the dried plant may be given daily in the 
 form of infusion, made with a pint of water. This should be continued for several weeks, 
 and combined with baths, and attention to the state of the bowels. After this prepara- 
 tion, the syrup is to be given in spoonful doses three times a day, to be gradually in- 
 creased after three weeks, if no improvement has taken place, to eight spoonfuls daily. 
 The powder may be added to the syrup, if deemed necessary, in the dose, at first of fifteen 
 grains, increased cautiously to a drachm. (Journ. de Pharm., oe s€r., xxiv. 424. and xxv. 
 153.) 
 
 HYDROCYANIC ETHER. JEther Hydrocyanicus. Ilydrocyanate of Etlrine. Cyanurtt 
 of Ethyle. This ether was discovered by Pelouze. It is formed by distilling a mixture 
 of sulphovinate of baryta and cyanuret of potassium. It is a colourless liquid of a pene- 
 trating garlic odour, soluble in alcohol and ether, sparingly soluble in water, boiling at 
 180°, and weighing specifically 0-78. It is very poisonous, but less so than hydrocyanic 
 acid, with which it agrees in therapeutic action and dose. 
 
Appendix. 1343 
 
 HYPERICUM PERFORATUM. St. John's Wort. A perennial lierb, abundant both 
 in Europe and this country, often covering whole fields, and proving extremely trouble- 
 some to farmers. It is usually from one to two feet high, with leaves which, from the 
 presence of numerous transparent vesicles, appear as if perforated, and have hence given 
 origin to the botanical designation of the plant. The flowers, w r hich are numerous and of 
 a deep-yellow colour, appear during the summer from June to August. The flowering 
 summits are the parts used, though the unripe capsules are possessed of the virtues of the 
 plant in an equal degree, and the seeds are said to be even stronger. St. John’s wort has 
 a peculiar balsamic odour, which is rendered more sensible by rubbing or bruising the plant. 
 Its taste is bitter, resinous, and somewhat astringent. It imparts a yellow colour to cold 
 water, and reddens alcohol and the fixed oils Its chief constituents are volatile oil, a 
 resinous substance, tannin, and colouring matter. As a medicine it was in high repute 
 among the ancients, and the earlier modern physicians. Among the complaints for which 
 it was used were hysteria, mania, intermittent fever, dysentery, gravel, hemorrhages, 
 pectoral complaints, worms, and jaundice; but it was, perhaps, most highly esteemed as a 
 remedy in wounds and bruises, for which it was employed both internally and externally. 
 It is difficult to ascertain its exact value as a remedy ; but from its sensible properties, and 
 from the character of the complaints in which it has been thought useful, it may be con- 
 sidered, independently of its astringency, as somewhat analogous in medical power to the 
 turpentines. It formerly enjoyed great reputation for the cure of demoniacs ; and the 
 superstition still lingers among the vulgar in some countries. At present the plant is 
 scarcely used except as a domestic remedy. The summits were given in the dose of two 
 drachms or more. A preparation was at one time officinal, under the name of oleum hyperici, 
 made by treating them with a fixed oil. It has a red colour, and is still used in many fami- 
 lies as a sovereign remedy for bruises. 
 
 Hl'POSULPHITE OF SODA. Soda; Hyposulphis. This salt is readily prepared, ac- 
 cording to Walchner, by mixing a pound of dry carbonate of soda, in fine powder, with 
 five ounces of sulphur, heating the mixture gradually in a porcelain vessel until the sul- 
 phur melts, and stirring the agglutinated mass, still kept hot, in order that every portion 
 of it may come in contact with the air. The sulphuret of sodium, first formed, is thus 
 converted into sulphite of soda. This is dissolved in water, and the filtered solution, 
 being boiled with sulphur, becomes one of hyposulphite of soda, from which, on concen- 
 tration, the salt is deposited in large, colourless, transparent crystals, which are freely 
 soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol. Hyposulphite of soda is largely used by da'- 
 guerreotj'pists for the purpose of dissolving the sensitive coating of iodide of silver from 
 the plate, after the action of the light, and thus fixing the image already formed. 
 
 Latterly, this salt has been used in skin diseases, and especially in that form of stomach 
 disease attended with yeasty vomiting. It is particularly efficacious in the treatment of 
 violent irritations of the skin ; but is also useful in visceral obstructions. It may be pre- 
 pared as a syrup by dissolving an ounce and a half of the salt in seven fluidounces of 
 water, and adding sixteen ounces of sugar. Of this two teaspoonfuls may be taken three 
 times a day. (Mouchon, Ann. de Therop.. 1852, 111.) Dr. R. Neale, of London, has used 
 this salt with great advantage in an obstinate case of yeasty vomiting, in which the 
 vomited matter showed, under the microscope, numerous sarcinm ventriculi. He gave 
 it in the dose of from ten to fifteen grains three times a day, in half a fluidounce of infu- 
 sion of quassia. ( Braithu'ai/e’s Retrospect, xxviii. 131.) 
 
 HYPOSULPHITE OF SODA AND SILVER. Sodx et Argenti Hyposulphis. This 
 double salt may be prepared by dissolving freshly precipitated oxide of silver in a solu- 
 tion of hyposulphite of soda, and evaporating the solution. It is in the form of minute 
 crystals, very soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol, and possessing a very sweet taste. 
 Its solution, protected from the light, undergoes no change, and, when quite pure, does 
 not discolour the skin or linen. M. Delioux, of Rochefort, has tried this salt externally 
 only, and thinks it acts like nitrate of silver, but more mildly. He used it with advantage 
 in urethral discharges especially, dissolved in the proportion of one or two parts in two 
 hundred of water. ( B . and F. Medico- Ckirurg. Review, Am. ed., April, 1853, p. 447, from 
 the Bull, de Therap.) 
 
 HYSSOP US OFFICINALIS. Hyssop. This is a labiate plant, belonging to the class 
 and order Didyuamia Gymnospermia of the sexual system. It is perennial, with nume- 
 rous erect, quadrangular, somewhat branching stems, which are woody in their inferior 
 portion, about two feet high, and furnished with opposite, sessile, lanceolate-linear, 
 pointed, punctate leaves. The flowers are violet-coloured or blue, sometimes white, 
 turned chiefly to one side, and arranged in half vertieillated, terminal, leafy spikes. The 
 upper lip of the corolla is roundish and notched at the apex, the lower is divided into 
 three segments, of which the undermost is obovate. 
 
1844 Appendix. 
 
 Common hyssop is a native of the continent of Europe, where, as well as in this country, 
 it is also cultivated in gardens. The flowering summits and leaves are the parts used. 
 They have an agreeable aromatic odour, and a warm, pungent, bitterikh taste. These 
 properties they owe to an essential oil, which may be obtained separate by distillation 
 with water, and rises also with alcohol. Hyssop is a warm geDtly stimulant aromatic, 
 applicable to the same cases with the other labiate plants. Its infusion has been much 
 employed in chronic catarrhs, especially in old people, and those of a debilitated habit of 
 body. It acts by facilitating the expectoration of the mucus which is too abundantly 
 secreted. In this country, however, it is very seldom used by regular practitioners. 
 
 IBERIS AMARA. Bitter candytuft. A small herbaceous plant, indigenous in Europe, 
 where it is cultivated in gardens, on account of its bright milk-white flowers. The 
 leaves, stem, and root are said to possess medicinal properties ; but the seeds are the most 
 efficacious. The plant appears to have been employed by the ancients in rheumatism, 
 gout, and other diseases. It has recently been brought into notice by Dr. Silvester, who 
 ascribes to the late Dr. Williams, of St. Thomas’s Hospital, England, the merit of having 
 first ascertained its real therapeutic value. In large doses it produces giddiness, nausea, 
 and diarrhoea ; but its virtues do not seem to be associated with any perceptible physio- 
 logical effect. It is thought to exercise a happy influence over the excited actions or the 
 heart, and is especially useful in hypertrophy. Much advantage is also said to have 
 accrued from it in asthma, bronchitis, and dropsy. The dose of the seeds is from one to 
 three grains. ( Prov . Med. and Surg. Journ., July 28, 1847.) 
 
 ILEX. Holly. Several species of Ilex are employed in different parts of the world. 
 The I. Aquifolium, or common European holly, has attracted much attention in France. It 
 is usually a shrub, but in some places attains the magnitude of a middling- sized tree. 
 Different parts of it are used. The viscid substance called birdlime is prepared- from the 
 inner hark. The leaves, which are of a bitter, somewhat austere taste, were formerly 
 much esteemed as a diaphoretic, and in the form of infusion were employed in catarrh, 
 pleurisy, small-pox, gout, &c. A few years since they gained some reputation in France 
 as a cure for intermittents, and were considered by some as equal to Peruvian bark : but 
 the first reports in their favour have not been fully confirmed. They were used in pow- 
 der, in the dose of a drachm two hours before the paroxysm ; and this dose was some- 
 times repeated frequently during the apyrexia. Their febrifuge virtues are said to 
 depend on a bitter principle, for which the name of ilicin has been proposed. M. Labour-, 
 dais obtained this principle by boiling a filtered decoction of holly leaves with animal 
 charcoal, allowing the charcoal to subside, washing it, then treating it with alcohol, filter- 
 ing off the alcoholic solution, and evaporating it to a syrupy consistence. The liquid 
 thus obtained was very bitter, and on being allowed to evaporate spontaneously, yielded 
 an amorphous substance, having the appearance of gelatin, which was the principle in 
 question. (Am. Journ. of P harm., xxi. 89, from Ann. de Cnim. el de Phys.) The b rrks are 
 about the size of a pea, red and bitter, and are said to be purgative, emetic, and diuretic. 
 Ten or twelve of them will usually act on the bowels, and sometimes vomit. Their 
 expressed juice has been used in jaundice. 
 
 The Ilex opaca, or American holly, is a middling-sized evergreen tree, growing through- 
 out the Atlantic section of the United States, and especially abundant in New Jersey. It 
 is so similar to the European plant, that it is, by some writers, considered as the same 
 species. It is said to possess the same medical properties. 
 
 The Ilex Paraguaiensis, or I. Mate of St. Hilaire, yields the celebrated Paraguay tea, so 
 extensively consumed as a beverage in the interior of South America. The leaves, 
 which are the part used, have a balsamic odour and a bitter taste, and are usually at 
 first disagreeable to the palate. They have a pleasant corroborant effect upon the sto- 
 mach ; but, when very largely taken, are said to purge and vomit. They are used in the 
 form of infusion. According to the experiments of Stenhouse, these leaves contain a 
 principle identical with the caffein of tea and of coffee; and like them contain also tannic 
 acid ; so that a close analogy exists in composition as well as effects between these three 
 products, so little allied botanically, and so far separated in place of growth. 
 
 The Ilex vomitoria of Aitou and Linn., the I. Cassina of Michaux, is a handsome ever- 
 green shrub, growing in our Southern States, and especially abundant along the southern 
 coast of Florida, It is the cassina of the Indians, who formerly employed a decoction 
 made from the toasted leaves, called black drink, both as a medicine, and as a drink of 
 etiquette at their councils. It acts as an emetic. The leaves of the Ite. t Baboon of " al- 
 ter and Michaux have similar properties, and are also said to have entered into the com- 
 position of the black drink. 
 
 ILLICIUM FLO 11 ID AM CM. Florida Anise-tree. This is an evergreen shrub or small 
 tree, growing in Florida, along the coast which bounds the Gulf of Mexico. The bark, 
 
1345 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 leaves, and probably also the seed vessels, are endowed with a spicy odour and taste, 
 analogous to those of anise, and might, perhaps, be used for the same purposes as that 
 aromatic. It is a question worthy of investigation whether the capsules of this plant 
 might not be substituted for those of the IUicium anisatum or star aniseed, which yield 
 much of the oil used in this country under the name of oil of anise. (See Anisum.) An- 
 other species, the I. parviflorum, a shrub found by Michaux in the hilly regions of Georgia 
 and Carolina, has a flavour closely resembling that of sassafras root. 
 
 IMPATIENS FULYA and 1MPATIENS PALLIDA. Touch-me-not. Jewel-weed. Bal- 
 sam-weed. These two species of Impatieus are indigenous, annual, succulent plants, from 
 two to four feet high, growing in low moist grounds in all parts of the Union, and flower- 
 ing in JUI 3 ’ and August. They may be known by their tender, juicy, almost transparent 
 stems; by their yellow flowers, which in one species are pale and sparingly punctate, in 
 the other, are deeper coloured and crowded with dark spots; and by their capsules, 
 which burst elastically, and curl up with the slightest pressure. They probably possess 
 properties similar to those of the I. Noli-me-tangerc of Europe, which has an acrid burn- 
 ing taste, and, when taken internally, acts as an emetic, , cathartic, and diuretic, though 
 considered dangerous, and therefore little used. The late Dr. Kuan, of Philadelphia, in- 
 formed us that he had employed with great advantage, in piles, an ointment made by 
 boiling the American plants, in their recent state, in lard. The flowers may be used for 
 dyeing yellow. The I. Balsamina or balsam-weed, touch-me-not, <j'C. of the gardens, resem- 
 bles the other species in its effects. 
 
 IMPEUATORIA OSTRUTHIUM. Masterwort. An umbelliferous plant, indigenous 
 in the South of Europe. The root has a strong odour, similar to that of angelica, and a 
 pungent, biting, aromatic taste, attended with a flow of saliva, and followed by a glowing 
 warmth which remains long in the mouth. It was formerly considered alexipkarmic, 
 stomachic, corroborant, emmenagogue, diuretic, and diaphoretic ; and was used in a wide 
 circle of complaints with so much supposed success as to have gained for it the title of 
 divinum remedium. The fact, however, appears to be, that it is merely a stimulant aro- 
 matic, analogous but inferior to angelica, which has nearly superseded it in European 
 practice. In this country, it is unknown as a remedy, and its vulgar name has been ap- 
 plied to another plant. 
 
 INDELIBLE INK. This is prepared by dissolving two drachms of nitrate of silver 
 and a drachm of gum Arabic in a fluidounce of distilled water, coloured with a little 
 Indian ink. It is used for writing with a pen on linen and muslin. The place to be 
 marked is prepared by being moistened with a solution of two ounces of crystallized 
 carbonate of soda and two drachms of gum Arabic in four fluidounces of water, and 
 then dried. The alkaline solution serves to decompose the nitrate, and to protect the 
 cloth from the action of the free nitric acid. At the end of twenty-four hours, the spot 
 is to be washed. 
 
 Mr. Redwood, of London, proposes the following indelible ink, not requiring the use of 
 a mordant. Dissolve an ounce of nitrate of silver, and an ounce and a half of crystallized 
 carbonate of soda, separately, in distilled water, and mix the solutions. Wash the pre- 
 cipitated carbonate of silver, and, having introduced it, still moist, into a Wedgwood 
 mortar, rub it with eight scruples of tartaric acid, until effervescence ceases. Then add 
 strong solution of ammonia, just sufficient to dissolve the tartrate of silver formed (about 
 two fluidounces). Lastly, having mixed in half a fluidounce of archil, half an ounce of 
 white sugar, and an ounce and a half of powdered gum Arabic, add sufficient distilled 
 water to make the whole measure six fluidounces. M. Soubeiran formerly published the 
 following formula for indelible ink, which he considers simpler than Mr. Redwood’s. 
 Dissolve 8 parts of crystallized nitrate of silver, 3 of nitrate of copper, and 4 of carbonate 
 of soda, in 100 parts of water of ammonia, and add to the solution a small quantity of 
 gum. The marks, produced by nitrate of silver on linen or muslin, nmy be completely 
 removed by moistening them with a solution of corrosive sublimate in 30 parts of distilled 
 water, and afterwards washing them with ordinary water. 
 
 M. Jules Guiller has devised the three following formula for marking inks for linen. 1. 
 Nitrate of silver 11 parts; distilled water 85; powdered gum Arabic 20; carbonate of 
 soda 22: solution of ammonia 20. Dissolve the carbonate of soda in tlie water, rubbing 
 the solution with the gum, and the nitrate of silver in the ammonia. Mix the solutions, 
 and gradually heat the mixture in a flask until it boils. This ink flows readily from a pen. 
 2. Nitrate of silver 5 parts; distilled water 12; powdered gum Arabic 5; carbonate of 
 soda 7 ; solution of ammonia 10. The ingredients are treated as in the preceding formula, 
 with the exception that the mixed solution is heated until it becomes of a very dark colour, 
 and is reduced about one-twentieth in volume by evaporation. This ink is suitable for 
 marking on linen with stamps. 3. Nitrate of silver 17 parts; distilled water 85; pow- 
 
 85 
 
1346 
 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 dered gum Arabic 20; carbonate of soda 22; solution of ammonia 42; sulphate of copper 
 33. Dissolve tlie nitrate of silver in the ammonia, the carbonate of soda in 25 parts of the 
 water, and the gum in the remaining 60 of the water. Then mix with the soda solution, 
 first the gum solution, and afterwards the silver solution. Lastly, add the sulphate of 
 copper. This ink has a blue, instead of the dark-brown colour of the others. (See Am. 
 Journ. of Pharm., Jan. 1853, p. 33.) 
 
 Herberger recommends the following indelible ink for other purposes than marking 
 linen. Dissolve wheat gluten, carefully freed from starch, in a little weak acetic acid, and 
 dilute the solution with rain water, so as to have about the strength of wine vinegar. For 
 every four ounces of the solution, add ten grains of the best lampblack, two grains of 
 indigo, and a little oil of cloves. This ink has a beautiful black colour, and cannot be 
 removed by chlorine or dilute acids. ( Chem . Gaz., No. 70, p. 394.) 
 
 INDIAN RED. A purplish-red pigment, brought from the island of Ormus in the Per- 
 sian Gulf. It is a red ochre, and owes its colour to the red oxide of iron. 
 
 INDIAN YELLOW. This is a pigment manufactured from a yellow substance from 
 India, called purree. Purree occurs in commerce in balls, of from three to four ounces in 
 weight, which are dark-brown externally, and deep-orange within. It has a peculiar smell, 
 closely resembling that of castor. This circumstance gave rise to the belief that it was 
 of animal origin; but Dr. Stenhouse, who examined it chemically, finds that it contains 
 no nitrogen, and from this and other facts is led to the opinion that it is a vegetable sub- 
 stance. Upon analysis he found it to consist of magnesia, united with a peculiar acid, 
 which he names purreie ( euxanthic acid of Erdmann), and which forms nearly one-half of 
 the crude substance. Purreie acid is in small crystals of a light-yellow colour, dissolving 
 sparingly in cold water, pretty readily in boiling water, and abundantly in hot alcohol. 
 It has at first a sweetish, and then a slightly bitter taste, and possesses, in appearance, 
 considerable resemblance to berberiu. When acted upon by boiling nitric acid, it is finally 
 converted into a new acid, crystallizing in yellow needles, called by Erdmann, oxy picric 
 acid. The ultimate constituents of purreie acid are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. From 
 his examination of purree, Dr. Stenhouse concludes that it is probably the juice of some 
 plant, saturated with magnesia, and boiled down to a solid consistence. (See his paper in 
 the Philos. Mag., xxv. 321.) 
 
 INDIGO. This well-known and highly important dye-stuff is obtained from various spe- 
 cies of Indigofera, especially I. tincloria, I. Anil, and I. argentca; and is said to be afforded 
 also by other plants, such as Wrightia tincloria, Polygonum tinctorium, Galcga tincloi In, kc. 
 In the process of preparing it, the plant is macerated iu water; fermentation takes place; 
 the liquor becomes of a greenish colour, and in due time is decanted; the colouring prin- 
 ciple dissolved by the water absorbs oxygen from the air, and assumes a blue colour, 
 becoming at the same time insoluble; a gradual precipitation takes place, favoured by the 
 addition of lime-water or an alkaline solution; and finally the precipitated matter, having 
 been washed upon linen filters, is dried, shaped usually into cubical masses, and sent into 
 market. Most of the indigo consumed in dyeing is brought from the East Indies, though 
 considerable quantities are imported also from Guatemala, and the northern coast of t-outh 
 America. It is of an intensely blue colour, but assumes a coppery or bronze hue when 
 rubbed by a smooth hard body, as the nail. Heated to 550°, it emits a reddish-violet 
 vapour, which condenses in minute crystals. It is insoluble in water, or alcohol, but is 
 readily dissolved by sulphuric acid, which, without destroying its blue colour, so far alters 
 its nature as to render it freely Soluble in water, and thus affords a convenient method of 
 applying it to the purposes of dyeing. The solution in sulphuric acid is kept in the shops 
 under the name of sulphate of indigo. According to Berzelius, indigo contains, among other 
 ingredients, four distinct principles ; — 1. a substance resembling gluten ; 2. a brown colour- 
 ing substance; 3. a red colouring substance; and 4. a blue colouring substance, which is 
 the principle upon which its value as a material for dyeing depends, and which seldom 
 constitutes so much as one-half of the indigo of commerce. This blue colouring matter 
 is called indigotin. By deoxidizing agents it is deprived of its blue colour, which it recovers 
 by exposure to the air, in consequence of the absorption of oxygen. Chlorine also destroys 
 the blue colour. M. Preisser has concluded, from an elaborate examination of the coio 
 ing principles of plants, 1. that these principles are colourless in the young plants. 2. that 
 they acquire colour by combination with oxygen, 3. that all the colouring matters, extracted 
 from any one plant, are produced by the oxidation in different degrees of a single principle, 
 4. that they are deprived of colour by substances having a strong affinity for oxygen, and 
 reacquire it by contact with oxidizing bodies, and 5. that these colouring principles are 
 acids, and the lakes which they form genuine salts. {Journ. de Pharm., 3 c scr.. v. 263.) For 
 modes of testing the value of any specimen of indigo, the reader is referred to the Chemical 
 Gazette (vii. 463, viii. 443, and x. 159); also to the Am. Journ. of Pharm. (xxv. 223). 
 
Appendix. 1347 
 
 Indigo lias been introduced to the notice of the profession as a remedial agent. It was 
 at first chiefly employed by the German physicians, from whose statements our knowledge 
 of its physiological action and therapeutical application was derived. Though without 
 odour and taste, it is said, in most individuals, to produce nausea and vomiting, frequently 
 to operate upon the bowels, giving a bluish-black colour to the stools, to render the urine 
 of a dark-violet or dark-green colour, without increasing its quantity, and sometimes to 
 stimulate the secretory function of the uterus. From these statements it would appear 
 to act as an irritant to tire alimentary mucous membrane. The character of its general 
 influence upon the system has not been well ascertained. In some instances, it is asserted 
 to have been given in very large doses without any obvious effect. The complaints in 
 which it has been employed, with supposed advantage, are epilepsy, infantile convulsions, 
 chorea, hysteria, and amenorrhoea. It is given, usually, in connexion with some aromatic 
 powder, in the dose of a scruple three times a day, which may be increased to a drachm 
 or more; and from half an ounce to an ounce has daily been employed for months together 
 without disadvantage. (See Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., xx. 487.) 
 
 IODIDE OF AMMONIUM. Ammonii Iodidum. Hydriodate of Ammonia. This salt is 
 best prepared by the following method, devised by Mr. John A. Spencer, of London. Add 
 to a portion of iodine, placed in a flask with a little water, a solution of hydrosulphate of 
 ammonia, until the mixture loses its red colour, and is turbid from the separation of sul- 
 phur only. Shake the flask, w'hich causes the sulphur, for the most part, to agglomerate : 
 and, having poured off the liquid, boil it until all odour of sulphuretted hydrogen and of 
 ammonia is lost. Then filter the liquid, and, constantly stirring, evaporate it, first with 
 a naked flame until it becomes pasty, and then in a water bath until it forms a dry salt. 
 Iodide of ammonium, as thus prepared, is a crystalline powder, which is beautifully white 
 at first, but becomes, in a few weeks, yellowish, and, at last, brown. It may, however, 
 be easily restored by dissolving the coloured salt in water, treating the solution with a 
 little sulphuretted hydrogen water, until it is rendered colourless, filtering, and evaporating 
 to dryness. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., March, 1853, p. 134.) Latterly, this salt has been 
 used as a substitute for iodide of potassium. By Dr. Pennock it is considered as a good 
 remedy in certain cases of lepra and psoriasis, made into an ointment. (Am. Journ. of Med. 
 Sci., xv. 374.) The proportions employed are from a scruple to a drachm of the salt to 
 an ounce of lard; the weaker preparation being used when the disease is recent, the 
 stronger when it is chronic. The ointment is employed in frictions in the amount of half 
 an ounce, morning and evening. As the iodide is decomposed by the air, the ointment 
 should be kept in well stopped bottles. Iodide of ammonium is used in photography. 
 
 IODIDE OF BARIUM. Barii Iodidum. This compound may be formed by double de- 
 composition, by adding carbonate of baryta to a boiling solution of iodide of iron. M. 
 Heury, juu., obtains it by decomposing a solution of sulphuret of barium (see page 908) 
 by a concentrated alcoholic solution of iodine. Sulphur is precipitated, which is separated 
 by filtration, and iodide of barium formedin solution, from which it is obtained in the solid 
 state bj 7 a rapid evaporation to dryness. It crystallizes in small, colourless needles, which 
 deliquesce slightly, and are very soluble in water. The solution promptly undergoes decom- 
 position by exposure to the air, carbonate of baryta being precipitated, and iodine set free, 
 which colours the solution. It has been used with advantage by Jahn, as an alterative, in 
 scrofulous affections and morbid growths. Lugol employed it in scrofulous enlargements. 
 The dose is the eighth of a grain three times a day, gradually increased to three grains. 
 Biett applied it to scrofulous swellings in the form of ointment, made with four grains of 
 the iodide to an ounce of lard. 
 
 IODIDE OF SILVER. Argenti Iodidum. This compound is formed by double decom- 
 position, by adding a solution of iodide of potassium to one of nitrate of silver. It is a 
 greenish-yellow powder, nearly insoluble in ammonia. It possesses the general medical 
 properties of nitrate of silver, and, according to Dr. Charles Patterson, of Dublin, may be 
 used without any danger of producing the discoloration of skin which sometimes follows 
 the use of that salt. Dr. Patterson found it generally successful in curing the stomach 
 affections of the Irish peasantry, in the treatment of which nitrate of silver had been pre- 
 viously found useful. He succeeded with it in curing several cases of hooping-cough in 
 a short time, and in greatly relieving a case of dysmenorrhoea of three years’ standing. 
 Its effects in epilepsy were least satisfactory. The dose is one or two grains, three times 
 a day, given in the form of pill ; for children, from an eighth to a fourth of a grain, according 
 to the age. 
 
 IODIDE OF STARCH. Dr. A. Buchanan, of Glasgow, proposed this compound as a 
 means of administering iodine in large doses without causing irritation of the stomach. 
 He prepares it by triturating twenty-four grains of iodine with a little, water, adding 
 gradually an ounce of very finely powdered starch, and continuing the trituration until 
 
1348 Appendix. 
 
 the compound assumes a uniform blue colour. The iodide is then dried by a gentle heat, 
 and kept in a well stopped bottle. The dose is a heaped teaspoonful, given in water gruel, 
 three times a day, and afterwards increased to a tablespoonful. No nicety is necessary in 
 apportioning the dose. In some cases Dr. Buchanan has given half ounce doses of the 
 iodide three times a day, immediately increased to an ounce. Exhibited in this state of 
 combination, iodine produces, according to this writer, little or no irritation of the ali- 
 mentary canal ; but is freely absorbed, as is proved by its detection in large quantity in 
 the secretions. Dr. Buchanan conceives that, by means of the starch, the iodine is con- 
 verted into hydriodic acid, and in this form of combination enters the circulation. He 
 prefers the iodide of starch to any other preparation of iodine for obtaining the alterative 
 apart from the irritant effects of this substance. (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., xx. 213 and 2] 7.; 
 See Ilydriodic Acid, page 1341. 
 
 It is a point of importance to have the iodide of starch soluble in water. This advantage 
 is gained by roasting the starch moderately, whereby it is converted into dextrine, before 
 it is mixed with the iodine. The process of M. Magnes-Lahens, of Toulouse, with whom 
 this plan originated, is as follows. Take of iodine one pari, starch, properly roasted and 
 afterwards exposed to the air to recover its original hygrometrie state, nine parts. Reduce 
 the iodine to fine powder, and, by a rapid trituration, rub the starch with it, added by 
 small portions at a time. Expose the mixture to heat in a closed flask, by means of a wa- 
 ter bath, until from being gray, it becomes of an intensely blue colour, and then wash it 
 with alcohol to separate all traces of free iodine. The soluble iodide of starch, thus formed, 
 may be converted into a syrup, by dissolving 25 parts of it in 325 parts of water, by means 
 of a water bath, and adding to the solution 650 parts of sugar. This syrup is perfectly 
 limpid, entirely exempt from the odour of iodine, and of a splendid violet-blue colour. It 
 contains two and a half per cent, of soluble iodide of starch, and about a quarter of one 
 per cent, of iodine. (Journ. dePharm., April, 1851, p. 243.) 
 
 M. Magnes-Lahens has since abandoned the use of torrefied starch, and the washing 
 with alcohol, and contents himself with making an intimate mixture of iodine and starch, 
 slightly moistened, which he subjects to the heat of a water bath until it is converted into 
 the iodide of starch, forming a solution with water of a magnificent blue colour. The 
 heat, thus regulated, disaggregates the starch, without completely transforming it into 
 dextrine, and gives a preparation, in the form of a black powder, resembling the soluble 
 iodide of starch prepared by M. Quesneville by a secret process. M. Seput, of Constan- 
 tinople, has also given a formula for this soluble iodide, and for a syrup to be made from 
 it. (See Journ. dePharm., March, 1852, p. 202.) M. Soubeiran has reported upon these 
 preparations to the Paris Society of Pharmacy, and deems them ineligible on account of 
 their variable strength in iodine, arising from the greater or less loss of this element dur- 
 ing the necessary exposure to heat. Nevertheless, as the syrup is called for. he recom- 
 mends the following process for making it, availing himself of the observations of his 
 predecessors, which he had occasion to cite in liis report. The quantities of the ingredients 
 will be stated in French grammes, each of which weighs about fifteen grains. Triturate 
 thoroughly, in a porcelain mortar, 36 grammes of nitric starch with 4.) grammes of iodine, 
 dissolved in three times its weight of ether, and added in successive portions, until, after 
 the evaporation of the greater part of the ether, a blue powder remains. Introduce this 
 into a weighed, stoppered flask, and, having added 520 grammes of water, expose the whole 
 to the heat of a water bath, with the stopper at first removed, in order to complete the 
 dissipation of the ether. Afterwards the stopper is replaced, being loosely tied with a 
 packthread, so as to permit of its being raised without being driven out : and the heat is 
 continued for about an horn - and a half, when the iodide of starch will be completely 
 formed. The flask is then weighed, and a quantity of water added to it. equal to that lost 
 by evaporation. Lastly, 1040 grammes of sugar are added to the liquid, and dissolved by 
 a gentle heat. By this formula a syrup is prepared, containing a quarter of one per cent, 
 of iodine, a small part of which is in the state of hydriodic acid. The nitric starch is used 
 by M. Soubeiran, because it unites with the iodine in much less time than the ordinary 
 starch. It is made by mixing ordinary starch, in the cold, with 150 parts of water, to which 
 1 part of nitric acid has been added, and allowing the whole to dry in the open air. Three 
 grains of this syrup, diluted with a pint of water, communicate to the solution a sensible 
 blue tint. This test may serve to determine whether the preparation is of full strength. 
 (Journ. de Pharm., May, 1852, pi. 329.) The dose of this syrup is from one to four table- 
 spoonfuls a day. 
 
 IODIDE OF ZINC. Zinci Iodidum. This iodide may be formed by digesting an excess 
 of zinc, in small pieces, with iodine diffused in water. Combination takes place, and. by 
 evaporation, a deliquescent, very soluble saline mass is obtained, having a metallic styptic 
 taste, resembling that of sulphate of zinc. It may also be obtained by heating in a ma- 
 trass a mixture of 20 parts of zinc and 170 of iodine, and subliming into a vial. 11 hen 
 
Appendix. 1349 
 
 thus prepared, it is in the form of white needles. This salt is very liable to undergo spon- 
 taneous decomposition. 
 
 Iodide of zinc is tonic and astringent. It has been lately tried by Dr. Barlow, in Guy’s 
 Hospital, in cases of chorea, scrofula, cachexia, and in some forms of hysteria. [Med. Times 
 and Gaz., Nov., 1853, p. 501.) The best form of administration is syrup, to protect it from 
 change, originally proposed by the late Dr. A. T. Thomson, and made on the same plan as 
 the syrup of iodide of iron. (See page 1005.) Mr. A. B. Taylor, of Philadelphia, proposes 
 to form it by gently heating, in au evaporating dish, twelve drachms and two scruples of 
 iodine, and an ounce of finely granulated zinc, with nine fluidounces of water, until they 
 unite, filtering the solution, while hot, on a pound (avoird.) of sugar, contained in a wide- 
 mouthed bottle holding a little more than a pint, and adding, through the filter, sufficient 
 water to make the whole measure a pint. This syrup is perfectly clear and colourless, is 
 styptic to the taste, and contains a drachm of iodide of zinc in each fluidounce. [Am. 
 Journ. of Pharm., Jan., 1852, p. 33.) The dose of this syrup is from 20 to 50 drops, 
 sufficiently diluted with water, three times a day. 
 
 Iodide of zinc has been used for many years as an external application. Dr. J. J. Ross, 
 of Scotland, employed a solution, containing from 10 to 30 grains to the fluidounce of wa- 
 ter, with great advantage in enlarged tonsils, applied by means of a piece of sponge tied 
 to a quill. After the use of the solution for some time, he applied the iodide, rendered 
 liquid by deliquescence, by means of a camel’s hair brush. A solution containing one or 
 two grains to the fluidounce of water, has been used as an astringent injection in gonor- 
 rhoea. An ointment, made of a drachm of the iodide with an ounce of lard, has been pro- 
 posed by Dr. Ure as a substitute for the ointment of iodide of potassium in the treatment 
 of tumours, applied in the quantity of a drachm twice a day. 
 
 IODIDES OF CALOMEL. These iodides, comprising a subiodide and protiodide, were 
 brought forward as remedies by M. Boutigny. They are formed by the action of one eq. 
 of iodine on two and one eqs. severally of calomel, the combination being aided by a gentle 
 heat. Both these iodides are active preparations, and have been employed with success 
 in syphilitic, scrofulous, and cancerous affections. The subiodide may be given in pill, in 
 the dose of the twenty-fifth of a grain. The protiodide is used externally only, and should 
 be applied with caution. It acts as a caustic, and may be cast into sticks, like nitrate of 
 silver. An ointment may be made of it, by rubbing one part with twenty of fresh lard. 
 A portion of the ointment, the size of a large pea, may be rubbed daily on a scrofulous 
 tumour, in the arm pits, or on the inner part of the thigh. The composition assigned by 
 M. Boutigny to these compounds requires confirmation. [Ann. de Therap., 1848.) 
 
 IODOFORM. Iodoformum. Teriodide of Formyle. (C 2 HT S .) This is formed, according to 
 the process of MM. Corndlis and Gille, of Liege, by adding to an alcoholic solution of 
 iodide of potassium, heated to 104° F., chlorinated lime, in successive portions, stirring 
 after each addition, until the liquid ceases to assume a dark-red colour. On cooling, 
 a mass of confused crystals is deposited, consisting of iodoform and iodate of lime. By 
 treating these with boiling alcohol of 90 per cent., the iodoform alone is dissolved; and 
 the alcoholic solution, as it cools, deposits the iodoform in crystals. [Journ. dc Pharm., 
 Sept., 1852, p. 196.) It is in the form of yellow crystals, having a strong saffron-like 
 odour, insoluble in water, but readily soluble in alcohol and ether. According to M. 
 Righini, iodoform possesses remarkable antiseptic and antispasmodic properties. He also 
 attributes to it the power of retarding the progress of phthisis, when inhaled in ethereal 
 solution. 
 
 IODOIIYDRARGYRATE OF POTASSIUM. It has been found by chemists that dif- 
 ferent iodides will unite together in different proportions, forming compounds which are 
 called by Berzelius double iodides. Bonsdorff, of Finland, and Dr. Ilare, of this city, 
 with greater reason, have viewed these combinations as a peculiar kind of salts, in which 
 one of the iodides performs the part of an acid, the other of a base. The substance, the 
 name of which is placed at the head of this article, is one of these compounds, and was 
 presented to the notice of the profession, as a new remedy of remarkable powers, in Feb- 
 ruary, 1834, by Dr. William Channing, of New York. (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., xiii. 388.) 
 It consists of biniodide of mercury acting as an acid, and iodide of potassium as a base. 
 But as these iodides combine in at least two proportions, it is necessary to indicate the 
 particular combination employed by Dr. Channing. 
 
 In a difficult case of pectoral disease, iu which the ordinary remedies had failed, Dr. 
 Channing determined to make trial of one of the iodides of mercury. He selected the 
 biniodide ; and, in order to have it in the liquid form, it being insoluble in water, he dis- 
 solved it in a solution of iodide of potassium. He was struck with the chemical changes 
 which the compound solution underwent; and, on pursuing his observations, he found 
 that the two iodides really uuited by the intervention of the water; for, with the aid of 
 
1350 Appendix. 
 
 an operative chemist, he was enabled by evaporation to obtain them in union in the form 
 of straw-coloured, needleform, deliquescent crystals. He next found, upon consulting the 
 European authorities, that Bonsdortf, who had taken the lead in investigating similar com- 
 pounds, had discovered the salt in 1826. 
 
 Dr. Channing analyzed the salt with which he experimented, and found that it consisted 
 of one eq. of biniodide of mercury, and two of iodide of potassium. This he determined 
 by ascertaining that an aqueous solution of a little more than eight grains of iodidfe of 
 potassium would dissolve, and combine with, eleven grains of biniodide of mercury, with- 
 out being liable to decomposition when largely diluted with water. The combination here 
 indicated corresponds with one of the double iodides of mercury and potassium, described 
 by Thenard. ( Traite de Chimie , 6 hmeed., iii. 493.) The other is represented by this author 
 as consisting of a single eq. of each iodide. When copiously diluted with water, every two 
 eqs. of this iodide let fall one eq. of the mercurial iodide; thus evidently converting the 
 salt into the medicinal double iodide. The same decomposition by the use of abundance 
 of water is noticed by Dr. Channing. For remarks on these double iodides see a paper by 
 Mr. Ambrose Smith, Am.Journ. ofPharm., xii. 265. 
 
 Dr. Channing attributes to this preparation the effects of diffusing excitement, and 
 equalizing the circulation. In the different cases in which he tried it, he thought he saw 
 evidence of its favourable influence on the lungs, in allaying cough and improving expec- 
 toration ; on the alimentary canal, in restoring the healthy secretions; on the kidneys, in 
 reviving their activity ; on the skin and cellular tissue, in cicatrizing superficial ulcera- 
 tions; and on the absorbent and exhalant systems, in causing the disappearance of effused 
 fluid. The principal diseases in which he found it useful were chronic bronchitis, hooping 
 cough, tonsillitis, chronic gastro-enteritis, dyspepsia, ascites, anasarca, amenorrhoca, leu- 
 corrhoea, eruptions, and scrofula. In some cases of phthisis, it mitigated the symptoms, 
 and appeared to prolong life. Dr. Hildreth, of Ohio, has tried this preparation, and 
 reports favourably of its effects in ordinary dyspepsia unattended by organic disease, 
 enlargement of the spleen, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhcea, scrofulous affections, 
 ascites, and general dropsy. (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., xxvi. 312.) 
 
 The average dose of the remedy may be stated at the twelfth of a grain three times a 
 day; but in peculiar constitutions, not more than the forty-eighth, the ninety-sixth, or 
 the two hutulreth of a grain daily can be borne. For the convenience of physicians who 
 may wish to make trial of the remedy, we give the following formula, deduced from the 
 statements in Dr. Channing’s paper. — Take of iodide of potassium three and a half grains; 
 biniodide of mercury (red iodide), four and a half grains; distilled water a fluidounce. 
 Dissolve first the iodide of potassium and then the biniodide of mercury in the water. The 
 compound salt in this solution may be assumed to amount to eight grains, though there is 
 a small excess of the iodide of potassium. Of this solution, from two to five drops, con- 
 taining from the thirtieth to the twelfth of a graiu. may be given three times a day. It 
 may be administered in the compound syrup of sarsaparilla, which does not decompose it. 
 
 IONIDIUM MARCUCCI. This name has been conferred by Dr. Bancroft upon a South 
 American plant, supposed to be the source of a medicine used with great asserted advan- 
 tage in Maracaibo and elsewhere, in some of the horrible cutaneous affections, especially 
 elephantiasis, to which the inhabitants of the tropical regions of this continent, are subject. 
 A specimen, however, received from Dr. Bancroft, was found by Sir W. Hooker to be iden- 
 tical with the lonidium parvifiorum of Yentinat. The medicine is called by the Indians 
 cuichunchulli, and grows in the neighbourhood of Riobamba, a small town at the foot of 
 the great mountain of Chimborazo. It is said to be diaphoretic, diuretic, occasionally 
 sialagogue, and in large doses emetic and cathartic. The root is the part used. It is highly 
 probable that other vegetable emeto-cathartics, having the same property of stimulating 
 the secretions, would be found equally effectual. For an account of what is known in re- 
 lation to this medicine, the reader is referred to a paper by Dr. Bancroft, republished in 
 the Am. Journ. of Pharm., iii. p. 125. 
 
 ISATIS TINCTORIA. Wood. Pastel. A biennial plant, indigenous in Europe, where 
 it is also cultivated. The leaves have a fugitive pungent odour, and an acrid very durable 
 taste, and have been used in scorbutic affections, jaundice, and other complaints; but the 
 plant is valuable only as the source of a blue dye stuff, called wood, which has been long 
 employed in Europe, though at present nearly superseded by indigo. The leaves are pre- 
 pared by grinding them to a paste, which is made into balls, placed in heaps, and allowed 
 to ferment. When the fermentation is at an end, the mass falls into a coarse powder, 
 which is the dye- stuff in question. 
 
 KALMIA LATIFOLIA. Laurel. Mountain Laurel. Broad-leafed Laurel. Calico-bush. 
 This well-known evergreen inhabits all sections of the United States, but is particularly 
 abundant on the sides of hills and mountains, which it adorns in summer with its elegant 
 
Appendix. 1351 
 
 flowers. It is from three to ten feet in height. The leaves are possessed of poisonous, 
 narcotic properties, and have been used in medicine. They have been analyzed by Mr. 
 Charles Bullock, of Philadelphia, and found to contain gum, tannic acid, resin, chlorophvlle, 
 fatty matter, a substance resembling mannite, an acrid principle, was, extractive, albu- 
 men, yellow colouring matter, lignin, and salts of potassa, lime, and iron. (Am. Journ. of 
 Pharm., xx. 264.) They are said to prove fatal to sheep and some other animals, but are 
 eaten with impunity by deer, goats, and partridges. Dr. Barton states in his “Collections,” 
 that the Indians sometimes use a decoction of the leaves to destroy themselves. It is said 
 that death has been occasioned by eating the flesh of partridges and pheasants which have 
 fed upon them during winter. Dr. N. Shoemaker published, in the North American Medical 
 and Surgical Journal, two cases of poisoning which resulted from eating a pheasant, in the 
 craw of which laurel leaves were found. The symptoms were nausea, temporary blindness, 
 pain in the head, dyspnoea, pallid countenance, cold extremities, and a very feeble pulse, 
 which in one case was for some time absent at the wrist, in the other beat, only forty strokes 
 in the minute. In both cases relief was afforded by vomiting, produced by a tablespoonful 
 of flour of mustard mixed with warm water. 
 
 Dr. Barton was informed that the powdered leaves were employed by an empiric with 
 success in certain states of fever; and Dr. Thomas, in an inaugural dissertation, published 
 at Philadelphia, A. D. 1802, states that an obstinate case of diarrhoea was cured by a 
 decoction, made by boiling an ounce of the leaves in eight ounces of water down to four 
 ounces. Thirty drops were given six times a day; but this quantity produced vertigo, and 
 the dose was afterwards repeated only four times daily. The leaves are said to have been 
 used advantageously in syphilis. Externally applied, in the shape of ointment or decoction, 
 they have been found useful in tinea capitis, psora, and other cutaneous affections; but 
 caution is necessary in their application, as, according to Dr. Barton, nervous symptoms 
 have resulted from the external use of the decoction. Dr. Bigelow has seen the recently 
 powdered leaves given in doses of from ten to twenty grains, without perceptible effect. 
 
 It is probable that the other species of Kalmia, as K. angustifolia, or sheep-laurel, and K. 
 glauca, or swamp-laurel, have properties identical with those of the K. latifolia. A decoc- 
 tion of the leaves of K. angustifolia is used by the negroes of North Carolina as a wash for 
 ulcerative affections between the toes. 
 
 KOOSSO. The flowers of Brayera anthelmintica (Kunth), Hagenia Abyssinica (Lamarck), 
 Bancksia Abyssinica (Bruce), a tree about twenty feet high, belonging to the family of 
 Rosaceoe, growing on the table land of Abyssinia, at an elevation of not less than six or 
 seven thousand feet. The .Abyssinian name of the medicine has been variously spelled by 
 European writers kosso, kousso, cusso, cosso, &c. ; but that at the head of this article is 
 deemed the most appropriate English title, as it indicates the proper pronunciation of the 
 word. The flowers are small, greenish becoming purple, and arranged in repeatedly di- 
 chotomous clusters. The following is their botanic character. “ Calyx with the tube 
 bibracteolate at the base, turbinate; throat internally constricted by a membranous ring: 
 the limb with two series of segments, each five in number, the outer much larger. Petals 
 five, inserted in the throat of the calyx, small, linear. Stamens from 15 to 20, inserted 
 with the petals. Filaments free, unequal. Anthers bilocular, dehiscing longitudinally. 
 Carpels two at the bottom of the calyx, free, unilocular, containing one or two pendulous 
 ovules. Styles terminal, exserted from the throat of the calyx, thickened upward. Stigmas 
 subpeltate, dilated, crenate, oblong.” The flowers are said to be dioecious; though the male 
 have well developed carpels. The petals are apt to be wanting in the dried flowers. They 
 are brought from Abyssinia packed in boxes, the clusters being unbroken though com- 
 pressed. The general colour of the mass is greenish-yellow. As the medicine in con- 
 sequence of its high price is apt to be adulterated, it should if possible be procured in 
 the unpowdered state, when the botanical characters of the flower will sufficiently test its 
 genuineness. 
 
 The flowers have a fragrant balsamic odour: and their taste, little perceptible at first, 
 becomes in a short time somewhat acrid and disagreeable. Analyzed by IVittstein, they 
 were found to contain, in 100 parts, 1-44 of fatty matter and chlorophylle, 2-02 of wax, 6-25 
 of bitter acrid resin, 0-77 of tasteless resin, 1-08 of sugar, 7-22 of gum, 24-40 of tannic 
 acid, 40-97 of lignin, 15-71 of ashes, with 0-14 parts loss. 
 
 Koosso is highly valued in Abyssinia as a vermifuge. Bruce speaks of it in his travels, 
 and gives a figure of the plant. Dr. Brayer, a French physician practising in Constan- 
 tinople, employed the medicine effectively, and published a treatise on it at Paris, so long 
 ago as 1823. It was in his honour that Kunth adopted his generic title of the plant. Much 
 attention has recently been attracted to this medicine; and trials made with it have proved 
 that it has extraordinary efficacy in the destruction and expulsion of the tapeworm. Its 
 effects when taken internally are not very striking. In the ordinary dose it sometimes 
 produces heat of stomach, nausea, and even vomiting, and shows a tendency to act on the 
 
1352 Appendix. 
 
 bowels, though this effect is not always produced. It appears to operate exclusively as a 
 poison to the worms; and has been found equally effectual in both kinds of tapeworm. 
 The high price demanded for it has tended very much to restrict the use of the remedy; 
 but, should the demand continue, it will no doubt be supplied at a reasonable cost, as it is 
 brought by caravans from Abyssinia into Egypt ; and the monopoly which was at first the 
 cause of its expensiveness cannot be long maintained. The medicine is taken in the morning 
 upon an empty stomach, a light meal having been made the preceding evening. A previous 
 evacuation of the bowels is also recommended. The flowers are given in the form of pow- 
 der, mixed with half a pint of warm water; the mixture being allowed to stand for fifteen 
 minutes, then stirred up, and taken in two or three draughts at short intervals. The medi- 
 cine may be preceded and followed by lemonade. The medium dose for an adult is half 
 an ounce, which may be diminished one-third for a child of 12 years, one-half for one of 
 6, and two-thirds for one of, 3. Should the medicine not operate on the bowels in three or 
 four hours, a brisk cathartic should be administered. One dose is said to be sufficient to 
 destroy the worm. Should the quantity mentioned not prove effectual, it may be increased 
 to an ounce or more. 
 
 LABDANUM. Ladanum. A resinous substance obtained from various species of Cistus, 
 especially C. Creticus, C. ladaniferus, and C. laurifolius, small evergreen shrubs, inhabiting 
 the islands of the Grecian Archipelago, and the different countries bordering on the Medi- 
 terranean. Upon the leaves and branches of these shrubs a juice exudes, which is collected 
 by means of an instrument resembling a rake, with leather thongs instead of teeth, which 
 is drawn over the plant. The juice adheres to the pieces of leather, and is afterwards 
 separated. It is said that labdanum was formerly collected by combing the beards of goats 
 which had been browsing upon the leaves of the cistus ; and Landerer states that it is at 
 the present time gathered in the same way in Cyprus from sheep, whose fleeces become 
 loaded with it while they are pasturing. (See Pham. Journ. and Trans., xi. 6.) It comes 
 chiefly from the Grecian islands. Two varieties exist in commerce. The purest labdanum 
 is in masses of various sizes, sometimes weighing several pounds, enclosed in bladders, 
 dark-red almost black externally, grayish internally when first broken, of the consistence 
 of a plaster, softening in the hand and becoming adhesive, of an agreeable balsamic odour 
 like that of amber, and of a bitter, balsamic, somewhat acrid taste. It is very inflammable, 
 burning with a clear flame. On exposure it becomes dry, porous, and brittle. Little of 
 this variety is found in the markets. Common labdanum is in pieces of a contorted or spiral 
 form, light, porous, blackish-gray, hard and brittle, not softening between the fingers, 
 similar in odour and taste to the preceding variety, but less inflammable, and mixed with 
 much sand and other earthy matter, which are obvious to the sight. Guibourt found in 
 100 parts of the labdanum in masses, 86 parts of resin with a little volatile oil. 7 of wax, 
 1 of watery extract, and 6 of earthy substances and hair. In the contorted variety, Pelle- 
 tier found 20 per cent, of resin, 3-6 of gum with malate of lime, 0-6 of malic acid, 1-9 of 
 wax, 1-9 of volatile oil including loss, and 72 of ferruginous sand. 
 
 Labdanum is a stimulant expectorant, and was formerly given in catarrhal and dysen- 
 teric affections. At present it is employed only in plasters, and seldom even for that pur- 
 pose in the United States. It is sometimes used in fumigation. 
 
 LAC. A resinous substance obtained from several trees growing in the East Indies, 
 particularly from Croton lacciferum, and two species of Ficus, F. religiosa and F. Indica. 
 It is found in the form of a crust surrounding the twigs or extreme branches, and is 
 generally supposed to be an exudation from the bark, owing to the puncture of an insect 
 belonging to the genus Coccus, and denominated C. Lacca. By some it is thought to be an 
 exudation from the bodies of the insects themselves, which collect in great numbers upon 
 the twigs, and are embedded in the concreted juice, through which the young insects cat 
 a passage and escape. Several varieties are known in commerce. The most common are 
 slid: lac, seed lac, and shell lac. 
 
 Slick lac is the resin as taken from the tree, still encrusting the small twigs around which 
 it originally concreted. It is of a deep reddish-brown colour, of a shining fracture, trans- 
 lucent at the edges, inodorous, and of an astringent, slightly bitterish taste. Its external 
 surface is perforated with numerous minute pores, as if made by a needle : and when broken 
 it exhibits many oblong cells, often containing the dead insect. IVken chewed it colours 
 the saliva beautifully red, and, when burnt, diffuses a strong agreeable odour. It is in great 
 measure soluble in alcohol. 
 
 Seed lac consists of minute irregular fragments, broken from the twigs, and partially 
 exhausted by water. It is of a light or dark-brown colour, inclining to red or yellow, 
 feebly shining, almost tasteless, and capable of imparting to water less colour than the 
 stick lac, sometimes scarcely colouring it at all. It is occasionally mixed with small frag- 
 ments of the twigs. 
 
 Shell lac is prepared by melting the slick or seed lac previously deprived of its soluble 
 
1353 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 colouring matter, straining it, and pouring it upon a flat smooth surface to harden. It is 
 in thin fragments of various sizes, from half a line to a line thick, often somewhat curved, 
 of a lighter or .darker brown colour inclining more or less to red or yellow, shining, more 
 or less transparent, hard and brittle, inodorous and insipid, insoluble in water, but easily 
 and almost entirely soluble in alcohol, especially with the aid of heat. 
 
 A variety of lac is mentioned by writers in the form of cakes, called cake or lump lac 
 [lacca in placentis ) ; but this is at present rare in commerce. 
 
 According to John, lac consists of resin, colouring matter, a peculiar principle insoluble 
 in alcohol, ether, or water, called laccin, a little wax, and various saline matters in small 
 proportion. The resin, according to Unverdorben, consists of several distinct resinous 
 principles differing in their solubility in alcohol and ether. The laccin is nearly or quite 
 wanting in the shell lac, which also contains scarcely any of the colouring principle. Mr. 
 Hatchett found in stick lac 68 per cent, of resin and 10 of colouring matter ; in seed lac 
 88-5 per cent, of resin, and 2-5 of colouring matter; in shell lac 90-9 per cent, of resin and 
 0-5 of colouring matter. The other constituents, according to this chemist, are wax and 
 gluten, besides foreign matters. 
 
 Lac in its crude state is slightly astringent, and was formerly used in medicine. At 
 present it is not employed. Shell lac is wholly inert. Stick lac and seed lac are used 
 on account of the colouring principle which they contain. Shell lac, as well as the other 
 varieties deprived of their colouring matter, is applied to numerous purposes in the arts. 
 It is the chief constituent of sealing wax. The best red sealing wax is made by melting 
 together, with a very gentle heat, 48 parts of shell lac, 19 of Venice turpentine, and 1 of 
 balsam of Peru, and mixing with the melted mass 32 parts of finely powdered cinnabar. 
 But common resin is often substituted in part for the lac, and a mixture of red lead and 
 chalk for the cinnabar. The best black sealing ivax consists of 60 parts of lac, 10 of tur- 
 pentine, and 30 of levigated bone black ; the best yellow sealing wax, of 60 parts of lac, 12 of 
 turpentine, and 24 of chromate of lead. ( Berzelius .) 'Lac is also used as a varnish, and 
 forms an excellent cement for broken porcelain and earthenware. It has been highly re- 
 commended as an adhesive material for the dressing of wounds, ulcers, &c. It is prepared 
 for use by dissolving, with the aid of a gentle heat, in alcohol contained in a glass bottle, 
 sufficient lac to give it a gelatinous consistence, and then closing the bottle. It is used 
 by simply spreading it on the bandages. 
 
 LACTATE OF IRON. Ferri Lactas. Lactate of Protoxide of Iron. MM. Gdlis and 
 Conte introduced this preparation to the notice of the profession. As it was admitted by 
 many physiologists, that lactic acid was the cause of the acidity of the gastric juice, and the 
 fact seemed to be proved by MM. Bernard and Barreswil, MM. Gtilis and Conte concluded 
 that the ordinary ferruginous preparations, when efficacious, are dissolved by this acid in 
 the stomach, and were led to suppose that lactate of iron, ready formed, might prove a 
 valuable remedy. Their anticipations appear to have been realized ; for several French 
 physicians of note, among whom were MM. Fouquier, Bally, and Bouillaud, the committee 
 appointed on their memoir by the French Academy of Medicine, reported favourably in 
 relation to its therapeutic powers. 
 
 M. Louradour recommends the following process for obtaining lactate of iron. Fer- 
 ment whey by keeping it at a temperature between 70° and 80°, whereby it becomes 
 charged with a considerable quantity of lactic acid. Evaporate the liquor to a third of 
 its bulk, decant and filter, and then saturate with milk of lime. This converts the lactic 
 acid into lactate of lime, remaining in solution, and throws down a precipitate, con- 
 sisting principally of phosphate of lime The liquor is filtered again, and precipitated 
 by oxalic acid, which throws down the lime as oxalate of lime, and sets free the lactic 
 acid. By a new filtration a solution of lactic acid is obtained, containing lactin (sugar of 
 milk] and certain salts, but pure enough for conversion into lactate of iron. For this 
 purpose iron filings are digested with it on a sand-bath at a gentle heat. At the end of 
 six or seven hours, the liquor is made to boil; after which it is filtered, concentrated, and 
 allowed to cool and crystallize. The lactin and foreign salts remain in the mother-water. 
 The crystals are drained in a funnel, washed with alcohol, dried rapidly, and then trans- 
 ferred to a bottle which must be well stopped. A better process for preparing lactate of 
 lime, preparatory to its conversion into lactic acid and lactate of iron, is that of M. Gobley, 
 as follows. — Add to 2 pints of skim-milk, diluted with twice its bulk of water, and con- 
 tained in an earthen pan, 64 drachms of powdered lactin, and 51 drachms of powdered 
 chalk. Allow the whole to ferment for eleven or twelve days, at a temperature of from 
 80° to 90°, supplying water as it evaporates. Transfer the liquor to a capsule, heat it 
 gradually to boiling, and stir it constantly. Boil for a quarter of an hour to coagulate 
 casein, allow the insoluble matters to subside, and strain the liquid through flannel. The 
 clear liquid is a solution of lactate of lime. In this process the casein of the milk, act- 
 ing as a ferment, converts not only the lactin of the milk, but the lactin added, into laotio 
 
1354 Appendix. 
 
 acid ; a result -which would not take place were it not for the presence of the chalk, which 
 saturates the lactic acid as it is formed, and prevents it from uniting with the casein, 
 whereby the power of the latter as a ferment would be destroyed. (Journ. de Pharm., 3e 
 ser., vi, 54.) Lactate of lime may be converted into lactate of iron more expeditiously 
 than bj 1 - the method of M. Louradour by the following process of M. Lepage. Dissolve 
 100 parts of lactate of lime, obtained by .\1. Gobley’s process, in 500 parts of boiling 
 water; and 68 parts of pure crystallized sulphate of protoxide of iron in 500 parts of cold 
 distilled water. Mix the filtered solutions in a matrass, acidulate slightly with lactic acid, 
 and heat in a water bath, stirring frequently until the double decomposition is com- 
 pleted. Then filter to separate the sulphate of lime, and evaporate rapidly to one-half, 
 either in an iron vessel, or in a porcelain capsule containing a few turnings of iron. Filter 
 again, and set aside to crystallize; and, having washed the crystals in a funnel with a little 
 alcohol, dry them on bibulous paper. [Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., ix. 272.) In relation to 
 the precautions to be observed in preparing this lactate, so as to prevent the partial ses- 
 quroxidation of the iron, see the paper of M. C. J. Thirault in the Journ. deTharm., copied 
 into the Am. Journ. of Pharm. for Nov., 185-3, p. 556. 
 
 Lactate of iron is in white crystalline plates, undergoing little change in the air. When 
 in the form of a yellowish or greenish-white powder it is impure. It is but sparingly solu- 
 ble in water, requiring forty parts of boiling water to dissolve it. It has an acid reaction, 
 and possesses a mild ferruginous taste. The aqueous solution quickly becomes yellow, in 
 consequence of the iron passing to a higher state of oxidation. M. Louradour has ob- 
 served several samples of this lactate, variously adulterated ; as with effloresced sulpha’te of 
 iron, starch, and lactin ; the sophistication being concealed by the sale of the salt in powder. 
 These impurities may be detected by appropriate reagents; but M. Louradour recommends, 
 as a simpler way of avoiding them, the rejection of the salt when not in crystalline plates. 
 
 Medical Properties. Lactate of iron has the general medical properties of the ferruginous 
 preparations. It has a marked effect in increasing the appetite. The disease in which it 
 was principally tried in Paris was chlorosis, with or without amenorrkoea; and in this dis- 
 ease, Andral, Fouquier, Bouillaud, and others obtained very favourable results. The dose 
 is one or two grains, repeated at intervals and gradually increased. As much as 12 or 
 even 20 grains may be given in the course of the day. It may be administered in lozenge, 
 pill, or syrup. The lozenge may be made of one grain of the lactate to twelve of sugar; 
 and the pill, of one grain of the salt, with an equal weight of some inert powder free from 
 astringent matter, and sufficient honey. The following is the formula for a syrup proposed 
 by M. Cap, expressed in the nearest weights and measures used in this country. Take 
 of lactate of iron a drachm; white sugar twelve ounces and a half; boiling distilled water 
 six fluidounces and a half. Piub the salt to powder with half an ounce of the sugar: and 
 dissolve the mixture quickly in the boiling water. Pour the solution into a matrass 
 placed on a sand-bath, and add to it the rest of the sugar in small pieces. When the sugar 
 is dissolved, filter the syrup, and, as soon as it is cold, transfer it to bottles which must be 
 well stopped. This syrup has a very light amber colour, and contains about four grains 
 of the salt to the fluidounce. The dose is from two to four fluidrachms. Bread, called 
 chalybeate bread, containing lactate of iron in the proportion of about a grain to the 
 ounce, has been used with advantage by chlorotic patients in one of the hospitals of Paris. 
 The bread is not injured in taste or quality. Dr. Brainard, of Chicago, has treated, with 
 success, a large erectile tumour of the orbit, by infiltrating it by injection with a fluidrachm 
 of a solution of lactate of iron, containing eight grains of the salt. (See Ranking' s Ab- 
 stract, xviii. 253.) 
 
 LACTIC ACID. Acidum Lacticum. This acid was discovered by Scheele. It is interest- 
 ing as having been found in a number of the secretions, including the healthy gastric 
 juice, in -which its presence has been incontestably proved to exist by Bernard and Barres- 
 wil. It is a product of the viscous or lactic fermentation of rice-water, and of the juices 
 of the beet, turnip, and carrot. Indeed, it is formed whenever sugar, in solution, of what- 
 ever kind, is placed in contact with an alkaline or earthy carbonate, in presence of a ferment, 
 as, for example, the casein of milk. ( Pelouze .) It may be conveniently obtained from the 
 solution of impure lactic acid, mentioned in the last article, by concentrating it to a syrupy 
 consistence, and treating it with alcohol, which dissolves the acid and precipitates the 
 lactin and foreign salts. The solution is filtered, and the lactic acid is obtained pure by 
 distilling oft' the alcohol. It is a colourless syrupy liquid, having a very sour taste, and tire 
 sp.gr. 1-215. When heated to 480°, the greater part of it is converted into a new body 
 called concrete lactic acid, or lactide. Lactic acid coagulates albumen, and dissolves a 
 large quantity of freshly precipitated phosphate of lime, a property which, doubtless, 
 renders it of importance in the animal economy. The formula of the hydrated acid is 
 C. s ff 5 0 6 -f- HO. The acid obtained from the fluids of the flesh of animals by Liebig, was 
 found to have the same per ceutage composition as lactic acid, but still to differ from it 
 
Appendix. 1355 
 
 in the proportion of water i-n the zinc and lime salts. Dr. W. Heintz considers the acid 
 from, flesh to be isomeric with lactic acid, and proposes to call it paralactic acid. ( Che.m . 
 Gaz., Mar. 1, 1849.) The lactic acid of the stomach is ordinary lactic acid. (Heintz, 
 Ibid., Nov. 1, 1849.) 
 
 . Lactic acid was proposed by Magendie on theoretical grounds as a remedy in certain 
 forms of dyspepsia, and for the removal of phosphatic deposits in the urine. It is most 
 conveniently given in solution sweetened with sugar, prepared like lemonade. From one 
 to three drachms may be taken in the course of the day. 
 
 i LAKES. These are compounds of vegetable or animal colouring principles with alumina 
 or other metallic oxides, and are usually obtained by adding alum, or perchloride of tin, 
 to the solution of the colouring matter in water, and precipitating by means of an alkali. 
 The alumina or oxide of tin unites with the colouring matter at the moment of separation, 
 and forms an insoluble compound. Lakes are obtained in this way from cochineal, mad- 
 der, Brazil wood, seed lac, French berries, &c. They are used in painting. 
 
 LEDUM PALUSTRE. Marsh Tea. Rosmarinus sylvestris. A small evergreen shrub, 
 growing in swamps and other wet places, in the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and 
 America, and in the mountainous regions of more southern latitudes. The leaves have 
 a balsamic odour, and an aromatic, camphorous, bitter taste; and contain, among other 
 ingredients^ volatile oil and tannin. They are thought to possess narcotic properties, and 
 have been employed in exanthematous diseases to allay irritation, in hooping cough, in 
 dysentery, and in various cutaneous affections, particularly leprosy and scabies. In com- 
 plaints of the skin, they are used both internally and externally in the form of decoction. 
 When placed among clothes, they are said to prevent the attacks of moths. In Germany 
 they are sometimes substituted for hops in the preparation of beer. Ledum latifolium, or 
 Labrador tea, which is a larger plant than the preceding, is a native of North America, 
 growing in damp places in Canada and the northern parts of the United States. The 
 leaves have an agreeable odour and taste, and are esteemed pectoral and tonic. They 
 are said to have been used as a substitute for tea during the war of independence. 
 
 LEEK. Porrum. The bulb of Allium Porrum. The leek is a biennial bulbous plant, 
 growing wild in Switzerland, and cultivated in the gardens of Europe and this country 
 for culinary purposes. All parts of it have an offensive pungent odour, and an acrid 
 taste, dependent on an essential oil, which is in a great measure dissipated by decoction, 
 and may be obtained separate by distillation. The bulb, which is the medicinal portion, 
 consists of concentric layers, like the onion, which it resembles in medical properties, 
 though somewhat milder. It is gently stimulant, with a peculiar direction to the kidneys. 
 The expressed juice may be given in the dose of a fluidrachm, mixed with syrup. This 
 species of Allium is not used medicinally in the United States. 
 
 LEPTANDRA YIRGINICA. Nuttall. Veronica Virginica. Linn. Culver's Physic. 
 This is an indigenous perennial plant, with an herbaceous stem three or four feet high, 
 furnished with leaves in whorls, and terminating in a long spike of white flowers. A 
 variety was seen by Pursh with purple flowers. This was described and figured as a 
 distinct species by Rafinesque, under the title of L. purpurea. The plant grow T s through- 
 out the United States, affecting particularly calcareous hills and sunny exposures, and 
 flowering in August. The root, which is the part used, is bitter and nauseous, and yields 
 its active properties to boiling water. When recent it is said to act violently as a cathartic, 
 and sometimes as an emetic. In the dried state it is more uncertain. The dose of the 
 powder is from twenty grains to a drachm. It was formerly recognised in the U. S. 
 Pharmacopoeia, but was omitted in the edition of 1840. 
 
 LIATRIS SPICATA. Gay-feather. Button SnaTceroot. An indigenous perennial plant, 
 growing in natural meadows and moist grounds throughout the Middle and Southern 
 States. It has a tuberous root, and an erect annual stem, which terminates in a spike of 
 beautiful, purple, compound flowers, which appear in August. The root is said by Sehoepf 
 to have a terebinthinate odour, and a warm, bitterish, terebinthinate taste; to be pos- 
 sessed of diuretic properties; and to be useful in gonorrhoea and sorethroat, being em- 
 ployed internally in the shape of decoction in the former complaint, and as a gargle in 
 the latter. Pursh informs us that L. scariosa and L. squarrosa are known in Virginia, 
 Kentucky, and the Carolinas, by the name of rattlesnake' s master ; and that their roots 
 are employed to cure the bite of the rattlesnake, being bruised and applied directly to 
 the wound, while their decoction in milk is taken internally. According to Dr. William 
 P. C-. Barton, all the tuberous rooted species of Liatris are active plants, and appear to 
 be diuretic. 
 
 LIGUSTICUM LEVISTICUM. Lovage. An umbelliferous plant, growing wild in the 
 South of Europe, and cultivated in gardens. The whole plant has a strong, sweetish, 
 
1356 Appendix. 
 
 aromatic odour, and a warm pungent taste. When wounded it emits a yellow opaque 
 juice, which concretes into a brownish resinous substance, not unlike opopanax. The 
 roots, stem, leaves, and seeds have all been employed ; but the last have the aromatic 
 properties of the plant in the highest degree. They are small, ovate oblong, somewhat 
 flattened, curved, strongly ribbed, and of a yellowish-brown colour. The medical pro- 
 perties of lovage are closely analogous to those of angelica. It is a stimulant aromatic, 
 and has been employed as a carminative, diaphoretic, and emmenagogue. The best form 
 for administration is that of infusion. 
 
 LIGUSTRUM VULGARE. Privet. A shrub from four to ten feet in height, growing 
 wild both in Europe and the United States, usually in hedges and by the roadside. The 
 leaves which have an astringent, bitter taste, and the flowers, which are small, snow-white, 
 and of an agreeable odour, have been used, in the form of decoction, in soretbroat, and 
 aphthous and scorbutic ulceration of the mouth. The berries are black, have a sweetish, 
 bitter taste, and are said to possess purgative properties, and to colour the urine brown. 
 They are sometimes used for dyeing. The bark was analyzed by M. G. Potex, who found 
 a peculiar substance which he denominated ligustrin, besides mannite, sugar, muco-sac- 
 charine matter, starch, chlorophylle, bitter extractive, bitter resin, tannin, albumen, and 
 salts. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xii. 347.) 
 
 L1LIUM CANDIDUM. Common White Lily. This well-known plant is a native of 
 Syria and Asia Minor, but has been long cultivated in gardens. The bulb, which consists 
 of imbricated fleshy scales, is without odour, but has a peculiar, disagreeable, somewhat 
 bitter, and mucilagiuous taste. It contains much mucilage, and a small proportion of an 
 acrid principle, which is dissipated or destroyed by "roasting or boiling. In the recent 
 state it is said to have been employed with advantage in dropsy. Boiled with water or 
 milk it forms a good emollient cataplasm, more used in popular than in regular practice. 
 The flowers have an agreeable odour, which they impart to oil or lard: and an ointment 
 or liniment is sometimes prepared from them, and used as a soothing application in ex- 
 ternal inflammations. 
 
 LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA. Sweet-gum. An indigenous tree, growing in dif- 
 ferent parts of the United States from New England to Louisiana, and flourishing also 
 in Mexico, where, as well as in our Southern States, it sometimes attains a great magni- 
 tude. In warm latitudes a balsamic juice flows from its trunk when wounded. This has 
 attracted some attention in Europe, where it is known by the name of liquidamber. or 
 copalm balsam, and is sometimes, though erroneously, called liquid storax. It is not yielded 
 by the trees which grow in the Middle States, and is obtained from Mexico and Louisiana. 
 It is a liquid of the consistence of thin honey, more or less transparent, of a yellowish 
 colour, of a peculiar, agreeable, balsamic odour, and a bitter, warm, and acrid taste. By 
 cold it becomes thicker and less transparent. It concretes also by time, assuming a 
 darker colour. According to M. Bonastre, it contains a colourless volatile oil, a semi- 
 concrete substance which rises in distillation and is separated from the water by ether, a 
 minute proportion of benzoic acid, a yellow colouring substance, an oleo-resin, and a pe- 
 culiar principle, insoluble in water and cold alcohol, for which M. Bonastre proposes the 
 name of styracine. The proportion of benzoic acid is greatly increased by time. Mr. 
 Hodgson obtained from a specimen which he examined 4 2 per cent. (Journ. of the Phil. 
 Col. of Pliarm., vi. 190.) - 
 
 Another product is said to be obtained from the same tree by boiling the young branches 
 in water, and skimming off the fluid which rises to the surface. It is of a thicker con- 
 sistence and darker colour than the preceding, is nearly opaque, and abounds in impu- 
 rities. This also has been confounded with liquid storax, which it resembles in proper- 
 ties, though derived from a different source. 
 
 Liquidamber may be employed for the same purpose as storax, but is very seldom 
 used, and is almost unknown in the shops of the United States. 
 
 Liquidambar AUingia is said to exude a balsam in the Tennasserim Provinces of 
 India, bearing some resemblance to liquid storax. (See Pharm. Journ. and Trans., viii. 
 243.) 
 
 LITHIA. Protoxide of Lithium. This is the protoxide of a metallic radical called 
 lithium, and ranks with potassa and soda as one of the fixed alkalies. It is a constituent 
 of several minerals (petalite, spodumene, lepidolite, &c.), and has been found in a number 
 of the mineral waters of Europe, principally in the state of carbonate or bicarbonate. 
 Carbonate of lithia in solution in water has been proposed by Mr. A. Ire as a solvent for 
 uric acid calculi, injected into the bladder. By experiments made out of the body, con- 
 ducted at the heat of the blood, it was found that a solution of this salt was a better 
 solvent of uric acid than either borax or the carbonates of potassa and soda. It is a 
 white powder, soluble in 100 parts cf cold water, but insoluble in alcohol. Its effects 
 
Appendix. 1357 
 
 ■when exhibited by the stomach have not been tried; but it is supposed that it might 
 prove useful in the uric acid diathesis. According to Aschenbrenner it may be given in 
 doses of from five to ten grains daily. 
 
 LITHOSPERMUM OFFICINALE. Gromwell. Milium Solis. A European perennial, 
 the seeds of which are ovate, of a grayish-white or pearl colour, shining, rather larger than 
 millet seeds, and of a stony hardness, from which the generic name of the plant originated. 
 From an opinion formerly prevalent, that nature indicates remedies adapted to certain 
 diseases by some resemblance between the remedy and the character of the complaint or 
 of the part affected, the seeds of this plant were applied to the treatment of calculous 
 disorders ; and they retained their ground in the estimation of physicians as a diuretic, 
 useful in complaints of the urinary passages, long after the fanciful notion in which their 
 use originated had been abandoned. But they are at present considered nearly inert, and 
 are not employed. 
 
 LONICERA CAPRIFOLTUM. Honeysuckle. This ornament of our gardens is a native 
 of the South of Europe. Its sweet-scented flowers are sometimes used in perfumery ; and 
 a syrup prepared from them, has been given in asthma and other pectoral affections. The 
 expressed juioe of the plant has been recommended as a remedy for the stings of bees, 
 being rubbed directly on the injured spot. The fruit of all the species of Lonicera is said 
 to be emetic and cathartic. ( Meral et De Lens, Diet, de Mat. Med., iv. 144.) 
 
 LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM. Club-moss. The capsules of this moss, and of others 
 belonging to the same genus, contain a fine dust or powder, which is collected in Switzer- 
 land and Germany 7 , and used in the shops of Europe under the name of lycopodium, or 
 vegetable sulphur. This powder is considered by some as the pollen of the plant, by others 
 as the seed. It is extremely fine, very light, of a delicate yellow colour, inodorous and 
 tasteless, and exceedingly inflammable, so much so that it takes fire like gunpowder when 
 thrown upon a burning body 7 . It is said to be often adulterated with the pollen of the 
 pines and firs, and sometimes with talc and starch. In medicine, it is used as an ab- 
 sorbent application to excoriated surfaces, especially those which occur in the folds of the 
 skin in infants. In pharmacy, it answers the purpose of facilitating the rolling of the pilular 
 mass, and of preventing the adhesion of the pills when formed. It is not much used in 
 this country. The moss itself has been esteemed diuretic, antispasmodic, &c. ; and has 
 been employed in the form of decoction, in rheumatism, epilepsy, and complaints of the 
 lungs and kidneys : but it has fallen into discredit. 
 
 LYTHRUM SALICARIA. lyoosestrife. Purple Willow-herb. This is an elegant peren- 
 nial plant, two or three feet high, with an erect, quadrangular, hexagonal, downy, herbace- 
 ous stem, bearing opposite, ternate, sessile, lanceolate leaves, cordate at the base, and 
 dow^iy on the under surface and at the margin. The flowers are axillary, forming a leafy 
 verticillate spike. The calyx is red, with unequal segments, the petals purple and un- 
 dulate, the fruit a small elliptical capsule. The plant grows wild in all parts of Europe, 
 and is found in New England and Canada. It prefers meadows, swamps, and the banks 
 of streams, which it adorns in July and August with its showy purple flowers. The 
 whole herbaceous part is medicinal, and is dried for use. In this state it is inodorous, 
 and has an herbaceous somewhat astriugent taste. It renders boiling water very muci- 
 laginous, and its decoction is blackened by the sulphate of iron. Loosestrife is demulcent 
 and astringent, and may be advantageously given in diarrhoea and chronic dysentery, 
 after due preparation by 7 evacuating treatment. It has long been used in Ireland in 
 these complaints, and is said to be a popular remedy in Sweden. The dose of the pow- 
 dered herb is about a drachm two or three times a day. A decoction of the root, prepared 
 by boiling an ounce in a pint of water, may be given in the dose of two fluidounces. 
 
 MALAMBO or MATIAS BARK. A bark received from S. America by Dr. Alexander 
 Ure, under the name of m alias bark, was found to have the characters of the malambo 
 bark, which is held in high esteem in New Granada where it is produced, and has been 
 long kuown to the French pharmacologists. It is described by Dr. Ure as being three or 
 four lines thick, brittle though somewhat fibrous, of a brown colour, and covered with an 
 ash-coloured tuberculous epidermis. It has an aromatic odour, and a bitter pungent taste, 
 and yields these properties to water and alcohol. Its active ingredients appear to be a 
 volatile oil, and a bitter extractive matter. According to Dr. Mackay, it has been used 
 successfully in intermittents, convalescence from continued fever, hemiernnia, dyspepsia, 
 and other cases in which tonic remedies are useful, and also as an adjuvant to diuretics. 
 It is probably nothing more than an aromatic tonic. Dr. Ure has often administered it 
 with good effect as a substitute for Peruvian bark. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., iii. 169.) 
 
 MANDRAGORA OFFICINALIS. Airopa Mandragora. Linn. Mandrake. Mandragora . 
 A perennial European plant, with spindle-shaped root, which is often forked beneath, and 
 
1358 Appendix. 
 
 is therefore compared, in shape, to the human figure. In former times this root was 
 supposed to possess magical virtues, and was used as an amulet to promote fecundity, 
 &c. ; and the superstition is still cherished by the vulgar in some parts of Europe. The 
 plant is a poisonous narcotic, somewhat similar in its properties to belladonna, to which 
 it is botanically allied. It was much used by the ancients with a view to its narcotic 
 effects ; and the root has been recommended by some eminent modern physicians, as an 
 external application to scrofulous, scirrhous, and syphilitic tumours It is said to have 
 been used by the ancients as an anaesthetic agent before surgical operations. (Journ. de 
 Pharm. et de Chim. xv. 290.) It is unknown as a remedy in the United States. 
 
 MANGANESE. Manganesium. This metal and its compounds with oxygen ithree re- 
 gular oxides and two acids) have been already described. See Manganesii Oxidum. Several 
 of its combinations have been proposed as medicines, and the therapeutic trials, thus far 
 made with its preparations, place them alongside of those of iron as tonic and anti-anemic 
 remedies. It will be recollected that manganese as well as iron is always present, in 
 minute proportion, in healthy blood; and it is probable that the former is as necessary 
 to its normal constitution as the latter. According to an analysis by M. Burin-Dubuisson, 
 the amount of the manganese in the blood corpuscles is about one-twentieth that of 
 the iron. Besides, manganese has been detected in the gastric juice, the bile, the brain, 
 the hair, and in healthy pus. It is stated as an advantage of the preparations of man- 
 ganese, that they may be prescribed in conjunction with tannic acid and the various 
 astringent medicines, which are all incompatible with the preparations of iron. < if the 
 oxides of manganese, the protoxide alone is strongly salifiable ; and this is the oxide present 
 in the ordinary salts of the metal. It may be obtained by precipitation as a white hydrate 
 from any of the soluble salts of manganese by the addition of a caustic alkali. This, 
 according to M. Hannon, is a good medicinal preparation ; but a strong objection to it is 
 that it rapidly absorbs oxygen, and passes to the state of the brown hydrated sesquioxide. 
 The officinal deutoxide (native black oxide) is described at page 463, where its medical 
 properties are also noticed. This oxide is the source, directly or indirectly, of all the 
 preparations of manganese. 
 
 Sulphate of Manganese. This salt may be prepared by heating the native black oxide 
 with concentrated sulphuric acid. Oxygen is evolved, and the sulphate of the protoxide 
 is formed. The product, upon being exhausted by water, furnishes a solution which must 
 be heated to nearly the boiling point, and treated with carbonate of manganese, added by 
 small portions at a time, which will precipitate any iron present as a carbonate, and change 
 the colour of the liquid from a dark-red to a pale-rose tint. The liquid is then filtered, 
 evaporated to the consistence of a thin syrup, and set aside to crystallize. Sulphate of 
 manganese is in the form of pale rose-coloured crystals, which contain different propor- 
 tions of water of crystallization, according to the temperature at which they are produced. 
 Its taste is astringent and bitterish. It is very soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol. 
 This salt, if carelessly prepared, is apt to contain copper and arsenic, as well as in n. As 
 it is the source of nearly all the preparations of manganese, it is of importance that it 
 should be pure. Ilence, the sulphate, as first obtained, should be calcined at a low red 
 heat at least twice, to render the contaminating metals insoluble, and then tested in solution, 
 to be sure of its purity. According to M. A. Gorgeu, copper and iron, as well as nickel 
 and cobalt, are completely precipitated by sulphuret of manganese. In applying this 
 reagent, the impure solution is shaken for about a quarter of an hour with the sulphuret, 
 and then boiled for a few minutes. ( Chcm . Gaz., July 1, 18-53, p. 249.) C. G. Gmelin 
 found sulphate of manganese to produce an extraordinary secretion of bile when given to 
 the inferior animals, and its effects as a cholagogue have been observed in man. Accord- 
 ing to the late Dr. Thomas Thomson, of Glasgow, it resembles sulphate of soda both in 
 taste and effect. The dose as a purgative is one or two drachms ; as an alterative, from 
 five grains to a scruple. 
 
 Iodide of Manganese. This iodide may be administered in syrup or in pill. Prof. Procter 
 has piroposed the following formula for the syrup. Dissolve sixteen drachms of sulphate of 
 manganese, and nineteen drachms of iodide of potassium, separately, in three t/uidoun • • of 
 water, each portion of water being previously sweetened with two drachms of syrup. Mix 
 the solutions in a glass stoppered bottle, and, when the crystals of sulphate of p-. tassa 
 have ceased to precipitate, throw the liquor on a strainer of fine muslin, and allow it to 
 filter into a pint bottle containing twelve ounces of powdered sugar. When the solution has 
 ceased to pass, wash the filter with a little sweetened water, aud add sufficient of that 
 liquid to make the whole measure a pint. Lastly, agitate the liquid until the sugar is 
 dissolved. Prof. Procter states that this syrup contains about a drachm of iodide of man- 
 ganese in each fluidounce, and corresponds in strength to the officinal solution of rxlide 
 of iron. The small proportion of sulphate of potassa which remains dissolved in the syrup, 
 does not interfere with its medicinal efficacy. The dose is from ten to thirty drops, re- 
 
Appendix. 1359 
 
 peated several times a day. ( Am . Journ. of Pharm., Oct. 1850.) M. Hannon makes the 
 pill of iodide of manganese by double decomposition between equal weights of iodide of 
 potassium and crystallized sulphate of manganese. The salts are perfectly dried, accu- 
 rately mixed in powder, and then rubbed up with honey, so as to reduce the whole to a 
 pilular mass, which may be divided into four-grain pills. Assuming that the honey added 
 compensates the loss of water in drying, each pill will consist of about two grains of 
 iodide of manganese, one of sulphate of potassa, and one of honey and of sulphate of 
 manganese in excess. The dose is one pill daily, gradually increased to six. According 
 to M. Hannon, iodide of manganese is particularly useful in the anemia attendant on 
 scrofula, phthisis, and cancer, and in syphilitic cachexy. Given in conjunction with cin- 
 chona it rapidly removes the enlargement of the spleen, which so often follows protracted 
 fevers. 
 
 Carbonate of Manganese. This salt may be obtained by the following formula, which is 
 that of M. Hannon, accommodated to the weights and measureS'of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 Dissolve seventeen ounces of crystallized sulphate of manganese and nineteen ounces of car- 
 bonate of soda, separately, in two pints of w T ater, a fluidounce of syrup having been previ- 
 ously added to each pint, and, having mixed the solutions in a well stopped bottle, allow 
 the precipitate to subside. Decant the supernatant liquid, wash the precipitate with 
 sweetened water, allow it to drain from a cloth saturated with syrup, express, mix with 
 ten ounces of honey, and evaporate rapidly to form a pilular mass, which is to be divided 
 in four-grain pills. By a double decomposition between the sulphate of manganese and 
 carbonate of soda, carbonate of manganese is precipitated, and sulphate of soda remains 
 in solution. The sulphate is washed away, and the carbonate is brought to a pilular con- 
 sistence with honey, which, together with the syrup, prevents the protoxide of manganese 
 in the pill from rising to a higher stage of oxidation. The dose is from two to ten pills 
 daily. Carbonate of manganese was tried by M. Hannon as a medicine on himself. After 
 its use for fifteen days he found his appetite improved, and his pulse increased in force ; 
 and he experienced a feeling of sanguineous plethora. He afterwards exhibited the remedy 
 in several anemic cases with the effect of exciting the functions to a more healthy action, 
 incfeasing the strength, and improving the blood. 
 
 Phosphate, tartrate, and malate of manganese have also been proposed by M. Hannon as 
 useful remedies. The phosphate is prepared by double decomposition between sulphate 
 of manganese and phosphate of soda. 
 
 Ily permanganate of Potassa. Permanganate of Potassa. This salt maybe formed by mix- 
 ing equal parts of very finely powdered deutoxide of manganese and chlorate of potassa 
 with rather more than one part of hydrate of potassa, dissolved in a little water, and ex- 
 posing the whole, after evaporation to dryness, to a temperature just short of redness. The 
 mass is treated with hot water, the insoluble oxide separated by decantation, and the 
 deep-purple liquid concentrated by heat, until crystals begin to form upon its surface, 
 when it is left to cool and crystallize. The crystals have a dark-purple colour, and are 
 soluble in sixteen parts of water. The salt is represented by the formula K0,Mn 2 0 7 . 
 Hypermanganate of potassa has been used successfully by Mr. Sampson, of London, in 
 diabetes. The dose is three grains, three times a day, given in three or four tablespoonfuls 
 of water, and gradually increased. {Pharm. Journ. and Trans., July 1, 1853, p. 18.) 
 
 Ferro-manganic Preparations. M. Hannon conceives that manganese is peculiarly suited 
 to the treatment of anemic cases in which iron has failed, or acts very slowly. But, in- 
 stead of 'passing at once from the use of iron to that of manganese, he prefers to give 
 intermediately a mixture of the two metals. For this purpose he recommends the follow- 
 ing formula. Take of crystallized sulphate of iron six drachms and a half; crystallized 
 sulphate of manganese two drachms ; carbonate of soda nine drachms ; honey five drachms. 
 Rub together, and with syrup make a mass, to be divided into four grain pills. In this piil 
 both the metals are present as carbonates; and as the sulphate of soda is not washed away, it 
 contains that salt also. The dose is from two to ten pills daily. See the paper of M. Han- 
 non (Journ. de Pharm., 3 eser., xvi. 41 and 189; also a note of the favourable results obtained 
 by M. Pdtrequin, of Lyons, Ibid., xvi. 381). Further experience has confirmed the favoura- 
 ble opinion of M. Petrequin in relation to the therapeutic value of the ferro-manganic pre- 
 parations. A number of formulae have been devised by M. Burin-Dubuisson, of Lyons, for 
 making them, containing the metals variously combined ; but the most important of them is 
 the syrup of iodide of iron and manganese, for the preparation of wdiich we prefer the following 
 formula of Prof. Procter. Take of iodide of potassium 1000 grains; sulphate of protoxide 
 of iron 630; sulphate of protoxide of manganese 210; iron filings 100; sugar, in coarse 
 powder, 4800. Powder the iodide and sulphates separately, and, having mixed them with 
 the filings, add half a fluidounce of distilled water, and triturate to a uniform paste. Then 
 add another half fluidounce of distilled water to the paste, and triturate again ; and, after 
 an interval of fifteen minutes, add a third half fluidounce, and mix. Next transfer the 
 
1360 Appendix. 
 
 magma of salts to a moistened filter, supported on a funnel, and allow them to drain into 
 a bottle, holding a little more than twelve fluidounces, and containing the sugar. After 
 they have drained, add boiled cold water by small portions at a time, until the solution 
 of the iodides has been displaced and washed from the crystalline magma of sulphate of 
 potassa. Finally, add sufficient boiled cold water to make the whole measure twelve fluid- 
 ounces. The object of the iron is to prevent the liberation of iodine. This syrup has a 
 very pale straw colour. It necessarily contains a little sulphate of potassa, which does not 
 injure it as a therapeutic agent. If the salts have not been all decomposed during their 
 reaction, it will be greenish. Each fluidounce contains fifty grains of the mixed iodides, 
 in the proportion of three parts of iodide of iron to one of iodide of manganese. The d> se 
 is from ten drops to half a fluidrachm. ( Am . Journ. of Pharrn., May, 1853, p. 198. / Tins 
 syrup is'considered by M. P€trequin to be particularly suited to the treatment of anemia 
 resulting from obstinate intermittent fevers, from prolonged suppuration, and from scrofu- 
 lous, syphilitic, and cancerous affections. 
 
 Dr. T. S. Speer, of Cheltenham, in imitation of the practice of M. Hannon and M. Petre- 
 quin, has employed the combined carbonates of iron and manganese with excellent effects: 
 but, instead of using the carbonates- in pill, protected by honey and syrup, as M. Hannon 
 has done, he prefers a saccharine carbonate of the two metals, in imitation of the London 
 saccharine carbonate of iron, made by the following formula. Dissolve three ounces and erne 
 drachm of sulphate of iron, one ounce and one scruple of sulphate of manganese, and five 
 ounces of carbonate of soda, each, in thirty Imperial fluidounces of water, and thoroughly 
 mix the solutions. Collect the precipitated carbonates on a cloth filter, and wash them 
 immediately with cold water, to separate the sulphate of soda. Then press out as much 
 water as possible, and, without delay, triturate the pulp with two and a half ounces of 
 finely powdered sugar. Lastly, dry the mixture at a temperature not exceeding 120° F. 
 The saccharine carbonate of iron and manganese, as thus prepared, is a reddish-brown pov- 
 dev, devoid of all taste, except that imparted by the sugar. The dose is five grains, grad- 
 ually increased to a scruple, three times a day, given with the meals, or immediately after 
 them. (See Am. Journ. of Pharrn., March, 1854, p. 127, from the Med. Times and Ga:.) 
 
 MEAT BISCUIT. This alimentary substance, containing much nutriment in a small 
 bulk, is the invention of Mr. Gail Borden, jun., of Texas. It is made by mixing a concen- 
 trated fluid extract of flesh, strained through wire-cloth, and freed from fat. with good 
 wheat flour or other meal, and baking the dough into a biscuit, which must be preserved, 
 in mass or coarse powder, free from moisture, in gutta percha bags, or air-tight casks or 
 cases. To make the dough, about two parts of the extract are mixed with three of the 
 flour; and about twenty per cent, is lost in baking. The extract contains the soluble in- 
 gredients of the flesh, not coagulable by heat: namely, gelatin, kreatin, kreatinin, ph os- 
 phoric, lactic, and inosinic acid, and certain salts. Of course it contains no albumen cr 
 fibrin, unless in some altered state in which they are rendered soluble at a boiling tem- 
 perature. In this nutritious biscuit, the absence of albumen and fibrin is supposed to be 
 supplied by the vegetable fibrin (gluten) of the flour. The meat biscuit is said to be greatly 
 superior in nutritive qualities to pemmican, used by the Hudsqn Bay Company and others, 
 and which is made by mixing muscular flesh, cut in thin strips, thoroughly dried, and 
 reduced to powder, with melted fat. To prepare a pint of palatable soup, an ounce of the 
 powdered biscuit, first made into a thin paste with cold water, is added, with constant 
 stirring, to sufficient boiling water, and the whole boiled for twenty minutes. Salt and 
 pepper are then added to suit the taste. The meat biscuit forms an important resource in 
 all cases in which food must be carried on long journeys for daily consumption. 
 
 MEDEOLA VI RG I NIC A. Gyromia Yirginica. Nutall. Indian Cucumber. An indigenous 
 perennial herb, growing in all parts of the United States. The root, which in shape and 
 flavour bears a strong resemblance to a small cucumber, is said by Pursh to be eaten by 
 the Indians. According to the late Professor Barton, it has been thought useful in drop- 
 sies, and probably possesses diuretic properties. It is figured and described by Dr. Wil- 
 liam P. C. Barton in his Medical Botany. 
 
 MELILOTUS OFFICINALIS. Melilot. An annual or biennial plant, indigenous in Eu- 
 rope, and growing also in this country. We have two varieties, one with yellow, the other 
 with white flowers, which are considered by some as distinct species. The plant, when in 
 flower, has a peculiar sweet odour, which, by drying, becomes stronger and more agreea- 
 ble, somewhat like that of the tonka bean. Indeed, according to M. Guillemette, the 
 odorous principle of the two substances is identical. [Journ. de Pharrn., xxi. 172. The 
 taste of melilot is slightly bitterish. It has little medical power, and, though formerly 
 recommended in various diseases, is at present not employed internally. As a local appli- 
 cation, it is used, in the form of decoction or cataplasm, in moderate inflammations, though 
 probably with little other advantage than such as results from the combination of warmth 
 and moisture. 
 
Appendix. 1361 
 
 MENISPERMUM CANADENSE. This is a climbing plant, growing in various parts 
 of the United States, from the northern boundary to the Gulf of Mexico. It is described 
 in the Flora of North America by Torrey and Gray (vol. i. p. 48). In an unpublished in- 
 augural dissertation by Dr. Geo. F. Terrell (Feb. 1844), it is stated that the root of this 
 plant is considerably employed in Virginia, both in domestic practice and by physicians, 
 as a substitute for sarsaparilla, in scrofulous affections. It has a bitter taste, and is said 
 to be a gently stimulating tonic. 
 
 MESEMBRYANTHEMUM CRYSTALLINUM. Ice-plant. A biennial plant, growing 
 spontaneously in the South of Europe, and cultivated as a curiosity in colder countries, by 
 the aid of artificial warmth. The stem and under surface of the leaves are covered with 
 crystalline drops, which give the plant the appearance of being coated with ice. The herb 
 is without smell, and has a saline somewhat nauseous taste. It is considered demulcent 
 and diuretic, and has been highly lauded as a remedy in various complaints, especially in 
 those affecting the mucous membrane of the lungs and urinary passages. It has also been 
 used in dropsy. The expressed juice is the form in which the remedy has been generally 
 employed. 
 
 MOMORDICA BALSAMINA. Balsam Apple. Balsamina. An annual climbing plant, 
 a native of the East Indies, but cultivated in our gardens for the sake of the fruit. This 
 is ovate, attenuated towards each extremity, angular, warty, not unlike a cucumber in 
 appearance, of a lively red or orange-yellow colour, easily falling when touched, and spon- 
 taneously separating into several pieces. It was formerly highly esteemed as a vulnerary, 
 and is still in use among the common people. A liniment formed by infusing the fruit, 
 deprived of its seeds, in olive or almond oil, is applied to chapped hands, burns, old sores, 
 piles, prolapsus ani, &c. ; and the fruit itself is sometimes mashed and used in the form of 
 poultice. According to M. Desconrtlitz, it is poisonous when taken iuternally, having 
 proved fatal to a dog in the quantity of two or three drachms. An extract prepared from 
 it is said to be useful in dropsy, in the dose of from six to fifteen grains. 
 
 MONESIA. Under this name, a vegetable extract from South America was, a few years 
 since, introduced to the notice of the medical profession in France by M. Bernard Derosne, 
 and for a time attracted much attention. Its origin was for some time uncertain; but it 
 appears to have been ascertained to be derived from the bark of Chrysophyllum glycyphlcs- 
 um, a tree of middling size, growing in the forests near Rio Janeiro, and elsewhere in 
 Brazil (Virey, Journ. de Pharm., 3e sir., vi. (53.) Specimens of the bark were obtained 
 along with the extract. 
 
 The bark is in pieces, some of which are three or four lines thick, is very compact and 
 heavy, of a deep-brown or chocolate colour, contrasting strongly with the grayish colour 
 of the epidermis when this remains, and of smooth fracture. The extract w r as received 
 from S. America in cakes weighing rather more than a pound, from three-quarters of an 
 inch to an inch in thickness, of a dark-brown almost black colour, very brittle, of a frac- 
 ture neither very dull nor very shining, and of a taste at first sweet, then astringent, and 
 ultimately acrid; the acrimony being very persistent, and especially felt in the fauces. It 
 is entirely soluble in water. The bark was analyzed by MM. Derosne, Henry, and Payen, 
 and found to contain in 100 parts, 1-2 of stearin, chlorophylle, and wax, 1-4 of glycyr- 
 rhizin, 4-7 of an acrid principle analogous to saponin, called monesin. 7-5 of tannic acid, 
 9-2 of a red colouring substance, 1-3 of malic acid and malate of lime, 3-0 of various salts, 
 including silica and oxides of iron and manganese, and 71-7 of pectic acid or pectin and 
 lignin, including loss, besides traces of an aromatic principle, and of gum. Monesin was 
 obtained by treating the bark or extract with alcohol, adding to the tincture an excess of 
 hydrate of lime in fine powder, filtering, evaporating the clear liquor to dryness, treating 
 the residue with water and animal charcoal, filtering, and again evaporating to dryness. 
 Thus procured it was in transparent yellowish scales, which were easily pulverized, form- 
 ing a white powder. It was readily dissolved by alcohol and water, to the latter of which 
 it gave the property of frothing ; but was insoluble in ether. It could not be made to crys- 
 tallize. It had no power to saturate acids, was without odour, but had a slightly bitterish 
 taste, followed by a very decided and permanent acrimony in the posterior mouth and 
 fauces. {Journ. de Pharm., Janvier, 1841.) Monesia owes its activity probably to this 
 principle and to tannic acid. 
 
 The effects of this medicine upon the system appear to be those of a moderate stomachic 
 excitant, a general alterative, and a feeble astringent. In over-doses, it is said to produce 
 heat in the epigastrium with obstinate constipation and tenesmus. It has been used in- 
 ternally with asserted advantage in diarrhoea, haemoptysis, menorrhagia, scrofula, scurvy, 
 the chronic catarrh of old people, and dyspepsia. As a local remedy it has been found 
 useful in leucorrhoea, ulcerations of the mouth and fauces, spongy and scorbutic gums, 
 carious teeth, and obstinate scrofulous, and otherwise unhealthy ulcers upon the surface. 
 
 86 
 
1362 Appendix. 
 
 The extract may be given in pill or powder, in aqueous solution, in tincture, or in syrup. 
 The dose of it is from two to ten grains, repeated every hour, two, or three hours, or less 
 frequently. From ten grains to a drachm may be given daily. In scrofulous affections, it 
 must be given in large quantities, and persevered in for several weeks, in order to obtain 
 its curative effects. Monesia is applied to ulcers either by being sprinkled in powder upon 
 the surface, or in the form of ointment made with one part of the extract and seven parts 
 of simple ointment. Monesin, or the acrid principle, has been given internally in the dose 
 of about half a grain, and has also been applied to ulcers. 
 
 Mr. Dupuy, of New York, states that specimens of an extract sold as monesia, which 
 have come under his notice, bear so close a resemblance to extract of logwood as to sug- 
 gest the inquiry, whether they might not really have been the product of the same plant. 
 (N. Y. Journ. of Pharm., i. 167.) 
 
 MOXA. The term moxa is employed to designate small masses of combustible matter 
 intended, by being burnt in contact with the skin, to produce an eschar. They are of 
 various forms, and made of different materials. The Chinese moxa is in small cones from 
 eight to twelve lines in height, and is prepared from the leaves of one or more species of 
 Artemisia. A. Chinensis and A. Indica were indicated by the Dublin College ; but Lindley 
 states that it is the A. Moxa of De Candolle which is employed. According to some authors, 
 the part used is the down which covers the leaves and stems; but others, with greater 
 probability, assert that it is a fine lanuginous substance, prepared from the leaves by 
 beating them in a mortar. A coarser and a finer product are obtained, the former of 
 which is used for tinder, the latter worked up into moxa. A similar moxa has been made 
 iu France, by a similar process, from the leaves of A. vulgaris. 
 
 _ Various substitutes have been proposed for the Chinese moxa, all composed of some 
 light, porous, soft, inflammable substance, which burns slowly, and thus allows the heat 
 to be regulated according to the effect desired. Linen rolled into a cylinder, cotton 
 formed into the same shape and enclosed in a piece of linen, cords of cotton in small 
 masses of various shapes, and even common spunk made from the agaric of the oak, have 
 been employed by different persons with the desired effect. But all these bodies are sub- 
 ject to the inconvenience of requiring to be constantly blown upon, in order that their 
 combustion may be sustained. To remedy this defect, cotton impregnated with nitre has 
 been recommended ; and the moxa usually employed is prepared from that substance. It 
 is important that the impregnation should be uniform ; as otherwise different parts of the 
 cylinder, burning with different degrees of rapidity, would produce unequal effects upon 
 the skin. The following process is recommended. One pound of cotton is introduced 
 into a vessel containing two ounces of nitre dissolved in half a gallon of water, and a 
 moderate heat applied, till all the liquid is evaporated. The cotton when perfectly dry is 
 formed into thin, narrow sheets, which are rolled round a central cord of linen, so as to 
 form a cylinder from half an inch to an inch in diameter, and several inches long. This 
 is enclosed in a covering of silk or linen sewed firmly around it : and. when used, may be 
 cut by a razor into transverse slices a few lines in length. By leaving a hole in the cen- 
 tre of the cylinder, the combustion will be rendered more vigorous, and a deeper eschar 
 produced. 
 
 The pith of the Helianthus annuus, or common sun-flower, has been proposed by M. 
 Percy for the preparation of moxa, for which it is well adapted by the nitre which it 
 contains, and which enables it to burn without insufflation. The stem, when perfectly 
 mature, is cut into transverse sections about half an inch in thickness, which must be 
 carefully dried, and kept in a perfectly dry place. They have this advantage, that, in 
 consequence of the retention of the cortical portion, they may be held with impunity, 
 while burning, between the fingers of the operator. They are. however, frequently de- 
 fective in consequence of an insufficiency of nitre in the pith, or of the unequal inflam- 
 mability of different parts of it. 
 
 M. Robinet has perfected the preparation of moxa, by combining the advantages of 
 the two kinds last described. He rolls cotton round a small central cylinder of pith, and 
 envelopes the whole in a piece of muslin, which is more or less firmly applied, according 
 to the degree of compactness required. The cylinders thus made, burn without assist- 
 ance, uniformly, and with a rapidity proportionate to their firmness. 
 
 Dr. Jacobson, of Copenhagen, has proposed, as a substitute for the ordinary forms of 
 moxa, small cylinders formed out of strips of paper imbued with a solution of chromate 
 of potassa ; and cotton, impregnated with the solution of chlorate of potassa instead of 
 nitre, is said to answer an excellent purpose. (Journ. de Pharm.. xix. 608.) Small cylin- 
 ders made out of strips of coarse muslin imbued with the same solution are also em- 
 ployed. M. Guepratt proposes paper or cotton dipped into the solution of subacetate of 
 lead, and afterwards dried. (Med. Exam., N. S., iii. 455, from London Lancet.) 
 
 Lime in the act of slaking has been employed by Dr. Osborne for the purposes of 
 
Appendix. 1363 
 
 moxa. A portion of powdered quicklime, half an inch in thickness, and of suitable 
 lateral dimensions, is applied to the skin, and confined by some convenient arrangement. 
 A few drops of water are then added, and a degree of heat is soon evolved sufficient for 
 a caustic effect, if the lime be allowed to remain as long as the heat continues. This may 
 be increased or diminished by increasing or diminishing the quantity of lime employed. 
 The eschar formed is somewhat more than double the extent of the base of the moxa. 
 (. Dublin Journ., Jan. 1842.) 
 
 Medical Use. Cauterization by fire, in the treatment of disease, has been commonly 
 practised among savage and half civilized nations from the earliest periods of history, 
 and has not been unknown as a remedy in the most polished communities. The ancient 
 Egyptians and Greeks were acquainted with the use of moxa ; and in China, Japan, and 
 other countries of Asia, it appears to have been employed from time immemorial. From 
 these countries the early Portuguese navigators introduced it into Europe; and the term 
 moxa is said to have been derived from their language, though supposed by some to be of 
 Chinese origin. The true Chinese name is said to be kiew. ( Percy and Laurent.) Some 
 years since, the remedy became very popular in France, and attracted some attention in 
 this country. It acts on the principle of revulsion; relieving deep-seated inflammation, 
 and local irritation whether vascular or nervous, by inviting the current of excitement to 
 the skin. In some cases it may also operate advantageously by the propagation of a 
 stimulant impression to neighbouring parts. 
 
 The celebrated Larrey was among those who contributed most to bring this remedy 
 into repute. The diseases in which it was recommended by this author were amaurosis, 
 loss of taste, deafness, paralytic affections of the muscular system, asthma, chronic catarrh 
 and pleurisy, phthisis; chronic engorgement of the liver and spleen, rachitis, diseased 
 spine, coxalgia, and other forms of scrofulous and rheumatic inflammation of the joints. 
 It has also been used advantageously in neuralgia, and is applicable to chronic complaints 
 generally in which powerful external revulsion is indicated. 
 
 The parts of the body upon which, according to Larrey, it should not be applied, are 
 the cranium where protected only by the skin and pericranium ; the eyelids, nose, and 
 ears; the skin over the larynx, trachea, and mammary glands, over superficial tendons, 
 projecting points of bones, and articular prominences in which the capsular ligament 
 might be involved; the anterior surface of the abdomen; and the genitals. 
 
 As a general rule it should be applied as near as possible to the seat of the disease; 
 and, in neuralgic or paralytic cases, at the origin or over the course of the nerves pro- 
 ceeding to the part affected. Some advise that the cylinder be attached to the skin by 
 some adhesive liquid; but a more general practice is to retain it in the proper position 
 by a pair of forceps or other instrument. Larrey recommends that the skin around it be 
 covered with a piece of moistened lint, having a hole in the centre to admit the base of 
 the cylinder. The moxa should be set on fire at the summit, and the combustion sus- 
 tained if necessary by the breath, the blow-pipe, or the bellows. The size of the cylinder 
 should vary, according to the effect desired, from half an inch to an inch or more in dia- 
 meter, and from a few lines to an inch in height. Any degree of effect may be obtained, 
 from a slight inflammation to the death of the skin, by regulating the time during which 
 the moxa is allowed to burn. When a slough is required, it should be suffered to burn 
 until consumed. The first sensation experienced is not disagreeable ; but the operation 
 becomes gradually more painful, and towards the close is for a short time very severe. 
 
 MURIATIC ETHER. JEther Muriaticus. Muriate of Etherine. Chloride of Ethyle. 
 This ether was discovered by Rouelle, but first obtained in sufficient quantities to permit 
 the examination of its properties by Basse. It may be procured by several processes, 
 but the following is the best. — Distil a mixture of equal measures of concentrated muriatic 
 acid and alcohol, and receive the product, by means of a curved glass tube, in a tubulated 
 bottle, half filled with water at a temperature between 70° and 80°, and connected by 
 means of a second tube with another bottle, loosely corked, and surrounded by a mixture 
 of common salt with snow or pounded ice. The ether which comes over into the first 
 bottle, is mixed with alcohol and acid, which are retained by the water, while the pure 
 ether passes forward, and is condensed in the refrigerated bottle. This ether must be 
 kept in strong bottles, well secured with ground stoppers covered with leather. Before 
 being opened, the bottle should be cooled down to the freezing point. 
 
 Muriatic ether is colourless, has a strong, slightly saccharine, alliaceous taste, and a 
 penetrating, ethereal, alliaceous smell. Its sp. gr. at the temperature of 41° is 0-774. It 
 is extremely volatile, entering into ebullition at 54° ; so that in summer it may be collected 
 in the gaseous state, in bell-glasses over water. Its density in the state of vapour is 2-22. 
 When kindled as issuing from a fine orifice, it burns with an emerald-green flame without 
 smoke, diffusing a strong odour of muriatic acid; but when set on fire in quantities, it 
 burns with a greenish-yellow smoky flame. Water dissolves one-fiftieth of its weight of 
 
1364 Appendix. 
 
 this ether, and acquires a sweetish, ethereal taste, and alcohol unites with it in all pro- 
 portions. These solutions are not precipitated by nitrate of silver, showing that the 
 chlorine present is in a peculiar state of combination. Like sulphuric and nitric ether, 
 it dissolves sulphur and phosphorus, the fat and volatile oils, and many other substances. 
 It consists of one eq. of muriatic acid 36-42, and one of etherine 28=64-42 ; or, in volumes, 
 of two volumes of the acid, and one volume of the vapour of etherine, condensed into 
 two volumes. Viewed as the chloride of ethyle, its formula is C 4 H.C1. 
 
 Muriatic ether, like the other substances of this class, is a diffusible stimulant; but, 
 owing to its extreme volatility, cannot be kept in the shops. It may, however, be pre- 
 served in a cool cellar, the temperature of which does not rise above 45° or 50°, being 
 well secured in bottles, which should be placed reversed. When used as a medicine, it 
 is generally mixed with an equal bulk of alcohol, forming what is called alcoholic muriatic 
 ether. The dose is from live to thirty drops, given in sweetened water, or other conve- 
 nient vehicle. 
 
 MUSHROOMS. Fungi. This extensive family of cryptogamous plants is interesting to 
 the physician, from the consideration, that, while some of them are very largely consumed 
 as food, others are deleterious in their nature, and capable, when eaten, of producing 
 poisonous effects. Their substance is made up of a cellular tissue, which is usually of 
 that soft consistence denominated fungous, but is sometimes corky, ligneous, or even 
 gelatinous. Many of them have an agreeable odour and taste, while others are unplea- 
 sant or offensive both to the nostrils and palate. Their juice generally exhibits an acid 
 reaction. According to Braconnot, most of them contain, among other substances, a pe- 
 culiar principle denominated fungin , a peculiar acid called fungic acid usually combined 
 with potassa, and a peculiar saccharine matter less sweet than the other varieties of sugar, 
 less soluble in alcohol and water than that of the cane, and distinguished by some writers 
 as the sugar of mushrooms. M. Bolby found mannite in two different species, with oxalic 
 acid in one, an acid which he supposed to be the fumaric in a second, and the lichenstearic 
 acid in a third. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3 eser., xxiv. 236 ) Fungin constitutes the basis of 
 these vegetables, and is the principle upon which their nutritive properties chiefly depend. 
 It is the fleshy substance which remains when they are treated with boiling water holding 
 a little alkali in solution. It is whitish, soft, and insipid; inflammable; insoluble in 
 water, alcohol, ether, weak sulphuric acid, and weak solutions of potassa and soda ; solu- 
 ble in heated muriatic acid; decomposed by nitric acid, and by concentrated alkaline 
 solutions; and converted by destructive distillation into substances resembling those 
 which result from the distillation of animal matters. 
 
 It is highly important for those who employ mushrooms as food, to be able to distinguish 
 those which are wholesome from the poisonous. The following general rules were given by 
 M. Richard in the Dictionnaire des Drogues. Those should be rejected which have a nar- 
 cotic or fetid odour, or an acrid, bitter, or very acid taste: which occasion a sense of con- 
 striction in the throat when swallowed; which are very soft, liquefying, changing colour, 
 and assuming a bluish tint upon being bruised : which exude a milky, acrid, and styptic 
 juice; which grow in very moist places, and upon putrefying substances; in fine, all such 
 as have a coriaceous, ligneous, or corky consistence. The last, however, are injurious in 
 consequence rather of their indigestible than of their poisonous nature. Even mushrooms 
 which are usually edible, may prove poisonous, if collected too late, or in places which are 
 too moist. It is said, moreover, that the poisonous species sometimes become innocent 
 when they grow under favourable circumstances. Immense quantities of mushrooms 
 are eaten in France, Germany, Italy, and other parts of continental Europe; and they are 
 said to constitute the chief food of the people in certain provinces. 
 
 Some experiments of M. Gerard would tend to show that poisonous mushrooms may 
 be rendered innocent, by treating them with water slightly acidulated with vinegar, before 
 cooking them. About a pound avoirdupois of poisonous mushrooms, cut into pieces, 
 are to he macerated for two hours in a quart of water, acidulated with two or three 
 spoonfuls of strong vinegar, and afterwards to be washed with a large quantity of 
 water. Next day they are to be put into cold water, boiled for half an hour, then taken 
 out, washed, and dried. They are now fit for food. (See Mm. Journ. of Pharm.. xxv. 274.1 
 But subsequent experiments by MM. Demartis and Corne, of Bordeaux, have proved that 
 this method is not always to be relied on; as certain mushrooms, after having been treated 
 in the manner suggested, have nevertheless produced fatal effects on animals to which they 
 were given; and as the same mushrooms may be poisonous at one season, or in one situ- 
 ation, and innocent in another, the inference is that those experimented on by M. Gerard, 
 though ordinarily poisonous, may not have been so in that particular instance. [Journ. dc 
 Pharm., oe ser., xxi. 468.) 
 
 The symptoms produced by the poisonous mushrooms are anxiety, nausea, faintness, 
 vomiting, and, if they are not rejected from the stomach, somnolence, stupor, small and 
 
Appendix. 1365 
 
 intermittent pulse, tension of the .abdomen, cold extremities, livid skin, and death in thirty- 
 six or forty-eight hours. Sometimes violent pains in the stomach and bowels are expe- 
 rienced; and occasional^ severe vomiting and purging occur, and save the patient. The 
 remedies are emetics, if the physician is called in time, accompanied with the free use of 
 warm drinks, and followed by cathartics. After the evacuation of the alimentary canal, 
 demulcent and nutritive beverages should be given, and the strength of the patient sus- 
 tained by mild tonics or stimulants. Ether is particularly recommended. 
 
 Some of the poisonous species have been used as medicines; but in this country they 
 are never employed; and too little seems to be precisely known of their modes of action, 
 and their qualities, even in the same species, vary too much, according to the circumstances 
 of their growth and situation, to justify their introduction into the materia medica, without 
 further investigation. A species of Lycoperdon or puff-ball, L. proteus, has been proved by 
 Mr. B. W. Richardson, of London, to have remarkable narcotic and anmsthetic properties. 
 Having noticed that the smoke of this fungus was used in the country for stupefying bees, 
 he made experiments with the fumes upon various animals, which, when caused to inhale 
 them, became insensible, and could be operated on without evincing any signs of pain. 
 When carried far, they caused death. He had himself inhaled the fumes clarified by 
 passing them through water, and experienced symptoms of intoxication and drowsiness. 
 They were procured by burning the fungus. ( Bond . Med. Times and Gaz., June, 1853, p. 610.) 
 
 MUSK, ARTIFICIAL. Moschus Factitius. This is prepared, according to M. Eisner,, by 
 adding, by small portions at a time, one part of rectified oil of amber to three parts of 
 fuming nitric acid. The resulting resin is washed with water to separate acid, and 
 brought to the consistence of a firm extract in a water bath. Thus prepared it is a dark 
 brownish-red substance, having a burning, bitter, aromatic taste, and a musky odour. It 
 is very soluble in alcohol, ether, and the volatile oils; its alcoholic solution reddening 
 litmus. Triturated with caustic potassa, it gives off ammonia. When set on fire, it burns 
 with a very smoky flame, and leaves a shining, porous charcoal. Its formula, deduced 
 from its combination with protoxide of lead, is N 2 C,.H 6 0 7 . Comparing its composition 
 with that of the oil of amber, the action of the nitric acid evidently consists in eliminating 
 a portion of carbon and hydrogen, adding to the oxygen, and furnishing nitrogen. M. 
 Eisner found oil of amber to consist of several oily principles, having different boiling 
 points, one of which, resembling eupione, he calls amber eupione. As this substance yields 
 artificial musk by the action of fuming nitric acid, he believes the property possessed by 
 oil of amber of yielding the same substance is due to its presence. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e 
 sir., ii 144.) During the reaction of nitric acid with oil of amber, Dr. John T. Plummer, 
 of Indiana, has observed that oxalic acid is generated. ( Am . Journ. of Pharm., Jan. 
 1852, p. 36.) 
 
 Dr. S. W. Williams gives the following formula for the preparation of artificial musk. 
 Add gradually, drop by drop, three drachms and a ; half of concentrated nitric acid to a 
 drachm of rectified oil of amber, contained in a glass tumbler, or very large wineglass. The 
 mixture grows hot, and emits offensive fumes, which the operator must avoid. W'hen the 
 ordinary nitric acid is employed, which is not of full strength, the reaction must be assisted 
 by heat; in which case Dr. Williams recommends that the vessel containing the mixed 
 ingredients be placed in a plate before the fire, they being, meanwhile, continually stirred 
 with a glass rod. After the mixture has remained at rest for twenty-four hours, it acquires 
 a resinous appearance, and divides into two portions, an acid liquid below, and a yellow 
 resin above resembling musk in smell. This being thoroughly washed, first with cold and 
 then with hot water, until all traces of acid are removed, is the artificial musk. (Am. Journ. 
 of Pharm., viii. 14, from the Boston Med. and Surg. Journ.) 
 
 Artificial musk is an antispasmodic and nervine, and possesses the general therapeutic 
 properties of the natural substance, though in a weaker degree. It is praised by Dr. Wil- 
 liams in the treatment of hooping-cough, typhoid states of fever, and nervous diseases 
 generally. When combined with water of ammonia, compound spirit of lavender, or 
 laudanum, he found no remedy so efficient in the sinking faintness occurring in the last 
 stage of pulmonary consumption. The average dose for an adult is ten grains; for a child 
 of two years old, from half a grain to a grain, repeated, in each case, every two or three 
 hours. It may be prepared as the musk mixture, or with almonds in the form of emulsion. 
 According to Berzelius, the tincture is formed by dissolving a drachm of artificial musk in 
 an ounce of alcohol, equivalent to ten fluidrachms of the sp. gr. 0-835. Of this the dose 
 for an adult is a teaspoonful. Though artificial musk is not equal in power to the natural 
 substance when genuine, yet it is in all probability superior to the adulterated article, so 
 frequently sold under the name of musk. 
 
 MYROBALANS. Myrnbalani. These are the fruits of various East India trees, par- 
 ticularly of different species of Terminalia. They are noticed here partly on account of 
 
1366 Appendix. 
 
 their ancient reputation, partly because they are still occasionally to be found in the shops, 
 though seldom, if ever used in medicine. Five varieties are distinguished by authors. 
 1. Myrobalani belliricse. These are obtained from Terminalia BelUrica. They are roundish 
 or ovate, from the size of a hazelnut to that of a walnut, of a grayish-brown colour, smooth, 
 marked with five longitudinal ribs, and sometimes furnished with a short, thick footstalk. 
 They consist of an exterior, thin, firm, resinous, brown, fleshy portion, and an interior 
 kernel, which is light-brown, inodorous, and of a bitterish very astringent taste. 2. Myro- 
 balani chebulx. This variety is produced by Terminalia Chtbula. The fruit is oblong, 
 pointed at each extremity, from fifteen to eighteen lines in length, of a dark-brown colour, 
 smooth and shining, with five longitudinal wrinkles, but without footstalks. In their in- 
 ternal arrangement and their taste, they resemble the preceding. 3. Myrobalani cilrinae 
 vel flavse. These are from a variety of the same tree which affords the last-mentioned 
 myrobalans, from which they differ only in being somewhat smaller, of a light-brown or 
 yellowish colour, and of a taste rather more bitter. They were formerly sometimes sold 
 in the shops in Philadelphia, under the name of white galls , to which, however, they bear 
 no other resemblance than in taste. 4. Myrobalani Indicse vel nigrse. These are thought 
 to be the unripe fruit of Terminalia Chebula, or T. Bellirica. They are ovate-oblong, 
 from four to eight lines long, and from two to three lines thick, of a blackish colour, 
 wrinkled longitudinally, and presenting, when broken, a thick brown mass, without kernel, 
 but with a small cavity in the centre. They are sourish and very astringent. 5. Myro- 
 balani emblicx. This variety is wholly different from the preceding, and derived from a 
 plant having no affinity to the Terminali®, namely, the Phyllanihus Emblica of Linnjeus. 
 It is often in segments, as kept in the shops. When the fruit is entire, it is blackish, 
 spherical, depressed, of the size of a cherry, presenting six obtuse ribs with as many deep 
 furrows, and separating into six valves, and has a strongly astringent and acidulous taste. 
 
 These fruits were in high repute with the Arabians, and were long emplov'ed by Euro- 
 pean practitioners, as primarily laxative and secondarily astringent, in various complaints, 
 particularly diarrhoea and d^ysentery. Their dose was from two drachms to an ounce. 
 They are not now employed as medicines. AVe have been told that they have been used 
 as a substitute for galls in the preparation of ink-powder. 
 
 NAPHTHALINE. This may be obtained by subjecting coal-tar to distillation, when it 
 passes over after the coal-naphtha. It is a white, shining, concrete, crystalline substance, 
 fusible at 176° and boiling at 423°. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, naphtha, and the oils, 
 but insoluble in water. It has been proposed by Dupasquier as an expectorant, and has 
 been found, on trial, to act decidedly as such. In the impending suffocation, sometimes 
 occurring in the chronic pulmonary catarrh of old persons, and in humoral asthma, it 
 facilitated expectoration in a remarkable degree. Being a stimulating remedy, it is not 
 proper in acute bronchitis, or where pulmonary inflammation exists. The dose is from 
 eight to thirty grains, given in emulsion or syrup, and repeated at intervals of a quarter 
 of an hour, until an abundant expectoration takes place. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3e ser., ii. 
 513.) M. Rossignon considers naphthaline to act like camphor, and to be capable of 
 replacing it on many occasions as a remedy. It produces excellent effects in verminose 
 affections. It has been found useful by M. Emery, in the form of ointment made by mixing 
 a scruple of naphthaline with five drachms of lard, in dry tetter, psoriasis, and lepra vul- 
 garis. ( Annuaire de Therap., 1843, pp. 64 and 06.) 
 
 NAPLES YELLOW. A yellow pigment prepared by calcining a mixture of lead, sul- 
 phuret of antimony, dried alum, and muriate of ammonia, or a mixture of carbonate of 
 lead, diaphoretic antimony, dried alum, and muriate of ammonia, ( Gray .) 
 
 NARCISSUS PSEUDO-NARCISSUS. Daffodil. This well-known bulbous plant is a 
 native of Europe, but is very common in the gardens of this country, where it attracts 
 attention by the early appearance of its conspicuous yellow flowers. Both the bulb and 
 flowers have been used in medicine. The latter have a feeble peculiar odour, and both 
 have a bitter mucilaginous taste. They are emetic, though uncertain in their operation. 
 It is probable that the flowers of the wild plant are more powerful than those of the cul- 
 tivated. They may be given dried and powdered, or in the form of extract. The dose of 
 the powder, to produce an emetic effect, varies, according to the statements of different 
 physicians, from a scruple to two drachms ; while the extract is said to vomit in the dose 
 of two or three grains. It is conjectured that the emetic property is developed by the 
 agency of water. The bulb is most powerful in the recent state, and, within our own 
 knowledge, is occasionally used as an emetic in domestic practice in this country. Y hen 
 dried and powdered, it has been given in the dose of thirty-six grains without vomiting. 
 The flowers are said also to possess antispasmodic powers, and have been used in France, 
 with supposed advantage, in hooping-cough, epilepsy, and other convulsive affections. It 
 is probable, however, that they operated in these cases by their nauseating or emetic 
 
Appendix. 1367 
 
 property. They have, moreover; been advantageously employed in diarrhoea, dysentery, 
 and intermittent fever. Other species of Narcissus are said to possess the same proper- 
 ties, though they have not been so much used. 
 
 NARD. Spikenard. Several aromatic roots were known to the ancients under the 
 name of nardus, distinguished, according to their origin or place of growth, by the names 
 of nardus Indica , nardus Celtica , nardus montana, &c. They are supposed to have been 
 derived from different species of Valeriana. Thus the nardus Indica is referred to V. 
 Jatamensi of Bengal, the nardus Celtica to V. Celtica, inhabiting the Alps, Apennines, &c., 
 and the nardus montana to V. tuberosa, which grows in the mountains of the South of 
 Europe. The Indian nard, or spikenard, sometimes also called Syrian nard, is still occa- 
 sionally to be found in the shops. It is a small delicate root, from one to three inches 
 long, beset with a tuft of soft, light-brown, slender fibres, of an agreeable odour, and a 
 bitter, aromatic taste. It was formerly very highly esteemed as a medicine, but is now 
 almost out of use. Its properties are analogous to those of the officinal valerian. 
 
 NASTURTIUM OFFICINALE. R. Brown. Sisymbrium Nasturtium. Linn. Water-cress. 
 A small, perennial, herbaceous, succulent plant, growing in springs, rivulets, and ponds, 
 in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia. The fresh herb has a quick pene- 
 trating odour, especially when rubbed, and a bitterish, pungent taste, but loses both when 
 dried, lu sensible and medical properties it bears some resemblance to scurvy grass, 
 though milder, and on this account is preferred for the table. It is thought to be useful 
 in scorbutic affections, and visceral obstructions. The expressed juice is sometimes given 
 in the dose of one or two ounces ; but the herb is more frequently used in the form of a 
 salad. Other species of Nasturtium, as N. paluslre, or marsh water-cress, and N. amphi- 
 bium or water-radish, grow in similar situations with the N. officinale, and possess similar 
 virtues. 
 
 NIGELLA SATIVA. Nutmeg-flower. Small fennel-flower. A small annual plant, grow- 
 ing wild in Syria and the South of Europe, and cultivated in various parts of the world. 
 The seeds, which are sometimes kept in the shops under the name of semen nigellse, are 
 ovate, somewhat compressed, about a line long and half as broad, usually three-cornered, 
 with two sides flat and one convex, black or brown externally, white and oleaginous 
 within, of a strong, agreeable, aromatic odour, like that of nutmegs, and a spicy pungent 
 taste. Their chief constituents are a volatile and fixed oil, and a peculiar bitter principle 
 denominated nigellin, which exists in the seeds in very minute proportion. ( Journ . de 
 Pharm., 3e ser., ii. 128.) 
 
 NITRATE OF COPPER. Cupri Nitras. This well known salt has been employed with 
 advantage as a caustic, in a severe case of ulceration of the throat and tongue, and in 
 several similar cases, by Dr. William Moore, of Ballymoney, Ireland. The application is 
 attended with no danger, provided the ulcer or part is dried before applying the caustic, 
 and afterwards smeared with oil. (See Braithwaite’ s Retrospect, xxv. 201.) 
 
 NITRATE OF SODA. Cubic Nitre. This salt may be formed by treating carbonate of 
 soda with nitric acid. It is found naturally, in inexhaustible quantities, in the desert of 
 Atacama and elsewhere, in Peru, where it forms beds of vast extent. Attempts were 
 made between 1820 and 1830 to export it to England and the United States; but the car- 
 goes were unsalable. Soon afterwards, however, its value came to be known ; so that 
 at present large quantities are exported from Peru, being consumed in the manufacture 
 of sulphuric and nitric acids, and as a fertilizer. Considerable quantities have been 
 brought to the United States. 
 
 Nitrate of soda, when pure, is a white salt, crystallizing in rhomboidal prisms, and 
 having a sharp, cooling, and bitter taste. It attracts moisture slightly from the air, and 
 dissolves in about twice its weight of water at 60°. It has been praised as a remedy in 
 dysentery by two German physicians, Drs. Yelsen and Meyer, given in the quantity of 
 from half an ounce to an ounce in the course of the day, dissolved in gum water or other 
 mucilaginous liquid. The crude salt, as it comes from Peru, is in saline lumps, rather 
 soft and friable, and damp on the surface. It is distinguished into varieties, according to 
 its colour and state of aggregation ; as white compact, yelloic, gray compact, gray crystal- 
 line, and white crystalline ; and varies very much in purity, from containing eighty-five to 
 only twenty per cent, of the pure salt. Some of the varieties contain iodine. (See page 
 41.) The impurities consist of common salt, sulphate and carbonate of soda, and chloride 
 of calcium. Occasionally, borate of lime is found, associated with borate of soda, under 
 the beds of the nitrate. (See page 687.) 
 
 As nitrate of soda has been imposed upon our merchants for nitre, it may be useful to 
 mention that the former salt may be distinguished by its giving rise to an orange-yellow 
 flame when thrown on burning coals, and by the rhomboidal shape of its crystals; those 
 of nitre being long six-sided prisms. (See page 590.) 
 
1368 Appendix. 
 
 NITROPRUSSIDE OF SODIUM. This is the most interesting of a series of salts, 
 discovered by Dr. Playfair, called nitroprussides, which are produced, for the most part, 
 by saturating the acid ( nitroprussic acid), generated by the action of nitric acid on ferro- 
 cyanuret of potassium, with different bases. The sodium salt is best obtained by the 
 process of A. Overbeck, as follows. — Dissolve four parts of pow dered ferrocyanuret of po- 
 tassium contained in a flask, in five and a half parts of commercial nitric acid, diluted with 
 an equal weight of water. After the action is completed, which generally occupies about 
 ten minutes, and is accompanied by a copious evolution of gases, heat the resulting coffee- 
 brown liquid by a water bath, until a drop of it gives a dingy green, instead of a blue 
 precipitate with a solution of sulphate of protoxide of iron. Then allow the liquid to 
 cool; whereupon the larger part of the nitrate of potassa generated will be deposited in 
 crystals. Pour off the green mother-liquor from these, and separate the remaining nitrate 
 of potassa by repeated concentrations. Next neutralize the liquid, while heated on a 
 water bath, with carbonate of soda, taking care to add the carbonate so long only as a 
 pure blue precipitate is produced. Lastly, filter the solution, and set it aside that crys- 
 tals may form, which must be washed with water, and dried between blotting paper. 
 (Chem. Gaz., July 15, 1853, p. 271.) This salt is in the form of large ruby-coloured 
 prismatic crystals, very much resembling those of ferridcyanuret of potassium i red prus- 
 siate of potassa). It is soluble in two and a half parts of cold water, and in a less quan- 
 tity of hot water. Its solution, exposed to sunshine, is decomposed, with evolution of 
 nitric oxide gas, and deposition of Prussian blue, at the same time acquiring a green 
 colour. Nitroprusside of sodium, as well as the other soluble nitroprussides, is a most 
 delicate test for the alkaline sulphurets, with which it strikes a beautiful violet colour. 
 (See page 716.) Its composition is not certainly known : but the following formula, given 
 by Gerhardt, is probably the correct one. (Na 2 .Fe 2 Cy 5 NO,-|-4HO.) Nitroprussic acid is 
 the nitroprusside of hydrogen, with the formula H„,Fe 2 Cy 5 N0 2 . 
 
 NITROSULPHATE OF AMMONIA. This compound, discovered by Pclouze in 1835, 
 may be formed by passing nitric oxide through a solution of sulphate of ammonia in five 
 or six times its volume of water of ammonia. A large number of crystals are formed, 
 which must be quickly washed with liquid ammonia previously refrigerated, and dried 
 without heat. Nitrosulphate of ammonia has been used at the Hotel Dieu in Paris, in 
 doses of twelve grains, with apparent advantage, in typhoid fevers. Its composition cor- 
 responds with one eq. of nitric oxide, one of sulphurous acid, and one of ammonia; but 
 as the salt is not precipitated by barytic water, Pelouze conceives that the nitric oxide 
 and sulphurous acid, together, form a peculiar acid which he calls nitrosulphuric acid, 
 consisting of one eq. of nitrogen, one of sulphur, and four of oxygen. 
 
 NITROUS OXIDE. This well known gas, generally called the laughing gas, from its 
 power to cause a transient intoxication when breathed, is capable of producing anaesthetic 
 effects ; but even if these were as safely’ induced as by ether, the comparative expense of 
 the gas would prevent its employ’ment. The late Mr. Horace Wells, dentist, of Connec- 
 ticut, tried to introduce it as an anaesthetic; but his first experiments were unsuccessful, 
 and further attempts were superseded by the discovery of etherization. 
 
 Water, impregnated by pressure with about five times its volume of this gas, forms the 
 nitrous oxide rvater, known in England under the name of Searle’s patent oxygenous 
 aerated water, which has been used to some extent as au internal remedy. Sir H. Davy 
 tried the aqueous solution, made without pressure, and thought it acted as a diuretic, and 
 promoted digestion; and Serullas used it in Asiatic cholera with apparent advantage. 
 The patent water is asserted to be suited to the treatment of torpor, debility, depression 
 of spirits, asthma, and dyspepsia ; but to be contra-indicated in inflammatory and ple- 
 thoric states of the system. Dr. George J. Ziegler, of Philadelphia, has made a number 
 of therapeutic trials with nitrous oxide water, charged with five times its volume of the 
 gas, and finds it to possess tonic, resolvent, exliilarant, and diuretic properties. He has 
 observed, however, that its free and prolonged use is apt to produce emaciation. Dr. 
 Ziegler has also made some interesting experiments, tending to show the antidotal and 
 revivifying properties of nitrous oxide. In these experiments, dogs were asphyxiated or 
 poisoned with carburetted hydrogen, chloroform, carbonic acid, hydrocyanic acid, and other 
 agents, and, when in a state of suspended animation more or less complete, were gene- 
 rally revived by the nitrous oxide water, injected into the bowels in the amount of from 
 two to three pints. When administered by the stomach, the dose of the water is from 
 half a pint to a pint and a half, taken in the course of the day. Dr. Ziegler concludes 
 from his observations and experiments that nitrous oxide is a powerful arterial, nervous, 
 and cerebral stimulant, possessing, at the same time, valuable antidotal powers. ( Boston 
 Med. and Surg. Journ., xlvi. 453 and xlvii. 383.) 
 
 NYMPH7EA ODORATA. Sweet-scented Water-lilt/. An indigenous herbaceous peren- 
 nial, growing in most parts of the United States, in fresh water ponds and the borders 
 
Appendix. 1369 
 
 of streams, and distinguished by the beauty and delicious odour of its large, -white, many- 
 petaled flowers. Its root is large and fleshy in the recent state, but becomes light, spongy, 
 and friable by drying. It is very astringent and bitter, and, according to Dr. Bigelow, con- 
 tains much tannin and gallic acid. It is sometimes employed, in the form of poultice, as a 
 discutient application. The root of the Nymphcea alba, or European white water-lily, was 
 esteemed aphrodisiac by the ancients, but has long lost this reputation. Like that of the 
 American plant, it is bitter and styptic, and may have been useful by its astringency in 
 some cases of leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea, dysentery, &c., in which it was formerly employed 
 for its reputed sedative virtues. 
 
 OCHRES. These are native mixtures of argillaceous or calcareous earth and oxide of 
 iron, employed in painting. They are prepared for use by agitating them with water, 
 decanting the turbid liquor after the coarser particles have subsided, then allowing it to 
 rest in order that the finer parts may be deposited, and, lastly, drying the sediment which 
 forms. The colour of the ochres varies with the state of oxidation of the iron, and with 
 the proportion which it bears to the other ingredients, and is sometimes artificially modi- 
 fied by the agency of heat. Several varieties' are kept in our shops under different names, 
 according to their colour or place of origin. Such are the brown ochre, the yellow ochre, 
 the red ochre, the Roman ochre of a brownish-yellow changing by heat to a purple-red, the 
 Oxford ochre of a brownish-yellow colour less deep than the Roman, and the French ochre 
 which is yellow. The Indian red from the Persian Gulf, the Spanish brown, may also be 
 ranked in this class of pigments. Sometimes ochres come in a powder}’ state, and some- 
 times in hard masses ; in the latter state they are called stone ochres. 
 
 OCIMUM BASILIC UM. Basil. An annual plant, a native of India and Persia, and 
 cultivated in Europe and in this country in gardens. The whole plant has a strong, pe- 
 culiar, agreeable, aromatic odour, which is improved by drying. The taste is aromatic, 
 and somewhat cooling and saline. Basil has the ordinary properties of the aromatic plants, 
 and is in some places considerably used as a condiment. The seeds ate said by Ainslie 
 to be used in India, in the form of infusion, as a remedy in gonorrhoea and nephritic affec- 
 tions. 
 
 CENANTHE CROCATA. Hemlock Water-dropwort. A perennial umbelliferous aquatie 
 European plant, exceedingly poisonous both to men and inferior animals. The root, which 
 has a sweetish, not unpleasant taste, is sometimes eaten by mistake for other roots, with 
 the most dangerous effects; and numerous instances of fatal results are on record. The 
 symptoms produced are such as attend irritation or inflammation of the stomach, united 
 with great cerebral disturbance, indicated by giddiness, convulsions, and coma. Exter- 
 nally applied, the root produces redness and irritation of the skin, with an eruptive affection. 
 It is said to be sometimes used empirically as a local remedy in piles ; and a case is re- 
 corded in which an obstinate leprosy was cured by the continued use of the juice of the 
 plant. Other species of (Enanthe are poisonous, and the whole genus should be regarded 
 among the suspected plants. We have two or three indigenous species. The proper 
 remedies, in cases of poisoning from these plants, are emetics, followed, after the stomach 
 has been thoroughly evacuated, by demulcent drinks. A peculiar resinoid principle, de- 
 nominated cenanthin, has been found by M. Gerding in CEnanthe fistulosa, of which half a 
 grain, given to an adult, produced long-continued irritation of the fauces, with hoarseness, 
 and a grain occasioned vomiting. (See Am. Bourn, of Pharrn., xxi. 68.) 
 
 (ENANTHE PHELLANDRIUM. Sprengel. Phellandrium aquaticum. Linn. Fine- 
 leaned Water-hemlock. A biennial or perennial, umbelliferous, European water plant, the 
 fresh leaves of which are said to be injurious to cattle, producing a kind of paralysis when 
 eaten. By drying, they lose their deleterious properties. The seeds have been used in 
 Europe to a considerable extent in the treatment of disease. They are from a line to a 
 line and a half in length, ovate-oblong, narrow above, somewhat compressed, marked with 
 ten delicate ribs, and crowned -with the remains of the calyx, and with the erect or reverted 
 styles. Their colour is yellowish-brown ; their odour peculiar, strong, and disagreeable; 
 their taste acrid and aromatic. Among their constituents is a volatile oil, upon which their 
 aromatic flavour depends. By different writers they are described as aperient, diuretic, 
 emmenagogue, expectorant, and sedative. They probably unite mild narcotic properties 
 with the stimulant powers which are common to most of the aromatics, and may be di- 
 rected, according to circumstances, to different secretory organs. In over-doses they pro- 
 duce vertigo, intoxication, and other narcotic effects. They appear to have been used most 
 successfully in chronic pectoral affections, such as bronchitis, pulmonary consumption, 
 and asthma. They have been given also in dyspepsia, intermittent fever, obstinate ulcers, 
 &c. The dose of the seeds, to commence with, is five or six grains, so repeated as to 
 amount to a drachm in twenty-four hours. They should be given in powder. A tincture 
 and alcoholic extract of the seeds have been prepared, pf which the former, containing the 
 
1370 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 virtues of lialf a drachm of the seeds in a fluidounee. is given in the dose of from f ^ss to 
 f^j, and the latter in that of three to five grains. ( Pharrrt . Journ. and Trans., xii. 591.) 
 
 fENOTIIERA BIENNIS. Tree Primrose. A biennial indigenous plant, growing in fields 
 and along fences, from Canada to the Carolinas. It is from two to five feet high, with a 
 rough stem, alternate, ovate-lanceolate leaves, and fine yellow flowers, which make their 
 appearance in July and August. Schoepf states that it is esteemed useful as a vulnerary. 
 The late Dr. R. E. Griffith found a strong decoction of the small branches, with the leaves 
 and cortical part of the stem and larger branches, very beneficial in eruptive complaints, 
 especially tetter. lie applied the decoction several times a day to the affected part. He 
 believed the virtues of the plant to reside in the cortical part, which has a mucilaginous 
 taste, and leaves a slight sensation of acrimony in the fauces. {Journ. of the Phil. Col. of 
 Pharm., iv. 292.) 
 
 OIL OF ANDA. A fixed oil procured by expression from the seeds of Anda Brasili- 
 ensis (Radde), Anda Gomesci (Ad. Jussieu), a tree of Brazil, belonging to the family of 
 Euphorbiacese. The bark yields on being wounded a milky juice, which is said to be 
 poisonous, and to be used for -stupefying fish. The fruit, which is about as large as an 
 apple, ash-coloured, with two larger and two smaller angles, encloses a two-celled nut, 
 containing two seeds, about the size of a chestnut. Like the seeds of other Euphorbiace- 
 ous plants, these are actively purgative; one seed, according to Martius, being the dose 
 for a man. By expression these seeds yield a pale-yellow transparent oil, with little smell 
 or taste, which is said to be used in Brazil for burning and painting. Dr. Norris, who tried the 
 oil at the Pennsylvania Hospital, found it to operate on the bowels moderately in the dose 
 of fifty drops, and copiously, when more largely given. ( Cyclopaedia of Pract. Med. and Surg., 
 i. 470.) Dr. Alexander Ure, who has experimented with it in several cases, states that, in 
 the average dose of twenty drops, it usually operates mildly, without producing heat or 
 pain in the throat, and seldom causing nausea or vomiting. 
 
 OIL OF BEN. This is a fixed oil extracted from the seeds of the Moringa pterygo- 
 sperma and M. aptera of Gsertner, confounded by Linnaeus under the name of Guilandina 
 Moringa. Ilyperanthera Moringa (Vahl) is a synonyme of the former species. These are 
 trees belonging to the family of Leguminosse, inhabiting different parts of India, Arabia. 
 Syria, &c., and introduced into the W. Indies. The leaves and other parts have an acrid 
 property, which has probably given the name of horseradish tree to M. pterygosperma. 
 The oil of the seeds has long been known, though used rather in the arts than in medicine. 
 Most of it is prepared in Europe from seeds brought from Egypt ( Merat and De Luis) ; but 
 it is said also to be extracted in the W. Indies. It is inodorous, clear, and nearly colour- 
 less, and keeps long without becoming rancid. It is employed for similar purposes with 
 olive oil. Merat and De Lens say that it is purgative; but most of the fixed oils are so 
 in sufficient doses. According to Volker the oil contains margarin, olein, and a peculiar 
 fatty matter yielding au acid by saponification, which he proposes to call benic acid. {Journ. 
 de Pharm. el de Chim., xvi. 77.) 
 
 OIL OF CADE. Oleum Cadinum. Huile de Cade. French. This is a kind of tar ob- 
 tained by distillation per descensum from the interior reddish wood of Juniperus communis, 
 or more strictly of J. Oxycedrus, which grows in the South of France where the substance 
 is prepared. It is a thick liquid, black, and of a smell analogous to that of common tar. 
 It has long been employed in the treatment of the cutaneous diseases of horses, sheep, ,XC. : 
 and was also applied by the peasantry to their own skin affections. Recently it has ac- 
 quired much reputation in these complaints, inconsequence of its extensive and successful 
 use in the hospitals of Paris. M. Bazin has employed it with success in psora, lichen 
 agrius, the different scaly affections, the advanced stage of eczema, and favus. In most 
 of these complaints we have long been in the habit of employing common tar ointment, 
 and with probably equal success. A kind of soap is prepared from the oil of cade, which 
 affords a convenient method of applying it. In the Ed. Monthly Journ. of Med. Set. for 
 July, 1852 {page 66), it is stated that the soap is made by distilling the tar. incorporating 
 the volatile oil thus obtained with a fixed oil, and then saponifying this with soda. It is 
 in the form of black balls, which readily unite with water, and may be applied to the sur- 
 face like any other soap. The best plan is probably to apply it at bedtime, and wash it 
 off next morning. 
 
 OIL OF EUPHORBIA. A fixed oil, obtained from the seeds of Euphorbia Lathyris, a 
 biennial plant growing wild in this country, though believed to have been introduced from 
 Europe. It. is often found near gardens and in cultivated fields, and is generally called 
 mole plant, under the impression that moles avoid the grounds where it grows. {Pursh.) 
 It is the Caper plant of England. {Loudon's Encyc. of Plants.) Like the other species of 
 Euphorbia, it contains a milky juice, which is extremely acrid: and the whole plant pos- 
 sesses the properties of a drastic purge; but the oil of the seeds is the only part used in 
 
Appendix. 1371 
 
 regular practice. This may he extracted by expression, or by the agency of alcohol or of 
 ether. In the first case, the bruised seeds are pressed in a canvass or linen bag, and the 
 oil which escapes is purified by decanting it from the whitish flocculent matter which it 
 deposits upon standing, and by subsequent filtration. By the latter process, the bruised 
 seeds are digested in alcohol or macerated in ether, and the oil is obtained by filtering and 
 evaporating the solution. According to Soubeiran, however, the oils obtained by these 
 different processes are not identical. That procured by expression is probably the purest. 
 
 Oil of euphorbia is colourless, inodorous, and, when recent, nearly insipid ; but it speedily 
 becomes rancid, and acquires a dangerous acrimony. Soubeiran has ascertained that it 
 has a complex composition, containing, besides the pure oil, four distinct proximate prin- 
 ciples. {Journ. de Pharm., xxi. 259.) From 40 to 44 parts are obtained by expression 
 from 100 of the seed. 
 
 This oil is a powerful purge, operating with much activity in a dose varying from five to 
 ten drops. It was, some yea'rs since, much used by certain Italian and French physicians, 
 who did not find it to produce inconvenient irritation of the stomach and bowels. Its 
 want of taste, and the smallness of the dose, recommended it especially in the cases of 
 infants. It was said to be less acrid and irritating than the croton oil, over which it also 
 had the advantage of greater cheapness. Some trials which have been made with it on 
 this side of the Atlantic have not tended to confirm these favourable reports. It was 
 found uncertain in its cathartic effect, and very liable to vomit. (Scattergood, Journ. of 
 the Phil. Col. of Pharm., iv. 724.) It may be given in pill with the crumb of bread, or in 
 emulsion. 
 
 OIL OF JASMINE. This oil is obtained from the flowers of Jasminum officinale or com- 
 mon white jasmine, and from those also of ./. Sambac and J. grandiflorum.. Alternate layers 
 of the fresh Hewers, and of cotton saturated with oil of ben (see page 1370), or perhaps 
 other fixed oil, are exposed in a covered vessel to the warmth of the sun ; the flowers 
 being occasionally renewed till the oil becomes impregnated with their odour, when it is 
 separated from the cotton by pressure. This method is necessary, as the flowers do not 
 yield their aroma by distillation. The oil of jasmine is used only as a perfume. 
 
 OLIBANUM. Olibanum, th & frankincense of the ancients, was erroneously ascribed by 
 Linnaeus to Juniperus Lycia. There appear to be two varieties of olibanum, one derived 
 from the countries bordering on the Red Sea, and taken to Europe by way of the Mediter- 
 ranean, the other brought directly from Calcutta. The tree producing the former lias not 
 been botanically described, though believed by some writers to be a species of Amyris. 
 Captain Kempthorne, of the E. India Company’s Navy, saw it growing upon the mount- 
 ains, on the African coast, between Bunder Maryah and Cape Guardafui. According 
 to his statement, it grows upon the bare marble rocks composing the hills in that region, 
 without any soil or the slightest fissure to support it, adhering by means of a substance 
 thrown out from the base of the stem. This rises forty feet, and sends forth near the 
 summit short branches, covered with a bright green, singular foliage. The juice, which 
 exudes through deep incisions made into the inner bark, is at first of the colour and con- 
 sistence of milk, but hardens on exposure. {Pharm. Journ. and Trans., iv. 37.) The India 
 olibanum has been satisfactorily ascertained to be the product of the Boswellia serrata of 
 Roxburgh, a large tree growing in the mountains of India, and found by Mr. Colebrook 
 abundant in the vicinity of Nagpur. The tree belongs to the class and order Decandria 
 Monogynia, and to the natural order Terebintacese of Kunth. 
 
 The Arabian or African frankincense is in the form of yellowish tears, and irregular 
 reddish lumps or fragments. The tears are generally small, oblong or roundish, not very 
 brittle, with a dull and waxy fracture, softening in the mouth, and bearing much resem- 
 blance to mastich, from which, however, they differ in their want of transparency. The 
 reddish masses soften in the hand, have a stronger smell and taste than the tears, and are 
 often mixed with fragments of bark, and small crystals of carbonate of lime. 
 
 The Indian frankincense, or olibanum, consists chiefly of yellowish, somewhat translu- 
 cent, roundish tears, larger than those of the African, and generally covered with a whitish 
 powder produced by friction. It has a balsamic resinous smell, and an acrid, bitterish, 
 somewhat aromatic taste. When chewed it softens in the mouth, adheres to the teeth, 
 and partially dissolves in the saliva, which it renders milky. It burns with a brilliant 
 flame, and a fragrant odour. Triturated with water it forms a milky imperfect solution. 
 Alcohol dissolves nearly three-fourths of it, and the tincture is transparent. From 100 
 parts, Braconnot obtained 8 parts of volatile oil, 56 of resin, 30 of gum, and 5-2 of a glu- 
 tinous matter insoluble in water or alcohol, with 0-8 loss. Various saline substances were 
 found in its ashes. The oil may be separated by distillation, and resembles that of lemons 
 in colour and smell. 
 
 Medical Properties. Olibanum is stimulant like the other gum-resins; but is now never 
 
1372 Appendix. 
 
 used internally. It is chiefly employed for fumigations, and enters into the composition 
 of some unofficinal plasters. 
 
 ONION. Cepa. The bulb of Allium Cepa. This is a perennial bulbous plant, with a 
 naked scape, swelling towards the base, exceeding the leaves in length, and terminating 
 in a simple umbel of white flowers. The leaves are hollow, cylindrical, and pointed. 
 The original country of the onion is unknown. The plant has been cultivated from time 
 immemorial, and is now diffused over the whole civilized world. All parts of it have a 
 peculiar pungent odour, but the bulb only is used. This is of various size and shape, ovate, 
 spherical, or flattened, composed of concentric fleshy and succulent layers, and covered 
 with dry membranous coats, which are reddish, yellowish, or white, according to the variety. 
 It has, in a high degree, the characteristic odour of the plant, with a sweetish and acrid 
 taste. Fourcroy and Vauquelin obtained from it a white acrid volatile oil holding sulphur 
 in solution, albumen, much uncrystallizable sugar and mucilage, phosphoric acid both free 
 and combined with lime, acetic acid, citrate of lime, and lignin. The expressed juice is 
 susceptible of the vinous fermentation. 
 
 The onion is stimulant, diuretic, expectorant, and rubefacient. Taken moderately, it 
 increases the appetite and promotes digestion, and is much used as a condiment : but in 
 large quantities it is apt to cause flatulence, gastric uneasiness, and febrile excitement. The 
 juice is occasionally given, made into syrup with sugar, in infantile catarrhs and croup, in 
 the absence of much inflammatory action. It is also recommended in dropsy and calculous 
 disorders. Deprived of its essential oil by boiling, the onion becomes a mild esculent: 
 and it is much more used as food than as medicine. Roasted and split, it is sometimes 
 applied as an emollient cataplasm to suppurating tumours. 
 
 OPOPANAX. The concrete juice of Pastinaca Opopanax (Willd.), Opopanax Chironium 
 (De Candolle). This species of parsnep, usually called rough parsnep, has a thick, yellow, 
 fleshy, perennial root, which sends up annually a strong branching stem, rough near the 
 base, about as thick as a man’s thumb, and from four to eight feet in height. The leaves 
 are variously pinnate, with long sheathing petioles, and large, oblong, serrate leaflets, of 
 which the terminal one is cordate, others are deficient at their base upon the upper side, 
 and the whole are hairy on their under surface. The flowers are small, yellow, and form 
 large flat umbels at the termination of the branches. The plant is a native of the Levant, 
 and grows wild in the South of France, Italy, and Greece. When the base of the stem is 
 wounded, a juice exudes, which, when dried in the sun, constitutes the opopanax of com- 
 merce. Some authors state that it is obtained from the root. A warm climate appears 
 necessary for the perfection of the juice ; as that which has been collected from the plant 
 in France, though similar to opopanax, is of inferior quality. The drug is brought from 
 Turkey. It is said to come also from the East Indies; but Ainslie states that he never 
 met with it in any Indian medicine bazaar. 
 
 It is sometimes in tears, but usually in irregular lumps or fragments, of a reddish-yellow 
 colour, speckled with white on the outside, paler within, and, when broken, exhibiting 
 white pieces intermingled with the mass. Its odour is strong, peculiar, and unpleasant; 
 its taste bitter and acrid. Its sp. gr. is 1-622. It is inflammable, burning with a bright 
 flame. In chemical constitution it is a gum-resin, with an admixture of other ingredients 
 in small proportion. The results of its analysis by Pelletier were from 100 parts. 23-4 of 
 gum, 42 of resin, 4-2 of starch, 1-6 of extractive, 0-3 of wax, 2-8 of malic acid, 0-8 of 
 lignin, 5-9 of volatile oil and loss, with traces of caoutchouc. Water by trituration dis- 
 solves about one-half of the gum-resin, forming an opaque milky solution, which deposits 
 resinous matter on standing, and becomes y-ellowish. Both alcohol and water distilled 
 from it retain its flavour; but only a very minute proportion of oil can be obtained in a 
 separate state. 
 
 Opopanax was formerly employed, as an antispasmodic and deobstruent, in hypochon- 
 driasis, hysteria, asthma, and chronic visceral affections, and as an emmenagogue in sup- 
 pression of the menses ; but it is now generally regarded as a medicine of very feeble 
 powers, and in this country' is scarcely ever used. The dose is from ten to thirty grains. 
 
 ORANGE RED. Orange Mineral. Sandix. Red oxide of lead, prepared by calcining 
 carbonate of lead. It is of a brighter colour than minium, and is used as a pigment. 
 
 OROBANCHE VIRGINIAN A. Epifagus Americanus. Nuttall. Beech-drops. Cancer- 
 root. This is a parasitic, fleshy plant, with a tuberous, scaly root, and a smooth stem, 
 branched from the base, from twelve to eighteen inches high, furnished with small ovate 
 scales, of a yellowish or purplish colour, and wholly destitute of vex-dui-e. It is found in 
 all parts of North America, growing upon the roots of the beech tree, from which it ob- 
 tained its popular name. Is is in some places very abundant. The plant lias a bitter, 
 nauseous, astringent taste, which is said to be diminished by drying. It has been given 
 internally in bowel affections; but its credit depends mainly upon the idea that it is usetul 
 
Appendix. 1373 
 
 in obstinate ulcers of a cancerous character, to -which it is directly applied in the state of 
 powder. The late Frofessor Barton conjectured that it was an ingredient of a secret 
 remedy, at one time famous as Martin’ s cancer powder, of which, however, the most active 
 constituent was arsenious acid. 
 
 Other species of Orobanche, growing in America and Europe, have been employed. 
 They are all parasitic, fleshy plants, without verdure, and of a bitter, nauseous taste. In 
 Europe they are called broom-rape. The 0. Americana and 0. uniflora, of this country, 
 are said to be used for the same purposes as the species above noticed, and like it are 
 called cancer-root. 
 
 ORPIMENT. King’s Yellow. A native tersulpliuret of arsenic, consisting of one eq. of 
 metal 75 and three eqs. of sulphur 48 = 123. It is in masses of a brilliant lemon-yellow 
 colour, composed of flexible laminae, and slightly translucent. It exists in various parts 
 of the world, but is obtained for use from Persia and China. ( Guibovrt .) It is sometimes 
 mixed with realgar, which gives it a reddish or orange hue. A similar sulphuret may be 
 made artificially by passing sulphuretted hydrogen through a solution of arsenious acid in 
 muriatic acid. There is reason to believe that neither the native sulphuret, nor the arti- 
 ficial, when prepared in the manner just mentioned and well washed, is poisonous ; at least 
 in a degree at all comparable to other arsenical compounds. 
 
 Artificial orpiment is prepared for use by fusing together equal parts of arsenious acid 
 and sulphur. {Turner.) In Germany, according to Guibourt, it is prepared by subliming 
 a mixture of these two substances. In this case, however, it retains a large portion of the 
 acid undecomposed, and is therefore highly poisonous. Guibourt found a specimen which 
 he examined to contain 94 per cent, of arsenious acid, and only 6 per cent, of the sulphuret 
 of arsenic. 
 
 Orpiment is an ingredient of certain depilatories. Atlcinson’s depilatory is said to consist 
 of one part of orpiment and six parts of quicklime, with some flour and a yellow colouring 
 matter. (Ann. der Pharm., xxxiii. 348.) But this arsenical sulphuret is chiefly used in 
 fireworks, and as a pigment. 
 
 ORYZA SATIVA. Rice. This is an annual plant, originally, perhaps, derived from the 
 East Indies, but now cultivated in all parts of the globe where the climate and soil are 
 adapted to its growth. The rice of commerce consists of the seeds of the plant deprived 
 of their husk. Carolina rice was found by Braconnot to contain 85 07 per cent, of starch, 
 3-60 of gluten, 0-71 of gum, 0-29 of uncrystallizable sugar, 0-13 of fixed oil, 4-80 of vege- 
 table fibre, 5-00 of water, and 0-40 of saline substances. This grain is highly nutritious 
 and of easy digestion, and constitutes the almost exclusive diet of whole nations. Being 
 wholly free from laxative properties, it is admirably adapted to cases of weak bowels, in 
 which there is a strong tendency to diarrhoea. Care, however, should be taken that it be 
 boiled till it becomes soft. A decoction of rice, usually called rice-water , is a good nutritive 
 drink in fevers, and inflammatory affections of the bowels, lungs, and kidneys. There 
 appears to be no ground for the opinion, wdiich has been entertained by some, that a diet 
 of rice is injurious to the eyes. 
 
 OXALIC ACID. Acidum Oxalicum. This acid is found both in animals and vegetables. 
 It is generated occasionally in consequence of a diseased action in the kidneys, and de- 
 posited iu the bladder as oxalate of lime, forming a peculiar concretion, called from its 
 appearance the mulberry calculus. In vegetables, it occurs in a free state in the bristles 
 of the chick-pea ( Cicer arietinum), combined with potassa as a supersalt in the Rumcx 
 acetosa or common sorrel, and the Oxalis Acetosella or wood-sorrel, and united with lime 
 in several species of lichen, and iu the roots of rhubarb, valerian, and several other plants. 
 It is from the generic appellation Oxalis , that it takes its name. 
 
 Preparation. The usual process for obtaining oxalic acid consists in decomposing sugar 
 by nitric acid. Four parts of sugar are acted upon by twenty-four of nitric acid of the 
 sp. gr. 1-24, and the mixture is heated so long as any nitric oxide is disengaged. A part 
 of the carbon of the sugar is converted into carbonic acid, by oxygen derived from the 
 nitric acid, which is thereby partially converted into nitric oxide. The undecomposed 
 nitric acid, reacting on the remaining elements of the sugar, generates oxalic and sac- 
 charic (oxalhydric) acids; the former of which crystallizes as the materials cool, while 
 the latter remains in solution. The crystals being removed, a fresh crop may be obtained 
 by further evaporation. The thick mother-water which now remains is a mixture of sac- 
 charic, nitric, and oxalic acids; and, by treating it with six times its weight of nitric acid, 
 the greater part of the saccharic acid will be converted into oxalic acid. The new crop 
 of crystals, however, will have a yellow colour, and contain a portion of nitric acid, the 
 greater part of which may be got rid of by allowing them to effloresce in a warm place. 
 From the experiments of Mr. L. Thompson, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, it appears probable 
 that, in the reaction occurring between nitric acid and sugar, half the carbon of the lat- 
 ter is converted into carbonic acid, and the other half into oxalic acid. 
 
1374 
 
 
 A ppendix. 
 
 The manufacturing chemists are said to obtain oxalic acid on a large scale by heating 
 a mixture of 112 lbs. of sugar, 500 lbs. of nitrate of potassa, and 280 lbs: of sulphuric 
 acid. The products are 135 lbs. of oxalic acid, and 490 lbs. of supersulphate of potassa, 
 or sal enixum. ( L . Thompson .) 
 
 Many substances, besides sugar, yield oxalic acid by the action of nitric acid ; as for 
 example molasses, rice, potato starch, gum wool, hair, silk, and many -vegetable acids. 
 In every case in which it is thus generated, the proportional excess of oxygen which it 
 contains, compared with every other organic compound, is furnished by the nitric acid. 
 IVhen the acid is obtained from potato starch, this is first converted into starch sugar by 
 the action of sulphuric acid. The following is an outline of the process, as conducted on 
 a large scale. The pulp of potatoes, obtained by rasping or other suitable means, is 
 washed two or three times by stirring it well with water, allowing it to subside, and run- 
 ning off the water. It is then boiled for some hours with water in wooden boilers, lined 
 with lead and heated by steam; a quantity of sulphuric acid being stirred in the mixture, 
 equal to two per cent, of the weight of the potatoes employed. By this treatment the 
 starch of the potatoes is converted into starch sugar ; and the change is -known to be 
 completed, when a drop of tincture of iodine, added to a little of the boiling liquor, 
 placed on a piece of glass, ceases to produce a purple colour. The product is then fil- 
 tered through a horse-hair cloth, and the liquid which passes is carefully evaporated until 
 a gallon of it weighs about fourteen pounds. This liquid consists of a concentrated solu- 
 tion of starch sugar, and is now ready for conversion into oxalic acid by the action of 
 nitric acid. For this purpose it is placed in wooden boilers, lined with lead, eight feet 
 square and three deep, and, having been mixed with the requisite proportion of nitric 
 acid, is heated to a temperature of about 125° F. by means of steam, passed through a 
 coil of lead pipe, until the decomposition is effected. The liquor is then drawn off by a 
 syphon or cock into shallow lead-lined wooden coolers to crystallize. The crystals having 
 formed, the mother-waters are drawn off for use in a subsequent operation. When the 
 manufacture of the acid is conducted in vessels of the size just indicated, the density of 
 the nitric acid should not be less than 1 -20 nor higher than 1-27. If the nitric acid be used 
 of undue strength, a part of the oxalic acid at first formed becomes converted into carbonic 
 acid, to the no small diminution of the desired product. ( Chem . Gaz.. March 15, 1852. p. 
 112.) The product of oxalic acid from a given quantity of saccharine material has been 
 much understated. If properly treated with nitric acid, 100 lbs. of good sugar will yield 
 from 125 to 130 lbs. of oxalic acid, and the same tveight of molasses, from 105 to 110 lbs. 
 
 Certain organic substances yield oxalic acid when heated with potassa. Thus shavings 
 of wood, if mixed with a solution of caustic potassa, and exposed to a heat considerably 
 higher than 212°, will be partially decomposed, and converted into oxalic acid, which 
 then combines with the alkali. 
 
 Properties. Oxalic acid is a colourless crystallized solid, possessing considerable vola- 
 tility, and a strong, sour taste. Its crystals have the shape of slender, flattened, four or 
 six-sided prisms, with two-sided summits ; and, when exposed to a very dry atmosphere, 
 undergo a slight efflorescence. It dissolves in about nine times its weight of cold, and in 
 its own weight of boiling water. The solution of the crystals takes place with slight crepi- 
 tation. It dissolves also, but not to the same extent, in alcohol. The presence of nitric 
 acid renders it more soluble in water. It combines with salifiable bases, and forms salts 
 called oxalates. The most interesting of these are the three oxalates of potassa, sever- 
 ally called oxalate, binoxalate, and quadroxalate, and the oxalate of lime. The binoxalate 
 and quadroxalate, both absurdly called essential salt of lemons, are employed for removing 
 iron moulds from linen, and act by their excess of acid, which forms a soluble salt with the 
 sesquioxide of iron constituting the stain. Oxalic acid is used for removing ink stains 
 and iron moulds, for cleaning the leather of boot-tops, and for discharging colours in 
 calico-printing. 
 
 This acid has a very strong affinity for lime, and forms with it an insoluble precipitate 
 consisting of oxalate of lime, whenever the acid and earth are brought into contact in 
 solution. Hence, oxalic acid and its soluble combinations are the best tests for lime: 
 and, conversely, a soluble salt of lime for oxalic acid. When lime is searched for. oxalate 
 of ammonia forms the most convenient test. So strong is the mutual attraction between 
 this acid and lime, that the former takes the latter even from sulphuric acid. Hence, the 
 addition of a soluble oxalate disturbs the transparency of a solution of sulphate of lime. 
 
 Oxalic acid is distinguished from all other acids by the form of its crystals, and by its 
 solution yielding a precipitate with lime-water, insoluble in an excess of the acid. 
 
 Composition. Oxalic acid consists of two eqs. of carbon 12. and three of oxygen 
 24=36. When crystallized, three eqs. of water 27 must be added, making the eq. of 
 the crystals 63. Two eqs. of this water may be driven off' by a regulated heat, by which 
 the acid is made to effloresce, but the third cannot be expelled without destroying the 
 
Appendix. 1375 
 
 acid itself. Accordingly, we have no knowledge of anhydrous oxalic acid in an uncom- 
 bined state. 
 
 From the constitution of oxalic acid, as above given, it is plain that this acid corresponds 
 in composition to carbonic acid and carbonic oxide taken together, and is, therefore, inter- 
 mediate in the quantity of oxygen winch it contains, between that acid and oxide. Not- 
 withstanding that it contains less oxygen than carbonic acid, it is incomparably stronger 
 as an acid, which circumstance may be accounted for by supposing some peculiarity in the 
 mode in which its constituents are combined. The composition of the acid not only cor- 
 responds with the united constituents of carbonic acid and oxide, but there is reason to 
 believe that these two compounds are actually its proximate constituents ; for, if treated 
 with strong sulphuric acid, the whole of the water will be abstracted, and the elements of 
 the dry oxalic acid are instantly resolved into equal volumes of carbonic acid and carbonic 
 oxide. 
 
 Oxalic acid combines with salifiable bases in two principal ways. Sometimes it drops 
 its essential equivalent of water, which at other times it retains. Thus the oxalate of lead 
 is a compound of the dry acid and the protoxide of lead ; while the oxalate of lime retains 
 one equivalent of water. 
 
 Medical and Toxicological Properties. Oxalic acid, in small doses, largely diluted with 
 water and sweetened to the taste, forms an agreeable, cooling beverage, which may be 
 used in febrile diseases as a substitute for lemonade. M. Nardo recommends it as an 
 antiphlogistic and anodyne remedy in inflammation of the mucous membranes, given 
 in the dose of a grain and a half dissolved in eight fluidounces of liquid. Notwith- 
 standing the safety of its employment in medicinal doses, it is a virulent poison, pro- 
 ducing death with great rapidity and certainty. Instances are on record of its proving 
 fatal in ten minutes, and few survive the effects of a poisonous dose beyond an hour. As 
 this acid is generally kept in the shops, and not a few instances are on record of its fatal 
 effect, when taken by design, or by mistake for Epsom salt, we shall feel ourselves justified 
 in being somewhat full on its toxicological relations. 
 
 Oxalic acid was first noticed as a poison by Mr. Royston in 1814; since which time it 
 has been principally investigated in this relation by the late Dr. A. T. Thomson, of London, 
 Dr. Percy, of Lausanne, Dr. Coindet, of Geneva, and Dr. Christison, of Edinburgh. Since 
 its properties of certainty and rapidity as a poison have been more generally known, its 
 employment for committing suicide has become more frequent. 
 
 From the general resemblance which the crystallized oxalic acid bears to Epsom salt, 
 many fatal mistakes have occurred, in consequence of its being sold for that saline pur- 
 gative. Nothing, however, can be easier than to distinguish them; for upon tasting a 
 minute portion of the acid, which may be done with perfect safety, it will be found strongly 
 sour, whereas the salt in question is bitter. Unfortunately, however, in the instances of 
 these fatal mistakes, no suspicions being awakened, the solution is swallowed with haste, 
 and the mischief is done before the victim is aware of his danger. 
 
 Oxalic acid acts on the economy in two principal ways, according as its solution is con- 
 centrated or dilute. When concentrated it causes exquisite pain, followed by violent efforts 
 to vomit, then sudden dulness, languor, and great debility, and finally death without a 
 struggle. When dilute it acts in a different manner. Dissolved in twenty times its weight 
 of water, it possesses no corrosive and hardly any irritating power, and yet operates as a 
 deadly poison, causing death by acting on the brain, spinal marrow, and heart. This 
 statement, however, does not accord with the observations of Dr. Letheby, who asserts 
 that the acid, whether in strong or weak solution, always exercises a corroding or soften- 
 ing power on the animal tissues. 
 
 The morbid appearances caused by oxalic acid are various. In a dissection reported by 
 Dr. Christison, the mucous coat of the throat and gullet had an appearance as if scalded, 
 and that of the gullet could be easily scraped off. The inner coat of the stomach was 
 pultaceous, in many points black, in others red, and that of the intestines, similarly but 
 less violently affected. In another case, recorded by the same author, the whole villous 
 coat of the stomach was either softened or removed, as well as the inner membrane of the 
 oesophagus; so that the muscular coat was exposed, and this coat exhibited a dark gan- 
 grenous appearance, being much thickened and highly injected. The stomach usually 
 contains a dark fluid, resembling coffee-grounds, consisting chiefly of altered blood. In 
 a few cases after death by this acid, no morbid appearances have been discovered. 
 
 In the treatment of poisoning by oxalic acid, the remedial measures must be employed 
 with great promptitude. If the antidotes are not at hand, and vomiting is not free, emetics 
 will be proper. The stomach pump would be useful, but no delay in the application of 
 other remedies is admissible, in the expectation of its use. Qr. Christison objects to the 
 use of warm water to promote vomiting, from a fear that it would increase the danger 
 by promoting the absorption of the poison ; but it may be a question whether this evil, 
 
1376 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 considering tlie incidental benefit of the water in promoting vomiting, is not less than that 
 of the corrosion of the stomach, which copious dilution has a tendency to prevent. The 
 proper antidote is chalk or magnesia, mixed with water ; and as soon as either can be pro- 
 cured, it must be administered in large and frequently repeated doses. Chalk was first 
 proposed for this purpose by Dr. A. T. Thomson. These substances act by neutralizing 
 the poison, forming with it an insoluble oxalate of lime or magnesia, both of which are 
 inert. The soluble salts of oxalic acid, as the oxalate of ammonia, and the oxalates of 
 potassa, are likewise poisonous, and the antidotes for them are the same'as for the acid. 
 
 The best tests for the detection of oxalic acid in the contents of the stomach, or in the 
 vomited matter, in cases of suspected poisoning by this acid, are chloride of calcium, sul- 
 phate of copper, and nitrate of silver. The first causes a white precipitate of oxalate of 
 lime, known by its being soluble in nitric acid; the second, a bluish-white precipitate of 
 oxalate of copper; and the third, a dense white precipitate of oxalate of silver, which, 
 when dried and heated, becomes brown and detonates faintly. When the antidotes have 
 been freely used during life, the poison will be in the state of oxalate either of lime or 
 magnesia. In this case, the oxalate found is to be boiled with a solution of carbonate of 
 potassa, whereby an oxalate of potassa will be generated: and this must then be examined 
 by the reagents above indicated. 
 
 OXALIS ACETOSELLA. Wood-sorrel. Acetosella. The wood-sorrel is a small, peren- 
 nial, herbaceous, stemless plant, with numerous radical leaves, which are all ternate, and 
 supported upon slender hairy petioles. The leaflets are obcordate, entire, hairy, of a 
 yellowish-green colour, hut frequently purplish on their under surface. The scape or flower- 
 stalk, which usually exceeds the petioles in length, is furnished with two scaly bract** 
 near the middle, and terminates in a large white, or flesh-coloured flower, marked with 
 red streaks. The styles are of the same length with the inner stamens. This plant is a 
 native both of Europe and North America. In this country it is found chiefly in the mount- 
 ainous regions of the interior. It selects shady places, such as woods, groves, and hedges, 
 and flowers in May. Other indigenous species of Oxalis, more widely diffused than the 
 0. Acelosella, might be substituted for it without disadvantage; as they possess similar 
 properties. They all have ternate leaves with obcordate leaflets, and, with the single ex- 
 ception of 0. violacea, bear yellow flowers. The whole herbaceous portion may be used. 
 
 Wood-sorrel is without smell, and has an agreeable sour taste. It owes its acidity to 
 binozalate of potassa, which is sometimes separated for use, and sold under the name of 
 salt of sorrel. This is prepared in Switzerland and Germany, from different species of Oxalis 
 and Rumex, by the following process. The plants, previously bruised, are macerated for 
 some days in water, and then submitted to pressure. The liquid thus obtained is mixed 
 with clay, and occasionally agitated for two days. At the end of this time, the clear liquor 
 is decanted, and evaporated so that crystals may form when it cools. These are purified 
 by solution and a new crystallization. Five hundred parts of the plant afford four parts 
 of the acidulous salt. The same salt may be prepared by exactly neutralizing with pota-sa 
 one part of oxalic acid in solution, then adding one part more of the acid, and evaporating 
 the solution so that it may crystallize upon cooling. Binoxalate of potassa is in rhomboidal 
 crystals, of a sour, pungent, bitterish taste, soluble in forty parts of cold and six parts of 
 boiling water ( Kane ), and unalterable in the air. It contains 72 parts or two equivalents 
 of oxalic acid, 47-2 parts or one equivalent of potassa, and 18 parts or two equivalents of 
 water. Quadroxalate of potassa is often substituted for the binoxalate. It is prepared in 
 the same manner, except that, instead of one part, three parts of the acid are added to 
 the original portion neutralized hv potassa. Both salts are kept in the shops under the 
 names of salt of sorrel and essential salt of lemons , and are employed for removing iron 
 mould and ink stains from linen, and sometimes as a test for lime. Both are poisonous, 
 though in a less degree than uncombined oxalic acid. 
 
 Medical Properties. This and other species of sorrel are refrigerant : and their infusion, 
 or a whey made by boiling them in milk, may be used as a pleasant drink in febrile and 
 inflammatory affections. A solution of the binoxalate of potassa is used, on the continent 
 of Europe, as a substitute for lemonade. The fresh plant, eaten raw, is said to be useful 
 in scorbutic cases. Oxalis crassicaulis, a Peruvian species, yields an edible root, and, by 
 expression from its leaves, a very sour and astringent juice, which is employed in the form 
 of syrup, in hemorrhages, chronic catarrh, bowel affections, and gonorrhoea, with asserted 
 advantage. 
 
 OX-GALL. FelBovinum. The bile of the ox is a viscid fluid, of a green or greenish- 
 yellow colour, a peculiar nauseous odour, and a bitter taste. The exact composition of bile 
 is not yet settled. According to Berzelius, it contains, 1. bilin, 2. cholepirrhin, to which the 
 bile owes its colour, 3. mucus, 4. extractive matters, 5. a peculiar fatty matter, originally 
 found in biliary calculi, called cholesierin, 6. oleate, margarate, and stearate of soda, with 
 
Appendix. 1377 
 
 a little fatty matter not saponified, 7. chloride of sodium, sulphate, phosphate, and lactate 
 of soda, and phosphate qf lime. Of these substances, the most abuudant and essential is 
 bilin. This, when pure, is uncrystallizable, colourless, translucent, inodorous, of an acrid 
 and bitter taste with an after-taste of sweetness, inflammable, soluble in all proportions 
 in water and anhydrous alcohol, insoluble in ether, neither alkaline nor acid, and composed 
 partly of nitrogen. One of its most striking properties is the great facility with which it 
 undergoes decomposition ; and hence the numerous principles which different chemists 
 have found in bile, many of which are nothing more than metamorphoses of bilin. Under 
 the action of acids, it is changed into two resinous acids called respectively fellinic acid and 
 cholinic acid, into taurin, and ammonia. The union of these two acids with a portion of 
 bilin constitutes the choleic acid of Demarpay. The colouring principle or cholepyrrldn 
 is also readily changed, and gives rise to various new products, among which are biliverdin, 
 a green colouring matter resulting from the absorption of oxygen, and bilifulvin, a yellow 
 colouring matter, which is a double salt of lime and soda with a peculiar azotized acid. 
 [Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., iii. 177, from the Jo urn. fur praklische Chemie.) E. A. Platner 
 succeeded in separating the chief constituent of bile in a crystalline form, and considered 
 it a compound of soda with a peculiar organic body. Liebig denominated this compound 
 bilale of soda. The most recent analysis of bile that we have seen is that of A. Strecker, 
 whose views differ essentially from those of Berzelius. According to Strecker, the bile of 
 the ox, independently of the colouring, fatty, and saline matters above jnentioned, consists 
 essentially of a mixture of a nitrogenous acid free from sulphur, which he calls c/ioZic acid, 
 and a sulphuretted acid free from nitrogen. Both of these acids are combined w'ith soda. 
 The sulphuretted constituent undergoes decomposition with great facility, yielding a resin, 
 taurin, and ammonia; so that it is with difficulty obtained separate. It is probably this 
 constituent to which the picromel, biliary sugar, and bilin of other chemists may be refer- 
 red. ( Chern . Gaz., A. D. 1848, pp. 154 and 155, from Jinn, der Chem. und Pharm.) 
 
 Bile was formerly highly valued as a remedy in numerous complaints, and was considered 
 peculiarly applicable to cases attended with deficient biliary secretion. It is supposed to 
 be tonic and laxative. It is prepared for use by evaporating it to the consistence of an 
 extract. The dose is from five to ten grains. Refined ox-gall, much used by limners and 
 painters, is prepared, according to Gray, in the following manner. Take of “fresh ox-gall 
 one pint; boil, skim, add one ounce of alum, and keep it on the fire for some time; to an- 
 other pint, add one ounce of common salt in the same manner; keep them bottled up for 
 three months, then decant off the clear; mix them in an equal proportion ; a thick yellow 
 coagulum is immediately formed, leaving the refined gall clear and colourless.” 
 
 PJEONIA OFFICINALIS. Peony. This well known plant is a native of Southern Eu- 
 rope, but is everywhere cultivated in gardens for the beauty of its flowers. The root, 
 flowers, and seeds were formerly officinal. The root consists of a caudex about as thick 
 as the thumb, which descends several inches into the ground, and sends off in all directions 
 spindle-shaped tubers, which gradually taper into thread-like fibres, by which they bang- 
 together. It has a strong, peculiar, disagreeable odour, and a nauseous taste, which' is at 
 first sweetish, and afterwards bitter and somewhat acrid. The odour disappears or is much 
 diminished by drying. Peony- root was in very great repute among the ancients, who used 
 it both as a charm and as a medicine in numerous complaints, particularly epilepsy. ’ In 
 modern times it has also been given in epilepsy and various nervous affections, but is at 
 present seldom used. The dose of the fresh root is from two drachms to an ounce, boiled 
 in a pint of water down to half a pint, which should be taken daily. It is said to be less 
 active when dried. The expressed juice of the recent root is recommended in the dose of 
 an ounce. It is milky, of a strong odour, and very disagreeable taste. The flowers are 
 usually of a deep-red colour, though in some varieties of a light-red, and even whitish. 
 They have, when fresh, an odour similar to that of the root, but feebler, and an asti-ingent, 
 sweetish, herbaceous taste. When dry they are inodorous. As a medicine they have little 
 power, and are scarcely used. The seeds are roundish-oval, about as large as a pea, exter- 
 nally smooth, shining, and nearly black, internally whitish, inodorous when dry, and of a 
 mild, oleaginous taste. By some authors they are said to be emetic and purgative, and 
 by others are considered antispasmodic. They may be given in the same dose with the 
 root, but are not used in regular practice. 
 
 PALM OIL. This highly valuable fixed oil is the product of Elais Guinicnsis, a palm 
 growing on the Western coast of Africa, and cultivated in the West Indies and South 
 America. It is among the handsomest trees of its graceful family which flourish in the 
 tropical regions of Africa. The oil is obtained by expression from the fruit. It is brought 
 to this country chiefly from Liberia, and other places on the African coast, though pre- 
 pared also in the West Indies, Cayenne, and Brazil. It is not improbable that various 
 species of palms contribute to the supply of this article of commerce. 
 
 87 
 
1378 Appendix. 
 
 Palm oil has the consistence of butter, a rich, orange-yellow colour, a sweetish taste, 
 and an agreeable odour, compared by some to that of violets, by others to that of the 
 Florentine orris. By age and exposure it becomes rancid and of a whitish colour. It 
 melts with the heat of the hand, and when perfectly fluid passes readily through blotting 
 paper. Highly rectified alcohol dissolves it at common temperatures, and in ether it is 
 soluble in all proportions. According to M. Henry, it consists of 31 parts of stearin and 
 09 of olein. But, from the experiments of Fremy and Stenhouse, it appears that the 
 stearin has peculiar properties entitling it to be considered as a distinct principle, and it 
 has accordingly received the name of jjaimi'!/!. This is converted into palmitic acid by 
 saponification. (Kane's Chemistry.) It appears also that a considerable proportion of this 
 acid, together with some glycerin, exists uncombined in the oil, as ascertained by MM. 
 Pelouze and Boudet ; so that the changes which are effected in oils, through the agency 
 of alkalies, in the process of saponification, take place, to a certain extent, spontaneously 
 in palm oil. ( Journ . de Pharm., xxiv. 389.) Hence it is more easily saponified than any 
 other fixed oil. It is said to be frequently imitated by a mixture of lard and suet, coloured 
 with turmeric, and scented with Florentine orris. It is much employed in the manufac- 
 ture of a toilet soap, which retains its pleasant odour. Palm oil is emollient, and has 
 sometimes been employed in friction or embrocation, though not superior for this purpose 
 to many other oleaginous substances. 
 
 PAItlETARIA OFFICINALIS. Wall Pellitory. A perennial European herb, growing 
 on old walls and heaps of rubbish. It is inodorous, has an herbaceous, somewhat rough 
 and saline taste, and contains nitre derived from the walls where it flourishes. It is diu- 
 retic and refrigerant, and is said also, but without good reason, to be demulcent and 
 emollient. The ancients employed it in various complaints, and it is still considerably 
 used on the continent of Europe, especially in domestic practice. It is given in com- 
 plaints of the urinary passages, dropsy, and febrile affections, usually in the form of de- 
 coction. The expressed juice is also used, and the fresh plant is applied in the shape of 
 a cataplasm to painful tumours. 
 
 PARTHENIUM 1NTEGI1.I FOLIUM. Prairie Dock. This is an herbaceous perennial, 
 growing abundantly in the prairies of our South-western States. It is recommended by Dr. 
 Mason Houlton as a powerful antiperiodic. The flowering tops are the part used. They 
 have an intensely bitter taste; and two ounces of them in the dried state, given in the 
 form of infusion, are thought by Dr. Houlton to be equivalent to twenty grains of sulph- 
 ate of quinia. Thirty successive cases of periodic fever were cured by this remedy, with- 
 out any uupleasant effect on the nervous system. (Med. Exam., N. S.. ix. 719, from Mei.iphit 
 Med. Recorder; and Pharm. Journ. and Trans., xii. 002, from X. Y. Journ. of Pharm.) 
 
 PATENT YELLOW. Mineral Yellow. A pigment, consisting of chloride combined with 
 protoxide of lead. It is prepared by mixing common salt and litharge with a sufficient 
 quantity of water, allowing the mixture to stand for some time, then washing out the 
 liberated soda, and exposing the white residue to heat. 
 
 PAULLINIA. Guarana. This is a new medicine introduced into Europe from Brazil, 
 which has attracted some attention from the asserted fact, that it contains a principle 
 identical with caffein. The name of paullinia has been bestowed upon it from the generic 
 title of the plant from which it is obtained. That of guarana, by which it was previously 
 known, was derived from a tribe of aborigines, called Guaranis, who are said to use it 
 extensively as a corrigent of their vegetable diet. It is prepared from the seeds of the 
 Paullinia sorbilis of Martius, a climbing shrub, belonging to the class and order Octandria 
 Trigynia of the Linnsean system, and the natural family of the Sapindacete. The seeds, 
 which are contained in a three-celled, tliree-valved, coriaceous capsule, are lenticular and 
 almost thorny, and invested with a flesh-coloured arillus which is easily separable when 
 dry. They are prepared by powdering them in a mortar, or upon a chocolate stone pre- 
 viously heated, mixing the powder with a little water, exposing it for some time to the 
 dew, then kneading it into a paste, mixing with this some of the seeds either whi le or 
 merely bruised, and finally forming the mixture into cylindrical or globular masses, which 
 are dried and hardened in the sun, or by the smoke of a fire. These masses are ot a 
 reddish-brown colour, rugose on the surface, very hard, and of a marbled appearance 
 when broken. Paullinia is of a somewhat astringent and bitterish taste, and in this as well 
 as in its odour, bears some resemblance to chocolate, though not oleaginous. It swells 
 up and softens in water, which partially dissolves it. Martius found in it a crystallizable 
 principle, which he named guaranin, and which seems to have been proved by the researches 
 of MM. Berthemot and Dechastelus to be identical with cajfein. The discovery of caffein 
 in four plants belonging to distinct natural families, namely, the coffee and tea plants, the 
 Paraguay tea, and the Paullinia, is a highly interesting result of recent chemical investi- 
 gations. It is said to be more abundant in the Paullinia than in either of the other vege- 
 
Appendix. 1379 
 
 tables. According to Berthemot and Dechastelus, it exists in the seeds united with tan- 
 nic acid, with which it appears to form two compounds, one crystallizable and soluble in 
 water, the other of a resinoid appearance and insoluble. Besides these ingredients, the 
 seeds contain also free tannic acid, gum, albumen, starch, and a greenish fixed oil. ( Journ . 
 de Pharm., xxvi. 514.) 
 
 The effects of paulliuia upon the system are said to be those of a tonic ; but they do 
 not appear to have been very accurately investigated. It is highly probable, both from 
 its composition and the use made of it by the natives of Brazil, that it has an influence 
 over the nervous system similar to that of tea and coffee. It is habitually employed by 
 the Indians, either mixed with articles of diet, as with cassava or chocolate, or in the form 
 of drink prepared by scraping it and suspending the powder in sweetened water. It is 
 considered by them useful in the prevention and cure of bowel complaints. Br. Gavrelle, 
 who was formerly physician to Don Pedro, in Brazil, and there became acquainted with 
 the virtues of this medicine, called the attention of the profession to it some years since 
 in France. He had found it advantageous in the diarrhoea of phthisis, sick-headache, 
 paralysis, tedious convalescence, and generally as a tonic. By l)r. Ritchie, Surgeon in 
 the British navy, it is highly recommended in irritation of the urinary passages. ( Ed . 
 Month. Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., v. 467.) It may be given in substance, in the quantity 
 of one or two drachms, scraped into powder and mixed with sweetened water; but the 
 most convenient form of administration is that of spirituous extract. According to M. 
 Dechastelus, alcohol is the only agent which completely extracts its virtues; ether and 
 water effecting this object but partially. Of the extract eight or ten grains may be given 
 during the day in the form of pill. Paullinia may also be taken along with chocolate as a 
 drink. 
 
 PEACH LEAVES. Leaves of Amygdalus Persica. (Willd. Sp. Plant. ii. 982.) Persira 
 vulgaris. (Miller, Lamarck.) Everyone is familiar with the appearance of the common 
 peach tree. It is characterized specifically by having “ all the serratures of the leaves 
 acute, and by its sessile solitary flowers.” Though its native country is not certainly 
 known, it is generally supposed to have been brought originally from Persia. In no 
 country, perhaps, does it attain greater perfection, as regards the character of its fruit, 
 than in the United States. Peaches are among the most grateful and wholesome of our 
 summer fruits. They abound in saccharine matter, which renders their juice susceptible 
 of the vinous fermentation ; and a distilled liquor prepared from them has been much 
 used, in some parts of the country, under the name of peach brandy. The kernels of the 
 fruit bear a close resemblance in appearance and properties, and probably in chemical 
 nature, to bitter almonds, for which they are frequently, and without inconvenience, sub- 
 stituted in our shops. They are employed by distillers in the preparation of liqueurs, and 
 by cake-bakers to give flavour to various productions of their ovens ; and are said to yield 
 as much amvgdalin as bitter almonds. The flowers, leaves, and bark also have the pecu- 
 liar odour and taste of bitter almonds, and yield hydrocyanic acid. The leaves afford a 
 volatile oil by distillation. The distilled water prepared from them was found, in one 
 instance, to contain 1-407 parts of hydrocyanic acid in 1000, and in another only 0 437 
 parts in the same quantity. From some experiments it may be inferred that the proportion 
 of acid is greatest where there is the least fruit. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 172.) 
 
 Medical Properties. Peach leaves are said to be laxative ; and they probably exert, to 
 a moderate extent, a sedative influence over the nervous system. They have been used 
 as an anthelmintic with great reported success. More recently their infusion has been 
 recommended in irritability of the bladder, in sick stomach, and hooping-cough. Half 
 an ounce of the dried leaves may be infused in a pint of boiling water, and half a fluid- 
 ounce given for a dose three times a day, or more frequently. Dr. Dougos gives, in 
 hooping-cough, a pint of the strong infusion, in small doses, in the course of the day. 
 (Journ. de Pharm., xxiii. 356.) The flowers also arc laxative ; and a syrup prepared from 
 them is considerably used, in infantile eases, upon the continent of Europe. Woodville 
 states that a drachm of the dried flowers, or half an ounce in their recent state, given in 
 infusion, is the dose as a vermifuge. Cases of fatal poisoning from their use in children 
 are on record. The kernels have more of the peculiar powers of hydrocyanic acid, and 
 therefore require to be used with some caution. Blanched, and rubbed up with hot 
 water, they form an emulsion well adapted to coughs depending on or associated with 
 nervous irritation. The bruised leaves, flowers, or kernels may be used by the apothe- 
 cary for cleansing his vessels from disagreeable odours. (See page 92.) The dried fruit, 
 stewed with sugar, is an excellent laxative article of diet, suitable to cases of conva- 
 lescence attended with torpid bowels. 
 
 P11LORIDZIN. This is a bitter principle, discovered by Dr. Konink, of Germany, in 
 the bark of the apple, pear, cherry, and pluxn trees. It is most abundant in the bark of 
 
1380 Appendix. 
 
 the root, and derived its name from this circumstance (from two Greek words. <p> 5t - 
 bark, and pi a root). It is light, white, crystallizable in silkj- needles, of a hitter taste, 
 soluble in about 1000 parts of cold and in all proportions in boiling water, very soluble 
 in alcohol, scarcely soluble in ether cold or hot, dissolved without change by solutions of 
 the alkalies, especially by ammonia, deprived of its water of crystallization at 212°, and 
 fusible at a somewhat higher temperature. It is without acid or alkaline reaction, and 
 consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; its formula being, according to G. Roser, when 
 dry, C 42 lI 25 O 20 , with the addition of 4 eqs. of water when crystallized. When heated with 
 dilute muriatic or sulphuric acid, it is converted into sugar and a peculiar substance 
 called phlorelin. (See Chem. Gaz., viii. 392.) To obtain it, the fresh bark of the root of 
 the apple tree should be selected, as the dried bark is said to contain it in much smaller 
 proportion. The bark is to be boiled for an hour or two successively in two separate 
 portions of water , l each sufficient to cover it, and the decoctions set aside. At the end of 
 thirty hours they'will have deposited a considerable quantity of coloured phloridzin. which 
 may be purified by boiling for a few minutes with distilled water and animal charcoal, 
 filtering, repeating this process two or three times, and then allowing the solution to cool 
 slowly. The phloridzin is deposited in the crystalline state. An additional quantity may 
 be obtained by evaporating the (decoction to one-fifth of its bulk, allowing it to cool, and 
 purifying the substance deposited in the same manner as before. 
 
 Phloridzin is said to possess the anti-intermittent property in a high degree, and to have 
 proved successful where quinia had failed. It was employed by Dr. Konink in the dose of 
 ten or fifteen grains, and in this quantity effected cures in several cases of intermittent fever. 
 
 PHOSPHATE OF AMMONIA. Ammonise Phosphas. There are several phosphates 
 of ammonia; but the one here described is the neutral tribasic phosphate, and con- 
 sists of one eq. of phosphoric acid, two of oxide of ammonium, and one of basic water 
 (2NH 4 0,H0,P0 5 ). It may be made by saturating a somewhat concentrated solution of 
 phosphoric acid with ammonia, applying heat, and setting the solution aside that crystals 
 may form. (See Acidum Phosphoricum Dilutum.) Another method of forming it is to satu- 
 rate the excess of acid in superphosphate of lime by means of carbonate of ammonia. 
 Phosphate of lime is precipitated, and phosphate of ammonia obtained in solution, which, 
 being duly concentrated by a gentle heat, affords the salt in crystals upon cooling. See 
 the paper of Mr. Charles Ellis on the mode of procuring this salt, in the Am. Journ. 
 of Pharm., xviii. 10.) The method of obtaining the superphosphate of lime is given at 
 page 1186. Phosphate of ammonia is a white salt, crystallizing in rhombic prisms with 
 dihedral summits, very soluble in water, but insoluble in alcohol. Exposed to the air 
 it effloresces, loses ammonia, and becomes acid. 
 
 This salt was first brought under the notice of the profession, as a remedy for gout and 
 rheumatism, by Dr. T. H. Buckler, of Baltimore, in a paper published in the Am. Journal 
 of the Medical Sciences, for Jan. 1846. In this paper a number of cases are reported of 
 these diseases, which were treated mainly by this remedy by Dr. Buckler and several of 
 his medical friends, and with apparently good effects. Dr. Buckler was led to employ the 
 salt on theoretical grounds. He conceives that the “matter of gout’’ consists of two salts, 
 the urates of soda and lime, existing in the blood; and that the phosphate of ammonia, 
 by reacting with them, would give rise to soluble salts. The new salts formed, if the 
 double decomposition should take place, would be urate of ammonia, and the phosphates 
 of soda and lime. Unfortunately for this theory, as furnishing the means of eliminating 
 uric acid, urate of ammonia is not more soluble than urate of soda. Nevertheless, apart 
 from all theory, the therapeutic powers of phosphate of ammonia deserve to be investi- 
 gated. Since the publication of Dr. Buckler’s paper, several practitioners, both in this 
 country and in Europe, have used the remedy with apparently useful results. The d"se 
 of the salt is from ten to forty grains, three or four times a day, dissolved in a tablespoon- 
 ful of water. 
 
 PHOSPHATE OF POTASSA. Poiassse Phosphas. The phosphate of potassa which 
 has of late come into use as a medicine, is the neutral tribasic phosphate, having the 
 formula, 2KO,HO,PO s , and. therefore, a composition precisely analogous to that of the 
 medicinal phosphates of soda and ammonia. It is derived from the variety of phosphoric 
 acid containing three eqs. of water, by the substitution of two eqs. of potassa for two of 
 water, and is called neutral on account of its slight action on test paper, and to distinguish 
 it from the acid tribasic phosphate, K0,2H0,P0 3 , and the alkaline, 3K0,P0 5 . It may 
 be formed precisely as phosphate of soda is prepared (see page 1186); or by saturating 
 glacial phosphoric acid (HO,P0 6 ), changed by solution in water and ebullition inte 
 3H0,P0 5 , by means of carbonate of potassa. The medicinal phosphate of potassa is a 
 white, amorphous, deliquescent salt, incapable of crystallization. It has been given as an 
 alterative in scrofula and phthisis, and in some other diseases, with supposed advantage. 
 
Appendix. 1381 
 
 The dose is from ten to thirty grains three times a day, dissolved in a tablespoonful of 
 water. 
 
 PHYSALIS ALKEKENGI. Alkekengi. Common Winter Cherry. A perennial herbaceous 
 plant, growing wild in the South of Europe, and cultivated in our gardens. The fruit is 
 a round red berry, about as large as a cherry, enclosed in the calyx, and containing nu- 
 merous flat kidney-shaped seeds. All parts of the plant are bitter, especially the leaves 
 and the capsules enveloping the fruit. The berries are very juicy, and have an acidulous, 
 bitterish taste. By drying they shrink, and become of a brownish-red colour. The bitter 
 principle has been isolated by MM. Dessaignes and Chautard, and named by them physalin. 
 It is obtained by agitating an infusion of the plant with chloroform, which extracts the 
 bitter principle, and yields it by evaporation. To purify it, dissolve it in hot alcohol, add 
 a little animal charcoal, filter, precipitate by water, and wash the precipitate with the 
 same liquid. It is a light powder, white with a shade of yellow, of a taste slight at first, 
 but in the end permanently bitter, very slightly soluble in cold water, somewhat more 
 soluble in boiling water, and very soluble in alcohol and chloroform, especially with the 
 aid of heat. It consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. ( Journ . de Pharm., 3c scr., xxi. 
 24.) The berries are said to be aperient and diuretic, and have been recommended in 
 suppression of urine, gravel, and other complaints of the urinary passages. M. Gendron 
 recommends them very highly as a febrifuge. He thinks they are most etfective when allowed 
 to ripen and begin to dry on the stem. He usually administers about three drachms daily 
 in two doses. (Arch. Gen., xxiii. 536.) From six to twelve berries, or an ounce of the 
 expressed juice, may be taken for a dose; and much larger quantities are not injurious. 
 They are consumed to a considerable extent in some parts of Europe as food. The berries 
 of the Physalis viscosa, of this country, are said by Clayton to be remarkably diuretic. 
 
 PICIIURIM BEANS. The seeds of an uncertain tree growing in Brazil, Guiana, Vene- 
 zuela, and other parts of South America. The tree has been supposed to be the Ocotea 
 Pichurim of Kunth ( Laurus Pichurim, Richard, Aydendron Laurel, Nees) ; but this is posi- 
 tively denied by F. Nees von Esenbeck; and the brother of that botanist refers the seeds 
 to Nectandra Puchury. The beans are the kernels of the fruit separated into halves. 
 They are ovate-oblong or elliptical, flat on one side, convex on the other, of a grayish-brown 
 colour externally, chocolate-coloured within, of an aromatic odour between that of nutmegs 
 and sassafras, and of a spicy pungent taste. There are two kinds, one about an inch and 
 a half long by half an inch in breadth, the other little more than half as large, rounder, 
 and of a dark-brown colour. Their virtues depend on a volatile oil. In medical properties 
 they resemble the common aromatics, and may be employed for the same purposes. They 
 are rare in this country. 
 
 PIMPINELLA SAXIFRAGA. Small Burnet Saxifrage. Scixifraga. A perennial umbel- 
 liferous European plant, growing on sunny hills, and in dry meadows and pastures. The 
 root is officinal in some parts of Europe. It has a strong, aromatic, yet unpleasant odour, 
 and a sweetish, pungent, biting, aromatic, bitterish taste. Its active constituents are volatile 
 oil, and an acrid resin. It is considered diaphoretic, diuretic, and stomachic; and has been 
 used in chronic catarrh, asthma, dropsy, amenorrhoea, &c. The dose in substance is about 
 half a drachm, and in infusion two drachms. The root is used also as a masticatory in 
 toothache, as a gargle in palsy of the tongue and in collections of viscid mucus in the 
 throat, and externally to remove freckles. 
 
 PINCKNEYA PUBENS. Michaux. A large shrub or small tree, growing in South 
 Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, in low and moist places along the sea coast. It is closely 
 allied, in botanical characters, to the Cinchonas, with which it was formerly ranked by some 
 botanists. The bark is bitter, and has been used with advantage in intermittent fever. Dr. 
 Law, of Georgia, cured six out of seven cases in which he administered it. The dose and 
 mode of preparation are the same with those of cinchona. The chemical composition and 
 medical properties of this bark deserve a fuller investigation than they have yet received. 
 
 PISCIDIA ERYTHRINA. Jamaica Dogwood. Dr. William Hamilton, of Plymouth, 
 England, in a communication to the Pharmaceutical Journal and Transactions (iv. 76, 
 August, 1844), speaks of this plant as a powerful narcotic, capable of producing sleep and 
 relieving pain in an extraordinary manner. He had noticed, when resident in the West 
 Indies, the use of the bark of the root in the taking of fish, upon which, even when of a 
 large size, it exercised a very strong narcotic effect. He was induced to try it as an ano- 
 dyne in toothache, and found a saturated tincture exceedingly efficacious, not only affording 
 relief when taken internally, but uniformly curing the pain when introduced upon a dossil 
 of cotton into the carious tooth. The bark of the root, to be effectual, should be gathered 
 during the period of inflorescence in April. When chewed it has an unpleasant acrimony 
 like that of mezereou. It yields its virtues to alcohol but not to water. The formula 
 employed by him in preparing the tincture, was to macerate an ounce of the bark, in 
 
1382 Appendix. 
 
 coarse powder, in four fluidounces of rectified spirit, for twenty-four hours, and then to 
 filter. The dose is a fluidrachm. He first tried it on himself, when labouring under severe 
 toothache, taking the quantity mentioned in cold water on going to bed. He first felt a 
 violent sensation of heat internally, which gradually extended to the surface, and was 
 followed by profuse perspiration, with profound sleep for twelve hours. On awaking, he 
 was quite free from pain, and without the unpleasant sensations which follow a dose of 
 opium. 
 
 PLANTAGO MAJOR. Plantain. A well known perennial herb, growing in fields, by 
 the roadsides, and in grassplats, and abounding both in Europe and in this country. The 
 leaves are saline, bitterish, and austere to the taste; the root saline and sweetish. The 
 plant has been considered refrigerant, diuretic, deobstruent, and somewhat astringent. 
 The ancients esteemed it highly, and employed it in visceral obstructions, hemorrhages, 
 particularly from the lungs, consumption, dysentery, and other complaints. In modern 
 times it has been applied to similar'purposes, and the root is said to have proved useful in 
 intermittents. At present, however, it is generally believed to be very feeble, and is little 
 used internally. As an external application it has been recommended in ulcers of various 
 kinds, and in indolent scrofulous tumours. Among the vulgar it is still much used as a 
 vulnerary, and as a dressing for blisters and sores. The dose of the expressed juice is 
 from one to four fluidounces. Two ounces of the fresh root or leaves may be boiled in a 
 pint of water, and given during the day. Externally the leaves are applied whole or in 
 decoction. Planlago media, and P. lancifolia or rib-grass, which are also indigenous, pos- 
 sess properties similar to those of P. major, and may be used for the same purposes. 
 
 Under the name of semen psyllii, the seeds of several species of Plantago, growing in 
 different parts of Europe, are sometimes kept in the shops. The best are obtained from 
 Plantago Psyllium or fleawort, which grows in the South of Europe and Barbary. They 
 are small, about a line long by half a line in breadth, convex on one side, concave on the 
 other, flea-coloured, shining, inodorous, and nearly tasteless, but very mucilaginous when 
 chewed. They are demulcent and emollient, and may be used internally and externally 
 in the same manner as flaxseed, which they closely resemble in medical properties. 
 
 PLATINUM. In 1826 Prof. Gmelin, of Tubingen, made experiments to determine the 
 action of this metal on the economy. In 1841 I)r. Ferdinand Hoefer published some ob- 
 servations on the same subject. The latter experimented chiefly with the bichloride, and 
 the double chloride of platinum and sodium. They are both poisonous: the bichloride 
 in the dose of 15 grains, the double chloride in that of 30 grains. When a concentrated 
 solution of the bichloride is applied to the skin, it produces violent itching, followed by 
 an eruption. Administered internally it irritates the mucous membrane of the stomach, 
 and occasions headache. The double chloride has no action when externally applied, 
 and, when given internally, operates on the system in a less sensible manner than the 
 bichloride. It possesses the power of augmenting the urine. Dr. Hoefer ranks the pre- 
 parations of platinum with the alteratives, by the side of those of gold, iodine, and arsenic. 
 He considers them particularly suited to the treatment of syphilitic diseases: the bichlo- 
 ride to cases of long standing and inveterate, the double chloride to those which are recent. 
 The dose of the bichloride is from one to two grains twice a day, given in pill. Eight 
 grains may be made into sixteen pills, with a drachm of the extract of guaiacum wood of 
 the French Codex, and sufficient powdered liquorice root.. Of these, one. two, or three 
 may be taken morning and evening. The double chloride may be prepared for adminis- 
 tration by dissolving five grains of the bichloride and eight of pure chloride of sodium in 
 seven fluidounces of gum-water. This quantity may be taken by tablespoonfuls in the 
 course of twenty-four hours. For frictions on indolent ulcers, Dr. Hoefer used an oint- 
 ment composed of sixteen grains of the bichloride, thirty-two grains of extract of bella- 
 donna, and an ounce of lard. ( Journ . dc Pharm., xxvii. 213.) 
 
 PLUMBAGO EUROPGJA. Leadwort. Dentettaria. A perennial, herbaceous plant, 
 growing in the South of Europe. It has an acrid taste, and, when chewed, excites a flow 
 of saliva. This is particularly the case with the root, which has been long used to relieve 
 toothache. Hence the plant derived the name of dentelaire, by which it is known in France. 
 A decoction of the root in olive oil has been highly recommended for the cure of the itch. 
 Writers differ much in their statements in relation to the activity of the plant, some speak- 
 ing of it as rubefacient, vesicatory, and caustic, and. when swallowed, as violently emetic 
 and liable to produce dangerous irritation of the alimentary canal; while others consider 
 it nearly inert. Perhaps the difference may be ascribed in part to the use of the plant 
 in the recent state in one case, and dried or long kept in the other. A crystallizable, 
 acrid principle, called plambagin, has been extracted from the root by Dulong. 
 
 POLYPODIUM VULGARE. Common Polypody. A fern belonging both to the old and 
 new continents, and growing in the clefts of old walls, rocks, and decayed trunks of trees. 
 
Appendix. 1383 
 
 The root, which is the part considered medicinal, is rather long, about as thick as a goose- 
 quill, somewhat contorted, covered with brown, easily separable scales, furnished with 
 slender radicles, and marked by numerous small tubercles. As found in the shops, it is 
 sometimes destitute of the scales and radicles. Its colour is reddish-brown with a tinge 
 of yellow, its odour disagreeably oleaginous, its taste peculiar, sweetish, somewhat bitter, 
 and nauseous. The root of the variety growing upon the oak has been preferred, though 
 without good reason. It was deemed purgative by the ancients, who employed it for the 
 evacuation of bile and pituitous humours, in melancholic and maniacal cases. Modern phy- 
 sicians have used it in similar complaints, and as a pectoral in chronic catarrh and asthma. 
 At present, however, it is scarcely ever employed, being considered nearly inert. It was 
 given in doses varying from a drachm to an ounce, usually in connexion with cathartics. 
 
 POLYTRICHUM JUNIPEItlNUM. Hair-cap Moss. Bobbin's Rye. This moss is a native 
 of the United States, and abounds in New England. For a particular description of it, the 
 reader is referred to a communication in the Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S. (xxvii. 267), 
 by Dr. Wm. Wood, of East Windsor-Hill, Connecticut, who speaks in very strong terms 
 of its efficacy as a diuretic, having found it the most successful remedy which he has em- 
 ployed in the treatment of dropsy. He infuses a large handful of the whole plant in water, 
 and allows the patient to drink freely of the tea, “the more so the better.” 
 
 POPULUS. Poplar. Several trees belonging to this genus have attracted some atten- 
 tion in a medical point of view. In most of them the leaf buds are covered with a resinous 
 exudation, which has a peculiar, agreeable, balsamic odour, and a bitterish, balsamic, 
 somewhat pungent taste. This is abundant, in the buds of Populus nigra or the black poplar 
 of Europe, which are officinal in some parts of that continent. They contain resin and a 
 peculiar volatile oil. The buds of P. balsamifera, growing in the northern parts of N. 
 America and Siberia, are also highly balsamic; and a resin is said to be furnished by the 
 tree, which is sometimes, though erroneously, called tacamahac. The virtues of the poplar 
 buds are probably analogous to those of the turpentines and balsams. They have been 
 used in pectoral, nephritic, and rheumatic complaints, in the form of tincture ; and a lini- 
 ment, made by macerating them in oil, has been applied externally in local rheumatism. 
 The unguentum populeum of European pharmacy is made, according to the directions of the 
 French Codex of 1837, by bruising in a marble mortar, and boiling in 2000 parts of lard, 
 with a gentle fire, rill the moisture is dissipated, 250 parts, each, of the fresh leaves of the 
 black poppy, deadly nightshade, henbane, and black nightshade; then adding of the dried 
 buds of the black poplar, bruised, 375 parts ; digesting for 24 hours ; straining with strong 
 expression; and finally allowing the ointment to cool after defecation. This is an anodyne 
 ointment, occasionally employed in Europe in painful local affections. It has been ascer- 
 tained that poplar buds are capable of imparting a principle to ointments, which in a 
 considerable degree obviates their tendency to rancidity. 
 
 The bark of certain species of poplar is possessed of tonic properties, and has been used 
 in intermittent fever with advantage. Such is the case with that of the P. tremuloides or 
 American aspen, and of the P. tremula or European aspen. In the bark of the latter, 
 Braconnot found salicin, and another crystallizable principle which he named populin. It 
 is in these, probably, that the febrifuge properties of the bark reside. They may be ob- 
 tained by precipitating a saturated decoction of the bark with solution of subacetate of 
 lead, filtering, precipitating the excess of lead by sulphuric acid, again filtering, evaporat- 
 ing, adding animal charcoal towards the end of the evaporation, and filtering the liquor 
 while hot. Salicin gradually separates, upon the cooling of the liquor, in the form of crys- 
 tals. If, when this principle has ceased to crystallize, the excess of sulphuric acid in the 
 liquid be saturated by a concentrated solution of carbonate of potassa, the populin will 
 be precipitated. If this be pressed between folds of blotting paper, and redissolved in 
 boiling water, it will be deposited, upon the cooling of the liquid, in the crystalline state. 
 The leaves of P. tremula also afford populin, and more largely even than the bark. It is 
 probable that both principles exist also in the bark of P. tremuloides, and other species. 
 Salicin is described under Salix. Populin is very light, purely white, and of a bitter, 
 sweetish taste, analogous to that of liquorice. IVhen heated it melts into a colourless and 
 transparent liquid. It is soluble in 2000 parts of cold, and about 70 parts of boiling 
 water; and is more soluble in boiling alcohol. Acetic acid and the diluted mineral acids 
 dissolve it, and, upon the addition of an alkali, let it fall unchanged. Piria regards it 
 as a complex body, consisting of benzoic acid, saligenin, and glucose, and states that the 
 effects of reagents on it correspond with this view of its constitution. By boiling it with 
 solution of baryta, and precipitating the excess of baryta from the solution by carbonic 
 acid, he found remaining in the solution only benzoate of baryta and salicin. (See Am. 
 Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 240.) 
 
 PORTULACA OLERACEA. Garden Purslane. An annual succulent plant, growing in 
 gardens and cultivated grounds in the United States, Europe, and most other parts of the 
 
1384 Appendix. 
 
 globe. It lias an herbaceous, slightly saline taste, and is often used as greens, being 
 boiled -with meat, or other vegetables. It is considered a cooling diuretic, and is recom- 
 mended in scurvy, and affections of the urinary passages. The seeds have been thought 
 to be anthelmintic ; but they are tasteless and inert. 
 
 POTENTILLA REPTANS. Cinquefoil. A perennial, creeping, European herb, 'with 
 leaves which are usually quinate, and have thus given origin to the ordinary name of the 
 plant. The root has a bitterish, styptic, slightly sweetish taste, and was formerly used in 
 diarrhoea, and other complaints for which astringents are usually prescribed. 
 
 POWDER OF ALGAROTH. Pulvis Algaroihi. Oxychloride of Antimony . Nilromuriatic 
 Oxide of Antimony. This powder is formed by dissolving tersulphuret of antimony in 
 muriatic acid, assisting the action, at first, by a gentle heat, wTiich must be gradually 
 increased to ebullition ; and then pouring the resulting solution, when cold, into a large 
 quantity of water. By a double decomposition between the tersulphuret and acid, sul- 
 phuretted hydrogen is given off copiously by effervescence, and a solution of terchloride 
 of antimony is formed. When this is thrown into water, the greater part of the terchloride 
 is converted, by the elements of that liquid, into muriatic acid which remains in solution, 
 and ter oxide of antimony, which precipitates in union with the remainder of the terchloride 
 as the powder of Algaroth. 
 
 Properties, $c. This is a white powder, having a crystalline appearance if left long in 
 contact with the solution from which it is precipitated. When exposed to a red heat, it 
 fuses and forms a yellow liquid, which, on cooling, concretes into a grayish crystalline 
 mass of a pearly aspect. It consists of nine eqs. of teroxide of antimony, and two of ter- 
 chloride. It is used for making tartar emetic in the U. S. and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias, 
 but without being recognised under a distinct name; being formed as the first step of the 
 process adopted in those works, for preparing this antimonial. It was formerly officinal 
 in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, and used for making the same antimonial ; but in the last 
 edition of that work, published in 1850, it was dismissed, aud the pure teroxide substi- 
 tuted for it. (See Antimonii Terchloridi Liquor and Antimonii Oxidurn.) Powder of Algaroth 
 was formerly used in medicine; but, owing to its unequal operation, has been piroperly 
 laid aside. It is liable to contain tersulphuret of arsenic (orpiment), unless when ob- 
 tained from the distilled concrete terchloride of antimony. (Larocque, Journ. de Pharm., 
 March, 1849.) 
 
 PRENANTHES SERPENTARIA. Lion’s Foot. This is a perennial indigenous herb, 
 growing in the mountainous districts of Virginia and North Carolina. It belongs to Syn- 
 gcnesia JEqualis in the sexual system, and to the natural family of Cichoracese. The genus 
 is characterized by its “ four-tlowered nodding heads, its cylindric involucre calyculate at 
 the base, its subterate unbeaked akenes, its scabrous pappus in several series, and its naked 
 receptacle.” This particular species has rough dentate leaves, of which the radical are 
 palmate, the cauline with long footstalks, sinuate pinnatifid, disposed to be tliree-lobed, 
 with the middle lobe three-parted, the upper lanceolate. The racemes are terminal, some- 
 what panicled, short, and nodding, with an eight-cleft calyx, and twelve florets. ( Pursh .) 
 Dr. Darlington considers this a variety of Prenanthcs alba. It is about two feet high, with 
 purple flowers. Pursh speaks of it as in great repute among the inhabitants of the regions 
 it inhabits as a remedy for the bite of poisonous serpents, and relates a case in which he 
 had seen it used effectively. The milky juice of the plant was taken internally, and the 
 leaves steeped in water were applied to the wound and frequently changed. In October, 
 1849. the author received a specimen of a plant from Dr. Newsom J. Pittman, of N. 
 Carolina, with the information that he had employed it effectually in ten or twelve cases 
 of the bite of the rattlesnake -with uniform success. He gave internally a decoction of the 
 root, which is extremely bitter. This plant was the Prenanthes Serpentaria of Pursh. 
 
 PRUNELLA VULGARIS. Self-heal. Heal-all. A small perennial labiate plant, com- 
 mon both in Europe and the United States, growing especially by the waysides. It is 
 inodorous, but has an austere bitterish taste. The herb in flower was formerly used, in 
 the state of infusion or decoction, in hemorrhages and diarrhoea, and as a gargle in sore- 
 tliroat. In this country it is not employed in regular practice. 
 
 PULMONARIA OFFICINALIS. Lungwort. An herbaceous perennial, indigenous in 
 Europe, and sometimes cultivated in this country in gardens. The leaves are inodorous, 
 and have an herbaceous, somewhat mucilaginous, and feebly astringent taste. They have 
 been considered pectoral and demulcent, and employed in catarrh, haemoptysis, consump- 
 tion, and other affections of the chest; but their virtues are doubtful, and they were pro- 
 bably used in pectoral complaints as much on account of the supposed resemblance of 
 their speckled surface to that of the lungs, as from the possession of any positively useful 
 properties. 
 
Appendix. 1885 
 
 PUMICE STONE. Pumex. A very light porous stone, found in the vicinity of active 
 and extinct volcanoes, and believed to have been thrown up during their eruption. The 
 pumice stone of commerce is said to be obtained chiefly from Lipari. It is used whole, 
 in the mariner of a file, for removing the outer surface of bodies, or for rubbing down 
 inequalities, and, in the state of powder, for polishing glass, metals, stones, &c. ; purposes 
 to which it is adapted by the hardness of its particles. 
 
 PYRE THRUM PARTHENIUM. IVilld. Matricaria Parthenium. Linn. Chrysanthemum 
 Partkenium. Persoon. Feverfew. A perennial herbaceous plant, about two feet high, with 
 an erect, branching stem, pinnate leaves, oblong, obtuse, gashed, and dentate leaflets, and 
 compound flowers borne in a corymb upon branching peduncles. It is a native of Europe, 
 but cultivated in our gardens. The whole herbaceous part is used. The plant has an 
 odour and taste analogous to those of chamomile, which it resembles also in the appear- 
 ance of its flowers, and in its medical virtues. Though little employed, it is undoubtedly 
 possessed of useful tonic properties. 
 
 PYROACETIC SPIRIT. Pyroacetic Ether. Acetone. This substance may be obtained 
 by carefully distilling, acetate of lime, and rectifying the product by frequent, distillations 
 from quicklime in a water-batli, untii the boiling point becomes stationary, whereby it is 
 freed from water and empyreumatic oil. It is a colourless, volatile, inflammable liquid, 
 having a peculiar penetrating smell, and a pungent taste like that of peppermint. Its 
 specific gravity is 0 7()2, and boiling point 182°. As found in the shops its density is not 
 generally lower than 0-820. It is miscible in all proportions with water, ether, and alco- 
 hol, without disturbing its transparency. If it become turbid when mixed with water, 
 the fact shows that it contains empyreumatic oil. It has been confounded with pyroxylin 
 spirit, from which it is distinguished by its inability to dissolve a saturated solution of 
 chloride of calcium, which instantly dissolves in pyroxylic spirit, ( Scanlan .) Its formula 
 is CjIIjO; while that of pyroxylic. spirit is C 2 H 4 0 2 . In constitution it bears considerable 
 resemblance to alcohol. Thus its formula doubled is C 6 H 6 0 2 , and that of alcohol is 
 C 4 H 6 0 2 . It was thought at one time that the substance brought to the notice of the pro- 
 fession by Dr. John Hastings, under the name of naphtha, as a remedy for pulmonary 
 consumption, was pyroacetic spirit: but it now appears to be settled that what he intended 
 was pyroxylic spirit. (See Spiritus Pyroxilicus, p. 701.) There is no doubt that these spirits 
 were used indiscriminately in the therapeutic trials which grew out of the publication of 
 Dr. Hastings’s book; but no exact, experiments have been made, so far as we know, to 
 determine the precise physiological action of pyroacetic spirit. 
 
 REALGAR. This is the bisulphuret of arsenic, consisting of one eq of arsenic 75, and 
 two of sulphur 82=107. It. is found native in Saxony, Bohemia, Transylvania, and in 
 various volcanic regions. Realgar is artificially made by melting arsenious acid with about 
 half its weight of sulphur. (Turner.) Thus prepared, it is of a crystalline texture, of a 
 beautiful ruby-red colour, of a uniform conchoidal fracture, somewhat transparent in thin 
 layers, and capable of being sublimed without, change. Native realgar is said to be inno- 
 cent when taken internally, while that artificially prepared is poisonous, in consequence, 
 according to Guibourt, of containing a little arsenious acid. Realgar is used only as a 
 pigment. 
 
 RED CHALK. Reddle. A mineral substance of a deep-red colour, of a compact texture, 
 dry to the touch, adhering to the tongue, about as hard as chalk, soiling the fingers when 
 handled, and leaving a lively red trace when drawn over paper. It consists of clay and 
 oxide of iron, and is intermediate between bole and red ochre, containing more oxide of 
 iron than the former, and less than the latter. It is used for drawing lines upon wood, 
 &c., and is sometimes made into crayons by levigating and elutriating it, then forming it 
 into a paste with mucilage of gum Arabic, moulding this into cylinders, and drying it in 
 the shade. It has been used internally as an absorbent and astringent. 
 
 RESEDA LUTEOLA. Weld. Dyers’ Weed. An annual European plant, naturalized in 
 the United States. It is inodorous, and has a bitter taste, whi'ch is very adhesive. Clievreul 
 obtained from it by sublimation a peculiar yellow colouring matter, which he called luteolin. 
 In medicine it has been employed as a diaphoretic and diuretic, but is now neglected. On 
 the continent of Europe it is much employed for dyeing yellow, and, before the introduction 
 of quercitron into England, was extensively applied to the same purpose in that country. 
 The whole plant is used. 
 
 RHODODENDRUM CRYSANTIIUM. Yellow-flowered Rhododendron. This is a beautiful 
 evergreen shrub, about a foot high, with spreading branches, and oblong, obtuse, thick 
 leaves, narrowed towards their footstalks, reflexed at the margin, much veined, rugged 
 and deep-green upon t.heir upper surface, ferruginous or glaucous beneath, and surrounding 
 the branches upon strong petioles. The flowers are large, yellow, on long peduncles, and 
 in terminal umbels. The corolla is wheel-shaped, with its border divided into five roundish. 
 
1386 Appendix. 
 
 spreading segments. The plant is a native of Siberia, delighting in mountainous situations, 
 and flowering in June and July. The leaves are the part used. When fresh, they have 
 a feeble odour, said to resemble that of rhubarb. In the dried state they are inodorous, 
 but have an austere, astringent, bitterish taste. They yield their virtues to water and 
 alcohol. 
 
 They are stimulant, narcotic, and diaphoretic, producing, when first taken, increase of 
 heat and arterial action, subsequently a diminished frequency of the pulse, and, in large 
 doses, vomiting, purging, and delirium. They have been long employed in Siberia as a 
 remedy in rheumatism ; and their use has extended to various parts of Europe. Their 
 action is said to be accompanied with a sensation of creeping or pricking in the affected 
 part, which subsides in a few hours, leaving the part free from pain. They have been 
 recommended also in gout, lues venerea, and palsy. In Siberia they are prepared by 
 infusing two drachms of the dried leaves in about ten ounces of water, in a close vessel, 
 and keeping the liquid near the boiling point during the night. The strained liquor is 
 taken in the morning; and a repetition of the dose three or four days successively gene- 
 rally effects a cure. The remedy is not used in this country. 
 
 RIGA BALSAM. Bahamum Carpaticvm. Bahamum Libuni. This is a product of the 
 Bums Ccmbra, a large tree growing in the mountainous regions and northern latitudes of 
 Europe and Asia. The juice exudes from the extremities of the young twigs, and is col- 
 lected in flasks suspended from them. It is a thin white fluid, having an odour analogous 
 to that of juniper, and possessing the ordinary terebinthinate properties. In this country 
 it is very rare; but it is occasionally brought from Riga or Cronstadt, in bottles. A similar 
 product, called Hungarian balsam , is obtained in the same manner from the Finns Pumilio, 
 growing on the mountains of Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary. It is scarcely known 
 in the United States. 
 
 ROTTEN STONE. Terra Cariosa. An earthy mineral, occurring in light, dull, friable 
 masses, dry to the touch, of a very fine grain, and of an ash-brown colour. It is obtained 
 from Derbyshire in England, and is used for polishing metals. 
 
 SALEP. Though not directed by any of the British Colleges, nor by our national Phar- 
 macopoeia, this substance deserves a slight notice, as it is frequently mentioned by writers 
 on the materia medica, and is occasionally to be found in the shops. The name is given 
 to the prepared bulbs of Orchis mascula and other species of the same genus. The male 
 orchis is a native of Europe, the Levant, and northern Africa. Its bulbs, which are two 
 in number, oval or roundish, internally white and spongy, are prepared by removing their 
 epidermis, plunging them into boiling water, then stringing them together, and drying 
 them in the sun or by the fire. By this process they acquire the appearance and con- 
 sistence which distinguish them as found in the shops. Landerer. however, denies that 
 as prepared in Greece or Macedonia they are dipped in boiling water, and ascribes their 
 horny character to their being quickly dried in a baking oven. ( Pharm. Journ. and Trans.. 
 March, 1850.) They were formerly procured exclusively from Macedonia, Asia Minor, 
 and Persia, but are now said to be prepared in France, and perhaps other parts of Western 
 Europe. 
 
 Salep is in small, oval, irregular masses, hard, horny, semi-transparent, of a yellowish 
 colour, a feeble odour, and a mild mucilaginous taste. It is sometimes kept in the state 
 of powder. In composition and relation to water it is closely analogous to tragacanth, 
 consisting of a substance insoluble, but swelling up in cold water ( bassorin\ , of another 
 in much smaller proportion, soluble in cold water, and of minute quantities of saline 
 matters. It also occasionally contains a little starch. It is highly nutritive, and may be 
 employed for the same purposes as tapioca, sago, &c. The reputation which it enjoyed 
 among the ancients, and still enjoys in the East, of possessing aphrodisiac properties, is 
 wholly without foundation. On account of its hardness, salep, in its ordinary state, is of 
 difficult pulverization ; but the difficulty is removed by macerating it in cold water until 
 it becomes soft, and then rapidly drying it. Landerer states that it is sometimes used for 
 adulterating Smyrna opiium. 
 
 SANDARACH. Sandaraca. This is a resinous substance obtained from Thnva ariicu- 
 lata, an evergreen tree growing in the North of Africa. It is in small, irregular, roundish 
 oblong grains or tears, of a pale-yellow colour, sometimes inclining to brown, more or less 
 transparent, dry and brittle, breaking into a powder under the teeth, of a faint agreeable 
 odour increased by warmth, and of a resinous slightly acrid taste. It melts with heat, 
 diffusing a strong balsamic odour, and easily inflames. It is almost entirely soluble in 
 ordinary alcohol, and entirely so in that liquid when anhydrous, and in ether. Heated 
 oil of turpentine also dissolves the greater part of it, but very slowly. According to I n- 
 verdorben. it consists of three different resins, varying in their relations to alcohol, ether, 
 and the oil of turpentine. The sandaracin of Geise, which remains after sandarach has 
 
Appendix. 1387 
 
 been exposed to the action of ordinary alcohol, is a mixture of two of these resins. 
 Sandarach was -formerly given internally as a medicine, and enters into the composition 
 of various ointments and plasters. At present it is used chiefly as a varnish. It is some- 
 times employed as incense, and its powder is rubbed upon paper in order to prevent ink 
 from spreading, after letters have been scratched out. 
 
 SANICULA MARILANDICA. Sanicle. An indigenous, umbelliferous, perennial, her- 
 baceous plant, two or three feet in height, growing in woods and thickets, in almost all 
 parts of the United States, as far south as S. Carolina. For its botanical character see 
 Eaton's Botany, and Torrey and Gray's N. Am. Flora (vol. i. p. 601). The root is the part 
 used, and is popularly known in some parts of the country by the name of black snakeroot. 
 It is fibrous and of an aromatic taste, and has been used as a domestic remedy in inter- 
 mittent fever. Dr. J. B. Zabriskie has found it highly effectual in chorea. He considers 
 it most efficient in substance, and gives the powder to children of eight or ten years old 
 in the dose of half a drachm three times a day. (Am. Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., xii. 374.) 
 
 SANTALUM. Sandal wood. Saunders. There are three kinds of wood known by the 
 name of santalum or sounders; — 1 . santalum rubrum , or red saunders, from Pterocarpus 
 Santalinus, already described in this work (page 647) under the officinal name of Santa- 
 lum; 2. santalum album, or white saunders, from the Santalum album of Linnaeus, growing 
 in the East Indies, the S. Pacific Islands, and South America ; and 3. santalum citrinum, 
 or yellow saunders, formerly supposed to be the inner w r ood of the tree of which the outer 
 constituted white saunders, but now stated to be from a different tree, the S. freycivetianum 
 of M. Gaudichaud, growing in the Sandwich Islands, the Fejee Islands, the Marquesas, 
 on the coast of Malabar, &c. It is the latter which supplies the sandal wood so highly 
 valued by the Chinese. Both kinds have a very agreeable aromatic odour. The white is 
 thought by the East India physicians to be refreshing, and useful in remittent fevers, 
 gonorrhoea, and other complaints. It was formerly used in European pharmacy, and still 
 enters into certain compound syrups, confections, &c. The Chinese employ the yellow 
 saunders chiefly as a perfume, burning it in their temples, sick chambers, &c.. and obtain 
 from it a volatile oil by distillation, which they mix with oil of roses. This variety was also 
 formerly used in Europe, and praised as cordial and alexipharmic. The three saunders 
 were not unfrequently combined in the same preparation. (Merat and Be Lens.) 
 
 SAPONARIA OFFICINALIS. Soapu-ort. A perennial herbaceous plant, growing wild 
 in this country, in the vicinity of cultivation, but probably introduced from Europe. It 
 is commonly known by the vulgar name of bouncing bet. It is one or two feet high, with 
 smooth, lanceolate leaves, and clusters of conspicuous whitish or slightly purplish flowers, 
 which appear in July and August. The root and leaves are employed. They are in- 
 odorous, and of a taste at first bitterish and slightly sweetish, afterwards somewhat pun- 
 gent, continuing long, and leaving a slight sense of numbness on the tongue. They 
 impart to water the property of forming a lather when agitated, like a solution of soap, 
 whence the name of the plant was derived. This property, as well as the medical virtues 
 of the plant, resides in a peculiar proximate principle, obtained from the root by Bucholz, 
 and called by him saponin. This principle constitutes, according to Bucholz, 34 per cent, 
 of the dried root, which contains also a considerable quantity of gum and a little bassorin, 
 resin, and altered extractive, besides lignin and water. Saponin is obtained, though not 
 absolutely pure, by treating the watery extract with alcohol and evaporating. It is brown, 
 somewhat translucent, hard and brittle, with a sweetish taste, followed by a sense of acri- 
 mony in the fauces. It is soluble in water and officinal alcohol, but is insoluble in anhy- 
 drous alcohol, ether, and the volatile oils. Its watery solution froths when agitated. 
 This principle has been found also in various other plants, as different species of Silene, 
 Dianthus, Lychnis, and Anagallis (Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., x. 339.) It is said to pos- 
 sess poisonous properties. Soapwort has been much used in Germany as a remedy in 
 venereal and scrofulous affections, cutaneous eruptions, and visceral obstructions. It 
 appears to act as an alterative, like sarsaparilla, to which it has been deemed superior in 
 efficacy by some physicians. The plant is given in the form of decoction and extract, 
 which may be freely taken. From two to four pints of the decoction daily are recom- 
 mended in lues. The inspissated juice, given in the quantity of half an ounce in the 
 course of a day, is said by Andry generally to cure gonorrhoea in about two weeks, with- 
 out any other remedy. According to Dr. Bonnet and M. Malapert, this and other plants 
 containing saponin are capable of producing poisonous effects. (Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., 
 x. 339.) 
 
 SARCOCOLLA. A peculiar vegetable product, exuding spontaneously from the Pensea 
 Sarcocolla, P. mucronata, and other species of Penoea, small shrubs growing at the Cape 
 of Good Hope, in Ethiopia, Arabia, &c. It is in the form of small, roundish, irregular 
 grains, sometimes agglutinated in masses, friable, opaque or semi-transparent, of a yel- 
 
1388 Appendix. 
 
 lowisli or brownish-red colour, inodorous unless heated, when they have an a°Teeable 
 smell, and of a peculiar, bitter, sweetish, and acrid taste, Sarcocolla, according to Pelle- 
 tier, consists of 65-3 per cent, of a peculiar substance, considered by Dr. Thomson, as 
 holding an intermediate place between gum and sugar, and called sarcocollin or pure sar- 
 cocolla, 4-6 of gum, 3-3 of a gelatinous matter having some analogy with bassorin, and 
 26-8 of lignin, &c. It is said to be purgative, but at the same time to produce serious 
 inconvenience by its acrid properties. The Arabian physicians used it internally : and 
 by the ancients it was employed as an external application to wounds and ulcers! under 
 the idea that it possessed the property of agglutinating the flesh, whence its name was 
 derived. It is at present out of use. 
 
 SARPiACENIA. Side-saddle Plant. Fly-trap. Two southern species of this curious in- 
 digenous genus of plants, S. flava and S. variolaris, have been brought into notice by Dr. 
 F. P. Porclier, in a communication published in the Charleston Medical Journal and Review. 
 Dr. Porclier states that the roots of these plants have long been used as a domestic remedy 
 by the inhabitants of the lower portions of South Carolina. The medicine is believed in 
 that region to possess extraordinary powers in dyspepsia ; and he received reports from 
 persons entirely deserving of confidence, of its efficacy in sick headache, waterbrash, gas- 
 tralgia, abdominal distension, &c. In trying the remedy upon himself, he found it to be 
 bitter and astringent to the taste, and in its effects on the system, stimulant to the sto- 
 mach, the circulation, and in some degree to the brain, and at the same time to a certain 
 extent diuretio, and disposed to operate mildly on the bowels. From the results stated by 
 Dr. Porcher, we should infer that the medicine is a stimulating tonic, with some tendency 
 to act on the brain; and probably well suited to cases of dyspepsia dependent on debility 
 of stomach. Professor Sheppard submitted the root to chemical examination, and found 
 it to contain, lignin, colouring matter, resin, an acid salt of lime, and a salt probably 
 of an organic alkali. The best mode of administration seems not to have been well 
 determined. Invalids chew it as they would chew tobacco; and from Dr. Porcher’s state- 
 ments we should infer that it might be appropriately given in powder in the dose of half 
 a drachm three or four times a day. (See Wood's Quarterly Retrospect, ii. 78.) 
 
 SASSA GUM. This name has been applied by Guibourt to a gum. occasionally brought 
 into market from the East, and answering so exactly to Bruce’s description of the pro- 
 duct of a tree which he calls sassa, that there is reason to believe in their identity. Ac- 
 cording to Guibourt’s description, it is in mammillary masses, or in convoluted pieces 
 resembling an ammonite, of a reddish colour - , and somewhat shining surface, and more 
 transparent than tragacanth. Its taste is like that of tragacantli, but slightly acrid. 
 'V hen introduced into water, it becomes white, softens, and swells to four or five times 
 its original bulk; but it preserves its shape, neither like tragacanth forming a mucilage, 
 nor like Bassora gum separating into distinct flocculi. It is rendered blue by iodine. 
 
 SASSY BARK. This bark is interesting chiefly from its employment by the natives 
 of Western Africa as an ordeal in their trials for witchcraft or sorcery. Specimens sent to 
 this country from Liberia were first examined by Mr. C. A. Santos, who published his 
 observations in the Am. Journ. of Pharm, (xxi. 07, April, 1849). Other specimens, both 
 of the bark and of the plant producing it, afterwards came under the notice of Professor 
 Procter, who was thus enabled to determine as well the chemical characters as the botani- 
 cal source of the product. His papers on the subject are contained in the same Journal 
 (xxiii. 301. and xxiv. 195); and in the last is given a botanical description of the tree. To 
 these papers the reader is referred for particular information on the subject. It appears 
 that the bark is the product of a previously undescribed species of Erythrophh um. for which 
 Prof. Procter proposes the name of E. judiciale. It is a large tree with spreading branches, 
 doubly pinnated leaves, flowers in spike-like racemes, and leguminous fruit. The bark is 
 in pieces more or less curved, with or without epidermis, in the former case somewhat 
 fissured externally, of a dull-red colour diversified by whitish spots, brittle, presenting 
 when cut transversely numerous fawn-coloured spots surrounded by reddish-brown tissue, 
 nearly inodorous, of an astringent taste, and according to M. Santos of the sp. gr. 1 054. 
 Prof. Procter found it to contain tannic acid, insoluble apotheme analogous to that of 
 rhatany, a red colouring matter formed by a combination of the two preceding constituents, 
 gallic acid, gum, a little resin, fatty matter, various salts, and a peculiar substance 
 precipitable by tannic acid, and soluble in alcohol and chloroform. He was unable to 
 isolate the active principle. The bark yields its virtues to water. Its effects on the 
 system have not been accurately studied ; but it is certainly emetic and cathartic, and 
 appears to superadd an influence over the nervous system, as it paralyzes muscular 
 power. Professor Procter found three grains of the aqueous extract, given to a cat. to 
 produce great prostration, frothing at the mouth, dilatation of the pupils, and total loss of 
 inclination to eat. Largely taken the bark often causes death. The powder snuffed up 
 the nostrils occasions violent sneezing. 
 
Appendix. 1389 
 
 'SATUREJA HORTENSIS. Summer Savory. An annual labiate plant, growing sponta- 
 neously in the South of Europe, and cultivated in gardens as a culinary herb. It has an 
 aromatic odour and taste, analogous to those of thyme, and was formerly used as a gentle 
 carminative stimulant ; but is now employed only to give flavour to food. The S. montana, 
 of winter savory, which is also cultivated in gardens, has similar properties, and is simi- 
 larly employed. 
 
 SCOLOPENDRIUM OFFICINARUM. Smith. Asplenium Scolopendrium. Linn. Ilarts- 
 tongue. A fern indigenous in Europe and America. Its vulgar name was derived from the 
 shape of its leaves, which were the part formerly used in medicine. They have a sweetish, 
 mucilaginous, and slightly astringent taste, and, when rubbed, a disagreeable oily odour. 
 They were used as a deobstruent in visceral affections, as an astringent in hemorrhages 
 and fluxes, and as a demulcent in pectoral complaints ; but their properties are feeble, and 
 they have fallen into neglect. 
 
 SCROPHULARIA NODOSA. Figwort. The root of the knotty rooted figwort is peren- 
 nial, tuberous, and knotty ; the stem is herbaceous, erect, quadrangular, smooth, branch- 
 ing, and from two to three feet high ; the leaves are opposite, petiolate, ovate-cordate, 
 pointed, sharply toothed, veined, and of a deep-green colour; the flowers are small, dark- 
 purple, slightly drooping, and borne on branching peduncles in erect terminal branches. 
 The plant is a native of Europe, where it grows in shady and moist places, and flowers 
 in July. The leaves, which are the part used, have when fresh a rank fetid odour, and 
 a bitter somewhat acrid taste; but these properties are diminished by drying. Water ex- 
 tracts their virtues, forming a reddish infusion, which is blackened by the sulphate of the 
 sesquioxide of iron. Figwort leaves are said to be anodyne and diuretic, and to have 
 repellent properties when externally applied. They were formerly considered tonic, dia- 
 phoretic, diseutient, anthelmintic, &c., and were thought to be useful in scrofula. They 
 are at present very little employed, and never in this country. In Europe they are some- 
 times applied in the form of ointment or fomentation to piles, painful tumours and ulcers, 
 and cutaneous eruptions. 
 
 SCUTELLARIA LATERIFLORA. Scullcap. This is an indigenous perennial herb, 
 belonging to the Linnsean class and order Didynamia Gymnospermia, and to the natural 
 order Labiatae. Its stem is erect, much branched, quadrangular, smooth, and one or two 
 feet high. The leaves are ovate, acute, dentate, subcordate upon the stem, opposite, and 
 supported upon long petioles. The flowers are small, of a pale-blue colour, and disposed 
 in long, lateral, leafy racemes. The calyx has an entire margin, which, after the corolla 
 has fallen, is closed with a helmet-shaped lid. The tube of the corolla is elongated, the 
 upper lip concave and entire, the lower three lobed. The plant grows in moist places, by 
 the sides of ditches and ponds, in all parts of the Union. To the senses it does not indi- 
 cate, by any peculiar taste or smell, the possession of medicinal virtues. It is even destitute 
 of the aromatic properties which are found in many of the labiate plants. When taken 
 internally, it produces no very obvious effects. Notwithstanding this apparent inertness, it 
 obtained, at one period, extraordinary credit throughout the United States, as a preventive 
 of hydrophobia, and was even thought to be useful in the disease itself. A strong infu- 
 sion of the plant was given in the dose of a teacupful, repeated several times a day, and 
 continued for three or four months after the bite was received ; while the herb itself was 
 applied to the wound. Strong testimony has been adduced in favour of its prophylactic 
 powers; but it has already shared the fate, which in this case is no doubt deserved, of 
 numerous other specifics against hydrophobia, which have been brought into temporary 
 popularity, only to be speedily abandoned. Nevertheless, it is thought by some practi- 
 tioners to have valuable therapeutic properties; and Drs. Ariel Hunton and C. H. Cleave- 
 land, of Vermont, speak in strong terms of its efficacy as a nervine. They have employed 
 it in neuralgic and convulsive affections, chorea, delirium tremens, and nervous exhaustion 
 from fatigue or over-excitement, and have found it highly advantageous. Dr. Cleaveland 
 says that he prefers it to all other nervines or other antispasmodics, except where an 
 immediate effect is desirable. Dr. Cleaveland prefers the form of infusion, which he 
 prepares by adding half an ounce of the dried leaves to a teacupful of water, and allows 
 the patient to drink ad libitum. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiii. 370, from N. Y. Register of 
 Med. and Pharm., also N. J. Med. Reporter, v. 13.) The Scutellaria galericulata, or common 
 European scullcap, which also grows wild in this country, has a feeble, somewhat alliace- 
 ous odour, and a bitterish taste. It has been employed in intermittents, and externally 
 in old ulcers, but is now out of use. Dr. R. W. Evans, of Canada West, has found it 
 useful in epilepsy; but to effect a cure it must be continued, he says, for five or six months. 
 He makes an infusion with two ounces of the herb and eight ounces of water, and gives a 
 fluidounce every eight hours, doubling the quantity after a week. (See Am. Journ. of Med. 
 Sci., xvii. 495.) Another indigenous species, the S. integrifolia, of which the S. liyssopifo- 
 
1390 Appendix. 
 
 lia, Linn., is considered by some as a variety, is intensely bitter, and might probably be 
 found useful as a tonic. 
 
 SECALE CEREALE. Rye. Syria, Armenia, and the southern provinces of Russia have 
 been severally indicated as the native country of rye. The plant is now cultivated in ail 
 temperate latitudes. The grains consist, according to Einhof, of 24-2 per cent, of envelope. 
 65-6 of flour, and 10-2 of water. The flour , according to the same chemist, consists ox 
 61-07 per cent, of starch, 9-48 of gluten, 3-28 of albumen, 3 28 of uncry stallizable sugar. 
 11-09 of gum, 0.-38 of vegetable fibre, besides 5-62 of loss, comprising an acid, the nature 
 of which was not determined. Rye flour has been much used, in the dry state, as au 
 external application to erysipelatous inflammation, and other eruptive affections, the burn- 
 ing and unpleasant tingling of which it tends to allay, while it absorbs the irritating secre- 
 tions. In the form of mush it is an excellent laxative article of diet, and, mixed with 
 molasses, may be given with great advantage in hemorrhoids and prolapsus aui, con- 
 nected with constipation. 
 
 SEDUM ACRE. Biting Stone crop. Small Houseleek. A small, perennial, succulent 
 European plant, growing.on rocks and old walls, with stems about as long as the finger, 
 and numerous very minute leaves. It is inodorous, and has a taste at first eooling and 
 herbaceous, afterwards burning and durably acrid. Taken internally it vomits and purges, 
 and applied to the skin, produces inflammation and vesication. The fresh herb and the 
 expressed juice have been used as an antiscorbutic, emetic, cathartic, and diuretic, and 
 have been applied locally to old ulcers, warts, and other excrescences; but the plant is at 
 present little employed. It has recently been recommended in Germany as a remedy in 
 epilepsy. Other species are less acrid, and are even eaten as salad in some parts of Europe. 
 Such are the Scdum rupestre and S. album. S. Telephium was formerly employed externally 
 to cicatrize wounds, and internally as an astringent in dysentery and haemoptysis; and is 
 still esteemed by the common people in France as a vulnerary. 
 
 SEMPERVIVUM TECTORUM. Common Houseleek. A perennial succulent European 
 plant, growing on rocks, old w-alls, and the roofs of houses, and remarkable for its tenacity 
 of life. It is occasionally cultivated in this country as an ornament to the walls of houses, 
 or as a domestic medicine. The leaves, which are the part used, are oblong, pointed, from 
 half an inch to two inches in length, thick, fleshy, succulent, flat on one side, somewhat 
 convex on the other, smooth, of a light-green colour, inodorous, and of a cooling, slightly 
 saline, astringent, and sourish taste. They are employed, in the recent state and bruised, 
 as a cooling application to burns, stings of bees, hornets, &c., ulcers, and other external 
 affections attended with inflammation. They contain a large proportion of supermalate 
 of lime. 
 
 SENECIO VULGARIS. Common Groundsel. An annual European plant, introduced 
 into this country, and growing in cultivated grounds. The whole herb is used, and should 
 be gathered while in flower. It has, when rubbed, a peculiar rather unpleasant odour, and 
 a disagreeable, herbaceous, bitterish, and saline taste, followed by a sense of acrimony. 
 It is emetic in large doses, and has been given in convulsive affections, liver complaints, 
 spitting of blood, &c., but is now very little used. The bruised herb is sometimes applied 
 externally to painful swellings and ulcers. The plant is empdoyed also as food for birds, 
 which are fond of it. Other species of Senecio have also been medicinally used ; and an 
 indigenous species, the S. aureus or ragwort, is said by Schoepf to be a favourite vulnerary 
 with the Indians. 
 
 SIENNA. Terra di Sienna. An argillaceous mineral, compact, of a fine texture, very 
 light, smooth and glossy, of a yellowish-brown or coffee-colour, leaving a dull orange 
 trace when moistened and drawn over paper. By calcination it assumes a reddish- 
 brown colour, and is then called burnt sienna. In both the raw and burnt states it is 
 used in painting. The best sienna is brought from Italy, but an inferior kind is found 
 in England. 
 
 SILENE VIRGINICA. Calchfly. Wild Pink. An indigenous perennial plant, growing 
 in Western Virginia and Carolina, and in the States beyond the Alleghany mountains. Ur. 
 Barton, in his “Collections,” states that a decoction of the roots is said to be efficacious 
 as an anthelmintic. We are told that it is considex-ed poisonous by some of the Indians. 
 <8. Pcnrisylvanica, which grows in the Eastern section of the Union, from New York to 
 Virginia, probably possesses similar properties. 
 
 SISYMBRIUM OFFICINALE. Scopoli. En/simum officinale. Linn. Hedge Mustard. A 
 small annual plant, growing in the United States and Europe, along the roadsides, by- 
 walls and hedges, and on heaps of rubbish. It has an herbaceous somewhat acrid taste, 
 which is strongest in the tops and flower-spikes, and resembles that of mustard, though 
 much weaker. The seeds have considerable pungency. The herb is said to be diuretic 
 
Appendix. 1391 
 
 and expectorant, and lias been recommended in chronic coughs, hoarseness, and ulcera- 
 tion of the mouth and fauces. The juice of the plant may be used mixed with honey or 
 sugar, or the seeds may be taken in substance. Sisymbrium Sophia, or the flix weed, was 
 formerly also officinal. It is of a pungent odour when rubbed, and of an acrid biting taste. 
 The herb has been used externally in indolent ulcers, and the seeds internally in worms, 
 calculous complaints, &c. 
 
 SIUM NODIFLORUM. Water-parsnep. A perennial, umbelliferous, aquatic European 
 plant, growing also in the Southern section of the United States, where it is supposed to 
 have been introduced. It is commonly considered poisonous; but the expressed juice, 
 given by Withering in the dose of three or four ounces every morning, was not found to 
 affect the head, stomach, or bowels. He found it, in this quantity, very advantageous in 
 obstinate cutaneous diseases ; and the plant has been usefully employed by others in similar 
 complaints, and in scrofulous swellings of the lymphatic glands. It is considered diuretic. 
 Sium latifnlium, which grows in Europe and the United States, and is the common water 
 parsnep of this country, is positively asserted to be poisonous; and madness and even 
 death are said to have followed the use of the root. The <S. Sisarum or skirret, a plant of 
 Chinese origin, cultivated in Europe, has a sweetish, somewhat aromatic root, which is 
 employed as food in the form of salad, and is supposed to be a useful diet in compdaints 
 of the chest. 
 
 SMALT. Azure. When the impure oxide of cobalt, obtained by roasting the native 
 arseniuret of that metal, is heated with sand and potassa, the mixture melts, and a beau- 
 tiful blue glass results, which, when reduced to powder, receives the name of smalt. It 
 is used chiefly in painting. 
 
 SOOT. Fuligo Ligni. This well known substance has a peculiar smell, and a bitter, 
 empyreumatic, and disagreeable taste. Its composition is very complex. Reduced to 
 powder and treated with water, it affords an infusion of a deep-yellow or brown colour, 
 the colour being deeper if heat be employed. The insoluble portion amounts to about 
 forty-four per cent. The soluble part consists chiefly, according to Berzelius, of a pyro- 
 genous resin united with acetic acid ( acid pyrelin), saturated with potassa, lime, and mag- 
 nesia. It also contains sulphate of lime, chloride of potassium, acetate of ammonia, 
 and traces of nitric acid. If the solution be evaporated to dryness, it furnishes a black 
 extract. This forms with water a blackish-brown solution, which, when treated with any 
 free acid except the acetic, lets fall the acid pyretin, in the form of a black mass resem- 
 bling pitch ; while the acid employed remains in solution with the bases previously in 
 combination with the pyretin. Braconnot thought he had discovered in the pyretin a 
 peculiar principle, to which he gave the name of asbolin; but Berzelius thinks he was 
 mistaken. Besides these substances, Braconnot ascertained the existence in soot of an 
 azotized extractive matter to the amount of twenty per cent. This matter, when sub- 
 mitted to dry distillation, afforded a considerable portion of pyrogenous oil. The soot 
 itself, when subjected to a similar distillation, furnishes one-fifth of its weight of empy- 
 reumatic oil. To the above ingredients of soot must be added creasote, to the presence of 
 which it is supposed to owe its medicinal properties. 
 
 Soot was formerly officinal with the Edinburgh College, and the Scotch physicians were 
 in the habit of frequently prescribing it as a tonic and antispasmodic in the form of tinc- 
 ture. It went very much out of use in regular practice; and it is only within a few years, 
 that its employment has been revived on account of its containing creasote. At present 
 it is chiefly used as an external remedy in the form of decoction or ointment. In the 
 Revue Med. for June, 1834, M. Bland details a number of cases of various affections, such 
 as obstinate tetters, porrigo favosa, psora, fistula, cancerous and venereal ulcers, chronic 
 irritations of the lining membrane of the mouth, exudations from the mucous membrane 
 of the nose, herpetic eruptions of the genital organs, and pruritus of the vulva, in which 
 the use of soot effected a cure. The decoction is made by adding two handfuls of soot to 
 a pint of water, boiling for half an hour, and filtering. It is applied as a lotion to the 
 affected parts, or injected into the fistulas several times a day; and, in the intervals, the 
 part, if accessible, is dressed with an ointment, made by rubbing up a drachm of finely 
 powdered soot with an ounce of lard. In cases of porrigo, the crusts must be removed 
 by poultices before the soot is applied. In scrofulous ophthalmia, M. Caron Duvillards 
 and M. Baudelocque have found a collyrium, made according to the following formula, 
 very useful. Infuse two ounces of soot in boiling water, filter the solution, and evaporate 
 it to dryness. Dissolve the dry residue, with the assistance of heat, in strong white wine 
 vinegar, and add extract of roses in the proportion of twenty-four grains to twelve fluid- 
 ounces of the liquid. It is prepared for use by adding a few drops of the liquid to a glass 
 of water. [Bull. Gen. de Therapeutique , March, 1834.) This formula is not very satisfac- 
 tory ; as it does not indicate the proportion of vinegar to be employed. In a case of 
 
1392 Appendix. 
 
 severe and extensive burn, in which, after the separation of the sloughs, the patient began 
 to sink from the profuse discharge, Dr. Ebers, of Bordeaux, found advantage from the 
 application, to the granulating surface, of lint soaked in a decoction of soot. It reduced 
 the discharge in a surprising manner, and promoted cicatrization. 
 
 The late Dr. Ilewson, of this city, found an infusion of soot an efficacious remedy, em- 
 ployed by injection, in cases of ascarides. In one case of long standing in an adult, in 
 which a number of remedies had been tried unsuccessfully, injections of soot daily, per- 
 severed in for two weeks, effected a complete cure. The injection was made by adding 
 a cupful of soot to a pint of boiling water, and straining the solution. An infusion of 
 hickory ashes and soot is used in this city as a popular remedy for dyspepsia. It is made 
 by infusing a pint of clean hickory ashes and a gill of soot in half a gallon of boiling 
 water, allowing the liquor to stand for twenty-four hours, and then decanting. Of this 
 a small wineglassful is taken, three or four times a day. No doubt this infusion has been 
 useful in acidity of stomach: but its indiscriminate use in the various gastric affections 
 popularly confounded under the name of dyspepsia, is calculated to do much harm. 
 
 Soot is decidedly antiseptic. A few shovelfuls of it, thrown into privies or drains, 
 effectually destroy their foul exhalations. 
 
 SPANISH BROWN. A brownish-red ochre, much used in painting. 
 
 SPARTIUM JUNCEUM. Spanish Broom. A small shrub, indigenous in the South of 
 Europe, and cultivated in our gardens as an ornamental plant. The flowers are large, 
 yellow, and of an agreeable odour. The seeds are in moderate doses diuretic and tonic, 
 in large doses emetic and cathartic, and have been used advantageously in dropsy. The 
 dose is from ten to fifteen grains three times a day. They may also be given in tincture. 
 
 SUCCINIC ACID. Acidum Succinicum. This acid is obtained by distilling amber. 
 (See Succinum.) The product is an aqueous solution of impure succinic acid, associated 
 with empyreumatic oil. (See Oleum Succini.) By filtering the liquor the solution of the 
 impure acid passes through, while the oil is absorbed by the paper. The acid may be 
 purified by boiling the solution with nitric acid, diluted with twice its bulk of water, and 
 then evapoyating to crystallize. Should the crystals not be colourless, the treatment with 
 nitric acid must be repeated until they are so. Succinic acid is formed artificially by the 
 action of nitric acid on the fatty acids, and under various other circumstances. M. De- 
 saignes obtained it from malate of lime, subjected to the influence of fermentation excited 
 by casein. The malate was converted into the succinate of lime. 
 
 Succinic acid, when pure, is a white, transparent solid, crystallizing in prisms, and 
 having a somewhat acrid taste. It dissolves in five times its weight of cold, and twice 
 its weight of boiling water. It is soluble also in alcohol, but very sparingly so in ether. 
 Nitric acid is without action on it. It melts at 365°, and boils without alteration at 473°. 
 It sublimes, however, at a much lower temperature. According to Wackenroder it is 
 sometimes adulterated with tartaric acid, soaked in oil of amber. Crystallized from its 
 solution in water, its formula is C 4 H 2 0 3 -(-H0. The sublimed acid has the formula 
 2C 4 IT 0 0 3 -(-HO. Some chemists double the equivalent of this acid, and make its formula 
 C 8 1I 4 0 6 . 
 
 Succinic acid is at present never used in medicine, and has been very properly omitted 
 in the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850. It has lately been ascertained to be a product of 
 vital action, having been detected by M. Heintz in the colourless liquid found in the hydatid 
 cysts of the liver. ( Journ . de Pharm , Sept , 1850. from Poyg. Annaten.') One of its salts, 
 succinate of ammonia, has been used with great alleged success in delirium tremens. This 
 salt is occasionally used as a precipitant of sesquioxide of iron. 
 
 SULPHATE OF ALUMINA. Aluminas Sulphas. The salts of alumina have been ascer- 
 tained by M. Gannal to be powerful preservatives of animal matter. Among these the 
 sulphate is to be preferred, on account of its easy preparation and moderate price. It 
 may be made by saturating dilute sulphuric acid with hydrated alumina, and evaporating. 
 It may be prepared also by the process of MM. Huria and Brunei, which consists in ex- 
 posing in an iron cylinder, sulphate of alumina and ammonia ^ammoniacal alum), first 
 dried to separate its water of crystallization, to a cherry-red heat. Sulphate of alumina 
 remains in the cylinder, and the volatilized products are collected in water. The chief of 
 these is sulphite of ammonia, which serves for the preparation of a fresh portion of alum, 
 after having been changed into the sulphate by oxidation in the air. (Chon. Ga:.. Sept. 
 15, 1852, p. 359.) A solution of this salt was found by M. Gannal to be very effectual in 
 preserving bodies for dissection, when injected into the blood-vessels. In the summer 
 season the bodies were preserved fresh for twenty days or more; in the winter, for three 
 months. For use in the winter, a quantity of the solution, sufficient for injecting one body, 
 may be made by adding a pound, avoirdupois, of the salt to a quart of water; for use in 
 warm weather, the solution must be stronger. This salt has been used extensively iu the 
 
Appendix. 1393 
 
 Philadelphia Hospital, Blockley, at the suggestion of Dr. Dunglison, as an antiseptic and 
 detergent application to ulcers, and with favourable results. Dr. Pennypacker reports 
 several cases in which it proved useful. The strength of the solution employed varied 
 from gijss to giij of the salt to f^vi of water, according to the state of the ulcer. Dr. 
 G. Johnson, of Georgia, found the solution attended with the happiest effects, used as an 
 injection in fetid discharges from the vagina. ( Med . Exam., vi. 63 and 112.) Acetate of 
 alumina and chloride of aluminium (muriate of alumina) also possess antiseptic powers. 
 
 SULPHATE OF ALUMINA AND IRON. Aluminae et Ferri Sulphas. This double salt 
 has been brought forward by Sir James Murray, of Dublin, as an astringent, styptic, and 
 vermifuge. The method which he gives for preparing it is not very clearly expressed ; 
 but it may be presumed to be formed by dissolving alumina and carbonate of iron, both 
 recently precipitated, in sulphuric acid, and duly evaporating the solution. Sir James 
 recommends it in the treatment of chronic dysentery, diarrhoea, fluor albus, and the col- 
 liquative sweats and diarrhoea which attend hectic fever and consumption. Externally he 
 found it a powerful styptic, useful as a gargle in relaxation of the tonsils and uvula, and 
 in salivation, as an injection in hemorrhages, and as a wash for foul and flabby ulcers. 
 The dose for internal exhibition is from five to ten grains, dissolved in some aromatic 
 water. This salt probably consists of tersulphate of alumina, combined with tersulphate 
 of sesquioxide of iron. It is, therefore, not an alum. A time alum, using that term as 
 the designation of a class, has the general formula, M 2 0 3 ,3S0 3 -{-M0,S0 3 4-24H0. In 
 ordinary alum the sesquioxide is alumina, and the protoxide, potassa ; but the latter may 
 be replaced by protoxide of iron, so as to give an alum, having the formula, Al 2 0 3 ,3S0 3 -f- 
 Fe0,S0 3 -)-24H0, which occurs native, forming one variety of plumose alum, and may be 
 made artificially. But the alumina may be replaced by certain other sesquioxides, as by 
 those of manganese, chromium, and iron, firming the alums commonly called manganese, 
 chrome, and iron alum. The latter has recently come into notice as a medicine, and de- 
 serves a notice in this place ; the information respecting it having come too late for inser- 
 tion under Alumen. 
 
 Iron Alum. Potassio-sulphate of Sesquioxide of Iron. Double Sulphate of Sesquioxide of 
 Iron and Potassa. (Fe 2 0 3 ,3S0 3 4-k0,S0 3 4-24H0. ) This alum is formed by first convert- 
 ing the sulphate of protoxide of iron by sulphuric acid, assisted by nitric acid, into the 
 tersulphate of the sesquioxide, and then adding an equivalent quantity of sulphate of po- 
 tassa. (See page 1001.) The solution is then treated with an excess of sulphuric acid, 
 and sufficiently evaporated to form crystals on cooling. Iron alum is in the form of octo- 
 hedral crystals, of a pale-violet colour, more soluble than common alum, and forming a 
 solution having a reddish colour. It was brought to the notice of the Pharmaceutical 
 Society of London, in Dec. 1853, by Mr. Lindsey Blytli, as a new remedy prescribed in 
 St. Mary’s Hospital of that city. Dr. Tyler Smith found it to be a more powerful astrin- 
 gent than common alum, but devoid of the stimulating effects of the other salts of iron. 
 The ammonio-sulphate of sesquioxide of iron, in which the potassa is replaced by oxide of 
 ammonium, has identical therapeutic effects. The dose of iron alum is the same as that 
 of ordinary alum. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., Jan. 1854, p. 306.) 
 
 SULPHATE OF CADMIUM. Cadmii Sulphas. This salt may be formed by dissolving 
 carbonate of cadmium in dilute sulphuric acid, or metallic cadmium in the same acid, 
 assisted with a little nitric acid. It is a soluble, astringent, efflorescent salt, crystallizing 
 in prisms, which resemble those of sulphate of zinc. It acts on the economy like that 
 salt, but is considered tenfold more powerful. Besides its emetic property, it possesses, 
 according to M. Grimaud, valuable powers as a remedy in syphilis, rheumatism, and gout. 
 As yet it has been used almost exclusively as an astringent and stimulating remedy in 
 diseases of the eyes. In specks and opacities of the cornea, it has been employed success- 
 fully by a number of European surgeons. It is used either in solution, in the proportion 
 of from half a grain to four grains to the fluidounce of distilled water, or in the form of 
 ointment, made by mixing two grains with four scruples of fresh lard. M. Fronmiiller 
 has employed it, with excellent results, in specks of the cornea, dissolved in rose water in 
 the proportion of three grains to two fluidounces, associated with from half a fluidrachm 
 to a fluidrachm and a half of wine of opium. (Journ. de Pharm., March, 1851.) 
 
 SULPHATE OF NICKEL. Niccoli Sulphas. This salt is formed by dissolving car- 
 bonate of nickel in dilute sulphuric acid, concentrating the solution, and setting it aside 
 to crystallize. The carbonate is procured by dissolving the impure arseniuret of nickel, 
 sold under the name of speiss, coarsely powdered and mixed with half its weight of iron 
 filings, in nitromuriatic acid. The solution is evaporated to dryness, and the residue 
 treated with water, which takes up the impure chloride of nickel, and leaves the arsenic 
 in the form of the insoluble arseniate of iron. The liquid is then acidulated with muriatic 
 acid, treated with sulphuretted hydrogen in excess, which precipitates the copper, and, 
 88 
 
1394 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 after filtration, boiled -with a little nitric acid, to sesquioxidize any remaining iron. The 
 cold liquid, largely diluted with water, is next treated with a solution of bicarbonate of 
 soda, gradually added, which throws down the iron in the state of sesquioxide. Lastly, 
 the filtered solution, containing the chloride of nickel nearly pure, is boiled with carbo- 
 nate of soda, which, by double decomposition, throws down a pale-green precipitate 'of car- 
 bonate of nickel. Sulphate of nickel is in the form of emerald-green prismatic crystals, 
 efflorescent in the air, soluble in three parts of cold water, but insoluble in alcohol and in 
 ether. It has a sweet and astringent taste. It consists of one eq. of sulphuric acid 40, 
 one of protoxide of nickel 37-5, and seven of water 63 = 140-5. (NiO,SO,-)-7HO.) 
 
 Prof. Simpson, of Edinburgh, has made some therapeutic trials with this salt, ’and found 
 it to act as a gentle metallic tonic, like the preparations of iron, yet somewhat differently. 
 He used it successfully in a case which he relates, of severe and obstinate periodic head- 
 ache. The dose is from half a grain to a grain three times a day, given in the form of 
 pill, or of simple solution. In large doses it is liable to produce nausea, especially if taken 
 on an empty stomach. (See Braithu-aite' a Retrospect, xxvii. 446.) 
 
 SULPHITE OF SODA. Sodse Sulphis. (Na0,S0 2 -|-SH0.) This salt may be prepared 
 by passing sulphurous acid into a solution of carbonate of soda, and evaporating out of 
 contact of the air. It is in the form of transparent crystals, soluble in four parts of cold, 
 and less than their weight of boiling water. Sulphite of soda has been used in cases of 
 yeasty vomiting with remarkable success. The matter vomited in these cases has a yeasty 
 appearance on the surface, and is generally found to contain, when examined by the micro- 
 scope, two microscopic fungi, called sarcina ventriculi and torula cerevisite. The remedy 
 was first used at the suggestion of Prof. Graham, of London, who supposed that the sulphu- 
 rous acid, necessarily extricated from the salt in the stomach by the acid of the yeasty 
 matter, would destroy the parasites. Dr. Dobie, of Edinburgh, has reported two cases of 
 yeasty vomiting, occurring under his observation, in which the disease was immediately 
 checked by the sulphite. In one of the cases the vomited matter contained an enormous 
 quantity of the torula, without sarcina. {Ed. Monthly Journ., xiv. 574.) The dose of sul- 
 phite of soda is a drachm three times a day. (See Hyposulphite of Soda, p. 1343.) 
 
 SULP1IOCYANURET OF POTASSIUM. Potassii Sulphocyanuretum. This salt is pre- 
 pared by fusing in an iron vessel, at a low red heat, a mixture of two parts of dried ferrocya- 
 nuret of potassium, and one part of flowers of sulphur. The mass, when cold, is dissolved 
 in boiling water, and, to decompose some sulphocyanuret of iron, the solution is treated 
 with carbonate of potassa, which throws down the iron as a carbonate, and gives rise to 
 the formation of a fresh portion of sulphocyanuret of potassium. The whole is then boiled 
 for a quarter of an hour, filtered to separate the precipitated iron, and evaporated that 
 crystals may form. These are purified from carbonate of potassa by being dissolved in 
 alcohol, which takes up the sulphocyanuret and leaves the carbonate. The alcoholic 
 solution is then allowed to crystallize. Sulphocyanuret of potassium is in long, striated, 
 anhydrous prisms, deliquescent in a moist atmosphere, very soluble in alcohol, and having 
 a cooling, somewhat biting taste. It has been proposed as a medicine by Soemmering, as 
 a substitute for hydrocyanic acid and cyanuret of potassium, on the ground that it pos- 
 sesses the same therapeutic properties, without their inconveniences. 
 
 SULPHURET OF CALCIUM. Calcii Sulphuretum. Hydrosulphate of Lime. This 
 compoi/nd is formed by passing sulphuretted hydrogen, so long as it is absorbed, through 
 water holding lime in suspension. It is in the form of a paste of a greenish-gray colour, 
 and exhaling a strong odour of sulphuretted hydrogen. It is used as a depilatory, and is 
 applied in a layer on the part which is to be deprived of hair. At the end of fifteen 
 minutes it is removed with a wet sponge, which at the same time detaches the hairs. On 
 account of this preparation giving out sulphuretted hydrogen, it must not be applied near 
 the mouth or nose. 
 
 SUMDUL. Jatamansi. Musk-root. Under the name of sumbul or jatamansi, a root 
 has long been used in India, Persia, and other parts of the East, as a perfume, as incense 
 in religious ceremonies, and medicinally. It is the product of an unknown plant, supposed 
 to be umbelliferous, and, from the character of the root, to grow in low wet places. The 
 plant is said to inhabit no part of British India, but the regions to the North and East of 
 it, as Nepaul, Bootan, Bucharia, &c. The root is taken northward to Russia, and reaches 
 the rest of Europe through St. Petersburg. The physicians of Moscow and St. Petersburg 
 were the first to employ it on the Continent of Europe ; Dr. Granville first introduced it to 
 the notice of the profession in Great Britain and this country. It has recently also been 
 imported into England from India, whither it was brought from a great distance in the 
 interior. 
 
 The medicine comes in transverse sections, from two to four inches in diameter, and 
 from an inch to an inch and a half in length, with a dusky, light-brown wrinkled epidermis. 
 
Appendix. 1395 
 
 and an interior porous structure consisting of coarse, irregular, easily separable fibres. 
 The fresh cut surface of a transverse section presents, within the epidermis, an exterior 
 white and spotted layer, and an inner yellow substance which forms the greater part of 
 the root. Examined-by means of a microscope it exhibits translucent points which prob- 
 ably represent starch granules. Sumbul has a strong odour, very much resembling that 
 of musk, which it retains even when long kept. The taste, at first feebly sweetish, be- 
 comes after a time bitterish and balsamic, but not disagreeable ; and a strong aroma is 
 developed under mastication, diffusing itself with a sensation of warmth through the mouth 
 and throat, and rendering the breath fragrant. This effect, however, is much diminished 
 by time. That brought from India differs somewhat from the Russian, being of closer 
 texture, more dense and firm, and of a reddish tint. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 174, 
 from Pharm. Journ.) 
 
 The root has been analyzed by Reinsch and other German chemists, and found to con- 
 tain volatile oil, two balsamic resins, one soluble in alcohol, the other in ether, wax, 
 gum, starch, a bitter substance soluble in water and alcohol, a crystallizable acid which 
 Reinsch proposes to call sumbulic acid, and saline matter. The musk-like odour seems to 
 be connected with the balsamic resins, and probably depends on some principle associated 
 with them not yet isolated. The volatile oil yielded by distillation has a taste like that 
 of peppermint. 
 
 The virtues of the drug appear to. be those of a nervous stimulant. It is used by the 
 Russian physicians in low fevers of a typhous character, and in asthenic cases of dysen- 
 tery and diarrhoea. It has also been employed by them with asserted success in malignant 
 cholera. The authors, on the occasion of a visit in the summer of 1853 to St. Petersburg, 
 were informed by Dr. Thielmann, physician to the Hospital of St. Peter and St. Paul, 
 that he depended mainly on this remedy in the treatment of delirium tremens, having found 
 it superior in its composing influence over that complaint even to opium. Dr. Granville 
 recommends it in gastric spasm, hysteria, chlorosis, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, palsy 
 of the limbs, epilepsy, and other nervous disorders. Its real value, however, is yet to be 
 ascertained. It is given in substance, infusion, decoction, and alcoholic and ethereal tinc- 
 ture. There seems to be no great precision in relation to the dose; but it is inferrible 
 from the accounts of the drug, that it may be used very much as we use valerian. The 
 facts above stated are taken chiefly from a pamphlet by Dr. A. B. Granville, published in 
 London, A. D. 1850. 
 
 SUPPOSITORIES. Suppositoria. These are solid bodies intended to be introduced 
 into the rectum, with the view either of evacuating the bowels by irritating the mucous 
 membrane of the rectum, or of producing a specific effect on the neighbouring parts, or 
 on the system at large. They fulfil the same indications as enemata, and are sometimes 
 preferable from the facility of their application, and, when the object is to produce the 
 peculiar effect of a medicine, from the smallness of their bulk, which facilitates retention. 
 Their form may be cylindrical, conical, or spherical; the last being preferable when the 
 bulk is small. They should be of such a consistence as to retain their shape, but so soft 
 as to incur no risk of wounding the rectum. For laxative purposes the suppository may 
 be from one to three inches long, and about as thick as a common candle. Soap is not 
 unfrequently employed for this purpose. A piece of solidified molasses (molasses candy) 
 is sometimes preferred. To increase the purgative effect, and at the same time act on 
 the uterine function, aloes maybe added to the soap. Mr. A. B. Taylor, of Philadelphia, 
 recommends cocoa butter as the best excipient for solids administered by the rectum, hav- 
 ing more exactly the requisite degree of consistence and fusibility than any combination 
 of suet, spermaceti, wax, &c., that could be employed. (Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxiv. 211.) 
 Opium, or some one of its preparations, is very advantageously administered in the form 
 of a suppository, in cases of irritation of the rectum, urinary passages, or genital appa- 
 ratus. The other narcotics may be used in the same way; and indeed any other medicine, in 
 reference to its effects on the system, provided the quantity be not too large, and the local 
 effects not too irritant. The dose ma}' in general be three times that of the medicine 
 given by the mouth. 
 
 SWIETENIA FEBRIFUGA. A large tree growing in the East Indies. The bark is 
 the part employed. It is smooth and red internally, rough and gray on the outer surface, 
 of a feeble aromatic odour, and an astringent bitter taste. Water extracts its virtues by 
 infusion or decoction. It is said to have been much used in India as a substitute for 
 Peruvian bark, to which it is somewhat analogous in medical properties. The dose of 
 the powder is from thirty grains to half a drachm. The watery extract has the virtues 
 of the bark. 
 
 The Swietenia Mahagoni or mahogany tree, wdiicli grows in the West Indies and other 
 parts of tropical America, has also a bitter astringent bark, which resembles that of the 
 
1396 Appendix. 
 
 S. febrifuga in virtues as well as in sensible properties. The wood of this tree is the 
 mahogany so much used in ornamental wood-work. The bark of S. Senegalensis is used 
 on the coast of Africa in the cure of intermittents ; and M. Caventou has extracted an 
 alkali from it, which has been suggested as a cheap substitute for quinia. (See Am. 
 Journ. of Med. Sci., N. S., xx. 168.) 
 
 SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE. Comfrey. A perennial European plant, cultivated in 
 our gardens for medical use. Its root, which is the part used, is spindle-shaped, branched, 
 often more than an inch thick and a foot long, externally smooth and blackish, internally 
 white, fleshy, and juicy. By drying it becomes wrinkled, of a firm horny consistence, and 
 of a dark colour within. It is almost inodorous, and has a mucilaginous, feebly astringent 
 taste. Among its constituents are mucilage in great abundance, and a small quantity of 
 tannin. It was formerly highly esteemed as a vulnerary, but has lost its credit in this 
 respect. Its virtues are chiefly those of a demulcent, and it may be advantageously used 
 for all the purposes to which the marshmallow is applied. It is a very common ingredient 
 in the domestic cough mixtures, employed in chronic catarrh, consumption, and other pec- 
 toral affections. The most convenient form of administration is that of decoction, which 
 may be made either from the fresh or dried root. According to Lewis, comfrey root yields 
 to water a larger proportion of mucilage than the root of Althaea. 
 
 SYRINGA VULGARIS. Common Lilac. The leaves and fruit of this common garden 
 plant have a bitter and somewhat acrid taste, and have been used as a tonic and febrifuge. 
 In some parts of France, they are said to be employed habitually by the country people 
 in the cure of intermittent fever ; and they were recommended by Cruveilhier in the treat- 
 ment of that complaint. The fruit was examined by MM. Petroz and Robinet, who found 
 a sweet and a bitter principle. The latter was afterwards obtained pure by M. Meillet, 
 who gave it the name of lilacin. The green capsules, which yield it in largest proportion, 
 are boiled in water, the decoction is concentrated, subacetate of lead is added, the liquor 
 is evaporated to the consistence of syrup, magnesia is added in excess, and the whole is 
 evaporated to dryness. The residuum is powdered, digested in water at 90° or 100°. and 
 then treated with boiling alcohol and animal charcoal. The alcoholic solution, being 
 filtered and concentrated, yields lilacin upon cooling. This principle, though not alkaline, 
 is thought by M. Meillet to exist in the fruit combined with malic acid. It is crystalliz- 
 able, bitter, and insoluble in water. ( Am . Journ. of Pharm., xiv. 139, from Journ. de 
 Pharm.) 
 
 TACAMAHAC. Tacamahaca. The resinous substance, commonly known by this name, 
 is supposed to be derived from the Fagara octandra of Linn. ( Elaphrium (omentoeum. Jacq., 
 Amyris tomentosum, Spreng.), a tree of considerable size, growing in the island of Curacoa, 
 and in Venezuela. The juice exudes spontaneously, and hardens on exposure. As brought 
 into the market, it is in irregularly shaped pieces of various sizes, some not larger than a 
 mustard seed, others as much as an inch or two inches in diameter. The colour is usually 
 light-yellowish or reddish-brown ; but in the larger masses is more or less diversified. The 
 pieces are in general translucent, though frequently covered with powder upon their sur- 
 face, so as to render them apparently opaque. They are heavier than water, brittle, and 
 pulverizable, yielding a pale-yellow powder. Their odour is resinous and agreeable, 
 their taste bitter, balsamic, and somewhat acrid. Exposed to heat they melt and exhale 
 a stronger odour. Tacamahac is partially soluble in alcohol, and completely so in ether 
 and the fixed oils. It consists of resin with a little volatile oil. 
 
 Another variety is obtained from the E. Indies, and called tacamahaca orientale, or taca- 
 mahaca in testis. It is supposed to be derived from the Calophyllum Inophyllum, and comes 
 into the market in gourd-shells covered with rush leaves. It is of a pale-yellow colour 
 inclining to green, slightly translucent, soft and adhesive, of an agreeable odour, and an 
 aromatic bitterish taste. It is at present very rare in commerce. 
 
 Guibourt describes several other varieties of tacamahac, which, however, are little 
 known. Among them is a soft, adhesive, dark-green resin, said to be procured from the 
 Calophyllum Tacamahaca, growing in the islands of Bourbon and Madagascar. 
 
 Tacamahac was formerly highly esteemed as an internal remedy, but is now employed 
 medicinally only in the composition of ointments and plasters, and little even for this pur- 
 pose. Its properties are analogous to those of the turpentines. It is sometimes used 
 as incense. 
 
 TANNATE OF ALUMINA. Aluminse, Tannas. Mr. Rogers Harrison, of London, has 
 employed an aqueous solution of a substance which he calls by this name, as an injection 
 in gonorrhoea, after the acute symptoms have passed. He makes it of such a strength as 
 always to produce smarting. The substance is described to be in crystals, about the size 
 of those of coarse sugar, of a dirty-yellowish colour, and readily soluble in hot water. 
 ( Lond . Med. Gaz., xiii. 853.) It is not easy to conjecture what is the substance employed 
 
Appendix. 1397 
 
 by Mr. Harrison. Tannate of alumina is nearly insoluble in -water. Prof. Procter, of Phila- 
 delphia, tried to make a soluble tannate of this earth, but without success ; and from the 
 description of the substance used bj 7 Mr Harrison, he is inclined to the opinion that it was 
 a mixture of tannic acid and alum. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., Jan. 1853, p. 25.) 
 
 TANNATE OF IRON. Ferri Tannas. This salt is prepared by dissolving 44 parts of 
 precipitated subcarhonate of iron, moderately dried, in a boiling solution of 9 parts of pure 
 tannic acid, evaporating the solution at the temperature of 176°, in a porcelain vessel, 
 until it becomes thick, pouring it out on a glass or porcelain plate, and drying it with a 
 gentle heat. As thus obtained, tannate of iron is in flat pieces, of a crimson colour, 
 without taste, and insoluble in water. It acts as an astringent and tonic, and may be 
 given in chlorosis, in the dose of from eight to thirty grains, in the course of a day, made 
 into pills. Ink is an aqueous solution of the tanno-gallate of iron and probably possesses 
 similar medical properties. It is a popular and efficacious application to ringworm. 
 
 TANNATE OF LEAD. Plumbi Tannas. This is obtained by precipitating a concentrated 
 infusion of oak bark with acetate of lead, added drop by drop. It has been used as an 
 external application with success by Dr. Fantonetti in two cases of white swelling of the 
 knee-joint. He employed it at first mixed -with a third of its weight of lard, and afterwards 
 pure, the fresh precipitate admitting of application as an ointment. Autenrieth recom- 
 mends it as a dressing to gangrenous sores. With this intention, the precipitate, either 
 uncombined, or mixed in its dry state with simple ointment in the proportion of two 
 drachms to the ounce, may be spread on linen, and applied to the sore. The preparation 
 here referred to is a bitaunate. Other tannates of lead exist. 
 
 TARTRATE OF SODA. Sodas Tartras. This salt, in crystals, has been recommended 
 by M. Delioux as an agreeable purgative, almost without taste, and acting with power 
 equal to that of the sulphate of magnesia, in the dose of ten drachms. The soda pow- 
 ders, so much used in the United States, form an extemporaneous tartrate of soda, some- 
 what aerated with carbonic acid. (Seepage 1164.) 
 
 TEA. The plant which furnishes tea — Thea Chinensis — is an evergreen shrub, belong- 
 ing to the class and order Monadelphia Polyandria of the sexual system (Polyandria Mo- 
 nogynia, Linn.), and to the natural order Terustromiaceae. It is usually from four to eight 
 feet high, though capable, in a favourable situation, of attaining the height of thirty feet. 
 It has numerous alternate branches, furnished with eiliptical-oblong or lanceolate, pointed 
 leaves, which are serrate, except at the base, smooth on both sides, green, shining, marked 
 with one rib and many transverse veins, and supported alternately upon short footstalks. 
 They are two or three inches long, and from half an inch to an inch in breadth. The flow- 
 ers are either solitary, or supported two or three together at the axils of the leaves. They 
 are of considerable size, not unlike those of the myrtle in appearance, consisting of a short 
 green calyx with five or six lobes, of a corolla with from four to nine large unequal snow- 
 white petals, of numerous stamens with yellow anthers and connected at their base, and 
 of a pistil with a three-parted style. The fruit is a three-celled and three-seeded capsule. 
 It has not been certainly determined whether more than one species of the tea plant exists. 
 Linnaeus admitted two species — T. Bohea and T. viridis — differing in the number of their 
 petals : but this ground of distinction is untenable, as the petals are known to vary very much 
 in the same plant. Ilayne makes three species — T. stricla, T. Bohea, and T. viridis — w'hich 
 are distinguished severally by the shape of their leaves and fruit, and the direction of the 
 footstalk. De Candolle admits but one species, with two varieties — the viridis or green 
 tea, with “lanceolate flat leaves, three times as long as they are broad,” and the Bohea, 
 with “elliptical oblong, subrugose leaves, twice as long as broad.” Lindley recognises the 
 two Linnean species, distinguishing them by the leaves, which in T. viridis are acumi- 
 nate and emarginate at the apex, and in T. Bohea are smaller, flatter, darker green, 
 with small serratures, and terminate gradually in a point, but are not at all acuminate or 
 emarginate. (Flora Medica, 120.) 
 
 The tea-plant is a native of China and Japan, and is cultivated in both countries, but 
 most abundantly in the former. In Japan it forms hedgerows around the rice and corn- 
 fields ; in China, whence immense quantities of tea are exported, whole fields are devoted 
 to its culture. It is propagated from the seeds, which are planted in holes at certain dis- 
 tances, six or eight seeds being placed in each hole, in order to ensure the growth of one. 
 In three years the plant yields leaves for collection, and in six attains the height of a 
 man. When from seven to ten years old it is cut down, in order that the numerous shoots 
 which issue from the stump may afford a large product of leaves. These are picked sepa- 
 rately by the hand. Three harvests, according to Kcempfer, are usually made during the 
 year; the first at the end of February, the second at the beginning of April, and the third 
 in June. As the youngest leaves are the best, the product of the first collection is most 
 valuable, while that of the third, consisting of the oldest leaves, is comparatively little 
 
1398 Appendix. 
 
 esteemed. Sometimes only one or two harvests are made ; but care is always taken to assort 
 the leaves according to their age ; and thus originate numerous commercial varieties of tea. 
 The character of the plant, dependent upon the soil, situation, climate, and culture, has 
 also a great influence upon the value of the leaves. It is said that the best tea is procured 
 from the shrubs which grow upon the sides of steep hills with a Southern exposure. Though 
 the plant grows both about Pekin in the North and Canton in the South of China, it is said 
 to attain greater perfection in the intermediate country, in the neighbourhood of Nankin, 
 for instance, where the climate is neither so cold as in the first-mentioned vicinity, nor so 
 hot as in the second. Some of the commercial varieties have their origin in this cause ; 
 and it is not improbable, though the fact has not been ascertained, that difference in spe- 
 cies may be another source of diversity. After having been gathered, the leaves are dried 
 by artificial heat in shallow iron pans, from which they are removed while still hot, and 
 rolled with the fingers, or in the palm of the hand, so as to be brought into the form in 
 which they are found in commerce. It is stated that the odour of the tea leaves them- 
 selves is very slight; and that it is customary to mix with them the leaves of certain aro- 
 matic plants, such as Oleafragrans and Camellia Sasanqua, in order to render them pleasant 
 to the smell. The cultivation of tea has been successfully introduced into Brazil. ( Journ . 
 cle Pharm. et de Chim., xix. 276.) 
 
 Tea is brought to this country from Canton and other ports of China, Numerous 
 varieties exist in commerce, differing in the shape communicated by rolling, in colour, 
 in flavour, or in strength ; but they may all be arranged in the two divisions of green and 
 black teas, which, at least in their extremes, differ so much in properties, that it is difficult 
 to conceive that they are derived from the same species. 
 
 Properties. Green tea is characterized by a dark-green colour, sometimes inclining more 
 or less to blue or brown. It has a peculiar, refreshing, somewhat aromatic odour, and an 
 astringent, slightly pungent, and agreeably bitterish taste. Its infusion has a pale greenish- 
 yellow colour, with the odour and taste of the leaves. According to Mr. Warington, 
 who examined numerous varieties of tea carefully both by the microscope and chemical 
 tests, many of the green teas imported into Great Britain owe their colour to a powdery 
 coating, consisting of sulphate of lime and Prussian blue, others to a mixture of these with 
 a yellowish vegetable substance, and others, again, to sulphate of lime alone, i Pharm. Journ. 
 and Trans., iv. 37.) Black tea is distinguished by a dark-brown colour. It is usually less 
 firmly rolled, and lighter than the green, and contains the petioles of the plant mingled 
 with the leaves. Its odour is fainter, and of a somewhat different character, though still 
 fragrant. Its taste, like that of green tea, is astringent and bitterish ; but it is less pung- 
 ent, and to many persons less agreeable. To hot water it imparts a brown colour, with 
 its sensible properties of taste and smell. These vary exceedingly in strength in the dif- 
 ferent varieties ; and some black teas are almost wholly destitute of aromatic or agreeable 
 flavour. According to Mr. Warrington, the difference between green and black tea, so far 
 as concerns their chemical and physical condition, arises from a species of fermentation 
 which the latter is made to undergo, in its preparation, before being roasted. (Pharm. 
 Journ. and Trans., x. 618.) A sophisticated tea is largely exported from China, consisting 
 of powdered tea mixed with sand and other earth, and agglutinated with gum ; that which 
 is to pass for black being coloured with plumbago, and the green with the coating above 
 referred to. On analysis, these teas were found to afford from 35 to 45 per cent, of ashes, 
 while the genuine yield only 5 per cent. They may be detected by not unfolding when 
 steeped in boiling water. (Ibid.) 
 
 Analyzed by G. J. Mulder, 100 parts of green Chinese tea afforded 0-79 of volatile oil, 
 2-22 of chlorophylle, 0-28 of wax, 2-22 of resin, 8-56 of gum, 17-80 of tannic acid of the 
 variety contained in galls, 0-43 of thein, 22-80 of extractive, traces of apotheme, 23-GO of 
 muriatic extract, 3-00 of albumen, 17-68 of lignin, and 5-56 of salts. The muriatic ex- 
 tract was the matter taken up by diluted muriatic acid from tea, previously exhausted 
 successively by ether, alcohol, and water, and consisted of artificial tannin. The same 
 chemist obtained from 100 parts of black Chinese tea 0-60 of volatile oil, 1 -84 of ehloro- 
 phylle, 3-64 of resin, 7 -28 of gum, 12-88 of tannic acid, 0-4G of thein, 19-88 of extractive, 
 1-48 of apotheme, 19-12 of muriatic extract, 2-80 of albumen. 28-82 of lignin, and 5-24 
 of salts. (Anna!, der Pharm., xxviii. 317.) Dr. Bochleder has found also a peculiar acid, 
 which he calls boheic acid. M. Bug. Peligot obtained a much larger proportion of thein 
 than was found by Mulder, the lowest quantity from green tea being 2-4 per cent, and the 
 highest 4-1 per cent.; but even this quantity is too small to represent all the nitrogen 
 contained in tea. (Journ. de Pharm., 3e ser., iv. 224.) The volatile oil is probably one 
 of the principles upon which the effects of tea upon the nervous system depend. Hence 
 old teas are less energetic than those recently imported: and it is said that the fresh 
 leaves have often produced dangerous effects in China. Nevertheless, the tannic acid is 
 not without influence upon the system; aud it is not impirobable that both the extractive 
 
Appendix. 1399 
 
 and them contribute to the peculiar influence of this valuable product. Of these active 
 ingredients, the volatile oil, tannic acid, and extractive are found most largely, according 
 to the analysis of Mulder, in the green tea. Thein is a crystallizable principle discovered 
 by Oudry. It was afterwards proved by Jobst to have the same composition as caffein, 
 and is now generally considered as in all respects identical with that principle. It is also 
 said to exist in the leaves of the Ilex Paraguaiensis or Paraguay tea, and in the seeds of 
 .Paullinia sorbilis. (See Coffee, Ilex, and Paullinia.) According to Mulder, thein exists in 
 tea combined with tannic acid. Peligot obtained it by adding to a hot infusion of tea, first 
 subacetate of lead, and then ammonia, filtering the liquid, passing sulphuretted hydrogen 
 through it, again filtering, and evaporating with a moderate heat. On cooling, the liquid 
 deposits thein abundantly, and yields an additional quantity by a careful evaporation. 
 ( Journ . de Pharrn., Se sir., iv. 224. ) It may be cheaply prepared by putting some old spoiled 
 tea in an iron pot covered with filtering paper, enclosing the whole in a cylindrical paper 
 cap, and cautiously applying heat. Thein rises in vapour and condenses on the paper. 
 (See Chem. Gaz., No. 178, p. 119.) Thein has a feebly bitter taste; in the state of crys- 
 tals, is dissolved by 93 parts of water, 158 of alcohol, and 298 of ether; melts at about 
 350° F., and at 723° sublimes in white vapours which condense in minute needles. From 
 its watery solution scarcely any reagent precipitates it. Infusion of galls causes a deposit 
 of tannate of thein, which is again, however, dissolved by heating the water. 
 
 Medical Properties and Uses. Tea is astringent and gently excitant, and in its finer varie- 
 ties exerts a decided influence over the nervous system, evinced by the feelings of comfort 
 and even exhilaration which it produces, and the unnatural wakefulness to which it gives 
 rise, when taken in unusual quantities, or by those unaccustomed to its use. Its properties, 
 however, are not of so decided a character as to render it capable of very extensive appli- 
 cation as a medicine; and its almost exclusive use is as a grateful beverage at the evening 
 and morning meals. Taken moderately, and by healthy individuals, it may be considered 
 as perfectly harmless; but long continued in excessive quantity, it is capable of inducing 
 unpleasant nervous and dyspeptic symptoms, the necessary consequences of over-excitement 
 of the brain and stomach. Green tea is decidedly more injurious in these respects than 
 black, and should be avoided by dyspeptic individuals, and by those whose nervous sys- 
 tems are peculiarly excitable. As a medicine, tea may sometimes be given advantageously 
 in diarrhoea; and a strong infusion will often be found to relieve nervous headache. The 
 mode of preparing it for use is too well known to require description. An extract is made 
 from it in China, which is said to be useful in fevers. 
 
 TELLURIUM. Several of the combinations of this metal have been tried on the living 
 organism by M. Hansen. Five grains of the tellurite of potassa, given to dogs, produced 
 stupefaction and vomiting, and the garlic-like odour of tellurium in the breath. The same 
 salt, tried upon himself for seven successive days, in a dose daily of half a grain, after- 
 wards increased to a grain, caused drowsiness at first, followed, after the seventh day, by 
 a sense of oppression in the cardiac region, nausea, an increased flow of saliva, and loss 
 of appetite. The breath had a garlic-like odour throughout the experiment. {Chem. Gaz., 
 March 1, 1854, p. 90.) 
 
 TEUCRIUM CHAM7EDRYS. Germander. Chamsedrys. A small, didynamous, labiate, 
 perennial European plant, the leaves and tops of which have an agreeable aromatic odour, 
 diminished by drying, and a bitter, somewhat astringent, aromatic, durable taste. They 
 have been employed as a mild corroborant, in uterine, rheumatic, gouty, and scrofulous 
 atfections, and intermittent fevers ; but are at present little used, and never in this country. 
 Germander was an ingredient in the Portland powder, noted as a remedy in gout. This 
 powdei’, according to the original prescription, consisted of equal parts of the roots of 
 Aristolocliia rotunda and Gcntiana lutea, of the tops and leaves of Teucrium Chamsedrys 
 and Erylhrsea Centaurium, and of the leaves of Ajuga Chamsepytis, or ground pine. The 
 dose was a drachm taken every morning before breakfast, and continued tor three months, 
 then two scruples for three months, afterwards half a drachm for six months, and finally 
 half a drachm every other day for a year. {Parr.) 
 
 Two other species of Teucrium have been used in medicine — T. Marum, cat thyme, 
 or Syrian herb maslich, which is a native of the South of Europe, and T. Scordium, or water 
 germander, growing in the higher latitudes of the same continent. The former is a warm, 
 stimulating, aromatic bitter, and has been recommended in hysteria, amenorrhoea, and 
 nervous debility; the latter has the odour of garlic, and a bitter, somewhat pungent taste, 
 and was formerly highly esteemed as a corroborant in low forms of disease; but ueither 
 of them is now much employed. T. Marum is errhine, and was formerly an ingredient 
 in the Pulvis Asari Compositus. The dose of either of the three species is about-half a 
 drachm. A plant said to have been used advantageously in cholera in the Levant, a 
 specimen of which was sent to Paris, proved to be Teucrium Folium. {Journ. de Pharrn. 
 el de Chim., xv. 352.) 
 
1400 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 THUJA OCCIDENTALIS. Arbor Vitse. An indigenous evergreen tree, growing wild, 
 from Canada to Carolina, and cultivated for ornament in gardens. The leaves, or small 
 twigs invested with the leaves, are the part used. They have an agreeable balsamic odour, 
 especially when rubbed, and a strong, balsamic, camphorous, bitter taste. In the state 
 of decoction, they have been used in intermittent fever, and, according to Schoepf, in 
 coughs, fevers, scurvy, and rheumatism. Made into an ointment with lard or other animal 
 fat, they are said to form a useful local application in rheumatic complaints. The distilled 
 water is praised by Boerhaave as a remedy in dropsy. (Schoepf.) A yellowish-green vola- 
 tile oil, which may be obtained from the leaves by distillation, has been used with success 
 in worms. 
 
 THYMUS VULGARIS. Thyme. A small, well known undershrub, indigenous in the 
 South of Europe, and with us cultivated in gardens. The herbaceous portion, which 
 should be gathered when the plant is in flower, has a peculiar, strong, aromatic, agreeable 
 odour, which is not lost by drying, and a pungent, aromatic, camphorous taste. Its active 
 constituent is a volatile oil, which may be separated by distillation. Oil of thyme ( oleum 
 thymi) is, when fresh, of a pale-yellow or greenish colour, but as found in the shops is 
 often brown. Its sp. gr. is 0-905. It is said to be commonly sold under the name of oil 
 of origanum. The plant has the aromatic properties of sage, lavender, &c., and may be 
 used for the same purposes. It is, however, more employed in cookery than in medicine. 
 The T. serpillum, or wild thyme of Europe, is analogous in properties to the garden thyme. 
 Both are occasionally used in baths, fomentations, and poultices, along with other aro- 
 matic herbs. 
 
 TONKA BEAN. The seed of Dipterix odorata of Willd., the Coumarouna odorata of 
 Aublet, a large tree growing in Guiana. The fruit is an oblong-ovate pod, enclosing a 
 single seed, from an inch to an inch and a half long, from two to four lines broad, usually 
 somewhat compressed, with a dark-brown, wrinkled, shining, thin, and brittle skin, and 
 a light-brown, oily kernel. The bean has a strong, agreeable, aromatic odour, and a 
 bitterish, aromatic taste. Its active constituent is a crystallizable, odorous substance, 
 analogous to the volatile oils and camphor, and called coumarin by Guibourt. This sub- 
 stance is sometimes found in a crystalline state, between the two lobes of the kernel. It 
 has been shown by M Bleibtreu to be identical with the odorous principle of J. specula 
 odorata, Trifolium melilotus, and Anlhoxant/tum odoratum. (See Chem. Gaz., Feb. 10, 1852, 
 p. Cl.) The tonka bean is used to flavour snuff, being either mixed with it in the state 
 of powder, or put entire into the snuff-box. 
 
 TRIGONELLA FCENUMGR2ECUM. Fenugreek. An annual plant growing spontaneously 
 in different parts of the South of Europe, and cultivated in France and Germany for the 
 sake of its seeds. These are one or two lines in length, oblong-cylindrical, somewhat com- 
 pressed, obliquely truncated at each extremity, brownish-yellow externally, yellow inter- 
 nally, and marked with an oblique furrow running half their length. They have a strong 
 peculiar odour, and an oily, bitterish, farinaceous taste, and contain fixed and volatile oil, 
 mucilage, bitter extractive, and a yellow colouring substance. An ounce of the seeds 
 boiled in a pint of water render it thick and slimy. They yield the whole of their odour 
 and taste to alcohol. Their virtues depend chiefly upon their oil and mucilage. On the 
 continent of Europe they are employed in the preparation of emollient cataplasms and 
 encmata, and enter into the composition of some officinal ointments and plasters. They 
 are never used internally. 
 
 TRILLIUM. This is an indigenous genus of pretty little herbaceous plants, growing 
 generally in woods and shady places. The roots are reputed to possess valuable remedial 
 properties. They were employed by the aborigines, have been long used in domestic 
 practice in some parts of the country, and were noticed as medicinal in Henry's Herbal, 
 published in 1812. Dr. S. W. Williams published a paper upon them in the New England 
 Journ. of Med. and Surg., in the year 1820, and has since published another in the A". 1 . 
 Journ. of Med. (viii. 94). The roots have a somewhat balsamic odour and taste, and pro- 
 duce, when chewed, a sense of heat and irritation, with an increased flow of saliva. They 
 are thought to be astringent; and tonic, expectorant, and alterative properties have been 
 ascribed to them. They have been used by the vulgar to hasten parturition. The com- 
 plaints in which they are said to have been employed most successfully are the hemorrhages ; 
 but- they have been used also in cutaneous affections, and externally in obstinate ulcers. 
 Dr. Williams gives a drachm of the powdered root three times a day. Of the different 
 species, the T. erectum is generally esteemed most active; though little is known of their 
 relative value. 
 
 TRIPOLI. Terra. Tripolitana. An earthy mineral, of a whitish, yellowish, or pale straw 
 colour, sometimes inclining to red or brown, usually friable, often adhesive to the tongue, 
 and presenting the aspect of argillaceous earth, though differing from clay by the rough- 
 
Appendix. 1401 
 
 ness and hardness of its particles, and by not forming a paste with water. The Venice 
 tripoli is said to come from Corfu. Tripoli is sometimes artificially prepared by calcining 
 certain argillites. It is used for cleaning and polishing metals. 
 
 TPJTICUM REPENS. Couch-grass. Dog-grass. Quickens. A perennial European plant, 
 very common in gardens, and cultivated grounds, where it is considered a troublesome 
 weed. The root, which is the part medically used, is horizontal, creeping, jointed, about 
 as thick as a straw or thicker, inodorous, and of an agreeable, sweetish, slightly pungent 
 taste. It is used in some parts of Europe, ill the form of decoction, as a slightly aperient 
 and nutritive drink. Great quantities of it are said to be consumed in the hospitals of 
 Paris. The decoction, in consequence of the sugar which it contains, is susceptible of the 
 vinous fermentation. 
 
 TUSSILAGO FAREARA. Coltsfoot. Coltsfoot is a perennial herb, with a creeping root, 
 which early in the spring sends up several leafless, erect, simple, unifloral scapes or flower- 
 stems, five or six inches high, and bearing appressed scale-like bractes of a brownisli- 
 pink colour. The flower, which stands singly at the end of the scape, is large, yellow, 
 compound, with hermaphrodite florets in the disk, and female florets in the ray. The lat- 
 ter are numerous, linear, and twice the length of the former. The leaves do not make 
 their appearance until after the flowers have blown. They are radical, petiolate, large, 
 cordate, angular, and toothed at the margin, bright-green upon their upper surface, white 
 and downy beneath. The plant grows spontaneously both in Europe and North America. 
 In this country it is found upon the banks of streams in the Middle and Northern States, 
 and flowers in April. The whole of it is employed, but the leaves most so. They should 
 be gathered after their full expansion, but before they have attained their greatest magni- 
 tude. The flowers have an agreeable odour, which they retain after desiccation. The dried 
 root and leaves are inodorous, but have a rough, bitterish, mucilaginous taste. Boiling water 
 extracts all their virtues. Coltsfoot exercises little sensible influence upon the human 
 system. It is, however, demulcent, and is sometimes used in chronic coughs, consump- 
 tion, and other affections of the lungs. The expectorant properties which it was formerly 
 thought to possess are not obvious. The leaves were smoked by the ancients in pulmonary 
 complaints; and in some parts of Germany they are at the present time said to be substi- 
 tuted for tobacco. Cullen states that he found the expressed juice of the fresh leaves, 
 taken to the extent of some ounces every day, beneficial in several cases of scrofulous 
 sores; and a decoction of the dried leaves, as recommended by Fuller, answered a similar 
 purpose, though it often failed to effect a cure. 
 
 The usual form of administration is that of decoction. An ounce or two of the plant 
 may be boiled in two pints of water to a pint, of which a teacupful may be given several 
 times a day. 
 
 TUTTY. Tutia. Impure Oxide of Zinc. This oxide is formed during the smelting of 
 lead ores containing zinc. It is deposited in the chimneys of the furnaces, in the form of 
 incrustations, moderately hard and heavy, and studded over with small protuberances, of 
 a brownish colour on the outside, and yellowish within. As it occurs in commerce, the 
 pieces occasionally present a bluish cast, from the presence of small particles of metallic 
 zinc. Sometimes a spurious substance is sold for tutty, consisting of a mixture of blue clay 
 and copper filings, made into a paste with water, and dried on an iron rod. It is distin- 
 guished from the genuine tutty by its diffusing in water and exhaling an earthy smell, and 
 by its greater friability. 
 
 Tutty is used as an external application only, being employed as a desiccant in exco- 
 riations. To fit it for medical use it must be reduced to fine powder, which is dusted on 
 the affected part, or applied in the form of ointment. It has been very properly dismissed 
 from the Edinburgh officinal list ; its use being superseded by that of the pure oxide. 
 
 ULTRAMARINE. This fine blue pigment was formerly obtained from lapis lazuli or 
 lazulite, a mineral of Siberia. It is now prepared artificially by mixing equal parts of 
 sulphur, carbonate of soda, and silica, adding enough solution of soda to dissolve the 
 silica, and rapidly igniting the mixture. A bluish-green mass results, which becomes 
 blue by ignition in contact with air. It is thought to be a compound of the silicates of 
 alumina and soda with sulphuret of sodium. ( Pharm . Journ. and Trans., xi. 230.) 
 
 UMBER. Terra Umbria. A mineral of a fine compact texture, light, dry to the touch, 
 shining when rubbed by the nail, and of a fine pale-brown colour, which changes to a pe- 
 culiar beautiful deep-brown by heat. According to Klaproth, it contains 13 parts of silica, 
 5 of alumina, 48 of oxide of iron, 20 of manganese, and 14 of water in 100. Burnt umber, 
 as well as the mineral in its unaltered state, is used in painting. The umber of commerce 
 is said to be brought chiefly from the island of Cyprus. 
 
 URATE OF AMMONIA. Ammonise Uras. (NH 4 0,N 4 C 1Q H 2 0 4 +H0.) This salt may be 
 formed by digesting uric acid in solution of ammonia. Uric acid is generally obtained from 
 
1402 Appendix. 
 
 the dried and powdered excrement of the boa serpent, and of other large snakes, by dis- 
 solving it in a solution of potassa with the aid of heat, and precipitating the uric acid from 
 the filtered solution by muriatic acid, added in excess. Urate of ammonia is a white, 
 amorphous, very sparingly soluble salt. It is a constituent of some varieties of guano ; 
 and the medicinal properties of that substance are attributed by some to its presence. 
 This salt has been used with good effects by Dr. Bauer, of Germany, as an external appli- 
 cation, in the form of ointment, in chronic cutaneous eruptions, and in tubercular diseases 
 of the lungs. The ointment is made of a scruple of the salt to an ounce of lard, and is 
 applied to the eruptions night and morning, and, in the pectoral disease, by friction, night 
 and morning, alternately to the back and front of the chest. ( Medico-Chirurg . Review, 
 July, 1852, p. 207, from Buchner's Repert.) 
 
 URE A. (N 2 C 2 I1 4 0 2 .) This substance, the characteristic organic constituent of urine, is 
 identical with the hydrated cyanate of ammonia (N1I 3 ,NC 2 0+H0). which salt is the first 
 example of an organic product artificially formed. When obtained from urine, the most 
 convenient process is that proposed by Dr. Gregory, which consists in saturating concen- 
 trated urine with oxalic acid, dissolving in water the oxalate of urea formed, decolorizing 
 the solution with animal charcoal, digesting it with carbonate of lime, separating the pre- 
 cipitated oxalate of lime by filtration, and concentrating the filtrate that crystals may form. 
 For the mode of obtaining artificial urea, the reader is referred to chemical treatises. 
 
 Urea is in the form of silvei-y acicular crystals, colourless and free from odour when 
 pure, somewhat resembling nitre in appearance, and having a similar saline, cooling taste. 
 It is soluble in its weight of cold water, and in every proportion in hot water. Though 
 neither acid nor alkaline in its reaction, yet it is capable of uniting with several acids, 
 forming crystallizable compounds like salt. This substance was proposed many years ago 
 by the French physicians as a diuretic ; and its use in this way has been revived by Dr. 
 T. II. Tanner, of London. In the few cases in which Dr. Tanner tried the remedy, it acted 
 as a powerful diuretic, without giving rise to any unpleasant symptom whatever. The 
 dose to begin with is ten grains every six hours, dissolved in water, flavoured with syrup ; 
 the action of the medicine being aided by the free administration of diluents, and by keep- 
 ing the skin moderately cool. (See B r ait hw ait e's Retrospect, xxv. 161.) 
 
 URTICA DIOICA. Common nettle. A well known perennial herbaceous plant, growing 
 both in Europe and the United States, by the roadsides, in hedges, and gardens. The 
 leaves, seeds, and roots were formerly officinal They were deemed diuretic and astring- 
 ent, and were employed in nephritic complaints, hemorrhages, consumption, jaundice, 
 worms, &c. The young shoots are boiled and eaten by the common people as a remedy 
 in scurvy ; and the fresh plant is sometimes used to excite external irritation in cases of 
 torpor and local pals}', the part being beaten with it till the requisite degree of action is 
 produced. The irritant effect of the nettle, applied to the skin, is said to be owing to the 
 presence of free formic acid in the sharp hairs. (See Am. Journ. of Pharm., xxii. 181.) 
 The U. urens or dwarf nettle, which is an annual plant, and smaller than the former species, 
 has similar properties, and is used for the same purposes. This species also grows wild 
 both in America and Europe. The two plants were formerly distinguished by the names 
 of urtica major, applied to U. clioica, and of uriica minor to U. urens. Dr. U. B. John- 
 son, of Marion, Alabama, has found the U. urens very efficacious in uterine hemorrhage. 
 (2V. Orleans Med. andSurg. Journ., vi. 452.) 
 
 VALERIANATE OF BISMUTH. Bismutlii Valerianas. This salt is formed by double 
 decomposition between solutions of nitrate of bismuth and valerianate of soda. Valeria- 
 nate of bismuth precipitates as a white powder, which is washed with water, and dried by 
 a gentle heat. It has been recommended by Itighiui in neuralgia and painful affections of 
 the stomach. The dose is from half a grain to two grains, repeated several times a day, 
 and given in the form of pill. 
 
 VANILLA. This has been supposed to be the fruit of Vanilla aromatica of Schwartz, 
 the Epidendrum Vanilla of Linn., a climbing plant growing in the West Indies, Mexico, 
 and South America. It is said also to be cultivated in the Isle of France and Bourbon. 
 Doubts, however, exist whether the best commercial vanilla is derived from this species, 
 and some ascribe it to the Vanilla planifolia. (Journ. de Pharm. etde dim,., xvi. 274. The 
 pods are collected before they are quite ripe, dried in the shade, covered over with a coat 
 of fixed oil, and then tied in bundles, which are surrounded with sheet lead, or inclosed in 
 small metallic boxes, and sent into the market. Several varieties of vanilla exist in com- 
 merce. The most valuable, called ley by the Spaniards, consists of cylindrical, somewhat 
 flattened pods, six or eight inches long, three or four lines thick, nearly straight, narrow- 
 ing towards the extremities, bent at the base, shining and dark-brown externally, wrinkled 
 longitudinally, soft and flexible, and containing within their tough shell, a soft black pulp, 
 in which numerous minute, black, glossy seeds are embedded. It has a peculiar, strong, 
 
Appendix. 1403 
 
 agreeable odour, and a warm, aromatic, sweetish taste. The interior pulpy portion is most 
 aromatic. Another variety, called simarona by the Spaniards, is smaller, of a lighter colour, 
 and less aromatic. A third variety is the promprona of the Spaniards. In this, the pods 
 ai'e from five to seven inches long, from six to nine lines broad, almost always open, brown, 
 soft, viscid, and of a strong odour, but less pleasant than that of the ley , to which it is con- 
 sidered inferior. According to Bucholz, vanilla does not yield volatile oil when distilled 
 with water. It is employed to flavour chocolate, ice-cream, &c., and as a perfume. It 
 has been recommended as a remedy in hysteria and low fevers, in the form of an infusion 
 made in the proportion of about half an ounce to a pint of boiling water, and given in 
 tablespoonful doses. Prof. Procter prepares a fluid extract of vanilla by the following 
 process. An ounce of vanilla, cut transversely into short pieces, is rubbed with two ounces 
 of granular sugar to coarse powder, and then submitted to percolation with deodorized 
 alcohol, until a pint of tincture is obtained. This is evaporated with a gentle heat to one- 
 half, twelve fluidounces of syrup are added, and the evaporation is continued until the liquid 
 measures a pint, after which it is strained. Thus prepared it has the odour and taste of 
 the vanilla in perfection. 
 
 VENETIAN RED. Bolus Veneta. A dull red ochrey substance used in painting. 
 
 YERBASCUM THAPSUS. Mullein. This is a biennial plant, with an erect, round, rigid, 
 hairy stem, which rises from three to six feet in height, and is irregularly beset with large, 
 sessile, oblong or oval, somewhat pointed leaves, indented at the margin, woolly on both 
 sides, and decurrent at the base. The flowers are yellow, and disposed in a long, close, 
 cylindrical, terminal spike. 
 
 The mullein is common throughout the United States, growing along the roadsides and 
 in neglected fields, and springing up abundantly in newly cleared places, at the mostremote 
 distance from cultivation. It is, however, considered by many botanists as a naturalized 
 plant, introduced originally from Europe, where it is also abundant. It flowers from June 
 to August. The leaves and flowers have been employed. Both have a slight, somewhat 
 narcotic smell, which in the dried flowers becomes agreeable. Their taste is mucilaginous, 
 herbaceous, and bitterish, but very feeble. They impart their virtues to water by infu- 
 sion. Mullein leaves are demulcent and emollient, and are thought to possess anodyne 
 properties, which render them useful in pectoral complaints. On the Continent of Europe, 
 an infusion of the flowers, strained in order to separate the rough hairs, is considerably 
 used in mild catarrhs. Dr. Home found a decoction of the leaves useful in diarrhoea. The 
 infusion or decoction may be prepared in the proportion of an ounce of the leaves to a pint 
 of water, and given in the quantity of four fluidounces. The leaves are also employed ex- 
 ternally, steeped in hot water, as a feebly anodyne emollient. An ointment is prepared 
 from them in the recent state, and used for the same purposes. It may be made in the 
 same manner as ointment of stramonium, by boiling the leaves in lard. It will be found 
 advantageous to moisten them with water previously to the boiling. 
 
 VERBENA OFFICINALIS. Vervain. This is a common European weed, growing on 
 the roadsides, in the vicinity of towns and villages. Its sensible properties do not indi- 
 cate the possession of medical virtues; as it is nearly inodorous, and has only a slightly 
 astringent bitterish taste. By the ancients it was highly esteemed both as a medicine, 
 and as a sacred plant employed in certain religious rites. In modern times, superstitious 
 notions in relation to its virtues are still entertained ; and the suspension of the root 
 around the neck by a wdiite riband, has been gravely recommended for the cure of scro- 
 fula. The leaves, bruised and made into a cataplasm, are used by the vulgar as a remedy 
 in severe headache, and other local pains. The plant, however, is probably inert. An 
 American species, the V. hastata. is more bitter than the European, and is said to be 
 emetic. It is not, however, used in regular practice. Sclioepf states that the root of the 
 V. urticifolia, another indigenous species, has been advantageously used in poisoning from 
 the Rhus Toxicodendron. It is prepared by boiling it in milk and water along with the 
 inner bark of the 'white oak. 
 
 VERDITER. Two preparations of copper, employed as pigments, are known by this 
 name in commerce, and are distinguished by the epithets of blue and green. Blue verditer 
 is prepared in London from the solution of nitrate of copper obtained in precipitating 
 silver by copper. According to Gray, this solution is poured hot upon whiting (carbonate 
 of lime), and the mixture stirred every day till the liquor loses its colour, when it is de- 
 canted, and fresh portions added till the proper colour is obtained. By a process for 
 procuring this pigment, invented by Pelletier, the solution of nitrate of copper is decom- 
 posed by quicklime, and the precipitate, after being washed, is incorporated intimately 
 with another portion of quicklime. By the former process, a carbonate of copper is ob- 
 tained ; by the latter, a mixture of the hydrated oxide of copper and hydrate of lime. 
 Green verditer is prepared by precipitating a solution of nitrate of copper by chalk or a 
 
1404 Appendix. 
 
 white marl, and consists of carbonate of copper mixed with an excess of the calcareous 
 carbonate. 
 
 VERONICA OFFICINALIS. Speedwell. Several species of Veronica, common to 
 Europe and this country, have been medicinally employed. Of these the V. officinalis, 
 and V. Beccabunga or brooklime, are the most conspicuous. V. officinalis has a bitterish, 
 warm, and somewhat astringent taste ; has been considered diaphoretic, diuretic, expec- 
 torant, tonic, &c. ; and was formerly employed in pectoral and nephritic complaints, 
 hemorrhages, and diseases of the skin, and in the treatment of wounds. The beccabunga, 
 which is very succulent, was used in the fresh state with the view of purifying the blood, 
 and as a remedy in scurvy. Both plants, however, are at present out of use. 
 
 VISCUM ALBUM. Mistletoe. A European evergreen parasitic shrub, growing on 
 various trees, particularly the apple and other fruit trees, and forming a pendent bush 
 from two to five feet in diameter. The plant is famous in the history of druidical super- 
 stition. In the religious rites of the Druids, the mistletoe of the oak was employed, and 
 hence was afterwards preferred when the plant came to be used as a remedy : but it is 
 in fact identical in all respects with those which grow upon other trees. The fresh bark 
 and leaves have a peculiar disagreeable odour, and a nauseous, sweetish, slightly bitter 
 taste. The berries, which are white, and of about the size of a pea, abound in a peculiar 
 viscid principle, and are sometimes used in the preparation of bird-lime, of which this 
 principle is the basis. At one time the mistletoe was highly esteemed as a remedy in 
 epilepsy, palsy, and other nervous diseases ; but it is now out of use. The leaves and 
 wood were given in the dose of a drachm in substance, and of an ounce in decoction. 
 Several species of Viscum grow in the United States, but are not used. 
 
 WHITING. This is essentially the same as prepared chalk, being made by the pul- 
 verization and elutriation of crude chalk. It is used as a coarse paint, and for various 
 purposes in the arts, for which carbonate of lime is requisite. Paris white is a variety of 
 the same material. 
 
 WOORARI. The name of a powerful poison, prepared by the aborigines in the inte- 
 rior of British Guiana, and used for arming the points of their weapons. Various opi- 
 nions have been advanced in relation to its source and preparation ; but the most proba- 
 ble account is that of Dr. Hancock, who states, from information derived from the natives, 
 that it is a watery extract from the bark of a gourd-like plant. When this poison is in- 
 serted in a wound, the animal speedily falls into a state of stupor, and dies in a few 
 minutes, the heart continuing to act for some time after respiration has ceased. If arti- 
 ficial respiration be resorted to before the heart has ceased to act, and be sustained, the 
 animal recovers. Dr. Hancock states that it is swallowed by animals with impunity. It 
 lias not been introduced into medicine. For further notice in relation to it, the reader is 
 referred to the Lond. Pharm. Journ. and Trans., iii. 75. 
 
 WORMSEED, EUROPEAN. Santonici Semen. Semen Cyrix. Semen Contra. This pro- 
 duct has been discarded from the Dublin Pharmacopoeia of 1850. It was formerly ascribed 
 in that work, in accordance with the general belief at one time, to Artemisia Santoraca or 
 Tartarian Southernwood; but upon insufficient grounds. European wormseed is of two 
 kinds ; one called the Aleppo, Alexandria, or Levant wormseed, the other Barbary worm- 
 seed. The former is supposed to be the product of Artemisia Contra, which grows in 
 Persia, Asia Minor, and other parts of the East. It consists in fact not of the seeds, but 
 of the small globular unexpanded flowers of the plant, mixed with their broken peduncles, 
 and with minute, obtuse, smooth leaves. It has a greenish colour, a very strong aromatic 
 odour increased by friction, and a very bitter disagreeable taste. The Barbary worm- 
 seed is thought by some to be derived from Artemisia Judaica, by others from the A. 
 glomerata of Sieber, both of which grow in Palestine and Arabia. It consists of broken 
 peduncles, having the calyx sometimes attached to their extremity. The calyx is also 
 sometimes separate, consisting of very small linear obtuse leaflets. The flowers are 
 wanting, or in the shape of minute globular buds. All these parts are covered with a 
 whitish down, which serves to distinguish this variety from the wormseed of the Levant. 
 It is, moreover, lighter and more coloured than the latter. Its smell and taste are the 
 same. 
 
 These products contain a volatile oil and a resinous extractive matter, to which their 
 virtues have been ascribed. A peculiar principle has also been discovered in them, which 
 has received the name of santonin. It is crystallizable, colourless, tasteless, but leaving 
 a slight sense of acrimony in the mouth, inodorous, soluble in ether and alcohol, and 
 nearly insoluble in water. Its alcoholic solution has a decided bitterness. Though neuter 
 in its action upon test-paper, it combines with the alkalies to form soluble and erystal- 
 lizable salts. It may be obtained by treating wormseed with hydrate of lime and alcohol, 
 evaporating the tincture to one-quarter, filtering the residue to separate the resin, and 
 
Appendix. 1405 
 
 treating it while hot with concentrated acetic acid. The santonin is deposited in crystals 
 as the liquor cools. It is a powerful anthelmintic, and, from its want of taste, is much 
 used in Europe in the treatment of worms in children. The dose is from one to four grains 
 twice a day. It has also been employed with considerable asserted success in the treat- 
 ment of intermittent fever. In over-doses it may prove dangerous. The case of a child 
 of four 3 -ears old is recorded, in which, after the administration of only three grains, severe 
 abdominal pains came on with vomiting and purging, great prostration, cold sweats, 
 spasms of the extremities, and dilated pupils ; though the patient ultimately recovered. 
 (Ann. de Therap., 1852, p. 218.) For details as to the mode of extracting santonin, the 
 reader is referred to the American Journal of Pharmacy (vol. xv. p. 278). Vie have re- 
 ceived a very handsome specimen of it from Messrs. Powers and Weightman, manufac- 
 turing chemists of Philadelphia. 
 
 The products above described have long been celebrated as a vermifuge, and the title 
 of semen contra, by which they are designated in many works on pharmacy, originated in 
 their anthelmintic property. They may be given in powder or infusion. The dose in 
 substance is from ten to thirty grains, which should be repeated morning and evening for 
 several days, and then followed by a brisk cathartic. They are not used in this country, 
 having been superseded by the seeds of Chenopodium anthelminticum, which are universally 
 known among us by the name of wormseed. 
 
 XANTHORRHCEA RESINS. Two resinous substances,’ the products of different species 
 of Xanthorrhoea, have recently been introduced into England from New Holland. They are 
 obtained by spontaneous exudation from the stems of the plants, which are usually shrubs. 
 One of the resins is yellow and the other red. The yellow variety is in tears, in flatfish 
 pieces having on one side the mark of the stem, or in masses of various size and irregular 
 shape. It has a reddish-yellow colour, resembling gamboge when broken, and when 
 heated emits a fragrant odour like that of Tolu balsam. It contains resin, cinnamic and 
 benzoic acids, and a trace of volatile oil, and may therefore be ranked among the balsams. 
 When heated with nitric acid, it yields a large product of carbazotic acid. In medical 
 properties it is said to bear a close resemblance to storax and the balsam of Tolu. A 
 tincture, made in the proportion of two ounces to a pint of alcohol, may be given in the 
 dose of one or two fluidrachms. The red variety resembles dragon’s blood in colour, and 
 appears to be analogous to the other variety in properties. The above account has been 
 abridged from that of Dr. Pereira in the third edition of his Materia Medica. 
 
 ZEA MAI’S. Indian Corn. Maize. Common Indian corn contains, according to the 
 late Dr. Gorham, of Boston, 77 per cent, of starch, 8 of a principle analogous to gluten, 
 called zein, 2-5 of albumen, 1-45 of sugar, 0-8 of extractive, 1-75 of gum, 1-5 of sulphate 
 and phosphate of lime, 3 of lignin, and 9 of water. The meal, in the form of mush, 
 makes an excellent emollient poultice, much used in hospitals; and a gruel may be pre- 
 pared from it, which is sometimes more grateful to the sick than that made from oat meal. 
 
 ZEDOARY. Radix Zedoarise. There are two kinds of zedoary, the long and the round, 
 distinguished by the old officinal titles of radix zedoarise lonyse, and radix zedoarise rotundse ; 
 the former produced by the Curcuma Zedoaria of Roxburgh, the latter, as some suppose, 
 by the Ksempferia rotunda of Linn., but, according to others, by the Curcuma Zerumbet of 
 Roxburgh. Both kinds come from the East Indies. The long zedoary is in slices, from 
 an inch and a half to three inches in length, and from half an inch to an inch thick, ob- 
 tuse at the extremities, and exhibiting the remains of the radical fibres ; the round is also 
 usually in slices, which are the sections of a roundish root, ending in a point beneath, 
 and divided longitudinally into two parts, each of which is flat on one side, convex on the 
 other, and heart-shaped in its outline. Sometimes the root of the latter variety is entire, 
 and sometimes in quarters instead of halves. It is marked with circular rings on the 
 convex surface, and, like the former, with small projecting points which are the remains 
 of radical fibres. Both are grayish-white on the outside, yellowish-brown within, hard, 
 compact, of an agreeable aromatic odour, and a bitterish, pungent, camphorous taste. 
 The round, however, is less spicy than the long. They yield a volatile oil when distilled 
 with water. 
 
 Zedoary is a warm, stimulating aromatic, useful in flatulent colic and debilitated states 
 of the digestive organs. It is not now employed, as it produces no effects which cannot 
 be as well or better obtained from ginger. The dose is from ten grains to half a drachm. 
 
 ZERUMBET. Cassumuniar. Under these names an East India root was formerly used, 
 having some analogy in sensible and medical properties to ginger, and ascribed to the 
 Zingiber Zerumbet of Roscoe. Some consider the cassumuniar as a distinct root, and refer 
 it to the Zingiber Cassumuniar of Roxburgh. The difference of opinion is of little import- 
 ance, as neither of the roots, supposing them not to be the same, is at present to be found 
 in the markets. By some authors the zerumbet has been erroneously confounded with 
 
1406 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 the round zedoary. Geiger describes it as in pieces of the size of a fig or larger, exter- 
 nally grayish-brown and wrinkled, internally yellowish, hard and tough, of a biting aro- 
 matic taste, and a spicy odour. 
 
 ZIZYPHUS VULGARIS. Lamarck. Rhamnus Zizyplius. Linn. A shrub, or small tree, 
 growing on the shores of the Mediterranean, and cultivated in Italy, Spain, and the South 
 of France. The fruit is the part used. This consists of oval drupes, of the size of a large 
 olive, with a thin, coriaceous, red or reddish-brown skin, a yellowish, sweet, acidulous 
 pulp, and an oblong pointed stone in the centre. These have the officinal name of jujubx. 
 By drying, their pulp becomes softer and sweeter, and acquires a vinous taste, evincing 
 the commencement of fermentation. They are nutritive and demulcent, and are used in 
 the form of decoction in pectoral complaints. Jujube paste consists, properly, of 'nun 
 Arabic and sugar, dissolved in a decoction of this fruit, and evaporated to the proper con- 
 sistence. As a demulcent, it is in no respect superior to a paste made with gum Arabic 
 and sugar alone ; and the preparation commonly sold in this country under the name, 
 contains in fact none of the fruit. 
 
 The fruits of two other species of Zizyplius, the Z. Lotus, growing in the North of 
 Africa, and the Z. Jujuba, a native of the East Indies, possess properties similar to those 
 of the first-mentioned species, and are used as food by the inhabitants of the countries 
 where they grow. 
 
 Note. — Of the articles included in the foregoing list, those upon Acetate of Copper, 
 Acetate of Magnesia, Acetic Ether, Albuminate of Iron and Potassa, Ammonio-tar Irate of Iron, 
 Anthrakokali, Arseniate of Ammonia, Arseniate of Iron, Benzoate of Ammonia, Benzole. Bi- 
 sulphuret of Carbon, Bromide of Iron, Bromides of Mercury, Carburet of Iron, Cheltenham 
 Salt. Chloride of Magnesium, Chloride of Mercury and Quinia, Chloride of Potassa, Chloride 
 of Silver, Chlorinated Anaesthetic Compounds, Chromic Acid, Citrate of Iron and Magnesia, 
 Citrate of Iron and Quinia, Citrate of Soda, Crabs’ Claws, Crabstones, Crocus of Antimony, 
 Cyanuret of Zinc, Diaphoretic Antimony, Dippel's Animal Oil, Ferrocyanuret of Zinc, Arti- 
 ficial Fruit Essences, Fuligokali, Glass of Antimony , Gold, Guano, Gun Cotton. Hydriodic 
 Acid, Hydriodic Ether, Hydrocyanic Ether, Hyposulphite of Soda, Hyposulphite of Soda and 
 Silver, Indelible Ink, Indian Yellow, Iodide of Ammonium, Iodide of Barium, Iodide of Silver, 
 Iodide of Starch, Iodide of Zinc, Iodides of Calomel, Iodoform, lodohydrargyrate of Potassium, 
 Lactate of Iron, lactic Acid, Lithia, Manganese, Meat Biscuit, Muriatic Ether, Artificial Musk, 
 Naphthaline, Nitrate of Copper, Nitrate of Soda, Nitroprusside of Sodium, Nitrosulphate of 
 Ammonia, Nitrous Oxide, Oxalic Acid, Phosphate of Ammonia, Phosphate of Potassa, Pla- 
 tinum, Powder of Algaroth, Pyroacclic Spirit, Soot, Succinic Acid, Sulphateof Alumina, Sul- 
 phate of Alumina and Iron, Sulphate of Cadmium, Sulphate of Nickel, Sulphite of Soda, Sul- 
 phocyanuret of Potassium, Sulphuret of Calcium, Tannate of Alumina, Tannale of Iron, Tan- 
 nate of Lead, Tartrate of Soda, Tellurium, Tatty, Urate of Ammonia, Urea, and. Valerianate 
 of Bismuth, were written by Dr. Bache ; the remainder by Dr. Wood. 
 
Appendix. 
 
 1407 
 
 II. ART OF PRESCRIBING MEDICINES. 
 
 The physician should be acquainted not only with the properties of medicines, 
 and the diseases to which they are respectively applicable, but also with the art 
 of prescribing them, so that they may be adapted to the peculiarities of indi- 
 vidual patients, and, by the mode in which they are administered, may produce 
 the greatest curative effect with the least possible inconvenience. In relation to 
 these points, a few general rules will be useful for the guidance of the young 
 practitioner, although much must be left to his own judgment and discretion. 
 We shall compress the remarks which we have to offer, under the two heads of 
 the quantity or dose in which medicines may be given, and the mode of their 
 exhibition. 
 
 1. Dose of Medicines. — In the body of the work, the quantity has been 
 stated in which each medicine must ordinarily be given to produce its peculiar 
 effects in the adult patient. But there are various circumstances which modify 
 the dose, and demand attention on the part of the practitioner. 
 
 The age of the patient is the most important of these circumstances. The 
 young require a smaller dose than those of maturity, to produce an equal effect; 
 and the old, though their systems are, perhaps, less susceptible to the action of 
 medicines than those of the middle-aged, cannot bear an equally forcible im- 
 pression. The following table of G-aubius, exhibiting the doses proportioned to 
 the age, is frequently referred to. 
 
 i of middle 
 
 age 
 
 being 
 
 1 
 
 or 
 
 1 
 
 drachm, 
 
 n 14 to 21 
 
 yean 
 
 3 will be 
 
 § 
 
 or 
 
 2 
 
 scruples, 
 
 7 to 14 
 
 (6 
 
 U 
 
 1 
 
 a 
 
 or 
 
 5 
 
 a drachm, 
 
 4 to 7 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 * 
 
 or 
 
 i 
 
 scruple, 
 
 of 4 years 
 
 
 U 
 
 A 
 
 4 
 
 or 
 
 15 
 
 grains, 
 
 3 “ 
 
 
 (( 
 
 i 
 
 or 
 
 10 
 
 grains, 
 
 2 “ 
 
 
 (( 
 
 i 
 
 or 
 
 8 
 
 grains, 
 
 1 year 
 
 
 t ( 
 
 1 
 
 1 2 
 
 or 
 
 5 
 
 grains. 
 
 We prefer the following simple scheme of Dr. Young, which we extract from 
 Paris’s Pharmacologia. 
 
 “ For children under twelve years, the doses of most medicines must be di- 
 minished in the proportion of the age to the age increased by 12 ; thus at two 
 
 years to 4 — viz., 
 
 At twenty-one the full dose may be given.” 
 
 2+1.2 
 
 To the above rule some exceptions are offered in particular medicines, which 
 require to be given to children in much larger proportional doses than those above 
 stated. Such are castor oil and calomel, a certain quantity of which will in 
 general not produce a greater effect in a child two or three years old than double 
 the quantity in an adult. 
 
 Sex, temperament, and idiosyncrasy have also an influence upon the dose, and 
 should be kept in view in prescribing. Females usually require somewhat smaller 
 doses than males, and persons of sanguine temperament than the phlegmatic. 
 Constitutional peculiarities, called idiosyncrasies, often exist in individuals, ren- 
 dering them more than usually susceptible or insusceptible to the action of certain 
 remedies, the dose of which must be modified accordingly. Thus in some per. 
 
1408 Appendix. 
 
 sons a grain or two of calomel will excite salivation, while in others scarcely any 
 quantity which can be safely administered will produce this effect. Sometimes, 
 moreover, a medicine operates on an individual in a manner wholly different 
 from its ordinary mode. In all such cases experience is the only sure guide; 
 but the occasional existence of these peculiarities indicates the propriety of 
 making particular inquiries in relation to the idiosyncrasies of those patients, 
 for whom we may be called for the first time to prescribe. 
 
 Habit is another important circumstance which modifies the dose of medicines. 
 Generally speaking, the susceptibility to the action of medicines is diminished 
 by their frequent and continued use; and, in order to maintain a given im- 
 pression, the quantity must be regularly increased. This is especially true in 
 regard to the narcotics, which are sometimes borne in enormous doses by those 
 habituated to their use. It is a good practical rule in prescribing, when circum- 
 stances demand the continuance, for a considerable length of time, of some par- 
 ticular effect, to vary the medicine, and employ successively several with the 
 same general powers, so as not too rapidly to exhaust the susceptibility to the 
 action of any individual remedy. Another important practical rule connected 
 with the influence of habit is, when any medicine, which from its nature is of 
 variable strength, has been employed for some time in increasing doses, to reduce 
 the dose upon resorting to a new parcel, until its relative strength has been ascer- 
 tained. A neglect of this precaution, in cases where the last parcel happened 
 to be more powerful than that previously employed, has sometimes been followed 
 by very serious consequences. 
 
 2. Mode of Administering Medicines. — This has reference both to the 
 combination of medicines with one another, and the form in which they are 
 exhibited. 
 
 Simplicity in prescription is always desirable, when no object is to be gained 
 by deviating from it. Remedies should never be mixed together without a defi- 
 nite purpose, nor with the vague hope that, out of the number prescribed, some 
 one may perchance produce a salutary impression. Those exceedingly complex 
 prescriptions, formerly so much in vogue, of which the ingredients were so 
 numerous as to render altogether impossible a reasonable estimate of their bearing 
 on each other, or their effects on disease, have been generally abandoned by 
 modern practitioners. The only ground upon which any of them can be justi- 
 fiably retained is that, by very frequent trials, through a long course of years, 
 and in various states of disease, their influence on the system may have been 
 fully ascertained, so that they may be considered rather in the light of a single 
 remedy than a compound of many. Upon this ground, however, no prudent 
 physician would attempt to originate such combinations. In mixing medicines, 
 we ought to proceed no further than we should be justified in doing by a clear 
 knowledge of the properties and mutual relations of the several ingredients, and 
 their fitness to answer some particular indication in the treatment of disease. 
 There are certain principles upon which medicines may be advantageously com- 
 bined, and which it may not be amiss to mention for the benefit of the young 
 practitioner. 
 
 Remedies of the same general character may be given in connexion, in order 
 to increase their energy, or to render their action more certain. It has been 
 well ascertained that substances thus combined will often act vigorously, when, 
 severally, they would produce comparative!} 7 little effect; and it sometimes 
 happens that, while their activity is augmented, they are at the same time ren- 
 dered less irritating, as in the case of the drastic cathartics. (See Piluise Ca- 
 tharticse Compositas.) 
 
 Different medicines are very often mixed together, in order to meet different 
 and co-existing indications, without any reference to the influence which they 
 
Appendix. 1409 
 
 may reciprocally exert on each other. Thus in the same patient we not unfre- 
 quently meet with debility of stomach and constipation of the bowels, connected 
 with derangement of the hepatic function. To answer the indications presented 
 by these morbid conditions, we may properly combine in the same dose, a tonic, 
 cathartic, and mercurial alterative. For similar reasons we often unite tonics, 
 purgatives, and emmenagogues, anodynes and diaphoretics, emetics and cathar- 
 tics, antacids, astringents, and tonics; and scarcely two medicines can be men- 
 tioned, not absolutely incompatible with each other, which may not occasionally 
 be combined with advantage to counteract co-existing morbid conditions. 
 
 Another very important object of combination, is the modification which is 
 thereby effected in the actions of medicines differing from each other in pro- 
 perties. In this way new powers are sometimes developed, and those previously 
 existing are greatly increased. Examples of such a result ai'e afforded in the 
 officinal powder of ipecacuanha and opium, and in the combination of squill and 
 calomel; the former operating as a diaphoretic, the latter as a diuretic beyond 
 the capabilities of either of their constituents. The effects of one medicine are, 
 in numerous instances, increased by the influence of another in augmenting the 
 natural susceptibility of the system to its action. Thus bitters enable cathartics 
 to operate in smaller doses; purgatives awaken the dormant susceptibility to the 
 action of mercury; and stimulants excite the torpid stomach, so that it will re- 
 ceive impressions from various medicines before inoperative. In some instances, 
 the action of one medicine is promoted by that of another apparently of a nature 
 wholly opposite. Thus, when calomel and opium are given in colic, the purga- 
 tive operation of the former is facilitated by the relaxation of intestinal spasm 
 produced by the latter. Medicines, in addition to the effects for which they are 
 administered, very frequently produce disagreeable symptoms, which may be 
 moderated or altogether prevented by combination with other medicines; and 
 this object may usually be accomplished, without in the least degree interfering 
 with the remediate influence desired. Thus the griping produced by cathartics, 
 and the nausea by these and various other medicines, may often be corrected by 
 the simultaneous use of aromatics. To cover the disagreeable taste or odour of 
 certain medicines, and to afford a convenient vehicle for their administration, are 
 also important objects of combination; as upon these circumstances often depend 
 the acceptability of the medicine to the stomach, and even the possibility of 
 inducing the patient to swallow it. Substances should be preferred as vehicles 
 which are calculated to render the medicine acceptable to the palate and stomach, 
 and in other ways to correct its disagreeable effects; as syrups for powders, the 
 aromatic waters for medicines given in the form of mixture, and carbonic acid 
 water for the neutral salts. 
 
 But, in the mixing of medicines, care should be taken that they are neither 
 chemically nor physiologically incompatible; in other words, that they are not 
 such as will react on each other so as to produce new and unexpected combi- 
 nations, nor such as will exert contrary and opposite effects upon the system. 
 Thus when the operation of an acid is desired, an alkali should not be given at 
 the same time, as they unite to form a third substance entirely different from 
 either; nor should a soluble salt of lime, baryta, or lead be given with sulphuric 
 acid or a soluble sulphate, as decomposition would ensue, with the production 
 of an inert compound. So, also, in relation to physiological incompatibility, 
 diaphoretics and diuretics should not, as a general rule, be uuited with a view 
 to their respective effects; as these are to a certain extent incompatible, one 
 being diminished by whatever has a tendency to increase the other. There are 
 cases, however, in which we may advantageously combine medicines with a view 
 to their chemical reaction, as in the instance of the effervescing draught; and 
 circumstances sometimes call for the union of remedies apparently opposite, as 
 89 
 
1410 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 in the ease of colic before alluded to, in which opium may be advantageously 
 combined with purgatives. Still, such combinations should never be formed, 
 unless with a full understanding of their etfects, and a special reference to 
 them. 
 
 The form in which medicines are exhibited, is often an object of considerable 
 importance. By variation in this respect, according to the nature of the medi- 
 cine, the taste of the patient, or the condition of the stomach, we are frequently 
 enabled to secure the favourable operation of remedies, which, without such 
 attention, might prove useless or injurious. Medicines may be given in the 
 solid state, as in the form of powder, pill, troche, or electuary ; in the state of 
 mixture, in which a solid is suspended in a liquid, or one liquid is mechanically 
 mixed with another in which it is insoluble ; or in the state of solution, under 
 which may be included the various forms of infusion, decoction, tincture, wine, 
 vinegar, syrup, honey, and oxymel. Of these different forms we have already 
 treated sufficiently at large, under their respective heads, in the second part of 
 this work. 
 
 In writing extemporaneous prescriptions, neatness, order, and precision, 
 should always be observed ; as, independently of the pleasing moral effect in- 
 separable from these principles in all things, a positive practical advantage 
 results, in the greater accuracy which the habit of attending to them gives to 
 the prescriber, and the comparative certainty which they afford that his direc- 
 tions will be strictly complied with. As a general rule, when medicines are 
 combined in prescription, that should come first in order which is considered as 
 the most prominent and important, next the adjuvant or corrigent, and lastly 
 the vehicle. Sometimes, however, it is important to indicate to the apothecary 
 the succession in which the substances should be combined in reference to the 
 perfection of the mixture, and this may render convenient a deviation from the 
 order above mentioned. The physician should always be careful either to write 
 out the full name of the medicine, or to employ such abbreviations as are not 
 likely, by the misunderstanding of an ill-formed letter, to lead into error. Very 
 serious and even fatal mistakes have been occasioned by a neglect of this pre- 
 caution. The formulae of the several Pharmacopoeias which are detailed in this 
 work, will serve as good examples for the guidance of the young practitioner. 
 The following table explains the signs and abbreviations habitually used in pre- 
 scriptions. The formulae afterwards given will serve to illustrate the ordinary 
 mode of prescribing, while they exhibit combinations of medicines frequently 
 employed in practice. 
 
Appendix. 
 
 Table of Signs and Abbreviations. 
 
 1411 
 
 R 
 
 Recipe. 
 
 Take. 
 
 Collyr. 
 
 Collyrium. 
 
 An eye-water. 
 
 aa 
 
 Ana. 
 
 Of each. 
 
 Cong. 
 
 Congius vel 
 
 A gallon or gal- 
 
 ft 
 
 Libra vel libr*. 
 
 A pound or 
 
 Congii. 
 
 Ions. 
 
 
 
 pounds. 
 
 Decoct. 
 
 Decoctum. 
 
 A decoction. 
 
 5 
 
 Uncia vel unci®. 
 
 An ounce or 
 
 Ft. 
 
 Fiat. 
 
 Make. 
 
 
 
 ounces. 
 
 Garg. 
 
 Gargarysma. 
 
 A gargle. 
 
 3 
 
 Drachma vel 
 
 A drachm or 
 
 Gr. 
 
 Granum vel 
 
 A grain or 
 
 
 drachm®. 
 
 drachms. 
 
 
 gran a. 
 
 grains. 
 
 9 
 
 Scrupulus vel 
 
 A scruple or 
 
 Gtt. 
 
 Gutta vel gutt*. 
 
 A drop or drops. 
 
 
 scrupuli. 
 
 scruples. 
 
 Haust. 
 
 Haustus. 
 
 A draught. 
 
 0 
 
 Octarius vel oc- 
 
 A pint or pints. 
 
 Infus. 
 
 Infusum. 
 
 An infusion. 
 
 
 tarii. 
 
 M. 
 
 Misce. 
 
 Mix. 
 
 
 Fluiduncia vel 
 
 A fluidounce or 
 
 Mass. 
 
 Massa. 
 
 A mass. 
 
 fluidunci*. 
 
 fluidounces. 
 
 Mist. 
 
 Mistura. 
 
 A mixture. 
 
 f 3 
 
 Fluidrachma vel 
 
 A fluidrachm or 
 
 Pil. 
 
 Pilula vel 
 
 A pill or pills. 
 
 fluidrachm*. 
 
 fluidrachms. 
 
 
 pilul*. 
 
 «l 
 
 Minimum vel 
 
 A minim or 
 
 Pulv. 
 
 Pulvis vel pul- 
 
 A powder or 
 
 minima. 
 
 minims. 
 
 
 veres. 
 
 powders. 
 
 Chart. 
 
 Chartula vel 
 
 A small paper 
 
 Q. S. 
 
 Quantum suffi- 
 
 A sufficient 
 
 
 chartulse. 
 
 or papers. 
 
 
 cit. 
 
 quantity. 
 
 Coch. 
 
 Cochlear vel 
 
 A spoonful or 
 
 S. 
 
 Signa. 
 
 Write. 
 
 
 cochlearia. 
 
 spoonfuls. 
 
 Ss. 
 
 Semis. 
 
 A half. 
 
 Examples of Common Extemporaneous Prescriptions. 
 
 Powders. 
 
 g Antimonii et Potass* Tartratis gr.i. 
 Pulveris Ipecacuanhas 31- 
 Fiat pulvis. 
 
 S. To be taken in a wineglassful of 
 sweetened water. 
 
 An active emetic. 
 
 g Hydrargyri Chloridi Mitis, 
 
 Pulveris .Jalap*, aa gr.x. 
 
 Misce. 
 
 S. To be taken in syrup or molasses. 
 An excellent cathartic in the commence- 
 ment of bilious fevers, and in hepatic con- 
 gestion. 
 
 g Pulveris Jalap® gr.x. 
 
 Potass® Bitartratis jii. 
 
 Misce. 
 
 S. To be taken in syrup or molasses. 
 
 A hydragogue cathartic, used in dropsy, 
 and in scrofulous inflammation of the joints. 
 
 g Sulphuris f. 
 
 Potassae Bitartratis jii. 
 
 Misce. 
 
 S. To be taken in syrup or molasses. 
 
 A laxative used in piles and cutaneous 
 diseases. 
 
 g Pulveris Rhei gr.x. 
 
 Magnesi® 3 SS. 
 
 Fiat pulvis. 
 
 S. To be taken in syrup or molasses. 
 
 A laxative and antacid, used in diarrhoea, 
 dyspepsia, &c. 
 
 g Pulveris Scill* gr.xii. 
 
 Potassae Nitratis 3 L 
 Fiat pulvis, in chartulas sex dividen- 
 ds. 
 
 S. One to be taken twice or three times 
 a day in syrup or molasses. 
 
 A diuretic employed in dropsy. 
 
 g Potass® Nitratis fi. 
 
 Antimonii et Potass* Tartratis gr.i. 
 Hydrarg. Chlorid. Mitis gr.vi. 
 
 Fiat pulvis, in chartulas sex dividen- 
 dus. 
 
 S. One to be taken every two hours in 
 syrup or molasses. 
 
 A refrigerant, diaphoretic, and alterative, 
 used in bilious fevers' 'usually called nitrous 
 powders. 
 
 g Pulveris Guaiaci Resin®, 
 
 Potass® Nitratis, aa fi. 
 
 Pulveris Ipecacuanh* gr.iii. 
 
 Opii gr ii. 
 
 Fiat pulvis, in chartulas sex dividen- 
 dus. 
 
 S. One to be taken every three hours 
 in syrup or molasses. 
 
 A stimulant diaphoretic, used in rheu- 
 matism and gout after sufficient depletion. 
 
1412 Appendix. 
 
 R Ferri Subcarbonatis, S. One to be taken three times a day 
 
 Pulveris Colombae, in syrup or molasses. 
 
 Pulveris Zingiberis, aa 3b A tonic, used in dyspepsia and general 
 
 Fiat pulvis, in chartulas sex dividendus. debility. 
 
 Pills. 
 
 R Pulveris Aloes, 
 
 Pulveris Kliei, iia. 3SS. 
 
 Saponis Qi. 
 
 Misce, et cum aqua fiat massa in pilulas 
 viginti dividenda. 
 
 S. Two or three to be taken daily, at 
 bed-time, or before a meal. 
 
 An excellent laxative in habitual consti- 
 pation. 
 
 R Mass® Pilularum Hydrargyri, 
 
 Pulveris Aloes, 
 
 Pulveris Rliei, aa ^i. 
 
 Misce, et cum aqua fiat massa in pilulas 
 viginti dividenda. 
 
 S. Three to be taken at bed-time. 
 
 An alterative and laxative, useful in con- 
 stipation with deranged or deficient hepatic 
 secretion. 
 
 R Pulveris Aloes, 
 
 Extracti Quassias, aa3i. 
 
 Olei Anisi Ttpx. 
 
 Syi'upi q. s. 
 
 Misce, et fiat massa in pilulas triginta 
 dividenda. 
 
 S. Two to be taken once, twice, or three 
 times a day. 
 
 A laxative, tonic, and carminative, useful 
 in dyspepsia. 
 
 R Pulveris Soil!® 
 
 Hydrargyri Chloridi Mitis gr.x. 
 
 Pulveris Acaci®, 
 
 Syrupi, iia q. s. 
 
 Misce, et fiat massa in pilulas decern 
 dividenda. 
 
 S. One to be taken two or three times 
 a day. 
 
 A diuretic and alterative, much used in 
 dropsy, especially when complicated with 
 organic visceral disease. 
 
 R Pulveris Opii gr.iv. 
 
 Pulveris Ipecacuanha gr.xviii. 
 
 Pulveris Acacia, 
 
 Syrupi, aa q. s. 
 
 Misce, et fiat massa in pilulas duodecim 
 dividenda. 
 
 S. One to be taken after each stool. 
 
 An anodyne diaphoretic, useful in dysen- 
 tery and diarrhoea after the use of laxatives. 
 
 R Pulveris Opii, 
 
 Pulveris Ipecacuanha, aa gr.iii. 
 Hydrargyri Chloridi Mitis gr.vi. 
 Pulveris Acacia, 
 
 Syrupi, aa q. s. 
 
 Misce, et fiat massa in pilulas tres divi- 
 denda, 
 
 S. One or more to be taken at bed-time, 
 or according to circumstances. 
 
 An anodyne, diaphoretic, and alterative, 
 very useful in diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid 
 pneumonia, and various other diseases. 
 
 R Plumbi Acetatis, in pulv. triti, gr.xii. 
 Pulveris Opii gr.i. 
 
 Pulv. Acaci®, 
 
 Syrupi, aa q. s. ut fiat massa in pilulas 
 sex dividenda, 
 
 S. One every two, three, or four hours. 
 An astringent much employed in haemo- 
 ptysis and uterine hemorrhage. 
 
 Mixtures. 
 
 R Magnesia? 3L 
 Syrupi f|i. 
 
 Tere simul, et affunde 
 Aquae Acidi Carbonici f^iv. 
 
 Fiat haustus. 
 
 S. To be taken at a draught, the mix- 
 ture being well shaken. 
 
 An agreeable mode of administering mag- 
 nesia. 
 
 R Mann® gi. 
 
 Foehiculi contusi 31. 
 
 Aquee bullientis f^iv. 
 
 Fiat infusum et cola ; dein adjice 
 Magnesi® Carbonatis 3!!. 
 
 Ft. mist. 
 
 S. One-third to be taken every three or 
 four hours till it operates, the mixture being 
 shaken. 
 
 An excellent carminative and mild laxa- 
 tive in flatulence and pain in the bowels. 
 
 R Olei Rieini f^i. 
 
 Pulveris Acacite, 
 
 Sacchari, aa 3d. 
 
 Aqua? Mentha? Piperita? f 3 iii. 
 
 Acaciam et saccharum eum fluiduncia 
 dimidia aqua? month® tere: dein oleum ad- 
 jice, et eontere : denique aquam reliquam 
 paulatim infunde. et omnia misce. 
 
 S. To be taken at a draught, the mix- 
 ture being well shaken. 
 
Appendix. 1418 
 
 R Olei Ricini f^i. 
 
 Yitellum ovi uuius. 
 
 Tere simul, et adde 
 Syrupi fgss. 
 
 Aqu® Me nth® Piperit® f^ii. 
 
 Ft. lmust. 
 
 S. To be taken at a draught, the mix- 
 ture being well shaken. 
 
 This an^l the preceding formula afford 
 convenient modes of administering castor 
 oil, when the stomach is irritable. Any 
 other fixed oil may be given in the same 
 way. Half the quantity will often answer. 
 
 R Olei Ricini fgiss. 
 
 Tinctur® Opii rrpxxx. 
 
 Pulv. Acacias, 
 
 Sacchari, aa gii. 
 
 Aquae Menthae Viridis f 5 iv. 
 
 Acaciam et saccharum cum paululo aquae 
 menthae tere ; dein oleum adjice, et iterum 
 tere ; denique aquam reliquam paulatim in- 
 funde, et omnia misce. 
 
 S. A tablespoonful to be taken every 
 hour or two hours till it operates, the mix- 
 ture being each time well shaken. 
 
 Used as a gentle laxative in dysentery 
 and diarrhoea. It is usually known by the 
 name of oleaginous mixture. 
 
 R Elaterii gr.i. 
 
 Spiritus AStheris Nitrici fgii. 
 
 Tinctur® Scill®, 
 
 Vini Colchici Rad., aa f^ss. 
 
 Syrupi f|i. 
 
 Ft. mist. 
 
 S. A tablespoonful to be taken three or 
 four times a day in a little water. 
 
 Diuretic, used by Ferriar in dropsy. 
 
 R Copaibas, 
 
 Spiritus Lavandulae Comp., aa fgii. 
 Mucilaginis Acaciae fgss. 
 
 Syrupi f 3 i i i . 
 
 Simul tere ; dein paulatim affunde 
 Aquae f§iv. 
 
 Misce. 
 
 S. A tablespoonful to be taken four 
 times a day, or more frequently. 
 
 Given in chronic catarrh, and chronic 
 nephritic affections. The dose must be 
 larger in gonorrhoea. 
 
 -> 
 
 Neutral Mixture. 
 
 R Acidi Citrici gii. 
 
 Olei Limonis rtpi. 
 
 Simul tere, et adde 
 Aquae f'3 iv. 
 
 Liqua, et adde 
 
 Potassae Carbonatis q. s. ad saturand. 
 Misce, et per linteum cola. 
 
 Or, 
 
 R Succi Limonis recentis f^iv. 
 
 Potass® Carbonatis q, s. ad saturandum. 
 Misce et cola. 
 
 S. A tablespoonful to be given with an 
 equal quantity of water, every hour or two 
 hours. 
 
 An excellent diaphoretic in fever. 
 
 Effervescing Draught. 
 
 R Potass® Carbonatis gii. 
 
 Aqu® f^iv. 
 
 Liqua. 
 
 Or, 
 
 R Potass® Bicarbonatis giii. 
 
 Aqu® fijiv. 
 
 Liqua. 
 
 S. Add a tablespoonful of the solution 
 to the same quantity of lemon or lime-juice, 
 previously mixed with a tablespoonful of 
 water ; and give the mixture, in the state of 
 effervescence, every hour or two hours. 
 
 An excellent diaphoretic and anti-emetic 
 in fever with nausea or vomiting. 
 
 Brown Mixture. 
 
 R Pulv. Extract. Glycyrrliiz®, 
 
 Pulv. Acaci®, aa zii. 
 
 Aqu® ferventis f^iv. 
 
 Liqua, et adde 
 Vini Antimonii f^ii. 
 
 Tinctur® Opii rrpxx. 
 
 Ft. mist. 
 
 S. A tablespoonful to be taken occa- 
 sionally. 
 
 Expectorant, demulcent, and anodyne, 
 useful in catarrhal affections. 
 
 R Antimonii et Potass® Tartratis gr.i. 
 Syrupi Scill®, 
 
 Liquoris Morphi® Sulphatis, aa f^ss. 
 Pulveris Acaci® gii. 
 
 Syrupi f £ss. 
 
 Aqu® f^iv. 
 
 Ft. mist. 
 
 S. A tablespoonful to be taken occa- 
 sionally. 
 
 An expectorant and anodyne cough mix- 
 ture. 
 
 R Acidi Nitrosi f 3L 
 Tinctur® Opii gtt.xl. 
 
 Aqu® Camphor® fgviii. 
 
 Misce. 
 
 S. One-fourth to be taken every three 
 or four hours. 
 
 Hope’s mixture, used in dysentery, diar- 
 rhoea, and cholera. 
 
 R Camphor® gi. 
 
 Myrrh® sjss. 
 
 Pulv. Acaci®, 
 
 Sacchari. aa gii. 
 
 Aqu® f§vi. 
 
 Camphoram cum alcoholis paululo in 
 pulverem tere ; dein cum myrrha, acacia, et 
 saccharo contere ; denique cum aqua paula- 
 tim instillata misce. 
 
1414 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 S. A tablespoonful to be taken for a dose, 
 the mixture being well shaken. 
 
 A convenient form for administering 
 camphor. 
 
 R Cret® Pr®parat® J^iv. 
 
 Mass® Pil. Hydrarg. gr.viii. 
 
 Tinctur® Opii gtt.viii. 
 
 Pulveris Acaci®, 
 
 Sacchari, aa gi. 
 
 Aqu® Cinnamomi, 
 
 Aqu®, aa fgi. 
 
 Solida simul tere, dein liquida paulatim 
 inter terendum adjice, et omnia misce. 
 
 S. A teaspoonful to be taken for a dose, 
 the mixture being well shaken. 
 
 An antacid and alterative mixture, well 
 adapted to infantile diarrhoea with white 
 
 stools. The dose mentioned is for a child 
 a year or two old, and may be repeated four 
 or six times in twenty-four hours. 
 
 R Pulveris Kino gii. 
 
 Aquse bullientis f gvi. 
 
 Fiat infusum et cola; dein secundum 
 artem admisce, 
 
 Cretse Pr®parat® giii. 
 
 Tincturse Opii fgss. 
 
 Spiritus Lavandulae Compositi f^ss. 
 Pulveris Acaci®, 
 
 Sacchari, aa gii. 
 
 S. A tablespoonful to be taken for a dose, 
 the mixture being well shaken. 
 
 Astringent and antacid, useful in diar- 
 rhoea. 
 
 Solutions. 
 
 R Magnesias Sulphatis gi. 
 
 Syrupi Limouis fgi. 
 
 Aqua; Acidi Carbonici f^vi. 
 
 Misce. 
 
 S. To be taken at a draught. 
 
 An agreeable mode of administering sul- 
 phate of magnesia. 
 
 R Potass® Nitrafis gi. 
 
 Antimonii et Potass® Tartratis gr.i. 
 Aqu® fgiv. 
 
 Liqua. 
 
 S. A tablespoonful to be taken every two 
 hours. 
 
 A refrigerant diaphoretic, used in fevers. 
 
 R Magnesi® Sulphatis Ji. 
 
 Antimonii et Potass® Tartratis gr.i. 
 Succi Limonis recentis fgi. 
 
 Aqu® f^iii. 
 
 Misce. 
 
 S. A tablespoonful to be taken every two 
 hours till it operates upon the bowels. 
 Useful in fevers. 
 
 R Quini® Sulphatis gr.xii. 
 
 Acidi Sulphurici Aromatici gtt.xxiv. 
 Syrupi fg ss. 
 
 Aqu® Menth® Piperit® fgi. 
 
 Misce. 
 
 S. A teaspoonful to be taken every hour 
 or two hours. 
 
 A good mode of administering sulphate 
 of quinia in solution. 
 
 Infusions. 
 
 R Sennre giii. 
 
 Magnesi® Sulphatis, 
 
 Mann®, aa ^ss. 
 
 Foeniculi gi. 
 
 Aqu® bullientis Oss. 
 
 Macera per horam in vase leviter clauso, 
 et cola. 
 
 S. A teacupful to be taken every four or 
 five hours till it operates. 
 
 An excellent purgative in febrile com- 
 plaints. 
 
 R Colomb® contus®, 
 
 Zingiberis contusi, aa gss. 
 
 Senn® gii. 
 
 Aqu® bullientis Oi. 
 
 Macera per horam in vase leviter clauso, 
 et cola. 
 
 S. A wineglassful to be taken morning, 
 noon, and evening, or less frequently if it 
 operate too much. 
 
 An excellent remedy in dyspepsia with 
 constipation and flatulence. 
 
 R Spigeli® gss. 
 
 Senn® gii. 
 
 Mann® gi. 
 
 Foeniculi gii. \ 
 
 Aqu® bullientis Oi. 
 
 Macera per horam in vase leviter clauso, 
 et cola. 
 
 S. A wineglassful to be given to a child 
 from two to four years old, three or four 
 times a day. 
 
 A powerful anthelmintic. 
 
 R Pulveris Cinchon® Ruhr® gi. 
 
 Acidi Sulphurici Aromatici fgi. 
 
 Aqu® Oi. 
 
 Macera per horas duodecim, subinde 
 agitans. 
 
 S. A wineglassful of the clear liquid to 
 be taken for a dose. 
 
 A good method of administering Peru- 
 vian bark in cold infusion. 
 
Appendix. 
 
 1415 
 
 III. TABLES OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 
 
 APOTHECARIES’ WEIGHT. V. S., Land., Ed. 
 
 Pound. Ounces. 
 
 Drachms. 
 
 Scruples. 
 
 Grains. 
 
 Ib 1 = 12 
 
 = 96 = 
 
 288 
 
 5760 
 
 l 1 
 
 = 8 = 
 
 ■it = 
 
 480 
 
 
 3 1 = 
 
 3 = 
 
 60 
 
 
 9 l = 
 
 gr. 20 
 
 The Imperial Standard Troy weight, at present recognised by the British 
 laws, corresponds with the Apothecaries’ weight in pounds, ounces, and grains, 
 but differs from it in the division of the ounce, which, according to the former 
 scale, contains twenty pennyweights, each weighing twenty-four grains. 
 
 AVOIRDUPOIS WEIGHT. 
 
 Pound, 
 
 ife 1 
 
 Ounces. 
 16 
 )Z. 1 
 
 Drachms. 
 
 256 
 16 
 dr. 1 
 
 = gr 
 
 Troy Grains. 
 
 7000 
 437-5 
 27-34375 
 
 Relative Value of Troy and Avoirdupois Weights , 
 
 Pound. Pounds. Pound. Oz 
 
 1 Troy — 0’822857 Avoirdupois = 0 
 
 1 Avoirdupois — P215277 Troy = 1 
 
 13 
 
 2 
 
 Grains. 
 
 72-5 
 
 280 
 
 DUBLIN WEIGHTS* 
 
 Pound. 
 
 lb 1 
 
 Ounces. 
 
 Drachms. 
 
 Scruples. 
 
 Grains. 
 
 Gallon. 
 
 Cong. 
 
 = 
 
 16 = 128 
 
 = 
 
 384 = 
 
 7000 
 
 
 11= 8 
 
 = 
 
 24 = 
 
 437-5 
 
 
 3 i 
 
 - 
 
 3 = 
 
 = 54-68 
 
 
 
 3 1 = 
 
 = 18-22 
 
 APOTHECARIES’ OR WINE MEASURE. 
 
 U.S. 
 
 Pints. 
 
 Fluidounces. Fluidrachms. 
 
 Minims. 
 
 Cubic Inches. 
 
 = 8 
 
 = 128 = 
 
 1024 
 
 = 61440 
 
 = 231 
 
 O 1 
 
 = 16 .= 
 
 128 
 
 = 7680 
 
 = 28-875 
 
 
 n i = 
 
 8 
 
 = 480 
 
 = 1-8047 
 
 
 
 f 3 l 
 
 = nr 60 
 
 == -2256 
 
 IMPERIAL MEASURE. 
 
 Adopted by all the British Colleges. 
 
 Gallon. 
 
 Pints. 
 
 Fluidounces. 
 
 Fluidrachms. 
 
 Minims. 
 
 1 = 
 
 8 
 
 = 160 = 
 
 1280 = 
 
 76800 
 
 
 1 
 
 = 20 = 
 
 160 = 
 
 9600 
 
 
 
 1 = 
 
 8 = 
 
 480 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 60 
 
 * By this term is meant the division of weights adopted by the Dublin College in their 
 Pharmacopoeia of 1850. The division of the drachm and scruple is not the nearest ap- 
 proximation to accuracy. The precise number for the drachm is 54-6875, which would 
 give as the nearest to the precise number, with two decimals, for the drachm 54-69, and 
 for the scruple 18-23. 
 
1416 
 
 Appendix . 
 
 Relative Value of Apothecaries' and Imperial Measure. 
 
 apothecaries’ measure. 
 
 1 gallon 
 1 pint 
 1 fluidounce 
 1 fluidrachm 
 
 IMPERIAL MEASURE. 
 Pints. Fluidounces. Fluidrachms. 
 
 6 13 2 
 
 1.6 5 
 
 1 0 
 
 1 
 
 Minima. 
 
 23 
 
 18 
 
 20 
 
 2.5 
 
 104 
 
 IMPERIAL MEASURE. 
 
 gallon 
 
 pint 
 
 fluidounce 
 
 fluidrachm 
 
 minim 
 
 apothecaries’ measure. 
 
 Gallon. 
 
 Fluidoz. Fluidr. 
 
 Minims. 
 
 8 
 
 38 
 
 41 
 
 58 
 
 096 
 
 Relative Value of Weights and Measures in Distilled Water at 
 60° Fahrenheit. 
 
 1. Value of Apothecaries’ Weight in Apothecaries’ Measure. 
 
 pound = 
 ounce = 
 drachm == 
 scruple = 
 grain = 
 
 0V900031 pints 
 1'0533376 fluidounces 
 1‘0533376 fluidrachms 
 
 Pints. Fluidoz. Fluidr. 
 
 12 
 
 1 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Minims. 
 
 7-2238 
 
 25-6020 
 
 32002 
 
 21-0667 
 
 1-0533 
 
 Value of Apothecaries’ Measure in Apothecaries’ Weight. 
 
 gallon 
 
 pint 
 
 fluidounce 
 
 fluidrachm 
 
 minim 
 
 Pounds. Oz. Dr. Sc. Gr. 
 
 Grains. 
 
 10-12654270 pounds =10 1 4 0 
 
 1-26581783 pounds =13 11 
 
 0"94936332 ounces = 0 0 7 1 
 
 0"94936332 drachms = 0 0 0 2 
 
 0 '94936332 grains = 
 
 8-88 = 58328-886 
 
 11 11 = 7291 1107 
 
 15- 69 = 455-6944 
 
 16- 96 = 56-9618 
 
 •9493 
 
 3. Value of Avoirdupois Weight in Apothecaries’ Measure. 
 
 to 
 
 Pints. Fluidounces. 
 
 1 pound = 0"9600732 pints =0 15 
 
 1 ounce = 0 9600732 fluidounces =0 0 
 
 Fluidrachms. 
 
 9 
 
 Minims. 
 
 53-3622 
 
 40-8351 
 
 4. Value of Apothecaries’ Measure in Avoirdupois Weight. 
 
 1 gallon = 8"33269800 pounds. 
 
 1 pint = 1 04158725 pounds. 
 
 1 fluidounce = 1"04158725 ounces. 
 
 5. Value of Imperial Measure in Apothecaries’ and Avoirdupois Weights. 
 
 Imperial Measure. 
 
 1 gallon = 12 lb 
 1 pint — - 1 
 
 1 fluidounce = 
 
 1 fluidrachm = 
 
 1 minim = 
 
 Apothecaries’ Weight. 
 
 1 
 
 63 
 
 29 
 
 2 
 
 0 
 
 2 
 
 0 gr. 
 10 
 17-5 
 14-69 
 
 Avoirdupois Weight. Grains, 
 
 10 ft 
 
 Cubic Inches. 
 
 = 70.000 = 277-27384 
 
 = 8.750 = 34-65923 
 
 = 437-5 = 1-73296 
 
 54-69 = 0-21662 
 
 •91 = 0-00361 
 
Appendix. 1417 
 
 In converting the weights of liquids heavier or lighter than water into 
 measures, or conversely, a correction must be made for specific gravity. In 
 converting weights into measures, the calculator may proceed as if the liquid 
 was water, and the obtained measure will be to the true measure inversely as 
 the specific gravity. In the converse operation, of turning measures into 
 weights, the same assumption may be made, and the obtained weight will be 
 to the true weight directly as the specific gravity. 
 
 FORMER FRENCH WEIGHTS. 
 
 Pound. 
 
 Marc. 
 
 Onces. 
 
 Gros. Deniers. 
 
 Grains. Troy Grains. 
 
 
 Grammes. 
 
 1 Poids de Marc 
 
 2 
 
 = 16 = 
 
 128 = 384 
 
 = 9216 = 7561 
 
 = 
 
 489-5058 
 
 1 Apothecary 
 
 = 1-5 
 
 = 12 = 
 
 96 = 288 
 
 = 6912 = 5670-5 
 
 — 
 
 367-1294 
 
 
 1 
 
 — 8 — 
 
 64 = 192 
 
 = 4608 = 3780-5 
 
 — 
 
 244-7529 
 
 
 
 1 — 
 
 8 = 24 
 
 = 576 = 472-5 
 
 — 
 
 30-5941 
 
 
 
 
 1 = 3 
 
 = 72 = 59-1 
 
 — 
 
 3-8242 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 = 24 = 19-7 
 
 — 
 
 1-2747 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 = 0-8 
 
 = 
 
 •0530 
 
 Relative Value of old French and English Weights. 
 
 Poids de Marc. 
 
 1 pound 
 1 once (ounce) 
 
 1 gros (drachm) 
 1 grain 
 
 Troy TV eight. Avoirdupois. 
 
 = 1-312680 ib == 1-080143 lb 
 
 = -984504 oz. = 1-080143 oz. 
 
 == -954504 dr. = 
 
 Troy Grains. 
 
 = 7561 
 = 472-5625 
 59-0703125 
 •820421 
 
 Troy. 
 
 1 pound 
 1 ounce 
 1 drachm 
 1 grain 
 
 Poids de Marc. 
 
 = 0-76180 lb = 
 
 = 1 '01574 onces = 
 
 = 1'01574 gros = 
 
 Trench Grains. 
 
 7561 
 585-083 
 73 135 
 
 1-219 
 
 Avoirdupois. 
 
 1 pound 
 1 ounce 
 
 Poids de Marc. 
 
 - 0-925803 ib = 
 
 = 0 '925803 once — 
 
 French Grains. 
 
 8532-3 
 
 533-27 
 
 To convert French grains into Troy grains, divide by 
 
 ■ Troy grains into French grains, multiply by 
 
 French ounces into Troy ounces, divide by 
 
 Troy ounces into French ounces, multiply by 
 
 French pounds (poids de marc) into Troy 
 
 pounds, multiply by 
 
 Troy pounds into French pounds, divide by 
 
 1-2189 
 
 1-015734 
 
 1-31268 
 
 FRENCH DECIMAL WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 
 
 The French metrical system is based upon the idea of employing, as the 
 unity of all measures, whether of length, capacity, or weight, a uniform un- 
 changeable standard, adopted from nature, the multiples and subdivisions of 
 which should follow in decimal progression. To obtain such a standard, the 
 length of one-fourth part of the terrestrial meridian, extending from the equator 
 to the pole, was ascertained. The ten millionth part of this arc was chosen 
 as the unity of measures of length, and was denominated metre. The cube of 
 the tenth part of the metre was taken as the unity of measures of capacity, 
 and denominated litre. The weight of distilled water, at its greatest density, 
 which this cube is capable of containing, was called kilogramme , of which the 
 thousandth part was adopted as the unity of weight, under the name of gramme. 
 The multiples of these measures, proceeding in the decimal progression, are 
 
1418 Appendix. 
 
 distinguished by employing the prefixes, deca, hecto, Jcilo, and myria, taken 
 from the Greek numerals ; and the subdivisions, following the same order, by 
 deci, centi, mill, from the Latin numerals. 
 
 The metre, or unity of length, at 32° = 39 '311 English inches at 62°. 
 The litre, or unity of capacity = 61'028 English cubic inches. 
 
 The gramme, or unity of weight = 15 '434 Troy grains. 
 
 Upon this basis the following tables, taken with some slight alterations from 
 the Edinburgh New Dispensatory, have been constructed. It was ascertained 
 by accurate examination at the London Mint, that the gramme is only 15'434 
 Troy grains, though sometimes stated at 15 '444 grains. 
 
 MEASURES OF LENGTH. 
 
 The metre being at 32°, and the foot at 62°. 
 
 Millimetre 
 
 Centimetre 
 
 Decimetre 
 
 = 
 
 English Inches. 
 
 •03937 
 
 •39371 
 
 393710 
 
 Miles. 
 
 Fur. 
 
 Yards. 
 
 Feet. 
 
 Inches. 
 
 Metre 
 
 = 
 
 39-37100 = 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 0 
 
 3-371 
 
 Decametre 
 
 = 
 
 393 71000 = 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 9-710 
 
 Hectometre 
 
 = 
 
 3937-10000 = 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 109 
 
 X 
 
 1100 
 
 Kilometre 
 
 = 
 
 39371-00000 = 
 
 0 
 
 4 
 
 213 
 
 1 
 
 11-000 
 
 Myriametre 
 
 = 
 
 393710 00000 = 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 156 
 
 1 
 
 2-000 
 
 
 
 MEASURES OF 
 
 CAPACITY. 
 
 
 
 
 Millilitre 
 
 Centilitre 
 
 Decilitre 
 
 Litre 
 
 Decalitre 
 
 Hectolitre 
 
 Kilolitre 
 
 Myrialitre 
 
 English Cubic Inches. 
 
 = '061028 = 
 
 = '610280 = 
 
 = 6 102800 = 
 = 61-028000 = 
 
 = 610-280000 = 
 
 = 6102-800000 
 
 = 61028-000000 
 
 = 610280-000000 
 
 Apothecaries’ Measure. 
 
 16 2318 minims. 
 2*7053 fluidrachms. 
 3*3816 fluidounces. 
 2*1135 pints. 
 2*6419 gallons. 
 
 MEASURES OF WEIGHT. 
 
 Milligramme 
 
 Centigramme 
 
 Decigramme 
 
 Gramme 
 
 Decagramme 
 
 Hectogramme 
 
 Kilogramme 
 
 Myriagramme 
 
 Troy Grains. 
 
 •0154 
 
 •1543 
 
 1-5434 
 
 15-4340 ib. 
 
 154-3402 0 
 
 1543-4023 = 0 
 
 15434-0234 == 2 
 
 154340-2344 = 26 
 
 oz. dr. ct. 
 
 0 2 34-3 
 
 3 1 434 
 
 8 1 14 
 
 9 4 20 
 
 Though the decimal system of weights and measures was established by law 
 in France, it was found impossible to procure its general adoption by the people, 
 who obstinately adhered to the old poids de marc and its divisions ; or, if they 
 adopted the new weights, gave them the names of the old weights to which they 
 most nearly approached. Thus the kilogramme, which is equal to 18,827 T Vo 
 French grains, or 2 pounds 5 gros 35 y'/o grains poids de marc, was divided 
 into two parts, and the half of it called a pound. One reason for this adherence 
 
Appendix. 
 
 1419 
 
 to the old weights was the convenience of division into halves, quarters, &c., of 
 which the new were not susceptible. To obviate this difficulty the Imperial 
 government legalized the employment of the half kilogramme as the unity of 
 weight, under the name of pound, and allowed this to be divided into half 
 pounds, quarters, eighths, ounces, &c., as in the old poids de marc. The new 
 pound is distinguished by the name of metrical pound, and has been adopted to 
 a considerable extent; while the old weights are retained by some, particularly 
 by the apothecaries and goldsmiths; so that three systems are now more or less 
 in use in France — the original poicls de marc, the decimal system, and the 
 metrical pound with its divisions. The following table represents the relative 
 value of these different weights. 
 
 Decimal System. Poid? de Marc. Metrical Pound. 
 
 
 lb oz. dr. 
 
 gr- 
 
 
 a 
 
 oz. 
 
 dr. 
 
 gr. 
 
 1 centigramme = 
 
 0 0 0 
 
 0T9 
 
 = 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 0-18 
 
 1 decigramme — 
 
 0 0 0 
 
 1-88 
 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 1-84 
 
 1 gramme - 
 
 0 0 0 
 
 18-83 
 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 18-43 
 
 1 decagramme = 
 
 0 0 2 
 
 44-27 
 
 ■ - 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 2 
 
 40-32 
 
 1 hectogramme — 
 
 0 3 2 
 
 1071 
 
 = 
 
 0 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 43-2 
 
 1 kilogramme = 
 
 2 0 5 
 
 35-15 
 
 '= 
 
 2 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 0 
 
 Poids de Marc. 
 
 Grammes. 
 
 
 Metrical Pound. 
 
 
 Grammes. 
 
 1 grain == 
 
 0-0531 
 
 1 
 
 grain 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 0-054 
 
 24 grains or 9i = 
 
 1-2747 , 
 
 24 
 
 grains 
 
 or 
 
 9i 
 
 — 
 
 1-302 
 
 72 grains or 3i = 
 
 3-8242 
 
 72 grains or 3i 
 
 = 
 
 3-906 
 
 1 ounce 
 
 30-5941 
 
 1 
 
 ounce 
 
 
 
 = 
 
 31-25 
 
 1 pound - - 
 
 489-5058 
 
 1 pound 
 
 
 
 = 
 
 500 
 
 The following table is taken from Christison’s Dispensatory, and was calcu- 
 lated chiefly from data contained in Soubeiran’s Traite de Pharmacie. 
 
 Table of certain foreign Apothecaries' Weights, exhibiting the Value of their 
 
 different Denominations in Troy 
 
 Grains. 
 
 
 
 Pound. 
 
 Ounce. 
 
 Drachm. 
 
 Scruple. 
 
 Grain. 
 
 French (old) 
 
 - 5670-5 
 
 472-50 
 
 59-10 
 
 19-70 
 
 0-820 
 
 Spanish - r 
 
 - 5320 4 
 
 443-49 
 
 55-44 
 
 18-47 
 
 0-769 
 
 Tuscan - 
 
 - 5240-3 
 
 436-67 
 
 54-58 
 
 18-19 
 
 0-758 
 
 Roman - 
 
 - 5235-0 
 
 436-25 
 
 54-53 
 
 18-17 
 
 0-757 
 
 Austrian 
 German or ) 
 
 - 6495-1 
 
 541-25 
 
 67-65 
 
 22-55 
 
 1127 
 
 Nuremberg j- 
 Russian ) 
 
 - 5524-8 
 
 460-40 
 
 57-55 
 
 19-18 
 
 0-960 
 
 Prussian 
 
 - 5415-1 
 
 45126 
 
 56-40 
 
 18-80 
 
 0-940 
 
 Dutch ) 
 
 Belgian j 
 
 - 5695-8 
 
 474-64 
 
 59-33 
 
 19-78 
 
 0-988 
 
 Swedish 
 
 - 5500-2 
 
 458-34 
 
 57-29 
 
 19-09 
 
 0 954 
 
 Piedmontese 
 
 - 4744-7 
 
 395-39 
 
 49-45 
 
 16-48 
 
 0-824 
 
 Venetian 
 
 - 4661-4 
 
 388-45 
 
 48-55 
 
 16-18 
 
 0-809 
 
 Of these weights, all, except the French, Spanish, Tuscan, and Roman (first 
 named in the table), are divided into parts corresponding with those of the 
 English Apothecaries’ weight. In these four, the drachm contains 72 instead 
 of 60 grains, and the scruple 24 instead of 20 grains ; but, as in the English, 
 there are 3 scruples in the drachm, 8 drachms in the ounce, and 12 ounces in 
 the pound. 
 
1420 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 APPROXIMATE MEASUREMENT. 
 
 For the sake of convenience, in the absence of proper instruments, we often 
 make use of means of measurement, which, though not precise nor uniform, 
 afford results sufficiently accurate for ordinary purposes. Of this kind are cer- 
 tain household implements, of a capacity approaching to uniformity, and cor- 
 responding to a certain extent with the regular standard measures. Custom 
 has attached a fixed value to these implements, with which it is proper that the 
 practitioner should be familiar; although their capacity, as they are now made, 
 with the exception of the wineglass, generally somewhat exceeds that at which 
 they were originally and still continue to be estimated. 
 
 A tea-cup is estimated to contain about four fluidounces, or a gill. 
 
 A wineglass .... two fluidounces. 
 
 A tablespoon (cochlear magnum) - half a fluidounce. 
 
 A teaspoon (cochlear parvum) - a fluidrachm. 
 
 Small quantities of liquid medicines are often estimated by drops, each of 
 which is usually considered equivalent to a minim, or the sixtieth part of a 
 fluidrachm. The drop of water and of watery fluids is, on an average, about 
 this size; but the same is by no means the case with all medicinal liquids, and 
 the drop even of the same liquid varies much in bulk, according to the circum- 
 stances under which it is formed. This is, therefore, an uncertain mode of 
 estimating the quantity of liquids, and should be superseded where minim 
 measures can be had. 
 
 The results stated in the following table were obtained by Mr. E. Durand, 
 of Philadelphia. (See Journ. of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, i. 169.) 
 They may be relied on as accurate, but should be considered as indicating only 
 the relative number of drops afforded by the several liquids mentioned ; for, 
 under other circumstances than those of Mr. Durand’s experiments, entirely 
 different results might be obtained as relates to each liquid. The preparations 
 experimented with were those of the first edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. 
 
 Table, exhibiting the Number of Drops of different Liquids equivalent to a 
 
 Fluidrachm. 
 
 Drops. 
 
 Acid, acetic (crystallizable) 1*20 
 
 Acid, hydrocyanic (medicinal) 45 
 
 Acid, muriatic 54 
 
 Acid, nitric 84 
 
 Acid, nitric, diluted (1 to 7) 51 
 
 Acid, sulphuric 90 
 
 Acid, sulphuric, aromatic 120 
 
 Acid, sulphuric, diluted (1 to 7) 51 
 
 Alcohol (rectified spirit) 138 
 
 Alcohol, diluted (proof spirit) 120 
 
 Arsenite of potassa, solution of 57 
 
 Ether, sulphuric 150 
 
 Oil of aniseed, of cinnamon, of 
 cloves, of peppermint, of sweet 
 almonds, of olives 120* 
 
 Drops. 
 
 Tincture of assafetida, of fox- 
 
 glove, of guaiac, of opium 
 
 120 
 
 Tincture of chloride of iron 
 
 132 
 
 Vinegar, distilled 
 
 78 
 
 Vinegar of colchicum 
 
 78 
 
 Vinegar of opium (black drop) 
 
 78 
 
 Adnegar of squill 
 
 78 
 
 Water, distilled 
 
 45 
 
 Water of ammonia (strong) 
 
 54 
 
 Water of ammonia (weak) 
 
 45 
 
 Wine (Teneriffe) 
 
 78 
 
 AVine, antimonial 
 
 72 
 
 Wine of colchicum 
 
 75 
 
 AVine of opium 
 
 78 
 
 * See page 1098 for tlie results obtained by Professor Procter with the volatile oils, 
 which give a considerably smaller number of drops to the fluidrachm than here stated, 
 showing how different may be the results obtained under different circumstances. 
 
Appendix, 
 
 1421 
 
 IY. ALPHABETICAL TABLE OF PHARMACEUTICAL 
 EQUIVALENTS* 
 
 Name. 
 
 
 Symbol or Formula, j 
 
 Equivalent. 
 
 , acetic - 
 
 - 
 
 cjelo 3 
 
 51 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 c 4 h 3 o 3 +ho 
 
 60 
 
 amylic. See Acid, valerianic, 
 antiinonic .... 
 
 Sb0 5 
 
 169 
 
 antimonious - 
 
 - 
 
 Sb0 4 
 
 161 
 
 arsenic - 
 
 - 
 
 As0 3 
 
 115 
 
 arsenious ... 
 
 - 
 
 AsOg 
 
 99 
 
 benzoic - - 
 
 - 
 
 c 14 h 5 0 3 
 
 113 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 c 14 ha+ho 
 
 122 
 
 boracic - 
 
 - 
 
 bo 3 
 
 349 
 
 camphoric (monohydrated) 
 
 - 
 
 cjia+iio 
 
 100 
 
 carbonic ... 
 
 - 
 
 co a 
 
 22 
 
 chloric - 
 
 - 
 
 C10 3 
 
 75-42 
 
 chlorous ... 
 
 - 
 
 C10 4 
 
 67-42 
 
 chromic - 
 
 - 
 
 Cr0 3 
 
 50-27 
 
 citric 
 
 - 
 
 C„H s O« 
 
 165 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 AIIAA4IIO 
 
 201 
 
 gallic (dried at 212°) 
 
 - 
 
 C-HA 
 
 85 
 
 hydriodic ... 
 
 
 ' HI 
 
 127-3 
 
 hydrocyanic (prusoie acid) 
 
 - 
 
 HCy 
 
 27 
 
 hydrosulphuric (sulphuretted hydrogen) 
 
 HS 
 
 17 
 
 hypochlorous - - - 
 
 - 
 
 clo 
 
 43 42 
 
 hyponitrous - 
 
 - 
 
 no 3 
 
 38 
 
 hypophosphorous 
 
 - 
 
 PO 
 
 40 
 
 hyposulphuric 
 
 - 
 
 SA 
 
 72 
 
 hyposulphurous 
 
 - 
 
 SA 
 
 48 
 
 iodic - - 
 
 - 
 
 10, 
 
 166-3 
 
 kiuic (crystallized) - 
 
 - 
 
 0,HA 
 
 96 
 
 lactic (monohydrated) 
 
 - 
 
 c 6 ha+ho 
 
 90 
 
 meconic (dried at 212°) - 
 
 ■■ .V 
 
 c 44 h 4 0 14 
 
 200 
 
 muriatic (hydrochloric acid) 
 
 - 
 
 HC1 
 
 36-42 
 
 nitric 
 
 - 
 
 N0 S 
 
 54 
 
 quadrihydrated (sp. gr. 
 
 1-42) 
 
 N0 5 +4H0 
 
 90 
 
 * This table includes all the elements, although many of them are not used in medi- 
 cine. It also embraces a few compounds which are not used in pharmacy, but which are 
 inserted on account of their general importance. Including aridium and elonarium, the 
 present number of the elements is 65. 
 
 f By modern chemists the elements are designated by letters, called symbols'. The 
 initial letter of the name is the symbol, whenever it is distinctive; but, when several 
 elements have names beginning with the same letter, the plan adopted is to represent 
 one of them by the initial letter, and the rest by the initial letter with some other asso- 
 ciated with it. Thus C stands for carbon, Ca for calcium, Cd for cadmium, Ce for cerium, 
 Cl for chlorine, Co for cobalt, Cr for chromium, Cu for copper, &c. The use of these 
 symbols saves time and space in designating the composition of compounds. Where a 
 single equivalent is intended to be designated, the symbol of the element is simply given ; 
 but where several equivalents are to be represented, the symbol is preceded by a figure 
 indicating the number. Thus C means one equivalent of carbon, 2C two equivalents, and 
 so on. Sometimes the number of equivalents is denoted by a small depressed figure fol- 
 lowing the symbol; and this plan has been adopted, in most instances, in the above table. 
 The group of letters and figures, thus used to denote the composition of any compound, 
 is called the formula of such compound. The symbols given are those of Berzelius, and 
 should not be varied from, for fear of destroying their usefulness by creating confusion. 
 
1422 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 Name. 
 
 
 Symbol or Formula. 
 
 Equivalent. 
 
 Acid, nitrous - - - - 
 
 - 
 
 no 4 
 
 46 
 
 oxalic - - - - 
 
 - 
 
 ca 
 
 36 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 CA+3HO 
 
 63 
 
 sublimed 
 
 - 
 
 CA+HO 
 
 45 
 
 phosphoric - - - 
 
 - 
 
 IA 
 
 72 
 
 monohydrated (glacial acid) 
 
 P0 5 +H0 
 
 81 
 
 phosphorous - 
 
 - 
 
 P0 3 
 
 56 
 
 prussic. See Acid, hydrocyanic. 
 
 
 
 succinic - - - - 
 
 - 
 
 caa 
 
 50 
 
 sulphuric - 
 
 - 
 
 so :! 
 
 40 
 
 monohydrated (sp. gr. 
 
 1-845) 
 
 SCX + HO 
 
 49 
 
 (Nordhausen acid) 
 
 - 
 
 2S0 3 +H0 
 
 89 
 
 sulphurous ... 
 
 - 
 
 S0 2 
 
 32 
 
 tannic (tannin from galls) 
 
 - 
 
 CiAAs 
 
 212 
 
 tartaric - 
 
 - 
 
 C 4 ha 
 
 66 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 caa + ho 
 
 75 
 
 uric (lithic hcid) 
 
 - 
 
 naaA^ 
 
 150 
 
 hydrated - 
 
 - 
 
 NAoHA+2HO 
 
 168 
 
 valerianic (amylic acid) - 
 
 - 
 
 C 10 HA 
 
 93 
 
 hydrated 
 
 - 
 
 CjAA+HO 
 
 102 
 
 Aconitia - 
 
 - 
 
 NCeoH 47 O u 
 
 533 
 
 Alcohol - 
 
 . 
 
 C 4 H 5 0+H0 
 
 46 
 
 amylic - 
 
 - 
 
 CiAnO+HO 
 
 88 
 
 methylic - 
 
 - 
 
 CA 3 O + HO 
 
 32 
 
 Aldehyd .... 
 
 - 
 
 , c 4 ha 
 
 44 
 
 Alum. See Sulphate of alumina and potassa. 
 
 
 Alumina - 
 
 - 
 
 A1A 
 
 51-4 
 
 tersulphate (salt in alum) 
 
 - 
 
 A1o0 3 ,3S0 3 
 
 171-4 
 
 Aluminium - 
 
 - 
 
 A1 
 
 13-7 
 
 Amide (amidogen) 
 
 - 
 
 NIL 
 
 16 
 
 Ammonia - 
 
 - 
 
 nh 3 
 
 17 
 
 acetate - 
 
 - 
 
 nh 3 ,c 4 ha 
 
 68 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 NH 3 , C 4 I1 3 0 3 + 7 HO 
 
 131 
 
 bicarbonate - 
 
 - 
 
 NE 3 ,2C0 3 
 
 61 
 
 bihydrosulphate 
 
 - 
 
 NH 3 ,2HS 
 
 51 
 
 carbonate - 
 
 - 
 
 nh 3 ,co 3 
 
 39 
 
 hydrosulphate (hydrosulphuret) 
 
 nh 3 ,hs 
 
 34 
 
 muriate (sal ammoniac) - 
 
 - 
 
 NH 3 ,HC1 
 
 53-42 
 
 nitrate - 
 
 . 
 
 nh 3 ,no 5 
 
 71 
 
 sesquicarbonate 
 
 - 
 
 2NH s> 3G0 2 
 
 100 
 
 hydrated (medicinal carbonate) 
 
 2NH 3 ,3CO„+2HO 
 
 118 
 
 sulphate - 
 
 - 
 
 nh„so 3 +ho 
 
 66 
 
 urate - 
 
 - 
 
 NII 3 ,NAAA+2HO 
 
 185 
 
 Ammonium - 
 
 - 
 
 nii 4 
 
 18 
 
 Amyle 
 
 - 
 
 
 71 
 
 acetate of oxide (acetate of 
 
 amylic ether) C 10 ll n O,C 4 II,0 3 
 
 130 
 
 oxide (amylic ether) 
 
 - 
 
 C 10 H 41 O 
 
 79 
 
 Antimony or Stibium - 
 
 - 
 
 Sb 
 
 129 
 
 oxychloride (powder of Algaroth) 
 oxysuiphuret - 
 tartrate of teroxide - 
 terchloride (butter of antimony) 
 teroxide (medicinal oxide) 
 tersulpburet (medicinal sulphuret) 
 
 9Sb0 3 +2SbCl 3 1847-52 
 
 SbO s +5SbS s +16HO 1182 
 
 SbO s AHA 219 
 
 SbCL 235-26 
 
 SbO s 153 
 
 SbS 3 177 
 
Appendix. 
 
 1428 
 
 Name. Symbol or Formula. 
 
 Aridium ?* 
 
 Equivalent. 
 
 Arsenic 
 
 As 
 
 75 
 
 bisulphuret (realgar) 
 
 AsS 3 
 
 107 
 
 terchloride - 
 
 AsC1 3 
 
 181-26 
 
 teriodide - 
 
 AsI 3 
 
 453-9 
 
 tersulphuret (orpiment) - 
 
 AsSg 
 
 123 
 
 Atropia 
 
 NC^Oa 
 
 289 
 
 sulphate .... NC 34 H 2J 0 6 ,S0 3 ? 
 
 329 
 
 Barium 
 
 Ba 
 
 68-7 
 
 chloride - 
 
 BaCl 
 
 104-12 
 
 crystallized 
 
 BaCl + 2HO 
 
 122-12 
 
 Baryta ------ 
 
 BaO 
 
 76-7 
 
 carbonate - - - 
 
 Ba0,C0 3 
 
 98-7 
 
 hydrate - - - - - 
 
 muriate. See Barium, chloride. 
 
 BaO, HO 
 
 85-7 
 
 nitrate - - - - - 
 
 BaO,N0 3 
 
 130-7 
 
 sulphate - - - - 
 
 Ba0,S0 3 
 
 116-7 
 
 Benzole - 
 
 C 12 H 6 
 
 78 
 
 Benzyle - - - - - 
 
 c 14 h 5 0 3 
 
 105 
 
 Bismuth 
 
 Bi 
 
 213 
 
 nitrate of teroxide - - - 
 
 Bi0 3 ,N0 5 
 
 291 
 
 teroxide .... 
 
 BiO, 
 
 237 
 
 Black oxide of manganese. See Manganese, deutoxide. 
 
 oxide of mercury. See Mercury, protoxide. 
 
 Blue vitriol. See Copper, sulphate of protoxide. 
 
 Borax. See Soda, biborate. 
 
 
 Boron 
 
 B 
 
 10-9 
 
 Bromine 
 
 Br 
 
 78-4 
 
 Brucia ------ 
 
 NaC^H^Oj 
 
 373 
 
 Cadmium 
 
 Cd 
 
 55-8 
 
 protoxide - 
 
 CdO 
 
 63-8 
 
 sulphate of protoxide 
 
 Cd0,S0 3 
 
 103-8 
 
 Caffein (also the'in and guaranin) 
 
 n 4 c 16 h 10 o 4 
 
 194 
 
 Calcium - - 
 
 Ca 
 
 20-5 
 
 chloride 
 
 CaCl 
 
 55-92 
 
 crystallized - 
 
 Calomel. See Mercury, protochloride. 
 
 CaCl + 6HO 
 
 109-92 
 
 Camphene - 
 
 C I0 H S 
 
 68 
 
 Camphor 
 
 C 10 H s O 
 
 76 
 
 Carbon ------ 
 
 C 
 
 6 
 
 bisulphuret - 
 
 Caustic potassa. See Potassa, hydrate, 
 soda. See Soda, hydrate. 
 
 cs 3 
 
 38 
 
 Cerium 
 
 Ceruse. See Lead, carbonate of protoxide. 
 
 Ce 
 
 46 
 
 Cetin ------ 
 
 Chalk. See Lime, carbonate. 
 
 c 32 h 33 0 
 
 233 
 
 Chlorine - 
 
 Cl 
 
 35-42 
 
 Chloroform 
 
 C 3 HC1 3 
 
 119-26 
 
 * This was announced, some years ago, as a new metal by M. Ullgren. M. Bahr has 
 repeated M. Ullgren’s experiments, and has arrived at the conclusion that the so-called 
 aridium consists of iron, containing phosphorus and probably chromium. 
 
1424 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 Name. 
 
 Symbol or Formula. 
 
 Equivalent. 
 
 Chromium ----- 
 
 Cr 
 
 2627 
 
 Cinchonia - 
 
 nc 20 h 12 o 
 
 154 
 
 disulphate - 
 
 2NC 20 H 12 O,SO 3 
 
 848 
 
 crystallized - 
 
 2NC 20 H 12 0,S0 3 +2H0 
 
 866 
 
 sulphate - 
 
 nc 20 h^o,so 3 
 
 194 
 
 Cinnabar. See Mercury, bisulphuret. 
 Cobalt 
 
 Co 
 
 29-5 
 
 Codeia ------ 
 
 NC^O* 
 
 284 
 
 Columbium or Tantalum* - 
 
 Ta 
 
 185 
 
 Common salt. See Sodium, chloride. 
 Copper or Cuprum 
 
 Cu 
 
 31-6 
 
 acetate of protoxide - - - 
 
 CuO,C 4 H 3 0 3 
 
 90-6 
 
 black or protoxide - 
 
 CuO 
 
 396 
 
 diacetate of protoxide (verdigris) 
 
 2Cu0,C 4 EL0 3 
 
 130-2 
 
 nitrate of protoxide - - - 
 
 Cu0,N0 5 
 
 93-6 
 
 crystallized - 
 
 Cu0,N0 5 +3H0 
 
 1206 
 
 red or dioxide ... 
 
 Cu 2 0 
 
 .712 
 
 sulphate of protoxide (blue vitriol) 
 
 Cu0,S0 3 
 
 79-6 
 
 crystallized - 
 
 Cu0,S0 3 + 5H0 
 
 124-6 
 
 Corrosive sublimate. See Mercury, bichloride. 
 
 Cream of tartar. See Potassa, bitartrate. 
 
 Creasote - - - - - C^Hj-O. 
 
 216 
 
 Cyanogen - 
 
 ■NC„or Cy 
 
 26 
 
 Didymium 
 
 Di 
 
 48 
 
 Donarium ?f 
 
 Epsom salt. See Magnesia, sulphate. 
 Erbium - 
 
 E 
 
 ? 
 
 Ethal 
 
 c 3 „h 33 o+ho 
 
 242 
 
 Ether 
 
 ‘ c 4 h 5 0 
 
 37 
 
 acetic 
 
 c 4 h 5 o,c 4 h 3 o 3 
 
 88 
 
 hydriodic - - - - 
 
 c 4 h 5 i 
 
 155 3 
 
 hyponitrous - 
 
 c 4 h 5 o,no 3 
 
 75 
 
 muriatic ----- 
 
 c 4 h 3 ci 
 
 6442 
 
 sulphuric. See Ether. 
 
 Ethereal oil. See Sulphate of ether and etherine. 
 Etherine ----- C.H. 
 
 28 
 
 Ethyle 
 
 C 4 H s 
 
 29 
 
 Ferrocyanogen - 
 
 FeCy 3 
 
 106 
 
 Flowers of zinc. See Zinc, protoxide. 
 Fluorine 
 
 F 
 
 18-68 
 
 Formyle - - 
 
 C 2 H 
 
 13 
 
 Fusel oil. See Alcohol, amylic. 
 Glauber’s salt. See Soda, sulphate. 
 Glucina - - - 
 
 g 2 o 3 
 
 3792 
 
 Glucinium 
 
 Gr 
 
 696 
 
 Glycerin - 
 
 c 6 h.o 5 +ho 
 
 92 
 
 Glyceryle ----- 
 
 C g H. 
 
 43 
 
 * According to M. H. Rose the columbium of Hatchett, and the tantalum of Ekeberg 
 are distinct metals. 
 
 •j- This is the name given by M. Bergemann to a metal assumed to be present in an 
 oxide, supposed to be new, found by him in a Norwegian mineral, called orangite. The 
 oxide in question is now stated to be impure thorina; and, should this statement be con- 
 firmed, donarium must be struck from the list of metals. 
 
Appendix. 
 
 1425 
 
 Name. 
 
 
 
 
 Symbol or Formula. 
 
 Equivalent. 
 
 Gold or Aurum - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 Au 
 
 199 
 
 Goulard’s extract of lead. See Lead, diacetate of protoxide. 
 Green vitriol. See Iron, sulphate of protoxide. 
 
 Heavy oil of wine. See Sulphate of ether and etherine. 
 
 Hydrogen 
 
 H 
 
 1 
 
 protoxide (water) ... 
 
 HO 
 
 9 
 
 Ilmenium 
 
 11 
 
 60-24 
 
 Iodine 
 
 I 
 
 126-3 
 
 Iodoform 
 
 c 2 hi 3 
 
 391-9 
 
 Iridium 
 
 Ir 
 
 988 
 
 Iron or Ferrum - - - 
 
 Fe 
 
 28 
 
 bitartrate of sesquioxide - 
 
 Fe 2 0 3 ,2C 4 H a 0 s 
 
 212 
 
 bromide - 
 
 FeBr 
 
 1064 
 
 carbonate of protoxide 
 
 FeO,COn 
 
 58 
 
 citrate of sesquioxide 
 
 FeA,C 12 H 5 0 u 
 
 245 
 
 ferrocyanuret (pure Prussian blue) 
 
 Fe 7 Cy 9 
 
 430 
 
 iodide 
 
 Fel 
 
 154-3 
 
 crystallized 
 
 FeI+5HO 
 
 199-3 
 
 medicinal black oxide 
 
 Fe 3 0 3 +2Fe0 
 
 152 
 
 native black oxide - 
 
 F e 2 0 3 -p FeO 
 
 116 
 
 protoeyanuret - 
 
 < FeCy 
 
 54 
 
 protoxide - 
 
 FeO 
 
 36 
 
 red or sesquioxide ... 
 
 Fe 2 0 3 
 
 80 
 
 hydrated - 
 
 Fe 2 0 3 +2HO 
 
 98 
 
 sesquichloride - 
 
 Fe 2 Cl 3 
 
 162-26 
 
 subarseniate of protoxide - 
 
 4FeO,AsO s 
 
 259 
 
 sulphate of protoxide (green vitriol) 
 
 FeO, SO. 
 
 76 
 
 crystallized 
 
 FeO,S0 3 + 7 HO 
 
 139 
 
 tartrate of protoxide 
 
 Fe0,C 4 H o 0 5 
 
 102 
 
 tartrate of sesquioxide 
 
 Fe 2 0 3 ,C 4 HA 
 
 146 
 
 teracetate of sesquioxide - 
 
 Fe 2 0 3 ,3C 4 H 3 0 3 
 
 233 
 
 ternitrate of sesquioxide - 
 
 FeA,8XO s 
 
 242 
 
 tersulphate of sesquioxide 
 
 Fe 2 0 3 >3S0 3 
 
 200 
 
 tervalerianate of sesquioxide 
 
 Fe 2 O 3 ,3C 10 H 9 O 3 
 
 359 
 
 tribasic phosphate of protoxide - 
 
 2Fe0,H0,P0 5 
 
 153 
 
 Lantanium 
 
 La 
 
 44-15 
 
 Lead or Plumbum 
 
 Pb 
 
 103-6 
 
 acetate of protoxide (sugar of lead) 
 
 PbO,C 4 H 3 0 3 
 
 162-6 
 
 crystallized 
 
 Pb0,C 4 H 3 0 3 + 3H0 
 
 189-6 
 
 carbonate of protoxide (white lead) 
 
 2 (Pb0,C0 2 ) -f PbO,HO 
 
 387-8 
 
 chloride 
 
 PbCl 
 
 139-02 
 
 deutoxide (puce oxide) 
 
 Pb0 2 
 
 1196 
 
 diacetate of protoxide (Goulard’s extract) 2Pb0,C 4 H 3 0 3 
 
 274-2 
 
 iodide - 
 
 Pbl 
 
 2299 
 
 nitrate of protoxide - 
 
 PbO,NO s 
 
 165-6 
 
 protoxide (massicot) 
 
 PbO 
 
 111-6 
 
 red oxide (red lead or minium) - 
 
 Pb 3 0 4 
 
 342-8 
 
 Lime 
 
 CaO 
 
 28-5 
 
 bone-phosphate 
 
 3Ca0,P0 5 
 
 157-5 
 
 carbonate (chalk) - 
 
 CaO,CO„ 
 
 50-5 
 
 chlorinated .... 
 
 CaO, Cl" 
 
 63-92 
 
 hydrate (slaked lime) 
 muriate. See Calcium, chloride. 
 
 CaO, HO 
 
 37-5 
 
 90 
 
1426 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 Name. 
 
 Symbol or Formula. Equivalent. 
 
 Lime, oxalate 
 
 Ca0,C 2 0 3 
 
 64 '5 
 
 tartrate - 
 
 CaO,C 4 H 2 0 5 
 
 94-5 
 
 Lithia ------ 
 
 LO 
 
 14 
 
 carbonate - - - - 
 
 L0,C0 3 
 
 36 
 
 Lithium 
 
 L 
 
 6 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 MgO 
 
 20 
 
 carbonate (magnesia alba) 
 
 3(MgO,CO„+HO)+MgO,HO 
 
 182 
 
 citrate 
 
 SMgOjC^HjOn 
 
 225 
 
 sulphate (Epsom salt) 
 
 MgO, SO, 
 
 60 
 
 crystallized - 
 
 Mg0,S0 3 +7H0 
 
 123 
 
 Magnesium 
 
 Mg 
 
 12 
 
 hydrated chloride - - - 
 
 MgCl,6HO 
 
 10142 
 
 Manganese 
 
 Mn 
 
 27-7 
 
 deutoxide (black oxide) - 
 
 MnO, 
 
 437 
 
 Mannite ----- 
 
 C e H-Oa 
 
 91 
 
 Massicot. See Lead, protoxide. 
 
 Mercury or Hydrargyrum - 
 
 Hg 
 
 202 
 
 acetate of protoxide 
 
 HgO,C 4 H 3 O s 
 
 261 
 
 ammoniated (white precipitate) - 
 
 HgCl,NH 3 
 
 253 42 
 
 bichloride (corrosive sublimate) 
 
 HgCl a 
 
 272-84 
 
 bicyanuret (prussiate) * - 
 
 HgCy 2 
 
 254 
 
 biDiodide - - - - 
 
 Hgl 2 
 
 454-6 
 
 binitrate of deutoxide 
 
 HgO a ,2NO s 
 
 326 
 
 bisulphate of deutoxide - 
 
 Hg0 2 ,2S0 3 
 
 298 
 
 bisulphuret (cinnabar) 
 
 HgS 2 
 
 234 
 
 deutoxide (red precipitate) 
 
 Hg0 2 
 
 218 
 
 nitrate of protoxide - 
 
 HgO,NO s 
 
 264 
 
 protiodide - 
 
 Hgl 
 
 328 3 
 
 protochloride (calomel) 
 
 HgCl 
 
 237 42 
 
 protosulphuret - 
 
 HgS 
 
 218 
 
 protoxide (black oxide) - 
 
 HsO 
 
 210 
 
 sesquiodide - 
 
 HgJs 
 
 782 9 
 
 subsulphate of deutoxide (turpeth mineral) 3Hg0 2 ,2S0 3 
 
 734 
 
 sulphate of protoxide 
 
 HgO,SO s 
 
 250 
 
 Methyle ----- 
 
 c 2 h 3 
 
 15 
 
 Minium. See Lead, red oxide. 
 
 Molybdenum - 
 
 Mo 
 
 47-7 
 
 Morphia - 
 
 NCJI.Oe 
 
 292 
 
 acetate 
 
 NC 35 HM) 6 ,C 4 H 3 0 3 
 
 343 
 
 muriate - - - - - 
 
 nc 35 h 2 ,a,hci 
 
 328 42 
 
 sulphate - - - - - 
 
 NC M H go O e ,SO, 
 
 332 
 
 Narcein ------ 
 
 NC^HooO,, 
 
 298 
 
 Nickel 
 
 Ni 
 
 295 
 
 protoxide - 
 
 NiO 
 
 375 
 
 sulphate of protoxide 
 
 NiO.SO s 
 
 775 
 
 crystallized ... 
 
 Ni0,S0 3 + 7H0 
 
 1405 
 
 Niobium* 
 
 Nb 
 
 ? 
 
 * Niobium and pelopium were alleged to exist in the Bavarian and North American 
 columbites. Recently, however, M. H. Rose has announced that they are the same, and 
 proposes to retain the name niobium. It is not contended that the peculiar metal of the 
 columbites is different from that discovered in 1801 by Hatchett: and, therefore, as justly 
 remarked by Prof. A. Connell, of St. Andrews, it should be called columbium. the name 
 given to it by its discoverer, and the name niobium should be abandoned. (Philos. Mao., 
 June, 1854, p. 461.) 
 
Appendix. 
 
 1427 
 
 Name. 
 
 
 Symbol or Formula. 
 
 Equivalent. 
 
 Nitre. See Potassa, nitrate. 
 
 Nitrogen - - - 
 
 - 
 
 N 
 
 14 
 
 Norium - - - 
 
 - 
 
 No 
 
 ? 
 
 Olefiant gas 
 
 Orpiment. See Arsenic, tersulphuret. 
 
 C 2 II a 
 
 14 
 
 Osmium .... 
 
 - 
 
 Os 
 
 99-7 
 
 Oxygen .... 
 
 - 
 
 0 
 
 8 
 
 Palladium .... 
 
 - 
 
 Pd 
 
 53-3 
 
 Pelopium. 
 
 Phosphorus - - - - 
 
 - 
 
 p 
 
 32 
 
 Platinum .... 
 
 - 
 
 Pt 
 
 98'9 
 
 Potassa . - - - - 
 
 
 KO 
 
 472 
 
 acetate .... 
 
 - 
 
 KO,C 4 H 3 0 3 
 
 98-2 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 K0,C 4 H 3 0 3 + 2H0 
 
 1162 
 
 arsenite - 
 
 - 
 
 K0,As0 3 , 
 
 146-2 
 
 bicarbonate ... 
 
 - 
 
 K0,2C0 3 
 
 91-2 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 KO,2CO a +HO 
 
 100-2 
 
 bichromate - 
 
 - 
 
 K0,2Cr0 3 
 
 147-74 
 
 binoxalate (salt of sorrel) 
 
 - 
 
 K0,2C 2 0 3 
 
 119-2 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 K0,2C a 0 3 + 3H0 
 
 146 2 
 
 bisulphate ... 
 
 - 
 
 K0,2S0 3 
 
 127-2 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 K0,2S0 3 +2H0 
 
 1452 
 
 bitartrate (cream of tartar) 
 
 - 
 
 KO,2C 4 H 3 O s 
 
 179-2 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 K0,2C 4 H 3 0 3 +H0 
 
 188-2 
 
 carbonate (salt of tartar) - 
 
 
 KO,CO a 
 
 69-2 
 
 chlorate - 
 
 - 
 
 K0,C10 5 
 
 122-62 
 
 chromate ... 
 
 - 
 
 KO,CrOo 
 
 97-47 
 
 citrate - - - - 
 
 ferroc-yanate. See Potassium 
 
 SKO^HAr 
 
 , ferrocyanuret. 
 
 306-6 
 
 hydrate (caustic potassa) - 
 hydriodate. See Potassium, 
 nitrate (nitre or saltpetre) 
 
 iodide. 
 
 KO,HO 
 
 56 2 
 
 j 
 
 KO,NO s 
 
 101-2 
 
 oxalate - 
 
 - 
 
 K0,C 2 0 3 
 
 83-2 
 
 sesquicarbonate 
 
 
 2K0,3C0 2 
 
 1604 
 
 sulphate (vitriolated tartar) 
 
 
 ko,so 3 
 
 87-2 
 
 tartrate (soluble tartar) - 
 
 
 K0.C 4 H 3 0 s 
 
 113-2 
 
 tribasic phosphate - 
 
 - 
 
 2K0,H0,P0 5 
 
 175-4 
 
 Potassium or Kalium - 
 
 - 
 
 K 
 
 39-2 
 
 bromide - - - - 
 
 * ■ 
 
 KBr 
 
 1176 
 
 chloride - 
 
 - 
 
 KC1 
 
 74-62 
 
 cyanuret ... 
 
 - 
 
 KCy 
 
 65-2 
 
 ferrocyanuret - 
 
 - 
 
 2KCy,FeCy 
 
 184-4 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 2KCy,FeCy + 3HO 
 
 211-4 
 
 iodide - - - - 
 
 . v .. 
 
 KI 
 
 165-5 
 
 iodohydrargyrate 
 
 - 
 
 2KI,HgI 2 
 
 785-6 
 
 teroxide 
 
 - 
 
 ko 3 
 
 63-2 
 
 tersulphuret - 
 
 s; j" 
 
 ks 3 
 
 87-2 
 
 Prussian blue. See Iron, ferrocyanuret. 
 
 Prussiate of mercury. See Mercury, bicyanuret. 
 Prussic acid. See Acid, hydrocyanic. 
 
 Puce oxide of lead. See Lead, deutoxide. 
 Pyroxylic spirit. See Alcohol, methylic. 
 
1428 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 Name. 
 
 Symbol or Formula. 
 
 Quinia ------ 
 
 NC*,H,A 
 
 disulphate (medicinal sulphate) 
 
 2NC 30 H 12 0 3 ,S0 3 
 
 crystallized - - - 
 
 2NG„„H i AS0 3 +8H0 
 
 muriate - - - - - 
 
 NC 20 H 12 0 2 ,H(T 
 
 sulphate - 
 
 NC^HjA.SOg 
 
 valerianate - 
 
 NCaoHjAAnHA 
 
 Quinidia 
 
 NC.AjO 
 
 disulphate - 
 
 2NC 18 H 11 0,S0 3 
 
 crystallized - 
 
 2NC^H u O,S0 3 +HO 
 
 Realgar. See Arsenic, bisulphuret. 
 
 Red lead. See Lead, red oxide. 
 
 precipitate. See Mercury, deutoxide. 
 
 Rhodium 
 
 R 
 
 Rochelle salt. See Tartrate of potassa and 
 
 soda. 
 
 Ruthenium ----- 
 
 Ru 
 
 Sal ammoniac. See Ammonia, muriate. 
 
 Salicin 
 
 
 Salt of sorrel. See Potassa, binoxalate. 
 
 of tartar. See Potassa, carbonate. 
 Saltpetre. See Potassa, nitrate. 
 
 Selenium 
 
 Se 
 
 Silica 
 
 Si0 3 
 
 Silicon 
 
 Si 
 
 Silver or Argentum - 
 
 A g 
 
 chloride 
 
 AgCl 
 
 cyanuret - - - - - 
 
 A gCy 
 
 nitrate of protoxide - - - 
 
 AgO,NO s 
 
 protoxide - - - - 
 
 AgO 
 
 Slaked lime. See Lime, hydrate. 
 
 Soda 
 
 NaO 
 
 acetate 
 
 NaO,C 4 HA 
 
 crystallized - 
 
 NaO,C 4 H 3 0 3 +6HO 
 
 biborate (borax) - 
 
 Na0,2B0 3 
 
 octohedral - 
 
 Na0,2B0 3 +5H0 
 
 prismatic - 
 
 Na0,2B0 3 + lGH0 
 
 bicarbonate - - - 
 
 NaO,2C0 2 
 
 crystallized - 
 
 NaO,-2CO„+HO 
 
 carbonate - - - - 
 
 NaO,C0 2 
 
 NaO,CO„+10HO 
 
 crystallized - - - 
 
 hydrate (caustic soda) 
 
 NaO, HO 
 
 muriate. See Sodium, chloride. 
 
 nitrate - - - - - 
 
 Na0,N0 5 
 
 sesquicarbonate - 
 
 2NaO,3CO„ 
 
 hydrated - 
 
 2NaO,3CO.,+4HO 
 
 sulphate (Glauber’s salt) - 
 
 NaO,SO s 
 
 crystallized - 
 
 NaO,SO 3 +10HO 
 
 sulphite - 
 
 NaO, SO., 
 
 crystallized 
 
 NaO,SO.,-f 8HO 
 
 tartrate - - - - - 
 
 NaO,0 4 H„O, 
 
 crystallized 
 
 Na0,C 4 H.,0 5 4-2H0 
 
 tribasic phosphate (medicinal phosphate) 2Na0,H0,P0 5 
 crystallized ... 2Na0,H0.P0 5 +24H0 
 
 valerianate .... NaO,C 10 H 9 O 3 
 
 Equivalent. 
 
 162 
 
 864 
 
 486 
 
 198-42 
 
 202 
 
 255 
 
 141 
 
 322 
 
 331 
 
 52-2 
 52 2 
 286 
 
 39- 6 
 45 3 
 213 
 
 108 
 
 143-42 
 
 134 
 
 170 
 
 116 
 
 313 
 
 82-3 
 
 1363 
 
 1011 
 
 1461 
 
 191-1 
 
 753 
 
 84- 3 
 53 3 
 
 143-3 
 
 40- 3 
 
 85- 3 
 128-6 
 164-6 
 
 71 3 
 1613 
 63-3 
 1353 
 973 
 115-3 
 143-6 
 359-6 
 124-3 
 
Appendix. 
 
 1429 
 
 Name. 
 
 
 Symbol or Formula. Equivalent. 
 
 Sodium or Natrium 
 
 - 
 
 Na 
 
 23-3 
 
 chloride (common salt) 
 
 - 
 
 NaCl 
 
 5872 
 
 iodide - 
 
 - 
 
 Nal 
 
 1496 
 
 sesquioxide ... 
 
 - 
 
 Na 3 0 3 
 
 70-6 
 
 Soluble tartar. See Potassa, tartrate. 
 
 
 
 Starch - 
 
 - 
 
 CAicAo 
 
 162 
 
 Strontia .... 
 
 - 
 
 SrO 
 
 51-8 
 
 Strontium .... 
 
 - 
 
 Sr 
 
 43-8 
 
 Strychnia .... 
 
 - 
 
 NAAA 
 
 347 
 
 muriate - - - - 
 
 - 
 
 N^H^HCl 
 
 383-42 
 
 Sugar, cane .... 
 
 - 
 
 CiaHjjOn 
 
 171 
 
 of lead. See Lead, acetate of protoxide. 
 
 
 of milk - 
 
 - 
 
 
 315 
 
 crystallized 
 
 - 
 
 CJE^Ao+SHO 
 
 360 
 
 Sulphate of alumina and potassa (alum) 
 
 Al g 0 3 ,8S0 3 + K0,S0 3 
 
 258-6 
 
 crystallized ... 
 
 - A1A,3S0 3 +K0,S0 3 +24H0 
 
 474-6 
 
 Sulphate of ether and etherine 
 
 - 
 
 C^HASOg+C^SO, 
 
 145 
 
 Sulphur .... 
 
 - 
 
 s 
 
 16 
 
 iodide (bisulphuret of iodine) 
 
 
 IS a 
 
 158-3 
 
 Sulphuretted hydrogen. See Acid, hydrosulphuric. 
 
 
 Tartar emetic. See Tartrate of antimony and potassa. 
 
 
 Tartrate of antimony and potassa 
 
 
 Sb0 3 ,C 4 II 2 0 3 + KO,C 4 H 3 O s 
 
 332-2 
 
 Tartrate of iron and potassa 
 
 - 
 
 F e 2 0 3 , C 4 H 2 0 5 + KO, C 4 H„O s 
 
 259-2 
 
 Tartrate of potassa and soda 
 
 - 
 
 KO,C 4 H 2 O s + N aO, C 4 H 2 6 5 
 
 210-5 
 
 Tellurium - 
 
 - 
 
 Te 
 
 64-2 
 
 Terbium .... 
 
 . 
 
 Tb 
 
 ? 
 
 Thebaina - 
 
 - 
 
 NCAA 
 
 202 
 
 Thorina .... 
 
 - 
 
 ThO 
 
 67"6 
 
 Thorium - 
 
 - 
 
 Th 
 
 59-6 
 
 Tin or Stannum - - - 
 
 - 
 
 Sn 
 
 58-9 
 
 protochloride - - - 
 
 - 
 
 SnCl 
 
 94-32 
 
 Titanium - - - 
 
 - 
 
 Ti 
 
 25 
 
 Tungsten or Wolfram 
 
 - 
 
 W 
 
 92 
 
 Turpeth mineral. See Mercury, subsulphate of deutoxide. 
 
 
 Uranium - 
 
 - 
 
 U 
 
 60 
 
 Urea 
 
 - 
 
 n 2 c 2 ha 
 
 60 
 
 Vanadium ... - 
 
 - 
 
 V 
 
 68-5 
 
 Yeratria NC 34 H,,A 288 
 
 Verdigris. See Copper, diacetate of protoxide. 
 
 Yitriolated tartar. See Potassa, sulphate. 
 
 Water. See Hydrogen, protoxide. 
 
 White precipitate. See Mercury, ammoniated. 
 vitriol. See Zinc, sulphate of protoxide. 
 
 Yttria ------ 
 
 YO 
 
 402 
 
 Yttrium ------ 
 
 Y 
 
 322 
 
 Zinc 
 
 Zn 
 
 32-3 
 
 acetate of protoxide 
 
 ZnO,C 4 H 3 0 3 
 
 91-3 
 
 crystallized ... 
 
 Zn0,C 4 H 3 0 3 + 7H0 
 
 154-3 
 
 carbonate of protoxide (precipitated 
 
 
 carbonate) ... 
 
 8Zn0,3C0 2 +6H0 
 
 442-4 
 
 chloride - 
 
 ZnCl 
 
 67 72 
 
 cyanuret - 
 
 ZnCy 
 
 58-3 
 
 iodide - 
 
 Znl 
 
 158-6 
 
1430 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 Name. 
 
 Zinc, protoxide (flowers of zinc) 
 
 sulphate of protoxide (white vitriol) 
 crystallized ... 
 sulphuret (blende) - - - 
 
 valerianate of protoxide - 
 Zirconia ..... 
 Zirconium 
 
 Symbol or Formula. 
 
 Equivalent. 
 
 ZnO 
 
 40-3 
 
 ZnO,SO, 
 
 80-3 
 
 ZnO,SO,+7HO 
 
 143-3 
 
 ZnS 
 
 48-3 
 
 ZnO,C 10 H g 0 3 
 
 133-3 
 
 Zr 2 0 3 
 
 91-2 
 
 Zr 
 
 336 
 
 B. 
 
 Y. CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN DIFFERENT THERMOMETERS. 
 
 In Fahrenheit' s thermometer, which is universally employed in this country 
 and Great Britain, the freezing point of water is placed at 32°, and the boiling 
 point at 212°, and the number of intervening degrees is 180. 
 
 The Centigrade, thermometer, which has long been used in Sweden under the 
 name of Celsius’s thermometer, and is now most generally employed on the con- 
 tinent of Europe, marks the freezing point zero, and the boiling point 100°. 
 
 In Reaumur’s thermometer, used in France before the revolution, the freez- 
 ing point is at zero, and the boiling point at 80°. 
 
 In De Lisle' s thermometer used in Russia, the graduation begins at the boil- 
 ing point, which is marked zero, while the freezing point is placed at 150°. 
 
 From the above statement, it is evident that 180 degrees of Fahrenheit are 
 equal to 100° of the centigrade, 80° of Reaumur, and 150° of De Lisle ; or 1 
 degree of the first is equal to f of a degree of the second, f of a degree of the 
 third, and § of a degree of the last. It is easy, therefore, to convert the degrees 
 of one into the equivalent number of degrees of the other; but, in ascertaining 
 the corresponding points upon the different scales, it is necessary to take into 
 consideration their different modes of graduation. Thus, as the zero of Fahren- 
 heit is 32° below the point at which that of the centigrade and of Reaumur is 
 placed, this number must be taken into account in the calculation. The follow- 
 ing propositions will embrace all the cases which can arise in relation to the 
 three last-mentioned thermometers. That of De Lisle is seldom or never re- 
 ferred to in works which are read in this country. 
 
 1. If any degree on the centigrade scale, either above or below zero, be mul- 
 tiplied by 9 and divided by 5, or if any degree of Reaumur above or below zero 
 be multiplied by 9 and divided by 4, the quotient will, in either case, be the 
 number of degrees above or below 32°, or the freezing point of Fahrenheit. 
 
 2. The number of degrees between any point of Fahrenheit' s scale and 32°, 
 if multiplied by 5 and divided by 9, will give the corresponding point on the 
 centigrade; if multiplied by 4 and divided by 9, will give the corresponding 
 point on the scale of Reaumur. 
 
 3. Any degree of the centigrade multiplied by 4 and divided by 5, will give 
 the corresponding degree of Reaumur; and conversely, any degree of Reaumur 
 multiplied by 5 and divided by 4, will give the corresponding degree of the 
 centigrade. 
 
Appendix. 1431 
 
 VI. TABLES, 
 
 SHOWING THE SPECIFIC GRAVITY CORRESPONDING WITH THE SEVERAL 
 DEGREES OF HYDROMETERS IN USE. 
 
 Baum6’s hydrometer is usually employed in France. In this instrument, 
 the sp. gr. of distilled water is assumed as the zero of the descending scale, in 
 relation to fluids heavier than itself, while it is assumed as 10 on the ascending 
 scale, in relation to lighter fluids. In the Pharmacopoeia Batava, a modification 
 of the instrument has been adopted, in which the sp. gr. of distilled water has 
 been assumed as the zero of both scales. In the following tables, the specific 
 gravity of liquids is given, corresponding with the several degrees of these two 
 hydrometers. The first column of specific gravities, corresponding with Baume’s 
 scale, is taken from the Paris Codex, and is, therefore, of high authority; the 
 second is that which has been given in previous editions of this work, taken 
 from Duncan’s Edinburgh Dispensatory (A. D. 1830), and based on the calcu- 
 lations of Huss. 
 
 For Liquids lighter than Water. 
 
 Degree 
 of hydro- 
 meter. 
 
 Specific Gravity. 
 
 Degree 
 of hydro- 
 meter. 
 
 Specific Gravity. 
 
 By Banm6. 
 
 In Pharm. 
 Batava. 
 
 By Baume. 
 
 In Pharm. 
 Batava. 
 
 0 
 
 
 
 1000 
 
 32 
 
 0-867 
 
 0-8638 
 
 819 
 
 l 
 
 
 
 993 
 
 33 
 
 0-862 
 
 0-8584 
 
 814 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 987 
 
 34 
 
 0'857 
 
 0-8531 
 
 810 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 980 
 
 35 
 
 0-852 
 
 0-8479 
 
 805 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 974 
 
 36 
 
 0-847 
 
 0-8428 
 
 800 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 967 
 
 37 
 
 0-842 
 
 0-8378 
 
 796 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 961 
 
 38 
 
 0-837 
 
 0-8329 
 
 792 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 954 
 
 39 
 
 0-832 
 
 0-8281 
 
 787 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 948 
 
 40 
 
 0-827 
 
 0-8233 
 
 782 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 941 
 
 41 
 
 0-823 
 
 0-8186 
 
 778 
 
 10 
 
 1-000 
 
 1-0000 
 
 935 
 
 42 
 
 0-818 
 
 0-8139 
 
 774 
 
 11 
 
 0-993 
 
 0-9930 
 
 929 
 
 43 
 
 0-813 
 
 0-8093 
 
 770 
 
 12 
 
 0-986 
 
 09861 
 
 923 
 
 44 
 
 0-809 
 
 0-8047 
 
 766 
 
 13 
 
 0-979 
 
 0-9792 
 
 917 
 
 45 
 
 0-804 
 
 0-8001 
 
 762 
 
 14 
 
 0-973 
 
 0 9724 
 
 911 
 
 46 
 
 0-800 
 
 0’7956 
 
 758 
 
 15 
 
 0966 
 
 0-9657 
 
 906 
 
 47 
 
 0-795 
 
 0-7911 
 
 754 
 
 16 
 
 0-960 
 
 0-9591 
 
 900 
 
 48 
 
 0-791 
 
 0-7866 
 
 750 
 
 17 
 
 0953 
 
 0-9526 
 
 895 
 
 49 
 
 
 0-7821 
 
 746 
 
 18 
 
 0-947 
 
 0 9462 
 
 889 
 
 50 
 
 
 0-7777 
 
 742 
 
 19 
 
 0941 
 
 0-9399 
 
 884 
 
 51 
 
 
 0-7733 
 
 
 20 
 
 0-935 
 
 0-9336 
 
 878 
 
 52 
 
 
 0-7689 
 
 
 21 
 
 0-929 
 
 0-9274 
 
 873 
 
 53 
 
 
 0-7646 
 
 
 22 
 
 0 923 
 
 0-9212 
 
 868 
 
 54 
 
 
 0 7603 
 
 
 23 
 
 0917 
 
 0-9151 
 
 863 
 
 55 
 
 
 0-7560 
 
 
 24 
 
 0-911 
 
 0-9091 
 
 858 
 
 56 
 
 
 0-7518 
 
 
 25 
 
 0-905 
 
 0 9032 
 
 852 
 
 57 
 
 
 0-7476 
 
 
 26 
 
 0 800 
 
 0-8974 
 
 847 
 
 58 
 
 
 0-7435 
 
 
 27 
 
 0-894 
 
 0-8917 
 
 842 
 
 59 
 
 
 0-7394 
 
 
 28 
 
 0-889 
 
 0-8860 
 
 837 
 
 60 
 
 
 0-7354 
 
 
 29 
 
 0-883 
 
 0-8804 
 
 832 
 
 61 
 
 
 0-7314 
 
 
 30 
 
 0-878 
 
 0-8748 
 
 828 
 
 62 
 
 
 0-7251 
 
 
 31 
 
 0-872 
 
 0-8693 
 
 823 
 
 
 
 
 
1432 
 
 Appendix . 
 
 For Liquids heavier than Water. 
 
 Degree 
 of hydro- 
 meter. 
 
 Specific Gravity. 
 
 Degree 
 of hydro- 
 meter. 
 
 Specific Gravity. 
 
 By Baume. 
 
 In Pharm. 
 Batava. 
 
 By Baume. 
 
 In Pharm. 
 Batava. 
 
 0 
 
 1000 
 
 1-0000 
 
 1000 
 
 41 
 
 1398 
 
 1-3947 
 
 1398 
 
 1 
 
 1007 
 
 1-0070 
 
 1007 
 
 42 
 
 1412 
 
 1-4082 
 
 1412 
 
 2 
 
 1014 
 
 1-0141 
 
 1014 
 
 43 
 
 1426 
 
 1-4219 
 
 1426 
 
 3 
 
 1022 
 
 10213 
 
 1022 
 
 44 
 
 1440 
 
 1-4359 
 
 1440 
 
 4 
 
 1029 
 
 1-0286 
 
 1029 
 
 45 
 
 1454 
 
 1-4501 
 
 1454 
 
 5 
 
 1036 
 
 1 0360 
 
 1036 
 
 46 
 
 1470 
 
 1-4645 
 
 1470 
 
 6 
 
 1044 
 
 1-0435 
 
 1044 
 
 47 
 
 1485 
 
 1-4792 
 
 1485 
 
 7 
 
 1052 
 
 1-0511 
 
 1052 
 
 48 
 
 1501 
 
 1-4942 
 
 1501 
 
 8 
 
 1060 
 
 1-0588 
 
 1060 
 
 49 
 
 1516 
 
 1-5096 
 
 1516 
 
 9 
 
 1067 
 
 1 0666 
 
 1067 
 
 50 
 
 1532 
 
 1-5253 
 
 1532 
 
 10 
 
 1075 
 
 1-0745 
 
 1075 
 
 51 
 
 1549 
 
 1-5413 
 
 1549 
 
 11 
 
 1083 
 
 1-0825 
 
 1083 
 
 52 
 
 1566 
 
 1-5576 
 
 1566 
 
 12 
 
 1091 
 
 1-0906 
 
 1091 
 
 53 
 
 1583 
 
 1-5742 
 
 1583 
 
 13 
 
 1100 
 
 1-0988 
 
 1100 
 
 54 
 
 1601 
 
 1-5912 
 
 1601 
 
 14 
 
 1108 
 
 11071 
 
 1108 
 
 55 
 
 1618 
 
 1-6086 
 
 1618 
 
 15 
 
 1116 
 
 11155 
 
 1116 
 
 56 
 
 1637 
 
 1-6264 
 
 1637 
 
 16 
 
 1125 
 
 1-1240 
 
 1125 
 
 57 
 
 1656 
 
 1-6446 
 
 1656 
 
 17 
 
 1134 
 
 1-1326 
 
 1134 
 
 58 
 
 1676 
 
 1-6632 
 
 1676 
 
 18 
 
 1143 
 
 11414 
 
 1143 
 
 59 
 
 1695 
 
 1-6823 
 
 1695 
 
 19 
 
 1152 
 
 1-1504 
 
 1152 
 
 60 
 
 1715 
 
 1-7019 
 
 1714 
 
 20 
 
 1161 
 
 1-1596 
 
 1161 
 
 61 
 
 1736 
 
 1-7220 
 
 1736 
 
 21 
 
 1171 
 
 11690 
 
 1171 
 
 62 
 
 1758 
 
 1-7427 
 
 1758 
 
 22 
 
 1180 
 
 1-1785 
 
 1180 
 
 63 
 
 1779 
 
 1-7640 
 
 1779 
 
 23 
 
 1190 
 
 1-1882 
 
 1190 
 
 64 
 
 1801 
 
 1.7858 
 
 1801 
 
 24 
 
 1199 
 
 1-1981 
 
 1199 
 
 65 
 
 1823 
 
 1 8082 
 
 1823 
 
 25 
 
 1210 
 
 1-2082 
 
 1210 
 
 66 
 
 1847 
 
 1-8312 
 
 1847 
 
 26 
 
 1221 
 
 1-2184 
 
 1221 
 
 67 
 
 1872 
 
 1-8548 
 
 1872 
 
 27 
 
 1231 
 
 1-2288 
 
 1231 
 
 68 
 
 1897 
 
 1-8790 
 
 1897 
 
 28 
 
 1242 
 
 1-2394 
 
 1242 
 
 69 
 
 1921 
 
 1-9038 
 
 1921 
 
 29 
 
 1252 
 
 1-2502 
 
 1252 
 
 70 
 
 1946 
 
 1-9291 
 
 1946 
 
 30 
 
 1261 
 
 1-2612 
 
 1261 
 
 71 
 
 1974 
 
 1-9548 
 
 1974 
 
 31 
 
 1275 
 
 1-2724 
 
 1275 
 
 72 
 
 2002 
 
 1-9809 
 
 2002 
 
 32 
 
 1286 
 
 1-2838 
 
 1286 
 
 73 
 
 2031 
 
 2-0073 
 
 2031 
 
 33 
 
 1298 
 
 1-2954 
 
 1298 
 
 74 
 
 2059 
 
 2-0340 
 
 2059 
 
 34 
 
 1309 
 
 1-3072 
 
 1309 
 
 75 
 
 2087 
 
 2-0610 
 
 2087 
 
 35 
 
 1321 
 
 1-3190 
 
 1321 
 
 76 
 
 2116 
 
 
 2116 
 
 36 
 
 1334 
 
 1-3311 
 
 1334 
 
 
 
 
 
 37 
 
 1346 
 
 1-3434 
 
 1346 
 
 
 
 
 
 38 
 
 1359 
 
 1-3559 
 
 1359 
 
 
 
 
 
 39 
 
 1372 
 
 1-3686 
 
 1372 
 
 
 
 
 
 40 
 
 1384 
 
 1-3815 
 
 1384 
 
 
 
 
 
Appendix. 1433 
 
 The French Codex employs Baum6’s hydrometer to indicate the density of 
 liquids heavier than water; but for those lighter than water, it has recourse to 
 the instrument of Cartier , as the one most diffused in commerce. This differs 
 from Baume’s only in a slight modification of the scale. In both, the lowest 
 point is 10°; hut 30° of Cartier correspond with 32° of Baume, so that 20 
 degrees of the former are equivalent to 22 of the latter. Such, at least, was 
 the original relation of the two instruments ; but that of Cartier has subse- 
 quently undergone some slight modifications. The following table, extracted 
 from the Codex, shows the value of the several degrees of Baume’s scale in those 
 of Cartier’s. The centesimal alcoholmeter of Gray-Lussac is applicable only to 
 alcohol. The scale of this instrument is divided into 100 unequal degrees, the 
 zero corresponding to pure water, and 100° to absolute alcohol; and every in- 
 termediate degree expresses the per centage of pure alcohol, by measure, con- 
 tained in the liquors examined. Thus, when the instrument stands at 40° in 
 any alcoholic liquid, it indicates that 100 parts of the liquid contain 40 of pure 
 alcohol and 60. of water. But, as it was graduated for the temperature of 59° 
 of Fahrenheit, the liquors to be tested should be brought to that temperature. 
 In page 62 of this Dispensatory is a table indicating the specific gravity cor- 
 responding with each per centage of alcohol by weight; and as, in the table 
 given in the next page, the value of Cartier’s degrees in those of the alcohol- 
 meter is stated, there can be no difficulty in converting the degrees of any one 
 of these instruments into those of another, or of ascertaining the specific gra- 
 vity, or the per centage of alcohol whether by measure or weight, to which 
 they respectively correspond. 
 
 Table showing the Value of the Degrees of Baume s Hydrometer in those of 
 
 Cartier's. 
 
 Baume. 
 
 Cartier. 
 
 Baume. 
 
 Cartier. 
 
 Baume. 
 
 Cartier. 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 23 
 
 21 94 
 
 36 
 
 33-88 
 
 li 
 
 10-92 
 
 24 
 
 22-85 
 
 37 
 
 34-80 
 
 12 
 
 11-84 
 
 25 
 
 23-77 
 
 38 
 
 35-72 
 
 13 
 
 12-76 
 
 26 
 
 24-69 
 
 39 
 
 36-63 
 
 14 
 
 13-67 
 
 27 
 
 25-61 
 
 40 
 
 37-55 
 
 15 
 
 14-59 
 
 r 28 
 
 26 53 
 
 41 
 
 38-46 
 
 16 
 
 15-51 
 
 29 
 
 27 44 
 
 42 
 
 39-40 
 
 17 
 
 16-43 
 
 30 
 
 28-38 
 
 43 
 
 40-31 
 
 18 
 
 17-35 
 
 31 
 
 29-29 
 
 44 
 
 41-22 
 
 • 19 
 
 18-26 
 
 32 
 
 30-31 
 
 45 
 
 42 14 
 
 20 
 
 19-18 
 
 33 
 
 3113 
 
 46 
 
 43-06 
 
 21; 
 
 20-10 
 
 34 
 
 32 04 
 
 47 
 
 43-98 
 
 22 
 
 21-02 
 
 35 
 
 32-96 
 
 48 
 
 44-90 
 
1434 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 Table showing the Value of the Degrees of Cartier's Hydrometer in those of 
 Gay-Lussac’ s Centesimal Alcoholmeter. 
 
 Cartier. 
 
 Centesimal 
 
 Alcoholmeter. 
 
 Cartier. 
 
 Centesimal 
 
 Alcoholmeter. 
 
 1 
 
 Cartier. 
 
 Centesimal 
 
 Alcoholmeter. 
 
 10 
 
 0-2 
 
 22 
 
 58-7 
 
 34 
 
 86-2 
 
 11 
 
 51 
 
 23 
 
 61-5 
 
 35 
 
 88 
 
 12 
 
 11-2 
 
 24 
 
 64 2 
 
 36 
 
 89-6 
 
 13 
 
 18-2 
 
 25 
 
 66-9 
 
 37 
 
 912 
 
 14 
 
 25-2 
 
 26 
 
 69-4 
 
 38 
 
 92-7 
 
 15 
 
 31-6 
 
 27 
 
 71-8 
 
 39 
 
 94-1 
 
 16 
 
 369 
 
 28 
 
 74 
 
 40 
 
 95-4 
 
 17 
 
 41-5 
 
 29 
 
 76-3 
 
 41 
 
 96-6 
 
 18 
 
 45-5 
 
 30 
 
 78-4 
 
 42 
 
 977 
 
 19 
 
 494 
 
 31 
 
 80-5 
 
 43 
 
 98 8 
 
 20 
 
 52-5 
 
 32 
 
 82-6 
 
 44 
 
 998 
 
 21 
 
 55-6 
 
 33 
 
 84 '4 
 
 
 
INDEX 
 
 A 
 
 Abbreviations, table of 1411 
 Abelmoschus esculen- 
 
 tus 
 
 1340 
 
 Abelmoschus moschatus 1340 
 
 Abies balsamea 
 
 729 
 
 Abies Canadensis 
 
 564 
 
 Abies communis 
 
 563 
 
 Abies excelsa 
 
 563 
 
 Abies larix 
 
 730 
 
 Abies nigra 
 
 729 
 
 Abies pectinata 
 
 729 
 
 Abies picea 563 
 
 , 729 
 
 Abies taxifolia 
 
 729 
 
 Absinthic acid 
 
 5 
 
 Absinthin 
 
 5 
 
 Absinthium 
 
 4 
 
 Absolute alcohol 
 
 852 
 
 Abuta 
 
 551 
 
 Acacia 
 
 5 
 
 Acacia Adansonii 
 
 6 
 
 Acacia Arabica 
 
 6 
 
 Acacia catechu 
 
 198 
 
 Acacia decurrens 
 
 7 
 
 Acacia Ehrenbergiana 
 
 6 
 
 Acacia floribunda 
 
 7 
 
 Acacia gummifera 
 
 6 
 
 Acacia karroo 
 
 6 
 
 Acacia Nilotica 
 
 6 
 
 Acacia nostras 
 
 7 
 
 Acacia Senegal 
 
 6 
 
 Acacia seyal 
 
 6 
 
 Acacia tortilis 
 
 7 
 
 Acacia vera 
 
 6 
 
 Acacice verm succus 
 
 7 
 
 Acer saccharinum 
 
 632 
 
 Aceta 
 
 793 
 
 Acetate of alumina 
 Acetate of ammonia, so- 
 
 1393 
 
 lution of 
 
 861 
 
 Acetate of am ylic ether 1329 
 
 Acetate of copper 
 Acetate of iron, tinc- 
 
 1289 
 
 ture of 
 
 995 
 
 Acetate of lead 
 
 569 
 
 Acetate of magnesia 
 
 1289 
 
 Acetate of morphia 
 Acetate of morphia, so- 
 
 1087 
 
 lution of 
 
 1088 
 
 Acetate of potassa 
 
 1133 
 
 Acetate of quinia 
 
 251 
 
 Acetate of soda 
 
 686 
 
 Acetate of zinc 1276 
 
 Acetated tincture of 
 opium 1242 
 
 Acetic acid 15 
 
 Acetic acid, aromatic 799 
 
 Acetic acid, camphor- 
 ated 798 
 
 Acetic acid, diluted 800 
 
 Acetic acid, glacial 16, 19 
 
 Acetic acid of com- 
 merce 15, 20 
 
 Acetic acid, strong 16 
 
 Acetic ether 1289 
 
 Agetic extract of colchi- 
 cum 973 
 
 Acetification 13 
 
 Acetone 1 385 
 
 Acetosella 1376 
 
 Acetum 12 
 
 Acetum Britnnnicum 1 4 
 
 Acetum cantharidis 795 
 
 Acetum colchici 796 
 
 Acetum destillatum 794 
 
 Acetum Gallicum 14 
 
 Acetum opii 796 
 
 Acetum scillae 798 
 
 Achillea millefolium 1289 
 Achilleic acid 1289 
 
 Acid, acetic 15 
 
 Acid, aromatic sulphu- 
 ric 81 6 
 
 Acid, arsenious 21 
 
 Acid, benzoic 800 
 
 Acid binitrate of deut- 
 oxide of mercury 1042 
 Acid, chlorohydrie 35 
 
 Acid, citric 32 
 
 Acid, diluted acetic 800 
 
 Acid, diluted hydrocy- 
 anic 805 
 
 Acid, diluted muriatic 812 
 
 Acid, diluted nitric 812 
 
 Acid, diluted phospho- 
 ric 815 
 
 Acid, diluted sulphuric 816 
 
 Acid, gallic 803 
 
 Acid, hydrochloric 35 
 
 Acid, hydrocyanic 806 
 
 Acid, medicinal hydro- 
 cyanic 808 
 
 Acid, muriatic 35 
 
 Acid nitrate of mer- 
 cury 1042 
 
 Acid, nitric 
 
 40 
 
 Acid, nitromuriatic 
 
 813 
 
 Acid, prussic 
 
 805 
 
 Acid, pure arsenious 
 
 903 
 
 Acid, pure nitric 
 
 813 
 
 Acid, pure sulphuric 
 
 818 
 
 Acid pyretin 
 
 1391 
 
 Acid, pyroligneous 
 
 15 
 
 Acid, sulphuric 
 
 45 
 
 Acid, tannic 
 
 819 
 
 Acid, tartaric 
 
 51 
 
 Acid, valerianic 
 
 745 
 
 Acida 
 
 799 
 
 Acids 
 
 799 
 
 Acidum aceticum 15, 17 
 
 Acidum aceticum cam- 
 
 phoratum 
 
 Acidum aceticum dilu- 
 
 798 
 
 tum 
 
 Acidum aceticum e ligno 
 
 800 
 
 venale 15, 17 
 
 Acidum aceticum forte 16, 17 
 Acidum aceticum gla- 
 
 ciale 
 
 16 
 
 Acidum arseniosum 
 Acidum, arseniosum 
 
 21 
 
 purum 
 
 903 
 
 Acidum benzoicum 
 
 800 
 
 Acidum chromicum 
 
 1314 
 
 Acidum citrieum 
 
 32 
 
 Acidum gallicum 
 
 803 
 
 Acidum hydriodicum 
 
 1341 
 
 Acidum hydrochloricum 
 Acidum hydrochloricum 
 
 35 
 
 dilutum 
 
 812 
 
 Acidum hydrocyanicum 
 Acidum hydrocyanicum 
 
 805 
 
 dilutum 
 
 805 
 
 Acidum lacticum 
 
 1354 
 
 Acidum muriaticum 
 Acidum muriaticum di- 
 
 35 
 
 lutum 
 
 Acidum muriaticum pu- 
 
 812 
 
 rum 
 
 Acidum muriaticum ve- 
 
 35 
 
 nale 
 
 35 
 
 Acidum nitricum 
 Acidum nitricum dilu- 
 
 40 
 
 tum 
 
 812 
 
 Acidum nitricum purum 
 
 813 
 
 Acidum nitricum venale 
 
 40 
 
 Acidum nitromuriaticum 813 
 Acidum oxalicum 1373 
 
1436 
 
 Index , 
 
 Acidum phosphoricum 
 dilutum 815 
 
 Acidum pyroligneum 15, 17 
 Acidum succinicum 1392 
 Acidum sulphuricum 45 
 Acidum sulpliuricum 
 aromaticum 816 
 
 Acidum sulphuricum 
 
 dilutum 816 
 
 Acidum sulphuricum 
 
 purum t~ 818 
 
 Acidum sulphuricum 
 venale 45 
 
 Acidum tannicum 819 
 
 Acidum tartaricum 51 
 
 Acipenser huso 403 
 
 Acipenser ruthenus 403 
 Acipenser stellatus 403 
 Acipenser sturio 403 
 
 Aconite leaves 54 
 
 Aconite root 54 
 
 Aconiti folia 54 
 
 Aconiti radix 54 
 
 Aconitia 56, 822 
 
 Aconitic acid 56 
 
 Aconitin 56 
 
 Aconitum anthora 54 
 
 Aconitum cammarum 54 
 Aconitum ferox 54 
 
 Aconitum lycoctonum 54 
 Aconitum napellus 55 
 
 Aconitum neomontanum 54 
 Aconitum Neubergense 55 
 Aconitum paniculatum 54 
 Aconitum Sinense 54 
 
 Aconitum Tauricum 54 
 Aconitum uncinatum 54 
 Acorus calamus 151 
 
 Acrid lettuce 442 
 
 Actaea alba 1290 
 
 Act® a Americana 1290 
 
 Actsea racemosa 217 
 
 Act® a rubra 1290 
 
 Act®a spicata 1290 
 
 Adansonia digitata 1290 
 
 Adeps 57 
 
 Adeps suillus 57 
 
 Adeps suillus pr®para- 
 tus 1253 
 
 Adhesive plaster 956, 957 
 Adiantum capillus ve- 
 neris 1290 
 
 Adiantum pedatum 1290 
 
 Administering medicines, 
 mode of 1408 
 
 iErugo 305 
 
 iEsculus hippocastanum 1290 
 ASther 825 
 
 AStlier aceticus 1289 
 
 AEther hydriodicus 1342 
 
 AEther hydrocyanicus 1342 
 
 Alt her muriaticus 1363 
 
 /Ether sulphuricus 825 
 
 AEtherea 825 
 
 AEthiops vegetabilis 1330 
 
 iEthylamine 
 
 534 
 
 Ale 
 
 755 
 
 African kino 
 
 433 
 
 Alembic 
 
 778 
 
 Agar agar 
 
 1330 
 
 Aleppo scammony 
 
 661 
 
 Agaric 
 
 1291 
 
 Aletris 
 
 64 
 
 Agaric of the oak 
 
 1291 
 
 Aletris farinosa 
 
 64 
 
 Agaric, purging 
 
 1291 
 
 Alexandria senna 
 
 672 
 
 Agaric, white 
 
 1291 
 
 Alhagi Maurorum 
 
 464 
 
 Agathis Damarra 
 
 733 
 
 Alisma plantago 
 
 1293 
 
 Agathosmas 
 
 148 
 
 Alizarin 
 
 623 
 
 Agathotes chirayta 
 
 215 
 
 Alkalimetry 
 
 584 
 
 Agave Americana 
 
 1292 
 
 Alkanet 
 
 1293 
 
 Agave Virginica 
 
 1292 
 
 Alkekengi 
 
 1381 
 
 Agedoite 
 
 370 
 
 Alliaria officinalis 
 
 1293 
 
 Agrimonia eupatoria 
 
 1292 
 
 Allium 
 
 65 
 
 Agrimony, common 
 
 1292 
 
 Allium Canadense 
 
 65 
 
 Aix la Chapelle water 
 
 112 
 
 Allium cepa 
 
 1372 
 
 Ajuga chamrepitys 
 
 1292 
 
 Allium porrum 
 
 1355 
 
 Ajuga pyramidalis 
 
 1292 
 
 Allium sativum 
 
 65 
 
 Ajuga reptans 
 
 1292 
 
 Allspice 
 
 559 
 
 Alantin 
 
 405 
 
 Allyle 
 
 66, 684 
 
 Albumen as an antidote 
 
 
 Almond confection 
 
 928 
 
 for corrosive subli- 
 
 
 Almond emulsion 
 
 1076 
 
 mate 
 
 1029 
 
 Almond mixture 
 
 1076 
 
 Albumen ovi 
 
 548 
 
 Almond oil soap 
 
 650 
 
 Albumen, vegetable 
 
 343 
 
 Almonds, bitter 
 
 90, 91 
 
 Albuminate of iron 1292-3 
 
 Almonds, sweet 
 
 90, 91 
 
 Albuminate of iron and 
 
 
 Alnus glutinosa 
 
 1294 
 
 potassa, syrup of 
 
 1292 
 
 Alnus serrulata 
 
 1294 
 
 Alee® -Egyptiac® 
 
 1340 
 
 Aloe 
 
 67 
 
 Alchemilla vulgaris 
 
 1293 
 
 Aloe Africana 
 
 69 
 
 Alcohol, Ed., Dub. 
 
 852 
 
 Aloe arborescens 
 
 67, 72 
 
 Alcohol, U. S. 
 
 59 
 
 Aloe Barbadensis 
 
 67 
 
 Alcohol, absolute 62, 852 ; 
 Alcohol, ammoniated 864 
 Alcohol, amylic 851 
 
 Alcohol amylicum 851 
 
 Alcohol as a poison 63 
 
 Alcohol, diluted 854 
 
 Alcohol dilutum 854 
 
 Alcohol, methylic 701 
 
 Alcohol, preparations of 851 
 Alcohol, table of the sp. 
 
 gr. of 62 
 
 Alcoholic extract of aco- 
 nite 969 
 
 Alcoholic extract of bel- 
 ladonna 972 
 
 Alcoholic extract of hem- 
 lock 976 
 
 Alcoholic extract of hen- 
 bane 979 
 
 Alcoholic fermentation 60 
 Alcoholic muriatic ether 1364 
 Alcoholic potassa 1132 
 Alcoholic solution of 
 chloroform 849 
 
 Alcoholmeter, Gay-Lus- 
 sac’s centesimal 1433, 1434 
 Alcornoque 1293 
 
 Aldehyd 14, 838 
 
 Aldehyd resin 14, 838 
 
 Alder, American 1294 
 
 Alder, black 595 
 
 Alder, common Euro- 
 pean 1294 
 
 Aloe commelyni 
 Aloe ferox 
 Aloe hepatica 
 Aloe Indica 
 Aloe multiformis 
 Aloe plicatilis 
 Aloe purpurascens 
 Aloe Socotrina 
 Aloe spicata 
 Aloe vera 
 Aloe vulgaris 
 Aloes 
 
 Aloes, Barbadoes 
 Aloes, Bethelsdorp 
 Aloes, caballine 
 Aloes, Cape 
 Aloes, fetid 
 Aloes, hepatic 
 Aloes, horse 
 Aloes, Mocha 
 Aloes, shining 
 Aloes, Socotrine 
 Aloesin 
 Aloetic pills 
 Aloin 
 
 Alpinia eardamomum 
 Alpinia galanga 
 Alsop’s infusion jar 
 Alteratives 
 Althtea 
 
 Althaea officinalis 
 Althaea rosea 
 Alth®® flores 
 
 67 
 69 
 67 
 67, 71 
 
 67 
 69 
 
 67, 72 
 
 68 
 
 67 
 
 68 
 68 
 67 
 
 71 
 69 
 
 72 
 69 
 72 
 
 71 
 
 72 
 
 72 
 69 
 69 
 
 73 
 
 1110 
 
 73 
 
 183 
 
 1331 
 
 1050 
 
 3 
 
 76 
 
 76 
 
Index. 
 
 1437 
 
 Althaeas folia 
 
 76 
 
 Althaeas radix 
 
 76 
 
 Alum 
 
 77 
 
 Alum, dried 
 
 855 
 
 Alum, preparations of 
 
 855 
 
 Alum- root 
 
 385 
 
 Alum slate 
 
 77 
 
 Alum spring, Rockbridge 112 
 
 Alum stone 
 
 77 
 
 Alumen 
 
 77 
 
 Alumen exsiccatum 
 
 855 
 
 Alumen siccatum 
 
 855 
 
 Alumen ustum 
 
 855 
 
 Alumina 
 
 79 
 
 Alumina, acetate of 
 Alumina and iron, sul- 
 
 1393 
 
 phate of 
 
 1393 
 
 Alumina, sulphate of 
 
 1392 
 
 Alumina, tannate of 
 
 1396 
 
 Aluminse et ferri sulphas 
 
 1393 
 
 Aluminas sulphas 
 
 1392 
 
 Aluminas tannas 
 
 1396 
 
 Aluminium 
 
 80 
 
 Aluminous schist 
 
 77 
 
 Alyon’s ointment 
 
 1263 
 
 Amadou 
 
 1291 
 
 Amalgamation 
 
 117 
 
 Amber 
 
 713 
 
 Amber eupione 
 
 1365 
 
 Ambergris 
 
 1294 
 
 Ambra grisea 
 
 1294 
 
 Ambrein 
 
 1294 
 
 American agave 
 
 1292 
 
 American aloe 
 
 1292 
 
 American centaury 
 
 629 
 
 American columbo 
 
 354 
 
 American gentian 
 
 354 
 
 American -hellebore 
 American ipecacuanha 
 
 748 
 
 336, 368 
 
 American sanicle 
 
 385 
 
 American senna 
 
 193 
 
 American silver fir 
 
 729 
 
 American spikenard 
 
 116 
 
 Amide 
 
 1047 
 
 Amidin 
 
 94 
 
 Amidogen 
 
 1047 
 
 Ammonia 
 
 81 
 
 Ammonia, aromatic spi 
 
 
 rit of 
 
 864 
 
 Ammonia, arseniate of 
 
 1298 
 
 Ammonia, benzoate of 
 
 1302 
 
 Ammonia, bicarbonate of 858 
 
 Ammonia, carbonate of 855 
 Ammonia, fetid spirit of 865 
 Ammonia, hydriodate of 1347 
 Ammonia, hydrochlorate 
 
 of 85 
 
 Ammonia, hydrosulphu- 
 ret of 858 
 
 Ammonia, muriate of 85 
 Ammonia, nitrosulphate 
 of 1368 
 
 Ammonia, phosphate of 1380 
 
 Ammonia, preparations 
 of 855 
 
 Ammonia, sesquicarbon- 
 ate of 855 
 
 Ammonia, solution of 859 
 
 Ammonia, spirit of 863 
 
 Ammonia, stronger so- 
 lution of 83 
 
 Ammonia, succinate of 1392 
 Ammonia, urate of 1401 
 Ammonia, water of 859 
 Ammoniac 88 
 
 Ammoniac mixture 1076 
 Ammoniac plaster 947 
 
 Ammoniacal alum 78 
 
 Ammoniacal ointment, 
 vesicating 85 
 
 Ammoniacum 88 
 
 Ammoniacum proepara- 
 tum 1023 
 
 Ammonite acetatis aqua 861 
 Ammonite aqua 859 
 
 Ammonite aqua fortior 83 
 Ammonite arsenias 1298 
 
 Ammonite benzoas 1302 
 
 Ammonite bicarbonas 858 
 Ammonise carbonas 855 
 
 Ammonite carbonatis aqua 
 
 858 
 
 Ammonite citratis liquor 863 
 Ammonise hydrochloras 85 
 Ammonias hydrosulphu- 
 retum 858 
 
 Ammonias liquor 859 
 
 Ammonite liquor fortior 83 
 Ammonite murias 85 
 
 Ammonite phosphas 1380 
 
 Ammonite sesquicarbo- 
 nas 855 
 
 Ammonise uras 1401 
 
 Ammonia-meter 84 
 
 Ammoniated alcohol 864 
 
 Ammoniated copper 933 
 
 Ammoniated copper, so- 
 lution of 935 
 
 Ammoniated iron 1019 
 
 Ammoniated mercury 1047 
 
 Ammoniated tincture of 
 castor 1225 
 
 Ammoniated tincture of 
 guaiac 1233 
 
 Ammoniated tincture of 
 opium 1243 
 
 Ammoniated tincture of 
 valerian 1249 
 
 Ammonii iodidum 1347 
 
 Ammonio-chloride of 
 iron 1019 
 
 Ammonio-chloride of iron, 
 tincture of 1019 
 
 Ammonio-chloride of sil- 
 ver 1313 
 
 Ammonio-citrate of iron 999 
 Ammonio-tartrate of iron 
 
 1294 
 
 Ammonium 81 
 
 Ammonium, chloride of 87 
 Ammonium, iodide of 1347 
 Ammonium, oxide of 82 
 
 Amomum angustifolium 182 
 Amomum cardamomum 
 
 181, 182 
 
 Amomum grana paradisi 182 
 
 Amomum maximum 181 
 
 Amomum melegueta 182 
 
 Amomum racemosum 181 
 
 Amomum repens 183 
 
 Amomum zingiber 762 
 
 Amorphous quinia 1171 
 
 Amygdala amara 90, 91 
 
 Amygdala dulcis 90, 91 
 
 Amygdalte oleum 498 
 
 Amygdalic acid 92 
 
 Amygdalin 91 
 
 Amygdaline soap 650 
 
 Amygdalus communis 90 
 Amygdalus Persica 1379 
 Amylaceous ipecacuanha 418 
 Amyle, hydrated oxide of 851 
 Amylic acid 851 
 
 Amylic alcohol 851 
 
 Amylic ether, acetate of 1329 
 Amylic ether, valerian- 
 ate of . 1329 
 
 Amylum 93 
 
 Amyris caranna 1309 
 
 Amyris commiphora 1301 
 
 Amyris elemifera 324 
 
 Amyris Gileadensis 1299 
 
 Amyris kataf 488 
 
 Amyris tomentosum 1396 
 
 Anacardic acid 1295 
 
 Anacardium occidentale 1294 
 Anacyclus officinarum 599 
 
 Anacyclus pyrethrum 599 
 
 Anaesthetic compounds, 
 
 chlorinated 1313 
 
 Anagallis arvensis 1295 
 
 Anagallis caerulea 1295 
 
 Anamirta cocculus 267 
 
 Anchusa Italica 1295 
 
 Anchusa officinalis 1295 
 
 Anchusa tinctoria 1293 
 
 Anchusic acid 1293 
 
 Anda Brasiliensis 1370 
 
 Anda Gomesii 1370 
 
 Anda, oil of 1370 
 
 Anderson’s pills 1111 
 
 Andira inermis 1306 
 
 Andira retusa 1306 
 
 Andromeda arborea 1295 
 
 Andromeda mariana 1295 
 
 Andromeda speciosa 1295 
 
 Anemone, meadow . 1295 
 
 Anemone nemorosa 1295 
 
 Anemone pratensis 1295 
 
 Anemone pulsatilla 1295 
 
 Anemonic acid 1296 
 
 Anemonin 1296 
 
 Anethum 96 
 
1438 
 
 Index. 
 
 Anethum foeniculum 352 
 
 Anethum graveolens 96 
 
 Angelica 97 
 
 Angelica arcliangelica 97 
 Angelica atropurpurea 97 
 Angelica- tree bark 116 
 
 Angelicic acid 98 
 
 Angola weed 437 
 
 Angustura 98 
 
 Angustura bark 98 
 
 Angustura, false 100 
 
 Anhydrous alcohol 62 
 
 Animal charcoal 177 
 
 Animal charcoal as an 
 agent for procuring 
 vegetable active prin- 
 ciples 918 
 
 Animal charcoal, purified 
 
 917 
 
 Animal oil 86 
 
 Anime 1296 
 
 Anise 101 
 
 Anise water 890 
 
 Aniseed, star 101 
 
 Anise-tree, Florida 1344 
 
 Anisum 101 
 
 Aunotta 1296 
 
 Anodyne enema 959 
 
 Anodyne liniment- 1067 
 
 Anodynes 3 
 
 Antacids 3 
 
 Anthelmintics 3 
 
 Anthemis 102 
 
 Anthemis arvensis 102 
 
 Anthemis cotula 295 
 
 Anthemis nobilis 102 
 
 Anthemis pyrethrum 599 
 
 Anthemis tinctoria 102 
 
 Anthoxanthum odoratum 
 
 1400 
 
 Anthracite 176 
 
 Anthrakokali 1296 
 
 Anthrenus 168 
 
 Anthriscus cerefolium 1296 
 
 Antilithics 2 
 
 Antimonial ointment 1254 
 
 Antimonial powder 882 
 
 Antimonial wine 876 
 
 Antimonic acid 105 
 
 Antimonii et potass* tar- 
 tras 867 
 
 Antimonii oxidum 866 
 
 Antimonii oxysulphure- 
 tum 878 
 
 Antimonii potassio-tar- 
 tras 867 
 
 Antimonii sulphuretum 106 
 Antimonii sulphuretum 
 aureum 878 
 
 Antimonii sulphuretum 
 prmcipitatum 878 
 
 Antimonii sulphuretum 
 prseparatum 877 
 
 Antimonii tartarizati li- 
 quor 876 
 
 Antimonii terchloridi li- 
 
 quor 865 
 
 Antimonii tersulphure- 
 tum 106 
 
 Antimonious acid 105 
 
 Antimonium 104 
 
 Antimonium diaphore- 
 ticum 1325 
 
 Antimonium tartariza- 
 tum 867 
 
 Antimony 104 
 
 Antimony and potassa, 
 tartrate of 867 
 
 Antimony ash 104 
 
 Antimony, crocus of 1322 
 Antimony, glass of 1333 
 Antimony, oxide of 866 
 Antimony, oxychloride 
 of " 1384 
 
 Antimony, oxysulphu- 
 ret of 878 
 
 Antimony, precipitated 
 sulphuret of 878 
 
 Antimony, preparations 
 of 865 
 
 Antimony, prepared 
 sulphuret of 877 
 
 Antimony, suboxide of 105 
 Antimony, sulphuret of 106 
 Antimony, tartarized 867 
 Antimony, teroxide of 866 
 Antirrhinic acid 313 
 
 Antirrhinum linaria 1297 
 Antispasmodics 2 
 
 Apiin 554 
 
 Apis mellifica 203, 473 
 Apiurn petroselinum 554 
 Apocynin 107 
 
 Apocynum androsasmi- 
 folium 106 
 
 Apocynum cannabinum 107 
 Aporetiri 616 
 
 Apothecaries’ measure 1415 
 Apothecaries’ weight 1415 
 Apotheme 961 
 
 Appert’s process 988 
 
 Apple essence 1329 
 
 Application of heat 775 
 Approximate measure- 
 ment 1420 
 
 Aqua 108 
 
 Aqua acidi carbonici 8S7 
 
 Aqua aluminosa Bateana 855 
 Aqua ammonias 859 
 
 Aqua amygdalae amarte 8S9 
 Aqua anethi 890 
 
 Aqua anisi 890 
 
 Aqua Binelli 1297 
 
 Aqua calcis 911 
 
 Aqua camphor* 890 
 
 Aqua carui 891 
 
 Aqua cassi* 891 
 
 Aqua ciunamomi 891 
 
 Aqua destillata 884 
 
 Aqua fluvialis 110 
 
 Aqua foeniculi 891 
 
 Aqua fontana 110 
 
 •Aqua fortis 40 
 
 Aqua lauro-cerasi 891 
 
 Aqua luci* 650 
 
 Aqua menth* piperit* 892 
 
 Aqua menth* pulegii 893 
 
 Aqua menth® viridis 892 
 
 Aqua phaged*nica 1027 
 
 Aqua picis liquid* 566 
 
 Aqua piment* 892 
 
 Aqua pulegii 893 
 
 Aqua regia 813 
 
 Aqua ros® 893 
 
 Aqua sambuci 893 
 
 Aqua sapphirina 307 
 
 Aqu® 885 
 
 Aqu* medicat* 885 
 
 Aquilegia vulgaris 1297 
 Arabin 9 
 
 Aralia hispida 116 
 
 Aralia nudicaulis 115 
 
 Aralia racemosa 116 
 
 Aralia spinosa 116 
 
 Araucaria Dombeyi 733 
 Arbor vit® 1400 
 
 Arbutus uva ursi 743 
 
 Arcanum duplicatum 592 
 Archangelica officinalis 97 
 Archil 438 
 
 Arctium lappa 443 
 
 Arctostaphylos uva ursi 743 
 Ardent spirits of com- 
 merce 61 
 
 Areca catechu 201, 1297 
 Areca nut 1297 
 
 Argel 672 
 
 Argemone Mexicana 1297 
 Argenti chloridum 1313 
 Argeuti cyanuretum 895 
 Argenti iodidum 1347 
 
 Argenti nitras 896, 899 
 Argenti nitras fusus 899 
 Argenti oxidum 901 
 
 Argentine flowers of 
 Antimony 105 
 
 Argentum 117 
 
 Argentum purificatum 117 
 Argol 580 
 
 Arica bark 237 
 
 Aricina 249 
 
 Aristolochia clematitis 676 
 Aristolochla hastata 677 
 Aristolochia hirsuta 677 
 Aristolochia Iudica 676 
 Aristolochia longa 676 
 Aristolochia pistolochia 676 
 Aristolochia reticulata 677 
 Aristolochia rotunda 676 
 Aristolochia sagittata 677 
 Aristolochia semper vi- 
 rens 676 
 
 Aristolochia serpen taria 676 
 Aristolocliia tomentosa 677 
 Armoracia 118 
 
Index 
 
 1439 
 
 Arnica 119 
 
 Arnica Montana 119 
 
 Arnicina 120 
 
 Arnotta 1296 
 
 Aromatic acetic acid 799 
 
 Aromatic confection 929 
 
 Aromatic mixture of 
 iron 1078 
 
 Aromatic powder 1162 
 
 Aromatic spirit of am- 
 monia 864 
 
 Aromatic spiritof vinegar 799 
 Aromatic sulphuric acid 816 
 Aromatic syrup of rhu- 
 barb 1209 
 
 Aromatic vinegar 799 
 
 Arrow-root 467 
 
 Arseniate of ammonia 1298 
 Arseniate of iron 1298 
 Arsenic 121 
 
 Arsenic acid 121 
 
 Arsenic, bisulphuret of 1385 
 Arsenic, iodide of 904 
 
 Arsenic, preparations of 903 
 Arsenic, teriodide of 904 
 Ai-senic, tersulphuret of 1373 
 Arsenical paste 24 
 
 Arsenical solution 905 
 Arsenical solution of 
 Pearson 23 
 
 Arsenici et hydrargyri 
 hydriodatis liquor 904 
 Arsenici iodidum 904 
 
 Arsenici oxydum album 
 venale 21 
 
 Arsenicum 121 
 
 Arsenicum album 21 
 
 Arsenicum purum 121 
 
 Arsenious acid 21 
 
 Arsenious acid as a poison 25 
 Arsenious acid, pure 903 
 Arsenious acid, tests for 29 
 Arsenite of potassa, so- 
 lution of 905 
 
 Arsenite of quinia 251 
 Art of prescribing medi- 
 cines 1407 
 
 Artanthe elongata 471 
 Artemisia abrotanum 4 
 Artemisia absinthium 4 
 Artemisia Chinensis, 4, 1362 
 Artemisia contra 1404 
 
 Artemisia glomerata 1404 
 Artemisia Indica 4, 1362 
 Artemisia J udaica 1404 
 Artemisia moxa 1362 
 
 Artemisia Pontica 4 
 
 Artemisia santonica 4, 1404 
 Artemisia vulgaris 4 
 
 Arterial stimulants 2 
 
 Artesian wells 110 
 
 Artichoke, garden 1324 
 Artificial camphor 519 
 
 Artificial gum 95 
 
 Artificial musk 1365 
 
 Artificial oil of bitter 
 almonds 499, 1303 
 
 Artificial Seltzer water 887 
 
 Arum 122 
 
 Arum maculatum 122 
 
 Arum triphyllum 122 
 
 Asagrsea officinalis 628 
 
 Asarabacca 1298 
 
 Asarin 1298 
 
 Asarone 1298 
 
 Asarum 122 
 
 Asarum camphor 1298 
 
 Asarum Canadense 123 
 
 Asarum Europmum 1298 
 
 Asbolin 1391 
 
 Asclepias curassavica 1298 
 
 Asclepias, flesh-coloured 124 
 Asclepias, gigantea 1308 
 Asclepias incarnata 124 
 
 Asclepias Syriaca 124 
 
 Asclepias tuberosa 125 
 
 Asclepias vincetoxicum 1324 
 Ash-bark 231 
 
 Ash-coloured cantharis 172 
 
 Asiatic pills 25 
 
 Asparagin 77 
 
 Asparagus 1298 
 
 Asparagus officinalis 1298 
 
 Asparamide 77 
 
 Asparmic acid 77 
 
 Aspartic acid 77 
 
 Aspen 1383 
 
 Asperula. odorata 1400 
 
 Asphaltum 553 
 
 Aspidium filix foemina 1299 
 
 Aspidium filix mas 350 
 
 Asplenium adiantum- 
 nigrum 1299 
 
 Asplenium filix foemina 1299 
 
 Asplenium scolopen- 
 
 drium 1389 
 
 Asplenium trichomanes 1299 
 
 Assacou 1340 
 
 Assafetida 126 
 
 Assafetida mixture 1077 
 Assafetida pills 1112 
 
 Assafetida plaster 948 
 
 Assafoetida 126 
 
 Assafoetida prmparata 1023 
 Astragalus aristatus 738 
 Astragalus Creticus 737 
 Astragalus gummifer 737 
 Astragalus massiliensis 737 
 Astragalus strobiliferus 738 
 Astragalus tragacantha 737 
 Astragalus verus 738 
 
 Astringents 2 
 
 Athyrium filix foemina 1299 
 
 Atkinson’s depilatory 1373 
 
 Atropa belladonna „ 140 
 Atropa mandragora 1357 
 
 Atropia 141 
 
 Atropim sulphas 907 
 
 Attaleh 8 
 
 Attar of roses 517 
 
 Aurantii aqua 131 
 
 Aurantii cortex 129 
 
 Aurantii floris aqua 131 
 Aurantii oleum 131 
 
 Aurantium 129 
 
 Aurum 1334 
 
 Australian gum 9 
 
 Ava 472 
 
 Avena 132 
 
 Avena sativa 132 
 
 A venae farina 132 
 
 Avens 367 
 
 Avens, purple 367 
 
 Avens, water 366 
 
 Avoirdupois weight 1415 
 
 Axungia 57 
 
 Aya-pana 333 
 
 Aydendron laurel 1381 
 
 Azedarach 133 
 
 Azure 1391 
 
 B 
 
 Bacher, tonic pills of 978 
 
 Balaustines 373 
 
 Balm 474 
 
 Balm of Gilead 732, 1299 
 Balm of Gilead tree 729 
 
 Balsam apple 1361 
 
 Balsam, Canada 731 
 
 Balsam, Carpathian 729 
 
 Balsam, Hungarian 1386 
 
 Balsam of copaiva 286 
 
 Balsam of fir 731 
 
 Balsam of Gilead 1299 
 
 Balsam of Peru 134 
 
 Balsam of sulphur 496, 1299 
 Balsam of Tolu 137 
 
 Balsam, Riga 1386 
 
 Balsam weed 1345 
 
 Balsam, white 135 
 
 Balsamina 1361 
 
 Balsamito 136 
 
 Balsamodendron .Gilea- 
 dense 1299 
 
 Balsamodendron myrrha 488 
 Balsamum Canadense 727 
 Balsamum Carpaticum 1386 
 Balsamum Gileadense 1299 
 Balsamum Libani 1386 
 
 Balsamum Peruvianum 134 
 Balsamum Tolutanum 137 
 Balsamum tranquilans 1299 
 Balsamum traumaticum 1222 
 
 Balston Spa water 113 
 
 Banana essence 1329 
 
 Bancksia Abyssinica 1351 
 Baneberry 1290 
 
 Bang 338 
 
 Baobab 1290 
 
 Baphia nitida 1308 
 
 Baptisia tinctoria 1300 
 
 Barbadoes aloes 71 
 
 Barbadoes nuts 1300 
 
1440 
 
 Index , 
 
 Barbadoes petroleum 553 
 
 Barbadoes tar 552 
 
 Barbary gum 8 
 
 Barberry 1303 
 
 Barii cbloridi liquor 909 
 
 Barii chloridum 908 
 
 Barii iodidum 1347 
 
 Barilla 691, 692 
 
 Barium 138 
 
 Barium, chloride of 908 
 
 Barium, iodide of 1347 
 
 Bark, Arica 237 
 
 Bark, ash 231 
 
 Bark, Bogota 245 
 
 Bark, Calisaya 233 
 
 Bark, Carabaya 236 
 
 Bark, Caribsen 247 
 
 Bark, coquetta 245 
 
 Bark, crown 229 
 
 Bark, Cusco 236, 237 
 
 Bark, Fusagasuga 245 
 
 Bark, gray 230 
 
 Bark, Huamilies 232 
 
 Bark, Huanuco 230 
 
 Bark, Jaen 231 
 
 Bark, light Calisaya 236 
 
 Bark, Lima 230 
 
 Bark, Loxa 229 
 
 Bark, Maracaybo 241 
 
 Bark, new 247 
 
 Bark of St. Ann 236 
 
 Bark, pale 228 
 
 Bark, Peruvian 218 
 
 Bark, Peruvian Calisaya 237 
 Bark, Pitaya 245 
 
 Bark, red 239 
 
 Bark, St. Lucia 247 
 
 Bark, Santa Martha 242 
 
 Bark, silver 230 
 
 Bark, yellow 233 
 
 Barks, Carthagena 241 
 
 Barks, false 246 
 
 Barks, non-officinal 241 
 
 Barley 389 
 
 Barley sugar 636 
 
 Barley water 940 
 
 Baroselenite 139 
 
 Barosma crenata 149 
 
 Barosma crenulata 148 
 
 Barosma serratifolia 148 
 
 Barras 731 
 
 Baryta 138 
 
 Baryta, carbonate of 139 
 
 Baryta, muriate of 908 
 
 Baryta, preparations of 908 
 
 Baryta, sulphate of 139 
 
 Baryta water 1 38 
 
 Barytse carbonas 139 
 
 Barytas rnurias 908 
 
 Barytse sulphas 139 
 
 Barytina 7 47 
 
 Basil 1 369 
 
 Basilicon ointment 925 
 
 Bassora gum 1300 
 
 Bassorin 1300 
 
 Bastard dittany 
 
 1326 
 
 Bastard ipecacuanha 
 
 1298 
 
 Bateman’s drops 
 
 1244 
 
 Bates’s alum water 
 
 855 
 
 Bath water 
 
 113 
 
 Baths 
 
 114 
 
 Baume de commandeur 1222 
 
 Baume tranquille 
 
 1299 
 
 Baumd’s hydrometer 
 Baume’s hydrometer, 
 
 768 
 
 table of the value of 
 
 
 the degrees of, in 
 sp. gr. 1431, 
 
 1432 
 
 Bay salt 
 
 696 
 
 Bay berries 
 
 444 
 
 Bay leaves 
 
 445 
 
 Bdellium 
 
 1301 
 
 Bead tree, common 
 
 134 
 
 Beaked hazel 
 
 1321 
 
 Bean of St. Ignatius 
 
 1301 
 
 Bearberry 
 
 743 
 
 Bears-foot 
 
 1339 
 
 Beaver tree 
 
 460 
 
 Bebeerin 
 
 1301 
 
 Bebeeru bark 
 
 1301 
 
 Keccabunga 
 
 Bedeguar 
 
 1404 
 
 1302 
 
 Bedford spring water 
 
 112 
 
 Beech-drops 
 
 1372 
 
 Beef’s marrow soap 
 
 650 
 
 Beer 
 
 755 
 
 Beet sugar 
 
 632 
 
 Belladonna 
 
 140 
 
 Belladonnin 
 
 140 
 
 Bendee 
 
 1340 
 
 Bengal cardamom 
 
 182 
 
 Bengal opium 
 
 530 
 
 Benjamin tree 
 
 144 
 
 Benne leaves 
 
 679 
 
 Betula alba 1303 
 
 Betula lent a 1303 
 
 Betula papyracea 1303 
 Betulin 1303 
 
 Bevilacqua 1342 
 
 Bezoar 1303 
 
 Bibasic phosphate of 
 soda 1187 
 
 Biborate of soda 689 
 
 Bicarbonate of ammonia 858 
 Bicarbonate of potassa 1 139 
 Bicarbonate of soda 1178 
 Bichloride of mercury 1025 
 Bichromate of potassa 579 
 Bicolorata (cinchona) 247 
 Bieyanuret of mercury 1035 
 Biferrocyanuret of po- 
 tassium 806 
 
 Bignonia catalpa 1310 
 
 Bignonia sempervirens 1332 
 Bilate of soda 1377 
 
 Bilifulvin 1377 
 
 Bilin 1376 
 
 Bili verdin 1377 
 
 Biniodide of mercury 1037 
 Binoxalate of potassa 1376 
 Binoxide of mercury 1042 
 Birch, European 1303 
 
 Birch, sweet 1303 
 
 Bird-lime 1303 
 
 Bird-manure . 1336 
 
 Bismuth 145 
 
 Bismuth, magistery of 911 
 Bismuth, nitrate of 910 
 Bismuth, subnitrate of 910 
 Bismuth, teroxide of 146 
 Bismuth, trisnitrate of 910 
 
 Bismuth, valerianate of 1402 
 Bismuth, white oxide of 910 
 
 Benne oil 
 
 Benzene 
 
 Benzine 
 
 Benzoate of ammonia 
 Benzoe amygdaloides 
 Benzoe in sortis 
 Benzoic acid 
 Benzoin 
 
 Benzoin, flowers of 
 Benzoin odoriferum 
 Benzoi’ne 
 Benzoinum 
 Benzole 
 
 Benzyle 499 
 
 Berberin 279, 
 
 Berberis Canadensis 
 Berberis vulgaris 
 Bergamot pear essence 
 Bergamot® oleum 
 Bestucheff’s tincture of 
 iron 
 Betel 
 Betel-nut 
 Bethelsdorp aloes 
 Betonica officinalis 
 Betony, wood 
 
 679 I Bismuthi nitras 910 
 
 1302 ! Bismuthi subnitras 910 
 1302 ; Bismuthi valerianas 1402 
 1302 ! Bismuthum 145 
 
 144 ; Bismuthum album 910 
 144 j Bistort 1304 
 
 800 j Bisutphate of potassa 1146 
 144 1 Bisulphuret of carbon 1304 
 
 801 Bisulphuret of iodine 1198 
 
 1302 Bisulphuret of mercury 1045 
 
 499 Bitartrate of potassa 580 
 
 144 Biting stone-crop 1390 
 
 1302 ! Bitter almond water 889 
 
 ), 802 
 
 Bitter almonds 
 
 90, 91 
 
 1303 
 
 Bitter candytuft 
 
 1344 
 
 1303 
 
 Bitter cucumber 
 
 275 
 
 1303 
 
 Bitter polygala 
 
 578 
 
 1329 
 
 Bittersweet 
 
 317 
 
 500 
 
 Bitumens 
 
 552 
 
 
 Bituminous coal 
 
 176 
 
 998 
 
 Bixa orellana 
 
 1296 
 
 1297 
 
 Bixin 
 
 1296 
 
 1297 
 
 Black alder 
 
 595 
 
 69 
 
 Black ash 
 
 691 
 
 1303 
 
 Black birch 
 
 1383 
 
 1303 
 
 Black cantharis 
 
 172 
 
Index, 
 
 1441 
 
 Black cyanuret of po- 
 
 tassium 
 
 1151 
 
 Black draught 
 
 1061 
 
 Black drink 
 
 1344 
 
 Black drop 796, 797 
 
 Black flux 
 
 582 
 
 Black hellebore 
 
 381 
 
 Black ipecacuanha 
 
 418 
 
 Black lead 
 
 1309 
 
 Black mustard seeds 
 
 683 
 
 Black nightshade 
 
 318 
 
 Black oxide of iron 
 Black oxide of manga- 
 
 1010 
 
 nese 
 
 462 
 
 Black oxide of mercury 
 
 1038 
 
 Black pepper 
 
 560 
 
 Black pitch 
 
 562 
 
 Black poplar 
 
 1383 
 
 Black poppy 
 
 525 
 
 Black salts 
 
 583 
 
 Black snakeroot 217, 
 
 1387 
 
 Black. spruce 
 
 Black sulpkuret of mer- 
 
 729 
 
 cury 
 
 1044 
 
 Black wash 
 
 1033 
 
 Blackberry-root 
 
 623 
 
 Black-oak bark 602, 603 
 
 Bladder-senna 
 
 1320 
 
 Bladder-wrack 
 
 1329 
 
 Blazing star 
 
 64 
 
 Bleaching powder 
 
 155 
 
 Blende 760, 
 
 1284 
 
 Blessed thistle 
 
 1311 
 
 Blistering cloth 
 
 923 
 
 Blistering paper 
 
 923 
 
 Blistering plaster 
 
 921 
 
 Blisters, use of 
 
 170 
 
 Block-tin 
 
 704 
 
 Blood weed 
 
 1298 
 
 Bloodroot 
 
 645 
 
 Blooming spurge 
 
 335 
 
 Blue flag 
 
 421 
 
 Blue gentian 
 
 365 
 
 Blue mass 
 
 1119 
 
 Blue pills 
 
 1119 
 
 Blue stone 
 
 306 
 
 Blue vitriol 
 
 306 
 
 Blunt-leaved dock 
 
 625 
 
 Bog-bean 
 
 476 
 
 Bogota bark 243, 245 
 
 Boheic acid 
 
 1398 
 
 Bole Armenian 
 
 1305 
 
 Boles 
 
 1305 
 
 Boletus fomentarius 
 
 1292 
 
 Boletus igniarius 
 
 1291 
 
 Boletus iaricis 
 
 1291 
 
 Boletus ribis 
 
 1292 
 
 Boletus ungulatus 
 
 1292 
 
 Bolus Veneta 
 
 1403 
 
 Bone 
 
 546 
 
 Bone-ash 
 
 547 
 
 Bone-black 
 
 177 
 
 Bone -earth 
 
 547 
 
 Bone-oil 
 
 1326 
 
 Bone-phosphate of lime 
 
 91 
 
 547 
 
 Boneset 333 
 
 Bone-spirit 85, 177 
 
 Bonplanclia trifoliata 99 
 
 Boracic acid 689 
 
 Boracic acid, native 688 
 
 Borage 1305 
 
 Borago officinalis 1305 
 
 Borate of soda 687 
 
 Borax 687 
 
 Borax, octohedral 689 
 
 Borax, prismatic 689 
 
 Bordeaux turpentine 731 
 
 Borneo camphor . 162 
 
 Boswellia serrata 1371 
 
 Botany Bay kino 433 
 
 Boullay’s filter 782 
 
 Bouncing bet 1387 
 
 Brake, common 1299 
 
 Bran 342, 344 
 
 Brandy 702 
 
 Brandy mixture 1080 
 
 Brasiletto 1305 
 
 Brass 761 
 
 Brayera anthelmintica 1351 
 
 Brazil wood 1305 
 
 Brazilian sarsaparilla 655 
 
 Bread 343 
 
 Breselin 1305 
 
 Briangon manna 464 
 
 Brighton water 112 
 
 Brimstone 714 
 
 British barilla 692 
 
 British gum 94 
 
 British oil 521 
 
 British vinegar 12 
 
 Bromide of carbon 147 
 
 Bromide of iron 1305 
 
 Bromide of potassium 1149 
 
 Bromides of mercury 1305 
 
 Bromine 146 
 
 Brominium 146 
 
 Brooklime 1404 
 
 Broom 666 
 
 Broom, Spanish 1392 
 
 Broom-rape 1373 
 
 Broussonnetia tinctoria 1330 
 
 Brown mixture 1080 
 
 Brown sugar 631, 637 
 
 Brueea antidysenterica 100 
 
 Brucia 491 
 
 Bryonia alba 1306 
 
 Bryonia dioica 1306 
 
 Bryonin 1306 
 
 Bryony 1306 
 
 Bubon galbanum 355 
 
 Bucharian rhubarb 613, 615 
 Buchu 148 
 
 Buckbean 476 
 
 Buckthorn berries 607 
 
 Buckthorn juice 607 
 
 Bucku 148 
 
 Buckwheat 1304 
 
 Buena 219 
 
 Bugle, common 1292 
 
 Bugle-weed 455 
 
 Bugloss 1295 
 
 Burdock 442 
 
 Burgundy pitch 562 
 
 Burgundy pitch plaster 953 
 Burnett’s disinfecting 
 fluid 1282 
 
 Burning bush 1327 
 
 Burnt alum 855 
 
 Burnt hartshorn 292 
 
 Burnt sienna 1390 
 
 Burnt sponge 1192 
 
 Burnt umber 1401 
 
 Bursera gummifera 1309 
 Butea frondosa 433 
 
 Butea gum 433 
 
 Butter of antimony 866 
 
 Butter of zinc 1278 
 
 Buttercup 604 
 
 Butterfly-weed 125 
 
 Butternut 426 
 
 Button snakeroot 331, 1855 
 Butyrate of ethylic 
 
 ether 1 328 
 
 Butyric acid 1 328 
 
 Butyric ether 1328 
 
 c 
 
 Caballine aloes 72 
 
 Cabbage-tree bark 1306 
 
 Cacao 1316 
 
 Cadmii sulphas 1393 
 
 Cadmium, sulphate of 1393 
 Casnotus 330 
 
 Caesalpina Brasiliensis 1305 
 Ctesalpina crista 1305 
 
 Caesalpina echinata 1305 
 
 Caesalpina sappan 1305 
 
 Caffea Arabica 1317 
 
 Caffeic acid 1318 
 
 Caffein 1318 
 
 Caffein, citrate of 1319 
 
 Catfeo-tannic acid 1318 
 
 Cahinca 1306 
 
 Cahincic acid 1307 
 
 Cajeput oil 501 
 
 Cajuputi 501 
 
 Calamina 149 
 
 Calamina proeparata 1277 
 
 Calamine 149 
 
 Calamine cerate 920 
 
 Calamine, prepared 1277 
 
 Calamus 1 51 
 
 Calamus aromaticus 151 
 
 Calamus draco 1326 
 
 Calamus rotang 1326 
 
 Calcii chloridum 152 
 
 Calcii sulphuretum 1394 
 
 Calcination 784 
 
 Calcined magnesia 1071 
 
 Calcined mercury 1041 
 
 Calcis carbonas prceci- 
 pitatus 913 
 
 Calcis chlorinatoe liquor 916 
 
1442 
 
 Index , 
 
 Calcis murias 
 Calcis muriatis solutio 
 Calcis phosphas praeci- 
 pitatum 
 Calcium 
 
 Calendula ofiicinalis 
 Calendulin 
 Calico bush 
 Calisaya bark 
 
 152 
 
 915 
 
 916 
 152 
 
 1307 
 1307 
 1350 
 233, 234 
 Calisaya barks, false 235 
 
 Callicocca ipecacuanha 416 
 Calomel 1031 
 
 Calomel, iodides of 1349 
 
 Calomel pills 1121 
 
 Calomel pills, compound 1112 
 Calomelas 1031 
 
 Calophyllum inophyllum 1396 
 Calophyllumtacamaha- 
 
 ca 
 
 1396 
 
 Calotropis gigantea 
 
 1308 
 
 Calotropis madarii In- 
 
 dico-orientalis 
 
 1308 
 
 Calumba 
 
 277 
 
 Calx 
 
 153 
 
 Calx chlorinata 
 
 154 
 
 Cam wood 
 
 1308 
 
 Cambogia 
 
 359 
 
 Camellia sasanqua 
 
 1398 
 
 Camphene 
 
 162 
 
 Camphor 
 
 • 159 
 
 Camphor, artificial 
 
 519 
 
 Camphor liniment 
 
 1066 
 
 Camphor liniment, com- 
 
 pound 
 
 1066 
 
 Camphor tea 164 
 
 Camphor water 890 
 
 Camphora 159 
 
 Camphora officiparum 159 
 
 Camphorated acetic acid 798 
 
 Camphorated soap lini- 
 ment 
 
 Camphorated tincture 
 of opium 
 
 Camphorated tincture 
 of soap 
 
 Camphoric acid 
 Canada balsam 
 Canada fieabane 
 Canada pitch 
 Canada snakeroot 
 Canada turpentine 727, 
 Canarium commune 
 Canary seed 
 Canary weed 
 Cancer-root 
 Candytuft, bitter 
 Cane brimstone 
 Cane sugar 
 Canella 
 Canella alba 
 Canna 
 
 Canna coccinea 
 Canna edulis 
 Canna. starch 
 Cannabin 
 
 1067 
 
 1243 
 
 1246 
 161 
 731 
 330 
 504 
 123 
 , 731 
 324 
 130§ 
 437' 
 1372 
 1344 
 715 
 632 
 165 
 
 165 
 
 166 
 166 
 166 
 166 
 339 
 
 Cannabis Indica 
 
 Cannabis sativa 
 
 Cantharidal collodion 
 
 Cantharides 
 
 Cantharidin 
 
 Cantharis 
 
 Cantharis seneas 
 
 Cantharis albida 
 
 Cantharis aszelianus 
 
 Cantharis atrata 
 
 Cantharis cinerea 
 
 Cantharis marginata 
 
 Cantharis Nuttalli 
 
 Cantharis politus 
 
 Cantharis vesicatoria 
 
 Cantharis vittata 
 
 Caoutchouc 
 
 Caoutchouc, vulcanized 
 
 Cap cemeut 
 
 Cape aloes 
 
 Cape gum 
 
 Caper plant 
 
 Caper-bush 
 
 Caphopicrite 
 
 Capnomor 
 
 Cnpparis spinosa 
 
 Caprification 
 
 Capsicin 
 
 Capsicum 
 
 Capsicum annuum 
 
 Capsicum baccatum 
 
 Capsicum frutescens 
 
 Capsules of gelatin 
 
 Carabayn bark 
 
 Caracas kino 
 
 Caracas sarsaparilla 
 
 Caramel 
 
 Caranna 
 
 Caraway 
 
 Caraway water 
 
 Carbo 
 
 Carbo animalis 
 Carbo animalis purifi- 
 catus 
 
 Carbo ligni 
 Carbohydrogens 
 Carbolic acid 
 Carbon 
 
 Carbonate of ammonia 
 Carbonate of baryta 
 Carbonate of iron and 
 manganese, saccha- 
 rine 
 
 338 
 
 338 
 
 924 
 
 167 
 
 168 
 166 
 173 
 173 
 173 
 172 
 172 
 
 172 
 
 173 
 
 173 
 167 
 171 
 
 1308 
 
 1308 
 780 
 
 69 
 
 9 
 
 1370 
 
 1809 
 
 616 
 
 296 
 
 1309 
 349 
 
 174 
 173 
 173 
 173- 
 173 
 
 1333 
 
 236 
 
 432 
 
 655 
 
 636 
 
 1309 
 
 187 
 
 891 
 
 175 
 177 
 
 917 
 
 179 
 
 176 
 196 
 175 
 855 
 139 
 
 1360 
 
 Carbonate of lithia 1356 
 Carbonate of magnesia 455 
 Carbonate of manga- 
 nese 
 
 Carbonate of potassa 
 Carbonate of potassa 
 from pearlash 
 Carbonate of potassa, 
 impure 
 
 Carbonate of potassa, 
 pure 
 
 Carbonate of potassa, 
 solution of 
 Carbonate of soda 
 Carbonate of soda, dried 1178 
 Carbonate of soda, so- 
 lution of 
 
 Carbonate of zinc 
 Carbonate of zinc, pre- 
 cipitated 
 
 1359 
 
 1136 
 
 1136 
 
 582 
 
 1138 
 
 1139 
 
 690 
 
 1178 
 1277 
 
 1277 
 
 Carbonated waters 111,112 
 Carbonic acid 889 
 
 Carbonic acid water 887 
 
 Carburet of iron 1309 
 
 Carburet of sulphur 1304 
 
 Cardamine pratensis 1309 
 
 Cardamofn 181 
 
 Cardamomum 181 
 
 Cardamomum longum 181 
 
 Cardamomum maius 
 
 181, 182 
 
 Cardamomum medium 181 
 
 Cardamomum minus 181 
 
 Cardinal flower 454 
 
 Cardol 1295 
 
 Carduus benedictus 1311 
 
 Caribseau bark 247 
 
 Carminative, Dalby’s 458 
 
 Carminatives 3 
 
 Carmine 270 
 
 Carnation 1325 
 
 Carolina jasmine 1332 
 
 Carolina pink 698 
 
 Carota 1 84 
 
 Carotin 185 
 
 Carpathian balsam 729 
 
 Carpobalsamum 1299 
 
 Carrageen 216 
 
 Carr.vgeenin 216 
 
 Carrara marble 469 
 
 Carron oil 1066 
 
 Carrot ointment 186 
 
 Carrot root 184, 185 
 
 Carrot seed 184, 185 
 
 of 
 
 1116 
 
 Carthagena barks 
 
 241 
 
 Carbonate of iron, pre- 
 
 
 Carthagena ipecacuanha 417 
 
 cipitated 
 
 1013 
 
 Carthamic acid 
 
 186 
 
 Carbonate of iron, sac- 
 
 
 Carthamine 
 
 186 
 
 charine 
 
 995 
 
 Cafthamus 
 
 1S6 
 
 Carbonate of iron with 
 
 
 Carthamus tinctorius 
 
 186 
 
 sugar 
 
 995 
 
 Cartier's hydrometer 
 
 1433 
 
 Carbonate of lead 
 
 571 
 
 Carui 
 
 187 
 
 Carbonate of lime 
 
 299 
 
 Carum 
 
 187 
 
 Carbonate of lime, pre- 
 
 
 Carum cami 
 
 187 
 
 cipitated 
 
 913 
 
 Carvacrol 
 
 1099 
 
Index, 
 
 1443 
 
 Carvene 
 
 310 
 
 Carvole 
 
 310 
 
 Caryophyllic acid 
 
 1100 
 
 Caryophyllm 
 
 189 
 
 Caryophyllus 
 
 188 
 
 Caryophyllus aromaticus 188 
 
 Cascarilla 190, 219 
 
 Cascarillin 
 
 191 
 
 Casein 
 
 343 
 
 Cashew nut 
 
 1294 
 
 Cassava 
 
 725 
 
 Cassia 19 
 
 2, 266 
 
 Cassia acutifolia 
 
 670 
 
 Cassia iEthiopica 671, 672 
 
 Cassia Brasiliana 
 
 193 
 
 Cassia buds 
 
 267 
 
 Cassia caryophyllata 
 
 1321 
 
 Cassia elongata 
 
 671 
 
 Cassia fistula 
 
 192 
 
 Cassia lanceolata 67 
 
 1, 672 
 
 Cassia lignea 
 
 265 
 
 Cassia Marilandica 
 
 193 
 
 Cassia obovata 
 
 671 
 
 Cassia obtusata 
 
 671 
 
 Cassia ovata 
 
 671 
 
 Cassia prmparata 
 
 1160 
 
 Cassia, purging 
 
 192 
 
 Cassia senna 
 
 670 
 
 Cassi® cortex 
 
 262 
 
 Cassi® fistul® pulpa 
 
 1160 
 
 Cassi® oleum 
 
 503 
 
 Cassi® pulpa 
 
 1160 
 
 Cassina 
 
 1344 
 
 Cassumuniar 
 
 1405 
 
 Cassuvium pomiferum 
 
 1294 
 
 Cast iron 
 
 344 
 
 Castanea 
 
 194 
 
 Castanea pumila 
 
 194 
 
 Castile soap 
 
 651 
 
 Castillon’s powders 
 
 915 
 
 Castor 
 
 195 
 
 Castor fiber 
 Castor oil 
 
 195 
 
 513 
 
 Castoreum 
 
 195 
 
 Castorin 
 
 196 
 
 Cat thyme 
 
 1399 
 
 Catalpa cordifolia 
 
 1310 
 
 Catalpa tree 
 
 1310 
 
 Cataplasm of chlorinated 
 
 soda 
 
 920 
 
 Cataplasma carbonis 
 
 919 
 
 Cataplasma conii 
 
 919 
 
 Cataplasma fermenti 
 
 919 
 
 Cataplasma lini 
 
 919 
 
 Cataplasma sinapis 
 Cataplasma sod® clilo- 
 
 919 
 
 rinat® 
 
 920 
 
 Cataplasmata 
 
 918 
 
 Cataplasms 
 
 918 
 
 Cataria 
 
 197 
 
 Catawba tree 
 
 1310 
 
 Catch-fly 
 
 1390 
 
 Catechu 
 
 198 
 
 Catechuic acid 
 
 201 
 
 Catechuiu 
 
 201 
 
 Catechus, non-officinal 200 
 
 Cathartic clyster 959 
 
 Cathartics 2 
 
 Cathartiu 608, 675 
 
 Cathartocarpus fistula 192 
 
 Catmint 197 
 
 Catnep 197 
 
 Caustic potassa 1131 
 
 Caustics 2 
 
 Causticum commune 
 
 acerrimum 1132 
 
 Causticum commune 
 mitius 1133 
 
 Cayenne cinnamon 266 
 
 Cayenne pepper 173 
 
 Ceanothus Americanus 1310 
 Cedar apples 429 
 
 Cedar oil 430 
 
 Cedar, red 429 
 
 Cedriu 1310 
 
 Cedron 1310 
 
 Celandine 1311 
 
 Celastrus scandens 1311 
 
 Cements 780 
 
 Centaurea benedicta 1311 
 
 Centaurin 203 
 
 Centaurium 203 
 
 Centaury, American 629 
 
 Centaury, European 203 
 
 Centesimal alcoholmetcr 
 
 769, 1433 
 Cepa 1372 
 
 Cephaelis ipecacuanha 416 
 
 Cera 203 
 
 Cera alba 204 
 
 Cera fiava 204 
 
 Cerain 205 
 
 Cerasin 9 
 
 Cerasus lauro-cerasus 443 
 
 Cerasus serotina 597 
 
 Cerasus Virginiana 597 
 
 Cerata 920 
 
 Cerate of carbonate of 
 zinc 927 
 
 Cerate of mercury, com- 
 pound 925 
 
 Cerate of Spanish flies 921 
 
 Cerate of subacetate of 
 lead 925 
 
 Cerate, simple 927 
 
 Cerated glass of antimony 
 
 i333 
 
 Cerates 920 
 
 Ceratum 927 
 
 Ceratum calamin® 920 
 
 Ceratum cantharidis, 
 
 Lond. 1 255 
 
 Cerat um cantharidis, U.S. 921 
 Ceratum cetacei 924 
 
 Ceratum hydrargyri com- 
 positum 925 
 
 Ceratum plumbi acetatis 
 
 1265 
 
 Ceratum plumbi compo- 
 situm 925 
 
 Ceratum plumbi subace- 
 
 tatis 925 
 
 Ceratum resin® 925 
 
 Ceratum resin® compo- 
 situin 926 
 
 Ceratum sabin® 926 
 
 Ceratum saponis 926 
 
 Ceratum saponis compo- 
 situm 926 
 
 Ceratum simplex, Ed. 924 
 
 Ceratum simplex, U. S. 927 
 Ceratum zinci carbonatis 927 
 Cerevisi® fermentum 207 
 
 Cerin 205 
 
 Cerotic acid 205 
 
 Cerotine 205 
 
 Ceroxylon Andicola 206 
 
 Ceruse 571 
 
 Cerussa acetata 569 
 
 Cervus elaphus 292 
 
 Cervus Virginianus 292 
 
 Cetaceum 209 
 
 Cetic acid 209 
 
 Cetin 209 
 
 Cetraria 210 
 
 Cetraria Islandica 210 
 
 Cetraric acid 211 
 
 Cetrarin • 210 
 
 Cevadic acid 628 
 
 Cevadilla 627 
 
 Ceylon cardamom 181 
 
 Ceylon cinnamon 266 
 
 Ceylon gamboge 360 
 
 Ceylon moss 1330 
 
 Chmrophyllum sativum 1296 
 Chalk 299 
 
 Chalk mixture 1078 
 
 Chalk, prepared 914 
 
 Chalybeate bread 1354 
 
 Chalybeate waters 111, 112 
 Chammdrys 1399 
 
 Chammpitys 1292 
 
 Chamomile 102 
 
 Chamomile, German 472 
 
 Chamomile, wild 295. 
 
 Charcoal 179> 
 
 Charcoal, animal 177 
 
 Charcoal cataplasm .919 
 
 Charcoal, pure .175: 
 
 Cheese rennet 1331. 
 
 Chel® cancrorum 1322' 
 
 Chelerythrin 1312 
 
 Chelidonic acid 1311 
 
 Chelidonin 1312 
 
 Chelidonium majus 1311 
 
 Chelidoxanthin 1312 
 
 Cheltenham salt, artifi- 
 cial 1312 
 
 Cheltenham water 112, 113 
 Chemical operations 780 
 
 Chenopodium 212 
 
 Chenopodium ambrosi- 
 oides 213 
 
 Chenopodium anthelmin- 
 ticum 212 
 
1444 
 
 Index. 
 
 Chenopodium botrys 213 
 
 Cherry birch 1303 
 
 Cherry-laurel 443 
 
 Cherry-laurel water 891 
 Chervil 1296 
 
 Chian turpentine 728, 732 
 Chicory 1314 
 
 Chillies 174 
 
 Chimaphila 213 
 
 Chimaphila maculata 214 
 
 Chimaphila umbellata 213 
 
 China root 653 
 
 China wax 206 
 
 Chinese camphor 160 
 
 Chinese cinnamon 266 
 
 Chinese galls 357 
 
 Chinese rhubarb 612 
 
 Chinoidine 1171 
 
 Chinquapin 194 
 
 Chiococca anguifuga 1306 
 
 Chiococca densifolia 1306 
 
 Chiococca racemosa 1306 
 
 Chirayta 215 
 
 Chiretta 215 
 
 • Chironia angularis 629 
 
 Chironia centaurium 203 
 
 Chlorate of potassa 585 
 
 Chloric ether; strong 849 
 
 Chloride of aluminium 1393 
 
 Chloride of ammonium 87 
 
 Chloride of arsenic, so- 
 lution of 903 
 
 Chloride of barium 908 
 
 Chloride of barium, so- 
 lution of ■ 909 
 
 Chloride of calcium 152 
 
 Chloride of calcium, so- 
 lution of 915 
 
 Chloride of ethyle 1363 
 
 Chloride of gold 1334 
 
 Chloride of gold and so- 
 dium 1335 
 
 Chloride of iron, tinc- 
 ture of 996 
 
 Chloride of lime 155 
 
 Chloride of magnesium 1312 
 
 Chloride of mercury and 
 ciuinia 1312 
 
 Chloride of olefiant gas 1313 
 
 Chloride of potassa, so- 
 lution of 1312 
 
 Chloride of silver 1313 
 
 Chloride of soda, solu- 
 tion of 1181 
 
 Chloride of sodium 695 
 
 Chloride of sodium, pure 
 
 1185 
 
 Chloride of zinc 1278 
 
 Chloride of zinc, solu- 
 tion of 1281 
 
 Chlorinated anaesthetic 
 compounds 1313 
 
 Chlorinated chlorohy- 
 
 dric ether 1 31 3 
 
 Chlorinated lime 154 
 
 Chlorinated lime, solu- 
 tion of 916 
 
 Chlorinated muriatic 
 
 ether 1314 
 
 Chlorinated soda, solu- 
 tion of 1181 
 
 Chlorine 895 
 
 Chlorine water 894 
 
 Chlorinii liquor 894 
 
 Chloroaurate of ammo- 
 nia 1335 
 
 Chloroform 840 
 
 Chloroform, methylic 842 
 Chloroformum 840 
 
 Chloroformyl 840 
 
 Chlorogenic acid 1318 
 
 Chlorohydric acid 35 
 
 Chlorophylle 323 
 
 Chocolate 1317 
 
 Chocolate nuts 1316 
 
 Choke cherry 597 
 
 Cholepyrrhin 1377 
 
 Cholesterin 1376 
 
 Cholic acid 1377 
 
 Cholinic acid 1377 
 
 Chondrus 216 
 
 Chondrus crispus 216 
 
 Christmas rose 381 
 
 Chrome green 1314 
 
 Chrome yellow 1314 
 
 Chromic acid 1314 
 
 Chrysanthemum par- 
 
 thenium 1385 
 
 Chrysene 713 
 
 Chrysophanic acid 616 
 
 Chrysophyllum glycy- 
 phlteum 1361 
 
 Chrysoretin 675 
 
 Chulariose 631 
 
 Churrus 339 
 
 Cicer arietinum 1373 
 
 Cichorium endivia 1314 
 
 Cichorium intybus 1314 
 
 Cicindela 166 
 
 Cicuta 281 
 
 Cicuta maculata 1315 
 
 Cicuta virosa 1314 
 
 Cider 755 
 
 Cimicifuga 217 
 
 Cimicifuga racemosa 217 
 
 Cimicifuga serpentaria 217 
 
 Cincholin 253 
 
 Cinchona 218 
 
 Cinchona acutifolia 219 
 
 Cinchona amygdalifolia 224 
 Cinchona asperifolia 224 
 Cinchona australis 224 
 Cinchona Boliviana 223 
 Cinchona caduciflora 224 
 Cinchona Calisaya 221 
 
 Cinchona Carabayensis 224 
 Cinchona cava 219 
 
 Cinchona Chomeliana 224 
 Cinchona cinerea 218, 230 
 Cinchona Condaminea 221 
 
 Cinchona cordifolia 222 
 Cinchona coronse 218 
 
 Cinchona crassifolia 224 
 Cinchona dichotoma 224 
 Cinchona flava 218, 233 
 Cinchona glandulifera 224 
 Cinchona hirsuta 223 
 
 Cinchona Humboldtiana 223 
 Cinchona Josephiana 221 
 Cinchona lanceolata 223 
 Cinchona lancifolia 222 
 Cinchona lucumtefolia 223 
 Cinchona macrocalyx 224 
 Cinchona macrocarpa 219 
 Cinchona magnifolia 219 
 Cinchona micrantha 222 
 Cinchona Mutisii 224 
 
 Cinchona Muzonensis 224 
 Cinchona nitida 223 
 
 Cinchona oblongifolia 219 
 Cinchona officinalis 219 
 Cinchona ovalifolia 223 
 Cinchona ovata • 223 
 
 Cinchona pallida 218, 228 
 Cinchona pelalba 224 
 
 Cinchona Pitayensis 222, 246 
 Cinchona pubescens 223 
 Cinchona purp.urascens 224 
 Cinchona purpurea 223 
 Cinchona rotundifolia 224 
 Cinchona rubra 219, 239 
 Cinchona scrobieulata 222 
 Cinchona stenocarpa 219 
 Cinchona, testing of 257 
 
 Cinchona villosa 224 
 
 Cinchonia 252, 1170 
 
 Cinchonia, kinate of 255 
 
 Cinchonia, sulphate of 
 
 252, 
 
 1170 
 
 Cinchonic acid 
 
 255 
 
 Cinchonic red 
 
 250 
 
 Cinchonicine 
 
 254 
 
 Cinchonidia 
 
 254 
 
 Cinchonidine 
 
 254 
 
 Cinchotannic acid 
 
 250 
 
 Cinchovatin 
 
 249 
 
 Cinnabar 
 
 1045 
 
 Cinnabaris 
 
 1045 
 
 Cinnameine 
 
 136 
 
 Cinnamic acid 
 
 503 
 
 Cinnamomi oleum 
 
 502 
 
 Cinnamomum 
 
 262 
 
 Cinnamomum aromati- 
 
 
 cum 
 
 264 
 
 Cinnamomum cassia 
 
 264 
 
 Cinnamomum culilawan 
 
 
 264; 
 
 1324 
 
 Cinnamomum Loureirii 
 
 264 
 
 Cinnamomum nitidum 
 
 264 
 
 Cinnamomum rubrum 
 
 264 
 
 Cinnamomum sintoc 
 
 264 
 
 Cinnamomum tamala 
 
 264 
 
 I Cinnamomum Zeylanicum 
 
 Cinnamon 
 
 263 
 
 262 
 
Index. • 1445 
 
 Cinnamon water 
 
 891 
 
 Cnicin 
 
 1311 
 
 Cinnamyle 
 
 504 
 
 Cnieus benedictus 
 
 1311 
 
 Cinquefoil 
 
 1384 
 
 Coal-fish 
 
 506 
 
 Cissampelina 
 
 552 
 
 Coal-gas liquor 
 
 856 
 
 Cissampelos glaberrima 
 
 551 
 
 Cobalt blue 
 
 1316 
 
 Cissampelos pareira 
 
 551 
 
 Cobweb 
 
 1316 
 
 Cistus Canadensis 
 
 380 
 
 Coccoloba uvifera 
 
 432 
 
 Cistus Creticus 
 
 1352 
 
 Cocculus 
 
 267 
 
 Cistus ladaniferus 
 
 1352 
 
 Cocculus Indicus 
 
 267 
 
 Cistus laurifolius 
 
 1352 
 
 Cocculus lacunosus 
 
 268 
 
 Citrate of ammonia, so- 
 
 
 Cocculus Levanticus 
 
 268 
 
 lution of 
 
 863 
 
 Cocculus palmatus 
 
 278 
 
 Citrate of eaffein 
 
 1319 
 
 Cocculus Plukenetii 
 
 268 
 
 Citrate of iron 
 
 998 
 
 Cocculus suberosus 
 
 267 
 
 Citrate of iron and mag 
 
 
 Coccus 
 
 269 
 
 nesia 
 
 1315 
 
 Coccus cacti 
 
 269 
 
 Citrate of iron and quinia 
 
 Coccus Uieis 
 
 269 
 
 
 1315 
 
 Coccus laeca 
 
 1352 
 
 Citrate of magnesia, so 
 
 
 Cochineal 
 
 269 
 
 lution of 
 
 1071 
 
 Cochinilin 
 
 270 
 
 Citrate of potassa 
 
 1142 
 
 Cochlearia armoracia 
 
 118 
 
 Citrate of potassa, solu 
 
 
 Cochlearia officinalis 
 
 1316 
 
 tion of 
 
 1143 
 
 Cocin 
 
 1317 
 
 Citrate of quinia 
 
 251 
 
 Cocinic acid 
 
 1317 
 
 Citrate of soda 
 
 1315 
 
 Cocoa 
 
 1316 
 
 Citrated effervescing 
 
 
 Cocoa butter 
 
 1317 
 
 powders 
 
 1164 
 
 Cod, common 
 
 506 
 
 Citric acid 
 
 32 
 
 Codeia 
 
 535 
 
 Citrine ointment 
 
 1260 
 
 Cod-liver oil 
 
 506 
 
 Citron 
 
 447 
 
 Coffee 
 
 1317 
 
 Citrullus colocynthis 
 
 275 
 
 Cohobation 778, 
 
 1097 
 
 Citrus acris 
 
 447 
 
 Cohosh 
 
 217 
 
 Citrus aurantium 
 
 130 
 
 Cohosh, red 
 
 1290 
 
 Citrus bigaradia 
 
 130 
 
 Cohosh, white 
 
 1290 
 
 Citrus decumana 
 
 136 
 
 Coke 
 
 176 
 
 Citrus limetta 
 
 500 
 
 Colchici cormus 
 
 271 
 
 Citrus limonium 
 
 447 
 
 Colchici radix 271, 272 
 
 Citrus medica 
 
 446 
 
 Colchici semen 27 
 
 1, 275 
 
 Citrus vulgaris 
 
 130 
 
 Colchicia 
 
 273 
 
 Civet 
 
 1315 
 
 Colchicum autumnale 
 
 271 
 
 Claret 
 
 752 
 
 Colchicum root 
 
 271 
 
 Clarification 
 
 774 
 
 Colchicum seed 
 
 271 
 
 Clarified honey 
 
 1073 
 
 Colchicum variegatum 
 
 1340 
 
 Clarry 
 
 644 
 
 Colcothar 
 
 47 
 
 Cleansing of vessels 
 
 787 
 
 Cold bath 
 
 115 
 
 Cleavers 
 
 1331 
 
 Cold cream 
 
 1254 
 
 Clematis crispa 
 
 1316 
 
 Cold seeds, greater 
 
 1323 
 
 Clematis erecta 
 
 1315 
 
 Collecting of plants 
 
 765 
 
 Clematis flammula 
 
 1316 
 
 Collinsonia Canadensis 
 
 1320 
 
 Clematis viorna 
 
 1316 
 
 Collodion 
 
 849 
 
 Clematis Yirginica 
 
 1316 
 
 Collodion, cantkaridal 
 
 924 
 
 Clematis vitalba 
 
 1316 
 
 Collodium 
 
 849 
 
 Climbing staff-tree 
 
 1311 
 
 Colocynth 
 
 275 
 
 Cloud berry 
 
 623 
 
 Colocynthin 
 
 276 
 
 Clove bark 
 
 1321 
 
 Colocynthis 
 
 275 
 
 Clove pink 
 
 1325 
 
 Colomba 
 
 277 
 
 Cloves 
 
 188 
 
 Colombin 
 
 279 
 
 Club-moss 
 
 1357 
 
 Colophonic acid . 
 
 606 
 
 Clyster, cathartic 
 
 959 
 
 Colophony 60 
 
 5, 731 
 
 Clyster of aloes 
 
 958 
 
 Coloquintida 
 
 275 
 
 Clyster of assafetida 
 
 958 
 
 Colouring principles of 
 
 Clyster of colocynth 
 
 959 
 
 plants 
 
 1346 
 
 Clyster of opium 
 
 959 
 
 Coltsfoot 
 
 1401 
 
 Clyster of turpentine 
 
 960 
 
 Columbia acid 
 
 279 
 
 Clysters 
 
 958 
 
 Columbine 
 
 1297 
 
 Columbo 277 
 
 Columbo, American 354 
 
 Columbo, false 280 
 
 Columbo wood 280 
 
 Colutea arborescens 1320 
 
 Comfrev 1396 
 
 Commercial muriatic 
 acid 35 
 
 Commercial nitric acid 41 
 Commercial sulphate of 
 iron 348 
 
 Commercial sulphuric 
 
 acid 45 
 
 Common caustic, milder 1133 
 Common caustic, strong- 
 est 1132 
 
 Common salt 695 
 
 Common silkweed 124 
 
 Common water 109 
 
 Compound calomel pills 
 
 1112 
 
 Compound camphor lini- 
 ment 1066 
 
 Compound cathartic pills 
 
 1113 
 
 Compound cerate of 
 
 mercury 925 
 
 Compound confection of 
 catechu 929 
 
 Compound decoction of 
 aloes 936 
 
 Compound decoction of 
 barley 941 
 
 Compound decoction of 
 broom 944 
 
 Compound decoction of 
 flaxseed , 941 
 
 Compound decoction of 
 sarsaparilla 943 
 
 Compound extract of co- 
 locynth 975 
 
 Compound galbanum 
 
 plaster " 950 
 
 Compound honey of 
 
 squill 1213 
 
 Compound infusion of 
 
 catechu 1053 
 
 Compound infusion of 
 
 flaxseed 1058 
 
 Compound infusion of 
 
 gentian 1056 
 
 Compound infusion of 
 
 orange peel 1052 
 
 Compound infusion of 
 
 Peruvian bark 1053 
 
 Compound infusion of 
 roses 1059 
 
 Compound infusion of 
 
 senna 1061 
 
 Compound liniment of 
 
 ammonia 1065 
 
 Compound mixture of 
 
 gentian 1079 
 
 Compound mixture of 
 
 iron 1079 
 
1446 
 
 Index. 
 
 Compound mixture of 
 
 liquorice 1080 
 
 Compound ointment of 
 galls 1257 
 
 Compound ointment of 
 iodine 1264 
 
 Compound ointment of 
 lead 1265 
 
 Compound pill of chlo- 
 ride of mercury 1112 
 
 Compound pill of colo- 
 cynth 1114 
 
 Compound pill of gam- 
 boge 1113 
 
 Compound pill of hem- 
 lock 1115 
 
 Compound pill of sto- 
 rax 1124 
 
 Compound pills of aloes 1111 
 Compound pills of gal- 
 banum 1118 
 
 Compound pills of iron 1117 
 Compound pills of rhu- 
 barb 1123 
 
 Compound pills of soap 1123 
 Compound pills of squill 1123 
 Compound plaster of 
 
 Spanish flies 949 
 
 Compound powder of 
 
 aloes 1161 
 
 Compound powder of 
 
 alum 1162 
 
 Compound powder of 
 
 antimony 882 
 
 Compound powder of 
 
 catechu 1162 
 
 Compound pqwder of 
 
 chalk 1163 
 
 Compound powder of 
 
 chalk with opium 1163 
 
 Compound powder of 
 
 ipecacuanha 1164 
 
 Compound powder of 
 jalap 1165 
 
 Compound powder of 
 
 kino 1165 
 
 Compound powder of 
 
 rhubarb 1166 
 
 Compound powder of 
 
 scammony 1166 
 
 Compound powder of 
 
 tragacanth 1166 
 
 Compound resin cerate 926 
 Compound saline pow- 
 der 1166 
 
 Compound solution of 
 alum 855 
 
 Compound solution of 
 
 iodide of potassium 1157 
 Compound solution of 
 iodine 1064 
 
 Compound spirit of 
 
 ether 834 
 
 Compound spirit of 
 
 horseradish 1189 
 
 Compound spirit of 
 juniper 1190 
 
 Compound spirit of 
 
 lavender 1190 
 
 Compound sulphur oint- 
 ment 1267 
 
 Compound syrup of sar- 
 saparilla 1211 
 
 Compound syrup of 
 
 squill 1212 
 
 Compound tincture of 
 
 ammonia 1220 
 
 Compound tincture of 
 
 benzoin 1222 
 
 Compound tincture of 
 
 cardamom 1224 
 
 Compound tincture of 
 ■ cinnamon 1228 
 
 Compound tincture of 
 
 colchicum 1229 
 
 Compound tincture of 
 
 gentian 1232 
 
 Compound tincture of 
 iodine 1236' 
 
 Compound tincture of 
 
 Peruvian bark 1227 
 
 Compound tincture of 
 
 quassia 1244 
 
 Compound tincture of 
 
 quinia 1244 
 
 Compound tincture of 
 rhubarb 1245 
 
 Compound tincture of 
 
 senna 1247 
 
 Comptonia asplenifolia 1320 
 Concrete oil of nutmeg 487 
 Concrete oil of wine 833 
 Confectio amygdal® 928 
 Confectio aromatica 929 
 Confectio aurantii corticis 929 . 
 Confectio cassi® 929 
 
 Confectio catechu com- 
 posita 929 
 
 Confectio opii 930 
 
 Confectio piperis 930 
 
 Confectio ros® 931 
 
 Confectio ros® canin® 931 
 Confectio rut® 931 
 
 Confectio scammonii 932 
 Confectio senn® 932 
 
 Confectio sulpliuris 933 
 Confectio terebinthin® 933 
 Confection, aromatic 929 
 
 Confection of black pep- 
 per 930 
 
 Confection of cassia 929 
 
 Confection of catechu, 
 compound 929 
 
 Confection of dog rose 981 
 Confection of opium 930 
 Confection of orange peel 929 
 Confection of roses 931 
 Confection of rue 931 
 
 Confection of scammony 932 
 Confection of senna 932 
 
 Confection of sulphur 933 
 Confection of turpentine 933 
 
 Confectiones 927 
 
 Confections 927 
 
 Conia 282 
 
 Conii folia 280 
 
 Conii semen 280 
 
 Coniic acid 282 
 
 Conium 280 
 
 Conium maculatum 280 
 
 Conscrva amygdalarum 928 
 
 Conserva aurantii 929 
 
 Conserva ros® 931 
 
 Conserva ros® fructus 931 
 
 Conserve of roses 931 
 
 Conserves 928 
 
 Constantinople opium 529 
 
 Contrayerva 285 
 
 Contusion 770 
 
 Convallaria majalis 1320 
 
 Convallaria multifiora 1320 
 
 Convallaria polygona- 
 tum * 1320 
 
 Convolvulus batatas 93 
 
 Convolvulus jalapa 422 
 Convolvulus Orizabensis 424 
 Convolvulus panduratus 285 
 Convolvulus scammonia 660 
 Cooper’s gelatin 404 
 
 Copaiba 286 
 
 Copaifera Beyrichii 286 
 
 Copaifera bijuga 286 
 
 Copaifera cordtfolia 286 
 
 Copaifera coriaeea 286 
 
 Copaifera Guianensis 286 
 
 Copaifera Jaquini 286 
 
 Copaifera Jussieui 286 
 
 Copaifera Langsdorffii 286 
 
 Copaifera laxa 286 
 
 Copaifera Martii 286 
 
 Copaifera multijuga 286 
 
 Copaifera nitida 286 
 
 Copaifera oblongifolia 286 
 
 Copaifera officinalis 286 
 
 Copaifera Sellowii 286 
 
 Copaiva balsam 286 
 
 Copaivic acid 288 
 
 Copal 1320 
 
 Copalchi bark 190 
 
 Copalm balsam 1356 
 
 Copper 304 
 
 Copper, acetate of 1289 
 
 Copper, ammoniaied 933 
 Copper as a poison 304 
 Copper, nitrate of 1367 
 Copper, preparations of 933 
 Copper, subacetate of 305 
 Copper, sulphate of 306, 935 
 Copperas 34S 
 
 Coptis 290 
 
 Coptis teeta 291 
 
 Coptis trifolia 290 
 
 Coquetta bark 243, 245 
 Coral 1321 
 
 Corallium rubrtrm 1321 
 
Coriander 291 
 
 Coriandrum 291 
 
 Coriandrum sativum 291 
 
 Coriaria myrtifolia 673 
 
 Corinthian currants 742 
 
 Corn poppy 618 
 
 Corn spirit oil 851 
 
 Cornine 294 
 
 Cornu 292 
 
 Cornu ustum 292 
 
 Cornus circinata 292 
 
 Cornus Florida 293 
 
 Cornus sericea 294 
 
 Correspondence between 
 different thermometers 
 
 1430 
 
 Corrosive chloride of 
 
 mercury 1025 
 
 Corrosive sublimate 1025 
 
 Corsican moss 1330 
 
 Cortes caryophyllata 1321 
 
 Cortex culilaban 1324 
 
 Cortex frangulte 608 
 
 Corylus rostrata 1321 
 
 Coscinium fenestratum 280 
 Cosso 1351 
 
 Cotarnine 533 
 
 Cotton 371 
 
 Cotton, gun 1337 
 
 Cotula 294 
 
 Cotyledon umbilicus ■ 1 322 
 Couch grass 1401 
 
 Coumarin 1400 
 
 Coumarouna odorata 1400 
 
 Court plaster, 404, 1222 
 Cowbane 1314 
 
 Cowhage 484 
 
 Cow-parsnep 385 
 
 Coxe’s hive syrup 1213 
 
 Crabs’ claws 1322 
 
 Crabs’ eyes 1322 
 
 Crabstones 1322 
 
 Cranesbill 365 
 
 Crawfish, European 1322 
 
 Cream of tartar 580 
 
 Cream-of tartar, soluble 689 
 Cream of tartar whey 582 
 
 Creasote 295 
 
 Creasote mixture 1078 
 
 Creasotum 295 
 
 Cremor tartari 580 
 
 Creta 299 
 
 Creta prsecipitata 913 
 
 Creta prteparata 914 
 
 Crocus 300 
 
 Crocus of antimony 1322 
 
 Crocus sativus 300 
 
 Croton benzoe 144 
 
 Croton cascarilla 191 
 
 Croton Eleuteria 190 
 
 Croton lacciferum 1352 
 
 Croton lineare 191 
 
 Croton oil 521 
 
 Croton oil liniment 1067 
 
 Croton pavana 523 
 
 Index. 
 
 Croton pseudo-china 1 90 
 
 Croton suberosum 190 
 
 Croton tiglium 521 
 
 Crotonic aci'd 522 
 
 Crotonin 522 
 
 Crotonis oleum 521 
 
 Crowfoot 604 
 
 Crown bark of Loxa 229 
 
 Crucibles 776 
 
 Crumb of bread 344 
 
 Crystal mineral 590 
 
 Crystallization 783 
 
 Crystals of tartar 580 
 
 Crystals of Venus 306, 1289 
 Cubeba 302 
 
 Cubebin 303 
 
 Cubebs 302 
 
 Cubic nitre 1367 
 
 Cubic pyrites _ 1018 
 
 Cuckoo-flower 1309 
 
 Cucumber ointment 1323 
 
 Cucumber seeds 1323 
 
 Cucumber tree 461 
 
 Cucumis colocyntliis 275 
 
 Cucumis melo 1323 
 
 Cucumis sativus 1323 
 
 Cucurbita citrullus 1323 
 
 Cucurbita lagenaria 1323 
 
 Cucurbita pepo 1323 
 
 Cudbear 438 
 
 Cudweed - 1334 
 
 Cuichunchulli 419, 1350 
 Culilawan 1324 
 
 Culver’s physic 1355 
 
 Cumin plaster 949 
 
 Cumin seed 310 
 
 Cuminum 310 
 
 Cuminum cyminum 310 
 
 Cunila mariana 1324 
 
 Cunila pulegioides 379 
 
 Cupellation 117 
 
 Cupels 547 
 
 Cupri acetas 1289 
 
 Cupri ammoniati solutio 935 
 Cupri ammonio-sulphas 933 
 Cupri nitras 1367 
 
 Cupri subacetas 305 
 
 Cupri subacetas praspa- 
 ratum 933 
 
 Cupri sulphas 306, 935 
 Cupri sulphas venalis 306 
 
 Cupro-sulphate of am- 
 monia 934 
 
 Cuprum 304 
 
 Cuprum ammoniatum 933 
 
 Curcas multifidus 1300 
 
 Curcas purgans 1300 
 
 Curcuma 308 
 
 Curcuma angustifolia 467 
 
 Curcuma longa 308 
 
 Curcuma rotunda 308 
 
 Curcuma zedoaria 1405 
 
 Curcuma zerumbet 1405 
 
 Curcumin 308 
 
 Currant wine 755 
 
 1447 
 
 Currants, Corinthian 
 
 742 
 
 Cusco bark 236, 237 
 
 Cusparia 
 
 98 
 
 Cusparia febrifuga 98, 99 
 
 Cusparin 
 
 100 
 
 Cusso 
 
 1351 
 
 Cuttle-fish bone 
 
 1324 
 
 Cyanide of silver 
 
 895 
 
 Cyanogen 
 
 810 
 
 Cyanohydric acid 
 
 805 
 
 Cyanuret of ethyle 
 
 1342 
 
 Cyanuret of gold 
 
 1335 
 
 Cyanuret of mercury 
 
 1035 
 
 Cyanuret of potassium 
 
 1150 
 
 Cyanuret of silver 
 
 895 
 
 Cyanuret of zinc 
 
 1324 
 
 Cycas circinalis 
 
 639 
 
 Cycas revoluta 
 
 639 
 
 Cydonia vulgaris 
 
 309 
 
 Cydonin 
 
 310 
 
 Cydonium 
 
 309 
 
 Cyminum 
 
 310 
 
 Cynanchum argel 
 
 672 
 
 Cynanchum Monspelia- 
 
 
 cum 
 
 663 
 
 Cynanchum oleoifolium 
 
 672' 
 
 Cynanchum vincetoxi- 
 
 
 cum 
 
 1324 
 
 C^para scolymus 
 
 1324 
 
 Cynips quercusfolii 
 
 357 
 
 Cynoglossum officinale 
 
 1325 
 
 Cypripedium acaule 
 
 1325 
 
 Cypripedium humile 
 
 1325 
 
 Cypripedium parviflo- 
 
 
 rum 
 
 1325 
 
 Cypripedium pubescens 1325 
 
 Cypripedium spectabile 1325 
 
 Cytisin 
 
 120 
 
 Cytisus laburnum 
 
 120 
 
 Cytisus scoparius 
 
 667 
 
 D 
 
 
 Daffodil 
 
 1366 
 
 Dalby’s carminative 
 
 458 
 
 Damarra turpentine 
 
 733 
 
 Dandelion 
 
 726 
 
 Daphne Alpina 
 
 479 
 
 Daphne gnidium 
 
 478 
 
 Daphne laureola 
 
 478 
 
 Daphne mezereum 
 
 478 
 
 Daphnin 
 
 479 
 
 Datura ferox 
 
 710 
 
 Datura stramonium 
 
 709 
 
 Datura tatula 
 
 709 
 
 Daturia 
 
 710 
 
 Dauci radix 
 
 184 
 
 Daucus carota 
 
 184 
 
 De Valangin’s arsenical 
 
 
 solution 
 
 903 
 
 Deadly nightshade 
 
 140 
 
 Decantation 
 
 772 
 
 Decocta 
 
 935 
 
 Decoction 
 
 781 
 
1448 
 
 Index, 
 
 Decoction of aloes, com- 
 pound 936 
 
 Decoction of barley 940 
 Decoction of barley, com- 
 pound 941 
 
 Decoction of bittersweet 939 
 Decoction of broom 944 
 Decoction of broom, com- 
 pound 944 
 
 Decoction of dandelion 945 
 Decoction of dogwood 939 
 Decoction of elm bark 945 
 Decoction of flaxseed, 
 
 compound 941 
 
 Decoction of galls 939 
 
 Decoction of guaiacum 
 wood 940 
 
 Decoction of Iceland 
 
 moss 937 
 
 Decoction of logwood 940 
 Decoction of mezereon 941 
 Decoction of myrrh 941 
 Decoction of oak bark 942 
 Decoction of pale bark 938 
 Decoction of pareira 
 
 brava 942 
 
 Decoction of pipsissewa 937 
 Decoction of pomegran- 
 ate 939 
 
 Decoction of pomegran- 
 ate root 939 
 
 Decoction of poppy 941 
 Decoction of quince seed 939 
 Decoction of red bark 938 
 Decoction of sarsaparilla 942 
 Decoction of sarsaparilla, 
 compound 943 
 
 Decoction of seneka 945 
 Decoction of the woods 940 
 Decoction of tormentil 945 
 Decoction of uva ursi 945 
 Decoction of white oak 
 bark 942 
 
 Decoction of wintergreen 937 
 Decoction of yellow bark 938 
 Decoction of Zittmann 944 
 Decoctions 935 
 
 Decoctum ad ictericos 1312 
 Decoctum aloes composi- 
 tum 936 
 
 Decoctum amyli 1093 
 
 Decoctum cetrarhe 937 
 Decoctum chimaphilae 937 
 Decoctum cinchonas 938 
 Decoctum cinchonas flav® 938 
 Decoctum cinchonas pal- 
 lid® 938 
 
 Decoctum cinchonae ru- 
 br® 938 
 
 Decoctum cornus Florid® 939 
 Decoctum cydonii 939 
 
 Decoctum dulcamarse 939 
 Decoctum gall® 939 
 
 Decoctum granati 939 
 
 Decoctum eranati radicis 939 
 
 941 
 
 937 
 
 941 
 
 941 
 
 941 
 
 941 
 
 942 
 937 
 942 
 
 943 
 
 944 
 
 944 
 
 945 
 945 
 945 
 945 
 945 
 944 
 362 
 
 311, 705 
 3 ID 
 311 
 311 
 
 Decoctum guaiaci 940 
 
 Decoctum haematoxyli 940 
 
 Decoctum hordei 940 
 
 Decoctum hordei compo- 
 situm 
 
 Decoctum lichenis Islan- 
 dici 
 
 Decoctum lini composi- 
 tum 
 
 Decoctum mezerei 
 Decoctum myrrh® 
 
 Decoctum papaveris 
 Decoctum pareira 
 Decoctum pyroke 
 Decoctum quercus 
 Decoctum quercus alb® 942 
 Decoctum sarsaparillas 942 
 Decoctum sarsaparillse 
 compositum 
 Decoctum scoparii 
 Decoctum scoparii com- 
 positum 
 
 Decoctum seneg® 
 
 Decoctum taraxaci 
 Decoctum tormentill® 
 Decoctum ulmi 
 Decoctum uv® ursi 
 Decoctum Zittmanni 
 Deer-berry 
 Delphinia 
 Delphinium 
 Delphinium consolida 
 Delphinium exaltatum 
 
 Diluted hydrocyanic acid 805 
 Diluted muriatic acid 812 
 Diluted nitric acid 812 
 Diluted phosphoric acid 815 
 Diluted solution of sub- 
 acetate of lead 1126 
 Diluted sulphuric acid 816 
 Dinneford’s magnesia 457 
 Dinner pills 1111 
 
 Diosma 148 
 
 Diosma crenata 149 
 
 Diospyros 315 
 
 Diospyros Yirginiana 315 
 Diplolepis gall® tinctori® 357 
 Dippel’s animal oil 1326 
 Dipterix odorata 1400 
 
 Dirca palustris 1326 
 
 Disernestongummiferum 88 
 Disinfecting fluid, Bur- 
 nett’s 1282 
 
 Dispensing of medicines 784 
 Displacement, method 
 of 782, 789 
 
 Distillation 777, 793 
 
 Distillation, apparatus 
 for 793 
 
 Distillation in vacuo 779 
 Distilled oils 495, 1094 
 Distilled verdigris 1289 
 
 Distilled vinegar 794 
 
 Distilled water S84 
 
 Distilled waters 885 
 
 Distvlium racemosum 357 
 
 Delphinium staphisagria 705 Disulphate of einchonia 252 
 
 Demulcents 
 
 2 
 
 Disulphate of quinia 
 
 1172 
 
 Denarcotized laudanum 1242 
 
 Dittany, American 
 
 1324 
 
 Dentelaire 
 
 1382 
 
 Dittany, bastard 
 
 1326 
 
 Dentellaria 
 
 1382 
 
 Diuretic salt 
 
 1135 
 
 Deobstruents 
 
 3 
 
 Diuretics 
 
 2 
 
 Depilatory, Atkinson’s 
 
 1373 
 
 Divinum remedium 
 
 1345 
 
 Depilatory of sulphuret 
 
 
 Dixon’s antibilious pills 
 
 75 
 
 of calcium 
 
 1394 
 
 Dock, blunt-leaved 
 
 625 
 
 Deshler’s salve 
 
 926 
 
 Dock, water 
 
 625 
 
 Dewberry root 
 
 623 
 
 Dock, yellow-rooted 
 
 
 Dextrine 
 
 95 
 
 water 
 
 625 
 
 Dextro-tartaric acid 
 
 53 
 
 Dog rose 
 
 620 
 
 Dhak-tree 
 
 433 
 
 Dog-grass 
 
 1101 
 
 Diachylon 
 
 956 
 
 Dog’s-bane 
 
 106 
 
 Diamond 
 
 176 
 
 Dog’s-tooth violet 
 
 332 
 
 Dianthus caryophyllus 
 
 1325 
 
 Dogwood 
 
 293 
 
 Diaphoretic antimony 
 
 1325 
 
 Dogwood, Jamaica 
 
 1381 
 
 Diaphoretics 
 
 2 
 
 Dogwood, round-leaTed 
 
 292 
 
 Diastase 
 
 390 
 
 Dogwood, swamp 
 
 294 
 
 Dictamus albus 
 
 1326 
 
 Dolichos pruriens 
 
 484 
 
 Diet drink, Lisbon 
 
 944 
 
 Dolomite 
 
 45S 
 
 Digestion 
 
 781 
 
 Dombeya excelsa 
 
 1 33 
 
 Digital® acid 
 
 313 
 
 Dombeya turpentine 
 
 733 
 
 Digitalin 
 
 312 
 
 Donovan’s solution 
 
 904 
 
 Digitalis 
 
 311 
 
 Dorema ammoniacum 
 
 S8 
 
 Digitalis purpurea 
 
 311 
 
 Dor sch 
 
 506 
 
 Dilatometer 
 
 754 
 
 Dorstenia Brasiliensis 
 
 285 
 
 Dill seeds 
 
 96 
 
 Dorstenia contrayerva 
 
 285 
 
 Dill water 
 
 890 
 
 Dorstenia Drakena 
 
 285 
 
 Diluted acetic acid 
 
 800 
 
 Dorstenia Houstonia 
 
 285 
 
 Diluted alcohol 
 
 854 
 
 Dose of medicines 
 
 1407 
 
Index, 
 
 1449 
 
 Double aqua fortis 
 
 41 
 
 Double sulphate of ses- 
 quioxide of iron and 
 
 potassa 
 
 Dover’s powder 
 
 1393 
 
 1164 
 
 Dracaena draco 
 
 1327 
 
 Draconin 
 
 1327 
 
 Dracontium 
 
 316 
 
 Dragon-root 
 
 122 
 
 Dragon’s blood 
 
 1326 
 
 Dried alum 
 
 855 
 
 Dried carbonate of soda 1178 
 
 Dried sulphate of iron 
 
 1017 
 
 Drimys Chilensis 
 
 758 
 
 Drimys Winteri 
 
 758 
 
 Drops, table of 
 
 1420 
 
 Drugs and medicines 
 
 not officinal 
 
 1288 
 
 Dry wines 
 
 751 
 
 Drying of plants 
 
 765 
 
 Drying oils 
 
 494 
 
 Dryobalanops aromatica 162 
 
 Dryobalanops camphora 162 
 
 Dublin weights 
 
 1415 
 
 Dulcamara 
 
 317 
 
 Dupuytren’s ointment of 
 
 Spanish flies 
 
 1255 
 
 Dutch camphor 
 
 160 
 
 Dutch liquid 
 
 1313 
 
 Dutch pink 
 
 1327 
 
 Dwarf elder 
 
 116 
 
 Dwarf nettle 
 
 1402 
 
 Dyers’ alkanet 
 
 1293 
 
 Dyers’ broom 
 Dyers’ oak 
 Dyers’ saffron. 
 
 1332 
 
 357 
 
 186 
 
 Dyers’ weed 1332, 
 
 1385 
 
 E 
 
 East India arrow-root 
 
 468 
 
 East India kino 
 
 431 
 
 Eau de Javelle 
 
 1312 
 
 Eau de luce 650 
 
 1220 
 
 Eaumedicinale d’Husson 274 
 
 Ebullioscope 
 
 754 
 
 Ecbalium agreste 
 
 321 
 
 Ecbalium elaterium 
 
 321 
 
 Eczema mercuriale 
 
 397 
 
 Effervescing draught 
 
 1144, 1413 
 Effervescing powders 1163 
 
 Effervescing water of 
 potassa 1142 
 
 Effervescing water of 
 soda 1181 
 
 Egg 548 
 
 Eglantine 1302 
 
 Egyptian opium 529 
 
 Elaeocarpus copalliferus 1320 
 Elaidic acid 495 
 
 Elai'din 495 
 
 Elain 58 
 
 Elais Guiniensis 1377 
 
 Elaphrium elemiferum 324 
 Elaphrium tomentosum 1396 
 
 Elaterin 
 Elaterium 
 Elder flowers 
 Elder ointment 
 Elder water 
 Elecampane 
 Electric calamine 
 Electuaries 
 
 323 
 
 320 
 
 644 
 
 1266 
 
 893 
 
 405 
 
 150 
 
 927 
 
 Electuarium aromaticum 929 
 Electuarium catechu 929 
 
 Electuarium opii 930 
 
 Electuarium piperis 930 
 
 Electuarium sennas 932 
 Electuary, lenitive 932 
 Elemi 324 
 
 Elemin 324 
 
 Eleoptene 496 
 
 Elettaria cardamomum 183 
 Elettaria major 181 
 
 Elixir of opium 1242 
 
 Elixir of vitriol 816 
 
 Elixir proprietatis 1220 
 
 Elixir sacrum 1245 
 
 Elixir salutis 1247, 1248 
 Ellagic acid 358 
 
 Ellis’s magnesia 1070 
 
 Elm bark 739 
 
 Elm, red 740 
 
 Elm, slippery 740 
 
 Elm, white 740 
 
 Elutriation 771 
 
 Emery 1827 
 
 Einetia 417 
 
 Emetic tartar 867 
 
 Emetics 2 
 
 Emmenagogues 2 
 
 Emollients 2 
 
 Emplastra 946 
 
 Emplastrum adhtesivum 956 
 Emplastrum ammoniac! 947 
 Emplastrum ammoniaci 
 cum hydrargyro 918 
 Emplastrum assafoetidae 948 
 Emplastrum belladonna; 949 
 Emplastrum calefaciens 953 
 Emplastrum cantharidis 921 
 | Emplastrum cantharidis 
 compositum 949 
 
 | Emplastrum cerse 958 
 
 Emplastrum cumini 949 
 Emplastrum de Vigo cum 
 mercurio 952 
 
 Emplastrum epispasticum 
 
 921 
 
 Emplastrum ferri 950 
 
 Emplastrum galbani 950 
 Emplastrum galbani com- 
 positum 950 
 
 Emplastrum gummosum 951 
 Emplastrum hydrargyri 951 
 Emplastrum lithargyri 954 
 Emplastrum opii 952 
 
 Emplastrum picis 952 
 
 Emplastrum picis Bur- 
 
 gun diem 
 
 953 
 
 Emplastrum picis cum 
 
 cantharide 
 
 953 
 
 Emplastrum plumbi 
 
 954 
 
 Emplastrum potassii 
 
 iodidi 
 
 956 
 
 Emplastrum resinm 
 
 956 
 
 Emplastrum roborans 
 
 950 
 
 Emplastrum saponis 
 
 957 
 
 Emplastrum simplex 
 
 957 
 
 Empyreumatic oils 
 
 778 
 
 Emulsin 
 
 91 
 
 Emulsion 
 
 1075 
 
 Emulsion, almond 
 
 1076 
 
 Emulsion of bitter 
 
 almonds 
 
 1077 
 
 Endive 
 
 1314 
 
 Enema aloes 
 
 958 
 
 Enema anodynum 
 
 959 
 
 Enema assafoetidae 
 
 958 
 
 Enema catharticum 
 
 959 
 
 Enema colocynthidis 
 
 959 
 
 Enema foetidum 
 
 958 
 
 Enema opii 
 
 959 
 
 Enema tabaci 
 
 1062 
 
 Enema terebinthince 
 
 960 
 
 Enemata 
 
 958 
 
 English barilla 
 
 692 
 
 English court-plaster 
 
 404 
 
 English garlic 
 
 65 
 
 English port 
 
 753 
 
 English rhubarb 
 
 614 
 
 Ens mnrtis 
 
 1020 
 
 Epidendrum vanilla 
 
 1402 
 
 Epifagus Americanus 
 
 1372 
 
 Epigsea repens 
 
 1327 
 
 Epispastics 
 
 9 
 
 Epsom salt 
 
 458 
 
 Equivalents, table of 
 
 pharmaceutical 
 
 1421 
 
 Ergot 
 
 325 
 
 Ergota 
 
 325 
 
 Ei’cotsetia abortifaciens o26 
 
 Ergotate of secalin 
 
 327 
 
 Ergotin 32 
 
 7, 329 
 
 Erigeron annumn 
 
 331 
 
 Eriueron Canadense 
 
 330 
 
 Erigeron heterophyllum 331 
 
 Erigeron Philadelphieum 331 
 
 Erigeron pusilum 
 
 330 
 
 Errhines 
 
 2 
 
 Eryngium 
 
 331 
 
 Eryngium aquaticum 
 
 331 
 
 Eryngo, water 
 
 331 
 
 Erysimum alliaria 
 
 1293 
 
 Erysimum officinale 
 
 1390 
 
 Erythraea centaurium 
 
 203 
 
 Erythrsea Chilensis 
 
 203 
 
 Erythric acid 
 
 437 
 
 Erythronium 
 
 332 
 
 Ervthronium Ameneanum 
 
 332 
 
 Erythronium lanceolatum 
 3 832 
 
1450 
 
 Index , 
 
 Erythrophleum judiciale 
 
 1388 
 
 Erytkroretin 615 
 
 Erythrose 616 
 
 Escharotics 2 
 
 Esculin 1290 
 
 Essence de petit grain 131 
 Essence of ambergris 1190 
 Essence of anise 1221 
 
 Essence of bergamot 500 
 Essence of caraway 1225 
 Essence of cinnamon 1228 
 Essence of European 
 
 pennyroyal 1 240 
 
 Essence of fennel 1232 
 Essence of nutmeg 1239 
 Essence of peppermint 1240 
 Essence of pimento 1244 
 Essence of rosemary 1246 
 Essence of roses 517 
 
 Essence of spearmint 1 240 
 Essence of spruce 729 
 Essences, artificial fruit 1328 
 Essentia, anisi 1221 
 
 Essentia carui 1225 
 
 Essentia cinnamomi 1228 
 
 Essentia foeniculi 1232 
 
 Essentia mentkre pipe- 
 ritae 1240 
 
 Essentia menthse pule- 
 gii 1240 
 
 Essentia menthse viridis 1240 
 Essentia myristicse mos- 
 ckatse 1239 
 
 Essentia pimentae 1244 
 
 Essentia rosmarini 1246 
 
 Essential oils 495, 1095 
 Essential salt of lemons 1376 
 Etkal 209 
 
 Ethalic acid 209 
 
 Ether 825 
 
 Ether, acetic 1289 
 
 Ether, hydric 825, 829 
 Ether, hvdriodic 1342 
 
 Ether, hydrocyanic 1342 
 
 Ether, hyponitrous 838 
 
 Ether, muriatic 1363 
 
 Ether, nitric 838 
 
 Ethylic ether 1328 
 
 Eucalyptus dumosa 464 
 Eucalyptus mannifera 464 
 Eucalyptus resinifera 433 
 Eugenia caryophyllata 188 
 Eugenia pimenta 559 
 
 Eugenic acid 1100 
 
 Eugenin 189 
 
 Euonymus Americanus 1327 
 Euonymus atropurpu- 
 reus 1327 
 
 Euonymus Europoeus 1327 
 Eupatorium 332 
 
 Eupatorium aya-pana 333 
 Eupatorium cannabiuum 333 
 Eupatorium perfoliatum 
 
 332, 333 
 
 Eupatorium pilosum 333 
 Eupatorium purpureum 332 
 Eupatorium teucrifolium 333 
 Eupatorium verbenaefo- 
 lium 333 
 
 Euphorbia antiquorum 337 
 Euphorbia Canariensis 337 
 Euphorbia corollata 334, 335 
 Euphorbia hypericifolia 335 
 Euphorbia ipecacuanha 336 
 Euphorbia lathyris lo'O 
 Euphorbia maculata 335 
 Euphorbia officinarum 337 
 Euphorbium 337 
 
 Euphrasia officinalis 1328 
 Eupione 295 
 
 European pennyroyal 598 
 European rhubarb 614 
 
 Euxanthic acid 1316 
 
 Evaporation 777 
 
 Everitt’s salt 806 
 
 Exogonium purga 423 
 Exostemma 219 
 
 Exostemma Caribsea 247 
 Exostemma floribunda 247 
 Expectorants 2 
 
 Expressed oils 493 
 
 Expression 774 
 
 Extemporaneous pre- 
 scriptions, examples 
 of 1411 
 
 Ether, nitrous 
 
 838 
 
 Extract of aconite 
 
 968 
 
 Ether, oenanthic 
 
 753 
 
 Extract of aconite, al- 
 
 
 Ether, sulphuric 
 
 825 
 
 coholic 
 
 969 
 
 Ethereal oil 
 
 832 
 
 Extract of aloes 
 
 970 
 
 Ethereal solution of gun 
 
 Extract of belladonna 
 
 971 
 
 cotton 
 
 849 
 
 Extract of belladonna, 
 
 
 Ethereal tincture of ergot 
 
 alcoholic 
 
 972 
 
 
 1232 
 
 Extract of bittersweet 
 
 977 
 
 Ethereal tincture of lobe 
 
 
 Extract of black helle- 
 
 
 lia 
 
 1238 
 
 bore 
 
 978 
 
 Etherine 
 
 829 
 
 E x tract of black pepper, 
 
 
 Etherization 
 
 831 
 
 fluid 
 
 990 
 
 Etherole 
 
 833 
 
 Extract of butternut 
 
 981 
 
 Etherosulphuric acid 
 
 829 
 
 Extract of chamomile 
 
 970 
 
 Ethers 
 
 825 
 
 Extract of colchicum 
 
 973 
 
 Ethiops mineral 
 
 1044 
 
 Extract of colchicum, 
 
 
 Ethyle 
 
 829 
 
 acetio 
 
 973 
 
 Extract of colocynth 974 
 Extract of colocynth, 
 compound 975 
 
 Extract of cubebs, fluid 989 
 Extract of dandelion 987 
 Extract of foxglove 977 
 Extract of gentian 977 
 Extract of hemlock 975 
 Extract of hemlock, al- 
 coholic 976 
 
 Extract of hemp 338 
 
 Extract of henbane 979 
 Extract of henbane, al- 
 coholic 979 
 
 Extract of hops 982 
 
 Extract of jalap 979, 980 
 Extract of lettuce 982 
 
 Extract of logwood 978 
 Extract of may-apple 984 
 Extract of nux vomica 982 
 Extract of opium 983 
 
 Extract of opium, de- 
 narcotized 983“ 
 
 Extract of pale bark -972 
 Extract of pareira brava 984 
 Extract of poppy 9S4 
 
 Extract of quassia 985 
 Extract of red bark 972 
 Extract of rhatanv 981 
 Extract of rhubarb 985 
 Extract of rhubarb, fluid 990 
 Extract of sarsaparilla 986 
 Extract of sarsaparilla, 
 fluid 991 
 
 Extract of scammony 986 
 Extract of senna, fluid 992 
 Extract of spigelia and 
 senna, fluid 992 
 
 Extract of stramonium 
 leaves 987 
 
 Extract of stramonium 
 seed 9S7 
 
 Extract of taraxacum, 
 fluid 988 
 
 Extract of uva ursi 989 
 Extract of valerian, fluid 992 
 Extract of yellow bark 972 
 Extracts 960 
 
 Extracta fluida 989 
 
 Extractive 960 
 
 Extracts 960 
 
 Extracts, fluid 989 
 
 Extractum aconiti 96S 
 
 Extractum aconiti alco- 
 liolicum 969 
 
 Extractum aloes 970 
 
 Extractum aloes Bar- 
 badensis 970 
 
 Extractum anthemidis 970 
 Extractum belladonna 971 
 Extractum belladonna 
 alcoholicum 972 
 
 Extractum cannabis 338 
 Extractum cannabis In- 
 die® 338 
 
Extractum cannabis In- 
 
 die® purificatum 
 
 339 
 
 Extractum cinchon® 
 Extractum cinchonas 
 
 972 
 
 flavse 
 
 Extractum cinchon® 
 
 972 
 
 pallid® 
 
 Extractum cinchon® 
 
 972 
 
 rubr® 
 
 972 
 
 Extractum colchici 
 Extractum colchici ace- 
 
 973 
 
 ticum „ 
 
 973 
 
 Extractum colocynthidis 974 
 Extractum colocynthi- 
 
 dis compositum 
 
 975 
 
 Extractum conii 
 Extractum conii alco- 
 
 975 
 
 holicum 
 
 Extractum cubeb® fluid- 
 
 976 
 
 urn 
 
 989 
 
 Extractum digitalis 
 
 977 
 
 Extractum dulcamar® 
 
 977 
 
 Extractum elaterii 
 
 320 
 
 Extractum gentian® 
 
 977 
 
 Extractum glycyrrhiz® 
 
 340 
 
 Extractum hoematoxyli 
 
 978 
 
 Extractum hellebori 
 
 978 
 
 Extractum hyoscyami 
 Extractum hjmscyami 
 
 979 
 
 alcoholicum 
 
 979 
 
 Extractum jalap® 979, 
 
 980 
 
 Extractum juglandis 
 
 981 
 
 Extractum krameri® 
 
 981 
 
 Extractum lactuc® 
 
 982 
 
 Extractum lupuli 
 
 982 
 
 Extractum nucis vomic® 
 
 982 
 
 Extractum opii 
 
 983 
 
 Extractum opii aquosum 
 
 983 
 
 Extractum papaveris 
 
 984 
 
 Extractum pareir® 
 Extractum piperis fluid- 
 
 984 
 
 urn 
 
 990 
 
 Extractum podophylli 
 
 984 
 
 Extractum quassi® 
 
 985 
 
 Extractum rhei 
 
 985 
 
 Extractum rhei fluidum 
 
 990 
 
 Extractum sarsaparill® 
 Extractum sarsaparill® 
 
 986 
 
 fluidum 
 
 991 
 
 Extractum scammonii 
 Extractum senn® fluid- 
 
 986 
 
 um 
 
 Extractum spigeli® et 
 
 992 
 
 senn® fluidum 
 
 992 
 
 Extractum stramonii 
 Extractum stramonii 
 
 987 
 
 foliorum 
 
 Extractum stramonii 
 
 987 
 
 seminis 
 
 987 
 
 Extractum styracis 1024 
 
 Extractum taraxaci 
 
 987 
 
 Extractum uv® urs.i 
 Extractum valerian® 
 
 989 
 
 fluidum 
 
 992 
 
 Eyebright 1328 1 
 
 Index. 
 
 F 
 
 Faba Sancti Ignatii 1301 
 
 Fagara octandra 1-396 
 
 False angustura 100 
 
 False barks 246 
 
 False sarsaparilla 115 
 
 False sunflower 1339 
 
 False unicorn plant 1339 
 Farina 341 
 
 Fat lute 779 
 
 Fat manna 465 
 
 Febure’s remedy for 
 cancer 24 
 
 Fel bovinum 1376 
 
 Fellinic acid 1377 
 
 Female fern 1299 
 
 Fennel, common 352 
 
 Fennel, sweet 353 
 
 Fennel water 891 
 
 Fennel-flower, small 1367 
 
 Fennel-seed 352 
 
 Fenugreek 1400 
 
 Fermentation, alcoholic 60 
 Fermentation, vinous 60 
 
 Fern, female 1299 
 
 Fern, male 350 
 
 Feronia elephantum 7 
 
 Ferri ammonio-chlori- 
 dum 1019 
 
 Ferri ammonio-citras 999 
 Ferri ammonio-tartras 1294 
 Ferri arsenias 1298 
 
 Ferri bromidum 1305 
 
 Ferri carbonas 1013 
 
 Ferri carbonas cum sac- 
 charo 995 
 
 Ferri carbonas sacclia- 
 ratum 995 
 
 Ferri carburetum 1309 
 Ferri citras 998 
 
 Ferri et magnesias ci- 
 tras 1315 
 
 Ferri etpotassce tartras 999 
 Ferri et quini® citras 1315 
 Ferri ferrocyanuretum 1001 
 Ferri filum 347 
 
 Ferri iodidi syrupus 1005 
 Ferri iodidum 1003 
 
 Ferri lactas 1353 
 
 Ferri limatura 347 
 
 Ferri muriatis tinctura 996 
 Ferri oxidum hydratum 1008 
 Ferri oxidum nigrum 1010 
 Ferri oxidum rubrum 1013 
 
 Ferri oxydum magneti- 
 cum 1011 
 
 Ferri pernitratis liquor 1007 
 Ferri peroxydnm 1012 
 
 Ferri peroxydum hy- 
 dra turn 1008 
 
 Ferri phosphas 1012 
 
 Ferri potassio-tartras 999 
 ‘Ferri pulvis 993 
 
 I Ferri ramenta 347 
 
 1451 
 
 Ferri sesquioxidum 
 
 1013 
 
 Ferri subcarbonas 
 
 1013 
 
 Ferri sulphas 
 
 1014 
 
 Ferri sulphas exsicca- 
 
 
 tum 
 
 1017 
 
 Ferri sulphas granu- 
 
 
 latum 
 
 1017 
 
 Ferri sulphas venalis 
 
 348 
 
 Ferri sulphuretum 
 
 1018 
 
 Ferri tannas 
 
 1397 
 
 Ferri valerianas 
 
 1018 
 
 Ferric acid 
 
 345 
 
 Ferrocyanate of potnssa 593 
 
 Ferrocyanate of quinia 
 
 251 
 
 Ferrocyanide of potas- 
 
 
 sium 
 
 593 
 
 Ferrocyanogen 
 
 594 
 
 Ferrocyanuret of iron 
 
 1001 
 
 Ferrocyanuret of po- 
 
 
 tassium 
 
 593 
 
 Ferrocyanuret of zinc 
 
 1328 
 
 Ferro-manganic prepa- 
 
 
 rations 
 
 1359 
 
 Ferroprussiate of po- 
 
 
 tassa 
 
 593 
 
 F errugo 
 
 1008 
 
 Ferrum 
 
 344 
 
 Ferrum nmmoniatum 
 
 1019 
 
 Ferrum tnrtarizatum 
 
 999 
 
 Ferula ammonifera 
 
 88 
 
 Ferula assafoetida 
 
 127 
 
 Ferula erubescens 
 
 355 
 
 Ferula ferulago 
 
 355 
 
 Ferula galbanifera, 
 
 355 
 
 Ferula Fersica 127 
 
 , 639 
 
 Ferula tingitana 
 
 88 
 
 Fetid aloes 72 
 
 Fetid spirit of ammonia 865 
 Fever-bush 1302 
 
 Feverfew 1385 
 
 Fever-root 739 
 
 Fibrin, vegetable 342 
 
 Fibroin 704 
 
 Fibrous Carthagena 
 
 bark 
 
 243, 244 
 
 Ficus 
 
 348 
 
 Ficus carica 
 
 349 
 
 Ficus Indica 
 
 1352 
 
 Ficus religiosa 
 
 1352 
 
 Figs 
 
 348 
 
 Figwort 
 
 1389 
 
 Filicic acid 
 
 351 
 
 Filix 
 
 350 
 
 Filix mas 
 
 350 
 
 Filter, Boullay’s 
 
 782 
 
 Filters 
 
 772 
 
 Filtration 
 
 772 
 
 Filtration by displace- 
 
 ment 
 
 782, 789 
 
 Fine-leaved water-hem- 
 
 lock • 
 
 1369 
 
 Fish glue 
 
 402 
 
 Fishery salt 
 
 696 
 
 Fixed oils 
 
 493 
 
 Flag, blue 
 
 421 
 
1452 
 
 Index, 
 
 Flag, sweet 
 
 151 
 
 Frankincense 563, 1371 
 
 Flake manna 
 
 465 
 
 Frasera 
 
 354 
 
 Flammula Jovis 
 
 1315 
 
 Frasera Carolinensis 
 
 354 
 
 Flax 
 
 448 
 
 Frasera Walteri 
 
 354 
 
 Flax, purging 
 
 450 
 
 Fraxinella, white 
 
 1326 
 
 Flaxseed 
 
 448 
 
 Fraxinus excelsior 464, 
 
 1328 
 
 Flaxseed cataplasm 
 
 919 
 
 Fraxinus ornus 
 
 464 
 
 Flaxseed meal 
 
 449 
 
 Fraxinus parviflora 
 
 464 
 
 Flaxseed oil 
 
 505 
 
 French berries 
 
 607 
 
 Fleabane, Canada 
 
 330 
 
 French chalk 
 
 1328 
 
 Fleabane, Philadelphia 
 
 330 
 
 French rhubarb 
 
 614 
 
 Fleabane, various leaved 330 
 
 French vinegar 
 
 12 
 
 Fleawort 
 
 1382 
 
 Friar’s balsam 
 
 1222 
 
 Flesh-coloured asclepias 124 
 
 Frost-weed 
 
 380 
 
 Flies, potato 
 
 171 
 
 Frostwort 
 
 380 
 
 Flies, Spanish 
 
 166 
 
 Fruit essences, artificial 1328 
 
 Flint, powdered 
 
 680 
 
 Fruit sugar 
 
 631 
 
 Flix weed 
 
 1391 
 
 Fucus crispus 
 
 216 
 
 Florence receiver 
 
 1097 
 
 Fucus helminthocorton 1330 
 
 Florentine orris 
 
 420 
 
 Fucus palmatus 
 
 406 
 
 Flores martiales 
 
 1020 
 
 Fucus vesiculosus 
 
 1329 
 
 Flores sulphuris 
 
 716 
 
 Fuligo ligni 
 
 1391 
 
 Florida anise tree 
 
 1344 
 
 Fuligokali 
 
 1330 
 
 Florida arrow-root 
 
 468 
 
 Fumaria officinalis 
 
 1330 
 
 Flour, wheat 
 
 341 
 
 Fumaric acid 
 
 1304 
 
 Flowering ash 
 
 464 
 
 Fumigating pastiles 
 
 145 
 
 Flowers of benzoin 
 
 801 
 
 Fuming sulphuric acid 
 
 
 Flowers of sulphur 
 
 716 
 
 of Nordhausen 
 
 47 
 
 Flowers of zinc 
 
 1283 
 
 Fumitory 
 
 1330 
 
 Fluid extract of bark 
 
 262 
 
 Fungi 
 
 1364 
 
 Fluid extract of black 
 
 
 Fungic acid 
 
 1364 
 
 pepper 
 
 990 
 
 Fungin 1291, 
 
 1364 
 
 Fluid extract of buchu 
 
 149 
 
 Fungus rosarum 
 
 1302 
 
 Fluid extract of cubebs 
 
 989 
 
 Funnel stands 
 
 774 
 
 Fluid extract of ergot 
 
 329 
 
 Furnaces 
 
 775 
 
 Fluid extract of rhubarb 990 
 
 Fusagasuga bark 
 
 245 
 
 Fluid extract of sarsa- 
 
 
 Fused nitrate of silver 
 
 899 
 
 parilla 
 
 991 
 
 Fusel oil 
 
 851 
 
 Fluid extract of senna 
 
 992 
 
 Fusiform jalap 
 
 425 
 
 Fluid extract of serpen 
 
 
 Fusion 
 
 784 
 
 taria 
 
 679 
 
 Fustic 
 
 1330 
 
 Fluid extract of spigelia 
 
 
 
 and senna 
 
 992 
 
 
 
 Fluid extract of taraxa 
 
 
 G 
 
 
 cum 
 
 988 
 
 
 
 Fluid extract of valerian 992 
 
 Gaduin 
 
 508 
 
 Fluid extract of vanilla 
 
 1403 
 
 Gadus FEglifinus 
 
 506 
 
 Fluid extracts 
 
 989 
 
 Gadus callarias 
 
 506 
 
 Flux 
 
 784 
 
 Gadus carbonarius 
 
 506 
 
 Fly-trap 
 
 1388 
 
 Gadus merluccius 
 
 506 
 
 F oeniculum 
 
 352 
 
 Gadus morrhua 
 
 506 
 
 Foeniculum dulce 
 
 353 
 
 Gadus pollachius 
 
 506 
 
 Foeniculum officinale 
 
 352 
 
 Galam, gum 
 
 8 
 
 Foeniculum vulgare 
 
 352 
 
 Galanga 
 
 1331 
 
 Folia Malabathri 
 
 264 
 
 Galangal 
 
 1331 
 
 Foliated earth of tartar 
 
 Galbanum 
 
 Ot)5 
 
 
 1135 
 
 Galbanum officinale 
 
 355 
 
 Formulae for prescrip- 
 
 
 Galbanum plaster, com 
 
 - 
 
 tions 
 
 1411 
 
 pound 
 
 950 
 
 Formyl, terehloride of 
 
 840 
 
 Galbanum prceparatum 1024 
 
 Fossil salt 
 
 695 
 
 Galega officinalis 
 
 1331 
 
 FothergilPs pills 
 
 75 
 
 Galega tinctoria 
 
 1346 
 
 Fowler’s solution 
 
 905 
 
 Galega Yirginiana 
 
 1331 
 
 Foxglove 
 
 311 
 
 Galena 
 
 566r 
 
 Frangulce cortex 
 
 608 
 
 Galipea cusparia 
 
 99 
 
 Galipea officinalis 99 
 
 Galipot 731 
 
 Galitannic acid 1331 
 
 Galium aperine 1331 
 
 Galium tinctorium 1332 
 
 Galium verum 1331 
 
 Galla 356 
 
 Gallic acid 803 
 
 Gallic acid fermentation 804 
 Gallo- tannic acid 821 
 
 Galls 356 
 
 Galls, Chinese, , 357 
 
 Gallus Bankiva 548 
 
 Gambir 200 
 
 Gamboge 359 
 
 Gambogia 359 
 
 Gambogic acid 361 
 
 Garbling of drugs 767 
 
 Garcinia cambogia 359 
 
 Garcinia morella 360 
 
 Garden angelica 97 
 
 Garden carrot-root 184 
 
 Garlic 65 
 
 Gas burners 776 
 
 Gas liquor 85 
 
 Gaultheria 362 
 
 Gaultheria procumbens 362 
 Gay feather 1355 
 
 Gein 110 
 
 Gelatin, capsules of 1333 
 
 Gelseminum nitidum 1332 
 
 Gelseminum sempervirens 
 
 1332 
 
 General remedies 2 
 
 Genista tinctoria 1332 
 
 Gentian 363 
 
 Gentian, blue 365 
 
 Gentiana 363 
 
 Gentiana Catesbsei 365 
 
 Gentiana chirayta 215 
 
 Gentiana lutea 363 
 
 Gentiana macrophylla 363 
 
 Gentiana Pannonica 363 
 
 Gentiana punctata 363 
 
 Gentiana purpurea 363 
 
 Gentiana saponaria 365 
 
 Gentianin 364 
 
 Gentisic acid 364 
 
 Gentisin 364 
 
 Geoffrova inermis 1306 
 
 Geoffroya Surinamensis 1306 
 Geranium 365 
 
 Geranium maculatum 366 
 
 Geranium Kobertianum 1332 
 German chamomile 472 
 
 Germander 1399 
 
 Geurn 
 
 Geum rivale 367 
 
 Geum urbanum 367 
 
 Gigartina helminthocor- 
 ton 1330 
 
 Gigartina lichenoides 1330 
 
 Gillenia 368 
 
 Gillenia stipulacea 368 
 
 Gillenia trifoliata 308 
 
Index, 
 
 1453 
 
 Ginger 
 
 762 
 
 Green iodide of mercury 
 
 Ginger syrup 
 
 1216 
 
 
 1036 
 
 Ginseng 
 
 549 
 
 Green vitriol 348, 
 
 1014 
 
 Glacial acetic acid 16, 19 
 
 Green weed 
 
 1332 
 
 Glacial phosphoric acid 
 
 815 
 
 Griffith’s antihectic 
 
 
 Glasgow soft soap 
 
 652 
 
 myrrh mixture 
 
 1079 
 
 Glass of antimony 
 
 1333 
 
 Grinding 
 
 770 
 
 Glass of borax 
 
 689 
 
 Groats 
 
 133 
 
 Glass of lead 
 
 1333 
 
 Gromwell 
 
 1357 
 
 Glauber’s salt 
 
 693 
 
 Ground-ivy 
 
 1333 
 
 Glechoma hederacea 
 
 1333 
 
 Ground laurel 
 
 1327 
 
 Glu 
 
 1304 
 
 Ground pine 
 
 1292 
 
 Glucic acid 
 
 637 
 
 Groundsell, common 
 
 1390 
 
 Glucose 
 
 631 
 
 Gruel, oatmeal 
 
 133 
 
 Glue 
 
 1333 
 
 Gruffs 
 
 769 
 
 Gluten 
 
 342 
 
 Guaco 
 
 1336 
 
 Glycerin 
 
 1021 
 
 Guaiac 
 
 376 
 
 Glycerin ointment 
 
 1022 
 
 Guaiac mixture 
 
 1080 
 
 Glycerina 
 
 1021 
 
 Guaiaci lignum 
 
 374 
 
 Glyceryle 
 
 1022 
 
 Guaiaci resina 
 
 376 
 
 Glycion 
 
 370 
 
 Guaiacic acid 87s 
 
 , 377 
 
 Glycocoll 
 
 404 
 
 Guaiacin 
 
 377 
 
 Glycyrrhiza 
 
 369 
 
 Guaiacum 
 
 376 
 
 Glycyrrkiza echinata 
 
 369 
 
 Guaiacum arboreum 
 
 375 
 
 Glycyrrhiza glabra 
 
 369 
 
 Guaiacum officinale 
 
 374 
 
 GlyGyrrhiza l'epidota 
 
 369 
 
 Guaiacum sanctum 
 
 375 
 
 Glycyrrhizas radix 
 
 369 
 
 Guaiacum wood 
 
 374 
 
 Glycyrrhizin 
 
 370 
 
 Guanine 
 
 1336 
 
 Gnaphalium margarita- 
 
 
 Guano 
 
 1336 
 
 ceum 
 
 1334 
 
 Guarana 
 
 1378 
 
 Gnaphalium polycepha- 
 
 
 Guaranin 
 
 1378 
 
 lum 
 
 1334 
 
 Guatemala sarsaparilla 
 
 655 
 
 Goat's rue 
 
 1331 
 
 Guilandina bonduc 
 
 216 
 
 Godfrey’s cordial 
 
 1244 
 
 Guilandina moringa 
 
 1370 
 
 Gold, preparations of 
 
 1334 
 
 Guinea grains 
 
 182 
 
 Golden sulphur of anti 
 
 
 Gum 
 
 9 
 
 mony 
 
 880 
 
 Gum anime 
 
 1296 j 
 
 Golden-rod 
 
 697 
 
 Gum Arabic 
 
 5 
 
 Goldthread 
 
 290 
 
 Gum Arabic mixture 
 
 1075 
 
 Gombo 
 
 1340 
 
 Gum, artificial 
 
 95 
 
 Gondret’s vesicating oint- 
 
 Gum, Australian 
 
 9 
 
 ment 
 
 85 
 
 Gum, Barbary 
 
 8 
 
 Goose-grass 
 
 1331 
 
 Gum, Bassora 
 
 1300 S 
 
 Gossypium 
 
 371 
 
 Gum, Cape 
 
 9 ! 
 
 Gossypium herbaceum 
 
 371 
 
 Gum elastic 
 
 1308 
 
 Goulard’s cerate 
 
 925 
 
 Gum galam 
 
 8 
 
 Goulard’s extract 
 
 1126 
 
 Gum gedda 
 
 7 
 
 Gourd seeds 
 
 1323 
 
 Gum, India 
 
 8 
 
 Grain oil 
 
 851 
 
 Gum, pectoral 
 
 12 1 
 
 Grains of paradise 
 
 182 
 
 Gum plaster 
 
 951 : 
 
 Grana Molucca 
 
 522 
 
 Gum, Senegal 
 
 8 ! 
 
 Grana moschata 
 
 1340 
 
 Gum turic 
 
 7 i 
 
 Grana paradisi 
 
 182 
 
 Gum, Turkey 
 
 7 
 
 Grana tiglia 
 
 522 
 
 Gummi acaciae 
 
 5 1 
 
 Granati fructus cortex 
 
 372 
 
 Gummi gutta 
 
 360 
 
 Granati radicis cortex 
 
 372 
 
 Gummi rubrum astrin- 
 
 
 Granatum 
 
 372 
 
 gens Gambinense 
 
 433 
 
 Granulated sulphate of 
 
 
 Gummi-resinse 
 
 1023 
 
 iron 
 
 1017 
 
 Gum-resins 
 
 1023 
 
 Grape sugar 
 
 631 
 
 Gun cotton 
 
 1337 
 
 Grape, varieties of the 
 
 751 
 
 Gun cotton, ethereal so 
 
 
 Gratiola officinalis 
 
 1336 
 
 lution of 
 
 849 
 
 Gravel-root 
 
 332 
 
 Gunjah 
 
 338 
 
 Gray bark 
 
 230 
 
 Gutta percha 
 
 13371 
 
 Greaves 
 
 593 
 
 Gyromia Yirginiea 
 
 1360! 
 
 H 
 
 Haddock 506 
 
 Haematoxylon 37S 
 
 Hmmatoxylon Campe- 
 chianum 378 
 
 Hagenia Abyssinica 1351 
 
 Hair-cap moss 1383 
 
 Hake 506 
 
 Hamamelis Yirginiea 1338 
 
 Hard Carthagena bark 242 
 Hard water 109 
 
 Hardback 700 
 
 Harris’s patent sieve 770 
 
 Harrowgate water 112 
 
 Hartshorn 292 
 
 Harts-tongne 1389 
 
 Hashish 338 
 
 Heal-all 1320, 1384 
 
 Heat, application of 775 
 
 Heavy carbonate of 
 magnesia 456 
 
 Heavy oil of wine 832 
 
 Heavy spar 139 
 
 Hebradendron cambo- 
 gioides 359 
 
 Hedeoma 379 
 
 Hedeoma pulegioides 379 
 
 Hedera helix 1339 
 
 Hederic acid 1339 
 
 Hederin 1339 
 
 Hedge garlic 1293 
 
 Hedge, hyssop 1336 
 
 Hedge mustard 1390 
 
 Hedysarum Alhagi 464 
 
 Helenin 405 
 
 Helenium autumnale 1339 
 
 Helianthemum 380 
 
 Helianthemum Cana- 
 
 dense 380 
 
 Helianthemum corym- 
 bosum 380 
 
 Helianthus annuus 1362 
 
 Hellebore, American 748 
 
 Hellebore, black 381 
 
 Hellebore, white 747 
 
 Helleborin 382 
 
 Helleborus 381 
 
 Helleborus foetidus 1339 
 
 Helleborus niger • 381 
 
 Helleborus orientalis 381 
 
 Helleborus viridis 381 
 
 Helminthocorton 1330 
 
 Helonias dioica 1339 
 
 Helonias officinalis 628 
 
 Hematin 379 
 
 Hematoxylin 379 
 
 Hemidesmic acid 383 
 
 Hemidesmus 383 
 
 Hemidesmus Indicus 383 
 
 Hemlock 281 
 
 Hemlock cataplasm 919 
 
 Hemlock gum 564 
 
 Hemlock leaves 280 
 
 Hemlock, oil of 564 
 
1454 
 
 Index. 
 
 Hemlock seed 280 
 
 Hemlock spruce 564 
 
 Hemlock water-drop- 
 
 wort 1369 
 
 Hemp 338 
 
 Hemp, Indian 107, 338 
 Henbane leaves 399 
 
 Henbane seed 399 
 
 Henry’s aromatic spirit 
 of vinegar 799 
 
 Henry’s magnesia 1069 
 
 Hepar sulpkuris 1158 
 
 Hepatic aloes 71 
 
 Hepatica 384 
 
 Hepatica acutiloba 384 
 
 Hepatica Americana 384 
 
 Hepatica triloba 384 
 
 Heptree 620 
 
 Ileracleum 384 
 
 Heracleum gummiferum 88 
 Heracleum lanatum 384 
 
 Herb Christopher 1290 
 
 Herb Robert 1332 
 
 Herba Britannica 625 
 
 Hermodactyls 1340 
 
 Heuchera 385 
 
 Heuchera Americana 385 
 Heuchera cortusa 385 
 
 Heuchera viscida 385 
 
 Heudelotia Africana 1301 
 Hevea Guianensis 1308 
 
 Hibiscus abelmoschus 1340 
 
 Hibiscus esculentus 1340 
 
 Hickory ashes and soot, 
 infusion of 1392 
 
 Hiera picra 1162 
 
 Himalaya rhubarb 615 
 
 Hircic acid 680 
 
 Ilircin 680 
 
 Hirudo 385 
 
 Hirudo decora 387 
 
 Hirudo medicinalis 386 
 
 Hive-syrup 1212 
 
 Hoffmann’s anodyne li- 
 quor 834 
 
 Holly 1344 
 
 Hollyhock 77 
 
 Homberg’s pyrophorus 79 
 Honduras sarsaparilla 654 
 Honey 473 
 
 Honey, clarified 1073 
 
 Honey of borax 1074 
 
 Honey of roses 1074 
 
 Honey, preparations of 1073 
 Honeysuckle 1357 
 
 Hooper’s pills 1111 
 
 Hops 391 
 
 Hordein 390 
 
 Hordeum 389 
 
 Hordeum distichon 389 
 
 Hordeum perlatum 390 
 
 Hordeum vul'gare 389 
 
 Ilorehound 469 
 
 Horse aloes 72 
 
 Horse brimstone 715 
 
 Horse-balm 1320 
 
 Horsechestnut 1290 
 
 Horsemint 480 
 
 Horse-radish 118 
 
 Horse-radish tree 1370 
 Horse-weed 1320 
 
 Hot bath 114 
 
 Hound’s tongue 1325 
 
 Houseleelc, common 1390 
 
 Ilouseleek, small 1390 
 
 Howard’s hydrosubli- 
 mate of mercury 1032 
 Huamilies bark 232 
 
 Iluanuco bark 230 
 
 Humulus 391 
 
 Ilumulus lupulus 391 
 
 Hundred-leaved roses 620 
 Hungarian balsam 1386 
 Hura Brasiliensis 1340 
 
 Hura crepitans 1340 
 
 Husband’s magnesia 1070 
 Iluxham’s tincture of 
 bark 1227 
 
 Hydrangea arborescens 1341 
 Hydrangea, common 1341 
 Hvdrargyri ammonio- 
 chloriclum 1047 
 
 Hvdrargyri bichlori- 
 dum 1025 
 
 Hydrargyri biniodidum 1037 
 Hydrargyri binoxidum 1042 
 Hydrargyri bisulpliu- 
 retum 1045 
 
 Hydrargyri chloridum 1031 
 Hydrargyri chloridum 
 corrosivum 1025 
 
 Hydrargyri chloridum 
 mite 1031 
 
 Hydrargyri cyanuretum 1035 
 Hydrargyri et quin ire 
 chloridum 1312 
 
 Hydrargyri iodidum 1036 
 Hydrargyri iodidum 
 rubrum 1037 
 
 Hydrargyri iodidum 
 viride 1036 
 
 Hydrargyri nitrico-oxi- 
 dum 1040 
 
 Hydrargyri oxidum ni- 
 grum 1038 
 
 Hydrargyri oxidum ru- 
 brum, U. S. 1040 
 
 Hydrargyri oxydum ru- 
 brum, Dub. 1040 
 
 Hydrargyri pernitratis 
 liquor 1042 
 
 Hydrargyri precipita- 
 tum album 1047 
 
 Hydrargyri sulphas 1043 
 
 Hydrargyri sulphas fla- 
 vus 1043 
 
 Hydrargyri sulphure- 
 tum nigrum 1044 
 
 Hydrargyri sulphure- 
 tum rubrum 1045 
 
 Hydrargyria 397 
 
 Hydrargyrum 393 
 
 Hydrargyrum ammonia- 
 tum 1047 
 
 Hydrargyrum cum creta 
 
 1048 
 
 Hydrargyrum cum mag- 
 nesia 1049 
 
 Hydrargyrum praecipi- 
 tatum per se 1041 
 
 Hydrargyrum pururn 1024 
 
 Hydrastin 1341 
 
 Hydrastis Canadensis 1341 
 Hydrate of potassa 1131 
 
 Hydrated oxide of iron 1008 
 Hydrated sesquioxide 
 (peroxide) of iron 1008 
 
 Hydric ether 825, 829 
 Hydriodate of ammonia 
 
 1347 
 
 Hydriodate of arsenic 
 and mercury, solu- 
 tion of 904 
 
 Hydriodate of potassa 1154 
 
 Hydriodic acid 1341 
 
 Hydriodic ether 1342 
 
 Hydrochlorate of am- 
 monia 85 
 
 Hydrochlorate of lime 152 
 Hydrochlorate of mor- 
 phia 1088 
 
 Hydrochloric acid 35 
 
 Hydrocotyle Asiatica 1342 
 Hydrocyanate of ether- 
 ine 1342 
 
 Hydrocyanic acid, an- 
 hydrous 808, 809 
 
 Hydrocyanic acid, di- 
 luted 805 
 
 Hydrocyanic ether 1342 
 Hydrogen 1284 
 
 Hydrometer, Baume’s 
 
 768, 1431 
 
 Hydrosublimate of 
 mercury 1032 
 
 Hydrosulphate of lime 1394 
 Hydrosulphuret of am- 
 monia 858 
 
 Hydrosulphuric acid 1018 
 
 Hydruret of benzyle 499 
 
 Hydruret of salicyle 196 
 
 Hymentea courbaril 1296 
 
 Hymensea verrucosa 1321 
 
 Hyoscyami folia 399 
 
 Ilyoscyami semen 399 
 
 Hyoscyamia 400 
 
 Hyoseyamus 
 
 Hyuscyamus albus 400 
 
 Hyoseyamus niger 
 Hyperanthera moringa 1370 
 Hypericum perforatum 1343 
 Hyperiodic acid 407 
 
 Hypermanganic acid 462 
 
 Ilypermanganate of 
 potassa 1359 
 
Index, 
 
 1455 
 
 • Hyperoxymuriate of 
 
 potassa 
 
 585 
 
 Hypochlorite of lime 
 
 155 
 
 Hypochlorite of soda 
 
 1183 
 
 Hyponitrous ether 
 
 83S 
 
 Hypopicrotoxic acid 
 
 268 
 
 Hyposulphite of soda 
 
 1343 
 
 Hyposulphite of soda 
 
 
 and silver 
 
 1343 
 
 Ilyposulphuric acid 
 
 716 
 
 Hyposulphurous acid 
 
 716 
 
 Hyraceum 
 
 196 
 
 Hyrax Capensis 
 
 196 
 
 Hyssop 
 
 1343 
 
 Hyssopus officinalis 
 
 1343 
 
 I 
 
 
 Iberis amara 
 
 1344 
 
 Ice-plant 
 
 1361 
 
 Iceland moss 
 
 210 
 
 Ichthyocolla 
 
 402 
 
 Icica icicariba 
 
 324 
 
 Ictodes foe till us 
 
 316 
 
 Idrialine 
 
 713 
 
 Igasuria 
 
 490 
 
 Igasuric acid 
 
 490 
 
 Ignatia amara 
 
 1301 
 
 Hex 
 
 1344 
 
 Ilex aquifolium 1303, 
 
 1344 
 
 Ilex cassina 
 
 1344 
 
 Ilex dahoon 
 
 1344 
 
 Ilex mate 
 
 1344 
 
 Ilex opaca 
 
 1344 
 
 Ilex Paraguaiensis 
 
 1344 
 
 Ilex Vomitoria 
 
 1344 
 
 Ilicin 
 
 1344 
 
 Illicium anisatum 102, 1345 
 
 Illicium Floridanum 
 
 1344 
 
 Illicium parviflorum 
 
 1345 
 
 Impatiens balsamina 
 
 1345 
 
 Impatiens fulva 
 
 1345 
 
 Impatiens noli-me-tan- 
 
 
 gere 
 
 1345 
 
 Impatiens pallida 
 
 1345 
 
 Imperatoria ostruthium 
 
 
 1345 
 
 Imperial 
 
 582 
 
 Imperial measure 
 
 1415 
 
 Impure carbonate of 
 
 
 potassa 
 
 582 
 
 Impure oxideof zinc 
 
 1401 
 
 Impure potassa 
 
 582 
 
 Impure soda 
 
 690 
 
 Incineration 
 
 784 
 
 Incitants 
 
 2 
 
 Indelible ink 
 
 1345 
 
 India aloes 
 
 72 
 
 India gum 
 
 8 
 
 India myrrh 
 
 4S8 
 
 India opium 
 
 529 
 
 India rhubarb 
 
 612 
 
 India senna 
 
 673 
 
 Indian corn 
 
 1405 
 
 Indian cucumber 
 
 1360 
 
 Indian hemp 107 
 
 , 338 
 
 Indian physic 
 
 368 
 
 Indian poke 
 
 748 
 
 Indian red 
 
 1346 
 
 Indian rubber 
 
 1308 
 
 Indian sarsaparilla 
 
 383 
 
 Indian tobacco 
 
 452 
 
 Indian turnip 
 
 122 
 
 Indian yellow 
 
 1346 
 
 Indigo 
 
 1346 
 
 Indigo, sulphate of 
 
 1346 
 
 Indigo, wild 
 
 1300 
 
 Indigofera anil 
 
 1346 
 
 Indigofera argentea 
 
 1346 
 
 Indigofera tinctoria 
 
 1346 
 
 Indigotin 
 
 1346 
 
 Infusa 
 
 1049 
 
 Infusion 
 
 781 
 
 Infusion jar, Alsop’s 
 
 1050 
 
 Infusion of angustura 
 
 
 bark 
 
 1051 
 
 Iufusion of buchu 
 
 1052 
 
 Infusion of cascarilla 
 
 1052 
 
 Infusion of catechu, 
 
 
 compound 
 
 1053 
 
 Infusion of Cayenne 
 
 
 pepper 
 
 1052 
 
 Infusion of chamomile 
 
 1051 
 
 Infusion of chiretta 
 
 1053 
 
 Infusion of cloves 
 
 1052 
 
 Infusion of columbo 
 
 1055 
 
 Iufusion of dandelion 
 
 1062 
 
 Infusion of ergot 
 
 1056 
 
 Infusion of flaxseed, 
 
 
 compound 
 
 1058 
 
 Infusion of foxglove 
 
 1056 
 
 Infusion of gentian, 
 
 
 compound 
 
 1056 
 
 Infusion of ginger 
 
 1062 
 
 Infusion of hickory ashes 
 
 and soot 
 
 1392 
 
 Infusion of hops 
 
 1057 
 
 Infusion of horse-radish 1051 
 
 Infusion of juniper 
 
 1057 
 
 Infusion of matieo 
 
 105S 
 
 Infusion of orange peel, 
 
 compound 
 
 1052 
 
 Infusion of pale bark 
 
 1054 
 
 Infusion of pale bark, 
 
 
 inspissated 
 
 1055 
 
 Infusion of pareira 
 
 
 brava 
 
 1058 
 
 Infusion of Peruvian 
 
 
 bark, compound 
 
 1053 
 
 Infusion of Peruvian 
 
 
 bark, inspissated 
 
 1055 
 
 Infusion of pinkroot 
 
 1062 
 
 Infusion of quassia 
 
 1059 
 
 Infusion of red bark 
 
 1054 
 
 Infusion of rhatany 
 
 1057 
 
 Infusion of rhubarb 
 
 1059 
 
 Infusion of roses, com 
 
 
 pound 
 
 1059 
 
 Infusion of sarsaparilla 106C 
 
 Infusion of sassafras 
 
 pith 1060 
 
 Infusion of seneka 1060 
 
 Infusion of senna 1061 
 
 Infusion of senna, com- 
 pound 1061 
 
 Infusion of simaruba 1061 
 Infusion of slippery elm 
 bark ‘ 1062 
 
 Infusion of spearmint 1058 
 Infusion of thorough- 
 
 wort 1056 
 
 Infusion of tobacco 1062 
 
 Infusion of valerian 1062 
 
 Infusion of Virginia 
 
 snakeroot. 1061 
 
 Infusion of wild-cherry 
 bark 10<S 
 
 Infusion of yellow bark 1053 
 Infusions 1049 
 
 Infusum angustur® 1051 
 
 Infusum antkemidis 1051 
 
 Infusum armoraci® 1051 
 
 Infusum armoracioe com- 
 positum 1051 
 
 Infusum aurantii 1052 
 
 Infusum aurantii eom- 
 positum 1052 
 
 Infusum buchu 1052 
 
 Infusum calumb® 1055 
 
 Infusum capsici 1052 
 
 Infusum caryophylli 1052 
 
 Infusum cascarill® 1052 
 
 Infusum catechu compo- 
 situm 1053 
 
 Infusum chirett® 1053 
 
 Infusum cinchona 1053, 1054 
 Infusum cinchon® com- 
 positum 1053 
 
 Infusum cinchon® flay® 1053 
 Infusum cinchon® pal- 
 lid® 1054 
 
 Infusum cinchon® pal- 
 lid® spissatum 1055 
 
 Infusum cinchon® ru- 
 br® 1054 
 
 Infusum cinchon® spis- 
 satum 1 055 
 
 Infusum colomb® 1055 
 
 Infusum cuspari® 1051 
 
 Infusum digitalis 1056 
 
 Infusum ergot® 1056 
 
 Infusum eupatorii 1056 
 
 Infusum gentian® com- 
 positum 1 056 
 
 Infusum humuli 1057 
 
 Infusum juniperi 1057 
 
 Infusum krameri® 1057 
 
 Infusum lini compositum 
 
 1058 
 
 Infusum lupuli 1057 
 
 Infusum matieo 1058 
 
 Infusum menth® viridis 1058 
 Infusum pareir® 1058 
 
 Infusum polygal® 1060 
 
1456 
 
 Index . 
 
 Infusum pruai Virgini- 
 an® 1058 
 
 Infusum quassi* 1059 
 
 Infusum rhei 1059 
 
 Infusum ros® acidum 1059 
 
 Infusum ros® composi- 
 tum 1059 
 
 Infusum sarsaparill® 1060 
 Infusum sassafras me- 
 
 dull® 1060 
 
 Infusum seneg® 10C0 
 
 Infusum senn® 1061 
 
 Infusum sennas composi- 
 tum 1061 
 
 Infusum serpen tari® 1061 
 
 Infusum simarub® 1061 
 
 Infusum spigeli® 1062 
 
 Infusum tabaci 1062 
 
 Infusum taraxaci 1062 
 
 Infusum ulmi 1062 
 
 Infusum valerian® 1062 
 
 Infusum zingiberis 1062 
 
 Ink 1397 
 
 Inspissated infusion of 
 pale bark 1055 
 
 Inspissated infusion of 
 Peruvian bark 1 055 
 
 Inula 4Q5 
 
 Inula belenium 405 
 
 lnulin 405 
 
 Iodic acid 407 
 
 Iodide of ammonium 1347 
 Iodide of arsenic 904 
 
 Iodide of arsenic and 
 
 mercury, solution of 904 
 Iodide of barium 1347 
 
 Iodide of etliyle 1342 
 
 Iodide of gold 1334 
 
 Iodide of iron 1003 
 
 Iodide of iron, solution 
 of 1005 
 
 Iodide of iron, syrup of 1005 
 Iodide of lead 1126 
 
 Iodide of manganese 1358 
 
 Iodide of mercury 1036 
 
 Iodide of potassium 1152 
 
 Iodide of silver 1347 
 
 Iodide of starch 1347 
 
 Iodide of sulphate of 
 
 quinia 1172 
 
 Iodide of sulphur 1198 
 
 Iodide of zinc 1348 
 
 Iodides of calomel 1849 
 
 Iodine 406 
 
 Iodine baths 41 2 
 
 Iodine, bisulpliuret of 1198 
 Iodine caustic 412 
 
 Iodine, compound solu- 
 tion of 1064 
 
 Iodine inhalation 413 
 
 Iodine lotion 411 
 
 Iodine, Lugol’s solution 
 of " 411 
 
 Iodine ointment of 
 
 Lugol 411 
 
 Iodine, oxide of 407 
 
 Iodine, preparations of 1063 
 Iodine, pure 1063 
 
 Iodine, rubefacient solu- 
 tion of 412 
 
 Iodinei liquor composi- 
 tus 1064 
 
 Iodinium 406 
 
 Iodinium purum 1063 
 
 Iodism 409 
 
 Iodoform 1349 
 
 Iodoformum 1 349 
 
 Iodohydrargyrate of po- 
 tassium 1349 
 
 Iodous acid 407 
 
 Ioduretted oil 414 
 
 Ionidium ipecacuanha 419 
 Ionidium marcucci 419, 1350 
 Ionidium microphyllum 419 
 Ionidium parviflorum 
 
 419, 1350 
 Ipecacuanha 415 
 
 Ipecacuanha, American 
 
 336, 368 
 
 Ipecacuanha, amvlaceous 
 
 418 
 
 Ipecacuanha, black 
 
 418 
 
 Ipecacuanha, Peruvian 
 
 418 
 
 Ipecacuanha spurge 
 
 336 
 
 Ipecacuanha, striated 
 
 418 
 
 Ipecacuanha, undulated 418 
 
 Ipecacuanha, white 
 
 418 
 
 Ipecacuanhas, non-offim 
 
 
 nal 
 
 418 
 
 Ipecacuanliic acid 
 
 417 
 
 Ipomrna jalapa 
 
 423 
 
 Ipomma macrorhiza 
 
 422 
 
 [pornrna purga 
 
 423 
 
 Iris Florentina 
 
 420 
 
 Iris foetidissima 
 
 421 
 
 Iris Germanica 
 
 421 
 
 Iris pseudo-acorus 
 
 421 
 
 Iris tuberosa 421 , 
 
 1340 
 
 Iris versicolor 
 
 421 
 
 Irish moss 
 
 216 
 
 Iron 
 
 344 
 
 Iron alum 
 
 1393 
 
 Iron, ammoniated 
 
 1019 
 
 Iron, ammonio-chloride 
 
 
 of 
 
 1019 
 
 Iron, ammonio-citrate 
 
 
 of 
 
 999 
 
 Iron, ammonio-tartrate 
 
 
 of 
 
 1294 
 
 Iron and alumina, sul- 
 
 
 phate of 
 
 1393 
 
 Iron and magnesia, ci- 
 
 
 trate of 
 
 1315 
 
 Iron and potassa, tar- 
 
 
 trate of 
 
 999 
 
 Iron and quinia, citrate 
 
 
 of 
 
 1315 
 
 Iron, arseniate of 
 
 129S 
 
 Iron, black oxide of 
 
 1010 
 
 Iron, bromide of 
 
 1305 
 
 Iron by hydrogen 993 
 
 Iron, carbonate of, with 
 
 sugar 
 
 995 
 
 Iron, carburet of 
 
 1309 
 
 Iron, citrate of 
 
 998 
 
 Iron, commercial sul- 
 
 
 phate of 
 
 348 
 
 Iron, dried sulphate of 1017 
 
 Iron, ferrocyanuret of 
 
 1001 
 
 Iron filings 
 
 347 
 
 Iron, granulated sulphate 
 
 of 
 
 1017 
 
 Iron, hydrated oxide of 1008 
 
 Iron in fine powder 
 
 348 
 
 Iron, iodide of 
 
 1003 
 
 Iron, lactate of 
 
 1353 
 
 Iron, magnetic oxide of 1011 
 
 Iron, peroxide of 
 
 1012 
 
 Iron, phosphate of 
 
 1012 
 
 Iron plaster 
 
 950 
 
 Iron, powder of 
 
 993 
 
 Iron, precipitated car- 
 
 
 bonate of 
 
 1013 
 
 Iron, preparations of 
 
 993 
 
 Iron, protoxide of 
 
 345 
 
 Iron, Quevenne’s 
 
 993 
 
 Iron, red oxide of 
 
 1013 
 
 Iron, reduced 
 
 993 
 
 Iron, saccharine carbon 
 
 - 
 
 ate of 
 
 995 
 
 Iron, sesquioxide of 
 
 
 1012, 
 
 1013 
 
 Iron, solution of iodide 
 
 
 of 
 
 1005 
 
 Iron, solution of nitrate 
 
 of 
 
 1007 
 
 Iron, subcarbonate of 
 
 1013 
 
 Iron, sulphate of 
 
 1014 
 
 Iron, sulphuret of 
 
 1018 
 
 Iron, syrup of iodide of 
 
 
 1005 
 
 Iron, table of the prepa 
 
 - 
 
 rations of 
 
 346 
 
 Iron, tannate of 
 
 1397 
 
 Iron, tartarized 
 
 999 
 
 Iron, tartrate of protoxide 
 
 of 
 
 1000 
 
 Iron, teroxide of 
 
 345 
 
 Iron, tincture of acetate 
 
 of 
 
 995 
 
 Iron, tincture of chloride 
 
 of 
 
 996 
 
 Iron, tincture of muriate 
 
 of 
 
 996 
 
 Iron, valerianate of 
 
 1018 
 
 Iron, -wine of 
 
 1020 
 
 Iron wire 
 
 347 
 
 Isatis tinctoria 
 
 1350 
 
 Isinglass 
 
 402 
 
 Isis nobilis 
 
 1321 
 
 Isonandra gutta 
 
 1337 
 
 Issue peas 131,421, 
 
 1339 
 
 Ivory black 
 
 177 
 
 Ivy- 
 
 1339 
 
 Ivy gum 
 
 1339 
 
Index , 
 
 1457 
 
 J 
 
 Jaen bark 
 
 231 
 
 Jaggary 
 
 632 
 
 Jalap 
 
 422 
 
 Jalap, fusiform 
 
 425 
 
 Jalap, light 
 
 424 
 
 Jalap, male 
 
 424 
 
 Jalap, overgrown 
 
 425 
 
 Jalap, rose-scented 
 
 425 
 
 Jalapa 
 
 422 
 
 Jalapin 
 
 424 
 
 Jamaica dogwood 
 
 1381 
 
 Jamaica ginger 
 
 763 
 
 Jamaica kino 
 
 432 
 
 Jamaica pepper 
 
 559 
 
 Jamaica sarsaparilla 
 
 654 
 
 J ames’s powder 
 
 882 
 
 Jamestown weed 
 
 709 
 
 Janipha manihot 
 
 725 
 
 Japan camphor 
 
 160 
 
 Japan sago 
 
 640 
 
 Jargonelle pear essence 1 329 
 
 Jasmine, common white 1371 
 
 Jasminum.grandiflorum 1371 
 
 Jasminum officinale 
 
 1371 
 
 Jasminum sambac 
 
 1371 
 
 Jatamansi 
 
 1394 
 
 Jatropha curcas 
 
 1300 
 
 Jatropha elastica 
 
 1308 
 
 Jatropha manihot 
 
 725 
 
 J atropha multifida 
 
 1300 
 
 Jatropha oil 
 
 1300 
 
 Java cardamom 
 
 181 
 
 Javelle's water 
 
 1312 
 
 Jelly, vegetable 
 
 185 
 
 Jerusalem oak 212, 213 
 
 Jervina 
 
 747 
 
 Jesuit?’ drops 
 
 1222 
 
 Jesuits’ powder 
 
 259 
 
 Jewell’s hydrosublimate 
 
 of mercury 
 
 1032 
 
 Jewel-weed 
 
 1345 
 
 Juglans 
 
 426 
 
 Juglans cathartica 
 
 426 
 
 Juglans cinerea 
 
 426 
 
 J uglans nigra 
 
 426 
 
 Juglans regia 
 
 426' 
 
 Jujubee 
 
 1406 
 
 Jujube paste 
 
 1406 
 
 Juniper 
 
 428 
 
 Juniperus 
 
 428 
 
 Juniperus communis 
 
 428 
 
 Juniperus depressa 
 
 428 
 
 Juniperus lycia 
 
 1371 
 
 Juniperus oxycedrus 
 
 VI 370 
 
 Juniperus sabina 
 
 630 
 
 Juniperus Virginiana 
 
 429 
 
 K 
 
 
 Ksempferia rotunda 
 
 1405 
 
 Kalium 
 
 579 
 
 Kalmia angustifolia 
 
 1351 
 
 92 
 
 
 Kalmia glauca 1351 
 
 Kalmia latifolia 1350 
 
 Kava 472 
 
 Kelp 691 
 
 Kempferid 1331 
 
 Kermes mineral 879 
 
 Kinate of cinchonia 255 
 Kinate of quinia 255 
 
 King’s yellow 1373 
 
 Kinic acid 255 
 
 Kino 430 
 
 Kino, African 433 
 
 Kino, Botany Bay 433 
 
 Kino Caracas 432 
 
 Kino, East India 431 
 
 Kino, Jamaica 432 
 
 Kino, South American 432 
 Kino, West India 432 
 
 Ivinoic acid 431 
 
 Kinoile 256 
 
 Kinone 256 
 
 Kino-red 431 
 
 Kinovic acid 256 
 
 Ivinovic bitter 249 
 
 Knot-grass 1304 
 
 Knot-root 1325 
 
 Koosso 1351 
 
 Krameria 435 
 
 Ivrameria ixina 435 
 
 Krameria triandra 435 
 
 Krameric acid 436 
 
 Krimea rhubarb 614 
 
 L 
 
 Labarraque’s disinfect- 
 
 ing liquid 
 
 1181 
 
 Labdanum 
 
 1352 
 
 Labrador tea 
 
 1355 
 
 Lac 
 
 1352 
 
 Lac ammoniaci 
 
 1076 
 
 Lac assafcetidse 
 
 1077 
 
 Lac sulphuris 
 
 1197 
 
 Laccin 
 
 1353 
 
 Lachryma scammony 
 
 662 
 
 Lacmus 
 
 437 
 
 Lactate of iron 
 
 1353 
 
 Lactate of quinia 
 
 251 
 
 Lactic acid 
 
 1354 
 
 Laetide 
 
 1354 
 
 Lactin 
 
 638 
 
 Lactose 
 
 638 
 
 Lactuca 
 
 438 
 
 Lactuca altissima 
 
 438 
 
 Lactuca elongata 
 
 43.8 
 
 Lactuca sativa 
 
 438 
 
 Lactuca scariola 
 
 442 
 
 Lactuca virosa 
 
 442 
 
 Lactucarium 
 
 438 
 
 Lactuceriu 
 
 441 
 
 Lactucic acid 
 
 441 
 
 Lactucin 
 
 440 
 
 Lactucone 
 
 440 
 
 Ladanum 
 
 1352 
 
 Ladies’ mantle 1293 
 
 Ladies’ slipper 1325 
 
 Lady Webster’s pills 1111 
 
 Lsevo-tartarie acid 53 
 
 Lake water 110 
 
 Lakes 1355 
 
 Lampblack 178 
 
 Lamps, alcoholic 776 
 
 Lana philosophica 1283 
 
 Lancaster black drop 797 
 
 Lapilli cancrorum 1322 
 
 Lapis bezoar occidentalis 
 
 1303 
 
 Lapis bezoar orientals 1303 
 Lapis calaminaris 149 
 
 Lapis infernalis 899 
 
 Lapis lazuli 1401 
 
 Lappa 4-12 
 
 Lappa major 443 
 
 Larch, European 730 
 
 Lard 57 
 
 Lard, prepared 1253 
 
 Large-flowering spurge 334 
 
 Larix Europaea 730 
 
 Larkspur 310 
 
 Laudanum 1 240 
 
 Lauda num,denarcotized 1242 
 Laudanum, Rousseau’s 1275 
 
 Laudanum, Sydenham’s 1274 
 
 Laurel 1350 
 
 Lauro-cerasus 443 
 
 Laurus 444 
 
 Laurus benzoin 1302 
 
 Laurus camphora 159 
 
 Laurus cassia 263, 264 
 Laurus cinnamomum 263 
 
 Laurus culilawan 1324 
 
 Laurus nobilis 444 
 
 Laurus pichurim 1381 
 
 Laurus sassafras 658 
 
 Lavandula 445 
 
 Lavandula spica 445 
 
 Lavandula vera 445 
 
 Lavender 445 
 
 Lavender water 1190 
 
 Lazulite 1401 
 
 Lead 566 
 
 Lead, acetate of 569 
 
 Lead, as a poison 567 
 
 Lead, carbonate of 571 
 
 Lead, diluted solution 
 
 of subacetate of 1126 
 
 Lead, dioxide of 567 
 
 Lead, iodide of 1126 
 
 Lead, nitrate of 573 
 
 Lead plaster 954 
 
 Lead, preparations of 1124 
 
 Lead, protoxide of 567 
 
 Lead, red 574 
 
 Lead, red oxide of 574 
 
 Lead, semivitrified oxide 
 _of 575 
 
 Lead, sesquioxide of 567 
 
 Lead, solution of sub- 
 acetate of 1124 
 
1458 
 
 Index, 
 
 Lead, sugar of 
 
 569 
 
 Lead, tannate of 
 
 1397 
 
 Lead, white 
 
 571 
 
 Lead-water 
 
 1126 
 
 Leadwort 
 
 1382 
 
 Leather flower 
 
 1316 
 
 Leather wood 
 
 1326 
 
 Lecanora tartarea 
 
 437 
 
 Lecanoric acid 
 
 437 
 
 Ledoyen’s disinfecting 
 
 
 fluid 
 
 574 
 
 Ledum latifolum 
 
 1355 
 
 Ledum palustre 
 
 1355 
 
 Leech, mechanical 
 
 389 
 
 Leeches 
 
 385 
 
 Leek 
 
 1355 
 
 Lee’s New London Pills 
 
 75 
 
 Lee’s Windham pills 
 
 75 
 
 Lemon juice 
 
 446 
 
 Lemon peel 
 
 446 
 
 Lemon syrup 
 
 1207 
 
 Lemons 
 
 446 
 
 Lenitive electuary 
 
 932 
 
 Lentisk 
 
 470 
 
 Leontgdon taraxacum 
 
 726 
 
 Leopard’s bane 
 
 119 
 
 Lepra mercurialis 
 
 397 
 
 Leptandra purpurea 
 
 1355 
 
 Leptandra Virginica 
 
 1355 
 
 Lettuce 
 
 438 
 
 Lettuce, acrid 
 
 442 
 
 Lettuce opium 
 
 440 
 
 Lettuce, strong scented 
 
 442 
 
 Lettuce, wild 
 
 438 
 
 Leucol 
 
 253 
 
 Levigation 
 
 771 
 
 Liatris scariosa 
 
 1355 
 
 Liatris spicata 
 
 1355 
 
 Liatris squarrosa 
 
 1355 
 
 Lichen Islandicus 
 
 210 
 
 Lichenin 
 
 210 
 
 Lichstearic acid 211, 
 
 1364 
 
 Liebig’s distillatory ap- 
 
 
 paratus 
 
 793 
 
 Life-everlasting 
 
 1334 
 
 Light jalap 
 
 424 
 
 Light oil of wine 
 
 833 
 
 Lignum colubrinum 
 
 490 
 
 Lignum vit® 
 
 375 
 
 Ligusticum levisticum 
 
 1355 
 
 Ligustrin 
 
 1356 
 
 Ligustrum vulgare 
 
 1356 
 
 Lilac, common 
 
 1396 
 
 Lilac in 
 
 1396 
 
 Lilium candidum 
 
 1356 
 
 Lily, common white 
 
 1356 
 
 Lily of the valley 
 
 1320 
 
 Lima bark 
 
 230 
 
 Lime 
 
 153 
 
 Lime, carbonate of 
 
 299 
 
 Lime, chloride of 
 
 155 
 
 Lime, chlorinated 
 
 154 
 
 Lime, fresh-burned 
 
 153 
 
 « Lime, hydrosulphate of 1394 
 Lime, hypochlorite of 155 
 
 Lime liniment 106G 
 
 Lime, muriate of 152 
 
 Lime, precipitated car- 
 bonate of 913 
 
 Lime,- precipitated phos- 
 phate of 916 
 
 Lime, preparations of 911 
 Lime, saecharate of 913 
 
 Lime, syrup of 913 
 
 Lime, solution of chlo- 
 rinated 916 
 
 Lime, solution of mu- 
 riate of 915 
 
 Limes 447 
 
 Limestone 299 
 
 Lime-water 911 
 
 Limon 446 
 
 Limonis cortex 446 
 
 Limonum oleum 504 
 
 Limonum succus 446 
 
 Linaria vulgaris 1297 
 
 Lini farina 449 
 
 Lini oleum 505 
 
 Lini semen 448 
 
 Liniment, anodyne 1067 
 
 Liniment, camphorated 
 soap 1067 
 
 Liniment, mercurial 1067 
 
 Liniment of ammonia 1065 
 Liniment of ammonia, 
 compound 1065 
 
 Liniment of opium 1067 
 
 Liniment of sesquicar- 
 bonate of ammonia 1065 
 
 Liniment of Spanish 
 flies 1066 ' 
 
 Liniment of turpentine 1068 
 
 Liniment of verdigris 1064 
 
 Liniment, simple 1068 
 
 Liniment, volatile 1065 
 
 Linimenta 1064 
 
 Liniments ■ 1064 
 
 Linimentum oeruginis 1064 
 Linimentum ammonias 1065 
 Linimentum ammoniae 
 
 compositum 1065 
 
 Linimentum ammonite 
 
 sesquicarbonatis 1065 
 
 Linimentum arcaei 1257 
 Linimentum calcis 1066 
 Linimentum camphor® 1066 
 Linimentum camphor® 
 compositum 1066 
 
 Linimentum cantharidis 1066 
 Linimentum crotonis 1067 
 Linimentum hydrargyri 1067 
 Linimentum opii 1067 
 
 Linimentum saponis 1246 
 Linimentum saponis 
 oamphoratum 1067 
 
 Linimentum simplex 1068 
 
 Linimentum terebin- 
 
 thinte 1068 
 
 Linin 450 
 
 Linseed 44S 
 
 Linseed oil 505 
 
 Linum 448 
 
 Linum catharticum 450 
 
 Linum usitatissimum 448 
 
 Lion’s foot 1384 
 
 Liquefaction 777, 784 
 
 Liquid storax 712, 1356 
 Liquidambar altingia 1356 
 
 Liquidambar orientale 712 
 Liquidambar styraciflua 
 
 712, 1356 
 Liquidamber 1356 
 
 Liquor aluminis compo- 
 situs 855 
 
 Liquor ammoniae 859 
 
 Liquor ammoniae aceta- 
 tis 861 
 
 Liquor ammonite citratis 863 
 Liquor ammonite fortior 83 
 Liquor ammonias ses- 
 quicarbonatis 858 
 
 Liquor arsenicalis 905 
 Liquor arsenici chloridi 903 
 Liquor arsenici et hy- 
 drargyri iodidi . 904 
 
 Liquor barii chloridi 909 
 
 Liquor calcii chloridi 915 
 
 Liquor calcis 911 
 
 Liquor cupri ammonio- 
 sulphatis 935 
 
 Liquor ferri iodidi 1005 
 
 Liquor ferri nitratis 1007 
 
 Liquor hydrargyri bi- 
 chloridi 1030 
 
 Liquor iodinii composi- 
 tus 1064 
 
 Liquor magnesitE citra- 
 tis 1071 
 
 Liquor morphioe aceta- 
 tis 1088 
 
 Liquor morphite muri- 
 atis 1091 
 
 Liquor morphite sul- 
 phatis 1092 
 
 Liquor plumbi diaceta- 
 tis 1124 
 
 Liquor plumbi subace- 
 tatis 1124 
 
 Liquor plumbi subace- 
 tatis dilutus 1126 
 
 Liquor potassce 1128 
 
 ! Liquor potass® arse- 
 nitis 905 
 
 Liquor potass® carbo- 
 natis 1139 
 
 Liquor potass® chlori- 
 nat® 1312 
 
 Liquor potass® citratis 1 143 
 Liquor potassii iodidi 
 compositus 1157 
 
 Liquor sod® 1177 
 
 Liquor sod® chlorinat® 1181 
 Liquorice ^ 340 
 
 Liquorice root 
 
 Liriodendrin 451 
 
Index, 
 
 1459 
 
 Liriodendron 
 
 450 
 
 Liriodendron tulipifera 
 
 450 
 
 Lisbon diet drink 
 
 944 
 
 Lisbon sarsaparilla 
 
 655 
 
 Litharge 
 
 575 
 
 Litharge plaster 
 
 954 
 
 Lithargyrum 
 
 575 
 
 Lithia 
 
 1356 
 
 Lithia, carbonate of 
 
 1356 
 
 Lithia in mineral waters 
 
 111 
 
 Lithospermum officinale 
 
 1357 
 
 Lithospermum tinctori- 
 
 um 
 
 1293 
 
 Litmus 
 
 437 
 
 Litmus paper 
 
 437 
 
 Liver of sulphur 
 
 1158 
 
 Liverwort 
 
 384 
 
 Lixiviation 
 
 781 
 
 Lixivus cinis 
 
 582 
 
 Lobelia 
 
 452 
 
 Lobelia cardinalis 
 
 454 
 
 Lobelia inflata 
 
 452 
 
 Lobelia syphilitica 
 
 454 
 
 Lobelic acid 
 
 452 
 
 Lobelina 
 
 452 
 
 Loblolly pine 
 
 728 
 
 Local remedies 
 
 2 
 
 Logwood 
 
 378 
 
 Long pepper 
 
 562 
 
 Long-leaved pine 
 
 728 
 
 Lonicera caprifolium 
 
 1357 
 
 Loosestrife 
 
 1357 
 
 Lotio nigra 
 
 1033 
 
 Lovage 
 
 1355 
 
 Loxa bark 
 
 229 
 
 Lozenges 
 
 1250 
 
 Lunar caustic 
 
 899 
 
 Lungwort 
 
 1384 
 
 Lupulin 
 
 392 
 
 Lupulina 
 
 392 
 
 Lupulite 
 
 392 
 
 Lupulus 
 
 391 
 
 Luteolin 
 
 1385 
 
 Lutes 
 
 779 
 
 Lycoperdon proteus 
 
 1365 
 
 Lycopodium 
 
 1357 
 
 Lycopodium clavatum 
 
 1357 
 
 Lycopus 
 
 455 
 
 Lycopus Europeeus 
 
 455 
 
 Lycopus Virginicus 
 
 455 
 
 Lythrum salicaria 
 
 1357 
 
 Lytta 
 
 166 
 
 Lytta Nuttaili 
 
 173 
 
 M 
 
 Mace 485 
 
 487 
 
 Maceration 
 
 781 
 
 Macis 485, 487 
 
 Macropiper methysti- 
 
 cum 
 
 472 
 
 Macrotys racemosa 
 
 217 
 
 Madagascar cardamom 
 
 182 
 
 Madar 1308 
 
 Madder 622 
 
 Madeira wine 752 
 
 Magistery of bismuth 911 
 Magnesia 1068 
 
 Magnesia, acetate of 1289 
 Magnesia alba 455 
 
 Magnesia, calcined 1071 
 Magnesia, carbonate of 455 
 Magnesia, Dinneford’s 457 
 Magnesia, Ellis’s. 1070 
 Magnesia, heavy car- 
 bonate of 456 
 
 Magnesia, Henry’s 1069 
 Magnesia, Husband’s 1070 
 Magnesia, muriate of 1312 
 Magnesia, preparations 
 of 1068 
 
 Magnesia, solution of 
 citrate of 1071 
 
 Magnesia, sulphate of 458 
 Magnesite acetas 1289 
 Magnesite carbonas 455 
 Magnesite carbonas pon- 
 derosuip 456 
 
 Magnesite citratis, li- 
 quor 1071 
 
 Magnesite sulphas 458 
 
 Magnesii chloridum 1312 
 Magnesite 459 
 
 Magnesium 1070 
 
 Magnetic oxide of iron 1011 
 Magnetic pyrites 101 8 
 
 Magnolia 460 
 
 Magnolia acuminata 460 
 
 Magnolia glauca 460 
 
 Magnolia grandiflora 460 
 
 Magnolia tripetala 461 
 
 Maguey 1292 
 
 Mahogany tree 1395 
 
 Mahy’s piaster 956 
 
 Maidenhair 1290 
 
 Maize 1405 
 
 Malabathri folia 264 
 
 Malambo bark 1357 
 
 Male fern 350 
 
 Male jalap 424 
 
 Male nutmeg 486 
 
 Male orchis 1386 
 
 Mallow, common 461 
 
 Malt ' 390 
 
 Malt vinegar 14 
 
 Maltha 553 
 
 Malva 461 
 
 Malva alcea 77 
 
 Malva rotundifolia 462 
 
 Malva sylvestris 461 
 
 Malwa opium 530 
 
 Mandioca 725 
 
 Mandragora 1357 
 
 Mandragora officinalis 1357 
 Mandrake 577, 1357 
 
 Manganese 462, 1358 
 
 Manganese, carbonate 
 of 1359 
 
 Manganese, iodide of 
 
 1358 
 
 Manganese, malate of 
 
 1359 
 
 Manganese, oxide of 
 
 462 
 
 Manganese, phosphate 
 
 
 of 
 
 1359 
 
 Manganese, sulphate of 1358 
 
 Manganese, tartrate of 
 
 1359 
 
 Manganesii oxidum 
 
 462 
 
 Manganesii peroxidum 
 
 462 
 
 Manganesium 
 
 1358 
 
 Manganic acid 
 
 462 
 
 Manna 
 
 464 
 
 Manna, Hriangon 
 
 464 
 
 Manna cannulata 
 
 465 
 
 Mannite 
 
 466 
 
 Maple sugar 
 
 632 
 
 Maracaybo bark 
 
 241 
 
 Maranta 
 
 467 
 
 Maranta allouya 
 
 467 
 
 Maranta arundinacea 
 
 467 
 
 Maranta galanga 
 
 1331 
 
 Maranta Indica 
 
 467 
 
 Maranta nobilis 
 
 467 
 
 Marble 
 
 469 
 
 Margaric acid 
 
 649 
 
 Margarin 59, 494 
 
 Marine acid 
 
 35 
 
 Marjoram, common 
 
 546 
 
 Marjoram, sweet 
 
 546 
 
 M armor 
 
 469 
 
 Marrubium 
 
 469 
 
 Marrubium vulgare 
 
 470 
 
 Marseilles vinegar 
 
 799 
 
 Marseilles white soap 
 
 652 
 
 Marsh rosemary 
 
 706 
 
 Marsh tea 
 
 1355 
 
 Marsh trefoil 
 
 477 
 
 Marsh water 
 
 110 
 
 Marsh water-cress 
 
 1367 
 
 Marsh’s test for arsenic 
 
 31 
 
 Marshmallow 
 
 76 
 
 Marshmallow flowers 
 
 76 
 
 Marshmallow leaves 
 
 76 
 
 Marshmallow mixture 
 
 1076 
 
 Marshmallow root 
 
 76 
 
 Martial ethiops 
 
 1011 
 
 Martin’s cancer powder 1373 
 
 Mary gold 
 
 1307 
 
 Massicot 
 
 567 
 
 Masterwort 97, 384, 1345 
 
 Mastich 
 
 470 
 
 Mastiche 
 
 470 
 
 Masticin 
 
 471 
 
 Matias bark 
 
 1357 
 
 Maticin 
 
 472 
 
 Matico 
 
 471 
 
 Matonia 
 
 182 
 
 Matricaria 
 
 472 
 
 Matricaria chamomilla 
 
 472 
 
 Matricaria parthenium 
 
 1385 
 
 May-apple 
 
 577 
 
 Mayflower 
 
 1327 
 
 Maynard’s adhesive 
 
 
 liquid 
 
 849 
 
 May-weed 
 
 294 
 
1460 
 
 Index, 
 
 Mead 
 
 755 
 
 Mercurius 
 
 393 
 
 Meadow anemone 
 
 1295 
 
 Mercury 
 
 393 
 
 Meadow-saffron 
 
 271 
 
 Mercury, acid nitrate 
 
 
 Meadow-sweet 
 
 700 
 
 of 
 
 1042 
 
 Mealy star wort 
 
 64 
 
 Mercury, ammoniated 
 
 1047 
 
 Measurement, approxi- 
 
 
 Mercui-y and quinia, 
 
 
 mate 
 
 1420 
 
 chloride of 
 
 1312 
 
 Measures and weights 
 
 
 Mercury, bibromide of 1305 
 
 767, 
 
 1415 
 
 Mercury, bichloride of 
 
 1025 
 
 Meat biscuit 
 
 1360 
 
 Mercury, bicyanuret of 1035 
 
 Mecca senna 
 
 674 
 
 Mercury, biniodide of 
 
 1037 
 
 Mechanical division 
 
 769 
 
 Mercury, binoxide of 
 
 1042 
 
 Mechanical leech 
 
 389 
 
 Mercury, bisulphuret of 1045 
 
 Mechoacan 
 
 424 
 
 Mercury, black oxide of 1038 
 
 Meconic acid 
 
 538 
 
 Mercury, black sulphuret 
 
 Meconin 
 
 537 
 
 of 
 
 1044 
 
 Medeola Yirginica 
 
 1360 
 
 Mercury, bromides of 
 
 1305 
 
 Medicated vinegars 
 
 793 
 
 Mercury, calcined 
 
 1041 
 
 Medicated waters 
 
 885 
 
 Mercury, corrosive chlo 
 
 - 
 
 Medicated wines 
 
 1272 
 
 ride of 
 
 1025 
 
 Medicinal hydrocyanic 
 
 
 Mercury, cyanuret of 
 
 1035 
 
 acid 
 
 808 
 
 Mercury, green iodide 
 
 
 Medicines and drugs 
 
 
 of 
 
 1036 
 
 not officinal 
 
 1288 
 
 Mercury, hydrosubli- 
 
 
 Mel 
 
 473 
 
 mate of 
 
 1032 
 
 Mel 2Egyptiacum 
 
 1064 
 
 Mercury, iodide of 
 
 1036 
 
 Mel boracis 
 
 1074 
 
 Mercury, mild chloride 
 
 Mel depuratum 
 
 1073 
 
 of 
 
 1031 
 
 Mel despumatum 
 
 1073 
 
 Mercury, preparations 
 
 
 Mel roste 
 
 1074 
 
 of 
 
 1024 
 
 Mel scillse compositum 
 
 1213 
 
 Mercury, protiodide of 
 
 1036 
 
 Melaleuca cajuputi 
 
 501 
 
 Mercury, protobromide 
 
 
 Melaleuca hypericifolia 
 
 501 
 
 of 
 
 1305 
 
 Melaleuca leucadendron 501 
 
 Mercury, prussiate of 
 
 1035 
 
 Melaleuca minor 
 
 501 
 
 Mercury, pure 
 
 1024 
 
 Melampodium 
 
 382 
 
 Mercury, red iodide of 
 
 1037 
 
 Melassic acid 
 
 637 
 
 Mercury, red oxide of 
 
 1040 
 
 Melegueta pepper 
 
 182 
 
 Mercury, red sulphuret 
 
 Melia azedarach 
 
 133 
 
 of 
 
 1045 
 
 Melilot 
 
 1360 
 
 Mercury, solution of 
 
 
 Melilotus officinalis 
 
 1360 
 
 pernitrate of 
 
 1042 
 
 Melissa 
 
 474 
 
 Mercury, sulphate of 
 
 1043 
 
 Melissa officinalis 
 
 474 
 
 Mercury, table of the 
 
 
 Melissic acid 
 
 205 
 
 preparations of 
 
 398 
 
 Melissine 
 
 205 
 
 Mercury with chalk 
 
 1048 
 
 Mellita 
 
 1073 
 
 Mercury with magnesia 1049 
 
 Meloe majalis 
 
 167 
 
 Mercury, yellow sul- 
 
 
 Meloe niger 
 
 173 
 
 phate of 
 
 1043 
 
 Meloe proscaraboeus 
 
 167 
 
 Mesembryanthemum errs- 
 
 Meloe trianthem* 
 
 167 
 
 tallinum 
 
 1361 
 
 Menispermin 
 
 268 
 
 Metaeinnameine 
 
 136 
 
 Menispermum Cana- 
 
 
 Metaphosphoric acid 
 
 815 
 
 dense 
 
 1361 
 
 Methylamine 
 
 534 
 
 Menispermum cocculus 267 
 
 Methyle 
 
 701 
 
 Menispermum palmatum 277 
 
 Methylie alcohol 
 
 701 
 
 Mentha piperita 
 
 475 
 
 Methylic chloroform 
 
 842 
 
 Mentha pulegium 
 
 698 
 
 Metroxylon sagu 
 
 640 
 
 Mentha viridis 
 
 476 
 
 Mezereon 
 
 477 
 
 Menyanthes 
 
 476 
 
 Mezereum 
 
 477 
 
 Menyanthes trifoliata 
 
 477 
 
 Mica panis 
 
 344 
 
 Meny anthin 
 
 477 
 
 Mikania guaco 
 
 1336 
 
 Mercurial liniment 
 
 1067 
 
 Mild chloride of mer- 
 
 
 Mercurial ointment 
 
 1257 
 
 cury 
 
 1031 
 
 Mercurial pills 
 
 1119 
 
 Mild volatile alkali 
 
 855 
 
 Mercurial plaster 
 
 951 
 
 Milder common caustic 1133 
 
 Milder ointment of ni- 
 
 trate of mercury 1263 
 
 Milfoil 1289 
 
 Milium solia 1357 
 
 Milk of ammoniac 1076 
 
 Milk of assafetida 1077 
 
 Milk of lime 154 
 
 Milk of sulphur 1197 
 
 Milk-weed 125, 335 
 
 Mimosa Nilotica 6 
 
 Mindererus, spirit of 861 
 
 Mineral, etbiops 1044 
 
 Mineral, kermes 879 
 
 Mineral tar 553 
 
 Mineral, turpeth 1043 
 
 Mineral water 887 
 
 Mineral waters 111 
 
 Mineral yellow 1378 
 
 Minium 574 
 
 Mint 476 
 
 Mistletoe 1404 
 
 Mistura acaciee, Ed. 1075 
 Mistura acacite, Lond. 1093 
 Mistura althaea 1076 
 
 Mistura ammoniaci 1076 
 Mistura amygdalae 1076 
 Mistura assafoetidte 1077 
 Mistura camphor*, Lond. 
 
 890 
 
 Mistura camphor* cum 
 magnesia 1077 
 
 Mistura creasoti 1078 
 
 Mistura cretse 1078 
 
 Mistura ferri aromatica 1078 
 Mistura fern composite 1079 
 Mistura gentian* com- 
 posita 1079 
 
 Mistura glycyrrhizoe 
 
 composite 1080 
 
 Mistura guaiaci 1080 
 
 Mistura hordei 941 
 
 Mistura scammonii 1080 
 Mistura spiritus vim 
 Gallici 1080 
 
 Misturte ■* 1075 
 
 Mithridate 930 
 
 Mixture, almond 1076 
 
 Mixture, ammoniac 1076 
 
 Mixture, assafetida 1077 
 
 Mixture, brandy 1080 
 
 Mixture, brown 1080 
 
 Mixture, chalk 1078 
 
 Mixture, creasote 1078 
 
 Mixture, guaiac 1080 
 
 Mixture, gum Arabic 1075 
 Mixture, marsh mallow 1076 
 Mixture, neutral 1143. 1413 
 Mixture of camphor with 
 magnesia 1077 
 
 Mixture of gentian, com- 
 pound 1079 
 
 Mixture of iron, aromatic 
 
 107S 
 
 Mixture of iron, com- 
 pound 1079 
 
Index, 
 
 1461 
 
 Mixture of liquorice, com- 
 
 pound 1080 
 
 Mixture, oleaginous 1413 
 Mixture, scammony 1080 
 Mixtures 1075 
 
 Moccasin plant 1325 
 
 Mocha aloes 72 
 
 Mocha senna 673 
 
 Mode of administering 
 medicines 1408 
 
 Molasses 631, 633, 637 
 Mole-plant 1370 
 
 Momordica balsamina 1361 
 Momordica elaterium 321 
 Monarda 480 
 
 Monarda punctata 480 
 Monesia 1361 
 
 Monesin 1361 
 
 Monkshood 55 
 
 Monohydrated nitric acid 40 
 Montpellier scammony 663 
 Mori succus • 480 
 
 Moringa aptera 1370 
 
 Moringa pterygosperma 1370 
 Morphia 1080 
 
 Morphia, acetate of 1087 
 Morphia, hydrochlorate 
 of 1088 
 
 Morphia, muriate of 1088 
 Morphia, preparations 
 of 1080 
 
 Morphia, solution of ace- 
 tate of 1088 
 
 Morphia, solution of mu- 
 riate of 1091 
 
 Morphia, solution of sul- 
 phate of 1092 
 
 Morphia, sulphate of 1091 
 Morphia acetas 1087 
 
 Morphias hydrochloras 1088 
 Morphias murias 1088 
 
 Morpliise muriatis solu- 
 tio 1091 
 
 Morpkise sulphas 1091 
 
 Morrkua Americana 506 
 Morrhua vulgaris 506 
 
 Morrhuas oleum 506 
 
 Mortars 770 
 
 Morus alba 481 
 
 Morus nigra 480 
 
 Morus rubra 481 
 
 Morus tinctoria 1330 
 
 Moschus 481 
 
 Mosckus factitius 1365 
 Moschus moschif'erus 481 
 Mountain damson 681 
 
 Mountain laurel 1350 
 
 Mountain mahogany 1303 
 
 Mountain rhubarb 626 
 
 Mountain-tea 362 
 
 Moxa 1362 
 
 Mucilage 449, 1092 
 
 Mucilage of barley 1093 
 Mucilage of gum Arabic 1093 
 Mucilage of starch 1093 
 
 Mucilage of tragacanth 1094 
 
 Mucilages 1092 
 
 Mucilagines 1092 
 
 Mucilago 1093 
 
 Mucilago acaciss 1093 
 
 Mucilago amyli " 1093 
 
 Mucilago hordei 1093 
 
 Mucilago tragacanthas 1094 
 
 Mucuna 484 
 
 Mucuna pruriens 484 
 
 Mucuna prurita 485 
 
 Mudar 1308 
 
 Mugwort 4 
 
 Mulberry juice 480 
 
 Mullein 1403 
 
 Muriate of ammonia 85 
 
 Muriate of baryta 908 
 
 Muriate of baryta, solu- 
 tion of 909 
 
 Muriate of etherine 1363 
 
 Muriate of iron, tincture 
 of 996 
 
 Muriate of lime 152 
 
 Muriate of lime, solution 
 of 915 
 
 Muriate of magnesia 1312 
 
 Muriate of morphia 1088 
 
 Muriate of morphia, so- 
 lution of 1091 
 
 Muriate of quinia 1176 
 
 Muriate of soda 695 
 
 Muriate of soda, pure 1185 
 
 Muriate of strychnia 1197 
 
 Muriatic acid 35 
 
 Muriatic acid, commer- 
 cial 35, 38 
 
 Muriatic acid, diluted 812 
 
 Muriatic acid gas 39 
 
 Muriatic acid, table of the 
 specific gravity of 37 
 
 Muriatic ether 1363 
 
 - Mushrooms 1364 
 
 Musk 481 
 
 Musk, artificial 1365 
 
 Muskmelon seeds 1323 
 
 Musk-root 1394 
 
 Must 750 
 
 Mustard 682 
 
 Mustard cataplasm 919 
 
 Mustard seeds, black 683 
 
 Mustard seeds, white 683 
 
 Mustard, volatile oil of 683 
 
 Mylabris cichorii 166 
 
 Mylabris pustulata 167 
 
 Mynsicht’s acid elixir 816 
 
 Myrica cerifera 207 
 
 Myricin 205 
 
 Myristica 485 
 
 Myristica moschata 485 
 
 Myristica officinalis 4S5' 
 
 My ri Stic® adeps 485, 487 
 Myristicse oleum 487, 510 
 Myristicic acid 487 
 
 Myristicin 487 
 
 Myrobalani 1365 
 
 Myrobalans 1365 
 
 Myronate of potassa 683 
 
 Myronic acid 683, 684 
 
 Myrospermum of Sonso- 
 nate 135 
 
 Myrospermum Pereira 135 
 
 Myrospermum peruife- 
 rum 134 
 
 Myrospermum pubescens 135 
 Myrospermum toluiferum 137 
 Myrosyne 683, 684 
 
 Myroxocarpin 136 
 
 Myroxylon balsamiferum 135 
 Myroxylon peruiferum 134 
 Myroxylon toluiferum 137 
 Myrrh 488 
 
 Myrrha 488 
 
 Myrrhic acid 489 
 
 Myrrhin 489 
 
 Myrtle wax 207 
 
 Myrtus acris 1321 
 
 Myrtus caryopliyllata 1321 
 Myrtus pimenta 559 
 
 N 
 
 Naphtha 552 
 
 Naphtha, artificial 553 
 
 Naphthaline 1366 
 
 Naples yellow 1366 
 
 Narcein 536 
 
 Narcissus pseudo-nar- 
 cissus 1366 
 
 Narcotics 2 
 
 Narcotin 533 
 
 Narcotina 533 
 
 Nard 1367 
 
 Nardus celtica 1367 
 
 Nardus Indica 1367 
 
 Nardus montana 1367 
 
 Narthex assafoet-ida 127 
 
 Nasturtium amphibium 1367 
 Nasturtium officinale 1367 
 Nasturtium palustre 1367 
 Native soda 690 
 
 Natron 690 
 
 Nauclea Brunonis 199 
 
 Nauclea gambir 200 
 
 Navel-wort 1322 
 
 Neat’s-foot oil 500 
 
 Nebuel 8 
 
 Nectandra puchury 1381 
 
 Nectandra Rodiei 1301 
 
 Nepaul cardamom 182 
 
 Nepeta cataria 197 
 
 Nepeta glechoma 1333 
 
 Nephrodium filix mas 350 
 
 Nereck 8 
 
 Neroli 131 
 
 Nettle, common 1402 
 
 Nettle, dwarf 1402 
 
 Neutral mixture 1143, 1413 
 
 New bark 247 
 
 New Jersey tea 1310 
 
1462 
 
 Index. 
 
 New York petroleum 553 
 
 Nicaragua wood 1305 
 
 Niccoli sulphas 1393 
 
 Nickel, sulphate of 1393 
 
 Nicotia 719 
 
 Nicotiana fruticosa 718 
 Nicotiana paniculata 718 
 Nicotiana quadrivalvis 718 
 Nicotiana rustica 718 
 
 Nicotiana tabacum 717 
 Nicotianin 720 
 
 Nicotin 719 
 
 Nicotina 719 
 
 Nigella sativa 1367 
 
 Nigellin 1367 
 
 Nightshade, black 318 
 
 Nightshade, common 318 
 
 Nightshade, deadly 140 
 
 Nightshade, woody 318 
 
 Nihil album 1283 
 
 Nitrate of bismuth 910 
 Nitrate of copper 1367 
 Nitrate of iron, solu- 
 tion of 1007 
 
 Nitrate of lead 573 
 
 Nitrate of potassa 587 
 Nitrate of potassa, pure 1145 
 Nitrate of silver 896 
 
 Nitrate of silver, fused 899 
 Nitrate of silver, in 
 crystals 896 
 
 Nitrate of soda 1367 
 
 Nitrate of water 40 
 
 Nitre' . 587 
 
 Nitre, cubic 1367 
 
 Nitre, sweet spirit of 835 
 
 Nitre-beds, artificial 588 
 Nitric acid 40 
 
 Nitric acid, anhydrous 44 
 
 Nitric acid, commercial 41 
 
 Nitric acid, diluted 812 
 
 Nitric acid fumigation 44 
 
 Nitric acid, pure 813 
 
 Nitric acid, table of the 
 specific gravity of 43 
 
 Nitric ether 838 
 
 Nitric starch 1348 
 
 Nitrification 588 
 
 Nitrobenzide 1 302 
 
 Nitrobenzole 499, 1302 
 Nitrobenzule 1302 
 
 Nitromuriatic acid 813 
 
 Nitromuriatic oxide of 
 antimony 1384 
 
 Nitroprussic acid 1368 
 
 Nitroprusside of sodium 
 
 1368 
 
 Nitrosulphate of ammo- 
 nia 1368 
 
 Nitrosulphuric acid 1368 
 
 Nitrous ether • 838 
 
 Nitrous oxide 1368 
 
 Nitrous oxide water 1368 
 
 Nitrous powders 591,1411 
 Nopal 269 
 
 Nordhausen, fuming 
 sulphuric acid of 47 
 
 Norway spruce 563 
 
 Nutmeg 485 
 
 Nutmeg, concrete oil of 487 
 Nutmeg-flower 1367 
 
 Nux moschata 486 
 
 Nux vomica 490 
 
 Nymphaea alba 1369 
 
 Nymphaea odorata 1368 
 
 0 
 
 Oak bark 602 
 
 Oatmeal 132 
 
 Oatmeal gruel 133 
 
 Ochres 1369 
 
 Ocimum basilicum 1369 
 
 Ocotea picliurim 1381 
 
 (Enanthe crocata 1369 
 
 CEnanthe phellandrium 1369 
 
 (Enantliic ether 
 
 753, 1329 
 
 (Enanthin 
 
 1369 
 
 (Enothera biennis 
 
 1370 
 
 Officinal directions, ge- 
 
 neral 
 
 788 
 
 Officinal medicine 
 
 s, mean- 
 
 ing of the term 
 
 1288 
 
 Oidium abortifaciens 326 
 
 Oil, benne 
 
 518, 679 
 
 Oil, cajeput 
 
 501 
 
 Oil, castor 
 
 513 
 
 Oil, cedar 
 
 430 
 
 Oil, cod-liver 
 
 506 
 
 Oil, croton 
 
 521 
 
 Oil, ethereal 
 
 832 
 
 Oil, flaxseed 
 
 505 
 
 Oil, linseed 
 
 505 
 
 Oil, neats-foot 
 
 500 
 
 Oil of almonds 
 
 498 
 
 Oil of amber 
 
 1106 
 
 Oil of amber, rectified 1107 
 
 Oil of anda 
 
 1370 
 
 Oil of anise 
 
 1098, 1345 
 
 Oil of ben 
 
 1370 
 
 Oil of benne 
 
 679 
 
 Oil of bergamot 
 
 500 ! 
 
 Oil of bitter almonds 498 ; 
 
 Oil of bitter almonds, 
 
 artificial 
 
 499 i 
 
 Oil of cade 
 
 428, 1370 1 
 
 Oil of camphor 
 
 162 j 
 
 Oil of caraway 
 
 1099 
 
 Oil of cassia 
 
 503 
 
 Oil of chamomile 
 
 1099 
 
 Oil of cinnamon 
 
 502 
 
 Oil of cloves 
 
 1100 
 
 Oil of copaiba 
 
 noi ! 
 
 Oil of cubebs 
 
 1101 
 
 Oil of dill 
 
 1098 
 
 Oil of ergot 
 
 327, 329 
 
 Oil of euphorbia 
 
 1370 
 
 Oil of fennel 
 
 1101 
 
 Oil of fern 
 
 351 
 
 Oil of hemlock 
 
 564i 
 
 Oil of horsemint 
 
 1104 
 
 Oil of jasmine 
 
 137^1 
 
 Oil of juniper 
 
 1102 
 
 Oil of lavender 
 
 1103 
 
 Oil of lemons 
 
 504 
 
 Oil of mace 
 
 487 
 
 Oil of marjoram 
 
 1104 
 
 i Oil of mustard 
 
 683 
 
 Oil of nutmeg 
 
 510 
 
 Oil of nutmeg, expressed 487 
 
 Oil of origanum 
 
 1104 
 
 Oil of partridge-berry 
 
 1102 
 
 Oil of pennyroyal, Ame- 
 
 rican 
 
 1102 
 
 Oil of pennyroyal, Eu 
 
 
 ropean 
 
 1105 
 
 Oil of peppermint 
 
 1103 
 
 | Oil of pimento 
 
 1105 
 
 Oil of rosemary 
 
 1105 
 
 ; Oil of roses 
 
 517 
 
 Oil of rue 
 
 1106 
 
 Oil of sassafras 
 
 1106 
 
 j Oil of savine 
 
 1106 
 
 (Oil of spearmint 
 
 1104 
 
 Oil of spike 
 
 1103 
 
 Oil of sweet marjoram 
 
 1105 
 
 Oil of tar 
 
 565 
 
 Oil of thyme 
 
 1400 
 
 Oil of tobacco 
 
 1108 
 
 Oil of turpentine 
 
 518 
 
 Oil of turpentine, puri- 
 
 
 fied 
 
 1108 
 
 Oil of valerian 
 
 1108 
 
 Oil of vitriol 
 
 45 
 
 Oil of wine camphor 
 
 833 
 
 Oil of wine, concrete 
 
 833 
 
 Oil of wine, heavy 
 
 832 
 
 Oil of wine, light 
 
 833 
 
 Oil of wormseed 
 
 1100 
 
 Oil, olive 
 
 511 
 
 Oil, palm 
 
 1377 
 
 Oil, phosphorated 
 
 556 
 
 Oil-cake 
 
 449 
 
 Oilnut 
 
 427 
 
 Oils 
 
 493 
 
 Oils, distilled 495, 1094 
 
 Oils, drying 
 
 494 
 
 Oils, empyreumatic 
 
 778 
 
 Oils, essential 495. 1094 
 
 Oils, expressed 
 
 493 
 
 Oils, fixed 
 
 493 
 
 Oils, volatile 495, 
 
 1094 
 
 Ointment, antimonial 
 
 1254 
 
 Ointment, citrine 
 
 1260 
 
 Ointment, compound 
 
 
 sulphur 
 
 1267 
 
 Ointment, elder 
 
 1266 
 
 Ointment, mercurial 
 
 1257 
 
 Ointment of acetate of 
 
 
 lead 
 
 1265 
 
 Ointment of ammoniated 
 mercury \ 1260 
 
 Ointment of belladonna 1254 
 Ointment of bromide of 
 potassium 1150 
 
Index. 
 
 1463 
 
 Ointment of carbonate 
 
 Olefiant gas, chloride of 1313 
 
 of lead 
 
 1265 
 
 Oleic acid 
 
 649 
 
 Ointment of cocculus 
 
 
 Olein 58, 494 
 
 Indicus 
 
 1256 
 
 Oleo-saccharum 
 
 636 
 
 Ointment of creasote 
 
 1256 
 
 Oleum absinthii 
 
 5 
 
 Ointment of elemi 
 
 1257 
 
 Oleum aethereum 
 
 832 
 
 Ointment of galls 
 
 1257 
 
 Oleum amygdalae 
 
 498 
 
 Ointment of galls, com 
 
 
 Oleum amygdalae amaroe 498 
 
 pound 
 
 1257 
 
 Oleum anethi 
 
 1098 
 
 Ointment of hemlock 
 
 1256 
 
 Oleum anisi 
 
 1098 
 
 Ointment of iodide of 
 
 
 Oleum anthemidis 
 
 1099 
 
 lead 
 
 1266 
 
 Oleum bergamii 
 
 500 
 
 Ointment of iodide of 
 
 
 Oleum bubulum 
 
 500 
 
 mercury 
 
 1260 
 
 Oleum cadinum 
 
 1370 
 
 Ointment of iodide of 
 
 
 Oleum cnjuputi 
 
 501 
 
 potassium 
 
 1266 
 
 Oleum cari 
 
 1099 
 
 Ointment of iodide of 
 
 
 Oleum carui 
 
 1099 
 
 sulphur 
 
 1267 
 
 Oleum caryophylli 
 
 1100 
 
 Ointment of iodine 
 
 1264 
 
 Oleum chenopodii 
 
 1100 
 
 Ointment of iodine, 
 
 
 Oleum cinnamomi 
 
 502 
 
 compound 
 
 1264 
 
 Oleum copaibce 
 
 1101 
 
 Ointment of lead, com- 
 
 
 Oleum cornu cervi 
 
 1326 
 
 pound 
 
 1265 
 
 Oleum cubebae 
 
 1101 
 
 Ointment of mezereon 
 
 1264 
 
 Oleum foeniculi 
 
 1101 
 
 Ointment of nitrate of 
 
 
 Oleum gaultherise 
 
 1102 
 
 mercury 
 
 1260 
 
 Oleum hedeomoe 
 
 1102 
 
 Ointment of nitrate of 
 
 
 Oleum hyperici 
 
 1343 
 
 mercury, milder 
 
 1263 
 
 Oleum jecoris aselli 
 
 506 
 
 Ointment of nitric acid 
 
 1263 
 
 Oleum juniperi 
 
 1102 
 
 Ointment of opium 
 
 1265' 
 
 Oleum lavandulae 
 
 1103 
 
 Ointment of oxide of zinc 1268 
 
 Oleum limonis 
 
 504 
 
 Ointment of pitch 
 
 1265 
 
 Oleum lini 
 
 505 
 
 Ointment of red iodide 
 
 
 Oleum menthae piperitse 1103 
 
 of mercury 
 
 i260 
 
 Oleum menthae pulegii 
 
 1105 
 
 Ointment of red oxide 
 
 
 Oleum menthae viridis 
 
 1104 
 
 of mercury 
 
 1263 
 
 Oleum monardse 
 
 1104 
 
 Ointment of rose water 
 
 1254 
 
 Oleum morrhuae 
 
 506 
 
 Ointment of Spanish 
 
 
 Oleum myristicae 
 
 510 
 
 flies 
 
 1255 
 
 Oleum olivse 
 
 511 
 
 Ointment of stramo- 
 
 
 Oleum origani 
 
 1104 
 
 nium 
 
 1266 
 
 Oleum phosphoratum 
 
 556 
 
 Ointment of subacetate 
 
 
 Oleum pimentos 
 
 1105 
 
 of copper 
 
 1256 
 
 Oleum pulegii 
 
 1105 
 
 Ointment of the powder 
 
 Oleum ricini 
 
 513 
 
 of Spanish flies 
 
 1255 
 
 Oleum rosae 
 
 517 
 
 Ointment of white belle 
 
 
 Oleum rosmarini 
 
 1105 
 
 bore 
 
 1268 
 
 Oleum rutae 
 
 1106 
 
 Ointment of white pre- 
 
 
 Oleum sabinae 
 
 1106 
 
 cipitate 
 
 1260 
 
 Oleum sassafras 
 
 1106 
 
 Ointment, simple 
 
 1266 
 
 Oleum sesami 518 
 
 , 679 
 
 Ointment, spermaceti 
 
 1256 
 
 Oleum succini 
 
 1106 
 
 Ointment, sulphur 
 
 1266 
 
 Oleum succini rectifi- 
 
 
 Ointment, tar 
 
 1265 
 
 catum 
 
 1107 
 
 Ointment, tartar emetic 1254 
 
 Oleum sulphnratum 
 
 1299 
 
 Ointment, tobacco 
 
 1267 
 
 Oleum tabaci 
 
 1108 
 
 Ointments 
 
 1253 
 
 Oleum tartari per de- 
 
 
 Okra 
 
 1340 
 
 liquium 
 
 1137 
 
 Old field pine 
 
 728 
 
 Oleum terebinthinoe 
 
 518 
 
 Olea 
 
 493 
 
 Oleum terebinthinae pu 
 
 
 Olea destillata 
 
 1094 
 
 rificatum 
 
 1108 
 
 Olea Europoea 
 
 511 
 
 Oleum thymi 
 
 1400 
 
 Olea fixa 
 
 493 
 
 Oleum tiglii 
 
 521 
 
 Olea fragrans 
 
 1398 
 
 Oleum valerianae 
 
 1108 
 
 Olea volatilia 
 
 495 
 
 Olibanum 
 
 1371 
 
 Oleaginous mixture 
 
 1413 
 
 Olivas oleum 
 
 511 
 
 Olive oil 511 
 
 Olivile 511 
 
 Onion 1372 
 
 Ophelia chirata 215 
 
 Opiania 532 
 
 Opianic acid 533 
 
 Opiauine 532 
 
 Opiate pills of lead 1122 
 Opine 537 
 
 Opium 524 
 
 Opium, Bengal 530 
 
 Opium, Constantinople 529 
 Opium, Egyptian 529 
 
 Opium, India 529 
 
 Opium, Malwa 530 
 
 Opium, Patna 530 
 
 Opium, Persia 530 
 
 Opium plaster 952 
 
 Opium, Smyrna 528 
 
 Opium, tests of 539 
 
 Opium, thebaicum 527 
 
 Opium, Turkey 528 
 
 Opobalsamum 1299 
 
 Opodeldoc 1067 
 
 Opoidia galbanifera 355 
 
 Opopanax 1372 
 
 Opopanax ckironium 1372 
 
 Opuntia cochinillifera 269 
 Orange berries 131 
 
 Orange flower water 131 
 
 Orange mineral 1372 
 
 Orange peel 129 
 
 Orange red 1372 
 
 Orange root 1341 
 
 Oranges 131 
 
 Orchil 438 
 
 Orcliilla weed 437 
 
 Orchis mascula 1386 
 
 Orenburgh gum 730 
 
 Orgeat, syrup of 1204 
 
 Origanum 545 
 
 Origanum majorana 546 
 Origanum majoranoides 546 
 Origanum vulgare 546 
 Orleana 1296 
 
 Ornus Europoea 464 
 
 Ornus rotundifolia 465 
 
 Orobanche Americana 1373 
 Orobanche uniflora 1373 
 Orobanche Yirginiana 1372 
 Orpiment 1373 
 
 Orpiment, artificial 1373 
 
 Orris, Florentine 420 
 
 Orsellic acid 437 
 
 Oryza sativa 1373 
 
 Os 546 
 
 Os sepioe 1324 
 
 Ossa 546 
 
 Ostrea edulis 734 
 
 Otolithus regalis 404 
 
 Otto of roses 517 
 
 Overflowing wells 110 
 
 Overgrown jalap 425 
 
 Ovum 548 
 
 Oxalate of potassa 1374 
 
1464 
 
 Index. 
 
 Oxalhydric acid 838 
 
 Oxalic acid 1373 
 
 Oxalis acetosella 1376 
 
 Oxalis crassieaulis 1876 
 
 Oxalis violacea 1376 
 
 Ox-gall 1376 
 
 Oxide of antimony 866 
 
 Oxide of gold 1334 
 
 Oxide of manganese 462 
 
 Oxide of silver 901 
 
 Oxide of zinc 1282 
 
 Oxide of zinc, impure 1401 
 Oxychloride of antimony 
 
 1384 
 
 Oxychloride of sodium 1183 
 
 Oxymel 1074 
 
 Oxymel of squill 1075 
 
 Oxymel scillce 1075 
 
 Oxymuriate of lime 155 
 
 Oxypicric acid 1346 
 
 Oxysulphuret of antimony 
 
 878 
 
 Oyster 734 
 
 Oyster-shell 734 
 
 Oyster-shell, prepared 915 
 
 Ozone 47 
 
 P 
 
 Poeonia officinalis 1377 
 
 Pagliari’s styptic 145 
 
 Pale hark 228 
 
 Palm oil 1377 
 
 Palm soap 650 
 
 Palm sugar 632 
 
 Palma Christi 513 
 
 Palmic acid 516 
 
 Palmin 516 
 
 Palmitic acid 1378 
 
 Palmitin 1378 
 
 Panacea lapsorum 120 
 
 Panax 549 
 
 Panax quinquefolium 549 
 Panax schinseng 549 
 
 Panis 550 
 
 Pansy 757 
 
 Papaver 550 
 
 Papaver orientale 524 
 
 Papaver rhoeas 618 
 
 Papaver somniferum 524 
 Papaverina 532 
 
 Papaverine 532 
 
 Paraffine 295 
 
 Paraguay tea 1344 
 
 Paralactic acid 1355 
 
 Paramenispermin 268 
 
 Paramorphia 536 
 
 Paratartaric acid 
 
 53, 742, 750 
 Paregoric elixir 1243 
 
 Pareira 551 
 
 Pareira brava 551 
 
 Parietaria officinalis 1378 
 Pariglin 656 
 
 Parillinic acid 
 
 656 
 
 Paris white 
 
 1404 
 
 Parsley root 
 
 554 
 
 Parsnep, rough 
 
 1372 
 
 Parthenium Lntegrifolium 
 
 1378 
 
 Partridge-berry 
 
 362 | 
 
 Pastel 
 
 1350 ! 
 
 Pastiles, fumigating 
 
 145 
 
 Pastinaca opopanax 
 
 1372 
 
 Patent yellow 
 
 1378 
 
 Patna opium 
 
 530 
 
 Paullinia 
 
 1378 
 
 Paullinia sorbilis 
 
 1378 
 
 Peach leaves 
 
 1379 
 
 Peach wood 
 
 1305 
 
 Pearl barley 
 
 390 
 
 Pearl sago 
 
 640 
 
 Pearl tapioca 
 
 725 
 
 Pearl white 
 
 911 
 
 Pearlash 
 
 582 
 
 Pearson’s arsenical solu 
 
 - 
 
 tion 
 
 23 
 
 Pectase 
 
 804 
 
 Pectic acid 
 
 185 
 
 Pectin 
 
 185 
 
 Pectoral gum 
 
 12 
 
 Pectose 186, 804 
 
 Pegu catechu 
 Pelargonate of ethylic 
 
 199 
 
 ether 
 
 1329 
 
 Pelargonic acid 
 
 1329 
 
 Pelargonic ether 
 
 1329 
 
 Pelargonium roseum 
 
 1329 
 
 Pellitory 
 
 599 
 
 Pellitory, wall 
 
 1378 
 
 Pemmican 
 
 1360 
 
 Pensea mucronata 
 
 1387 
 
 Pensea sarcocolla 
 
 1387 
 
 Pennsylvania sumach 
 
 619 
 
 Pennyroyal 
 
 379 
 
 Pennyroyal, European 
 
 598 
 
 Pennyroyal water 
 
 893 
 
 Penny-wort 
 
 1322 
 
 Peony 
 
 1377 
 
 Pepper, black 
 
 560 
 
 Pepper, Cayenne 
 
 173 
 
 Pepper, long 
 
 562 
 
 Pepper, white 
 
 560 
 
 Peppermint 
 
 475 
 
 Peppermint water 
 
 892 
 
 Perchloride of carbon 
 
 844 
 
 Percolation 782, 789 
 
 Percolator 
 
 782 
 
 Periploca Indica 
 
 383 
 
 Periploca secamone 
 
 662 
 
 Permanganate of potassa 
 
 1359 
 
 Pernambuco wood 
 Pernitrate of iron, so- 
 
 1305 
 
 lution of 
 
 1007 
 
 Peroxide of iron 
 
 1012 
 
 Peroxide of manganese 
 
 462 
 
 Perry 
 
 755 
 
 Persia opium 
 
 530 
 
 Persian galbanum 356 
 
 Persica vulgaris 1379 
 
 Persicaria mitis 1304 
 
 Persicaria urens 1804 
 
 Persimmon 315 
 
 Peruvian bark 218 
 
 Peruvian Calisaya 237 
 
 Peruvian ipecacuanha 418 
 
 Peruvine 136 
 
 Peter’s pills 75 
 
 Petinin 1326 
 
 Petroleum 552 
 
 Petroselinum 554 
 
 Petroselinum sativum 554 
 Phseoretin 615 
 
 Phalaris Canariensis 1308 
 Pharmaceutical equiva- 
 lents, table of 1421 
 
 Phasianus gallus 548 
 
 Phellandrium aquaticum 
 
 1369 
 
 Phene 1302 
 
 Phenyle, hydruret of 1302 
 Phenylic acid 297 
 
 Philadelphia fleabane 330 
 
 Phloretin 1380 
 
 Phloridzin ' 1379 
 
 Phoenix farinifera 639 
 
 Phosphate of ammonia 1380 
 Phosphate of iron 1012 
 
 Phosphate of lime, pre- 
 cipitated 916 
 
 Phosphate of potassa 1380 
 
 Phosphate of quinia 251 
 
 Phosphate of soda 1186 
 
 Phosphorated oil 556 
 
 Phosphoric acid, diluted 815 
 Phosphorus 555 
 
 Phyllanthus emblica 1366 
 
 Physalis alkekengi 13S1 
 
 Physalis viscosa 1381 
 
 Physeter macrocephalus 
 
 209 
 
 Physic nuts 1300 
 
 Phytolacca decandra 557 
 
 Phytolacc* baccse 557 
 
 Phytolaccse radix 
 Picamar 295 
 
 Pichurim beans 1381 
 
 Picolin 1326 
 
 Picrfena excelsa 600 
 
 Picroglycion 319 
 
 Picromel 1377 
 
 Picrotoxic acid 268 
 
 Pierotoxin 268 
 
 Pig iron * 344 
 
 Pill of aloes vrith soap 1110 
 Pill of chloride of mer- 
 cury, compound 1112 
 
 Pill of colocynth, com- 
 pound 1114 
 
 rill of gamboge, com- 
 pound 1113 
 
 Pill of hemlock, com- 
 pound 1115 
 
Index, 
 
 1465 
 
 Pill of iodide of manga- 
 nese 1359 
 
 Pill of ipecacuanha with 
 squill 1121 
 
 Pill of storax, compound 1121 
 Pills 1109 
 
 Pills, aloetic 1110 
 
 Pills, Asiatic 25 
 
 Pills, assafetida 1112 
 
 Pills, blue 1119 
 
 Pills, calomel 1121 
 
 Pills, compound calomel 
 
 1112 
 
 Pills, compound cathartic 
 
 1113 
 
 Pills, mercurial 1119 
 
 Pills of aloes and assa- 
 fetida 1111 
 
 Pills of aloes and iron 1112 
 Pills of aloes and myrrh 1112 
 Pills of aloes, compound 1111 
 Pills of aloes with soap 1110 
 Pills of ammoniated 
 
 copper 1116 
 
 Pills of calomel and 
 
 opium 1113 
 
 Pills of carbonate of 
 
 iron 1116 
 
 Pills of colocynth and 
 
 henbane 1115 
 
 Pills of copaiba 1115 
 
 Pills of digitalis and 
 
 squill 1116 
 
 Pillsof galbanum, com- 
 pound 1118 
 
 Pills of iodide of iron 1118 
 
 Pills of ipecacuanha and 
 opium 1121 
 
 Pills of iron, compound 1117 
 Pills of lead, opiate 1122 
 
 Pills of mild chloride of 
 mercury 1121 
 
 Pills of opium 1121 
 
 Pills of rhubarb 1122 
 
 Pills of rhubarb and 
 
 iron 1123 
 
 Pills of rhubarb, com- 
 pound 1123 
 
 Pills of soap, compound 1123 
 Pills of squill, com- 
 pound 1123 
 
 Pillsof sulphate of iron 1118 
 Pills of sulphate of 
 
 quinia 1122 
 
 Pills, Yallet’s ferrugin- 
 ous 1116 
 
 Pilula cambogi* com- 
 posita 1113 
 
 Pilula coloeynthidis 
 
 composita 1114 
 
 Pilula conii composita 1115 
 Pilula hydrargyri chlo- 
 ridi composita 1112 
 
 Pilula ipecacuanha 
 
 cum scilla 1121 
 
 Pilula styracis compo- 
 
 sita 1124 
 
 Pilul* 1109 
 
 Pilules aloes 1110 
 
 Pilul* aloes composit* 1111 
 
 Pilul* aloes cum sa- 
 
 pone 1110 
 
 Pilul* aloes et assafoe- 
 tid* 1111 
 
 Pilul* aloes et ferri 1112 
 
 Pilulas aloes et myrrh* 1112 
 Pilulas assafoetidae 
 
 1112, 1118 
 Pilulae calomelanos 
 
 composite 1112 
 
 Pilulas calomelanos et 
 opii 1113 
 
 Pilulae cambogite 1113 
 
 Pilulae cathartic* com- 
 posites 1113 
 
 Pilulae coloeynthidis 
 
 composite 1114 
 
 Pilulae coloeynthidis et 
 hyoscyami 1115 
 
 Pilulae copaibae 1115 
 
 Pilulae cupri ammoniati 1116 
 Pilulas de cynoglosso 1325 
 Pilulae digitalis et scil- 
 1* 1116 
 Pilulae ferri carbonatis 1116 
 Pilulas ferri compositae 1117 
 Pilulae ferri iodidi 1118 
 Pilulae ferri sulphatis 1118 
 Pilulae galbani compo- 
 sitae 1118 
 
 Pilulae hydrargyri 1119 
 Pilulae hydrargyri chlo- 
 ridi mitis 1121 
 
 Pilulae ipecacuanha® et 
 opii , 1121 
 
 Pilulae opii 1121 
 
 Pilulae plumbi opiates 1122 
 Pilulae quiniae sulphatis 1122 
 Pilulae rhei 1122 
 
 Pilulae rhei compositae 1123 
 Pilulae rhei et ferri 1123 
 Pilulae saponis compo- 
 sitae 1123 
 
 Pilulae scillae composi- 
 tae 1123 
 
 Pilulae stomachic* 1111 
 Pilul* styracis 1124 
 
 Pilul* Thebaic* 1121 
 
 Pimenta 559 
 
 Pimento 559 
 
 Pimento water 892 
 
 Pimpernel, scarlet 1295 
 
 Pimpinella anisum 101 
 
 Pimpinella saxifraga 1381 
 
 Pinckneya pubens 1381 
 
 Pine nuts 729 
 
 Pine-apple essence 1328 
 Pinic acid 606 
 
 Pink, Carolina 698 
 
 Pink, clove 1325 
 
 Pink, wild 1390 
 
 Pinkroot 698 
 
 Pinus abies 563 
 
 Pinus australis 728 
 
 Pinus balsamea 729 
 
 Pinus Canadensis 564 
 
 Pinus cenibra 729, 1386 
 
 Pinus Damarra 733 
 
 Pinus Lambertiana 464 
 
 Pinus larix 730 
 
 Pinus maritima 729 
 
 Pinus nigra 729 
 
 Pinus palustris 728 
 
 Pinus picea 729 
 
 Pinus pinaster 729 
 
 Pinus pinea 729 
 
 Pinus pumilio 729, 1386 
 
 Pinus rigida 565 
 
 Pinus sylvestris 729 
 
 Pinus t*da 728 
 
 Piper 560 
 
 Piper angustifolium 471 
 
 Piper betel 202, 1297 
 
 Piper caninum 302 
 
 Piper cubeba 302 
 
 Piper elongatum 471 
 
 Piper longum 562 
 
 Piper methisticum 472 
 
 Piper nigrum 560 
 
 Piperin 560 
 
 Pipsissewa 213 
 
 Piscidia erythrina 1381 
 
 Pistacia lentiscus 470 
 
 Pistacia terebinthus 730 
 
 Pitaya bark 245, 247 
 
 Pitaya bark, hard 245 
 
 Pitaya bark, soft 245 
 
 Pitaya condaminea bark 245 
 Pitayna 247 
 
 Pitch 562 
 
 Pitch, black 562 
 
 Pitch, Burgundy 562 
 
 Pitch, Canada 564 
 
 Pitch pine 729 
 
 Pitch plaster 952 
 
 Pittacal 296 
 
 Pix 562 
 
 Pix arida 562 
 
 Pix Burgundica 562 
 
 Pix Burgundica pr*pa- 
 rata 1024 
 
 Pix Canadensis 564 
 
 Pix liquida 565 
 
 Pix nigra 562 
 
 Plantago lancifolia 1382 
 
 Plantago major 1382 
 
 Plantago media 1382 
 
 Plantago psyllium 1382 
 
 Plantain 1382 
 
 Plantain, water 1293 
 
 Plants, collecting of 765 
 
 Plants, drying of 765 
 
 Plaster, adhesive 956, 957 
 Plaster, blistering 921 
 
 Plaster machine ' 947 
 
1466 
 
 Index . 
 
 Plaster measurer 785 
 
 Plaster, mercurial 951 
 
 Plaster of aconite 970 
 
 Plaster of ammoniac 
 
 with mercury 948 
 
 Plaster of belladonna 949 
 Plaster of carbonate of 
 lead 956 
 
 Plaster of iodide of po- 
 tassium 956 
 
 Plaster of myrrh 489 
 
 Plaster of pitch with 
 
 Spanish flies 953 
 
 Plaster of Spanish flies 949 
 
 Plaster of Spanish flies, 
 compound 949 
 
 Plaster, simple 957 
 
 Plaster, strengthening 950 
 Plaster, warming 953 
 
 Plasters 946 
 
 Platinum 1382 
 
 Pleurisy-root 1 26 
 
 Plumbagin 1382 
 
 Plumbago 176, 1309 
 
 Plumbago Europoea 1382 
 
 Plumbi acetas 569 
 
 Plumbi carbonas 571 
 
 Plumbi diacetatissolutio 1124 
 Plumbi iodidum 1126 
 
 Plumbi nitras 573 
 
 Plumbi oxidum rubrum 574 
 Plumbi oxidum semivit- 
 reum 575 
 
 Plumbi subacetatis li- 
 quor compositus 1126 
 Plumbi tannas 1397 
 
 Plumbum 566 
 
 Plummer’s pills 1113 
 
 Plumose alum 1393 
 
 Poaya 415 
 
 Plunket’s caustic 24 
 
 Podalyria tinctoria 1300 
 
 Podophyllin 578 
 
 Podophyllum 577 
 
 Podophyllum peltatum 577 
 
 Poison-oak 735 
 
 Poison-vine 735 
 
 Poke berries 557 
 
 Poke root 557 
 
 Pollock 506 
 
 Polyckroi'te 301 
 
 Polygala amara 578,667 
 Polygala, bitter 578 
 
 Polygala paucifolia 1102 
 
 Polygala polygama 578 
 
 Poly gala rubella 578 
 
 Polygala senega 667 
 
 Polygala vulgaris 667 
 
 Poly gallic acid 668 
 
 Polygonatum multiflo- 
 rum 1320 
 
 Polygonatum uniflorum 1320 
 
 Polygonum aviculare 1304 
 
 Polygonum bistorta 1304 
 
 Polygonum fagopyrum 1304 
 
 Polygonum hydropiper 1304 
 Polygonum hydropiper- 
 oides 1304 
 
 Polygonum persicaria 1304 
 Polygonum punctatum 1304 
 Polygonum tinctorium 1346 
 Polypodium filix foemina 1299 
 
 Polypodium filix mas 350 
 
 Polypodium vulgare 1382 
 
 Polypody, common 1382 
 
 Polytrichum junipe- 
 
 rinum 1383 
 
 Pomegranate rind 372, 373 
 Pomegranate root, bark 
 of 372, 373 
 
 Pompholix 1283 
 
 Pontefract cakes 341 
 
 Poplar 451, 1383 
 
 Poppy, black 525 
 
 Poppy capsules 550 
 
 Poppy, corn 618 
 
 Poppy, i - ed 618 
 
 Poppy, white 524 
 
 Poppy-heads 550 
 
 Populin 1383 
 
 Populus 1383 
 
 Populus balsamifera 1383 
 
 Populus nigra 1 383 
 
 Populus tremula 1383 
 
 Populus tremuloides 1383 
 
 Porphyrizatioa 771 
 
 Porphyroxin 537 
 
 Porrum 1355 
 
 Port, English 753 
 
 Port w T ine 752 
 
 Portable soup 547 
 
 Porter 755 
 
 Portland arrow-root 123 
 
 Portland powder 1399 
 
 Portland sago 123 
 
 Portulaca oleracea 1383 
 
 Potash 583 
 
 Potashes, kinds of 584, 
 Potassa 1131 
 
 Potassa, acetate of 1133 
 
 Potassa alum 78 
 
 Potassa, alcoholic 1132 
 
 Potassa, bicarbonate of 1139 
 Potassa, bichromate of 579 
 Potassa, binoxalate of 1376 
 Potassa, bisulphate of 1146 
 
 Potassa, bitartrate of 580 
 
 Potassa, carbonate of 1136 
 
 Potassa, caustic 1131 
 
 Potassa caustica 1131 
 
 Potassa caustica cum 
 calce 1133 
 
 Potassa, chlorate of 585 
 
 Potassa, citrate of 1142 
 
 Potassa cum calce 1133 
 
 Potassa, dry 579 
 
 Potassa, effervescing 
 
 water of 1142 
 
 Potassa, ferrocyanate of 593 
 Potassa, hydrate of 1131 
 
 Potassa, hydriodate of 1154 
 Potassa, liypermanga- 
 nate of 1359 
 
 Potassa, impure carbon- 
 ate of 582 
 
 Potassa, nitrate of 587 
 Potassa, phosphate of 1380 
 Potassa, preparations of 1128 
 Potassa, pure carbonate 
 of 1138 
 
 Potassa, pure nitrate of 1145 
 Potassa, quadroxalateofl376 
 Potassa, sesquicarbon- 
 ate of 1142 
 
 Potassa, solution of 1128 
 
 Potassa, sulphate of 592 
 
 Potassa, supertartrate of 580 
 Potassa, tartrate of 1147 
 
 Potassa with lime 1133 
 
 Potass® acetas 1133 
 
 Potass® aqua 1128 
 
 Potass® aqua effervescens 
 
 1142 
 
 Potass® biantimonias 1325 
 
 Potass® bicarbonas 1139 
 
 Potass® bichromas 579 
 
 Potass® bisulphas 1146 
 
 Potass® bitartras 580 
 
 Potass® carbonas 1136 
 
 Potass® carbonas h lixi- 
 vo cinere 1136 
 
 Potass® carbonas impu- 
 rus 582 
 
 Potass® carbonas purus 1138 
 Potass® carbonatis liquor 
 
 1139 
 
 Potass® caustic® liquor 1128 
 
 Potass® chloras 585 
 
 Potass® citras 1142 
 
 Potass® et sod® tartras 1184 
 Potass® hydras 1131 
 
 Potass® nitras 587 
 
 Potass® nitras purum 1145 
 Potass® phosphas 1380 
 Potass® sulphas 592 
 
 Potass® sulphas cum 
 
 sulphure 1145 
 
 Potass® tartras 1147 
 
 Potassii bromidum 1149 
 Potassii cyanuretum 1150 
 Potassii ferrocyanidum 593 
 Potassii ferrocyanuretum 593 
 Potassii iodidi liquor 
 
 compositus 1157 
 
 Potassii iodidum 1152 
 
 Potassii sulphocyanure- 
 tum 1394 
 
 Potassii sulphuretum 1158 
 
 Potassio-sulphate of ses- 
 quioxide of iron 1393 
 
 Potassium 579 
 
 Potassium, bromide of 1149 
 Potassium, cyanuret of 1150 
 Potassium, ferrocyanu- 
 ret of 593 
 
Index , 
 
 3467 
 
 Potassium, iodide of 1152 
 Potassium, iodohydrar- 
 
 gyrate of 1349 
 
 Potassium, sulpkuret of 
 
 1158 
 
 Potassium, teroxide of 579 
 Potato 318 
 
 Potato flies 171 
 
 Potato spirit oil 851 
 
 Potato starch 95 
 
 Potentilla reptans 1384 
 
 Potentilla tormentilla 735 
 
 Pothos 316 
 
 Potus imperialis 582 
 
 Powder, antimonial 882 
 
 Powder, aromatic 1162 
 
 Powder, compound saline 
 
 1166 
 
 Powder, Dover’s 1164 
 
 Powder folder 786 
 
 Powder of Algarotk 1384 
 
 Powder of aloes and ca- 
 nella 1162 
 
 Powder of aloes, com- 
 pound 1161 
 
 Powder of alum, com- 
 pound 1162 
 
 Powder of catechu, com- 
 pound 1162 
 
 Powder of chalk, com- 
 pound 1163 
 
 Powder of chalk with 
 
 opium, compound 1163 
 
 Powder of ipecacuanha 
 and opium 1164 
 
 Powder of ipecacuanha, 
 compound 1164 
 
 Powder of iron 993 
 
 Powder of jalap, com- 
 pound 1165 
 
 Powder of kino, com- 
 pound 1165 
 
 Powder of rhubarb, com- 
 pound 1166 
 
 Powder of scammony, 
 
 compound 1166 
 
 Powder of tin 1193 
 
 Powder of tragacanth, 
 
 compound 1166 
 
 Powder, Portland 1399 
 
 Powdering, methods of 769 
 Powders 1161 
 
 Powders, effervescing 1163 
 
 Powders, Seidlitz 54 
 
 Powders, soda 1164 
 
 Prairie dock 1378 
 
 Precipitate per se 1041 
 
 Precipitated carbonate 
 of iron 1013 
 
 Precipitated carbonate 
 of lime 913 
 
 Precipitated carbonate 
 of zinc 1277 
 
 Precipitated extract of 
 bark 1171 
 
 Precipitated phosphate 
 of lime 916 
 
 Precipitated sulphur 1197 
 
 Precipitated sulphuret 
 of antimony 878 
 
 Precipitating jars 772 
 
 Precipitation 774 
 
 Prenanthes alba 1384 
 
 Prenanthes serpentaria 1384 
 
 Prepared ammoniac 1023 
 
 Prepared assnfetida 1023 
 
 Prepared Burgundy 
 
 pitch 1024 
 
 Prepared calamine 1277 
 
 Prepared chalk 914 
 
 Prepared Frankincense 1024 
 
 Prepared galbanum 1024 
 
 Prepared lard 1253 
 
 Prepared oyster-shell 915 
 
 Prepared sagapenum 1024 
 
 Prepared storax 1024 
 
 Prepared subacetate of 
 copper 933 
 
 Prepared sulphuret of 
 
 antimony 877 
 
 Prescribing medicines, 
 art of 1407 
 
 Prescriptions, formulas 
 for 1411 
 
 Preservation of medi- 
 cines 766 
 
 Preserved juice of ta- 
 raxacum 988 
 
 Preserved vegetable 
 juices 1218 
 
 Prickly ash 116, 760 
 
 Prickly poppy 1297 
 
 Pride of China 134 
 
 Pride of India 134 
 
 Prinos 595 
 
 Prinos verticillatus 595 
 
 Privet 1356 
 
 Proof spirit 61, 854 
 
 Proof vinegar 14 
 
 Propylamin 327, 508, 534 
 Protein 343 
 
 Protiodide of mercury 1036 
 
 Prunella vulgaris 1384 
 
 Prunes 596 
 
 Pruni pulpa 1160 
 
 Prunum 596 
 
 Prunum pi-separatum 1160 
 
 Primus domestica 596 
 
 Prunus lauro-cerasus 443 
 
 Prunus spinosa 7 
 
 Prunus Virginiana 596 
 
 Prussian blue 1001 
 
 Prussiate of mercury 1035 
 
 Prussiate of potassa 593 
 
 Prussic acid 805 
 
 Pseudomorphia 537 
 
 Psychotria emetica 418 
 
 Psyllii semen 1382 
 
 Pteris aquilina 1299 
 
 Pteritannic acid 351 
 
 Pterocarpus 647 
 
 Pterocarpus draco 1327 
 Pterocarpus erinaceus 433 
 Pterocarpus marsupium 431 
 Pterocarpus santalinus 647 
 Puccoon 645 
 
 Puce oxide of lead 567 
 Puff ball 1365 
 
 Pulegium ' 598 
 
 Pulmonaria officinalis 1384 
 Pulp of prunes 1160 
 
 Pulp of purging cassia 1160 
 Pulp of tamarinds 1160 
 
 Pulp® 1159 
 
 Pulps 1159 
 
 Pulsatilla 1295 
 
 Pulveres 1161 
 
 Pulveres effervescentes 1163 
 Pulveres effervescentes 
 citrati 1164 
 
 Pulveres effervescentes 
 tarfarizati 1163 
 
 Pulverization 769 
 
 Pulverization, table of 
 loss by 769 
 
 Pulverized silex 680 
 
 Pulvis Algarothi 1384 
 
 Pulvis aloes eompositus 1161 
 Pulvis aloes et canellae 1162 
 Pulvis aluminis compo- 
 situs 1162 
 
 Pulvis antimonialis 882 
 
 Pulvis antimonii compo- 
 situs 882 
 
 Pulvis aromaticus 1162 
 
 Pulvis Capucinorum 629 
 
 Pulvis catechu composi- 
 tus 1162 
 
 Pulvis cinnamomi com- 
 positus 1162 
 
 Pulvis comitissse 259 
 
 Pulvis cretes eompositus 1163 
 Pulvis cretas eompositus 
 cum opio 1163 
 
 Pulvis cretffi opiatus 1163 
 
 Pulvis hydrargyri cinereus 
 1039 
 
 Pulvis ipecacuanhoe com- 
 positus 1164 
 
 Pulvis ipecacuanhas et 
 
 opii 1164 
 
 Pulvis jalap® eompositus 
 
 1165 
 
 Pulvis kino eompositus 1165 
 Pulvis rhei eompositus 1166 
 Pulvis salinus eompositus 
 
 1166 
 
 Pulvis scammonii com- 
 
 positus 1166 
 
 Pulvis tragacanth® com- 
 positus 1166 
 
 Pumex 1385 
 
 Pumice stone 1385 
 
 Pumpkin seeds 1323 
 
 Punica granatum 372 
 
1468 
 
 Index. 
 
 Punicin ' 373 
 
 Pure arsenious acid 903 
 
 Pure carbonate of potassa 
 
 1138 
 
 Pure chloride of sodium 1185 
 
 Pure iodine 1063 
 
 Pure mercury 1024 
 
 Pure muriate of soda 1185 
 
 Pure nitric acid 813 
 
 Pure nitrate of potassa 1145 
 
 Pure Prussian blue 1001 
 
 Pure sulphuric acid 818 
 
 Pure water 108 
 
 Purging agaric 1291 
 
 Purging cassia 192 
 
 Purging flax 450 
 
 Purging nuts 1300 
 
 Purified animal charcoal 917 
 Purified oil of turpentine 1108 
 Purified pyroligneous acid 15 
 Purified storax 1024 
 
 Purified sugar 635, 637 
 Purple avens 367 
 
 Purple willow-herb 1357 
 
 Purree 1346 
 
 Purreic acid 1346 
 
 Purslane, garden 1383 
 
 Pyrethrum 599 
 
 Pyrethrum parthenium 1385 
 
 Pyretin 562 
 
 Pyretin, acid 1391 
 
 Pyrites, cubic 1018 
 
 Pyrites, magnetic 1018 
 
 Pyrmont water 112 
 
 Pyroacetic ether 1385 
 
 Pyroacetic spirit 1385 
 
 Pyrogallic acid 805 
 
 Pyroglycerin 1022 
 
 Pyrola umbellata 213 
 
 Pyroligneous acid 15 
 
 Pyroligneous acid, crude 
 
 17, 20 
 
 Pyroligneous ether 701 
 
 Pyroligneous spirit 701 
 
 Pyroligneous vinegar 18 
 
 Pyrolusite 463 
 
 Pyrophosphate of soda 1187 
 
 Pyroxylic alcohol 701 
 
 Pyroxylic spirit 701 
 
 Pyroxylin 1337 
 
 Pyrrol 860 
 
 Pyrus cydonia 309 
 
 Q 
 
 Quadrihydrate.d nitric acid 41 
 Quadroxalate of potassa 1376 
 
 Quaker’s black drop 797 
 
 Quassia 599 
 
 Quassia amara 600 
 
 Quassia excelsa 600 
 
 Quassia simaruba 681 
 
 Quassin 601 
 
 Queen of the meadow 700 
 
 Queen’s delight 
 
 707 
 
 Queen’s root 
 
 707 
 
 Quercin 
 
 603 
 
 Querci-tannic acid 
 
 821 
 
 Quercitric acid 
 
 603 
 
 Quercitrin 
 
 603 
 
 Quercitron 
 
 603 
 
 Quercus 
 
 602 
 
 Quercus segilops 
 
 357 
 
 Quercus alba 
 
 602 
 
 Quercus cerris 
 
 357 
 
 Quercus excelsa 
 
 357 
 
 Quercus falcata 
 
 602 
 
 Quercus ilex 
 
 357 
 
 Quercus infectoria 
 
 357 
 
 Quercus montana 
 
 602 
 
 Quercus pedunculata 
 
 602 
 
 Quercus ,prinus 
 
 602 
 
 Quercus robur 357 
 
 , 602 
 
 Quercus tinctoria 602 
 
 , 603 
 
 Quercus virens 
 
 603 
 
 Quevenne’s iron 
 
 993 
 
 Quickens 
 
 1401 
 
 Quicklime 
 
 153 
 
 Quicksilver 
 
 393 
 
 Quince disulphas 
 
 1167 
 
 Quince murias 
 
 1176 
 
 Quince valerianas 
 
 1176 
 
 Quince essence 
 
 1329 
 
 Quince seed 
 
 309 
 
 Quinia 
 
 250 
 
 Quinia, acetate of 
 
 251 
 
 Quinia, amorphous 
 
 1171 
 
 Quinia, arsenite of 
 
 251 
 
 Quinia, citrate of 
 
 251 
 
 Quinia, ferrocyanate of 
 
 251 
 
 Quinia, klnate of 
 
 255 
 
 Quinia, lactate of 
 
 251 
 
 Quinia, muriate of 
 
 1176 
 
 Quinia, phosphate of 
 
 251 
 
 Quinia:, preparations of 
 
 1167 
 
 Quinia, sulphate of 
 
 1167 
 
 Quinia, tannate of 
 
 251 
 
 Quinia, valerianate of 
 
 1176 
 
 Quinite sulphas 
 
 1167 
 
 Quinic acid 
 
 255 
 
 Quinicine 
 
 254 
 
 Quinidia 
 
 253 
 
 Quinidia, sulphate of 
 
 254 
 
 Quinidina 
 
 253 
 
 Quinidine 
 
 253 
 
 Quinoidine 
 
 1171 
 
 Quiuolein 
 
 ■ 253 
 
 R 
 
 
 Racemic acid 53 
 
 :, 742 
 
 Radcliff’s elixir 
 
 75 
 
 Radical vinegar 
 
 19 
 
 Radices colubrinoe 
 
 490 
 
 Radix caryophyllatte 
 
 367 
 
 Radix zedoarice 
 
 1405 
 
 Ragwort 
 
 1390 
 
 Rain water 
 
 109 
 
 Raisins 741 
 
 Rangoon petroleum 553 
 Ranunculus 604 
 
 Ranunculus acris 604 
 
 Ranunculus bulbosus 604 
 
 Ranunculus flammula 604 
 
 Ranunculus repens 604 
 
 Ranunculus sceleratus- 604 
 
 Raspberry 623 
 
 Raspberry syrup 1207 
 
 Rattlesnake’s master 
 
 1292, 1355 
 Realgar " 1385 
 
 Rectification 778 
 
 Rectified oil of amber 1107 
 Rectified spirit 59 
 
 Red bark 219, 239 
 
 Red cedar 429 
 
 Red chalk 1385 
 
 Red chromate of potassa 579 
 Red cohosh 1290 
 
 Red coral 132.1 
 
 Red elm 740 
 
 Red iodide of mercury 1037 
 Red lead 574 
 
 Red oxide of iron 1013 
 
 Red oxide of lead 574 
 
 Red oxide of mercury 1040 
 Red pepper 174 
 
 Red poppy 618 
 
 Red precipitate 1040 
 
 Red roses . 621 
 
 Red sarsaparilla 654 
 
 Red saunders 647 
 
 Red sulphuret of mer- 
 cury 1045 
 
 Red tartar 580 
 
 Red wine 750 
 
 Red w r ine vinegar 14 
 
 Reddle 1385 
 
 Redhead 1298 
 
 Red-root 1310 
 
 Reduced iron 993 
 
 Reduction 784 
 
 Refrigerants 3 
 
 Refrigeratory 793 
 
 Regulus of antimony 104 
 Renealmia cardamomum 183 
 Reseda luteola 1385 
 
 Resin 605 
 
 Resin cerate 925 
 
 Resin cerate, compound 926 
 Resin of jalap 980 
 
 Resin of scammony 986 
 
 Resin oil 606 
 
 Resin plaster 956 
 
 Resin, white 606 
 
 Resin, yellow 606 
 
 Resina 605 
 
 Resina alba 606 
 
 Resina flava 606 
 
 Resina jalapte 980 
 
 Resina scammonii 986 
 
 Resine de chibou 1309 
 
 Resine de Gomart 1309 
 
Index , 
 
 1469 
 
 Rkabarbaric acid 615 
 
 Rhabarbarin 616 
 
 Rhabarbarum 608 
 
 Rhamni baccae 607 
 
 Rhamui succus 607 
 
 Rhamnin 607 
 
 Rhamnoxanthin 608 
 
 Rliamnus catharticus 607 
 
 Rhamnus frangula 608 
 
 Rliamnus infectorius 607 
 
 Rhamnus zizyphus 1406 
 
 Rhapontic root 614 
 
 Rhapontic root, Siberian 615 
 Rhapontic rhubarb 614, 615 
 Rhatany 435 
 
 Rhein 616 
 
 Rheum 608 
 
 Rheum australe 610 
 
 Rheum Caspicum 611 
 
 Rheum compactum 610 
 
 Rheum crassinervium 611 
 
 Rheum emodi 610 
 
 Rheum hybridum 611 
 
 Rheum leucorrhizum 611 
 
 Rheum Moorcraftianum 611 
 
 Rheum palmatum 610 
 
 Rheum Rhaponticum 610 
 
 Rlieum Russicum Tel 
 
 Turcieum 613 
 
 Rheum Sinense vel In- 
 dicum 612 
 
 Rheum speciforme 611 
 
 Rheum undulatum 610 
 
 Rheum Webbianum 611 
 
 Rheumin 616 
 
 Rhodeoretin 424 
 
 Rliodeoretinic acid 424 
 
 Rhododendrum crysan- 
 thum 1385 
 
 Rhodymenia palmata 406 
 
 Rhoeas 618 
 
 Rhubarb 608 
 
 Rhubarb, Batavian 612 
 
 Rhubarb, Bucharian613, 615 
 Rhubarb, Chinese 612 
 
 Rhubarb, Dutch-trimmed 612 
 Rhubarb, English 614 
 
 Rhubarb, European 614 
 
 Rhubarb, French 614 
 
 Rhubarb, Himalaya 615 
 
 Rhubarb, India 612 
 
 Rhubarb, Krimea 614 
 
 Rhubarb, Rhapontic 614 
 
 Rhubarb, Russian 613 
 
 Rhubarb, Taschkent 613 
 
 Rhubarb, Turkey 613 
 
 Rhus coriaria 1332 
 
 Rhus cotinus 1331 
 
 Rhus glabrum 618 
 
 Rhus pumilum 737 
 
 Rhus radicans 735 
 
 Rhus toxicodendron 735 
 Rhus vernix 736 
 
 Rib-grass 1382 
 
 Rice 1373 
 
 Richardsonia Brazili- 
 
 ensis 419 
 
 Richardsonia emetica 419 
 Richardsonia scabra 419 
 Rich weed 1320 
 
 Ricin 516 
 
 Ricini oleum 613 
 
 Ricinic acid 516 
 
 Ricinoleic acid 516 
 
 Ricinolein 516 
 
 Ricino-stearic acid 516 
 
 Ricino-stearin 516 
 
 Ricinus communis 513 
 
 Riga balsam 1386 
 
 River water 110 
 
 Robbin’s rye 1383 
 
 Roccella tinctoria 437 
 
 Roche alum 79 
 
 Rochelle salt 1184 
 
 Rock oil 552 
 
 Rock rose 380 
 
 Rock salt 695 
 
 Rockbridge alum spring 112 
 Roll sulphur 715 
 
 Roman alum 79 
 
 Roman cement 780 
 
 Roman chamomile 102 
 
 Roman vitriol 306 
 
 Rosa canina 620 
 
 Rosa centifolia 620 
 
 Rosa damascena 517 
 
 Rosa Gallica 621 
 
 Rosa moschata 517 
 
 Rosse oleum 517 
 
 Rose, dog 620 
 
 Rose geranium 1329 
 
 Rose water 893 
 
 Rose- scented jalap 425 
 
 Rosemary „ 621 
 
 Roses, hundred leaved 620 
 Roses, red 621 
 
 Rosin 606 
 
 Rosmarinus 621 
 
 Rosmarinus officinalis 621 
 Rosmarinus sylvestris 1355 
 Rotten stone 1386 
 
 Roucou 1296 
 
 Rouge 186 
 
 Round cardamom 181 
 
 Round-leaved dogwood 292 
 Rousseau’s laudanum 1275 
 
 Rubefacients 2 
 
 Rubia 622 
 
 Rubia tinctorum 622 
 
 Rubichloric acid 1331 
 
 Rubigo ferri 1012 
 
 Rubus Canadensis 624 
 
 Rubus trivialis 623 
 
 Rubus villosus 623, 624 
 Rue 626 
 
 Rufus’s pills 1112 
 
 Rumex acetosa 625 
 
 Rumex acetocella 625 
 
 Rumex acutus 625 
 
 Rumex Alpinus 625 
 
 Rumex aquaticus 625 
 
 Rumex Britannica 625 
 
 Rumex crispus 625 
 
 Rumex hydrolapnthum 625 
 Rumex obtusifolius 625 
 
 Rumex patientia 625 
 
 Rumex sanguineus 625 
 
 Rumex scfetatus 625 
 
 Rumicin 626 
 
 Russian rhubarb 613 
 
 Rust of iron 1012 
 
 Ruta 626 
 
 Ruta graveolens 626 
 
 Rutinic acid 627 
 
 Rutulin 642 
 
 Rye 1390 
 
 S 
 
 Sabadilla 627 
 
 Sabadillia 628, 1270 
 
 Sabadillic acid 628 
 
 Sabadillin 628 
 
 Sabbatia 629 
 
 Sabbatia angularis 629 
 
 Sabina 630 
 
 Saccliari foex 631 
 
 Saccliarate of lime 913 
 
 Saccharic acid 636, 838 
 Saccharine carbonate of 
 iron 995 
 
 Saccharine carbonate of 
 iron and manganese 1360 
 Saccharine fermentation 60 
 Saccharine iodide of iron 1 006 
 
 Saccharum 631 
 
 Saccharum commune 631 
 Saccharum lactis 638 
 
 Saccharum officinarum 632 
 Saccharum purifieatum 631 
 Saccharum saturni 569 
 Sacchulmic acid 636 
 
 Sacchulmiu 636 
 
 Sack 7 52 
 
 Sacred elixir 1245 
 
 Safflower 186 
 
 Saffron 300 
 
 Saffron of antimony 1322 
 Sagapenum 639 
 
 Sagapenum prasparatum 
 
 1024 
 
 Sage 643 
 
 Sago 639 
 
 Sago meal 640 
 
 Sago palm 640 
 
 Sago, pearl 640 
 
 Saguerus Rumphii 639 
 
 Sagus lsevis 639 
 
 Sagus Ruffia 639 
 
 Sagus Rumphii 640 
 
 St. John’s wort 1343 
 
 Saint Lucia bark 247 
 
 Sal absinthii 5 
 
 Sal aeratus 1141 
 
1470 
 
 Index . 
 
 Sal alembroth 1027 
 
 Sal ammoniac 85 
 
 Sal de duobus 592 
 
 Sal diureticus 1135 
 
 Sal enixum 1147, 1374 
 
 Sal gemmae 695 
 
 Sal polyckrestus Glaseri 
 
 * 1146 
 
 Sal prunelle 590 
 
 Salep 1386 
 
 Salicin 642 
 
 Salicornia 690 
 
 Salicyle 042 
 
 Salicylous acid 642 
 
 Saline mixture 1145 
 
 Saline waters 111, 113 
 Saliretin 642 
 
 Salix 641 
 
 Salix alba 642 
 
 Salix Babylonica 642 
 
 Salix caprea 641 
 
 Salix helix 643 
 
 Salix nigra 642 
 
 Salix pentandra 641 
 
 Salix purpurea 641 
 
 Salix Russeliana 641 
 
 Salseparine 656 
 
 Salsola 090 
 
 Salt, common 695 
 
 Salt of sorrel 1376 
 
 Salt of tartar 1137, 1188 
 
 Salt of wisdom 1027 
 
 Salt of wormwood 5 
 
 Saltpetre 587 
 
 Salvia 643 
 
 Salvia officinalis 643 
 
 Salvia pratensis 644 
 
 Salvia sclarea 644 
 
 Sambucus 644 
 
 Sambueus Canadensis 644 
 
 Sambucus nigra 644 
 
 Samovey isinglass 403 
 
 Sampfen wood 1305 
 
 Sandal wood 1387 
 
 Sandaraca 1386 
 
 Sandarach 1386 
 
 Sandaracin 1386 
 
 Sand-bath 777 
 
 Sandix 1372 
 
 Sanguinaria 645 
 
 Sanguinaria Canadensis 645 
 Sanguinnrina 646 
 
 Sanguis draconis 1326 
 
 Sanguisiiga interrupta 386 
 Sanguisuga medieinalis 386 
 Sanguisuga officinalis 386 
 
 Sanicle 1387 
 
 Sanicula Marilandica 1387 
 
 Santa Martha bark 242 
 
 Santalin 648 
 
 Santalum 647, 1387 
 
 Santalum album 1387 
 
 Santalum citrinum 1387 
 
 Santalum freycinetianum 
 
 1387 
 
 Santalum rubrum 1387 
 
 Santonici semen 1404 
 
 Santonin 1404 
 
 Sap green 607 
 
 Sapo 648 
 
 Sapo durus 648, 649 
 
 Sapo guaiacinus 378 
 
 Sapo mollis 648, 650 
 
 Sapo vulgaris 648, 650 
 
 Saponaria officinalis 1387 
 
 Saponification 648 
 
 Saponin 1387 
 
 Sappan wood 1305 
 
 Saratoga water 113 
 
 Sarcocoila 1387 
 
 Sarcocollin 1388 
 
 Sarracenia 1388 
 
 Sarracenia flava 1388 
 
 Sarracenia variolaris 1388 
 
 Sarsa 652 
 
 Sarsaparilla 652 
 
 Sarsaparilla, false 115 
 
 Sarsaparilla, Indian 383 
 
 Sarsaparillin 656 
 
 Sarza 652 
 
 Sassa gum 1388 
 
 Sassafras medulla 658 
 
 Sassafras officinale 658 
 
 Sassafras pith 658, 659 
 
 Sassafras radicis cortex 658 
 Sassafras root, bark of 659 
 Sassafrid 659 
 
 Sassy bark 1388 
 
 Satureja hortensis 1389 
 
 Satureja montana 1389 
 
 Saunders, red 647 
 
 Saunders, white 1387 
 
 Saunders, yellow 1387 
 
 Savine 630 
 
 Savine cerate 926 
 
 Savory 1389 
 
 Saxifraga 1381 
 
 Scabious - 331 
 
 Scammonium 660 
 
 Scammony 660 
 
 Scammony, factitious 663 
 
 Scammony, genuine 661 
 
 Scammony, in shells 661 
 
 Scammony mixture 1080 
 
 Scandix cerefolium 1296 
 
 Scarlet pimpernel 1295 
 
 Schuylkill water 111 
 
 Scilla 664 
 
 Scjlla maritima 664 
 
 Scillitin 665 
 
 Sclerotium clavus 325 
 
 Scolopendrium officina- 
 rum * 1389 
 
 Scoparin 667 
 
 Scoparius 6S6 
 
 Scotch fir 729 
 
 Scroplmlaria nodosa 1389 
 
 Scullcap 1389 
 
 Scurvy-grass 1316 
 
 Scutellaria galericulata 1389 
 
 Scutellaria hyssopifolia 1389 
 
 Scutellaria integrifolia 
 
 1389 
 
 Scutellaria lateriflora 
 
 1389 
 
 Sea salt 
 
 695 
 
 Sea water 
 
 113 
 
 Sealing wax 
 
 1353 
 
 Sea side balsam 
 
 191 
 
 Sea-side grape 
 
 432 
 
 Sea-rvrack 
 
 1329 
 
 Secale cereale 325, 1390 
 
 Secale cornutum 
 
 325 
 
 Secalin 
 
 327 
 
 Sedum acre 
 
 1390 
 
 Sedum album 
 
 1390 
 
 Sedum rupestre 
 
 1390 
 
 Sedum telephium 
 
 1390 
 
 Seed lac 
 
 1352 
 
 Seidlitz powders 
 
 54 
 
 Seidlitz water 
 
 113 
 
 Seignette’s salt 
 
 1185 
 
 Self-heal 
 
 1384 
 
 Seltzer water 
 
 112 
 
 Seltzer water, artificial 
 
 887 
 
 Semen abelmoschi 
 
 1340 
 
 Semen contra 
 
 1404 
 
 Semen cynre 
 
 1404 
 
 Semen nigell® 
 
 1367 
 
 Semen psyllii 
 
 1382 
 
 Semivitrified oxide of lead 575 
 
 Sempervivum tectorum 1390 
 
 Seneca oil 
 
 553 
 
 Senecio aureus 
 
 1390 
 
 Senecio vulgaris 
 
 1390 
 
 Senega 
 
 667 
 
 Senegal gum 
 
 * 
 
 Senegin 
 
 668 
 
 Seneka 
 
 667 
 
 Senna 
 
 670 
 
 Senna, American 
 
 193 
 
 Separation of liquids 
 
 775 
 
 Separation of mixed sub- 
 
 stances 
 
 772 
 
 Separation of solids from 
 
 liquids 
 
 772 
 
 Separatory 775, 
 
 1097 
 
 Sepia 
 
 1324 
 
 Sepia officinalis 
 
 1324 
 
 Septfoil 
 
 735 
 
 Serpentaria 
 
 676 
 
 Sesami folia 
 
 679 
 
 Sesamum Indicum 
 
 679 
 
 Sesamum orientale 
 
 679 
 
 Sesquicarbonate of am- 
 
 
 monia 
 
 855 
 
 Sesquicarbonate of po- 
 
 
 tassa 
 
 1142 
 
 Sesquicarbonate of soda 690 
 
 Sesquioxide of iron 
 
 
 1012, 
 
 1013 
 
 Seven barks 
 
 1341 
 
 Sevum 
 
 6S0 
 
 Shaddock 
 
 130 
 
 Sheep-laurel 
 
 1351 
 
 Shell lac 
 
 1352 
 
 Sherry wine 
 
 752 
 
Index , 
 
 1471 
 
 Shining aloes 69 
 
 Sialngogues 2 
 
 Siberian Rhapontic root 615 
 Siberian rhubarb 615 
 
 Side-saddle plant 1388 
 
 Sienna 1390 
 
 Sieves 770 
 
 Signs and abbreviations, 
 table of 1411 
 
 Silene Pennsylvanica 1390 
 Silene Virginica 1390 
 
 Silex contritus 680 
 
 Silex pulverized 680 
 
 Silica 680 
 
 Silicate of zinc 150, 760 
 
 Silicic acid 680 
 
 Silicon, teroxide of 681 
 
 Silk-weed, common 124 
 
 Silurus glanis 403 
 
 Silver 117 
 
 Silver bark 230 
 
 Silver, chloride of 1313 
 
 Silver, cyanide of 895 
 
 Silver, cyanuret of 895 
 
 Silver fir, American 729 
 
 Silver fir, European 729 
 
 Silver, fused nitrate of 899 
 Silver, iodide of 1347 
 
 Silver, nitrate of 896 
 
 Silver, oxide of 901 
 
 Silver, preparations of 895 
 Simaba cedron 1310 
 
 Simaruba 681 
 
 Simaruba amara 681 
 
 Simaruba excelsa 600 
 
 Simaruba officinalis 681 
 
 Simple cerate 927 
 
 Simple liniment 1068 
 
 Simple ointment 1266 
 
 Simple plaster 957 
 
 Simple syrup 1202 
 
 Sinapis 682 
 
 Sinapis alba 682 
 
 Sinapis nigra 682 
 
 Sinapisin 683, 684 
 
 Sinapisms 920 
 
 Single aqua fortis 41 
 
 Sipeerin 1301 
 
 Siphonia cahuchu 1308 
 
 Siphonia elastica 1308 
 
 Sirop de capillaire 1290 
 
 Sirop de Cuisinier 1211 
 
 Sisymbrium nasturtium 1367 
 Sisymbrium officinale 1390 
 
 Sisymbrium sopliia 1391 
 
 Siuin latifolium 1391 
 
 Sium nodiflorum 1391 
 
 Sium sisarunr 1391 
 
 Skirret 1391 
 
 Skunk cabbage 316 
 
 Slippery elm bark 740 
 
 Small burnet saxifrage 1381 
 Small fennel flower 1367 
 
 Small houseleek 1390 
 
 Small sea-side balsam 191 
 
 Small spikenard 115 
 
 Smalt 1391 
 
 Smart- weed 1304 
 
 Smilacin 656 
 
 Smilasperic acid 383 
 
 Smilax aspera 653 
 
 Smilax China 653 
 
 Smilax Cumanensis 653 
 
 Smilax medica - 654 
 
 Smilax officinalis 653 
 
 Smilax papyracea 654 
 
 Smilax sarsaparilla 653 
 
 Smilax syphilitica 653 
 
 Smooth sumach 619 
 
 Smyrna opium 528 
 
 Smyrna scammony 661 
 
 Snakeroot, black 217, 1387 
 Snakeroot, button 331, 1355 
 Snakeroot, Canada 123 
 Snakeroot, seneka 668 
 
 Snakeroot, Virginia 676 
 Sneezewort 1339 
 
 Snow water 109 
 
 Soap 648 
 
 Soap, almond oil 650 
 
 Soap, amygdaline 650 
 
 Soap balls 650 
 
 Soap, beef’s marrow 650 
 Soap, Castile 651 
 
 Soap cerate 926 
 
 Soap, common 648, 650 
 
 Soap, common yellow 650 
 Soap, grain 649 
 
 Soap liniment 1247 
 
 Soap liniment, camphor- 
 ated 1067 
 
 Soap, marbled 649 
 
 Soap of guaiac 378 
 
 Soap, palm 650 
 
 Soap plaster 957 
 
 Soap, rosin 650 
 
 Soap, soft 648, 650, 651 
 Soap, Starkey’s 650 
 
 Soap, transparent 650 
 
 Soap, Windsor 650 
 
 Soaps, insoluble 649 
 
 Soaps, soluble 649 
 
 Soapwort 1387 
 
 Socotrine aloes 69 
 
 Soda, acetate of 686 
 
 Soda, artificial 691 
 
 Soda ball 691 
 
 Soda, biborate of 689 
 
 Soda, bicarbonate of 1178 
 
 Soda, borate of 687 
 
 Soda, carbonate of 690 
 
 Soda, caustic 686 
 
 Soda, citrate of 1315 
 
 Soda, dried carbonate 
 of 1178 
 
 Soda, dry 686 
 
 Soda, effervescing water 
 of 1181 
 
 Soda, hydrate of 686 
 
 Soda, hypochlorite of 1183 
 
 Soda, hyposulphite of 1343 
 Soda, impure 690 
 
 Soda, muriate of 695 
 
 Soda, native 690 
 
 Soda of vegetable origin 690 
 Soda, phosphate of 1186 
 Soda powders 1164 
 
 Soda, preparations of 1177 
 Soda, sesquicarbonate of 690 
 Soda soap, animal oil 651 
 Soda soap, olive oil 651 
 Soda, solution of 1177 
 Soda, solution of chlo- 
 rinated 1181 
 
 Soda, sulphate of 693 
 
 Soda, tartarized 1184 
 
 Soda, tartrate of 1397 
 
 Soda, tribasic phos- 
 phate of 1186 
 
 Soda, valerianate of 1188 
 Soda, vitriolated 693 
 
 Soda water 887 
 
 Soda-ash 692 
 
 Sod® acetas 686 
 
 Sodas aqua effervescens 1181 
 Sodas bicarbonas 1178 
 
 Sodas boras 687 
 
 Sodas carbonas 690 
 
 Sod* carbonas exsicca- 
 tus 1178 
 
 Sodas carbonatis liquor 1178 
 Sodas caustic® liquor 1177 
 Sod® chlorinates liquor 1181 
 Sod® citras 1315 
 
 Sodas et argent! liypo- 
 sulphis 1343 
 
 Sodas et potass® tartras 1184 
 Sod® hyposulphis 1343 
 Sod® murias 695 
 
 Sod® murias purum 1185 
 Sod® phosphas 1186 
 
 Sod® potassio-tartras 1184 
 Sod® sulphas 693 
 
 Sod® sulphis 1394 
 
 Sod® tartras 1397 
 
 Sod® valerianas 1188 
 
 Soda-pyrophosphate of 
 iron 1013 
 
 Sodii chloridum 695 
 
 Sodium 686 
 
 Sodium, chloride of 695 
 
 Sodium, nitroprusside of 
 
 1368 
 
 Sodium, sesquioxide of 686 
 Soft soap 648, 650, 651 
 
 Soft water 109 
 
 Solania 319 
 
 Solanum dulcamara 318 
 
 Solanum nigrum 318 
 
 Solanum tuberosum 318 
 
 Solidago 697 
 
 Solidago odora 698 
 
 Solidago virgaurea 697 
 
 Solomon’s seal 1320 
 
 Soluble cream of tartar 689 
 
1472 
 
 Index, 
 
 Soluble iodide of starch 1348 
 
 Soluble tartar 1147 
 
 Solutio baryta? muriatis 909 
 
 Solutio solventis mine- 
 ralis 903 
 
 Solution 780 
 
 Solution of acetate of 
 
 ammonia 801 
 
 Solution of acetate of 
 morphia 1088 
 
 Solution of alum, com- 
 pound 855 
 
 Solution of ammonia 859 
 
 Solution of ammoniated 
 copper 935 
 
 Solution of arsenite of 
 potassa 905 
 
 Solution of bichloride of 
 mercury 1030 
 
 Solution of carbonate 
 of potassa 1139 
 
 Solution of carbonate 
 of soda 1178 
 
 Solution of caustic soda 
 
 1177 
 
 Solution of chloride of 
 arsenic 903 
 
 Solution of chloride of 
 barium 909 
 
 Solution of chloride of 
 calcium 915 
 
 Solution of chloride of 
 potassa 1312 
 
 Solution of chloride of 
 soda 1181 
 
 Solution of chloride of 
 zinc 1281 
 
 Solution of chlorinated 
 lime 916 
 
 Solution of chlorinated 
 soda 1181 
 
 Solution of chlorine 894 
 
 Solution of citrate of 
 ammonia 863 
 
 Solution of citrate of 
 magnesia 1071 
 
 Solution of citrate of 
 potassa 1143 
 
 Solution of hydriodate 
 of arsenic and mer- 
 cury 904 
 
 Solution of hydrochlo- 
 rate of morphia 1091 
 
 Solution of hydrosul- 
 phate of ammonia 858 
 
 Solution of iodide of ar- 
 senic and mercury 904 
 
 Solution of iodide ©f 
 iron 1005 
 
 Solution of iodide of po- 
 tassium, compound 1157 
 
 Solution of iodine, com- 
 pound 1064 
 
 Solution of muriate of 
 baryta • 909 
 
 Solution of muriate of 
 
 
 lime 
 
 915 
 
 Solution of muriate of 
 
 
 morphia 
 
 1091 
 
 Solution of nitrate of 
 
 
 iron 
 
 1007 
 
 Solution of pernitrate 
 
 
 of iron 
 
 1007 
 
 Solution of pernitrate 
 
 
 of mercury 
 
 1042 
 
 Solution of potassa 
 
 1128 
 
 Solution of sesquicar- 
 
 
 bonate of ammonia 
 
 858 
 
 Solution of soda 
 
 1177 
 
 Solution of subacetate 
 
 
 of lead 
 
 1124 
 
 Solution of subacetate 
 
 
 of lead, diluted 
 
 1126 
 
 Solution of sulphate of 
 
 
 morphia 
 
 1092 
 
 Solution of terchloride 
 
 
 of antimony 
 
 865 
 
 Solution of ternitrate of 
 
 iron 
 
 1007 
 
 Soot 
 
 1391 
 
 Sophora tinctoria 
 
 1300 
 
 Soporifics 
 
 3 
 
 Sorbin 
 
 631 
 
 Sorbus aucuparia 
 
 631 
 
 Sorrel 
 
 625 
 
 Sorrel-tree 
 
 1295 
 
 South American kino 
 
 432 
 
 South American salt- 
 
 
 petre 
 
 589 
 
 Southernwood 
 
 4 
 
 Southernwood, Tarta- 
 
 
 rian 
 
 1404 
 
 Spa water 
 
 111 
 
 Spanish barilla 
 
 691 
 
 Spanish broom 
 
 1392 
 
 Spanish brown 
 
 1392 
 
 Spanish flies 
 
 166 
 
 Spanish soap 
 
 651 
 
 Spartein 
 
 667 
 
 Spartium junceum 
 
 1392 
 
 Spartium scoparium 
 
 667 
 
 Spearmint 
 
 476 
 
 Spearmint water 
 
 892 
 
 Specific gravity 
 
 768 
 
 Specific gravity bottle 
 
 768 
 
 Speediman’s pills 
 
 75 
 
 Speedwell 
 
 1404 
 
 Speiss 
 
 1393 
 
 Speltre 
 
 761 
 
 Spermaceti 
 
 209 
 
 Spermaceti cerate 
 
 924 
 
 Spermaceti ointment 
 
 1256 
 
 Sphacelia segetum 
 
 325 
 
 Sphterococcus crispus 
 
 216 
 
 Spiced plasters 
 
 1162 
 
 Spiced syrup of rhu- 
 
 
 barb 
 
 1210 
 
 Spice-bush 
 
 1302 
 
 Spice-wood 
 
 1302 
 
 "Spider’s web 
 
 1316 
 
 Spigelia 698 
 
 Spigelia anthelmia 698 
 
 Spigelia Marilandiea 698 
 
 Spikenard 1367 
 
 Spikenard, American 116 
 
 Spikenard, small 115 
 
 Spindletree 1327 
 
 Spireea 700 
 
 Spirma lobata 1102 
 
 Spiraea tomentosa 700 
 
 Spiraea ulmaria 700, 1102 
 
 Spirit lamps 776 
 
 Spirit of ammonia 863 
 
 Spirit of ammonia, aro- 
 matic 864 
 
 Spirit of ammonia, fetid 865 
 Spirit of aniseed 1189 
 
 Spirit of caraway 1189 
 
 Spirit of cassia 1189 
 
 Spirit of cinnamon 1189 
 
 Spirit of ether, com- 
 pound 834 
 
 Spirit of hartshorn 292 
 
 Spirit of horse-radish, 
 compound 1189 
 
 Spirit of juniper, com- 
 pound 1190 
 
 Spirit of lavender 1190 
 
 Spirit of lavender, com- 
 pound 1190 
 
 Spirit of Mindererus 861 
 
 Spirit of nitre 40 
 
 Spirit of nitric ether 835 
 
 Spirit of nutmeg 1191 
 
 Spirit of pennyroyal, 
 European 1192 
 
 Spirit of peppermint 1191 
 
 Spirit of pimento 1192 
 
 Spirit of rosemary 1192 
 
 Spirit of sea-salt 35 
 
 Spirit of spearmint 1191 
 
 Spirit of sulphuric ether 833 
 Spirit of turpentine 518 
 
 Spirit of wine 59 
 
 Spirit, proof 61, 854 
 
 Spirit, pyroacetic 1385 
 
 Spirit, pyroxylic 701 
 
 Spirits 1188 
 
 Spiritus 1188 
 
 Spiritus aethereus ni- 
 trosus 835 
 
 Spiritus mthercus oleo- 
 sus 834 
 
 Spiritus tetheris com- 
 positus 834 
 
 Spiritus setheris nitrici 835 
 
 Spiritus cetheris sul- 
 phurici 833 
 
 Spiritus ammonite 863 
 
 Spiritus ammonite aro- 
 maticus 864 
 
 Spiritus ammonite fce- 
 tidus 865 
 
 Spiritus ammonia; suc- 
 cinatus 1220 
 
Index. 
 
 1473 
 
 Spiritus anisi 
 
 1189 
 
 Spiritus armoraci® 
 
 
 compositus 
 
 1189 
 
 Spiritus camphoroe 
 
 1223 
 
 Spiritus carui 
 
 1189 
 
 Spiritus cassi® 
 
 1189 
 
 Spiritus cinnamomi 
 
 1189 
 
 Spiritus colchici ammo- 
 
 
 niatus 
 
 1229 
 
 Spiritus fortior 
 
 852 
 
 Spiritus juniperi com- 
 
 
 positus 
 
 1190 
 
 Spiritus lavandulre 
 
 1190 
 
 Spiritus lavandul® com 
 
 
 positus 
 
 1190 
 
 Spiritus menth® piper- 
 
 
 ita 
 
 1191 
 
 Spiritus menth® viridis 
 
 1191 
 
 Spiritus Mindereri 
 
 861 
 
 Spiritus myristic® 
 
 1191 
 
 Spiritus nitri dulcis 
 
 835 
 
 Spiritus piment® 
 
 1192 
 
 Spiritus pyroxilicus 
 
 701 
 
 Spiritus pulegii 
 
 1192 
 
 Spiritus rectificatus 
 
 59 
 
 Spiritus rosmarini 
 
 1192 
 
 Spiritus tenuior 
 
 854 
 
 Spiritus vini Gallici 
 
 702 
 
 Spleenwort, black 
 
 1299. 
 
 Spleenwort, common 
 
 1299 
 
 Spleenwort fern 
 
 1320 
 
 Sponge 
 
 703 
 
 Sponge, burnt 
 
 1192 
 
 Sponge tent 
 
 704 
 
 Spongia 
 
 703 
 
 Spong-ia officinalis 
 
 703 
 
 Spongia usta 
 
 1192 
 
 Spongy Carthagena bark 243 
 
 Spotted winter green 
 
 214 
 
 Spring water 
 
 110 
 
 Spruce beer 
 
 730 
 
 Spruce, essence of 
 
 729 
 
 Spunk 
 
 1291 
 
 Spurge, ipecacuanha 
 
 336 
 
 Spurge, large flowering 
 
 334 
 
 Spurge laurel 
 
 478 
 
 Spurred rye 
 
 325 
 
 Squill 
 
 664 
 
 Squilla maritima 
 
 664 
 
 Squirting cucumber 
 
 321 
 
 Staff-tree, climbing 
 
 1311 
 
 Stalagmitis cambogioi- 
 
 
 des 
 
 359 
 
 Stanni pulvis 
 
 1193 
 
 Stannic acid 
 
 705 
 
 Stannum 
 
 704 
 
 Staphisagria 
 
 705 
 
 Star aniseed 101, 
 
 1345 
 
 Star grass 
 
 64 
 
 Starch 
 
 93 
 
 Starch, iodide of 
 
 1347 
 
 Starkey’s soap 
 
 650 
 
 Star-wort 
 
 1339 
 
 Statice 
 
 706 
 
 Statice Caroliniana 
 
 706 
 
 93 
 
 
 Statice limonium 707 
 
 Stavesacre 705 
 
 Steam bath 777 
 
 Stearic acid 649 
 
 Stearin 58, 494 
 
 Stearoptene 496 
 
 Steel 346 
 
 Sterlet 403 
 
 Stibium 104 
 
 Stick lac 1352 
 
 Still and worm, common 778 
 Stillingia 707 
 
 Stillingia sebifera 707 
 
 Stillingia sylvatica 707 
 
 Stimulants 2 
 
 Stizolobium pruriens 484 
 
 St. John’s wort 1343 
 
 St. Lucia bark 247 
 
 Stone-crop, biting 1890 
 
 Stone-pine 729 
 
 Stone-root 1320 
 
 Storax 711 
 
 Storax, purified 1024 
 
 Stoved salt 696 
 
 Strainers 773 
 
 Stramonii folia 708 
 
 Stramonii radix 708 
 
 Stramonii semen 708 
 
 Stramonium 708 
 
 Strasburg turpentine 729, 732 
 Strengthening plaster 950 
 
 Striated ipecacuanha 418 
 
 Strong acetic acid 16 
 
 Strong chloric ether 849 
 
 Stronger solution of 
 ammonia 83 
 
 Stronger spirit 852 
 
 Strongest common caus- 
 tic 1132 
 
 Strong-scented lettuce 442 
 
 Strychnia 490, 1193 
 
 Strychnia, muriate of 1197 
 Strychnias murias 1197 
 Strychnos colubrina 490 
 Strychnos Ignatia 1301 
 Strychnos nux vomica 490 
 Sturgeon 403 
 
 Styptic, Pagliari’s 145 
 
 Styracine 1356 
 
 Styrax 711 
 
 Styrax benzoin 144 
 
 Styrax officinale 711 
 
 Styrax preeparata 1024 
 
 Styrax purificata 1024 
 
 Subacetate of copper 305 
 
 Subacetate of copper, 
 prepared 933 
 
 Subacetate of lead, so- 
 lution of 1124 
 
 Subcarbonate of iron 1013 
 
 Sublimate 779 
 
 Sublimation 779 
 
 Sublimatus corrosivus 1025 
 
 Sublimed sulphur 716 
 
 Subnitrate of bismuth 910 
 
 Succinate of ammonia 1392 
 
 Succinic acid 
 
 1392 
 
 Succinum 
 
 713 
 
 Succory 
 
 1314 
 
 Suet 
 
 680 
 
 Sugar 
 
 631 
 
 Sugar, barley 
 
 636 
 
 Sugar, brown 
 
 631, 637 
 
 Sugar cane 
 
 632 
 
 Sugar, Havana 
 
 633 
 
 Sugar maple 
 
 632 
 
 Sugar, Muscovado 
 
 631 
 
 Sugar of gelatin 
 
 404 
 
 Sugar of grapes 
 
 631, 742 
 
 Sugar of lead 
 
 569 
 
 Sugar of milk 
 
 638 
 
 Sugar of mushrooms 1364 
 
 Sugar, palm 
 
 632 
 
 Sugar, purified 
 
 635, 637 
 
 Sugar, uncrystallizable 631 
 
 Sugar, white 
 
 635, 637 
 
 Sugar-candy 
 
 636 
 
 Sugar-house molasses 
 
 635, 637 
 
 Sulphate of alumina 1392 
 
 Sulphate of alumina 
 and iron 1393 
 
 Sulphate of alumina 
 and potassa 77 
 
 Sulphate of atropia 907 
 
 Sulphate of baryta 139 
 
 Sulphate of cadmium 1393 
 
 Sulphate of cinchonia 
 
 252, 1170 
 Sulphate of copper 306, 935 
 Sulphate of ether and 
 
 etherine 832 
 
 Sulphate of indigo 1346 
 
 Sulphate of iron 1014 
 
 Sulphate of iron, dried 1017 
 
 Sulphate of iron, gra- 
 nulated 1017 
 
 Sulphate of magnesia 458 
 
 Sulphate of manganese 1358 
 
 Sulphate of mercury 1043 
 
 Sulphate of morphia 1091 
 
 Sulphate of morphia, 
 solution of 1092 
 
 Sulphate of nickel 1393 
 
 Sulphate of potassa 592 
 
 Sulphate of potassa 
 with sulphur 1145 
 
 Sulphate of quinia 1167 
 
 Sulphate of quinidia 254 
 
 Sulphate of soda 693 
 
 Sulphate of zinc 1283 
 
 Sulphite of soda 1394 
 
 Sulphocyanuret of po- 
 tassium 1394 
 
 Sulphoglyceric acid 1022 
 
 Sulphohydric acid 716 
 
 Sulplio-salts 716 
 
 Sulpho-sinapisin 684 
 
 Sulpliovinic acid 829 
 
 Sulphur 714 
 
1474 
 
 Index. 
 
 Sulphur, brown viscid 716 
 Sulphur, crude 715 
 
 Sulphur, flowers of 715, 716 
 Sulphur, iodide of 1198 
 Sulphur lotum 714 
 
 Sulphur, milk of 1197 
 
 Sulphur, native 714 
 
 Sulphur ointment 1266 
 Sulphur proecipitatum 1197 
 Sulphur, precipitated 1197 
 Sulphur, preparations of 1197 
 Sulphur, roll 715 
 
 Sulphur sublimatum 714 
 Sulphur, sublimed 715, 716 
 Sulphur vivum 715 
 
 Sulphur, volcanic 714 
 
 Sulphur, washed 714, 717 
 Sulphurated oil 1299 
 
 Sulphuret of antimony 106 
 Sulpliuret of calcium 1394 
 Sulphuret of iron 1018 
 Sulphuret of potassium 1158 
 Sulnhuretted hydrogen 
 
 716, 1018 
 Sulphuretted waters 111, 112 
 
 Sulphuric acid 45 
 
 Sulphuric acid, aromatic 816 
 Sulphuric acid, commer- 
 cial 45 
 
 Sulphuric acid, diluted 816 
 
 Sulphuric acid, pure 818 
 
 Sulphuric acid, table 
 of the specific gravity 
 of 49 
 
 Sulphuric ether 825 
 
 Sulphuris iodidum 1198 
 
 Sulphurous acid 716 
 
 Sumach 618 
 
 Sumach, swamp 736 
 
 Sumatra camphor 162 
 
 Sumbul 1394 
 
 Sumbulic acid 1395 
 
 Summer savory 1389 
 
 Sunflower 1362 
 
 Superphosphate of iron 1012 
 
 Supertavtrate of potassa 580 
 Suppositories 1395 
 
 Swallowwort, white 1324 
 
 Swamp dogwood 294 
 
 Swamp hellebore 748 
 
 Swamp sassafras 460 
 
 Swamp sumach 736 
 
 Swamp-laurel 1351 
 
 Sweet almonds 90, 91 
 
 Sweet bay 460 
 
 Sweet birch 1303 
 
 Sweet briar 1302 
 
 Sweet fennel 353 
 
 Sweet fern 1320 
 
 Sweet flag 151 
 
 Sweet marjoram 546 
 
 Sweet principle of oils 1021 
 
 Sweet spirit of nitre 835 
 
 Sweet-gum 1356 
 
 Swietenia febrifuga 1395 
 
 Swietenia mahagoni 1395 
 Swietenia senegalensis 1396 
 Swift’s drug mill 771 
 
 Sydenham’s laudanum 1274 
 Sylvie acid 606 
 
 Symphytum officinale 1396 
 Symplocarpus foetidus 316 
 Synaptase 91 
 
 Syrian herb mastich 1399 
 Syringia vulgaris 1396 
 Syrup 1202 
 
 Syrup, ginger 1216 
 
 Syrup, lemon 1207 
 
 Syrup of acetate of 
 morphia 1208 
 
 Syrup of albuminate of 
 iron and potassa 1292 
 Syrup of almonds 1204 
 
 Syrup of assafetida 1077 
 
 Syrup of blackberries 1207 
 
 Syrup of buckthorn 1209 
 
 Syrup of citric acid 1203 
 
 Syrup of cochineal 1205 
 
 Syrup of currants 1207 
 
 Syrup of fruits, prepa- 
 ration of 1207 
 
 Syrup of garlic 1203 
 
 Syrup of ginger 1216 
 
 Syrup of gum Arabic 1203 
 
 Syrup of hyposulphite 
 of soda 1343 
 
 Syrup of Indian sarsa- 
 parilla 1205 
 
 Syrup of iodide of iron 1005 
 Syrup of iodide of iron 
 and manganese 1359 
 Syrup of iodide of starch 1348 
 Syrup of iodide of zinc 1349 
 Syrup of ipecacuanha 1205 
 Syrup of lime 913 
 
 Syrup of marshmallow 1203 
 Syrup of mulberries 1207 
 Syrup of muriate of 
 morphia 1208 
 
 Syrup of orange peel 1204 
 Syrup of orgeat 1 204 
 
 Syrup of pineapples 1208 
 Syrup of poppies 1208 
 Syrup of pyrophosphate 
 of iron 1013 
 
 Syrup of raspberries 1207 
 
 Syrup of red poppy 1210 
 
 Syrup of red roses 1210 
 
 Syrup of rhatany 1206 
 
 Syrup of rhubarb 1209 
 
 Syrup of rhubarb, aro- 
 matic 1209 
 
 Syrup of roses 1210 
 
 Syrup of saffron 1205 
 
 Syrup of sarsaparilla 1211 
 
 Syrup of sarsaparilla, 
 compound 1211 
 
 Syrup of s'eneka 1214 
 
 Syrup of senna 1214 
 
 Syrup of squill 1212 I 
 
 Syrup of squill, com- 
 pound 1212 
 
 Syrup of strawberries 1207 
 
 Syrup of tolu 1214 
 
 Syrup of vinegar " 1203 
 
 Syrup of violets 1215 
 
 Syrup of wild-cherry 
 bark 1209 
 
 Syrup, simple 1202 
 
 Syrupi 1199 
 
 Syrups 1199 
 
 Syrupus 1202 
 
 Syrupus acaciae 1203 
 
 Syrupus aceti 1203 
 
 Syrupus acidi citrici 1203 
 
 Syrupus allii 1203 
 
 Syrupus althreae 1203 
 
 Syrupus amygdalae 1204 
 
 Syrupus aurantii cor- 
 ticis 1204 
 
 Syrupus cocci 1205 
 
 Syrupus croci 1205 
 
 Syrupus ferri iodidi 1005 
 
 Syrupus hemidesmi 1205 
 
 Syrupus ipecacuanhoe 1205 
 
 Syrupus kramerise 1206 
 
 Syrupus limonis 1207 
 
 Syrupus mori 1207 
 
 Syrupus morphiae ace- 
 tatis 1208 
 
 Syrupus morphiae mu- 
 riatis 1208 
 
 Syrupus papaveris 120S 
 
 Syrupus pruni Tirgi- 
 nianae 1209 
 
 Syrupus rhamni 1209 
 
 Syrupus rhei 1209 
 
 Syrupus rhei aromaticus 
 
 1209 
 
 Syrupus rhoeados 1210 
 
 Syrupus rosae 1210 
 
 Syrupus rosae Gallicae 1210 
 
 Syrupus sarsae 1211 
 
 Syrupus sarsaparilla} 
 compositus 1211 
 
 Syrupus scillae 1212 
 
 Syrupus scillae compo- 
 situs 1212 
 
 Syrupus senega; 1214 
 
 Syrupus sennae 1214 
 
 Syrupus simples 1202 
 
 Syrupus tolutanus 1214 
 
 Syrupus violoe 1215 
 
 Syrupus zingiberis 1216 
 
 T 
 
 Tabacum 717 
 
 Table of Baunri's and 
 Cartier's hydrometer 1433 
 Table of Cartier’s hy- 
 drometer and the cen- 
 tesimal alcoholmeter 1434 
 Table of drops 1434 
 
Index. 
 
 1475 
 
 Table of pharmaceuti- 
 cal equivalents 1421 
 
 Table of signs and abbre- 
 viations 1411 
 
 Tables of the value in sp. 
 gr. of Baum4’s hydro- 
 meter degrees 1431 
 
 Tables of weights and 
 measures 1415 
 
 Tacamahac 1396 
 
 Tacca fecula 468 
 
 Tacca oceanica 468 
 
 Taoca pinnatifida 468 
 
 Tallow, vegetable 707 
 
 Tamarindi pulpa 1160 
 
 Tamarinds 722 
 
 Tamarindus 722 
 
 Tamarindus Indica 722 
 
 Tamarindus prasparatus 1160 
 Tamarix Gallica 464 
 
 Tanacetic acid 724 
 
 Tanacetum 723 
 
 Tanacetum vulgare 724 
 
 Tannaspidic acid 351 
 
 Tannate of alumina 1396 
 
 Tannate of iron 1397 
 
 Tannate of lead 1397 
 
 Tannate of quinia 251 
 
 Tannic acid 819 
 
 Tannin 820 
 
 Tansy 723 
 
 Tapioca 724 
 
 Tar 565 
 
 Tar, Barbadoes 552 
 
 Tar beer 566 
 
 Tar, mineral 553 
 
 Tar ointment 1265 
 
 Tar water 566 
 
 Taraxacin , 727 
 
 Taraxacum 726 
 
 Taraxacum dens-leonis 726 
 Tartar, 51, 580 
 
 Tartar, cream of 580 
 
 Tartar, crude 580 
 
 Tartar, crystals of 580 
 Tartar, emetic 867 
 
 Tartar emetic ointment 1254 
 Tartar, red 580 
 
 Tartar, salt of 1138 
 
 Tartar, soluble 1147 
 
 Tartar, white 580 
 
 Tartarian moss 437 
 
 Tartarian southernwood 1404 
 Tartaric acid - 51 
 
 Tartarized antimony 867 
 Tartarized iron 999 
 
 Tartarized soda 1184 
 
 Tartarum vitriolatum 592 
 Tartrate of antimony and 
 potassa 867 
 
 Tartrate of iron and po- 
 tassa 999 
 
 Tartrate of potassa 1147 
 Tartrate of potassa and 
 magnesia 1185 
 
 Tartrate of potassa and 
 soda 1184 
 
 Tartrate of protoxide of 
 
 iron 
 
 1000 
 
 Tartrate of soda 
 
 1397 
 
 Taschkent rhubarb 
 
 613 
 
 Tasteless ague drop 
 
 906 
 
 Taurin 
 
 1377 
 
 Tea 
 
 1397 
 
 Tea-berry 
 
 362 
 
 Tegeneria domestica 
 
 1316 
 
 Tegeneria medicinalis 
 
 1316 
 
 Tela araneae 
 
 1316 
 
 Tellurite of potassa 
 
 1399 
 
 Tellurium 
 
 Temperature, officinal, 
 
 1399 
 
 for different operations 789 
 
 Teneriffe wine 
 
 752 
 
 Tephrosia Apollinea 
 
 672 
 
 Tepid bath 
 
 115 
 
 Terckloride of antimony, 
 
 solution of 
 
 865 
 
 Terchloride of formvle 
 
 840 
 
 Terebinthina 727, 730 
 
 Terebinthina Canadensis 727 
 
 Terebinthina Chia 
 
 728 
 
 Terebinthina Veneta 
 
 728 
 
 Terebinthina vulgaris 
 
 731 
 
 Terebinthinos oleum 
 
 518 
 
 Teriodide of formyle 
 
 1349 
 
 Terminalia bellirica 
 
 1366 
 
 Terminalia benzoin 
 
 144 
 
 Terminalia chebula 
 
 1366 
 
 Ternitrate of iron, solu 
 
 
 tion of 
 
 1007 
 
 Ternitrate of sesquioxide 
 
 of iron 
 
 1007 
 
 Teroxide of antimony 
 
 866 
 
 Teroxide of bismuth 
 
 146 
 
 Terra cariosa 
 
 1386 
 
 Terra di sienna 
 
 1390 
 
 Terra foliata tartari 
 
 686 
 
 Terra Japonica 
 
 200 
 
 Terra Tripolitana 
 
 1400 
 
 Terra umbria 
 
 1401 
 
 Terras sigillatas 
 
 1305 
 
 Tersulphuret of anti- 
 
 Thermometers, compa- 
 rative value of the de- 
 
 grees of 
 
 1430 
 
 Thick-leaved pennywor 
 
 1342 
 
 Thieves’ vinegar 
 
 799 
 
 Thorna’pple 
 
 709 
 
 Thoroughwort 
 
 332 
 
 Thridace 
 
 439 
 
 Thus 
 
 563 
 
 Thus prasparatum 
 
 1024 
 
 Thuja occidentals 
 
 1400 
 
 Thuya articulata 
 
 1386 
 
 Thyme 
 
 1400 
 
 Thymus serpillum 
 
 1400 
 
 Thymus vulgaris 
 
 1400 
 
 Tiglii oleum 
 
 521 
 
 Tin 
 
 704 
 
 Tin, powder of 
 
 1193 
 
 Tincal 
 
 687 
 
 Tinctura aconiti foliorum 
 
 1219 
 
 Tinctura aconiti radicis 
 
 1219 
 
 Tinctura aloes 
 
 1220 
 
 Tinctura aloes composita 
 
 1220 
 
 Tinctura aloes et myrrh as 
 
 
 1220 
 
 Tinctura ammonias com- 
 
 
 posita 
 
 1220 
 
 Tinctura assafcetidse 
 
 1221 
 
 Tinctura aurantii 
 
 1221 
 
 Tinctura belladonnse 
 
 1222 
 
 Tinctura benzoini com- 
 
 
 posita 
 
 1222 
 
 Tinctura buchu 
 
 1222 
 
 Tinctura calumbse 
 
 1229 
 
 Tinctura camphoras 
 
 1223 
 
 Tinctura camphorae com 
 
 
 posita 
 
 1243 
 
 Tinctura cannabis Indicfe 
 
 1223 
 
 Tinctura cantharidis 1223 
 
 Tinctura capsici 1224 
 
 Tinctura cardamomi 1224 
 
 Tinctura cardamomi com- 
 posita 1224 
 
 mony 
 
 106 
 
 Testa 
 
 734 
 
 Testa prasparata 
 
 915 
 
 Tcucrium chamasdrys 
 
 1399 
 
 Teucrium marum 
 
 1399 
 
 Teucrium polium 
 
 1399 
 
 Teucrium scordium 
 
 1399 
 
 Thallochlor 
 
 211 
 
 Thea Bohea 
 
 1397 
 
 Thea Chinensis 
 
 1397 
 
 Thea stricta 
 
 1397 
 
 Thea viridis 
 
 1397 
 
 Thebaina 
 
 536 
 
 Thein 
 
 1399 
 
 Theobroma cacao 
 
 1316 
 
 Theobromin 
 
 1317 
 
 Theriaca 
 
 930 
 
 Theriaca, Dub . 
 
 631 
 
 Tinctura cascarillas 1225 
 
 Tinctura cassias 1225 
 
 Tinctura castorei 1225 
 
 Tinctura castorei ammo- 
 niata 1225 
 
 Tinctura catechu 1226 
 
 Tinctura chirettae 1226 
 
 Tinctura cinchonse 1226 
 
 Tinctura cinchonse com- 
 posita 1227 
 
 Tinctura cinchonas ferrata 
 
 1227 
 
 Tinctura cinchonas pal- 
 lidas 1228 
 
 Tinctura cinnamomi 1228 
 
 Tinctura cinnamomi com- 
 posita 1228 
 
 Tinctura cocci cacti 1229 
 
1476 
 
 Index. 
 
 Tinctura colchici 1229 
 
 Tinctura colchici com- 
 posita 1229 
 
 Tinctura colchici seminis 
 
 1229 
 
 Tinctura colomb® 1229 
 
 Tinctura conii 1230 
 
 Tinctura croci 1231 
 
 Tinctura cubeb® 1231 
 
 Tinctura cuspari® 1231 
 
 Tinctura digitalis 1231 
 
 Tinctura ergot® 1232 
 
 Tinctura ergot® setherea 
 
 1232 
 
 Tinctura ferri acetatis 995 
 Tinctura ferri ammonio- 
 
 chloridi 1020 
 
 Tinctura ferri chloridi 996 
 Tinctura ferri muriatis 996 
 Tinctura ferri sesqui- 
 chloridi 996 
 
 Tinctura gall® 1232 
 
 Tinctura gentian® com- 
 posita 1232 
 
 Tinctura guaiaci 1233 
 
 Tinctura guaiaci arnmo- 
 niata 1233 
 
 Tinctura hellebori 1234 
 
 Tinctura humuli 1234 
 
 Tinctura hyoscyaini 1234 
 
 Tinctura iodinii 1235 
 
 Tinctura iodinii compo- 
 sita 1236 
 
 Tinctura jalap® 1236 
 
 Tinctura kino 1237 
 
 Tinctura krameri® 1237 
 
 Tinctura lactucarii 1237 
 
 Tinctura lavandul® com- 
 posita 1190 
 
 Tinctura limonis 1238 
 
 Tinctura lobeli® 1238 
 
 Tinctura lobeli® ®therea 
 
 1238 
 
 Tinctura lupuli 1234 
 
 Tinctura lupulin® 1238 
 
 Tinctura matico 1239 
 
 Tinctura melampodii 1^34 
 
 Tinctura myrrh® 1239 
 
 Tinctura nucis vomic® 1239 
 
 Tinctura olei menth® 
 piperit® 1240 
 
 Tinctura olei menth® 
 viridis 1240 
 
 Tinctura opii 1240 
 
 Tinctura opii acetata 1242 
 
 Tinctura opii ammoniata 
 
 1243 
 
 Tinctura opii camphor ata 
 
 1243 
 
 Tinctura quassi® 1244 
 
 Tinctura quassi® compo- 
 sita 1244 
 
 Tinctura quin® compo- 
 sita 1244 
 
 Tinctura rhei 1245 
 
 Tinctura rhei composita 1245 
 Tinctura rhei et aloes 1245 
 Tinctura rhei et gentian® 
 
 1245 
 
 Tinctura rhei et semi® 1246 
 Tinctura sanguinari® 1246 
 Tinctura saponis cam- 
 phorata 1246 
 
 Tinctura scill® 1247 
 
 Tinctura seminum col- 
 chici 1229 
 
 Tinctura senn® compo- 
 sita 1247, 1248 
 
 Tinctura senn® et jalap® 
 
 1248 
 
 Tinctura serpentari® 1248 
 
 Tinctura stramonii 1248 
 
 Tinctura thebaica 1241 
 
 Tinctura tolutana 1249 
 
 Tinctura valerian® 1249 
 
 Tinctura valerian® am- 
 moniata 1249 
 
 Tinctura zingiberis 1250 
 Tinctur® 1216 
 
 Tincture of acetate of 
 iron 995 
 
 Tincture of aconite, Fle- 
 ming’s 1219 
 
 Tincture of aconite leaves 
 
 1219 
 
 Tincture of aconite root 1219 
 Tincture of aloes 1220 
 Tincture of aloes and 
 
 myrrh 1220 
 
 Tincture of ammonia, 
 
 compound 1220 
 
 Tincture of ammonio- 
 
 chloride of iron 1020 
 Tincture of Angustura 
 bark 1231 
 
 Tincture of assafetida 1221 
 Tincture of belladonna 1222 
 Tincture of benzoin, 
 
 compound 1222 
 
 Tincture of black helle- 
 bore 1234 
 
 Tincture of bloodroot 1246 
 Tincture of buchu . 1222 
 
 Tincture of camphor 1223 
 Tincture of cardamom 1224 
 Tincture of cardamom, 
 compound 1224 
 
 Tincture of cascarilla 1225 
 Tincture of cassia 1225 
 Tincture of castor 1225 
 Tincture of castor, am- 
 moniated 1225 
 
 Tincture of catechu 1226 
 Tincture of Cayenne 
 pepper 1224 
 
 Tincture of chiretta 1226 
 Tincture of chloride of 
 iron 996 
 
 Tincture of chloroform 849 
 Tincture of cinnamon 1228 
 
 Tincture of cinnamon, 
 
 
 compound 
 
 1228 
 
 Tincture of cloves 
 
 189 
 
 Tincture of cochineal 
 
 1229 
 
 Tincture of colchieum, 
 
 
 compound 
 
 1229 
 
 Tincture of colcliicum 
 
 
 seed 
 
 1229 
 
 Tincture of columbo 
 
 1229 
 
 Tincture of cubebs 
 
 1231 ' 
 
 Tincture of ergot 
 
 1232 
 
 Tincture of ergot, 
 
 
 ethereal 
 
 1232 
 
 Tincture of foxglove 
 
 1231 
 
 Tincture of galls 
 
 1232 
 
 Tincture of gentian, 
 
 
 compound 
 
 1232 
 
 Tincture of ginger 
 
 1250 
 
 Tincture of guaiac 
 
 1233 
 
 Tincture of guaiac, am- 
 
 
 moniated 
 
 1233 
 
 Tincture of hemlock 
 
 1230 
 
 Tincture of henbane 
 
 1234 
 
 Tincture of hops 
 
 1234 
 
 Tincture of Indian hemp 
 
 
 1223 
 
 Tincture of iodine 
 
 1235 
 
 Tincture of iodine, com 
 
 
 pound 
 
 1236 
 
 Tincture of jalap 
 
 1236 
 
 Tincture of kino 
 
 1237 
 
 Tincture of lactucarium 1237 
 
 Tincture of lemon peel 
 
 1238 
 
 Tincture of litmus 
 
 437 
 
 Tincture of lobelia 
 
 1238^ 
 
 Tincture of lobelia, 
 
 
 ethereal 
 
 1238 
 
 Tincture of lupulin 
 
 1238 
 
 Tincture of matico 
 
 1239 
 
 Tincture of muriate of 
 
 
 iron 
 
 996 > 
 
 Tincture of mvrrh 
 
 1239 
 
 Tincture of nux vomica 1239 s ® 
 
 Tincture of oil of pep- 
 
 
 permint 
 
 1240 
 
 Tincture of oil of spear 
 
 
 mint 
 
 1240 
 
 Tincture of opium 
 
 1240 
 
 Tincture of opium, aee- 
 
 
 tated 
 
 1242 
 
 Tincture of opium, am- 
 
 
 moniated 
 
 1243 
 
 Tincture of opium, cam- 
 phorated 1243 
 
 Tincture of orange peel 1221 
 Tincture of pale bark 1228 
 Tincture of Peruvian 
 
 bark 1226 
 
 Tincture of Peruvian 
 
 bark, compound 1227 
 Tincture of quassia 1244 
 Tincture of quassia, com- 
 pound 1244 
 
 Tincture of quinia. com- 
 pound 1244 
 
Index , 
 
 1477 
 
 Tincture of rhatany 1237 
 
 Tincture of rhubarb 1245 
 
 Tincture of rhubarb and 
 aloes 1245 
 
 Tincture of rhubarb and 
 gentian 1245 
 
 Tincture of rhubarb and 
 senna 1246 
 
 Tincture of rhubarb, 
 
 compound 1245 
 
 Tincture of saffron 1231 
 
 Tincture of senna and 
 jalap 1248 
 
 Tincture of senna, com- 
 pound 1247 
 
 Tincture of soap 651 
 
 Tincture of soap, cam- 
 phorated 1246 
 
 Tincture of Spanish flies 1223 
 Tincture of squill 1247 
 
 Tincture of stramonium 1248 
 Tincture of tolu 1249 
 
 Tincture of valerian 1249 
 
 Tincture of valerian, am- 
 moniated 1249 
 
 Tincture of Virginia 
 
 snakeroot 1248 
 
 Tinctures 1216 
 
 Tinder 1291 
 
 Tin-foil 704 
 
 Tinnevelly senna 674 
 
 Toadflax, common 1297 
 
 Tobacco 717 
 
 Tobacco ointment 1267 
 
 Tolene 137 
 
 Tolu, balsam of 137 
 
 Toluifera balsamum 137 
 
 Tonics 2 
 
 Tonka bean 1400 
 
 Toothache-tree 116 
 
 Tormentil 734 
 
 Tormentilla 734 
 
 Tormentilla erecta 735 
 
 Tormentilla officinalis 735 
 Torula aceti 12 
 
 Torula cerevisi® 60 
 
 Touch-me-not 1345 
 
 Touchwood 1291 
 
 Tous les mois 166 
 
 Toxicodendron 735 
 
 Tragacanth 737 
 
 Tragacantha 737 
 
 Tragacanthin 738 
 
 Trailing arbutus 1327 
 
 Travellers’ joy 1316 
 
 Treacle 631 
 
 Tree primrose 1370 
 
 Tribasic phosphate of 
 
 soda 1186 
 
 Trifolium melilotus 1400 
 
 Trigonella foenumgrrecum 
 
 1400 
 
 Trillium 1400 
 
 Trillium erectum 1400 
 
 Triosteum 739 
 
 Triosteum perfoliatum 739 
 
 Tripoli 1400 
 
 Tripoli senna 673 
 
 Trisnitrate of bismuth 910 
 
 Triticum mstivum 342 
 
 Triticum compositum 342 
 
 Triticum hybernum 341 
 
 Triticum repens 1401 
 
 Triticum vulgare 341 
 
 Trituration 771 
 
 Troches 1250 
 
 Troches of bicarbonate 
 of soda 1253 
 
 Troches of chalk 1251 
 
 Troches of gum Arabic 1251 
 Troches of ipecacuanha 1252 
 Troches of lactucarium 1252 
 Troches of liquorice 1251 
 
 Troches of liquorice and 
 opium 1251 
 
 Troches of magnesia 1252 
 
 Troches of morphia 1252 
 
 Troches of morphia and 
 ipecacuanha 1253 
 
 Troches of peppermint 1252 
 Troches of tartaric acid 1251 
 Trochisci 1250 
 
 Trochisci acacias 1251 
 
 Trochisci acidi tartaricil251 
 Trochisci cretas 1251 
 
 Trochisci glycyrrhizae 1251 
 Trochisci glycyrrhizae et 
 opii 1251 
 
 Trochisci ipecacuanhas 1252 
 Trochisci lactucarii 1252 
 Trochisci magnesiae 1252 
 Trochisci menthas piperi- 
 
 t® 
 
 1252 
 
 Trochisci morphi® 
 
 1252 
 
 Trochisci morphi® et 
 
 
 ipecacuanh® 
 
 1253 
 
 Trochisci opii 
 
 1251 
 
 Trochisci sod® bicar- 
 
 
 bonatis 
 
 1253 
 
 Trona 
 
 690 
 
 Tub camphor 
 
 160 
 
 Tulip-tree bark 
 
 450 
 
 Tunbridge water 
 
 112 
 
 Turkey gum 
 
 7 
 
 Turkey myrrh 
 
 488 
 
 Turkey opium 
 
 528 
 
 Turkey rhubarb 
 
 613 
 
 Turlington’s balsam 
 
 1222 
 
 Turmeric 
 
 308 
 
 Turmeric paper 
 
 309 
 
 Turner’s cerate 
 
 920 
 
 Turnsole 
 
 437 
 
 Turpentine 
 
 727 
 
 Turpentine, Bordeaux 
 
 731 
 
 Turpentine, Canada 727, 731 
 
 Turpentine, Chian 728, 732 
 
 Turpentine, common 
 
 
 American 
 
 730 
 
 Turpentine, common 
 
 
 European 
 
 731 
 
 Turpentine, Damnra 733 
 Turpentine, Dombeya 733 
 Turpentine, Strasburg 732 
 Turpentine, Venice 728, 732 
 Turpentine, white 730 
 
 Turpentinic acid 519 
 
 Turpeth mineral 1043 
 
 Tussilago farfara 1401 
 Tutia 1401 
 
 Tutty 1401 
 
 Tutty ointment 1268 
 
 u 
 
 Ulmic acid 740 
 
 Ulmin 110, 740 
 
 Ulmus 739, 740 
 
 Ulmus alata 1328 
 
 Ulmus Americana 740 
 
 Ulmus campestris 740 
 
 Ulmus fulva 740 
 
 Ulmus rubra 740 
 
 Ultramarine 1401 
 
 Umber 1401 
 
 Umbrella tree 461 
 
 Uncaria garnbir 200 
 
 Uncrystallizable sugar 631 
 Undulated ipecacuanha 418 
 Unguenta 1253 
 
 Unguentum ceruginis 1256 
 Unguentum antimonii 1254 
 Unguentum aquas rosse 1254 
 Unguentum belladonnas 1254 
 
 Unguentum cantharidis, 
 
 Ed. 1255 
 
 Unguentum cantharidis, 
 
 U. S. 1255 
 
 Unguentum cer® alboe 1266 
 Unguentum cetacei,Zh/i>. 924 
 Unguentum cetacei, Land. 
 
 1256 
 
 Unguentum citrinum 1260 
 
 Unguentum cocculi 1256 
 
 Unguentum conii 1256 
 
 Unguentum creasoti 1256 
 
 Upguentum cupri sub- 
 acetatis.. 1256 
 
 Unguentum elemi 1257 
 
 Unguentum gallas 1257 
 
 Unguentum gall® com- 
 positum 1257 
 
 Unguentum hydrargyri 1257 
 Unguentum hydrargyri 
 ammonia ti 1260 
 
 Unguentum hydrargyri 
 iodidi 1260 
 
 Unguentum hydrargyri 
 iodidi rubri 1260 
 
 Unguentum hydrargyri 
 nitratis 1260 
 
 Unguentum hydrargyri 
 nitratis mitius 1263 
 
 Unguentum hydrargyri 
 nitrico-oxidi 1263 
 
1478 
 
 Index, 
 
 Unguentum hydrargyri 
 oxidi rubri 3263 
 
 Unguentum infusi can- 
 tharidis 1255 
 
 Unguentum iodinii 1264 
 
 Unguentum iodinii com- 
 positum 1264 
 
 Unguentum mezerei 1264 
 
 Unguentum opii 1265 
 
 Unguentum oxidi hy- 
 drargyri 1263 
 
 Unguentum picis 1265 
 
 Unguentum picis liquid* 
 
 1265 
 
 Unguentum plumbi ace- 
 tatis 1265 
 
 Unguentum plumbi car- 
 bonatis 1265 
 
 Unguentum plumbi com- 
 positum 1265 
 
 Unguentum plumbi iodidi 
 
 1266 
 
 Unguentum populeum 1383 
 Unguentum potassii 
 iodidi 1266 
 
 Unguentum precipitati 
 albi 1260 
 
 Unguentum resin* 925 
 Unguentum resinosum 925 
 Unguentum satin* 926 
 Unguentum sambuci 1266 
 Unguentum simplex 1266 
 Unguentum stramonii 1266 
 Unguentum sulphuris 1266 
 Unguentum sulphuris 
 
 compositum 1267 
 
 Unguentum sulphuris 
 iodidi 1267 
 
 Unguentum tabaci 1267 
 Unguentum tuti* 1268 
 Unguentum veratri albi 1268 
 Unguentum zinci 1268 
 
 Unguentum zinci oxidi 1268 
 Unicorn plant, false 1339 
 
 Upland sumach 619 
 
 Urate of ammonia 1401 
 
 Urea 1402 
 
 Ursin 744 
 
 Urtica dioica 1402 
 
 Urtica urens 1402 
 
 Ustulation 784 
 
 Uva passa 741 
 
 Uva ursi 743 
 
 Uv* pass* minores 742 
 
 Uvic acid 53 
 
 Y 
 
 Vaccinium vitis IJ* a 743 
 
 Valerian 744 
 
 Valeriana 744 
 
 Valeriana Cel tica 1367 
 
 Valeriana dioica 746 
 
 Valeriana jatamensi 1367 
 
 Valeriana officinalis 745 
 Valeriana phu 746 
 
 Valeriana tuberosa 1367 
 Valerianate of amylic 
 
 ether 1329 
 
 Valerianate of bismuth 1402 
 Valerianate of iron 1018 
 Valerianate of quinia 1176 
 Valerianate of soda 1188 
 Valerianate of zinc 1286 
 Valerianic acid 745 
 
 Valeric acid 745 
 
 Vallet’s ferruffinous pills 
 
 1116 
 
 Vanilla 1402 
 
 Vanilla aromatica 1402 
 Vanilla planifolia 1402 
 Vapour bath 114 
 
 Vareck 691 
 
 Variolaria 437 
 
 Various-leaved fleabane 330 
 Varvicite 462 
 
 Vateria Indica 1296, 1320 
 Vegetable albumen 343 
 
 Vegetable charcoal 179 
 
 Vegetable ethiops 1330 
 
 Vegetable fibrin 342 
 
 V egetable jelly 185 
 
 Vegetable juices, pre- 
 served 1218 
 
 Vegetable sulphur 1357 
 
 Vegetable tallow 707 
 
 Vegetable wax 206 
 
 Vegeto-animal substances 
 
 342 
 
 Vegeto-mineral water 1126 
 Venetian red 1403 
 
 Venice sumach 1331 
 
 Venice turpentine 728, 732 
 Vera Cruz sarsaparilla 654 
 Veratria 1268 
 
 Veratric acid 628 
 
 Veratrin 1270 
 
 Veratrum album 747 
 
 Veratrum officinale 628 
 
 Veratrum sabadiila 628 
 
 Veratrum viride 748 
 
 Verbascum thapsus 1403 
 Verbena hastata 1403 
 
 Verbena officinalis 1403 
 
 Verbena urticifolia 1403 
 
 Verdigris 305 
 
 Verdigris, distilled 1289 
 
 Verditer 1403 
 
 •Vereck 8 
 
 Verjuice 742 
 
 Vermilion 1046 
 
 Veronica beccabunga 1404 
 Veronica officinalis 1404 
 
 Veronica Virginica 1355 
 
 Vervain 1403 
 
 Vesicating ammoniacal 
 ointment 85 
 
 Vesicating taffetas 923 
 Vesicatoi’ies 2 
 
 Vibumic acid 
 
 645 
 
 Vienna caustic 
 
 1133 
 
 Vina medicata 
 
 1272 
 
 Vincetoxicum 
 
 1324 
 
 Vinegar 
 
 Vinegar, distilled 
 
 12 
 
 794 
 
 Vinegar generator 
 
 12 
 
 Vinegar of colchieum 
 
 796 
 
 Vinegar of opium 
 
 796 
 
 Vinegar of Spanish flies 
 
 795 
 
 Vinegar of squiil 
 
 798 
 
 Vinegar, radical 
 
 19 
 
 Vinegars 
 
 793 
 
 Vinous fermentation 
 
 60 
 
 Vinum album 750 
 
 , 752 
 
 Vinum album Hispanicum 
 
 750 
 
 Vinum aloes 
 
 1272 
 
 Vinum antimonii 
 
 876 
 
 Vinum colchiei radicis 
 
 1272 
 
 Vinum colchiei seminis 
 
 1273 
 
 Vinum ergot* 
 
 1273 
 
 Vinum ferri 
 
 1020 
 
 Vinum gentian* 
 
 1274 
 
 Vinum ipecacuanh* 
 
 1274 
 
 Vinum opii 
 
 1274 
 
 Vinum rhei 
 
 1275 
 
 Vinum rubrum 750 
 
 , 752 
 
 Vinum tabaci 
 
 1275 
 
 Vinum veratri albi 
 
 1275 
 
 Vinum Xericum 
 
 750 
 
 Viola 
 
 756 
 
 Viola odorata 
 
 756 
 
 Viola ovata 
 
 756 
 
 Viola pedata 
 
 757 
 
 Viola tricolor 
 
 757 
 
 Violet 
 
 756 
 
 Violine 
 
 757 
 
 Virgin scammony 661 
 
 , 062 
 
 Virgineic acid 
 
 6 §8 
 
 Virginia snakeroot 
 
 676 
 
 Virgin’s bower, common 
 
 1316 
 
 Virgin’s bower, sweet- 
 
 scented 
 
 1316 
 
 Virgin’s bower, upright'! 315 
 
 Viscin 
 
 1304^ 
 
 Viscum album 1303, 
 
 1404 
 
 Vitellus ovi 
 
 548 
 
 Viti vinifera 
 
 741 
 
 Vitriol, blue 
 
 306 
 
 Vitriol, green 34S, 
 
 1014 
 
 Vitriol, white 
 
 1283 
 
 Vitriolated soda 
 
 693 
 
 Vitriolated tartar 
 
 592 
 
 Vitrum antimonii 
 
 1333 
 
 Viverra civetta 
 
 1315 
 
 Viverra zibetha 
 
 1315 
 
 Volatile alkali 
 
 SI 
 
 Volatile alkali, mild 
 
 S55 
 
 Volatile liniment 
 
 1065 
 
 Volatile oils 495, 
 
 Volatile oils, table of 
 
 1094 
 
 drops of 
 
 109S 
 
 Vulcanized caoutchouc 
 
 130S 
 
w 
 
 Wade’s balsam 1222 
 
 Wahoo 1327 
 
 Wake-robin 122 
 
 Wall pellitory 1378 
 
 Walnut, black 426 
 
 Walnut, European 426 
 
 Walnut, white 427 
 
 Warm bath 114 
 
 Warming plaster 953 
 
 Warner’s gout cordial 1246 
 Washed sulphur 714, 717 
 Water 108 
 
 Water avens 366 
 
 Water bath 777 
 
 Water, distilled 884 
 
 Water dock 625 
 
 Water eryngo 331 
 
 Water germander 1399 
 
 Water hemlock 1314 
 
 Water hemlock, Ame- 
 rican 1315 
 
 Water of ammonia 859 
 
 Water of ammonia, table 
 of the strength of 861 
 Water of carbonate of 
 
 ammonia 858 
 
 Water of cassia 891 
 
 Water plantain 1293 
 
 Watercress 1367 
 
 Water-drop wort, hem- 
 lock 1369 
 
 Water-hemlock, fine- 
 
 leaved 1369 
 
 Water-lily, sweet- 
 
 scented 1368 
 
 Water-lily, white 1369 
 
 Watermelon 1323 
 
 Water-parsnep 1391 
 
 Water-pepper 1304 
 
 Water-radish 1367 
 
 Waters 885 
 
 Waters, distilled 885 
 
 Waters, medicated 885 
 
 Wax, myrtle 207 
 
 Wax, vegetable 206 
 
 Wax, white 204 
 
 Wax, yellow 204 
 
 Waxed cloth 923 
 
 Weak fish 404 
 
 Weights and measures 767 
 Weights and measures, 
 tables of 1415 
 
 Weld 1385 
 
 Well water 110 
 
 West India kino 432 
 
 Wheat, common winter 341 
 Wheat flour 341 
 
 Wheat starch 95 
 
 White agaric 1291 
 
 White arsenic 21 
 
 White balsam 135 
 
 White bay 460 
 
 White bismuth 910 
 
 Index. 
 
 White bryony 
 
 1306 
 
 White cohosh 
 
 1290 
 
 White elm 
 
 740 
 
 White flux 
 
 582 
 
 White fraxinella 
 
 1326 
 
 White hellebore 
 
 747 
 
 White horehound 
 
 470 
 
 White ipecacuanha 
 
 418 
 
 White lead 
 
 571 
 
 White lily 
 
 1356 
 
 White mustard seeds 
 
 683 
 
 White oxide of arsenic 
 
 
 of commerce 
 
 21 
 
 White oxide of bismuth 
 
 910 
 
 White pepper 
 
 560 
 
 White poppy 
 
 524 
 
 White precipitate 
 
 1047 
 
 White resin 
 
 606 
 
 White saunders 
 
 1387 
 
 White sulphur water 
 
 112 
 
 White swallow-wort 
 
 1324 
 
 White tartar 
 
 580 
 
 White turpentine 
 
 730 
 
 White vitriol 
 
 1283 
 
 White walnut 
 
 427 
 
 White water-lily 
 
 1369 
 
 White wax 
 
 204 
 
 White wine 
 
 750 
 
 White wine vinegar 
 
 14 
 
 White-oak bark 
 
 602 
 
 Whiting 
 
 1404 
 
 Wild briar 
 
 620 
 
 Wild cardamom 
 
 181 
 
 Wild carrot 
 
 184 
 
 Wild chamomile 
 
 295 
 
 Wild cucumber 
 
 321 
 
 Wild ginger 
 
 124 
 
 Wild horehound 
 
 333 
 
 Wild indigo 
 
 1300 
 
 Wild ipecac 
 
 739 
 
 Wild lemon 
 
 577 
 
 Wild lettuce 
 
 438 
 
 Wild nutmeg 
 
 486 
 
 Wild pink 
 
 1390 
 
 Wild potato 
 
 285 
 
 Wild sarsaparilla 
 
 115 
 
 Wild senna 
 
 194 
 
 Wild thyme 
 
 1400 
 
 Wild-cherry bark 
 
 596 
 
 Willow 
 
 641 
 
 Willow-herb, purple 
 
 1357 
 
 Windsor soap 
 
 650 
 
 Wine 
 
 750 
 
 Wine, antimonial 
 
 876 
 
 Wine, claret 
 
 752 
 
 Wine, madeira 
 
 752 
 
 Wine measure 
 
 1415 
 
 Wine of aloes 
 
 1272 
 
 Wine of colchicum root 
 
 1272 
 
 Wine of colchicum seed 
 
 1273 
 
 Wine of ergot 
 
 1273 
 
 Wine of gentian 
 
 1274 
 
 Wine of ipecacuanha 
 
 1274 
 
 Wine of iron 
 
 1020 
 
 Wine of opium 
 
 1274 
 
 Wine of rhubarb 
 
 1479 
 
 1275 
 
 Wine of tar 
 
 566 
 
 Wine of tobacco 
 
 1275 
 
 Wine of white hellebore 1275 
 
 Wine, port 
 
 752 
 
 Wine, sherry 
 
 752 
 
 Wine, teneriffe 
 
 752 
 
 Wine vinegar 
 
 14 
 
 Wine-whey 
 
 756 
 
 Wines, acidulous 
 
 751 
 
 Wines, astringent 
 
 751 
 
 Wines, dry 
 
 751 
 
 Wines, light 
 
 751 
 
 Wines, medicated 
 
 1272 
 
 Wines of different coun- 
 
 tries 
 
 751 
 
 Wines, red 
 
 751 
 
 Wines, rough 
 Wines, sparkling 
 
 751 
 
 751 
 
 Wines, spirituous 
 
 751 
 
 Wines, sweet 
 
 751 
 
 Wines, table of the 
 strength of 
 
 754 
 
 Wines, white 
 
 751 
 
 Winter a 
 
 757 
 
 Wintera aromatica 
 
 758 
 
 Winter-berry 
 
 595 
 
 Winter-cherry, common 1381 
 
 Winter-green 213, 362 
 
 Winter-green, spotted 
 
 214 
 
 Winter’s bark 
 
 757 
 
 Wistar’s cough lozenges 1252 
 
 Witch-hazel 
 
 1338 
 
 Witherite 
 
 139 
 
 Woad 
 
 1350 
 
 Wolfsbane 
 
 55 
 
 Wood alcohol 
 
 701 
 
 Wood betony 
 
 1303 
 
 Wood naphtha 
 
 701 
 
 Wood spirit 
 
 701 
 
 Wood vinegar 
 
 20 
 
 Wood-sorrel 
 
 1376 
 
 Woody nightshade 
 
 318 
 
 Woorari 
 
 1404 
 
 Worm tea 
 
 700 
 
 Wormseed 
 
 212 
 
 Wormseed, European 
 
 1404 
 
 Wormwood 
 
 4 
 
 Wrightia tinctoria 
 
 1346 
 
 X 
 
 Xanthochymus ovalifolius 359 
 
 Xanthopicrite 760 
 
 Xanthorrhiza 7 58 
 
 Xanthorrhiza apiifolia 7 58 
 
 Xanthorrhiza tinctoria 758 
 
 Xanthorrhoea resins 1405 
 
 Xanthoxylin 760 
 
 Xanthoxylum 759 
 
 Xanthoxylum American- 
 um 759 
 
 Xanthoxylum clava Her- 
 culis 760 
 
1480 
 
 Index , 
 
 Xanthoxylum fraxineum 759 
 Xylobalsamum 1299 
 
 Y 
 
 Yarrow 1289 
 
 Yeast 207 
 
 Yeast cataplasm 919 
 
 Yellow bark 218, 233 
 
 Yellow Carthagena bark, 
 common 242 
 
 Yellow gentian 363 
 
 Yellow jasmine 1332 
 
 Yellow ladies’ bed- straw 1331 
 Yellow pine 728 
 
 Yellow resin 606 
 
 Yellow saunders 1387 
 
 Yellow sulphate of mer- 
 cury 1043 
 
 Y ellow wax 204 
 
 Yellow-flowered rhodo- 
 dendron 1385 
 
 Yellow-root 758, 1341 
 
 Yellow-rooted water dock 625 
 
 z 
 
 Zamia integrifolia 468 
 
 Zamia lanuginosa 639 
 
 Zea mays 1405 
 
 Zedoary 1405 
 
 Zein 1405 
 
 Zerumbet 1405 
 
 Zibethum 1315 
 
 Zinc 760 
 
 Zinc, acetate of 1276 
 
 Zinc, butter of 1278 
 
 Zinc, carbonate of 1277 
 
 Zinc, chloride of 1278 
 
 Zinc colic 761 
 
 Zinc, cyanuret of 1324 
 
 Zinc, ferrocyanuret of 1328 
 Zinc, flowers of 1283 
 
 Zinc, impure oxide of 1401 
 Zinc, iodide of 1348 
 
 Zinc, oxide of 1282 
 
 Zinc, precipitated car- 
 bonate of 1277 
 
 Zinc, preparations of 1276 
 Zinc, silicate of 150, 760 
 
 Zinc, sulphate of 1283 
 
 Zinc, table of the prepa- 
 rations of 762 
 
 Zinc, valerianate of 1286 
 
 Zinci acetas 1276 
 
 Zinci carbonas 1277 
 
 Zinci carbonas prsecipi- 
 tatus 1277 
 
 Zinci chloridi liquor 1281 
 
 Zinci chloridum 1278 
 
 Zinci cyanuretum 1324 
 
 Zinci ferrocyanuretum 1328 
 Zinci iodidum 1348 
 
 Zinci oxidum 1282 
 
 Zinci sulphas 1283 
 
 Zinci valerianas 1286 
 
 Zincum 7 60 
 
 Zingiber 762 
 
 Zingiber cassumuniar 1405 
 
 Zingiber officinale 762 
 
 Zingiber zerumbet 1405 
 
 Zittmann’s decoction 944 
 
 Zizyphus jujuba 1406 
 
 Zizyphus lotus 1406 
 
 Zizyphus vulgaris 1406 
 
To all Physicians and Medical Students. 
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 no expense, and they now present it as a specimen of an Illustrated Surgery which is adapted to 
 the wants of the practitioner and student. The laborious research evident in its pages is such as 
 must recommend it to every practitioner who desires to be accurately informed of the acts of his 
 countrymen, as well as of the most distinguished European surgeons, whilst the conciseness of the 
 descriptions of the operative proceedings makes it valuable as a text-book for the student. 
 
 As each operation is preceded by an account of the surgical anatomy of the region, the practi- 
 tioner who has been long absent from the dissecting-rooms will be able from the text, in connection 
 with the plates, to refresh his anatomical knowledge and obtain almost as accurate an idea of the 
 surgical relations of the part as if he had a recent dissection. The spirit and accuracy of the illus- 
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 publication of the different parts. A few of the notices of the volume, as recently expressed, are 
 hereafter quoted. 
 
 NOTICES OF THE PRESS. 
 
 “ We are sure the profession will welcome this truly national work in preference to being dependent 
 upon reprints of foreign books.” — New York Med. Gazette. 
 
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 racter as an essentially American work, built, as its title-page imports, upon a strictly national founda- 
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 American practitioner with a comprehensive view of the opinions, operative methods, and instruments 
 of those who have given to American surgery a character of its own. The Bibliography is a treasure 
 in itself, and a monument of the compiler’s industry which must win for him the gratitude and esteem 
 of every medical inquirer who can appreciate the vast amount of labor which its preparation has re- 
 quired.” — Philadelphia Medical Examiner. 
 
 “ Dr. Smith’s work, the most splendid on Operative Surgery, is now before us. We cannot give a full 
 outline of this very elaborate and complete work, but we take pleasure in saying that it is better adapted 
 to the wants of the American practitioner than any which has preceded it in this or any other country. 
 We have no hesitation in recommending it in the very highest terms to those who desire to perfect 
 themselves in this department of our profession.” — Ohio Medical and Surgical Journal, Jan. 1S53. 
 
 “ We have seen nothing like it, and the whole ground has been so thoroughly occupied by the per- 
 severing author, that it will be a long time before the work can have a rival. No one competent to 
 estimate the value of these researches would hesitate an instant in admitting that it is a valuable and 
 splendid book, and one which no surgeon can do without if he has a particle of ambition to keep 
 pace with the progress of Operative Surgery on this continent.” — Boston Med. and Surg. Journal, 
 Nov. 1S52. 
 
THE UNITED STATES DISSECTOR; 
 
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 L,ESSOJ\S IN PRACTICAL AMTOMY. 
 
 BY WM. E. HORNER, M. D. 
 
 Fifth edition, 1 vol. 12mo. 
 
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 One volume, octavo. 
 
 3 
 
PLATES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 MUSCLES OF THE HUMAN BODY. 
 
 BY M. J. WEBER, M.D., 
 
 Professor of Anatomy in the University of Bonn, Prussia. 
 
 ENGRAVED ON COPPER, WITH THE NAME ATTACHED TO EACH MUSCLE, 
 
 After B. S. ALBINUS. 
 
 Price $2 50. 
 
 The Plates of the Muscles of the Human Body, as arranged by Prof. Weber, having obtained an ex- 
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 practitioners of the United States, as calculated to facilitate the study of an extensive department of 
 anatomy. 
 
 To those who have experienced the difficulties attendant on the use of such anatomical drawings as 
 are accompanied by a separate explanatory text, and in which every point and corner of the illustration 
 is covered by figures and lines of reference, the simplicity of the plan pursued by Prof. Weber will be 
 readily apparent; the attachment of the name to the muscle to which it belongs rendering its origin, 
 insertion, shape, and surgical relations evident at a glance. 
 
 These plates, therefore, present the student with information similar to that afforded by the map of a 
 country, whilst they also enable the practitioner to recall, at a glance, the information which long ab- 
 sence from the dissecting-room often obliterates. Being adapted to every work on Special Anatomy, 
 they are admirably suited to the instruction furnished in every medical school. 
 
 Should the utility of these plates be as generally approved as is anticipated, it is the intention of the 
 author to furnish others of a similar character, illustrative of the OSSEOUS, VASCULAR, and NERV- 
 OUS SYSTEMS. 
 
 A SYSTEMATIC TREATISE, 
 
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 ON THE 
 
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 ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS CUTS. 
 
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 be done,” is often of essential service, and the Medical Dictionary of Domestic Surgery will always 
 present under the appropriate heading precisely such information as is required. 
 
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 depends, it is recommended to the intelligent mechanic, inexperienced mother or emigrant; whilst, 
 as a counter-agent to the impudent quackery which preys upon the ignorance and credulity of every 
 community, it is deserving of the attention of the medical profession. In England, the volume has 
 received the highest encomiums from all classes. 
 
 “ We are glad to see this most excellent and useful work completed. It has been compiled with the 
 utmost care and attention, and forms by far the best and cheapest compendium of Domestic teaching 
 on Medical and Surgical subjects with which the public have yet been favored. It makes a convenient 
 sized volume, and can be referred to without a moment’s loss of time — the subjects being arranged in 
 .alphabetical order, with leading letters at the head of each column.” — TaiVs Edinburgh Magazine, 
 Jan. 1S53. 
 
 EBERLE AND MITCHELL ON CHILDREN. 
 
 A TREATISE 
 
 ON THE 
 
 DISEASES AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION OF CHILDREN, 
 
 BY JOHN EBERLE, M.D., &c. &c. 
 
 Fourth Edition, with Notes and large Additions, 
 
 BY THOMAS D. MITCHELL, A. M., M. D., &c. &c. &c. 
 
 One volume 8vo. 
 
 From the New York Medical Gazette, November, 1850. 
 
 “ A cursory examination of the notes and large additions made by Dr. Mitchell, has convinced us that 
 he has greatly enhanced the value of the work, and has introduced a very great variety ot new and 
 valuable matter ; so that it now comprises a full exhibit of the state of existing knowledge in this depart- 
 ment, and deserves a place among our standard books.” 
 
 EBERLE'S 
 
 NOTES FOR STUDENTS. 
 
 NEW EDITION. 
 
 One volume, 12mo. 
 
 5 
 
MITCHELL’S THERAPEUTICS. 
 
 MATERIA MEDICA AND THERAPEUTICS, 
 
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 IN ALL THE 
 
 DEPARTMENTS OF MEDICAL SCIENCE, 
 
 AND COPIOUS NOTICES OF TOXICOLOGY; 
 
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 ADAPTED TO THE WANTS OF MEDICAL PUPILS AND PRACTITIONERS, 
 
 BY THOMAS D. MITCHELL, A.M., M.D., 
 
 Professor of the Theory ami Practice of Medicine in the Philadelphia College of Medicine, formerly Professorof 
 Chemislry and Pharmacy in the Medical College of Ohio. Professor of Chemistry and Materia Medina 
 in Lexington, Ky., Lecturer on Obstetrics, and the Diseases of Women and Children, 
 
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 IN ONE VOLUME, OCTAVO. 
 
 NOTICES OF THE PRESS. 
 
 From the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal. 
 
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 one of the best works on Materia Medica and Therapeutics that has been published. It is written in a 
 style that interests and instructs at the same time.” 
 
 t From the New York Medical Gazette. 
 
 “ This new work upon an old subject, will be found to embody a variety and amount of practical in- 
 struction in this department, which are not to be met with in any one of the numerous treatises on 
 Materia Medica or Therapeutics, or both, with which the profession has been favored. The ample il- 
 lustrations of practice in all the departments of medical science, with the very copious notices of tox- 
 icology, &c., render it a valuable book for students, and also adapt it for reference by practitioners, both 
 of which purposes are subserved by its alphabetical arrangement.” 
 
 From the Western Lancet, Cincinnati. 
 
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 condensed without incompleteness, and embraces as much reliable information on the treatment of dis- 
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 will find many references to Therapeutics which will prove interesting and valuable. We hope it may 
 be extensively circulated among the profession. The style of the work is terse, agreeable, and always 
 interesting ; dulness being no part of the author’s composition.” 
 
 From the Transylvania Medical Journal. 
 
 “ To express the opinion which we have formed of it as a complete record of the knowledge of the 
 author, acquired by years of study, and in a lengthened course of teaching, would only be to add our 
 tribute to the testimonials sent in to him from all directions. We cheerfully recommend it as an excel- 
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 Extract of a letter from Prof. Lawson, of the Medical College of Ohio, Cincinnati. 
 
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 prove attractive to medical students.” 
 
 QUARTERLY SUMMARY 
 
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 6 
 
AN ILLUSTRATED 
 
 SYSTEM OE HUMAN ANATOMY, 
 
 SPECIAL, MICROSCOPIC, AMD PHYSIOLOGICAL, 
 
 Principally designed for the Use of Practitioners and Students of Medicine. 
 
 In One Volume Royal 'Octavo. 
 
 BY SAMUEL GEORGE MORTON, M.D. 
 
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 gravings and Typographical execution, ever issued from the American press. 
 
 Price, only $4. 
 
 The following are a few of the many notices of Dr. Morton's Anatomy : 
 
 In point of elegance of form, as well as exactness and completeness of execution, the Illustrated 
 System of Human Anatomy, Special, General, and Microscopic, by Dr. Samuel George Morton, sur- 
 passes all the works which have proceeded from American medical authors within the last year. This 
 celebrated savant, whose reputation has been carried abroad to a wide extent, and whose name is 
 familiar to the profession at home, through his Crania Americana, Crania iEgyptiaca, and Pulmonary 
 Consumption, has, in his last work, conferred additional renown upon our literature. — Transactions qf 
 the American Medical Association. 
 
 Dr. Morton, with happy felicity, has compressed within the limits of a single volume the most recent 
 Microscopic results, an acquaintance with which has led to the truest exposition of anatomical and phy- 
 siological science. And Dr. Morton’s distinguished position as an investigator in this department of 
 Anatomy has gained for him a reputation which the appearance of his excellent Anatomy has served to 
 increase. — Charleston Med. and Surg. Journal, March, 1849. t 
 
 We freely recommend the work of Dr. Morton to the whole profession, particularly students, who, 
 we are certain, will not fail at once to recognize the superior merits of this book, a thorough knowledge 
 of which will lay the foundation of anatomical science — without which they cannot be successful or 
 scientific practitioners — deep in their memories. We shall call attention to this volume again in a future 
 number: meantime, we would say to all, purchase it. — New York Journal of Medicine, March, 1849. 
 
 Louisville, Ky., April 11, 1849. 
 
 The book (Dr. Morton’s Anatomy) is really a magnificent one. The paper, typography, and cuts, 
 are perfect. Altogether, it is the most beautiful work that has ever been issued by the medical press of 
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 and will, I doubt not, be well received by the profession everywhere. — S. D. Gross, M.D. 
 
 DR. MeCLELLAN’S SURGERY. 
 
 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF SURGERY, 
 
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 THE DIAGNOSIS, PATHOLOGY, AND TREATMENT 
 
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 BY W. W. GERHARD, M. D., 
 
 Lecturer on Clinical Medicine , University of Pennsylvania , fyc. <$*c. 
 
 Fourth Edition, Revised and Enlarged. One Volume, 8vo. 
 
 7 
 
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 8